A/N: Hey guys. Here we go with another chapter. I'm getting a little worried about Evil Hat. Has anyone seem him? Lol. Hopefully he'll stay away. Time for the wedding to continue and some special moments to happen before we draw closer to the wedding night. Are we looking forward to that? Hehehehe.

Thank you so much for all your reviews, each and every one I get makes my day so please keep them coming. As always, my gracious thanks to calim for another super duper beta.

Off we go….

Chapter 140

Standing with her husband, Sara quickly composed herself taking in the spectacle of her father gathering all the main family members together near the alter and her mother sternly making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be.

"Aunt Laura, you know I'm not good at standing still…," Gregory moaned. She slapped his hand away from his cravat and straightened it.

"You will, young man," she ordered. "This happens once in a lifetime so stop fiddling and compose yourself."

"She gets really bossy with this kind of thing," Sara whispered to Grissom bringing a smile to both their faces.

Spotting the bride and groom, the captain approached. "Are you ready?"

Sara gave a nod. "Yes, Father."

"Come...," he urged, "…I'll introduce you to the photographer."

The couple followed the captain towards two men fiddling with the camera box - one was hidden under a black sheet while the second seemed to be popping a lens into the front.

"Gentlemen…" the captain said in an attempt to gain there attention.

The elder of the two quickly pulled his head out from under the cloth to face his current employer. "Yes, sir?" he asked immediately.

"I'd like to introduce my daughter, Sara, and her husband, Gil," the captain said. "Sara…Gil, this is Bill Collins and his son Joseph. Bill has been the family photographer for many years although you probably won't recall him."

Bill held out his hand and Sara offered hers. "A pleasure," he said respectfully, kissing the back it. "And many congratulations. I was very excited when the captain asked me to capture this special day for you."

"Nice to meet you," she answered as Bill shook Grissom's hand.

"Congratulations to you, Gil. It's a true honor to be able to do this for you and of course, should you ever need my services again, I would be more than happy to oblige. The Sidles are always top of my list for service."

Grissom gave a bashful smile. "Thank you."

"How long will this take?" Sara then asked curiously.

"Anything from ten minutes to half an hour per shot once people are in position. As long as we all stay nice and still, fingers crossed, we won't have any problems."

Sara blew out a breath. "That's long," she mumbled, looking to her father. "How many pictures are we intending to take?"

He scratched the side of his nose. "Well…I think we need to do at least four. One of the whole family, one of me and your mother with the two of you, one of you and Gil and I would also like a shot of Laura and I together.

"That sounds okay," Grissom said stepping forward to take a closer look at the camera. "This is a nice piece of equipment," he praised.

"Thank you," Bill replied with a smile. "It's a bellows camera, brand new and the most advanced piece I've ever had."

Grissom nodded. He understood photography a little but this was by far the most technical camera he'd ever seen. "How does it work?"

"Gil…" Sara griped, taking his arm, "…people are waiting." He glanced to her, giving her puppy dog eyes.

"I'm interested."

"I realize that," she replied. "But how about we do the photographs first and then you can discuss mechanics afterwards? Before people start falling over…"

He snorted, taking a look at the family who, for the most part, were looking happy. However, the children did seem a little bored and Gregory was still being told off by his Aunt.

"All right," he laughed, taking her arm and leading her towards the group. The captain followed and Bill stood before them all holding out his hands.

"I think we are ready, ladies and gentlemen," he announced. "If I could please have the bride and groom in the center. Captain Sidle, if you please stand to the left of Sara and Mrs. Sidle, to the groom's right…"

Sara glanced to the children and smiled. It was going to be one hell of task trying to keep them still and she knew Amelia had her work cut out for her.

"That looks…perfect…," Bill announced with a smile.

Taking a few steps back after puffing out the bottom of Sara's dress he nodded to Joseph who quickly prepared the glass plate then hurried to the back of the camera to check the positioning and focus. "Sheriff, could you move a little to your right please…" he asked, zooming in a tiny bit until he found the exact focus he required.

Brass did as asked and shuffled closer to Rose who gave him a smile.

"Gil, if you would like to take Sara's hands please and then everyone look right at the camera and keep as still as possible until I tell you otherwise. This can take anywhere up to half an hour so I implore for your patience…"

Joseph slipped the glass plate into the back of the camera and now all they could do, was wait…

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Two hours later they were on the last photograph and Sara was glad. She had never stood so still for so long in her life. And considering the occasion, it wasn't easy. Now, the final picture of herself with Grissom was in its final minutes of developing or so she hoped.

"That's it," Bill announced, checking the camera. "All done…" He looked to the couple. You can move at your pleasure."

Letting out a huge sigh of relief, Sara looked to her husband. "That was tough."

He smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "But it will be worth it," he answered. "Our day will be captured forever."

She giggled, leaning into his shoulder. "It's already captured in my heart but the pictures will be a nice addition."

Giving her a sweet grin, he led her back into the hall where her parents, family and the workers were keeping the guests happy. Although it seemed they didn't need to be kept happy. With the alcohol and food still flowing, the atmosphere was vibrant and buzzing.

Laura, standing with most of the family, spotted them coming. "Ahhh … there they are," she said. "Are we feeling all right?" she asked, approaching them with her husband.

"I'm happy not to be standing still anymore," Sara replied. "But, yes, we are great."

The music in the background suddenly got louder and the entire string quartet began playing.

"I think it's about time for your first dance," Laura informed the couple. "Then the party will really begin…"

"And then we can slip away," Grissom whispered in Sara's ear and her eyes suddenly shot to him. He grinned.

Amelia suddenly popped her head in holding out Sara's bouquet. "Would you like to toss your bouquet first, Sara?" she asked. "I think a lot of ladies are waiting…"

Looking around Sara noticed a number of eyes upon her, mostly female, and she gave a snicker. "Are they all that desperate to get married?" she jested. "Even Catherine looks keen."

"I think they're all hoping they'd get Gil," Rose cut in, smirking at the groom whose right eyebrow soared at the suggestion.

"Not a chance," Sara giggled.

"Thank goodness for that," Grissom retorted and the whole group laughed.

"Just wait a few months, Gil," Brass added. "You might change your mind." Grissom glared at his best man but all Brass did was grin.

"Give it here…" Sara said, holding out her hand for the flowers.

Suddenly, and without any prompting, a ruckus arose among the women in the room. They all seemed to move at once, congregating in front of Sara, some giggling and some ravenous in the fight for space in her eyeline.

Sara looked surprised by the action and leaned into Grissom. "I foresee a brawl," she whispered.

"That would be fun," he replied smiling and she rolled her eyes.

Rose spun her finger through the air. "You need to turn around, sweetheart," she guided.

"I know…I know…" Sara said, turning around so she couldn't see any of the ladies behind desperate to catch the bouquet.

"Are we ready, ladies?" Laura asked enthusiastically.

"Yes!" they all shouted together and Grissom wasn't sure whether to laugh or be very, very afraid. It was an interesting sight.

Laura nodded to her daughter. "When you're ready, honey…" Giving a nod, Sara licked her lips, held out her arms and prepared herself to swing. "One..." Laura began the countdown…"…two…three…."

On the count of three Sara launched her arms upwards and the bouquet went flying into the air. Sadly, her aim was a little off and instead of the prize going towards the group of over confident women it veered to the right towards the family. Everyone watched as the flowers flew through the air, hit the sheriff and fell into his arms.

Sara spun around to see who had made the catch and her hand instantly shot to her mouth when she saw Brass, wide eyed and rather shocked holding the bouquet. The group of women didn't find it as amusing though and they all stared unimpressed at the lawman.

Grissom, fighting a grin, placed his arm over the sheriff's shoulders. "Always the best man and never the bride, huh, Jim?"

Without a seconds thought, Brass threw the bouquet into the crowd, startled as they all seemed to jump at once. An echo of disappointment seeped through the room moments later and they began to disperse leaving Catherine standing alone. She looked up from the flowers in her hands and smiled brightly at Brass.

"Something you're trying to tell me, Jim?" she asked on a giggle.

"Oh, Lord," Brass mumbled, quickly turning away. "I need a drink." Saying that, he swiftly headed for the first servant that was holding a tray of bourbon.

Sara rejoined her family. "Well that was…interesting," she snickered.

Grissom laughed. "It certainly was although Catherine looks happy."

They both glanced towards Catherine who was showing off her prize to anyone looking her way.

"I feel for every man in the room right now," Sara said quietly.

Looking back at her, Grissom frowned. "I don't think she'll be expecting to find her husband tonight, Sara…"

Shrugging, Sara lopped her arm through his. "Knowing Catherine, I wouldn't put it past her."

He shook his head as Laura and the captain approached, the music getting just a little louder.

"So, now that…" Laura cleared her throat, glancing to Catherine as she worked her way through the guests, "…that's all sorted…" She couldn't help snigger. Are the bride and groom ready to take the floor and really get this party started?"

"Yeah, come on, Grissom," Gregory urged, stepping up to join them along with Nicolas. "I don't think I've ever seen you dance." He looked to his brother and giggled. "Should be interesting…" he whispered to him.

"I heard that," Grissom snapped and Gregory straightened out.

Sara leaned a little closer to her cousins. "He's actually a good dancer so leave him alone," she ordered. "Or I'll tell Catherine you're both looking to get married"

Sara laughed at the panicked look on the boy's faces then took hold of her husband's hand and tugged him towards the floor that had been cleared for dancing. Everyone followed and Laura sent out word that the first dance was soon to begin.

Stopping right by the quartet, pulled him around to face her, noting over his shoulder that everyone was quickly gathering to watch. This was as daunting as taking their vows and she swallowed hard before looking into his eyes.

"You look as nervous as I feel," he said as the waltz began, slipping his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

"It's not every day we get to dance in front of about sixty people," she replied, running her right hand up his back as he took her left in his hand.

He leaned in close, brushing his lips against the shell of her ear. "Just pretend they're not here," he whispered. "It's just you…and me…"

Giving a nod, she took a breath. "Okay…"

Pulling back but not too far he took his own breath. "Ready?" She nodded again and he began to move, taking her with him.

The entire room watched as the couple got lost in their moment, slowly dancing around the floor and it seemed as if nothing else mattered apart from them.

"This is so lovely," Laura sighed clinging tightly to her husband's hand. "And Gil really is quite the dancer."

The captain smiled. "Yeah. He certainly kept that one quiet."

Sara sighed into her man as they glided around the room. Her eyes holding nothing but his gaze and the pure love she found within his stare formed a lump in her throat.

"Are you happy?" he whispered, his hand pressing a little harder into her back.

Her eyelashes fluttered and she gave him a bright, beaming smile. "More than you could ever imagine." He smiled back and she dropped her head to his shoulder, holding him even tighter.

Laura allowed them a reasonable amount of time before she knew they should move things along. "I think it might be time for you to dance with your daughter, Thomas, or I fear they will never stop."

The captain snorted as she took his arm and they both approached the dancing couple. Grissom looked in their direction just as they got close and brought their movement to a stop.

"May I cut in?" the captain asked, holding out his right hand.

Glancing at her husband, Sara grinned at his encouraging smile then turned back to her father. "I'd be honored," she replied softly, releasing Grissom's hand and taking her father's.

Laura waited patiently until Grissom's attention slowly made its way back to her. "May I have this dance?" she asked with a grin.

He gave a bow. "It would be my pleasure," he answered taking her outstretched hand and leading her into the dance.

Soon after, many others stepped up to join in. Nicolas and Gregory watched the children while William led Amelia onto the floor and Brass offered his arm to Rose who quickly took it, jesting about the fact it had been years since a man had taken her onto the dance floor. Teri and Tyler along with another dozen couples joined in.

"You make me so proud," the captain said to his daughter as the tempo of the music lifted a little.

She smiled at him. "I know. You already told me."

He gave a shrug. "I'm not sure if I'll ever stop saying it."

Laughing, Sara spotted Anna trying to pull Gregory onto the floor and it filled her heart with joy as he swept her from her feet and started dancing around the room with her.

"I'm so happy everything's gone so well," she said, refocusing on her father. "The way things have been, I was half expecting something bad to happen."

"You mustn't think like that," he returned quickly.

"I know," she sighed. "I just can't help it, you know…"

"Well try," he insisted. "You have your whole life ahead of you and the promise of a very happy future with a man that loves you very much." She smiled again as he continued. "And soon you will be starting a family of your own so be positive and no more pessimism."

Sara's smile faltered at her father's words about family. Her mind flicking back to the conversation she'd had previously with her husband about his fears with pregnancy and her having children. She still didn't know where they stood on the matter because they hadn't spoken of it since that dreaded evening when he was shot.

"Are you all right?" he asked noticing as she seemed to drift away.

"Huh? Oh…yes, Father, sorry. I um…just got a little lost there." She swallowed then looked around, spying Grissom dancing with her mother. He really was a great dancer…

"You certainly have the moves, Gil," Laura commented as they danced. "And I thought I knew everything about you…"

His teeth nipped his lip and then he smiled. "Almost everything," he replied. "But we all have our little secrets…"

Snickering, Laura caught Sara passing them on the opposite side of the room. "She looks so happy," she stated. "You make her happy…"

He gave a quick glance to his wife before refocusing on his mother-in-law. "I do my best," he answered shyly still not the greatest at dealing with praise.

"I suppose…" Laura paused making sure she said this in an appropriate way, "…that you will both be…departing soon…"

Working his jaw a touch, he glanced back over to Sara. "I think that all depends on when she's ready…"

"Is she still…"

His eyes shot back to Laura before she even finished and she paused. "Yes," he answered quietly. Laura sighed softly, squeezing his shoulder. "Whatever happens…," Grissom continued, "…I just…" He swallowed hard, glancing to the ceiling for a moment, shaking his head, "…hope she knows I love her and…"

"She knows, Gil," Laura cut him off. "And, she also knows you would not force anything upon her. She won't do anything she's not ready for…" She sighed again. "If she's ready then…she's ready. If not…"

"I will wait forever if that's what it takes."

She snorted. "Considering the way you look at her, especially today, I sincerely doubt that. But…" Pulling her hand between them, she gave him a quick tap on the nose, "…I know you will respect her wishes and will be patient if you need to be."

Offering a feeble smile, he glanced back in Sara's direction seeing both she and her father heading their way.

"Hey, you two," she said reaching them as Grissom and Laura separated. "What are you talking about?" she asked.

Grissom's eyes shot to Laura but she quickly saved him. "We were just discussing how good a dancer I think he is," she said. "He hides all these little things away and it's a rarity we ever get to see them."

Smiling, Sara took her husband's arm, leading him from the floor as her parents followed. "I'm looking forward to discovering a few of your little secrets," she informed him. "Because I'm sure there are a few more in there I don't know about yet."

"You can count on that," he said slyly, smirking at her.

Looking around the room, Sara signed. "I suppose we should mingle for a while. There are still so many people we haven't spoken to yet and a lot of people are looking our way."

His lips pouted but he gave a nod. "Whatever you want," he replied.

"What do you want?" she shot back quickly, turning to face him.

"I…" he hesitated, his teeth nipping his bottom lip as he looked deeply into her eyes, "…um…"

"You don't have to answer that," she added quietly and with a smirk and his eyebrows soared. "I can see in your eyes what you want."

They stared at one another, the longing each had for the other apparent in their gazes.

"So, what are we talking about?"

The sound of Laura's voice made them both jump. Grissom gulped and Sara quickly focused on her mother.

"We're talking about doing a little mingling but…" Her eyes flicked back to Grissom, "…not for too long. And then it will be time for us to go. Right, Gil?"

His mouth opened and he took a deep breath. "Right…" he replied with a weak smile not really sure whether the words just came out of his mouth or not.

Sara snickered, taking his arm. "Come on…"

A/N: Awww, was that fluffy enough? I have to admit I do enjoy the fluff. It's nice to write. The wedding night approaches, will Sara be ready or will Grissom be chewing at the walls? More soon and please let me know what you think :D