A Thousand Years
It had been a few months since Maya had been born, and Grissom and Sara were settling into their new rhythm as parents. Despite the sleepless nights and the chaos of their newfound roles, there was something about having Maya in their lives that made everything feel just a little bit more right.
There had been moments. Little parenting lessons that made Grissom love her more every day, that cemented in his mind that this wasn't just love — this was home, this was family.
There was the time Grissom learned — the hard way — never to change Maya's diaper on the couch without a backup plan.
"She's small," he had reasoned out loud. "Probability suggests a low likelihood of projectile—"
Sara had walked in just in time for Maya to prove him categorically wrong.
Then there was the day he tried to teach Maya about insects with a picture book and a very real — and very large — stick insect perched on his shoulder. Maya screamed. Loudly. Sara had laughed so hard she nearly dropped her coffee.
"She's going to need therapy before kindergarten," Sara had teased, ruffling his hair. "Maybe ease her in with plush toys before bringing out the real thing."
But even in the chaos — the sleepless nights, the moments of absurdity, the baby food disasters — Grissom was endlessly, hopelessly proud of Sara. Not just because she was brilliant — though she was. Not just because she was patient — though she somehow found reserves of patience that stunned him.
It was because she was safe. She made Maya feel safe. She made him feel safe. In all his life spent observing, studying, cataloging the world — he'd never found anything rarer.
He watched her with Maya — singing softly, rocking her after a bad dream, explaining the stars through the nursery window — and felt something ancient and primal stir in his chest.
This is what life is for.
Not the insects. Not the labs. Not the journals.
This.
Because every night, when Sara held their daughter against her chest, humming softly, or when Maya curled her tiny fingers around his thumb like she never wanted to let go — Grissom felt something he couldn't quite quantify.
Pride. Wonder. Love, yes — but something bigger, older. A sense that his life had quietly shifted into something extraordinary.
He'd always admired Sara — her mind, her heart, her resilience — but watching her become a mother deepened that admiration into something elemental.
She was patient when he wasn't.
She laughed when he overthought things.
She kept him grounded when he started explaining insect mating habits as bedtime stories.
"Gil," she had whispered one night through exhausted laughter, "if you tell her one more thing about pheromone trails I'm going to start charging you for therapy."
But it wasn't just her humour. It was the quiet strength. The way she soothed Maya after bad dreams, the way she kissed her curls and whispered, you're safe.
Grissom didn't need scientific evidence to know this was where he belonged.
And yet — being Grissom — he had been collecting data.
Parenting lessons, to be precise.
Like the day he tried to swaddle Maya using a technique he'd read about in an anthropological study of Peruvian babywearing customs.
Sara had walked in, hands on her hips.
"She's not a beetle larva, Gil. You don't cocoon her."
Or the morning he carefully charted Maya's feeding schedule on a whiteboard like a crime scene timeline, complete with color-coded markers.
Sara had just kissed him on the cheek, shaking her head. "If this CSI thing doesn't work out, you've got a solid career in daycare forensics"
And so, standing there in the living room, baby toys scattered like evidence markers around them, Grissom had looked over at her, he felt the small velvet box in his pocket. He had put it in his pocket every morning, just waiting for the right time — a ring that wasn't fancy but had a subtle insect engraving around the band because, of course it did — and proposed the only way he knew how.
Not with flowers.
Not with poetry.
But with evolutionary theory.
Grissom, who had always been a man of logic and quiet observation, found himself marvelling at the tiny little life they had created, the way she fit perfectly into their world. But there was still something else on his mind, something he had been thinking about more and more lately — the fact that he wanted to make this official.
He knew Sara was his partner in every sense of the word. They had been through so much together, from difficult cases to personal struggles. But now, with Maya, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was time to take the next step, he felt that he, his daughter and her mother needed the same last name. And, being Grissom, of course, it had to be done in a way that was personal, meaningful, and — naturally — a little bit geeky.
It all started one evening after Maya had been put to bed. They were in the living room, their apartment still messy with the remnants of baby toys and half-empty bottles. Sara was sitting on the couch, flipping through a baby book while Grissom sat at the desk, sorting through a pile of entomology journals.
"You know, Maya's getting close to that age where we'll need to start baby-proofing," Sara said absently, her focus on the pages in front of her.
Grissom grunted in agreement, not looking up from his papers. "We should definitely make sure she doesn't mistake any fire ants for food," he said, his voice a little too serious for the conversation at hand.
Sara shot him a sideways glance, raising an eyebrow. "Fire ants? Really?"
"Well," Grissom started, finally setting down the journal, "when a queen fire ant lays her eggs, she creates a pheromone trail to guide them to a new colony location. If we're not careful, she could be leading our little Maya right to a swarm of angry ants."
Sara blinked, taken aback by his deadpan delivery, before she couldn't help but laugh. "Only you would think about that," she said, shaking her head with a smile. "And here I was, thinking I had a handle on the whole parenting thing."
Grissom smiled softly, his usual quiet amusement warming his features. "I may not have all the answers, but I know I want to be here — with you — for every stage of it."
That was the moment he decided. The idea had been stewing in his mind for weeks, but now, with the weight of the decision on his shoulders, he couldn't wait any longer. He wanted her to know how serious he was, how sure he was of them, of this.
"I think I've got an idea for a proposal," Grissom said, standing up from his desk and walking over to the couch.
Sara raised an eyebrow again. "A proposal? Are you telling me that you've been planning this for a while?"
Grissom nodded, taking a moment before he turned to face her. "I've been thinking about how everything feels like it's moving forward so quickly. But when I look at you, at Maya, I feel like… I've known this moment for a thousand years."
Sara blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "A thousand years?" she repeated, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "That's a lot of time."
Grissom pulled a small box from his pocket, holding it in his palm for a moment, as if considering the best way to go about this. "It's not so much a proposal," he began, "as an evolutionary theory."
Sara's eyes widened, her expression a mix of amusement and suspicion. "An evolutionary theory? Grissom, what are you talking about?"
Grissom knelt down on one knee, the box still in his hand. "Well," he said, a slight smile tugging at his lips, "I've been thinking about how we, as humans, are inherently wired to form bonds and create stable environments for our offspring. It's part of the process — the natural progression — to find a mate who will help us raise our young in a secure, supportive environment."
Sara's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "This is how you're proposing?"
Grissom nodded solemnly. "Yes, Sara. I've studied the ways different species of birds, insects, and mammals form lifelong partnerships. And I'm pretty sure that what we've created together — with Maya — is as ideal pairing as it gets."
Sara couldn't help but chuckle. "You're actually doing this, aren't you?"
He nodded again, pulling the ring from the box. "I want to form that bond with you. For our daughter. For us. Sara, will you marry me?"
Sara paused, her expression softening. She took a deep breath, not because she was uncertain but because the sight of Grissom on one knee, presenting her with an insect-themed proposal, was so perfectly… them.
"You're ridiculous," she said, laughing quietly. "But yes. Of course I'll marry you. How could I not?"
Grissom's face broke into a rare, genuine grin as he slipped the ring onto her finger, a simple band with a subtle bug-inspired design — a small beetle carved into the band, its wings spread as if in flight. It wasn't flashy, but it was unique, just like them.
Maya, having heard the commotion, began to fuss from the next room, and Grissom stood, holding out his hand to Sara.
"I think we've got some parenting to do," he said, his voice still light with humor.
Sara took his hand, the ring on her finger catching the light. "We've been doing it, Grissom. Together. I think we're pretty good at it."
Grissom nodded, pulling her close. "Good. Because this is just the beginning."
As they walked toward the nursery to attend to their daughter, their shared laughter filled the apartment. It was far from a traditional proposal, but it was exactly what their relationship had always been: a little unconventional, a little quirky, but real in a way that mattered more than anything else.
There was no grand reception to worry about, no overwhelming guest list — just the wedding on the beach, the ocean as their backdrop, and their closest friends with them. The only thing left to take care of was Sara's dress.
Catherine had taken it upon herself to help Sara find the perfect wedding dress, knowing Sara's reluctance to make a fuss about the occasion. It wasn't about the dress for Sara — it never had been. But Catherine, being Catherine, insisted that they at least find something beautiful that made Sara feel like a bride.
"Okay, what's the worst that could happen?" Catherine said as she steered Sara into the boutique, the cool, air-conditioned air a stark contrast to the Vegas heat. "We find a dress, and you look stunning in it. Simple as that."
Sara gave her a doubtful look, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not the type to get wrapped up in a wedding dress, Catherine. This is about us, not some big show."
"I know," Catherine replied, smiling. "But it's about you, too. And you deserve to feel… well, like you're walking down an aisle in your own way. With your daughter in your arms and the love of your life waiting at the end."
Sara hesitated but nodded. Catherine was right — she did want to feel something special. For herself. For Maya. For Grissom.
The boutique was small but elegant, and the racks of dresses were pristine, each one more elaborate than the last. Catherine led Sara past all the gowns with excessive tulle and beads, focusing instead on the simpler, understated designs. They both knew that Sara didn't want anything too fancy. But something timeless, something that didn't feel like a costume.
Sara finally pulled a dress from the rack, a simple but graceful white silk gown that hugged her form without being too tight, with delicate straps and an elegant V-neckline. She held it up, her heart pounding a little faster as she imagined wearing it in front of Grissom. Catherine gave her an encouraging nod.
"Go on," Catherine urged. "Try it on."
Sara walked into the fitting room, and Catherine waited outside, scrolling through her phone to distract herself from the growing anticipation. The sound of the fitting room door creaking open snapped her attention back to Sara.
She hadn't expected this dress to be the one — but when Sara stepped out, Catherine felt like the room had stopped. The dress flowed beautifully, the silk catching the light in soft waves. The cut was simple but elegant, and it framed Sara's shoulders perfectly. But it was the way Sara carried herself in it, the way her face softened with a rare kind of serenity, that made Catherine's breath catch.
"You look…" Catherine started, unable to finish the thought, feeling a lump form in her throat. It was one thing to talk about the wedding, to joke about the dress shopping. But this was real. This was Sara standing in front of her, radiant in a way Catherine had rarely seen.
Sara spun in a circle, her eyes searching for Catherine's reaction. "It's not too much, right?"
"No," Catherine whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "It's perfect. You look perfect."
But as Sara turned, there was a moment of hesitation, an almost imperceptible pause, before she tugged the dress down a little more. Her back. Catherine noticed it immediately. The scars, the evidence of the burns that still marred Sara's skin — marks that Sara had learned to live with, to hide, to carry without letting them define her. It was a part of her, but not the whole of her.
Catherine stepped forward, her hand instinctively reaching for Sara's back. "Can I…"
Sara met her eyes, silently giving her permission. Catherine carefully eased the zip down, revealing the full extent of the scars — the raw, painful remnants of Sara's past. It was the first time Catherine had seen them so clearly, so exposed, and the impact hit her hard.
The two women stood in silence for a long moment, and then Catherine's voice broke the stillness. "I had no idea it was this bad."
Sara's breath hitched, but she managed a weak smile. "It's fine. It's just… part of me now."
Catherine shook her head, her eyes glistening. "Sara, you are so much more than this. You're strong, beautiful… and so deserving of everything that's good in this world."
Sara swallowed, the tears that had been threatening finally escaping. "I just… I don't know if I can wear this dress, Catherine. It's too much attention. I don't want people to look at me like I'm damaged."
Catherine stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Sara in a gentle hug. "Sara, you are not damaged. You are beautiful, just as you are. The scars are part of your strength, not something to hide. You're whole, and Grissom sees you for everything you are."
Sara sniffled, squeezing Catherine a little tighter. "I don't know if I'm ready for everyone to see it."
"You don't have to be," Catherine murmured. "But that doesn't mean you're not ready to walk down that aisle. You've already come so far. This dress…" She pulled back slightly, giving Sara a smile. "This dress is perfect because it's you, and when it's zipped up it's not obvious."
The day of Grissom and Sara's wedding in the Galápagos Islands was fast approaching. It was going to be a quiet affair, yet somehow, it felt like the world had conspired to make this moment as perfect as it could be. The team had traveled with them, a small yet deeply meaningful gathering. As much as Grissom and Sara had wanted to keep the ceremony intimate, having the team there — the people who had been with them through thick and thin — felt like the only way to truly celebrate.
The dress was a go. And despite her reservations, Sara felt a quiet sense of pride as she watched herself in the mirror. Catherine had been right. It wasn't about hiding; it was about embracing. It was about taking all the pieces of her life and making them part of this moment.
The wedding day was soon upon them. In the meantime, Grissom and Sara's friends prepared for their trip to the Galápagos Islands, where the wedding would take place on the beach at sunset. The entire team would be there — Brass as the best man, Catherine as maid of honor, Greg and Wendy along for support, and the rest of their forensic family, who had always been there for them.
Greg, ever the joker, had already begun making jokes about being Grissom's "wingman" on the islands, ready to handle any unpredictable situations. "What if we get attacked by giant tortoises?" he asked at one point, looking over the list of wildlife they might encounter. Brass, rolling his eyes, muttered something about needing an "assistant" with that level of imagination.
The day before the wedding, the team gathered at McCarran International Airport, ready to board their flight to the Galápagos. Everyone was in high spirits, but there was an undeniable excitement in the air. They were about to witness the most unexpected wedding of all time: Grissom and Sara's.
Grissom, wearing his usual subdued button-up shirt, carried Maya in a baby carrier strapped to his chest, walking with a steady pace beside Sara, who had managed to keep a calm exterior despite her nerves.
"Alright, so what's the deal with the dress code?" Greg asked, adjusting his bag with an exaggerated shrug. "Are we dressing like we're going to a wedding or an episode of Survivor?"
Catherine chuckled, "It's a wedding, Greg. Think tropical, not, well, Survivor."
Nick smirked, "But if we did that, it'd be more exciting, right?"
"Maybe we could all dress as giant flamingos?" Sara teased, glancing at Greg. "Would that work for you?"
"No flamingos," Greg said, shaking his head. "But, as long as it's not a whole lot of bugs… I'm good."
The team laughed, and Grissom, barely looking up from Maya, responded with a dry, "There are no flamingos or bugs in the wedding attire, Greg. I assure you."
They continued through security, Catherine falling into step beside Sara. "So, you feeling nervous?" she asked in a quiet tone, watching Sara adjust her baby carrier.
Sara shook her head, smiling faintly. "Not really. It's just… different. I never thought I'd be doing this, and now here I am, flying halfway across the world to get married."
"You deserve it, Sara," Catherine said softly, her gaze lingering on the young mother, knowing full well how far Sara had come in her personal life. "You and Grissom have earned this."
Sara looked over at Grissom, who was engaged in a quiet conversation with Betty, his mother, using sign language. She felt a soft warmth spread through her chest as she thought about how far they had both come.
As they made their way to the gate, Sara could feel a strange sense of calm. Maybe it was the comfort of knowing the team had their backs, or maybe it was just the anticipation of what was to come. Either way, this was the beginning of something big, and it felt right.
The flight to the Galápagos Islands had been long, but the team had settled into a comfortable rhythm, little Maya was passed from person to person, enjoying stories and songs from different generations. The anticipation had grown as they neared their destination, and the view from the plane's window gave everyone a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes ahead. Dark, volcanic rocks met the deep blue waters, and the island's lush greenery seemed to beckon them in.
As the plane touched down on Baltra Island, a wave of excitement rippled through the group. Even Grissom, usually the picture of composure, seemed more engaged, his eyes scanning the landscape as they disembarked.
Maya, back in her carrier, blinked up at the sky with curiosity. The fresh air and bright sunshine were a sharp contrast to the desert heat of Las Vegas, and everyone breathed it in with an audible sense of relief.
"Welcome to paradise," Catherine grinned, squinting up at the sun. "I never thought I'd be here for a wedding, but this… this is something special."
Nick, who had been taking photos of everything in sight, added, "I'm pretty sure we're gonna get some good shots here, folks. It's practically a nature documentary."
Brass, ever the practical one, adjusted his bag and shot a playful smirk toward Greg. "You sure you're okay with no flamingos, Sanders? I mean, we're surrounded by wildlife."
"Not another word," Greg muttered, already pulling out his camera with determination. "If I see one more bug, I'm checking myself into the nearest hotel."
"Not a chance," Catherine quipped. "We're in paradise. You can deal with a few critters."
Grissom, holding Maya gently, turned to his mother. "Mom, are you alright?" He signed.
Betty signed back, her hands graceful in the air as she looked around, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "It's beautiful here," she signed, her face lighting up. Grissom looked over at Sara, and she smiled, watching Betty take in the view.
"Glad you're here," Sara signed, adjusting Maya in her carrier and pulling her closer. "It wouldn't be the same without you."
As they stepped out of the airport, a small group of local guides greeted them, helping with luggage and giving them a quick rundown of their accommodations. They were staying in simple but charming beach huts, tucked away from the main tourist areas.
The huts, each with a thatched roof and wooden walls, were the perfect blend of rustic charm and comfort. They had a stunning view of the ocean, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was almost hypnotic.
"Just look at this place," Catherine marveled, taking in the wide, open beaches. "It's like a dream. How did you even find a place this perfect, Grissom?"
Grissom, a slight smile on his face, simply shrugged. "I asked around. This seemed like the right place."
Brass raised an eyebrow, "You've got connections, huh?"
"Something like that," Grissom said, then added with a soft chuckle, "I think it's just the location."
Sara took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on her. "This is real," she whispered, looking around at the team who'd gathered around her. "We're actually here."
Maya, resting contently against her chest, cooed softly, as if she knew something monumental was about to happen.
The team gathered their things, ready to explore their surroundings. As they walked toward the beach huts, they all marveled at the beauty of the place, some pausing to snap photos, others to take it all in. The air was fresh, the sea breeze cool, and the island seemed untouched by time.
Later that evening, after settling into their beach huts, the team gathered on the beach for a casual dinner—grilled vegetables, local fish, and an assortment of tropical fruits. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the horizon. Grissom held Maya in his arms, standing at the edge of the water, watching the waves roll in.
Sara joined him, and for a moment, they both just stood there, looking out over the ocean, feeling the weight of the journey they'd taken to get here.
"We're really doing this, aren't we?" Sara asked, a soft laugh escaping her lips.
Grissom nodded, looking down at her. "We are."
The team settled into the sand, enjoying the calmness that surrounded them. Brass raised a glass in a quiet toast. "To the happy couple. May the bugs be minimal."
"Here, here," Greg added, raising his glass, his face lighting up with a grin.
As they all laughed and clinked glasses, the sound of the waves provided a peaceful soundtrack to the evening. The island was serene, the perfect place to begin a new chapter in Grissom and Sara's story.
The day of the ceremony, the sun was starting to dip toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over the island. The air was warm, with a gentle breeze blowing through the palm trees. Grissom and Sara stood a few feet apart on the beach, the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore filling the silence between them.
Maya, in her white dress, was content in Sara's arms, her little ladybug plush clutched tightly in her tiny hands. She looked up at her parents with wide eyes, the sunset reflecting in her curious gaze.
Brass stood a few feet away, holding a small, weathered book in his hands. He wasn't one for speeches, but he had a few words to say. He adjusted his tie — not out of necessity, but because it felt like the right thing to do. "All right, folks," he said, looking around at the team. "This is it. We're all here for a reason — to witness something that's been a long time coming."
Sara smiled at the man who had seen her through some of the darkest moments of her life. She had always respected him, but standing here, with her family around her, she felt something deeper. A sense of belonging, of home.
As the ceremony began, Catherine stepped forward, her eyes soft with emotion. She gave Sara a supportive smile, one that spoke volumes, and then took her place by her side.
The vows were simple, personal, just the way Sara wanted. There was no grand speech from Grissom. He didn't need to say much. His words were few, but they held more weight than any elaborate declaration could have.
"Sara," Grissom said, his voice steady but thick with meaning. "You've been everything to me, from the very first moment I saw you. You've been my partner, my equal, my love. I promise to stand by you, to protect you, to always make sure you feel as loved as you truly are."
Sara's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she held herself steady. "Grissom," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never thought I could feel complete. I thought love wasn't meant for me. But you showed me that it is. You showed me that I could feel safe, that I could be loved, that I could love back. And I promise to always be by your side, no matter what comes."
The waves crashed behind them, and for a brief moment, it felt like time had stopped. Brass looked away, giving them the privacy to have their moment. The only sounds were the wind, the ocean, and the distant call of birds above.
When it came time to exchange rings, Grissom gently slid the small gold band onto Sara's finger. She did the same for him, her hands trembling ever so slightly.
The reception was just as simple — a quiet dinner with their closest friends. The team managing the huts had set up tables on the sand, strung up twinkling fairy lights in the trees, and put together a meal that was both delicious and thoughtful. Brass and Catherine took care of the last-minute details while Sara and Grissom shared their first dance.
Sara's vegetarianism had been carefully considered in the meal choices. They'd had a spread of fresh island vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, and a variety of salads made with local greens. There were grilled vegetable skewers with tropical fruits like mango and papaya, all drizzled with tangy lime dressing. A local dish, ceviche made from fish and citrus, but Sara had opted out of it, naturally. The island's bounty had been perfectly suited to their simple, no-fuss reception.
Grissom had, of course, gone over every detail with Catherine and Brass to ensure that everything was just right. And when it came time for dessert, it was a local creation — a sweet, airy coconut cake with passion fruit frosting that Sara found herself loving more than she expected. There was also a fresh fruit platter with exotic options like guava and starfruit.
After the ceremony and the reception, the team retired to their separate beach huts for the night. Grissom and Sara's hut was nestled on a quiet stretch of sand, with the waves lapping gently outside. The hut itself was made of local materials, Inside, it was simple but beautiful, with a large, king-sized bed draped in white linen, and a hammock on the porch for relaxing in the evening breeze.
Maya, already fast asleep in her crib, was the perfect end to their evening.
Sara sat on the edge of the bed, gazing out at the ocean, while Grissom walked over and sat beside her, resting his hand on hers. "We did it Darlin'."
Sara smiled, her fingers tracing the outline of her wedding ring, she leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. "I didn't think I could love anyone, I never doubted you."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, taking in the quiet beauty of the island. As the night deepened, the stars above twinkled brightly.
With Grissom by her side, Maya in her arms, and their friends surrounding them, Sara knew that no matter what came next, they would face it together.