Rating:  PG

Disclaimer:  This story is intended solely for the purpose of entertaining the readership.  No infringement is intended.

Please read both "Sharpshooter" and "Keys to a Killer" first as they set up the initial relationships in this story.

Everlasting Love

Speed and Eric stood next to their mentor and friend, Horatio Caine.  Eric looked sharp in the rented tux while Speed just looked uncomfortable.  Abigail, one of Calleigh's friends from home, slowly walked down the aisle.  She joined the wedding party as Horatio nodded in her direction.  Alexx, Calleigh's closest girlfriend in Miami, came next.  Horatio strained to catch just a glimpse of his bride.

The organist switched to Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #2's Allegro Assai, as Calleigh's father appeared in the narthex of the church.  He extended his arm for his daughter who slipped into view.  Horatio's heart jumped as their friends stood to honor the most beautiful woman that Horatio had ever seen.  Eric rocked forward and made an approving sound.

Speed dug at his collar once more, "Wow, 'H' is all I can say!"

"Mmm," replied the groom.

As Calleigh and her father approached, Horatio stepped down from the chancel steps toward them.  About three pews back, he took Calleigh from her father's arm.  Arm in arm, they glided toward their parish priest.

The bodice of Calleigh's gown was embroidered with the tiniest pearls.  The Queen Anne neckline highlighted her exquisite features perfectly.  The train extended another six feet behind her.  Alexx adjusted it behind her friends as they knelt before their priest, Father Tom Falk.  Fr Tom looked even happier than did Calleigh's father at the sight of the couple.

Within an hour, after the Mass, Fr Tom introduced the new couple:  Mr. And Mrs. Horatio Caine, as their friends greeted them with love and joy.  The church's bells rang out a happy tune in celebration of the day.  It was the first time that Horatio's captain had seen him smile from the heart since Ray's death.  Nothing could stop Horatio from feeling the overwhelming sense of excitement and joy as he felt that moment when they each slid rings on the fingers of their beloved.  He had held her hand a little longer and bent down and kissed her palm after the ring slipped over her knuckle.  He was lost in the moment of delirious blessedness.  Everything was perfection.  Birdseed was thrown at the bride and groom as they exited St. John the Baptizer Catholic Church.  Next up were the photos for the album.  Neither Horatio nor Calleigh ever stopped smiling and looking at the other.

Calleigh wanted to know, "So, Handsome, where are we going for our Honeymoon?"

Horatio patted his pocket and teased, "Soon, my dear, soon."

"Horatio!  You have teased me since we set the date," replied his wife.

"Mmm.  And I'm going to tease you just a little longer," he stole a kiss and was thoroughly enjoying every moment.

The reception's festivities were just getting started when the couple arrived.  Alexx and Abigail had seen to the decoration of the parish hall.  Calleigh had put on a different dress, a long held, old Southern custom.  Still she was just as stunning as she had been in the gown of just an hour ago.  Her party dress was emerald green and shimmered with her every step.

"Have I told you how perfectly beautiful you are?" Horatio exclaimed when he set his eyes on her.

Calleigh just beamed back at him.  She took his arm as they strolled to the receiving line to be greeted by all their friends.  One by one, friends hugged the newlyweds and congratulated Horatio on the catch of a lifetime.  After the receiving line, the couple took their place at the head table; and Speed offered the first toast.

As the music began, it was a tune that Horatio had picked out for Calleigh.  The acoustic guitar plucked out Dan Fogelberg's "Longer" as he led her to the dance floor.  His hands were gentle around her waist and back.

"Longer than there've been fish in the ocean; Higher than any bird ever flew; Longer than there've been stars up in the heavens; Stronger than any mountain cathedral; Truer than ever tree ever grew; Deeper than any forest primeval; I am in love with you," Horatio whispered in her ear as the singer sang the lyrics.  They swayed to the music's lilting melody.

"You are an incurable romantic, aren't you, Horatio," she giggled.

"Incurably in love with you," he caressed her forehead with his nose and stole another kiss.

The dance floor was theirs and theirs alone.  Their friends were rapt as captives in the lovers' adoration.

Two hours later, the party was in full swing, Horatio leaned over to Calleigh, "You ready?"

She smiled up at him, "Let's go!"  Pulling him close, she added, "I love you with my whole heart, Horatio."  It was her turn to steal the kiss.

Unnoticed, the couple glided out the side door to his personal car, which Fr Tom had brought around a few minutes earlier.  He had hidden it from the revelers decorations.

"So, Mr. Caine, where are we going?" Calleigh really wanted to know.

"All in good time, Sweetheart, all in good time," he smiled, having a hard time keeping his eye on the road.

It was near evening when he pulled into the lot for the cruise line.

"We're going to Jamaica!"  Horatio announced.  "It's one of the leaves at sunset cruises."

Calleigh gasped with delight, "I've never gone on a cruise before!  Horatio, how did you know I've always…"

"A little bird told me," he grinned touching her cheek, "Our luggage is already on board."

They scurried to the boarding area.  They were not quite the last to board, but they were certainly in the last group.  Calleigh held Horatio's hand tightly.  They were led to a cabin overlooking the fantail and the sea.  Horatio slipped the steward a tip, and then he swept Calleigh up into his arms and carried her across the threshold of the cabin, kicking the door quietly shut behind them.

They stood for a few moments longer devouring each kiss the other offered before Horatio found the CD player and pressed the "play" button.  He undressed his wife to the sounds of Enrique and Whitney singing:  "Could I Have this Kiss Forever?"

"Over and over I look in your eyes.

"You are all I desire.

"You have captured me.

"I want to hold you;

"I want to be close to you;

"I never want to let go.

"I wish that this night would never end.

"I need to know – Could I hold you for a lifetime?

"Could I look into your eyes?

"Could I have this night to share this night together?

"Could I hold you close beside me?

"Could I hold you for all time?

"Could I have this kiss forever?"

Clothes were scattered around the room as they tumbled, laughing, in between the sheets.

"Horatio, be gentle with me.  I've never been with anyone before," Calleigh caressed her husband's bare chest with her fingers that moved toward his face and then ran through his hair.  Her hair splashed across the pillows when Horatio liberated its silky, golden strands.

"My love, I would never hurt you," he spoke ever so softly in her ear.

Passion ruled the night as the ship pulled away from the dock.

Morning light peeped in through the drawn curtains to awaken the newlyweds.  Calleigh was tucked carefully under Horatio's arm, cheek resting on his chest.

"Good morning, Mrs. Caine," Horatio kissed her and stroked her hair.

She nuzzled closer, "Good morning, yourself."

The ship rocked slowly under them while they gave themselves over to each other yet one more time.

Later in mid-morning, "Feel like breakfast yet?" Calleigh wanted to know.  "I don't remember eating dinner last night, do you?"

Horatio stroked her hair without really thinking much about it, "Mmm."

"I'm starved even if you're not," Calleigh remarked.

She drew an oversized bathrobe around her and headed to the shower, "Coming?" she invited him.

That got Horatio's attention and got him out of bed.

An hour or so later the couple was found scavenging a late brunch buffet.  They sat on the open deck mezzanine.

"Dear Lord, Horatio, this is wonderful," Calleigh closed her eyes and let the sea breeze sweep over her.

Horatio just smiled, tilting his head just a little.  He took her hand in his and gave a slight squeeze.

A shot rang through the air abruptly disrupting their private time together.