Part 5

It was a good 12 hours and the next day before Calleigh woke next. She knew she was not alone, even in his sleep Tim was still clutching her hand. The thought that he had not left her side made her smile as she turned her head to look at her love.

Speed sensed that she was waking and looked up lovingly into those beautiful green eyes; he smiled as he saw that she looked a lot better.

"Morning Babe" he said

"Hey Tim" she replied quietly reaching up to touch his cheek to reassure herself that he was really there. Tim gently took that hand and placed a kiss in the palm whilst he reached up with his other hand to gently caress her cheek.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over by a truck or should I say bullet" she tried to ease the worried look in his eyes. "I'm gonna be fine you know, they make us southern women tough!"

"I know, but it was really scary Cal. I know we deal with death everyday but this was a little too close to home" he leaned over to press a soft kiss to her forehead, "I could have lost you..."

"But you didn't, think of that. I am still here I don't plan on leaving you, I love you too much."

"Good to know Cal." He smiled at her.

Seeing that she was feeling a little better Tim moved to sit on the edge of the bed facing her, still clutching one of her hands in his and stroking her cheek with the other he lent over to kiss her precious lips, passionately but gently.

"Now. Now children! Stop that! This is a hospital not a cheap motel" Interrupted Eric with a big smile and cheeky grin, he was relieved to see Calleigh a lot better.

"Hi Guys" Tim was the first to recover as their friends came into the room.

Alexx was the first to Calleigh's side taking up a place on the opposite side from Speed and giving Calleigh a hug "Hey sugar, how are you feeling today?"

"Better than yesterday, but it hurts like hell if I move."

"So don't move then, let Timmy here do all the work" she replied laughing as she ruffled Tim's head of curls.

"How are you doing now Tim" Alexx asked.

"Better." He said smiling as he looked adoringly with his hazel eyes at his girlfriend.

"Good" Alexx squeezed his shoulder as she stepped back.

Giving her a brotherly hug and a kiss to the forehead Eric said "Cal it's good to see you looking better and not so pale. Yesterday was very scary, please promise me you won't do anything like that to me again or I will not give you the little gift I have for you." He said teasingly.

Never one to resist one of her friend's childish games. "I promise not to get shot by the bad guys again" she said trying to be serious but couldn't help but smile at Eric's cute face.

Handing over the bullet that yesterday had been inside Calleigh "I though you might like to see this".

Cal took the offering from her friend examining it as she did at any crime scene, but this was different, it felt strange. This was her job, she dealt with bullets everyday and she was damn good, but it was weird knowing that this was the bullet which almost ended her life. She silently shook herself, don't think like that Calleigh it didn't end your life concentrate on that.

"Mmm 9 mil, I hope you used this to nail that bastard"

Everyone in the room laughed. Oh yeah this was their Calleigh back to her normal self.

"Yes Sweetheart, our testimony and the evidence will put Holt away for life." Horatio assured her as he took his turn to give her kiss and hug. "Glad you're doing better Cal"

"Thanks boss, I can't wait to get out of this place I hate hospitals"

"One thing at a time Cal" replied H laughing at her determination.

As she shifted in bed trying to find a more comfortable position she winced in pain, "Ow"

"Hey babe" Tim spoke gently touching her shoulder "Relax try not to move" he had been sitting quietly watching all his friends interact, pleased that Calleigh was going to be okay. It allowed him time to just look at his girlfriend, absorbing her beauty and energy.

"Cal honey I think we should leave you alone for a while, I am sure your doctor will want to see you and you still look tired." said Alexx "We'll take Tim with us so he can get some sleep, something to eat and a much needed shower"

With that, they all left Calleigh's hospital room Speed was the last to leave, hugging her once more "I love you" he kissed her passionately, stopping to breathe "I'll be back soon don't go anywhere" another quick kiss.

Taking his face in both hands she looked deep into his beautiful eyes "I will be waiting for you, I love you so much Timothy Speedle we have a lifetime to look forward to."

Hearing this exchange from outside the room their colleagues and friends smiled at each other, they knew everything would be alright. Soon there just might be a wedding to start planning. That is when Tim and Cal realized they wanted one.