The Big Surprise

Horatio and Calleigh slept late on day two of their honeymoon and had a leisurely morning in bed, just enjoying each other. About mid-morning they thought they had better get up and go do more sight-seeing. Calleigh wanted to take the cruise around Manhattan and Horatio thought that would be a good idea, it would enable her to see some of the other boroughs that made up the city.

Arriving at the docks where the cruise ships were waiting to take them on their journey, Horatio noticed with relief that the harbor was smooth with very little chop on the water which would make the ride more pleasurable.

Horatio and Calleigh began the journey standing at the railing on the upper deck of their ship with Horatio engulfing Calleigh in his arms.

"Oh I think I could stay like this all day, your strong arms feel so comfortable and safe," Calleigh softly murmured to her husband.

"Let's sit down on the bench where we will be more comfortable, it is going to be a 3 hour trip and I don't want you to tired because this is our night to go out to a special show," Horatio responded.

"Hmmm, special show, aren't you going to tell me what we are going to see?" Calleigh asked.

"No, I'm not Sweetheart I want you to be surprised, but I guarantee you will like it."

They resumed their hug as Horatio began to point out some sights that were approaching on their journey. First they saw the Brooklyn Bridge, then Yankee Stadium.

"Would you like a bottle of water?" Horatio asked.

"Yes, I would, that would hit the spot," Calleigh replied.

"I'll be right back…..don't go anywhere!" Horatio grinned as he said this.

"Wouldn't dream of it handsome," she shot back with her famous radiant smile.

Horatio thought as he saw her smile, man I can feel my knees getting weak already, hope I can make it to the snack bar.

Soon after Horatio disappeared down the stairs a large, stoic looking man approached Calleigh and sat down beside her. "You in New York for pleasure or business?" he asked.

Calleigh immediately put up her defenses and told him that she was not going to discuss why she was in NYC. Then she stood and attempted to walk away, but the man grabbed her arm and began to get obnoxious. "What's your hurry, babe? Maybe your friend ain't coming back."

Then out of nowhere, the man realized a strong hand suddenly gripped his arm that was holding Calleigh's and the force made him release Calleigh. Angry the man spun around to be face to face with the redheaded man.

"I suggest you move on and mind your manners and quit grabbing women you don't know," Horatio growled.

"You gonna teach me some manners red?" the man snickered at Horatio.

"I'll be glad to," Horatio replied as he pulled the man up closer as his face reflected his deep anger toward the man that dared to touch his wife.

"Horatio, forget him…..he is not worth the trouble," Calleigh pleaded with him.

Horatio was on the verge of punching the guy, when he heard Calleigh's plea. Reluctantly he let the man go with a shove and told him to stay away from them. Just then, a security guard approached and asked if there was a problem and Horatio explained what had happened and he informed the guard that he was a Miami police officer. The guard took the man by the arm, but before he led him away, the guard apologized to both Calleigh and Horatio and informed him that the man would stay under his watch until they docked.

The rest of the cruise went by quietly, enabling the couple to enjoy the rest of their afternoon. On debarkation, the captain approached them and apologized for the incident and handed them their fare back, and told them he hoped they would come back again. Horatio thanked the man and said they would next time they were in the City.

They took a cab to the 59th street Bloomingdales to grab a bite of late lunch at the restaurant, before heading back to their hotel to hopefully enjoy some down time before dressing for their night.

As Calleigh emerged from the bathroom all ready to go out and finally learn what Horatio had in store for her "surprise night", Horatio was nearly knocked over by her beauty. She had put her hair up and had soft strands curled around her face. She had brought a short, soft green formal that had just enough shine to make her stand out, although he thought she didn't need any help in that area.

Finding his voice Horatio said, "Sweetheart, you are gorgeous!"

"Why thank you Handsome, and I think you are the sexiest man I could have ever married! And you don't look too shabby in that tux either!" Horatio had brought a dark chocolate tux with him for this night.

Taking Calleigh in his arms, Horatio softly said, "Umm, Sweetheart I want to apologize for my reaction this afternoon. I just don't want men taking advantage of you. I wouldn't be able to live if something ever happened to you."

"Oh, Horatio my love," Calleigh answered while cupping his face in both of her hands, "I really could have handled that jerk, but I appreciate you coming to my rescue. You are my knight in shining armor and I love you."

"I love you so much Calleigh, you are my whole world, have I ever told you that?"

"You have Handsome, but I love to hear it now and then." Horatio just slowly shook his head in amazement with that comment and gave her a warm hug.

With misty eyes, Horatio broke their embrace and asked, "Ready Sweetheart?"

"Sure am, I am dying to see where you are taking me, you have been so secretive about this night." Horatio chuckled at her comment.

As they exited their hotel, Horatio led his wife to a waiting limousine.

"Well looks like we will go to our surprise in style," Calleigh commented as Horatio held her door while she got in the vehicle, and entered behind her.

As they rode to their destination Calleigh asked, "I don't suppose this was your surprise, was it?"

Horatio laughed and looked at his wife, "Far from it Love."

The limo pulled up to the St. James Theatre and as Calleigh emerged she held Horatio's hand and suddenly she saw the marquee and squealed, "HORATIO, I can't believe it!"

The marquee read now playing, On a Clear Day, You Can See Forever starring, Harry Connick, Jr.

Calleigh nearly knocked Horatio down as she turned and grabbed him in a big hug. "I'm glad you liked my choice of Broadway plays Sweetheart!" Horatio said laughing at his wife's enthusiastic response to his surprise.

"Like it? Horatio you could not have given me anything better!"

"Well then I guess after the show when we go backstage to meet Mr. Connick, it won't be as good."

"WHAT, we….we….are meeting him after the show?"

Horatio said, grinning broadly "We don't really have to if you don't want to."

"Let's go in and get seated Sweetheart," Horatio said as he lightly placed his hand on her lower back to guide her into the building, while she sputtered, "I want to meet him, believe me."

"I thought you would."

After the show, and the excitement of meeting Harry Connick, Jr. and having a picture made with him his publicist said the picture would be mailed to them with the star's autograph, Horatio and Calleigh walked to Sardi's and enjoyed appetizers. Mindful of the late hour, neither wanted more than that.

Arriving back at their hotel at 1:45 a.m. Calleigh and Horatio walked in each other's arms into the elevator.

"Handsome, I thoroughly enjoyed tonight with you. You could have not made the night any better."

Horatio frowned slightly, feigning hurt as he looked at his wife and said, "I was going to offer dessert once we got to our room, but with that comment I guess it won't be necessary."

"Don't count on it Handsome," Calleigh said as she turned to face Horatio and hugged him tightly and passionately kissed him letting her hands wander over his body.

"Calleigh…..Sweetheart let's wait to get to our room." As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt the elevator slowing. They just broke their intense hug when the doors opened revealing an older couple. Horatio could feel his face turn red, but the couple smiled warmly at them and turned their backs to the lovers. When the elevator stopped on their floor, Horatio thought they could not walk fast enough to their room after Calleigh had him thoroughly aroused.

After making passionate, sweet love, Horatio rose up on his elbows as he still lay on top of his wife and said, "Calleigh, did you know you are my dream come true?"

"I am glad I am Handsome because I know you are mine."

They snuggled together and quickly fell into a deep, sweet sleep.

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