Instinct told him to make her to put a hat on, but he was enjoying watching the pure white snow fall on her reddish-blond hair. Her famous Burberry plaid scarf was tied around her neck. Her calf length black coat was topped with a pair of black leather gloves. He wore a simple ski jacket and his Las Vegas CSI baseball cap. As they watched the bellboy load their suitcases into the trunk of the handsome, she laced her arm through his and leaned against him in an act of loving possession. He allowed himself to project a very rare air of pride and confidence. Leaving London was not easy, but they were eager- and ready- to go forward- TOGETHER- and never look back.

They sat in mostly silence on the plane, doing the crossword and simply being. She dozed off mid-flight and settled against him. He gently roused her as they approached McCarran and smiled lovingly as she opened her sleepy eyes that immediately met his.

"We're not in London anymore, Dorothy," he said quietly.

"No- we're in heaven." she returned.

He smirked. "Think we can do this?" he asked, genuine fear lacing his voice.

She giggled softly, reaching a hand up to stroke his cheek. "Of course we can 'do this,' Gil. We've done this for more than 20 years.We're Catherine and Gil. We can do ANYTHING together," she proclaimed.

He smiled and sighed, knowing she was right. Suddenly he frowned again. "I didn't get you a Christmas gift."

"You already gave me the best gift I ever received." she reminded him.

"What's that?" he asked, smirking.

"Your love. Your heart and soul. Your body," she said, her voice dropping to an almost inaudible level, sultry and low. They smiled and gazed at each other for a few moments. Then they leaned together for a kiss. "AND your butterfly AND your piggy," she smiled. "I could go on for days listing what you've given me. Most of it you can't see, but it all means more than any wrapped present or some dumb bug textbook."

"No one will let me live that down from last year," he smirked, playfully rolling his eyes. "I wanted to give Sara something. It was all I could think of. It was nothing, it meant nothing," he stressed.

"I know. I was with you when you bought it while we were shopping for Lindsey. I think it was thoughtful of you. And you told me once that you can be a little thoughtless sometimes," she said with a playful scoff. She winked at him.

The plane touched down. As they headed to the baggage claim, Gil took her hand in his and said in her ear, his breath caressing her, "We'll always have London." She smiled mischievously.

When they came into the exit area, they immediately saw Lindsey and Catherine's sister Nancy. Lindsey hurried to them and practically leaped into Catherine's arms. "Hi mommy!" she said wrapping her arms around her neck.

"Hey baby!" she said, taking her daughter in her arms. Gil smiled and Nancy nodded at him. She immediately saw there was something new in the air between them: happiness. Lindsey ran to Gil's open arms and they snuggled.

They made their way to the lab since they were about to close for Christmas break and they wanted to see everyone.

The breakroom became a flurry of activity upon their return. Catherine and Gil were sitting close with their shoulders touching. Lindsey, with a Santa hat on, was passing out gifts. Nick and Greg sat next to each other and Jim stood laughing at Doc Robbins attempt at singing JINGLE BELLS. Jim watched the man he regarded as his blood brother and the woman he had come to admire interact. There was something new- but perhaps it was always there. When Catherine went across the room to give her gift to her bast gal-pal Jacqui Franco, he went over to his side and settled next to him.

"So... What went on in London besides cracking the case?" he asked.

"What happened in London, stays in London," Gil told his friend. Those words said it all. Gil smirked at Jim's pleased shock, crossed the room and took Lindsey in his arms. Greg and Nick laughed.

"So what is Santa going to bring you this year, Linds?" Greg asked. The lovely 12 year old, blue-eyed blond smiled and turned to Gil.

"I already got my Christmas wish, Greg," she answered, planting a large, wet kiss on Gil's hand. "And aren't you a little old to still believe in Santa?" That comment received hearty laughs. Greg played hurt and bowed his head of signature spiky hair in defeat.

That scene had not gone unnoticed. Catherine fought back the tears and Jacqui put her hand on her shoulder. "Cath, is there something you and I need to talk about?" she asked happily and just loud enough for her ears only.

Catherine smiled coyly. "Jacqui I feel as if you were my blood sister... You have great instincts. Trust them," she said and turned to embrace her, seeing the all knowing smile spread across her friends face.

"I'm so happy for you," Jacqui said softly, squeezing her tightly.

"Thank you," Catherine told her, closing her eyes, tightening her own grip.

**********************************************

It was now December 25rd. Their love was the best gift they could give each other and they were content to spend a few extra dollars on Lindsey who was quite excited with her new cloths and CDs. Their Christmas tree twinkled as did their eyes. It was a nice quiet day and they were happy. Gil cooked them a big breakfast and they watched The Grinch and then A Christmas Carol with Kelsey Grammer.

**********************************************

The next week flew by and they suddenly found themselves watching the seconds tick away 2004. Gil pulled Catherine to him and Lindsey threw her arms around her mother. The stroke of midnight sounded and they pressed their lips together. OLD LANG SYNE played from the TV.

"Cath, let's get married."

Her mouth opened wide. "Gil... I... Yes... Yes I'll marry you!" she managed, stunnned and beaming.

Lindsey squealed. Then both Catherine and Gil turned to hug their daughter.

**********************************************

Conrad Ecklie may have wanted to split them apart, but he only succeeded in bringing them together.