When the Spirit Moves

When the Spirit Moves

Author: Tim

Pairing: C/S

Rating: For All

Spoilers: Crate N Burial

Disclaimer: Jerry's not mine, dammit

A.N.: Thank Yous for everyone birthday ideas

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CHAPTER 1

Catherine POV:

I just told everyone that Lindsay doesn't want a party. Sara asked

how long before someone starts chipping in for gifts. I replied with

"when the spirit moves you Sara, which in your case never." Warrick and

I were working a case of hit and run where a young girl died. We ended

up finding out that the grandson was driving the car and not the

grandfather.

After shift, I went to the locker room. I opened my locker and found

an envelope from someone with "For Lindsay" written on it. I was tempted

to open it, but I didn't. I went to the break room to pick up the other

gifts: two chem sets(Gil & Nick), a card from Warrick, and a card from

Greg.

When I arrived home Nancy and Lindsay were making breakfast. I handed

her the bag with her presents in it, and she asked if I had told them

that she didn't want a party. I told her that I did, but they wanted her

to have them anyway. She opened Warrick's card which happened to have

fifty dollars in it, Greg's had twenty. She asked what the other

envelope was, but I told her that I didn't know.

She opened it and found out that it was a gift certificate from

BuildABear. I asked who it was from, she told it was from Sara. Lindsay

asked me if Sara was the new woman that started recently. Nodding, I

realized what I had said to Sara earlier. I kissed Lindsay goodbye, and

Nancy took her to school.

I called the lab to get Sara's home number. When I called, I told

Sara that I was sorry for what I had said and to thank her for the gift.

I asked her if she wanted to get lunch later as an apology. Sara said

she would, we said our goodbyes, and I decided to get some sleep.

CHAPTER 2

Sara's POV:

I can't believe that she called me about the present and to

apologize. I just figured that she would say something at work, and then

she invites me to lunch.

I still can't believe that I bought Lindsay a birthday present. I

haven't met her yet, but the way everyone talks about her it's like I

already know her as well as anyone. Uncles Gil, Warrick, and Nick

telling their stories, and big brother Greg with his.

At first I didn't know what to get her. I can't get her a Barbie doll

for obvious reasons. Those Bratz dolls are popular, but with those

creepy eyes I can't bring myself to buy one. I didn't want to get her a

chem set because I figured at least Gil would get her one. I decided to

take a trip to the mall to see if anything caught my eye. I was going to

stop in the bookstore, but I didn't know what she liked to read. I

stopped in the toy store, and I saw one of those EZ bake ovens. I heard

that the stuff you bake doesn't taste real great. As much as I like to

give Catherine a hard time, I couldn't do that to her. I was thinking a

stuffed animal, but only as a last resort. I continued walking around

until I ran into this place called BuildABear, so I bought a gift

certificate.

I decided to get some sleep before my lunch with Catherine. I woke up

around twelve getting my usual four hours. I called Catherine to see if

she wanted me to pick her up. She said that would be alright. I made it

over there by one, and we decided to go to the new italian place. While

we were talking she asked about San Francisco, and why I chose to take

Gil up on his offer to come to Vegas. I told that all of those wounds

were still a little fresh and didn't want to talk about it. She told me

that she wouldn't push, but if I ever wanted to talk about it she would

be there. By the time I dropped her it was a little after three. Nancy

and Lindsay had pulled in right before us. Then Catherine asked me if I

wanted to come in for coffee and have Lindsay thank me in person.

CHAPTER 3

We went inside and I said "Nancy, Lindsay this is Sara." Lindsay

walked over to Sara gave her a hug and said "Thank you for the gift."

Lindsay came over to me and asked if Sara could come with us when she

went to BuildABear. I told her that it was up to Sara. She said "I would

love to, maybe sometime this weekend."

Lindsay gave me a hug and got her stuff together to go over to

Nancy's. I told Sara" Why don't you have a seat while the coffee brews,

and I get changed." By the time I came back into the living room, Sara

had fallen asleep on the couch. I covered her up and decided to get some

sleep myself.

I woke up a little after six and decided to check on Sara. I warmed

up a couple cups of coffee and took one to Sara. I nudged her "Hey, Sara

time to get up." She stretched and asked how long she been asleep. I

told her " About three hours, I came in after changing and you were out.

I figured you needed it so I didn't wake you."

We decided to get some dinner before shift. I asked "Do you get alot

of sleep when you're at home?" " Normally, I have too much going on that

I catch three or four tops," Sara replied. I was thinking that is why

she drinks so much coffee at work. I took her over to her place to

change for work. While I was there, I looked around, but there didn't

seem to be much in the form of pictures or anything too personal.

We made it to work and got our assignments. Gil and Nick were paired

up, Warrick got a solo, and Sara and I got a DB dumped in the desert. We

found out that was being abused and finally killed by her boyfriend.

During the interrogation he said, "She was asking for it." Sara jumped

and said " Nobody asks for it." I noticed that her hands were shaking

and took her outside. I asked " What the hell was that all about?" Sara

said, " I will tell you everything, after shift."

CHAPTER 4

After shift, Sara and I decided to get some breakfast while we

talked. Sara said " I was seven when it started. My dad had just lost

his job and started to drink heavily. He normally started on my mom, but

after awhile he would come into my room." The first time I was hit he

came into my room, and saw me doing homework. He asked, " Do you think

you are better than me?" Then he smacked me across the face. I looked

over at Sara and saw a tear running down her face. I wiped it away and

all I could say is " I'm sorry."

I asked, " Should we take this conversation back to my house?"

Sara told me, " It's probably a good idea because the story just gets worse."

I paid the check and walked Sara to the car. When we got home, I talked

to Nancy while Sara and Lindsay were discussing school. I marvelled at

he way Sara talked to Lindsay, since I didn't think she had children. I

gave Lindsay a hug and a kiss, and Nancy took her to school. I told

Sara, " Why don't you get comfortable while I change." When I came back

in, Sara had fallen asleep again. I covered her up and went to bed

myself thinking the talk could wait.

I woke up to a scream coming from the living room. I ran in there,

and Sara was still sleeping. I nudged her and told her, " Sara, it is

just a dream." Whatever was going on in this dream caused her to throw a

punch. It landed on my cheek right below my eye, and I fell backwards on

the floor. Sara woke up, " Catherine I'm sorry I didn't know it was

you." I said, " It is not your fault, I heard you scream so I came to

see what was going on." Sara went into the kitchen to get some ice. She

came back in and said, " You're probably going to have a black eye."

Sara and I sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee while Sara

continued telling me about her childhood. I couldn't believe the horrors

that her father put her through. I realized that Eddie is a bastard, but

he would never hurt Lindsay let alone put her in the hospital. I finally

asked

"How did you finally get out?" Sara said, " When I was thirteen, my

parents killed each other while I hid in the hall closet." I looked at

Sara with my mouth agape, " How did you survive that?" She told me, " I

moved in my grandmother until I went to college."

Nancy has just dropped off Lindsay so we could spend some time

together before I went to work. " Mom, where are you at?" Lindsay

yelled. I said " Sara and I are in the kitchen." Lindsay walked in, "

Holy crap Mom, what happened to your eye?" Sara looked at me and I said,

" Sara was having a bad dream. I came to see what was going on. I tried

to wake her up, but she was throwing a punch at whatever eas happening."

Sara picked up Lindsay on her lap, " I didn't mean to hit your mom, and

I apologized for doing it." Lindsay nodded and decided to start her

homework.

Sara and I dropped Lindsay at Nancy's before going to work. I had no

idea how the guys were going to react to my black eye. We headed for the

breakroom to wait for our assignments. Warrick and Nick were the first

to come in. "What the hell?" Nick asked. Sara stood up, " I did it."

Before she had a chance to explain, Gil walked in. " What's going on?"

he asked. Nick chimed in, " Sara punched Catherine and gave her a black

eye." Gil gave Warrick and Nick their assignments and told them to

leave. "Why did you hit Catherine?" he asked. Sara was about to explain,

but I said " It was an accident." I explained the whole story, and he

handed Sara and I our assignment and we left.

After leaving our scene, I went to see if Greg had anything yet. " I

hear Sara punched you in the face. What did you do?" Greg asked. " I

didn't do anything. She was having a nightmare. I went to see what was

going on, and she hit me." I explained. Greg gave me a funny look. I

told him that we had breakfast that morning. We went over to my place so

I could see Lindsay before she went to school. Sara walked into the room

and Greg asked, " So you and Catherine are dating?" " What?" Sara and I

said simultaneously. " No, Catherine and I are not dating." Sara told

our spiky headed friend.

Sara and I walked into the breakroom for coffee. Warrick and Nick

walked in and wanted an explanation. I gave them the whole story to keep

the rumor mill from exploding. Sara and I solved our case, and made

plans to take Lindsay to the mall. We decided to do it this weekend

since Gil gave us both it off. Sara asked, " How about I come over

around eleven and take you and Lindsay to lunch?" I replied, "Why don't

you stay over with me? I'm sure Lindsay would love to see you again."

Sara answered back," Sure, but I need to stop at my place for a change

of clothes. Also, where am I going to sleep?"

We stopped at Sara's, and I told her she should grab something to

sleep in. When we got there, Lindsay ran up and gave me a hug. Then she

walked over to Sara and hugged her too. " Sara and I are going to catch

some sleep before we take you to the mall." I told my attentive

daughter. Sara chimed, " Okay, we never discussed where I'm going to

sleep?" Lindsay spoke up, " Why don't you sleep in mommy's bed. Whenever

I sleep over at a friends house, we share the same bed. I don't see why

you two can't." Sara and I chuckled and nodded. I told Sara to keep

Lindsay busy while I showered. Sara showered after I did and came into

my room. " What are those?" I asked trying not to laugh.

" What's so funny?" Sara countered. " Your pajamas," I said starting

to laugh. " What Scooby Doo kicks ass. I grew up watching it. It was a

half hour of peace during my childhood," Sara said smiling. I apologized

for making fun and patted the other side of the bed. I watched Sara fall

asleep to make sure she was okay. I rolled over and fell asleep. When I

woke up, I felt an arm and a leg wrapped around my body. Lindsay

knocked, " Mommy, are you and Sara up yet?" Sara groaned and stretched,

" Sorry didn't mean to be all clingy." I told Lindsay she could come in.

She saw Sara's pajamas and asked me if could buy her a set. " We'll see,

let's get some lunch," I answered.

I whipped a quick lunch before heading to the mall. Lindsay insisted

that Sara and I hold her hands while walking through the mall. We made

it to BuildABear. " You two should do this together," Sara told me. I

watched Sara go sit on a bench. While Lindsay was picking what she

wanted, she asked " I think we should Sara a bear." I asked, " Why do

you want to buy Sara one?" Lindsay replied, " She seems to be a little

sad." I saw the perfect thing for Sara at the same Lindsay did. We left

to find Sara, and I found her looking off into space. " Hey you're back,

what's with two bags?" Sara asked. " This one is for you." Lindsay said

handing Sara the bag. She took out the bear from her bag and it had a

Scooby Doo pattern on it. I watched Sara and she looked like she was

going to cry. "Lindsay, go to that juice stand and get yourself

something to drink." I asked. Keeping an eye on Lindsay, I asked "

What's wrong, Sara?"

" I haven't felt this way since my grandmother." Sara said with tears

falling down her face. I asked, " Felt like what?" Wiping tears away,

Sara said " Loved." I looked at Sara and started to cry. Lindsay came

back and asked, "Mommy, why are you and Sara crying?" I told her it was

something Sara said. We sat down with Lindsay and explained the whole

story. Lindsay stood up, " Why doesn't Sara move in with us? We have

that spare room with nothing but junk in it."

" I don't know if that is such a good idea," Sara replied. " Why

not?" Lindsay asked. "Maybe you can sleep on it," I said. Sara nodded

and Lindsay suggested we get a movie. We caught a quick dinner and went

home. Lindsay picked out the new Lilo & Stitch movie. We sat down on the

couch to watch it. Halfway through, Lindsay was asleep on Sara and Sara

had fallen asleep on my lap. I covered us up and fell asleep.

I woke up to the smell of breakfast. I walked into the kitchen, "

What's going on?" Lindsay ran over and gave me a hug, " Morning mommy."

" Morning sweetie," I replied. "Morning Catherine, how did you sleep?"

Sara asked. " Better than expected considering how I slept," I answered.

Lindsay and Sara chimed in, " Sorry about that." " I convinced Sara to

move in," Lindsay telling her mom. " Are you sure Sara?" I asked. Sara

nodded and we ate breakfast.

Sara and I came up with a plan. Since Sara's rent is paid through the

end of the month, we had two weeks to move Sara in. " I think we should

go to your place and pick up a few clothes," I said. The three of us

headed over to Sara's after breakfast. " Lindsay, why don't you sit on

the couch while Sara and I get some things together," asking nicely. I

sat on the bed while Sara packed. I saw the look of worry on her face. "

Are you okay?" I asked. " Yea, I'm just a little nervous about this."

Sara answered. " Why," I queried. " Like I said, it has been awhile

since I have been cared for so much." Sara said with her eyes getting

glassy.

I walked over to her and gave her a hug. I felt tears fall on my

shoulder, " It's okay," I say comfortingly. Lindsay walked into the

room, "Mommy, is Sara okay?" Sara knelt down by Lindsay, " Yea, your mom

was comforting me." Lindsay wrapped her around Sara, " Here I will

comfort you too." I saw what my daughter did and I started to cry.

Lindsay saw this, " Sara it looks like mommy needs a hug, too." We

stopped to get lunch before going home. I asked, " Sara can you watch

Linds while I go grocery shopping?" She replied, "I keep an eye on her

while your gone." When I got home, I walked in on the cutest scene I

have ever seen. Lindsay and Sara asleep on the couch with a Scooby Doo

rerun on TV.

Sara woke up and saw me in the chair with a smile on my face. "What?"

she asked. "Nothing, you're just becoming Lindsay's favorite pillow." I

said trying not to laugh. "Mommy, what's so funny?" Lindsay asked.

"Nothing sweetie, I was teasing Sara." I replied. The three of us went

to the spare room to see how big of a mess we were dealing with. It

actually wasn't that bad, we had it cleaned in a little over two hours.

"Do you want to repaint it?" I asked Sara. "No I like the color," Sara

said looking at her new room. "Mom can I play with Sara while you make

dinner?" Lindsay asked. Seeing Sara smiling I agreed.

After dinner Sara and I did the dishes while Lindsay watched a little

TV. "Mommy can we watch that movie that I didn't see the end of?"

Lindsay asked. "Yes, but go put on your pajamas first," I replied. "Sara

will you put yours on too?" Lindsay pleaded. Sara nodded and took

Lindsay's hand as they disappeared down the hall. They came back into

the room with Lindsay being carried with her legs wrapped around Sara's

waist. "Now what's so funny?" Sara asked looking at me. "How many pairs

of Scooby Doo pajamas do you have?" I questioned holding back a laugh.

"It came in a three pack," she replied.

After the movie, I picked up Lindsay to carry her to bed. "Can Sara

come too?" Lindsay said yawning. "Yeah sweetie I'll help your mom tuck

you in," Sara said following me down the hall. We tucked her in and both

gave her kisses. "Mommy can Sara come with us when you drop me off at

school?" Lindsay said starting to nod off. "Yes she can, sweet dreams

baby girl," I said. Sara started to yawn, "You want to go to bed too?"

She mumbled and nodded while I had her lean on me while taking her to my

room. After tucking her in, I went to the bathroom to change. I came

back in and fell asleep.

When the alarm went off at seven, I got hit in the forehead with a

hand. "Sorry force of habit," Sara said apologizing. "Can you get

Lindsay up? I want to make a call," I asked. I called the lab and asked

for Warrick. "Warrick, do you still have your truck?" I inquired. "Yea,

what do you need it for?" he asked. I told that I invited Sara to live

with us. He said, "I'll drop it off after work." Sara and I drove

Lindsay to school when we got there she gave me a kiss and hugged Sara.

On the way home, "Who did you call this morning?" Sara asked. "Warrick,

I asked to borrow his truck to move your bed." I answered. Arriving back

home, Warrick and Nick were waiting in the driveway smiling.

"Nick what are you doing here?" I asked shutting the car door.

"Warrick told me what you're doing so I figured I'd lend a hand," Nick

answered with a big Texas grin. Sara looking like she was going to cry

walked over to Warrick and Nick and gave them both hugs.

They followed us to Sara's house. "Why don't you start with the bed

then come back for the dresser and bookshelves," I said taking control.

Sara and I started with her bookshelves and packed those boxes in the

car.

"We have the frame loaded up," Nick informed us awaiting

instructions. "Sorry, here are the keys to my house, Sara's room is the

second one down the hall on the left," I said telling them where to set

the frame up.

Sara and I dragged the mattress and box springs into the living room

so we start packing up her room. Sara looked at me seriously, "Why are

you doing all of this Catherine?" I took her hand and led her to the

couch to sit down. "It's because of Holly," I said hoping she wouldn't

freak.

"I don't know what that means," she said looking a little tense. "It

was because I convinced her to stay the night she was killed. The guilt

was overwhelming," I started to explain.

"That doesn't explain how I fit in," Sara said looking a little

confused. "It was something Lindsay said when we at the mall. She said

you seemed happy, but your eyes were telling a different story," I said

putting my arm around Sara. I told her that growing up wasn't that great

for you, and she said we should take care of you.

Trying not to cry, "Thank you, but I feel like I should apologize for

the I treated you when I first showed up." "Don't worry about, I didn't

exactly put out the welcome mat," I said trying to make her feel better.

We were hugging when Warrick and Nick came back, "Hey, I thought this

was a joint effort, or did you just want to see us get all hot and

sweaty," Nick said jokingly. "Sorry, Sara and I needed to have a heart

to heart before continuing," I explained trying not to embarrass her.

"Don't worry about it. We'll load up the mattress and box springs,"

Warrick said politely touching Sara's shoulder. We went back to Sara's

bedroom to pack up. She took the dresser while I handled the closet.

That's when I saw already packed boxes.

"What are these?" I questioned. "It's stuff I never unpacked when I

came here," she answered. "Why didn't you ever unpack it?" I said trying

to get her to open up. "I didn't know whether or not I was going to

stay, or even if I wanted to stay," she explained. "Why?" I asked

pulling her into another hug. "I didn't know if I was going to fit in or

even be a CSI anymore because something happened in Frisco that I'm not

comfortable talking about right now," she told me trying to hold the

tears.

She started to cry, and I just held on tighter. "It's okay, I don't

know what happened there, but I promise nothing will happen to you as

long as I'm around," I said trying not to sound too motherly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break down like that," Sara said wiping

her eyes. "Don't worry about it whatever happens from now on, Lindsay

and I will take care of you." I told her.

We loaded up the already packed boxes into the Denali before

finishing packing the rest of her clothes. When the guys got back I told

them take the dresser and bookshelves. Sara went to pack up the bathroom

while I finished the closet.

Talking a little loud so she could hear me, "Sara, you can bring your

recliner, but I don't have room for your couch. Maybe one of the guys

could use it."

I finished up the closet, and Sara and I packed up the rest of the

boxes. The guys came back to see if there was anything else. I told them

to grab the recliner and meet us back at my place.

Sara took a look around to make sure she didn't forget to pack

anything. She locked up and we headed for the SUV.

"You really didn't have all that much to pack?" I asked trying to

loosen things up. "No, I didn't. I really don't have any hobbies besides

work," Sara said telling me something we all suspected. "Well maybe

Lindsay and I can fix that," I said trying to make her smile.

We started to unload the Denali when Warrick and Nick pulled in. I

told them just to put the chair anywhere in the living room. After that

they helped unload the rest of the boxes.

"I want to take you guys to lunch to say thank you," Sara said

smiling. "Rain check, I want to go home and get some sleep," Nick

declining politely. "Why don't you buy us breakfast after shift?"

Warrick offered. "Okay and thanks for everything," Sara replied giving

the guys hugs.

Sara went to start putting her room together while I started lunch. I

went to Sara's room and knocked. "Hey, lunch is ready. Oh my goodness,

what is that?" I asked looking at her bed. "It's my Scooby Doo bedding,

why don't you like it?" Sara answered trying not to laugh. "No it's

alright, but If Linds sees it I have a feeling she'll want a set." I

said smiling.

We headed for the kitchen to eat, and I told Sara it might be a good

idea that we take naps before picking up Lindsay from school.

I woke up a little after two. I walked across the hall to Sara's

room. I stood there for a moment watching her sleep and noticed how

peaceful she looked.

"Hey sleeping beauty, time to get up," I said nudging her lightly.

"Mmnng," she groaned and stretched out. "It's time to pick up Lindsay,"

I informed her.

The drive to the school was quiet. I didn't want to invade her

thoughts. She probably has plenty going on up there. Arriving a little

early, I figured we might talk.

"You aren't having second thoughts are you?" I asked. "No, I'm just

getting used to fact that I can be happy," Sara answered smiling. "If

you ever want to talk about anything, I will always be there for you," I

told touching her hand.

We were so into our conversation that we missed Lindsay arriving at

the car. "Mommy, Sara you're here," she said will a big smile. "How was

school, baby?" I said matching her smile. "Great we got to do macaroni

art in class," she said giving me a hug and kiss.

Lindsay gave Sara a hug before she sat down and buckled up. We

stopped to get ice cream before heading home. We arrived home, and Sara

helped LIndsay out of the car. I couldn't help but smile.

"Sara can you help Lindsay with her homework while I rearranged the

living room," I asked hoping Sara didn't want to help me. "Come on

Linds," Sara said nodding and taking Lindsay's hand.

I decided to put Sara's recliner in the corner by the end table, so

she could put her scanner on it. I know she likes to listen to it to

relax. I don't know why, but to each his own. I started to wonder how

Sara and Lindsay were coming along since I hadn't heard a peep in

awhile. I cracked open the door, and Lindsay had fallen asleep on Sara

who was also asleep. I tiptoed out of the room to get the camera. I took

the picture, but Sara wasn't totally asleep and opened her eyes.

"Did you help Lindsay with her homework?" I inquired. "Yea she had a

little math, but she wanted to sit on my lap while reading the assigned

chapters for history," Sara answered.

"Mommy,what's up?" Lindsay yawned. "Nothing sweetie, I came in to

check on you and Sara," I answered. We decided to watch some TV before I

started dinner. About six I went to the kitchen to start it.

"Mom, do you want Sara and I to help?' Linds asked. "No baby, why

don't you take Sara and help put away more of her things," I answered.

"Come here, LInds," Sara said picking her up and taking her down the

hall.

"Lindsay just start putting the books on the bookshelf," Sara said

showing her how. I started down the hall to tell them that supper was

ready, and I heard music coming from Sara's room. I peeked inside and

saw that they were dancing to Phil Vassar.

"Do you guys get anything done when you're together?" I asked trying

not to laugh.

"Sorry Catherine, Lindsay was putting away my books, and she found my

CDs and wanted to hear what I listen to," Sara said apologizing. "Don't

worry about it, I came to tell you that dinner is ready," I said easing

her worry.

While we were eating, Lindsay was asking Sara questions about how she

grew up and her life before Vegas. Sara was giving her vague answers

even though I knew most of what happened. Lindsay is a little to young

to hear the real story even though she wants to help Sara.

"Lindsay, why don't you get your bag ready for Aunt Nancy's," I said

sensing that Sara could use a break. "Okay mommy," she replied. "Sara,

it's okay," I said pulling her into a hug.

Lindsay wanted Sara to sit in the back with her on the way to Nancy's

house. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but they seemed to be

enjoying themselves. Lindsay gave Sara a hug before she got out. I

walked her to the house and gave her a hug before heading back to the

car.

When we got to the lab, we headed to the breakroom for coffee and

await our assignments. "Evening ladies," Greg said smiling, "Sara, I

hear you have a couch in need of a home."

"Yes I do Greg, would you like it?" Sara asked. "A couch sat on by

the lovely Sara Sidle, you bet," he replied. Warrick and Nick came in

and grabbed coffee when Gil came in.

"Listen guys, it is a slow night so we will be doubling up," he

started "We have a B & E and suspicious circs."

"Nick and I will take the B & E," Warrick said winking at Sara. "I

guess that leaves us with the other. Sara, I'll meet you at the car. I

need to talk to Gil," I said handing her the keys.

"What did you want to talk about?" Gil asked looking worried. I was

trying to find the easiest way to put this. "I asked Sara to move in

with me and Lindsay," I said a little blunter than I wanted. "Is she

okay?" Gil asked looking more worried. "Yes, I'm hoping to help her be

less self reliant," I explained.

When Sara and I arrived at the crime scene, Brass was there. "Hey

Jim, what do we have?" Sara asked. "Evening ladies, the car owner's

husband reported his wife missing. He hasn't seen her in a couple days,"

Brass replied. Sara and I decided to process the car. I took the front

while Sara took the back. "I found a red hair and a little blood," Sara

announced. "Jim, is the wife a redhead?'" she asked. "Yes she is," Jim

answered. "Okay have the car towed the lab and watch the wife's credit

cards," I instructed.

I looked at my watch saw what time it was and speed dialed Nancy.

"Nanc, is she asleep yet?" I asked. She said she had just put her to

bed. "Mommy, is everything alright?" Lindsay asked. "Yea baby girl, I

called to wish you sweet dreams," I replied. "Is Sara with you?" she

inquired. "Yes she is," I said handing Sara the phone lipping 'Lindsay'.

"Hi sweetie, good night and sweet dreams," Sara said smiling handing me

back my phone.

"Catherine," Brass said gesturing to come his direction, "so is it

true, you asked Sara to move in?" "Not that it's anybody's business, but

yes I did. I feel guilty about what happened to Holly, and I wanted to

take Sara under my wing. Plus, Lindsay really likes her," I explained.

Sara and I drove back to the lab to give Greg the samples we had. While

the test was running Greg was staring at Sara. "What?" she asked.

"First, you say you're not dating, but Sara's sleeping at your house.

Now I find out that you're moving in together," Greg replied. "Sara is

moving in because Lindsay and I care for her," I said. "It's canine

blood," Greg announced as the test printed out its findings. Sara and I

looked at each other dumbfounded when my phone went off.

"Willows, yea Jim we'll meet you there," I said telling Sara there

was a hit on one of the credit cards. When we got there, Brass had the

manager unlock the door. We went inside to find the wife handcuffed to

the bed. Then a man came came out of the bathroom. "Ma'am, your husband

reported you missing," Brass said. "We found blood in your car,"

Catherine inquired. "I found an injured dog. You're not going to tell my

husband are you?" the lady asked. I turned around to leave, but I didn't

see Sara.

When I got back to the car, I saw Sara with her face in her hands.

Before I went to the car, I called Gil. "Gil something is up with Sara,"

I explained. "What is it?" he asked. "I don't know, but it looks like

she might need to talk," I said. "Okay, let me know if I can do

anything," Gil offered. "I'll leave my phone on if you need me," I

stated hanging up. I walked back to the car and opened the door

surprising Sara. As I put a strand of hair behind her ear, I asked "Sara

what's wrong?"

"That's the reason I left San Francisco," Sara said sobbing. "What?"

I questioned. "I found out that she was cheating on me," Sara said

completely breaking down. "I'm sorry," I said pulling her into a hug.

"When Grissom called, I jumped at the chance for a change of scenery,"

Sara said regaining a little composure.

"I know how that feels because I caught Eddie cheating, but luckily I

had Lindsay to keep my mind off of it. I'm sorry you had to go through

it alone, but Linds and I are here now," I said starting to tear up.

"I still can't believe that Willow cheated on me. We dated for three

years," she said. "Wait a second, Willow, Sara are you a lesbian?" I

asked. "No actually I'm Bi," Sara answered.

Sara saw the shock on my face and asked, "Catherine are you freaked?"

"What, No," I answered trying to process everything, "Sara it doesn't

matter what your sexuality is. It makes you who you are."

"I think I finally figured you out. Between your childhood and last

relationship, it's no wonder you have love and trust issues. Which

explains why you like to work by yourself," I said stroking Sara's hair.

"Shouldn't we be getting back to the lab?" she asked. "No I called

Gil before getting in the car. I told him you looked like you needed to

talk some things out. Don't worry when we get back, I'll tell him

everything is fine now," I answered touching her shoulder.

The drive back to the lab was quiet which was probably a good thing.

The issues Sara and I talked through were intense. I hope she gets her

bearings before getting back. When we arrived, I told Sara to get her

paperwork, and we would do it in my office.

"So, this is where you two are hiding," Nick said popping his head

in, "Hey are we still on for that thank you breakfast." "I don't know

Nick," I said trying to access Sara's mood. "No it's okay Catherine,

breakfast with friends is just what I need," Sara said smiling. "Why

what happened?" Warrick asked entering the room. "I'll tell you guys at

breakfast," Sara explained.

We drove to the diner and picked a booth in the back. "What's with

the cryptic?" Nick asked. Sara explained the reasons why she takes abuse

cases hard. She even told that she was bi-sexual. Nick and Warrick sat

across the table looking shocked.

"I'm sorry," Nick said reaching his hands across to hold Sara's. "Yea

we call ourselves CSIs, and we didn't see the signs," Warrick said

apologetic. "Guys don't worry about it. I talked it out with Catherine,

and I feel I can start to trust people again," Sara said with a beaming

smile.

Sara paid the bill, and we walked to our cars. Sara had walked over

with Warrick and Nick and gave them both a hug. She walked back towards

the car with a big smile on her face. "What's with the smile?" I asked.

"I can't help it. I'm really happy," Sara replied.

We drove back home and decided to get some sleep before picking up

Lindsay. I didn't go to sleep right away. I wanted to make sure that

Sara fell asleep alright. I went to my room when I saw that she was

sleeping peacefully. My alarm went off at two. I got dressed and went to

wake up Sara.

"Sara, time to get up," I said nudging her shoulder. "Morning,

sorta," Sara said yawning and stretching out. "How did you sleep?" I

asked. "I think it's the best I've slept in years," she answered. I left

to let her get dressed. I went to the kitchen and poured us coffee.

"Here," I said handing her coffee. "Thank you, can I ask you a

question?" she inquired. "Sara you can ask me anything," I replied. "Why

did you watch me fall asleep?" she asked. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you

knew I was there. It's something I do with Linds to make sure she falls

asleep okay," I answered. "Thank you for caring Catherine," she said

giving me a hug.

We drove to the school talking about what we could do with Lindsay on

Saturday since we both had it off. When we arrived at her school, we

decided to wait outside the car for her.

"Mommy, Sara!" Lindsay yelled running towards us. She jumped into

Sara's arms and gave her a hug. "Lindsay, why didn't you give your mom a

hug first?" Sara asked still holding my daughter. "Mommy normally gets

my first hug, and I thought you could use it more," Linds said with her

arms around Sara's neck. "Thank you sweetie," Sara said starting to tear

up. Lindsay leaned over and gave me a hug. I let Sara put her in the

car.

I had Sara help Lindsay with her homework while I made us all a

snack. "So sweetie, what did you do at school today?" I asked bringing

the meat and cheese tray. "My teacher said we had to write a paper about

who our hero is. I raised my hand, and my teacher came over. I told her

I had two heroes and couldn't decide which to choose. She told me I

could write half about each," Lindsay explained. "So who are they

honey?" I asked knowing who they were, but I wanted Sara to hear her say

it. "It's you and Sara, mommy," she answered as I noticed Sara started

to cry as she got up from the table.

"Mommy did I do something wrong?" Lindsay asked looking worried. "No

baby you didn't, why don't you go ask Sara," I said as she got up from

the table. I watched from the kitchen trying not to intrude. "Sara did I

say something wrong?" Lindsay asked. "No sweetie, it's just that I'm

getting used to people care about me," Sara said pulling Lindsay onto

her lap. "Sara, I do more than care about you, I love you," Lindsay said

which caused Sara to start crying again. I couldn't help crying too when

I heard what my daughter said.

I asked Sara if she could keep an eye on Lindsay while I went to the

store. When I got back, Sara and Lindsay had fallen asleep on her

recliner with Linds curled up on Sara's lap. I brushed a strand of hair

out of her eye and kissed her on the forehead. I covered them up in the

Scooby-Doo blanket that Sara bought for Lindsay.

I went to the kitchen to cut the vegetables for the salad that was

going with the spaghetti. After starting the sauce, I went to look in on

Sara and Lindsay. What I saw made me smile. Sara was watching Lindsay

sleep while stroking her hair. I set the table and went into the living

room to get the girls.

"Mommy why didn't you wake us up? We could have helped," Lindsay

asked. "It wasn't that difficult, plus you two looked peaceful. I am

worried that if you keep falling asleep on Sara that I'm going to have

to buy you a Sara shaped bed," I said trying not to laugh. "Yea I hear

they're real expensive," Sara said keeping up the joke.

Nancy showed up while Sara and I finished cleaning up. She needed to

pick up Lindsay early because they were going to see my mom. Nancy,

Sara, and I sat on the couch talking while Lindsay was getting her stuff

ready. She walked up to the couch and gave Sara and I hugs before

leaving.

We left for work a little early in case Warrick or Nick wanted to

talk to Sara. We grabbed some coffee and went to my office to relax

until everyone else showed up. Someone knocked on my door, I went to see

who it was. It was Eddie.

"Can I talk to you, Cat?" he asked making me cringe because I hate

that nickname. "Okay," I said winking at Sara telling her it will be

alright. "Why won't you let me see my daughter?" he yelled. "Hey, I

don't stop you from seeing your daughter, you're never around," I said.

I started to walk away, but he grabbed and slammed me up against the

wall. "We're not done," he said angrily.

I didn't see Sara come out my office. "Yes I do believe you are,"

Sara said trying to pull Eddie's hands off me. "Get off lady," Eddie

said shoving Sara. Sara already off balance hit the floor and her head

hit with a dull thud. Warrick yelled,"Hey," as he and Nick ran down the

hall. He pulled Eddie off me and restrained him. "Sara!" I yelled

running to her prone body. "Come on sweetie, wake up," I

said while stroking her head. "I called for an ambulance," Nick said.

"What the hell happened?" Gil said coming around the corner. "Eddie

shoved Sara after she tried to get him to let go of Catherine," Warrick

explained. "Get him out of here," Gil said coming to check on Sara.

"What the hell was Eddie doing here?" Gil asked glaring at me. "Can

we talk about this later. Sara is more important," I said trying to get

Grissom to back off. "Fine, when the paramedics get here you ride with

Sara," he said angrily. As they were tending to Sara, I was silently

praying for her safety. I followed behind as they took Sara to the

ambulance.

"Did either of you know why Eddie was here?" Gil asked. "No, all we

saw coming around the corner was Eddie had Catherine pinned against the

wall, and then he shoved Sara," Warrick explained as Nick was nodding in

agreement. He went to interrogation to find out from Eddie. "Why were

you in the lab?" Gil asked Eddie. "I came to find out why Cat hasn't let

me see Lindsay," he answered. "Thank you, oh by the way, Eddie you are

being charged with assault," Gil said leaving.

I held and stroked Sara's hand on the way to the hospital hoping she

would open her eyes. "Miss Willows, we're here," the paramedic said. I

had to sit in the waiting room while the doctors assess what is going

with Sara. I suddenly realized that I needed to call Nancy. "Nancy, I

need you to take care of Lindsay for awhile," I said trying to stay

calm. "Why, what happened?" she asked. I explained to her the whole

story. "Do you want me to bring her by after school?" Nancy asked. "Yea,

but don't tell her about her dad. She should hear it from me." I told

her.

After hanging up the phone rang, "Willows," I answered.

"Catherine, any news?" Gil asked.

"No, not yet."

"I called to tell you that you're suspended pending an

investigation."

"On what grounds?"

"I found out that Eddie was in the lab because of something you did,

and Sara was hurt because of it."

"Whatever, I'll call when I have news," I said hanging up.

"Miss Willows," the doctor said. "What's wrong with her?" I asked

trying not to cry. "All of her vitals are good, but we will know more

after the MRI," he explained. "When can I see her?" I inquired. "Not

until we get her into a room which should be shortly after the MRI," he

said as I nodded.

I went to sit back down, but Warrick and Nick walked in. "Any news?"

Nick asked. "No, but I found out I'm suspended," I answered. "Why?"

Warrick asked. "Gil found why Eddie was in the lab, and he suspended

me," I answered. "I'm here to see Sara Sidle," the lady at the desk

said. "Name?" the nurse asked. "Willow Summers," she answered. "What the

hell?" I said walking towards the woman.

"What the hell do you think you are doing here?" I said grabbing

Willow by the shoulder. "Back off bitch," she said pushing me off.

"Whoa, slow down ladies," Nick said trying to prevent a situation. "I

asked you a question," I said getting pissed. "I'm Willow Summers,

Sara's girlfriend," she answered. "Ex-girlfriend, you cheating bitch," I

said clenching my fists. "Where are you getting your information?" she

asked. "From Sara, yesterday," I answered.

"What are you Sara's new girlfriend, a little old for her aren't

you?" she said asking to get punched. "I think you should leave before I

do something I'll regret," I said trying to be the bigger person. "The

hospital called me because I'm her emergency contact," she said. "Mere

oversight, she hasn't change it yet, now leave!" I yelled pointing at

the door.

"I think she would really like to see me," she said smirking at me.

"I don't think so. If you don't leave I will make you leave," I said

walking towards her. "Bring it on bitch," she said shoving me. "That's

enough," the nurse behind the counter said, "If you two don't knock it

off, you both are leaving." Nick pulling me towards the chairs,

"Catherine, sit down."

"Nick, that bitch is part of the reason Sara is the way she is," I

said still pissed. "I realize that, but getting kicked out of the

hospital isn't going to help Sara," Warrick said putting his hand on my

shoulder trying to calm me down. "Fine, but she is not going to see

Sara," I said sitting down. I heard the door open and saw the doctor

come out.

"Miss Willows," the doctor said, "Sara has a mild concussion due to

the fall, but she should wake up soon." "Can I see her?" I asked. "As

soon as we get her set up in her room," he said. "What about ..." Willow

started to say. "I don't think so, you can have the doctors update her

progress, but you will not see her," I said getting pissed again. "You

can see her now," the doctor said.

I walked into the room, and Sara was hooked up to machines keeping

track of her vitals. I sat down in the chair beside her bed. "Come on

Sara, you have to wake up," I said kissing her hand. I must have fallen

asleep because I wake up to someone stroking my hair. I look up and see

that Sara is smiling at me.

"Morning, sleepyhead," she said smiling. "You had me scared you

know," I said smiling back, "I'm sorry I did this to you." "You didn't

cause this, Eddie did, I don't blame you," Sara said wiping a tear away.

" I almost forgot the best part, I am suspended, and Willow is in the

waiting room," I told her trying not to cry. "What, why?" she said

looking pissed.

"Well Grissom suspended me because he said I was the reason you were

injured,"I started to explain. "I don't know why he blames you," Sara

said. "It's because he loves you," I said. "Well I will take care of

that problem later. Now why in the hell is Willow in the waiting room?"

she asked.

"She is listed as your emergency contact," I answered. "Damn it, I

knew I forgot something. How did you handle it?" Sara asked. "Well for

starters, if Warrick and Nick weren't there I would have kicked her

ass," I said hoping Sara wouldn't freak. "What did she say?" she asked

starting to get angry. "Well when I asked what she thought she was doing

here, she shoved me and told me to back off," I said leaving out the

colorful language. "What else?" she said sensing there was more.

"Then she asked if I was your new girlfriend which came with an

insult about my age," I explained. "Did you at least punch her?" Sara

said with a smile. "No, but she kept asking for it," I answered. I told

her the rest of the story even the part where we almost got tossed.

"Thank you for defending me, but we need to take care of this," she said

motioning me to go get Willow.

I went to the waiting room to get her, but then she saw I was

following. "Where the hell do you think you're going?" Willow asked. "I

told you that we needed to talk," I said smiling. When we entered Sara's

room, I took my seat next to Sara and took hold of her hand.

"Willow thank you for coming, but you don't belong here. I have

people who love and care for me now. I forgive you, but I think you

should leave," Sara said smiling holding my hand as Willow left. "Thank

you," I said trying not to cry as I kissed her cheek. "Oh I almost

forgot, what about Eddie and Lindsay?" she asked. "Eddie was arrested

and charged with assault. Nancy is taking care of Lindsay while I'm

taking care of you, but she is bringing Lindsay by after school," I said

hoping she wouldn't freak out.

"What are we going to tell her?" Sara asked looking concerned. "I'm

actually considering the truth," I said. "You really should go home and

get some sleep before Lindsay gets here," she said. "I'm not that tired.

Don't you remember the nap I had when you woke me up," I said trying to

lighten the mood. "I can't say I didn't try," she said yawning. The

doctor told me that she might sleep, but they would have to wake her

every couple of hours.

I woke up to someone stroking my hair again. "I told you to go home

and get some sleep," Sara said smiling. "I don't know, I could get used

to waking up like this," I said seeing that my comment made her blush.

Just then, Lindsay walked in with a nurse. "Lindsay, we need to talk to

you about your dad," I said hoping this wouldn't go badly.

"What is it mommy?" Lindsay asked looking worried. "Here why don't

you sit in bed with Sara," I said picking her up. I told her that her

dad came to the lab, pushed Sara down, and got arrested. "But why did

daddy shove Sara?" she asked. "He was hurting your mom, and I tried to

make him stop," Sara explained. I told Linds that he was mad because he

never gets to see her. "I want to talk to him," Lindsay said hoping I

would let her.

"Hey guys," Warrick and Nick said popping in. "Sara, how are you?"

Nick asked. "Better now that I have my two favorite nurses," Sara said

stroking Lindsay hair. "Boy Sara you missed it, I thought Catherine was

going to throw down in the waiting room," Warrick said teasing me. "Yea

I heard, but we took care of it," Sara said holding my hand tighter.

"Is Grissom coming to see me?" Sara asked. "Probably not while

Catherine is here," Nick said. Lindsay asked why Gil was mad at me. I

told he blames me for what happened to Sara.

"What about Greg, is he coming?" she asked. "Crap, I left him in the

waiting room. They would only let two of us come in, and I gotta go

anyway," Nick said leaving.

After a couple of days, they released Sara. She was told to take two

weeks off, and they gave me a list of things to do and keep an eye out

for. I still can't believe that Grissom hasn't even called. He can be

such an ass. Lindsay and I went to see her dad while Nancy watched Sara.

She told him that she was mad at him for what he did to Sara. He told

her that he was sorry. He also apologized to me and pass apologies to

Sara. I found that he received probation and a fine for the assault.

When we got home, I found Sara and Nancy on the couch looking through

photo albums. "For the love of god, please tell me you're not doing what

I think you're doing," I asked glaring at my sister. "Sorry Catherine,

but yes it is. We've already looked through the first two albums," Sara

said smirking. "You are so dead," I said pointing at my sister. We all

started laughing.

"Catherine can you take Nancy and Lindsay to the park. There is

something I need to take of," Sara said looking at me knowing I knew

what it was. "I'm not leaving until he gets here, so you aren't left

alone," I said. "Sure no problem," Sara said smiling. "Why don't you let

my sister embarrass me more while I make us lunch," I said winking at

Sara. I hear laughter coming from the living room and can only imagine

what Sara is being shown.

I watched my sister and Sara during lunch. It was like they had known

each other forever. Nancy said her and LIndsay would clean up to let

Sara and I talk. She came back with coffee, and we continued to talk

until there was a knock at the door. I opened the door, "Gil," I said

motioning for Nancy and Lindsay to follow me out the door.

Catherine's house

------------------------

"Have a seat," Sara said showing Gil to the couch. "Why did you call

me over here?" Gil asked. "You're going to lift Catherine's suspension,

" Sara answered. "No, I'm not," Gil returned. "You're right you won't.

You will turn it into two weeks of vacation," Sara said getting pissed.

"Why would I do that?" he asked. "I can't work for two weeks and need

someone to take care of me," Sara said explaining what the doctors said.

"I can suspend her for two weeks," Gil said standing his ground.

_____

Park

--------

Nancy and I sat down on the bench while Lindsay ran towards the swing

set. "Do you think Sara will change his mind?" Nancy asked. "If I know

Sara, yes she will," I answered smiling. "Is there something going on

between you two?" she inquired. "Where did that question come from?" I

asked. "Are you blind? I've seen the way you look at her and the way she

looks at you," she answered.

______

House

----------

"You have no grounds for suspension," Sara stated. "You were hurt

because of Catherine's negligence," Gil said standing firm. "It wasn't

her fault. I didn't have to go out in the hallway," Sara said hoping to

end this. "Fine, Catherine is not suspended. You both have two weeks

vacation. One question though, what is going on between you two?" Gil

said caving.

______

Park

----------

"You think I have feelings for Sara and vice versa," I said giving

Nancy a look. "I don't know about you, but I've seen the way she looks

and talks about you," Nancy said. "I know she loves Lindsay, but other

than that I don't know," I said. "Why do you think Sara came out to help

you out?" she asked. "I guess have some things to think about," I said

seeing Lindsay running towards us.

______

House

----------

"What the hell does that mean?" Sara asked. "For excellent CSIs, you

two are apparently blind," Gil said smiling. "I'm confused. Where is

this coming from?" Sara asked. "You can't tell me that you haven't seen

the way she looks at you. I know you couldn't when you were unconscious,

but it was like she was scared to lose you," he said. "What am I to do

with this information?" Sara asked. "I suggest talking to her," Gil said

as Nancy, Catherine, and Lindsay walked in.

"Sara!" Lindsay yelled running up and hugging her. "Careful sweetie,"

I said making sure Linds wasn't to rough. "Nancy, can I walk you out?"

Gil asked as she nodded. "So, what's the verdict?" I asked looking at

Sara. "No suspension and we are on vacation for two weeks," Sara told me

smiling. "Yea!" Lindsay yelled before I could respond. "I second that

motion," I said pulling Lindsay on my lap. "Mommy, I'm a little tired.

I'm going to take a nap," Lindsay said giving us hugs and kisses.

Sara and I decided to watch some TV to relax. I didn't want to

approach the subject that Nancy and I talked about to Sara until I've

had a chance to think it over. I didn't realize I fell asleep until I

felt myself being shaken. Lindsay was staring at me with a funny look on

her face. "What's so funny?" I asked. "You're sleeping with my bed,"

Lindsay said pointing at Sara sleeping on me.

"Lindsay Willows, what did you just say?" I yelled quietly trying not

to wake Sara. "All I meant was that you are Sara's bed," Lindsay said

explaining herself. "What's going on?" Sara asked yawning. "You're

sleeping with mommy," Lindsay answered. "What?" Sara said freaking out.

"Why are you two so jumpy?" Lindsay said looking strangely at Sara and

I. "It's been a little strange lately," I answered hoping to get out of

this conversation.

"What are we doing for dinner? I'm getting hungry," Lindsay said as I

heard her stomach growl. "What do you want?" I asked. "I could go for

pizza," Sara piped in as I saw Linds nodding in agreement. I called and

ordered the pizza while Sara said she wanted to take a shower. I tried

not to picture Sara in the shower. "Mom!" Lindsay yelled, "where is your

head. I called you like three times." "Sorry sweetie, I was thinking

about something," I said hoping Lindsay didn't see me blush.

While we were waiting Lindsay and I set the table when the doorbell

rang. Sara answered it and brought the pizza to the kitchen. "Mommy,

what are we going to do tomorrow?" Lindsay asked since it was Saturday.

"Nothing overly exciting, the doctor said Sara should take it easy for a

couple days," I answered. "You and I can take Sara to the park," Lindsay

said bringing up a possibility. "That sounds great sweetie," Sara said

smiling.

"Sara, I'm sorry my daddy hurt you," Lindsay said. "It's okay honey,

I was just trying to help your mom out," Sara said winking at me. "I

told him I was mad at him for what he did. He said he is sorry and it

wouldn't happen again," Lindsay explained. I asked Sara if she could

play with Linds while I cleaned up. I watched how Sara was with my

daughter and thought she would be a wonderful mother someday. "Mom, can

we watch a movie before bed?" Lindsay asked. "Sure, but get ready for

bed first," I answered.

"Mommy, can Sara read me a story and tuck me in?" Lindsay asked after

the movie. "Maybe you should ask Sara," I explained. "I'd love to

sweetie," Sara answered looking at me smiling. I followed them down the

hall and smiled when saw them hand in hand. I watched from the doorway

as Sara put Lindsay in bed and sat down beside her. "Sweet dreams

punkin," Sara said finishing the story. Sara and I tucked her in and

kissed her forehead.

"Sara, do feel comfortable sleeping by yourself?" I asked innocently.

"Not really, it would be nice to know somebody was there. As long as you

keep your hands to yourself," Sara said stifling a laugh. "Ha, Ha, very

funny," I said lightly smacking her arm. I got changed and was in bed

when Sara came in. "Which side?" I asked. "Doesn't matter, but I was

wondering if you could hold me until I fall asleep?" Sara asked sweetly.

"Not a problem," I said hoping Sara didn't notice me blushing.

I woke up feeling happy, and I had noticed that Sara hadn't moved

during the night. She was still curled up in my arms. She must have

sensed that I was awake because she turned over. "Morning," Sara said as

she kissed me on the lips. Before I had a chance to respond the bedroom

door opened. "Mommy, Sara's not in her bed, nevermind," Lindsay said

noticing she was in mine.

"Mommy, why did Sara sleep in here?" Lindsay asked jumping on the bed

between us. "Sara didn't want to sleep by herself last night," I said

trying to focus on Lindsay. "Sorry for scaring you Linds, but after

being in the hospital I wanted to feel safe," Sara said. "Yeah mommy has

kept me safe lots of times," Lindsay said giving Sara a hug. "Linds, why

don't you go get dressed for breakfast?" I asked as Lindsay got up and

left, "I think we need to talk?" looking at Sara.

"Can it wait until after breakfast?" Sara answered smiling as I

nodded. Lindsay wanted pancakes, so we ended up at IHOP. When we got

there Linds wanted to sit beside Sara which meant I got to sit across

from her to look into her beautiful brown eyes. Sara and Lindsay got

milk while I got coffee to go with breakfast. We all ended up getting

different flavors so we could share.

After breakfast, Sara and I took Lindsay to the park. We sat down on

the bench and watched Lindsay play. "I'm sorry about the kiss this

morning," Sara said lowering her head. "Don't be, I'm not," I said

cupping her chin with my hand. "What does that mean?" she said still

looking worried. "I mean that it was nice, and I liked it," I said

smiling. "What do we do now?" Sara asked. "I think we need to talk to

Lindsay about this since it involves her too," I said noticing Sara was

in agreement.

We were so involved in our conversation that we hadn't noticed

Lindsay walking our direction. "Mom, is something wrong?" she asked

sitting between us. "No sweetie, but there is something that we want to

talk to you about," I said nervously smiling. "Mom it's okay if you want

to go out with Sara," Lindsay said surprising us. "What would make you

say that?" I asked. "Come on mom, I'm the daughter of a CSI. I have seen

the way you look at each other," Lindsay said smiling.

Sara hadn't said anything on the way home. I was hoping it was just

Sara's way of processing the fact that she's truly happy now. "Sara, are

you okay?" I asked patting her leg. "Yeah it's been a weird, but happy

morning," she said putting her hand on mine. When we arrived home, Sara

and Lindsay sat down on the couch while I was going to start lunch.

"Sidle," Sara said answering her phone.

"Sure Grissom, I'll be there in thirty minutes," Sara said as she

hung up. "What was that all about?" I asked concerned. "I don't know,

Gil said there was something I needed to take care of, but it wasn't

work related," she answered. "Do you want me to come?" I asked. "Yes

please, I may need your strength to handle whatever this is besides

Lindsay can visit with the guys," she replied giving me a hug.

As we got closer to the lab I noticed that Sara got more and more

nervous. "Hey, we'll get through whatever this is," I said taking hold

of her hand. "Thank you," she said squeezing harder. "If you get nervous

or scared just hold my hand," I said hoping she realized she wasn't

alone. When we entered the lab, I hadn't noticed that we were holding

hands until Sara tightened her grip. The first thing I noticed was that

Gil was standing next to a beautifully dressed woman. As we got closer,

I noticed that he had a smile on his face when he saw us holding hands.

"Sara Sidle?" the lady asked. "Yes," Sara said. "I'm Meredith Parker,

your brother's attorney, is someplace private we can go to talk?" she

asked.

Gil showed us to the conference room. "Gil can you find someone to

look after Linds?" I asked as he nodded. "I regret to inform you that

your brother and his wife were killed in an automobile accident," Miss

Parker said. "What?" Sara said starting to cry. "Is this why you needed

her down here," I said getting angry. "No and I'm sorry for your loss,

but there is something he wanted Sara to do if anything ever happened,"

she said apologizing. "What did he need me to do?" Sara asked collecting

herself. "In his will, he stated if anything were to happen to him and

his wife, you were to be Emma Sara Sidle's legal guardian," she

explained handing us a picture of a baby.

"Why did he think that I would be qualified to do this?" Sara asked

trying not to freak. "Your brother lost track of you for a while, but he

found you when you went to college and kept an eye on you ever since,"

she explained. "When can I see her?" Sara asked. "She is at our office,

but I'm figuring you would like her brought here?" she asked. "Yes

please," I said sensing Sara was on overload. After Miss Parker left,

Sara turned towards me. "What am I supposed to do?" Sara said as she

broke down putting her head in my lap. "We'll get through this baby, I

promise," I said running my fingers through her trying to comfort her.

"How am I supposed to take care of a baby, I've just started taking

care of myself," Sara said wiping her eyes. "You're not in this alone.

You have me, Lindsay, Nancy, and the guys. Whatever you need, whenever

you need it, someone will always be there," I said giving her a hug. The

guys came in to see what was going on. Sara told them the whole story.

Lindsay came in and hopped onto Sara's lap. She gave her a hug and kiss

and told her that she loved her. Sara hugged her back and looked towards

the group. "Guys, I want to tell you that Catherine and I are dating,"

Sara said taking hold of my hand. "It's about time," Greg said as

everyone started laughing.

"Always the last know," I said smiling at Sara. We all knew Miss

Parker was back because you could hear the baby crying down the hall.

"Sara Sidle meet Emma Sidle," Miss Parker said entering and handing Sara

the baby. "Shh sweetie it's okay," Sara said trying to soothe her. It

was like Emma knew she was safe because she stopped crying once she

heard Sara's voice. "I have some papers that need signed when you get

settled," Miss Parker said. "Okay, but can it wait until Monday? I'd

like to get situated first," Sara asked. Miss Parker nodded and headed

out.

"Sara, she's gorgeous," I said kissing Emma's head. "So does this

mean we're uncles again?" Greg asked. "Yes Greg it does, but Catherine

we have a slight problem," Sara said. "Don't worry about it honey, Nancy

has my baby stuff. We can stop on the way home," I said kissing Sara on

the cheek. "Sara can I see the baby?" Lindsay asked. "Sure sweetie,

let's sit on the couch," Sara answered. "She looks alot like you,"

Lindsay said as we all smiled. The guys had to get back to work so we

said our goodbyes and headed to Nancy's house.

Nancy was out in the yard when we pulled up. "Hey sis, what's with

the dropby?" Nancy asked. "I need my baby stuff," I replied. "Why would

..." she started to say until she saw Sara with Emma, "who's baby?"

"She's my niece and now ward. My brother and his wife died in a car

accident," Sara explained. "Oh my Sara, I'm sorry," Nancy said giving

her condolences. "We lost touch, but apparently he tracked me down in

college and kept an eye on me," Sara said explaining the situation. "On

the bright side sis, Sara and I have decided to date," I added. "Boy you

guys know how to run the gambit of emotions," Nancy said smiling.

"Lindsay can you take care of Emma while your mom, aunt, and I track

down the stuff we need?" Sara asked showing Lindsay how to hold the

baby.

Sara gave Nancy a hug and thanked her for everything. We got in the

car and headed home. "How are we doing the sleeping arrangements?" Sara

asked. "Well short term, you, me, and Emma in my room," I explained.

"Why would we sleep in your room?" Sara inquired. "Well just in case you

need any help with her," I said hoping to end this discussion. "That's a

good plan, but what about long term?" she asked. "This one's easier, you

and I in our room, Lindsay in your old room, and Emma in Lindsay's," I

said running my hand down her arm to hold her hand.

We did a rough set-up of the baby furniture when I realized something

very important. "Sara can you watch the girls while I pick up some baby

essentials?" I asked giving her a kiss. "Sure, I wouldn't know what to

look for, thank you," Sara said kissing me back. "You'll learn because

I'm the best teacher," I said smirking. Before I left I couldn't help

but smile, my baby with Sara and hers.

"Sara does this mean Emma is my little sister?" Lindsay asked. "Yeah

sweetie, I guess it does. Do you know what that means?" Sara asked.

"No," Lindsay said looking confused. "It means as the big sister you

look out for and protect her. It also means when you're both older

someone to pick on," Sara said kissing Lindsay on the head.

I came home and saw the sweetest sight, Sara was watching our girls

sleep. Lindsay must not have been that asleep because she opened her

eyes as I shut the door. "Mommy, Sara told me I'm a big sister," Lindsay

said with a beaming smile. "She did, that's great sweetie," I said

winking at Sara. "Catherine, I need you to show me how to change a

diaper," Sara said. "Sure, no problem, I said grabbing the bag with the

diapers in it.

We walked back into the living room, and Lindsay was sitting on the

couch with a cat ate the canary smile. "What's with that?" I asked

pointing at my daughter's face. "I'm just really happy," Lindsay

answered. "Okay if you say so, Sara can you help me with the other

bags?" I asked watching Sara show Lindsay how to hold Emma. We finished

putting away the groceries when someone knocked on the door.

"Nancy, what are you doing here?" I asked. "Lindsay called me with a

proposition." my sister answered. "Well this should be good," I said

smiling at Sara. "Now I realize that Sara just got Emma, but you both

decided to date before that," Nancy said. "That's why I called Aunt

Nancy over to babysit while you two go out," Lindsay said smiling. "That

was the reason for the smile. Well Sara, I don't know about you, but I'm

game," I said trying not to laugh. "Just as long as they're not planning

our wedding, let's go," Sara said laughing.

I came out first after getting dressed. "Maybe I should go see if she

needs help," I asked. "No mom I'll go, you shouldn't see her until she

comes out," Lindsay said. A couple minutes later they came in the room.

Sara was wearing a deep purple silk blouse that hugged the all right

places and a pair of black dress pants that made her legs look like they

went on forever. "What?" Sara said blushing. "You look gorgeous," I said

with probably the same smile Linds had earlier.

We decided on dinner first, but what came after was up to how we

felt. "I can't believe that Lindsay and Nancy set us up," I said trying

to break the ice. "I can, once a Willows see something they want they go

after it," Sara said smirking. "Oh, that's how we're going to play," I

said winking. I took my shoe off during dinner and started to run my

foot up Sara's leg. "Could you cut that out?" she asked breathing hard.

"You want me to stop now," I said laughing. "No, just not while I'm

eating. I'd rather not choke," Sara said blowing me a kiss.

I left her alone for the rest of dinner. We decided to catch a movie

afterwards. I was watching the movie when I felt Sara's hand running up

my thigh. "What are doing?" I asked quietly. "Payback," Sara said

whispering in my ear. She then licked up my pulse point and started to

suck on my neck. "Could you please stop," I said pleading. "Okay, I'll

be good," she said innocently sitting back in her seat.

We decided to call it a night after the movie. We made it back home

and walked in the door hand in hand. Nancy and Lindsay were sitting on

the couch smiling at us while Emma was asleep in Nancy's arms. "So?"

Nancy asked. "Sorry sis, I don't kiss and tell," I said. "Actually we

didn't," Sara said giving me a kiss. "Mommy, what's that on your neck?"

Lindsay asked as Sara started to laugh.

"Mosquito bite," I said glaring at Sara. "Can Sara tuck me in mommy?"

Lindsay asked. "Sure sweetie, I need to talk to Nancy anyway," I

answered watching Sara take our girls down the hall. "That looks like a

hickey," Nancy said laughing. "It is," I said explaining how I got it.

"Well it sounds like you asked for it," she said stifling a laugh. We

were both laughing when Sara came back in. "What's so funny," Sara asked

smiling.

"My sister is taking your side," I said playfully shoving her. "Well

you did initiate the teasing," Sara said winking at Nancy. "If that's

the way it's going to be, I'm going to bed," I said hugging Nancy and

kissing Sara. "Hey since you two are acting like hormonal teenagers, you

want me to stay and chaperone," Nancy said laughing. "Okay, now you're

being mean," Sara said walking my sister to the door. Sara and I walked

down the hall and checked on our girls before going to bed.

I don't know what time it was when I woke up, but Sara wasn't in bed.

"Sara," I said quietly. "Shh baby, I'm over here," Sara said as I saw

her rocking Emma. "Do you need anything?" I asked. "No go back to sleep,

I'll be there in a minute," she said winking. Before I got back to sleep

there was a light knocking on the door. "Mommy, I had a bad dream. Can I

sleep in here?" Lindsay asked. "Sure sweetie, you can sleep between me

and Sara," I said patting the bed.

I woke up around nine, but Sara and LIndsay were still sleeping. I

noticed Emma was up so I changed and dressed her before starting

breakfast. "I woke up this morning with a new appendage," Sara said

walking in with Lindsay attached to here hip. "I think we need to go to

the doctor and have that looked at," I said smiling. "Mom!" Lindsay

yelled. "Sorry honey, Sara and I were just having with you," I said

kissing my daughter and then Sara.

After breakfast, Sara and I were cleaning up when someone knocked on

the door. "I'll get it," Lindsay said, "It's uncle Greg." "Greggo,

what's with the early visit?" I asked. "I just wanted to stop by to see

my girls," he said. I didn't see Sara point at my neck to show Greg

what she did. "Catherine, what is that on your neck?" Greg asked

laughing. "Mommy said she got bit by a mosquito," Lindsay explained.

"With a bite that size, it must have been huge," he said smirking at me.

"Yeah it was enormous," Sara added.

Lindsay dragged Greg to her room to play video games. Sara and I

cuddled on the couch watching TV. I started making figure eights on

Sara's stomach. "Hey baby do you mind, Greg is in the next room," Sara

said. "You had no problem teasing about my bug bite," I said tickling

her. "Hey I'm not interrupting anything am I?" Greg asked. "No, we were

just thumb wrestling," Sara said jokingly. "Really I just figured you

were ..." Greg started to say. "Greg," I said pointing out Lindsay

coming into the room.

"Let me take you guys out for lunch?" Greg asked. "Greg can you take

Catherine and Lindsay. I want to spend some time with Emma," Sara

answered. "Are you sure sweetie?" I asked. "Yeah, I would like to do

some mother-daughter bonding," Sara said smiling. I gave her a kiss as

we left.

Lindsay and I came home, but I didn't see Sara in the living room or

kitchen. "Lindsay, why don't you wash up?" I said wondering where Sara

ended up. I went down the hall to our bedroom. I peeked in the door and

saw Sara reading to Emma in the rocking chair.

"So this is where you went," I said smiling. "Yeah, I'm sorry I

didn't go to lunch, but I just wanted some alone time with her," Sara

said. "No it's okay, I understand the need to do it," I said kissing

Sara. "Mommy, did you find Sara?" Lindsay said quietly.

"Hey sweetie, did you have fun with uncle Greg?" Sara asked. "Yes, I

did, but it wasn't the same without you. Mom told me that she used to do

the same with me, so I understand," Lindsay said smiling. She laid Emma

down and picked up Lindsay to give her a hug. "I love you guys," Sara

said as I saw a tear run down her cheek.

"We love you too," I said hugging Sara and Lindsay. "I almost forgot

Sara, we brought you home a doggy bag," Lindsay said. "Thank you guys,

let's go see what you brought me home," Sara said heading for the

kitchen. "Mom, I'm going to do some homework," Lindsay said winking at

me. "I think she wants us to be alone," Sara said. "She's not the only

one," I said kissing Sara.

I fed Sara her lunch between kisses, but when we were moving to the

living room, Emma decided it was time to wake up. "Do you want me get

her?" I asked. "No, but I would like you to come with me," Sara said

taking my hand. After Sara changed her, we sat down on the bed. "Mommy,

are you and Sara decent?" Lindsay asked through the door. "Lindsay

Wilows, get your butt in here," I said.

"What, I was just trying to give you guys privacy," Lindsay

explained. "Come up here sweetie," I said patting the bed. "It's nice to

know that honey," Sara said smiling seeing Emma's hand wrapped around

one of Lindsay's fingers.

We must have fallen asleep because I woke up to the smell of someone

cooking. I walked down the hall and saw Lindsay and Sara dancing and

cooking while Emma watched. "Are you guys having fun?" I asked laughing.

"Mom, I hope we didn't wake you," Lindsay said. "No, the smell of dinner

woke me up," I said giving Sara a kiss. "I guess someone else is hungry,

too," Sara said going to get Emma.

"Sara, can I feed Emma?" Lindsay asked. "Sure sweetie," Sara said

showing how. "I love you," I said to Sara. "What?" she said. "I love

you," I repeated. "I heard you the first time, but I wanted to make

sure. I love you, too," Sara said pulling me into a breathtaking kiss.

"Ahem, do you mind there are children in the room, and I rather you

not burn dinner," Lindsay said smirking. "I think Lindsay just set up a

date with the tickle monster. What do you think honey?" Sara said

smiling. "Mommy wouldn't do that. She would protect me," Lindsay said.

"No, I think I would help, and we would let your sister watch," I said

starting to laugh. "Mom, you wouldn't," Lindsay said pleading. Sara

walked up to Lindsay and whispered in her ear, and her eyes bugged out.

"What did you say?" I asked smiling at Sara.

Sara and I decided to let Lindsay stew. We put the girls to bed, and

Sara and I laid down. I noticed that Sara had a look, but I couldn't

figure out what. "Honey, is something wrong?" I asked stroking her

cheek. "I'm a little nervous about tomorrow," Sara answered smiling

nervously. "There is nothing to worry about, it's only paperwork," I

said giving her a kiss. "I know but considering my life, I'm worried

that someone will take Emma away," she said. "I would never let that

happen," I said putting her head my shoulders.

The alarm went off at seven, and I went to see if Lindsay was up yet.

We ate breakfast and the four headed for school to drop off Lindsay. She

gave Sara and I hugs and kisses, but before she left she kissed Emma on

her head. Sara saw this and smiled. I took hold of Sara's hand and

kissed it. I noticed that Sara was a little nervous when we arrived at

the lawyer's office. "It's going to be okay," I said holding her hand as

we walked in.

Meredith met us at the reception deck. "I had a feeling about you

two, I guess I was right," She said smiling seeing us holding hands.

"What did everyone know but us," I said. We all were laughing as

Meredith showed us to her office. Sara had to sign some papers and

initial others. "I'm happy to inform you that you're officially Emma's

mother," Meredith said handing papers to Sara. "Thank you," Sara said

starting to cry. "Catherine, why don't you take your girls home,"

Meredith said. "We should keep in touch," I said seeing her nod.

We got back to the car, and Sara put Emma in her seat. "See no

problem," I said pressing my lips to hers. "I love you," Sara said

smiling. "I love you, too," I said kissing her again. "Can you just take

me home?" she asked. We got home, and Sara laid Emma down. I stood

behind her smiling when she turned around and pounced on me. We were

well on our way when the phone rang."Hello," I said out of breath.

"Crap, I'm sorry Cath," Nancy said. "What did you need?" I asked. "I

just called to see how the appointment went. Considering what I

interrupted, I'd say it went well," Nancy said. "I always knew you were

the smart one," I said poking fun at my sister. "Very funny, you want me

to pick up Lindsay so you and Sara can get to know each other?" she

asked. "Thanks sis, that would be great, bye," I said hanging up and

turning back to Sara.

I don't know when we fell asleep, but I woke up to a knock on the

door. "Mommy," Lindsay said. "Come in sweetie," I said as Sara and I put

our shirts back on. "So Aunt Nancy told me that Emma is now your

daughter, Sara," Lindsay said smiling. "Yeah sweetie she is. Catherine,

you ready?" Sara asked winking at me. We pushed Lindsay down between us

and tickled her until she promised to stop teasing us.

During the next two weeks we started to get into a routine. Nancy

would take care of the girls so Sara and I could go out. Sara's

nervousness with leaving Emma with Nancy was getting less and less. I

told her that I had the same problem with Lindsay.

Our first night back was thankfully slow. I decided to catch up on

paperwork while Sara stayed and talked to the guys in the breakroom. Gil

followed me to my office. "How is she doing?" He asked. "She is doing

really well," I answered. "How is Emma acclimating to Sara?" he

inquired. "Surprisingly well, she has even taken to Lindsay," I replied.

"Oh, I almost forgot this came for you," Gil said handing me a padded

envelope. "What is it?" I asked. "I don't know, but don't worry we made

sure it was safe," he said leaving.

I opened it, and it was a CD that said 'Play Me'. I put it in my

player, but before I pressed play I noticed there was a note inside.

Catherine,

I could never express how I feel about you and for what you've done

for Emma and me. So I put this CD together to do that.

Love,

Sara

======================================

1) That's the Beat of a Heart: Warren Brothers

2) I Love You: Martina McBride

3) Because You Love Me: Jo Dee Messina

4) Bless the Broken Road: Rascal Flatts

5) That's When I Love You: Phil Vassar

6) When You Say Nothing at All: Keith Whitley

7) Naked: Avril Lavigne

8) Just the Same: Terri Clark

9) When You Lie Next to Me: Kellie Coffey

10) You Set Me Free: Michelle Branch

11) Always: Bon Jovi

12) Never Love You Enough: Chely Wright

13) Grow Young with You: Coley McCabe

14) Wild Horses: The Sundays

======================================

I hadn't realized that there was that much paperwork, but I made it

through the whole CD. I couldn't believe that Sara put that much effort

into making it, but her song choices were well thought out. I went to

see if I could track her down, but I didn't find her. "Gil, did you send

Sara on a case?" I asked. "Yeah I sent her with Nick and Greg. Is this

about the CD?" he asked. "You know about it?" I inquired. "Oops, she

told me to give it to you since you were doing paperwork. What was on

it?" he asked. "That sir is none of your business. Let me know when she

gets back," I answered. I went to get a cup of coffee before heading

back to my office to clean up.

Gil had me do lab work after finishing cleaning my office. I hadn't

seen Sara since shift started, but I figured she was still out in the

field. I realized that I was becoming stiff from pretty much sitting

down all shift. I must have been really entrenched into what I was doing

since I didn't hear her come in. "Hey sexy, miss me," Sara said

whispering in my ear. "I can't believe that you drafted Gil into helping

you," I said turning around. "What did you think?" she asked. "I loved

it. The thoughtfulness you put into this was overwhelming. I don't have

the words to express what I feel after hearing those songs," I said

pulling her into a passionate kiss.

"I love you," I said backing her against the wall. "Sara, oh crap I'm

sorry," Nick said interrupting. "No Nick it's okay, we shouldn't make

out to much at work. Besides there is always after work, right

Catherine," Sara said winking at me. "Oh yeah, you are in so much

trouble when we get home," I said. "Anyway Sara, I came to tell you that

Greg and I can handle this so you can go home when shift is over to be

with Emma," Nick said giving us one of his famous smiles. "You are such

a sweetheart, thank you," Sara said giving him a hug and kissing him on

the cheek.

Before leaving I stopped by my office, I wanted to grab the CD

because I had an idea. Sara met me at the door as we walked to the car.

"What did you need in your office?" Sara asked. "Sorry sweetie, it's a

surprise," I said giving her a kiss.

On the way home, I was trying not to laugh at Sara trying to figure

out my plan. "Can I at least get a shower first?" Sara asked when we

arrived home. "Yeah go ahead," I said thinking this was working out

better than I planned.

I dimmed the lights, lit candles, and put Sara's CD in the stereo

just as she walked in. "May I have this dance?" I asked pressing play

and extending my hand. "Yes," Sara said with a smile. We were so

entrenched dancing that we didn't hear the door open. "Oops, sorry mom,

Sara, we didn't know," Lindsay said surprising us. "Morning sweetie," I

said stopping the CD as Nancy walked in with Emma. "Hey there sunshine,"

Sara said picking up Emma.

"Cath, we didn't interrupt something did we?" Nancy asked. "No sis,

we were just dancing," I said watching Sara make googly faces at Emma.

"Sara what are you doing?" Lindsay asked. "She's trying to make her

laugh, sweetie," I said letting Sara enjoy herself.

We dropped Lindsay off at school and went back home to get some

sleep. Emma was being fussy when we got home. "Catherine get some sleep,

I'll take care of this," Sara said giving me a kiss. "Okay, I'll sleep

in your room so at least one of us gets some sleep," I said kissing her

back.

I woke up a little after two, and I went to check on Sara. She was

asleep on the bed, and Emma was awake in the crib so I decided to take

her with me to pick up Lindsay. "Mommy, why didn't Sara come with you?"

Lindsay asked worried. "She didn't get much sleep, sweetie. Emma was

fussy when we got home this morning," I explained. Lindsay opened the

door as I brought Emma in, and Sara was on the couch looking freaked.

"Honey, I'm sorry, I should have left a note," I said handing Emma to

Lindsay. I ran over to the couch to give Sara a hug. "Catherine, I

didn't think, I should have known you had her," Sara said hugging me

back. "How much sleep did you get today?" I asked kissing her cheek.

"Very little, I'm going to be so fried for work tonight," she answered.

"No, I tell Grissom you're on call tonight so you can sleep," I said. I

looked over at Lindsay, and she was making faces at Emma. I nudged Sara

and pointed in their direction.

"Can you give Linds a hand with her homework?' I asked Sara. She

nodded as I took Emma from Lindsay. I fed, changed, and laid her down

thinking she hadn't gotten much sleep either. After dinner we watched

some TV before dropping the girls off. I looked over at Sara and she was

nodding off. "Come on honey, I'm putting you to bed," I said taking her

hand. I tucked her in and gave her a kiss. "I put your phone next to you

in case you get called in," I said kissing her lips before leaving.

I dropped the girls off and headed to the lab. I headed for the

breakroom to get my first cup of coffee. "Hey Cath, where is your better

half?" Nick asked. "She didn't get much sleep this morning," I said

explaining why. Gil came in and handed out assignments, "Where is Sara?"

he asked. I explained the situation and he agreed. I went to my crime

scene and saw Brass waiting. "Hey, where is that pretty girl of yours?"

he asked. "She's at home asleep," I told him explaining why,"What the

situation here?"

"Two male DBs, looks like robbery gone bad," Brass explained. I went

over the whole scene gathering all the evidence. I knew when I was done

I needed Sara's help, but I regretted calling her. I finally packed

everything I bagged in the Denali as I pulled out my phone.

"Hello," Sara said. "Hey sweetie, I didn't wake you up did I?" I

asked. "No, actually I just got up, baby," she answered. "Okay, I'm

going to swing by on my way back to the lab," I said. "I'll be waiting

with bells on," she added. "Just bells sweetie, don't you think that

Greg has enough fodder for his perverted little fantasies," I said

giggling. "Maybe sometime this weekend just for you," Sara said as we

hung up.

On the way there, I couldn't help but smile. I can't believe that I

found someone that loves me and my daughter. I pulled into the driveway,

and Sara came skipping out the door with the biggest smile I have ever

seen. "What's with you?" I said trying not to laugh. "Well first, I get

to sleep the start of shift, then I get a call from an angel, and

finally I was picked up by the most beautiful woman in the world," Sara

said giving me a kiss.

"I love you," I said starting to cry. "I love you,too. Why are you

crying?" Sara asked wiping away my tears. "What you just told me and

something I was thinking on the way over caused me to have a happy

overload," I said kissing her back. "Well I guess that means I should

drive as a precaution, in case you have a happiness explosion," Sara

said starting to laugh.

"I'll only switch switch seats for a price," I said winking at Sara.

"Name it," she said. I gave her a sweet but intense kiss. "Keep kissing

me like that and someone will have to drive us both to work," Sara said

catching her breath. We decided to cool off on the way back to the lab.

We took our evidence to 'Sara's lab' to sort through it.

"Hey Sara, when did you get here?" Nick asked popping in. "Someone

missed me so she picked me up on the way here," Sara said sarcastically.

"Hey, be nice," I said smacking her butt. "On that note, I'll leave you

two alone," Nick said leaving as Sara rubbed her butt. Sara smiled at me

as she decided to take the DNA evidence to Greg.

I don't know how long I was staring at the evidence trying to get

something to pop out at me. Suddenly I was startled by Sara massaging my

shoulders. "How did you know I could use this?" I asked starting to

relax. "The look on your face just screamed it, but I have good news,"

Sara said kissing the top of my head.

"Greg find something?" I asked perking up. "Yeah, there were three

people in the house. I was about to run the prints you found. Go get a

cup of coffee and then come find me," Sara said pushing me out the door.

"Thank you," I said kissing her on the cheek.

I got my coffee and was passing Grissom's office. "Catherine, can you

come in here?" he asked. "What's up?" I said nervously. "I would like to

thank you," he started. "For what exactly," I said sitting down. "Sara,

I am glad to see she has an outlet outside work. I realize you're part

of it because I knew her before, and she would get too invested in

cases. I thought when she came here, she wouldn't last anymore than a

year," he said.

"You're welcome Gil, but I can only take partial responsibility.

Lindsay and now Emma did the rest. You should see her with Emma, it's

like she was meant to do this. I guess her brother was right," I said as

my beeper went off.

"Sara, what do you have?" I asked kissing her cheek. "The third

person is a familiar relative of the homeowner," Sara said. "Do we have

a name?" I asked. "David Stevens, he has a record. Brass is picking him

up now," she said.

"What do you want to do after shift?" I asked. "I don't know. By the

way, why did I have to page you?" Sara asked. "Gil asked me into his

office when I was coming back with my coffee. Don't worry, we talked

about the good changes in you," I answered giving Sara a hug.

We headed over to PD for the interrogation. He told us that he shot

the burglar after his brother was killed. "Well that was easy. Sara,

when can I see this daughter of yours?" Jim asked smiling. "Are you

doing anything this morning?" Sara responded as Brass acknowledged he

didn't have plans. "Why don't you follow us to my sister Nancy's house?"

I said.

Sara and I found Gil and told him we closed our case. Sara drove by

herself while I rode with Brass in case we were separated. "I guess we

have you to thank for the new Sara Sidle," Jim said breaking the

silence. "Well I can take credit for cracking walls, but our girls

knocked them down," I said smiling.

Sara was already inside when we arrived. I walked inside, and Sara

was feeding Emma. "Jim Brass, this is my sister Nancy," I said

introducing them. "Jim, this is my daughter Emma Sara Sidle," Sara said

handing Emma to Brass. "Sara, she is gorgeous," Brass said as I took

Sara's hand."Thank you Jim," Sara said smiling.

We decided to go to breakfast with Nancy riding with Brass. I was

telling stories about Sara with the girls. I saw that it was making her

blush so I took hold of her hand. Jim said he would cover breakfast and

take Nancy home. While I was driving home, I noticed that Sara had

fallen asleep.

I pulled into the driveway and had Lindsay take Emma inside. I walked

over to Sara's side of the car and carried her into the house. After

getting Sara into bed, I took Emma from Lindsay and told her to get her

stuff ready before her dad showed up.

I was holding Emma when someone knocked on the door. I had a feeling

I knew who it was, and I didn't know how he would react to the Emma.

"Good morning Eddie," I said politely letting him in. "Who's baby?" he

asked. "She's Sara's daughter," I said smiling. "Daddy!" Lindsay yelled

jumping into Eddie's arms. "Hey sweetie," he said kissing her head.

"Daddy, have you met my sister?" Lindsay asked. "Yeah sweetie, I did,"

he answered picking up Lindsay's bag.

I must have fallen asleep on the couch because when I woke up I found

that Sara must have covered Emma and I up. I looked down and was playing

with her little hands when Sara walked in. "Good afternoon honey," Sara

said giving me a kiss. "I'm sorry for falling asleep with Emma," I said

kissing her back. "Don't worry about it, she needs to spend time with

her other mom too," Sara said kissing Emma. "Sara ..." I said starting

to cry. "Baby, it's okay. I know what you mean," Sara said kissing away

my tears. "I love you so much," I said kissing her.

"Why don't we change and dress Emma and take our daughter to the

park," Sara said smiling. "That sounds like a great idea, but I'd like

to take a shower first," I said handing her Emma. "Need any help washing

your back?" Sara asked winking at me. "Not if you want to make it to the

park," I said dropping my shirt on the floor. "Mommy's bad," I heard

Sara say as I walked down the hall.

We were walking Emma around the park in her stroller. "Well if it

isn't my two favorite lovely ladies, I guess the rumors are true," a man

said behind us. "Doc Robbins," I said surprised. "Well who is this

pretty little girl?" he asked. "You know Sara, oh wait you meant Emma,"

I said winking at the ever reddening Sara.

"Doc Robbins..." Sara started. "Please, we're outside work call me

Al," he said. "Okay, Al meet Emma Sidle, my daughter," Sara said

smiling. "Daughter, how, when, what?" he asked trying to figure out

Emma. Sara told him about her brother, and he offered condolences.

"So you two are dating huh," he said smiling. "Yes and we are sorry

for not telling you personally," I said trying to apologize. "At least

you didn't give us the 'bout damn time' response," Sara said making a

joke. "Well I can't say it's much of a surprise considering the way you

two were acting around each other," he said laughing.

Sara and I wanted to do a little shopping before heading home. We

went into the toy store to see if anything would catch Emma's eye. Sara

found a stuffed Scooby-Doo for Lindsay, and Emma's eyes lit up when she

saw this stuffed penguin. "You have a beautiful little girl," the

cashier said. "Thank you," Sara said smiling.

On the way home I noticed that Sara had a smile on her face. I was

going to ask her about it, but I just wanted to let her enjoy whatever

is making her happy. "What do you want to do when we get home?" Sara

asked. "I just want to relax with two of my favorite girls," I said

taking hold of Sara's hand.

I started lunch while Sara went to change Emma. I finished making

lunch, but Sara wasn't back yet so I went to see what was keeping her. I

had to laugh when I saw Sara playing a game of peekaboo with Emma. "It's

not that funny, I'm sure you did it with Linds," Sara said trying not to

laugh. "I did, but it's just the fact that you were doing it," I said

trying to explain myself. "I know what you meant," Sara said laughing at

me. "That's just mean, I thought I might have hurt your feelings," I

said trying not to smile.

Sara and I took turns feeding Emma her lunch. Afterwards we decided

to lay Emma down for her afternoon nap. Sara and I laid down on the bed

to relax when she started to unbutton my blouse. "Honey, what exactly

are you up to?" I asked. "Exploration," Sara said smirking. "What?" I

inquired wondering where this was heading. "Going where I have yet to

go," she said leering at me. "Well then proceed," I said. Sara finished

unbuttoning my blouse and was about unclasp my bra when the phone rang.

"Hello," I said answering, "What, when?" "Baby, what's wrong?" Sara

asked. "Yeah, I be there as soon I can," I said hanging up. "What?" Sara

asked again. "Lindsay's in the hospital," I answered quickly redressing.

"What happened?" Sara asked. "I don't know, but we have to go," I

said starting to freak out. "You go by yourself, I'll meet you there

after I drop Emma off at Nancy's," Sara said.

I got to my car and figured I would use my lights and sirens to get

there faster. I know it's not really legal, but I honestly don't care,

we're talking about my daughter. I ran into the hospital after arriving

hoping Sara wouldn't be too long.

"I'm here about Lindsay Willows," I said to the receptionist. "She is

in surgery right now," she explained. "What do you mean she's in

surgery?" I asked starting to freak. "I'm not sure of the specifics. You

will have to wait for the doctor," she explained. Just then I heard the

doors open behind me and Sara walked in. I ran over and pulled her into

a hug. "Where is she?" Sara asked trying to stay calm. "She's in

surgery. I don't know anything else," I said starting to cry. Sara took

my hand, and we headed back to the reception desk.

"Excuse me, I'm Sara Sidle. I am Catherine's life partner, I was

wondering who brought Lindsay here?" Sara asked. "I believe she was

brought by ambulance," she answered. "Nobody traveled with her?" Sara

asked as the receptionist shook her head. "Where the hell is Eddie?"

Sara said aloud, but I think it was rhetorical. She took out her phone

and called Brass to put an APB out on Eddie. She also explained the

situation before hanging up.

"Catherine, she is going to be fine. She is your daughter, and you

are the strongest person I know," Sara said as I cried on her shoulder.

"Catherine, Sara, Lindsay is going to be fine. She needed an emergency

appendectomy," the doctor said.

"Thank you, although this isn't how I wanted to run into you again,"

Sara said smiling at the doctor who took care of her too. "Can we see

her?" I asked finally collecting myself. "Not yet but I will come get

you when you can," the doctor said. "You're the reason we got the call,"

Sara said as the doctor nodded. "Catherine," Brass said standing with

Eddie.

I ran over and shoved him against the wall. "Where the hell were

you?" I asked clenching a fist. "Catherine, calm down let him talk,"

Brass said as he and Sara pulled me off him. "She was asleep, so I went

out," Eddie said. "How many other times have you done this?" I asked

seething. He didn't answer, but the look on his face said this wasn't

the first time.

Sara wasn't there when I turned around, but then she came running

through the doors with the Scooby-Doo we bought her this afternoon.

"Catherine, Sara, you can see her now," the doctor said. We followed the

doctor back to Lindsay's room. Sara noticed my apprehension so she took

my hand and led in the room.

"Hey there sweetie, how are you?" Sara asked. "I'm feeling a little

groggy. Where's daddy?" Lindsay asked. "He's in the waiting with Brass.

Why do you want to see him?" I asked. "No, when I woke up and my tummy

hurt, I called for him, but he didn't answer so I called 911 myself,"

she said starting to cry. 'That's it' I thought to myself as I let go of

Sara's hand and ran to the waiting room. "Doc, can you keep an eye on

Lindsay? I have to make sure she doesn't do something stupid," Sara

asked chasing after me.

"You're done. Today was the last day you see your daughter, ever. I'm

going to have my lawyer draw up papers to have your parental rights

taken away. Jim, I want him arrested for child endangerment," I said

letting him go after slamming up against the wall. "Baby, let's get back

to our daughter," Sara said as I started to cry again.

"Doctor Adams, can you find out which paramedics brought Lindsay in?

We would like to meet and thank them," Sara asked holding my hand again.

"Please call me Victoria, I'll see what I can do," she said leaving the

room.

"This is yours sweetie. Your mom and I bought it today," Sara said

handing her the stuffed Scooby. "Mom, are you okay?" Lindsay asked

smiling at her new toy. "Yeah sweetie, I am, but I would like to ask you

a question. Would you like Sara to be your mommy too?" I asked as Sara

pulled me onto her lap.

"Yeah mom, that would be great, but what about daddy?" Lindsay

replied. "I told your dad I wasn't comfortable with him spending time

with you because he has left you alone before. I had uncle Jim arrest

him for what happened tonight," I said hoping she would understand.

"That's okay, I would love for Sara to become my other mom. I know

she would never purposely put me in danger. I love her as much as I love

you," Lindsay said yawning as I felt something wet hit my shoulder.

"Sweet dreams, baby," I said kissing her forehead. I turned around and

saw Sara was crying. "I know Sara, it's okay," I said knowing everything

that happened tonight finally hit her.

"Hey guys, she's going to be out awhile, and the paramedics that

brought Lindsay in are here. Don't worry, I'll stay here in case she

wakes up," Victoria said. I took Sara's hand as went to the waiting

room.

"Ma'am, I'm Steve Harris and this is my partner Charles Anderson,"

Steve said introducing themselves. "Thank you for taking care of our

daughter, we can never thank you enough for what you did for Lindsay," I

said as Sara and I hugged them both. "You're welcome, you have a very

brave daughter," Steve said explaining that they had to back to work.

"Let's get back to Lindsay," Sara said as the guys walked in. I told

them the whole story which of course pissed them off. "Where's Emma?"

Greg asked. "I dropped her off at Nancy's. Catherine, we haven't called

her that everything is okay," Sara said. "Don't worry about it, I'll

take care of Nancy," Warrick said. "Guys, don't worry about work either.

Catherine, you still have vacation time, and Sara, you'll be on call,

but we will only call if it's an emergency," Gil said. "Thanks guys," I

said before we headed back to Lindsay.

"Sorry it took us so long, the rest of the family showed up," I said

coming back into the room. "Not a problem, she's out like a light, and

I'm trying to track down a bed for you to sleep on," Victoria said

leaving. She had found us one, and we pushed it up against LIndsay's so

I could hold her hand. Sara had spooned up behind me.

I woke up looking at Lindsay making faces. "What are doing?" I asked

trying not to laugh. "It's not my fault, I didn't start it," Lindsay

said pointing at Sara. I turned around to see Sara making equally funny

faces. "This is just great, I have to put up with three kids now," I

said making a joke. "Hey Lindsay, want to see something funny?" Sara

asked as she started tickling me. "Okay, I'll stop teasing you guys," I

said crying uncle. "How long do I have to stay here?" Lindsay asked.

"Just a couple more days sweetie," I answered stroking her face.

We stopped at Nancy's on the way home. I haven't seen Emma since

Lindsay has been in the hospital, but Sara stopped by everyday. I hugged

and thanked my sister before we left. "What do you want for dinner

Linds?" I asked. "Pancakes and eggs," she answered smiling. Sara had

made these delicious banana pancakes. "Baby, where did you learn how to

make these?" I asked. "Something I picked up," Sara replied. "Yeah they

were yummy," Lindsay said. "Thank you sweetie," Sara said kissing

Lindsay. I tell Sara to take the girls in the room while I clean up.

"Sara, when you and mom were talking about daddy, what did you mean

by you would become my mom?" Lindsay asked. "Your mom and I were

discussing the possibility of me adopting you because we weren't

comfortable with your dad taking care of you," Sara explained. "Does

that mean I wouldn't have spend time with him?" she asked. "Not unless

you want to sweetie," Sara said kissing the top of Lindsay's head. "So

does that mean you wouldn't mind Sara adopting you?" I asked entering

the room. "I would love that, maybe you could even adopt Emma," Lindsay

said hugging her little sister.

"I could go see Meredith to check on the possibilities," Sara said.

"That sounds like a great idea baby," I said kissing Sara's lips. "We

should really get our girls ready for bed," Sara said. "Can I help with

Emma?" Lindsay asked. "Sure sweetie," I said picking up my daughter as

Sara picked up hers. I couldn't help but laugh watching Sara and Lindsay

put on Emma's pajamas because Linds was making faces at Emma. "Sara, can

you read me a story?" Lindsay asked. "Go ahead Sara, I want to take a

shower," I said heading for the bathroom.

I am finally happy with my life. I can't imagine it to be any better

than this. I know I haven't known Catherine that long, but I want to

spend the rest of my life with her. I just want to get Lindsay's

blessing. "Linds, can I ask you a question, but you can't tell your

mom," I said. "Sure, it will be our secret," LIndsay said smiling. "I

want to ask you mom to marry me," I said waiting to see her reaction.

"That would be great Sara," she said trying to contain her excitement.

Lindsay had fallen asleep by the end of the story. "Hey honey, you

ready for bed?" Catherine asked smiling. "Lead on my lady," I said

lightly getting off Lindsay's bed. "What do you want to do with the

girls tomorrow?" Catherine asked. "I was hoping we could switch girls

for the day," I said hoping she would agree. "Why do you have some sort

of secret plan?" she asked fishing for clues. "I guess you will have to

wait and see," I said keeping her wondering.

Catherine spooned up against me still trying to find out what I had

planned until I threatened to sleep in Lindsay's bed. I woke up in the

morning, but Catherine was already up. I figure she probably trying to

see if Lindsay knows anything. I smelled the coffee after I checked to

see if she had taken Emma with her. "Lindsay, is your mom trying to

bribe information out of you?" I asked coming into the kitchen. "Yeah

she has," Lindsay answered. "That's real low baby, can't you just trust

me?" I asked. "Fine, Fine, I give," Catherine said.

Lindsay and I headed for Meredith's office, hopefully she is not too

busy. "Sara, who do you know who works here?" Lindsay asked. "The lady

who gave us Emma sweetie," I said picking her up. I was a little nervous

as we walked up to the reception desk. "Miss Sidle, it's good to see you

again," the receptionist said. "You remember me?" I asked. "I'm good

with faces, what can I do for you?" she replied. " I was wondering if

Miss Parker was in?" I asked. "She'll be right down," she replied.

"Sara, it's good to see you again. Who's the cutie?" Meredith asked

smiling. "This is Lindsay my other daughter, she's part of the reason

I'm here. I was hoping to talk to you if you weren't real busy," I said

smiling back. "What can I do for you?" she asked. "I need papers for

relinquishing parental rights, and two sets of adoption papers," I said

putting Lindsay on my lap. "What do you need the parental rights papers

for?" she asked. I explained what happened with Eddie. She remained

calm, but the look in her eyes told me she was pissed.

"Can I take you two to lunch?" Meredith asked. "That sounds great.

What do you think LInds?" I asked. "Yeah, but we can't spend too much

time because we have to pick up mommy's ring," Lindsay said oversharing.

"So I'm not even the big news?" Meredith asked chuckling. "No, but yours

is the most important," I answered blushing. "Now I see why I got to

meet Lindsay. Catherine knows somethings up, and she is fishing for

details," she said as I nodded.

After lunch, Meredith gave me a couple places to look for Catherine's

ring. Lindsay and I really didn't see anything at the first place, but

there was this three stone ring at the other. "Sara, that is the one you

should get," Lindsay said pointing at the ring I liked. "Why?" I asked.

"It reminds me of us. The big stone is mommy, and the two little ones

are me and Emma," Lindsay answered as I tried not cry at her

explanation. "That's what I thought to sweetie," I said. The jeweler

said it is an excellent choice, and she must be very special. I nodded

as I payed for it as Lindsay and I left.

I hear the car pull in, and I'm going to pretend to be asleep. I know

it's childish, but maybe they'll spill some information. I hear the door

open and hear laughter. "Shh, your mom is sleeping," Sara said quietly

closing the door. "No Sara, she's faking," Lindsay said selling me out.

"Lindsay, I can't believe that you just ratted me out," I said winking

at Sara. "Let me guess, you pretend to be sleeping while Linds and I

talked about what's going on," Sara said with her hands on her hips.

"Busted, but what do you expect. My girlfriend and daughter are keeping

a secret from me," I said pouting. "Put the lip away, It's not going to

work, if you can control yourself, all will be revealed," Sara said

giving me a kiss.

"I guess I can behave," I said kissing Sara back. "Meredith says

hello and plans on starting our paperwork," Sara said yawning. "Baby,

you want to take a nap before work?" I asked. "Yeah, that would be

great," Sara said. "Linds, keep an eye on Emma while I tuck Sara in," I

said walking her down the hall. "I love you," Sara said. "I love you

too, baby sweet dreams," I said giving her a kiss. I walked back into

the living room, and Lindsay had Emma on her lap. "Sweetie, stay like

that while I get the camera," I said smiling at Lindsay. I decided to

sit with them until I started dinner.

"Sara, time to get up dinner's ready," I said whispering in her ear.

"Mmm, dinner in bed," Sara said pulling me on top of her. "Sara, come

on, the girls are waiting for us to feed them," I said pulling Sara out

of bed. "Sara, how did you sleep?" Lindsay asked. "Like a rock sweetie,

but your mom was mean when she woke me up," Sara said pouting. "Mom, why

would you be mean to Sara waking her up?" Lindsay asked glaring at me.

"Sara's teasing sweetie, right," I said giving Sara a look.

We headed for work after dropping the girls off. I saw Sara head for

the locker room and decided for a little payback. "Sara," I said pinning

her her against the locker. "Catherine, we're at work," she said with a

hitch in her breathing. "Don't worry, just a little payback," I said

running my hand down her thigh. I kissed her on the cheek and headed for

the breakroom. I figured I had a little time while Sara collected

herself. "Guys, Sara has a secret and Linds knows about it. Will you

help me find out what it is?" I asked before Sara showed up.

"And face the wrath of Sara Sidle, no thanks Catherine," Warrick

said. "Yeah sorry Cath, but not a chance," Nick added. "Not a chance of

what?" Sara said looking at Nick. "Catherine wanted us to get

information out of you," Nick said oversharing. "Oh you are in so much

trouble, I can't believe you can't wait until tomorrow," Sara said

giving me a look. Gil came in and handed out assignments. I was paired

with Nick, and Sara was with Warrick. "So you have no idea what's going

on?" Nick asked. "No, she went to the lawyer's with Lindsay, and I

guessing whatever it was happened after that," I said.

Thankfully we both closed our cases. "Hey guys, want to grab some

breakfast?" Nick asked. "Sorry Nick, I have to put my girl out of her

misery," Sara said kissing me. "Have fun ladies," Warrick said winking

at me. I noticed Sara getting more nervous the closer we got to the

house. "Catherine, could you do me a favor and take a shower," Sara

asked smiling. "Okay, but I'm not going to gone that long," I said

giving her a kiss hoping to calm her a little.

I walked back into the living room which was now lit with candles.

"Baby, what's all this?" I said sitting beside her on the couch.

"Catherine, I know we haven't know each other that long, but I can't see

myself spending the rest of my life with anyone else. Catherine Willows,

will you marry me?" Sara asked as she kneeled down. "Yes Sara, oh my

god, yes," I said kissing her as she slipped this gorgeous ring on my

finger. "So was it worth the wait?" Sara said smiling through her tears.

"Definitely baby, most definitely," I answered kissing her again. "So

what did she say?" Lindsay asked standing at the door.

"What do you think sweetie," I said holding up my hand. "Mommy,

that's wonderful, did Sara tell you I helped pick it out?" Lindsay

asked. "Yes she did," I said picking up Lindsay. "Good morning ladies,

what's new?" Nancy asked handing Emma to Sara. "Well sis, there is

this," I said showing her my ring. "Oh my, that's wonderful.

Congratulations you two," Nancy said hugging us.

"Thanks Nancy," Sara said. "I think we should go out to celebrate,"

Nancy said. "That sounds great, but I'd like to take a shower first,"

Sara said giving me a kiss. "So how did she propose?" Nancy asked as we

sat down on the couch. "I took a shower, she lit candles, and then she

told me she wanted to spend the rest of her life with me," I said

tearing up just talking about it. "I didn't realize Sara could be so

romantic?" Nancy said.

I walked up to Sara after she came back into the room and gave her a

passionate kiss. "What's that for?" Sara asked. "I love you," I said. "I

love you too," Sara said kissing me back. "If you two keep this up we're

going to lunch instead of breakfast," Nancy said laughing. "Okay we'll

stop," I said hugging Sara from behind.

"Nancy, I know this is early, but I would like to ask you to be my

maid of honor," Sara said holding my hand. "Sara, I would be honored.

The happiness I have seen in my sister is for the most part because of

you. I thank you for that Sara," Nancy said as I saw Sara start to cry.

"Thank you Nanc, it means alot to us," I said.

When we got back from breakfast, I heard the phone ring. I hurried up

to unlock the door hoping they wouldn't hang up. "Hello, yeah we can be

there within the hour," I said catching my breath. "Who was that baby?"

Sara asked. "Meredith, she has our paperwork done. We need to call Eddie

to meet us there," I said explaining the phone call. "I told her to put

a rush on it, but that was quick," Sara said smiling. "Nancy, can you

watch the girls while we take care of this," I said.

On the way over I'm hoping Eddie doesn't screw this up. He's waiting

for us when we arrived. Meredith showed him where to sign, and he got up

and left. "Well that was easier than I thought it would be," Meredith

said. "You and me both, but that isn't the biggest news," I said showing

off my ring. "Oh my that's gorgeous, when did this happen?" she asked.

"About three hours ago," Sara answered smiling. Meredith congratulated

us and handed us our papers to sign.

We got back to the car, and I think everything that has happened this

morning finally took its toll on Sara. "I never thought I could be this

happy," Sara said as I wiped away her tears. "Well I plan on showing you

everyday," I said as we headed home.

"What the hell?" Sara asked looking at all the cars at the house. "I

think Nancy and Lindsay called our friends for an impromptu engagement

party," I said smiling. "Surprise!" Lindsay yelled as we walked through

the door. We were given congratulations by everyone, and they said we

would get gifts later. I was watching Sara from across the room, and I

couldn't believe that I was going to spend the rest of my life with this

beautiful women.

6 months later +

++++++++++++

Catherine +

+++++++++

It was a beautifully sunny day, as Lindsay watched me finish getting

dressed. Sara and I decided on a park wedding. "Mom, you look very

beautiful," Lindsay said in her cute flower girl dress. I had asked Gil

to be my best man while Sara asked Jim to give her away. If I know Sara,

she is probably nervous. "Lindsay, I want you to give this to Sara," I

said giving her a rose.

++++++

Sara +

++++++

"Sara, you look beautiful. I'm so proud that you're going to be my

sister," Nancy said smiling. "Thank you Nancy, I can't believe this is

really happening," I said trying to stay calm. "Is it okay if I come

in?" Jim asked. "Please do Jim," I said. "Wow, you both look fantastic,"

Jim said kissing Nancy. "I still can't believe you two are dating," I

said smiling. "Sara, can I come in?" Lindsay asked through the door.

"Come in sweetie," I replied. "You look very pretty mom. I was told to

give this to you," Lindsay said handing me a rose.

+++++++++

Catherine +

+++++++++

"Catherine, are you ready?" Gil asked. "As ready as I'm going to be,"

I replied. "I'm glad your both happy," he said giving me a hug. "Thank

you," I said hugging him back. Gil and I walked up the aisle smiling and

greeting friends. Warrick, Nick, and Greg gave me hugs when I got up

front.

+++++

Sara +

+++++

"Sara, ready to go?" Jim asked. "You betcha," I said nervously

laughing. "Come on kiddo," Nancy said leading Lindsay out. "I don't have

the words to say how honored I am that you asked me to give you away,"

Jim said smiling. "Ever since I arrived, you acted like a father to me

so there was no other choice," I said giving him a hug.

______________________________________

I watch as Nancy comes up the aisle followed by Lindsay with the

biggest smile on her face. I hear the bridal march start and see Jim

bring Sara up the aisle. I don't think I have ever seen Sara look so

beautiful. "Catherine and Sara have each written their own vows to

express their love," the minister said.

"Catherine, there aren't words to express the love I have for you.

You showed me love that I never knew existed. I knew the first time I

met you that I would love you forever," Sara said as a tear fell.

"Sara, I didn't think I would ever love again until I met you. I love

you for your strength, stubborness, and loyalty. I am thankful everyday

that you were brought into my life," I said smiling at Sara.

"You may kiss the bride," the minister pronounced. I lifted Sara's

veil and we kissed passionately. "I love you," I whispered. "I love you

too," she whispered back. We walked down the aisle to the limo.

"Catherine, I have been so blessed. I have a beautiful wife, two

wonderful children, and a huge extended family. I want to thank you for

making me a better person," Sara said kissing me. "Sara, I didn't know

love could be like this. I am thankful that you opened my heart again,"

I said kissing her back.

We arrived at the reception and greeted our guests. Gil gave a toast

that made Sara cry. Sara and I cut the cake and fed it to each other.

"For the first dance, Catherine and Sara chose 'Grow Young With You',"

the DJ announced. I took Sara's hand led her to the dance floor, and we

danced.

FINIS