A/N: Righto, are we ready for the luxuries of pregnancy? I'm sure it was much harder way back in the 19th century (hours of research have told me that, lol) and I'm sniffing a little Evil hat trying to sneak his way back in. Hopefully he won't cause too much trouble for our couple but I guess we'll see :P

Thank you so much to calim for the great beta and suggestions and to all you readers for your continued support during this final stretch of the story :)

Chapter 160

Grissom woke with a start, the sound of retching catching his ears making him sit up quickly. Trying to focus through the darkness, he spotted a candle flickering on the dressing table, the silhouette of his wife showing him that she was leaning over something. With haste, he whipped back the covers and rushed over to her.

"Sara?" he called out, concern in his voice.

Settling an arm about her shoulders as she raised her head from the bowl on the table, he instantly caught the smell of vomit. As she took a deep breath, he shifted his attention to her face.

"Honey, are you all right?"

She nodded, taking another breath. "Just…sick," she mumbled.

Grabbing a handkerchief from a dresser drawer, Grissom delicately dabbed at his wife's cheeks then brushed it over her mouth. "Anything I can do?" he asked tenderly.

Tipping her head back and opening her eyes, Sara shook her head. "No. I think it's passed now anyway," she answered, pushing the bowl away.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Puffing out her cheeks, she looked into his eyes. "I'm all right," she said, giving him a weak smile. "Just one of the perks I have to live with," she tried to joke.

Dropping the handkerchief onto the dressing table, he slipped his hand to her cheek, looking deeply into her eyes. "Do you want to go back to bed?"

She raised her hand to cover his. "That would be nice," she answered a little drearily. "But some water might be good first. Just to rinse my mouth out."

He poured her a glass of water from the jug in the corner of the room, quickly returning and holding it out. "Here."

Taking the glass, she swilled some of the water about her mouth then spit it into the bowl. Repeating the process a few times, she finally put the glass down.

"Better?" he asked and she nodded. "Come on," he whispered.

Giving her a smile he helped her stand but took her by surprise when he slipped an arm under her and lifted her into his arms.

"What are you doing?" she gasped, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Taking you back to bed," he replied softly before slowly carrying her across the room, laying her gently down and pulling the covers over her. "Relax and I'll be right back," he said, grabbing his robe and slipping it on.

She frowned as he lit another candle and moved back towards the dressing table. "Where are you going?" she questioned.

"Just moving the bowl," he said, picking it up and heading for the door.

Sara smiled to herself. He was so thoughtful. It hadn't occurred to her that their room would've reeked of sickness in a few hours. But then she figured she was going to have to get used to the stench for who knew how long it would last. She shook her head. She hated being sick but this came and went as it liked, the slightest smells setting her off running from the room. Today it had been eggs. No telling what it would be tomorrow.

Sighing, she shuffled a little, dropping her hand over her tummy and rubbing it. "Already giving your Mama trouble, aren't we?"

"And your already talking to the baby," came her husband's voice.

Looking to the doorway she smiled bashfully as he entered and quietly closed the door, noticing he was carrying something under his arm. "I was seeking a little understanding," she answered.

"Is it working?" he asked, placing the candle down.

She snickered. "Well the sickness has faded, so maybe. What have you got there?" she asked, nodding to the item under his arm.

"Clean bowl," he replied, holding it up. "Just in case you feel sick again."

Smiling, she took it from him and placed it on the bedside cabinet as he removed his robe. "Thank you," she said softly as he slipped in beside her.

Rolling onto her side she faced him, closing her eyes as he whisked his fingers through her hair.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked.

She nodded, her eyes slowly opening. "Thank you for looking after me."

Resting his hand against her cheek, he smiled sweetly. "I will always look after you."

Managing a soft giggle, she turned over so her back was to him then shuffled back into him.

"Hmmm," he sighed happily, pulling her close, wrapping his arms securely around her as he spooned into her back. "I never imagined anyone could fit me as well as you do."

Snorting, she took his hand and kissed the back of his fingers. "You make me sound like a coat."

"You know what I mean," he whispered, kissing the back of her head.

"Yeah," she breathed, keeping a hold of his hand and placing it over her stomach. "Can you believe our little baby is right here?" With the tiniest amount of pressure, she pressed his hand against her, raising her head to look at him over her shoulder.

"Honestly," he began, "I'm still trying to…process that fact. It's…"

"Difficult?" she cut him off.

His tongue drew over his bottom lip. "I like to think of it more as challenging."

Facing forward again, she rubbed his hand. "Don't you like a challenge?" she asked slyly.

"This is a little more than that, my dear."

"Isn't it?" she sighed, closing her eyes as his hand softly rubbed her tummy. It felt so good. He felt so good.

"You should go back to sleep," he advised tenderly, kissing the top of her ear. "You need your rest."

"Hmmm," she agreed, melting into him. "I love you."

His chest swelled. "I love you."

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Opening her eyes, Sara knew by the lack of heat around her she was alone. She yawned and slowly sat up. Her mouth felt dry and she smacked her lips together then squinted toward the light coming from the window. Glancing at the clock she noticed a piece of paper on Grissom's pillow. Picking it up, she recognized her husband's handwriting.

'Good morning, sweetheart. You looked so peaceful when I rose I didn't have the heart to wake you. I hope you got plenty of rest and are feeling better. Please make sure you eat something when you get up. You need the sustenance. I will see you later. Love you.'

She smiled. His concern in regard to her diet nipped at her heartstrings. But, she'd already realized that he was going to be concerned about every little thing throughout her pregnancy. However, she expected nothing less from him. He was her world and she was his. She just hoped that his worry wouldn't become too much.

Yawning again, she slowly made her way out of bed catching sight of the time.10am. Boy, she'd really slept late. Surprised at herself, she headed toward the dresser when a knock sounded.

Quickly slipping on her robe, she yawned one more time. "Come in," she called. The door opened and Laura stepped in. "Morning, Mother," Sara greeted, moving around the bed. "Did you need something?"

Laura smiled. "I just thought I'd come and see if you were all right," she answered. "It's not like you to still be in bed at this hour."

Sara gave her mother a smile before moving to the wardrobe. "I'm fine," she replied. "Just a little more tired than normal." Opening it she looked over her dresses.

"And a little more sick than normal?" Laura asked.

Pausing, Sara turned to face her. "Gil asked you to check on me, didn't he?"

Laura's head jerked from side to side as she stepped close to her daughter. "Maybe," she admitted. "He mentioned at breakfast that you'd been unwell in the night and, naturally, he's worried. But, I don't think either of us are really surprised by that. So, I said I'd check on you if you weren't down by…"

"He worries too much," Sara cut her off. "Already."

Grinning, Laura joined her daughter. "He'll calm down," she said. "Once this really sinks in."

"I sure hope so."

"It's natural," Laura continued. "Especially given who he is and his past experiences."

Biting down on her lip, Sara folded her arms as a sudden chill swept down her spine. "Everything will be all right, won't it?" she asked with a sudden hint of doubt in her voice.

"Of course it will," Laura said swiftly, reaching out to rub her daughter's arm. "Don't you be getting negative on me now. I have enough contending with Gil at the moment."

Sara frowned. "He's being negative?" she questioned swiftly.

"No," Laura said firmly. "That's not what a meant. You were so positive, Sara. Keep it that way. Everything will be all right."

Letting out a gentle sigh, Sara nodded. "Yes, Mother."

"Come," Laura continued, reaching into the wardrobe. "I'll help you dress and then you can have something to eat. And, I will teach you one of my herbal remedies for the sickness. It worked for me so hopefully it will work for you next time you feel nauseous."

"What's in it?" Sara asked as Laura looked through her dresses.

"It's a little herbal tea with peppermint and lemon juice." Sara screwed up her face and Laura noticed. "It's not as bad as it sounds, I promise" she encouraged, pulling out a crimson red dress. "What about this one?"

"I was actually thinking about going for a ride," Sara admitted.

Laura's brows rose. "You feel up to that?"

Sara nodded. "I think the air will do me good."

"Okay then," Laura replied. "Then let's dress you for that."

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Seating herself at the kitchen table, Laura sipped at her tea, watching Sara finish off her toast. "Are you sure that's all you want to eat?"

Swallowing the last mouthful, Sara nodded. "Yes, Mother. It's all I can really keep down right now."

Placing her cup down, Laura edged forward in her seat. "Do you still feel sick?"

"No," Sara answered. "But I don't really want to tempt fate right now. I'd rather not encourage the feeling to come back."

Smiling, Laura reached for her daughter's hand. "The feeling will have a mind of its own," she began and Sara's head kinked as she listened. "It's nothing you will be able to control and it will come and go whenever it pleases. Sadly, it's a reaction that you will just have to deal with but don't let it worry you. It's not pleasant but it's natural. It won't always be triggered by food or smells but you'll find that certain products, as such, will trigger off your senses and bring the sickness on."

Sara's brow pinched as she began to understand. "Will I always feel like this? Right up to birth?"

"No," Laura snickered, rubbing her hand. "It usually fades after four months."

Sighing with relief, Sara managed a smile. "Well, that's something I guess."

"Try and avoid smells that make you feel nauseous, okay?" Laura advised. "If foods make you sick, steer well away from them."

"Yes, Mother," Sara agreed, nodding. "You mentioned a remedy that might help?"

"Yes," Laura confirmed. "Rana makes an amazing herbal tea. I will ensure we have a stash ready. Brew a little, add a drizzle of peppermint oil and fresh lemon juice and there we have it. I could have made some if you were still feeling sick."

Frowning, Sara pushed her empty plate away. "I'm fine for now but it sounds very odd."

Laura smiled. "It is a little but it settles the stomach and once you get used to the taste, you will drink it without even batting an eyelid."

"I guess trying it next time I feel sick will do no harm."

"And explain to that husband of yours that this sickness is all part of the package," Laura returned. "It isn't anything to worry about and we just have to deal with it until it passes."

Picking up her tea again, Sara smirked into the cup. "I'll try," she snorted.

They heard someone whistling and both looked up just as Gregory entered the room. He smiled and slowly approached Sara, leaning down and kissing her on the cheek.

"What was that for?" she giggled.

"For you," he said.

Pursing her lips, Sara blushed then reached for her tea. "Thank you," she offered bashfully.

"So, how is my favorite cousin feeling?" he asked, leaning against the table and casually folding his arms.

Now Sara's eyes narrowed and she placed her cup down. "Has Gil asked you to check up on me, too?"

Gregory shook his head. "No. Although…"

"Although what?" she questioned as he trailed off.

"He's a little cranky today," he admitted, giving his aunt a quick look.

Sara sighed, wiping her mouth with her napkin. "Has he said anything?"

"No. He just seems a lot more stressed than usual and distracted. He hit his finger with a hammer early and boy, you could hear the curse for miles."

"How am I going to get him to stop worrying?" she asked quietly, giving her mother an uncertain look.

Offering a smile, Laura stood and reached for the tea pot. "You won't," she replied, topping off Sara's cup. "But I have an idea."

"Oh?" Sara asked curiously, her brows rising.

"How about," she continued, scratching her nose, "I ask your father to organize a table for the two of you for dinner at Brewster's? It will give you both some time together away from here and maybe you can even stay overnight. It may give Gil time to clear his head a little and you can both have a good talk away from everything."

Sara smiled. "That sounds nice," she agreed.

Smiling back, Laura nodded. "Then I will have it arranged for tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mother," Sara replied happily.

"Can I come?" Gregory joked.

Rolling her eyes, Sara shook her head. "No."

Laura laughed, holding up a finger. "But, you could accompany Sara on her ride."

"You're going for a ride?" he asked.

Sara looked over her clothes, right eyebrow rising. "What do you think?"

He snorted. "Then I guess I'm coming too."

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Stepping into the house, Grissom popped his injured finger into his mouth, gave it a little suck then inspected it as he moved across the hall. His fingernail was already turning black and he suspected he may lose it. What a stupid error to make but that about summed up his concentration level for the morning.

Sighing heavily, he looked around before entering the lounge, spotting Laura sitting by the window, knitting in hand. Hearing his entrance, she looked up and offered him a smile as he approached.

"Hello there," she greeted. He tried to smile back and nodded as she held up the knitting. "A little baby attire," she told him. "I thought I'd get a head start."

His teeth nipped into his bottom lip as he looked over the tiny garment. "That's nice," he answered softly then looked around the room. "Have you seen Sara? I thought I'd say hello, see how she's feeling."

"You've just missed her," Laura said. "I'm surprised you didn't bump into each other actually."

He frowned. "Oh? Where's she gone?"

"She's gone for a ride with Gregory. The air will do her good."

"What?" he snapped, his eyes widening.

Swallowing, Laura heard a sudden venom in his tone. "Gil, relax," she pleaded as he stared at her. "She's feeling much better." Shaking his head, he spun around and ran out of the room. "Gil!" she hollered.

Tossing down her knitting, she gave chase but by the time she reached the doorway, he was already heading out the front door and slamming it behind him.

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Sara thanked her cousin as he held Pandora's bridle, his eyes flicking to the stable door as Dante poked his head out.

"I don't think he's too happy you're taking his filly," he snickered.

Slipping her feet into the stirrups, Sara looked over her shoulder. "I won't be long, boy, I promise," she told Dante and he snorted.

"If your husband wasn't so protective over his horse then Dante could have come along," Gregory said, stroking his own horse.

Sara laughed. "Dante's very picky, aren't you?" she asked as the horse whinnied and bobbed his head.

"Oh?" Gregory mumbled, holding a hand to his chest as he looked toward the horse in question. "You don't trust me?"

Dante's eyes narrowed then his head rose up a bit to look over Gregory's shoulder.

"SARA!" came Grissom's voice powering through the air.

Both Sara and Gregory's heads snapped around to see Grissom rushing towards them, his cheeks rosy and a few drops of sweat dripping down his face.

Sara's lips parted as he stopped in front of her, his fists thumping into his hips as he caught his breath. "What's wrong?" she questioned immediately.

Holding up a hand, he wriggled his fingers. "Get off the horse," he demanded.

She blinked hard then frowned at him. "What?" she laughed in disbelief.

His eyes bore into hers, sharp and serious. "I said…get off the horse."

Shaking her head, her forehead creased in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"You can't be riding in your condition," he snapped. "Now get down."

"Hey, don't talk to her like that," Gregory butted in, unimpressed at Grissom's harsh tone.

Grissom's eyes shot to the younger man, his nostrils flaring and, although Gregory felt a wave of fear pass through his body, he stood his ground and blocked him off from Pandora.

"This has nothing to do with you," Grissom growled. "Now get out of the way."

"Or what?" Gregory challenged.

Scrunching the fingers on his right hand into a tight ball, Grissom took a menacing step forward.

"Stop it!" Sara shouted. "Both of you!" Grissom stopped, looking back up to his wife and Gregory turned to face her. "What is wrong with you?" she accused her husband. "I'm only going for a ride."

His head slowly shook. "No. Not with the baby. It's too dangerous."

Her eyes rolled. "I'm barely seven weeks, Gil. I'm not going to stop living my life."

"You will do as I tell you," he answered seriously. "Now, get off that horse."

Fighting the tears that stung her eyes, Sara slowly swung her leg over and slid from the saddle, Gregory reaching out to help her. Nodding her thanks, she glared at Grissom as she approached him, throwing the reins at him.

"You're an ass!" she shouted before brushing past him and heading towards the house.

Taking a deep breath to slow his rapidly beating heart, Grissom turned to watch her walk away, Gregory hurrying after her.

Slapping his legs with the reins in frustration, he looked out over the paddock noticing several workers staring at him. Gritting his teeth, he glared back at them.

"Get back to work," he demanded.

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"Sara, hold up," Gregory called as he ran after her. She didn't stop but it wasn't long before he caught up. "Do you want to talk?" he asked as they reached the base of the house steps.

"No," she snapped as they began climbing.

"He shouldn't talk to you like that," he said swiftly.

Sighing, she gave him a quick look. "I said I don't want to talk about it."

Opening the door for her, she hurried inside, heading straight for the stairs and pausing when she saw Laura coming down them.

"Oh," Laura began, reaching the bottom. "That was quick."

Shaking her head, Sara didn't say a word and just brushed past her mother, rushing as quickly as she could up the stairs. With a frown, Laura looked to her nephew.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Grissom happened," Gregory replied sharply and Laura's frown deepened. "He said she can't ride and he didn't put it very politely either." Laura's shoulders slumped and she sighed heavily. "I should make sure she's okay," he continued, pointing up the stairs.

Laura shook her head. "Leave her be. Considering her mood I highly doubt she will talk to you. Go and find your Uncle and see if he has any duties for you. I'll deal with this."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she answered. "Let me deal with Gil. Go."

Nodding uncertainly, he stepped towards the door then turned back.

"Go," she repeated.

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About 15 minutes later Grissom arrived back at the house, grinding to a halt in the doorway when he saw Laura sitting at the bottom on the stairs. Quietly, he closed the door as she stood and approached him.

Folding his arms, he looked her in the eye. "Where is she?"

*** - "It wore itself out, and wore him out with it. He was again alone, considering what to do next, when be heard a foot upon the stair. In a few moments, she stood in his presence, who, with a keenly observant look at him, addressed him by his name."

*** - Taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (Adapted)

A/N: And you all thought Grissom took the news well. Ha! Not a chance :P