Catherine Willows sunk down onto the sofa in Gil Grissom's office. Sometimes she was all for Christmas parties, but she couldn't handle Conrad Ecklie's crooning of "White Christmas" any longer. Besides, she had more important things on her mind.

Like how to deal with her daughter.

It was Lindsey's first Christmas without Eddie, and her request this year? To visit her dad's grave.

"Catherine?" came Gil's soft voice, as he opened the door a little. "Are you in here?"

She looked up as he walked through the door. "Ecklie's voice too much for you as well?"

He made a face and then sat down beside her on the sofa. "Are you okay? I was worried when I couldn't see you."

She smiled. "I'm fine. Just needed to get away from all the noise and think with a clear head."

Gil frowned. "Is everything alright?"

"I asked Lindsey what she wanted to do for Christmas. All that's on the list now is visiting Eddie's grave."

"How are you doing?"

Catherine shrugged. "I just want her to have a nice Christmas. A great Christmas. One of those traditional ones with family everywhere."

Gil shifted and looked at her. "Cath, I'm going to spend Christmas with my mother and sister at home. Would you and Lindsey like to come with me?"

"I can't do that, Gil. Christmas is a time for family and I'd be intruding."

He placed a hand on her arm, and Catherine felt tingles making their way up her body.

"You are family, Catherine. You and Lindsey."

After packing, enduring a car ride with a silent Lindsey, and now having a numb backside, they had finally arrived at Gil's mothers.

Catherine held Lindsey's hand as she watched Gil greet his mother.

"Mom, you remember Catherine and Lindsey," Gil signed.

To Catherine's surprise, Gil's mother came over and hugged her, and then Lindsey.

"It's so good to see you again," she signed.

"Thank you for having us," Catherine replied.

"Nonsense," Jenny said. "This is your home as well. You're always welcome here."

"Cool! You have holly!" Lindsey said, her first sign that she was enjoying herself.

"Always," Jenny smiled. "I'm so glad you're here, Lindsey. I have a lot of preparation to do in decorating the house. Do you like to decorate for Christmas?"

Lindsey's eyes lit up as she nodded eagerly.

Catherine watched as Lindsey followed Jenny into the house.

"Are you okay?" Gil asked her, resting a hand on her shoulder.

Catherine nodded. "Mhm. She just hasn't looked at happy in a long time."

Gil smiled. "Mom has a habit of cheering people up."

"Catherine is a wonderful girl," Jenny said, as Gil sat on the kitchen stool.

Catherine and Lindsey were upstairs, unpacking.

Gil nodded. "That's not something I need to be told."

"How has she been coping? After her ex-husband died?"

Gil shrugged. "Okay I guess."

Jenny narrowed her eyes at her son. "Okay? Gilbert Grissom, you told me just a while ago that she blew up the lab. That's not okay. That's someone needing a friend."

Gil fidgeted with the teacup on the table. "We haven't been getting along so great lately."

"I didn't always get along with your father either."

Gil frowned. "Cath and I aren't married, mom."

"There's an easy way to fix that," Jenny answered, pouring him his tea. She sat across from him. "I was friends with your father for years before we were married."

"Let's not get into this again," Gil asked her. "Catherine and I are friends."

Jenny looked at her son intently. "Then start acting like one."

Gil stood on the doorway, watching as Catherine put things in the wardrobe and drawers. She moved fluidly, putting clothes and things away. His mind travelled somewhere he was sure it shouldn't as he watched her.

"Need some help?" he asked.

She turned and smiled at him. He was sure he could feel the warmth of the smile radiate throughout his body.

"I think I've got it. Thanks."

Gil shifted on his feet. "Um, mom is going to get dinner ready soon. She said if you're not too tired tomorrow, perhaps we could go looking for a Christmas tree."

She nodded. "Sounds great. Lindsey loves looking for Christmas trees."

Taking a deep breath he sat down on the bed. "Catherine, perhaps, sometime, we should talk."

Catherine turned away from him, continuing to put things away. "Talk about what?"

"You know what, Cath."

"Let's just enjoy Christmas, okay?"

Gil was about to retort when Lindsey bounced into the room.

"Mom, Jenny says that dinner is ready. Are you hungry? It looks really good!"

"We're coming, Lindsey," Catherine smiled fondly, watching the girl skip out of the room. She glanced at Gil again, then followed her daughter downstairs.

"More?" Jenny offered, pointing at the plates on the table.

"I couldn't possibly eat another thing," Catherine smiled. "It was wonderful."

"I'll help with the dishes!" Lindsey cried, jumping up and following Jenny into the kitchen.

Gil glanced at Catherine. "Lindsey hasn't got the whole subtlety thing down yet?"

She grinned slightly and stood up, heading for the lounge room. Catherine sat on the sofa in front of the fire and stared at it for a while.

"You said you wanted to talk," she murmured, watching the flames dance.

He sat down beside her. "If you want to."

She looked back at the fire. "I'm listening."

"I miss you."

Her eyes locked onto his, a surprised look on her face. "You miss me?"

"Of course I miss you, Cath! You're my best friend." Gil saw her eyes fall away and tipped her chin up so she was back looking at him. "What is it?"

"Nothing."

His eyes narrowed. "You looked disappointed when I told you that you were my best friend. Why?"

"It's nothing, Gil," she replied, standing up.

"You wanted this."

"No, you wanted it." She sighed. "This was a bad idea."

He stood up and took her arm. "What was?"

"Mommy!!" Lindsey cried, running back into the room. "Jenny's making hot chocolate! You want some?"

"Sure. I'll come and help." With a last glance at Grissom, she followed her daughter into the kitchen.