A/N: Oooh, I sniff Evil hat and on Grissom's birthday as well. Bad hat! Lol. Let's hope he doesn't cause too much trouble :P Thank you as always to calim for the beta and advice and to all you lovely readers for continuing to follow my little ficlet. Not long now before we reach that ending. Going to be a sad day when we finally get there. Not just yet, but soon.

Happy reading :)

Chapter 165

Grissom looked closely at the package then pulled on the oversized ribbon before carefully removing the brown paper wrapping to reveal a wooden box. Puzzled, he eyed her once then flipped opened the lid. An immediate lump caught in his throat as he stared at the contents.

Sara watched his lips part, his eyes mesmerized by her gift so she knew it might be an idea to help him along a little or he might just sit and stare at it all day long.

"I thought," she began, her fingers dipping into the box to pull out the locket and chain, "that this may help, even if just a little, to replace what you gave to me." He blinked hard as she held up the glimmering offer.

It was a Continental silver oval locket with a raised yellow gold cruciform at the center. A silent breath seeped from his lips as his eyes worked over the scrolling foliate body and rope twist outer frame. It was beautiful and he couldn't keep from staring at it.

"Ah, look what's inside," she said quietly.

Tearing his eyes from it, he watched her gently pop it open revealing a photograph of the two of them on their wedding day. A feeling hit his gut like something he'd never experienced and it felt so good, so loving.

Seeing an overwhelmed expression upon his face, Sara reached inside her dress and pulled out the locket he'd given her. "I have a picture too," she said softly, popping it open to show him. "See? And, I thought the other side of both our lockets could be kept free for a picture of our baby. Once she arrives that is."

He looked at her with glistening eyes. "I don't know what to say," he whispered.

"You don't have to say anything," she said softly. "And…if you don't like it then…"

Before Sara could get another word out, his arms swooped around her, startling her a little and she had absolutely no chance to react before his lips smothered hers. She melted into him, free hand gliding up his back as the sensation of his passionate kiss sent an exciting shudder through her body. Moaning, her hand slid to the base of neck, fingernails gliding through his hair with a very satisfied groan.

When he pulled back she was grinning and seductively licked her lips. "You like it then?" she giggled, dangling the chain in front of him.

Smiling again, he took it from her, his thumb lightly rubbing over the photograph before he popped the locket closed. "It's…more than words could ever express," he said hoarsely, as he swiped at his eyes.

Her heart swelled at the sight. Taking the chain back she unclipped it and fastened it about his neck. "I'm so happy you like it," she sighed with relief.

"I will cherish it always," he answered, tucking it beneath his shirt, feeling the cool silver against his chest and heart.

"But it isn't quite complete yet," she returned, taking his hand.

"Oh?"

Her head shook. "Once we have a photograph of our baby to put in the free side, then it will be complete."

"Well," he began, "we will have to organize a photographer once the baby has come."

"No we won't."

Now he frowned. "We won't?"

Smirking, she tugged on his hand. "No," she answered slyly as she dragged him to his feet.

"I don't understand. How do we get a picture without a photographer?"

"Well," she cooed pulling him toward the door, "come with me and I'll show you."

Confused, Grissom allowed his wife to lead him outside and around the side of the house. They paused at the bottom of the steps leading up to the veranda.

"Close your eyes," she requested.

He blinked at her then looked to the steps. "Are we going up there?" he asked, pointing to the steps.

"Ugh huh," she confirmed trying very hard not to grin.

"That may be a little difficult with my eyes closed, my dear."

Still holding his hand, she lifted it. "I'll guide you."

"Considering your condition, I should be the one guiding you," he argued.

"Gil, please," she pleaded.

Rolling his eyes, he glanced back to the steps for a second. "Three quarters of the way up and then I'll close my eyes. Okay?"

She nodded. "I can live with that. You shouldn't be able to see anything from there."

Now his eyes narrowed. "What exactly have you got up there?"

Smiling, she set off up the steps, pulling him with her. "Wait and see, Mr. Impatient. If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise would it?"

As they came just shy of seeing the veranda area, Sara stopped and stared at him.

"Fine," he sighed closing his eyes. "Please be careful."

Kissing him on the cheek, she kept her lips by his ear. "Trust me," she whispered. "And listen to my guidance." He nodded and she pulled back with a smile. "All right, step up," she instructed.

Slowly, he did so, taking each step very carefully as she instructed. It didn't take long for them to reach the top.

"Okay, we're there but keep your eyes closed." He nodded again and she turned him a little. "Right, walk forwards," she guided and they set off across the veranda, only for a few paces and she stopped him again. "Okay, you can open your eyes now."

Doing so, he looked right at her. "You know we could have just walked through the house. It would have been a lot easier."

"But that wouldn't have been much fun would it?"

Grinning, he looked around his eyes finally coming to rest on something that made him step backwards, a total look of surprise upon his face.

"You didn't?" he asked in shock. Giggling, she nodded at him. "I…but…Sara…it must have cost a fort…"

Her hand shot out with lightning speed and covered his mouth. "Shush," she demanded. He mumbled something and her eyes narrowed at him. "I mean it." When he nodded, she dropped her hand. "Good. Now are you going to take a look?"

Suddenly, he looked like a giddy school boy. "Yes, I am," he chuckled, stepping toward this wondrous gift. "This is…amazing," he said.

Sara grinned as she watched him move carefully about the Bellows camera, running a finger over the wooden frame then ducking his head to give it a closer inspection.

"I know how interested you were with Bill's camera at our wedding so I thought I'd get you one of your own to play with. I know it's taken me a while but we've had so much going on." She smiled as he looked down the lens, his face full of fascination and intrigue. "It's exactly the same as Bill's and he will be by tomorrow to teach you how to use it."

She saw him smile at that bit of information before lifting the cloth attached to the back of the camera and popping it over his head to glance down the viewing lens. Her slight giggle at his obvious joy was suddenly cut short by a pain in her stomach and she grimaced.

"This is great," Grissom said, totally unaware that Sara was now holding her stomach and almost ready to double over.

Taking a deep breath, she managed the few steps to the side of the house and leaned against the wall to support herself, her neck kinking upwards, eyes watering as they closed. As another jab hit her stomach she cried out and that caught Grissom's attention.

Swiftly pulling himself free from the cloth, his eyes widened in horror as Sara clenched her stomach and cried out again.

"Jesus Christ," he gasped, moving faster than he ever thought possible as he dashed toward her. "Honey?" he cried, his arm shooting around her just as her knees buckled and she fell into him.

His heart pounded, his eyes darting over her face as he held her tightly, one hand cupping her cheek.

"Sara, tell me what's wrong."

All he could think was she was in labor, but that wasn't possible. It was way too early. The baby couldn't come yet. It would never live through being born so soon.

"It hurts," she whimpered, right hand pressing into her stomach in an attempt to push the pain away.

Swallowing hard, Grissom willed himself to breathe, his eyes panicky, looking around for anyone in the vicinity that could help. "The same as this morning?"

She quickly nodded, her eyes clenching closed as more pain came. Without wasting another second he slid an arm under her legs and swooped her into his arms.

"Just hold on," he begged. "Stay calm and breathe, okay?" he continued, hurrying through the door into the living room.

"Trying," she said so quietly he barely heard her.

Moving as quickly as he could through the empty room a tiny wave of relief hit Grissom when he heard voices and just before he reached the door into the hallway, Laura and the captain stepped in. Immediately, a look of horror crossed Laura's face when she saw Grissom with Sara in his arms.

"Oh, my Lord," she cried, rushing to them, the captain right beside her. "Talk to me, Gil."

Grissom's head shook as Sara's head dropped to his shoulder, another cry of pain falling from her lips. "It's her stomach. She's in agony."

Eyes widening, Laura glanced at her husband then reached out to cup Sara's cheeks. "Sara," she tried. "Sara, listen to me. Do you think the baby's coming?"

The captain sucked in a breath. "I'm sending for the doctor," he said hastily before running from the room.

"I don't know," Sara managed to answer. "Just hurts so much."

Taking a deep breath in an attempt to keep her composure, Laura squeezed Grissom's arm. "Let's get her upstairs and as comfortable we can. Okay? Just stay calm. Nice and calm."

Swallowing hard, Grissom nodded. "It's going to be all right, sweetheart," he soothed, kissing the top of her head as they left the room. "I promise. Everything will be fine."

Heading for the stairs they spotted Rana hurrying their way. "What can I do, Ma'am?" she asked Laura.

"Just bring some fresh water to the bedroom," Laura urged. "Until we know what's happening, we won't know what to do."

"Yes, Ma'am," Rana agreed and was off in the direction of the kitchen.

"Go, Gil," Laura instructed, giving him a gentle push in the small of his back.

He climbed the stairs as quickly as he could and made his way down the hall to wait in front of their bedroom door. Opening it, Laura stood aside as Grissom made his way inside and carefully placed Sara on the bed just as she grimaced again.

"It's going to be okay, honey," he said. "I promise."

Laura came up behind him and touched his back.

"I don't know what to do," he admitted quietly as she gently pulled at him to move back.

"Let's find out what's going on," she said, sitting on the bed next to her daughter. "Sara, can you hear me?" she asked feeling her forehead and cheeks.

"Yes," she answered softly.

"I need you to tell me exactly what you're feeling, okay?"

"Burning," Sara mumbled, her eyes sliding open. Attempting to sit up, she tried to pull her knees to her stomach. "Feels tight, cramping." Taking a deep breath, she looked around. "I feel really hot."

"All right," Laura soothed, glancing to Grissom as she stood. "Come sit with her for a second," she requested.

He quickly complied, taking Laura's vacated position next to Sara and wrapping his arm about her shoulders.

Laura moved down the bed, clasping Sara's knee. "I need you to lie back and straighten out your legs for me, okay?"

To both Grissom and Laura's surprise, Sara shook her head. "No," she argued. "It's not time," she cried, her eyes shooting to her husband's, her hand launching out to grip his shirt. She yanked him close. "It's too soon," she whimpered.

Covering her hand with his, he looked deeply into her eyes. "I know," he said softly. "But you need to listen to your mother and we need to try and find out what's happening."

Her chin trembled, a tear sliding down her cheek. "I'm so scared."

Grissom's gut tightened so hard he felt sick but knew he had to keep it together. "I know. Me too," he whispered, whisking the tear away with his thumb. "But I need you to be strong, for you and for me. Can you do that?"

Letting go of his shirt, Sara inhaled deeply and nodded. He kissed her forehead as she straightened out her legs and looked to Laura as she knelt on the bed, lifting the bottom of Sara's dress. Feeling his heartbeat thudding in his ears as his mother-in-law's eyes inspected the area he couldn't see, he held his breathe and prayed.

After a few seconds, Laura dropped the dress and looked up. "All clear," she breathed relief filling her.

Grissom wasn't entirely sure what that meant and was about to ask when the door flew open.

"Nicolas and Gregory have gone to find David," the captain said quickly, moving over to join his wife, a questioning look on his face. "How is she?"

She smiled then pulled him away from the bed. "Her water hasn't broken nor is there blood or liquid present," she answered.

"So what does that mean?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I don't know," she said sadly. "Her symptoms could be many things. I just pray that the baby isn't on its way or it's in difficulty."

The captain bit down on his lip, eyes drifting to the bed as Grissom held Sara, whispering encouraging words in her ear. "It wouldn't survive if it came now, would it?"

Rubbing a hand over her mouth, she very lightly shook her head. "Probably not," she whispered.

"What if…," he paused, his eyes slowly drawing to his wife's, "the unthinkable has…"

"Don't think that, Thomas. No." She shook her head, knowing exactly where his mind had gone. "She would never get over it."

Leaving it at that she moved back to the bed. "Gil, I suggest we get her undressed and into something more comfortable. A nightgown will be much easier for an examination once David gets here."

"Okay," he agreed, kissing Sara's forehead before getting to his feet.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Holding his wife's hand and occasionally replenishing the damp cloth on her forehead to keep her cool, Grissom looked at the wall clock. It had been just over an hour since Sara has collapsed and thirty minutes since she closed her eyes and gone to sleep, the pain in her stomach fading away not long after they had changed her. Some relief had washed through him when she'd settled but not enough to stop the huge amount of worry still pulsing through his veins. He glanced at Laura sitting at the opposite side of the bed, hands in her lap then over to the captain pacing back and forth. The waiting was agonizing.

But, finally, the captain paused and glanced through the window.

"He's here," he announced.

Grissom's head snapped up and he puffed out a breath. "Thank God," he whispered, squeezing Sara's hand just a tiny bit tighter.

Barely a minute later David came running into the room, Nicolas and Gregory right behind him.

"I got here as quickly as I could," David said, wiping his forehead on his jacket sleeve as sweat trickled down his face.

Walking around David, Nicolas and Gregory looked toward the bed.

"Is she all right?" Gregory asked, his concern very evident.

The captain joined them as Laura stood. "Why don't you wait outside, boys," he suggested, gently grasping each of their shoulders and urging them towards the door. "David will need privacy and I promise we will update you as soon as we know what's happening."

They didn't argue and the door was closed behind them, Gregory managing one last look at the bed beforehand.

David moved toward Sara and placed his bag at the foot of the bed and opened it up. "The boys didn't say much," he said, taking out his stethoscope, "so can someone tell me…"

"She collapsed," Grissom cut in, getting to his feet. "Well, sort of."

"Sort of?" David questioned, brows rising. "Please be accurate. The tiniest detail could be important."

Running a shaky hand through his hair, Grissom swallowed hard. "She…um…doubled over with pains in her stomach. She couldn't stand."

"Any sickness or diarrhea?"

Grissom shook his head. "No." He glanced to Laura.

"I, um," she began, "did check…below and there was no liquid or blood or anything." Nodding his understanding, David sat on the bed, taking a good look over Sara's face. "She was quite warm before," Laura added. "So we tried to cool her with the water."

"How long has she been sleeping?" he asked, removing the cloth and feeling her forehead.

"Not long," Grissom answered. "Maybe half an hour. I just think she was exhausted and couldn't stay awake. She hasn't been sleeping well."

David's jaw worked from left to right. She did have a temperature. "Was she still in pain when she went to sleep?"

Grissom's head shook again and he folded his arms. "No. It died down just before or so she said."

Looking up at Grissom, David stood. "Would you mind waking her up? It would be much better if I could talk to her, find out how she's feeling now and exactly what she felt before."

"Do you think it's labor?" Laura asked. "Or the start of it."

"I don't want to jump to conclusions," David began, "but I don't think so. Not if the pain stopped completely."

"I don't know if that's a good response or a bad one," Grissom said unsure. "Could there be a problem with the baby?" he managed to ask.

Holding up a hand, David emitted a light sigh. "Let's calm down," he suggested. "I really need to talk with her and examine her properly before I can even attempt to give a diagnosis."

Taking a deep breath, Grissom dropped his arms feeling deflated by the lack of immediate answers.

"Okay," he said softly then sat on the bed.

Gently, he whisked his fingers through Sara's hair then dipped his lips to her ear.

"Sara?" he whispered. "Honey, wake up."

*** - "They were discussing this question, and were almost building up some weak structure of hope on his prolonged absence, when they heard him on the stairs. The instant he entered the room, it was plain that all was lost.

Whether he had really been to any one, or whether he had been was never known. As he stood staring at them, they asked him no question, for his face told them everything."

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

A/N: I wouldn't be that evil, would I? Let's hope Sara is okay. She likes cookies :P