Hey Everyone!

I am so so so sorry that it took me so long to get this chapter up! So much has happened in the past year, from my mom being declared cancer free, then my pc went out along with my laptop, and FINALS lol!

Now everything is getting back to normal and I will be posting more soon. This story is almost done...literally 3 more chapters!

Thanks to all my awesome readers for sticking with the story and being patient...you guys are awesome!

Sorry if I have any misspelled words or grammar errors...I am in search of a new beta reader at the moment.

Again, thanks for being patient and as always ENJOY :)!

Natalia drew a hot bath with some essential oils in it to soothe his aching muscles. She sighed and began thinking how in the world he always seemed to get himself into trouble. Her mind then wondered to if Ryan was gambling again, but she put that thought aside, praying that he wasn't. Ryan was sitting on her bed in pain as she hurried back to help him take his clothes off. He groaned as they removed his clothing and Natalia helped him to her bathroom. Ryan grabbed her hands before she helped him get out of his boxers.

"Ryan, what's going on? Are you okay?"

"I...um...you don't have to," Ryan sighed as he looked everywhere but her eyes.

Natalia laughed. "Oh my God...are you seriously doing this right now? We've already seen each other naked."

"Once...and we were drunk," Ryan sighed.

"You're kidding, right?" She asked looking at him with a shocked expression. When she saw he was being serious she shook her head and stepped back. "Okay, I'll um...go put your other clothes in the washer. Call me if you need me."

Ryan exhaled in relief. "Thank you."

After putting his clothes in the washer, she walked back to the bathroom and knocked on the door before entering. She held up a towel with her eyes closed, which made Ryan laugh. "I come in peace."

Ryan laughed and shook his head. "You probably think I'm being stupid,"

Natalia shook her head with her eyes still closed. "No, I understand...we were really drunk and tonight was supposed to be us being sober but..."

Ryan sighed. "Yeah...well thank you."

"You're welcome." Natalia smiled. "So, are you gonna come grab this towel or do I have to walk over to you?"

"Very funny...I'm walking to you." Ryan said standing up. After taking the towel from Natalia, he kissed her cheek before walking into the bathroom.

Throughout his bath, Natalia sat down by the door and talked with him to be sure he was fine. After his bath, Ryan dressed for bed as Natalia took her shower and they both got settled for bed. They laid together in bed on their backs holding hands, because of Ryan's injured body they figured it wasn't best to snuggle just yet.

Natalia sighed. "I'm glad you're okay."

Ryan smiled. "Me too."

Natalia hesitated before asking the question she'd been wanting to ask all night. "Do you...you want to talk about what happened or...or we could not?"

Ryan exhaled whilst taking his free hand to rub his forehead. "You know...it all happened so quickly. All I want to do is get in contact with Billy's dad as soon as possible. The last time this happened they went after Billy directly and I can't let that happen again."

Natalie sighed in relief knowing that it wasn't gambling. She stared at the ceiling for a good while before looking up at Ryan. "You need to let Horatio know, Ryan."

"H has enough on his mind," Ryan exhaled.

"No." Natalia cut him off whilst propping herself up on one of her elbows. "You always tried to go rogue...and I get it. You want to take responsibility for your actions...your own problems. But Horatio can help...we're a team and he's apart of that team. He's also someone who can help you the most...let alone trust the most."

He smiled looking at her. "I trust you,"

Natalia playfully rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean...and I trust you too."

Ryan nodded and thought about what she said. "Alright, I'll call H in the morning." He kissed her forehead and smiled. "Thanks."

"You can make it up to me later." Natalia grinned

Ryan smirked a naughty smirked. "Oh, I will Boa Vista...and it's going to blow your mind."

"Mmmm...I'm sure in your state right now...I can blow your mind." Natalia grinned. They both laughed and continued talking until they both fell asleep next to each other, still holding hands.

E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~

Marisol literally looked over every detail of the dinner table for what felt like the thousandth time that night. She was nervous, beyond nervous, that her step son was coming over for dinner. They had met for coffee once, but it was a very short visit. Tonight was the night where she, Horatio, and Kyle would sit down like a normal family having a family dinner. A pair of hands came to rest on her waist and she turned to see Horatio grinning at her. "Stop it." She said which made him laugh. He, however, has been finding her nervousness cute and funny. On the other hand, Marisol found it quite annoying that he found her nervousness to be funny. But she couldn't help but smile at him. She turned her body towards him and shook her head. "Yeah, laugh it up now...just wait until we have more kids and one of our daughters decides she wants to date...and you get to sit next to the boy who is making out with your daughter or maybe possibly doing other things we may not know about." Horatio stopped laughing and looked at her with serious expression which made her laugh. She patted his cheek. "You're welcome."

He grabbed her waist to keep her from moving away from him. "That...sweetheart...that was a cold move."

"Mmmm...maybe I'm a bit cold tonight." Marisol said whilst wrapping her arms around his neck.

Horatio smiled. "Maybe...maybe I should warm you up a bit."

Marisol giggled as he started kissing her neck. She gasped when the door bell rang and pushed him back. "Okay, um...we uh-"

Horatio grabbed her face and kissed her lips. "Relax okay...he likes you. I promise."

Marisol smiled and sighed in relief. "Okay...sorry I'm being crazy."

"Never apologize, sweetheart. I find it...very warming that you are putting this much...this much effort for our son."

Marisol eyes watered. "Our son...I love you, so much." They were about to kiss again but the door bell interrupted them. "We better get that."

Horatio chuckled. "Yeah, ready?"

"Ready."

They walked hand in hand to the door and there stood Kyle in his uniform smiling. "Hey dad, Marisol...it's good to see you guys."

"It's good to see you...welcome home." Horatio hugged his son and then stepped aside to let him in.

Kyle handed Marisol a bouquet of Lilies after walking in. "These are for you."

"Oh, Kyle...thank you so much. Welcome back." Marisol smiled. "I'll go put these in some water."

Horatio and Kyle took a seat in the living room to catch up with one another. "So, how does it feel to be back in America?"

"It feels great...there's literally no place like home."

Horatio chuckled. "Well...I'm glad you're back. How long are you staying?"

"Oh, you know the usual." Kyle said whilst breaking his eye contact from Horatio. Horatio has only known Kyle was his son for six years now, but he could definitely tell when he son was lying to him. He didn't get to push for more information because Marisol came back into the room with some wine.

"Okay boys, here are some refreshments while we wait. Dinner is almost ready...just a few more minutes...so Kyle, what are plans now that you're back home? Horatio has told me that you guys took up fishing a few years back. My father taught me and my siblings how to fish. Eric, my brother, loves doing it from time to time but I never could stand the smell. My other two sisters...let's just say it made them a little sick." Marisol chuckled.

Kyle laughed. "Yeah, it's not so bad once you get passed the smell. The first time dad and I went it was horrible, but then...then it was kind of soothing for me."

Marisol giggled. "Ewe...well I guess that's good." She looked over at Horatio and smiled. "You're being awfully quiet...tired?"

Kyle shifted in his seat and cleared his throat because he knew why Horatio was being quiet. "You mind if I use the restroom?"

Marisol shook her head no. "No, not at all...do you know where it's at?"

"Yeah, I got it...I'll be back." Kyle said before standing up and leaving the room.

Marisol turned to Horatio smiling. "So, I think this is going well...but don't be such party pooper. I don't mind if you jump in our conversations."

Horatio pursed his lips and nodded. "I know, sweetheart."

Marisol looked him over and knew something was off. "What's wrong?"

Horatio was about to tell her but shook his head instead. "Nothing,"

"Horatio...come on, tell me."

"Um...it's nothing really. I...I can tell he is not telling me something."

Marisol nodded slowly. "Oh, do you guys need some privacy?"

Horatio smiled. "No, I um...I'll let him slide tonight."

"Okay," She leaned in to kiss his lips. "Dinner should be ready...so, I'm going to go check on it. If you change your mind and want to talk to him now,"

"Thank you, sweetheart." He smiled.

Marisol nodded. "Okay, just tell me when you guys are ready."

Kyle came back in when Marisol left and she informed him that she was going to check on dinner. Kyle took the same seat that he had left and sighed knowing Horatio probably was going to bombard him with questions. "So, I know what you're going to ask me."

Horatio chuckled with raised eyebrows. "You bet I am...what's going on Kyle?"

"Dad...I didn't do anything okay?"

"Why don't...why don't you tell me what's going on."

"I just haven't been scheduled to go back...that's all." Kyle said.

"Kyle." Horatio said in a stern tone.

Kyle sighed. "Look dad...I don't know what you want me to say...it's not like I can ask my commander questions like...when do I come back...it's just complicated." Kyle stood up. "I'm done talking about this...you're wife seems really nice and I think I'm going to get to know my step mom better. So, excuse me."

Horatio shook his head with a clenched jaw. "This isn't over." He told Kyle before Kyle moved out the living room. Horatio watched as his son went into the kitchen and began to get worried. Kyle did have Horatio's compassion, but he also had his mother's temper. Horatio just prayed and hoped Kyle didn't mess up his life with the army, because it was his last chance at having a normal life after having a juvenile record.

E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~E/C~

Calleigh stood by her hospital window, smiling, rubbing her flat belly. Alexx had came in to inform her and Eric about two hours ago that the treatment seemed to be working. Which meant Calleigh was free to go home, but she was scheduled for another treatment the next following Monday. Calleigh was too excited to sleep and also a little bothered by how things ended with Jake. She and Jake always had odd conversations since she began dating Eric, but after he left Calleigh had a very uneasy feeling about something. She shook her head to clear her thoughts about Jake, because at that moment she wanted to focus on her little family to be. She was happily engaged to the man of her dreams, they were having a baby, Marisol was home, and she along with Eric got a promotion. Life couldn't be better for them and they both were hoping it stayed like that for the long haul. She smiled when she felt Eric wrap his arms around her to take her hands into his. He spread their entwined hands across her belly and kissed her cheek.

"Penny for your thoughts."

Calleigh grinned. "Keep the penny...I was thinking about you...and us...the baby."

Eric grinned. "Oh yeah...you know you have made me the most happiest man on earth, Cal."

Calleigh turned her head slightly so she could see him. "You've made me the happiest woman on earth."

Their lips met in a soft and slow unison, but both broke apart before things got heated. Calleigh rested her head back against Eric's chest as he began swaying them whilst rubbing her belly. He started humming a lullaby which made Calleigh giggle. Eric chuckled. "What?"

"Our baby can't hear yet...ears don't develop for another two weeks or so."

"And sometimes 16 weeks after conception." Eric replied. Calleigh looked back at him in shock, and Eric shrugged. "What...I read a few baby books." Eric said shyly.

Calleigh loved seeing that shy side of him that he didn't share with the world. He was usually so smooth and charismatic with the other women he dated, but with her he was so different. "Nothing...I love you. It's sweet to see you like this is all." She rested her head back on his chest.

Eric smiled and nodded. "I can't wait to find out the sex."

"Me either,"

"So, um...my ma mentioned that an ex of yours came by today. I'm guessing it was Jake,"

Calleigh sighed. "And just like that our happy conversation is over."

Eric grinned. "What...I was just stating something."

Calleigh turned in his arms and smirked. "Yeah, stating your...what was it...your curiosity."

Eric snorted and smirked at the word 'curiosity'. A year ago, when Eric first returned back to CSI, Jake was a partial suspect in a case. However, they found out Stetler was behind the crime and had been for years. During the investigation, Jake got hurt and Calleigh took him to the hospital. As much as Eric hated to admit it, he didn't love the idea of Calleigh alone with Jake, but he trusted Calleigh. When Calleigh called Eric out on being jealous, Eric simply stated he was being curious. "Yeah, my curiosity is peeked...so, was it Jake?"

"Curiosity killed the cat." She said whilst wrapping her arms around his neck. "And yeah...it was Jake. He stopped by to see how I was doing...and you're mom kind of spilled the beans about the pregnancy which he...he didn't take to well."

Eric snorted. "Of course he didn't..."

"I wish you two would stop the whole pissing contest...I'm marrying you, having a baby with you, and hopefully more. Why are so jealous of him?"

Eric sighed. "I'm not...it's just...I don't like him. I definitely don't trust him, but I put up with him because of you."

Calleigh smiled. "Well...I will always love you for that...but I don't think he will be coming around any time soon."

"Why's that?" Eric asked in a way too happy tone which Calleigh chuckle a little.

"I don't know...our conversation ended...in a weird way."

Eric nodded. "Maybe he was shocked by the pregnancy."

Calleigh hummed in response and shook her head. "Anyways...I guess we should go to bed. I'm so excited I can't sleep."

Eric gave her that lopsided naughty grin she loved so much. "Want me to uh...help you sleep?"

She pushed him back with one of her hands whilst shaking her head. "Oh no mister...you wait until we get home. There is no way we are doing that here."

"Oh come on...you're telling me you never fantasized about doing it somewhere else besides home?"

Calleigh pursed her lips to keep from smiling as she turned away from him to walk towards her hospital bed. She tucked her hair behind her ear and settled into bed. "Maybe...but it's definitely not the hospital I've fantasized about."

"Mmmm...tell me." Eric said in that bedroom voice that made Calleigh quiver and it didn't help that he was leaning down over her.

Calleigh bit her lip as his hand traced her leg which was under the covers, but his touch still caused her to squirm. "Two places actually...the gun range,"

Eric snorted. "Figures...where else?"

Calleigh blushed and shook her head. "I'm not saying the other one."

"What? Why...I want to know. I share mine if you share yours?"

"Okay, but you first." Calleigh said smiling and pushed his hand away.

Eric chuckled. "The beach...movie theater...your new office." Eric began kissing her neck and he stopped when he heard her gasp after he mentioned her new office. He grinned and pulled back to look at her flushed face. "That's your second place isn't it."

Calleigh knew he wasn't asking her a question, because he already knew the answer. She sighed and looked away from him. "No...um maybe...no."

Eric chuckled. "Oh...we can definitely Christen your office."

"Eric...no...it's just a stupid fantasy-"

"That can easily become reality, Carina." He kissed her cheek and winked at her.

"Oh my God...no...just...no." Calleigh stared.

Eric laughed softly as he laid back down on his cot that was next to her bed. "It's going to be when you least expect it too."

Calleigh gasped. "Stop it...you're so bad."

"Hey, it's your fantasy."

"You're the one trying to make it come true." They both laughed.

"I'd take you anywhere and anytime...as long as it's with you." Eric said with sincere determination in his voice but with a naughty dark look in his eyes.

Calleigh squirmed a little under covers and grinned. "You better be glad I love you...I'd do you anywhere and anytime too."

Eric chuckled seeing her blush. "I love you,"

"I love you, too." Calleigh smiled. "We are definitely never having this conversation again, Delko." Eric laughed so hard that Calleigh joined in and soon they both laughed until they cried. After their laughter subsided they continued talking and soon fell asleep. Both were content in each others presence and excited for what the future held for them. Although, neither one knew the would be approaching them soon rather than later and it wasn't oh so happy.

This one was a little sweet chapter...but the next won't lol

TBC...