A/N: Sorry for the delay guys. RL as usual is cutting me no slack but I won't bore you with that. Let's just get on with the show and see how New Years is panning out for our favorite couple shall we? It may get a little mushy :P

Thanks to calim for the help and beta and please keep your thoughts coming guys. I need to know whether you want Evil Hat to pop up again. Hehehee.

Enjoy.

Chapter 155

Sara suddenly felt a change in the air and noticed the look of apprehension that had bloomed upon her husband's face. Her heart skipped a beat as he placed his glass down and stood.

"Are you all right?" she asked quickly, standing along with him.

He breathed a light sigh and his lips twitched before he gave her a smile but the smile was false and it wasn't hard to see that.

"Yeah," he replied quietly, brushing his hands over his pants. "I'm...um..." He hesitated, taking a quick look around. "I just need to step out for a minute. I won't be long." Sending another lackluster smile her way, he walked away, not giving her the opportunity to question him.

Stepping down the hall then into the dining room, Grissom sighed as he pulled open the door to the veranda and walked out into the night. Closing the door behind him, he headed toward the railing to look out at the blanket of white that covered the garden. It didn't take long for the door to open behind him leaving him no time to gather his thoughts. Biting down on his lip, he kept his eyes forward unable to face her for who else could it be but Sara.

"Doubting yourself again?" came her soft voice.

A slow puff of cold air passed through his lips and he slowly turned to face her. She smiled genuinely, stepping close and reaching for his hands and holding them tightly.

"I don't know if I can ever stop ..." Her quick fingers upon his lips stopped him from saying more.

"We've been through this and although I know it's going to take time, stop thinking you are not worthy. Please."

He swallowed as she lowered her hand. "Your hands are cold."

She smiled again. "That's because it's cold out here and stop changing the subject."

Sighing again, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close in an attempt to keep her warm. "I'm sorry. I just…can't help it. I'm not used to expectations from everyone and having a future I haven't even started yet being jammed down my throat. I've lived my own life for so long. Made my own rules…set my own destiny."

"I know," she answered gently, running a hand up his jacket and over his shoulder. "But if we're staying here then you need to start accepting the responsibility and power that comes with our marriage. Whether you insist on being hands on or not, one day, this will all be ours and a lot of people will depend on us to continue with this legacy. And you," she said, softly kissing his lips, "need to show them just how confident you are at taking on this estate. Because if I know you can do it then you have to believe it too. Or this is just not going to work."

"No pressure then?" he joked.

Smirking, she kissed him again. "Our life is all about pressure," she countered. "It's how we deal with it that matters. We can't let it get us down. We've come too far."

Inhaling a deep breath, he nodded. "I know," he whispered.

She nodded back. "So, are you all right?"

"Yeah," he replied on a gentle sigh. "I'll try and get better at this, I promise."

Giving him another smile, she retook his hand. "Ready to go back in before both of us freeze?"

"In a second," he replied. "There's just something I have to do first."

Frowning, she looked around then back to him curiously. "What?"

"This."

Cupping her face in his hands he kissed her and he kissed her true. So true, she never wanted it to end.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Merriment filled the Sidle house as the hours progressed toward a brand new year. But even the most active finally took to their seats, chatting instead of dancing and watching Anna and Tyler roll about the floor with Dickens.

Grissom smiled at their antics, glancing toward Amelia who sat opposite him on a long couch. "Will they last all the way to midnight?" he asked curiously. "They have more energy than I do."

Amelia laughed, picking up her champagne. "I don't think so," she answered. "I predict they will both be ready for bed within the next hour."

"Oh?" he said glancing back to the children. "They don't look like they're tired."

Sara grinned at his observations, reaching to lay her hand atop his on the table.

"They are a little bit like a candle," William explained. "Burning bright for a long time until they reach the end of the wick. Then, just like that," he said snapping his fingers, "they burn out."

"That's a clever way of putting it," Sara said. "Alive and vibrant and then nothing."

"Exactly," William snickered.

Smiling, Sara turned to her husband, leaning a little closer to whisper in his ear. "Are you feeling all right?" she asked.

He nodded on a gentle sigh. "Yes. Thank you." His fingers coiled around hers and he squeezed her hand.

"Do you feel like giving a little speech now? This is probably the best time before everyone becomes a little worse for wear."

"Oh…" His mouth hung open as he recalled their conversation at lunch. "Um…" Now he swallowed, a lump quickly forming in his throat, nerves pinching at his senses.

She gave him the sweetest, understanding smile she could muster. "You don't have to if you don't want to," she said softly, tightening the grip on his hand.

Puffing out his chest, he drew in a long breath. He wanted to make Sara proud. If he couldn't give a speech then what chance did he have in this kind of society? Leaning closer he softly kissed her cheek then stood. He could do this.

Clearing his throat, he picked up his glass. Gently, but with enough power to get everyone's attention, he tapped his ring on the glass until heads began to turn his way.

Now that that he was the center of their attention, he had to clear his suddenly dry throat again then glanced down at Sara. Her loving look of encouragement gave him strength.

"I ... um ... would like to say a few words if I may." Looking toward his father-in-law he was offered a smile and a nod and decided what he wanted to say. "I know that this has been a challenging year for some, certainly it was for me." His fingers twitched nervously as he glanced around. "When I read the telegram from Captain Sidle six months ago no amount of wondering on my part would've found me standing here before you today." He grinned then shook his head, a quiet snort making itself known. "No. I'd never have foreseen this or," he said looking at Sara, "would I ever have imagined that coming here would led me to the woman of my dreams." Reaching for her hand, he grasped it and tenderly kissed her knuckles, staring deeply into her eyes.

Sara swallowed as a mixture of emotions flooded through her. Love, devotion, pride and a tingle of excitement caught her belly at the sudden blaze in his eyes, a blaze she knew he only held for her. Her eyelashes fluttered softly, her smile broadening as he released her hand and continued.

"It's been a long time since ...," he said, hesitating but only for a brief moment, "...since I stepped from a ship. I was a young, frightened, orphaned boy who had nothing but the clothes on my back."

He stopped, taking a breath when uncertain looks were exchanged in the audience. A soft pressure filled his hand and he gathered strength from it, keeping his eyes focused on those around him.

"I'm sure all of you know how I got here and, though I will never be ashamed of my past, I am truly thankful to all of you for allowing me to be a part of your family. Without objection, malice or justification you welcomed me here and I will try my best to make all of you proud. Today I am a proud man. Proud to be exactly who I am and exactly where I am. I thank my wife for finally making me realize that. I cannot think of anywhere else I'd rather be than with the people who matter the most. I am honored to be here."

On the receiving end of stunned stares, Grissom attempted to swallow the small lump in his throat before giving everyone a nervous smile. Then the captain smiled at him and, slowly, the others followed.

"Thank you," he whispered, sure he was blushing as he sat back down.

"Very well said, son," the captain called over, getting to his feet. "Very well said." He raised his glass. "Let's all be upstanding and show our respects to Gil's speech and the truth he speaks," he requested and everyone stood, holding up their own glasses. "To love and to family," the captain announced, glancing in Grissom's direction.

"Love and Family."

Once the toast was made, Sara tugged on her husband's hand. He turned to face her and, before he could utter a word, she kissed him softly on the lips. When she pulled back his lips puckered then he grinned.

"Are you trying to get me in trouble?" he accused playfully.

"That wouldn't be such a bad plan," she answered slyly, running her free hand over his lapel and his eyebrows rose. "We could get sent to bed early."

He laughed. "Sadly I think we are way past that stage in our lives, my dear. A little old to be sent to bed without our supper."

"But we've already eaten," she shot right back, playing with him.

Now his eyes narrowed at her banter and he could feel his desire for her building again. "Be careful. You may be too old to get sent to bed early but you're not too old for a spanking."

"Gil," she gasped, trying to keep her voice down but then she couldn't help laughing as a jolt of excitement hit her at the thought. "Be careful or someone will hear."

"I'm not spanking anyone else," he said innocently. "So it's none of their business."

"Stop it," she warned, looking over his shoulder to see most people sitting back down.

Leaning closer, his lips skimmed across her ear. "I think my inner beast may be waking up," he whispered and she slowly pulled back, eyes widening but entranced.

"Then I think…," she began but was cut short by her mother's voice.

"Fabulous speech, Gil," Laura said, coming up behind them and dropping a hand to his shoulder.

"I'll second that," Catherine called, hearing Laura's words.

Smirking at his wife, he turned to face Laura, offering his mother-in-law a smile. "Thank you," he said sincerely.

"You make me very proud," Laura continued, having a quick fiddle with his tie. "It's good you are finally coming out of your shell."

He smacked his lips together as Sara smiled then took his arm. "I'm trying."

"So what are we talking about? You looked a little secretive when I approached."

The couple's eyes flicked to each other and Sara cleared her throat, giving her mother the brightest smile she could fake. "Um…the kitten," she lied.

Laura frowned. "The kitten?"

Quickly nodding, Sara clung onto her husband's arm a little tighter. "Yes. We were saying just how small he is right now but how much of beast he could very well grow into."

Now Laura laughed. "He's a cat, Sara, not a lion."

"Oh, I think you'd be surprised," Grissom mumbled, taking a quick look across the room as the children chased Dickens across the floor again and directly toward them to disappear under the table.

Approaching, Anna puffed out her rosy cheeks as her brother slid to a stop behind her. Reaching up, she tugged on Grissom's jacket causing his eyebrow to raise.

"Tired," she told him quietly. "Can I sleep with the horses tonight?"

Giving her a sweet smile, he leaned over and tapped her on the nose. "I think it's a little cold out there for you, sweetheart. But I know there's a nice cozy bed waiting for you upstairs."

Anna nodded, her eyes fluttering tiredly, then she took her brother's hand and tugged him toward their parents.

"Now I think they're all tired out," Sara quipped, watching Anna hold up her arms to her father while Tyler did the same to his mother. Soon the adults were excusing themselves and heading off to put the children to bed.

"One day, you'll be like that," Laura snickered, tapping Grissom on the arm before shifting around the table to rejoin her husband.

Grissom blinked, his eyes meeting his wife's again but all she did was give him a sultry grin. "You send a tingle right through me when you look at me like that," he admitted quietly.

"That was the plan," she replied swiftly watching as he pulled out his watch and sighed. "Are you all right?" she asked, reaching for a glass of water.

He nodded. "Another hour still before midnight strikes."

"And?"

"And…," he began, slipping the watch away, "…that's another hour I have to wait before I can…" He licked his lips, his eyes working over her face before coming to rest on her cleavage," …hmmmm…," he trailed off and Sara laughed.

"Stop staring at my chest," she ordered as the servants began another round of glass filling.

"More champagne, sir?" Grissom heard and slowly looked over his shoulder to see a server waiting, bottle in hand.

"No, thank you," he replied, shaking his head. "Not just now."

Sara was a little surprised by his answer but held her own champagne glass out for a refill. "You don't want any more to drink?" she asked as the server moved away.

Sucking on his bottom lip for a moment, he gazed deeply into her eyes. Her knees began to quiver and her stomach pinched at the look he was giving her. "If our evening is to continue after the party then I need to be able to keep some of the control I have left."

Inhaling deeply, Sara took a quick sip from her glass and placed it down, returning her gaze to him as he stood and held out his hand.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked softly.

The smile she gave was her answer and, taking his hand, she allowed him to lead her onto the floor. Sliding her hand to his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her waist, she sighed happily as they began to move.

"I, too, am very proud of you by the way," she whispered in his ear. "Mother just cut off me saying so. Your speech was…heartwarming, pure and sincere."

He smiled tenderly. "I'm glad you think so. I hadn't intended it to come out that way. In fact, I hadn't planned it at all so I'm happy it was appreciated."

Quickly and softly, she kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "What did I ever do to deserve someone like you?"

Pulling her tighter to his body, he dropped a kiss to her cheek. "You loved me and that's all I could ever ask for."

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Gathering in the hallway just before midnight, everyone stood watching the grandfather clock as the seconds ticked by. Sara flashed her husband a smile, dropping her head to his shoulder as she took his hand and played with his fingers. She was starting to feel rather tipsy so was glad the night was almost over. Well, at least their night in public was almost over.

"Ten seconds," the captain suddenly said and the entire group joined in the countdown.

"Ten...nine…eight…seven...six…five…four…three…twooooo…oooooone…"

The great clock chimed its tune and everyone cheered.

"Happy New Year," the captain called, pulling his wife into his arms.

A chorus of vocal celebrations and embraces commenced, Grissom turning to his wife and giving her a glorious smile.

"Happy New Year, Sara," he said softly. "And may all your dreams come true."

Tears blossomed in her eyes at his adoring stare and loving words. Sniffing, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him close. "My dreams have already come true," she whispered as he held her tightly.

"Share the love, Grissom," a familiar but slurred voice came from behind and they both turned to see Gregory smirking at him.

"A very happy New Year to you, cousin," he said, holding his arms out.

Sara laughed as Gregory embraced her. "Happy New Year," she replied.

The captain came up to them, slapping Grissom on the shoulder and shaking his hand. "Happy New Year, my boy," he said brightly.

"Same to you, sir," Grissom answered finding himself being pulled into another hug from Laura just as the words spilled from his tongue.

He'd never been hugged so much and found himself happily chuckling to himself at all the sentiment.

Pulling back she cupped his cheeks, looking deeply into his eyes. "Albert would be so proud of you and I know he's delighted you are here with us."

A wave of sadness passed through him but his chest swelled with pride. "I know," he whispered. "And I'm glad I'm here, too."

*** -"I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss, and, in their struggles to be truly free, in their triumphs and defeats, through long long to come, I see the evil of this time and of the previous time of which this is the natural birth, gradually making expiation for itself and wearing out."

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

A/N: I think fluff hat is getting tired, lol. Smut hat wants to come out and play and Evil hat is getting really annoyed. It's a hat frenzy. LMAO. SO what do you think? Will our couple have a very happy new year or is something going to spoil it? :P