A/N: I am seriously in fluff overload, lol. Evil at has to return soon, right? :P

To be honest, this is nice to write so I hope you enjoy it. The wedding is fast approaching so that may take me a while to write. Thanks to Calim for the great beta and as always for your amazing support with this ongoing super novel. Ha!

So let's see what gifts Grissom and Sara give to each other. Swqueee :)

Enjoy.

Chapter 130

Grissom's teeth nibbled down on his lip, his eyes working over the gifts from Laura and the captain. It was unusual for this occasion to be playing out for him this way and although a pang of uneasiness still nipped at his gut, he couldn't help feeling a little excited. But he didn't show it. At least not yet.

Finally, he picked out a small oblong sized present and carefully removed the paper.

Laura laughed at him, reaching for her brandy. "You don't have to be so delicate with the wrapping, Gil," she scoffed.

He looked up at her. "I…always reused paper…"

She gave him a soft smile. "Well, you don't need to anymore. Stop worrying about every little thing and enjoy yourself."

Sighing, his eyes flicked to Sara and she just gave him a grin. "We might get to see what you've got before Christmas day arrives, if we're lucky," she teased, pointing to the box he'd just unwrapped.

"Yeah, Grissom," Gregory shouted from across the room as he and his brother watched the gift unwrapping. "Hurry up already…"

Giving a light shake of his head, he rolled his eyes. "Fine." Opening the rectangular black box his eyes narrowed in on the contents and his lips pursed at what he saw.

"What is it, what is it?" Sara repeated quickly and giddily, leaning in closer to him.

Pulling out the fine instrument, he held it up unable to take his eyes from it. "It's…a pen," he replied somewhat in awe.

The captain pointed a finger. "It's made of ebony with a golden tip," he explained.

"The gift of a golden pen to a young gentleman intimates mental power and moral improvement, refinement of thought, and progress in civilization," Laura stated.

Grissom swallowed. "I don't know what to say," he replied.

"Do you like it?" the captain asked.

"Ummm..." the rancher cleared his throat. It was by far one of the most stunning gifts he'd ever received and more than likely the most expensive. "Yes..." He managed a smile.

"Then that's all we wanted to hear," Laura offered.

Leaning back, the captain sucked in a happy breath. "You always did like writing, so now you can do it in style. Maybe start yourself a new journal?"

Grissom's smile grew as he placed the pen back into it's box. "I might just do that," he responded, feeling Sara squeeze his arm after seeing the look of delight upon his face.

"All right..." Laura clapped her hands together. "We better get to the rest of these gifts otherwise it's going to be midnight before we get supper..."

Agreeing with a nod, the captain picked up another present. "I'd suggest we all just go for it," he said heartily.

Laura laughed with approval and took one of her parcels as did Sara before she handed Grissom another one to open. They continued until all their gifts apart from one had been opened and the one that remained was the mystery gift from Grissom.

Everyone now had a neat little stack of goodies sitting in front of them. The captain had the pipe, some tobacco, an embroidered handkerchief which Sara had made for him, a bottle of the finest cognac and a gold gilt silver glass & leather hip flask. Laura had the clock, two bottles of the fine wine she had become so fond of in the town restaurant, a matching handkerchief just like the captain's and a lovely new hairbrush with a silver plated handle.

Sara was very pleased with her presents. To go along with her shawl she had a new riding crop and leather boots. That did make her laugh because she knew for a fact her father hated her in boots. 'Men wear boots, not ladies,' he always said. But, Sara would always argue if she was on a horse, a lady or not, she would dress appropriately. She also received a new jewelry box and a painting of horses galloping through a meadow. She especially liked that and already knew it would have a very welcoming spot in their new house.

Grissom had finally convinced himself to totally relax and, for once in his life, let himself be spoilt. If he argued or grumbled about the things he was given it wasn't going to change the occasion and he'd come to realize this meant a lot to his new family. So, he sat back with a hefty smile on his face very thankful for what he had received. The items before him were simply perfect. The pen was accompanied by a leather bound blank journal, so should he decide to write his thoughts, he now had a place to put them. He also got a grand bottle of bourbon which made him grin when the captain said it would come in handy if he ever was shot again. Sara, however, didn't find the joke as amusing as her fiancé. A handmade sweater and a new bath robe topped his stack off nicely.

"I'd like to thank you very much for your kindness and wonderful gifts," Grissom said, finishing the final swig of his brandy.

Laura gave a tender smile. "I send those words right back to you," she replied holding out her arms to the table before them. "You have done quite well yourself in the giving department. Both of you."

Sara snickered and Grissom watched as Laura picked up the unopened package. "Can I open this now?" she enquired shaking it, trying to get some idea what she was holding.

"I'll open it!" Nicolas called over. "We have nothing left to open…" Laura offered him a glare and he grinned.

Grissom's smile grew as he looked toward Sara who was watching her mother intently. "Sure," he answered. "Go right ahead."

"Aren't you going to give us any clues?" Sara asked as Laura began unwrapping.

"Nope."

She frowned at him then smirked, returning her attention to the parcel.

Finally, Laura removed all the paper and suddenly froze the second she saw the contents. Her mouth popped open and she just stared at what looked like a frame in her hands. Swallowing, she blinked a few times before managing to raise her head to look at the rancher. The captain scooted closer to see what she was holding and he soon looked pretty stunned.

"How on earth did you get this?" she whispered, her voice easily expressing the amazement she felt.

"What is it?" Sara asked quickly realizing it wasn't just something simple. If so, her mother wouldn't look so bemused. Nicolas and Gregory also moved closer to see what the fuss was all about.

Laura took a breath before turning the silver frame around to reveal it held a photograph. A photograph of all the family. Herself and her husband, Grissom, Sara, Nicolas and Gregory.

"Oh…my…" Sara said quietly, reaching out to take the picture for a closer inspection as Laura awaited an answer from Grissom.

Grissom shrugged. "I remembered about the photographer from the engagement party some weeks ago and with everything that has happened, I realized the captain had forgotten to collect the photographs." He held up a hand. "No offense, Captain…"

The captain smirked. "None taken and I thank you for reminding me." He glanced to his wife. "I have the collection upstairs and haven't looked at it yet and I had intended for us to take a look through them tomorrow but I had no idea…" He looked back at Grissom, "…that you had snuck this one out…"

"That's because he's a sneak," Sara said, trying to sound serious but she couldn't quite hold in her smile. "I don't ever recall seeing a photograph with us all in it before…"

"Me either," Laura replied, reaching to take the picture back. "Because we have never had one. One way or another something or someone always seemed to be against an entire family portrait." She ran her finger over the glass. "Did you make this frame, Gil?"

He gave a nod. "Yes, Ma'am."

"It's beautiful…" She held her hand to her heart. "And so is the photograph…" Her eyes got notably teary. "I can't thank you enough for this," she whimpered and the captain reached for her hand. "Family…"

"Thank you, Gil," the captain said sincerely.

Placing the picture down, Laura stood and to Grissom's surprise she reached for him, kissing him solidly on the cheek. Pulling back, she cupped his cheeks in her hands and he blushed.

"Thank you," she repeated.

"You're welcome," he whispered, feeling a little embarrassed at the attention.

"Well…" Laura too felt a little flushed and took a breath. "I don't know about anyone else but I think another drink is on order…" She didn't even wait for anyone to answer and stepped away to get more brandy.

"Such a sneak…" Sara whispered to Grissom.

"Oh…I'm not done yet," he shot back quickly and Sara's eyes widened.

"What else have you got planned?" she questioned.

He reached for another chestnut and popped it into his mouth. "You'll just have to wait and see."

Snorting, Sara looked over her shoulder to see Rana who had just entered the room.

"Captain, Sir…" she began, "…I apologize for disturbing you but supper has been ready for a while. It may become ruined if it's left much longer.

Looking up, the captain nodded to his worker. "Thank you, Rana. I'll erm…see what Laura wants to do…"

"Yes, sir," she replied before leaving.

Returning with brandy in hand, Laura placed the crystal decanter onto the table. "Rana's right," she said with a tender sigh. "We should go and eat before the food becomes inedible."

"We like that idea!" Nicolas stated.

The captain laughed, glancing to his nephews. "After all the candy you two have eaten in the last hour, I'm surprised you have any room left!"

"Father, they could eat a horse and still be hungry," Sara added in jest.

Grissom smirked.

"But I agree…" The captain stood. "We should eat. I'm not a big fan of burnt pheasant."

Nodding, Laura looked to her daughter. "Let's eat and then finish opening gifts afterwards, shall we?"

Grissom and Sara exchanged a look and Sara shrugged. "I'm sure I can wait to see what you've got planned," she said, tapping her fiancé on the knee. "Although I am very curious…"

He winked at her before standing and holding out his hand with a smile. "Good."

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Supper was an enjoyable, leisurely affair. Chat was light, talking about their gifts and how happy everyone was with what they had received. Once food had been eaten, Nicolas and Gregory went outside to renew their snow battle while Grissom and Sara, the captain and Laura returned to the living room to finish exchanging gifts. The younger couple sat opposite each other on chairs by the tree while the parents of the house sat alone on the sofa.

"So, do you want to go first?" Sara asked, scratching her nose and looking down at the pile of presents in between them.

His lips puckered and he gave a light shrug. "I don't mind. This is quite a rarity for me so…" He picked up one of his gifts for Sara. "Same time?"

She smiled at him. "I can live with that." They exchanged presents and he watched her as she began unwrapping.

"I love Christmas," she said, smiling and looking at him. "All the more now that you are part of it."

He replicated her smile, feeling his heart swell. "I'm very happy you feel that way," he replied.

Sara's smile grew as she pulled away the last strip of paper to reveal a book. Turning it she read the wording on the front realizing it was a book of poetry.

"I know you like to read and…we like to read together so…" He cleared his throat, "…I thought this might come in handy especially during the long winter evenings."

"It's perfect," she replied, glancing back at him. "I love it when you read to me but maybe now I can return the favor."

His nose ruffled. "I hope so."

She giggled, placing the book down and pointing to his parcel. "Your turn."

He grinned. "Okay…"

Grissom's tongue poked out to slide across his lip and he carefully removed the paper from his first gift. Despite what Laura had said, he still liked to be resourceful with things he could use again. Once all the paper was gone he was left with a small, square, black box. His right brow inclined as he opened the lid which was hinged by fine brass fittings. An immediate look of surprise highlighted his face when he saw the contents and his lips parted, a gust of warm air passing through them.

"Sara…" he whispered as he plucked a golden pocket watch from the box. She nibbled down on her thumbnail, watching as he held the watch in front of his eyes before placing it in his palm to stare at it.

"Do you…like it?" she asked nervously.

"I…" His eyes flicked to her. "Sara, this is too much. It must have cost a…"

Her hand shot out and she instantly silenced him. "For you…nothing is too much and we're not bringing expense into it, are we?" She was firm with her words and he just blinked at her. Slowly, her hand lowered and she pointed at the timepiece. "Look at the back…"

Gnawing on his lip now, he flipped the watch over to reveal an engraving. "'Yours until the end of time. Sara'," he read out aloud then swallowed as a solid lump formed in his throat. Their eyes met again and she clasped his free hand.

"Do you like it?" she repeated.

"I'm…speechless…," he replied quietly.

"I'll take that as a yes then," she snorted.

His eyes suddenly worked in a circle as something dawned upon him. "This is why you weren't concerned when I said my watch had broken and you instantly got me off the subject of worrying about it…"

She gave him a smile. "Guilty. It's just a helpful coincidence that your watch actually broke. It worked out quite well for me…"

"It's…" He looked at it again, struggling to keep his eyes off it, "…wonderful, Sara. Thank you. I will cherish it always."

Sara too felt a lump forming in her throat at his loving and sincere words. Giving a quick glance over her shoulder to check if her parents were occupied and not looking in their direction, she leaned forward and brushed her lips over his.

"You're going to get me in trouble," Grissom said when she pulled back.

She snorted again, grabbing another gift. "Well, he's not looking, so I think we got away with it."

"I look forward to our union and then I can kiss you anywhere I wish without fear of your father's glare."

Blushing slightly, Sara opened her second gift and a frame like the one with the family photograph in it was revealed. Flipping it over she saw a picture of herself and Grissom behind the glass, another picture taken at their engagement. "Oh, Gil…." Her lips pouted as she looked back up at him.

"As photographers are pretty few and far between I thought I'd do my best to make the most of it. I realize we'll have one at the wedding but, that's our first official photograph together."

Sara laughed. "This is absolutely lovely," she giggled. "Our mantel has its first picture." Placing the photograph down, she licked her lips. "There is a very soft side of you coming out, you know? I didn't realize you were this sentimental…"

He grinned. "I like to keep my hidden talents…hidden…"

"Not too much I hope…"

He gave her a sly grin as she passed him another gift. Quickly, he opened the parcel and yet again uncovered a box. This one was much bigger and looked like it was made of oak. Opening the lid he revealed a stainless steel straight razor complete with what he suspected was an ivory etched handle. A piece of hone sat by the blade.

The ranchers cheeks puffed out as he carefully removed the implement from its casing to get a closer look.

"Be careful," Sara advised. "It's sharp."

He gave her an 'oh you didn't just say that look.'

"Yes…I'm perfectly aware how sharp razors can be especially ones of such…quality…" His eyes narrowed in on the blade and a glint of candlelight hit it, flashing in his eye. "This is stunning," he said sincerely. "Is the handle…"

"Ivory," Sara finished for him.

"Hmmm…" he mumbled. "I thought so…" He looked back to her. "Expensive…"

Her lips puckered. "Don't start that again."

Placing the razor down, he held up his hands in defeat. "Okay…okay…" he laughed. "Thank you. It will come in very handy."

"I hope so," Sara giggled. "I intend to give it a trial run as soon as it is required."

Grissom's smile grew as he reached down for the final box. "It looks like we have reached the end of the pile." His hand got a little shaky as he held out the package and Sara noticed he suddenly looked a touch nervous. "I really hope you like this…"

Sara's eyes narrowed as she took the small package from him and, for some reason, she now felt a little nervous. Maybe it was the look on his face. Quickly unwrapping it to reveal a velvet case, she quickly popped the lid. The second she got a look at what was inside she gasped, her widening eyes springing to her fiancé who gave back a nervous smile.

Slowly reaching inside, Sara plucked out the contents between her finger and thumb. The silver bracelet glistened back at her and she couldn't take her eyes from it. The craftsmanship was impeccable with fine tiny loops of silver, all bound into a circle to reach a silver heart at the peak. Her eyes zoomed in on the heart and her thumb ran over the tiny lock in its center.

"There's…um…" He wiped his hand over his a mouth, "…a small key in there."

Her hands trembled a little, reaching into the box for the small key she hadn't initially spotted. Placing it into the lock she opened the sparkling pendant but frowned when she saw it was empty.

"I'm giving you the key to my heart, Sara," Grissom said quietly and shakily as her head rose, her eyes affixing to his. "Whatever you wish to put inside the pendant is entirely up to you. Just know you mean more to me than anything else in this entire world."

A tear slipped down her cheek and without any warning, she lunged at him, her arms wrapping tightly around his shoulders. "I love you so much," she sobbed, clinging on so hard he struggled to breathe.

The captain and Laura looked their way, both smiling but they didn't interrupt.

Grissom chuckled into her. "Sara…can't breathe…"

Pulling back, she swiped her hand over her face to remove the tears. "Sorry…" she laughed, retaking her seat. He smiled and nodded to the bracelet.

"Do you like it?"

"Are you joking?" she giggled. "It's just…I have no words…I don't think I've ever seen anything as beautiful."

"I have," he disagreed and she frowned. "You…"

The brightest smile found her lips and she held out the bracelet. "Will you do the honors?"

Smiling back, he took the bracelet and Sara held out her hand. He wrapped the band around her wrist before clipping it in place, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.

"You made this, didn't you?" she asked as he released her hand.

"I did," he replied. "I wasn't sure if I'd get it finished in time but your father was gracious enough to allow me the privacy of the workshop and supply me with the tools I needed. Melting silver is quite a task."

"I have no doubt…" she sighed.

They silenced for a moment, just staring at each other. Eventually, Sara spoke. "I guess all the presents are done now then," she said with a pout.

"Not quite."

She looked around. "What do you mean? We've opened everything."

Holding out his hand to her she took it and he pulled her up. "There's one more thing I have for you."

Her eyes narrowed. "Where?" she questioned.

He gave her a crafty grin. "Feel like another walk?"

*** - "As he bent his head in his most courtly manner, there was a secrecy in his smiling face, and he conveyed an air of mystery to those words..."

*** Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A/N: Ooooh, what is Grissom up to? Can any one guess what the mystery gift may be? Thoughts pleaseeeeeeeeeeee! :)