It took another month, but one day, Eric and Natalia presented themselves at Horatio's office. They had just had some great news, and were now forced to talk to Horatio.

Eric knocked on the door, and at hearing Horatio's "Enter", he opened the door for Natalia and followed her in.

Horatio smiled at them:

"Sit down, what can I do for you?" Actually he had a pretty good idea, he'd seen that Natalia had been pale and tired. He'd been hoping they would come and talk to them, and trusting his instincts, he'd given them a couple of days.

Eric cleared his throat.

"UM: We're here to tell you that, um, we're, um, engaged to be married!" He was relieved to have the news out in the open.

Horatio was happy for them. They both deserved some happiness. Now if they would only spill the beans about the other piece of news he strongly suspected they would give him, he could start making scheduling adjustments and arrangements.

Horatio smiled at them encouragingly. He wished Calleigh was there with him. They'd gone out to dinner a couple of times in the past 2 weeks, and he was dearly enjoying her company. She always made people feel safe and secure. He'd reserved a table at a little Italian place for them the same evening, and he was wondering if the time was right to ask to come home with him for a cup of coffee after dinner. Just friends for now, though, he did not want to upset Eric by moving on sooner than he should after Marisol'd death. Besides, he still missed her, and wanted to take things slow with Calleigh. Friendship was a great foundation for a relationship, he thought.

Natalia looked up at him, smiling shyly:

"I've actually told Calleigh this already. We have another bit of news. We're getting married because we love each other very much, and because we've grown very close over the past couple of months, but also, because, see, we're pregnant!" She beamed at him.

Horatio got up, to congratulate them. He was truly happy, and felt like he was the baby's uncle.

After giving Natalia a hug and a kiss, he turned to Eric, and shook his hand.

"You'll always be family, you'll always be family to me, " he said quietly. "I'll see to Natalia's scheduling, and if you need anything, just let me know!" Secretly he'd already adjusted the schedule for Natalia for the next month. He would do everything he could to facilitate her pregnancy.

They both nodded.

The last couple of months had sure changed their lives forever. And life was good!