CSI:Miami Maid of Honor Chapter 1, a csi: miami fanfic

Author's Note: When I saw the movie "Made of Honor", I got inspired to write a story which is kind of like the movie but of course with my fave love birds Calleigh and Eric…lol…On a side note, this is my first fan fic

Special thanks to Kazalene who help me boost my confidence to finally post my fan fic

Disclaimer: None of the characters similar to CSI:Miami is a property of mine because if it was, Eric and Calleigh would have hooked up a long time ago. 

Eric glanced at his watch and yawned as he clocked the time - 6:30am. 'The plane's just in time,' he muttered to himself. It had been two long agonizing weeks since Eric had seen Calleigh in person because he'd accompanied Horatio to Brazil for an unsuccessful manhunt for Mari's killer. It had been disappointing to say the least, but Horatio had decided to stay for three more days in the hope of finding some more clues on where the bastard who'd killed his wife was hiding.

Eric, though, had to go back to Miami to help with a new case that had cropped up involving the son of the Governor - he'd been found dead in the family's yacht. Although the search in Brazil had been a failure, the chance to see Calleigh again made it seem better. And maybe, just maybe, he'll have the ample courage to tell her how he really feels when he does see her.

After getting his bags, Eric headed outside the airport to get a cab. Once home, he dropped his luggage off and took a quick a shower before he headed to the Miami Dade Crime Lab. When he arrived at the lab, first thing that came into his mind was Calleigh, so he went to her office. But disappointingly, she wasn't there so he headed for the Ballistics lab.

There he found her so engrossed with her work that she didn't even seem to notice that he was there. "Hey there," he greeted with his heart melting smile.

She looked over her shoulder a little bit to see where the voice had come from. "Oh, you're back!" she said warmly, indicating her enthusiasm.

"In the flesh," he replied.

Calleigh flashed him a smile. "So, where are my souvenirs from Brazil?" she asked teasingly, although she wasn't really expecting anything from him.

"Actually, I left it in my condo. I bought you five pairs of Havainas slippers; I wasn't sure which color you liked so I bought a pair of each." He'd heard from few friends from Brazil that said slippers were very comfortable to use on the beach during summer. And he'd also bought a pair for himself since they also had styles for men.

"Oh, Eric, you shouldn't have," she smiled. "I was just joking when I said I wanted some souvenirs… but anyway, thank you very much," she continued, her smile growing. "You're always welcome Calleigh." He rolled his eyes when his pager buzzed and after raising his arm in a gesture of goodbye, he made his way to where he was needed.

The day went by so fast that Eric didn't even get a chance to see Calleigh since their conversation in the Ballistics lab. Intending to change that, after declaring himself finished for the day, he went to Calleigh's office. "Cal, you done? Want to grab a bite? I'm starving." It wasn't a lie, he was hungry, but that wasn't his only intention for why he'd asked. He was thinking of telling her of his feelings.

"Yeah sure, I'm starving too," she replied easily. "Give me a minute and I'll be ready."

They both decided to go to their favorite Asian restaurant. And just as they'd been seated comfortably at their favorite table, Eric caught sight of something glinting on Calleigh's ring finger. He put down his menu book to get a better look, and he clenched his fist when he realized that his worst fear had just been confirmed. "Calleigh, are you engaged?" he blurted out.

"Oh, yeah." She looked down shyly. "Three days after you left, Jake proposed and I said yes." She glanced up then, and not missing the hurt in his eyes, she rambled quickly, "I was gonna tell you today, but we were so busy…" She stopped and held out her left hand to give him a clearer view of the ring. It was gold with diamonds delicately patterned around it.

Eric nodded; it was all he could do, words wouldn't come. "Well, congratulations!' he eventually replied, trying his best to smile and be happy. But he wasn't.

He felt like he'd just been doused by a bucket full of ice cold water. Calleigh must have sensed it, too, as she looked away quickly and dropped her gaze down to her menu.

"So, when's the wedding?" Eric asked, attempting to somehow lighten up the mood.

"Two months from now," she murmured quietly, bringing her eyes back to his. "We've decided to keep it small; just family and close friends…" She trailed off with a pointed look as she spoke the last two words.

He ignored it, however, and continued his questioning. "That's not so far away. You think you'll finish the planning and everything?"

"That's why I'm going to need your help –"

"Need my help?" Eric cut in, a little startled.

"Um," she began, reaching across the table to give his hand a gentle squeeze. "Eric, you're my best friend and I know it's not traditional but," She paused again. "Eric, will you be my maid of honour?"