Title: Til' Death do us Part
Chapter 29 - Happily Ever After!

**Lyrics to 'Once in a Blue Moon' belong to Sydney Forest

1 MONTH LATER

"I still can't believe I'm getting married today," Calleigh whispered as she scampered around the room trying to gather some things up before Natalia arrived.

"It's funny because I'm getting married today as well," Eric teased.

"Oh funny Delko," Calleigh drawled as she tried to find her curling iron. "I still can't believe it," she said finally stopping and looking up at Eric with a large smile.

"Dreams do come true," he said taking her in his arms and giving her a quick kiss.

"And I even found a dress in a month," Calleigh beamed.

"Can I see?"

"Soon enough," Calleigh smiled.

Calleigh looked at the large sealed bag hanging on the door that held her wedding dress and smiled. "I'm getting married today," she whispered to her glowing reflection in mirror. The reflection said nothing in return only offered up a warm smile as it listened to the laughter coming from the room next door. Eric finally emerged and set about getting himself ready for the big event.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous," Calleigh said fidgeting with her jewellery.

"How many times have you gotten married?" Eric asked with a mock serious face.

"Funny," Calleigh said dryly. "Are you more experienced?"

"No," Eric offered.

"And you aren't nervous?"

"I didn't say I wasn't nervous," Eric said in defense.

"Okay so are you ner..."

"Scared to death," Eric teased. "Of course I'm a little nervous," he said walking up to her and gently rubbing her arms and shoulders. "The first time we did this was by a justice of the peace but this time it's more official and all our friends will be there. It's a big step for both of us; but one I think we've waited for for a long time. I know it's the right step. Dont you?"

"Never a doubt," Calleigh said with a warm smile as she finally heard a knock on the door. "Natalia's here. You heading to Horatio's right now?"

"Yes," Eric said with a half sigh. "I'm glad that Bruce wasn't offended when I told him I was going to use Horatio as the best man."

"Bruce just came into your life Eric. Horatio has been here for years. Besides, Bruce gets to walk me down the isle so I know he's happy just to be a part of this day."

"Yeah don't remind me how upset Ryan is," Eric huffs. "Said he wasn't going to talk to me for a month."

"He's just playing you," Calleigh reminds him. "He is the MC..."

"Better him than Frank," Eric laughs.

"Plus he's in charge of well just about everything according to him."

"Yeah don't remind me," Eric smiles.

"Ryan's your frirend, he'll be okay. Now go and enjoy your last few moments as a single man."

"Single?" Eric questions.

"You know what I mean," Calleigh retorts.

"Can't I just stay here? I could help you dress," he teased.

"Nice try," Calleigh smiled. "But later you can help me undress," she teased.

"Oh deal!" Eric said eagerly as Natalia knocked on the door. "Time to go. See you later. Love you."

"Love you too," she smiled.

"Hey you two," Natalia smiled at them, giving Eric a hug before he left and then hurrying over to Calleigh to see what she could to do help.

"I can't believe you actually pulled this together in a month," Calleigh tells her friend.

"I had some help but you guys wanted something small and intimate and that I could do," Natalia stated with a smile. "Thanks for letting me be a part of all this. I truly feel honored."

"You have been a great friend," Calleigh offers. Calleigh looked at Natalia with a nervous sigh and then turned and hurried back into her bedroom. "I need to do my hair," she called out.

"Calleigh relax," Natalia lightly laughed. "The bride is allowed to be fashionably late. Besides as you know rushing will do nothing."

"I know," she smiled as she turned to Natalia with a smile. "Thanks for all your help. I mean it; I couldn't have done it without you."

"You're welcome," Natalia said softly. "I'm happy for you," Natalia said warmly. "Okay now let's do your hair."

XXXXXXXX

"I wish Mari was here for this," Eric frowned as he waited for Horatio.

"She is here. She never left, not really," Horatio frowns. "She lives on in both of us and she would be proud of you today."

"Thanks for helping out as much as you did," Eric tells him warmly.

"Of course," Horatio replies with a smile. "Eric I am proud to call you friend and even prouder still of the choices you have made," he says offering his hand in warm friendship. "Very proud of you."

"Thanks," Eric smiles as he goes in search of Ryan.

"Thanks for all the help over the past month," Eric tells Ryan with a warm smile.

"Yeah well you'd be lost without me," Ryan teases.

"You're not mad?"

"I understand you having Horatio as your best man, can't be mad about that. I'm a big part of this special day so that's what counts right?"

"Your friendship means a lot. And are you mad about Bruce?"

"A little surprised, but not mad. How long have you really known Bruce?" Ryan questions.

"Sometimes it seems my whole life," Eric offers with a slight frown. "Thanks for not being mad at letting him walk Calleigh down the isle."

"Eric, this is your day and I'm a part of it," Ryan replies with a serious expression. "I'm just glad this all worked out like you wanted and that you're both happy."

"Yeah me too," Eric replies in truth.

"Okay, enough of the sappy stuff," Ryan laughs. "Time to go. And don't tell any single women what I said, that would hurt you know, my reputation."

XXXXXXXX

"Wow Calleigh," Natalia said as she stood behind Calleigh who just stared at the vision in white in the mirror before her. "You look so beautiful."

"Thanks," Calleigh whispered. The cream dress was fitted to her body; complimenting what it needed to and hiding what she wanted. The short sleeves were complimented by the large beautiful rose bouquet, and her hair was pinned up with rhinestone barrettes and then sprayed with white sparkle mist that Natalia had suggested. She wore no veil and some beautiful borrowed diamond jewellery accented her smooth skin and hung delicately around her neck, just above the satin trim of the bodice of her gown. She was stunning!

"I feel like a princess," she said in a soft giddy tone.

"You look like one," Natalia smiled as she glanced at the clock. "Any last words?" She asked softly.

"Well..." she said with another deep breath, unable to finish her words due to the nervous excitement she felt inside. "No..." Calleigh smiled.

"Come on then" Natalia urged with a smile. "Your prince awaits."

"Right," Calleigh said with an instant smile. "My...prince."

XXXXXXXX

"Still nervous?" Bruce asks Eric as they slowly pace a few steps at the front of the red velvet carpet in the park-like setting of the place they were about to get married; Horatio going in search of Calleigh to walk her down the isle.

"A little," Eric smiled. "But it's natural right."

"Don't ask me little brother," Bruce huffed. "Never been married before."

"Think you ever will?" Eric asked seriously.

"Maybe, if I'm lucky enough to find a good woman."

"Well when you do; hang on to her. A good woman doesn't come along very often."

"I know," Bruce smiled.

Eric looked at his watch and then into the parking lot at the space Calleigh's limo was supposed to be. "Is she supposed to be this late?"

"A bride on her wedding day?" Bruce lightly laughed. "Yes. That much I do know."

They made small talk for a bit longer, until Ryan called them and said Calleigh was on her way.

"Show time," Bruce smiled at Eric, lightly patting him on the back. "You know I have missed a few big events in my life time; thanks for making sure I didn't miss this one."

"Just be around for the rest."

"Planning a few more big events?" Bruce questions.

"Yes we are."

XXXXXXXX

Eric and Horatio stood at the front; Eric nervous and Horatio looking as calm as he normally did. Natalia was the first to come down the isle and she offered a small smile to both Eric and Horatio as she walked past the modest crowd; finally taking her place on the opposite side of Eric to await Calleigh's arrival.

Eric shifted nervously on his feet, and although they were only going through the motions today; renewing their vows, he felt inside that this was the real thing; the other situation his mind not even wanting to replay; only being replaced with this amazing event.

Finally she rounded the corner, her arm carefully draped over Bruce's and a smile on her beautiful face.

"Wow," was all Eric would allow himself to whisper as he just stood transfixed in time; watching the amazing creature before him slowly walk down the isle; his bride, his future happiness, his wife.

It seemed to take eternity and an instant for Calleigh to finally be at his side. This was itthe moment he had waited for his entire life. The woman he had waited for his entire life. It was now and it was real. He looked up at the marrying Agent, who looked at him and winked before he said, "dearly beloved. We are gathered together today..." Eric's dream had finally come true. And while he told himself to try to concentrate on whatever the agent was saying, his mind was so distracted that by the time he took his next breath it was time to utter, "I do."

XXXXXXXX

Calleigh looked at Eric as the marrying agent spoke a few words before they started into their renewed vows and her heart soared. She had dreamed of marrying the man she loved and today it was coming true; a wedding fit for a princess didn't actually seem strong enough. And while she wished her father was alive to walk her down the isle she knew he would have been proud of the man she had chosen to call husband and also proud of the man who stuck by them; helping them out of hell's gate when needed most; a man who was now family.

And as she looked around at the people closing in on them, she knew one thing was certain; dreams do come true and happily ever after can sometimes exist if you work hard enough for it. And she knew she was supposed to concentrating on what the marrying agent was telling them, it wasn't until she heard the words, "you may now kiss the bride," that she allowed herself to exhale just in time for Eric's lips to tenderly taste hers.

XXXXXXXX

"I am so proud of you my son," Carmen told Eric after the pictures were taken. "She is a fine woman and one I am proud to call my new daughter."

"Thanks for everything mom," Eric smiles, holding her close. "I'm glad that everything worked out and that I can finally start my new life not looking over my shoulder or wonder which part of my family is going to fall apart because of me."

"Eric, this is your new life now. Don't worry about anything else, other than building that with her."

"I love you," Eric tells his mother as Pavel walks up to them.

XXXXXXXX

"I wish dad was here today," Calleigh tells her mother with a somewhat somber expression.

"He is," her mother replies. "He would have been proud of the man you chose. I know he met him a few times, but it would have made him very proud to see you marry Eric today."

"Thank you for being here."

"Oh sweetheart, I wouldn't have missed this for the world. I love you."

XXXXXXXX

"Well that seemed like an eternity," Eric said as he hugged Calleigh close as they finally stole a brief moment to themselves after the dinner and before the speeches and dancing.

"I know," she smiled. She looked away, unable to conceal the glowing smile she had been carrying all day. "I almost can't believe this," she said turning back to him with a happy smile. "We are actually married."

"I guess dreams do come true," he said taking her hand in his face and kissing her tenderly on the lips. "I love you Calleigh...I think I have since we first met. Thanks for saying yes," he said in a low husky tone. "And today I finally got to show everyone just how much." He paused for a moment and looked down at the band of gold on her finger and then brought it to his mouth and kissed it.

Calleigh felt a single tear slide down her cheek and felt the warmth and tenderness of his hand as he brushed it away and then gently kissed her. She looked down at his hand and brought the band of gold to her lips and kissed it as well. "Today I married the man I have wanted all my life," whispered. "Sappy right"

"Oh I think we are allowed a few sappy moments," Eric smiled.

Eric pulled Calleigh close, careful not to mess the beautiful white dress and diamond jewellery and was about to kiss her hard when they both heard

"Hey save it for the wedding night," Bruce laughed. "It's time for speeches and the first dance. And trust me you better get out there and fast. I think a karoke session is going to break out by Ryan who I think has had one too many and Frank who hasn't had enough."

"Sounds like our cue," Eric offers with a slight frown as Calleigh just smiles.

"So proud of both of you," he said giving Eric a warm hug and Calleigh a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you both for welcoming me into your lives and making me a part of a family once again."

"Thank you for all you did for us," Calleigh replies with her own smile. "We owe you a lot and are proud to have you in our lives."

"Yeah what my wife said," Eric smiled as he hugged his brother. He then took Calleigh's hand and led them back into the small intimate restaurant where their friends were waiting.

After a few more hellos and thank-you's Natalia slowly made her way up to the small platform and looked at Eric and Calleigh with a broad smile.

"I'm not going to make a long drawn out speech," Natalia stated with a warm smile. "But I want to say that if there were ever two people that worked so hard and deserved something so beautiful it's the two of you. I have seen both of you grow into mature, loving people and I couldn't wish for a happier ending than for the two of you. I love you both and wish you all the love, success and happiness in the world. To Eric and Calleigh"

"To Eric and Calleigh!" Came the resounding chorus of raised glasses and happy cheers.

"Okay my turn. Although not part of the official wedding party, Eric said I could say a few words," Bruce said nervously as he fumbled with a piece of paper. "I'm not good at this so..." he said with a slightly flushed face. "Okay well I didn't really get you a gift and someone told me you didn't have a song and when I heard this I thought of you and it's on loan till you find your own," Bruce rushed out to say. "Dreams do come true, guys...this is for you."

Eric and Calleigh looked at one another as the music started to play. Eric slowly stood up, winked at Bruce and then gently guided Calleigh onto the dance floor as the music started to play.

XXXXXXXX

the room is empty
the lights are dim
and my heart wonders
if I'll ever see you again

"It does feel like just us in the room," Eric whispered as he held Calleigh tightly against him as they lightly swayed to the music.

"Eric I almost feared this day wouldn't happen," Calleigh whispered back. "All those nights of wondering, crying, being scared and alone," she said softly.

"I did too," he said with a smile as he kissed her ear. "That it was meant to be. This night would be ours someday."

my tears are hungry
for an open door
when your arms held me
I never felt that way before

"When we first got married I was scared that things might not go as planned. You weren't the only one concerned about us long term. But even just the past few weeks have shonw me that no matter what we face in the future, we'll be able to survive," Calleigh softly stated. "I think everything we have been through has just deepened our bond and I for one am actually happy for that.

"I know," Eric smiled at her. "I know I did doubt this moment at times but it's here now and..."

"We'll never be alone again," Calleigh smiled.

"Never," Eric repeated.

do you remember
when the wind blew free
and we fit together
so naturally

"Is this what's meant by living happily ever after?" Calleigh wondered happily.

"Well the start of it," Eric said as he brought his lips to hers.

"I didn't know you were such a romantic at heart."

"Just don't tell anyone else. This sappy guy persona is just for you alone," Eric whispers, makng her smile.

I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
under a blue moon
the taste of heaven
only happens
once in a blue moon

"I love you Eric Delko," Calleigh whispered warmly.

"I love you too Calleigh Delko," Eric whispered back.

"And this is just the beginning for us Eric," she tells him and he holds her close, not wanting to let go ever.

"And I for one am all in favor of that."

XXXXXXXX

Bruce wandered over to Natalia and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Have I told you yet how amazing you look tonight?"

"I never tire of hearing it," she smiled in return. "I love this song and your words were very fitting."

"I guess I'm a big softy at heart," Bruce said with a smile as he turned Natalia to face her. "But I know what I want, she's right in front of me. I just need to convince her that I want to be here for the long haul. Tell me how to do that?"

"You just did," Natalia smiles as she offers a kiss, followed by a smile.

XXXXXXXX

"Thanks again for everything," Eric tells Horatio some time later as they prepare to leave for the night, the next day flying to the triopics for their honeymoon.

"Eric, it was my honor," Horatio replies as Frank walks up to them. "Just go and enjoy and we'll see you both when you get back.

"Well it's done Frank and everything went off without a hitch," Horatio huffs.

"Were you expecting anything to go wrong?"

"You know me," he offers with a slight frown.

"So who on earth paid for all this?" Frank questions.

Horatio pulled out a small slip and gazed upon the name, Alexander Sharova before stuffing it back into the breast pocket of his tux. "A reluctant but proud parent."

XXXXXXXX

"Wow," Calleigh whispered as she snuggled next to Eric in the backseat of the limousine as it drove slowly towards their hotel of choice.

"Still hard to believe?" Eric asked softly.

"A little," she said warmly. "But not unbelievable," she added as the limo finally pulled to a stop and they were helped into their penthouse suite for the night, paid for by Eric's family.

"I'll tell you what's unbelievable," Eric said as he stood facing Calleigh in the dimly candle-lit room. "How utterly gorgeous you are tonight. I mean it Calleigh...wowI have seen you beautiful before but...I can't even explain what I felt when I first saw you at the beginning of the carpet. How you looked, your hair..." he said gently touching the waves pinned back by rhinestone barrettes. "Your smile," he said gently brushing her lips with his. "How you smelt when you stood close to me," he said breathing on her neck. "You are a dream come true," he said stepping back a bit. "I'll never forget this night...this day...how you looked...how you looked for me."

"And only you," Calleigh finished. "And I'll never forget how you looked...how you stood at the front waiting for me...happy and nervous...like I was. The smile on your handsome face...the look when I neared...the beating of your heart," she said as she slowly undid his white dress shirt and pressed her manicured fingers up against the smooth feel of his chest, and then his heart. "Knowing I'm in here," she said looking up at him lovingly.

"Forever," he said taking her hand and pressing it even harder against him. He reached behind and slowly started to unzip her white satin, fitted gown. "You are my forever Calleigh. Without you I have nothing," he said huskily. He helped her step out of her dress and drape it over a nearby chair and then laid the remnants of his tux beside it. He turned back to her with a look of hunger and passion that she had never seen before, rivaled only by her return stare of the same for him. He took her by the hand and gently led her to the bed and laid her down before him. He spooned up beside her and started to trace his finger up around her breasts, still enclosed in white lace and then up to the jewellery she still wore.

Calleigh wrapped her arm around his neck and gently pulled him down to her, her hand sliding down the smoothness of his back and then back up and into his hair. His lips were hungry as they started to gently devour her exposed skin, starting with her lips and then moving themselves lower.

"Tonight I make love to my wife," Eric said with pride as he flipped himself over and gently pulled Calleigh on top of him.

"Tonight I make love to my husband," Calleigh whispered back as she moved herself into position and started to kiss him once more.

And for the next few hours nothing else in the world would matter to them. And as they started to make love, a peaceful calm washed over them both. Embracing them in its endless arms. Wrapping them in serenity. And watching over them with a careful eye making sure they got the love they both needed and deserved. And tomorrow would come. The future was theirs to share together. But for now it would have to waitbecause afterall

~They would live happily ever after~

THE END (for now)

A/N: Okay so sappy ending but I wanted to have a major happy send off. So what do you think? Let me know if by hitting the review button and thanks again for all the amazing support on this story!!! Love you all!! Woo hoo!

AiP