A/N: Here's the next chapter (all of a sudden I just can't stop writing!). Hopefully you like it. Enjoy!
Horatio looked at the neat print covering the paper, Calleigh's last words to him. He could almost hear her warm southern voice as he began to read:
Dear Horatio,
I pray that I you never have to see this letter, but since you are reading it, I know that we have been parted in a most unforgiving way. As I write this, I watch my children playing outside with Ryan and I can't imagine being happier. You know, Horatio, I owe my family to you. If you hadn't taken a chance on a young patrol officer when we lost Tim, I never would have met Ryan. I'll admit that when he first started working with me, I was determined to dislike him, but thanks to your gentle prompting, I found the love of my life. That's something I'll never be able to thank you enough for. As the years have passed, my children have brought to me a love I never thought was possible. You've always been that guiding beacon in my life and for that I thank you.
Horatio, what I'm about to ask you to do will come as a bit of a shock, but I know you'll do your best. With Ryan and I gone, there is no one to take care of our children. We've talked about sending them to live with his parents, but they wouldn't do well with young children running around, and I refuse to send my kids to live with my parents, so there is only one other option. Horatio, I want you to raise my children for me. Be their playmate, their friend, but most of all, I want you to become their father. You've done such a great job raising Belle and I know you'll do just as well raising Josh, Emily, and Kelsi. I want you to cheer at Josh's soccer championship, teach Kelsi how to read, and help Emily become a young lady. I want you to be the one that walks my little girls down the aisle on their wedding day. I want you to be the one that is handed my first grandchild, the one whom all of my grandchildren call 'Grandpa'. Love them as much as you would your own. I trust you with them, because I know you love them almost as much as I do.
Horatio paused for a moment in the middle of her letter. 'She wants me to raise them?' he thought. He wasn't sure he could do it, but he was willing to give it a try. He continued reading:
I'm leaving all of my worldly possessions to my children, but I want you to use them to help pay for their upbringing if you need to. Sell the house and use the money from it to pay for whatever they need. There are three savings accounts, one set up in each of their names, which should be used for college funds. Any other monetary details will be covered in the will.
Ryan wants me to tell you thanks for him as well. He would write a letter too, but you know him, he's not big on words. We trust you with our children and we know that you will raise them right.
The next part of the letter was smudged with Calleigh's tears, but Horatio could still make out the words.
Horatio, will you please let my children know how much Ryan and I love them? Don't let them forget me please, especially Kelsi; she's still so young. I want you to legally adopt them, but please, don't ever forget to tell them that we love them. No matter where I end up from this point on, make sure they know I'll always be with them, no matter what.
Horatio, you are one of my best friends, and I'll never forget what you've done for me. You've changed my life in so many ways; you took me out of Louisiana, and brought me to Miami where I belonged; you helped me find Ryan. You may have been my boss and my friend, but you are family as far as I am concerned.
I have to say goodbye for now, but I'll never be far away. Take care.
Love,
Calleigh
Horatio folded up the letter and wiped at the tears that were threatening to fall. "I promise, Calleigh," he said softly to the empty air around him, "but I'll never be able to replace you, no one can."
A/N: Reviews are always welcome!