We would like to thank ALL our loyal readers for your support while we have been away. In the next few weeks, you will see our stories being reposted here for all of you to read along with several NEW stories we've written while we've been away.

We appreciate all the kind messages we've received for our readers...we didn't realize how many of you were reading our stories, lol. It has brought HUGE smiles to us and we hope you'll continue to stick with us as we re-post some old favorites and hopefully new favorites. Thanks again!

CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05

Now for the good stuff!

**WARNING: STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE! You Are Warned**

DISCLAIMER: We don't own any of the Miami characters and we're NOT making any money off of them!

SEQUEL TO: "Legacy Of Madness"

Pushing through the doors of the lab, Horatio wasted no time in signing in, meeting Jesse in the atrium. When he locked gazes with the younger CSI, he could see the apprehension and tried to stand against it, reaching his hand out with a smile. When Jesse took it, Horatio gripped it tightly and shook it, wanting to show the strength that he was working hard to pull to the surface.

"Jesse, thanks for the phone call. Now…where are they?"

"In the Chief's office, H." As they began to head towards the elevators, Jesse continued, "They haven't come out yet. But, Frank did say he heard Speed doing some yelling when he passed by."

"Then, I suppose that's where I need to be. Any ideas on how Stetler got his hands on any information?" Coming to the bank of elevators, he could feel the eyes that were on him and he sighed heavily, "He was at the rehab facility at one point, but he didn't get anywhere. I never saw or heard anything after that."

"No clue. But, you know him, he'll stoop to all level's to get an ounce of information on anyone," Jesse replied as he hit the button. Turning to Horatio more, he sighed, "It's good to see you though, H. Sorry it's under these conditions."

"Yes, it's unfortunate. How are you doing?" Watching the numbers tick by, he waited for Jesse to answer and then looked to him, "I trust that things have been running smoothly."

Nodding and pursing his lips, Jesse chuckled some, "Yeah. Speed's been doing a good job at keeping us on our toes. But, he's not you and we all want you back."

The elevator stopped at the floor and Horatio turned to Jesse, smiling faintly, "We'll have to see about that, Jesse." Hearing the sounds of yelling, Horatio turned his attention to the hall and then to the chief's secretary. Going to her, he nodded, "Lieutenant Horatio Caine to see the Chief."

Raising her brows to the red head, Claire whispered, "You sure you want to go in there right now, Lieutenant?"

"Positive. Could you announce that I'm here, please?" The shouting got louder before it stopped all completely and he moved to the door, "I'm sure that this would be the appropriate time to do so."

Picking up the handset on the phone, she pressed a number and waited before speaking, "Excuse me sir, Lieutenant Caine is here…yes sir." Hanging up, she raised a brow, "You can go in…and good luck in there."

"Thank you." Turning the knob, Horatio pushed the door open and then walked through, instantly feeling the intense charge that was in the air. Closing the door behind him, he then looked to see three pairs of eyes settle on him, each with their own demeanor. From Speed, he could feel concern, from the Chief a sense of confusion and from Stetler smug recognition. Clearing his throat, he nodded, "I believe you are discussing me. I thought I'd come and see what concerns might arise."

Rising, Tim approached Horatio, mildly surprised that he had made the trip to the lab, and apparently by himself. Narrowing his brow, he spoke softly, "H, Stetler's been up to his old ways. He's got some information…"

Horatio met Stetler's icy stare and shook his head minutely, allowing a mirthless laugh to pass from his lips, "I'm sure he has." Speaking up as he walked forward, Horatio addressed both the Chief and Stetler, "I have a right to know what the accusations are."

Rising from his chair, the Chief held his hand out to Horatio as he came forward, "Lieutenant Caine. Good to see you, sir. Please, have a seat."

Watching the red head, Rick looked towards the Chief and raised a brow, "As I stated, the proof is in my report, sir. Lieutenant Caine…" he said glaring to him, "on his own accord, purchased drugs, specifically heroin after being released from the hospital. A week later he was admitted into a rehab center in The Keys and later a Sober House for his addiction."

Horatio let go of the Chief's hand after shaking it and took a seat. The words that came from Stetler's mouth hit him and he swallowed hard, the memory of the incidents leading to his stint in rehab hitting him head on. Keeping his eyes on the Chief, he acknowledged with a nod, "I did go to the Keys after being released to get myself together. Detective Duquesne can attest for that."

Sitting back down in his leather chair, the Chief nodded and looked to Horatio as he raised his brow, "And the accusations about you purchasing drugs after being released from the hospital? Are they true, Lieutenant Caine?"

Unable to lie, Horatio nodded and felt himself beginning to unravel. Clasping his hands together, he cleared his throat again and spoke gently, "I was in the grips of an addiction to heroin, an addiction that I did not choose for myself. At the time, I made a bad decision and I have since paid for that decision. I can assure you that now, I am in complete control of my faculties and that there is no cause for worry."

"The fact remains, Lieutenant Caine purchased drugs for personnel use. Who's to say he won't fall off the wagon and start using again? He can't be trusted working here, processing evidence…which fifty percent of the cases are drug related. He'll compromise those cases and put dangerous criminals back on the street," Rick aspirated as his temper began to rise again.

Knowing that Stetler was right, Horatio nodded in agreement, maintaining his sights with the Chief, "Sergeant Stetler is right, there is a greater chance of me falling off the wagon and using again, but I won't take the chance of soiling the reputation of the crime lab or the job that I was sworn to do. Before I do that, I would quit. I respect the badge too much, the city of Miami too much, and the victims of these crimes too much." Chancing a look to Stetler, he smirked slightly, "I don't have the desire to hold on to something that I know is futile."

Taking in the information, the Chief sat back in his chair more and nodded, "Lieutenant Caine, as much as I hate seeing you go, it is in the best interest of the lab…unless…"

Looking at the Chief, Rick brow furrowed, "What do you mean unless?"

Getting tired of Rick's attitude, the Chief shot him a glare, "Silence it, Sergeant Stetler."

Looking back at Horatio, the Chief sighed, "Would you consider stepping down fully as head of the lab, the position going to Detective Speedle and be an expert consultant for the lab? Of course you will not be allowed to handle the evidence…and any drug related cases you would be supervised. You'd also have to submit to having random drug testing as well."

Listening to the stipulations, Horatio exhaled, knowing that any thoughts of returning to his position were now disintegrated, regulating him to becoming separate from the job he so loved. Averting his eyes, he shook his head, and then lifted it, a small smile coming to his lips, "I'll step down and give up my badge, but on one condition. No one outside of this room will know about my past. On the instance that this information needs to be revealed, I will step away from the case, but I don't see why it would be necessary to make public my past afflictions."

"As for any information pertaining to your case, it will be sealed as of now and will not be reopened as long as no further altercations take place." Looking to Tim and then Rick, the Chief cleared his throat, "If you two will excuse Lieutenant Caine and myself, we have further business to discuss."

Standing, Rick breathed out heavily and shook his head, "I still say he should be fired without benefits."

"Sergeant Stetler, unless you'd like to be demoted, then I suggest you drop this now and make no mention of it further," the Chief stated with an irritated tone.

Watching as an incensed Stetler moved towards the door, Horatio shook his head minutely and then retained his focus on the Chief. Once the door closed with a slight force behind them, he centered on the stern expression of the Chief, "What can I do for you, Chief?"

Reaching for his cup of lukewarm coffee, the Chief took a drink and sighed as he set it aside, "Horatio…we've know each other for over fifteen years. Whenever one of us has had a problem, the other one has helped. This changes nothing, understand? As much as I hate to see you leave the force…I also understand why things have happened this way. But, instead of just handing over your badge and gun, I'd much rather you retire. You've given this department many, many years of dedicated service which is being taken into account."

Horatio nodded and averted his eyes, feeling a shred of shame. He never wanted to leave this job in this manner, but his life had twisted and turned, leaving him no other way. A wistful smile rose and he spoke lightly, "It's been a great ride, Chief, one that I didn't expect to end so soon, but…now I have to travel a different road. I'll submit my retirement as soon as I leave here."

"I'd still like to have you as an advisor and consultant, Horatio. You're the only man I know with the knowledge we need to bring down some of these criminals out there," the Chief said as he looked to the red head. "If you go that route…I might be able to see about keeping you on the payroll and you'd be able to forego the retirement just yet. It's something to consider anyways."

"I think I want to keep my options open," Horatio answered truthfully. He was relieved that he wasn't forced into retirement and anything he could do to help he would. A smile came and he exhaled lightly, "I would like to stay on in any capacity that I can."

"Good." Standing the Chief came around his desk and perched himself on the corner edge, "You understand you'll still have to do drug screenings, Horatio. It's only because of the red tape. If it was up to me, I'd have you back in the lab in a heart beat. You're a great CSI…and you have a great team. At least this way you'll still be able to work with them and guide them."

"It will be nice to work with them again." Giving him a short nod, he reached his hand out, "Thank you for everything, Chief."

Shaking his hand firmly, the Chief nodded, "My pleasure, Horatio. And if there is anything you need…please, don't hesitate to ask." Letting go of his hand and watching as Horatio stood up, the Chief moved off the corner of his desk, "And if Rick gives you and problems, let me know. I'll personally handle him."

"I'll do that." Releasing his hand, he asked, "Do you think it will be okay if I visited them today? It will only be briefly."

"That's fine. I'm sure they'll be more then happy to see you." Walking with him towards the door, the Chief clapped Horatio's shoulder, stopping him. "Horatio…don't make me regret this decision. I have faith in you…but I also know what drugs can do to a person."

"I understand fully. I won't let you down, sir. I've worked too hard to get to where I am to screw it up again." He looked to the Chief as the door open, feeling as if he had a new lease on life, "I can't thank you enough, sir for your belief in me."

Smiling some, the Chief nodded, "You're a good man, Lieutenant Caine, and we need all the good men we can get." Lowering his head, his smile grew and he looked back at him, "And uh, by the way, congratulations. I understand you and CSI Duquesne are expecting anytime now."

"Ah, yes sir," Horatio answered as he scratched his head, "She's got less than a month to go."

"Well, if there is anything you two need, please let me know," he said with a smile. "I remember what having kids are like."

Horatio laughed and then nodded, "Yes, it's certainly going to be something new for me. But for right now, I think we have everything we need, thanks for asking." Walking through the door, he turned to the Chief and nodded, "Thanks again, sir."

Smiling, the Chief nodded, "You're welcome, Lieutenant. Now, go see your team."

Horatio smiled and then started for the elevators, his smile growing with each step. It only took him a few minutes before he was on the lab level, stepping off the elevator to enter the bustling corridors with lab techs moving like a strong current. Instant memories met him and he took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Starting off, he smiled and waved to many who greeted him before turning his eye to the office above the trace lab. He could see from his vantage point that the blinds were pulled up, signifying that he was most more than likely there. Taking a deep breath, he started for the stairs leading up to the office he'd occupied for years.

Coming to the door, he waited patiently for the voice to allow him entry, feeling somewhat at odds with doing so. "Speed, it's me…"

Hearing the knock and then the following sound of his voice, Tim lifted his head and started for the door. Opening the door, he smirked slightly and then moved to the side, "So, I take it that the Chief gave you a reprieve?"

Smiling some, Horatio went in and licked his lips as he stopped just inside the door and looked back at Tim, "You could say that…but, you're still in charge of the lab, Speed."

"As that may be true, it still doesn't mean that you can't come into your office. Take a seat," Tim said as he closed the door. Moving toward the desk, he sighed and shook his head, "Nothing's changed much, the mountain of paperwork's still the same."

Smirking some, Horatio went over, taking a seat in front of the desk, "How's things going here, Speed? Any problem's besides Rick sticking his nose where it doesn't belong?"

"Labor, case overload and something going on with the mass spec," Tim answered as he gestured to the desk. Shaking his head woefully, he asked, "How did you do this and still have a life? Emma's kinda peeved that she hasn't seen her father in almost two weeks."

Chuckling some, Horatio sighed, "Have Travers get hold of Donald Jenkins, he does the work on the mass spec, centrifuges, and microscopes. With the case overload, pass some off to night shift. They aren't as busy as days. As for labor…what's going on there?"

"There's too much, yet too little. I just don't understand. It's a lot to deal with." Sitting back in the chair, he arched a brow, "Seriously, how did you do this, run a scene and still be able to go home at night?"

Nodding, Horatio shifted his weight in the chair and shrugged, "What could wait until the following day, I left. As for the rest, let the team help you, Speed. Don't try to do it all yourself…or in one night. Paperwork, do like I did and take some home with you and do after Emma goes to bed. You and her will both be much happier then."

Taking in the advice, Tim nodded, "So delegate is what you're saying. That's what saved you from a lot of stress?"

"Yes. Although, until Calleigh and I started seeing each other I didn't really care to go home and would be here sometimes until one or two in the morning." Taking in a deep breath, Horatio sighed, "But yes, delegate things out…try not to rush through cases no matter how many come in. There are enough people here at this lab and they all can step it back up to where it was when I left."

"Yeah, right. That's another problem, as much as they respect me, I don't think many like me in this position, and that makes it harder for me to get things done." Staring out, he shook his head, "They would rather have you here than me."

Looking down at his hands, Horatio raised a brow and nodded, "Whether they like you or not, they still have a job to do, Speed. It's not about who resides in this office, it's about helping the victims and you need to make that point known to them."

"I'll work on that," Tim answered back with a knowing tone. Lacing his hands in front of him as he reclined in the seat, he arched his brow and smirked, "So, Calleigh told you that I came by?"

"She did. She also told me to two had a bit of an argument as well. You know she doesn't need that stress right now, Speed."

"Yeah, I know, and I'm sorry for that, but…I just wanted to get her to push you to come out. You had to start trusting yourself again, H. I didn't want to see you become a hermit, you know?" Looking at him, he smirked, "You were so full of life before everything went down, I just wanted to see you back up again."

Understanding where Tim was coming from, Horatio nodded slightly and looked over at him, "I'm working on it, Speed. But…I don't think I'll ever have this office again. As the Chief said, the higher ups would have a field day and if any defense attorney ever got hold of any of the information on me, it would jeopardize that case."

"So, you're strictly hands off? That's a tragedy if I ever heard one. This city needs you here," Tim protested as he frowned. "This just isn't right."

"I'm an addict, Speed. Anyway you look at it, it's how things are now. The Chief will be letting me work with you and the others though for consults and advising. So I'll still be employed here…just not as head of the lab."

To hear Horatio admit to his addiction floored Tim and he sat speechless for long moments. He could see the truth in his former boss's eyes, and even the shame that was interlaced within his constant gaze. It was unreal to him that this was the reality of it all, but it was, and now he was going to have to deal with it the best he could.

Breaking the silence with the gentle clearing of his throat, he sighed, "No matter what you've been through, H, you'll always have me as a friend. Anything you need, you can get from me."

Glancing to the younger man, Horatio raised his brow, his voice coming in a whisper, "Thank you, Speed." The need to move began to eat at him and Horatio stood up and looked to him, "The Chief gave me permission to visit everyone. I know you need to get back to work…"

Tim could perceive his anxiousness and nodded, gesturing to the mountain of paper work, "Yeah, I'm kinda drowning in reports, but perhaps later tonight we can get together or something."

Nodding as he thought, Horatio tilted his head slightly, "Why don't you and Emma come over for dinner. You and Calleigh can talk and then we can help knock out some of this paperwork."

"That sounds like a great idea. I think Emma could do with some time out of the house with her old man. What time will be good for you?"

Remembering his promise to take Calleigh out, Horatio furrowed his brow and then smirked, "How about six thirty? That'll give us time to straighten up and for me to go to the store for Calleigh. Oh, and Kyle will be joining us as well. And f he starts asking you questioning you about the lab, don't be surprised. He's wanting to be a CSI now."

"Kyle, a CSI?" Tim laughed and then shook his head in disbelief. "Talk about not expecting this…That's great, H. You have to be proud that he's following in your footsteps."

"As long as he stays on the right path, he should do well. Calleigh and I gave him some journals to read up on along with some of the online information. He's probably not going to be able to go back in the military with his leg the way it is now."

"I see. Well, there are worse things that he could do. What does he want to specialize in?"

Chuckling, Horatio scratched his temple with one finger, "Uh…trace." Looking at him, Horatio chuckled, "Look's like you might have him here in a couple years…unless he can get into the intern program."

"I suggest he do just that. He should get some courses under his wing and then look for some internships." Tim smirked and nodded, "So, he wants to work trace, interesting developments."

"Well, he didn't want to go back into the morgue." Sighing heavily, Horatio looked around the office some and then to Tim, "If you want, I can come by later in the week and get my thing's out of here."

Glancing around, Tim furrowed his brow, "There's no rush, H. It's not a hindrance, I really don't mind your things."

"Still, this is your office now, Speed. I'll uh, I'll just come by Thursday and pick up everything," Horatio said as he looked back at him. "Now though…I think I'm gonna go see the team." Holding his hand out to Tim, Horatio gave him a small smile, "You're doing great, Speed. You've earned this."

Shaking his hand, Tim shook his head, "It just feels bad, you know, H?" Letting go his hand, he smiled, "Try not to take too long, the crew still has a lot of work to do."

"No worries, Speed…no worries." Heading to the door, Horatio opened it and looked back at him, "See you and Emma tonight…six thirty and don't be late."

"I won't be late, and thanks," Tim answered as the red head left. Watching as he descended the stairs, Tim couldn't help but think of the good things that Horatio had done.

Coming out the shower, Calleigh reached for a towel and began to dry herself off. It'd had been a few hours since Horatio had left for the lab and she hadn't heard anything from him. Worry was starting to set in as she dried off her body and then stepped out onto the bath map. Getting the few spots she missed, she decided to give him a call as soon as she finished dressing. Going over to the counter, she grabbed hair brush and began to brush through her golden locks, happy that it was now down past her shoulders.

Hearing a nose come from the bedroom, she stopped mid stroke and looked towards the door. Getting an uneasy feeling, she wrapped the large towel around herself and went to the door. Opening it and looking out into the bedroom, she saw Horatio taking off his suit coat, "Hey, thought you got lost or something. How did it go?"

Folding the suit coat, he placed it on the bed and turned to her, smiling lightly, "Well, I've officially stepped down as supervisor and accepted the position of consultant to the crime lab. I don't have anything to do with any evidence and I will be subjected to drug tests." Taking in her expression he shook his head and approached her, "Don't worry, I wasn't forced into retirement and Stetler was disappointed that I wasn't fired or discredited."

"Consultant…okay." Placing her hands onto his chest as he came to her, she sighed, "I see they let you keep your badge and gun though."

"Yeah, I tried to give it up, the Chief wasn't the least bit interested. He wanted to put me back in the lab, but because of my little stunt after getting out of the hospital, he said that I've become a detriment to the lab. So, I took the consultant job."

"Well, maybe once he see's through your drug testing's and all, he might let you back into the lab full time," Calleigh replied softly. Looking up at him, she gave him a small smile, "So, Rick once again got everything thrown in his face, huh?"

Horatio sighed and shook his head, "Yes, he did, and he wasn't happy about it. When the Chief asked him to leave, he called for my dismissal." Touching her shoulder, he smiled wistfully, "And as much as you want it to happen, Cal, I don't think I'll ever be in the lab again, not in that capacity."

"I can still hope for it," Calleigh replied softly as she remained close to him. Taking in a deep breath, she raised a brow, "Were you able to see any of the team?"

"I went to speak to Speed, by the way, I've asked him to come over. He's going to bring Emma along with him." When she nodded, he added, "At six thirty tonight."

"Tonight? But I thought we were going to go out tonight," she replied with a confused look. Sighing heavily, Calleigh moved from him and went back into the bathroom, "I'm half surprised he even wants to see me."

Horatio went out into the hall and grabbed the vase full of tulips and held them in his hands, waiting for her to return. With a smile on his face, he spoke again, "Tim understands more than you think, Calleigh. You just have to talk to him, that's it." Watching as she came back out, he could see the surprise and delight in her eyes as he approached, offering the vase, "I hope you like my offering of apology, I know you wanted to go out, but I think this is important too."

Taking the vase full of tulips, Calleigh's eyes roamed over them, taking in there beauty and leaned towards them, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath through her nose. Smiling, she reopened her eyes and looked at Horatio, "They're beautiful, Horatio. You didn't have to do this though."

"I wanted to," he answered softly. Caressing her face gently, Horatio smiled, "I don't want to get into the habit of breaking my promises again. I won't forget that we have a standing date."

Nodding her head slowly, she gave him a small smile and then moved the vase. Taking a step closer to him, she laid her head against his chest, "Thank you, Handsome."

"You're welcome." Wrapping his arms around her, he held her as close as he could and chuckled, the sound moving throughout his body. Pulling away from her slowly, he asked, "Now, are you going to be okay with Emma coming tonight? I hear she can be a handful when she wants to."

"I'm fine with Emma. She doesn't give me any problems. It's Tim I'm more worried about," Calleigh replied as she moved from him and carried the vase of tulips over to her side of the bed, placing them onto the nightstand. Turning back to him, she sighed heavily as she sat down on the bed, "I was pretty mean to him earlier today."

"Speed's not going to be a problem. He understands what's been going on, Calleigh. He also understands how protective you can be." Coming to her side, he sat gently and took her hand into his, "You don't have to worry Speed, Calleigh."

Leaning her head onto his shoulder, Calleigh nodded some and then looked up at him, "I'll try, okay?"

"That's all that is needed, sweetheart." Chuckling to himself, he exhaled lightly, "What you two have in common is that you're concerned about me. I'm working to alleviate that. No one should have to worry about me."

"We worry 'cause we care," she replied softly as she kept her sites on him. Sitting back up, she moved onto the bed further and laid back onto the mattress. Smiling as he followed suite, she whispered, "Now, tell me what else happened while you were there."

Lying next to her, Horatio rested his head on his hands and stared at the ceiling as the events replayed in his mind. A small laugh escaped and he licked his lips as he shook his head slightly, "Stetler was hell bent on discrediting me, wanting me to be fired with no chance of retiring- and no benefits. The Chief wasn't at all happy to find that I did buy the heroin when I left the hospital, but I assured him that it's apart of my past and not my future." The smile faded some and he exhaled heavily, "I'll always have that specter of an addict. I can never actively investigate a crime scene again."

Turning onto her side and facing him, Calleigh placed her hand onto his chest and spoke softly, "At least they're letting you stay involved with the lab though, Horatio. They could have banned you from there."

"You're right, I could've been banned." Silence prevailed and he continued to stare, a mirthless laugh leaving his lips. "Ray would have got a kick out of this. Big brother, stoic and honorable, brought down by heroin. I have more in common with him than I thought apparently."

"But you didn't choose this, Horatio. It was forced onto you. Had Adrienne not given it to you, then there wouldn't have been an addiction." Moving closer to him, she sighed, "You also got help and came back to us."

Horatio nodded and then looked to her, steadying his gaze with hers, "I could not have done it without your support, Calleigh. Or Tim's for that matter. You weren't going to see me fail, and that…that means more to me than anything else in this world."

Giving him a smile, Calleigh whispered, "I love you, I'll always be there for you when you need me."

Pulling himself closer to her, he returned her smile and nodded, "And I will be stronger for you. I'll love you always." Raising his hand, he moved wisps of her blond hair out of her eyes and leaned in to kiss her gently. Closing his eyes, he relished the closeness and released her slowly. Truly taken by her, he encased her within his arms and held her, whispering, "Nothing's going to tear us a part, Calleigh."

Enjoying the feel of his arm's around her, Calleigh lay there contently with him. They had come a long way to get to where they were at now. With the damp towel still around her, Calleigh smirked and looked into his eyes, "Had I'd known you were on your way home I would have waited so you could take a shower with me."

"That would've been a treat, that's for sure," Horatio responded as he raised an eyebrow. Moving his hand to the towel, he smiled more, "We'll have to pick up where we left off earlier." His hand traveled to her belly and he asked, "How is she today?"

"Good. She's been pretty quiet today though. But, the doctor did say the closer we got she could become less active," Calleigh said as she let his hand roam. When Cerise shifted inside her, she smiled, "I think she likes the attention she's getting now though."

Horatio continued to roam gently and smiled, "The closer we get, the more anxious I become. I want to see her face, to hear her cry. I want to hold her." Laughing, he looked to Calleigh, "And I want to see who she looks like the most."

Reaching up and caressing his cheek, Calleigh smiled, "I hope she has your eyes…and your since of caring."

"I hope she has your determination and heart," Horatio added, taking her hand. Kissing it lightly, he chuckled, "And having your beauty won't hurt at all."

Smiling more, Calleigh chuckled, "I can only imagine what we'll be like when she get's old enough to date. I can just see you interrogating the boys."

"Who says I'm going to allow her to date?" Watching her expression change, Horatio smoothed her hair down and then shook his head, "I'm joking, sweetheart. When the time comes, we're going to cross that bridge, but for right now, I just want time with her."

"You'll have that," she whispered and then leaned to him. Giving him a soft lingering kiss, she then whispered against his lips, "Maybe we can give her a little brother or sister to play with sometime."

"Perhaps," Horatio commented before crashing his lips against hers. He gave himself over to the passion that was simmering below his surface and brought her closer. Her warmth invaded him and all previous feelings of doubt and self worth melted under them. Nothing mattered more than the love she had for him. Breaking away from the kiss, he exhaled lightly and moved his fingers through her hair lovingly, allowing the silence of the moment to speak for itself.