A/N: We're back so soon? Am I treating you? Lol. I happen to be stuck at home unwell so I am writing a lot. Three chapters ahead so I thought i'd not be mean and post quickly as your reviews seem to want me to post pretty swiftly :)

It's time for the wedding night to begin. Will Sara be able to deal with it or is Evil hat going to rear his ugly head? :P Keep him at bay with your reviews, he may listen. Hehehehe.

Thank you so much for your thoughts, please keep them coming and thanks to calim for great input and help on this chapter.

And let the private time begin...

Chapter 141

About an hour and a half after the first dance, Grissom and Sara had almost completed their second lap of the room.

"I don't think I've ever shaken so many hands in my life," Grissom whispered in Sara's ear as they stepped away from the Mayor and his wife.

Sara laughed, looking around the hall. "Well…I think we've gotten to everyone now…"

"Good job," he answered. "I think my face is about to crack with all this smiling."

"At least people are being nice," she replied, pulling him a little closer. "I haven't heard a bad word yet. Well…at least not in my immediate vicinity."

"That's because your mother knows how to create a guest list," he scoffed. "And maybe because these people actually are your friends and not morons."

Stopping she turned to face him. "They're your friends, too."

Looking around, he was well aware that he only knew maybe twenty people in the entire hall but, it wasn't worth the argument. Those who mattered to him were here and those that couldn't make it were in his heart and he knew they wished them well.

"I know," he sighed. "I suppose I was almost expecting someone to cause a fuss. At least I was prepared for it."

"Really?" she snorted.

"Oh, yeah…" He wriggled his eyes brows.

"So…" She held a finger to her lips, "…should someone decide to…disrespect me…what would you do?"

Now, his brow soared at her question even though he knew she was jesting. However, it was that banter he enjoyed and he just loved playing along. "I guess that would depend on what they said."

"Oh?" Her lips puckered. "You wouldn't fight for my honor regardless of what they said?"

His nose twitched and he stepped closer, so close she could feel his breath on her face. "Are you challenging me?"

Noticing a fire burning in his eyes, she swallowed hard. "You'd like that wouldn't you?"

As his eyes fell to her alluring mouth, his lips parted and that building pressure in his pants got a little tighter. "What I want…" he began, "…is not for public ears. Although, I'm not entirely sure how long I'm going to be able to hide it."

"Then…" Her left hand reached for his, "…I think it's time for us to go. That's if you're ready…"

He studied her expression and he could still see the nervousness in her eyes. "Are you?" he countered.

Without hesitation she gave a nod, her hand tightening around his. "Honestly, I think the longer we leave it now, the harder it's going to get. At least for me."

"It's time then."

She gave a shy smile. "Yes."

Running his tongue over his teeth, he looked around the room, then pointed. "Your parents are sitting over there. We will need to say goodbye before we go or I fear Laura may kill us both."

Her smile brightened as he tugged on her hand. "I'll agree with that," she snickered and they shimmed though the crowd until they reached Laura and the captain who were happily chatting away with their family members.

"Great party!" Gregory shouted with his arms out wide when he spotted Grissom and Sara's arrival. Laura grabbed his arm and pulled him back down into his seat.

"I can't believe you're drunk already, young man," she scolded, slapping her nephew on the arm.

"He's never been good at handling his liquor," Nicolas laughed from across the table and Laura rolled her eyes.

"It's a party," Gregory slurred. "Aren't we supposed to have fun and get drunk?"

Shaking her head, Laura glanced to her daughter with a sigh but then gave them a smile. "Are you having a good time?" she asked.

"Yes, mother," Sara replied, giving a smile back. "But…we're…um…thinking about…time for us to go," she stuttered.

"Oh…" Laura instantly nodded to her husband and they both stood. "That's fine sweetheart. We'll walk you to the door."

Sara's hand tightened around her husband's as her parents joined them, raising her right hand to give the table a quick wave. "Thank you for a great day everyone."

All at the table gave bright smiles back but as it was customary not to make a fuss of the bride and groom during their departure, no one did. Everyone knew just how personal this point in time was for both of them.

"Gil…" Laura began, taking Sara's arm. "Why don't you say goodbye to Jim while I walk with Sara to the door? He's just over there…," she pointed.

Grissom turned to look in the direction she was pointing and saw Brass chatting with Rose. Turning back, he glanced at his wife then caught the look Laura was giving him. His mouth opened a bit then closed and he gave her a nod.

"I'll come with you," the captain said, squeezing Laura's arm before following Grissom across the room.

Sara sighed as her mother led her back through the crowd.

"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" Laura asked.

"It's been a wonderful day, mother. I can't thank you and father enough for what you have done for us. Not just today but…"

Laura cut her off…"You don't have to thank us," Sara. "It's what parents do. And I'm so happy things have turned out the way we had planned…"

Reaching the doors they stepped out into the hallway and Sara sighed again.

"It's so quiet out here," she said, running a finger over her right ear as she glanced towards the front door across the way.

"It's certainly more peaceful," Laura snorted, but then became serious as she took both of Sara's hands in her own, turning to face her daughter. "How are you really feeling? Like…right now?" Opening her mouth, Sara hesitated, her eyes suddenly working in a circle. "Honey, look…" Laura squeezed a little tighter, "…no matter what happens, you know that Gil loves you and he will respect whatever choices you make. You need to try and relax and just go wherever your heart takes you."

Swallowing the harsh lump in her throat, Sara gave an unsure nod. "I know, mother. And, I know he loves me. I just wish this was easier but…I just…we…" She blew out a heavy breath, her shoulders slumping. "I just don't know…"

Releasing Sara's hands, Laura took her shoulders just as Rana stepped up.

"Are you ready for the transport, Ma'am?" the housekeeper asked.

"Yes, Rana," Laura answered, looking over Sara's shoulder to her worker. "They'll be out in a minute."

Giving a nod, Rana headed towards the main door to organize the coach for the bride and groom's departure.

Pulling Sara towards her, Laura gave her daughter a loving hug. "It will be okay, I know it will," she soothed as Sara clung on. "Just take one thing at a time and trust yourself."

"Yeah," Sara whispered, enjoying the embrace, pulling back after a minute or so.

"You know…" Laura looked her up and down, "…it's usual for a bride to change before leaving for her honeymoon."

Sara laughed, flicking away a sudden tear. "If we were travelling some distance, maybe, but we're just going to the other side of the estate, mother."

"It's cold outside."

Laura didn't have time to offer any more of an argument because Grissom and the captain were coming through the hall doorway and headed right for them.

"Okay?" he asked his bride when he reached her, his eyes holding a hint of concern.

Batting her eyelids, Sara took his hand, leaning into him. "I'm fine," she replied softly.

"Are you ready to go?" he continued and she gave a nod.

Smiling, he glanced to the captain and Laura. "Thank you for everything," he said gratefully. "Today has been beyond anything I could have ever imagined."

"You are more than welcome," Laura answered, taking her husband's arm. "And we will see you…um…" She frowned, not entirely sure how to finish that, "…when we see you I suppose. Don't forget you still need to open your gifts but for now, enjoy some time to yourselves."

Sara looked Grissom in the eye. "We'll do that."

He smiled and they headed towards the entrance, Sara looking over her shoulder to bid her parents goodnight as they went.

When they reached the door Grissom tugged Sara to a stop, holding up a hand to the workers waiting there.

"Just one minute," he told them, earning a frown form his wife.

"What are you doing?" she asked him as he moved to the cloak closet.

"You'll get cold," he said, opening the closet and grabbing his warmest coat. "It's freezing outside."

She laughed as he held the coat open. "Do you think that goes with my dress?"

Rolling his eyes, he looked down at the coat. "Does it matter? I'd really rather you were warm. We're leaving. No one will see."

Shaking her head, she continued to giggle as he stepped up to her. "Okay…." She turned around and he slipped the coat over her shoulders.

"There…" he began, moving around her to tug the front closed, "…that wasn't so hard was it?"

Puckering her lips, she looked him up and down. "Are you not wearing a coat?"

"No," he answered simply. "I have you to keep me warm."

Sniggering as he took her arm, they headed for the door which was immediately opened by the workers. Sara gave them a smile and they bowed their heads. Just as they stepped onto the porch, a waiting Rana greeted them.

"Your transportation awaits, Ma'am," she informed them as they looked at the carriage waiting at the bottom of the steps.

"We could have walked," Sara said and Grissom gave her a raised right eyebrow.

"Walk? In your dress, in the dark and in this weather?

"Sure. Why not?"

Rolling his eyes, they started down the steps, Rana picking up the train of the dress to ensure it didn't get too dirty. "Why walk when you can travel in style," he returned. "And this way, we both get to the cabin in one piece, not flat on our asses. It's still icy out there."

"Okay…okay…" she laughed. "You win."

When they reached the carriage, the driver helped Sara inside, Grissom tucking her dress in after her. Before he stepped in, he turned to Rana, leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.

"Sir!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide, her cheeks darkening.

"That's just to say thank you," he said with a grin. "You have helped me more than you will ever know."

She gave a bashful smile and he squeezed her arm before ducking into the carriage. Sara was grinning from ear to ear when he looked at her, the door closing behind him.

"I think you just made her year," she snorted.

"Well, she deserved it," he replied, wobbling a little in his seat as the carriage moved as they set off down the pathway.

Silence surrounded them, there gazes locked, the only thing audible were the wheels of the carriage mushing through the slushy snow. He moved closer, his hand rising to rest upon her right cheek, a quiet whimper passing through her lips as dipped his head and tenderly took her lips upon his own.

The kiss was gentle, almost soothing and even though swift, Sara found her heart racing the second he made contact. Her hand glided to his arm as their lips parted and he feathered tender kisses across her chin to her throat. With her breathing quickening, she swallowed hard as the tingling in her belly grew by the second. And, when she felt his tongue glide across her Adams apple, her fingers slid through his hair, gripping on for life.

She was suddenly very hot and even though she knew he'd be disheartened, she tugged on his hair and he stopped, lifting his head to meet her eyes again.

"You know…" she began, trying to catch her breath, "…um…" His right eye twitched as she struggled to get her words out, "…can we…slow down a little? Everything's moving so quickly and…"

Swiftly, he placed a finger to her lips, not to silence her but it seemed to have that effect and he ran the tip from left to right. Even though there was a look of disappointment in his eyes, he smiled. It was hard for him as well. He so desperately wanted to make Sara's his again and a man did have needs. But, he knew from the start there was not going to be anything easy about this so, he'd have to continue being patient. And, if she needed to keep going slow, then he'd abide by that.

Or at least until he lost his mind.

Sorry," he apologized huskily. "I just …" He watched as she closed her eyes as he continued to move his finger over her lips and breathed in a deep lungful of air, his chest heaving outwards. "I get so lost every time I touch you." As he pulled his hand back, Sara's eyes opened. "I can't think of anything that thrills me more than the thought of … touching you … feeling you …"

His eyes worked over her face and she quietly whimpered when he lifted her hand and kissed the back of each finger, one by one.

"And yes … I'm too eager," he continued looking deep into her eyes. "So keep telling me to back off if I push too hard, if you're not ready. I understand. Really, I do."

Sara was truly amazed by this man. He must be desperate for sexual contact and yet he was still trying to do everything her way. Tilting forwards, she dropped her forehead onto his.

"I'm trying," she whispered. "I just don't know…how long it's going to take before…"

"I know," he said, stopping her. "Let's take each minute as it comes, all right? "

"Okay…"

Smiling, he gave her another quick kiss before sitting back and pulling her close. Dropping her head to his shoulder she sighed deeply, running her hand up his vest until it reached his cravat.

"I absolutely adore you in this suit," she told him, looking up as he glanced down at her. "I think we should make a point of making sure you wear it more often."

"When would I need to wear it again? It's not like I'm your upper class socializing type."

Her lips pouted. "You are now," she argued. "Or did you forget you just married the heiress to the Sidle fortune?"

"I didn't marry you for your money, Sara," he retorted.

"No," she agreed, pulling on the cravat. "But there will be a lot more socializing for you now that we are husband and wife. Especially if you start doing business deals with father."

As they hit a bump and his butt jumped off the seat a little, he rolled his eyes. "I'd rather not think about that right now if you don't mind. Work is the last thing on my mind."

"I'll bet," she snickered, dropping her head back to his shoulder. "I'd just like to see you wear it again, that's all."

"One way or the other, I'll make the effort, just for you. How's that?"

She giggled into him. "Perfect…"

The carriage came to a stop and a few seconds later the door opened. "We have arrived, sir," the driver announced.

Sara pushed herself up to let Grissom get out. Holding up his hand, he helped her from the carriage making sure she didn't get tangled in her dress.

"Oooh…cold," Sara complained when her feet hit the icy path. Her shoes weren't exactly made for such cold conditions.

Grissom nodded to the driver. "Thank you," he said graciously and the man gave a nod.

"Have a good evening, sir," he replied, tipping his hat before pulling himself back atop the carriage and returning down the pathway.

Suddenly, Sara felt herself being swept off the ground, her arms quickly wrapping about Grissom's neck and holding on tightly.

"What are you doing?" she yelped.

His lips pursed. "Carrying you over the threshold."

"Gil…" Her tongue drew across her bottom lip and his eyes became glued to her mouth, "…we're not even on the porch yet."

Managing to bring his eyes back to hers, he gave a gentle sigh. "Humor me," he replied. "I wouldn't want you getting your feet cold, would I?"

She smiled, bringing her right hand to hold it over his cheek and there they stood for a minute, just looking at each other. Eventually, Sara cleared her throat and nodded towards the cabin. "Maybe we should go inside before we freeze?"

His right eye twitched but he offered no words to that request. Instead he stepped forward and headed towards his old home. Lanterns had already been lit for them on the outside so he had no problems finding his footing, his boots clonking upon the wood when they reached the steps. Quickly climbing them, he kicked the door open and carried his bride inside.

"Oh…my lord…" Sara gasped looking around.

Grinning, Grissom gently placed Sara back on her feet and waited. She was flabbergasted. Candles flickered all around the cabin and the fire roared a bright orange creating an amazing glow about them. Bunches of roses were perfectly positioned around the room while some of their petals lay scattered across the floor. A table was set up with … Blinking, she stepped towards it and smiled. It was a bucket of snow with two bottles of champagne chilling.

"Well…that's a good way to keep it cold," she laughed so heartily, Grissom felt his chest swell at her glee.

Along with the champagne was a large basket of fruit, bread and cheeses and a bowl of strawberries next to that.

"How on earth did you do all this?" she asked, turning back to him.

He gave a shrug, closing in on her. "I had a little help."

"Rana?"

"Of course," he admitted.

She smiled brightly but as he took another step closer she saw the burning return to his eyes and her smile slowly faded. When his arms rose she shuddered as his hands slid under the coat and pushed it from her shoulders.

"I think it's warm enough," he said softly, throwing the coat onto a chair behind her.

"I um…," she began, clearing her throat as his eyes moved over her face, coming to rest on her lips again, "…should probably get out of this dress."

With lightning speed, his eyes shot back to hers and the scorching within them just grew and grew. Reaching out, his fingertips brushed against her throat then moved upwards to her hair where he plucked out the flower that she'd managed to keep there all day long. After inhaling its scent he slipped it into his own hair and she laughed. Genuinely laughed. Even given the intense feeling of the moment, he was doing his best to keep things light.

"Do you require…some assistance?" he asked in a tone so husky, the burn in Sara's stomach reached new heights.

Her mouth opened and she stood there for a moment, just trying to get this right. Biting down on her lip, she gave a nod.

"I…do…" she replied nervously but tried to keep the mood frivolous. "That's if…you're available…"

Taking a step back and grinning, he gave a short bow. "I am at your beck and call, Madame. Your wish…is my command..."

*** - "...the uncomplaining eyes in which there is so much endurance, fill with tears, and the lips part a little more and tremble: that it will seem long to me, while I wait for her in the better land where I trust both you and I will be mercifully sheltered..."

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

A/N: Are we getting steamed up yet? :P Are we about to enter smutville or is Sara going to run for the hills? Want more? It's ready... :D