A/N: Hello, hello! Here we are again with another chapter. First I would like to thank everyone very much for your amazing reviews and thoughts. It makes me so happy that recent chapters have hit your emotions and I hope this one is no different. You may require a tissue and I'll be proud if you do. Please keep all your thoughts coming because that one minute you take to send me a review makes me feel so good and it spurs the writing. Hopefully, by the end of today I may be well ahead on chapters so I'm hoping to post a little faster than usual. Would you like that?

So, the wedding continues and it seems Grissom can't control his teasing. I can't say I blame the poor chap. He must be desperate for some 'personal' contact' with his bride. And it's speech time. How will the bride and groom take the captain's words? What will he say? We shall see…let's hope Evil Hat keeps his ugly head away…

A huge bow as always to my fantastic beta Calim. I'm throwing chapters at her left right and center on two stories and she continues to amaze me with her input. It's so damn good and makes this story so much more special. I truly class you as my friend and it's a pleasure to know you xxx

Here we go… :)

Chapter 139

Grissom pushed a piece of ham around his plate, every so often looking up and taking in the room. Everyone was happily stuffing their faces after helping themselves to the gargantuan buffet laid out by the Grove's staff, their voices filling the air with noise.

"Don't play with your food," Sara ordered, popping a chocolate covered strawberry into her mouth.

He glanced at her just as she bit down on the fruit and was mesmerized. Unable to take his eyes from her lips, he couldn't help but notice a tiny trickle of juice slip down her chin.

Quickly, Sara picked up her napkin, wiped her mouth and giggled at him, waving the napkin in front of his eyes. "Are you still with me?" she asked after swallowing.

He blinked, the corner of his mouth forming a smirk. "Oh, I'm definitely still with you," he replied quietly.

"Then eat and stop playing."

Sighing, he looked back to his plate. "What you chose is so much more…appetizing than my choice."

She smirked at him, her brow rising as she held out the half eaten strawberry. "Would you like to share?"

Grissom's eyes sparkled and he had a quick glance around before he leaned close and took the strawberry into his mouth. An offering like that…how could he resist?

"Juicy," he whispered.

Sara gave him a sultry look before picking up another strawberry. "Yes, well, if you want more then you will have to get your own. These are mine."

His right eyebrow went skyward. "Aren't you supposed to be at my beck and call now?" Swiftly, her eyes shot back to him as he repeated the vows. "Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep…"

Sara slapped him on the arm and her mother and father, sitting a few seats down, looked at them a little concerned not knowing they were only playing around. "Don't you dare even think about starting that with me, Mr. Grissom…"

His jaw worked to the left and he grinned holding up a hand to his parents-in-law. "We're fine," he insisted. "Just fighting over a strawberry…"

Laura laughed, turning back to continue her conversation with her husband.

"Fine…" he sighed, "…I will get my own fruit…" He moved to stand but Sara grabbed his arm.

"Sit back down," she requested. "You don't need to go anywhere." Waving a hand in the air, one of the servants standing by their table approached.

"Yes, Ma'am?" he asked and Sara blinked. It was the first time she'd been called Ma'am and it felt a little weird.

"Um…" She pointed to her bowl. "Could you bring us more strawberries, please?"

The man gave a bow. "Right away, Ma'am," he replied and was away to complete the request.

Grissom watched him scurry across the hall before returning his attention to his wife. "You know…strawberries are even more amazing if you mix them with champagne."

"Are they?" Sara questioned. "I can't say I've ever tried that."

Nodding, he waved to the servant carrying champagne around the room, taking two glasses from him when he reached the table.

"Try…" he suggested, handing Sara a glass of fizzing liquor.

She smiled. "All right…"

"Take a bite of the strawberry and then sip the champagne," Grissom guided. "It will bring out all the flavor."

Doing as directed, Sara took a bite and then sipped from her glass and almost immediately, her eyes gleamed. "Hmmmm…" she mewed, giving him a look of immense satisfaction. "That is so good."

"Isn't it?" he replied with a smile just enjoying her delight.

"All right…" she sighed, holding out the rest of the fruit. "As you are so wonderful and share your knowledge with me, I will share with you…"

He opened his mouth and let her pop the strawberry in, taking his own sip of champagne before he chewed. She grinned at him and he licked his lips. "Thanks," he said softly.

"Well…I think everyone is enjoying the fare," Rose said from the far end of the table.

Heads nodded then Grissom gave a bright smile. "I certainly am," he said.

Rose smiled back. "Yes…I can see that…"

Sara blushed knowing their actions were a little risqué. Then she decided what the hell. It wasn't every day she got married.

Grissom leaned into her, placing his lips next to her ear, his right hand sliding under the table to gently clasp her knee. "I should make sure we have strawberries at the cabin," he whispered. "I can think of several places I'd like to try and eat them off…"

Wide-eyed, she gawped at him and felt a severe tingling begin in her belly. Clearing her throat, she placed her hand discreetly over his and suddenly felt rather hot. He picked up her champagne glass and held it out.

"Have a drink," he urged. "It will help your nerves."

Not even arguing, she snatched the glass from him and downed the contents in one gulp then wished she hadn't for she hiccupped right after.

"If you keep…" Hiccup, "…saying things like…" Hiccup, "…that, I will never get through this day…" Hiccup… "Damn it…" she cursed. "Now look what you've done. I can't stop…"

Fighting his smile, he released her knee and handed her a glass of water. "Sorry…"

"No you're…" Hiccup, "…not," she growled, taking the water from him.

Giving her a moment, Grissom looked out over the room, his eyes springing to each and every table he could catch in his sights. Everyone seemed happy which was good, it made him more relaxed. There was still heaps of food left but it looked like most people had already had their fill. Then he spotted Rana approaching, her eyes falling on Sara as she stopped in front of the table.

"Now that your guests have eaten, Ma'am, it's time for you to cut the cake," she said. "If you're ready?"

Holding a hand to her chest, Sara took a breath and held up a finger, confusing the housekeeper.

"She has the hiccups," Grissom informed Rana.

"Oh…" the older woman said.

"I think it's stop…" Hiccup, "…grrrr…." She growled. "I stand…" Hiccup, "…corrected."

"Take a spoonful of sugar, Ma'am," Rana suggested. "That will stop them."

Sara frowned. "Are you…" Hiccup, "…sure?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

Stepping back, Rana headed toward the servant with a tea tray, took the sugar bowl and a spoon and returned to the table. Grissom took it from her then filled the spoon and held it out to his wife.

"It's worth a shot," he said.

Sighing, Sara took the spoon and slipped it into her mouth, closing her eyes at the excessive sweetness before swallowing it down.

"Even if it doesn't work you'll have lots of energy," Grissom joked as she scowled back. He just grinned.

"I'll get you back for this," she warned and then smiled realizing it had worked. "I'm talking and no hiccups…"

"Yes, Ma'am," Rana said proudly. "The sweetness shocks your system you see and it stops the ailment."

"You truly are amazing," Sara praised the housekeeper and Rana gave a bright but bashful smile. "Thank you, Ma'am. Are you ready to cut your cake now?"

Seeing her nod, Grissom stood, taking hold of her arm with one hand and pulling her chair back with the other as she got to her feet.

The entire room watched as everyone from the head table followed the bride and groom down from the small stage area and towards the cake.

"It really is remarkable," Sara sighed happily once they reached the edible wonder. Wrapping his arm around her waist, Grissom gave a nod.

"I completely agree."

"It feels like a shame to cut it," Sara continued. "All that work…"

Laura laughed, placing a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "You can't keep it, Sara. Cakes like this are made to be looked at for a short time and then eaten. This is to celebrate your marriage. It's not your first born…"

Sara looked up to her man and he gave her nothing but a smile. "Your mother is right. It's very pretty but we have a lot of people wanting to taste all its glory."

Rana took the knife from the table and held it out to the bride. "Just a simple slice, Ma'am," she guided. "Then I'll take care of the rest."

"Okay…" Sara took the knife. "I can handle that."

Everyone watched as Sara slipped the knife into the center of the cake and pressed down, making a perfectly straight slice. Then, she looked over her shoulder. "Is that it?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Rana answered, reaching to take a grip on the knife still inside the cake. "We will organize the cutting and distribute it for you."

"Hmmm…" Sara turned back to her husband, placing her hands upon his chest. "That was fun."

Leaning closer, he gave her a quick kiss. "I could watch you all day, no matter what you are doing."

Taking his hand, she smiled. "Let's go back to our table shall we? Then we can eat our cake."

"I can't think of anything better than sitting and watching you eat cake."

Snickering, she tugged on his hand and they returned to their table, the family following.

"Your strawberries have arrived," Sara informed him as she sat, noting the bowl of newly delivered fruit.

"Well…" he began, stretching before sitting beside her, "…as we have cake on its way, I think I'll just save them for later…"

Her eyes shot to him, remembering his previous teasing and they just stared at each other.

"Ma'am…"

Rana's voice broke their moment and Sara looked up to see the housekeeper holding out a plate with a slice of cake upon it.

"The bride always takes the first piece, Ma'am," Rana said.

"Oh…okay…" Sara took the plate, picking up the small fork sitting beside it and sliced through. "Hmmmm…" she mewed happily after popping the cake into her mouth. "This is excellent."

Grissom nodded to Rana. "I think that means we are good to distribute…" Giving a smile, Rana backed away to return to cake duty.

"Here…try…" Sara said, scooping more cake onto the fork and holding it out to him, placing her free hand underneath just in case some should decide to crumble from the cutlery.

Opening his mouth, Grissom leaned close and took the offering, his eyes capturing hers once more. "You know…" he began as he pulled back chewing, "…if you keep feeding me like this, I'm never going to want you to stop."

Snorting, she looked away to put more cake upon her fork. "Do you like it?"

"It's delicious," he replied, dabbing his mouth with his napkin. "I can only think of one thing sweeter…"

"And what's that?" she questioned, without really thinking.

Suddenly, she paused, the meaning in those words finally registering. Slowly her eyes moved back to his. He wiggled his eyebrows and she shook her head.

"Gil, you have to stop saying things like that," she whispered.

"Why?"

"Because…" She swallowed, placing her fork down, "…I'm nervous enough about…later…and…you're not helping…"

He pouted. "Sorry," he apologized. "I just…can't help myself."

"Well try," she requested. "Otherwise I'll end up being a quivering mass of jelly before we even leave the house."

"Fine," he sighed as all the guests were served cake after a plate was placed in front of him. "I'll try…"

Then, the clanking of something caught everyone's attention and Grissom saw the captain standing, tapping a knife against his wine glass in order to be heard.

"If I could have everybody's attention…" he called out, not too loud but loud enough so his voice carried around the hall.

The whole room hushed, all eyes looking towards the main table and Grissom suddenly found himself feeling extremely uncomfortable.

It was time for the toast.

"If you please…" the captain continued, "…I would just like to say a few words…"

Sara smiled, reaching to clasp Grissom's hand as the room became silent.

"Today…," the captain began then cleared his throat, "…is one of the happiest days of my life." He looked around the room. "Today…I gave my daughter away but I tell no tale by saying I am the proudest man alive at this very moment…" His attention turned to the bride and groom and Sara felt herself becoming a little tearful. "Sara…my dear…you look absolutely stunning."

Gripping Grissom's hand a little tighter, Sara leaned into him and brushed a tear away.

"Here…here!" an agreeing voice came from the guests and a small collaboration of chuckles erupted through the hall. Grissom grinned knowing it was Taylor who had shouted.

The captain laughed and continued. "I am aware that this is where I am supposed to say a few things about my daughter, reveal a few embarrasing secrets perhaps about when Sara was a child, but considering the amount Sara knows about me, she probably knows more gossip than I do so, I fear I have to call a truce." More laughs sounded out but yet again, another holler came.

"Oh come, Captain! Surely there is something that we don't know..."

Smirking, the captain ignored the comment. "Laura and I are both very proud of Sara today, how she has contended with this world at such a young age and how she has grown up. We are both delighted that she has found someone who she obviously loves and cares so very, very much for."

Grissom smiled, turning to his wife, reaching a hand to her face to wipe away yet another tear. "Are you all right?" he whispered. She nodded quickly, taking a napkin from him to wipe her face.

The captain took a sip of water before carrying on. "There are two things which we as parents try to give our children - one is roots and the other is wings. Sara, you have now grown your wings and fled the nest..." His eyes worked in a circle, "...well, kind of..."

Grissom snickered. "He knows your not moving out, right?" Sara play slapped him.

"Shush..."

"But, you are so loved, you always will be and your roots..." He gave a bright smile. "...I know how proud you are of this family and your name and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my daughter."

Laura, her eyes now full of tears, looked up at her husband. She'd never been more honored to be his wife.

"What about the groom?" someone called out and Grissom's eyes went wide.

Sara leaned into him, placing her lips by his ear. "Your turn," she whispered and he shuffled uncomfortably, reaching for his cravat.

"No…no…" Sara grabbed his hand, pulling it back down. "Do not play with that."

Glancing toward the captain, Grissom saw him smirk just before taking another sip of water. What was he in for?

"In Gil…," the captain began, focusing upon the groom, "…I truly feel that Sara has found her soul mate and her protector. "I have known you since you were a mere child, Gil, and you've grown up to be a fine man with splendid moral ethics and a heart that, by far, I don't believe anyone could ever match. If I'd have known all those years ago when I took you into my home that you would end up marrying my daughter, would I have changed anything?"

Grissom swallowed hard as the man of the house looked around the room once again before coming back to refocus on him.

"I would not and I couldn't ask for a better son," the captain said firmly. "Laura and I have been married almost 30 years. As with all marriages we've had our ups and downs and so will you. But I know you understand marriage is a sacred bond that can never be broken. I know you will be true to my daughter just like she will be to you, and may you forever share the happiness that you both truly, truly deserve." Picking up his champagne glass, he held it high in the air. "It is now my honor to propose a toast to the happy couple. Please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the bride and groom. To Mr. and Mrs. Grissom."

All the guests stood and held their glasses high.

"To Mr. and Mrs. Grissom!"

The toast was made and as everyone retook their seats, Sara couldn't help the tears that were now spilling down her cheeks.

"Hey…" Grissom said softly and a little hoarsely, feeling the emotion of the moment as much as she was. He took the napkin and tenderly wiped her tears away.

"I'm sorry," she sniffed. "I can't help it. That was just so…so…"

"I know," he agreed. "It's okay to cry."

"But I didn't want to damn it," she grumbled. "Everyone will be watching."

He took her hand, squeezing it hard. "Well, let them watch. You're crying out of love, Sara, and not a single person in this room will hold that against you."

"Is everything okay?"

Both bride and groom looked to the right to see the captain standing there. Sara nodded, quickly blowing her nose.

"Your speech just got her a little emotional," Grissom admitted.

Without saying anything, Sara got up and, to her father's surprise, flung her arms over his shoulders and pulled him into a hug.

"You made me cry," she moaned but happily as he held her a little tighter. Laura watched the moment behind them with a huge smile on her face.

Managing to pull back, the captain laughed. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "I was only telling the truth and it all came from my heart."

"I know," Sara said, composing herself and taking a step back. "That's the point. You could have warned me."

He smiled. "Then it wouldn't have been as emotional, would it?"

"I guess not," she sighed. "It was an amazing speech. Thank you, Father."

Kissing her gently on the cheek, the captain rubbed her shoulder. "My pleasure." He glanced around the room again, spotting the photographer waiting by the main doors.

"Are you feeling up to doing your photographs now?" he asked then looked to Grissom. "I'm sure the photographer would want to leave before darkness falls and it may take a while."

Waving a hand in front of her flushed face, Sara took a breath. She knew for a fact her eyes would be puffy because of the crying. "If you give me about ten minutes to just calm down a little then I should be ready." She turned to Grissom. "Is that okay?"

He offered her nothing but a tender smile. "That's fine with me. Whatever you want, you shall have…"

*** - "Only his daughter had the power of charming this black brooding from his mind. She was the golden thread that united him to a Past beyond his misery, and to a Present beyond his misery: and the sound of her voice, the light of her face, the touch of her hand, had a strong beneficial influence with him almost always. Not absolutely always, for she could recall some occasions on which her power had failed; but they were few and slight, and she believed them over."

*** - Quote taken from A Tale of two cities by Charles Dickens.

A/N: Awwwww, I think I have invented sqweeeee Hat. It was actually odd because when I wrote this, I had a tear in my eye. Weird huh? Still more to come on the wedding, can the day continue to be so nice or is someone or something hiding in the shadows to spoil it? Let me know what you think please :) And, havea great day!