A/N: Well, here we are again. You know I noticed today that this story has almost reached the 500,000 word mark. That's just nuts! Lol. 4 or 5 chapter's time it will have surpassed that milestone. I keep asking myself whether or not I'll get this finished by the 6 year writing mark. Can't believe I've been writing this that long. I guess only time will tell.

As always, thank you for the reviews and for sticking with this epic, lol. Thanks to Calim for another smashing beta.

And…on with the fluff :)

Chapter 129

Christmas Eve had arrived and as Sara stood alone in the main hall, she breathed a happy but nervous breath. Looking around at the now completed guest seating and ceremonial altar, she took a few more steps forward, hearing the echo of her footsteps around the giant room.

Although they didn't want a grand spectacle the room by no means gave the impression of a small, quiet affair. Seating for fifty guests took up maybe about a quarter of the room while half had been set out with tables for the wedding banquet.

Sara's lips pursed as she took another step closer to the altar, running her hand over one of the fine hand carved pillars at each side. Six giant candles in quality brass holders sat next to each pillar, a marble angel on the right and a harp on the left. It already looked amazing but Sara knew once the flowers were added to the room it would be beyond spectacular.

Nerves pinched at her when she turned to stare at the seating again. Fifty guests were a few more than she really wanted but considering her parents would probably have invited hundreds if they hadn't pushed for something low key, she was prepared to deal with it.

Suddenly she heard the main door creek and in stepped her fiancé.

"There you are," Grissom called over as he approached.

"Here I am," she agreed, trying to sound happy and offering a faint smile, attempting to hide the nerves that were still niggling in her belly.

His lips pouted as he reached her, his arms opening to coil around her waist to pull her close to him. "You all right?"

"I'm fine," she said swiftly, her smile growing a touch.

Narrowing his eyes, he studied her face.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she questioned.

"Because…" He pulled her a little tighter against his body, "…I can hear in your voice that you're not being entirely truthful with me. Tell me what's on your mind…"

Now she sighed, her hands running up his chest until her fingers began toying with the second button of his shirt. "I'm just…" She swallowed, bowing her head, "…nervous."

Slipping his hand between them he gently took her chin and brought her eyes back to his. "I'm glad I'm not the only one," he replied softly.

"You're nervous?"

"Terrified."

Now she studied him. "But you don't show it."

"You don't exactly show it either," he countered, offering a smile.

She sighed again.

"It's natural for you to be nervous, Sara. I'd be more worried if you weren't." Slowly he turned her so she faced the altar, sliding his arms back around her waist and placing his chin on her shoulder. "It may very well be the biggest day of our lives but it'll be fine. I promise."

Reaching up, she held her hand against his cheek. He was usually good at getting her to relax and this time was no exception. "It's beautiful, isn't it? Father really spared no expense."

"Yeah," he whispered, even if the 'expense' part bothered him still. Sara was happy and for now, that was his main priority.

They stayed like that for a while, Grissom gently swaying her from side to side, enjoying the embrace. Eventually, he spoke. "Do you feel like taking a walk?" he asked. "You still owe me that snowball fight and I think I'm fit enough to retaliate now."

Sara sniggered, turning to face him. "What time is it?"

Pulling out his pocket watch, Grissom flicked open the lid but frowned. "Damn it," he mumbled, tapping the glass face.

"What's wrong?"

He held up the watch. "It's stopped." After giving the dial a twist, he tapped it again and then held it to his ear. "Nothing…" he grumbled.

"That's a shame," Sara said although she didn't sound overly concerned. "Have you had it long?"

"Not really," he replied, slipping the watch back into his pocket. "But these watches shouldn't break, at least for several years if at all. I might be able to fix it although I have a suspicion the trader I got it from may have scalped me…"

Taking a hold of his shirt she pulled him close and kissed his lips, hard, surprising him a little. As she pulled back she licked her lips. "Don't worry about it for now, okay? We will be opening gifts at 5pm, so, as long as we're back from our walk by then, I'd love to take you on in a little warfare."

"Hummm…" he mumbled, the kiss almost blowing his socks off. "Okay," he squeaked.

Giving him a broad grin, she took his hand and tugged him towards the door.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Hand in hand the couple walked through the garden, Dante and Pandora happily trotting together in front of them.

"Isn't this beautiful?" Sara sighed, looking around at the blanket of white surrounding them. "It's so peaceful and relaxing."

"It's pretty nice," Grissom agreed without going to the extreme. Snow was just snow to him and usually a pain so it was weird to enjoy it.

Suddenly, Grissom jumped as something hit the back of his head. Releasing his hold on Sara's hand, he spun, eyes wide and darting around to see what had just happened.

"Hahahahaha!" Nicolas and Gregory laughed stepping out from behind a tree.

Nicolas held his hands to his mouth to make himself louder. "Got you Grissom!" he shouted.

Sara couldn't help a giggle as her fiancés eyes narrowed and he glanced to his shoulder and the clump of snow clinging there. Unimpressed, he flicked the snow away and glared at the boys.

"Do you think that's funny?" he called back as they stepped closer. The brother's looked at each other and giggled.

"Actually, yeah," Gregory replied, laughing again.

Grissom looked to Sara who gave him a bright smile. "Don't be such a spoil sport," she sniggered.

Grissom's lips puckered and he looked totally unimpressed. "I'll show you funny," he said back, returning his attention to his future family members.

Whistling, Grissom turned toward his horse as he trotted up to his side, standing on his tip toes to whisper something in his ear. Dante snorted then slowly made his way toward Nicolas and Gregory.

The boys looked at each other then laughed again as Dante stopped in front of them.

"What's he going to do?" Gregory chortled. "Build a snow man?"

Folding his arms, Grissom patiently waited and, a few seconds later, Dante's right leg kicked through the snow sending a huge pile of it right into the brother's faces. Nicolas and Gregory stumbled backwards, spluttering, total shock upon their faces.

Grissom laughed. "That's what he's going to do," he clarified with a smile.

Dante gave a cheerful snort before trotting past his master to rejoin his filly.

"Hey! That's not funny," Nicolas grumbled, brushing the snow from his face and front.

Grissom's smile grew. "I think it is. Sneak attacks are fun, aren't they?"

He jumped again as another snowball hit his shoulder. Rather flabbergasted, he turned to Sara who was grinning at him, patting the snow from her gloves.

"You…" he accused trying to hide his own grin.

Her nose ruffled and she shrugged. "Sneak attacks are fun," she laughed.

"All right, that's it," he said, swiftly bending, grabbing a handful of snow and making it into a ball. Now he stared at her and she took a few steps backwards.

"You wouldn't dare," she said, holding out a hand as he took a step closer.

His brow rose. "Wouldn't I?

She carefully retreated, crunching through the snow as he advanced, feeling a huge wave of giddiness hit her stomach. "Gil…"

He kept a straight face but before he had the opportunity to carry out his threat he was hit again, Nicolas and Gregory taking full advantage of the rancher's turned back.

"You little rats…" Grissom grumbled spinning back around but the boys just ran and ducked for cover. Sara did exactly the same and jumped behind a tree leaving Grissom standing alone and feeling rather exposed. He knew he wasn't in the best of positions but for the first time in a very, very long time, a feeling of childishness swept over him.

"All right then…" he began, throwing his snowball up in the air to catch it again, "…let the war begin…"

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Sara was smiling brightly as they arrived back at the house and so was her fiancé. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun and something as small as a little battle in the snow had brought so much delight to all its participants. Even Grissom, and even when everyone ganged up on him all at the same time. He got his revenge though and everyone took their fair share of ice cold hits. The most satisfying thing for Sara though was that he was relaxing and enjoying himself. That made her happy.

Nicolas and Gregory followed behind as they entered the house and began removing their coats and gloves. Sara immediately caught the scent of roasting chestnuts and it made her smile all the more.

"Where have you been?" came the captain's voice from out of nowhere as he suddenly appeared, pulling his watch from his pocket. "It's almost six," he said frustrated. "Your mother is waiting to do gifts. And now supper is going to be very late."

"Sorry. Father," Sara apologized, hanging up the coats. "We were far out in the garden and lost track of time."

He looked to each member in the group. "What? All of you?"

"The boys decided on a little friendly winter warfare, Captain," Grissom cut in, handing his scarf to Sara. "But I apologize for the bad timekeeping."

The captain frowned. "Warfare?"

Sara closed the closet door. "It doesn't matter," she replied, realizing they would just waste more time explaining. "I'm sure mother will understand."

"Fine," the captain sighed. "Well, go on then…to the living room, unless no one wants to open their gifts that is…"

Nicolas and Gregory exchanged a panicked glance and swiftly hotfooted it towards the living room. Sara laughed and, taking Grissom's arm, followed the captain towards the room. When they entered Laura was sitting by the fireplace, glass of brandy in one hand and a book in the other watching her nephews with a grin. The boys were hovering around two piles of presents by the tree looking rather excited.

"Finally, we all arrive," she said seeing her daughter.

"Sorry," Sara apologized. "We got caught in a little snowball feud."

Laura laughed, placing the glass and book down before standing. "Sounds like fun," she said as everyone huddled together.

Sara looked to Grissom who gave a small smile. "Yeah, it was," she agreed softly.

"Well, I'll organize drinks for everyone," Laura continued. "To warm you all up and then we can start opening our parcels. I've placed everyone's gifts into nice little piles so we don't get them mixed up."

"You're very organized," Grissom commended realizing now why Laura wanted everyone to drop their presents off that morning.

She gave him a smile. "I always am, Gil. I always am."

The captain sniggered, keeping a close eye on his nephews as they began shaking packages. "Not yet, boys!" He hollered. "You wait."

"Awww…." Gregory griped, dropping the parcel he was holding. Folding his arms in a huff he plonked himself down on the sofa. That was until he saw the bowl of chestnuts and fruit on the new coffee table which he was quick to grab.

"What would everyone like to drink?" Laura asked. "Brandy?"

"That's good for me," the captain replied, stepping towards the sofa. Both Grissom and Sara gave a nod as well.

"Sounds good," Grissom said.

"Be right back." Laura stepped away and Sara pulled Grissom towards the tree.

"It's so pretty, isn't it?" she stated happily. "You did a really good job with the candles."

Grissom gave a small smirk. "Thanks. And yes, it's…very pretty. It's been many years since I've decorated a tree."

Sara turned to him. "When was the last time?"

"It was just before I left here when I was seventeen. Robbins always placed one in the servant's quarters for everyone to enjoy."

"That's a long time ago," she replied sadly. "You never had a tree in Alexandria?"

He lightly folded his arms. "Not much point when you're on your own." Grissom knew Sara was saddened by his comments, he could see it in her eyes. "It's fine," he continued, reaching out to squeeze her arm. "That's just how life was for me."

"Come you two," the captain called as Laura arrived with drinks and placed them on the table.

Taking her fiancés arm, Sara gave him a smile. "I'll make sure this a Christmas you enjoy and never forget."

He smiled back as she escorted him to the sofa. Sara sat while Grissom stood with the Captain, sipping at his brandy before placing the glass back on the table.

"So…" Gregory piped up, "…can we do gifts now?"

"Yes," Laura laughed. "You boys are like a pair of five year old children, I swear. Your piles are over there…" She pointed to two piles in turn and they quickly got to their feet and dashed to the gifts.

"As we can see…" Laura chuckled as they all watched the boys ripping open the paper wrapped parcels, "…the youngest members of our family are sorted so who shall we go to next?"

Grissom looked at Sara as she stood and gave a shrug. He wasn't actually expecting a great deal so he wasn't really concerned in what order they went. He had no idea how these family affairs worked.

"How about we give them ours first?" the captain said.

Frowning, Grissom found a harsh lump forming in his throat. "What do you mean?" he questioned. "You've already given us a house. Isn't that enough?"

"I want a house!" Gregory called earning himself a glare from his uncle.

"Nonsense," Laura said patting him on the arm. "You must have something to unwrap." He gave her a deeper frown and Sara knew he wasn't happy. "Don't give me that look, Gil. This is a Sidle Christmas so get used to it and stop worrying about every little thing."

Sara slid her hand into his and their eyes locked.

"Fine," he sighed.

"Good." Laura held her arms out and the captain handed her several gifts. "These are for you, Gil…" Grissom swallowed, but held out his arms and took the gifts. "And these are for you, Sara," Laura continued, passing her daughter a pile.

"Thank you," Grissom whispered.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped aside to place his gifts onto the coffee table then moved back toward the remaining gifts to pick up a large wrapped parcel. He held it out to Laura who looked rather surprised.

"This is for you, from Sara and myself."

"Oh…" She took the box and almost dropped it. "That's…heavier than I expected…" she laughed, placing it down on the table.

Grissom gave a grin before reaching for more gifts. "And this one," he stated handing her a smaller box this time. She smiled as he held out numerous things to the captain. "And these are for you, Sir, although this one…" He waved the final parcel he had in his hand through the air, "…is for you both. In fact…the whole family…"

Sara's eyes narrowed as he placed the present with the others. She didn't recognize the shape of it.

Laura giddily clapped her hands together. "Well…I don't know about anyone else but I'm really excited to open these…Shall we do these first and then do our personal gifts to each other afterwards?"

Giving another shrug, Grissom returned to the sofa. "Fine by me," he agreed.

Swiftly, Sara sat beside him. "What's the last parcel you gave them?" she whispered leaning into him. "I don't recall something like that…"

Reaching for one of her gifts and holding it out to her, he smirked. "You'll have to wait and see," he replied.

Pouting, she swiped the gift from his hand and his smirk grew. "You're such a sneak."

Snorting, he took one of his own parcels as the captain and Laura sat opposite them but he waited to open it.

"This big box has me intrigued," Laura admitted as she began untying the neatly wrapped string around the gift.

Sara got into her first package and pulled out a rose colored Kashmir shawl. "Oh, my…" she said, spreading the garment across her knee. "This is beautiful."

Grissom gave a nod of agreement, running his hand over the material. "I think it will look much better when it's on you," he offered softly.

Scoffing, she leaned forwards and placed the shawl over her shoulders.

"Much better," Grissom said with a contented sigh.

"Good lord…" Laura said, regaining Grissom and Sara's attention as they saw she had opened the gift. First she glanced at her husband who was looking down into the box then, open mouthed, glanced to her daughter and future son-in-law. "This is…"

Shifting his butt forwards, Grissom gave a nervous smile. "Do you like it?"

Slipping her hands into the box, Laura scooped out the contents, her eyes glued to what she was holding - a fine mahogany mantel clock, with a stepped pagoda top crowned with a brass pineapple finial. "Absolutely stunning..." she whispered.

"I think she likes it," Sara said quietly but happilly into her fiancés ear.

Taking a breath, Grissom pointed to the clock. "I thought it would represent a new beginning. Where we make our own time and our own happiness. I…" He rubbed the back of his neck, "…would have made one myself but I simply didn't have enough time."

"So you bought this?" Laura questioned and Grissom gave a nod. "Gil, this must have cost you a…"

"It doesn't matter," he interrupted. "And I thought we weren't discussing cost…"

Laura gave him a sly grin as did the captain.

"How did you even manage to buy this?" the captain questioned. "I don't recall you carrying this around when we were in town."

"I bought a few things and had them delivered here. After all…" He glanced to Sara, "…I'm sneaky…"

She chuckled and gently slapped him on the arm. "You're proving that right now, not me."

"It's absolutely amazing, Gil, thank you so much. Both of you," Laura said placing the clock back into the box and waving her hand in front of her face feeling a little emotional. "It will take pride of place on the mantel."

Sara gave a throaty giggle and pointed to her father's gifts. "Your turn to open one now."

"All right," the captain laughed, taking a quick swig of brandy before hovering a hand over his pile. "Which one first…hmmmm…"

Leaning forwards, Sara grabbed the bowl of chestnuts and offered Grissom some before placing them on her lap. "I love these," she said, watching as her father struggled to make a decision.

Grissom gave a healthy nod, chewing down on the fruit in his mouth.

"Let's go with this one," the captain finally said, quickly pulling off the string and then the paper. He smiled brightly when he revealed a brand new pipe made of beautifully stained briar wood complete with a golden rim. Picking it up, he held it before his eyes and laughed. "This is perfect," he said looking to Grissom. "You know I was tempted to buy this for myself in the shop but I got distracted?"

The rancher gave him a grin, popping another chestnut into his mouth. "I know."

"I love my life!"

Everyone's attention suddenly turned to the yell from across the room as Gregory held up a bag and a bottle. "A bottle of scotch and a bag of licorice!" he declared happily. "It doesn't get any better than this."

The entire group on the sofa burst out laughing.

"I'm so happy he's that easily pleased," Laura stated.

Sara tapped Grissom on the knee. "Your turn," she said, nodding down to his gifts.

"Oh…yeah…" Grissom looked over the packages and just like the captain, hesitated in which one to open first…

*** - "And it was from the gifts bestowed upon him towards the execution of this benevolent purpose, that he recruited his finances, as just now observed."

*** - Taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A/N: Ooooh... what's Grissom going to get? And what about his gift to Sara and hers to him. Any guesses? Will things continue to run smoothly or will evil hat return? Thoughts please :)