Funnily enough, this is the shortest chapter of the bunch lol :) Hope it lives up :)


'I think that's our cue' Alexx explained, smiling from ear-to-ear in anticipation and happiness.

Calleigh took a deep breath and opened the bedroom door. Gasps rang out from Lynette and Kenwall as she stepped into the living room.

'Calleigh…' Lynette breathed. She'd seen the dress before, but seeing it in context on Calleigh, took her breath away. The white fabric clung to her shoulders and fell into an A-line dress, with tiny little flowers embroidered onto the net top-layer. 'Nothing poofy' had been her only request when it came to the garment, 'I don't want to be a walking meringue.' Some little sparkly gems had been scattered throughout her hair, which matched the diamond dropper ear-rings and necklace that shone in the afternoon light.

'Thank you honey' she beamed, 'Are we ready?' excitement and enthusiasm evident in her voice

Madison and Amelia scurried off to their spots at the door, flower baskets in hand as Alexx and Lynette joined them. Lynette passed Calleigh her bouquet of flowers: Red tulips surrounded by yellow tulips – her favourite flower.

Kenwall linked arms with his daughter, tears in his eyes. 'You look beautiful Lambchop' he whispered, leaning into her slightly.

'Thank you Dad, you don't look to bad yourself'

Through the doors, Calleigh could see the tranquil turquoise of the ocean lapping up onto the shore. The sun sending shimmering shapes on to the rippling surface.

Alexx spun around, looking for confirmation to signal to the band. Getting it, she gave a thumbs up to singer, and slightly nudged the flower girls to start their trips from the balcony to the white carpeting lain across the sand.

Caroline, Yelina, Suzie, Frank and his wife, Adell and her husband and Alexx's husband Michael and their children stood up and spun to see the group practically float towards them.

Kenny (holding Adam), Charlie, Eric and Tim glowed as they watched their little sister glide the short steps.

Horatio spun in slow motion, first seeing Madison and Amelia smiling broadly as they scattered the petals across the walk-way; then spotting his friend and sister-in-law smiling through their steps; then…a scene that stole his breath.

Calleigh Duquesne, smile larger than ever seen before, linked arms with her father, eyes linked with Horatio.

Seeing the look in Horatio's eyes, Calleigh chuckled, scrunching up her shoulders. Horatio chuckled himself, seeing his wife-to-be look even sweeter in her humbleness.

Kenwall kissed Calleigh on her cheek. Taking her hand and unlinking their arms, he placed it in Horatio's open palm, relinquishing his daughter to her new husband – her new life.

'Calleigh, you look…'

'So do you handsome'

'Are we ready?' the priest asked. They nodded, spinning to face him. The salt-and-pepper gentleman, dressed in his black robes with white dog-collar, stood beneath a white arch. Trailing flowers gave shots of colour to the already bright afternoon.

'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here…'

They stole glances to each other throughout the ceremony. Gazing happily into the others direction, still not believing this day had finally come.

Madison and Amelia had found a spot just off from the event and were giggling, building sand castles with each other. Brian and Janie begged Michael to let them join-in in the girls' games. They scurried off into the sand.

Adell clung lovingly onto her husbands arm, as did Frank's wife to his.

Lynette and Kenny smiled to one-another behind the bride and groom.

'Do you Horatio…'

'…I do'

'Do you Calleigh…'

'…I do'

On signal, Ray Jr reached into his pocket and pulled out the black box. Extracting the rings, he placed them on the priest's Bible.

Horatio took Calleigh's ring, sliding it carefully onto her fourth finger, kissing it before reciting his vows, 'I always knew, and I'll never forget'

Calleigh took Horatio's ring, sliding it carefully onto his fourth finger, 'I always knew, and I'll forget'

'By the power vested in me by the state of Florida, I hereby pronounce you man and wife…you may kiss the bride'

Softly chuckling, they swung into each others arm, smiling into their first kiss as Horatio and Calleigh Caine.