Two days later, Ainsley was helping Calleigh pack for the trip to Washington when Horatio arrived. Ainsley mumbled something unintelligible and left the room. Calleigh sat on the edge of the bed and patted the space next to her.

"How are you doing?"

She shrugged, leaning against him. "Okay, I guess."

"I'm sorry I can't go with you."

"That's okay. I understand—"

Horatio put a finger to her lips to silence her. "You never let me finish. I wish I could be with you for all of it, but I promise to make it for the funeral."

"You don't have to . . ."

"I know. But I want to be there for you."

Calleigh smiled, reaching for a tissue. "You've gone and made me cry again."

Horatio put his arms around her, pressing feather-light kisses to her face. "I'm sorry."

He held her for a while, then said, "Have you thought about where you're going to stay when you get back?"

"No. I'm going to have to get a bigger place." Calleigh closed her eyes. "I have to find schools and . . . I don't know. There's so much to think about."

"Well, I was thinking that you and the girls could live with me." He hurried on before she could interrupt. "There's more than enough space. And it doesn't have to be permanent, if you don't want it to be . . . but if you are open to making it permanent at some point . . ."

"Lord, Horatio, what would I do without you?"

"I don't want to pressure you into anything, Cal."

"I know." She sniffed. "Stop making me cry!"

"Calleigh—"

"Can I think about it?"

"Of course."

"The girls like you. I like you. It might be good for them; they're used to having a father-figure . . ." Calleigh trailed off. "Are you sure, Horatio? Because if I agree then it's with every intention of making it permanent one day."

Horatio studied her for a moment, cupping her face in his hand. He smiled, his expression so tender that it brought more tears to Calleigh's eyes. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life."

Ainsley coughed from the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt you lovebirds, but we have to be at the airport in half an hour."

Horatio stood and picked up Calleigh's bag. "Ainsley, can I carry your luggage to the car?"

"Thanks. It's in the living room."

"Handsome and well-mannered," Ainsley whispered when Horatio was out of earshot. "You've found yourself a keeper, Cal."

"I know." Calleigh smiled. "Nate liked him."

Ainsley hooked her arm through Calleigh's. "You guys are going to be just fine." Louder, she called, "Simone, Nicole. It's time to leave."

Simone turned the television off. They hopped off the couch and picked up their backpacks. When they were all out the apartment, Calleigh locked the door and followed them out to the car.

Ainsley grinned. "We're traveling in a Hummer!"

Calleigh handed they keys for her apartment to Horatio. "Will you look after my plants?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

Ainsley made sure the girls were strapped in. Horatio helped Calleigh into the passenger side then walked around to get in. "You ladies sure you have everything?"

"It's too late now," Ainsley said.

Horatio started the Hummer and began to drive. The closer they got to the airport, the more nervous Calleigh became. By the time they arrived, she was ready to turn around and go home.

Horatio was wonderful, she thought. He checked their luggage in and held her hand while they waited to board. It was two days until Nate's funeral; she didn't know how she was going to cope with him so far away.

He hugged her tightly before she went through the gate. "I'll see you soon."

"Yeah."

"And I'll call every night." He gave her his handkerchief when that comment prompted more tears. "I love you, Calleigh."

"Horatio . . ."

"Bye, Uncle Horatio."

He knelt down to give Simone and Nicole each a hug. "You girls be good for your Aunt Calleigh, okay? I'll see you in a couple of days."

Nicole smiled. Cupping her hand to hide her mouth, she bent her head to Horatio's ear. He chuckled.

"What did she say?" Calleigh asked.

"She said she liked riding in the hammer." He stood up, hugging Calleigh again. "Call me when you land, okay?"

"Okay."

"So, you'd better go, then."

Calleigh sighed. "Yeah."

"Okay."

"Oh, for crying out loud, just kiss her." Ainsley stood waiting at the gate with the girls.

Horatio did as he was told, then released Calleigh and stepped back. "Two days."

"Goodbye, Handsome."

Simone held her hand as they climbed the stairs and waited until they were seated before she asked, "So are you gonna marry Uncle Horatio?"

Calleigh smiled. "I sure hope so."

Horatio watched the plane take off, already missing Calleigh. He was under no illusions that the next few months were going to be hard, but Calleigh was allowing him to be a part of her life now. That alone told him she would get through this. She was going to have to be strong for the girls, so he would be her strength. He'd lost both his parents so he knew how the girls felt. And losing Raymond meant he knew what Calleigh was going through as well.

The plane traveled further and further until it was just a speck in the sky. Horatio turned to leave. All around him, people were coming and going. Life went on; it was a truth Horatio had learned a long time ago.

He had survived. So would the girls, and so would Calleigh.

FIN

Thanks for reading :o) And before y'all ask, yes, there will be a sequel. I'm not ready to let this plotline go just yet ::grin::