Another Disclaimer: I do not own any of the members of the band Rilo Kiley. :)

Four months had passed since Horatio and Calleigh officially started dating. Although the entire crime lab knew, they kept it on the down low to keep Rick away.

During those four months, Calleigh was happier than she had been in years. Horatio was the perfect boyfriend, always there when she needed him. Horatio, on the other hand, was even happier. He never knew anyone with a sunnier personality who could smile as much as she could. He loved the fact that she loved the little things that he did for her, such as giving her a single red rose every day since his revelation of his feelings for her. He loved the way she ran her fingers through his hair, the way she would rest her head on his shoulder when they were sitting on the couch or watching a movie. He loved everything about her and he knew that she loved everything about him. Lately he had been pondering the future and was absolutely certain that he wanted her in it.

One day, Horatio called Ryan into his office.

"Ryan, please shut the door," Horatio said sternly.

Ryan was worried. "What's going on, H?"

"I need to talk to you...about Calleigh."

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes...I...want to marry her."

A big smile appeared on Ryan's face as he ran over to hug Horatio. "That's awesome...I'm so happy for you."

"Is it too soon to ask her?"

"I don't think so. Do you feel like you're at that stage in your relationship?"

"I think so. The question is: does Calleigh think so as well?"

"Well, I guess the only thing to do right now is ask her."

"There is another thing I can do to find out...ask her father for her hand in marriage."

"Good luck with that, although Calleigh's dad seems like he would be cool with it."

"I'm certain of it."

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"Lieutenant Caine," Kenwall Duquesne said as he sat down at the table where Horatio sat at a patio cafe.

"Mr. Duquesne, good to see you," Horatio said, offering his hand which Mr. Duquesne took in a handshake.

"So, what do you have for me?"

"Actually, this is a personal matter. You know that Calleigh and I have been...seeing each other for four months now. Well, I would like to ask of you today...for her hand in marriage. I feel that I have made her very happy and I wish to do so for many years to come."

Mr. Duquesne smiled. "Horatio, when I first found out that you were dating my daughter, I was at first skeptical because not only you were many years older than she but also that it seemed at the time an unlikely pairing. Your four month anniversary is a testament to your compatibility to my daughter and how much you care for and love her; therefore I grant you permission to wed my daughter."

Horatio's smile brightened exponentially as he once again shook Mr. Duquesne's hand. "Thank you so much, sir. This means so much to me."

"I know that you'll do everything you can to make Calleigh happy. You remind me of myself when I was courting Calleigh's mother. I can foresee you sharing many great years with my daughter and I can't see anyone more worthy of that than you."

"Thank you, Mr. Duquesne..."

"...uh, you can call me Duke, Horatio..."

"...sorry, uh..Duke...thank you so much. That really means a lot."

----------

Horatio was beaming when he returned to the crime lab, a clear indication to Ryan that things had gone great with Calleigh's father.

"I take it that he said yes," Ryan said as Horatio approached him.

"Mmm hmm," Horatio said with the widest grin that Ryan had ever seen from Horatio.

Ryan cheered inside.

"So, when are you going to pop the question?"

"Well, I purchased two tickets to the Rilo Kiley concert for Friday night, so I'm going to pull some strings and surprise her there."
"No way! I have tickets for that show too! This is so exciting. I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks pal," Horatio said.

"Better watch your tongue, she's coming," Ryan said as Calleigh found the two standing in the hallway.

"What are you two gentlemen doing?"

"Oh...just talking about the Mendez case," Horatio said.

"Well, the striations match from the gun that we found to the bullet found in the vic. Just thought you'd like to know."

"Thanks Cal," Horatio said. "Hey, come by my place after work. I have a surprise for you."

"Oooh, can't wait," Calleigh said as she walked away.

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"Hi," Calleigh said as Horatio answered his door.

"Hi. Please, come in."

"So, what do you have for me?"

"Close your eyes."

Calleigh laughed as she closed them. "You're too good to me."

Horatio placed a red rose with the tickets tied to them in her hand. When Calleigh saw what they were, she squealed with joy.

"Oh my god, Rilo Kiley! Thank you so much, Horatio." She kissed him on the cheek.

"Anything for the most beautiful girl in the world."

----------

Friday night could not come any quicker for Horatio. He had picked out the perfect ring for Calleigh and had his surprise figured out. It took a lot of convincing on Horatio's part to do what he wanted to do but he finally got the promotion company to concede and Horatio even got to talk to the lead singer of the band, about what he wanted to do over the phone. She was more than willing to help Horatio get the girl for good. When he and Calleigh finally arrived at the venue, his heart started to race.

This is it, he told himself. I hope she says yes.

"Hey guys!" Ryan yelled as the two were walking in.

"Ryan, hey!" Calleigh said, surprised. "I didn't know you liked Rilo Kiley."

"Are you kidding? I love them!"

"Well then, looks like this will be a good evening."

"Yes it will," Horatio said, grinning at Ryan.

As Horatio had hoped, the concert was incredible and Calleigh was clearly enjoying it. At times he would sneak his hand into hers and she would gladly accept it, which seemed a good sign to Horatio as he hoped he would have hers for eternity by the end of the night.

As was planned by Horatio and the band, the final song of the evening would be the song that made Horatio realise that Calleigh loved him in the first place: 'Does He Love You?' As the song opened, Calleigh leaned over and stated the obvious.

"I used to wonder the same thing."

"Well, now you know. I'm going to get a drink. Would you like anything?"

"No I'm fine."

Horatio headed over to the bar to keep his alibi, but once he knew that Calleigh wasn't looking, he headed toward the exit and went around toward the back of the venue. He wielded the backstage pass granted him by the band themselves and headed toward the stage. All of the backstage hands knew of Horatio's plans and patted his back as he passed by offering their good-lucks. He anxiously waited for his cue: when the singer would croon:

He would never leave you for me

Once she had finished singing it, Horatio strolled onto the stage, much to Calleigh's shock.

Horatio walked over to the singer as she proclaimed to the crowd:

"This is Horatio, everyone. He has something to say to a very special someone. Horatio, it's all you, man."

"Calleigh," Horatio said into the microphone, "could you come up here, please?"

"Ryan, do you know anything about this?"

"Nope," he said in a smile that gave him away.

Calleigh walked to the stage and was helped up by Horatio.

"Calleigh, you were taking me to your place from the hospital when we first heard this song together. I used to wonder if you thought about me when you listened to this song, but now I know you do." He gently grabbed her arms. "You used to ask yourself if he loves you, and now you know."

Horatio got down on one knee, bringing tears to Calleigh's eyes and evoking an eruption of cheers from the audience.

"Calleigh Duquesne, will you marry me?"

Calleigh sobbed. "Of course!" The cheers from the audience intensified as Calleigh was presented the ring. Horatio put the ring on her finger and proceeded to take her in his arms.

Calleigh could not control her crying. "I...I...love you...Horatio."

"It's okay, Calleigh...it's okay," Horatio said, rubbing her back. "I love you...so much."

Fin

Our story does not end here. Look for the sequel, 'Becoming Mrs. Caine', coming soon!!!