A/N: Ah, back at last with a new chapter. Sorry for the delay. Hopefully the nice GSR that is upcoming will make up for the wait :) Evil hat wants back in but I keep on batting him away. I don't think he deserves to come back. Do you? Hehehee.

Gracious thanks for your continued comments and reviews and I bow, again, to calim for another super duper beta. Where would I be without you? :D

On we go….

Chapter 151

December 31st 1859

Brushing her hair, Sara smiled to herself in the mirror. It was New Year's Eve and she was looking forward to the day's activities. First church for a short service then lunch in town after which they would return to the house for a party to see in a brand new and prosperous year.

There were parts of 1859 she couldn't wait to see the back of and leave buried yet some she would love to relive. She never would have imagined that she'd meet the man of her dreams or that she'd be happier than she'd ever been before. And while she knew both the good and bad memories would be forever imprinted in her mind, a new year meant a chance to put the wrongs to bed and focus solely on what was to come.

With no facilities for washing, it was easier to enjoy the comforts of her family home. Their room was large and, with most of the guests gone, extremely private which appealed to the both of them. Of course, as soon as they returned, Grissom felt obliged to ask his father-in-law when he would be required back to work. The captain found it amusing. Sara did not. She wanted to spend a little more time with her man before work beckoned. Besides, he wasn't just a common laborer now but a member of her family and all that came with it.

After several glares from his daughter, the captain informed Grissom he wouldn't be required until after the new year so he would just have to cope with relaxing some more. Unaccustomed to such privileges, he hesitantly nodded his thanks then looked into the beaming face of his wife. She was happy and that made him happy.

So lost in thought, Sara didn't notice her husband step up behind her and jumped when she felt his hands upon her shoulders.

"Nearly ready?" he asked, kissing her cheek and dropping his chin to her shoulder.

Flashing him a smile, she reached up to run her hand over his cheek. "I am," she replied. "But you're looking prickly."

"I like to think of it more as…rugged," he countered and she narrowed her eyes. "Hey…" he continued, kissing her cheek again, "…you wanted me to grow the beard back. I can't grow it back and shave now, can I?"

Pursing her lips, she set down the brush and turned to face him. "I can't help it if I just figured out I prefer the beard."

He smirked. "Then you'll just have to live with me, the rugged me, until it's full enough to look smart, won't you?"

Pushing herself up, she smiled. "I suppose I will." Dipping her head, she brushed her lips over his. "But I'm sure I'll manage…"

Taking a step back, he held out his arm. "Ready? Because if we don't move your mother will be knocking on the door very shortly."

Snorting, she took his arm. "I'm ready…"

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Laura, who was waiting at the foot of the stairs, looked up at the sound of footsteps. "About time you two…" she complained, folding her arms. "We have no idea how bad the roads will be and may be late now. Everyone else has begun boarding the coaches…"

Sara rolled her eyes. "Sorry, mother," she apologized as they reached her.

Looking them over, Laura's eyes settled upon her son-in-law. He looked dashing in his brown suit and neck tie but she wasn't so impressed by the scruff on his chin. "Forget how to shave, Gil?"

Grissom blinked. Was he five? Was he not allowed to have control over his own hair growth? "I'm growing my beard back," he moaned playfully. "If you need a more thorough investigation as to why then ask your daughter."

Sara coughed then glared at her husband. "Gil…" she growled quietly, feeling her cheeks reddening.

Laura's eyes widened then she cleared her throat. "Um…an explanation won't be necessary, thank you. Just…" She pointed towards the door, "…let's hurry up, yes?"

"Yes, mother." Grabbing her husband's hand and literally yanking him towards the door, Sara shook her head. "I can't believe you," she whispered as Laura followed.

"What?" he questioned innocently.

"You know what," Sara replied as a servant held out her coat and another did the same for Grissom. He just smirked as his coat was slipped on. "I'll get you back for that…"

His brow rose. "Promise?"

Shaking her head again, Sara slipped on her gloves then joined Laura at the opened door. She spotted her Uncle Garret getting into the third coach leaving only her father waiting to board.

Garrett, Violet, Amelia, William, Anna, Tyler and of course Rose had all remained at the house to celebrate the New Year and Sara was glad. It was nice to have close family around and it would be extra special this year because she had Grissom to share the festivities with as well. She was very hopeful for a very nice and memorable day.

"Hurry up!" the captain called and Laura took Grissom's free arm to urge the dawdling couple down the steps. "Finally you grace us with your presence," the captain continued, rubbing his hands together as the group reached him.

Grissom sighed not realizing that they were actually going to end the world by being a few minutes late. "My apologies for the lateness," he replied, just because it was easier.

"No harm done," the captain countered, nodding to the coachman. "Come on. Let's get going otherwise we will never get seats in church…"

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The morning service had been pleasant. Those from town who hadn't attended the wedding expressed their congratulations to the newlywed couple while others whispered and gave them looks as they passed. They did their best to avoid those people.

Piling back into their carriages, they headed toward town, taking it slowly through the deep snow. Grissom grinned as he watched Anna talking to her doll. For some reason, she'd insisted on travelling with him and every so often she would pull her attention from her doll to smile at him. He didn't understand why she seemed so interested in him. Perhaps it was because he'd taken her to see the horses the day before. She loved them as much as he did.

Sara watched the interaction curiously and reached out for her husband's hand. He looked to her and she gave him a grin, leaning in to place her lips next to his ear. "I think she really likes you," she whispered. His right eyebrow inclined as she pulled back and Sara's grin just grew.

"Are we going to play with the horses again, Mama?" Anna asked, turning to glance at her mother.

Amelia smiled, running her hand through her daughter's hair and bouncing Tyler upon her lap. "Not right now. We're going for lunch."

"Awww…" Anna pouted, looking to her brother as he kicked his legs out.

"Maybe if you are both good…" Amelia continued, "…then Gil might take you to see them later when we get back to the house."

The little girl's attention shot back to Grissom. "You will?" she squealed.

Grissom laughed. "You really like them don't you?"

Anna nodded furiously. "They are pretty and feel nice. I like them a lot." His smile grew. "Will you take us? Tyler likes them too…"

"We'll see," Grissom answered softly. "If it's not too cold then maybe…"

"Me ride!" Tyler suddenly shouted.

"Me, too!" Anna matched excitedly.

Glancing to Sara and then Amelia, Grissom looked stunned by the sudden enthusiasm. "Have they always been this keen?" he chuckled.

Amelia gave him a grin. "Keen no, but they have always liked the horses. But given their age, they have not been allowed to ride yet. It makes me nervous."

"I understand that," he answered.

"You could teach them," Sara suggested, scratching the end of her nose. "Well, at least take them for a ride."

Grissom's eyes widened, his attention slowly coming back to her. "Me?"

She smirked. "Sure. You're a natural…"

He looked at her astounded. "I'm a natural with horses not…" He cleared his throat, "…children…"

"How do you know?" she questioned. "Have you ever tried?"

Glaring at her, he lightly shook his head but their conversation was cut short when the carriage stopped.

"Looks like we're here," Amelia said, looking through the small window. "And…" she continued, glancing back to Grissom, "…don't worry yourself too much about the little ones. Once their tummies are full I'm sure this conversation will be far from their minds." She placed Tyler on the seat and tapped Grissom on the knee as the door was opened. Slipping out she held out her arms to take her son. "Do you mind helping Anna?" she asked as Tyler jumped out.

"Sure," Grissom answered softly, following Sara's cousin from the carriage then waiting as Sara helped Anna from the seat. The little girl keenly jumped at the rancher as he held out his arms and Sara laughed at the stunned look on her husband's face. He wasn't quite expecting such a quick leap and she knew it.

"Boy, you're a quick little thing aren't you?" he said to Anna as she patted his chin.

"I like running," Anna told him. "And jumping and skipping…" She trailed off as she spotted her father over Grissom's shoulder. "Papa!" she shouted, pointing eagerly.

Turning, Grissom saw his newly acquired family members clambering out of their carriages so placed Anna on the ground then watched as she scampered towards her father. Hearing a throat being cleared, Grissom turned back around to see Sara holding out her hand. Taking it, he helped her from the vehicle, noticing she was grinning at him again.

"What?" he questioned.

Slipping her arm through his, she smiled brightly. "You don't know how good you are with children, do you?"

He gave an innocent shrug. "I'm just being me," he insisted.

"Well you…" she began as they slowly walked towards the rest of their party, "…are a natural. You either have it or you don't, Gil. There are no in-betweens when it comes to having fatherly attributes. Look at Uncle Daniel. I hate to even imagine what his children would have endured if he'd ever had any."

"I shudder at the thought," he mocked and she snorted. "But I appreciate your compliment although it's not something I noticed."

"Good practice for you," she said quickly and his eyes shot to her. Smirking, she dropped her head to his shoulder and they followed the family into the restaurant.

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The Sidle party filtered through the already busy and noisy dining room being led by their very eager host, Andrew.

"It's an absolute pleasure to have you back with us so soon, Captain Sidle," Andrew said, leading them towards their usual private spot. "And an honor to have the rest of your family members grace us with their presence."

"Thank you," the captain replied with appreciation as they reached the long table that had been set out to accommodate the large party.

Clapping his hands, half a dozen servers swooped in to pull out chairs for their guests at Andrew's direction. "I hope everything is to your satisfaction, sir. We have placed wine and water on the table already at your request and should you require more, we will replenish immediately upon your command."

Looking around the table the captain gave a happy nod as everyone sat down. The table looked immaculate and for its size he knew that was quite a task. The fine china, silver cutlery, crystal glasses and cotton napkins were all symmetrical. The whole setting looked like a fine work of art.

"A table fit for a king, Andrew," he complimented.

Despite the joy at such a compliant filling him, the host offered a professional nod as the captain took his seat next to Laura. "Margret, Deborah and Christine will be looking after your orders and will be over as soon as you are settled."

As Sara sat in the chair Grissom held out for her, she laughed drawing his attention. All she did was point toward Nicolas and Gregory grappling over a bottle of wine.

"Wait till father sees them," she whispered, taking her napkin from the table to place it over her lap as he took his seat.

Just a second later, the captain noticed. "Boys!" he growled. They froze, their eyes shooting towards their uncle. "Put…the bottle…down…" he ordered in an angry whisper, his teeth gritting hard. Both boys swallowed and placed the bottle back onto the table looking nervous. Pointing a firm finger at them, the captain cleared his throat. "Misbehave one more time and you're both waiting outside without eating. Do I make myself clear?"

Tentatively nodding, they placed their hands in their laps and glared at each other.

"Your fault," Nicolas whispered to Gregory who only scowled back at him.

Sara laughed again, her attention drawn to Tyler sitting on his mother's lap reaching out his tiny hand, trying to grab a knife from the table.

"No, Tyler," Amelia ordered, bouncing him up and down. "You know you don't touch the cutlery."

"Play, Mama…" he answered.

"After lunch," she promised.

Rose, who sat beside Amelia, reached out and tapped her great-grandson on the nose. "What happens when we behave?" she asked.

Tyler thought for a second but his sister beat him to the answer.

"We get a treat, Nana," she replied, jumping onto her father's knee. "Don't we, Papa?"

William smiled, hugging his daughter. "Yes, you do. So are we going to behave?" He looked to Tyler then back to Anna.

Anna smiled back. "Yes, Papa."

"Are you going to behave as well, Tyler? Because this is a very grown up restaurant and it's not often they allow children in," Amelia told her son. "So you need to be good and if you make Uncle Thomas proud then maybe we can take you to get some candy afterwards."

Tyler nodded furiously now. "Yes, Mama."

"I'll have to remember that one," Grissom said, taking a menu from one of their servers.

"What?" Sara asked, taking her own menu from the woman as she past them.

"If you're naughty then I can bribe you with candy."

Laughing heartily, she reached for a glass of water and took a sip. "I prefer chocolate…"

Drawing his eyes from the menu, he slowly dipped his head to her ear. "I know that…" he said huskily.

Sara knew she was blushing and glanced at the menu to avert his eyes. "I think you need to behave," she told him and he smirked. "So…" she continued, reading through the list before her, "…what catches your eye for lunch?" When he didn't answer she braved a look at him and he was just staring at her. "Gil…"she warned, "…you can't have that…" He wriggled his eyebrows and she rolled her eyes. "Bring your mind out of the bedroom for five minutes, will you?"

Licking his bottom lip, he looked to the menu. "Yet again there is so much choice and…"

"Don't you dare even mention price…" she said, cutting him off.

Putting the menu down, he sighed, catching her eyes again. "I can't help it."

She reached for his hand, gently squeezing his fingers. "You know you don't have to worry about money anymore. Eventually, you'll get used to that."

His cheeks puffed out and he felt her hand tighten upon his. "Maybe…"

Puckering her lips, she nodded to the menu. "So, have you made up your mind?" she asked, changing the subject as she knew it was uncomfortable for him. "And don't say you're having the corned beef again."

He frowned. "I actually like corned beef," he argued.

"Hmmm…" she mumbled, glancing back to her menu. "Because you never try anything different, that's why."

"All right…" He dropped the menu onto the table and folded his arms, regaining her attention, "…you choose for me."

"What?" she laughed.

"If I'm so predictable then you choose. And no complaints, I'll eat whatever you pick even if it's rice and beans."

Tapping her fingers on the table, she considered his request. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely. If you want me to stop worrying then I will."

Pausing as wine was poured by a server, she reached for the glass as soon as it was full. After taking a sip, she licked her lips, enjoying the full bodied flavor of the red wine on her tongue and Grissom found his eyes suddenly glued to her mouth. "I don't know," she disagreed. "I think you'd grumble if you got a plateful of stewed liver or a pigs feet."

"Honey…" he began, taking his wine and tasting it, "…you'd be amazed at what I've had to live off over the years. I highly doubt anything will bother me but I'm confident you won't be ordering me the kitchen scraps. If you would like me to try the higher points of culinary delights then…go ahead. I'll need the energy for later anyway."

She tried not to smirk at his comment, noticing orders were now being taken around the table. "Will you now?" she braved to question, leaning in close so no one could hear. "And what will you be needing the energy for?"

"I need to collect on a little wager that I'm owed," he said with confidence and literally heard her swallow.

Slowly, she pulled back, her eyes flicking around the table to ensure their conversation had remained between them. "Um…tonight?" she whispered shakily.

His eyes gleamed but he gave a gentle smile. "We can talk about it later," he answered as the waitress reached them.

Sara just looked bewildered as the waitress smiled at them.

"Are you ready to order, Ma'am, Sir?" she asked.

Grissom nodded to Sara. "My wife is ordering for me…," he began a little smugly knowing Sara's mind would now be in a tizzy. But, he did love to tease. "So I will leave my appetite in her capable hands…"

*** - As he bent his head in his most courtly manner, there was a secrecy in his smiling face, and he conveyed an air of mystery to those words, which struck her eyes and ears forcibly. At the same time, the thin straight lines of the setting of the eyes, and the thin straight lips, and the markings in the nose, curved with a sarcasm that looked handsomely diabolic...

*** - Extract from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (slightly adapted)

A/N: Oooh, it;s it going to be a new year to remember? Will anything spoil it? Will Grissom get to release his inner beast? We will see... :D