A/N: Back, finally :) I will admit I have got into a bit of a groove and I'm now several chapters ahead so hopefully there won't be too much of a wait for more. That's if you want more of course :P There should be some celebrating coming up but I sniff Evil hat. He's due to make an appearance isn't he? Mwahaah.
My forever thanks to calim for continuing to be my rock, no matter how much I throw at you. You are more than a beta, you keep me going when I'm down and you are my friend. I bow to you :)
And, on we go….
Chapter 164
"Are you sure you're up to the walk?" Grissom asked of Sara as he took his hat from Rana and popped it onto his head. "I can update you when I get back."
"I'll be fine," Sara insisted. "It's much cooler now and it's not that far."
"Would you like a shawl, Ma'am?" Rana asked. "Just in case the wind picks up."
After a moment's thought, Sara nodded. "Might be a good idea."
Reaching into the closet, Rana grabbed a woolen shawl, draping it over Sara's shoulders.
"Thank you," Sara said with appreciation.
Rana smiled. "Be sure you're back before dark," she advised. "Very risky underfoot without proper light, Ma'am."
Nodding, Sara took her husband's arm. "We will be."
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They entered the stable and headed towards Pandora's stall only to find it empty. Grissom frowned then checked in Dante's stall but it, too, was empty.
"I thought they'd be in by now," he said, scratching the back of his head before reaching for Sara's hand.
Heading out the back of the stable, they ducked around the side to see Pandora contentedly drinking from the trough while Dante nervously paced back and forth behind her, snorting as he went.
"He looks a little…" Sara began.
"Agitated," he finished for her.
Together they closed in on the horses until Grissom slowly pulled them to a stop.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Just keep your distance until I call for you, okay?"
Sara looked surprised by that request. "Why?" she half laughed and then she realized. "Oh, yeah. Might be a good idea."
Grissom's eyes narrowed as Dante came to an abrupt stop in front of Pandora and stared at his master.
"Yes. It appears he's in protective mode," he replied quietly.
"Surely he wouldn't hurt us, would he?" she asked even if she sounded unsure of the question.
Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, he smiled. "I hope not but just give me a minute just in case."
"All right," she agreed. "Just be careful."
Smiling again, he slowly approached his stallion, being very careful to keep eye contact with him and not get distracted by Pandora. Grissom feared the second he did look at her that Dante may get a little defensive, at least until they had a quiet word.
"Hey, boy," Grissom greeted softly.
Dante snorted loudly, causing Grissom to stop just before reaching the horse as he began scraping his front hoof through the dirt.
"Hey!" Grissom said more firmly now. "Don't start with that," he ordered. Dante snorted again and Grissom raised a finger. "Relax," he continued. "Please?"
A soft snort came now and Dante took a small step back as Grissom advanced, slowly raising his hand to rub between his horse's ears.
"Relax," he urged. "I'm only here to make sure she's all right and you know I won't hurt her." A tiny whinny caught the rancher's ears and he smiled, looking deep into Dante's eyes. "You trust me?" Dante nodded. "You're going to behave and let me do what I need to do?" The horse nodded again. "Good boy," Grissom finished, kissing the top of Dante's nose.
"Is it safe to approach?" Sara asked as Dante trotted back towards Pandora.
Turning to her, Grissom nodded then pulled gloves from his belt and slipped them on.
"He certainly is protective, isn't he?" she asked upon reaching her husband.
"Yeah," Grissom agreed. "Which makes me think she is with foal. I don't think he'd be acting this way otherwise."
"How can we tell if she is this early on?" Sara asked, sticking close as Grissom walked towards Pandora. "She won't be showing many signs yet, will she?"
"I usually just ask," he replied.
Sara laughed. "Seriously?"
He shrugged. "Yeah," he said innocently and that completely baffled Sara. Being good with horses was one thing but this was something else. "Hey, girl," he said upon reaching Pandora, noting Dante was keeping a very watchful eye just a few paces away. "How are you doing?" he continued, giving her neck a gentle stroke.
She bobbed her head and Grissom smiled, moving to her side and bending to carefully run his hand under her belly.
"How does it feel?" Sara asked as Pandora turned her head to look at Grissom.
"Almost normal, just a little warm," Grissom replied quickly. "But there usually isn't any physical signs of pregnancy until a month before due date."
"So why are you feeling her?"
Straightening out, he moved back to the front of Pandora, reaching to clasp either side of her face. "To gain her trust," he answered. "Isn't that right?" he asked the horse. Pandora's tongue slipped out to lick Grissom's arm and he smiled brightly. "Got a little one inside you there, girl, huh?" he asked gently.
With a flutter of her nostrils, Pandora bobbed her head. The second she did, Dante let out an enormous whine, earning wide eyes from both Grissom and Sara and even more so when he reared up on his back legs and shot off into the center of the paddock only to run around in a circle again and again.
"Umm…" Sara stuttered. "Does that mean he's happy or…?"
"I think he's happy," Grissom laughed, rubbing Pandora's nose as Dante reared up again, exhaling a neigh so loud the entire state probably heard it. "Hey, keep it down!"
Stomping his feet to the ground, Dante gave a very energetic shake of his head before trotting back towards them, stopping by his filly and licking her face. Pandora gave a snort of appreciation before tapping her front foot a few times.
"Now, I need you both to listen, okay?" Grissom asked, eyeing both horses. "You need to look after her. Got that?" he asked of Dante who nodded. Turning toward Pandora, he rubbed her neck. "And you must eat regularly and drink plenty of water. You can still exercise but no overdoing and don't stay in the sun too long." Pandora snorted then nodded. "Good girl," he finished with smile.
Offering one more snort, Pandora turned and headed towards the stable, Dante just a few paces behind her.
Snickering, Sara leaned into her husband. "I'll tell you one thing," she said.
Turning to face her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, well, best he could and pulled her close. "And what might that be?"
"I wouldn't want to be the one to get in between those two. Dante is quite the protector."
"Indeed," Grissom agreed, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Just like his dad."
"Hmmm," she cooed, hand rising to brush over his beard. "Would you wail on your hind legs for me and then run around in a circle?"
His right eyebrow inclined. "I only have two legs," he countered. "And I'd like to think I have better methods of looking after my lady."
Her lips pursed. "And what might they be?"
Dipping his head, his lips touched hers. "This for one," he breathed before kissing her passionately.
Smiling into his lips, she enjoyed the feel of his tongue brushing over hers and was reluctant to pull back when she heard voices coming from behind. As they separated, she took a quick look over her shoulder to see two boys heading for the stable.
"I do like the way you look after your lady," she said with a smirk, returning her attention to Grissom as she tapped him on the chin. "But I think it might be a good idea to warn the boys about Pandora before Dante spies them. It could get messy otherwise."
"Good point," he agreed, reaching for her hand. "Come on."
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Sara hummed happily, eyes closed as Grissom gently massaged her scalp. Everyone had retired and it was past 11pm. Now they sat alone in the lounge. Well, Grissom sat. Sara lay, her feet up on the couch and her head nestled on her husband's lap.
"Feel good?" he asked.
"Extremely," she answered on a happy sigh. "Although, any way you touch me feels good."
Smiling, he inhaled a very contented breath, dipping down to kiss her on the top of the head. "Feeling tired yet?"
Opening her eyes, she smirked. "I always feel tired. It's the sleeping part that's the actual problem."
Dropping a hand to her shoulder, he gently rubbed. "Not long to go," he encouraged.
Snorting, she reached for his hand, pulling it down to her lips. "Yes, but even then I don't see much sleep coming my way. But, I know that comes with motherhood so I'm ready for it."
"I'm here," he replied. "And there is lots of other help, honey. You won't be doing it all on your own."
"I know but I also know how some women in our society are. Nursemaids and servants constantly looking after their children. I don't want to be like that. I want my child to have a mother who is there."
The second the words left her mouth she realized what she'd said, and even more so when she felt Grissom stiffen. As quickly as she could, she sat up, hands falling to her belly as she scooted round to face him, edging in close.
"I'm sorry," she stuttered, seeing a sadness upon his face. "I didn't mean…I know…um…"
Silencing her with a quick kiss, his forehead fell to hers. "I know," he whispered. "It's okay. "And...as hard as it was never knowing my mother, I know we'll both be there for our little one, whenever he needs us."
She blinked as he leaned back. "He?" He nodded. "She," Sara corrected.
"Nuh, huh," Grissom replied, shaking his head. "Not with the way he bounces up and down."
Laughing, she pressed on her tummy. Not a second after Grissom's words, the baby kicked. "Well," she snickered, "I'm not sure whether that was a kick of confirmation or an upset little girl wanting her right to be known." Smiling brightly, she stretched out in his arms then yawned. "Tired, aren't you?" she concluded.
"A little," he admitted.
"Come." Pushing herself up, Sara held out her hand. "Let's go upstairs and I can return the massage."
Taking, her hand, he stood. "Now that's an offer I certainly won't refuse."
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17TH August 1860
It was one of the most amazing dreams he'd ever had. A gorgeously sunny day, just himself and Sara walking hand in hand through the greenest meadows he had ever seen. The birds were singing, the air was fresh and crisp and horses happily meandered around them. It was bliss and even more so when they made sweet love under a great oak without a care in the world.
And then his dreamy world was broken when he felt a warmth by his side and a pressure against his cheek.
"Hmmm…" he mumbled but kept his eyes closed, the sensation of Sara's lips pecking at his cheek just too nice to disturb.
"Good morning, birthday boy," she whispered, nipping at his earlobe.
Smiling brightly, his eyes opened and, stretching out his legs with a gratifying growl, rolled over to face her. "Morning," he replied on a happy sigh, arm slipping around her waist. "That's probably the nicest birthday wakeup up call I've ever had and I was having such a nice dream, too."
She kissed him softly then returned his smile. "Oh? And what we're you dreaming about?"
"You," he answered huskily, his hand sweeping up her back.
Giggling, she kissed him again. "Are you going to share?"
His nose twitched, his eyes working over her face. "Maybe later."
"Good idea," she agreed, tapping him on the nose. "Because we have a busy day ahead."
"We do?" he asked innocently. "I know I have the day off but I thought we could just have a peaceful day."
"We will," she said quickly but then paused, her brow pinching as an uneasy feeling began in her gut and she sat up. Grissom, noting the sudden change in her expression, quickly followed.
"Are you all right?" he questioned, placing an arm over her shoulders.
"Hmmm," she mumbled, rubbing her belly. "It's nothing I'm sure. Trapped wind probably." He frowned, not entirely sure whether he believed that. "Relax," she encouraged, cupping his cheek as the feeling faded. "I'm fine."
"I just worry," he sighed. "Especially because you haven't been sleeping well. Plus, we're so close to the birth date now."
"I know, but today is your day. Stop worrying. I'm really okay. It's passed."
Shifting his hand to her stomach he held it there. "Promise?"
Holding her hand over his, she kissed him again. "Yes. I promise." He smiled, even if weakly. "Now, shall we get dressed so your day can begin?"
His eyes narrowed with suspicion now. "What have you got up your sleeve?"
Innocently looking around, Sara glanced down to her chemise and held out her arms. "Not a lot actually. As you can see."
"Very funny," he chided. "But I know that look in your eyes. You're plotting."
"Me?" she laughed.
"Yes you," he shot back. "Now, what exactly have you got planned?"
Snickering, Sara swung her legs around the side of the bed and stood, groaning to herself as she did. "You'll just have to wait and see."
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After dressing the couple headed downstairs, arm in arm. Grissom tried to keep a smile on his face to conceal his concern over Sara's funny turn and hoped no one would see through it.
"Are you sure you're feeling all right?" he asked as they reached the hallway.
Her head kinked upwards and she looked at him. "Yes," she insisted. "Now stop worrying or you'll spoil your appetite for breakfast."
The second Sara said that the aroma of roast ham caught his nose and it smelled delicious. "Okay," he agreed. "You win."
"Good." She tugged him into the dining room where all the family were already seated and waiting.
"Ah, here he is," Laura said, chirpily.
Grissom gave a shy smile, blushing as all eyes fell upon him.
"Another year older, eh, Grissom?" Gregory piped up. "You'll be retiring soon."
Sara glared at her cousin as he smirked. "Be careful," Sara warned as Grissom pulled out a chair for her. "The mucking of those stalls can get rather smelly in the summer months and Gil is, as I recall, still your boss."
As Gregory's smirk faded, one of his own appeared on Grissom's lips as he sat beside his wife.
"Spoilsport," the younger man mumbled, reaching for the cup of coffee in front of him.
"So, my boy," the captain began as Rana and several servants finished bringing in the breakfast feast. "What are your plans for today?"
Picking up Sara's napkin, he placed it on her lap for her. "Um…I'm not sure actually," he replied. "My wife is being rather secretive."
"Is she now?" the captain snickered, reaching out to pull the platter of sausages towards him.
Grissom reached for the plate of ham. "Yes," he confirmed. "I know nothing." His eyes flicked to his wife and she smiled. "Would you like some ham, dear?" he asked casually.
She licked her lips. "I would," she answered.
The captain's sausage filled fork stopped midway to his plate as everyone stared at Sara.
"You're eating meat?" the captain spluttered as Grissom placed a slice of ham on her plate.
"Yes, Father," Sara confirmed. "I do now and again when it appeals. Does that make you happy now?"
He frowned. "Well…I…hadn't noticed and…just…you didn't and haven't for so long. It's just a surprise."
"Let's just say something about my body at the moment has changed my eating habits."
"Well, I'll take that as a good thing," the captain finished.
Smiling, Sara reached out for the eggs. "Good."
As plates were piled high and everyone began eating, Grissom was still waiting to find out what his day would entail. He wasn't used to major birthday celebrations. Usually it was just another normal day to him.
"So," he began, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Am I going to get any clues about today?" Sara looked at him and his right eyebrow inclined.
She gave him a tooth filled grin. "Wait and see."
Rolling his eyes, he stabbed his fork into a sausage. "I'm not a fan of attention," he said quietly.
"I know," Sara answered. "It will be a happy, relaxing and quiet day. Stop worrying."
"Fine," he whispered. "I will do my best to enjoy."
Smiling again, she picked up some toast. "Glad to hear it."
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With breakfast eaten, everyone moved to the lounge to where Grissom's gifts were waiting, Sara promising this would be the last part of the family attention until dinner. The rest of the day was just for the two of them as she had something special planned she was sure her husband was going to love. That prospect, he did like.
Grissom, as usual, was quite taken aback by the gifts he was given. A new saddle, silver spurs and riding gloves from the captain and Laura, a new book and scotch from the boys. Now all that was left was Sara's gifts and as Laura ushered everyone from the room, the couple were left alone for the exchange.
A little unsure as to why they'd been left in private, Grissom turned to his wife. "Is there a reason we are now by ourselves?" he laughed. "Are you going to have your wicked way with me?"
Trying very hard to hide her smirk, Sara walked over to drinks cabinet, opening one of the closed doors and pulling out a wrapped parcel. "You'd like that wouldn't you?" she challenged on her way back towards him.
When she reached him, his eyes worked all the way over her body, from top to bottom. "Even given your current…." He stopped, unsure how to continue.
"Size?" she put for him, lips pursing.
"Cuddleability," he corrected.
She laughed. "That's not even a real word, Gil."
"Even so. I love a good challenge and if you're up to it then…"
Shooting out her free hand, she covered his mouth and silenced him. "No," she said, trying so hard to sound serious but it didn't quite work. "None of that until later." She felt him pout and couldn't hold in her laugh. "I just wanted a little private moment to give you this."
As she removed her hand, Grissom glanced down at the package and his heart skipped a beat. If she wanted to do this alone then it had to be something quite personal. "Do I get a clue?" he asked, taking the gift from her.
Sara shook her head. "Nope. Open it and see."
*** - "This new life was an anxious life, no doubt; still, he saw that there was a new sustaining pride in it. Nothing unbecoming tinged the pride; it was a natural and worthy one; but he observed it as a curiosity."
*** - Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (Adapted)
A/N: Oooh, what has Sara got for him? I hope he likes it but I'm sensing a little something else in the air. Do you? :P