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Retribution
Epilogue
Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.
William
Shakespeare (Venus and Adonis, 1593)
---
It
was a beautiful spring day as they stood in a simple garden with their friends.
Chairs were set out in rows, facing the small trellis which had been brought in
for the occasion. Decorations were few and unpretentious, just like the couple
in whose honor everyone had gathered.
The
Reverend Julia Martin, a minister from the
“The
world can be bleak and full of despair,” she told the small congregation of
family and friends. “No one knows that more than those men and women who devote
their lives to solving crimes and attempting to bring justice to our society.
These people, perhaps more than any other, deserve to find love and
companionship. To find someone to walk through life with.
Which is why today is so special, as we gather with this
wonderful couple as they declare their love and commitment for one another.”
At
her words, Grissom found himself reaching for Sara’s hand. She squeezed his in
return and, without having to look, he could sense her smile.
It
was now almost a year since they had returned to Vegas and begun to put their
lives back together. She had been a constant at his side, nursing him back to
full strength, both physically and mentally.
After
much coaxing from Grissom, Sara had returned to work in the crime lab three
months after handing in her leave of absence. Given all that had happened,
Ecklie had welcomed her back with very little fuss and, to her great surprise,
had yet to cause her any trouble.
When
he had felt up to it, Grissom had continued to work on his book, which was now
about to go into print. Rather than returning to work at the lab, he had
accepted an offer to head the Forensic Science Department at UNLV. Being
surrounded by fresh minds, eager to become criminalists, had given Grissom a
new lease of life. He was more relaxed than he had been in years, and was
already planning his next book.
Catherine
and Warrick had worked in conjunction with the Californian authorities,
uncovering enough evidence to have Graham Price charged with three counts of
murder in addition to the kidnapping and attempted murder charges. Three sets
of human remains had been found at the Silver Hills property and eventually
identified as Gavin James, Veronica McKenna - who had been Price’s neighbor at
one time - and Sally Clark, a student from UNLV. There was enough forensic
evidence to prove that Price had been the killer. In order to avoid the death
penalty, Price had pleaded guilty across the board, and was now serving a life
sentence, without possibility of parole.
Sara
had returned to
It
was after they left the courthouse, jubilant at the outcome,
that Greg had proposed.
Now,
in their own garden, both grooms beamed as they stood side by side in front of
the minister. They had written their own vows and recited them with feeling,
before each placed a ring on the other’s finger.
The
reception was perfect in its simplicity, held in their home. Members of the lab
mingled with Nick and Greg’s families, nibbling on finger food and telling
stories of the boys’ exploits.
Sara
found herself being dragged across the room by Greg, first to meet his own
parents, and then to meet Nick’s. She caught Grissom’s eye and they exchanged
smirks at the young man’s exuberance. He wore his happiness well.
It
was a good day, with very little drama and a lot of joy. Sara didn’t think it
could possibly get any better.
She
was chatting to Brass and Doc Robbins when Grissom was suddenly at her elbow,
steering her away from the main crowd and out into the hallway.
“I
was going to do this tonight, after the party but…” Grissom broke off, suddenly
nervous. He cleared his throat and reached into his pocket. “But I just can’t
wait any longer.”
He
drew out a small box covered in sumptuous midnight blue velvet. Awkwardly, he
fumbled with it, his hands shaking slightly.
“Sara,
I spent most of my life content to walk through life alone. I thought my work
was enough. And it was - until I allowed myself to love you. Now I can think of
no other way I want to spend eternity than by your side. In
your arms. In your heart.”
He
opened the box. Sara’s eyes were wide as they fell on the flawless princess-cut
diamond, winking up at her from its solid platinum band.
“Marry
me?”
Sara
found herself unable to speak. All she could do was nod and let him slip the
beautiful ring onto her eager finger. When he finished, she wrapped her arms
around his neck, pulling him close and kissing him deeply.
Sara
felt that she had been given everything she had ever wanted and more. In her
arms was the only person she had ever truly loved, who loved her with all of
his heart. It had been a long, sometimes difficult journey, but now Sara felt
that she had finally come home.
Their
private celebration was disturbed by someone clearing his throat. Looking
towards the doorway, they saw Nick, arms crossed, a broad grin on his face. The
impressive rock on Sara’s finger had not escaped his attention.
“So,
I guess my wedding party is about to become an engagement party?” he asked
good-naturedly. Before they could stop him, he had hurried back into the living
room and called for silence.
“Grissom
and Sara have an announcement to make.”
Grissom
turned to Sara and sighed, holding out his hand. “Shall we?”
Smiling,
she nodded and took his hand.
They
walked hand in hand to give their friends the good news, joyfully embarking on
this new chapter in their lives. They didn’t know what the future held in store
for them. But they were sure of one thing. Whatever happened, they would see it
through. Together.
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