Catherine stared into the mirror. How did she come so far? How did she move from a Sin City exotic slut, who married an angry, unloving man; to a crime scene level three detective who's about to marry the only caring gentle man she'd even known?

She sighed as she tried to adjust the dress she was wearing. Very few people were invited to the wedding. The team and the techs were all invited along with a handful of Lindsay's school friends who'd spent the night and gotten to know Catherine well.

She sat to take a deep breath. Was this right? Could she handle being married to a man who's pace was set to a slower rhythm? She heard the door open and than lock behind the unknown visitor. From her position, the mirror showed only a pair of high-heeled dress shoes and a black skirt that hung daintily above the ankle.

"Are you okay, Mom?" Lindsay's voice was soft and sweet. Catherine had noticed quite a change in her daughter in the past few months of her and Warrick's engagement. She had certainly missed her father, but until now, Catherine had not known just how much.

Catherine revealed her sore red eyes to her daughter.

"Hey… you should be happy." Lindsay offered quietly. She pushed herself up onto the vanity. "It's a beautiful church, isn't it?"

"Lovely." Catherine sighed again reaching for a fresh tissue.

"You ready for this?"

"Life?"

Lindsay grinned. "You're perfect together. And you need someone normal. Remember?"

"You know how to convince your mother." Catherine mumbled dryly.

"Can you try and be happy?" It came out harsher than Lindsay had wanted it to. "Mom – I… Mommy, you have no idea how happy I am… I – Mom, I just want you to enjoy your wedding day!"

Catherine was shocked by her daughter's stuttering. She said nothing as she stood and wrapped her arms tight around her daughter. "I love you so much, Linds." She breathed into her hair.

They heard the organ begin to play and Catherine released Lindsay with a smile.

"I love you more than anything, Mom. Please remember that when I'm screaming and throwing a fit." Her blue eyes sparkled in the dim light. She reached out and grabbed Catherine's hand. "Come on, Mom, everyone is waiting for us."

The two emerged from the back room and everyone turned to look at the bride and her daughter.

Warrick felt his knees weaken and he gripped Nick's shoulder. "Hey man," He breathed. "She's amazing."

Nick smiled. "Yeah, that's why I'm marrying her." He whispered back.

Warrick gave him an evil glare as Catherine made her way down the aisle of the small chapel. He took her hand from Lindsay's, mentally noting the tears in his soon to be stepdaughter's eyes. He gave her a quick smile before focusing entirely on Catherine.

When the service ended, Catherine and Warrick found themselves sitting quietly outside of the lab. All of their friends were gathered inside; eating, dancing and no doubt gossiping about this latest twist in the team. Warrick had bribed Nick with free beer to keep everyone inside.

One person managed to weasel her way past Nick. Lindsay glanced around the corner of the swinging glass doors. She saw Catherine turning slowly in front of Warrick. He was sitting on a rock wall that lined the walkway to the parking garage, laughing uncontrollably.

"Hey you two!" She announced her presence in time for Catherine to freeze, mid twirl.

"Hey you." She smiled, holding her arms out to her teen.

Lindsay ran to her mother and held her tight.

"Are you happy?"

"More than ever, Momma."

Warrick stood and pulled both of his girls to him.

"Promise you'll take care of us forever, Warrick?" Lindsay sobbed against his chest.

He nodded. "I promise."

Catherine gazed into her new husbands misted eyes. She leaned into the most passionate kiss she'd ever felt. Maybe it was because he was new… but Catherine knew it was because she had her daughter there with her and she had a man who would forever and always cherish them both.

-And that's all she wrote-Written by Officer-In-Blue-Support our Troops, they're protecting your ass -