Previous part of The Building Blocks of Love.

Eric used the next couple of months to get stronger but also to do some research. He kept this research secret from his lover's, though. Anytime they walked into the room he'd cover up the papers around him or close a website he was browsing. Naturally Tim and Horatio were curious and finally decided to confront him about it one day. Tim being the more blunt of the two decided to just ask Eric outright.

"What are you hiding from us?" he asked the Cuban-Russian as they settled on the couch after dinner.

"Huh?" Eric asked in confusion.

"What Speed means is that everytime we come home you have to hide papers or quickly close a website. What's going on, Eric?" Horatio questioned. His eyes looked deep into Eric's searching for an explanation. Taking a deep breath Eric shifted so he could see both Horatio and Speed before he spoke.

"I've been looking into the different options for gay couples to have kids," Eric said softly.

"Why were you hiding this from us? Don't you think we might be interested in this to? That we should have a say in this decision?" Speed asked. He was getting irritated he tried not to but it was hard. He hated it when people went behind his back and whether Eric intended to or not that's exactly what he did. Eric flinched at the accusation he heard in his boyfriend's voice.

"I was trying to do my research before I talked to you guys about this so you wouldn't accuse me of being irrational and jumping to conclusions because of how close we came to losing what we had!" Eric gritted out through his teeth.

Raising a hand to silence the arguing Horatio spoke.

"Tim, let's listen to what Eric has to say," Horatio admonished his lover gently. "And Eric calm down we won't accuse you of being irrational you just caught us off guard," Horatio soothed.

"Yeah I know and I'm sorry," Eric mumbled looking into Horatio's eyes. He couldn't make himself look into Speed's, though. He was afraid of what he'd see in the trace expert's eyes. Speed nodded in acknowledgement of Horatio's words and Eric's apologies as he made himself relax and turn to Eric ready for what he had to say.

"Look at me, Eric," Speed coaxed placing a hand on Eric's cheek. Nodding Eric tilted his head so he was looking into Speed's brown eyes.

"I love you and I'm ready to listen to what you have to say," Speed said against Eric's lips just before he placed a tender kiss on them.

"I love you to," Eric replied returning the kiss before pulling back and beginning to speak.

"I hid it from you because I wasn't sure if you wanted kids and also because I was afraid you'd just think I'm doing this because of the Haley Gibson case," Eric explained.

"Are you?" Horatio wondered.

"No, I've always wanted kids but I was scared to bring it up because I wasn't sure if you two did," he responded. "I guess the case brought it to the forefront of my mind, though," he conceded.

"I've always wanted children but until now I wasn't sharing my life with anyone I wanted to raise them with," Horatio said.

"Tim?" Eric asked nervously looking at his lover.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you I understand why you kept this from us, now. I just felt like you were going behind my back," the New Yorker explained.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to do that," Eric apologized as he pulled Speed in for an apologetic kiss. Speed was smiling when they pulled apart.

"As for the kid issue I'd like to have kids but I'm not so sure how I'd be as a father," he admitted.

"You'd make an excellent father," Eric assured his lover. Tim scoffed at the suggestion but Horatio nodded his head in agreement with Eric.

"What makes you think you wouldn't be a good father?" Horatio asked.

"My parents weren't the best examples. It wasn't until my little brother came along that they were really parents. He was the better son who never rebelled and he settled down with a wife and had a couple of kids. It took them along time to accept the fact that I'm gay. The only thing that saved me in their eyes was that I loved working in my Dad's restaurant and was good at it. They were always comparing me to Sean and asking why I couldn't be more like my brother. I don't want to do that to my children. I want to support them in whatever they do and love them for who they are not what someone thinks they should be," Speed said vehemently.

"I know we'll all love our children for who they are and support them in everything they do. I'm thankful to your parents for one thing," Eric told his lover.

"What's that?" Speed wondered.

"I'm glad they raised you like they did in one respect because it's the man I fell in love with all those months ago," Eric complimented.

"He's right, Tim," Horatio interjected. A small smile spread across Speed's face as he pulled first Eric then Horatio in for a long passionate kiss. All three of them were breathless when they pulled apart.

"Getting back to the original subject," Eric said trying to get the conversation back on track. Horatio and Tim nodded as they refocused on the topic at hand.

"So are we all in agreement that this is something we want to go further with?" Horatio asked his two lovers.

"Yes," Eric answered.

"Yeah," Speed agreed.

"Okay, what have you learned Eric?" Horatio questioned.

"There are three options, well actually four but two of them are similar. We can apply to be foster parents and take in children who need a foster home. The second option is to adopt. The third and fourth options are to have a surrogate. The third option is to find someone we trust to be our surrogate and the fourth and final option is to go through an agency who can match us up with a surrogate," Eric concluded.

"Well, being foster parents means we can help children who are in bad situations and provide them a good home, but the downside to that is that it's usually a temporary situation which would make it hard if we get attached to them," Speed thought out loud.

"As for adoption I have no problem with that, but I'd like us to have the chance to have our own biological children first. If it doesn't work then we could look into adoption," Horatio interjected.

"I agree with you Horatio," Eric said.

"So do I," Speed added.

"So we're all in agreement that we want to start with a surrogate and then look into adoption if it doesn't work out?" Eric asked. The others nodded.

"I like the third option best of the last two options; I'd feel more comfortable if the surrogate was someone we know. I mean I know they screen the applicants very intently but," Horatio broke off but Tim and Eric were nodding in understanding.

"But who could we ask?" Speed wondered. They thought for a moment before all speaking at once.

"Calleigh," they said in unison before looking at each other and bursting out laughing.

"Well we've got the person now we just need to talk to her and see if she's even interested in helping us," Eric said.

"What if she isn't?" Speed questioned.

"Then we look into the other options," Horatio said.

"When do we talk to her about this?" Eric asked.

"We can invite her to dinner tomorrow night?" Speed suggested.

"Sounds good it's my last day at home so I can work on dinner and have it ready when you guys get home," Eric said.

"Okay, it's settled we'll invite her over for dinner when we get to work tomorrow," Horatio said as he stretched and yawned. Looking at the clock he was surprised to realize it was already 10:00 he couldn't believe how fast the evening had gone by.

"I think it's time for bed," Speed said as he stood. Horatio and Eric nodded as they followed his lead and stood as well. After locking up and turning out all the lights the three of them climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep wrapped up in each others arms.

***

"So what did yall wanna talk to me about?" Calleigh asked as she sipped from her glass of wine. Eric had fixed a chicken and rice dish his mother had taught him how to cook and they were enjoying it with a bottle of wine. The three guys glanced at each other. Calleigh could see the question passing between them. Who would talk? Finally after a few looks sent back and forth Eric spoke.

"I'll talk since this was my idea in the first place.

"We'll help you," Horatio promised grabbing Eric's hand in his.

"Yes we will," Speed added grabbing his other hand. Calleigh stared patiently at the three of them curious about what was going on.

"We want a chance to have kids of our own. There are several options and we've discussed each one and we've made a decision. We want to have a surrogate," he said.

"How does that process work?" Calleigh wondered.

"There are two options. We can either get connected with an agency who will help us find a surrogate or we ask someone we trust to be our surrogate," Horatio explained. Calleigh's eyes widened slightly as she thought she'd figured out just what they wanted to talk to her about. They were watching her face and saw when the realization began to hit.

"You want me to be your surrogate?" she whispered.

"Yes if you're comfortable with it. We trust you; you'd be able to be in the children's lives, and your young and healthy. Besides we already have a solid friendship with you which will make the process easier," Speed said. Calleigh's eyes filled with tears and one slid down her cheek. Horatio pulled a tissue from the box on the counter and handed it to her.

"Cal? You okay Hun? We didn't mean to make you cry," Eric said.

"I know you didn't, don't worry, these are happy tears. I'm honored that yall think of me so highly and would let me be involved in this part of your lives. I just have a few questions," she told them.

"Ask away," Eric prompted.

"How would the expenses be covered? I know that surrogacy is very expensive," she said.

"We would be willing to cover as much as you'll let us. We want this more than anything else in the world and are willing to cover the cost completely if that's what it takes," Speed said.

"What about my involvement in their lives?" Calleigh questioned nervously. Reaching out Horatio covered her slender hand with his. Speed and Eric reached out and took her other hand into theirs.

"You'll always be involved in their life. It's your choice how involved you get. You'd be there mother Cal, and nothing would change that," Horatio assured her.

"We may be their fathers but they'd need their mother just as much," Speed said gently.

"They're right," Eric interjected.

"Are there any special things you would want me to do while I was pregnant?" she asked.

"Just eat healthy and maybe drink a bit less coffee?" Eric suggested. Calleigh frowned at the mention of the coffee.

"We wouldn't expect you to give up coffee completely; studies have shown that some caffeine consumption during pregnancy is okay. Just lesson your intake," Horatio reassured her. Calleigh flashed him a smile. She could lesson the amount of caffeine she drank if it meant making her friends happy and giving them and herself something they all wanted.

"Plus, I already eat mostly healthy anyway," she remarked. They nodded it was true she usually was a fairly healthy eater.

"Unless your doctor says differently I'd assign you to desk duty during your six month," Horatio added. Calleigh nodded she could understand where he was coming from on that one. There job was a dangerous one and not something a baby should be exposed to. Placing her hands in her lap she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. The guys sat in silence allowing her to think through everything.

After a few minutes of silence she spoke. "So what's our next step? Do I need to make an appointment with my doctor for her to talk to all of us? Do we need to draw up a financial plan?" Calleigh asked.

"Ye…" Eric started to answer before all of her question registered in his brain.

"Eric?" she asked cheekily.

"You want to do this then?" he whispered afraid that if he asked his question any louder that she'd change her mind. A slow smile crossed Calleigh's face.

"Yes I do. I want to help you guys have a family. I want to be a part of a family. I want to have a baby," she whispered as a few more tears filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks. Before she knew it Calleigh was out of her chair and being spun around in Eric's strong arms before being placed in first Speed's then finally Horatio's arms. All of them had tears in their eyes and broad smiles on their faces. After being hugged tightly by the redhead Calleigh was placed gently on her feet.

"Thank you, thank you, and thank you!" Eric cried in excitement as he pulled her in for another enthusiastic hug.

"I can't help you have a baby if you don't let me breathe, though," she said as he hugged her tightly.

"Oh, sorry," he apologized looking sheepish. "I'm just so glad you agreed to this.

"We all are," Horatio said.

"I'm terrified at what kind of father I'm going to make but as long as I have you Eric and H to help me we'll all be okay," Speed added to the conversation. Calleigh smiled at all three men. She was so glad to have the opportunity to give the three of them something they so desperately wanted. They'd done so much for her along the way she wanted a chance to thank them and now it looked like she'd get that chance.

"Okay, so I'll set up an appointment with my doctor and we'll get this process started. As for money I'd like to cover half of the expenses," Calleigh negotiated.

"That seems fair," Eric consented. The others nodded in agreement.

"Well then I'll call my doctor on Monday and explain the situation. I just have one more question."

"What's that, Cal?" Speed wondered.

"Who wants to go first?" Identical smiles crossed the two New Yorkers faces. They'd talked about this very question at work today. They all wanted the chance to have their own child but they knew that it would mean the most to Eric if he could go first.

"We want Eric to go first," Horatio answered his ballistics expert.

"What?" Eric asked in shock. They hadn't shared that they were going to give him the first chance so he was pleasantly surprised.

"We want you to go first," Horatio told his youngest lover.

"Wow, thank you," Eric said softly.

"There's no need to thank us we decided while we were at work today that you should get the first opportunity," Speed said as he leaned in for a sweet kiss. They continued to talk about aspects of the process plus other random topics for a couple more hours before they realized how late it was and Calleigh bade them goodnight as she headed home.

"She said yes," Horatio said in awe. He still couldn't believe that they were going to finally get their wish.

"Yes, she did," Eric replied. Speed smiled as he pulled Eric close then reached out to pull Horatio into the embrace. The three of them stood in the middle of the living room swaying to some unknown beat thinking about the adventure that was lying ahead of them.

***

"The first step is to do some routine blood work to determine that both of you are healthy. According to your health histories I don't foresee any complications but it's a standard part of the process," Dr. Johnston, Calleigh's OBGYN explained to Eric and Calleigh who were sitting in chairs in front of her in her office. Speed and Horatio were involved in the appointment via speaker phone. They'd been called to help out on a case outside Miami. A serial rapist they'd been tracking in Miami appeared to have struck in Orlando now so they'd called in help from the crime lab in Miami and since Speed and Horatio were the two investigators who'd caught the cases in Miami they were naturally the best two to go to Orlando. Naturally they felt bad for not being able to be there with Calleigh and Eric at the appointment despite the fact that both Eric and Calleigh assured them it was alright.

"It's an occupational hazard, don't worry about it. This won't be the last doctor's appointment," Calleigh had told them when she heard the news. Eric had nodded in agreement before kissing them both goodbye that morning.

"I have a question Dr. Johnston," Horatio said over the phone.

"Go ahead, Lieutenant, err uh, I mean Horatio," the doctor corrected herself blushing just a bit. All the guys had told her to call them by their first names.

"After you draw the blood and assuming everything comes back okay how do we proceed from there?"

"We will need to get a sample of Sperm from Eric and an egg from Calleigh then we place them both together and hope they make an embryo. Then we implant the embryo into Calleigh's uterus and watch the baby grow. I'll be honest with you it doesn't always work the first time but if both members are healthy that will increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy the first time," she explained. Reaching over she opened the door and called into the hallway.

"Mindy, can you come in here for a second?" A moment later the nurse Mindy who had beautiful blonde hair and green eyes walked into the office.

"What can I do for you, Karen? Hi, Calleigh how are you?" she questioned.

"Hi, Mind, I'm good, very excited," Calleigh answered.

"I'd imagine you are, with a man this handsome why wouldn't you be? Yall are gonna make one smokin' hot baby," she said in a matter-a-fact tone. Eric blushed furiously and Speed and Horatio sniggered while Calleigh smiled. Turning to the phone Mindy spoke again.

"The three of you had better keep this kid locked up especially if it's a girl," she teased.

"Oh trust me, we will," Horatio promised.

"Yeah, no dating until she's 30," Speed added.

"Make it 35," Eric put in.

"Boys, that's enough," Calleigh scolded as she laughed. She laughed even harder at the groans of protest that met her ears. Karen and Mindy smiled at the interplay between the four. A soft smile crossed Karen's face at the banter between the friends. She'd helped several couples have a baby in both traditional and nontraditional ways like surrogacy and she hadn't ever been surer of a more perfect match for any possible child than she was this group. Any child that was born into this little family would be well loved and cared for. He or she would never doubt their love and worth in this world.

"What did you need me for, Karen?" Mindy questioned snapping her fingers in front of her bosses face.

"Oh, sorry, I spaced out for a moment. We need labs drawn for both Calleigh and Eric," she said.

"Okay, who wants to be my first victim?" Mindy asked with a smirk. Eric shrank back slightly he'd never been too fond of needles. Noticing the look on her friends face Calleigh raised her hand.

"I'll go first, Mindy," she offered. Eric gave her a thankful look wich she sweetly returned.

"Okay, I'll be right back with my supplies," Mindy said exiting the room. Much to fast for Eric's liking she was back with a couple of tubes, a couple of needles a pair of gloves and a tray to hold it all.

"Roll up your left sleeve if you would, please, Calleigh," she instructed. Once her sleeve was rolled up Calleigh placed her arm straight with her palm facing up on the little table Mindy had moved next to her chair.

"I'm all ready," Calleigh said brightly. She wasn't very fond of needles but she knew it was part of the process and she did her best not to think about it. Reaching for an alcohol prep she had in her scrub pocket Mindy tore it open and pulled out the wipe.

"This is going to be cold," she warned. Nodding Calleigh jumped slightly as she felt the cool pad touch her skin. After cleaning the spot thoroughly she reached for the rubber band and tied it around Calleigh's arm just below the elbow. Once it was in place she ran her fingers along the bend in the blonde's arm searching for a good vein. After a moment of searching she smiled.

"Ah, looks like I found a good one," she informed the group. Keeping one finger on the spot she picked up the needle with the other hand and attached the tube to it.

Meanwhile Eric was staring transfixed at the needle. He wanted desperately to look away but he couldn't seem to. His breath quickened as the needle neared Calleigh's creamy white skin. Noticing the change in her friend's breathing Calleigh spoke up.

"Hold on a sec, Mindy." Mindy followed Calleigh's eyes and noticed Eric's pale face and uneven breathing.

"Eric, look at me, focus on my face, not the needle, okay?" she soothed.

"O...kay, Cal," he stammered.

"Your afraid of needles, aren't you?" she asked gently. Eric nodded in response.

"Go ahead laugh its okay," he said softly.

"I'm not going to laugh I'm afraid of them to," she admitted.

"You are?" he asked incredulously.

"Yeah, what I do when I have to get stuck is to think of something else, focus on something or someone else. So what I want you to do is focus on my face not the needle, okay?" Calleigh prompted.

"Okay," he said softly.

"We're here as well," Speed said.

"We aren't leaving," Horatio promised.

"MMM, kay," Eric mumbled as he forced his eyes away from the long sharp needle the nurse held in her hand to Calleigh's face.

"That's it, just keep focusing on me. Keep it up, your doing good." Calleigh continued to talk trying to distract her friend. She worked very hard not to wince in pain when the needle pierced her skin and succeeded for the most part.

"There we go, all done," Mindy said as she placed a band-aid on the spot. After placing the stopper on the tube and scrawling Calleigh's name and birth date on it she moved to where Eric was sitting and began the process again.

The slight bit of calm that had settled over Eric evaporated the moment the nurse reached his side. Moving from her chair Calleigh walked over to Eric's other side and clasped his hand in hers.

"Relax, Eric," she whispered.

"I'm t-t-trying," he stammered as he gripped her hand tightly. Reaching out with the hand that wasn't holding on to Eric's Calleigh picked up his cell phone that was lying on the desk and took it off speaker.

"Horatio, Tim?" she asked into the phone.

"We're still here, we're on speaker," Speed answered.

"Okay, I've taken you two off speaker and am going to put the phone up to Eric's ear so he can hear your voice, okay?" she questioned.

"Go ahead, Cal," Horatio said. Nodding Calleigh did just that.

"They want to talk to you," she said to Eric as she held the phone to his ear.

"Okay," he whispered beginning to breathe faster.

"Squeeze my hand and keep looking at my face," Calleigh whispered. Nodding Eric did both of those things.

"Eric, focus on our voices not the needle. We're lying in bed snuggled up together. It's a lazy Saturday and we don't have to go into work," Speed began.

"The sun's shining through the bedroom window, and it's glinting off yours and Speed's faces which is amazing," Horatio continued.

"Horatio and I lean in and start trailing gentle kisses across your forehead and cheeks waking you."

"You beg us to kiss you on the lips, but we don't," Horatio added.

"Finally we do," Speed concluded.

"We're all done, you did fantastic, Eric," Mindy complimented.

"You're done, really? I didn't even feel it," Eric said in awe. Calleigh smiled she was glad that she and the guys had helped relax Eric enough that he didn't feel the stick.

"That's the idea," she said. Nodding Eric placed the phone back on speaker after thanking his lover's for helping him relax.

"Anytime," Horatio promised.

"Yep, anytime," Speed responded.

"I'll get these to the lab right away," Mindy said holding up the two tubes of blood as she backed out the door.

"About how long until the results are back?" Eric wondered.

"They should be back in a couple of days. We'll call you and let you know what the results are. Assuming everything looks okay which I'm confident it will we'll set up an appointment to get a sample from Eric then we'll set up an appointment to get a sample from Calleigh," Karen answered.

"I'm assuming you've talked about expenses and such?" she asked addressing the entire group.

"Yes, we have, ma'am. We've agreed to split the costs in half," Horatio informed her.

"Very good, well then unless any of you have any questions we're done for now. Someone from the office will call you with the results in a couple of days. None of them had any more questions so the appointment ended and Horatio and Speed hung up to get back to work even though all they wanted to do was go home to their lover. Calleigh and Eric were beaming from ear-to-ear as they left the office.

"I can't believe this is really happening," Eric said in awe.

"I know me either," Calleigh replied.

"Thank you again," Eric said.

"Eric, there's no need to thank me. I've always wanted to have a baby, but have never found the right guy. This situation gives me the chance to have the baby I've always wanted and give you guys the same thing," she said as tears of happiness filled her eyes.

"I'm glad we can help you find happiness as well," Eric whispered in her ear as he pulled his best friend in for a hug. Calleigh's stomach grumbled startling them both.

"Hungry much?" Eric teased.

"Yeah I guess I am," Calleigh answered rubbing her grumbling stomach.

"Well then let's go to lunch, my treat," Eric said.

"You don't have to buy me lunch, Eric," Calleigh argued.

"Let me do it this once, you can buy next time," he compromised.

"It's a deal," she agreed.

"Great, let's go," Eric said as he held open the door for Calleigh allowing her to go out into the bright sunny day just ahead of him.

They were sitting at a table in a diner enjoying their lunch when a thought struck Calleigh.

"Have yall told Alexx what's going on?"

"Yeah we told her a couple of days ago," he said, remembering the conversation.

***

"To what do I owe this rare lunch with three of my favorite people?" Alexx asked as she, Speed, Horatio, and Eric sat around a table at a Chinese restaurant.

"We have something to tell you. We wanted Calleigh to be here as well but she had to testify this morning," Horatio said.

"Tell me what, Horatio?"

"We've decided to try and have children," Speed said with a smile.

"Cal's agreed to be our surrogate," Eric explained. Alexx's eyes lit up as what they had just told her sank in.

"That's wonderful news. I'm so happy for all of you," she said as a broad smile split her face.

"Thank you, Alexx," Horatio said modestly.

"When's your first appointment?"

"Calleigh and I have our first appointment two days from now," Eric told her.

"You and Cal will make a gorgeous baby. Lord help you when he or she starts dating," Alexx commented. All three men's eyes widened at the idea of their child dating. Alexx laughed out loud at the looks of horror on their faces.

"Relax, you've got a few years until that happens, but seriously I'm happy for all of you. I'll help with anything I can," she promised.

"Thanks, Alexx," Speed said.

"You're quite welcome," she replied flashing him a brilliant smile before picking up her fork and continuing to eat reflecting on all the wonderful changes that had taken place throughout the lab in the last year or so.

***

"Needless to say she was happy for us," Eric said finishing his story.

"Did she you warn yall about locking the baby up if it's a girl when she's old enough to date?" Calleigh asked cheekily. The pained look on Eric's face said enough.

"I can't even think about her dating," Eric said.

"She'll be fine, with you three as fathers she'll be well loved and any guy she ever considers to date will be ran through the system first." He was about to protest but he knew she was right.

"Okay, your right," he admitted softly.

"I wish I could have been there when you told Alexx," Calleigh said regretfully.

"I know, but she understands," Eric assured.

"Yeah I know she understands. Still I would have love to have been there, but because I was stuck in court again yesterday," Calleigh said making a face.

"Yeah, but your testimony nailed his ass to the wall," Eric argued.

"Yeah, that's true," she agreed. The rest of the meal was eaten in companionable silence as they basked in the warmth of their friendship and the adventure they were about to embark on.

***

Walking into a silent house for the third evening in a row was very disappointing for Eric. He'd talked to the two guys that morning and they had finally made some progress and got a promising lead. They were hoping to have the perp caught by the next day so they could come home but it wasn't soon enough for Eric. He was tired of being alone in their bed. It was much too big for one person. Not to mention he never slept as well without his lovers next to him. Toeing off his shoes he made his way into the kitchen opening the refrigerator trying to decide what he wanted to have for dinner. Just as he was getting out a pan to cook some Macaroni and Cheese to go with his hamburger his cell phone rang.

"Hello?" he answered.

"Hey, Eric, it's me," came Calleigh's voice.

"Hey what's up, Cal?"

"I just got a message from the doctor's office. They apologized for not getting back to us sooner but they've been busy."

"Yeah and?" he asked anxiously.

"The blood work came back fine. We're both perfectly healthy," she said beaming. A matching smile crossed Eric's face.

"That's wonderful," he exclaimed.

"Yes it is," she commented.

"I'll let the guys know things look good and we can set up the next appointment," Eric told her.

"Okay, let me know when you've talked to them and we can schedule it," she said.

"Will do," he said just as the timer buzzed indicating his Mac and Cheese was done.

"Well I'll let you go eat dinner, talk to you later, Eric," she said.

"Bye, have a good evening, Calleigh," he said.

"You two, Eric," she responded as she hung up and headed into her own kitchen to make dinner as well.

The house was locked up and all the lights were out when Eric's cell phone rang. He had just gotten settled into bed when it rang. He smiled because he knew it would be his lovers calling for their goodnight conversation. His smile widened and became predatory as the plan he had for this conversation ran through his head. He could feel the beginnings of arousal moving through him.

"Hey," he greeted softly.

"Hey, babe, how are you?" Speed asked.

"I'm good, tired but good. Cal called earlier and said the doctor called and said all the lab work looks good. Now all we need to do is talk to Calleigh and figure out when we want to schedule the next appointment."

"Okay, we can look at the calendar when we get home to figure it out," Horatio said.

"Maybe we can schedule it around lunch so we can all be there," Tim suggested.

"MMM hmm, how's the case going?" Eric wanted to know.

"It's going great we should be home by sometime tomorrow," Horatio said.

"I'm glad to hear that it's way to quiet without you here and I'm very lonely," Eric whispered in a husky voice. He could hear Speed's breath hitch at the change in Eric's voice.

"What's the matter, Tim?" Eric teased. Horatio smiled he'd caught on to the seductive edge in Eric's voice.

"N-n-nothing," Speed answered in a slightly strangled voice. Horatio glanced over at his lover and noticed his erection beginning to stir causing him to smile.

"I was thinking we could have a little bit of fun," Eric said flirtatiously.

"MMM, I like that idea," Horatio crooned into the phone lying between him and Speed.

"Here's how this is going to work," Eric instructed. "You two do what I tell you to when I tell you to. I call the shots, do you understand?"

"Y-y-yes," Speed moaned at the lust that shot through him. Leaning forward he captured Horatio's mouth in a kiss. Both of them moaned into the kiss. A clearing of a throat stopped them and they reluctantly pulled apart.

"I see this is going to be difficult for yall to listen and follow rules, isn't it?" Eric said.

"Sorry," both guys mumbled.

"Okay, let's try this again. What are you wearing?" Eric questioned.

"We're both wearing boxers and a t-shirt," Horatio answered.

"Take them off each other and let your hands run over your chests and stomachs. Your mouths to," Eric said.

"What are you wearing?" Speed asked as he pulled Horatio's t-shirt over his head before raising his arms to let Horatio do the same thing to him.

"The same thing you two are," Eric answered.

"Take yours off to," Horatio commanded.

"Do the same things you've told us to do, Eric," Speed whispered huskily. Eric moaned at the images filling his head and the arousal running through him as he removed his t-shirt and allowed his hands to run over his chest and stomach. A low moan escaped his lips when he licked his index finger then placed it on first his right nipple then moved to the left one.

"What are you doing, Eric?" Horatio questioned.

"I'm taking my nipples between my index and middle finger and my index finger was just put in my mouth. Oh it feels so good, but I wish it was you and Tim with your mouths on my chest," he panted.

"K-k-kiss each other," Eric said softly.

"MMM, gladly," Speed said as he pulled Horatio in for a kiss.

"MMM, You've been teaching him that tongue thing that you do, haven't you, Eric?" Horatio panted as they pulled apart breathless a moment later.

"MMM, hmm," Eric murmured knowing the sound of his voice would arouse his lovers even more. Needing to feel his lover again Speed pulled the older man closer to him and devoured his mouth. Meanwhile he was grinding their forming erections against each other.

"Tim..." Horatio moaned. Knowing the tone for what it was Eric could feel himself start to harden.

"I want you to make each other come," he growled as he kicked off his own boxers and took his throbbing cock into his hand. For the next few moments all that could be heard were moans of pleasure and hands moving up and down slick skin. Horatio stopped pleasuring Speed long enough to speak.

"W-w-why did you stop?" Speed whined.

"I need to ask you a question. What do you say we tell Eric what we hid before we left earlier this week?" he suggested.

"MMM, what?" Eric panted through half-lidded eyes as he masturbated.

"Oh, yes I believe we should," Speed agreed.

"What you guys talking about?" Eric wondered.

"Go look in the top dresser drawer," Horatio told him. Nodding Eric did just what he was told. His cock hardened when he pulled out the dildo he found nestled in the drawer.

"When did you get this?" Eric asked.

"The day they called us and told us our rapist had struck in Orlando. We knew we'd be gone for at least a day so we thought we'd leave you with a going away present," Tim explained.

"But it was in a place I would have never looked," Eric protested.

"Oh once we knew we were going to be gone again tonight we were going to tell you to look for it, but you beat us to the punch on starting the conversation," Horatio explained.

"Now, imagine us we're sitting next to you making love as we hungrily watch you fuck yourself with the dildo. Do you like that image?" Speed crooned.

"Oh fuck yes," Eric moaned.

"Get the lube out of the nightstand and prepare yourself," Horatio instructed.

"Okay, will do," Eric said as he pulled out the lube and placed it on the bed beside him. Carefully he flipped open the lid and squeezed a generous amount on to his hand and covered a finger with it before teasing it around his entrance then finally sliding it beyond the tight ring of muscle and into his tight channel. Eric whimpered as his finger slipped into his tight channel. Both Horatio and Tim moaned as Horatio began to prepare Tim.

"Oh fuck yes, Horatio," Tim cried thrusting back on Horatio's finger that was inside him.

"Are you preparing Tim, Horatio?" Eric asked on a strangled moan.

"MMM, yeah," Speed replied as the lust enveloped him.

"He's so hot and tight I can't wait to plunge my hard and throbbing cock into his tight little ass," Horatio said.

"I wish I was their to watch this not just hear it over the phone," Eric lamented. He began to slide the finger that was inside him in and out at a faster pace. "I need more," he whimpered.

"Insert another finger," Horatio said.

"Oh god, yes," Eric said. After pumping two fingers in and out a few times he decided he needed to add a third one to the mix so he did. That resulted in him instantly hitting his prostate.

"Fuck!" he shouted as his fingers brushed that bundle of nerves.

"You just hit your prostate, didn't you?" Horatio gasped out.

"Yes, put another finger into Speed how many does that make?" Eric questioned.

"It makes three," Horatio said as he stretched his fingers searching for that certain spot. Speed arched off the bed as his prostate was stroked.

"Horatio! Fuck fuck! Oh fuck!" he shouted.

"I have three fingers in me, but that's not enough I need more, please can I have more?" Eric pleaded. The hand that wasn't deep inside him was furiously stroking his cock pushing him higher and higher in terms of arousal.

"Lube up the dildo and slide it into that tight little ass of yours," Speed commanded. Eric's breath quickened as the dildo slid all the way in.

"Oh, this feels so good," he exclaimed.

"MMM, that's what we were hoping for," Horatio said. Deciding to take some control back Eric gave the next order.

"Horatio, I want you to make love to Tim. Make love to him until he's screaming out your name."

"I'd be happy to," the redhead answered. Slowly he slid a condom on to his achingly hard cock and teased it at Speed's entrance.

"Don't teas, H," Speed whined. Eric chuckled but the chuckle changed to a gasp as the dildo brushed his prostate.

"Stop teasing him, Horatio," Eric told him.

"Fine, if you say so," Horatio responded as he pushed into his lover in one hard thrust.

"Horatio!" Speed shouted. Horatio continued to pump in and out of his lover just as Eric slid the dildo in and out of his hot tight channel. Speed was whimpering in pleasure as he began stroking his cock furiously.

"Are you touching yourself?" he asked Eric. Eric realized he'd stop touching himself to listen to his lover's love making.

"N-no I'm not," he answered. "I was so involved in listening to you two make love.

"Touch yourself, touch that hard hot cock of yours, how does it feel?" Speed whispered huskily. Reaching out a hand Eric tightly gripped his cock then let one hand slide up and down its heated flesh.

"Oh fuck yes! It's throbbing and so hard it hurts. God I wish you guys were here. I wish you were touching me and licking it not me." Reaching the head he scraped his fingernails across it causing a rush of heat to run from his spine to his groin.

"Oooooo!" he moaned.

"P-p-pull the dildo all the way out then slam it back in," Horatio stammered as he did the same motion as he slid out and thrust back into Speed hard and fast. Identical moans came from all three men at the same time.

"Keep it up," Eric demanded as he continued to slide the dildo in and out as hard and as fast as he could. He could feel the heat building at the base of his spine and he began to make a high keening sound that alerted his lovers to just how close to coming he was.

"Keep jacking yourself off, at the same time slide the dildo out one more time then slam it back in as hard and fast as you can. Angle it so it hits your prostate," Speed panted. He could tell all three of them were closed to coming and he wanted Eric to come first because he was all alone.

"Oh fuck, gonna come, oh god yes, need to, can't hold it back much longer," Eric cried.

"Come for us, Eric," Horatio whispered as he fought to keep from coming before the Russian-Cuban. Eric began to pant heavily as his orgasm began to crash over him.

"Horatio! Tim! Oh fuck yes! I'm coming oh god yes feels so fuckin good! Fuuuuck!" Eric shouted as he came hard. At the sound of their lover orgasming both Horatio and Tim came, screaming each other's name. A couple minutes later all that could be heard was heavy breathing that was slowly returning to normal.

"Wow, what a way to have a phone conversation," Eric said with a lazy chuckle.

"MMM hmm," Speed agreed as he yawned.

"We love you and we'll see you tomorrow, Eric," Horatio said happily.

"Okay, I love you to, good night, sleep well."

"Good night you sleep well two, see you tomorrow," Speed said as he hung up the phone and snuggled in next to Horatio happy they were going home the next day. Eric hung up his phone and after cleaning himself up he climbed back into bed and fell asleep a smile on his facesmut. There's another chapter to come before more drama.. He got the best sleep he'd gotten in the three days Horatio and Speed had been gone and he knew they'd be back tomorrow and then he'd sleep better all around.

***

"I'm glad it's Saturday and it's not Eric's weekend to work," Horatio said as he pulled the car into their driveway.

"Yeah, me to," Speed agreed. Looking at the house he noticed that all the lights were still out. "Looks like he's still sleeping."

"MMM hmm, he probably is. Last night was probably the best sleep he's gotten since we've been gone. We had trouble sleeping and we still had each other. Imagine what it was like for him having to sleep in our big bed all alone," Horatio sympathized.

"I guess that's true," Speed commented. Climbing out of the car the two of them grabbed their bags and made their way as silently to the front door of their house as they could. Quietly Horatio placed the key in the lock and gently opened the door. Both men breathed a sigh of relief when the sound hadn't appeared to wake their lover. After dropping their bags in the foyer to be dealt with later they made their way to the bedroom. Before they could get their however, Speed pushed Horatio against the wall and shoved his tongue down his throat. While he was doing so he pulled his shirt out of his pants and began to unbutton it. Finally he'd managed to unbutton all the buttons and he pushed the shirt off the redhead's shoulders. Taking the hint Horatio slipped out of the shirt and let it slip to the floor. Then he grabbed Speed and kissed him with a ferocity that left him breathless. While he was doing a full tonsil search he was pulling on Speed's shirt urging it upwards. Breathlessly they pulled apart and Speed lifted his arms so Horatio could pull the shirt over his head.

"MMM need you so much, Tim," Horatio breathed.

"Me, to," Tim replied as he dove back in for another kiss. Simultaneously they reached for each others pants. While they were pulling them down their legs they managed to toe off their shoes while locked in another intense kiss without falling over. Finally they were left in their boxers which they kicked off as they entered the bedroom. They were ready to have a wonderful welcome home celebration.

"Awww," Speed whispered when he saw their lover. Eric was sprawled across the bed on his back and he had a hand on each of their pillows. He'd apparently decided not to get dressed after their little phone conversation because he was completely naked which was a sight that neither Horatio or Speed would ever get tired of seeing. The sun shown in through the window catching Eric's dark skin in it's rays. A low moan from his partner had Tim turning to look quizzically at him. He could see his erection hardening and Horatio was gently stroking it.

"On three?" Horatio whispered. Speed nodded he was just as aroused by the sight as Horatio was. Holding up first one finger Horatio counted tem off. By the time they got to three they had taken their spots on the bed one on each side of their lover. Horatio started trailing kisses down the right side of Eric's face and Tim was on the left. They started at his forehead and slowly trailed their lips down across his eyes to his nose across to his cheeks and finally they both reached his lips. At this point Eric was slowly starting to wake up but not completely.

"MMM, Horatio, Tim," he mumbled still mostly asleep. He thought he was dreaming. Deciding to wake him up a bit quicker Speed left his lips leaving them for Horatio as he moved down and began licking and gently biting Eric's hardening nipples. Eric's eyes shot open as he felt Speed's hot mouth envelope one of his rock hard nipples and trail his tongue over it before biting down gently. It took a second but he finally registered what he was seeing and feeling. His two lovers were home and they were arousing him and doing a very good job of it.

"Hey," he rasped out.

"MMM, hey," Speed mumbled against his chest causing him to moan.

"Good morning, Eric," Horatio said as he plunged his tongue into Eric's awaiting mouth. Speed shifted so Horatio could have a turn at Eric's very hard nipples while he moved farther south seeking a specific present.

"Look what I found," he breathed as he came face-to-face with Eric's very hard cock. Precum was leaking from the tip and he dipped a finger in the slit before placing it in his mouth and licking it clean.

"Tim!" Eric shouted jerking off the bed.

"Easy, Eric," Horatio crooned as he slid his tongue across one nipple then the other and back again. Eric was whimpering in need.

"Tell me what you want," Speed whispered as he blew on the tip of Eric's cock.

"You to fuck me with your mouth. Oh god, yes, let me feel your hot wet mouth on me, please," he begged.

"Well just because you asked so nicely," Speed said as he deep throated Eric in one thrust. Horatio continued to alternate between kissing Eric soundly on the mouth and kissing all down his chest. At one point Horatio shifted positions so his hard and leaking cock was right next to Eric's face.

"MMM," he moaned.

"See something you like?" panted the redhead.

"MMM hmm," Eric murmured as he took just the tip into his mouth teasing Horatio. Horatio whimpered and bucked farther into Eric's mouth. Chuckling Eric took him more fully into his mouth and began to fuck him in earnest.

"MMM, fuck yes! Keep doing that," Horatio panted. Eric smiled as he teased the underside of the head and just barely let his teeth graze that spot.

"Fuck!" Horatio shouted as he bucked into Eric's mouth. Tim moaned as he saw his two lovers engaging in their activities. The moan reminded Eric that his cock was down Speed's throat and what a nice feeling it was. The moan sent sparks of lust straight through Eric and he jerked his hips up thrusting deeper into Tim's inviting mouth. Taking Eric's balls into his hand Tim could tell he was close to coming. They were drawn up tight and very heavy. Eric tore his mouth away from Horatio's cock long enough to give a shout of pleasure before diving back in. He continued to moan drawing Horatio even closer to his release. Tim's cock on the other hand was throbbing painfully and he hadn't even touched it. He could feel Eric start to shake indicating he was close to his release. An evil smile crossed Speed's face as he reached down with the hand that wasn't fondiling Eric's balls and squeezed the base of his cock to stop him from coming. A frustrated growl escaped Eric at the fact that he couldn't come even though he desperately needed to.

"Damn it Tim! I need to come," he growled in frustration.

"Not yet, babe. I'm not done with you yet," Tim crooned as he drug the nails of the hand holding Eric's cock across the underside causing the younger man to hiss in a mix of pleasure and pain.

"D-d-do you two have any idea how hot you look?" Horatio panted. Eric was still sucking him off like he was a lollie pop. Shifting so he could reach his lover's ass Speed let out a low moan as his very hard cock brushed against the sheets giving it some needed friction. Both men looked over at the sound. Without removing his mouth from the redhead's cock Eric jerked his head first at Horatio then at Speed giving him a silent order.

"MMM, don't mind if I do," Horatio stuttered as he took Speed's cock into his hand.

"It's so hard it's like steel. MMM, what a nice piece of equipment," he crooned as he teased the slit.

"Oh Horatio," Tim moaned as he felt the hands of his lover travel expertly up and down his cock. Reluctantly he removed his hand from the base of Eric's cock to reach for the lube that was on the corner of the bed. Horatio's eyes moved to him when he heard the lid snap open but Eric was too lost in sensation to notice what was going on until he felt a slicked finger at his entrance and slipping in. He thrust back on Speed's finger at the same time he fucked Horatio's cock with more intensity causing Horatio to speed up his strokes on Speed's cock as well. All three men moaned as white hot lust shot through them. After he was certain that Eric was stretched as much as he could be with one finger speed slipped first one then another into his tight channel. The reaction was instantanious. Eric began thrusting furiously up and down on Speed's fingers seeking release. The movement caused Horatio's cock to nearly slip completely out of Eric's warm wet mouth before sliding back in.

"Fuck Tim, I need more," Eric whimpered.

"Well then let's see what we can do about that," Tim said with a smirk. Curling his fingers Speed searched for that one spot. He grinned when he found it and his lover began babbling incoherently. He continued to press on it until he had Eric on the edge of his orgasm. Right as he was about to shoot his load down Speed's throat, however, Speed pressed his finger against Eric's prostate while grabbing the base of his cock so his orgasm was a dry one. He had the affects of the orgasm but didn't reach the release, arousing him farther. He continued this motion until Eric was pleading for him to stop that it was too much. Speed didn't do that, though. Instead he grabbed the dildo that was also discarded on the edge of the bed and gave his lover's a lascivious smile. Catching Horatio's eye he fingered the little switch that was at the top that Eric obviously hadn't found last night. Once he'd placed a generous amount of lube on the dildo he removed his fingers from the other man's entrance producing a whimper of protest.

"Shh, just relax," Speed crooned as he eased the dildo inside his lover. Eric's breath quickened when he realized that Speed was using the dildo.

"D-d-don't tease, I n-n-need to come and I need to come now!" Eric cried almost begging.

"There's one thing about the dildo you haven't figured out yet," Horatio breathed.

"W-w-what's that?" Eric choked out around the throbbing cock he had in his mouth.

"This," Speed answered as he flipped the switch and the dildo began vibrating. He plunged it in and out of Eric at a brutal pace making sure to hit his prostate everytime.

"Fuck!" Eric cried. Moving from Eric's cock for a brief moment, Tim took in a deep breath before returning to the painfully hard and throbbing organ and hollowing out his cheeks as much as he could and sucking hard just as he thrust the dildo against Eric's prostate one last time. This time he didn't stop the orgasm that began ripping through his lover. The orgasm was so intense Eric could only open his mouth no sound came out. He sped up his sucking of Horatio's cock and before Eric's orgasm had finished Horatio was coming down his throat. Tim had forgotten momentarily that Horatio was jacking him off until he felt his hand brush the head and he felt himself start to lose it.

"Fuck! Yes, don't stop Horatio oh fuck yes!" he shouted as he came. He continued to suck Eric dry and pump the dildo in and out of him as his own orgasm ripped through him. Much to Eric's surprise Speed's ministrations triggered another orgasm.

"Fuck!" Eric shouted as he came for the second time in less than two minutes. He was shaking and so aroused that he blacked out. It took Horatio and Tim a moment to come to their senses. Once they did they collapsed next to their lover. It was then that Speed realized Eric had blacked out.

"He's out," he whispered in awe.

"Well as close to the edge as you pushed him and you made him have one dry orgasm and two orgasms where he came all in the span of five minutes I'd probably pass out to," Horatio said.

"MMM, true," Speed whispered as he kissed Eric's eyelashes.

"C'mon open those brown eyes for me," he coaxed. Slowly Eric's lashes fluttered and he opened heavy-lidded eyes to stare in a hazey lust at his two lovers.

"You okay, Eric?" Horatio asked gently.

"MMM, wow, welcome home," Eric mumbled as he smiled a lazy smile before reaching out an arm for each of the two men. Both of them moved happily towards him and curled up against him.

"It's good to be home," Horatio mumbled placing a kiss on the top of Eric's head.

"MMM hmm," Speed agreed also placing a kiss on Eric's head.

"If that's the welcome home I get every time you go away, maybe the two of you should go away more often," Eric said cheekily.

"MMM, maybe, but I'd rather stay here with you instead," Horatio said.

"Yeah it's more fun getting to have our wicked way with you whenever we want," Speed interjected. Eric laughed at his lovers.

"Go to sleep, to early," Eric mumbled from between them. Glancing at the clock Horatio chuckled.

"It's not early it's noon."

"Well I'm tired so let's sleep," Eric replied.

"Okay I guess sleep does sound like a good plan," Speed said as he let his eyes drift close.

"Well if your sleeping then I guess I can to," Horatio teased as his eyes began to close as well. The three of them fell into a restful sleep glad that they were all back where they belonged, with each other.

***

"Looks like someone got some lovin' this weekend," Calleigh teased as she saw Eric walk into the break room Monday morning.

"Huh? What makes you say that?"

"Well by the way your walking, you look a bit sore, my dear. Also the hickie that's on your neck. That's kind of a dead giveaway." Eric's eyes widened he hadn't realized his lovers had left a love bite on his neck.

"What hickie?" he questioned. Reaching into her purse Calleigh pulled out her compact and handed it to her friend. Holding the mirror up to his face Eric tilted his head back so he could get a look at his neck. A blush tented his cheeks as he saw the bright red mark on the left side of his neck.

"I'm gonna kill them," he said as he hid his face in his hands.

"No, don't worry about it, the mark just proves your taken and that who your with is very possessive," Calleigh said.

"Everyone knows I'm taken so what does it matter?"

"You haven't seen the looks the new lab tech has been giving you, have you?"

"What kind of looks?"

"The kind that say she'd love nothing more than to have a night with you."

"Well she can hope all she wants but that will never happen," Speed said as he walked into the break room and placed an arm around Eric's shoulders. Calleigh smiled this just proved her point.

"What will never happen?" Horatio asked coming up beside Speed.

"The new lab tech having Eric to herself for a night," Speed told him.

"No, it won't, your mine and Speed's just as we're yours and each others," Horatio said. Eric nodded in agreement as he smiled.

"Eric told us the blood work came back good and we looked at the calendar. Can you see if we can do the appointment next Thursday around 12:00? Does that work for you?" Speed asked Calleigh.

"Yeah, I'll call Dr. Johnston's office and schedule it." Reaching in her purse she pulled out her cell phone and dialed.

"Dr. Johnston's office this is Carrie, how may I help you?"

"Hi, Carrie, this is Calleigh Duquesne I'm calling to schedule the next appointment for the process of me being a surrogate for Horatio Eric and Tim. We were wondering if there was an appointment open around 12:00 next Thursday?"

"Hold on, let me check the computer. Ah yes, it looks like there is one for 11:45 will that work?"

"Will 11:45 work?" All three men nodded so Calleigh turned back to the phone to answer the question.

"Yes, that will work just fine."

"Very good then we have you down for 11:45 next Thursday. See you then."

"Bye, see you then," Calleigh said as she hung up.

"Now that we've taken care of that here are your assignments. It appears that today is a very busy day for murder so we're all working solo. He continued talking handing out the various cases to his team. "Okay, let's get to work, we'll meet up for lunch to discuss the cases and what needs to happen," Horatio instructed. Nodding the others grabbed their case files and headed for the door.

"The crazies are out in full force today," Speed commented as they sat around the break room table eating lunch and discussing the current case load.

"I agree, here's hoping we all solve our cases quickly," Calleigh added.

"Do any of you have any promising leads?" Horatio inquired. They all shook their heads.

"It's going to be a long week," Eric complained.

"MMM hmm," Horatio agreed.

"Not all the cases can be solved instantly or even at all unfortunately," Alexx interjected as she walked into the break room.

"Hi, what can we do for you, Alexx?" Horatio asked.

"I've just finished the autopsy on your victim, Cal. Originally I thought the water in her lungs from being left in the pool was what killed her but after further examination it was the gunshot to the back of her head that killed her."

"So putting her in the pool was a cover?" Calleigh hypothesized.

"Hmm, it's possible," Speed replied.

"Do you have the bullet for me?" Calleigh questioned the medical examiner.

"Yeah it's down in the morgue. You can get it after you finish lunch," Alexx answered.

"Well I've just finished so I'll go down and get it if you don't mind?"

"Of course not, c'mon."

"Well maybe at least one of us will be able to solve their case sooner rather than later," Eric said.

"Yeah maybe," Horatio murmured. Alexx who had followed Calleigh out the door poked her head back in.

"Oh, I almost forgot we're having a barbeque this weekend and your all invited."

"Thanks we'll be there," Speed said with a smile.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Eric said with a smile. Horatio nodded in agreement. Barbeques at Alexx's house were always a lot of fun.

"Who alls going to be there?" Speed asked.

"Besides you guys and Calleigh and my husband and kids? Well let's see, Yelina and Ray Jr. Adel, Frank, and Valera, I think that's everyone," she said counting on her fingers.

"Sounds like a party," Eric responded.

"That's the plan," Alexx said as she turned and headed down the hall to give the bullet to Calleigh for her to analyze.

A knock on the door of the ballistics lab made Calleigh jump.

"Didn't mean to startle you, ma'am. I was just checking on your case," Horatio said.

"It's alright. I have good news. I found a hit in IBIS the gun is registered to a man named Derek Rogers. This is where it gets strange, though."

"Strange how?"

"Well, he was arrested for first degree assault three days ago and is currently in the custody of Miami Dade county in a 6by 9 jail cell," Calleigh explained. Removing his sunglasses Horatio let them dangle from his fingers as he placed his hands on his hips and tilted his head to the side.

"So, how does his gun end up in our murder investigation when he's in jail?"

"I don't know I'm still working on that. The officer who searched him said it wasn't in his possession so it's likely that someone else has it now."

"Hmm, probably, check his known associates and family and see if you can track any of them down. Maybe they have it now."

"That's what I'm working on. Frank's bringing in two of the guys he associated with as well as his brother." Just as she was speaking her phone chimed, indicating a message. Opening it she quickly read it.

"Frank's here with my suspects. If you'll excuse me."

"Of course," Horatio said as he moved aside to let her pass before moving back down the hall to check on the results from his own case before checking on the progress of his lovers.

***

The sounds of giggling children could be heard from the backyard as the three guys stood on the porch of Alexx's house waiting for someone to open the door. Just then Alexx's husband Denis opened the door and greeted them.

"Good afternoon, how are you guys?"

"We're good and you?" Eric asked.

"I'm doing great your the last to arrive. Everyones in the backyard. Brian and Janie are playing with little Shelly Tripp." A smile crossed Horatio's lips. Shelly Rene Sevilla-Tripp was the best thing that could have ever happened to Adel or Frank. They had been dating for a year before Adel found out she was pregnant. Michelle "Shelly" Rene Sevilla-Tripp was born nine months later and Adel and Frank were married later that summer. She was now two and she had no fear. This of course was giving her parents all kinds of gray hair.

"Sounds like fun," Speed said as they followed Denis through the house and out into the backyard. An excited squeal came from the kids when they saw them. They had a soft spot for the three male CSI's and the three of them had just as soft of a spot for them.

"'Unca 'Ratio!" Shelly yelled as she ran as fast as her little legs would carry her over to her favorite uncle. Kneeling down Horatio caught the girl and lifted her into his arms with ease. Placing a kiss on her cheek, he said,

"How's my little princess today?"

"Good, go 'wimmin wif me?" she pleaded staring at him with her large eyes.

"You want me to go swimming with you?" he clarified. She bobbed her head up and down in excitement.

"Yeah, come swimming with us, please Uncle Horatio?" Ray Jr. begged. Brian and Janie turned identical looks of pleading on the redhead. Horatio's stomach grumbled making Shelly laugh.

"Your tummy's talkin to you," she giggled.

"Why yes it is," he responded as he smiled. "I tell you what; I'll go swimming with you after lunch how does that sound?"

"Yeah!" shouted all the kids.

"Will you swim with us to, Uncle Eric, Uncle Speed?" Brian asked. Both men nodded causing the boy to smile widely. Shelly wiggled in a request to be put down. Horatio placed her gently on her feet and she toddled off to play Barbie's with Janie who was just a few years older than her.

"Be gentle she's littler than you are," Alexx warned.

"Yes I know, Mommy. You tell me that everytime," she said exasperatedly. The other adults laughed at the scene between mother and daughter.

"Food's ready," Denis called as he turned from the grill. Everyone hurried over and grabbed a plate and began filling it. Conversation was flowing nicely when Horatio raised his hand requesting silence. The conversation died down when everyone saw his raised hand.

"What is it, Horatio?" Yelina asked. Horatio looked at the rest of his team who smiled back at him. They'd talked and decided that the barbeque was a good time to announce their impending parenthood.

"Calleigh, Eric, Speed and I have an announcement to make," he said.

"What kind of announcement?" Adel asked.

"We've decided to have children and Calleigh's agreed to be our surrogate," Horatio answered. There was a full moment of silence before everyone began talking at once.

"That's wonderful I'm so happy for you."

"You'll make excellent fathers."

"I get to be an aunt now."

"When is the baby due?" This last question came from Valera.

"Well we're in the beginning stages of the process. They hope to implant the embryo in the next couple of weeks," Calleigh answered. Everyone was smiling and rushed forward to give the three men and Calleigh hugs.

"Which one of you will be having the baby with Calleigh?" Adel wondered.

"I will," Eric said beaming. Yelina and Valera both fanned themselves.

"That's going to be one gorgeous baby," Valera breathed.

"MMM hmm," Yelina agreed. All the men shook their heads while all the women laughed. Noticing that the three men had finished eating lunch, the children started in on begging them to swim. After a bit of coaxing they agreed.

"Here, let's get your water wings and some sunscreen on you, sweet pee," Frank said lifting his daughter into his arms and carrying her over to a deck chair. She sat still for a moment while her father inflated her water wings and her float ring before helping her into them then he began putting sunscreen on her making sure to rub it in thoroughly.

"Down, Daddy."

"Not yet, Shelly," he said as he rubbed a bit of sunscreen across her pink cheeks.

"Done yet?" she whined.

"Yes, I'm all done," he said as he placed her on her feet. "Go have fun," he said patting her on her bottom to send her on her way. Giggling she ran over to the pool and stopped at the side looking uncertainly into the water. Horatio could see her indecision and walked up to her.

"Would you like a piggy back ride, Shelly?" he asked gallantly.

"Yes, pwease," she answered with a toothy grin.

"Okay, hop on and wrap your arms around my neck," he instructed as he squatted down so she could climb on his back.

"Otay," she said as she situated herself on Horatio's back. Standing up Horatio walked into the water and after reaching around and tickling the little girl on his back he eased her into the water. They briefly engaged in a light splashing war causing both of them to laugh. Knowing that her water wings and the floaty ring she was sitting in would protect her and keep her safe he let her float a little ways in front of him. Brian and Ray Jr. conned him into joining a game of keep-away with a beach ball. Janie was teaching Shelly how to blow bubbles much to the delight of the toddler. Eric and Speed jumped into the water to join the fun. Eric was pulled into the keep-away game and Speed began playing with the girls.

Calleigh, Valera, Alexx, Adel, and Yelina were sitting in lounge chairs drinking tall glasses of lemonade chatting amongst themselves. Frank and Denis were cleaning up and talking about the current football season and how the Miami Dolphins were doing.

"They're going to make excellent fathers," Valera said as she watched Speed brush some hair out of Shelly's face.

"MMM hmm," Alexx agreed.

"Are you happy about having a baby and being a surrogate for them?" Adel asked.

"Yes, I am. I've always wanted a baby and who better to have a baby with and share a family with than your best friend?" Calleigh said with a smile.

"The baby and any subsequent children will deffinitly be loved," Yelina said with a smile.

"That's for sure," Valera added.

"Any fears?" Adel asked.

"I'm just worried it won't work the first time," Calleigh quietly admitted.

"I'm assuming they did standard blood work?" Yelina confirmed.

"Yeah, and all that came back healthy, but that's not a guarantee that it'll happen the first time. I'm worried what it'll do to the three of them, but especially Eric. I know they all want children but I think he wants it most of all. Horatio and Tim told me that he did extensive research before he even brought it up to them," Calleigh confessed.

"Wow," Valera breathed.

"I can definitly say that this will be an experience none of you will ever forget," Adel said with a soft smile as she reflected on her own pregnancy with Shelly.

Just then their attention was drawn back to the pool and the commotion that was going on. Speed was holding a crying Shelly with Janie standing next to him trying to comfort her and Brian and Ray Jr. were pointing fingers at each other.

"What's going on here?" Alexx asked in her most stern don't-mess-with-me-I'm-mom-voice. Any explanation was haulted when Shelly who was still crying held out her arms from her place in Speed's arms and called out for her favorite uncle.

"Unca 'Ratio," she sniffled. Moving forward Horatio reached out and took the crying girl into his arms and began rubbing her back. Slowly he made his way to the side of the pool and climbed out.

"Shh, it's okay, your alright, sweetheart. It's okay," he soothed. Adel moved over to where her daughter was being held in the lieutenants arms.

"Do you want me to take her?" she asked softly.

"Don't worry about it, I've got her," he said as he settled on a deck chair with the little girl lying on his chest.

"Now, tell me what's going on," Alexx demanded.

"Brian and Ray were splashing each other and things got a little rough," Eric explained.

"Shelly got splashed in the face," Speed explained.

"Didn't I tell you to be careful around her?" Alexx scolded.

"Ray started it," Brian whined.

"I don't care who started it, I want you out of the pool for a little while, Brian Alexander and you'll apologize to Shelly," his mother commanded.

"That goes for you to, Ray," Yelina added. Both boys grumbled but knew they didn't have any other choice. Reluctantly they climbed out of the water and after apologizing to the little girl snuggled against Horatio's chest they went off to play a videogame. Scrambling out of the pool Janie took off after her brother.

"Play nice," Alexx called after them.

"We will," she called back. The sun shining down on them lulled Horatio and Shelly to sleep. Conversation happened all around them but neither of them woke up.

"Anyone need a refill?" Calleigh asked as she got up from her chair with her glass in her hand.

"Sure if you don't mind," Valera answered.

"No, not at all," she said beaming as she took the glass and headed into the kitchen to fill both glasses with more lemonade. She had just placed the pitcher back into the fridge when she saw Shelly's little face looking up at her.

"Hey there, baby, did you have a good nap?"

"Yes, gotta go potty," she said as she danced in place. Smiling Calleigh took the little girls hand in hers and took her to the bathroom. After she was done going potty Calleigh helped her wash her hands and helped her change into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt she found in the little girls diaper bag.

"You ready to go back outside?" Calleigh asked. Shelly nodded as she skipped to the door. Calleigh smiled as she saw Eric and Speed cuddled on one lawn chair with Frank standing over them with a can of whipped cream about to spray it all over their face. Just as the first glob of the cream hit Eric's face Calleigh's attention was brought back to the rest of the yard by Shelly's innocent question.

"Unca Ratio red why?" Calleigh turned puzzled eyes to where the little girl was pointing and she gasped. Covering her mouth her eyes widened. Her lieutenant was a bright red. He was sunburned on almost every part of his body. Moving over to him she placed a hand gently on his arm. Flinching he opened his eyes.

"Ow!" he moaned in pain.

"Don't touch so hard," he whined.

"I'm barely touching you, your sunburned and badly I might add," Calleigh explained. Calleigh's' gasp had drawn the attention of the others in the yard. Noticing the state of Horatio Frank managed to wake both Eric and Speed.

"MMM what?" Speed grumbled.

"Look over there," Frank instructed. Eric and Speed followed the homicide detectives finger and their eyes widened as they caught sight of there badly burned lover. As one they moved over to him and dropped down beside him.

"You forgot to put sunscreen on, didn't you?" Eric asked softly.

"I put it on when I got into the pool but I was distracted when I got out," he answered. Just then realizing his napping partner was no longer beside him Horatio scanned the yard until he spotted the little girl sitting in her mother's lap.

"Do you have any aloe Vera?" Speed asked turning to Alexx.

"Yeah it's in the bathroom I'll get it. It's going to take most of the bottle," Alexx said sympathetically. Ten minutes later Horatio was covered in the soothing gel and was beginning to feel a bit of relief.

"Here drink this, Horatio. You're probably a bit dehydrated and have gotten to much son," Yelina said placing a glass of Lemonade in his hand.

"Thanks, Yelina," he answered. The rest of the party went off without a hitch. Finally it was time for everyone to head home. Eric and Speed winced as they saw their lover climb into the passenger seat and his back touched the seat. A hiss of pain escaped Horatio's lips.

It was going to be a long few days until his sunburn healed.

***

"Okay, now that the embryo is implanted now we have to wait and see if in fact Calleigh is pregnant. I'm going to prescribe you some prenatal vitamins so if you are the baby will be given nutrients right from the beginning. If you experience any health issues or any other concerns go to the ER or call me immediately," the doctor instructed.

"I will, don't worry," Calleigh promised. She couldn't believe this day was finally here and the embryo had been placed inside her. Broad smiles were on the faces of everyone in the room.

"We'll have a follow up appointment in a month to check if your pregnant if you don't determine that you are before then," the doctor said.

"If Calleigh's pregnant then you'll start having appointments every month or two right?" Horatio asked.

"That's correct," the doctor answered. Once a few more questions had been answered the doctor left the room leaving the friends alone with each other. None of them could believe this was happening and just how close to their dream they were.

Two weeks had gone by and Calleigh walked into CSI following her day off. She'd called in asking to take a personal day. Knowing that she'd never done that before Horatio granted her request. Humming a happy tune Calleigh walked into the break room and attached three different charms to three coffee cups before picking up her own cup and adding a 4th charm to her cup before filling her cup with half caffinated and half decafinated coffee. Just then all three men walked into the break room at the same time.

"Morning, Calleigh, did you enjoy your day off?" Speed wondered.

"I did, thanks for asking. Coffee?" the blond asked holding up the pot.

"please." They answered in unison. Smiling Calleigh fixed their coffee just the way each of them liked it and handed them their respective cups. They all began to drink the dark liquid sighing in contentment. None of them had noticed the charms tied to their cup.

"Oh good, there's coffee," Alexx said as she trudged into the room.

"Hi, Alexx, you okay?" Calleigh asked in concern.

"Yeah, Janie had a nightmare last night and had a hard time falling back to sleep," the M.E answered as she yawned. Reaching into the cabinet Horatio pulled out a mug and filled it. After adding the cream and sugar to her liking he handed it to the African American woman. As she reached for the offered cup she caught sight of the charm tied to the handle of the redhead's cup. Glancing over at the others in the room she saw charms tied to their cups as well. When she reached Calleigh's cup she lifted her eyes and caught the ballistics expert's eyes. Raising one eyebrow Alexx silently asked her question. Smiling Calleigh nodded. An excited smile crossed Alexx's face and she was about to give a happy cry when she saw the bewildered looks on the three male faces.

"They don't know yet, do they?"

"No, they haven't noticed yet," Calleigh answered with a smirk.

"Noticed What?" Eric asked.

"Your cups," Calleigh answered.

"For being three of the best CSI's in the lab you guys aren't very observant," Alexx interjected. Simultaneously the three men looked down at their cups and back up at the two women. Eric was the first to recognize the charm for what it really was.

"What is it?" Speed wondered.

"It's one of those little wine charms. You see them most at weddings. My sister had them at her wedding. She gave them to her bridesmaids. It was funny because her best friend got the baby one and she was the next one to have a baby," Eric explained as he studied his charm a bit more closely. His eyes widened when he realized his charm was a baby bottle.

"Is this what I think it is?" he asked in a whisper.

"That depends on what you think it is," Calleigh answered.

"Is this a baby bottle charm?" Eric asked. Calleigh nodded her head. Eric could feel his hopes rising but he did his best to contain them. If he was wrong he didn't want to get everyone else excited for nothing. Calleigh could see the emotion in his eyes and just wanted to tell him he was right but she wanted to give Horatio and Speed a chance to figure it out on their own. Horatio and Speed still looked confused but after a moment or two more they were able to figure out that they had a pacifier and stroller charm respectively. Picking up the box that Calleigh had left on the table by accident Eric stared at it.

"It says there are four charms in here. If we have three of them who has the fourth one?"

"I do," Calleigh said, revealing her charm. Scanning the label he read the four different charms that were in the package.

"So if we have the bottle, pacifier and stroller then that means you have the…" Eric broke off as the realization of what Calleigh was telling them with her little game sank in. In a speed that stunned them all Eric had placed his coffee on the table moved across the room took Calleigh's mug from her hand and scooped her up in a huge bear hug. A smile split his face and all he could say is "Really? Really? Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure, it was confirmed yesterday," Calleigh said against his shoulder as a matching smile spread across her face.

"Huh?" Speed asked in confusion. Deciding his lovers had had long enough to figure it out Eric explained.

"The four charms are a baby bottle, pacifier, stroller, and a baby," he explained as his voice broke and a couple of happy tears slid down his cheek. Reaching out a hand Calleigh brushed his tears away.

"Hey, don't cry. I'm the pregnant one, that's my job, remember?" The others began to laugh but the laughter stopped when Calleigh's words and Eric's tears registered for what they really were.

"You're pregnant?" Horatio whispered in awe.

"Yes, the doctor confirmed it yesterday. I know you should have been there but I thought it would be kind of special to surprise you," Calleigh explained.

"What a wonderful surprise," Horatio said as he and Speed moved across the room and joined the group hug. Now that the news was common knowledge Alexx joined in as well.

"What's going on here?" Valera called as she walked into the break room amidst the celebration.

"Cal's pregnant," Speed announced.

"Really? That's fantastic, congratulations. When are you due?"

"I'm due June 12th," she answered. A panicked look crossed Speed's face.

"What's the matter, Timmy?" Alexx questioned.

"June 12th that's like nine months away. We don't have anything for a baby, we won't be ready that fast!" he said all in one breath.

"Speed, breathe," Horatio instructed. Glaring at him Speed took in a deep breath before beginning to panic again.

"Tim you took health class in high school, didn't you?" Valera teased.

"Y-y-yeah," he stammered.

"So you learned that it takes nine months to have a baby," she confirmed.

"Maybe he was absent that day," Eric ribbed.

"Shut up, Delko. I just mean that nine months isn't that long of a time how will we ever get everything done by the time the baby gets here?" he fretted.

"I promise nine months is enough time to get everything ready. People have been doing it for generations," Calleigh soothed.

"Okay, if you say so," Speed said quietly.

"I do," Calleigh replied. Looking around the room Tim could see similar expressions of reassurance from everyone else so he relaxed.

"Okay then, so I called the doctor the other day and most of the things you handle in ballistics aren't harmful to the baby. If your working in another lab talk to me first and we'll figure out if it's dangerous for you to be in there, okay?" Horatio told her.

"You got it, H." After a bit more discussion they all went their separate ways to work on processing evidence. They knew more details would have to be ironed out in the coming months but they had plenty of time to do so.

It was now November and Calleigh was two months along. So far things were going well. Her morning sickness wasn't too bad. The only thing she really had to contend with at this point was the fatigue. She found herself getting tired when she'd barely done anything. This was very frustrating to her but her doctor assured her it was normal. The guys were always giving her little pick-me-ups and encouraging her to rest if she needed it.

"What a way to start Thanksgiving, huh Cal?" Speed asked as they pulled up in front of their latest crime scene.

"Yeah, Dad goes postal on his wife and kids cause the turkey isn't cooked right, man what a day," she commented.

"Hey, Yelina, what have we got?" she questioned the Latina detective.

"Thirty-three-year-old Addison Patrick and her six-year-old twins Luke and Lily murdered in their living room. Husband's no where to be seen but neighbors said they heard his car leaving at a high rate of speed early this morning," Yelina told them.

"You cleared the house?" Speed confirmed.

"The officer that got here before me did. He was technically off shift but responded to the call because he was the closest. He stayed until I got here," she informed them.

"Thank you, Yelina," Calleigh said as they made their way to the house. The smell of blood assaulted their senses making them stop in their tracks. The nausea roiled in Calleigh's stomach and she fought to keep it down. Breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth seemed to help settle her stomach.

"You okay?" Speed questioned.

"Yeah I'm fine. We can't touch the bodies until Alexx gets here but let's take pictures then continue processing until she gets here," she ordered.

"Sounds good to me," Speed replied. Calleigh began snapping pictures while Speed searched for evidence. Alexx arrived a few minutes later and they began processing the bodies.

"Liver temp is very close to normal. I'd say they've only been dead for three hours. You didn't know what hit you did you, sweetheart?" Alexx asked as she gently placed the small girl into a body bag before moving on to her brother.

"Any idea of COD?" Speed asked.

"I'd say the gunshots to their chests but their could be some underlying injuries that could have killed them. All three victims have numerous bruises indicative of child and spousal abuse," she said sadly.

"Not the way they thought they'd celebrate Thanksgiving," Calleigh said softly as she made her way to the stairs.

"Let me know if you need help processing up their. I'm gonna finish processing the living room then move on to the kitchen," Tim called up the stairs.

"Okay, I wi—" Calleigh broke off as a large man with blood covering his shirt came out of the bedroom at the top of the stairs and pushed her hard down the stairs. Calleigh's scream of surprise echoed off the walls as she fell hitting each step as she did.

"Calleigh!" Speed shouted as he ran to the fallen CSI.

"Yelina call an ambulance we've got an officer down! Alexx get back in here now!" he shouted as he dropped to his knees. Calleigh was breathing but unconscious.

"C'mon Cal, wake up. Please wake up for me, you've gotta be okay." Just then he remembered the baby. Looking down he breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't see any blood but he knew there was still a chance something could be wrong with the baby. Alexx skidded to a stop as she saw Speed knealing next to an unconscious Calleigh.

Tim looked up when he heard shuffling at the top of the stairs. A guy with blood covering his shirt and pants was standing at the top of the stairs. The husband, Speed thought bitterly. Just then the man raised his gun to shoot but Speed moved faster hitting the man in the chest before he could fire his weapon.

"What the hells going on here?" Yelina cried as she came into the room. "I've called an ambulance where's the officer d-?" Yelina broke off as she saw the blond CSI lying on the floor. Just then she noticed the smell of a recently fired gun.

"You wanna tell me what happened, Speed?"

"Cal went upstairs to process the second floor. When she got to the top that jackass came out of the shadows and shoved her back down them. When I reached her I saw him standing their with his gun in his hand. He raised it to shoot so I shot him first. I had no choice it was self defense," the New Yorker defended.

"I know it was, I just needed to know what happened," Yelina said kindly. Just then Calleigh began to regain consciousness.

"MMM, Tim?" she mumbled clearly disoriented.

"I'm here, Calleigh. How are you feeling?"

"Confused and sore, is the baby okay?" she asked in a panic.

"Shh, relax, sugar, let me check you out," Alexx soothed. Nodding Calleigh lay as still as possible while Alexx checked her out.

"How is she?" Speed asked anxiously.

"Everything appears to be fine with her and the baby but I still say let the ambulance take her to the hospital so she can be checked out by her own doctor," Alexx told him. Just then the sirens from the approaching ambulance could be heard.

"I'm fine," Calleigh argued as she struggled to sit up.

"Ly still, Cal, you've taken a nasty fall," Speed told her. The paramedics walked into the room and took in the chaos.

"The man at the top of the stairs is dead. This is Detective Calleigh Duquesne from CSI. She was pushed down the stairs and she's two months pregnant," Speed explained.

"Okay, we're going to take you to the hospital just as a precaution, okay, ma'am?" one of the paramedics asked Calleigh. Sighing Calleigh nodded she knew that if she fought it Speed would take her to the hospital himself so she just decided to go with it. Just as Speed climbed into the back of the ambulance much to Calleigh's protests his cell phone rang.

"Yelina just called what happened is everyone okay?" Horatio asked anxiously.

"H, calm down. Everyone's okay. They're taking Cal to the hospital so she can be checked out but Alexx looked her over and said she's fine," Tim assured his lover.

"Are you sure your both okay?" Eric questioned from his spot next to Horatio.

"Yes I promise we're both okay," Speed swore.

"Put them on speaker," Calleigh requested. Nodding Speed did what she asked him to do.

"Hey you two, I'm okay I promise. Tim saved my life," she answered honestly.

"What do you mean?" Eric questioned.

"The bastard was standing at the top of the stairs with a gun raised to shoot after he pushed Cal down the stairs so I fired first not giving him a chance to," Speed explained.

"I'm very thankful to you for that. I don't even want to go to the hospital but Tim's insisting on it. The only reason I've agreed is because I want to make sure the babies okay."

"Call us once you know things are okay," Horatio told them.

"I will, but I have to go for now we're at the hospital," Speed said as he hung up the phone and took Calleigh's hand into his and gave it a squeeze.

Fifteen minutes later Calleigh had been declared perfectly healthy and unharmed save for a couple of bruises from her fall.

"Your just fine, Detective Duquesne. I don't see any reason why you can't go home," the doctor said in a cheerful voice.

"Thank you, Dr."

"Your quite welcome your very lucky that both you and your baby are okay. Falling down a staircase can cause a lot of problems for the baby and can even cause the mother to miscarry," the doctor said solemnly.

"But Calleigh isn't at any higher risk of miscarrying the baby due to her fall down the stairs is she?" Speed asked anxiously.

"No she isn't," the doctor said. Speed breathed a sigh of relief. Calleigh smiled sweetly at him as she signed the discharge papers with a flourish before standing up and heading for the door.

"C'mon Tim, we've got places to go and people to see."

When they reached the lab the two of them headed for Horatio's office. They found Eric and Horatio sitting on the couch wrapped up in each others arms.

"Don't you two ever work?" Calleigh teased as she opened the door. Both men looked up and gave her a smile. Eric then Horatio got off the couch and pulled her into a gentle hug mindful of her bruises. Then they pulled Speed in for a hug and a quick kiss.

"What did the doctor say?" Horatio asked.

"That the baby and I are fine," Calleigh informed the anxious duo. Both men settled on the couch breathed a sigh of relief at the news.

"That's good to hear," Eric said softly.

"Yes it is, yes it is," Speed murmured in agreement.

"Happy Thanksgiving, you three," Calleigh said with a bright smile.

"Happy Thanksgiving," they chorused back.

***

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