Disclaimer: I do not own CSI:Miami in any shape or form – so no sue me – all you will get is my crappy car. I only own Lexi Morgan, and all my other OC's.
a/n: Hey Major Fluff again – this time for Jag Lady's reading pleasure, and I truly appreciate all the reviews that I have received on the latest chapters. I apologize for not responding to the latest reviews – RL has been kind crazy since I got back from my vacation….so now it's time to read the epilogue…enjoy…Laplandgurl….
Chapter 10 – Epilogue
Eighteen months later, Horatio was walking around Lexi's hospital room, his attention focused on the tiny infant cradled in his arms; not seeing the flower arrangements crammed on the window sill amongst the plush lions, tigers and teddy bears oh my. Looking over at Lexi who was sleeping, exhausted from the difficult delivery, and continued to reflect over the past eighteen months.
Their wedding was a small and intimate church wedding, Nat being Lexi's only attendant and Frank Tripp tickled pink ever since Horatio had asked him to be the best man. Lexi walking down the aisle alone, dressed in her mom's wedding dress; an old fashion satin and lace gown – tinged yellow with age and a simple head band with a small veil. Looking like a porcelain china doll with her pale complexion, lightly flushed pink and her medium length black hair, swept back from her face; meeting Horatio halfway up the aisle – together walking the remainder of the way to stand before the priest. Hearing the age-old words, pledging their love for each other, exchanging simple gold bands, both teary-eyed as the priest declared them husband and wife. Hearing cat-calls from their family and friends as they continued to kiss.
Settling into their new house together, located in the same neighborhood, they had sold their condos – using the money to have their dream house built to their specifications with a section specially designed for Izelda and Rita. Both women deciding to relocate to Miami to closer to Lexi and Horatio, who welcomed them with open arms.
Gazing down at the sleeping baby, Horatio fondly recalled how excited everyone was when they announced Lexi's pregnancy with Alexx insisting on keeping a close eye on Lexi as the pregnancy progressed, along with their OB/GYN of course. Lexi had been plagued with morning sickness during the first trimester and having to be hospitalized several times due to dehydration and weight loss. The remainder of her pregnancy went fairly smoothly once she entered her second trimester and eating like there was no end in sight. Her contractions starting while she was visiting Horatio and everyone else in the lab, her water breaking in reception; getting IAB Rick Stetler's shoes wet in the process – much to his disgust and screaming that she had ruined a pair of two hundred dollar shoes. Lexi simply snarled – Bite Me, before screaming for Horatio. The wild ride to the hospital in the Hummer with Calleigh driving like a madwoman; their ears ringing with Lexi's screams and curses that Horatio was not going to be touching her again by damn. Finally, finally, after a long twenty plus hours of labour, their 6 lb, 8 oz baby emerged into the world, screaming; proving that their angel had a set of lungs. Horatio hugging Lexi with tears of joy in his blue eyes, kissing his wife and now the mother of his child.
"Hey papi," a soft whisper caught Horatio's attention, turning he saw that Lexi was awake.
"Hey mama Pixie," Horatio said, smiling. "How are you feeling?"
"Umm, sore and a little tired," Lexi groaned, pressing the button to raise the head of the bed. "Where is mama and Aunt Rita?"
"They went to get some coffee and to give you a chance to rest," Horatio's attention was diverted by a soft cry from their baby and it's scrunched up face.
"Sounds like someone is ready for their first meal," Lexi chuckled softly as she unbuttoned her nightdress, with Horatio placing the tiny baby in her waiting arms. Then Horatio settled on the side of the bed to watch as their little angel suckled at her breast.
Lexi was buttoning up her nightdress as Horatio was rubbing the baby's back when there was a gentle knock on the door and Izelda poked her head around the door. "Hey, I've got some people out here, who are chomping on the bit to do some visiting. Is it okay?"
Lexi smiled, nodding. "Sure mama, its okay."
Izelda opened the door wide and Alexx, Calleigh, Eric, Nat, Ryan, Frank poured into the room with Izelda and Aunt Rita bringing up the rear.
"Oh, she is just precious," Alexx crooned; as Horatio placed his daughter into Alexx's waiting arms. Everyone crowded around to get a look at the new arrival.
"So what is this little darling's name?" Calleigh asked.
"Horatio, would you like to introduce our angel?" Lexi asked, smiling up at Horatio who was sitting on the bed next to her.
"Pixie and I would like you to meet our daughter 'Zara Izelda Caine'," Horatio proudly announced.
"Welcome 'Zara Izelda Caine', welcome to the rest of your life," Calleigh said softly to the baby that she was now happily holding. Looking up at the proud parents, she asked. "I understand where Izelda came from, but Zara?"
"Zara is Spanish for Sara," Eric explained.
"And Sara was my mother's name," Horatio said completing the explanation, watching as everyone took turns oohing and ahhing over the baby and holding baby Zara.
"So Eric, what do you think of your new niece?" Horatio asked quietly amongst the quiet chaos.
"H, she is simply beautiful," Eric replied looking at his boss, brother-in-law and friend. "I know that Marisol would be so happy for you and Bug. I truly believe that she sent this little angel directly to you and Bug, knowing that you would be the perfect parents."
"Thank you Eric," Horatio was deeply moved by Eric's words.
Meanwhile Lexi was also having a quiet conversation with Nat while Calleigh and Alexx were teasing Ryan about being scared to hold baby Zara.
"Oh Bug, she is so beautiful," Nat smiled as she placed a box of Go diva chocolates on Lexi's bed and giving her a hug.
"Thank you and thanks for the chocolates. You truly know the way to a girl's heart," Lexi snickered. "Nat, Horatio and I were wondering if you would like to be Zara's godmother?"
"Oh Bug, I would truly be honored to be Zara's godmother. Thank you for the privilege."
Eventually Alexx and Izelda noticed that Lexi was getting sleepy again, so they started chivying everyone out, leaving Horatio and Lexi in peace with baby Zara, surrounded by chocolates, flowers and stuffed animals.
Baby 'Zara Izelda Caine' – 6lbs, 8ozs.
Parents: Horatio Caine and Lexi (Morgan) Caine.
The end or is it?...
a/n: So this brings Pixie to a close….so what did you all think of the ending? I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing, and I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I have writing it….happy reading….