Affliction

Noon

The wedding was in an hour. The location of the hotel was perfect as they were getting
wed in the small church just across the street. It was a small affair, only close friends had been invited to the ceremony and then they would all head back to the hotel for the reception. -

Sara looked at herself in the mirror. Catherine hovered behind her smoothing the dress down. "Perfect,” she muttered, more to herself than to Sara.

Sara turned to look at her. "You sure? You think I look ok? Is my hair ok... what about my shoes... and my earrings…what about..."

"Sara, calm down. You look beautiful.” Catherine put her hands on Sara's shoulders. "Just take a deep breath and relax, ok?”

Sara did as Catherine requested, inhaling deeply to try to calm the nervousness that was beginning to get the better of her.

"Ok?" Catherine asked.

Sara nodded.

Michael wobbled out of the bedroom holding Nick’s hand. Both dressed in matching suits and cravats. Michael would be giving his mother away, or rather giving her to his father, but Nick had been asked to be on stand-by just in case Mike had a sudden fit of the terrible twos and refused to walk Sara down the aisle. Everything had gone just fine during the rehearsals but Sara was not willing to take any chances.

"Well, don't you two look stunning," Catherine remarked.

Sara turned to look and smiled broadly. "Yes they do". She walked over to Michael and straightened his cravat slightly. He pulled at his jacket, looking a little bemused at wearing such odd clothes.


"Don't worry sweetie,"- Sara tried to console him. "We’re just playing dressing up for a little while."

"Dwiss up?"

Yes. Mommy and Daddy are getting married today."

"Wid?"

"M..ar..r..ied", Sara pronounced slowly.

Michael nodded. "Wid!" Michael smiled pleased with himself. "Mommy...Daddy...wid!"

Sara smiled and walked over to Nick. He looked her up and down.

"Sar.....you look....amazing." Nick felt a lump in his throat.

"Thank you Nicky., You don't look too shabby yourself"

"You know, if you don't want to go through with this I'll be more than happy to ride off into the sunset with you,” he joked. “I’ll make you a very happy woman…”


Sara grinned. "Thanks Nicky. I appreciate the offer but I'm already a very, very happy woman."

Nick smiled and nodded in agreement. "I'm going to go check on Grissom. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

Nick headed for Grissom’s room down the corridor and knocked on the door. The door opened to reveal Brass looking extremely uncomfortable in the same formal suit that both Nick and Michael were wearing. Grissom had chosen Brass to be the best man and Jim was trying his best to live up to Grissom’s faith in him. He shuffled uncomfortably as Nick looked him over.

"Hey Jim."

"Hey Nick".

"So, where's the big guy?" Nick asked after scanning the hotel room and seeing no sign of the groom-to-be.

"In the bathroom. He's been in there for about an hour. Warrick's still trying to get him out." Brass sounded a little worried.

Nick’s forehead creased with concern. "You don't think he's having second thoughts do you?"

Brass shrugged his shoulders. "It's Grissom, God only knows what he's thinking. But I've tried, and I can't get him to come out. Hell, he won’t even answer."

Nick sighed. "Let me try."

"Knock yourself out".

"Come on Griss, open up!" Warrick was banging loudly on the locked door.

”Hey War..."

"Nick! Look man, see if you can get him out of there. I've been trying for fifteen minutes and he still won’t come out. He needs to get to the church. We don't want the bride to get there before the groom do we?"

Nick banged on the door. "Grissom! It's Nick. What's going on...."

He received no answer and tried again.

"Griss, come on man! You have to get going!"

Grissom still did not respond. Nick shot a worried glance at Warrick before speaking again.

"Ok, fine. I'll just go back and tell Sara you've pulled out.....You should see her Griss
.....Do you know how lucky you are? And Michael....he's so proud of his dad marrying
his mom. But....if you want to call it off....that's up to you...."

Silence was Nick’s only response.

"I'll go tell them then,." He said with a sad sigh.

Suddenly there was a clank and the bathroom door opened. Warrick and Nick looked at each other and sighed with relief as Grissom appeared in the doorway. They were a bit puzzled by his appearance, but relieved that Grissom had finally appeared.

"What.....?" He said to the two shocked looking men. "A nervous man can't have a little private time?"

Nick walked back into Sara’s room looking a little flushed.

"Nick are you ok?" Catherine asked.

"Where's Sara?"

"In the bathroom with Michael why? What's going on?"

"Nothing, just thought Grissom had changed his mind for a few minutes. Oh, man, Sara is going to flip."

"What!?"


Nick held his hands up. “No, no, it's fine. Just a surprise, I guess. They've all headed to the church."

"What are you talking about? What has Grissom…" Catherine began but as Sara appeared her mouth slammed shut quickly and they both tried to look innocent.

Sara saw their expressions. "Are you guys ok?"

"Yup..." they said together.

"Well....you ready baby sister?" Nick asked holding out an elbow for Sara to grasp.

Sara took a deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be....nervous but....ready."

"Don't worry, you’re not the only nervous one."

"Really?" She asked taking his arm.

"Yeah.....Griss is a little nervous too."

"But he's ok.....right?" Sara was now a little concerned.

"Oh yeah, he's fine...shall we go?" Nick said quickly just hoping that Grissom had made it to the church

Sara nodded . "Ok.."

Catherine took Michael’s hand and they headed for the church.

Grissom shuffled on his feet at the altar. Left to right..... Right to left.....

"You got the rings Jim?"

"Yes Gil. For the fourth time, I have the rings."

The minister stood before them. "You'll be fine Gil, relax."

Grissom had a quick look around at his guests. Claire, Warrick, Greg, Doc Robbins, David and the Lab guys. Grissom was reluctant to invite Hodges but Sara said it was unfair to leave him out.

Grissom did a double take when he saw Ecklie slip in at the back. He was actually quite shocked that Ecklie accepted the invitation.

Grissom exuded elegance and raw sensuality in his suit. He was the epitome of the perfect man. A little sweat began to bead on his forehead and he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his brow.

The music started and Grissom swallowed hard, trying to pace his nervous breathing. He looked down the aisle to see Catherine and Nick appear with Michael. Nick whispered into Michael’s ear and then headed down the isle with Catherine. Michael stood still and waited. Grissom smiled as they approached the front row. His boy looked so handsome and his chest swelled with pride.

Catherine took her seat beside Warrick and Nick and recoiled in shock when she got her fist good look at Grissom. Then she grinned wickedly. Sara was going to kill him! She leaned over to whisper in Warrick’s ear, “Just how nervous was Gil? Were his hands shaking that badly?”


Warrick shrugged and began to whisper something but the organist launched into “The Wedding March” and whatever he was going to say was lost in the rustle of clothing and creaking pews as the congregation stood and turned towards the back of the church. Grissom, however, turned to face the altar.

Sara appeared, a small bouquet in one hand and the other gripped tightly around Michael’s pudgy fingers. They walked slowly down the aisle, Sara altering her long stride to match her son’s shorter gait.. Sara smiled as much as she could, although her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it could burst right out of her chest. She kept her eyes focused on her husband-to-be’s back as she and Michael slowly made their way to the front of the church. They were within a few feet of the altar when Grissom finally turned to look at them.

Sara’s smile faltered and her eyes grew large with surprise before narrowing slightly. He was so lucky that this was their wedding day, other wise she would kill him. Grissom smiled widely at his son before returning his gaze to Sara. He simply couldn't take his eyes from her. She looked.....breathtaking.

Nick stepped forward to take Michael back to the pew as the congregation resumed their seats and the minister began the service.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this company to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present, now come to be joined.”

Sara could feel herself shaking a now as her mind shut down and she was filled with an overwhelming feeling of rightness. She could hear the minister but his voice droned like white noise in her ears. They had rehearsed, of course, but it all now seemed too intense. She couldn't help thinking to herself how Ministers actually remember what they are going to say. She was struggling to remember her vows, her nerves were getting the better of her. She took a deep breath, feeling a little warm and panicked.

Grissom noticed she had turned a little pale.

"Honey, are you ok?" He whispered concerned.

Sara swallowed hard as the Minister leaned forward to check on the couple. "I think I've forgotten my vows..."

Grissom smiled. "It's ok, just say how you feel. That's all that matters..."

Sara smiled.

"Sara are you ok?" The minister asked.

Sara nodded so he stood back and continued.

"Gil do you take Sara to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?"

"I do".

"Sara, do you take Gil to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for so long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

”Ladies and gentleman Gil and Sara have prepared some of their own vows for one another which they would now like to share with you....."

Grissom took Sara's hand and looked adoringly into the very heart of her soul, he took a deep breath.....he could do this.

Sara, you are my soul, my friend, my lover, mother to my children and now my wife.
You are my other half, my better half, and without you, I am incomplete. I am yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity."

Sara choked back a sob. They had not shared their personal vows with each other. It was something they wanted to keep for this moment. Grissom smiled and squeezed her hand tightly. His devotion swelling in his finger tips and brushing off onto hers. Sara inhaled
sharply, preparing herself.

"You can do it". Grissom whispered seeing her insecurity returning.

Sara nodded. "Gil.......I love you..... I promise to be your best friend, to respect and support you, to be patient with you. We will work together to achieve our goals in all
we attempt to do. I accept you unconditionally, and will share life with you throughout
all our years. Together we will face all of life's experiences and share one another's dreams and goals. I promise I will be your equal partner in a loving, honest
relationship, for as long as we both shall live."

Now it was Grissom's turn to stifle a sob from his throat as tears formed in his eyes. Sara
smiled so lovingly at him, her hand now returning the favor on his. She sighed happily, relieved she had managed to remember at least most of what she had wanted to say.

"The rings ?" The minister asked.

Brass stepped forward and handed the minister the two golden wedding bands. He winked at Sara who gave him a quick grin.

"May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle . Wherever they go, may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.




Once the rings had been placed on the other’s finger, the Minister ended the simple ceremony with a short Benediction. "Gil and Sara have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring. They are now joined. You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. And so, by the power vested in me by the State of Las Vegas and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife and may your days be good and long upon the earth. You may now kiss the bride."

Grissom beamed a smile so big it looked like his face may crack. Sara matched his smile as he leaned in and kissed her passionately, pulling her close to him. As they embraced
their guests stood and applauded. Michael had no idea what was going on now so he just jumped up onto his chair and clapped along, smiling.

Their kiss finally broke and they turned to face their guests. Sara looped her arm through
Grissom’s and he led her down the isle. Everyone followed, a rumble of excitement
behind them.

"When were you planning on telling me about the beard?" Sara whispered through her smile.

Grissom grinned. "I think I just did."

Sara slapped him playfully on the arm as they walked outside into the glorious afternoon sunshine. Waiting for them outside was a luxurious white Rolls Royce.

Sara looked at Grissom. “What's this?"

"I wanted you to travel in style."

Sara laughed. "Gil..... the hotel is just across the street."

I know, but why walk when you can travel in style?"

Sara smiled and softly stroked his cheek. "Do you know how yummy you look?"

The noise from their guests echoed through the courtyard.

"Daddy! Daddy!"

Grissom looked around to see Michael heading towards them. He looked back at Sara. "Hold that thought."

"Oh you can bet on it."

Michael unsteadily ran to his parents, Catherine and Claire in hot pursuit, then everyone else.

Grissom bent and pulled him into his arms.

"Hey champ. Don't you look smart?"

"Mart! Daddy mart too."

"Thank you. What about mommy", Grissom asked. Michael looked at Sara. "Mommy....
er....mommy pity."

Grissom looked at Sara. "Pity?"

Michael nodded . "Pity".

Sara smiled. "Pretty."

Michael nodded again. "Yes. Mommy pity."

"Give mommy a kiss", Sara said.

Michael leaned over in Grissom's grip and kissed her softly.

Sara turned to face the crowd which had gathered behind them.

"So you guys ready?" She asked holding up the bouquet.

All the women huddled together as Sara turned her back to them and prepared to launch the flowers in their direction.

"Ready?" Sara chuckled as Grissom stood back to watch in surprise the fierce pushing and shoving which had commenced between people he thought he knew better.

"Yes", everyone hollered together.

With that Sara threw hard and high and the flowers went skywards. The women stood and watched in disbelief as it went over everyone one of them and landed in an unsuspecting pair of hands. An exceedingly shocked looking Hodges looked down at the flowers which hand landed in his arms. Everyone began to giggle and a harrumph of laughter illuminated the church yard.

Greg placed a hand on his shoulder. "Always the bridesmaid and never the bride?”

Hodges blushed
heavily and handed the bouquet to Wendy. She looked at him, shocked.

"Errrm. Thanks. Are you trying to tell me something?"

Hodges just cleared his throat and tried to look innocent. He shrugged his shoulders and slithered backwards, wanting to escape from a hole that just seemed to be getting bigger
and bigger.

Grissom and Sara grinned at each other as they watched. Then the chauffer opened the car door. "Ready when you are sir."

Grissom put Michael back on his feet. "Claire can you take him? Mike go to Claire."

Michael looked up at his nanny and trotted towards her. She took Michaels hand.

"We'll see you guys at the hotel in a few minutes.." Grissom said taking Sara by the hand
and leading her into the back seat.

Everyone waved and headed across the street as the car pulled away.

"Take it around the block a few times will you?" Grissom asked the chauffer.

"Yes sir."

"Gil! What are you doing? We have a wedding reception to get too, remember?"

"I know. I'd just like a few private moments with my wife if that's ok. Once we get to the
reception we won't get a minute to ourselves."

Sara smiled. "Ok, but not too long".

Grissom cracked a slight grin as he leaned in for a kiss. Softly at first but his intentions grew as his hand moved from Sara's knee, ever so slowly upwards. Under her dress, reaching her thigh. Higher...higher...."

Sara pulled away quickly. "Gil!"

He smirked.

"We will never get to the reception if you carry on like that."

Grissom sighed, his disappointment very evident. Sara cupped his chin in her hand.

"Save it till later ok? Then you can put your hands where ever you want."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Grissom smiled. "Ok."

Sara gently rubbed his smooth face. "You know you could have told me you were going to shave it off. I almost fell over in the church when I saw you."

"Well, I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Hmmmm", Sara continued to rub. "It certainly was. Let's just hope you can get the same reactions out of me with out it shall we?"

Grissom raised a brow to her as she grinned at him. "I'm sure we will both have fun finding out now won’t we?"

"Ooooh yes."