A/N: Ah, finally back. Sadly I haven't been able to get much writing done lately with the finale but hopefully I can get back into the swing of things pretty soon :)

So, let's get on with the show and see how are new parents are doing shall we? Anyone missing evil hat? :P My humble thanks to calim for the beta, and for all the reader reviews. Please keep them coming, we are almost at the end now. *Sniff*

Chapter 174

Sara was going a bit stir crazy and gazing longingly out the window wasn't making it any easier.

It had been three days since the birth of her son and, while still sore, she was determined to go for a walk either outside or inside the house. Didn't matter as long as she could get out of her bedroom. As much as she loved her husband and new son, being cooped up went against her nature.

She'd made up her mind. And no one was going to change it.

Hearing Grissom roll over, she turned her attention from the new day outside to him. It wasn't long before he yawned then sat up, immediately looking in her direction. She smiled as he got out of bed and headed her way.

"Good morning," he said, leaning down and softly kissing her.

"Good morning," she returned.

"Why are you up if the little one is sleeping?" he asked, looking over his shoulder at the crib.

Sara shrugged. "I'm just awake," she replied. "Was just about to get dressed." His eyebrows soared and her eyes narrowed. "Don't give me that look," she requested. "I've been stuck in here for three days. I need to get up and move around." Surprisingly to her, he smiled.

"Okay," he agreed.

"You're not going to argue?"

Now his head shook, lips puckering with a hint of amusement. "No. You are a grown woman and you know your body a bit better than I do." He winked at her. "Just about. I trust your judgment."

She smiled back at him. "Thank you," she said tenderly. "Help me get dressed?"

Bowing a little, he held out his hand. "I am your servant, my Lady. Whatever you want, you shall have." Her smile widened and she took his hand with a giggle. "When did you put Thomas down?" he asked as they moved across the room.

"Around 5am," she said opening the wardrobe door and looking inside. "He ate his breakfast then settled pretty happily."

Grissom glanced at the clock. It was just coming up to 9am but the sound of his wife sighing regained his attention.

"Are you all right?"

Running her hands over her still swollen belly, Sara slowly looked at him. "Just wondering when I'll be able to get back into my proper clothes. I'm still so huge."

Placing his hands over hers, he gave her a loving smile. "Just more of me to hold," he said back. Snorting, she gave him a quick kiss. "It will go down," he said softly. "Just give it a bit of time."

She sighed again. "I hope so," she answered reaching for a dress. "Because I don't really want to look like a whale for the rest of my life."

Grissom smirked. "Just think how great you'll be when we go skinny dipping."

Eyebrows rising, she turned back to him and slapped him on the chest. "Watch it," she warned. "Or there will be no dipping of any sort for you, Mister." His eyebrows wiggled and she laughed. "Come on. I'd like to get out of here before he needs feeding again. Hopefully we can have breakfast downstairs and take a walk with him before that's required."

He took the dress from her. "Let's hope so."

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Grissom carefully laid Thomas into the Moses basket before covering him with a blanket. Standing back, he looked down at his son and sighed. A sudden mixture of emotions fell upon him. Pride, joy but a little sadness as well as the loss of his father suddenly crept upon him. He couldn't remember a great deal about him but he was sure he saw a little of him inside Thomas.

"Hey." He jumped upon hearing his wife's voice, head snapping back. "Sorry," she apologized. "Didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay," he said quietly.

Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pulled him around to face her. "What were you thinking?"

"Nothing really." Her eyes narrowed and he sighed. "Just something about my father for some reason," he admitted.

Her hand rose to his shoulder and she rubbed. "That seems pretty natural considering you've just had your first child. Your fatherly attributes are blossoming so it's not really a surprise that you would think of him."

"You think so?"

"I know so," she said with a smile. "And, if you need talk, please remember I'm here for you. This marriage is a two way street, Gil. Don't forget that and don't keep it all bottled up inside."

Inhaling deeply, he pulled her closer. "I know that and thank you. I won't forget that."

Her lips pursed. "You better not."

Smiling, he rubbed his hands up her back. "Well, shall we go and have breakfast?"

She smiled back. "Let's."

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Carrying Thomas' basket in his right hand, Grissom took hold of Sara's with the other as they strolled down the stairs.

"Feeling okay?" Grissom asked.

"Fine," Sara replied, doing her best not to limp.

Reaching the hallway they came upon Rana who was heading towards the kitchen and she paused when seeing them.

"Oh, Sir, Ma'am," she greeted, seemingly a little surprised. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Rana," Sara said with a smile.

Smiling back, Rana's gaze fell immediately to the basket.

Releasing his wife's hand, Grissom stepped closer to the housekeeper, raising the basket. "Would you like to say hello?"

Her smile broadening, Rana peeked into the basket. She hadn't seen Thomas since Sara had given birth but he was as amazing as she remembered.

"Would you like to hold him?" Grissom asked.

Rana's eyes shot to his and she looked shocked by his offer.

"Um," she stuttered. "I don't think that's my place, sir."

"Bah." Grissom flapped his free hand through the air. "You are as much a part of my family as anyone."

Looking to Sara, Rana held a hand to her heart as she smiled.

"He's right," Sara confirmed, stepping forward and reaching to lift her son from the basket. Turning back to Rana, she kissed Thomas on the forehead before holding him out.

"Are you sure, Ma'am?"

"Yes," Sara said decisively but happily.

Slowly, Rana took Thomas from Sara, the biggest smile forming on her lips. "He's beautiful, Ma'am," she sighed. "So very beautiful. Just like his mother."

Feeling herself blush, Sara took Grissom's hand, doing nothing but smile at the sight before her. She was very thankful to Rana, not only for her dedicated service but for her help and support during the birth. She was indeed one in a million.

"Are mother and father down yet?" Sara asked. In the back of her mind she was wondering exactly what kind of reception she would get for being out of her room.

"Yes, Ma'am," Rana replied. "They are having breakfast with your cousins." She held Thomas back out to them. "Thank you, Ma'am, but you should take him and join your family. It was an honor to hold him."

Retaking her son, Sara placed him back into the basket. "Thank you for your help," Sara returned. "You know, during the birth and for being there for us. You are family to us no matter your obligations."

Clearing her throat, Rana gave a nod and bashful smile this time. "I must get back to my duties. You know where I am should you need anything."

The couple watched her scurry away towards the lounge and Sara sighed heartily.

"Forever the modest one," she said, retaking Grissom's hand as they set off towards the dining room.

"Always has been," Grissom replied. "Always will be."

"Good morning," Sara announced as they entered the dining room, Grissom pulling out a chair to place down Thomas' basket.

"Good morning," the captain replied after sharing a startled look with Laura.

The couple sat and Sara checked on her son before glancing at her mother.

"You didn't say you were joining us this morning," Laura said, placing her fork down.

"Did we have to?" Sara laughed, taking the dish of eggs from Grissom as he passed them to her.

"No, but…."

"Please, let's not argue, Mother," Sara requested. "I'm feeling okay, Thomas is much stronger and I needed to get out. Can we just leave it at that?"

To the surprise of all at the table, Laura just nodded.

"Okay," she agreed quietly and went back to eating.

"So, how's my little cousin doing?" Gregory asked, trying to look over the table into the basket.

"He's doing very well," Sara answered, taking a piece of toast. "Isn't he?" she asked, looking to Grissom.

Biting into a sausage, Grissom nodded.

Gregory smiled. "Are we allowed to hold him now?" His eyes flicked to his aunt who wiped her mouth with a napkin.

"Why are you looking at me?" she questioned.

"Maybe because you told them off last time when they didn't ask?" Sara answered.

The captain sighed. "I thought we weren't arguing," he said. "Can we please keep this civil?"

Laura's eyes narrowed and she held up a hand. "We're not arguing," she denied. "And," she began, her eyes shooting back to her nephew, "if you want to hold Thomas then that will be up to his mother."

Sara's lips pursed but deep inside she was happy her mother seemed to be on the same page. Finally. "You can say hello after breakfast," she told her cousin, who shared a happy smile with his brother.

"We can teach him how to play poker," Nicolas said.

Grissom burst out laughing as Sara frowned. "I think he's a little young for that, boys," he chuckled. "And don't be taking him anywhere near the whiskey."

Nicolas grinned. "Well, he can watch us play. We can teach him all the tricks. Get him started young."

"You leave my son out of your bad habits," Sara warned. "Or you'll be answering to me."

Everyone at the table laughed now and it was a very pleasing sound and sight to all. After the stress of the past few days, it lifted the tension in the air that had been clinging.

"Is there anything you need me to do today, Captain?" Grissom asked as he reached for the coffee pot. "If Sara is going to be spending some time with the boys then I could join you on the estate."

Sara smiled at him as he pushed a cup her way and she was happy that he felt comfortable enough to allow her some freedom. He'd barely left her side since the birth.

"I think things are pretty much under control right now," the captain answered. "Although you might want to check in with the horses. The lads are struggling with Dante a bit the past few days."

Grissom frowned. "Oh? More than normal?"

The captain nodded. "He won't let anyone near Pandora's stall and I can imagine she might be getting a little smelly."

Rubbing his chin, Grissom suddenly looked a bit worried. "Why didn't you say something before? Has she been eating?"

"You had more pressing matters on your mind, my boy, and as for the eating, Dante takes her food in when it's left outside his stall. We're not sure if she's actually eating it though. We just can't get close enough."

Sighing, Grissom glanced at Sara who reached out for his hand. "I'm sure she's okay," she said. "You know what Dante's like and without you around he's just being over protective. It is only a few months now until the foal will come. He's just being like you and looking after his lady."

"I hope you're right."

"I'm sure I am," she assured. "And you can go check on them after breakfast."

He nodded. "I will."

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With breakfast eaten and Sara joining her family in the lounge to show off their son, Grissom headed to the stable to put his mind at rest. As he walked towards the building he nodded to several workers as they passed him, pulling his jacket a little tighter around his neck. It was certainly chilly.

"Suit yourself!" he heard a voice shout.

Frowning as he reached the stable door, he literally bumped into Conrad who was rushing from the building.

"Sorry, Gil," Conrad apologized, wiping his sweaty forehead on his jacket sleeve. "Didn't see you."

"Are you all right?" Grissom asked, noting how flushed he looked. "Was that you shouting?"

Conrad sighed. "Yeah. Your damn horse tried to kick me. Again. I'm only trying to see if Pandora is okay because it's starting to stink in there but he won't let me anywhere near her. He's a real pain in the ass, you know that?"

"Sorry. I'll take care of it."

"I hope so because at this rate we'll end up moving the other horses because he's really starting to upset them as well."

Rubbing the back of his neck, Grissom looked around, biting down on his lip as he thought. "Maybe we should move Dante and Pandora. If he's this protective now, he's only going to get worse."

"That's up to you," Conrad answered. "He's your horse. Just let me know. One way or another something needs to be done. I'll be in the workshop once you've decided. Okay?"

Grissom nodded. "Yeah. Thanks for trying."

Nodding back, Conrad stepped away leaving Grissom to enter the stable. The moment he stepped inside, Dante's loud neigh filled the air. He knew he was coming. Rounding the corner, Grissom tried not to smile at the sight of Dante standing outside Pandora's stall, dark eyes staring at him. That was probably how he'd looked waiting outside Sara's door the day Thomas was born.

"Being a bit of a hassle I hear?" Grissom said as he approached his mustang. Snorting, Dante shook his head before stomping his front foot. Grissom's nostrils flared. "Don't be lying to me," he warned. "I know you're being protective but she needs sanitary conditions, boy. It stinks in here."

Reaching out, he tenderly passed his hand between Dante's ears and down the side of his face, lightly scratching as he went. Whining, the horse rubbed his nose into Grissom's chest.

"People are worried about her. They don't even know if she's eating and you know how important that is, especially now." Dante snuffled and pushed against Grissom. "Are you going to let me look at her and make sure she's okay?" Lifting his head, Dante took a step back then slowly nodded. Smiling, Grissom patted his neck. "Good boy," he said, stepping around him to enter Pandora's stall.

And boy, did it smell in there. Even worse than the corridor. But, Pandora was nibbling on hay and considering the amount of half eaten apples on the floor, rotting or not, at least Grissom knew she was eating.

"Hey, girl," he said softly as she looked up at him. "How are you doing?" Giving a gentle snort, Pandora bobbed her head. "Feeling okay?" he asked, stroking her neck. She nodded again. "Do you mind if I have a feel?"

Grissom smiled when she looked around him toward Dante, who was hovering just behind him, then snorted her approval.

Crouching down, he immediately saw how big she was, a bulge of swelling very evident along her under-belly. Slowly, he reached out and ran his hand across her skin. It was warm and she shuffled to the left a little as he increased the pressure of his touch.

"Did that hurt?" he asked, looking over his shoulder at Dante's unhappy snort. "Relax," he urged. "I need to make sure she's okay."

Turning back to Pandora, he gently rubbed her muzzle. "Are you in any pain?" he asked, thankful when she shook her head. Relieved, he gave her side a pat. "Good. Make sure you let me know if things change." She gave him a quiet nicker and he smiled.

"Now," he continued, turning his attention to Dante, "what are we going to do about you, huh?"

Dante pulled back his head and narrowed his eyes.

"Don't look at me like that. You need to stop intimidating the other horses. This is their home, too. And you need to allow the staff to feed Pandora and clean her stall. I can't be here all the time. I've a wife and son to look after."

Dante snorted and Grissom folded his arms across his chest. His horse was too stubborn. But, to be fair, he couldn't really blame him. This was the first time since the birth of Thomas that he'd left Sara's side.

"Pandora will get sick if you don't let them do their job. Is that what you want?" A hoof stomped then he slowly shook his head. "All right."

Rubbing his chin, Grissom stepped right up to his ride and looked him the eye. "Now, I have two suggestions," he began. "You can both stay here and start being a little more co-operative or I can move you to the outer stables and have a private section of the building cleared. If I do that, you must let the staff do their jobs and you have to stop being so moody. She could still have up to three months left before your baby comes, so start working with me here. Okay?" After a moment's consideration, Dante nodded. "Good," Grissom said with relief. "Now, what's it going to be?"

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Sitting next to her mother on the sofa, Sara sipped on her tea. She giggled at Gregory and Nicolas who were making funny faces at Thomas as he lay in his basket on the coffee table, feet kicking, looking up at them.

"I think he's laughing," Nicolas chirped, tickling his cousin.

Laura rolled her eyes, reaching for her tea. "I don't quite think he's able to laugh just yet," she said.

Both boys looked to their aunt but only for a second.

"Well, I think he's laughing," Nicolas argued. "And he's so adorable."

"I'll know who to come to now when we need minders," Sara laughed. "It looks like you two are naturals already. I just need to teach you how to change his diapers."

Their heads rose again and they both frowned.

"You mean," Gregory stuttered, "his diaper? I mean…clean his poop?"

Laura struggled to keep a straight face as her daughter's lips pursed.

"Sure," Sara confirmed. "That's one of the fun jobs."

Gregory screwed up his nose. "I'm all for being a great Uncle and all but, um…"

Sara burst out laughing and held up a hand. "Relax. I won't be forcing that upon you just yet."

"Am I missing out on all the fun?"

Looking over her shoulder, Sara spied her husband approaching and smiled. "Hi," she said as she waved. Taking her hand from behind, he kissed her knuckles "How did it go with your steed?"

Rounding the sofa, Grissom sat on the arm. "It was interesting," he replied, smirking at the boys as they began making funny noises at Thomas.

"How so?" Sara asked, putting her cup down.

"Dante is being exceedingly protective now. More so than I've ever seen him. He won't let anyone into Pandora's stall so you can guess what it looks like."

Sara frowned. "She could get sick and that won't be good in her condition."

"Yeah, I know," he agreed. "I'm moving them both to the outer stables. Conrad is just clearing a section for me so they don't have too many other horses around them. Dante isn't taking too kindly to much company at the moment. But, he says he'll cooperate going forwards especially with Pandora's health at risk."

"You are baffling my mind," Laura admitted. "I wish people listened to me like horses do to you."

Grissom's eyes flicked to her and he smiled.

"But she's doing all right, yes?" Sara asked with a hint of worry now.

He nodded. "She's fine. Getting quite large but she's still moving around okay and seems pretty healthy."

Now Sara smiled. "Good."

Laura looked to her daughter. "And are you doing all right? I mean really?"

Clearing her throat, Sara reached for Grissom's hand. "Yes, Mother," she answered firmly. "I'm doing fine. Really. I promise you, if that should change, you will be one of the first to know."

Before Laura could say anything to that, Thomas began to cry and all heads shot towards the boys.

"I swear we didn't do anything," Nicolas said holding up his hands.

Sara glanced to the mantel clock. "He's hungry," she said. "He's always hungry," she snickered as Grissom tugged on her hand to help her up. "I need to take him upstairs," she said upon reaching her cousins.

"Aww," Gregory pouted.

"I'll come back down as soon as he's happy," Sara promised and the boys stepped aside.

Grissom lifted up the basket, rubbing a finger over his son's chin. "Shush," he whispered, rocking the basket as Thomas's face screwed up and he wailed just a little louder.

*** - "As his eyes rested on these things, a sudden vivid likeness passed before him, of a child whom had been held in arms on the passage across the Channel, One cold time, when the hail drifted heavily and the sea ran high. Then, the likeness passed away."

*** - Extract take from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (Adapted)

A/N: Awww, I think they might be very happy at the moment. Hope it stays that way :)