It was 5am on Christmas morning, and Gil was wide awake watching Catherine sleeping in his arms. He couldn't believe how lucky he was, he had, had the best year of his life. The woman of his dreams told him she loved him as much as he loved her and wanted to build a future with him, and her daughter accepted him with open arms. He had put his townhouse on the market as soon as they got back from there trip to New York like he promised and had recieved a substantial offer which they had accepted. He had moved all of his belongings into Catherine's house and he now called that home. But there was a problem, the house was once Catherines and Eddie's and it just didn't feel right to Gil.

Gil wasn't sure if he had made a mistake but as a Christmas present to Catherine and Lindsey, he had put a deposit on a new home, a place they could start a fresh. A place that had everything they would want. A walk in wardrobe for Catherine an en-suite bathroom for Lindsey and an office where Gil could keep his pets. And for them all to enjoy a lovely hot tub.

There was also the litle present that Gil had bought from Tiffany's in New York. This was the main reason he was awake now as he couldn't wait any longer to ask her. He was 100% sure she would say yes but he wouldn't be totally happy till the ring was on her finger.

Gil gently drew his righ index finger down the left side of her face not wanting her to be too startled. He did this a few times before she began to stir in his arms. "Gil what time is it? Surely it isn't mornin already?"

"It's just after 5am sweetheart."

"It's too early, time for sleep." Said Cath still half asleep.

"I know its early, but I need to talk to you and I want to do this without any interuptions." Replied Gil still stroking the side of her face.

"Whats wrong." Cath was now wide awake worried about what Gil wanted to talk about.

"Nothings wrong, this wasn't how I planned this or anything I was gonna cook you breakfast in bed and...."

"Gil will you just spit it out you're scaring me and i'm ratty because i'm tired." Cath was now fully sat up in bed and switched the bedside lamp on.

Gil got up out of bed and went and knelt on the floor on her side of the bed with a small turqouise box in his hand.

"Cath you know how much I love you, you and Lindsey mean the world to me. You have given me my life back by accepting me into your life. We are two halves that have become whole and my heart beats for you. Will you make this a perfect Christmas and agree to become my wife?"

Catherine was stunned, she had unshed tears in her eyes as she looked at him. Gil opened the small box to reveal a beautiful platinum square cut diamond ring.

"Yes I will marry you Gil, I love you and it would be my greatest pleasure to become Mrs Grissom."

With that Gil jumped back on the bed and took Catherine in his arms and gave her a big hug. They hugged for a few minutes and then Gil took Catherines lips with a searing kiss to seal the deal. Little did he know that he had an even bigger suprise waiting under the Christmas Tree.