A/N: Am I starting to hear bells? Probably not because the wedding is at the house but you know what I mean, lol. The Calling rolls on and that union you have all been waiting for all this time is almost upon us. Will it go off without a hitch or is there a rusty spanner in the works?

My thanks as always for your thoughts and reviews and thank you to Calim for another great beta and I'm very happy you liked kick ass mama in this one :D

Chapter 134

Swiftly into the hallway, Laura's eyes darted from left to right catching sight of the main door closing. Surely he hadn't gone outside at this hour? With no hesitation, she dashed for the door, pulled it open and shivered the second the cold hit her.

"You shouldn't be out here…" His pained voice came and she looked to her left to see Grissom sitting on the top step. "You'll catch a chill," he continued, without looking at her. Instead, he just stared out over the grove, then up to the sky. "Although the stars are quite beautiful this evening."

Sighing, she ignored his advice and sat beside him, almost squealing when she felt the freezing cold on her bottom. Closing her eyes for a second she willed herself to deal with it.

"Please don't take what Daniel said to heart, Gil," she pleaded, looking at him. "He's a very stubborn traditionalist." Slowly, he looked to her and she took his hand, giving it a squeeze. "We knew deep down there would be some comments and opposition to this situation. It was never going to be completely straightforward…"

Looking away again, he swallowed the lump in his throat. "Just a little respect would be nice," he said quietly. "He has no idea what we've been through."

"Gil…you know both Thomas and I support you and our daughter's relationship with you and that's all that matters. Thomas is under a lot of pressure with his family around and it's hard for him just like it is for you. You need to understand that. Questions will be asked of his morals for allowing Sara to marry you just like people may question how you even dared to ask the question."

His eyes shot back to her. "If anyone asks me that I will take great pleasure in telling them exactly why," he said firmly.

"I know," she said softly, squeezing his hand again. "And I know that because you are proud and have every right to be."

"And what about Daniel?" he questioned. "If he thinks of me the way he does how must he think of Sara? If she hears him talking about…"

In an instant, Laura's finger across his lips silenced him. "Don't worry about Daniel." He frowned. "Please, trust me. I won't let anyone ruin this."

Grissom felt her shiver and reached up to take her hand, removing her finger from his mouth. "You're cold," he said quietly. She gave a simple nod and he took both her hands now, pulling her from the ground. "You should get back inside," he advised.

"And so should you," she countered. "You need to forget about this and concentrate on tomorrow. For both yourself and for Sara. I'll deal with Daniel."

His right brow soared at her sturdy words. "Is that a promise?"

"You can count on it," she replied quickly, holding out her arm…

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Laura led Grissom inside and they were quickly greeted by Rose who was heading their way.

"Oh, good," she said. "There you are…" She held her hand out to Grissom and he frowned. "It's bedtime for me and I need a little assistance up the stairs…"

Grissom glanced to Laura and she gave him a nod, tenderly squeezing his arm. "Go ahead," she encouraged. "I think you need to get some rest, don't you?"

He gave a gentle sigh and held out his arm for Rose to take. "Yes, ma'am." She smiled and they took a step forward only to have him stop and pull away. "Just one second," he requested of both women.

Their startled stares followed him as they spotted Dickens scampering toward them. In a flash, Grissom ran forward to block off the kitten and swiped him up from the floor.

'Mew.'

Dickens blinked at Grissom and the rancher grinned, scratching the kitten between the ears.

"Your mother says it's your bedtime," he said, earning himself a smile from the women as he turned to them. Feeling his cheeks grow pink, he gave a smile back. "Sara asked me to find him," he explained, stroking the kitten again.

Rose snickered, retaking his arm. "You always did have a soft spot." She gave Laura a nod before leading Grissom towards the stairs. "You haven't really changed you know…" she said as they began climbing. "A little rounder in the cheeks and more meat on your bones but…you still have the same boyishness I remember."

Grissom glanced to her with a smile, keeping a firm grip on Dickens who was currently trying to squirm from his fingers.

"I guess I'll take that as a compliment," he replied.

She smiled back. "It means you have heart…" she continued, stopping when they reached the landing. "Many a man will never find a tenth of what you have during their entire lifetime."

He wasn't sure how to respond to that and blushed again. He just wasn't used to personal compliments especially considering Rose was witness to her eldest son's opinion. "I will take the compliment then," he finally said.

"You should," she countered. "It was meant as one." Pulling her arm free, she looked up and down the corridor. "And, I apologize for Daniel…"

Grissom was surprised by that after all she personally didn't owe him anything.

"Unfortunately, he is more like his father," she continued. "Thomas was the one with the understanding side, but not Daniel. He has always been extremely critical."

"Yes," Grissom answered, stoking the kitten again. "I noticed. I can be understanding as well but I won't be if he upsets Sara in any way, shape or form…"

"I sincerely hope that doesn't happen." She gave him another smile. "I believe Sara's room is that way…" She nodded to her right. "Mine is this way…" She pointed left. "So, I will bid you goodnight, Gil."

He smiled back. "Goodnight."

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Like a rampant bull, Laura charged back into the library, her eyes immediately zoning in on Daniel who was leaning against the bar in the corner. The captain, who was sitting next to Fiona on the sofa, immediately got to his feet, blocking her off as she set off towards her brother-in-law.

She glared at him as he took her arms, stopping her from going any further.

"Laura, I think you should calm down," he urged softly.

Her eyes narrowed and she snorted. "I am calm, Thomas," she replied. "Thankfully, Gil is okay but there are no thanks to your brother for that one."

The captain sighed, trying to keep the conversation quiet although he knew Daniel could hear them. "We know what he's like…"

"Yes…" she snapped. "And that's the point. I won't tolerate it anymore, Thomas. Not when our daughter's happiness is at stake. Now, I would appreciate it if you let me pass because I have something to say to your brother and I'll be damned if you're going to prevent me from saying it."

Sighing again, the captain released her arms. "Fine…go ahead…"

The captain stepped out of the way and Laura slowly approached Daniel. He was staring at her but she gave as good as she got and stared right back.

"Do you have something to say?" he asked then took a sip from the drink in his hand. His words were a little slurred so it was obvious the alcohol was getting to him now.

"Oh, I have something to say all right and I'm going to say it," she shot back earning a raised brow from him. "You…" she took a step closer, getting right into Daniel's personal space and thrusting her finger into his chest, "…are a guest in my home. You hold an invite to attend your niece's wedding, not a right…" Daniel looked surprised but Laura didn't stop. "You have absolutely no idea what Gil and Sara have been through together these past few months and you don't deserve to know. But, hear these words and hear them true… Gil has risked his life on several occasions for my daughter, almost dying in the process, and I cannot think of another man upon this earth that deserves her hand more than he does. He loves her and she loves him. And that is it."

"Now, you have two choices, Daniel. You can support her or you can get the hell out. No more justification as to this celebration, no more personal feelings on your part and no more questioning. You like it, you accept it, or you leave." Her nostrils flared. "Do you understand?"

Daniel, still looking rather stunned by Laura's confrontation glanced to his brother but the captain remained silent.

Taking a step back, Laura took a breath and was reasonably surprised at herself for the venom that came from her tongue for it was a lot more than even she expected. However, she meant it. No one was going to ruin their day. Not now, not after everything.

"I'll give you a little time to think about it," she finished a little more calmly this time. She turned to her husband, taking another breath. "I'm going to bed, Thomas. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. I'll see you when you come up…"

No more words came from the lady of the house and she simply glided from the room as if nothing had ever happened.

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Sara yawned as she sat in front of the mirror brushing her hair. Finishing, she placed the brush down and swiveled on the stool to check the clock. Just as she did a gentle knock came upon the door. Pulling her robe a little tighter to her shoulders she stood and walked across the room. Opening the door she saw her fiancé holding out his hand.

"One cat…" he pointed out and Sara looked down to see Dickens squirming in his hold.

Reaching out, she took the kitten from him, frowning at the uncertain look upon his face. "Are you all right?" she asked. "What took you so long?"

Running a hand through his hair, Grissom shrugged. "It doesn't matter," he sighed.

Her frown deepened. "Obviously it does because I can see it on your face," she argued.

Dickens began fidgeting in Sara's grip so she turned and tipped him from her hand, allowing him to run into the room. Re-facing her fiancé, she took a step closer, looking deep into his eyes. "Tell me what happened…"

Grissom managed a smile even if it was slightly false. Leaning into her, he kissed her softly on the lips before pulling back. "Get some rest," he urged, failing to answer. "I will see you tomorrow…"

That said, he stepped away and Sara leaned against the doorframe, watching as he disappeared down the corridor. As he vanished to the left, her head sprung to the right as her mother appeared.

"Still up I see," Laura said when she reached her daughter.

"I was waiting for Gil," Sara answered. "Is he all right? He looked really troubled just now but wouldn't tell me anything."

Laura nibbled on her bottom lip as she looked up and down the corridor. "It's nothing you should concern yourself with."

Now Sara was worried. "Mother…" She gritted her teeth wanting answers.

Huffing a breath, Laura shrugged her shoulders. "Your uncle being his usual self that's all. He said some things and Gil heard."

Sara's eyes widened. "Well, what did he say?" she growled, knowing whatever it was it was enough to upset the man she loved.

"Sara…" closing her eyes for a second, Laura reached out and took her daughter's hands, "…it doesn't matter and we don't need to be talking about it. I can't take back what he said. What's done is done but I have dealt with it. He won't be getting any more warnings and you have to trust me, okay? You're only concern right now is tomorrow and your future."

"I don't like it when Gil is upset," Sara snapped. "Especially the night before our wedding."

"I know that," Laura agreed, squeezing Sara's hands. "If I could change your uncle, lord hear me, I would. He is what he is but I promise you he won't be ruining this occasion. You must trust me."

Sara sighed. "I trust you," she whispered.

Laura smiled and leaned in to kiss Sara on the cheek. "Get some sleep. I will wake you for breakfast just in case you're not up."

Now Sara snorted. "I think I'll be up," she answered. "Something tells me sleep will be difficult to find tonight."

"Promise me you will at least try."

Giving a nod, Sara smiled. "I'll try."

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Now dressed in his pajamas, Grissom stood by the open wardrobe and stared at his wedding suit, reaching out to run his finger along the collar of the jacket. Nerves pinched at his gut and his lips pursed. However, he managed a small grin when he realized in just over twelve hours, Sara would be his and his forever. They had come a long way, faced many foes and heaps of adversaries but they had pulled through and together they stood. Yes, Daniel had got to him but he wasn't about to let anyone ruin what should be the happiest day of his life. And if he had to take action himself then he would.

A knock at the door broke into his thoughts and he closed the wardrobe before turning to see who it was. Pulling on the handle he immediately spotted Laura and, even though she was smiling, he knew it was for his benefit.

"I thought I'd check on you before I retired," she said softly.

"I'm fine," he insisted, folding his arms. "How did it go with Daniel?"

"He knows where he stands," she answered. "And where I stand. I will not tolerate his behavior so he has an option. He can accept the situation or he can go. It's as simple as that."

Grissom's brow rose in surprise. "You actually told him that?"

"I did," she replied swiftly. "This is no longer about morals or successional right, Gil. This is about family and our right to make choices. If he doesn't agree with those choices that's his problem but he must learn to respect them or frankly, I want nothing further to do with him. This isn't about him, it's about you and Sara. And you are part of this family whether he likes it or not."

Feeling his chest swell with those words, Grissom offered up a smile. She'd supported him and so had the captain by not stopping her from berating his own brother.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

She smiled again. "That's what mothers do, Gil. So you better get used to it." Reaching out she squeezed his arm. "Get some sleep. I expect you and Sara down no later than 7:30am for your wedding breakfast. It's your day but you know how tight the schedule is."

"Yes, ma'am."

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Sara tossed and turned through most of the night unable to find a long, peaceful slumber. She'd drifted off a little after 2:00am but then woke again just after 5:00am. After spending half an hour staring at the ceiling and stroking Dickens who lay purring on her chest she decided to get up because she was just getting agitated.

Scooping up the kitten, she placed him on a pillow and swung her legs over the bed, stretching on a long yawn before lighting the lantern by her bed. Dickens gave a mew and Sara looked over her shoulder, smiling as he spun around in a circle, attempting to make himself more comfortable. Pushing herself up, she lethargically moved across the room, pulling open the drapes to look through the window. The moon was full, wide and bright and cast an amazing glitter over the snow tainted grove. It was a wonderful sight. Sighing, she glanced to her right, wondering whether or not her fiancé was sleeping. She had a feeling he wasn't but couldn't help the urge to find out…

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Grissom had been up for a while. In fact, he had slept for barely an hour before getting out of bed. He'd read for a while before doing a little pacing around the room. Now he settled in a chair by the window, looking out over the estate, thinking back over the events of the last year. He was content, settled and successful in Alexandria and a simple telegram had changed his life completely. He would have never in a million years been able to predict what would happen. Or that he would be sitting there waiting to wed the woman of his dreams. But, ultimately, he'd never been happier.

Hearing a very light knock at the door he frowned, glancing to the mantel clock. With a hint of curiosity he moved swiftly across the room to find out who it was. However, he shouldn't have been that curious for when he opened the door and Sara smiled back at him, he knew she was having as much of a restless night as he was.

He smiled back at her. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked.

"No," she admitted. "You?"

His head shook.

"Feel like taking a walk?" she suggested, her lips pouting.

Narrowing his eyes, he took a quick glance back to the window. "At this hour?" he questioned. "It's still dark and it will be very cold…"

Sara shrugged, lifting a finger to scratch her nose. "I'm sure you'll keep me warm."

His right brow soared and she laughed.

"Plus, this will be our last chance for any time alone. Tomorrow will be hectic and if we falter from mother's schedule…lord help us."

"Good point," he agreed. "Give me ten minutes to dress?"

She gave a nod. "I'll meet you downstairs. And make sure you dress warm," she added as she stepped away to retrieve her coat. "The last thing we need is either of us getting sick…"

*** "I was right in the conversation we had. My opinion is confirmed."

"I am sorry for it on your account, and sorry for it on the poor father's account. I know this must always be a sore subject with the family; let us say no more about it..."

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