The Wedding

Calleigh's P.O.V.

From the moment she laid eyes on Eric Delko, though she swore and she told him she would never get involved with someone she worked with, Calleigh wanted to be with him. There was just something about him, besides his Cuban good-looks and toned body, that is. When she got to know him more she found out his heart and soul were as beautiful as his body. They had certainly beat around the brush in admitting how they felt for one another but both were glad for that. Without that, they wouldn't have a wonderful daughter named Chloe. Life without her was unimaginable for many people but none more than her and Eric.

Today was eight years in the making. Calleigh Duquesne never thought that she would be an emotional bride, pregnant or not. But she also thought she would ever get married in the first place.

Then she met him.

Eric Delko.

Her life would never be the same in the best way.

The bride-to-be sighed happily looking at her in the mirror, her daughter chattering happily in the background. In less than one hour she would be Mrs. Eric Delko. Today was Friday. First thing on Monday morning she planned to submit paperwork to the family court to formally make the child of her heart, Chloe Gabriella Delko, her daughter, officially. Hearing of their wedding the department had given Monday off.

"Call it honeymoon recovery," the chief had said.

Earlier that morning Chloe had accompanied mommy, Natalia and Alexx who was the matron of honor to the beauty salon where all four got manicures, pedicures and their hair done. She enjoyed having her nails painted the color that matched her top. Normally she would bulk at having ribbons put in her hair but she wanted to look "pity" (her pronunciation of pretty) like her mommy today so she didn't. The fact that the color of the ribbons was the same shade of purple as her babydoll shirt impressed her.

Eric's P.O.V.

Calleigh were getting ready for the wedding at their home and Eric was at her parents' house. He had spent the night there at their utter insistence. It may not have been his mother's preference but he was going without a tie today. Calleigh had made him try both looks and this was the look she preferred for their casual wedding. When she arrived at the house an hour or so before the ceremony Calleigh stayed in a room in the other side of the house, Eric was in the opposite side of the house. However there wasn't any rule against a little girl in purple and white wanting to see her daddy since she hadn't seen him for a night.

The groom was beside himself with happiness. He told Horatio that he was afraid this was a wonderful dream that he was going to wake up from at any moment. Calleigh was everything he ever wanted and everything he never knew needed. His life would have a missing piece without her.

"Trust me, Eric," Horatio said, patting Eric's shoulder. "You're not dreaming. This is real."

Eric was chatting with Horatio, Speed, Ryan and Frank when a light knock came on the door. Horatio was the best man. Natalia poked her head in.

"Hi," She said. "I have someone here wants to say hi to the groom and show him how pretty she is. And don't worry, it's not the bride."

Since mommy told daddy he couldn't see her dress till today, Chloe told daddy he couldn't see her outfit, either.

"Okay," Eric said.

"Hi daddy!" Chloe said, running into the room.

Eric scooped her up and kissed her check.

"My goodness! You look so beautiful!" He said.

"Mommy looks pity, too," daddy," she said.

"I bet she does. I can't wait to see her."

The Big Moment.

Both had tiny tears in their eyes by the time of the justice of the peace told them they could seal their vows with a kiss after "I do"'s and the exchange of rings. Smiling at each other neither could believe this moment finally arrived regardless of the eight year wait...and that a little girl named Chloe was there to witness it. Neither could stop smiling. The newlyweds sipped sparkling cider during their family and friends' speeches and toasts. They enjoyed every kiss they were obligated to share at the request of their guests.

Eric kissed his daughter's face as she giggled when he was dancing with her. Chloe's dance card was very full and she was having a blast. She was quite sleepy by the time the bride and groom were leaving. She didn't mind mommy and daddy leaving for a few days They would be back on Sunday afternoon. And being with uncle Horatio was always fun. He was going to spend the weekend with Chloe at her house. He had bought over his things very early that morning.

"You have a good time with Horatio, okay, baby girl," Calleigh said, tussling her daughter's hair and then kissing her cheek.

Chloe nodded sleepily and rubbed her eyes.

Eric gave Chloe a big hug, rubbing her soft hair and kissing her head.

"We love you, pumpkin. We'll see you in a few days, okay?"

"Otay, daddy," She replied, immediately putting her head on Horatio's shoulder when Eric passed her over to him.

"You know where to find us if you need to. But I doubt that," Eric smiled.