Happiness For H: Something In White

January 29

"Ok, now tell me honestly, Emily – this wasn't the terrible experience you expected?" Jean looked at her friend across the roof of the car.

"I admit it, Jean. You were right – it was fun. I feel great and I'm getting used to my new hair." Emily smiled at her friend. "I really didn't think I would be able to think of myself as pretty until my hair grew out again." She opened the door and got in the car. As Jean pulled out into traffic, she said,

"Are you sure you don't want to stay at our house tonight? Maybe we should keep the new you under wraps until Horatio sees you at the church on Saturday." Emily was studying her freshly painted fingernails, a soft pink with just a hint of sparkle when the light hit them. Her toenails had gotten the same treatment.

"Jean, while that would all be very romantic, it's not very practical. I've got to pack yet and I'd be sure to see him on the plane tomorrow since we have tickets for the same flight." Her friend sighed dramatically.

"I'd rather surprise him tonight than tomorrow at the airport." Emily said with a grin, getting an answering grin from her friend.

"Ok. You've got a point. I want details when I see you tomorrow." They talked about the upcoming flight to Minnesota for the rest of the trip.

When Jean pulled into the drive of Horatio's home, Emily turned to her friend.

"Thank you for dragging me to the salon, Jean. It's exactly what I needed. This is the best I've felt since the whole incident with Josh last week."

"What are best friends for?" Jean laughed and reached over to hug her friend. "See you tomorrow afternoon at the airport!" Emily waved good-bye as Jean drove away.

Horatio continued to sip his coffee, looking at the faces of his team. They were up to something, no doubt.

"Every one of you? That's a pretty big request. I don't know … I'd have to find people to cover for you all. And I'm leaving early tomorrow as well."

Eric spoke up.

"We know H. Night and weekend shifts offered to cover for us. They owe us some favors anyway. All we need is your ok."

"Hmmm …" Horatio raised an eyebrow as he continued to sip his coffee. "Anyone care to tell me just exactly WHY you need the day off? I assume it's all for the same reason."

"You could say that." Calleigh looked at him. "Oh, Horatio. We heard you and Emily are getting married this weekend. Emily's grandmother called me and invited us up for the weekend. You don't expect us to miss your wedding if we could possibly help it, do you?"

Horatio was touched and it showed on his face. Alexx watched in delight as he smiled shyly at them. Even with his friends, he kept his personal life fairly private.

"That's … ah … that would be wonderful to have all of you there. I guess … you've got my ok."

Emily was in the guest room, looking at herself in the mirror. After Jean had explained the situation to Maria, the woman had looked at Emily as if she were something under a microscope in Horatio's lab. Finally, she had announced that Emily was too pretty to hide under hair extensions and she could give her a short, bouncy style and some highlights. And so, Emily had closed her eyes and given herself over to Maria's experienced fingers. The result was wonderful. Her hair had been turned into a wispy cloud around her face. The back was bouncy, with some natural waves coming through now that the length was gone to weigh it down. It had been shampooed and conditioned and streaked with light golden highlights that glinted in the light. Maria had assured her it would be easy to take care of and style. Emily wondered again how Horatio would feel about it. Hearing the car pull into the garage, she knew she was about to find out.

Horatio had been wondering if he should tell Emily about the expanded guest list. He had called Grandma Estin, who had been apologetic about calling Calleigh behind his back, but she was concerned about his friends missing such an important event in his life. He had thanked her, and said he hoped this wouldn't be too much extra work for her.

"Don't you worry about that, Horatio. I've got lots of help up here. This is quite the event, you know. It was impossible to keep it quiet. Now, you just make sure you get Emily up here with you tomorrow afternoon. The weather appears to be cooperating, so travel should be smooth. Ghost is looking forward to seeing you both again."

"Emily?" He wasn't sure if she was home yet. Her laptop still sat at the table, surrounded by her codebooks. A quick glance showed she wasn't on the deck. The sun was just beginning to set, bathing the room in a soft glow. He decided against turning on a light and headed toward the guest room to see if Emily was asleep in there.

She took a deep breath and opened the door of the guest room, just as Horatio was about to knock.

"You're home," she said nervously. Her eyes were searching his face for some sign of reaction. It was swift, leaving her in no doubt that he approved. Taking her into his arms, Horatio murmured,

"You look beautiful Emily." She smiled in relief, her dimple deepening in her cheek.

"Oh, you like it. I was afraid … " whatever else she was about to say was lost as he bent his head and kissed her. It began as a gentle kiss that rapidly became more passionate. Emily's hands slid up his chest, pushing his suit jacket off his shoulders. She felt his arms leave her as he shrugged out of it, then his hands were running through her hair. Emily almost moaned in pleasure. Those beautiful passion-darkened blue eyes looked over every inch of her face, at last settling on her lips once more.

"Just one more kiss," he murmured, gathering her into his arms and picking her up. Emily's eyes widened in surprise.

"Just where do you think you're going with me, Lieutenant," she asked, her arms around his neck.

"My bedroom," he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Oh," Emily trembled, not sure what to say.

"Mmmm … don't worry, sweetheart. We've waited this long, I can wait a couple more days."

"Wow, that must be some kiss you have in mind, Lieutenant." Emily's soft laughter was cut off as Horatio's mouth covered hers once more.

TBC