Chapter 4
"Zoë, are you sure it's safe? I don't want to be putting my boys in danger." Alexx said quietly as she rubbed her palms together.
"I assure you it is safe Alexx, if it wasn't, I would have called it off. I have tight security surrounding the hotel and in the hotel, I've also got undercover officers everywhere. There were some undercover officers here to. I knew that if anyone was to take a shot at us today it would have been this point as this is the most vulnerable point. I promise you Alexx, your boys are safe. I understand that they're probably shaken up too, but there is also a sweet buffet at the hotel soon, I'm sure that'll take their mind straight off it." Zoë smiled and Alexx nodded with a small smile appearing. "Both Horatio and I wouldn't put you or your family at any risk at all, you know that Alexx. Even those 'taxi' drivers are undercover cops, but I wanted the day to look normal and not swarming with security." She said softly and Alexx nodded again looking more comfortable and confident.
"You're right, thank you baby." Alexx said softly as she placed her hand on Zoë's upper arm. "Are you sure you're okay?" Alexx asked softly with an element of concern glistening in her eyes.
"Most definitely… the bullet hit my gun and stopped – what a stroke of luck that was! I'm glad I brought it with me or it would have gone through my thigh!" Zoë said as she looked up at Alexx.
"Okay baby, if you get any problems call me." She said softly and Zoë nodded.
"Thank you for everything Alexx. I'll see you there." Zoë said as she gently hugged her and Alexx smiled. "If your boys get bored, then I've hired the games room too so that should keep them occupied." Zoë said softly and Alexx nodded with a chuckle.
"You really didn't have to do that, but thank you Zoë." Alexx smiled naturally at her.
"Well, I know you might find it weird to think, but I feel like they're a part of the family since I've known them for 3 years in my head, they were in that dream thing we had." Zoë said softly.
"You and Horatio are both a part of our family, we should arrange a meal some time, so you can really get to know the boys." Alexx smiled and Zoë nodded.
"That sounds fantastic Alexx." She said happily and Alexx nodded and then walked away and over to her family with a smile. Zoë saw her children jump with excitement when she told them about the sweet buffet and the games room. She chuckled to herself and then walked over to Horatio as he spoke with some CSI's.
"Nathan sweetie, go and enjoy yourself. We're all fine and will be with you all shortly." Zoë said softly as she placed her hand on his arm.
"Are you sure you're okay?" He questioned and she nodded.
"I'm positive. Go and enjoy yourself, travel over with Kaitlin, Joe and James." She said softly and Nathan nodded. Zoë then turned to walk over to Kaitlin who was hugging her boyfriend tightly, obviously a little shaken up.
"Kate, Nathan's travelling with you guys, Horatio and I will be over within the next 25 minutes." Zoë said softly and she nodded as she removed her arms from James's waist.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Kaitlin asked as she took hold of Zoë's hands.
"Yes, are you okay?" Zoë asked and she nodded but Zoë could see that she was shaken up. "Kate, I really am okay. There's no need to worry." Zoë said softly as she pulled her in to hug her gently.
"Yeah, but seeing you get shot isn't exactly a pleasant experience." Kaitlin said quietly.
"I know gorgeous, but I'm fine. Watching me get shot has to be better than watching those creeps try to chat me up in that bar when we were 19 though, doesn't it? Even I agree that was appalling and still makes me cringe." Zoë said softly and Kaitlin began to laugh as they both pulled from the hug. Zoë smiled naturally at her and then took hold of her hand. "Go on, have a good time and get some drinks down your neck. I'll be the one getting pictures today." Zoë smiled at her sweetly.
"Love you gorgeous, I'll see you there." Kaitlin said softly and then gave Zoë a kiss on the cheek.
"Love you too, make sure James has a few drinks, he's awfully quiet." Zoë said softly and Kaitlin nodded with a smile. Joe then approached them.
"Hey Bunny, go to the hotel with Kate, James and Nathan, we'll be along soon, we've just got to deal with some police business. I'm fine and will be over there soon." Zoë said softly and Joe nodded.
"Okay, make it there in one piece please? I think I had a small stroke earlier and can't be dealing with anything else right now." Joe said softly with a smile and she chuckled as she placed her hand on his upper arm.
"We will, go on, get some drinks down you." She smiled and he nodded and then hugged her and kissed her cheek. She watched them walk away and then walked over to Horatio, Eric and Walter.
"That's everyone over to the hotel. You two are not working this either, you are coming over to the hotel with us and having some beers." She smiled at them and they nodded.
"Detective Caine?" A CSI asked and Zoe turned to the tall, dark haired woman.
"I like it, detective Caine." She said as she glanced back to Horatio with a grin. Horatio moved closer to Zoë, wanting to hear what the CSI was doing and what she was going to be asking.
"Where was the gun concealed?" She asked softly.
"By my thigh, do you want a picture?" Zoë questioned and she nodded as she picked up her camera. "Well, I had hopes to only get my thighs out for you today." Zoë giggled as she looked up at Horatio who flushed a light shade of pink as she pulled her dress up. He blinked a few times as he looked down and tried to hide his secret smile, even though he was slightly embarrassed by her comment in front of another CSI. The CSI got a few snaps of her leg and then stood back up and gave her a smile.
"Thank you, that's all we need." She said softly as she gave Zoë a sweet smile.
"Don't you want the holster too?" Zoë questioned with a mild frown.
"Oh yeah, of course." She said as she gave Zoë a shy expression.
"New?" Zoë questioned and she nodded with a shy expression as she looked down, belittling herself for making a rookie mistake. "Horatio can you hold my dress please?" Zoë asked softly and he nodded and held it up for her as she undone the holster and then handed it to the CSI.
"Thank you, sorry." The CSI said shyly.
"Don't worry, you're doing a good job." Zoë said softly and she gave Zoë a natural, shy smile. Zoë then let her dress drop and turned looked at the CSI. "What do you know about the shooter?" Zoë questioned the CSI as she placed her hands on her hips.
"Erm, his name is Trevor Banks, he's had a few priors and run in with the law with weapon concealment and such. We're looking into any associates now. We'll let you know if we find anything. But you shouldn't worry about that, you should enjoy your day." She said sweetly and Zoë nodded with a smile as took a light hold of Horatio hand.
"Okay, thank you. Keep up the good job, take it slowly." Zoë said warmly and the CSI nodded before she walked away. Zoë turned to Horatio with a gentle, contented smile. 'Nothing is going to ruin this day.' Zoë thought to herself as she let go of his hand to sort her dress out a little.
"Well, are we done here?" Zoë asked softly and he took a deep breath as he looked down and placed his hands on his hips.
"No Horatio, you are not working this case. Don't you dare even say it. I'm fine, don't worry about me. You are coming to that hotel and letting them do their jobs, this is our wedding day." Zoë said firmly as she looked up at him and he nodded with a small smile, he knew he didn't want to do anything but celebrate that day and enjoy it with Zoë. He gave her a smile and then took her hand to place a delicate kiss on the back of her hand. "Do they need anything else?" Zoë asked softly as he lowered her hand.
"No, I've taken care of it all." Horatio said softly and she nodded with a smile as she squeezed his hand lightly and then moved closer to him as she looked up at him with a smile.
"Okay handsome, can we go now?" She asked softly as she hugged his arm and he nodded with a developing smile and then kissed her forehead. "Before we go, can you just check that my dress isn't dirty or ripped after falling to the floor earlier? That bullet literally took my leg out from under me, then you and Eric jumped on me." She said with a soft smile. Horatio stepped back and turned her and scanned her back with his eyes.
"Nope, clean as a whistle. There's just the small bullet hole which isn't even noticeable. " Horatio said softly and she then smiled and reached up as she kissed him and then took hold of his hand and walked over to Eric and Walter.
"Are you coming? We're going now." Zoë said softly and they nodded.
"You guys can take the black car, we're taking the Cadillac." Zoë said softly and they nodded. Horatio quickly picked up the back of her dress as she hoisted up the front.
"Shouldn't Kaitlin be doing that?" Walter questioned.
"Yeah but I sent her a long with the others as I didn't know how long we were going to be." Zoë said softly and Walter nodded. Horatio helped her into the red Cadillac and then got in himself. She quickly texted Joe to let him know that they were on their way.
"This is a beautiful car." Horatio said softly as he looked round to Zoë and took a light hold of her hand.
"I know." She said with a smile and then looked down at his hand in hers. She took a deep breath as she ran her thumb over his knuckles.
"He'll be proud of you sweetheart, I know you wish he was here, but he's always with you." Horatio said softly.
"He always said that he wanted to watch me pull up at my wedding in this car." She said as she looked up to him with tears in her eyes but with a gentle smile. "I guess he's not standing with everyone on this Earth but looking down at me from Heaven with Mum and Josh." She said softly and Horatio nodded and then kissed her forehead as he pulled her closer.
"You're right there sweetheart." He said softly and she nodded and smiled.
"He wouldn't want me to cry anyway, so I'm not." She said as she sat back up and then moved to get a look in the rear-view mirror at her make-up. She sat back with Horatio and smiled at him and took both of his hands in hers while she took a deep breath.
"So far, this has been one of the best days in my life, and that is all down to you." She smiled and he smiled back at her
"The same right back at you beautiful." Horatio smiled warmly. His eyes then fell to the dress. "That dress is exquisite, you really look so beautiful, Zoë." He said sincerely as he raised her hand to his lips and lightly rubbed the back of her hand against his lips.
"You think?" She asked and he nodded as he kissed her hand again. He then looked up at her and pulled her hand closer to him and held it against his chest.
"I know so, and I can't wait to get you out of it either." He grinned as he leant over and whispered in her ear.
"There will be plenty of time for that on our honeymoon." Zoë grinned and Horatio smiled back with a light chuckle. He lightly dropped their hands to his lap as they took a few moments silence to gaze into each other's eyes.
"I can finally call you my husband, Horatio. I've dreamt of this day so many times, now I'm finally here, I can't quite believe it." Zoë said sincerely as she looked up at him. He could hear the love in her voice and see the affection from her eyes.
"I have too and it's better than I ever imagined." He smiled at her and she leant over to give him a very passionate kiss. They closed their eyes as their heart rates increased. They'd lost themselves in each other's embrace and kiss so much that they hadn't realised that they'd pulled up outside the hotel.
"Bunny, I think Horatio needs some air." Joe said softly and they quickly broke from the kiss and looked up at everyone as they all cheered as she began to giggle as Horatio flushed bright red. Horatio looked down briefly and then looked up at Zoë while she continued to giggle. His secret smile developed when he saw that she loved it. Horatio quickly got out and walked around to Joe and helped Zoë out of the car. They walked in as Kaitlin made sure the back of her dress didn't drag along the concrete and then let it drop as they got onto the marble floors of the hotel. They were both handed a glass of champagne on entering and linked arms as they both smiled with their guests following. They were seated at their table with Joe, Kaitlin and James, while Nathan was seated with Eric, Natalia, Walter and Frank, with their table very close to Alexx and her family. Other friends were seated around the other table, mainly people from work and a few friends of Zoë's from New York. Horatio and Zoë made their way around the tables, thanking guests and having pleasant conversations and then announced that the buffet tables were open.
"I have to say, I wasn't as up for this reception as you were, but now I am so glad we did it." Horatio said softly and she smiled lightly at him.
"You should have said that you wasn't keen on this, Horatio. We could have done something that you'd prefer." Zoë said softly as she took his hand and looked into his eyes.
"No, I'm glad we did this." Horatio said softly and she smiled. Zoë had noticed that Kaitlin had been gone for some time and then turned to James as she placed her hand on Horatio's thigh.
"James, where's Kate?" Zoë asked warmly and James shrugged but she could tell that he did know. "James…" Zoë said as she raised an eyebrow.
"She'll be back soon." James assured Zoë and Zoë nodded as she sat back, still giving James a suspicious look. "Speak of the devil." James smiled as Kaitlin rushed back over with a large knife in her hand.
"It's time for you both to cut the cake!" Kaitlin grinned and then placed the knife on the table in front of them. Zoë smiled at her and then looked over to Horatio with her smile growing. She saw him picking up the knife with a secret smile of his own and she knew he was just as excited to cut the cake as she was. She squealed quietly as she got up and linked arms with him as Kaitlin walked over to the stage and picked up the microphone to announce the cutting of the cake. Zoë and Horatio both walked over to the 3 tier cake on the middle of the buffet table. Alexx's two sons were first to arrive at both Zoë's and Horatio's sides and clocked eyes on the elegant white based cake with lilac icing petals scattered over it with a white and lilac feather decoration on the very top tier. Zoë gazed up at Horatio while the guests crowded around, a lot of them getting pictures before the cake was cut. The professional photographer also got a few snaps.
"Ready?" Horatio asked warmly and Zoë nodded. Horatio then handed Zoë the knife and gently moved her to stand in front of him. He placed his right hand over hers on the knife and stepped up right behind her. They felt a bolt of energy surge through them when Horatio's hand gripped Zoë's around the knife handle. He felt her take a deep breath as she turned her head to look up at him as he directed the knife to the cake. She looked back down to the cake as she bit her lip and concentrated on the warm grip of his hand over hers and then felt him place his hand on her hip. Everyone silenced and felt the warm, loving atmosphere develop. 'Love is definitely in the air.' Alexx thought to herself as her heart melted when she saw both Horatio and Zoë sharing a beautiful moment. She moved closer to her husband as he placed his hands around her waist. Everyone took a deep breath and watched them cut through the cake. Everyone let out that held breath and began to clap as both Horatio and Zoë placed the knife on the side before Zoë turned in his arms and placed her hands on his waist. She grinned up at him and pulled him closer, allowing their lips to connect. They heard the cheers and claps increase as a few of the men threw in some wolf-whistling. They lightened the kiss and smiled at each other before turning to everyone. They could see that the heart-strings of each individual had been pulled and then both looked down to the floor with shy smiles.
"Enough of you two kissing now, where's the cake?" Eric smiled cheekily and both looked up at him with wide grins of their own.
"My lovely maid of honour here is doing the honours of distributing the cake, I believe. But I think she's glued her face too James'ss face." Zoë said as she gestured to Kaitlin as she and James kissed silently. Zoë cleared her throat and then watched Kaitlin and James finish their kiss. They looked around to everyone and then flushed red. "Are you going to cut the cake, or would you like to dive in deep again?" Zoë asked with a smile.
"I'm cutting the cake." She smiled as she moved from James's arms and over to the cake. Kaitlin distributed the Victoria sponge cake and then sat back down with Joe, Horatio, Zoë and James.
"Right, the rest of the plan is to throw the small bouquet and then get some proper music going, then to get drunk and then to let you two home where you can enjoy the rest of your evening in each other's company, does that sound good?" Kaitlin asked both Zoë and Horatio with a grin. Zoë giggled but Horatio looked down in a little bit of embarrassment. "Relax Horatio, it's just sex. You must be used to talking about it now that you're married to my Zoë." Kaitlin grinned and Horatio looked up at her.
"I'd much rather perform the act with her rather than discuss it." Horatio said with a straight face. Zoë immediately began to laugh while Kaitlin and James sat there in a little bit of embarrassment themselves. He looked down and allowed his boyish smile to develop.
"You've got a lot to learn about my Horatio, Kate. He's a right laugh." Zoë grinned as she placed her hand on Horatio's thigh.
"You're just like Zoë, you can both say things with such a straight face!" Kaitlin grinned and they both nodded. 'Horatio's actually comfortable with Kaitlin? I thought it was going to have to take a few more meetings for him to even look at her when she mentioned sex.' Zoë thought to herself as she looked over to Horatio with a dreamy smile.
"Okay, I can see you two would rather get home sooner rather than later, so shall we throw the bouquet now?" Kaitlin asked as she downed the last half of her wine glass. Zoë looked over to her with a cheeky smile and then nodded. She got up and picked up the smaller bouquet of lilac flowers. Kaitlin quickly announced that all the woman had to make their way to the main floor. Zoë turned around and then launched the bouquet into the air behind her and quickly turned to see where it would land. Her eyes fell to Kaitlin who'd caught the bouquet and stood there, looking shocked. Zoë squealed and rushed over to her and wrapped her arms around her. She then turned and winked at James who chuckled and got up. He strolled over to them with a smile.
"Well, I think a glass of champagne is needed, don't you?" James asked warmly and both Zoë and Kaitlin nodded up at him with cheeky smiles. "I'll be back ladies." He said smoothly before he walked off elegantly. Zoë and Kaitlin turned to each other and squealed as they took each other's hands.
"You're next, I know it!" Zoë grinned at her and she nodded as they made their way back to the table where Horatio was sat with Joe, Eric, Walter and Nathan as they'd all pulled seats up to the table. James returned with a tray of champagne filled glasses and then handed them out. Kaitlin then got up and dragged Zoë, Horatio and Eric up to the stage so they could all make their speeches. Once done she took Horatio's glass and Zoë's glass from them as music began to play as the lights dimmed. Zoë turned to Horatio with a shy expression as her nerves kicked in again.
"Come on, I'd love a dance with my beautiful wife." Horatio smiled gently as he whispered in her ear. She looked back up at him and bit her lip as she took hold of his hand and glanced over to Joe, Eric and Kaitlin who watched them intensely, wanting them to get up and have the first dance. "You'll be perfect, I just want to dance with my wife." Horatio smiled softly and she nodded as they slowly made their way over to the dance floor. The guests could clearly see that Zoë was a little uncomfortable, but applauded her for taking the plunge. Joe stood at the side with his glass and raised his eyebrows as he watched Zoë take hold of Horatio as he placed a hand on her waist.
"Who taught her to dance?" Joe asked Kaitlin quietly as they both watched Horatio and Zoë as they began to move.
"I don't know, she's not said anything about it. I just wanted to see what she'd do so I threw her in at the deep end and now she's surprising us!" Kaitlin grinned as Zoë and Horatio moved closer and placed their heads together as they let the music take them away.
"See, you're pulling this dance off like a pro." Horatio whispered with a secret smile.
"I must have had a teacher that's pretty pro himself then." She whispered back as she lightly placed her head on his shoulder and felt his body move with hers in time. Horatio lightly chuckled. "My life is so perfect right now, thank you Horatio." She said quietly and he couldn't help but smile.
"The same here sweetheart, my life is perfect. Thank you Zoë-Mae Caine." He said sincerely as they heard other couples begin to join on the dance floor.
"Say my name again please?" She asked with a wide smile.
"Zoë-Mae Caine." Horatio repeated huskily and she felt her insides quiver.
"You saying that actually really turns me on." She whispered and then felt a light chuckle escape his throat. "You better get ready, I think Kaitlin is about to take you away from me, that unless Joe wants to dance with you." She grinned with a light giggle and then felt him chuckle lightly again as he turned his head to look over to Kaitlin and Joe making their way over to them. They split apart as Joe and Kaitlin reached them.
"May I have this dance please?" Joe asked Zoë warmly and she nodded before she quickly gave Horatio a light kiss on the lips before taking Joe's hand. Horatio's eyes turned to Kaitlin as he held his hand out to her. He watched the same cheeky grin appear across her face that Zoë has as she took his hand.
"So, are you the one who taught our Zoë to dance?" Kaitlin asked warmly and Horatio nodded as he gave her his secret smile. "Well done you, I didn't expect her to properly dance at all. No-one could ever teach her this type of dance. She's one lucky woman." Kaitlin smiled warmly as she moved with Horatio.
"I think you'll find that I'm one lucky man." Horatio said wittily with his secret smile growing. Kaitlin's smile grew and he could see that she was beginning to accept him a lot more. He knew that he needed to earn the love and trust of both Joe and Kaitlin as they were practically Zoë's family and he could see that he was winning Kaitlin over very rapidly. He was already at a comfortable relationship with Joe so he knew that he was going to be welcomed into their relationship well.
"My, you can move well." Kaitlin said a little shocked.
"It comes naturally." Horatio replied softly.
"Well, from what Zoë's said, you're a natural at pretty much everything, like she is." Kaitlin grinned up at him and he chuckled.
"I think you'll find that she's the ultimate natural at everything." Horatio replied softly and Kaitlin giggled lightly as she nodded, agreeing with Horatio. "Anyway, I believe that James would like to take your hand." Horatio said warmly as he lightly spun Kaitlin around to see James standing to the side of them with a gentle smile on his face.
"Thank you Horatio." Kaitlin beamed as she let go of his gentle hand and took James's. Horatio warmly smiled at the both of them before he glanced over to Zoë and Joe and then began to make his way off the dance floor. He felt someone take his hand and turned around to see Zoë beaming up at him.
"Where do you think you're going, mister?" She grinned at him and then saw his boyish grin form. She pulled him back to the middle of the dance floor and took hold of him while she grinned dreamily up at him. "I can't believe you're my husband, finally! I've been waiting for this day for so long and it's finally here." She said quietly as she placed her head back on his shoulder.
"I have too sweetheart, I didn't want to ask you too soon though, I thought I may have scared you away." Horatio said honestly as he moved his hand from her waist to her back and pulled her closer.
"You should have proposed the first time we kissed at mine." She giggled lightly.
"I agree." Horatio replied warmly as he lightly rubbed his cheek against her ear.
"Your touch is so magical, even now." She said quietly as she felt his hand move about her lower back.
"So is your touch, I still feel that immense feeling every time we kiss just like the first time." Horatio whispered to her and then felt her hold him closer. "Right, I believe Nathan wants to take your hand now." Horatio whispered softly as he pulled back and looked over to Nathan. She smiled softly and nodded. Nathan took her hand as Horatio walked back over to the seating area where Joe, Eric, Walter and James were all sat.
"Congratulations on teaching Zoë to dance, it was the only thing that she couldn't grasp." Joe smiled at Horatio and Horatio gave him his secret smile while he nodded and rested his feet in the new shoes.
"Zoë can dance, I've seen her crack out a few moves in the break room when making tea." Eric chuckled warmly and both Joe and Horatio looked over to him.
"She can dance, just not this sort of dance." Horatio informed Eric lightly and Eric nodded as he looked back over to the dance floor to see people mingling. Horatio watched plenty of other people take Zoë's hand to dance with her, she even danced with Frank.
"You'll love this. I bet she's not told you about this, Horatio." Joe said as he got up and strolled over to the DJ to speak with him. Joe then strolled back with a wide boyish grin on his face and sat next to Horatio.
"James, I believe you know what is about to happen." Joe smiled warmly as he sat back and watched the dance floor. Horatio looked from Joe to James and then to the dance floor as they sat back and made themselves comfortable.
"Do you have any idea about what is about to happen, should I be worried?" Eric questioned Horatio quietly but Horatio shrugged.
"Not a clue, brother." Horatio replied as his eyes rested on Zoë who danced with Nathan. The song was just coming to an end when another upbeat song came alive.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I've been assured that the Bride and Maid of Honour have this dance perfected down to a tee." The DJ announced and the dance floor quickly cleared to have Zoë and Kaitlin standing there. Joe began to chuckle as they turned to him.
"I'm going to kill you." Both of them shouted at him playfully as "Hey Ya!" by Outkast began to blurt out loudly. Horatio sat back with a boyish grin appearing as he watched Kaitlin and Zoë move into a position opposite each other. Nathan came to sit back down next to Joe with a smile.
"They made up this dance when they were 14 and swore to perform the dance whenever it was played and they were both around." Joe informed Horatio, Eric, Nathan and Walter with a grin as he watched Zoë and Kaitlin beginning to perform a complex routine with very wide grins on their faces. Horatio toned his smile down to his secret smile when he saw Zoë run her hands down her body in a sexy manner. He couldn't take his eyes off her while she and Kaitlin kept in time as people began to cheer and clap them along. Horatio could see the carefree and absolutely ecstatic smile on Zoë's face and could see she really was having the time of her life. He pressed his lips together when Kaitlin and Zoë turned to have their backs to them as they raised their arms above their head and looked to each other. They crossed their forearms to create an 'X' as they began to rapidly shake their asses.
"We are two lucky men, Horatio." James said breathlessly as his eyes rested on Kaitlin's ass. Horatio's were glued to Zoë's ass. 'I didn't know she could shake her bum like that. There's still things I am learning about her and I can't wait to find out the rest. Even if it's bad. She may be complex, but she's truly amazing and perfect.' Horatio thought to himself while Zoë stopped shaking her bum and caught Kaitlin as she jumped into Zoë's arms at the end of the song. Zoë and Kaitlin grinned at each other and Zoë then released her.
"A round of applause to Zoë and Kaitlin for that spectacular performance." The DJ grinned as Zoë made her way over to him while everyone clapped and cheered.
"Please excuse Kaitlin and I while we take Joseph out the back and show him what police brutality means. I think you all deserve and apology and an explanation for that. Kaitlin and I made up that routine when we were 14 and swore to dance it whenever that song came on. So I'm sorry you had to witness that." Zoë said down the microphone once the DJ handed it to her. A loud chuckle radiated throughout the room as they all clapped. Zoë handed the microphone back to the DJ and walked over to the group of men while Kaitlin perched on James's thighs. Music began to play again and people got up again to dance after getting more drinks from the bar. Zoë walked back to the table after being caught by a few guests and having a casual conversation with them. She got up to walk back to the table when she was approached by Adam, Joe's father.
"Zoë darling." He called as he walked over to her. She turned to him with a natural smile.
"Adam, how are you doing? Are you enjoying yourself?" She asked warmly.
"I've had a brilliant day, thank you Zoë. I hope you've enjoyed it too, you look like you're having the time of your life." Adam said warmly and she nodded.
"It's been the best day of my life." She grinned and Adam nodded with a genuinely happy smile.
"That's great, Zoë. It's good to see you so happy, you deserve it darling." He smiled warmly and she smiled at him again as she nodded and glanced down, trying to push her overwhelming emotions back, she was so happy that she felt like she was going to cry again. "Anyway, I have to be off, I'm sorry to leave early but today has been wonderful and I hope we can catch up very soon." Adam said warmly as he placed his hand on Zoë's upper arm and she nodded.
"It's been amazing to see you again, Adam. We'll definitely see you around and you'll have to come over for dinner at some point. I know you're a very busy man though. But it would be nice to have you over with Joe, he's over probably at least once a week. I think it's the only decent meal he gets, bless him." Zoë grinned at him and he lightly chuckled as he nodded.
"That sounds great, we'll arrange something very soon then. Another congratulations to you and Horatio, I wish you both a long happy life together. Have a wonderful day, I'll see you soon." Adam said warmly as he stepped forwards and kissed her cheek. She kissed his back and them embraced him in a warm hug.
"Thank you Adam, have a lovely evening yourself." Zoë said warmly as she pulled back and smiled naturally at him. She then linked arms with him and walked over to the table where Horatio was sat.
"Thank you for a lovely day, Horatio. I must be off. Congratulations to you both, you're both always welcome around mine, I've got a few dinner parties already planned in fact and you're both invited to each one, as are you, Joe." Adam said warmly and Horatio nodded.
"Thank you, Adam." Horatio said warmly as he stood and shook Adam's hand before sitting back down. Adam then gave the rest of the men a nod and gave Joe a gentle smile. Zoë bent over as she placed a delicate hand under Horatio's chin to lift his head. Her lips found his as she lightly pecked at his lips. He responded with a kiss back.
"You're so handsome." She grinned at him as she pulled back and he flushed a light shade of red. "If you continue to shy away whenever I tell you that you're handsome in front of everyone, I'll announce it on the microphone." She whispered with a grin and then released his chin. He glanced down with his boyish grin developing before he quickly placed another kiss on her lips. It was the first time anyone had really seen them kiss, everyone was really happy to see them finally showing their love properly in public. She then moved over to Eric and took the glass from him before she placed it on the table.
"I need my dance with you now, you're not getting away with it so easily." She grinned at him as she pulled him up. Zoë turned while she held Eric's hand tightly. Eric glanced back to Horatio with a sarcastic 'help me' expression which caused Horatio to chuckle as he watched Zoë take charge and begin to dance with Eric. Frank quickly took Eric's seat and gave Horatio a small smile while he sat.
"Where does she get her energy from?" Joe questioned softly while he and Horatio watched Zoë energetically dance with Eric who looked exhausted.
"I regularly ask the same question." Horatio said as he looked over to Joe with a boyish grin.
"Horatio, I've never seen her this happy, well not since our teenage years anyway." Joe smiled as he watched Zoë dance with Eric. It was very clear to everyone just how much Joe cared for Zoë, only Horatio had an idea of how close they were, but now others were beginning to find out. Eric then walked away as Kaitlin claimed Zoë and Joe chuckled as she watched them dance together.
"Kaitlin has been itching to dance properly with her all evening. They are two of a kind." Joe smiled and Horatio chuckled along with James. Zoë then walked over to them and sat between Joe and Horatio with a smile as she placed her hand on Horatio's thigh.
"I'm going to sleep well tonight, I tell you." She smiled as she looked round to them all. Horatio grinned at her and she grinned back and stifled a giggle and bit her lip. 'He doesn't plan on getting very much sleep at all.' She thought to herself as she began to giggle more when she saw the glimmer in his eyes. She then looked down to the floor and tried to tone her grin down because people would ask questions and she knew she'd had just enough champagne to tell them the truth.
"Eric, did you bring that bag I gave you yesterday?" Zoë questioned warmly once she had composed herself and looked to Eric on the other side of Horatio. He nodded and then handed it to her after pulling it from under the table. She quickly pulled a pair of her converse out and then pulled them on after swapping them with her heels.
"Sorry, my feet are hurting, it's not like you can't see them anyway." Zoë grinned and then threw the bag back under the table.
"I half suspected that you had them on already anyway." Horatio said softly and she giggled as she slid her hand up his thigh and then back down again. Everyone got in a few more dances before the time came to start the clean up.
Once it was over, everyone thanked and congratulated Horatio and Zoë. Most of the guests left, leaving Alexx and her family, the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. They tided a little and got the gifts and things into a car to be taken home.
"Boys" Zoë called softly and both of Alexx's sons quickly walked over to her as Alexx helped tidy the rest of the venue. Zoë smiled naturally down at both boys while they stood beside the candy table. "If you go and ask the bar men for some bags, you can help yourselves to these sweets, don't tell your mother I said that though." Zoë smiled warmly and then watched both of their smiles double as both jumped on the spot and punched the air with excitement.
"Thank you Mrs Caine!" They grinned before they ran over to the bar. Zoë chuckled as she turned to Horatio and bit her lip when she saw him standing there with his hands on his hips with a boyish smile.
"Alexx will flip…" Horatio said softly as he tilted his head at her.
"I know… but you aren't going to eat all of that and I certainly can't on my own." Zoë said softly.
"Are you sure about that?" Horatio asked and she laughed loudly as she shook her head at him and swatted his arm playfully.
"Stop being cheeky." She grinned at him and then kissed him with a grin once she'd stepped closer to him. She broke when her phone began to ring, she looked down and answered it when she saw that it was the lab calling her.
"Detective Caine." She grinned as she looked down while Horatio stood tall and listened to the one sided conversation.
"You've found out who he is? Who is he? Who's he working with?" Zoë questioned as he grin disappeared and Horatio stepped closer to her again as he lowered his head to try and listen to the other person on the phone.
"What? He was working with Mason Owen? How?" Zoë questioned as she looked up at Horatio with a frown as she took hold of his hand.
"But Mason isn't allowed visitors, he was restricted after he escaped. How did they communicate?" Zoë questioned firmly.
"He has been given his visitor privileges back? You've got to be joking me?" Zoë questioned as she looked up at Horatio, he could see that she was fuming and also felt annoyed and even a little angry himself.
"Yes, well I don't think he deserves those privileges back and today has just proved that. I was nearly injured on my wedding day because that bastard was allowed visitors again." Zoë growled down the phone before Horatio raised a hand to the opposite side of her head to the phone and began to lightly skim his knuckles over her cheek in an effort to calm her.
"Sort it out, punish him. I will check when we're back from our honeymoon and if he's not been punished, I will administer the punishment myself." Zoë said bitterly before she hung up. She exhaled heavily as she looked up at him.
"That fucking bastard Horatio... I should have shot him the first time I caught him." She growled as she looked up at him.
"Calm down sweetheart. He'll be punished, Eric will see to that when we're away. Don't worry, calm down and just enjoy the day. Don't let him ruin it." Horatio said warmly as he stroked her cheek more. She nodded and then softened her eyes as she gently pulled him down and placed another kiss on his lips. She smiled sweetly at him as she took a few more deep breaths before they parted ways to continue the tidy up. Horatio had a few words with Eric and informed him of the situation, he said that he'd take care of it when he went back to work the next day. Horatio and Zoe left and went home after saying proper goodbyes to their close friends and they all wished both Horatio and Zoë a great holiday. They returned home and spent a magical evening together.
Their alarm woke them at 4am and Zoë sprang out of bed and then straddled Horatio excitedly. He blinked rapidly and then looked up at Zoë as she grinned widely at him and placed her hands on his bare chest.
"I think we have something planned for today, don't we?" She asked softly as she bent down a little and held his eyes with hers.
"I think so, I can't quite remember what it is though, would you care to remind me again?" Horatio grinned up at her and she giggled as she leant down more and placed an amorous kiss on his lips as he placed his hands on her waist. He pulled her top up slightly and felt her silky smooth skin unwrap beneath his tender touch.
"I think we've got a flight to the Seychelles, I'll have to check though." She smiled as she nuzzled his nose and he chuckled with a smile. They both gazed into each other's eyes for a moment while they felt the morning buzz they got whenever they woke up next to each other. That mornings buzz seemed to me stronger than any other morning though; it felt like a bolt of electricity had shot through them and given them extra sparks. "You know, it felt fantastic to wake up next to my husband." She grinned at him while she continued to nuzzle his perfect nose.
"It felt even better to wake up to my wife straddling me after a lot of straddling last night." He grinned at her with a boyish grin and a cheeky wink.
"Come on, shower and then off to the airport, where I think we take off for our honeymoon." She grinned as she kissed him one last time and then got up off him and walked into the en-suite. His secret smile formed when he watched her walk into the en-suite in her shorts and top, his eyes mainly focused on her toned ass. Horatio groaned as he sat up and felt his muscles still aching from the night before. 'I hurt more after last night than I would after 2 hours of constant running.' He thought to himself as he groaned once more while he got up and walked into the wardrobe to pick up a towel and then strolled into the en-suite to join Zoë.