Trouble with Friends

Chapter 20

Epilogue

The minister had finished his words and Calleigh stood facing Horatio as the music began playing in the church. My handsome in a tux…mmm…can't take my eyes off of him. She smiled sweetly, hoping to convey the love she felt for him at this moment.

At the same time, Horatio couldn't take his eyes off of the beautiful woman in front of him. Calleigh's smile just melts me. She holds my heart, my future. What would become of me without her? He returned her smile and tilted his head slightly, giving her his famous 'bedroom eyes' look, at least that what she called it. As far as they were concerned, they were the only two people in the entire place.

Then the lyrics began resounding through the large auditorium and as they listened, they each thought the song described their feelings perfectly:

There you are in the early light of day

There you are in the quiet words I pray

I've been blessed by the simple happiness

Of the perfect love we've made

Every time I turn around

When I'm lost and when I'm found

Like an angel standing guard

There you are

Every time I take a breath and when I forget to breathe

You're watching over me there you are

When I'm looking for the light in the middle of the night

Searching for the brightest star

There you are

There you are standing in a crowded room

There you are the earth and I'm the moon

My desire is to stand by the fire

That burns inside of you…

Calleigh's and Horatio's eyes stayed locked on each other throughout the entire song. Once it ended, the love that radiated between them was obvious to anyone watching.

The minister introduced the newly married couple to the guests and the traditional score by Mendelssohn began. The newly married couple cautiously made their way down the few steps smiling brightly as they walked past friends and family up the aisle and through the doors at the back of the church.

Horatio walked toward the center of the platform smiling warmly and extended his arm for Calleigh to take as the music continued to play.

"You look amazing Mrs. Caine." He whispered as Calleigh took his arm.

"Why thank you. You're an even more gorgeous man in that tux Lieutenant Caine!" Calleigh responded with a twinkle in her eye grinning from ear to ear, causing Horatio to chuckle.

They made their way down the steps, arm in arm and walked up the aisle. Following them was the groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Joining the newly married couple in the hallway off the back of the church, where they were to wait until the photographer was ready, Calleigh hugged her friend, the bride, and Horatio extended his hand to Frank.

"Congratulations my friend – it's about time you made an honest woman out of Linda!" Remembering that line from when Frank said the same to him about Calleigh months ago during that afternoon on the beach.

"Hey, congratulations yourself," Frank said as he patted Horatio on the back, "understand you're back on duty at the lab tomorrow. You feel good about your decision?"

Horatio hung his head a moment and smiled before straightening his posture and looking his friend in the eye answering,

"I do. I've missed being with the team. I must say, it has been an interesting past few months, but I now understand how much it means to face trouble with friends."

Frank's expression turned serious for a moment and then he looked at Horatio and said,

"I hope you never face anything like that again."

"So do I Frank, so do I."

Thinking he'd lighten the mood, Frank chuckled and asked,

"Since I've had three failed marriages and you're an old married guy of three months, maybe you can give me a few pointers!"

Horatio laughed heartily, but then his laughter abruptly died when he looked wistfully over at Calleigh and his demeanor turned serious before responding,

"Tell her and show her every day, how much you love her because in our line of work we may not be blessed with tomorrow."

The way Horatio looked at Calleigh, didn't escape the big Texan's eye. The two men stood in silence and watched their wives wiping a tear or two from their eyes as they carried on a lively conversation.

After pictures were made and the bride and groom enjoyed the first dance, Frank walked to the microphone and announced,

"Linda and I would like to turn the dance floor over to two of our special and dear friends, Horatio and Calleigh Caine."

Calleigh immediately stopped her conversation with Natalia, and then quickly turned her head around in shock, her eyes taking in Horatio who was standing in front of her with his hand outstretched, wearing a warm smile.

"May I have this dance Sweetheart?"

Horatio took Calleigh's hand in his and led her to the dance floor. Sweeping her into his arms as the music started playing. Calleigh instantly recognized the tune – the vocalist began singing the words to the song Lady. When Linda first proposed this idea to Horatio, because he and Calleigh had not had a formal marriage ceremony, he was very touched by her offer and responded that he knew exactly which song he wanted for their dance. He told Linda that the lyrics matched exactly how he felt about Calleigh.

The guests were mesmerized by the loving couple slowly spinning out on the dance floor to the music. Horatio and Calleigh were enjoying a private conversation that was interrupted only by a brief kiss here and there. Everyone stopped and watched.

Frank stood close to Linda as she commented, "They make a beautiful couple – so much in love."

"Yeah they are, and a few months ago, they came very close to not being here with us today."

Linda pulled him closer into a warm hug. She knew Frank and Horatio were close friends and the incident six months ago was still on his mind.

"Let's hope we all have many happy years ahead, together," Linda softly commented.

Frank looked down and smiled at his new bride, pulling her close against his side and vowing silently to follow Horatio's suggestion.

THE END

A/N: And so ends another story. I offer my warm thanks to all of my reviewers and readers who continue to support my writing. I have another storyline in my head, thanks to a friend of mine so I'll see where it goes! Stay tuned!