Chapter 173

After a few lovely hours just holding each other in bed while Thomas slept, their quiet time was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"So much for a little peace," Sara grumbled as she sat up, Grissom's yawn making her grin. "Come in," she called

Laura poked her head in. "David is here," she called over. "He'd like to see how you're doing and check Thomas over if you're okay with that."

Sara's eyes flicked to Grissom for a second. "Did you know he was coming?" she whispered.

"No," Grissom answered quickly, swinging his legs over the edge of bed.

Sighing, Sara looked back in her mother's direction. "Okay," she called back. "Although we are both fine. Just give me a minute to make myself look a little more respectable please."

Nodding, Laura vanished, closing the door behind her.

"I really wasn't expecting this right now," she complained as Grissom helped her out of bed. Slipping on her robe, she started moving across the room.

Grissom, however, was quick to grab her hand. "Where are you going?" he asked slightly confused.

She pointed to the dressing table. "To brush my hair. It may help a little to deter David from thinking I've just been dragged through a hedge backwards."

"Honey, he won't care. You've not long since given birth."

"Well, I care."

Looking deeply into her eyes his gut nipped a bit when he saw a hint of sadness there. Wondering where that came from, he helped her towards the dressing table.

"Okay, but please don't be out of bed too long. It's not all that warm in here." He glanced toward the fireplace as she sat down then towards the slightly frosted windows. "Do you think Thomas is warm enough? Should I light a fire?"

Frowning as she tugged a few knots out of her hair, her eyes caught his in the mirror as he looked back at her. "Maybe we should ask Mother? I presume it will be okay but we'd better be sure first."

Nodding in agreement he held a hand out to her when she put the brush down. "Come on, back into bed and then I'll get the little one."

"You might wake him up," she said as they moved back across the room.

"Well," he began, helping her in, "if David wants to take a look at him then he's not going to be able to do that with him lying in the crib."

Her lips pursed. "I guess not."

Taking the covers and pulling them to her waist, he gave her a quick kiss and a smile before heading over to the crib. Reaching inside and being as careful as he could, he picked up his son, hoping he wouldn't wake him. Thomas did stir a little, a small whimper passing through his slightly open mouth.

"Shushhh…" Grissom soothed, rocking him as he walked back to the bed.

Opening her arms, Sara smiled as she took him and just as she did another knock came and Laura poked her head in again. "Good to come in now?" she asked.

"Yes, Mother," Sara called back, kissing Thomas on the head as his tiny hand settled upon her bosom.

Laura opened the door allowing David entry and followed him in.

"Hi," he greeted softly, a big smile forming upon his lips when his eyes spied Thomas.

"Hello, David," Sara said casually. "What brings you here?"

He placed his bag down. "Just doing what any good doctor should do," he answered. "And considering I wasn't needed at birth, thank goodness, it's still a good idea to make sure all is well."

"I'm fine," Sara said, cutting him off.

"Better to be safe than sorry," Laura chided.

Sara's eyes narrowed and Grissom smirked.

"At least, let me give little Thomas a look over?" David asked. "Just to make sure he's nice and healthy."

Brushing her hand over his head, Sara looked down at her son. "Okay," she agreed. "Do you want to take him?"

Smiling again, David knelt by his bag and opened it up. "I shouldn't need too," he said taking out a stethoscope. "As long as there are no problems." He stepped closer to the bed. "Can you unwrap the blanket so I can get a listen?"

Nodding, Sara shuffled up a bit, lifting Thomas so she could take off the blanket before resting him back in her arms. The second she did, he yawned and his eyes opened.

"Hello," she whispered with a smile, brushing her finger down his cheek. Thomas let out a small gargle before smiling at his mother and Sara felt her heart catch in her throat. "He's smiling," she whimpered, eyes becoming watery as they found her husband.

"He sure is," Grissom sighed happily with a beaming smile of his own.

David blew on the chest piece of the stethoscope before leaning in closer and holding it against Thomas back.

Sara watched, trying not to show the nerves that had just started to pinch her gut. Although her son seemed happy, she would never know what was going on inside him.

Nodding in thought, David pulled back. "Can you turn him over please? I'd like to listen to his chest as well."

"Sure," Sara answered, turning Thomas onto his back, watching as David repeated the process upon her son's chest. "So?" she asked quickly, just wanting to know he didn't have any problems.

Nodding again, David pulled back. "His lungs and heart are fine," he answered. "His size is what it should be, temperature feels fine and his color is really good. I'd say you have a very healthy baby boy."

Sighing with relief, Sara turned her attention to her husband who smiled at her.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like me to give you a check, Sara?" David asked her.

She shook her head. "I really am fine but thank you for the offer."

"Okay then," he answered, putting the stethoscope away and closing his bag. "Just keep your eye on his temperature and if you have any concerns at all then don't hesitate to call for me."

"We won't," Grissom said. "You can trust me on that one."

"Would you like some tea before you leave?" Laura asked. "We can talk some more."

Sara's eyes narrowed again at her mother's words. What more did she want to talk about?

"That would be nice, thank you," he replied gratefully.

"Sara, are you hungry?" Laura asked. "You haven't had lunch."

Glancing at the clock Sara noted it had passed 3pm. She hadn't actually felt hungry at all. "I should be all right until dinner."

"Try and eat something," Grissom requested, a slightly pleading tone to his voice. "Even if just a little something. You need your strength and so does the little guy. His Mama needs to be healthy for him to be."

Giving him a smirk, she rolled her eyes. "Fine," she mumbled. "I'll have something. Just, send something up."

Nodding, Laura took David's arm and led him towards the door.

"Thanks again, David," Grissom called.

"My pleasure," he called back before following Laura out the door.

Sara sighed heavily once they were alone and Grissom heard, sitting down next to her.

"Are you all right?" he asked, hand brushing through her hair.

She nodded. "Yeah," she said quietly. "It's very nice to officially hear he's healthy but I wonder what Mother is up to."

He shrugged, just as Thomas began to whimper. "Probably just her usual stuff."

Snorting, Sara handed Thomas to him while she unbuttoned her nightgown. "Certainly got a big appetite, haven't you?" she said retaking her son and lying him at her bosom. Thomas instantly latched on and began feeding.

Grissom watched and Sara noticed. "Enjoying the view?" she teased.

His eyes met hers. "It's just…fascinating."

"Fascinating huh?"

"Hmmm. How life depends so much on life to grow and survive. After all, where would we be without each other?"

Sara blinked. "That's rather profound."

"True though."

She smiled reaching out to whisk a hand down his cheek. "Very."

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

As the moon rose over The Grove and day turned into night, Sara lay her son down in his crib and smiled as she covered him with a blanket. Thomas was a miracle, a part of them that would live on and have his own family someday. A chill washed over her and she frowned.

"We didn't ask mother about the fire," she said, turning to her husband who was just buttoning up his pajamas. Covering his mouth, he belched and Sara laughed. "Excuse you."

He smirked. "Sorry. That stew is just having a little dance."

"It was good though."

"Yes it was," he agreed, grabbing his robe and slipping it on. "And I'll go and ask about the fire. Be right back."

As he left, Sara walked to the window and peered through the drapes. It had started to rain, the sky dark and cloudy. They really needed to start thinking about Thomas's christening. The church was a good half hour away and she really didn't like the thought of taking him out in really cold weather, especially once the snow came. Closing the drapes she yawned and hobbled to the bed before crawling into it. Tiredness had suddenly crept up on her and it felt good as she tipped her head back against the pillows. But, just as she did, Thomas began to whimper and then a full blown wail erupted.

Letting out a long sigh, Sara got back out of bed and returned to the crib, pulling him into her arms. "What's this all about, huh?" she asked, running a finger over his lips as his face scrunched and the crying continued. "You can't be hungry again you only ate half an hour ago."

Rocking him, she started moving around the room just as her husband returned.

"All of a sudden he's not very happy," she told him.

"I heard," he replied, stepping close, his brow pinching with concern. Reaching out, he passed a hand over his son's forehead then down his cheeks. "He feels cold."

Sara nodded. "I am so he must be. What did Mother say?"

"She said it's fine as long as he's not too close to the fireplace. I'll get one started. Why don't you get into bed and keep warm?"

"Yeah," she agreed.

Grissom rushed to the fireplace and was quick to light a fire, grabbing the poker and moving the wood around once the flames took hold.

Sara settled under the covers and placed Thomas on her chest. Gently, she began rubbing his back. "Shushhhh…" she pleaded, his crying causing her head to throb. "It's okay," she soothed. "Mama will keep you warm. Go back to sleep, sweetheart."

Thankfully, within a minute or so, Thomas's crying softened until only a few blubbers came. Then all went silent again.

Grissom approached, looking down at his son. "I think he's asleep again," he said.

Nodding, Sara continued to rub the baby's back. "He likes lying on me. It seems to comfort him."

"Me, too."

Her eyes playfully narrowed at him and he smiled cheekily. "Well, my chest is currently occupied so you'll have to make do with the space beside me."

"Devastating," he jibed, kicking off his slippers before sliding in beside her. "You're going to keep him in bed with us?"

"Considering his sudden change in mood that's probably a good idea. He's happier here than he is in his crib. That's okay, isn't it?" Leaning close he gave her a gentle kiss, pulling back to receive an adoring smile. "I'll take that as a yes then," she giggled.

"Of course," he said tenderly. "And the room should be nice and warm pretty quickly so we'll all feel a little bit happier. I should have noticed earlier but with that hot dinner, I think it just upped my body heat a little."

Her head shook. "Not your fault. Neither of us noticed and, to be honest, I've been feeling a little warm. But then I suddenly went cold."

Frowning, he reached out to touch her forehead. "You do feel hot," he said, right eye twitching. "And you're cold?" She nodded. "Do you have a sore throat, headache?"

"No. Well," she said, her head tipping from side to side, "It throbs a bit when he cries but nothing other than that." His eyes narrowed. "I don't think I'm getting sick, Gil, so stop panicking."

"I always panic at the thought of you being sick. After the pneumonia you can't fight viruses as well as others can, Sara, so you really need to be careful."

Sighing softly, she rubbed Thomas's back again as he mumbled, his tiny fingers gripping onto her nightgown. "I think I've just over done it a little, that's all. I'll be okay."

Kissing her again, he held his lips close to hers. "Promise me you will relax tomorrow," he whispered.

Scoffing, she kissed him back. "I have a little boy to take care of. It's not that simple."

"Yes, it is," he countered. "I'm here and now you have taught me the joys of dirty bottoms I can look after…"

Her hand shot up and she covered his mouth. "I get it, Gil," she said. "And I will try my best to relax. For you. Okay?"

"Okay," he muttered under her hand before she lowered it.

"I feel like a cuddle but it's a little hard with baby boy here."

His lips puckered and he shook he head. "No it's not. Sit up a bit." Doing as he asked, she sat up and he flipped a little onto his side, placing his arm over her pillow. "Now snuggle back into me."

Doing just that, he dropped his free arm over her tummy and she smiled, head dropping back against his chest.

"Comfortable?" he asked.

"Hmmm," she mumbled happily. "You feel good."

He kissed the top of her ear. "So do you," he whispered.

Passing her hand over his, she entwined their fingers, feeling him hold on tightly. "I love you."

Grissom smiled as he slid his right foot gently down her leg. What he would give for a little lovemaking right now. He missed it. Being one with his wife; hearing her gentle pleas for more as their bodies moved together; feeling her tighten around him.

Blowing out a silent breath he wondered how he was going to keep his sanity until Sara was ready for anything strenuous. Hell, just thinking about it had given him an erection.

Perfect.

"I love you, too," he finally whispered back even if a little hoarsely. She snickered and he frowned. "What?" he questioned, not quite understanding why she was laughing.

"Your delayed reply. I know you're thinking about something, Mr. Grissom. Would you like to share?"

Now he nuzzled at her cheek. "You know me too well."

"Don't I just? Now tell. Are you worrying again?"

"No," he said truthfully. "I was just thinking about us."

Her fingers tightened upon his. "Oh?" She raised her head to look back at him. "Us how?"

His eyebrows rose at her question and she saw the slight darkening of his eyes. Pulling her tighter against him, she felt his hardness. "Ohhhh. That."

He cleared his throat. "Indeed. Just thinking about you…ugh, I really need to stop doing that right now."

"I'd offer you a stiff drink but…"

"Sara!"

She laughed. She just couldn't help it. "Sorry," she apologized. "I know it's not funny and I'm flattered I still have that effect."

"You will always have that effect."

Dropping her head back against his arm, she giggled again. "How about we discuss something that might take your mind of that then?"

"Go for it," he urged. "As quickly as you can."

She couldn't help another giggle before continuing. "When would you like to get Thomas christened?"

"Um, I don't know. I hadn't thought about it."

"I think we should do it soon."

He frowned a touch. "How soon? You can't be leaving the house yet and neither can he. Sara, you can barely walk and after what we said about over doing things…"

"I don't mean tomorrow, Gil," she argued. "I just mean sooner rather than later. As soon as I'm able. Because I really don't want to be taking him out when it's too cold or we have to plow through snow. It's dangerous. And, the colder it gets the more risk he has of catching something."

"I guess you're right," Grissom admitted. "I'll go into town and speak with the reverend in a few days okay? I'll see what dates he has in a month or so but no sooner. You need to be fully fit to walk before you're leaving the estate."

She pulled his arm tighter against her. "Okay," she agreed. "That's good enough."

"Good."

"And how are you feeling?" she asked.

His eyes worked in a circle. "Me? What do you mean?" She wriggled her bottom, catching his hardness and he groaned.

"I mean that."

"Well that didn't help now, did it?" he complained.

"Sorry," she laughed. "I couldn't help it."

"You're lucky we have a guest in bed and you're fragile or I'd spank you for that."

Looking back at him again, she grinned. "Oh, I'm sure you'll get me back at some point."

"You can count on that," he said firmly and the heated look he gave her made Sara feel very hot all of a sudden.

"Maybe we should call it a night before he needs to feed again and we end up driving each other crazy?"

"I think you're the one doing the driving here, Mrs. Grissom."

Smiling, she lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his fingers. "And you love every minute of it."

*** - "And I am very happy to-night. I am deeply happy in the love that Heaven has so blessed."

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