Well, here it is guys, the final chapter of Ladybugs And Pacts. I suppose this is technically the second to final chapter, because I didnt want to end it all on 13 'cos its unlucky lmao So I wrote a quick epilogue ;)
I cant thank each and everyone of you who reviewed enough, you hae no idea how chuffed I would get when I posted a new chapter and my inbox would say 'Review Alert!' lol So eternal gratefulness to you all :)
I've already got the sequel planned out on paper, but I'm gonna have a vacation from WiPs for a while, maybe do some one-shots...lol Knowing me, I wont be able to wait, so the sequel may be sooner than you might think lmao :p Hope to see you all there :)
Thanks to you all again! Becs x
A/N - The song used in this chapter is called Amazed by Lonestar. The lyrics felt like they fitted with Horatio and Calleigh :)
Applaude and whoops went up from the small crowd as the couple kissed into their new life together. Calleigh and Horatio hugged out of their embrace, Horatio lifting her up off the white carpet. Immeasurable smiles were present on everyone's faces, even down to Adam, who clapped his little hands, copying his daddy.
Turning back to the congregation, Mr. and Mrs. Caine glided back up to the house, hand in hand, feet barely touching the sand. The photographer, who had been hovering throughout the whole day, snapping off shots here-and-there, was now in full force, running from side to side, capturing the gleeful event from all angles.
The band's tune was barely audible to Horatio and Calleigh. Utter joy and excitement flooded each sense, while ecstatic finality rang out in their minds, We did it! We got married!
The wedding party fell in line behind. Tim linked arms with Alexx; Kenny linked with his wife; Eric and Charlie joined the festivities and linked arms, chuckling at Adell's questioning but bemused glance.
As they all re-entered the house, Massimo and his entourage popped Champagne, passing out glasses to everyone. Calleigh hugged Alexx, careful not to spill her drink and careful not to lose Horatio's hand in hers. 'You did it, Sugar'
'I did, didn't I?' she smiled, looking up to her husband.
When they had made their way through the hugs and congratulations, the photographer called for some shots of the happy couple, and shots of all of the party. A lifetime of memories captured on film.
The chairs out on the beach had been joined by tables, laden with drinks, disposable cameras and general confetti and decoration. Massimo directed everyone to their respective seats with promises of sustenance soon.
Seeing the guests settled into their places, Horatio clinked at his glass with his knife, receiving a collective hush.
He stood, placing a hand across Calleigh's shoulder, 'My wife and I-'
He was interrupted by claps and cheers
Chuckling, he continued, 'My wife and I wanted to extend our utmost appreciation and gratitude to you all for experiencing this day with us. We agreed a long time ago now, that we would only invite our closest friends and family, so it makes us extremely happy that you all were able to come down here. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I'm so glad that this day has finally happened!'
The intimate crowd giggled and clapped, agreeing with him.
'Although Ray Jr is my best man, we allowed him to be exempt from the torture of speeches, so instead, I'm going to hand over to Speed and Eric who have a selection of our cards at their disposal. Guys, be warned, children are present' he smiled, glancing at them with high-eyebrows.
Tim and Eric stood, clearing their throats.
'Okay, lets see' Speed said, taking the first card off the pile. Opening it up, he read the message within:
'Horatio and Calleigh,
Congratulations on finally realising the inevitable.
Even we'd noticed it when we were down in Miami.
Best of wishes for your future together,
Catherine and Warrick Brown'
Horatio and Calleigh chuckled. Cath and Warrick had only been with them for a matter of days, and that was nearly 4 years ago! And by the sounds of it, they too had 'realised the inevitable'.
Eric took the next card. It was quite large, which was understandable when he opened it up, displaying wishes and signatures from most of the lab, 'Okay, I'm not going to read this one, or we'll be here all day, so lets just say, The lab says congratulations' He smiled.
Speed muttered 'Coward' under his breath, taking another card.
'Horatio and Calleigh,
Many congratulations on your wedding day,
I hope you both receive the happiness you deserve.
Megan.'
Calleigh whispered 'Tim is still in touch with her', registering Horatio's shocked look. He hadn't seen Megan since she had resigned, so he never expected anything from her. A pleasant surprise.
A selection of cards and wishes were read out, some with embarrassing secrets from childhood friends not with them on their day. It wasn't Raymond telling them, but the memories were still coming out. Massimo served them with their meals, to which everyone agreed was 'amazing'. Massimo Deportivo had been an obvious choice for a caterer. His move from New York had been a tricky transition, with the CSI's being called out a number of times. To show his gratitude, he'd always offered them free meals and use of the restaurant for events. To have been asked to cater for 'Horatio and Miss Calleigh's wedding'…to say he was 'touched' was an understatement.
-
The time was fast approaching 7pm, when more guests would arrive. Horatio and Calleigh had invited more friends to attend the night time festivities, which included music and drinks on the beach. Their first invite was extended to Tyler, obviously. The A/V extraordinaire had become practically of the CSI family, and had readily accepted, and showed up first with his girlfriend Carly in tow.
Valera and Delgado were also invited. Kerry Delgado with the hopes that she and Speed may turn 40 a little sooner than first anticipated…
More friends from work and outside arrived, with roughly 45 dancing away to the sounds of the band. The evening light was rapidly reducing as the sun disappeared behind the wall of blue and orange shimmers. Candles were lit, outlining the 'dance floor', sending small shafts of light seemingly dancing themselves.
Horatio and Calleigh were separately mingling with the excited crowds. Occasionally looking in the others direction, the newlyweds smiled as their eyes met with similar revelations: I love you.
'Okay, you've all had your own dances, it's time for the bride and groom's first dance as husband and wife' the lead singer announced over the microphone. The congregation cheered as Calleigh giggled, stepping past people to get to her apparent destination. Horatio was already in the middle of the cleared space, smiling as he held an arm out to his beautiful bride. Placing her hand in his, Horatio spun her into him, sending chuckles out from Calleigh as she got into position.
Calleigh's hands were clasped behind Horatio's neck, with his hands on clasped at the small of her back, as the band struck up the chords to their song: 'Amazed'
Everytime our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby, when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams.
Swaying in time with the soft melody, smiles were released, as each spoke of how the words to the song were written for the other.
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you.
Calleigh rested her head across Horatio's broad chest, revelling in the comfort, security and love that exuded her husband whenever he held her in such a way. His hold kept her close in a tight embrace, promising never to let her go.
The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me, baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time, everytime
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes.
Their lips connected in a tender kiss. Over the music, sounds of 'awww!' could just be heard.
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you.
