Chapter Sixteen

Calleigh sat at Horatio's bedside intently. Doctor Tyler was off typing up release papers while the redhead finished buttoning his crisp long sleeve shirt. Going along with the rest of his expensive, Italian-crafted ensemble, he actually looked like himself again.

He grew exhausted from standing for so long and sat back down on the plush hospital bed. He was more than excited to get out of the bland environment after being stuck there for what seemed like forever. It took awhile, but Calleigh finally spoke up when she noticed the flamboyant look directed at her.

"What is it, Handsome?" He maintained the intoxicating stare before intensifying it with a warm smile.

"I am nothing short of the luckiest man on earth to have you, sweetheart. Thank you for putting up with me for so long."

Calleigh stood and sat closely next to him. Her head rested on his shoulder and he draped a hand over her own.

"And I'm the luckiest woman there is to have you, Handsome. I love you."

Calleigh shifted her gaze towards his aquamarine irises as she took in the breathtaking scent of his musky cologne. She found her head gravitating towards his, and their lips collided in a searing kiss. To the both of them, it felt so...right, so...perfect. Regrettably, they pulled apart for a breath of air. While it wasn't their first, this kiss had lit a fire in their hearts. They needed each other, and it was more apparent than ever.

A familiar physician entered the room, papers in hand and smile on his face.

"Lieutenant, here are your discharge instructions and release forms. We'll have your prescription delivered first thing this morning. I trust that you will take care and we all wish you the best, sir."

Dr. Tyler held a hand out to Horatio and he accepted the young man's farewell gesture. Afterwards, he turned his attention to Calleigh.

"It was great to meet you, CSI Duquesne. You take care of yourself, and the Lieutenant here."

The Bullet Girl reassured Dr. Tyler that she would in fact look after her superior and the couple headed towards the door. As they walked through the exit towards the parking lot, Horatio welcomed the presence of the Miami humidity. He had missed being in the field since the shooting and couldn't wait to return to the lab.

The Southern beauty helped him climb into the massive SUV and once he settled, she made her way to the driver side. Before he knew it, they were entering the Rickenbacker Causeway, headed home. Every so often, she would toss him a charming smile, and he would return it. There was just something about Horatio's inviting personality that made her flush with giddiness.

The sun held steady at it's peak while the Hummer made the ride smoothly and efficiently. Horatio was surprised to see Calleigh take an opposite exit off of the causeway, one leading away from his own home. They made their way up a gravel drive up to a lavish but medium-sized condo. As soon as they heard the rough crunch of the tires on the drive, Austin and Patty ran from the front door to greet their new mother. Eric had convinced the chief to give Calleigh a short break, considering how much work she'd been putting into the lab since the shooting.

In a nutshell, today was special. Not only because of Horatio's release, but for the reason that the two children had just gotten home from school. It was a blessing that Calleigh could snag a day with them.

Ever since the day that her superior was shot down, the blonde Ballistics expert was in and out of her home, barely able to spend time with her children. Alexx Woods had volunteered her extra time after hearing about Horatio, giving her some leeway during the chaos.

The man himself considered her situation and began to feel intrusive. Before he had the time to speak, the two siblings had run up to him and offered a warm welcome of their own.

"Mr. Horatio! We heard you were feeling better!" Austin exclaimed. They both wrapped their arms around him, careful to avoid his sore chest. The gesture made him chuckle lightly and he gladly returned their hug. It warmed his heart to know that they cared. Calleigh ushered them all inside to get out of the relentless heat. Horatio couldn't help but feel apprehensive, seeing as she deserved time with her children. Never the less, she made him right at home.

Patty and Austin lingered away to get started on homework, leaving the Bullet Girl and her superior alone in the living room. After pouring them a cup of coffee, she cuddled up next to him on the couch. The mugs sat steaming away on the coffee table while she took in the cadence of his heartbeat.

"Eric and the rest of the team are coming over for dinner. They're excited to see you back on your feet." Her words caught him off guard. Deep in thought, he almost didn't realize that she had said anything.

"That's great, sweetheart. I'm sure we'll have a lovely time." His low voice could be compared to that of a growl. Adding to it, he pulled her closer and gave her an appreciative peck on the head.

The new-found love that they felt for each other had grown so strong, that their hearts ached. Through the trials that they had faced in those rough ten years, they had been there for one another, no matter the cost. Though they'd grown apart before, he made it his duty to never let it happen again. Calleigh Duquesne was his second chance at pure love.

The day that she met Detective Horatio Caine was one marked a milestone in her mind. His sparkling blue eyes, boyish charm and lovable personality reeled her in like a Bass in the 'Glades. To serve under him after his promotion to Lieutenant was an honor, and it to stand lovingly by his side now, was an even bigger one.

"I'll return to the lab in 4 days time. I hear a certain Southern Ballistics expert took the reins while I was gone?" He chuckled.

"Yes she did, and the amount of paperwork you bother with is insane!" Calleigh joked, coaxing a laugh from the redhead.

They both knew very well how hard the lab had worked to keep up during the week. Some of the CSI's dug themselves into a hole with backlogged evidence just to tend to the Caine man's needs, and he would be forever grateful to them for their sacrifices.

The couple fell silent only to enjoy one an others company. The blonde looked up, only to see her handsome supervisor with his head at its' famous tilt. His eyes focused on her own and in a moment of clear passion, Calleigh reached a hand behind his delicate head. Her lips met his, and a blazing kiss ensued.

They broke apart for a breath of air, only to turn their heads at the giggling brother and sister peaking from the corner of the hallway. The two left no time for shyness as the Bullet Girl jumped up from her seat. The entire house filled with laughter while she chased Austin and Patty in revenge. They all landed on the couch next to Horatio, who too, was alight with laughter.

Horatio looked on at the loving group sitting in front of him. In the time since the shooting, Calleigh had opened her heart up to him. He realized that his despair over his late wife Marisol would always be there.

But then again, so would Calleigh.

The End.

A/N: I would like to thank those who read, reviewed and offered their kind suggestions to me. You've helped me become a better writer and I appreciate you all so very much! Thank you to my friends Teeheehee123, LovelyLadiiZ and NashMarquez for your help and support. I have a sequel in mind, so be on the look out!