Saturday dawned beautiful and clear. Horatio stood at the front of a small chapel filled with family and friends. Nothing could spoil this perfect day. David, Alexx's husband, stood next to him as best man. He was thrilled for his friend, and couldn't help his amusement as he noticed the grin that refused to leave Horatio's face.

Hagen and Yelina sat together, closer than just friends, yet not quite lovers. Delko and Genevieve were still dating (much to the amazement of everyone at CSI) and sat, hand-in-hand, in the row behind Yelina. Speed's date was a girl he'd met on a case a few weeks earlier. Ada Rose, a deaf artist, had been the sole witness to an alley shooting. Speed surprised everyone by interpreting for her during her interview, and when they'd arrested the shooter, he'd asked her to dinner.

Alexx sat across the aisle and had her hands full keeping Brian quiet. This was his first wedding, and he had a question about absolutely everything. Marjorie sat with Alexx, a Kleenex on hand if she started crying. (She'd cried at her own wedding, so she was fairly certain she'd do the same at her daughter's.) A handful of other detectives were in attendance as well; Adele and Tripp were considered good friends and sat with the family.

After it seemed like Horatio had waited an eternity, the pianist began to play. He turned to face the back with bated breath.

Janie entered first in a pale pink dress, a small bouquet of wildflowers in her hands. While they were waiting outside, she'd whispered to Calleigh that she felt like a princess. Calleigh had leaned down to kiss her forehead, and told her she'd make a beautiful princess. Janie had blushed, then said that she hoped she'd look as pretty as Calleigh if she ever got married.

Ray, Jr. was the ring bearer, a job he was only too happy to carry out. His tuxedo was a miniature version of his uncle's and earlier, as Hagen helped him with the tie, he'd smiled at his reflection and thought he looked like a man. Yelina, watching him with pride, blinked back tears as she realized how much he looked like his father. She reached across and squeezed Hagen's hand.

Then came Calleigh on her father's arm. Her dress was simple, but elegant. After a long debate with Marjorie, she had decided to do without a veil. She wore flowers in her hair instead. Horatio held his breath. He wanted to capture this moment forever. As Calleigh neared, Horatio had to fight tears. This was it. He was really going to marry Calleigh. She was going to be his.

Catching Horatio's eye, Calleigh smiled. Though she appeared calm, she hadn't slept the night before and she'd been too nervous to eat breakfast. Kenwall kissed her cheek before releasing her to Horatio. Tommy slipped to the front to take a picture.

"You're beautiful," Horatio said, unable to look away from her. A thrill of anticipation ran through her at his words and her smile widened. As one, they turned to face the pastor.

"Dearly beloved," he began. "We are gathered here today . . ."

Marjorie found her Kleenex came in useful and dabbed at her eyes as the pastor spoke. When Horatio slipped the ring on Calleigh's finger, Alexx leaned over and asked if she had an extra tissue.

And then, finally, Horatio was allowed to kiss his wife. Calleigh wrapped her arms around his waist and returned the kiss with far too much passion for inside a church. Tommy caught the moment on camera – black and white film for their movie-style kiss.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me the privilege of being the first to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Caine."

The newlyweds left the chapel in a shower of rosepetals and laughter. After more photographs, they met up with their guests at the reception. Throughout the speeches, they had only eyes for each other. When everyone settled down to eat, Calleigh turned to say something to Marjorie. Horatio watched her, love in his eyes, a smile on his lips, and Tommy caught the moment on camera. He knew then that he would never have to worry about Horatio hurting his sister – he didn't have it in him. He knew too that Horatio hadn't been kidding when he said he'd die before letting anyone else hurt her either.

Yelina caught the bouquet and wasn't quite sure what to do with it. When Horatio winked at her, she blushed, but smiled back at him. When Speed caught the garter, he held it between his thumb and forefinger and couldn't bring himself to look at Calleigh. Delko, of course, found it amusing and couldn't resist teasing him. (But, of course, he didn't admit that he would have been just as embarrassed to be the owner of something that had spent most of the day on his boss' wife's leg.)

Before Horatio and Calleigh left, they called for a family photo. Marjorie and Kenwall managed to stand next to each other without arguing – in fact, they'd been remarkably civil all day. Ray, Jr. claimed the spot next to Calleigh and grinned when she took his hand. Speed took the camera from Tommy so he could be in the photograph too. Yelina was more surprised than anyone when Horatio called her to join them. As she took her place, Horatio turned to her and reminded her with a smile that she was still family.

When Horatio and Calleigh went out to the Hummer, they stared at it, open-mouthed. The vehicle was decorated with shaving cream hearts and cans tied to the rear fender. Hearing laughter behind them, they turned to see a smirking Tim Speedle and an equally amused Eric Delko.

"Happy honeymoon," Delko said.

Horatio chuckled. He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlocked the car next to the Hummer. It was Calleigh's turn to smirk.

"Happy cleaning," she said.

Tommy came to stand with Speed and Delko. He shrugged. "Sorry, guys. I promised Cal they'd get to leave in a clean car."

Laughing, Horatio and Calleigh climbed into the rental and left for the marina.


Calleigh leaned on the yacht's railing. The sun's setting rays glittered on the water, the light dancing on the waves. Calleigh looked at her left hand for the thousandth time. Her wedding band fit perfectly against the engagement ring. She smiled at the thought: wedding ring. She had a wedding ring.

She had a husband.

"Calleigh Caine." She liked the way the words sounded, and said them again. Detective Caine. Mrs. Caine.

She was Mrs. Caine.

She looked at her rings again.

"Mrs. Caine." Horatio slid his hands around her waist. She smiled and turned to face him.

"Hey, handsome. I was just thinking what an incredibly smart man you are."

"Really? And how is that?" He fumbled with the knot keeping her sarong around her waist.

"Honeymooning on a yacht . . . No distractions. No interruptions."

"Mm-hmm. I'm alone with my wife . . . the world is as it should be."

She laughed against his mouth, but didn't disagree. The sarong fell to the deck, and Mr. and Mrs. Caine found a better use for their time than talking . . .


The end.

Coming soon: A Voice in Ramah. Calleigh and Speed investigate the death of a teen while Horatio's homicide investigation takes a surprising turn.