CSI MIAMI

Season 11

Episode 16

Three months later:

The Caine family had completely bonded and were looking forward to their first Christmas together. Thanksgiving had been wonderful, just the four of them. It was hard to make their excuses to their lab mates and the Duquesne family, but Calleigh's first attempt at IVF had resulted in two perfect children in her womb, and her morning sickness was keeping her in bed. A physical therapist was making regular visits to the house, to make sure her ankle healed properly and she would be ready for her return to work.

The children loved their school, and had been enrolled in an after school peer-assisted Spanish class. Eric's parents had become surrogate grandparents, so the children wanted to be able to speak Spanish to them. The Delkos were the only ones outside their little family to know of the details of Calleigh's pregnancy, and were thrilled to know they would soon have a child of their beloved Marisol in the family.

Christmas music filled the house as Calleigh baked cookies while the children decorated the lower branches of the tree. They would wait until Horatio arrived home after work to decorate the top.

"Mommie, can we put up the babies' ornaments?"

"Not until Daddy comes home, Sugar. He's on his way."

Calleigh had made homemade ornaments that the children had painted. There was one for each member of their family, as well as all their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They even made some for each member of their extended family at the lab.

"Something smells good!" Horatio closed the door behind him.

"Daddy!" Both children stopped what they were doing and ran to their father's arms. "We've been decorating the tree. Mommie said we have to wait to do the top part until you come home."

"Give me just a minute to give Mom a kiss and I'll be right there to help you." He sniffed as he made his way into the kitchen. "Cookies?" She nodded and melted into his arms. "How are you feeling?" He moved his hands to the slight swell of her abdomen.

"They've been behaving today. They let me cook dinner and bake these cookies." She placed her hands over Horatio's and linked fingers with his. "It's just about time to share our little secrets. I can just imagine how that will go."

Horatio chuckled. "Yes, since they all took our marriage news so well."

"They were only upset because we didn't include them."

"Eric is still upset."

She leaned back and rested her head on his shoulder. "Well, he'll have to just get over it. One of these babies is his niece, not to mention his god daughter."

"That is if he accepts."

"He will. Once he knows how his parents feel about the children and that we chose to give Marisol a child, he'll come around. Do you still want to invite the lab over on Christmas day for lunch?"

"Yes. I think the news should get to everyone at once."

"I think before we share it with everyone you should take Eric aside and tell him about little Marisol. I don't want to blindside him."

"Good idea. Now, let's see what you fixed us for dinner." He opened the microwave and found a dish of baked macaroni and cheese, along with a plate of chicken fingers. "Do I need to make a salad?"

"Already done. Austin made it, and it's in the fridge."

"You've turned him into a regular little chef."

"No, my mother did that when we were in Louisiana. He's hooked. I also think he just likes helping. Patty grated the cheese for the macaroni. I'm glad they like to help, because in just about six months I'm really going to need it." The bell on the oven rang and she pulled out the last tray of cookies. "Ok, kids, time to set the table." She turned on the microwave, and then turned around to slip her arms around her husband. "I love you. You look tired, rough day?"

He kissed her softly. "I love you too. Let's just say that once my ballistics expert is back things will be a lot better."

"Right after the first of the year. I'm really looking forward to going back."

"You know I'll be putting you on limited duty, don't you?" Her mouth opened but he gently placed two fingers on her lips to silence her. "No shoot outs, no chases, and no going into buildings where the suspects aren't totally secured. I didn't protect you last time and we lost our daughter, and I lost you. Complain all you want, Calleigh, but you know I'm right. We have four children to think about."

"I know you're right, I just don't have to like it. I suppose you'll put me on desk duty in a few months, too."

"You're carrying twins this time, Sweetheart, so, yes, desk duty. Natalia has been doing a wonderful job in the field with the ballistics jobs, and you can train her to do your job so she can take your place during your maternity leave."

"You won't bring in one of the other shifts?"

"They have been working double shifts since you got hurt, it's time to let someone else fill in, and Natalia is the best choice."

"Yes, she is. I know she'll keep the lab in great order. It's just that..."

"That, what?"

"You know how much I hate taking so much time off."

"You'll have a lot to occupy your time. It's enough to care for one baby, and we're having two at once." The microwave buzzed, putting an end to this conversation. "Let me help you get this on the table."

Before they knew it, Christmas eve was upon them. Horatio was up most of the night assembling presents from Santa. He'd sent Calleigh to bed around two in the morning, and could hear her grumbling all the way up the stairs. She'd been busy baking and assembling Christmas dinner for days, and she would be busy with their guests tomorrow.

The following morning, they were awakened by two sets of feet jumping on their bed. "Mommie, Daddy...Santa came! He found us! Austin said he would, but I wasn't sure because we moved and changed our names!" Patty was beside herself with joy. "He even ate the cookies and drank his milk!"

Calliegh looked at the clock. Six in the morning. Why couldn't they get up like this for school? She brushed her hair out of her eyes and smiled. "Good morning, my angels. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Mommie!" Patty was now bouncing on Horatio. "Daddy, Daddy! Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas. Why don't you go to your rooms and wait for your mom to wake up a little, and then we'll be right down. And don't run on the stairs."

Calleigh snuggled closer to her husband. "Do you think they'd notice if we went back to sleep?"

"I'm sure they would, and you have a ham to put in the oven."

"Oh, I miss the days when my foot ached and I spent my mornings throwing up...and you let me rest." She kissed him and tossed the covers off both of them. "Up you go, if I'm up, you're up. I'm going to take a quick shower."

"Not without me...the kids will be fine for a few minutes more."

They showered together quickly, resisting the temptation to make love. They knew the kids couldn't wait that long. Calleigh pulled on a pair of sweat pants while she watched Horatio dressing in jeans. "I miss jeans." She rubbed her abdomen. "These two just grew too fast."

"According to your last ultrasound, they are right on schedule. Remember, this isn't like last time. There are two of them this time."

"I know, and I can't wait to hold them." She sighed softly, remembering her daughter who died twelve years ago. The child she never got to hold.

Horatio moved quickly to her and took her into his arms. "I miss her too, Sweetheart. Right now let's go downstairs and let our children see what Santa brought them. Our focus should stay on the children we have now."

She brushed a tear away and smiled. "You're right. I can't wait to see their faces."

He took her by the hand and led her down the stairs to Austin and Patty's rooms. Patty's was empty, but they found her sitting on her brother's bed playing a video game with him. "Patty was going nuts, so I brought her in her to take her mind off her presents."

"Good idea, Son. Are you two ready?" The children toss the game controllers onto the bed and raced into the living room. "I guess they were ready." They followed the kids into the living room where they were laughing and showing each other what Santa had brought. There were bicycles, scooters, a basketball system, a volleyball and net for the pool, radio controlled MDPD helicopters and custom radio controlled CSI Hummers. The stockings were filled with more video games, and accessories for their rooms.

Once the shock of all their gifts wore off, Calleigh heated up the coffee cake she'd baked the day before and then put the ham in the oven. As soon as the family had finished eating there was a knock on the door.

"I told everyone two o'clock. I wanted the kids to open our presents with the family first." Calleigh was frowning at the door.

"I'll see who it is, and tell them to come back later."

"Thanks, Handsome. Why don't you two start moving your presents to your room?" She began to clear the table when she heard a familiar voice. "Daddy? I thought you said you were going to Louisiana to visit the grandkids."

"Well, that was the original plan, Lambchop."

"Did you and Mama get into another fight?"

"No, we were in complete agreement on this discussion." He looked at Horatio, who opened the door wider to reveal the entire Duquesne clan.

"Oh, my gosh! We don't have room for the whole family!"

"Oh, now Cher, don't you fret. Your father found hotel rooms for us, and we did our cooking at his house."

"Cooking?"

"Duke told us that you were planning dinner with the lab, so we made more food so there'd be plenty."

"Grandpa, Grandma!" The kids came racing down the hall to greet their grandparents, and then saw their uncles, aunts and cousins.

Patty refused to let go of her grandmother. "This is the best present ever!"

"So Santa can have his presents back?" Horatio chuckled.

"No way, Dad. I'm keepin' mine."

"Has Austin developed a drawl?"

Calleigh smiled as she hugged her mother "Yes, he has. He helped me so much while I was off work, I guess it rubbed off. I should be mad that y'all just showed up, but I'm so glad to see you." She looked over at Horatio, who smiled and nodded. "I've had a secret that I've been keeping, but we finally feel it's safe to share it." She looked at Ruthie, who began to grin. "After we got back from the farm, we decided we wanted to try for a baby. Now before y'all go crazy on us, just let me explain. You know Horatio's first wife was murdered five years ago, and that she and I had become good friends. Back then she had asked me to surrogate for her since her chemo had left her unable to carry a child."

"Are you goin' where I think you're goin'?"

"Yes, Dad, I've had her eggs frozen all this time, and we went to the clinic and had some of mine harvested, too. We're pregnant with twins. One of Mari's and one of mine."

"What does her family think about this?"

"They're thrilled. They've also become surrogate grandparents for these two angels."

"So, when are you due?"

"Six months, Mama, I just started my second trimester, that's why we waited to say anything. IVF babies run a higher risk of miscarrying."

Marie waited a few seconds to let the shock set in, and then smiled. "You've just been full of surprises these past few months. Marriage, adoption, pregnancy...anything else?"

"Well, the babies are a boy and a girl. The boy is from my egg, and his name is Horatio Kenwall." Her father beamed with pride. "Our daughter is from Mari, and her name is Marisol Marie."

"You're naming her after her mother?"

"After both of her mothers. Calleigh insisted on her first name, so I thought of the middle name, that covers her mother and grandmother."

"You know, I have four sons, and not one of them named one after me or Marie. You've made us very happy."

"Grandma, would you like to see a picture of our brother and sister?" Austin was holding the most recent ultrasound picture.

"Oh, Duke, look at these little angels."

Ruthie pushed her way through all the visitors and looked at the picture. "They look perfect, Sis."

"They are. We had them genetically screened."

"That's a good idea. I can't believe you didn't tell me about this. I mean, I AM your favorite OB/GYN."

"Yes, you are, but unless you plan to move here, you're stuck with being a dear auntie."

"You'd better make room for a dear grandma when they're born, because I plan on coming back to help."

"Mama, all the bedrooms are taken. Austin and Patty have the downstairs rooms and the twins will take two of the rooms upstairs."

"Your mother can stay with me, Lambchop."

"Are you kidding?" Calleigh eyed both of her parents.

"That's actually a good idea. I don't want to tire you with an extra person in the house. I can come over during the day while Horatio is working and the kids are in school."

"They'll be out of school then, this isn't Louisiana. But you can still come over. I know the kids will love to see you."

"Speaking of children," Horatio looked around, "we seem to be missing quite a few.

"Check outside. I'll bet my brothers are helping them play with their new cars."

Horatio opened the door, and there they were, cars and helicopters all over the driveway. "They're fine. John and Patrick are with them."

"I guess I'll start bringing in their gifts. The back of my truck is filled with them."

"You're going to spoil them."

"That's a grandparent's job. Now, I think I'll go out front and watch all my babies play. The truck isn't only loaded with toys, I've been here a few days. I made gumbo, dirty rice, peach cobbler and bread pudding. I figured you would make a ham, so no merliton stuffing."

"You know me so well, Mama. The ham's in the oven, and it's a big one so I could freeze the leftovers. I guess with this crowd there'll be no leftovers."

"Not the way this bunch eats. Now you two just sit and rest, and we'll keep our eyes on your little ones. Now that I know you're pregnant, I'm NOT letting you overdo it today. If I'd known we would've stayed home."

"I'm glad you're here."

As she opened the door, Duke pushed his way in with his arms loaded with packages. Horatio helped him put them under the tree, and then went back to the SUV for a second load. John followed them with some of the food.

"Where's this go, Sis?"

"Um, I guess on the stove. I'll heat it up when everyone gets here. Do I need to make rice?"

"I think she made it when she made the dirty rice. She left some clean." They both laughed. White rice had always been referred to as clean, since their mother made dirty rice so often. Another two trips to the truck and everything was in. John went back outside to shoot hoops with the boys, who had tired of the radio controlled cars.

Horatio made Calleigh some tea and settled her on the sofa to rest. She had just closed her eyes when she heard Natalia's voice.

"Hey, guys, your dad said to just come on in. I didn't know your whole family was coming, Cal."

"Neither did we. They just showed up. Apparently mom has been here a few days. She's been at Dad's cooking, so y'all are in for a treat."

She put the presents under the tree and hugged her hosts. "Can I peek? I've never had real cajun food before."

"Excuse me? I bring it into the lab all the time."

"Ask your husband. He used to send us all out and gobble it up himself."

"Horatio Caine! Come on, Nat, I'll let you sample Mama's gumbo before my human garbage disposal gets his hands on it."

Just as they disappeared into the kitchen, Eric appeared at the door. "Hey, H, looks like you got invaded."

"We sure did. Come on in, there's something I need to talk to about in private."

They went down the hall into Austin's room and shut the door. When Calleigh heard the raised voices, she knew exactly what was going on.

"Is that Eric and H yelling?"

"Yeah, I knew this was going to happen, but it's unavoidable. Either he tell him, or everyone will figure it out really soon."

"Figure what out?"

Calleigh sighed. "We were going to tell everyone at once, but my family showed up, and now Eric's making a scene. He still hasn't accepted our marriage, and now there's more."

"More?"

"I'm pregnant, Nat."

"That's awesome! But why would that upset Eric?"

"Because one of the babies is from an implanted egg that belonged to Marisol."

"Oh, my gosh. Wait, ONE of the babies?"

"Yeah, we're having twins, we got them prescreened, so we know we're having Marisol's daughter and my son. We checked with her parents first, and they couldn't be happier. We're even naming our daughter Marisol. Marisol Marie Caine."

"Isn't Marie your middle name?"

"And the shortened version of my mom's first name. Her name is Mariele, but everyone calls her Marie."

"Is your son Horatio Jr.?"

"Sort of. Horatio Kenwall Caine. The kids made the twins ornaments for the tree, I'll show you."

When they entered the living room, Horatio was red faced and Eric was still fuming. "How could you do that, Calleigh. Keep my sister's eggs frozen all this time?"

"Horatio, could you go upstairs and get the contract please?"

"What contract?"

"The one we made the day she died. This is what she wanted. She wanted to be able to give Horatio a child. I promised her, Eric. Your parents are happy, why can't you be? This is your niece!"

Horatio returned and handed the contract to Eric. He read it through thoroughly.

"Yeah, that's her handwriting, and it's dated the day she died. THIS is why you left the crime scene that day? You let everyone you had to pick up your dad from a bar."

"I did have to pick up my dad, that's his signature on the bottom, as her attorney."

"Isn't it going to be hard to look at her? I mean, what if she looks just like Mari?"

"I hope she does. Did Horatio tell you her name?"

"No, he didn't."

"Her name is Marisol Marie."

"H, how can you do that to Calleigh?"

"It was her idea, and I couldn't talk her out of it. She let me pick the middle name, so she's a third generation Marie."

Eric sighed and looked over at Nat. "You must think I'm a real ass."

"Doesn't matter what I think, Eric."

"Eric, ass or not, you are still family. You'll always be a brother to Horatio, and now an uncle to our daughter."

"Thanks, Cal. Sorry I made such a scene. Congratulations on the babies. It was just such a shock finding out that Mari was going to have a child after all this time."

"I know. Why don't you go out front and play with the guys, introduce yourself to my brothers. They were shooting hoops with the boys...who were trying to dodge radio controlled cars."

"I didn't know you invited the whole family."

"We didn't. Dad pulled a fast one. Go out and have fun. That goes for you, too, Handsome. Nat can babysit me."

He kissed her on the cheek. "Sounds like fun. Don't let her overdo herself in here Ms. Boavista."

"H, it's Christmas, I'm just Natalia."

He smiled. "Natalia. Take care of my best girl."

"You got it."

The girls relaxed and chatted while they waited for Walter, Ryan, Tom and Frank to arrive. Calleigh finally looked at her watch. "The rest of the guys are late, you think they're outside playing basketball?"

"I'll check." She stepped outside, and sure enough, there they all were. "Yep. Never made it inside."

Calleigh got up and went to the door. "Horatio, time out!" Play stopped while he grinned sheepishly at her. "Do you think you boys could stop playing long enough to bring in some tables from outside? There's no way to feed this mob."

"Austin, Patty, and all the Duquesne cousins, time to wrap this up."

"Ah, Dad..."

"Austin, it's time to eat. Past time if I'm reading your mom's face correctly."

"Yep, everything's ready except for a place to eat, and I have all these big strong men to help me." As Horatio moved past her, she pulled her aside and whispered in her ear. "Did you tell them?" He shook his head. "I had to tell Nat. She could hear you and Eric yelling. Is he all right?"

"He seems to be. Like you said, just another shock." He and the rest of the men brought in the outside tables, and then helped arrange the seating.

After dinner the Caine children were allowed to open all the gifts their extended family had brought for them. Austin held up a book from his grandmother.

"A cookbook, Mama?"

"I love it, Mom. Now I can cook like you and Grandma!"

"You see? All your brothers could cook by his age. He needs his very own cookbook."

Austin was flipping through the book and found spots where his grandmother had made personal notes. "Wow, Mom! Grandma even put in her special notes for me!"

Calleigh smiled and just shook her head. SHE didn't even have the notes. "Yes, your grandma is awesome." She smiled and winked at her mother. This was not the woman who raised her.

Once the presents were opened and the table cleared, Horatio gathered everyone into the living room for his big announcement. He circled his wife's waist and pulled her closer to him. "Some of you know what I'm going to say, so bear with us. Calleigh and I have some wonderful news to share with you. In six months, Calleigh and I will be the proud parents of twins."

The room erupted with congratulations, and Austin and Patty showed everyone the special ornaments they had crafted for the new babies.

"Tell them the rest, H." Eric tried to control his temper.

"The children were conceived through IVF. Calleigh has had Marisol's eggs all these years, and as she promised her, we used one of her eggs to create our beautiful daughter, and our son was created with Calleigh's egg."

"I think that's wonderful." Tom looked over the children and smiled at the happy couple. "I never knew your late wife, but I understand she was very special." He let his gaze drift to Eric, who quickly looked away.

Calleigh noticed how uncomfortable Eric was and made her way over to where he was standing. She took his hand and led him into Patty's room, shutting the door behind them. "How're you doin'?"

"I'm trying to wrap my head around this, Cal. First you and H just take off and get married, and then you announce you're pregnant, and one of the twins is Mari's baby. How am I supposed to handle this?"

She took his hand and laid it on her abdomen. "Here, this is Marisol. She is your blood, Eric. You are her uncle. Horatio and I have discussed it, and we'd also like you to be her godfather."

"Even with the way I've treated you? The things I've said to both of you the last few months?"

"It doesn't matter. I think once you see this little girl, you'll fall in love with her."

"I'd be proud to be her godfather, Cal." He moved his hand and pulled her into a hug. "I still love you, and I love Horatio like a brother. I want to stay part of your lives."

She held him tightly. "You'll always be part of our lives, Eric. I told you once that I loved you like a brother, that hasn't changed. We're family."

Eric released his hold on her and wiped the tears that had formed. "Thanks, Cal." He looked around the room and laughed. "Uh, do you think Patty likes Tinker Bell?"

She giggled. "Just a little bit. You should see Austin's room."

"I did. He's really into pirates. I guess I should have asked what he liked before I bought his present."

"I don't think he could fit one more thing into that room. You ready to join the party?"

He kissed her cheek. "Yeah. Thanks, Cal. I appreciate the talk. I can't wait until you come back to work. Things just haven't been the same."

"So I hear. Horatio's limiting what I can do once I come back, though. We don't want to risk the babies."

"I'm surprised he's letting you out of his sight for the next six months."

"You know me better than that, he'd never get away with it."

"This is H we're talking about. He's protective with the whole team. Even if you weren't his wife, he'd be extra protective of you while you're pregnant."

The door opened and Horatio stuck his head inside. "You two about ready to wrap this up in here? The kids need to put away their new toys."

"Yeah, we're done, H. Calleigh was just filling me in on my new god daughter."

"I'm glad you approve of our choice, Eric. There's no one I'd rather entrust our daughter to." Horatio stepped into the room and enveloped his brother in law in a strong hug. "Come on, let's join everyone else and let the kids get to work."

The adults chatted while the children played, then one by one all the guest left. "The house feels so quiet." Calleigh flopped onto the sofa next to her husband. "Where are our children? They didn't sneak out with the cousins, did they?"

"No, they're getting ready for their baths, then we're going to put Miracle on 34th Street into the DVD player and relax. You look exhausted. You wait right here, I'll put some water on for tea, and then bathe the kids."

"How about peppermint hot cocoa instead? That sounds so much better than tea."

"I'll make it after the kids are done."

A half an hour later the family was snuggled on the sofa sipping their cocoa. Calleigh sat up suddenly and put her hand on her abdomen.

"What's wrong? Horatio moved his hand over hers.

"Nothing's wrong. They just moved for the first time! I can't feel it with my hand, but I feel them inside. What a Christmas present!"

"The best ever. I can't wait to feel them myself."

"Probably in a month." She yawned, and then took a sip of cocoa before snuggling into Horatio's chest. "Our first family Christmas. I'm so happy, Horatio."

"Me, too. Thank you for this family, Calleigh. I love you."

She yawned again. I love you, too."