A/N: Well, we are almost at the end. Just a couple more chapters I think. A little more nail biting to come before we finish off though. *Grins*
Thank you for your patience, it's been a tough few months with my writing but I get there in the end. I hope you enjoy and please keep your thoughts coming :D As always, my gracious thanks to calim for your help and support xx
Chapter 177
Grissom's fingertips breezed through Sara's hair as she lay with her head upon his chest. He was sated and happy yet a little worried. Not at any point during their tender lovemaking had she shown any signs of pain or discomfort but that didn't mean she'd not experienced any.
He looked down at her and inhaled deeply. "Are you all right?" he whispered, that worry lacing his quiet words.
Listening to his heartbeat, she smiled then dropped a kiss on his chest before raising her head to look at him. "I'm absolutely fine," she said sweetly.
Running his free hand up her smooth and slightly cool back, he smiled. "Promise?"
Snorting, she pushed up and kissed him. "When do I ever lie to you?" she mumbled against him before pulling back.
He studied her expression. "You're not pregnant again are you?"
Sara burst out laughing. "Hey, that wasn't a lie. It was just a little something I kept to myself for a while before I told you." His smile grew and she kissed him again before glancing at the clock. "Oh, my. We've been gone a long time." Her eyes shot back to his. "I'm surprised we can't hear Tag screaming the house down."
"The joys of privacy." Her eyes narrowed at him and he pouted.
"Don't look at me like that," she said. "As much as I would love to lie here with you until the end of time, our son will be requiring a feed and its way passed his bedtime. We've already been away much longer than we should have been."
"I know," he sighed. "It's just been so nice."
She kissed him again. "Agreed, and we'll get to have more private time." Her head tilted from side to side. "At some point."
"Then I guess we should get dressed and see what our little monster is up to."
Sara nodded. "I guess we should."
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A short time later, they descended the stairs into the hallway, hand in hand.
"It's very quiet," Sara said, looking over her shoulder as they headed towards the lounge.
"Well, it's after ten. Everyone has probably gone home," Grissom answered, poking his head into the lounge to find it empty. He frowned, expecting to find at least someone in there.
"And the little one should be singing for his super," Sara added.
Just as Sara spoke they heard a voice coming from the library.
"Over there," Grissom encouraged, tugging on her hand.
Entering the library, they stopped just inside the doorway, smiles appearing at the sight before them. The captain, with Thomas in his arms, was pointing to the many books on the shelves, reciting each and every title.
"And this one," the captain said, taking hold of one of the books and holding it up to his grandson, "is a masterpiece. I'll be sure to read it to you when you're a little older and we can share our thoughts."
A snort sounded behind him and he turned.
Laura, sitting at his desk with a glass of brandy in her hand, smiled. "He'll need to be about 15 before he'll understand that book, my dear."
Sara laughed, gaining her parent's attention.
"Ah," Laura began, placing the glass down and getting to her feet. "You're back."
"Sorry to be so long," Sara apologized as they moved into the room.
"Don't be silly," Laura countered. "You need to take a time out every once in a while. I keep telling you that."
Smiling as she reached her father, she noticed how her son's eyes seemed to be glued on him, a look of wonder spread across his face. It was a wonderful sight to see.
"He looks fascinated by you, Father," she giggled. "Has he been any trouble?"
Thomas heard his mother's voice and, suddenly, his eyes scrunched closed and he wailed.
"Um…," the captain began, looking to all in the room, "not until right now."
"Cheeky little thing," Laura laughed. "He knows you can offer him something his grandfather cannot. Men and their food," she said with a slight shake of her head. "Nothing stands in the way of that."
Reaching out for Thomas, Sara swiftly took him, cradling him in her arms. "Shush," she requested. "Just one minute and I'll take you upstairs." She looked back to her mother. "All the guests have departed?"
Laura nodded. "Catherine was the last to leave about an hour ago. It started to snow so she needed to get home before it came down too heavily."
Both Sara and Grissom glanced towards the drapes. "Oh," Sara replied. "I can't say I noticed."
"Why am I not surprised?" Laura snickered, eyes flicking to Grissom who blushed and cleared his throat.
"Honey, maybe we should, um, call it a night and put the little one down? Well, after his hunger has been satisfied that is." He held out his arm and Sara nodded, watching as her father kissed Thomas on the forehead before joining him.
"Thank you so much for today," she said to her parents. "Again, you do so much for us."
The captain shook his head. "We do nothing but love our family. Thank you for giving us some time with Thomas. Just remember we are always here to watch him."
Sara smiled again. Her father was so proud of his grandson and that gave her such a privileged feeling. Her family was truly amazing. "I won't father. I promise."
Nodding, the captain smiled back. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Father," Sara answered. "Mother."
"Goodnight."
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Thomas yelled louder as they returned to their room. Sara handed him off to Grissom so she could change back into her nightgown, then took him back as soon as she'd settled on the bed. He wasted no time finding her bosom once he was guided in the right direction and sucked as if his life depended on it.
"Owww," Sara complained. "Easy little man," she whispered, stroking his neck. "I know you're hungry but please leave Mama's nipples attached, okay?"
Grissom's eyebrows soared at her comments drawing a happy laugh from Sara.
"I'm so glad he behaved with my parents," she continued. "Makes me feel a lot more comfortable about leaving him."
"He behaved until he heard you," he answered, pulling off his shirt and grabbing his pajamas from the foot of the bed. "And then he knew it was time to throw a tantrum."
Sara snickered, patting Thomas's back. "He's was not throwing a tantrum, he was just hungry."
Pulling on his bottoms, Grissom smirked. "Can I get that kind of service if I cry when I'm hungry?"
Her eyes playfully narrowed at him. "No," she said firmly, trying so very hard to sound serious although she was fighting back a laugh, absolutely adoring this banter that they still managed to share so pleasantly.
He pouted. "Shame."
Now she giggled. She couldn't help it. And then she felt the pressure on her bosom lighten then stop. Looking down, a tender smile came to her lips at the sight of Thomas sound asleep.
"Aww, he's all tuckered out."
"He's asleep?" Grissom asked, stepping closer and looking down at his son.
Nodding, Sara maneuvered him in her arms before gently burping him.
"I'll take him," Grissom said, taking hold of his son and carrying him to his crib. Placing him down and covering him with a blanket, he whisked a finger over his son's soft cheek. "Sweet dreams, little one," he whispered. "Papa loves you."
Smiling as her husband approached, Sara held out her hand and he took it, sitting on the edge of the bed beside her.
"Are you all right?" she asked.
He blinked, surprised by her question. "Um, yeah. I'm fine. Why?"
Lifting his hand, she breezed her lips across his knuckles. "Because…everyone is always asking if I'm okay but no one ever seems to ask you. And, lately, that includes me. Today was quite a big day, especially for you. I know what your faith means to you and how you like to do everything in the right way. So, I'm sorry if I haven't…"
His free hand shot up and a finger covered her lips. "I'm absolutely fine," he insisted. "Today was a big day for both of us and it was just perfect. Yes, we didn't fulfill all the needs for Thomas' christening but we will, in time. And I know God understands that and will support the choices we make because we love our son and will do absolutely everything we possibly can for him."
She smiled again as he removed his finger, his hand now cupping her cheek, their eyes getting lost in each other's.
"I thank you for asking though," he whispered, dipping his head and taking her lips with his own.
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December 25th 1860.
Grissom yawned, opening his eyes to the best sight any husband could wake up to. A beautiful wife beside him, their son sleeping soundly upon her chest.
Christmas day had come upon them very quickly although it actually didn't seem that way when Grissom looked back. The past two weeks had been extremely challenging. Especially for Sara.
It started with Thomas contracting a virus. It had been nothing but a common cold but it was enough to send Sara into a panic. Thankfully, David quickly diagnosed the ailment and advised as much as he could which wasn't much since medical treatment for a baby Thomas' age was non-existent. No going out in the cold, regular feeding, keeping him warm and away from anyone who might be sick was about all they could do.
It had been tough, but they'd gotten through it. The worst part being the first week.
Boy did Thomas scream like nothing his parents had heard before. His cheeks blossomed crimson, nose running, temperature, but Sara thanked God he hadn't developed a cough. That very thought sent chills down her spine, her own ordeal very much in her mind's eye and she refused to leave him for anything during this time. In fact, it was only yesterday that she'd allowed her mother to take him, just for a short while, Grissom begging for her to relax. Thankfully, she'd agreed and they'd spent some time together by the fire, neither saying a great deal.
Reaching out, he gently ran a finger across her neck and sighed quietly. Despite the fact that Thomas' virus had now passed and he was fine, Sara still wouldn't let him go out in the cold which meant Grissom would miss church. He'd never missed church on Christmas day. She'd insisted that he go with her parents and that she didn't mind staying at home with their son. He hadn't pushed. Hopefully, God would understand that he wasn't about to leave his wife alone on this particular day.
Stirring, Sara's leg moved under the covers and her eyes slowly opened, her head tipping in his direction.
Smiling, Grissom leaned close and softly kissed her lips. "Good morning," he said sweetly. "And Merry Christmas, Mrs. Grissom."
She smiled back. "Good morning," she said, her attention moving to Thomas who moved in her arms then opened his eyes. "And hello to you, too," she said happily.
Thomas' mouth opened and he smiled back as Sara ran a finger down his cheek before feeling his forehead. She really needed to stop doing that since he was fine but she knew she wouldn't for a long while.
"You feel fine, don't you?" she asked, tapping him on the nose. "Nice and cozy with your Mama."
Thomas gargled and Grissom smirked, pushing the covers back before getting out of bed.
"I think he's agreeing with you," Grissom snickered, glancing at the clock. "I know I would if I was in his position."
Sara's eyes sprang to him and she opened her arms. "Plenty of room for another one," she offered.
Laughing, he stretched out his arms. "As delightful as that thought is it's almost 8.00am and you know what your mother is like about routine today. If we are late for breakfast, she will be sending up the hounds."
"Hmmm," Sara mumbled, glancing back to Thomas. "We wouldn't want to upset Nana now would we?" Thomas gargled again and she kissed him on the forehead. "So, I guess we need to get your breakfast sorted first then, don't we?"
Grissom laughed again as Thomas kicked out his legs with a great amount of enthusiasm. "I definitely think he likes that idea."
Sara snorted as she parted her nightgown. "I think he does, too."
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As usual, they were last to join the family for breakfast.
"And good morning," Laura greeted as they entered the dining room.
Rising, she approached her daughter and pulled her into a hug the second Sara put Thomas down.
"Merry Christmas, child," Laura said happily.
Sara laughed, scratching the side of her cheek. "Didn't we do all this last night?"
"Bah," Laura said, flapping a hand through the air. "You know it will be said over and over until the sun falls. Let me have my fun."
"Merry Christmas, Mother," Sara returned graciously.
Smiling, Laura gave Grissom a quick hug, wishing him a Merry Christmas before hovering over her grandson. She smiled at his obvious delight over the paper ladybug Gregory had tied to the top of his basket, watching him kick his feet in the air.
"I think he likes your gift," Laura informed Gregory, before poking the ladybug and making it spin. Thomas liked that and gargled, his eyes watching the toy spin around and around.
Gregory leapt from his chair, hurrying around the table to get a look at his baby cousin and smiled brightly.
"He really does like it," Gregory said proudly.
Sara kissed him on the cheek. "He does," she confirmed. "Thank you."
Gregory blushed before being urged back to his seat by his aunt. "Come on, finish your breakfast before it gets cold. There will be plenty of time afterwards to play with Thomas."
Grissom pulled out a chair for Sara then sat next to her, watching as Nicolas put his arm around his brother and gave him a smile. They both loved Thomas so much and everyone could see it.
"Another amazing spread, Laura," Grissom said, reaching for the platter of bacon. "I shouldn't be surprised but I always tend to be."
Laura smirked, reaching for her coffee cup.
"Have you reconsidered coming to church?" the captain suddenly asked.
Sara froze as she reached for a piece of toast, swallowing hard as she looked up at him. "I thought I'd already explained myself, Father," Sara answered. "My reasons for not attending are still valid."
Grissom's jaw worked from side to side at the current silence enveloping them. He understood both sides of the story but, ultimately, would stand by his wife's decision. He just prayed things didn't turn sour.
The captain nodded. "You have but as essential as worship is on this day, I wouldn't be a good Christian if I didn't check."
Sighing, Sara dropped her hand to the table. "Are you purposely trying to make me feel bad? I am not taking this lightly, you know that, but I am not prepared to leave Thomas. Not yet."
About to respond, the captain was cut short when Ecklie ran into the room, quickly removing his hat and looking very flustered. "Sorry to interrupt," he gasped, trying to catch his breath and instantly looking at Grissom, "but it's Pandora."
Grissom blinked, the feeling of a lead weight developing in his gut. "What do you mean?" he asked with a frown.
Ecklie's eyes briefly fell to Sara. "I think she's in labor."
Sara's mouth dropped open. "She can't be," she laughed. "She isn't due yet."
Looking a little lost, Ecklie shrugged his shoulders. "I know but…I'd say the foal is coming."
Knowing there wasn't any time to lose if Pandora was actually in labor, Grissom shot to his feet, throwing his napkin down on the table. Sara followed but then froze, her mind in a frenzy. Her horse, no doubt, needed her but what about Thomas?
"Sara, go."
Looking up, Sara saw her mother quickly approaching.
"Go," Laura repeated. "I will look after Thomas."
Sara hesitated. She didn't know what to do.
"Honey," Grissom began, reaching for his wife's hand. Blankly she glanced at him. "I need to go."
"Thomas will be fine," Laura insisted. "I promise you."
"But what about church?" Sara asked, her chin trembling now.
Laura shook her head. "Don't worry about that. Just go if you want to go. I will not take Thomas from the house, I swear."
Inhaling deeply, Sara nodded. "Okay," she whispered, her hand tightening around her husband's.
"I'll update you as soon as I can," Grissom said, tugging on his wife's hand and following Ecklie from the room.
Sighing loudly, Laura glanced at her husband who had just pushed himself from his chair and was heading her way.
"Not exactly the morning I was expecting," she said quietly. "I'm sorry if…"
In a shot, the captain raised a finger to her lips. "No apologies," he requested softly. "Family will always come first and we do what we need to do no matter what day it is." She smiled as his hand lowered. "So boys," he continued, glancing to his nephews. "You wanted time with Thomas right? Want to help your Aunt out for a while?"
Both boys smiled brightly, quickly standing. "Yes, Sir."
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Hurriedly, Grissom helped Sara into her coat and then grabbed his own before putting on his gloves.
"I can't believe this is happening," Sara whimpered, wrapping a scarf around her neck. "Premature foals rarely survive let alone at this time of year and if Pandora gets into difficulty then I could lose her and…"
Before she knew it, Grissom was cupping her cheeks. "Take a breath," he pleaded. "Collect yourself. Please. I may very well need your help to keep Dante and Pandora calm, so you need to be steady." Swiftly nodding, she sucked in a breath. "Okay?" he asked, feeling her relax a little.
She nodded again and he took her hand.
"Let's go."
A/N: Ooooh. Will it be a Christmas miracle or a Christmas misery? You know I like to keep you on edge :P May as well for the last few chapters huh? Why change now? Lol. Thoughts pleeeease :D