A/N: Oh…oh…ohhhh! It's vows time! Is anyone going to spoil it? Would I really do that? Well…maybe, lol. Do you have tissues ready? Are they really about to tie the knot after all this time? Let's see :)

Please keep your amazing reviews coming, they mean so much to me and as we enter the final furlong of this story (it's not finished quite yet but we're in the final quarter) your continued support means the world. And thank you so much as always to Calim. I'll keep saying it – You rock! Your help is forever appreciated.

Chapter 138

The seconds ticked by after Reverend Mathews asked his question and Grissom fought hard not to close his eyes. Considering their heavy toil through life of late he expected someone to pipe up and ruin the moment.

Thankfully, apart from a few coughs and several people taking a look around half anticipating something, not a sound came from those behind. The couple looked to each other, relief very evident upon both their faces as Mathews continued.

Turning his attention to the couple, he spoke only to them."I require and charge you both, that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that if any persons are joined together otherwise than as God's Word doth allow, their marriage is not lawful." (1)

Grissom and Sara managed to give each other a grin but remained silent, both looking back to the Reverend who gave them a nod of understanding before totally focusing on the groom.

"Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?" (1)

Glancing back to his betrothed, Grissom gave a soft sigh. "I will," he replied tenderly.

The fire and total devotion that suddenly became evident in Grissom's eyes made Sara blush and the feeling that only he could make happen in her belly began. She took a silent breath, willing the lingering nerves deep inside to calm.

Matthew's turned to her and she looked to him. "Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?" (1)

Sara looked right into Grissom's still burning eyes, her hand gliding down his arm. "I will," she answered, so honestly, so devotedly, Grissom just felt like sweeping her off her feet right there and then.

"Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?"

The rancher managed to control his urge and turned to his left as the captain stepped up, giving a small bow. "I do," he said with pride, looking to the bride and groom in turn then back to Mathews. Sara smiled at her father as the man of God gave a nod of acceptance.

"Gilbert…please take Sara's right hand and repeat after me…"

Grissom swiftly did so, taking Sara's right hand into his. His thumb gently rubbed over her tender skin causing her to swallow as goose bumps formed up her arms.

"I, Gilbert, take thee, Sara, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth..." (1)

Keeping eye contact with his bride, Grissom clearly repeated the words, ending with a smile as he released her hand. Sara smiled back, not shifting her attention from him for a single second.

"Sara..." Mathews continued, "...please take Gilbert's right hand with your own and repeat after me..." She took his hand, just like he had done to her. "I, Sara, take thee, Gilbert, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth." (1)

Someone in the seats cleared their throat rather loudly and Sara made the mistake of looking out to the guests. There were so many eyes upon them, so many mixed expressions and she felt a sudden wave of panic hit her, her mind becoming a total blank.

The silence seemed to last forever until Grissom spoke. "Honey..."

Hearing his soft voice, her eyes sprang back to her fiancés and she swallowed yet another lump down her throat. She suddenly felt so hot and her lips trembled.

"Take a breath…" Grissom whispered, his thumb once again gliding over the skin of her hand. "That's it," he encouraged when she did as he asked. "A few, slow deep breaths and calm yourself down. We're in no hurry…"

Swiftly nodding, Sara took a moment to try and gather her bearings.

"Do you need me to repeat the words?" Mathews asked.

After one more deep breath, Sara shook her head. "No…" she said quietly. "I can do it."

"Take your time," Grissom urged and Sara managed a weak smile, looking back into his eyes.

"I, Sara…" she began, "…take thee, Gilbert, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth." (1)

Grissom's lips found a smile again and he did feel her relax a little as their hands parted.

Mathew's glanced in Brass' direction. "Who delivers the ring?"

"I do," the sheriff answered, stepping up. He gave Sara a smile as Mathews held out his book and Brass placed the ring upon it before stepping back.

Turning to Grissom, he held out the book. "Gil, please take the ring and then retake Sara's right hand. Placing the ring upon her fourth finger, repeat after me…"

Taking the ring, Grissom looked at it for a few moments then a sudden burst of gasps sounded through the hall as the ring slipped through his fingers and clattered to the floor, spinning in a circle before coming to a rest by the groom's feet. Sara didn't know what to think but she presumed he was just nervous. But, as he seemed rather casual when he bent to retrieve the ring, she knew there was more to it.

Laura leaned into her husband, placing her lips next to his ear. "He knows superstition all right," she said. "Dropping the ring shakes off evil spirits." The captain frowned, giving his wife a negative look. "Oh, don't look at me like that," she warned. "Just because you don't believe doesn't mean he doesn't…"

Straightening himself out, Grissom took Sara's hand again and waited for the Reverend to continue. Grinning, Mathew's spoke the words and Grissom repeated them, slipping the ring onto Sara's finger.

"With this Ring I thee wed..." Grissom's voice was hoarse now and so full of emotion that Laura dropped her head to her husband's shoulder and fought back the threatening tears, "...and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." (1)

Sara gasped, getting her first look at his symbol of their unity. It was a simple golden band but beautiful nonetheless. It fit her finger perfectly and it still amazed her how he always managed to get things so precise. Grissom released her hand giving her a look that held nothing but love and affection.

*** He had loved her from the hour of his danger. He had never heard a sound so sweet and dear as the sound of her compassionate voice; he had never seen a face so tenderly beautiful, as hers when it was confronted with his own… ***

Mathew's looked out to the crowd. "Let us pray…" Everyone in the room bowed their heads and closed their eyes, Grissom and Sara included.

"Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen." (1)

"Amen…" resounded from the hall.

"O eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life; send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." (1)

"Amen…"

When their eyes opened, Mathews took their right hands and joined them together then looked at each of them in turn.

"Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder." Now he looked out to the guests and addressed all that watched on. "Forasmuch as Gilbert and Sara have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands; I pronounce that they are Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." (1)

Licking his bottom lip, Grissom gave the brightest smile he had ever offered and Sara returned the same. But, just as he was about to reach for his wife, Mathews continued and the rancher paused having forgotten the final blessing.

"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen." (1)

Hesitating, Grissom looked back to Mathews, brows raised. Laughing, the Reverend waved a gentle hand through the air.

"Congratulations," he said with a nod. "You..."

Before he could even finish, Grissom raised his arms and pulled Sara close to him. A stunned echo resounded around the hall as the rancher placed one hell of a kiss upon her lips as she giggled into his mouth.

The captain raised an eyebrow and Laura held a hand to her mouth, a little shocked at the display. But then she smiled. It wasn't against the rules to kiss after your vows but not many dared to brave the whispers and pointing fingers of such an action. But, as with the other superstitions surrounding the ceremony, sharing a kiss symbolized the exchange of souls between a bride and groom, fulfilling the scripture that the two shall become one flesh. Contentment filled her at her new son-in-law's bravery.

"Hmmmmm…." Sara mewed into his mouth before he slowly receded. Licking her lips, she glanced down at his cravat, skimming her hands over his jacket to smooth up over his shoulders. "You are going to get us in trouble," she said, looking into his eyes.

His bottom lip pouted, his eyes scanning every contour of her face. "You are so beautiful…and…you're mine now," he whispered. "I can kiss you wherever I please…"

Sara's brow rose and the heat in her belly intensified at his words although she did snicker. "Confident, aren't we?"

He waggled his eyebrows. "I try my best."

Seemingly lost in the moment, Rose decided to move things along and pushed herself from her seat and started clapping.

Wiping away a happy tear, Laura looked to her mother-in-law and joined in. Then, the captain followed and so did everyone else and Grissom and Sara looked out to their guests as the entire hall stood and erupted in applause.

Grissom smirked as Sara looped her arm through his. "I think it went well then, Mrs. Grissom…"

Laughing, Sara tugged on his arm and they stepped from the altar. "I'd say so, Mr. Grissom although don't get ahead of yourself. We still have a long way to go before this day is over…"

"Too bad," he retorted as they started down the aisle.

Considered bad taste to acknowledge anyone right then, they kept their focus dead ahead, Laura and the captain following close behind with Rose and other immediate family members bringing up the rear.

"Off to the right when we reach the bottom, Gil," Sara guided. "We need to sign our name in the register before we take our seats for toasting and lunch."

Grissom held a hand to his stomach. "Food already? I'm still trying to let breakfast go down…"

Laughing as they turned to the right, Sara softly pinched him with her free hand. "You didn't even eat breakfast."

A grin found his lips. "You got me," he sighed.

"Yes, I do," she confirmed as they headed towards the dining area.

"Do…you like your ring?" he braved to ask.

Raising her hand, Sara looked over the band. "It's prefect."

"There's…" He held a finger to his lips before pointing to the ring, "…a little inscription underneath but you can look at it later…"

She pouted, slowly looking to him. "I look forward to it," she answered slyly.

Arriving at the gift table, Sara immediately stopped upon seeing the wedding cake, her eyes wide and amazed. "Oh…my…." she gasped glancing over the three tier fruit cake covered in white frosting. It was the first time she'd seen the cake and impressed would be an understatement. "It's so beautiful…"

"You can thank Roberta when you see her," Grissom sighed.

Smiling brightly, Sara turned to him but had no time to say much for her mother was quickly upon them, grabbing her hands. "Congratulations," she shrieked, bouncing Sara's arms up and down. "You both did so well…"

Laughing, Sara caught her father's eye and gave him a bashful smile as he stepped up to them. She wasn't exactly sure how he would react to Grissom's public kissing but, ultimately, by the look of pride he held on his face, she knew he wasn't upset.

"Congratulations," he said softly, leaning in to kiss his daughter's cheek. "You've made me very proud."

"Thank you, father," Sara replied shyly, watching as he held his hand out to Grissom and her husband quickly took the gesture, both men sharing a firm handshake.

"Just be careful how much you share in public, Gil, huh?" the captain preached, squeezing the rancher's hand just a little tighter.

Grissom held his breath at the death shake and got the message. "Yes, sir," he gasped, relieved when the captain released his hand.

"Come on, Gil…" Sara giggled, re-taking his arm as Mathew's appeared in front of them, waiting for them to sign the register.

Laura watched as the couple signed the book, therefore making their marriage legal and official. She took a quick look behind her and noticed Nicolas and Gregory guiding people to tables.

"Did you tell them to do that?" she asked her husband.

The captain shook his head. "No, but they seem to be doing a good job."

"The boys aren't stupid," Rose said, appearing from behind with Brass by her side. "They just…" Now she laughed, "…act like it a lot of the time. But when it matters, they get it together."

"They sure do," Laura sighed with pride, turning back to the bride and groom as they headed back towards them with Mathew's. "Are we all official now?" she asked and was met with three smiling faces.

"We are indeed," Matthew's answered and Grissom extended his hand to the Reverend.

"Thank you so much for your time and help," the rancher said sincerely.

"My pleasure," he replied with a smile. "Many congratulations to you both and may God be with you."

"Are you going to join us for the rest of the afternoon?" Laura asked. "We do have a place set for you."

He gave a nod of thanks. "That would be nice, thank you."

Now Rose pushed herself through the group with her arms extended and before Sara could even get a word in, she'd been pulled into an almighty hug. "Well done, my dear," Rose praised, holding her tightly. "I'm so proud of you." Sara laughed again and Rose pulled back, going for Grissom but instead of hugging him she took both cheeks in her hands and it startled him. "And I'm very proud of you…" she said, squashing his face and Sara snickered, thinking he looked like a lost child.

"Thank you…" Grissom managed to mumble before she released him and kissed him firmly on the cheek.

"I think we better get to it," Laura said, watching as the servants began going around the tables, offering drinks as guests sat. "I can see people are just waiting to pass on their congratulations and the food will start arriving soon as well as the photographer…"

The couple looked out over the dining area and almost every set of eyes were looking their way.

"I guess we should," Sara agreed looking to her man. "The quicker we do, the quicker we can…" She cleared her throat. "You know…"

"Part company?"

"Something like that," she whispered.

Taking her hand firmly in his, he nodded towards the head table. "Your table awaits…"

Watching as his daughter and son-in-law stepped towards their table, the captain turned away for a second and took a moment to take in reality.

"Thomas, are you all right?" Laura asked him. Brushing a hand over his chin, he nodded.

Shifting around him, she looked him in the eye to see he was a little teary. "Oh…Thomas…" she whispered but smiled.

He lowered his head, quickly brushing a tear from his eye before clearing his throat. "I'm fine," he said quietly.

Taking his arm, she pulled him close. "No. You're proud and you're emotional. It's okay to show it you know."

Raising his head, he gave a sniff. "She isn't my little girl anymore."

Laughing, Laura pulled him gently towards the table. "Thomas…she hasn't been a little girl for a long…long time…but, she will always be yours…"

*** - "I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendants, generations hence. I see her, an old woman, weeping for me on the anniversary of this day. I see her and her husband, their course done, lying side by side in their last earthly bed, and I know that each was not more honoured and held sacred in the other's soul, than I was in the souls of both.***

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

(1) – From Anglican Book of Common Prayer (some slight adaptation)

A/N: So, did we have a little sqweee? Happy I kept evil hat away? The day is still young you know, he could still make an appearance. Hehehee. Please let me know your thoughts. More to come... :)