Lt. Horatio Caine and his team – Timothy 'Speed' Speedle, Calleigh Duquesne, and Eric Delko – sat in the hot and sticky Biscayne Courthouse in Southern Florida. They were giving their final testimony on the Padilla murder case. It had been going on a year.

"The prosecution calls the CSIs of Miami-Dade County to the stand, Your Honor. We'll be starting with CSI Tim Speedle," State's Attorney Rebecca Nevins announced to Judge Joseph Ratner.

"Officer Speedle, please take the stand," Judge Ratner said. Speed stood up, fixed his suit and tie, and made his way to the witness stand. His normally scruffy face was now clean-shaven.

An officer walked up to the stand holding a Bible. "Please put your left hand on here, and raise your right hand." Speed did as he was told. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God."

"I do," Speed said. The officer walked away. Rebecca began her questioning

After several hours of questioning, the trial was finally over. Horatio and his team had won the case. It wasn't easy. The defense made Horatio and his team question themselves. "I'm glad that's over with. That was brutal," Eric said breathing a sigh of relief as Horatio started the Hummer. They all had come together.

"I need a vacation," Calleigh said rubbing her temples.

"You and me both," Speed said feeling his cell phone had received a text message. It read: Hi, babe! Just wanted to let you this is my new cell phone number, and to say hi and I miss you. Sending love from the Mitten. Hope everything went well with your day in court.Speed smiled and answered back: I miss you too, Lauren. Wish you were here. It went well. We won. Lauren responded: Me too. That's amazing! OK need to go. Call you later 2nite. Speed responded: Sounds good. Speed replaced his girlfriend's old cell number with her new cell number.

"Who was that, Speed?" Eric asked flashing his Delko grin.

Speed looked at his friend straight-faced. "What makes you think I'm going to tell you, Delko?" Laughter could be heard from Calleigh and Horatio. Speed and Eric arguing was nothing new.

"You know it's, Lauren. He's got that look in his eyes," Calleigh said looking back at Speed. Speed's cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

"All right fine, it was Lauren and she just wanted to say hi and give me her new cell phone number. Happy now?"

Eric pulled out his cell phone, and checked to see if he had received a message from Lauren. There was nothing. "No I'm not. How come I didn't get a text from Lauren?"

Speed rolled his eyes and chuckled. "You're the reason she probably got a new phone." Everyone laughed. Horatio and his team truly felt like family.

A yellow taxi pulled into the Miami-Dade Crime Lab parking lot as Horatio and his team were walking up the steps. The young woman smiled to herself when she spotted Tim Speedle. He had his dress-shirt already un-tucked; his tie un-tied; the two top buttons of his shirt undone; his sleeves were rolled up just passed his elbows; his suit jacket was draped over his shoulder.

"You can stop right here," she said and pulled out some money from her wallet. "Here you go, sir. Thanks again." The cab driver took the money. She grabbed her messenger bag and exited the vehicle. She was dressed in Michigan State softball sweatpants, a white tank top.

The young woman quickly walked across the sidewalk, and stopped a few feet from the steps. "Excuse me!" she shouted. They turned around. "Is this the Miami-Dade Crime Lab?" She asked smiling.

Speed turned around and immediately recognized her. "Lauren?"

"That's my name. Don't wear it out," Lauren Clarkson said as her smile grew even bigger. Lauren and Speed have been together, as a couple for four months, but have known each other since she was a senior in high school. Lauren's father, David Clarkson was the one who introduced them. David knew Horatio and his team. He had helped them on several investigations involving boats. He was an expert after all. David owned his own high end boating store near Star Island.

Speed handed Eric his suit jacket, and made his way over to Lauren. "I missed you, babe," he said nuzzling the side of his girlfriend's neck.

"I missed you," Lauren said hugging him tightly. She pulled back and looked up at him. Speed leaned in and captured her lips with his.

"Get a room you two!" Eric yelled in the distance.

Ignoring his friend, Speed kissed Lauren again. "Come on let's go inside. Oh, and by the way, Eric's wondering why he didn't get a text saying you got a new cell phone."

"He's the reason I got a new one," Lauren joked.

Speed chuckled. "That's what I told him." He took a hold of her hand as they walked up the was a different person when Lauren was around. He revealed his softer side.

"So, how's school going, Lauren?" Horatio asked once everyone was settled in the break room. The air-conditioned lab felt wonderful. It was a hot and steamy day in Miami.

"It's going well. I'll have my Bachelor's in Forensic Chemistry by the beginning of the summer, which is exciting. I'm thinking of going for my Master's in Forensic Science," Lauren said excitedly. "I have all of you to thank for that."

"The door is always open here if you ever need anything, Lauren," Horatio said with a smile.

"Thanks Horatio." Lauren turned to look at Speed. He was already looking at her. She smiled and stole a quick kiss.

A young rookie officer, by the name of Ryan Wolfe stood at the door and knocked. "Um, excuse me. Lt. Caine can I, uh, speak to you, please?" he asked nervously.

Horatio stood up and asked, "Sure, can I get your name, son?"

"Oh, sorry. Patrol Officer Ryan Wolfe, sir," Ryan said holding out his hand for the Lieutenant to shake.

"Okay, Mr. Wolfe, let's go talk. Excuse me for a moment guys." Horatio followed Ryan out of the room.

"So Lauren, are you really thinking about getting your Masters Forensic Science?" Calleigh asked excitedly.

"Yeah, I think so. It'd be nice to further my education and become useful in this world." Lauren half laughed.

"How exciting. Congratulations!"

"Thank you! I'm excited to do my internship this winter with DEA. At least that's what I think they said," Lauren said shrugging her shoulders.

Speed cleared his throat. "The Drug Enforcement Administration? Why are they putting you with DEA?"

"I asked from something challenging. They offered a DEA internship so I took it. I think it'll be interesting." Speed was nervous, Lauren could tell. "Tim, it'll be fine. Trust me. I won't be thrown to the wolves."

Speed wrapped his arm around her shoulders and said, "I know. It was just a little shocking that's all." The four continued making conversation until Horatio returned.

As soon as Horatio returned, Lauren said, "Horatio, I'm inviting everyone over tonight. I'm sure my dad would love to see you guys, and no work clothes are allowed. You need to relax and forget about work for a second."

Horatio smiled and said, "I'll be there."

"Awesome. I'll let you guys get back to work. I'm going to head home," Lauren said standing up.

"I'll walk you out," Speed said.

"I'll see you all later." Lauren linked arms with Speed's as they disappeared behind the elevator.

A light, warm evening breeze blew through the open windows, in Lauren's bedroom. "Were you surprised to see me?" Lauren asked as the two cuddle in bed.

"Yeah. I thought you said you would be spending Christmas with your mom," Speed said kissing the top of her forehead.

Four years ago, Lauren's parents decided to go their separate ways. The decision was a mutual. Tina, her mother, moved back to her home state of Michigan while David remained in Florida. They remain close friends.

"I was planning on it since I spent Christmas here last year, but my grandparents moved to New York to be closer to my aunt and her family. From what my mom has told me, my aunt and uncle are having a hard time with something. When I asked what it was she didn't know. That's why she was going out there. So I decided I wanted to come here, and be with my dad and you." She looked up at him and smiled, he smiled back.

Scooting up, Lauren kissed him lightly at first teasing him. Speed rolled Lauren onto her side, and ran his hand over her stomach. She let out a soft moan. She didn't stop him. His hands traveled up under her cotton t-shirt to seek out skin. Speed's hands fell on the back of her bra, he skillfully tugged on it and it unhooked. He had chills go down his body as he looked at her, and slowly traced his hand along the bottom edge of the bra support system. Her breath quickened. He swallowed hard, and turned her so she was on her back. He straddled her, and started to bunch her t-shirt up higher and higher until he reached the bottom of her breasts.

Sensing that this was going somewhere where she wasn't ready, Lauren stopped him. "Tim, not now, I'm not ready for that yet." He kissed her. "I'm sorry."

He smiled and kissed her again. "Don't be sorry, Lauren. It's okay." He looked into her sparkling green eyes. He wanted to tell Lauren he loved her, but he became nervous and unsure how she would respond.

"You're the best, babe," she said as they heard the garage door open, and the doorbell ring. Speed went and helped David while Lauren answered the door.

"Alexx! Frank!" Lauren shouted with excitement. Alexx Woods was Miami-Dade's top medical examiner, and Frank Tripp was the Miami-Dade Police Department's top homicide detectives.

"Hey baby, how are you?" Alexx said hugging Lauren.

"I'm fantastic!" Lauren turned to Frank. "Hi Frank!"

"Come here and give me a hug," he said with his Texan drawl. Lauren loved Frank's bear hugs.

"Come on in. My dad just got home from the store too." Lauren moved aside to let them in. "I'm surprised you didn't see him-"

"I was in the garage already, Angel," David said walking into the kitchen. Speed was following behind him with several grocery bags. "Hello everyone!"

Lauren noticed Horatio had his work clothes on. "Horatio, I thought I told you no work clothes," she said walking up next to him.

"Sorry sweetheart, I just got off. Something came up," Horatio explained.

She put her hands on her hips, and said, "All right, you're off the hook for now."

Each person grabbed a bag and help David get dinner ready; it consisted of hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and beer. "Are we eating on the boat or at the house? I'm starving," Frank said rubbing his stomach as it growled.

"On the boat, Frank," Lauren said handing Speed a beer.

The view from David's boat was breathtaking. The deep reds, oranges, and yellows from the sunset filled the sky. "I just love Miami sunsets," Calleigh said as she took a sip of her wine. "They make me forget about the day and just relax." She looked at Eric and smiled. Speed and Lauren took notice.

"So... now that Tim and I are finally together as you guys like to say, when are you two going to get together," Lauren said looking at Eric and Calleigh. Something was going on between those two whether they realized it or not.

"So how long were you guys on this case that just got over?" David asked after he had anchored the boat.

Alexx sighed. "Just over a year. You know how many autopsies I did… record breaking."

"You deserve an award, Alexx. No one can talk to the dead like you do," Speed said and winked at Alexx.

Alexx crossed her arms over her chest and said, "I sure do Timmy, and you know it."

Lauren had a thought. "I think you guys need a week long vacation away from Miami. You guys deserve it."

"And how are you going to do that? And what did you have in mind?" Speed said intrigued.

"I have the perfect place, and don't worry. I will make it happen."

Speed, Horatio, Calleigh, Eric, Frank, and Alex couldn't wait to see what was going to come of this.