A/N: Sorry for the delay guys but at last I'm back with a new chapter. I hope it was worth the wait. So, let's see if Sara can calm Grissom down a little or will she end up spending her entire pregnancy tied up in her room. Although that doesn't sound all that bad. Lol.

Thank you for all your reviews, they rock! And, to calim, for the great beta and suggestions as always.

And on we roll…almost at the bottom of the hill now… :)

Chapter 162

Stepping inside their room, Sara looked around, watching as Kendrick put down their case and moved to the window.

"Oh, my," she exclaimed. "This is so nice."

Nodding in agreement, Grissom's eyes immediately fell on the gorgeously engraved four poster oak bed.

"Would you like me to open a window for you, sir?" Kendrick asked, straightening the drapes. "Or is the temperature adequate?"

Grissom looked to his wife. "Sara?" he asked.

"That might be nice," she suggested. "It is a little stuffy in here although all those stairs may have added to my current warmth."

"Please open the window," Grissom directed and Kendrick did as he was told.

Once resetting the drapes around the open window, the bellboy stepped back and turned towards the couple. "Lunch will be served until 3pm and dinner from 6pm until 10pm. If you'd like room service we can accommodate you at any time."

Grissom smiled. "Thank you."

Kendrick smiled back. "Anything else I can get for you right now, sir?" he asked.

"Actually," Grissom began, his eyes flicking to Sara for a second, "we would like a bottle of your finest champagne. Could you organize that for us?"

The younger man offered a healthy nod. "Yes, sir, of course."

"And some strawberries," Sara added, doing her best not to smirk as Grissom looked her way. "I feel like a nibble," she added slyly.

Clearing his throat, he kept the comment he wanted to say to himself and flashed Kendrick a smile. "And some strawberries," he requested, reaching into his pants pocket, pulling out a dollar bill and holding it out to the young man.

"Yes, sir!" Kendrick exclaimed gleefully, taking the money. "Thank you, sir!"

Sara giggled as Kendrick bowed and quickly scuttled from the room, closing the door behind him. "I think you just made his day," she sniggered, walking towards the window. "That's probably three day's pay for him if not more."

Following her to the window, Grissom sighed and she turned upon hearing him. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Hmmm," he replied, reaching for her and pulling her close, his arms coiling around her waist and fingers entwining behind her back, wincing a touch because of his injured finger. "Just thinking how hard he must work and the little money he'll take home. Reminds me of when I first left the Grove and how tough life was for a while."

Raising a hand, she ran her fingertips through his hair. "You've worked hard to be where you are," she told him. "Even without the family inheritance. Don't feel bad."

"I don't," he denied. "It's... just a little strange having no money worries. I'm still getting used to it and it's nice to share the wealth when I can with those who I feel deserving."

Leaning in, she gave him a gentle kiss, smiling when she pulled back. "And I'm sure Kendrick appreciated that very much."

"I do, too," he agreed.

"You know," Sara continued, gliding her hand down his cheek, "there are still many things I don't know about you especially the time after you left the estate. Maybe while we have some time, you could tell me."

He licked his lips. "Maybe."

Her eyebrows rose. "Maybe?"

"Well," he began, pulling her a little tighter to his body, "we did come here to talk about something a little more serious than my past, plus weren't you supposed to be telling me something about a little game you had in mind?"

Placing her palm against his cheek, she smirked. "I guess you have two choices then," she told him. "We can get serious and hope we can come to enough of a compromise that we won't be grumpy with each other for the rest of the day or we could relax for a little while first, just enjoy each other's company and have our conversation later at dinner."

"Are you expecting us to be grumpy with each other?"

Her nose twitched. "I hope not but I know how stubborn you can be when you think you're right."

"I just don't want you hurting yourself," he sighed softly.

Swiftly, her hand slipped from his cheek to cover his mouth. "Choose," she said. "We talk now or we talk later." As he mumbled, she smirked. "I didn't quite catch that," she said, dropping her hand.

"Later," he whispered, his head dipping, lips gently capturing hers in a smooth and long kiss.

She smiled into him, a happy hum slipping from her lips to his and, as his hands cupped her backside, a familiar tingling grew in her belly. A knock came at the door and she snorted before pulling back.

"I think," she began, licking her lips, "that our refreshments have arrived."

Flashing her a quick grin, he stepped away to open the door, seeing Kendrick with a bucket and another man with a tray holding two glasses and a bowl of strawberries.

"Your champagne, sir," Kendrick announced.

"Come in," Grissom answered with a smile, stepping back from the door. The two men did so quickly, placing the items down on a table by the window.

"Would you like me to open the bottle and pour for you, sir?" Kendrick asked.

"No, I'll take care of it, thank you," Grissom answered.

Kendrick nodded to his helper and both men headed back towards the door. "Anything else you need, sir, before we leave?"

Grissom shook his head. "Not right now."

Nodding, Kendrick followed his colleague out the door. Closing the door behind them, Grissom headed back to his wife seeing her gazing into the champagne bucket.

"Ooooh," she chirped. "Ice. We are spoiled."

"Wasn't that the intention," he answered, reaching for the bottle but paused when she took his hand. Frowning at her with confusion, he watched as she turned his hand over and glanced at his fingers.

"Your finger looks sore," she said, bringing it to her lips and placing a tender kiss on the tip. "Does it hurt?"

"A little," he admitted. "The joys of not concentrating. It will wear off. But next time I'm using heavy tools at work, I really need to have a clear head."

Reaching into the bucket with her free hand, Sara took a piece of ice and held it over his finger. He flinched a little.

"I know you've got a lot on your mind but you need to be careful," she told him. "How's that?" she asked, looking into his eyes.

"Feels nice," he sighed, her worry for him nipping at his heart.

Her eyelashes fluttered. "Promise?"

"Hmmm," he mumbled.

Releasing his hand she reached for a strawberry and held it to her nose, inhaling its scent. "I have come to love these," she admitted. "And it's one thing that doesn't make me feel sick."

Taking a bite, she held out the rest to him. As he opened his mouth, she dropped the fruit inside and he happily chewed before reaching for the bottle again.

"I do appreciate your concern by the way, about my finger. But, I'm sure it will be fine in time."

Without any warning, he popped the cork and Sara jumped, literally, her hand shooting to her heart as the bottle top flew across the room, the liquid fizzing over the bottle neck.

Grissom laughed heartily as his hands got covered in champagne and he quickly began pouring two glasses before they ended up losing all the liquid upon the floor.

Sara laughed too and hurried to the wardrobe, grabbing a towel before rushing back, dropping it upon the liquid mess on the floor. "I can tell that you don't often open champagne," she snorted.

Smirking, he held a glass out to her. "Generally not. It's usually open and I just drink it."

Still laughing she took the glass. "Thank you, sir."

Rolling his eyes, he put the bottle down and took his own glass, holding it up. "To you," he declared. "Our future and our baby."

Her laughter faded and she smiled, chinking his glass with hers. "To us," she replied so tenderly, he felt his toes curl.

"So," he said after taking a sip, "do you wish to explain this game of yours or don't you want to play anymore?"

Pursing her lips, she took a step closer. "Oh, I want to play but we're going to need one thing."

His eyebrows rose at her sultry tone and the rapid beating of his heart was almost offset by his curiosity. Almost. "And what might that be?" he asked.

She grinned. "More towels."

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Arm in arm, Grissom and Sara followed Alfred into the dining room, the glorious smells of the dinner fare filling the room.

Both had a spring in their step and very contented smiles upon their faces. Not surprising considering they'd spent the entire afternoon in their room exploring and loving each other. The sight of Sara lying naked on the bed as he'd trickled champagne upon her bare breasts then proceeding to delightfully lick it off, filled his head. He liked that game. However, trying to come up with a plausible excuse as to why their sheets needed changing so soon after checking in, did cause him to blush. Fortunately, Alfred was as discreet as they came and needed no explanation from him.

"Here we are, sir," Alfred directed, gesturing to a table by the open fireplace. "Is this adequate for you both?"

"Honey?" Grissom asked, looking to his wife. "Is this okay for you?"

"It's fine," she answered, moving to the chair as Alfred smiled and pulled it out for her. "Thank you," she said gratefully as she sat.

"May I organize you some drinks?" Alfred asked as Grissom sat down. "Champagne perhaps?"

The couple's eyes clashed and, fighting a grin, Grissom glanced back to their host. "Um…maybe some wine for now. Whatever you recommend, I don't think either of us are that picky."

Their host nodded. "It will be my pleasure to choose for you, sir. Menus are on the table and Mary Jane will be over to take your order in a little while."

Sara smiled gratefully, picking up the menu as Alfred walked away. "So, Mr. Grissom," she began, "how do we sort this out?"

His right eyebrow inclined and he held up his menu. "I think we just order," he answered innocently.

Her eyes narrowed at him. "You know what I mean," she argued, lowering her voice. "I mean us, Gil, and you overreacting."

Sighing, he dropped the menu and reached to pour some water. "Do you think this is the best place for us to have this conversation?" he asked quietly.

Her lips puckered. "If we keep our voices down," she replied. "And it will probably stop us shouting at each other."

He did try not to smirk at her slyness because this was certainly no laughing matter but her theory could well be true. "Look," he began, swallowing, "I am sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier. My tone was unacceptable but my reasons were valid." He pushed a glass of water her way then took a sip from his own. "No, I didn't approach things in the right way but something snapped inside of me and I just couldn't stop it." Sara reached for his hand, giving it a squeeze and he managed a small smile. "Forgive me?"

"I understand your fears," she told him softly. "And I know you are very much on edge right now. Yes, you did upset me but, I forgive you. However, you better make sure it doesn't happen again."

Grissom took a quick look around just to make sure their conversation was being kept between them. "It won't," he cut in but she held up a hand and he silenced.

"Let me finish," she requested and he nodded. "You need to understand, I am not made of glass, Gil. I can look after myself, pregnant or not and, as I've said, you can't protect me every minute of the day. You can't expect me to live in a box."

His mouth opened, his reply on the tip of his tongue but they were interrupted by Alfred returning with their wine.

"I have selected our best Californian red for you, sir," their host announced, holding up the carafe. "Is that to your satisfaction?"

Clearing his throat, Grissom withdrew his eyes from his wife to glance upwards, giving Alfred a very weak smile. "It will be fine," he replied.

"Would you like to taste before I pour, sir?"

Grissom shook his head. "No, I'm sure it will be fine."

Nodding, Alfred poured two glasses and Sara smiled her thanks before he stepped away.

"You were about to say," Sara encouraged, waving a hand through the air before picking up her wine glass and taking a sip.

He licked his lips, fiddling with the bottom of his own glass. "I don't want you to stop living your life. I just want you to be careful and steer clear of doing things that are dangerous."

"You know how good a rider I am," she argued. "Have you ever seen me fall off a horse?" Frowning, his mind flicked back to that fateful night on the clifftop and Sara's mouth popped open as the same memory suddenly struck her. Swiftly, she held up a finger. "That wasn't my fault and you know that. Seriously, let's not go there."

"No," he agreed, swallowing hard. "Let's not."

Reaching for his hand again, she entwined her fingers with his. "There has to be a compromise about this that makes us both happy. Giving up one of the few things that I truly love will make for a very unhappy wife for the next seven months. But, ultimately, happy with it or not, I will obey my husband and his wishes. I just really don't want to fight about this anymore."

Picking up her hand he kissed the back and she smiled. "You don't have to stop riding just yet," he whispered. Her eyelids flickered, eyes lightening as she studied his blank expression.

"I don't?"

Shaking his head, he lowered her hand. "But there is a condition," he continued.

Now her eyes narrowed a little. "And what's that?"

"That when you ride, then either I or someone very capable accompanies you. I don't want you going anywhere alone. And, you take it easy. No jumping or anything stupid. Okay?"

A bright smile found her lips. "I can live with that," she said softly. "And I promise, no foolery."

Without even thinking about their location, he leaned close and kissed her lips, feeling her giggle against him.

"You're going to get us thrown out," she snickered as their lips separated.

He smirked, sitting back. "With the tips I leave? I doubt that."

Sighing happily, she flashed him another loving smile. "So are we calling a truce?"

"Yes."

"Good," she announced with a mixture of relief and happiness. "Because I'm starving."

He laughed, handing her a menu again before retaking his own. "So, what is tickling Madam's taste buds this evening?" he asked.

Sara looked up, her eyebrows rising. "I'd ask you the same but I think you've already been satisfied."

Peering at her and smirking, his eyes then darted around for a second. "Shush," he urged. "People will hear."

"So? What will they conclude from our conversation should they hear?"

"I dread to think," he chuckled, looking back at the list of food.

Giggling, she did the same. "You know," she mused, "considering I don't eat meat, I really feel like some beef."

A little surprised, he glanced back to her. "Then have some," he urged. "The baby will need all the food you can give it and considering your eating habits, anything is good in my book. The more you eat, the better."

"Hmmmm," she mumbled. "It's just odd," she admitted. "I haven't eaten red meat for years and usually the thought of it in my mouth makes me shiver but right now, I think I could eat an entire cow."

Turning his menu over, he looked at it seriously before flipping it back over. "Sorry, entire cow is not available today, Ma'am."

Swiping out a hand, she playfully swatted his arm. "Careful," she warned, "or sir will be getting no more nibbles this evening."

"Spoil sport," he muttered and she laughed just as Mary Jane stepped up to their table.

"Are we ready to order, sir?" she asked, clasping her hands behind her back.

"Sara?" Grissom asked. "Do you need more time?"

She shook her head. "No. I'll have the roast beef, please. Extra potatoes."

"Yes, Ma'am," Mary Jane replied enthusiastically. "Would you like any extra sauce?"

Sara shrugged. "Why not."

Smiling, Mary Jane took Sara's menu then looked to Grissom. "And for you, sir?"

"I'll have the same," he replied, holding out his menu.

"Very good, sir. Anything else at all?"

"Not right now," he answered.

The server gave another smile and nodded before backing away.

"The beef looked quite delicious when your cousins had it so I hope it's the same tonight," Grissom said, taking a healthy glug from his wine. "The wine is good, too."

"Everything is good," Sara sighed contentedly. "Let's hope it stays that way." She held up her glass. "To you."

Chinking her glass with his own, he gave her a wink. "And to you."

*** - "A shiver ran through her frame, and from it through his..."

A/N: Everything is good isn't it? Le sigh... But is it a little too good or has Evil hat finally been put to bed? More fluff or do we want it rough? LMAO. :P