Road of Change

Chapter 6

He watched her eyes flutter several times before gradually opening. Returning the smile of the man cautiously watching her she whispered,

"Good morning."

His lips turned up into a broad smile as he replied,

"It is, now that you're awake. How're you feeling?"

Alexx shifted slightly in the bed before answering, "Oh I think I'll live Honey." Studying him closer, she saw the concern etched into the features of his tired face. "How are you doing?"

Frank, with all the seriousness he could muster returned, "A hell of a lot better than I was a few hours ago. Alexx… I don't mind telling you… you scared the crap outa me."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. The door swung open and a short, balding man, wearing a doctor's white coat entered holding a chart.

"I see my patient is awake this morning," offering his best smile. "Tell me Dr. Woods, how does your head feel?"

Alexx spoke with the attending physician for several minutes while Frank listened.

Ending the discussion with his assessment of her condition, the doctor stated, "I think I can release you later this morning. Let me get some blood work done, just to be on the safe side, but I don't think I'll find a reason to keep you. I wouldn't travel until tomorrow though, especially if you're flying."

Frank huffed, "No danger of that doc. We'll stay close until tomorrow. I'll need to tie up a few things before leaving anyway."

There was another knock on the door before a smiling Natalia entered, followed closely by Charlie.

"Alexx," Natalia softly called out to her friend. "I'm sorry we didn't mean to interrupt."

"Nonsense, I'm finished here," the doctor replied quickly. Turning back to look at Alexx he added, "I'll get that blood drawn and then have a couple of breakfast trays sent up." He nodded at the visitors and walked out.

"I hope you got a good report," Natalia inquired. Charlie and Frank shook hands as Natalia gave her friend a hug.

Alexx smiled, "It was good. They're gonna release me in a bit."

"Has anything been decided about when we leave for Miami?" Natalia asked as she looked up at Frank.

"Doc said she couldn't travel today. Probably go back tomorrow. Why?"

Charlie spoke up, "I'd like to escort everyone to the Lionel Richie concert tonight at the Grand Shores Casino – as the city's guests. VIP tables, front row."

"Wow!" Alexx exclaimed. "Front tables… wouldn't want to miss that."

Natalia could hardly contain her excitement, "I know. Can you believe it? It would let us remember something fun about this trip, not just the bad. I bet Calleigh will want to go. I just hope Horatio will feel like it."

Frank looked a little concerned as he asked Alexx, "You sure you'll be up to that?"

"You better believe it Honey." Alexx caught what Natalia said and wanted an explanation about Horatio.

"What do you mean if Horatio will feel like it? Is something the matter with him?" Alexx concerned about what could be wrong. Frank had assured her that Calleigh was alright, but had not mentioned Horatio.

As they sat at the small table for two in their suite eating the breakfast room service had brought, Calleigh studied Horatio's face. He was trying to hide the fact that he didn't sleep much, but his eyes told her a different story.

When I tell him my news, I want it to be a special moment. Maybe later this afternoon on the way back to Miami I'll have a chance.

As if Horatio could read her thoughts, he turned and smiled at her and then softly said, "It'll be nice to get home."

Calleigh searched his eyes for a moment before answering, "It will; especially having a couple of days alone together."

"I like the sound of that," he said leaning over giving her a light kiss on her cheek.

Later that morning, Horatio and Calleigh arrived at the hospital and found Alexx's room.

They were pleasantly surprised to find Alexx sitting up on the side of the bed dressed and ready to go.

"Hey Alexx, you sure look chipper," Calleigh teased as she walked briskly toward her friend then gave her a warm hug. Horatio entered the room behind her and walked over to Frank.

"I feel better Honey. Are you ok?" Alexx asked as they parted.

Calleigh smiled and Alexx couldn't help but notice the extra twinkle in her friend's eye. "I'm great Alexx and happy that it wasn't any worse for us than it was."

Alexx glanced over at Horatio after a moment, changing her voice into a stern tone as she inquired, "Have you gotten that arm looked at by someone other than paramedics Horatio?"

Horatio broke eye contact with the doctor and chuckled as he looked down at the floor before addressing his well-meaning friend. Calleigh had to stifle a laugh watching his uneasy reaction.

Horatio finally looked up at Alexx as he answered non-chelantly, "I'm fine Alexx. It's just sore. It'll work out."

Alexx shot him a look of disbelief, although she knew the man well enough to realize it was a thousand wonders he tolerated an examination by the paramedics, much less a doctor.

Frank and Alexx explained the evening events Charlie offered them earlier and Calleigh thought it was a wonderful idea. Horatio was not too sure since there was a Miami Police Department jet sitting at the airport waiting to take them back to Miami.

Alexx and Calleigh finally convinced him to delay their return to Miami by one night so they could at least have a little fun on their trip.

Horatio and Calleigh were just finishing up their statements at the police headquarters when a Sargent from patrol entered Charlie's office announcing they'd found Alexx's car. It had been hidden in an abandoned building just west of downtown and assured them that the car was in perfect condition. Horatio and Calleigh were relieved to hear that news as Alexx didn't need to have a trashed car on top of everything else.

That afternoon, the ladies wanted to go on a shopping trip around town to find outfits to wear that night to the concert, while Frank waited for the CSU to finish collecting evidence from Alexx's car. Horatio drove the ladies in the rental car provided them courtesy of the city, still uneasy about them going around on their own so quick after the ordeal they'd been through. Besides, he told himself, he needed a tie to wear with his suit.

Late afternoon, back at their room, Calleigh walked out of the bathroom to find Horatio sound asleep across the bed. She lay down beside him and noticed how the worry lines in his face had all but faded away. Tonight will be the perfect setting to reveal my news! I have decided how I'm going to tell him that he's going to be a father. Rest my love.

At six o'clock on the dot, a long black limousine, as Charlie had promised, stopped under the canopy of the hotel. The driver held the door for the ladies, while Horatio and Frank followed them in, joining Natalia and Charlie already inside. Their first stop was to be at a seafood restaurant for dinner before the show. As they group made light conversation, Alexx paid particular attention to Calleigh's excited demeanor, which seemed a little more than just the fact they were embarking on an enjoyable evening. She decided at the first opportunity, she would inquire about the cause of her friend's buoyant attitude.

Arriving at the casino, Calleigh quickly excused herself to the ladies room.

"I'll walk with you Sweetheart," Horatio offered, but was quickly rebuffed by Calleigh.

"No. Horatio, I'm only going to the ladies. I'll be fine. I'll find you inside the auditorium."

She realized the kidnapping was still affecting him, making him even more protective, but she had something special to do. Something that she had to do alone to set her surprise into motion. Giving him a quick kiss, she turned and walked off before Natalia or Alexx offered to go with her.

A little later, Calleigh turned a corner in the huge hallway and found Alexx waiting on her.

"I think you passed the ladies Sugar a ways back. Is everything ok?"

Calleigh smiled radiantly and answered, "Everything is wonderful Alexx. Let's go join the others." She wasn't about to reveal her news until Horatio knew first.

The huge auditorium resembled the ones in Vegas casinos; the stage was lower than the tables that were on different levels, with the back being the highest. Rejoining Horatio and their friends at their table, she couldn't wait for her plan to unfold. Attending this concert was the perfect setting.

Leaning close to Natalia, who sat on her right, Calleigh excitedly commented, "This is a perfect location! - Close to the stage and dance floor, but also comfortable. Charlie can pull some strings girl!"

Natalia beamed as she responded, "That's for sure!"

Frank nervously cleared his throat and glanced around the table and thought, I guess this is as good a time as any.

Easing out of his chair, he lowered to one knee. Everyone at the table abruptly stopped their chatter and Alexx gasped in surprise. Horatio knew his friend intended to pop the question tonight and was amused by the man's nervousness. He pulled Calleigh closer to his side as they shared a warm smile between them.

"Alexx… well, we've been seeing each other for a while now and I…" he pulled a small black box from his jacket pocket and opened it to reveal a sparkling teardrop shaped diamond, centered in a cluster of smaller diamonds. "Damn it… I almost lost you and... and I want to share my life with you. Will you marry me?"

Her hand flew to her chest, Alexx, overcome with shock, didn't answer immediately. Not trusting her voice, she shook her head yes and then managed a weak "yes", in a voice choked with emotion.

Frank smiled and slipped the ring on her finger and the table erupted in applause. Frank stood and pulled Alexx to her feet and hugged her tightly whispering, "I always want you with me. I love you."

With tears flowing down her cheeks, Alexx replied, "You big lug… I love you too."

Lionel Richie's first song was 'Endless Love' and all three couples made their way to the dance floor, but it took on special meaning for Alexx and Frank.

About forty minutes into the concert, the singer paused and announced, "I was handed a note earlier before the show from a woman who is expecting, but hasn't told her husband." There was a chorus of soft laughter from the crowd. "She wanted me to sing the 'Rock-a-bye Baby' song to help announce the blessed event. I think that is a great idea. Sort of like when Ricky Ricardo sang it when his wife Lucy wanted to tell him about their coming new addition." Hearty laughter erupted. "Seems some of you remember that show, well, I'm going to try to recreate it tonight. I'm going to come down and try to find the couple and congratulate them personally."

He began singing and stopping at each table he came to. Some couples ardently shook their heads that it wasn't them. Horatio turned to Calleigh and gave her a strained smile as he squeezed her hand. I know this will bring back the memory of losing our baby for Calleigh. Maybe it won't be long before we can make our own announcement.

When the entertainer stopped at their table, Frank and Alexx, laughed and shook their heads no. Then it dawned on Alexx what was making Calleigh so happy. They really deserve this, she thought as she looked over at them. Natalia and Charlie laughed and vehemently shook their heads no. Horatio watched as their friends responded, chuckling at their responses, but when the singer pointed to Calleigh, she smiled and shook her head 'yes' and immediately turned to look at Horatio. Smiling at his stunned reaction, she leaned close to him and whispered,

"You're going to be a father, Handsome."

"Ladies and gentlemen… I've found the expectant parents and needless to say, the father is in shock!" Laughing he added, "I can't blame him!"

The entire audience erupted in cheers and clapping as he motioned for Calleigh and Horatio to stand. He then took Calleigh's hand and led her and Horatio onto the dance floor. Horatio had not yet recovered from the news and it felt as if they were moving in slow motion as they walked.

"I want to sing this next part of the song to the couple… to be expecting a child is one of the most memorable times in life and I'd like to make their night special if I can."

Horatio took Calleigh into his arms and hugged her tight as he whispered, "I love you."

They danced slowly, holding each other as they moved while tears slowly escaped from their eyes as Lionel Richie sang, 'We're Having a Baby.' Calleigh knew she'd never forget this night.

Alexx and Natalia couldn't hold back their tears as they watched their friends slowly dance around the floor. Frank and Charlie exchanged big grins, happy for the couple. Frank thought they needed this; after all they've been through.

The next morning, everyone was standing in the lobby of the hotel.

Charlie began, "Horatio, first congratulations again on becoming a father. I just hope the next time we see each other it will be under more pleasant conditions."

Horatio smiled as he acknowledged Charlie's kind words, shaking the man's hand, "Thanks and I'll second that. Thanks for all your help and your departments'. If you're in Miami, give me a call."

Charlie looked over at Natalia and the gleam in his eye didn't escape Horatio's attention.

"I'll do that Horatio."

Horatio looked over at Natalia and then back at his friend and smiled I imagine it won't be too long before you're in Miami.

Turning to Frank Horatio began, "Sure you won't change your mind and go back with us in the plane Francis?"

"Thanks Horatio, but hell no, I only rode in that thing to get up here and find Alexx. I'll drive us back to Miami."

Horatio laughed and answered, "Suit yourself my friend."

As Horatio watched everyone hugging and saying their good-byes, he smiled warmly and tilted his head as he focused on Calleigh, this has certainly been a road of change and I believe there is even more yet to come, as he then centered his focus on Natalia and Charlie.

Five years later –

"But daddy, I want some now," the little strawberry blonde, green-eyed four year old girl called out a little too loudly as she sat on his lap.

Horatio leaned close and whispered in her ear, "Melissa, do you remember what we talked about before coming?"

"Oh… yes. We have to be quiet, but I'm hungry," she whispered.

"We won't be long Sweetheart. In the meantime," Horatio smiled and made the motion of turning a key in front of his lips. The little girl copied his movement and giggled then was content to rest against his chest, almost immediately falling asleep. Horatio turned his attention to Calleigh sitting beside him on the church pew and smiled as he took her hand in his.

She looks tired he thought, being only two weeks away from the due date of the birth of their son. They'd kept the sex of the child a secret, wanting it to be a surprise for their friends and family, even going so far as waiting about changing the nursery into one for a boy.

Then the service started and before Horatio and Calleigh walked down to join their happy friends at the front, Horatio handed a sleeping Melissa over to Kenwall Duquesne who welcomed the opportunity to hold his granddaughter while Horatio helped Calleigh out into the aisle.

Just two years ago, they attended Natalia's and Charlie's wedding in the same church. Charlie had moved back to Miami, accepting the position of assistant chief of police with the Miami Police Department. Of course, that caused Natalia to have to leave and return to working for the FBI, but he didn't mind losing her in the lab, if it meant she could finally be happy.

After they exchanged warm hugs with Alexx and Frank, they took their positions as designated god-parents beside their friends. The minister held the baby and Horatio thought Alexx just glowed as she focused on the child. Then the parents stepped closer and the minister began.

"Today, Brian and Alissa Woods desire to have their baby boy, Henry Jacob baptized signifying that the child will be raised in the church…"

As the minister continued the service, Horatio reflected on how Brian had matured and found the love of his life a couple of years ago, while finishing his time at college. He was settling into his profession of electrical engineering very well in Atlanta and now he and his bride were starting their family. His dad would be very proud.

The End.

Thanks to all who have patiently waited on this story. I hope everyone enjoyed reading.