I have mild writer's block! The two chapters are short so I posted them altogether.

Kids & Cuddles

Horatio glanced at the calendar. He then turned his head and smiled at a very pregnant Aimee, who was sound asleep, her head in a crook of his shoulder. According to the calendar she were seven months pregnant today. The father-to-be gingerly touched his wife's very round, very expanded belly. By most people's definition she was 'huge' but in his eyes she couldn't be more beautiful.

His unborn son kicked. It was just 2 a.m., Horatio was glad to have a few more hours with his family.

"Good morning, little man," Horatio murmured softly, placing a tender kiss on the soft flesh of Aimee's belly. "It's only early. You should be sleeping."

His wife started to wake up during the daddy and baby conversation. Or rather the monologue from daddy.

"Daddy loves you, mommy and your sisters so much. He always wanted a family but I never in a million years thought I'd meet someone as wonderful as your mom. Or that she'd want to be with me; we're not exactly your typical couple. I mean, look at her. She's absolutely gorgeous. The fact she wanted to start a family with someone like me.."

"Oh, will you stop it," Aimee cutting him off, opening her eyes.

Horatio smiled and kissed his wife.

"I believe that this was a privileged conversation, ma'am."

"Well, next time remember to put some plugs in my ears, lieutenant.

"You have to stop thinking like that," Aimee said, running her fingers through her husband's hair, kissing him passionately. "I love you! You're the husband every woman would die for and the dad every child dreams of. You deserve everything you have."

"I love you," Horatio murmured, kissing her in reply.

"I love you, too," Aimee said. "And you're never getting rid of me."

Neckties

*Flashback*

Horatio Caine loathed neckties. Hence, the reason for tie-less work attire. However, he and Aimee were renewing their wedding vows in an outdoor ceremony in front of their family and friends today. He couldn't wait to see his bride in her wedding grown but man, this tie was so irritating. This being such a special day, he promised Aimee he'd wear a tie.

Ryan sighed as Horatio fidgeted with the tie yet again, moving it out of place yet again.

"Alexx!" he called out to the woman in the next room. "We need help in here!"

Alexx came into the room

"Stop it! I said stop it!" she said, slapping Horatio's hand readjusting the tie. "Now leave it alone!"

"Alexx," Horatio whined. "I don't like it! It itches!"

"Tough!" Alexx said. "And that goes for the rest of you!" She said looking at Ryan, Eric and Frank.

"Yes, ma'am," the three said in unison. The M.E. knew how to strike fear in the men.

Seeing Aimee in the strapless, a-line wedding gown was more than enough to distract the groom from the discomfort of his necktie. Tears gathered in his eyes. The boys lined up at his side smiled. Aimee was the only woman who had ever pulled so much emotion out of Horatio Caine.

After photos and the first dance Aimee told Horatio he was welcome to remove the tie if he wanted, which he immediately did. She had whispered it in his ear while they were at the head table during the reception dinner.

When Eric saw the interaction he said loudly, "oh jeez! You two aren't starting already!" Everyone laughed.

They didn't know about other couples but Horatio and Aimee enjoyed the wedding kisses requested by their guests, and they were certainly looking forward to their wedding night, even if it were technically their second one.