A/N: Here I am, back again :-P A little quicker this time although lately, my writing time is boarding on zero because of work. Wouldn't it be nice if we didn't have to work? Anyhoo, here is the next chapter and do I sense a little tension before the big day? Will evil hat get his own way again or is it time for him to be banished?

Gracious thanks to Calim for the ever great beta and suggestions and thank you all for your constant support and reviews.

Enjoy :)

Chapter 133

Dinner was a boisterous but well organized affair. Rows upon rows of hot and cold food had been laid out in the dining room and guests ate where and when they pleased taking drinks from the dozens of servants who constantly walked around all areas of the house offering liquid refreshment. After a good hour of chatting with numerous people Sara finally managed to pull her fiancé away and towards the food.

"We should eat while we have the chance," she advised, glancing over the vast choice of food before her.

Grissom too looked over the feast, digging his fingers into his collar to try and loosen it a bit. "I can't say I'm actually all that hungry," he answered.

She looked to him. "Usually, it's you nagging at me to eat so…" She picked up a plate and held it out to him. "If you want to get through tomorrow still standing you're going to need all the energy you can get. I know you're feeling the pressure, but please eat. You'll feel better afterwards, I promise."

"Fine," he sighed, taking the plate which earned him a smile from his bride to be.

Picking up the spoon in the mashed potatoes, Sara scooped a small dollop onto her plate while Grissom mulled over what to take. He jumped when he felt a hand on his back and turned to see Rose behind him.

"The pork chops are to die for," she cooed. "After all these years they are still so, so good. You should have those."

Grissom gave her a smile. "Thanks," he replied.

Giving him a smile back Rose stepped away and the rancher took up her advice, taking a pork chop from the silver tray and placing it on his plate.

"It amazes me after all this time she still remembers what you like to eat," Sara snickered as she piled greens onto her plate followed by a piece of corn bread and some gravy.

He grinned, taking some mashed potatoes and a little rice. Then, Rose's voice caught his attention again and he glanced towards the doorway to see her greeting Daniel and his wife. With arms aloft she pulled her not so willing to be cuddled son into an embrace and then did the same to Fiona. Daniel looked in his direction and he quickly turned away, glancing around the room. He spotted Taylor and Teri sitting at a table towards the far right corner and swiftly urged Sara in that direction.

"Let's go join Taylor shall we?"

"Sure," she agreed.

"Do you mind if we join you?" Grissom asked his friends upon reaching them.

"Of course," Taylor replied, wiping his mouth on a napkin before standing to pull out a chair for Sara to sit on.

"Thank you," she said graciously, taking a seat. "So, how are you finding your time here so far?" Sara asked as the men sat.

Teri placed her fork down. "Wonderful," she replied. "Everyone is so nice, the refreshments never seem to stop and…" She pointed to her plate, "…the food is just delightful."

Sara gave a smile then took a bite from her corn bread.

"But how are you two feeling?" Teri then asked. "It's the big day tomorrow…"

Spooning a mound of potatoes into his mouth to keep him out of the conversation, Sara answered for them.

"We're nervous, of course, but…" She reached out to squeeze Grissom's arm, "…we're both so very happy."

Swallowing the potatoes, Grissom gave a nod. "I'll agree with that."

Sara sniggered taking a spoonful of greens and Taylor stood. "Well…I'm going to get seconds because it's just that good. Teri?"

"I'll come with you," Teri replied taking her father's hand and leaving the couple to eat.

"I'm not so sure how many more questions I can take," Grissom mumbled, pushing his pork chop around the plate.

Giving him a worried look, Sara placed her fork down. She could tell his patience was diminishing. "Not long now…" she said softly. "Just a few more hours then we can retire to bed. Considering the wedding tomorrow we can get away with an early escape and people will understand."

He sighed, pushing his plate away before looking around the room. "I guess…" So many people were chattering away and then looking in their direction. Being the topic of conversation was certainly not something he enjoyed. He felt Sara's hand on his arm again and turned back to her.

"Relax. Please. You being unhappy makes me unhappy. I know it's not easy but you're supposed to be enjoying yourself."

As he sighed again, Sara took his hand, giving it a squeeze. He could tell by the look in her eyes that his attitude was pulling her down. He couldn't help the way he felt but he had to try to deal with it.

"I'm sorry," he apologized.

She squeezed his hand a little tighter. "I don't want you to be sorry, Gil. I just want you to stop worrying. And remember…if anyone even dares to cause trouble for us they will have Mother to deal with. And I pity anyone who would even attempt to push her…just even a little bit."

Now he managed a smile. "Okay. For you, I'll try and enjoy myself."

"And stop worrying," Sara reiterated.

"And stop worrying," he repeated back.

Leaning into him she kissed him on the cheek, took a hold of his plate and pulled it closer. "Finish your dinner…"

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Dinner over, Grissom and Sara stayed with their friends, talking about their land in Alexandria. Taylor assured the rancher that he kept a close eye on Hodges and Michael almost daily. Before Grissom could ask the older man what new venture he had planned for the money, they were interrupted by Laura.

"It's nice to see everyone enjoying themselves," she said to the group.

Taylor immediately stood out of respect and gave the lady of the house a cheerful nod. "Yes, thank you, Mrs. Sidle. The hospitality and your home is just wonderful."

"Please call me Laura," she insisted. "Mrs. Sidle makes me sound so old…"

Taylor laughed, retaking his seat.

"Sara, you need to come and say hello to Uncle Daniel. He's been asking after you and, as he was late to arrive, he hasn't had a chance to speak with you yet."

Sara blinked at her mother, feeling a lump form in her throat. She glanced to Grissom and he looked about as enthusiastic as she did.

Laura noticed their expressions. "I realize he isn't the most popular family member but he's still your uncle and he's travelled a long way to be here. Just…" Her head tilted from side to side, "…humor him and bite your tongue. He's just…very set in his ways…"

"He should be set in stone…" Sara mumbled.

Laura's brow rose. "I think that's enough of that," she berated. "Don't disrespect your elders…"

"Fine…" Sara grumbled, pushing herself up.

"You too, Gil," Laura demanded, crooking a finger. "He wants to meet you as well."

Clearing his throat and feeling a pinch of nerves, Grissom stood and took Sara's hand when she held it out.

"We'll see you in a little while," Sara said to Taylor and Teri as they stepped away.

"Have fun," Teri called after them.

The last thing going through Grissom's mind as they walked through the busy dining room was fun. He had a high suspicion that Daniel would be far from that word. They crossed the hallway to the lounge where about a dozen people were chatting and having drinks including Daniel, his wife and the captain.

"Here she is," the captain announced the second he spotted his daughter.

Daniel turned to see his niece and Sara almost fell backwards when he gave her a smile. She also felt Grissom's hand tighten upon hers as he eyed up the Uncle. He was very similar looking to the captain. Long face, full beard and sideburns but his hair was a little greyer, his eyes much firmer and his features much more worn. If Grissom would presume anything, he'd presume Daniel had had a tougher life.

"Ah…my gorgeous niece," Daniel's deep voice said as he held out his hand.

A little surprised at his comment, Sara pulled her hand from Grissom's and Daniel took it, bringing her knuckles to his lips.

"Hello, Uncle Daniel," Sara replied gently.

"It's a pleasure to see you looking so…" He took a step back, looking her over, "…vibrant…" he hissed.

Sara cleared her throat. "Thank you." She glanced to Fiona who waited silently by her husband's side. "Nice to see you Aunt Fiona. You look very lovely."

"It's good to see you too, Sara," Fiona replied, clasping her hands in front of her. "And thank you for the compliment."

Daniel looked over Sara's shoulder to Grissom. "Well, are you going to come forward young man or stand there all evening?"

Swallowing, Grissom moved back to Sara's side, watching out of the corner of his eye as the captain handed Laura a glass of champagne. A drink at that point would be very welcoming.

"Uncle Daniel…" Sara began, taking Grissom's arm, "…this is my fiancé, Gil. Gil, this is my Uncle, Daniel Sidle, and of course, my Aunt Fiona…"

Fiona didn't move which was unusual because it was customary for Grissom to kiss her hand at the introduction Instead Daniel held out his hand and Grissom reached for it, noticing as the older man's eyes narrowed.

"Happy to meet you, Gil…" came his graveled greeting and Grissom frowned feeling the firmness of Daniel's handshake. It was just a little too firm and after a few seconds, the rancher pulled his hand back, noticing as Daniel's lip curled into a grin.

Sara noticed the uncomfortable look upon Grissom's face and called over a servant, taking a glass of bourbon from it and holding it out. "You forgot your drink, sweetheart, take this one…" she urged knowing he needed something to calm him down.

He didn't argue and took the drink, sipping from the contents.

"Have we met before?" Daniel asked, swiping his own glass of bourbon from the tray as the servant passed by. Fiona stepped away not wanting to intrude on her husband's conversation and joined Laura and the captain who had taken a seat on the sofa. "There is something very familiar about you."

Now Grissom took a heavy glug from the glass. He knew Daniel would remember him and he was the last person he wanted bringing up his past because he was the kind of man that would tell the world just how much Grissom didn't deserve to marry into the higher class. It was against everything he believed in.

"Maybe," Grissom answered quietly. "I sell horses. Do you buy? I've travelled a lot so I've met many people on the way."

Daniel's eyes narrowed further. "You come from Alexandria, correct?"

Grissom nodded as Sara looped her arm through his, holding him close. "That's right."

"And where is it you hail from? Originally…"

Inhaling a deep breath, Grissom took another sip from his glass just hoping someone would interrupt the conversation. He opened his mouth to offer a reply just as Laura swooped in and he thanked the heavens she did.

"Come now, Daniel. We're supposed to be celebrating not interrogating the groom," she jested trying to get off the subject.

He turned to his sister in law. "I wasn't interrogating him, Laura, I was simply asking a question. Can I not get to know my future nephew?"

"Excuse me, Mr. Grissom, sir…"

Grissom's eyes closed for a brief second when Rana spoke from behind them and when his eyes opened, he noticed Daniel's eyes sparkle. His surname had just kicked the older man's brain into gear and he knew it.

"Yes, Rana…" he answered, turning to face the housekeeper.

She stepped close to him and whispered something in his ear which made his brow incline as he pulled back. "Oh…" he mumbled surprised. "Um…" He swallowed again, looking around to everyone watching him, "…just tell her I'll be right out."

Rana gave a nod. "Yes, sir…"

Laura frowned as Grissom faced them. "What was that all about?"

"I um…" he hesitated in his response. "We have a visitor who is on a flying visit." He took Sara's hand. "I'll explain later…" Without another word he tugged Sara towards the door even though she looked a little shocked he was doing so.

"What are you doing?" she gasped as they got out into the hallway. "Uncle Daniel won't be happy you just walked out on his conversation like that."

The fingers on his right hand twitched over and over. "Frankly, I don't care. I'm happy for the interruption because your Uncle knows exactly who I am and if I remain near him I'll probably end up thumping him when he starts dragging me through the dirt."

Sara blinked at him. "He…wouldn't do that."

"Yes he would and you know it."

Her jaw worked from side to side.

"Plus, we actually do have a visitor who doesn't want to come in. So we have to go to her. She's out on the porch."

Now Sara looked totally baffled. "What are you talking about?"

"Just…" He tugged on her hand again, "…come…"

Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, Sara allowed him to lead her down the hallway and towards the front door, shivering when a servant opened the door for them and they stepped out into the icy cold night. But then, when the woman waiting outside turned to face them, she understood.

"Heather…" she whispered.

Heather gave a nod and a small smile, clasping her hands in front of her. "Good evening."

Although Heather had been a help through their troubles, she hadn't expected her to turn up at the Grove. No matter if her relationship with Gil was platonic or not. She couldn't help but feel a bit of jealously.

"What are you doing here?" Sara asked, taking a good look around to see if anyone was watching.

"I came to express my best wishes and congratulations to you both," Heather replied calmly. "I thought it would be better tonight rather than tomorrow."

"Thank you, Heather," Grissom answered, his own smile now blossoming.

She gave a nod. "I'm glad, after all you have both been through, that you have been graced with the happiness you deserve."

Grissom's tongue drew out from his mouth and he gave a bashful smile. "We appreciate that and I'd like to thank you for the help you gave both of us."

"Always a pleasure," Heather cooed. "And you know where I am should I ever be needed again. I've always been a very good listener."

"That you have," Grissom agreed.

Looking over her shoulder to the waiting carriage, Heather pulled her coat a little tighter to her shoulders. "Well, I'd better go. I've intruded enough and I wouldn't want people's tongues to start wagging."

"I think that's already happening anyway," Grissom retorted earning himself a slap on the arm from Sara. Glancing to her, he grinned. "What?" he questioned, trying to sound innocent.

"You know what…"

Heather snickered and took a step back, opening out her arms. "I bid you goodnight and…good luck for tomorrow." That said, she turned with glorious finesse and headed down the steps.

The couple watched until she entered her transportation and set off down the driveway. Grissom blew out a breath, running a hand through his hair.

"I can't say I was expecting that," he admitted.

"You're not the only one," Sara replied quickly, turning to face him. "But…" she continued, her face saddening as she reached up to touch his collar, averting his gaze "…I understand how close the two of you are so…"

"Hey…" Grissom reached a tender hand to clasp Sara's right cheek, "…there has never been anything between Heather and I apart from friendship. Okay?"

Raising her head, she looked deeply into his eyes, letting out a gentle sigh. "Okay," she whispered.

Kissing her softly on the forehead, Grissom looked over her shoulder and back to the house. "I guess we should get back before your mother sends out a search party."

She gave a nod. "I guess we should. What time is it?"

Pulling out his watch, Grissom checked the time. "Just after nine."

Holding out her arm Sara gave her fiancé a smile. "Just an hour or so and then I'll tell mother we are retiring."

He gave a nod back, taking her arm as they headed back to the house.

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Thankfully for Grissom, the next hour passed by quickly. So many people still wanted to talk, and they had barely entered the house before they were drawn into conversation. The rancher spent most of his time looking over his shoulder, doing his best to avoid Sara's dreaded uncle. He knew he shouldn't have to but it just felt easier.

They were chatting with Garrett and Violet in the dining room when Laura came in, approaching them quickly once she spotted them.

"And where have you two been?" she questioned from behind. They turned, then looked at each other.

"We're socializing, Mother," Sara answered. "Isn't that what we're supposed to do?"

Garrett gave a snicker, taking a sip from his glass of whiskey.

Laura folded her arms. "Your uncle was not very happy that you walked out on him earlier."

"That's too bad," Grissom answered quickly and Laura stared at him unimpressed with the disrespectful reply. Immediately, he knew his fault and nervously cleared his throat. "Sorry," he apologized.

"Hmmm," she mumbled, dropping her arms.

Sara suddenly yawned and quickly held her hand to her mouth. "Excuse me…" she said just as another yawn came.

"Getting tired?" Grissom asked and Sara gave a swift nod.

"Mother, do you mind if…"

Laura reached out to clasp her daughter's arm before she even had chance to finish. "Of course I don't," Laura answered. "You need all the rest you can get…" She glanced back to Grissom. "And so do you."

He gave her a smile knowing that deep down she knew they wanted an early exit.

"Gil can escort you up, Sara, and I'll come and say goodnight in about half an hour, once you're settled, all right?"

"Thank you, Mother," Sara responded gratefully.

Offering a smile and a nod, Laura backed away to chat with some friends.

"I told you Uncle Daniel would be annoyed," Sara said, waving her hand to a servant to place her empty champagne glass down once she'd taken the last sip.

"Daniel is always annoyed with something," Violet offered, taking a drink from the tray before the servant stepped away. "Don't let him get to you."

"We'll try not to," Sara replied, taking Grissom's hand. "Won't we?" she asked him.

"Oh, we'll try…" he mocked.

Rolling her eyes, Sara nodded to her family members. "We are off to bed."

Garrett gave a nod back. "Pleasure to chat with you, Gil, and welcome to the family."

"Thank you," Grissom answered sincerely. "Good night."

Quickly, the couple maneuvered through the room, keen on leaving before they were pulled into another conversation. Both were relieved when they reached the hallway and kept a swift pace until they reached the stairs.

"It feels like we're running away," Sara giggled as she began climbing.

"Not running away, my dear, we're resting."

Sara laughed, tugging him up the final step and hand in hand they advanced towards Sara's room, stopping outside the door. Grissom looked up and down the corridor.

"Considering every room in the house is full, I'd say we're very fortunate to be alone right now," he whispered not wanting anyone who might be near to hear them.

Her hand slipped up the lapel on his jacket to come to rest on his shoulder and their eyes met. "Very fortunate indeed," she agreed.

Before she could utter another word, his head dipped and his lips slid over hers. He was so soft, so gentle, so pure…

Closing her eyes, Sara found her hand gliding through his hair as he pulled her tighter against his body and the overwhelming need to never let go was disturbed as a door around the corner banged closed and Grissom swiftly pulled back.

Licking her lips, Sara snorted as Grissom's eyes shot up and down the corridor. "Sometimes, I love it when you're nervous. You look so cute."

His right brow soared as his eyes returned to her. "I'd rather not be accused of inappropriate public actions."

"Well…" Her hands flattened against his chest, "…after tomorrow it will no longer be inappropriate, will it?"

He grinned. "Certain things are still inappropriate, my dear. Married or not."

"I guess we'll have fun finding out what is and what isn't then, won't we?"

Grissom's grin grew as Sara gently pushed him back. "I should get to bed. Something…" Her finger circled through the air, "…about a wedding tomorrow." Her brow rose as she attempted to hide her smile.

"Oh? Am I invited?" he asked.

Now she prodded him in the chest. "Oh, you can bet your last dollar that you are. And you better not be late."

"I'll do my best."

Snorting, she gave him another quick kiss then turned to open the bedroom door. Just as she stepped inside she stopped. "Oh…I forgot…" Looking back at him she sighed. "Dickens…He's still downstairs somewhere."

"Okay…" he sighed back. "How about I go find him and I'll bring him up to you?"

Her eyelashes fluttered. "Thank you."

Snickering, he turned and headed back down the corridor. "The things I do for love…" he called and Sara smiled.

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Laura, the captain, Rose, Daniel and Violet enjoyed the privacy of the library while their guests pleasured in the musical entertainment in the lounge.

The captain poured brandy for everyone while they sat and he handed out the glasses.

"It's nice to get a little peace and quiet," Daniel grumbled, taking a glass from his brother.

Rolling her eyes, Rose sipped from her drink. "It's a party, son," she sighed. "It's not supposed to be a quiet, somber affair. It's a celebration and you're supposed to be enjoying yourself."

Smiling into his glass, the captain moved to stand behind his wife and she reached for his hand over her shoulder.

Daniel took a big gulp from his glass. "Thank you for the information, Mother," he snapped. "I'm well aware of what it is."

Violet shuffled uncomfortably but as she always did, kept her mouth shut.

"And I'll tell you something…" Daniel continued, finishing the brandy with one big swig, thumping the glass down onto the table in front of them, "…I find your future son-in-law…" He looked to the captain, "…to be very rude, discourteous and not worthy to become part of this family."

Laura coughed, glaring at her brother-in-law. "Don't start this, Daniel."

He shrugged, reaching for the brandy decanter and refilling his glass. "Why not?" he questioned, bringing the newly filled glass to his lips.

"Daniel…" Rose warned.

"Oh, shush, Mother," he growled. "I have a right to speak my own opinion and I know exactly who Gil Grissom is as well as where he came from." Pointing to the window his nostrils flared. "He mucked crap from the stables, worked in the fields, shined my Goddamn shoes! He is not Sidle class!"

"That's enough!" the captain shouted, pointing his finger at his brother. Laura jumped when her husband hollered and she swallowed hard. This kind of conversation was something she prayed they could avoid.

"Come on, Thomas…" Daniel probed. "Tell me you are happy with this situation. That you are proud to have a commoner marry your daughter. What the hell would father think of you for allowing such a thing?" He tightly clenched his fingers together. "Where is your family pride? Your ethics?"

A gust of hot air passed through the captain's lips as he glanced to his wife then to the other family members in the room. His jaw worked from left to right as his eyes fell back to his wife and she gave him a very worried look. He was about to answer but a creak of the floor boards behind stopped him from doing so and he turned, all eyes in the room falling to the open doorway and Grissom, who was now standing there.

"Oh, no…" Laura whispered to herself.

Grissom's head lowered and he backed away without a word, softly closing the door behind him.

"Oh, just perfect!" Laura now spat, hastily getting to her feet, swiping up her dress and dashing to the door. She reached for the handle but stopped just before opening it, turning back to her family. "I swear to God, if you ruin this day for them, I will never forgive you. Any of you. Do you hear me?" That said, she yanked the door open and rushed into the hallway.

*** - "You shall not get off in that way. It's my duty to tell you- and I tell you to your face to do you good-that you are a de-vilish ill-conditioned fellow in that sort of society. You are a disagreeable fellow."

*** - Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (Adapted)

A/N: Hmmm, nothing more intersting than an angry mother, especially Sara's mother, lol. Do I sense trouble or for once, will all be well? We will see...