Epilogue

He was satisfied, with himself and the world.

He was sitting on a bench in a park and observed the people around him. He held, untypical for him, his sunglasses in his hand. He lounged back and enjoyed the warm sunbeams of Miami.

He was relaxed, relaxed like he has never been before in his life. Nevertheless he had a watchful eye onto the world around him, as usual. This was his trademark, maybe even his habit. People always accosted him with that fact. That he realized everything, although it didn't seem like that.

He sat down upright and looked at the mothers, who were talking with each other, at older children playing soccer and at the little ones playing in a sandbox.

"Piper, would you please try to let some sand in the sandbox and not try to take it all back home, ok darling? Mommy will be angry with us." "Especially with me."

A peeved "Yes, daddy" was the answer.

He sprawled out his arms, lounged back again and closed his eyes. "Satisfied" yes, this was the correct description for his feelings.

The last years had changed him, in a positive way, as everyone said. The incidents about five years ago showed him how important life was, particularly to share his life with the people he loved. Who would have thought that this not harmless situation showed him this quite plainly? Since this day he enjoyed his life to the full and he had enough reasons for that.

He was about to fall asleep when he noticed somebody sitting down next to him.

"Mr. Caine, already again sleeping? Can't you do this at home?"

He kept his eyes shut. "I wish I could do so" he replied, "but my family won't let me have one quiet minute, you know." He smiled. "Ouch, what was this for?" He asked after he received a slap on his arm.

"I'll give you three guesses, Mr. Caine."

He sat up and opened his eyes. "And what do I receive, when I'm right?" he asked challenging.

"There are several things I can conceive of." She leaned against him.

A little girl of about four years ran towards them, with a pail and a scoop in her hands. She had blond hair, like her mother. In total she was similar to her. Only these amazing blue eyes she had inherited from her father. She was out of breath when she approached them and put down her things.

"Daddy?" she asked with this certain look, she has learned from her mother and which he had no way to subtend it.

"Yes darling? What do you want?" he asked in lovely voice.

"Can we go swinging?"

"Well Mr. Caine let's go." The woman laughed.

"Sure darling. Go ahead, I'll be right there in a minute, ok?"

Immediately the small whirlwind was away.

"I'm too old for this. I have to teach her how to swing." He said resigned.

"You poor old man" she smiled and kissed him.

"Mhm, I like that, can we go on Cal?"

"I think there is somebody who will mind that" she said when she looked to the swings where an excited four old girl waved her hand to them. "But there is still tonight" she added alluring.

"Ohoh, Mrs. Caine, what am I hearing?" He smiled impish, kissed his wife, put on his sunglasses and walked to the other important woman in his life.

Calleigh looked after him and laughed inside of her. Who would have thought that the great Horatio Caine would swing? She shook her head. Who would have thought that the destiny decided this happy way for them?

She lounged back, like her husband has done before, and enjoyed the sun.

She was satisfied, with herself and the world.

After all they were meant to be.

The End

A/N: Thanks to all of my readers. Especially to all of them who encouraged me with their Reviews. I hope you like this Epilogue, please let me know.