A tear rolled down his cheek and silently fell to the ground. Horatio Caine did not make a habit of crying often, everyone knew that. But as he stared at his wife's headstone, he couldn't prevent that tear from falling.
It had been a little over 3 months since the Mala Noche had shot down Marisol on the day after they were married, and Horatio was still trying to come to terms with yet another loss. She was at peace now, he knew that, but that didn't stop him from wanting her to be back with him.
"I'm sorry Mari." He whispered as his fingers traced the letters carved into the cold stone. "I'm sorry I couldn't have stopped it."
He sighed and cast his gaze to the ground.
"You're missed so much sweetheart. By me, by Eric, by everyone. Eric talks about you every day. It's just his way of keeping close to you."
Horatio sighed again and run his fingers over his face. Trying to maintain his composure.
"It wasn't supposed to be like this Mari. You don't belong here. You should be here with us. With you're family. With me. We should be happy."
His voice was beginning to shake but he carried on talking, determined not to fall apart.
"I'll never forget you Mari. Not ever. You gave me happiness even if it was only for a short time. I'm glad I got to know you and call you my wife. Sweet dreams sweetheart."
His voice completely broke on the last sentence as he sat and leaned against the headstone. Giving up any previous attempts to keep his composure, he let the tears fall fast and free.
Anyone walking through the graveyard on that particular afternoon would have known that Horatio Caine was a broken man.