A/N: Alright, this one would not be delayed. Here is Chapter 7. Could it be my last chapter? I'm not certain. It depends if I still have some quirky ideas in my head and I could put them in context. As for now, thank you all for reading it and I hope it have been enjoyable so far.
Enjoy.
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Horatio sat on the sofa, facing the television. Calleigh leaned into him and fiddled with the hem of his shirt. It was more comfortable now. Nothing could get in the way and everything would be complete in three day's time. The phone rang, Horatio answered.
"Rodney? Hey, how are you?" Horatio looked at Calleigh. "That's good to hear. Yes, we have. I hope the reservation made it through."
Horatio nodded and smiled. Then, he passed the phone to his future wife.
"Rodney, hi!" she beamed. "It's great to hear from you. Yes, everything is going fine. Would you be at the airport waiting for us?" she asked. "Oh, that sounds even better. I will definitely be anticipating that. Alright. We'll see you then. Take care."
She hung up and continued watching the television. Horatio stared at her, waiting for her to say something.
"What will you be anticipating?" he blinked.
"Hmm, nothing," she smiled deviously.
"Calleigh," he warned. "I don't like secrets."
"Horatio, it's just something that I thought of and had nothing to do you now be quiet," she smiled and ignored as he continued prompting her.
Then, the doorbell rang. They exchanged glances.
"Who could that be?" Calleigh asked.
"I don't know but I'm not taking any chances," Horatio slipped off the sofa and took out a gun from under the coffee table.
He walked slowly to the door, keeping the gun down by his side.
"Who is it," he asked.
No reply. The doorbell rang again. Horatio frowned and grabbed the doorknob. Then, he opened the door swiftly and pointed the gun at Rodney's forehead.
"Whoa!" he yelled and held up his hands.
"Rodney?" Horatio let his gun down and frowned.
The two embraced and patted each other's back.
"How are you. And what are you doing here?" Horatio closed the door and invited his friend in.
"Hey Whero. I just decided to drop by and come to your wedding. We could leave for New Zealand together," he nodded.
Horatio chuckled and couldn't believe his eyes. He turned to look at Calleigh only to find her smiling at him.
"You knew about this?" he spoke and returned the gun safely back.
"Well, I won't say I knew exactly. I just had a wild guess which was apparently true," she giggled.
Then, the phone rang again. Calleigh answered it.
"Dad!" she exclaimed. "Yes, oh I'm so glad you called. Did you received the invitation? That's great. I'll see you tomorrow then. Okay, I love you too."
Rodney and Horatio looked at her enquiringly.
"He's going to come!" she shrieked.
Horatio laughed and they hugged.
"Oh, I can't wait to see your dad. I wonder how he sounds like taking in consideration that you sound like this," he smiled.
"Well I can tell you now that he has an accent like I do. Nothing surprising," she chuckled.
They all sat down and preferred talking rather than watching television. The couple-to-be could never be any happier.
-0-
The big day was forty-eight hours away and everyone was rushing. The tents were very beautifully decorated with purple and pink satin cloths. The tables were covered in bright white sheets. The small aisle was a carpet with rows of chairs on either sides. They would be expecting roughly fifty guests that night. The altar have been set and the minister have been called to confirm the time and place.
"Will you be needing someone to drive you here Pastor Benedict?" Eric spoke through his cell phone. "Okay. Yes, everything will be set up and we'll be expecting your arrival," he nodded and hung up.
"Hey Eric, let's see how Whero is doing with the tuxedo," Rodney called.
Eric smiled and almost chuckled. He followed Rodney through the small passage and into a room situated behind the altar. The groom was trying on his suit and jacket. There was a full length mirror by the corner and Horatio was fiddling with his bow-tie.
"Hey. How do I look?" Horatio turned and spread his arms out.
"That is not necessary," Eric spoke and stepped forward.
He lifted the collar and slipped the black bow-tie off. Then, he unbuttoned the first button and brushed Horatio's shoulder.
"There. Better," Eric smiled.
"Hey Whero, you're looking good. I think you'll knock out some of those girls who dumped you back in high school eh," Rodney punched the air.
Horatio and Eric chuckled.
"I never dated back in high school," came the reply.
"Never?" Rodney asked in disbelief.
"Boys, we're having some-" Alexx came in and paused. "Oh, Horatio you're looking fine," she stared at him.
Horatio had to cough to conceal the blush that coloured his cheeks. They all stared at him. Indeed, Horatio looked exceptionally dashing in his black tuxedo and a plain white, button-down shirt underneath. The cufflings were gold and shone under the light. His eyes seemed to gleam as he looked elsewhere than at the faces of his friends. He fiddled with the button near his abdomen and shook his head.
"What problem Alexx?" Horatio frowned.
"The PA system is being a little problematic but who cares," she stared again at Horatio who took off his tuxedo and went out.
The CD player was a wreck. Without it, songs couldn't be played and they didn't want a wedding that had an atmosphere similar to that of a funeral. He shook his head and inspected it again.
"Why don't we take a CD player from one of our place? It'll save time," Ryan spoke. "You can use mine. It'll blast everyone away!"
"Well, that is not exactly what we want-"
"Oh no. I didn't mean that literally," Ryan insisted.
So it was settled. Ryan would be bringing his CD Player in later tonight. There were several finishing touches to be done. There were a total of two large tents. One was the mass dining hall where everyone could eat and dance at the same time. The other was where everyone would gather for the exchange of vows. The road would be cleared for the couple to run, hop into the car and drive off. Rodney have rented a snazzy looking car and decorated it nicely with a 'Just Married' sign on the back window. Eric was the best man and the bridesmaid was Yelina. Calleigh had told her that if she was not comfortable with it, she could ask Alexx but Yelina had insisted that she would be more than happy to accept. There was only one problem left.
"I can't walk her down the aisle. I have to be in charge of the PA system. Apparently, no one knows how to operate it," Ryan spoke apologetically to the group that night.
"Oh then who's going to walk with me?" Calleigh sighed sadly.
"I could," a small voice came from behind them.
They turned to face Kenwall Duquesne who stuffed his hands in his pocket and smiled.
"Dad!" Calleigh shrieked and hugged her father.
Horatio watched them and waited till the reunion ended.
"Mr Duquesne, pleased to meet you again," Horatio smiled and extanded his hand.
"Lieutenant Caine. It's been a while. I'm sorry I couldn't make it for the preparation. Work takes me overseas sometimes you know," they shook hands.
"That's understandable. We're glad that you could make it to the wedding-"
"Oh anything for my lambchop! You're a good man Lieutenant. I know you'll take care of my baby," Kenwall spoke proudly and made Calleigh blush.
"Please, call me Horatio. I'm not at work," Horatio smiled.
"And you can call me 'Dad'," Kenwall laughed and Horatio chuckled.
"C'mon Dad, let's practice walking down the aisle," Calleigh tugged on her father's arm and towed him away.
"I don't need to practice lambchop," they heard him say.
Horatio watched them and something inside him tingled in excitement and nervousness. Yelina stood beside him.
"What's wrong?" she asked softly.
"Hmm, nothing. That's why. Nothing is wrong. I've never felt happier in my life," he sighed and smiled as Calleigh and his father-in-law took another round down the aisle.
"Hmm, I hope the happiness last," Yelina spoke genuinely.
Horatio turned to face her.
"Thank you Yelina. For everything. For helping us prepare for the wedding. You are the most audacious person I've met, and Raymond--he's lucky to have you," Horatio smiled, pouring out all his brotherly love for her.
"You're welcome Horatio. I'm just glad I could help," she looked away. "Ray would have wanted to be here if he could."
"Hmm, I know. I wish he could come too but for obvious reasons, it's best he doesn't."
"No matter. I could show him pictures," she smiled and so did he.
"Uncle Horatio, come and see Ryan's cool CD Player," Ray Juniour called.
Horatio nodded at walked towards where the boys gathered. Yelina sighed sadly. She knew she have lost the battle to win his heart. She was so close but it was too much to ask for when Raymond appeared out of thin air and took her and Ray Juniour to Brazil. In the plane, she had sat in the circle of Ray's arms. She slipped into a deep sleep and dreamt of Horatio. They were in a house and they were laughing, smiling. They were happy. Then, Raymond appeared and shook her shoulders. She woke up and they had already reached Brazil. She was away from home, away from Horatio and never to see him again. That night as she slept in the small cabin, she had cried herself to sleep. All the pain she felt slowly being squandered away by the tears, soaking her pillows.
She sighed sadly and walked away.
-0-
It was a perfect day for a wedding. There was a slight breeze and the soft, satin cloths gently danced in the wind, creating a calm atmosphere. Thankfully, they didn't have to worry about the tents accumulating water and soaking everyone. The sun was low in the sky, ready to set. The sky, a vivid orange. They stood by the altar and held hands. No, it wasn't the wedding yet. They will not be seeing each other for another four hours and it felt like an eternity. People were already coming in and gathering by the large, dining hall.
"I'll see you later my beloved wife," he kissed her.
"Mm, and I'll see you too my husband-to-be," she smiled and they parted to their own dressing rooms.
Calleigh's room was right opposite to Horatio's but they were separated by a thin sheet of wood. Eric had made sure that they didn't see each other before the wedding starts. They each held a portable radio.
"The bride and groom have gone to their room. Get the music running now," Eric spoke through the radio at his position by the side of the road.
He stood tall and looking very much like a hispanic body guard with his dark sunglasses on. He smiled and greeted the guests and even got a number or two slipped into his pocket. Ryan received the message and started the songs which Calleigh have picked out personally. Her taste in music never failed to lighten up the mood. Everyone was ushered to the other tent and everyone took their seats. Perfect.
"Rodney, how are the cars?" Eric transmitted to Rodney.
"Everything is good. Whoa, didn't know Whero had rich friends," came the reply, Eric chuckled and replied.
"They're rich because they're mostly cops, lawyers and judges Rodney. Keep it smooth."
-0-
Horatio closed his eyes. Contemplating and repeating his vows. His lips moved but nothing came out. He whispered a little prayer for his brother, wishing he was out there and that he was the best man. He opened his eyes and stared out the window. The orange light fell onto his shoes, making them gleam. He could hear cars being driven close, somewhere on the other side of the small room he was in. He could hear Rodney talking but he could faintly hear Eric chuckling somewhere. He stood up and walked towards the mirror. Smoothing out his tuxedo and putting on a small smile. He thought he looked okay. His red hair seemed to stand out from his dark clothing. He fidgetted with his unbutton collar and thought better of it. He didn't want Eric to unbutton his collar in the presence of fifty guests. He sighed and dropped his hands.
"Calleigh will be my wife," he spoke softly. "Thank you God."
With that, he stepped out.
-0-
Calleigh fiddled with her hair and huffed as she stared at herself in the mirror. She had on a purple halter-top wedding dress cutting diagonally and ended at her right ankle. Her chest and shoulders were bare but she had on a pair of matching purple gloves. A translucent cloth was draped from her back and hung onto her arms as she held the bouquet of flowers Ryan had handed to her. Her hair was let down and she had made sure of it due to Horatio's orders. Her make-up was light. She didn't need any but some won't hurt. Her lashes were curlier and her lips fuller. She smiled. She felt so beautiful. With that thought in mind, she stepped out and into the bright light.
-0-
"Eric, the food supplier have just loaded up the trays. We are good to go," came Alexx's voice.
"Good, everyone settled. I'll have the pastor ready," as he spoke, he gestured for the pastor from behind the large board.
The pastor walked slowly to the altar. Horatio walked out from the other end. Eric took his position beside his boss, puffing his chest out proudly and smiled assuringly. Then, the music played and the people standing at the back to get a better view moved to reveal Caleiigh and Kenwall Duquesne, standing hand in hand. Horatio's jaw dropped and he caught himself. He looked at her. Oh was she glowing. Hre father was sharply dressed in his own suit and he was smiling from ear to ear. Their walk was short but it felt like an eternity. Like it was in slow-motion. Horatio swore he was dreaming. As the two finally reached the altar, Calleigh kissed her father who passed her hand to her future husband. Horatio smiled politely and gently grasped those tiny hands in his. His smile has never been more blinding than that particular moment. They stepped up onto the altar, looking into each other's eyes. Feeling each other's nervousness and happiness all at once. The pastor started with the standard introduction.
"If anyone objects to this matrimony, please speak now or forever hold your peace," Pastor Benedict waited a few second out of habit.
Yelina gulped. Horatio looked away and prayed that no one would.
"Very well, let's get on with the ceremony," Pastor Benedict spoke.
Alexx's eyes were filled with tears that didn't want to fall. She looked at Eric on the other side who stared back. Both smiling at that perfect moment. No one deserved this more than Horatio and Calleigh. Ryan softened the music and watched them. Rodney sat with Ray in the crowd, both smiling. Everyone was still as the pastor continued with his reading and the vows. The rings were slipped into each other's fingers. Calleigh's a silver ring with an exceptionally lovely looking diamond set at the top, small coloured diamonds embedded around it. Horatio's ring was simple but braced his finger like a second skin. They held hands.
"You may kiss the bride," the pastor spoke.
The distance between them was closed as they kissed. Everyone clapped and cheered The music was played as everyone got to their feet. They parted and flower petals were thrown onto them. Everyone followed as they made their way to the mass dining hall where the wedding reception awaits.
-0-
"Hmm, face it, the wedding could not have gone more perfect than it did," Horatio smiled and held her close as they danced to LeAnn Rimes' 'How do I live without you'.
"Yeah, this is perfect," Calleigh buried her face into his chest.
"You're the most beautiful bride," he whispered.
"I'm the only bride here," she chuckled.
"True," he nodded. "I can't wait for New Zealand."
"New Zealand can wait. Now let's enjoy this moment," she sighed.
"Eh, excuse me young man. May I cut in?" they turned to face Kenwall, smiling.
"Definitely," Horatio offered his wife a dance with his father-in-law.
He took off and sat in the nearest chair. Tired but relieved that everything was over and he had his wife with him. The group joined him at the empty tables with plateful of food and drinks.
"Here you go Horatio," Alexx passed him a cup of cold, punch drink.
He nodded a thanks. They all watched as Calleigh laughed and smiled, leaning her head onto her father's shoulder.
"You know, I never get to chance to thank you all for coming to New Zealand that day," Horatio turned to face them.
"No problem H," they seemed to murmur incoherently.
"That's why while Calleigh and I are on our honeymoon, all of you can take a week of vacation," he smiled.
"A week. Now that's what I'm talking about," Alexx smiled.
"Wait, we have been given the green light to-"
"Don't worry Ryan, I've had it all confirmed," Horatio sipped his drink.
Their smiles widened. Horatio chuckled and jerked as he felt hands on his arm.
"Horatio, we have to go already. Thanks everybody!" she whispered.
Eric nodded and went to the PA system to announce that the couple will be leaving and it was time that the bouquet be tossed. Everyone rushed and gathered outside by the road. Calleigh turned and closed her eyes. Then, she flung her arm and threw the bouquet into the air. Everyone rushed for it but eventually, Eric caught it and stood there as the women tackled him to the ground.
Horatio and Calleigh laughed and took the opportunity to take off furtively. They slipped into the car and drove off into the sunset and out of sight.
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