"Oh. My. God. It's so big," Catherine said in wonder, one hand tentatively reaching out to caress it.

Grissom grinned shyly, his confidence growing under her appreciative gaze. "It's really not *that* big," he offered, but twisted so that she could get a better look at it.

"It's big enough, Gil. I'm just not sure that -"

"Not sure?" he asked, with his heart in his eyes.

Catherine caught his face in her hands and brushed his lips very softly with her own. "I'm sure about *that*. I've wanted it for a long time."

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Me too, Honey, me too. And it would have happened sooner if you'd have given me any indication that you felt the same way."

"I guess I'm an old-fashioned girl at heart," she smiled, and fondled it again. "I was waiting for you to make the first move. It was the only way I could be sure that you wanted it too."

"I'm sorry it took so long. I just didn't want you to be disappointed."

"You could never disappoint me," she said softly, and he loved her more in that moment that he'd ever loved anything in his life.

"So we both took our time," she continued, smiling dreamily, "It all worked out in the end. And this . . .this is beyond all my expectations."

His breath caught in his throat as he watched her fingers glide up to the tip, and circle it reverently. "I love you, you know."

Her face softened as she looked at him, and he decided that if he saw that look for the rest of his life he would be very blessed indeed. "I know. I love you too."

"Can I . . .?" Grissom asked permission.

Her hand fell to her side. "Sweetie, I'm not sure that it-"

"Yes it will."

"It's not going to fit."

"Catherine, just - trust me, okay?"

"It's too big," Catherine insisted.

"Just let me ease it. . . See, I told you it would fit."

Catherine beamed as Grissom placed the engagement ring on her finger and stood back to admire his handy work.

He was right. It was a perfect fit.

End