A/N: Sorry for the delay. I'm currently holiday'ing in Portugal and I've had no internet. Well, until i plugged my phone into my laptop and it suddenly gave me connection. Weird. I'm just dreading the phone bill lol.
Anyhoo, here is a new chapter for you lovely people. Let's hope Sara is feeling better although I have a sneaky suspicion there may be a little help on it's way to try and keep her safe and sound. Will it work? :P
Gracious thanks as always to calim for the beta and input and to all the readers for your thoughts. Not many chapters left but please keep your reviews coming. They mean a lot to me.
On we go...
Chapter 167
"Good evening, sleepy head," Grissom said softly, sitting on the bed and kissing Sara on the forehead as her eyes opened.
Yawning then smacking her lips together, she blinked. "Evening?" she mumbled with a frown.
"Hmmm," he said, slipping an arm around her to help her sit up.
"How long have I been asleep? What time is it?"
Leaning her forwards, he puffed up her pillows. "Does it matter?"
"I guess not," she sighed, reaching under the bedsheet and pulling out the now cold hot water bottle.
"Did this help?" Grissom asked, taking it from her and placing it on the nightstand.
"A little bit," she answered, rubbing her stomach through the sheet. "I didn't get any more pain anyway."
Clasping her cheek, he looked into her eyes, his thumb brushing over her rosy skin. "You're still a little warm," he told her. "How are you feeling?"
"Tummy feels a little achy, I still feel tired and I'm thirsty." Clearing her throat she looked around. "Do we have any water?"
"Sure," he whispered, quickly getting up, pouring a glass and handing it to her.
"Thank you," she said gratefully.
He smiled, watching as she drank every drop. "More?" he asked, taking the empty glass from her.
She shook her head. "No but you can help me up," she said, pushing the covers off.
"Up?" he questioned quickly, putting the glass down and watching as she swung her legs over the side of the bed.
"I'm stiff," she began, holding out her hand, "and I need to walk around."
He hesitated and her eyes narrowed. "Should…you be getting up?" he asked wearily.
"Well, I'm not going to stay in bed for the next two months now am I?" She wriggled her fingers. "Please, Gil. I have pins and needles in my toes and my back is killing me."
Knowing that if he didn't help her she'd probably get up anyway, he took her hand and helped her stand. Groaning at the effort, Sara tipped her head back and tilted it from side to side, her free hand resting over her belly.
"Okay?" he asked swiftly, slipping an arm around her waist. She nodded. "The doctor said you need to rest, at least for today, so please, just a quick walk and then back into bed."
She started moving across the room and he went with her, her feet tingling as she did so and she winced. She hated that feeling.
"It was supposed to be a day of celebration," she grumbled. "And I've gone and ruined everything."
Biting down on his lip, he stopped so she did also. He knew how much effort she'd put into the day but the last thing he wanted was for her to feel bad. He would have another birthday but he couldn't replace his wife.
"No, you haven't," he insisted, taking her arms and turning her to face him. "Look…," he paused, closing his eyes for a second, "you could not have prevented this." His hand cupped her cheek. "Okay?" Her chin trembled but he continued. "You are carrying our child, Sara. Our miracle. And what little troubles that miracle decides to throw at us then we deal with them no matter what day it is. I am very grateful for what you have done today but your health is so much more important to me than a birthday. "Plus", he said with a shrug of his shoulders, "we can continue with that when you're feeling better. It isn't the end of the world."
Sniffing, she playfully slapped him on the chest. "You really are too good to me."
Now he smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I like my wife to be happy. So, are you going to stop feeling guilty and let me look after you?"
Smiling back, Sara dropped her head onto his chest. "Okay," she agreed.
The door opened and Laura returned, Rana behind her carrying a tray of refreshments. The couple looked her way as she entered, pausing just inside the room.
"And what are you doing out of bed, young lady?" she queried unimpressed.
"I'm stretching my legs, Mother," Sara shot back. "I'm stiff and have cramps in my feet."
As Rana set the tray by the bed, Laura approached her daughter. "David said you had to rest."
Sara gave her mother a sarcastic smile, leaning against her husband. "Yes," she replied. "I've been informed and I will once I get the feeling back in my body. Okay?"
Laura's eyes narrowed.
"Anything else you need, Ma'am?" Rana asked.
"No, thank you," Laura replied and Rana nodded, smiling at Sara before leaving the room.
"Right," Laura began nodding towards the bed, "time for you to eat."
Placing a hand over her mouth, Sara yawned. "I'm not very hungry right now," she mumbled through her yawn.
Leaning closer to her daughter, Laura looked her in the eye. "Too bad," she argued. "Your body needs strength, honey."
"I know that," Sara said frustratingly. "But trying to force myself when I'm not hungry will only make me sick. Please, I will eat when I'm ready. Just leave it be."
Sighing, Laura glanced to Grissom who gave her a raised brow.
"I will make sure she eats in a little while," he reassured. "When she's had a little more rest."
"Promise," Laura probed.
"Yes," he said sincerely.
Laura nodded. "All right then." Reaching out, she squeezed Sara's arm. "Don't be out of bed long and I'll be back in later to check on you."
Sara smiled weakly. "Yes, Mother," she agreed just because it was easier.
"Hmmm," Laura mumbled sensing her daughter's too quick to agree tone. "I will see you both later and I'll have your camera brought up, Gil. It will give you something to occupy your time while Sara is sleeping." That said, she smiled and left them alone.
"Oh, the camera," he said, facing Sara. "I haven't thanked you for that yet."
"And why is that?" she sniggered.
Smirking, he kissed her, soft and gentle. "Thank you," he said, against her lips. "It will give me many hours of pleasure I'm sure."
Giggling, she pulled back, licking her lips. "I thought that was my job."
His nose twitched in amusement. "Oh, it is," he returned. "And I'll be sure to remind you of that when your well." She managed a bright smile as he wrapped his arm around her again but couldn't help another yawn. "Come on. Back to bed. You can sleep a little more than eat something when you wake up."
"Okay," she sighed. They moved back across the room and he helped her back into bed. "Can you open the window a little? I'm feeling quite hot again."
"Sure," he answered, kissing her on the forehead before moving to open the window. Quickly back to the bed, he sat on the edge. Running his fingers through her hair, he smiled. "Do you need anything?"
Shaking her head, she smiled back and closed her eyes.
Leaning forward, he kissed her on the cheek. "Sweet dreams."
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Sara slept through most of Grissom's birthday only waking up briefly to eat before going back to sleep. He didn't mind though. Her health was so much more important to him and he knew she needed the rest. She had barely slept in recent weeks so he was happy she was making up for it.
Now, as the sun rose on a new day, he slept by her side, a gentle snore sifting from his nostrils. Suddenly the noise filtered through Sara's senses and her eyes opened. Frowning, her head tipped in his direction. He'd never snored before.
Stretching out her legs, she moved onto her side, eyes glancing over his slightly parted lips before moving down to his bare chest and the locket that hung there. Raising her hand she whisked her fingertips over it, a slight tingle hitting her spine as she did so. His lips smacked together, a mumble spilling from them before his eyes opened and slowly drifted to hers.
"Morning," she said softly, smiling at him.
He smiled back. "Morning," he growled, stretching his arms.
"Sleep well?" she asked.
He swallowed, his mouth feeling dry. "Umm…eventually."
Her hand stroked his chest. "What time did you get to sleep?"
"A little before three," he admitted.
"That's really late," she complained.
Sighing gently he took her hand and brought it to his lips, softly kissing each finger in turn. "I couldn't settle," he said quietly. "My brain just… Too much going on."
"Maybe that's why you were snoring. Too much worry."
He frowned. "Snoring?" he said with a laugh. "I don't snore."
"Well," she began, sliding her fingers between his and playing with them, "that's what I thought until a few minutes ago when you woke me up."
"Oh." His brow furrowed. "Sorry."
Snickering, she leaned in and kissed him. "Don't apologize. I'm probably the reason you were snoring in the first place."
Inhaling deeply, he slipped his hand free of hers and slid his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "And how are you feeling this morning?"
She smiled. "Much better."
"Good," he replied with relief. "You certainly slept."
"Yeah," she answered, yawning. "I think the little one is trying to catch up."
"Is that right?" he asked smirking.
Laughing, she wrapped her arm around his back and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for looking after me," she sighed into him.
"Always," he whispered back. "And forever."
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After washing and dressing, the couple left their room arm in arm, Grissom determined to keep a very close eye on his wife. Although he'd prefer that she spend another day resting, Sara didn't like that idea. Plus, he was getting his camera lessons today and she wanted to see the glee on his face when he was taught how to use his toy properly. Reluctantly, he'd agreed. After all, her happiness was what was most important to him.
As they headed for the stairs both paused when they spotted Dickens sitting on the banister. Spying them, the cat mewed and Sara smiled.
"You need to be careful sitting there," she warned. "I don't think your nine lives cover that kind of drop."
Mewing again, Dickens jumped down and slipped between her legs before doing the same to Grissom.
"It's amazing how much he's grown," Sara said as Grissom crouched to scratch him behind the ears. "Feels like only yesterday he was sitting in the palm of your hand."
"It does indeed," Grissom agreed, straightening out as the cat scampered down the stairs. "And I think I preferred him when he was a kitten," he continued retaking her arm. "Because then he didn't bring me little gifts."
Sara snorted as they took the first step down. "Awww, you don't like the dead birds and mice?"
His eyes flicked to her and she smirked. "Oh, no. They are just delightful."
Halfway down the staircase, Sara tugged Grissom to a stop when she spotted her parents talking to a strange woman, a suitcase by her feet.
"Who is that?" she asked quietly.
Grissom's eyes narrowed in on the woman. She was pretty and looked to be in her early forties. However, she seemed rather formal in a long black dress and tied back brown hair.
"I don't know," he admitted. "Never seen her before."
With her curiosity blossoming, Sara continued walking. "Why don't we find out," she said. "Good morning," she announced as they neared the bottom of the stairs.
The trio looked toward the two, Grissom noticing a nervous look exchanged between the captain and Laura.
"Morning," Laura replied. "I…um…thought you'd be staying in bed today."
"I'm fine, Mother," Sara insisted, her eyes flicking to the stranger for a second. "I slept all night and feel much better. Plus, I needed to get out of that room. It gets so stuffy in there."
"It is rather hot," Laura agreed, noticing as Sara's attention moved to the woman by her side and she looked to her husband. "I guess you may as well explain now, Thomas," she told him.
Sara's brow furrowed. "Explain what?"
The captain cleared his throat. "Sara, Gil, this is Marcia Shafer. Marcia, this is my daughter, Sara, and her husband, Gil." Grissom nodded while Sara's expression remained confused. "Marcia is your midwife, Sara."
Blinking in surprise, Sara shook her head, sharing a confused look with her husband.
"Aren't you a little early?" Grissom questioned. "Sara isn't due until at least October."
Laura reached out to clasp Sara's arm. "Why don't we take coffee in the lounge and discuss this. It's better than standing in the hallway and Marcia has had a long trip."
"I don't understand what's happening here," Sara said.
"I know," Laura answered. "Come and we'll explain. Please?"
Frowning deeply, Sara nodded. Although she hadn't got the facts it wasn't difficult to work out what her parents had done and she jumped when Grissom took her hand, giving it a squeeze.
"Come on," he said softly and she narrowed her eyes before they followed the others into the lounge.
"Please sit," the captain urged Marcia and she smiled, sitting in a chair, her hands clasping over her lap as she glanced around the room.
Grissom helped Sara down onto the sofa and Laura joined them while the captain remained standing.
"So," Sara began, looking to all in the room, her eyes settling on her mother by her side, "why am I suddenly feeling like I'm in the dark and you're going behind our backs?"
Laura nipped down on her lip, head turning to her husband who slipped his hands into his pockets. "This was my doing," he admitted. "And while I appreciate it's still a little early, I feel it's necessary."
Frowning again, Sara scratched the top of her head. "Are you saying what I think your saying?"
Reaching for her daughter's hand, Laura clasped it tightly, earning her attention. "Please don't be angry, but with what happened yesterday your fath…um…we decided it would be best to have help here at the house as soon as possible just in case any further issues arise. To have someone at hand immediately is so much safer."
Sara still remained shell-shocked by this announcement. She hadn't expected any help so soon. "Do you…think I'm going to have more problems?" she asked shakily.
"I pray to God no," Laura answered swiftly. "But with childbirth there are no guarantees, sweetheart. And your father and I would rather be prepared for any circumstance whether your baby comes soon, late or it comes on time. Having Marcia here now will just help ease that pressure and gives you immediate assistance should you need it."
Swallowing hard, Sara tried to gather her thoughts. She wasn't upset by her parents actions merely surprised. And, when she thought about it, it did make sense.
Turning, she faced her husband. "What do you think?"
A long gust of air passed through his parted lips. "I … um …." He paused, trying to not think about more complications arising. "I think it might be a good idea for us to maybe…." He trailed off, eyes flicking toward the midwife. "Maybe we should get to know Marcia a little then see how we feel."
Laura couldn't help but smile. She knew Grissom so well and his mind would be running with a million questions. Considering his protectiveness of Sara, he'd want to know Marcia's life story before putting his wife's life in her hands.
"I think that's a great idea," Laura said, getting to her feet. "Thomas and I can organize refreshments while you get acquainted." Taking her husband's arm, she pulled him towards the door.
Grissom eyed Marcia, amazed at how comfortable she seemed. Walking into a strange house and a family confrontation would make most people uneasy but there she sat, calmly smiling at him.
"So, Marcia," he began. "Tell us about yourself. How long have you been doing what you do?"
"I've been a midwife for over 20 years, sir," she replied.
Immediately, Grissom held up a hand with a snort. "You don't have to call me sir," he insisted. "Gil is fine."
Her smile broadened and she nodded.
"Do you have children of your own?" Sara asked.
"I do," Marcia answered, her smile broadening. "Two sons and two daughters. They are all grown up now."
Sara's lips pursed with curiosity. "Do you mind if I ask how old you are?"
"Of course not, Ma'am. I'm 48."
"Ohhh." Sara's brow rose in surprise. "Well, may I say you look extremely…good for your age? I would never have guessed."
Marcia evidently blushed. "Thank you, Ma'am."
Entwining his fingers over his lap, Grissom leaned forwards. "How many births have you attended?"
The older woman chuckled. "Way too many to count, sir…um…Gil."
Grissom's right eye twitched as he considered his next question and although it was tough to ask, he needed to. "And…have you had experience with complications?"
With her smile fading a little, Marcia nodded. "Sadly, yes."
Hearing an uncomfortable intake of breath from Sara, Grissom grabbed her hand and smiled at her.
"What kind of complications?" Sara asked quietly, her eyes flicking back to Marcia. "If you don't mind disclosing such information."
"Lots of premature, several stillborn," Marcia said. "And one mother fatality." Sara tensed trying to clear her suddenly dry throat. "No birth is the same as another, Ma'am. I have delivered over 100 babies in my time and nothing can be predicted. But it's my job to make you as comfortable as possible before the baby comes, help with any ailments you have, watch for any signs of premature birth, prepare you for the birth and do my absolute best to ensure both you and the baby come out of labor safely."
Dropping her free hand to her tummy, Sara softly rubbed. "How many babies survive if they come early?"
Rubbing her hands over her knees, Marcia thought for a second. "That depends."
Grissom frowned. "On what?"
"Many things," she continued. "How premature the baby may be, how easy the birth goes, baby size, living conditions and circumstances, the physical strength and will of the child."
"If," Sara began, "my baby came now what chance would it have?"
About to answer, Marcia was cut short by the return of Sara's parents, coffee in the hands of a servant behind them.
"How are things going?" Laura asked Marcia as the tray was placed down.
"Lots of questions, Ma'am," she answered with a smile. "Which I'm happy to answer."
"Shall I pour, Ma'am?" the servant asked.
Laura shook her head. "I'll take care of it, Joyce, thank you." Nodding, Joyce backed away giving the group their privacy.
"I was just asking what chance my baby would have should she come sooner rather than later," Sara told her mother.
Eyes widening, Laura paused as she reached for the coffee pot. "That's quite a question."
"But a necessary one," Sara countered.
Exchanging a glance with her husband, Laura sighed. "I expected you to ask questions but that's not quite what I had in mind."
"Why not?" Sara questioned.
"You we're supposed to be getting comfortable with each other, not terrifying yourselves."
"I'd rather know, Mother," Sara growled. Feeling Grissom squeeze her hand, she looked his way.
"Calm down," he whispered.
Sighing, Sara closed her eyes and nodded.
"I'm happy to reply to any questions, Ma'am," Marcia said. "But I don't have answers to everything. Some things I simply cannot foresee."
Laura held up her hands. "How about we all just take a breath, have a drink, calm down for a minute and then we can take it from there." The room fell silent and Laura's eyes settled upon her daughter as she looked away, her eyes falling to her stomach. "Sara?"
Inhaling deeply, Sara nodded. "Sure," she whispered albeit unconvincingly.
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About half an hour later Sara sat alone on the sofa, Grissom and her father whispering something in the doorway, her mother having left a minute or so earlier to show Marcia to her room.
Marcia had responded to Sara's question but it was the same as when she'd explained everything else - it all depended on multiple unforeseen possibilities. But because of the extra care available in the home and Sara's reasonably good health and willpower, an early birth would have a better chance of surviving than if she lived on the street.
Sara found some solace in that.
Between the two of them, they'd agreed to welcome Marcia into their lives, believing it was better to have her and not need her than the other way around. Because of this, birthing practices were going to be discussed the next day, a topic that made Sara nervous. Everything was just so real now and discussing such a private and intimate thing with a stranger… well, it was intimidating. Hopefully, in the weeks ahead she'd get to know Marcia properly, learn her personality, likes and dislikes. Perhaps that would ease her worry over someone else's hands on her besides Grissom. But then considering the pain she'd be in when the baby came, she probably wouldn't care anyway.
Groaning, she got to her feet and approached the window, rubbing her tummy as the baby kicked.
"You need to calm down little one," she whispered, smiling when Gregory waved at her from outside. "Be good for Mama and go back to sleep," she urged, rubbing a little bit more.
A gentle pressure on her shoulders surprised her and she spun around, coming eye to eye with her husband.
Eyes widening, Grissom held up an apologetic hand. "Sorry," he said instantly. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Dropping her head, she huffed out a breath, her heart racing in her chest. "It's fine," she said quietly, turning back to the window.
Softly placing both hands back on her shoulders, he softly began massaging. "Are you all right?"
"Right now, I don't know," she confessed swiftly. "Physically…I feel okay but my mind… I don't know where it is at the moment."
"Hey," he whispered, turning her around.
She kept her head bowed and he sighed, slipping a finger under her chin and lifting so he could look in her eyes.
"Do you remember when you first told me that you were pregnant?" he asked and she nodded then ran her hands up to rest on his chest. "And do you remember what you said to me? The promise you kept making."
A burning lump formed in her throat and she tried to swallow it down as she nodded again.
"And what was that promise?"
"That I wouldn't leave you," she whispered.
Moving his hand to her cheek, his thumb brushed back and forth. "Right now, I need you to believe those words more than you ever have."
For a brief moment, her eyes closed, hand moving to cover his. Gripping, she moved his hand to rest over her belly and held it there. "I'm more worried for her than for me right now. What if…"
With haste, his free hand shot up, his finger covering her lips. "Stop," he pleaded. "No more thinking the worst. Please. The doctor said you are suffering from cramps. Let's believe that's all it is. Negativity will only cause worry and worry is not good for you, you know that."
"I know," she sighed as he lowered his finger. "But it's so hard."
"With Marcia here now, she can help make things easier. And whatever comes at us, honey, we will get through it. Together. We've come too far to give up now." Dipping his head closer while rubbing her tummy, he looked her right in the eyes and smiled. "Okay?"
Her eyelids lazily fluttered. "Okay," she agreed quietly.
"Come here."
Wrapping his arms around her, Grissom pulled her close and held her as tightly as he felt he could without causing her any discomfort.
Sara sighed into him, her fingers running through the hair at the back of his neck. "I love you so very much."
Eyes closing, his hold tightened, just a tiny bit. "And I love you."
*** - "At length the sun rose so high that it struck a kindly ray as of hope or protection, directly down upon their heads. The favour was too much to bear; in an instant the barrier of dust and chaff that had stood surprisingly long, went to the winds."
*** - Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (slightly adapted)
A/N: I do love the fluffy stuff. Maybe I am a true softy at heart. Well, once I put Evil hat to bed that is :P Thoughts please :D