Title: Gift of a Lifetime

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Anthony E. Zuiker and CBS do.

Author's Note: The final story in my CatNip "Destined" series; not sure how many chapters it will be; playing it by ear for now. First chapter is short to get the ball rolling.

Genre: Family

Rating: T

Chapter 1: The Shock

Mentions of/Spoilers for/Reference to: Boom (1.13)

-July 2014-

It had been a long shift all around; Nick Stokes had gotten off a long shift at 9 am and was tired beyond belief. He had been promoted shortly after Catherine had left and he loved his new position as supervisor of the night shift crime lab but it meant dealing with Ecklie a lot more. Once he got in his Denali, the one destination he had in mind was home and his family.

Over at the Stokes household, Catherine was enjoying alone time. Lindsey volunteered to spend time with her baby brother to the park to give her mom a few hours for herself.

Catherine loved her life and had everything she could ever have hoped for, loving husband nick, growing close with Lindsey (who was now attending UCLA), Lily, Nancy, and Jeremy who have been supportive, and her friends at the crime lab. The best part was she was a mother to an adorable and active toddler, Zachary Ethan Stokes.

Little Zachary was born three months shy of hers and Nick's first wedding anniversary; everyone adored him and big sister Lindsey was no exception. Zachary kept her busy. She remembered how active Lindsey was when she was Zach's age.

Taking advantage of the peacefulness, Catherine began the chores that needed to be done.

She had put a load of laundry in and was in the midst of finishing up rinsing and loading the dishes, she heard Nick come in.

Nick slide off his shoes and tiptoed to the kitchen and waited her silently.

When she felt Nick's eyes watching her back and butt she gave it a little sway knowing the effect it would have on Nick.

Once she finished loading all the dishes she straightened up, dried her hands, turned around and gave her beloved a coy grin.

She then sashayed towards him. The moment she was within his reach placed his hands her waist and pulled her and enveloped her in his arms. Ever since Nick hugged her (subsequent to her clearing his name) having his arms wrapped around her was a fantasy come true.

When they came apart Catherine asked quietly, "Long day at work Cowboy?"

Nick smiled.

Using his southern drawl he knew she loved, he said, "Yep it was and Ecklie was being a real pain in the butt, more than usual."

"Awww my poor baby," said Catherine when they came apart a little and she had placed her hands on his face. As they leaned forehead to forehead she added, "Why don't you go and take a nice hot shower while I will make you breakfast?"

"Deal, I love you Mrs. Stokes."

"Right back at you Mr. Stokes," Catherine replied playfully.

Ten minutes later Catherine had prepared pancakes, hash brown, bacon, and eggs cooked and ready to serve when Nick came back to the kitchen already looking refreshed.

As they finished eating breakfast (and stealing kisses in between) they heard the door bell ring followed by a faint whimper. Cautiously they went to answer the door not knowing their lives would change forever.

A/N 2: Thanks for reading Chapter 1 of "Gift of a Lifetime". Reviews are appreciated!