A/N: Another long one, but what can I say, got carried away with the romance of it all, but it does have a little excitement too! Stay tuned more excitement may be down the road….
If any readers are veterans, thank you for your service! Hope everyone remembered them today!
A Jazzy Ceremony
Miami Int'l –
"Handsome…did you remember…"
Horatio glanced around at his wife and cut her off, "I did Sweetheart," smiling as he put his arm around her waist.
Calleigh glared slightly and responded, "You didn't even know what I was going to ask…."
Horatio chuckled, "Calleigh, Sweetheart…you have asked about everything imaginable in the past 30 minutes and I took care of everything you requested for me to do…now RELAX,"
Horatio whispered in her ear and kissed her cheek.
Frank walked up with Austin and Patty in tow and loudly proclaimed to his friends, "Snacks are bought!"
Horatio grinned and couldn't help but comment, "You handled that task well 'Uncle Frank'!"
"Well…if the Rug-rats need the facilities…I suggest their parents take care of that." Frank huffed looking totally ill at ease with children. Horatio knew it was just bluster on his friend's part, after all Frank had children of his own, although they lived with his ex-wife.
"If you will watch the carry-ons, their Mother and I will do just that," Horatio answered.
Everything taken care of, Horatio and Calleigh arrived back at the gate just as boarding began. Gathering the bags, they headed for the gate where passengers were forming a line for boarding the plane to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Patty, Calleigh, and Horatio sat in one row and across the aisle, Frank sat with Austin in the two seat row, giving Austin the window seat was just fine with Frank as he preferred the aisle seat so he could get up easier.
Patty wanted to sit by the window just like her brother, but she was not totally comfortable as she had never been on a plane and fear was starting to creep up on her. Horatio let Calleigh sit in the middle by Patty and he took the aisle seat to where he could talk with Austin, and Frank would have an adult to talk with.
As the plane revved its engines, preparing to be pushed back from the jet-way, Patty turned and almost screamed, "Mommy I'm scared…I want to sit on your lap!"
Calleigh leaned over and attempted to comfort her and explain that she was safe that mommy and daddy were right there with her.
Austin leaned over in his seat and said, "It's going to be ok Patty…it will be fun!"
The stewardess happened to walk by and heard Patty so she stopped and asked if this was the little girl's first time to fly and Horatio told her it was, but that she would be alright in a little while once the plane took off.
"Well, I think I have just the thing for you…"
"Her name is Patty," Calleigh spoke up smiling at the nice stewardess.
"Patty…that is such a pretty name, that's my name too! I think since this is your first time to fly, you deserve a pair of wings for being a brave girl," the stewardess said as she handed the wings to Patty.
"Thank you, Patty I like them! My daddy is brave…he catches all the bad people…I am not brave like he is," Patty smiled.
Horatio looked at the young lady and sheepishly smiled and thanked her for the gift for Patty.
Calleigh leaned over and pinned them on Patty's top and the girl said, "They are pretty, thank you Mommy."
Calleigh kept Patty interested in the wings and kept her occupied in conversation until the plane became airborne and the ride smoothed out.
Horatio leaned into his wife and whispered, "Thank you Sweetheart for helping Patty. You knew just what to do."
It was just a 2 hour flight and the rest of the trip went smoothly until the plane began to make its descent into New Orleans and was just moments from touching down. Horatio and Frank had been noticing a young man in an aisle seat a few rows in front of them that seemed to be getting agitated with someone sitting beside him and his anger seemed to increase garnering the attention of a stewardess. When she came to calm the situation down, Horatio saw him grab the stewardess's arm and then realized it was Patty. After a minute, she was able to break away from the man's grip and turned to walk back to her seat to prepare for landing.
Calleigh leaned into Horatio and began asking, "What's going on up the aisle here?"
"It just seems like a young man is not happy about something…" Horatio answered.
Then the young man leaped from his seat with the intent of grabbing the stewardess from behind as she walked away.
Horatio immediately disconnected his seat belt and jumped up and ran down the aisle toward the young man, with Frank right behind him. Horatio lunged at the man and tackled him just as the plane's wheels touched down. The impact with the ground sent both men slamming into the floor, with Horatio on top of the aggressor and Frank hit the floor behind them. Knowing Horatio was going to need some help, Frank quickly pushed himself up and climbed over Horatio to get a grasp on the back of the young man's neck to keep him from going anywhere.
"Horatio…you ok man?" Frank asked noticing Horatio still on top of the young man gasping for air.
Frank pulled the man up, out from under Horatio who rolled over onto his back and was slowly getting to his feet to help his friend.
Breathing hard, he held the man while Frank slapped his pair of handcuffs on him. Frank volunteered to stay with the still agitated and slightly drunk young man until they could hand him over to airport police, while Horatio made his way to the stewardess to check on how she was doing. She assured him she was fine, that she had just managed to buckle her seatbelt when the plane touched down. She thanked him for what he did for her and asked if he was ok.
"I…am fine Patty, thanks."
All of the coach section erupted with cheers and clapping as Horatio made his way back to Calleigh and the children as he made a gesture of appreciation for their thanks toward the passengers.
"Handsome are you ok…you look still look shaken?"
Austin yelled, "Way to go Dad…you GOT him!" Horatio glanced over at his son and grinned slightly.
"Cal…just let me sit a few minutes," as he sat down he hesitated and drew in a deep breath, "let me catch my breath and I will be fine, but I have to say…that was one heck of a landing!" He told her as he held her hand.
"Thank you Daddy…that was a bad man, and he was going to hurt my friend," Patty exclaimed.
"You are most welcome…Sweetheart," Horatio answered.
The Caines were the last to deplane and as they passed the pilot and stewardesses, Horatio received a warm thank you and handshake from the pilot and a quick hug from the stewardess named Patty and words of thanks from the rest of the crew.
Walking out of the jet-way the group saw Frank waiting on them and he told Horatio he handed the guy over to airport police with many thanks from the officers.
Reaching the area where non-secured people waited on their arrivals, Horatio heard a man above the din of the crowd yell, "CAL…CAL… OVER HERE!" And looking in the direction of the yell he saw a tall, sandy blonde man grinning with out-stretched arms.
"JEFF," Calleigh yelled in reply. Letting go of Horatio's hand, she ran and wrapped her arms around the man and Horatio hoped that was one of her brothers because he felt very uneasy watching this man hugging his wife. Watching the pair as Horatio stood holding Patty's hand with Austin standing beside him, he was relieved when he detected the word "Sis" among all the gaiety.
Frank eased closer to Horatio and cracked, "Very demonstrative family it seems." Horatio smiled.
"Very much so my friend," Horatio replied.
Introductions were made all around and Jeff slapped Horatio on the back and said, "Heard what you did back there on that plane Brother-In-Law…you're like me, a take action sorta guy!"
Horatio groaned, "How did you hear about what happened on the plane?"
Jeff laughed and replied, "Everyone coming off the plane was talking about an inflight incident so, I stopped a guy who saw everything and he told me what happened. I figured it was you since he said a redheaded guy took the obnoxious passenger down."
Horatio thought…Hope we can get out of here before news of the event spreads too much.
It wasn't long before they were in a minivan headed for the Duquesne family home which was going to be a sight to see after what Calleigh had told him. Seems her father Kenwall, had done well for himself in his law practice before he moved to Miami. He and Calleigh's mother had divorced, and she had subsequently passed away while Calleigh was in college. She had also made a very nice living in her own right, owning a large advertising firm in New Orleans, which was sold after her death and the money was shared among her children. Calleigh had informed him that one of her other brothers, Ben and his wife and family lived in the house permanently and kept it up. Ben is an attorney and had built a nice practice of his own in New Orleans.
Upon arriving, Horatio thought every Duquesne remotely related must be at this house. Austin and Patty were enjoying meeting cousins who were about their age and the last he saw of them they were running out the back door with the large group of children. Calleigh did not seem fazed by them going out so he felt sure they would be alright.
After bringing in their carry-on luggage, Samantha, Ben's wife told everyone to come help themselves to a lunch buffet. The house staff would retrieve the checked luggage when it was brought from the airport later, Horatio was not surprised that the couple employed house staff considering the size of the place. There was no less than 15 suites for guests in one wing of the house alone and with the size of the grounds, he was sure there were gardeners as well. Calleigh had told him the history of the home in that the house was built by a local bootlegger in the 30's, and her mother and dad had enlarged and renovated the original home to meet their entertaining needs.
Even though there was the large family present, Horatio found all to be very congenial, and was enjoying meeting all of them, not feeling in the least like a specimen under a microscope since he was new to the family. Finally meeting her family, he now understood where Calleigh got her personality. Unfortunately, Jeff brought up the story about what had happened on their plane, much to Horatio's chagrin. As the others were discussing the wedding, he glanced over at Frank and chuckled as he observed his friend who seemed very at ease with everyone and he thought it must be because Frank was from Texas.
After lunch, Horatio and Calleigh made their way to their room upstairs where their children's and Frank's room were located as well and those for the rest of the team, who were flying in Friday evening. Frank had to come early to be fitted for his tux, just as Horatio since Frank was his best man. The other groomsmen would be Calleigh's brothers, with the exception of Ben who was to escort her down the aisle. Her father Kenwall gave her away in their previous ceremony and he could not get away from court cases in Miami to participate in this ceremony.
Horatio thought he would like nothing better than to rest for a little while as the events of the day had caught up with him. Calleigh said she could use a nap too so she joined him much to his delight.
"Handsome, are you feeling ok?" She asked as she reached over and softly touched his cheek.
"I'm fine Cal, really I just need to rest a bit and the nap will help you too since you get tired easier now with the pregnancy."
They snuggled close to each other and drifted off after only a couple of minutes.
Sometime later, Calleigh stirred first and rolled over on her side and draped her arm over Horatio's chest hugging him to her. She opened her eyes and saw he was beginning to wake up.
Horatio gradually opened his eyes and smiled, "Hi Sweetheart…feeling rested?"
"I do Handsome…exactly what I needed. I just wish," she softly said as she rose up and kissed him lightly on his lips, and then trailed moist sweet kisses along his jaw, "that we had time for more than a nap."
"There's always tonight Sweetheart, and I don't think we will have to worry about the kids, I think they have been going non-stop with all their cousins since we arrived so they should go to bed early tonight."
Horatio began to return her passion by capturing her lips with his and rolled Calleigh over onto her back then after breaking for air, he softly said as he pushed some of her hair off her face, "Preview of coming attractions, Sweetheart," he said before he kissed her deeply again.
Forcing themselves to get up out of bed, before they got carried away in their passion, Horatio stepped into their bathroom and washed his face. Calleigh said after she freshened up, that she needed to call her friend Mary Ann, who had been making all the arrangements for their ceremony at this end.
Calleigh talked for quite some time and Horatio signaled he was going downstairs to check on the children and he thought he would see what Frank was up to.
Horatio was greeted by Josh, the youngest of the brothers who had only just arrived at the house a few minutes ago. He apologized for missing his and Calleigh's arrival earlier, but he just could not leave his men's clothing store business any sooner.
Josh said after introductions, "Horatio, you, Austin and your best man need to swing by the store tomorrow for your fittings. It won't take our tailor long to match you to your sizes, but he will need a few days since this is Monday."
"Will 10 am tomorrow morning work for everybody?" Jeff asked as he joined the two.
"Sounds good to me," Horatio answered. Josh agreed as well and made his leave to the kitchen to see if any lunch was still available.
"I will take everybody by the store and then I can run some errands in town," Jeff told Horatio.
"Thanks…umm, have you seen Frank anywhere around?"
"He and Ben left to go fishing on the bayou about an hour ago…your friend really got fired up about going. He is a good guy, your best man."
Horatio chuckled and agreed. "I've known Frank over 20 years and he has never been anything else but a good friend."
"Well next question…have you seen our children?" Horatio asked.
"I am sure I saw Austin and Patty in the rec room downstairs watching a movie with the other kids, want me to take you down?"
"Thanks Jeff, but I will find my way, I know you have other things to do," Horatio answered.
Arriving in the rec room, Horatio stood at the door and saw Samantha with the children relieved that she had probably chosen the movie for them to watch.
Patty saw her daddy and jumped up and ran to him. Horatio scooped the girl into his arms as she was excitedly describing what they had been doing that afternoon.
"Daddy, Uncle Jeff took us crawdad hunting after lunch!"
"He did…how many did you find?"
Patty giggled and answered, "NONE…I didn't want to touch them, but Austin found a lot!"
"What do you do with crawdads?" Horatio asked laughing.
"You EAT them silly!" Patty said with a somewhat stern expression that made Horatio laugh even more.
"Aunt Sam found us a movie…and it is funny! Want to watch it with us?"
"Angel…I would love to, but I think Mommy probably wants me to help her right now, but you go back and enjoy the show!"
"Ok Daddy…" she answered as he eased her to the floor.
Austin grinned and waved as did Samantha. Watching the group, Horatio was feeling better about leaving their children with the family while he and Calleigh enjoyed a few days alone in the French Quarter after the ceremony.
That night, just as they guessed, the children were dead asleep in no time in their rooms, with cousins keeping them company for the night.
Horatio chuckled as he and Calleigh saw each of them sharing a bed with new found cousins…Patty especially had become close to Ben and Samantha's youngest girl who was just a year older than herself.
Horatio turned to Calleigh once they were back in the hall with his arm wrapped around her waist and pushed her hair to the side and began tenderly kissing her neck asking softly, "Care to see the feature play tonight Sweetheart?"
"Depends on the admission price," she teased.
"You have more than enough my dear…" Horatio said as he shut and locked their door.
The week went by in a hurry and it was Friday before they knew it. The rest of the team was to fly in this evening from Miami and Horatio told Jeff he would ride with him to the airport. Calleigh was in a flurry now this close to the ceremony and the children were occupied with activities so, he actually felt at loose ends. Frank and Ben had gone out fishing again and this seemed to help Frank's mood about having to be involved with the wedding.
The rehearsal was tonight and they would pick up everyone flying in and head to the church then afterward, they would all attend the rehearsal supper at the club downtown. Horatio met the minister earlier in the week when he and Calleigh had their obligatory meeting prior to the wedding and Horatio liked the man's easy going manner. The minister was taken aback slightly when they informed him that they had actually married in Miami a couple of months ago, but desired to have a formal ceremony here to include Calleigh's family.
As Jeff and Horatio rode to the airport, they had the opportunity to talk and Jeff told him that it was great that he and Calleigh had finally gotten together. Jeff informed him that Calleigh had expressed feelings for him quite some time ago, but considering their work situation, she never acted on them. Jeff then said he thought that sometimes you just have to follow your heart and everything else will work itself out. Horatio liked Jeff's philosophy and he regretted that he had not acted on his feelings toward Calleigh sooner.
They arrived just as the passengers were debarking from the plane and Eric, Ryan, Walter and Natalia met them in the non-secure area.
"H…," Eric said in greeting.
"Eric," Horatio responded, "did you have a good flight over?"
"Yeah, we did H, it wasn't near as exciting as the one you were on though," Eric said grinning and laughing, along with the other team members.
"Um, word spreads fast even hundreds of miles away," Horatio growled.
"Lighten up H, just glad everyone ended up ok," Eric replied.
The rehearsal went very well and Horatio was especially proud of how Austin and Patty quickly understood their roles. It was no problem adding them to the ceremony as the junior bride and groom. Horatio was glad all enjoyed the supper as Kenwall had made the arrangements with Horatio paying the costs. Jeff took Frank and the rest of the team out to the French Quarter for a while before going back to the house.
Arriving back at the house, Horatio was not looking forward to tonight, as Calleigh requested that he sleep in another room…it was supposedly bad luck for the groom to stay with the bride on the eve of the wedding. He thought it was silly, especially in their case since they were already married, but he knew he had better go along with the program so he wouldn't upset Calleigh.
After putting the children to bed, she kissed him rather chastely and wished him a good night before walking to her room—their room. Horatio had difficulty going to sleep without Calleigh beside him, but eventually he drifted off.
The sun was higher in the sky than it should be Horatio thought as he rolled over and looked at the bedside clock…he was shocked when he saw it was 9am. The wedding was not until 5 that evening, but still it was late for him. Having showered and shaved and dressed in jeans and a short sleeve shirt, he headed down for breakfast, but before he went down, he walked to Austin's room to see if he was up when the boy came out the door and saw his father approaching.
"Good morning son…hungry for breakfast?"
"Sure am…I'm starved! Our cousin Steven is still asleep so I got up and got dressed. Are you getting nervous about tonight?"
"No son, I am rather looking forward to it."
Natalia was the only member of the team eating when they arrived in the kitchen.
"Good morning H…hey Austin," Natalia greeted.
"Good morning Miss Boa Vista…rested well I hope?"
"I did, this is really an amazing place, isn't it?" She asked her boss.
"It is that," Horatio chuckled as he replied, "the others aren't up yet?"
She laughed and told him they didn't get in until 2 that morning so, it probably would be a while before anyone saw them.
The day seemed to fly by and before he knew it, it was time to go up to his room and freshen up for the ceremony, all the while wondering how Calleigh managed to stay out of his sight all day. Having dressed in his tux, Horatio looked one last time in the mirror to make sure his tie was straight, thankful Calleigh had selected the long tie for the men instead of the bow tie. The black tux went well with the powder blue tie and vest he thought as he was examining himself…Calleigh had told him the color matched the blue of his eyes and he smiled at that. Thankfully he believed the colors would match well with the other men in the group as well.
Frank knocked on his door and entered saying, "Well, I think Jeff is ready to take us to the church, you ready my friend?"
"Ready Francis," Horatio answered.
Austin was waiting downstairs with Jeff and the other men in the wedding party and after leaving the house they made their way toward Trinity Episcopal Church located in the garden district on Jackson Avenue. Ben had already escorted Calleigh to the church. The location of their wedding was a large cathedral where the Duquesne's have been lifetime members and Horatio particularly loved the bright, airy look of the church with the rich red carpet covering the floor that he thought matched the wood trim so well. The altar at the front was lit by sunlight streaming through skylights in the roof and was especially beautiful during this time of the day.
As Horatio, Frank and Austin stood in the vestibule at the back of the church with the minister, Horatio was particularly enjoying the light and melodic music by Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi and other composers he recognized playing inside the cathedral courtesy of the musicians.
On their cue, Austin, Horatio, and Frank followed the minister through the doors and down the right aisle walking toward the front of the church to the music titled Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach. All eyes were on Horatio as they walked and he nodded his appreciation as he passed those attending their ceremony noticing members of his team grinning as he passed them. After they took their place, the music changed to Trumpet Tune to signal the entrance of the two bridesmaids who were childhood friends of Calleigh's wearing light blue full length dresses and the two groomsmen who were Jeff and Josh. They entered as pairs with each bridesmaid entering down the left aisle, while a groomsman simultaneously entered down the right. Last to enter was Samantha who was Calleigh's matron of honor.
With all their attendants in place, the music stopped and then changed to Wagner or more commonly known as Here Comes the Bride. The congregation rose to their feet as the music started, effectively hiding Calleigh's entrance from Horatio, he could just make out the top of Ben's head.
As Patty came into his view first, she flashed her Daddy a big grin and he returned it, as he thought how cute she looked dressed as a miniature bride. Ben and Calleigh came into view next and when they rounded the corner of pews, Horatio inhaled sharply at the beautiful creature before him…his wife and smiled. Austin beamed and looked up at his Dad and enjoyed watching his reaction.
Calleigh had left her golden hair long down her back, and her halter top designed bridal gown was cut low between her breasts, trimmed in tiny pearls. She carried a beautiful bouquet of Blanca lilies, freesia, white roses which connected with their previous ceremony in Miami and babies' breath. The long train flowed behind her and as she looked up at him through her veil, he felt his heart stop momentarily.
Horatio, Austin and Frank turned and faced the minister, but Horatio could not resist dipping his head slightly sideways and admiring his beautiful wife who stood beside him. After the presentation of the bride, Ben gave her hand to him and as he helped her up the two steps, to follow the minister, Horatio continued holding her right hand until they reached the prayer bench. Frank and Austin stood to his right and Samantha stood on Calleigh's left with Patty close beside her mother.
There was a reading of scripture by a close friend of Calleigh's, then afterward Horatio helped Calleigh with her dress to kneel on the bench to receive a prayer from the minister for them as a couple.
Then they stood and faced the minister as he gave a short message concerning love. After he finished, they turned, facing each other and recited their vows. Then music began playing as they still held hands and a woman soloist began singing, I've Dreamed of You, originally sung by Barbra Streisand:
I've dreamed of you
Always feeling you
Were there
And all my life
I have searched for you
Everywhere
I caught your smile
In the morning sun
I heard your whisper
On the breeze of night
I prayed one day
That your arms would hold me tight
And just when I
Thought love had passed me by
We met
That first look
In your eyes
I can't forget
You melted me
With your tender touch
I felt all fear and sorrow
Slip away
Now here we stand
Hand in hand
This blessed day
I promise you
As I give to you
My heart
That nothing in this world
Shall keep us apart
Come happily ever after be
The man I'll love
Until the very end
I've dreamed of you
My great love
And my best friend
For God must know
How I love you so
He's blessed us here today
As man and wife
Come dream with me
As I've dreamed of you
All my life
At the song's end, Horatio had to let go of Calleigh's hands to wipe the tears from his cheeks as he whispered to her, "I love you". Calleigh had surprised Horatio with this song, he knew music was to be played, but she never told him what it would be. The guests, in their wedding program, could see the song was requested by the bride and dedicated to her husband.
The minister, giving Horatio time to recover his composure, proceeded to the exchanging of the rings. When Horatio began slipping Calleigh's wedding band on her finger, she realized it was a different ring from the one he gave her during their first ceremony. She gasped as she saw diamonds across the top of the band and looked into Horatio's blue eyes, full of love and tears began to escape down her cheeks. Horatio smiled so tenderly and whispered, "You deserve so much more, my love."
The next thing Horatio heard was, "You may kiss the bride."
Lifting her veil, Horatio saw her beautiful green eyes shimmering with tears as she whispered, "I love you so much."
Horatio smiling replied, "You are my soul-mate Calleigh," and then he placed a searing kiss on her lips with everyone around them, including the minister, watching the couple and smiling with tears in their eyes as well. The minister thought I have never met two people who should be together any more than these. I pray they have a wonderful life ahead of them.
After being introduced to their guests, the cathedral filled with loud applause.
The musicians began playing the traditional, Mendelssohn and Horatio helped Calleigh maneuver down the steps, holding onto to Horatio's arm tightly as she was overcome with emotion as she turned and looked at him thinking about almost losing this wonderful man she was holding just 2 months ago. Walking up the aisle, they saw the members of the team beaming and Calleigh observed Natalia crying which made her own tears flow.
Austin took Patty's hand and placed it on his arm and they followed their parents out of the church. All of the guests enjoyed the sweet sight of them looking like a miniature bride and groom.
The wedding party was carried by limo to the Crescent City Brewhouse located in the French Quarter. During the ride to their reception, Horatio couldn't keep his eyes off of his beautiful wife or his hands either. Kissing her passionately she pushed him back slightly.
"Um, Handsome…remember the children are in here with us…" Patty and Austin were in a seat facing their parents. Patty was giggling and Austin just rolled his eyes and commented, "Here they go again!"
Horatio looked across at the children smiling, and asked, "You don't mind if I kiss your mother do you?"
"I don't Daddy…I like it!" Patty said still giggling.
Austin grinned and said, "Yuk!"
Horatio and Calleigh laughed and Horatio answered, "One day Son, you will understand!"
With the children having found the DVD player to watch, Horatio took advantage for a little time with his wife.
"Calleigh, the ceremony was beautiful and the song you chose to surprise me with just melted my heart. I hope I will live up to your dream of me and be the man you have always looked for because you have fulfilled all of my dreams."
Calleigh couldn't hold back her tears and Horatio dabbed her cheeks with a handkerchief, careful not to ruin her makeup.
"Horatio you already have…you are my best friend, and you are always there for me and I love you so much. By the way, I love my new wedding band…what a shock!" Horatio smiled.
"Oh Cal," Horatio managed to say before wrapping his arms around her kissing her softly and holding her against his chest.
The band was already playing New Orleans jazz tunes when Horatio and Calleigh walked into the reception hall in the Crescent City Brewhouse. The cake continued the blue theme of the wedding as it was a 3-tiered square white cake with pale blue sashes made of icing around each layer with white roses and blue irises around the bottom on the table. The same flower combination was on every table in the room as well. Food was served buffet style held in sterling silver chafe dishes and drinks were offered by roaming waiters. Their guests could also venture out on the balcony, observing the sights and sounds of the French Quarter.
After pictures were completed and most of their guests had arrived, they heard the band leader call them to the dance floor for their first dance and it was Horatio's turn to surprise Calleigh with a song from his heart. Calleigh asked Horatio if he would help her detach her long train so she could dance and he began helping her. Then to everyone's surprise Harry Connick, Jr. walked in the room and Horatio grinned from ear to ear when he saw Calleigh's face.
"Harry, I didn't know if you were in town or not…did Ben get you here?"
"Hey Calleigh, yes he did…I feel like I am crashing your party though. Hey Horatio," Harry greeted as he shook his hand.
Calleigh was taken aback, "You two already know each other?"
"Yeah, we met down at Josh's so I would be a surprise to you!"
Calleigh turned and looked up at Horatio and shook her head, "You are just full of surprises tonight!"
Horatio just grinned and replied, "I try!"
"I better get to work and fulfill your husband's request!"
Walking onto the podium to join the band that he was very familiar with, Harry began after the clapping died down, "Thank you…I have known the Duquesne family for most of my life, and Ben and Samantha have been close friends of mine since childhood so I thought I would just crash his little sister's wedding!"
"I am about to sing a song requested especially by the groom…who is a great guy by the way and I hope they enjoy."
Horatio took Calleigh in his arms as the music started and whispered in her ear, "I love you Mrs. Caine, I always will."
He held her close and kissed her softly as Harry Connick began singing, Only You:
Only you can make this world seem right
Only you can make the darkness bright
Only you and you alone
Can thrill me like you do
And fill my heart with love for only you
Only you, only you can make this change in me
For it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand I understand
The magic that you do
You're my dream come true
My one and only you…..
Natalia was in shock as she watched who was singing. Walter looked at the others and said, "I didn't know Calleigh knew this guy!"
Eric replied and said, "Yeah, and it seems H knows him too."
Frank, Walter and Ryan watched the couple dance and they agreed that it was about time those two got together.
Frank added, "I hope this is the last damn wedding they have too," which brought loud laughter from Eric.
After the first dance, Harry Connick kept singing for everyone's enjoyment and he was garnering a great deal of applause after every song.
The last dance of the evening for Horatio and Calleigh was to the tune of Save the Last Dance for Me, that Harry Connick ended on too.
Horatio and Calleigh introduced the singer to the team and when they introduced Natalia to him he seemed immediately taken with her.
"How did such a beautiful lady become a policewoman?" He crooned in his signature southern accent.
Natalia's face blushed deep red and she could barely answer.
Then he asked, "Would you care to dance?"
Natalia was flabbergasted and quickly looked to Calleigh who warned, "You better watch this guy, he is a smooth talker just like this one!" she said as she thumbed back toward Horatio.
Horatio feigned shock, but quickly laughed and added, "Umm, and look where it got you!"
Natalia accepted the dance offer and felt like she was floating on air as they walked to the dance floor. Ryan stood there, obviously unhappy and Eric leaned over and said, "You snooze, you lose my friend!"
After a few more love songs the band broke out in jazz and salsa, much to Eric's delight.
Horatio and Calleigh talked with Ben and Samantha and thanked them for everything and for keeping their children while they enjoyed a brief honeymoon. They told them if they needed them for any reason don't hesitate to call the hotel or their cell.
Then they located Austin and Patty and told them to mind their aunt and uncle, but if they needed them, all they had to do was get either one to call them…and told them they would be in town. They hugged each one and told them they loved them. The children assured both parents they were looking forward to a good time with their cousins.
Samantha then took the podium and announced the happy couple was leaving if anyone wanted to toss some birdseed on them to go out front in the next couple of minutes.
Horatio whispered to Calleigh, "So much for slipping away."
Calleigh playfully slapped his arm and told him it would be fun.
As the couple exited the front door in a shower of bird seed, Calleigh could not believe her eyes when she saw the horse drawn carriage waiting at the curb for them. Horatio helped her get situated with her dress so she could sit down for their ride to their honeymoon suite at the Royal Sonesta.
On the way, Horatio whispered, "I am going to give you a wedding night to make up for the last one Sweetheart."
"Hmmm, I am looking forward to that!"
Arriving at the door of their suite, Horatio moved to scoop Calleigh into his arms until she realized what he was doing and forbade him to pick up that much weight.
"You have already done this part Handsome…let's not undo anything about your healing."
As they walked into the suite, a CD of Tony Bennett singing, Fly Me to the Moon happened to be playing and Horatio tenderly took his wife into his arms and began kissing down her neck as his hands explored her beautiful body.
"Fly me to the moon…Sweetheart," he softly said.
"Hmm. Handsome…I think you must have missed me last night…"
"Very much Sweetheart…so very much," he whispered as he was attempting to unzip her dress.
So taken with each other as they entered the hotel, they failed to notice a man intently watching the couple cross the lobby to the elevators. Taking out a cell phone the man called a number and said into his phone, "You won't believe who I just saw…."
TBC…