A/N: See intro for the standard stuff. Please R & R.
As they got out of the car, a woman a few cars down waved. Annabel and Rochelle waved back. Rochelle hooked her arm into Annabel's and pulled her along in front of the men. Marc shook his head at the pair.
"And so it starts." He glanced over at Horatio. "You'll be lucky if they sit down long enough to eat dinner. It's the same with every wedding, or graduation, or reunion, or other family event. The female cousins all travel around in small packs, leaving their husbands to occupy themselves."
Horatio watched as Annabel glanced over her shoulder and mouthed 'Sorry.' He smiled and nodded at her. "I don't really mind. This is Annabel's family. And if it..."
"Takes her mind off this morning? They'll work hard at that. I have no doubt that the whole family knows what you two went through. They'll take care of her. She'll be fine. At least for tonight."
"Annabel doesn't want a lot of attention." Horatio shook his head. "She's going to hate it if everyone hovers over her." Horatio moved to catch up with Annabel.
"Don't bother. She'll be fine. You won't get within ten feet of her in a moment. Your engagement will be the news of the night."
Horatio shook his head. "Annabel..."
"I know. Will hate this. She's also used to it. It's all part of having a family the size of a small village. Do you know there are over 400 people coming to this wedding? Glad I'm not Walt." Two women joined Annabel and Rochelle. Rochelle said something; the cousins squealed and grabbed Annabel's hand. "See. You'll have to wait until she's delivered to your pew." Horatio and Marc watched Annabel give a hug to an elderly man seated in a wheelchair. She looked up and caught Horatio's attention. "Oh, yea. I forgot. You have to get the okay from the old man. See ya." Marc peeled off and headed into the church. Horatio walked over to where Annabel was holding out her hand. She smiled up at him and then looked at her grandfather.
"Granddad. This is Horatio Caine, my fiancé. Horatio, this is my granddad, Ned McGinty."
Horatio held his hand out to shake the older man's hand. "Good to meet you, sir."
"So, you thought you could just ask our Annie to marry you without checking with me first?" Horatio looked confused and started to open his mouth. He looked at Anabel. She just rolled her eyes. Ned grinned and gave Horatio's hand a firm shake. "Just pulling your leg, Horatio. Annie has a mind of her own. I wouldn't have changed it anyhow. Glad to finally meet you. And I'm glad that our Annie has found someone to put up with her. And a policeman too, no less." Ned glanced up at Annabel and they both grinned at each other. Horatio saw where Annabel's dimples and shining eyes came from.
"Careful, Granddad," warned Annabel.
"Annie, you know if your grandmother was still here, she'd agree with me." Ned looked back at Horatio. "My Katie would have given you some good advice on how to handle a McGinty. We're not an easy lot to get along with." He looked back at Annabel. "Annie especially."
Annabel struck a stubborn pose. "Breeding will tell, Granddad. You quit trying to scare, Horatio."
"I just want to make sure he knows what he's getting into."
"I think he's well aware of what I'm like."
"Believe me, sir. Annabel doesn't pull any punches."
Annabel looked up at Horatio her mouth open. She snapped it shut and planted her fists on her hips. "Oh, thank you for your support. I have got to keep you away from my family. You get as bad as they are."
Horatio just smiled. "Can't take what you dish out, Bella?"
Ned guffawed. "He'll do just fine, Annie."
A man called from the top of the step. "Da? We're going to take a few pictures before the ceremony."
Ned put his hands on the wheels of his chair. "Well, duty calls."
Annabel stepped behind the chair. "I take you up, Granddad."
"I get around just fine, Annie."
"I know you do, but I'm pushing you anyway."
"I see nothing has changed with you," teased Ned.
"Watch it or I'll push you in front of a truck, Granddad."
"Not with so many witnesses you wouldn't."
Annabel tilted her head. "I could find a whole crew for the trial right here. It would make things easier. We wouldn't even have to bug the state." Annabel turned him around and started for the wheelchair ramp.
Ned glanced over his shoulder at Horatio. "You're sure you want to put up with this girl?"
"I wouldn't change a thing about her, sir."
"You couldn't if you wanted to," replied Ned.
"Okay. I am definitely not letting you to talk to each other anymore." Annabel looked back at Horatio. "I'll deal with you later."
"Promises, promises," teased Horatio. Annabel blushed slightly, turned and shook her head. Horatio trailed her with his gaze as Annabel wheeled her granddad up the ramp to the waiting phalanx of men in suits. Horatio studied them. It was easy to pick out Father Jack in his vestments and Maura was the only aunt, but the rest just blended together. The one who had called out took over steering granddad from Annabel. She caught Horatio's eye and started back down to him, but was waylaid by some other cousin. She gave an apologetic wave and was swallowed by the crowd.
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