A/N: I have to say this chapter marks quite an occasion for me and will send this story past the 500,000 word mark. Half a million words! That's just wow. I would have never predicated when I started this little challenge 5 ½ years ago that it would amount to this and I'm amazed I'm still at it. Lol. I have to thank all of you that continue to stick with me after all this time for your continued support and reviews. Readers make a writer for without them there really isn't much point!

I had intended for this chapter to concentrate on the main part of the wedding as a celebration but it would have made this chapter about 10,000 words long so, it will be coming in the next two chapters. For now, our couple are feeling the nerves, let's hope they can control them.

Thank you to Calim for more great suggestions and an awesome beta! You are my rock :)

Chapter 135

Arm in arm Grissom and Sara walked through the garden, keeping to the paths that had been cleared of snow.

"The temperature has really dropped," Grissom commented, raising the lantern a little higher while trying to concentrate on where he was walking. Falling on ice right now wouldn't be the best plan.

"It has," Sara agreed, clinging a little tighter to him, watching as her icy breath floated before them. "It's much colder than it was last year."

"All winters are generally cold to me," he returned. "Keeping the horses warm and chopping lots of firewood used to be my main priority."

She gave him a glance before placing her head on his shoulder. "Is it strange not being in Alexandria, in your cabin?"

"A little," he admitted. "Although I know David and Michael are looking after things just fine."

"It's a shame they couldn't make the wedding," Sara continued as they headed through the main garden and towards the river.

"Yes, it is," he agreed. "But it's just not possible to leave the horses at this time of year. They would freeze to death if not cared for properly."

Sighing into him, she pulled him to a stop, turning him to face her. "I know."

A gentle breeze floated by them as they looked into each other's eyes and Grissom raised his hand to clasp Sara's right cheek. "You really are beautiful," he said so softly, so meaningfully, Sara felt her legs become a little wobbly. "Even in the darkness, your beauty is beyond any other…"

As a soft whimper passed through her parted lips, she fought the tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm happy for the darkness," she whispered. "It hides my blushing…"

He smiled, his glove rubbing over the tender skin on her face. "Hopefully, come tomorrow evening, you will no longer need to hide it."

Sara swallowed understanding exactly what he meant but that fear she'd held all this time still brewed inside. "What time is it?" she asked, avoiding his statement.

Lowering his hand, he took out his pocket watch and checked the time. "Almost seven," he answered.

"We should get back or mother will send out the hounds if we're not there for breakfast in time."

"It's just breakfast," he pointed out.

"Ummm…" She raised her hand to tap him on the nose, "…not quite. There is a little more to it than that. We get married in about six hours, Gil, so it won't be your regular dining experience I'm sure."

His eyes narrowed and she snickered, tugging on his arm. "Come on…"

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The couple passed back through the garden and towards the house. As soon as the building came into view, Grissom tugged Sara to a stop and she stared at him.

"What?" she questioned.

He pointed in front of him and Sara looked to the house to see a carriage and luggage being loaded upon it. Then, Fiona emerged from the front door, followed by Daniel and the captain. The two men seemed to be having an argument and their voices could just about be heard from where Grissom and Sara stood although they couldn't make out what was being said.

The captain threw his arms up into the air just before Daniel turned from his brother, took his wife's arm and pulled her towards the waiting transport.

"It looks like they're leaving," Grissom mumbled, stepping forward and taking Sara with him.

Low and behold, the carriage pulled away and the captain watched as it slowly worked its way down the driveway. He sighed heartily, not noticing as his daughter and future son-in-law appeared below him.

"Father?" Sara questioned, beginning up the steps.

Now the captain looked to them and his jaw worked from side to side. Then his eyes narrowed. "What are you two doing out here at this hour?"

"We couldn't sleep," Sara informed him. "So we decided to take a walk."

He sighed again, scratching the back of his head. "I see…"

"Did…" Sara looked over her shoulder, "…Uncle Daniel just leave?"

"Yes…" the captain replied quietly. "That he did."

Grissom's tongue poked over his bottom lip. "He left of his own accord didn't he?"

The captain gave a nod, thrusting his hands into his pockets. "He doesn't like being told what to do."

"And he doesn't like me," Grissom added.

Hesitating, the captain looked to his daughter then back to Grissom. "How sugar coated do you want it to be, Gil?"

"I don't want it to be sugar coated at all," Grissom growled then bit his tongue. "Sorry…it's not your fault and I apologize, Captain. If I have caused any distress within your family then…."

Captain Sidle shook his head. "No, Gil. I think this been a long time coming. It just saddens me he'd rather stay on his high horse than think of his niece's happiness. I am frustrated he has chosen to leave but quite frankly, I think it will be a much happier affair now even though it's tough to say that."

"Thank you, father," Sara said sincerely knowing she didn't have to worry anymore. "For supporting us. I know it must be difficult."

Giving a nod, the captain looked out over the estate and shuddered. "It's very bitter this morning. I'm astounded the two of you are walking about in such freezing temperatures."

Sara tightened her grip on Grissom's arm and led him up the steps, the captain following. "Walking keeps us warm," she replied.

"Hmmm…" the captain mewed, nodding to the house. "Well, as you are up, you may as well go and meet your mother. She's been up for a while and is making sure breakfast is as organized as she would like it to be."

"We'll do that," Sara agreed.

"I'll join you shortly, I just need a moment," the captain finished on, looking back out over the estate as the couple entered the house.

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"I never thought I'd come between your father and his brother," Grissom whispered as they walked through the hallway. "Even though Daniel is an ass, I feel guilty."

"Please don't," Sara replied, looking to him. "Father doesn't want that. If he did, he would have made a stronger point about my uncle leaving." She took his hand, giving it a squeeze and tugged him to a stop, facing him. "Today…we get married, Gil…" Her voice was soft, sincere, but full of nerves. "Let's forget about Uncle Daniel, those who have wronged us and all negativity. I just want happy thoughts right now, okay? Please?"

Without argument, he swallowed then nodded. "Okay."

She managed to smile, leaning close to give him a very quick kiss on the lips.

"Don't let your father catch you doing that," came a voice from behind and they turned to see Rose descending the stairs.

Grissom cleared his throat, feeling his cheeks blush as Rose approached them.

"It was just a quick kiss, Nana," Sara sighed.

Rose fought her grin. "Inappropriate actions need appropriate times."

Sara's eyes narrowed as she tried to work out whether her grandmother was being serious or if she was just teasing them. "We will be married in a few hours so anytime will be appropriate."

Now Rose smirked, holding up a finger. "Not quite, my dear. There is such a thing as social etiquette, married or not."

"I apologize," Grissom said, giving a mock bow.

"Nice try, Gil," Rose countered with narrowed eyes. "But you didn't instigate the kiss."

"Nana…" Sara moaned.

Rose burst out laughing, holding her stomach. "Oh, I do love teasing you. Both your faces…priceless…"

"That's not funny," Sara complained, thrusting her hands to her hips.

"But it lightened the mood, did it not?" Rose snickered.

Grissom and Sara looked at each other and Rose was right, it had.

Having another gentle laugh to herself, Rose took Grissom on one side of her and Sara on the other, leading them towards the dining room. "However, you still must learn to control your…urges. There is a time and place for every little gesture. Especially today…"

Sara glanced at her grandmother a little baffled that this kind of advice was coming from her. "Well…" Sara cleared her throat a little nervously, "…I'm sure my urges can be kept under control just fine."

Grissom's eyes flicked to his fiancé but Sara kept her attention facing front and he just knew she was avoiding looking at him.

"Glad to hear it," Rose finished as they reached the dining room.

Laura was inside, fussing over the servants and where they were placing the mass breakfast feast. She glanced at the clock before turning to the door to see the arrival of the guests of honor.

"Morning, mother," Sara said as she stepped towards them.

"You're both up early," she responded, looking at the clock again. "You still have at least an hour before most people will be down."

Giving a gentle nod, Sara walked further into the room, glancing at the rows of tables being stocked with food. "I know. We couldn't sleep so…" She turned back to her mother, "…do you need some help?"

"Oh, no," Laura replied. "Not today. Today is your day and you relax and enjoy it. I don't want either of you lifting a finger, do you hear?"

Grissom's right brow inclined as Sara moved back to join him. "She sounds serious…" he whispered.

"Believe me, she is," Rose said, joining her daughter with a smile. "The bride and groom will be catered to and pampered in totality. And you both do as you're told."

"Pampered?" Grissom coughed. "I'm not so sure if I want to go that far."

Laura gave him a smirk. "You know what we mean, Gil, now behave or I'll tell my mother how much you were pampered when you were bedridden. You got it?"

Shooting his hands up in defense Grissom swallowed. "Okay…okay…" he conceded. "You win."

Snickering, Laura turned back to the servants. "Go and wait in the lounge. I'll call you in a minute so you can look at the hall now that the flowers are almost done."

Casting Sara a bemused look, he let her take his hand as she laughed, tugging him from the room.

"Your mother can be quite a devil when she wants to be," he said as they crossed the hallway.

Sara smirked. "Have you only just realized that?" she questioned.

He smiled as they reached the lounge and entered the room.

"Let's go by the fire for a few minutes," she suggested. "I'm still a little chilly from earlier."

"Sure," he agreed and allowed himself to be led towards the orange glow in the center of the room.

They both took a chair and sat side by side catching the warmth from the fire, Sara keeping his hand tightly gripped in her own.

"I must remember to make sure the fire at the cabin gets lit later otherwise we'll be in for a very chilly evening," Grissom said glancing towards the door.

Taking an unseen and nervous breath, Sara looked to him and he caught her eyes as he turned back to face her. He squeezed her hand tighter, seeing her anxiety and wondered if that would ever go away…even after the day was long passed.

"It will be okay, Sara," he said softly. "I promise."

Swallowing, she gave a very uncertain nod. "Do you think father minds that we decided to stay at the cabin tonight?"

Grissom scratched the tip of his nose and gave a little shrug. "I think he'd prefer we stayed in a very expensive hotel or here but neither of us want that as we talked about. It's too cold to travel and there is enough expense going into the wedding as it is…" He stopped, his mind suddenly clicking into gear. "You are okay with it aren't you? I mean…for me it's all about us having some privacy and we can't get that in the house but I guess we…"

Swiftly, Sara placed a finger over his lips and silenced him. "You're rambling," she told him. "Shush…" Both his eyebrows soared as they attempted to read each other. "I'm fine with it, all right?" He bobbed his head and she smiled, removing her finger.

Looking back into the flames, Sara sighed. "I can't believe it's almost time," she said. "How…are you feeling?" she asked nervously, looking back to him.

Smacking his lips together, he found a smile. "Anxious but, ready. I'm sure we'll both feel a lot better once the ceremony is over."

"Yeah," she sighed again. "I can't wait to see the hall. It was beautiful before so I can't imagine how it will be now it's completely finished."

Laura stepped into the room and Grissom glanced in her direction. "Well…I think you're about to find out…"

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Hand in hand, the couple walked with Laura towards the great hall, Sara noting the doors were pinned open and workers were going in and out.

"The table settings for dinner are still being organized," Laura said. "But apart from that, the room is ready." She stopped just before the door and turned to her daughter. "I really hope you like the room."

Sara snorted. "Well…it's a little late if we don't."

Laura's eyes widened and Sara laughed, pulling away from Grissom to reach for her mother's hands. "I'm kidding."

"Don't tease me," Laura warned. "My heart can't take it."

Grissom grinned. A little payback for Laura's earlier teasing felt quite satisfying.

"Come on," Laura said, nodding towards the door. "Go take a look because I need to know if you want me to change anything."

Pursing her lips, Sara retook her fiancé's hand and they headed into the room, only making it a few steps inside before they came to a quick stop and Sara gasped.

"Oh my…" she whispered, holding her free hand to her heart.

The couple glanced around the seating area and alter in total awe. Pots of white and yellow pansies were strategically placed around the outside of the room. A line rose petals were strewn across the floor to stretch down the aisle where Sara would walk. Bunches of intact white and red roses lay everywhere and the chairs were entwined with ribbon and lace to form a perfect pathway through the center of the room.

"Mother I…."

"Do you like it?" Laura asked, nervously entwining her fingers at her front as Sara stumbled to offer her opinion.

"I'm speechless," Sara finally managed to offer. "I really am," she giggled.

"Then I'll take that as a positive," Laura laughed.

"Oh, Mother…" Sara raised her arms, pulling Laura into a loving embrace. "Everything looks amazing," she cried happily.

"I'm so glad," Laura sighed enjoying the hug.

"I gather the room is a success…"

Mother and daughter separated and all turned to see the captain.

Sara gave a bashful smile, taking Grissom's arm. "I love it, Father," she answered.

He gave a smile. "Good to hear. How about you, Gil? After all, it's your day as well."

"Everything is perfect," the rancher replied with an overwhelming tone of gratitude. "I don't know how to even express how…"

"You don't need to," the older man cut him short. "A day like today happens once in a lifetime so let's make most of it."

Sara heaved a contented breath. "I'll toast to that."

"A little early for a drink, don't you think?" Grissom jested earning himself a slap on the arm from his bride to be. "What?" he moaned.

Snickering, Sara took another look around the room, resting her head on his shoulder. "It's such a scary thought having all those people watching us. I knew I was nervous but now…"

"Just stay relaxed," he whispered. "Keep focused on me when you come in, okay? Just like we practiced. Watch your step but keep your eyes front. Avoiding eye contact with everyone will take the pressure off."

"I know," she sighed. "And I'll try."

Laura smiled, reaching for her husband's hand. "I guess we should, um…get to breakfast. We need to start getting you both dressed no later than 9am. Your hair will take a while, Sara…"

Grissom turned to face them. "It won't take me three hours to get dressed," he argued, reaching up to pat his hair. "And I don't think my hair is quite as delicate either."

Everyone laughed and Laura pouted. "Fine, Gil. You have a little more freedom in regard to time but it will take Sara longer. I just don't want to be rushing, okay?"

"We get the message, Mother," Sara cut in. "But she's right…" Looking right into her fiancés eyes she smiled. "It may take me a while…"

"All right, all right. I understand," he chuckled. "So, let's go to breakfast…"

"Yes," Sara agreed. "Let's…"

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The dining room was loud as guests enjoyed breakfast and chatted. Similar to the night before, several areas of the house became occupied by people feasting and enjoying themselves. It was still early but everyone seemed to be getting into the celebratory mood already.

Laura kept her eye on the clock knowing other people would soon be arriving for the ceremony, especially from town. She needed to whisk Sara away before that otherwise her daughter would struggle to break free from the incoming well-wishers. That would all have to wait until after their vows had been taken.

Grissom and Sara stood by the doorway both trying to keep a smile on their faces.

"You know, I fear I may lose my voice by the end of the day," Sara said once they were given a minute alone. "I've never done so much talking in my life."

Leaning back against the wall, Grissom smiled, leaning closer to her ear. "As long as it's after you say, 'I will,' then I'm sure we can deal with it."

Smirking, she glanced back across the room. "I can't believe how much food my parents have laid out. We could feed an army."

"Well…" Grissom rubbed his chin, "…it's usually tradition for this to be the main meal of the day although it should be after the wedding. We are breaking rules here by having our wedding later than normal." She faced him, a sparkle of curiosity in her eyes at his knowledge. "If we were being married in church then we would need to do so before mid-day."

"Hum…" she breathed feeling enlightened. "I wasn't aware of that."

He gave her a wink. "Well now you have learned something new."

Scoffing, she took his arm and leaned into him. "Well, I'm all for breaking the rules and I don't see anyone arguing. This way they get a huge breakfast and heaven knows how big the wedding dinner is going to be."

"Enormous no doubt and I'm sure everyone will be very happy that they get to put on a few pounds for nothing," he answered. "We're also breaking another rule you know…"

Now she looked at him with concern. "We are?"

He nodded. "Many believe that a couple should not see each other before their union. And, we kind of broke that during the early hours so…"

"And all morning long," she added.

"Well…" He drew a long breath, "I'm not superstitious. I believe a man makes his own choices. Luck has nothing to do with it."

Her lips pursed. "You believe that?"

"Oh, yes," he purred. "How else would I have found you?"

She blushed but luckily for her, they were interrupted.

"Sorry to break this up, you two…" Laura appeared to their left and they straightened themselves out. "But, Sara, we need to start getting you ready. Lots to do…"

Sara swallowed but nodded. "Yes, Mother." Quickly taking both of Grissom's hands she squeezed them tightly. "See you in a few hours…"

He gave a single nod. "See you soon…"

Laura squeezed Grissom's arm as Sara stepped from the room and leaned close to him. "I'll look after her. Just keep battling your nerves, Gil, and I'll make sure Sara fights hers…"

*** - "I know -how can I fail to know. I who have seen you together from day to day, that between you and there is an affection so unusual, so touching, so belonging to the circumstances in which it has been nurtured, that it can have few parallels, even in the tenderness between a father and child. I know- how can I fail to know- that, mingled with the affection and duty of a daughter who has become a woman, there is, in her heart, towards you, all the love and reliance of infancy itself. She is now devoted to you."

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

A/N: Oooohhh...nearly there. Will everything go smoothly? We will see...