Title: Better Than Best
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI:NY, Anthony Zuiker and CBS do. "Amazing" is owned by Janelle.
Author's Note: Second Jo/Mac. Bold italics for flashbacks. Sequel begins eight months after "Choosing The Right Guy". Most of this story will be T, I will mention if there is a change in the rating.
Genre: Romance/Family
Rating: T (T+ could borderline M for the end of this chapter)
Chapter 1: Their Special Night
-November 8, 2012-
Jo Danville had never felt luckier in love…she had found the man of her dreams. It is also the same man who told her tonight would be a night she won't soon forget; that man is Mac Taylor.
McKenna Boyd Taylor Jr.; the thought of his name it made her heart skip a beat. They became friends since they met at the crime lab when he walked off the elevator and saw her on the balcony with a female DB. It didn't take long for before Jo had developed feelings for Mac. However, she decided against say anything that would ruin their friendship and working partnership so she began dating Hadrian Laken; only problem was Hadrian used her and broke her heart.
Once Mac heard what happened he was there for her and it was the same night Mac revealed his true feelings which lead them to give in to their desires and have been in a serious relationship ever since. It has now been eight months and during those happy months when they were not at work they tried to spend as much time together; of course they knew spending time apart would make the heart grow fonder.
As she finished getting ready Jo glanced in the mirror checking her reflection, she smiled. Thinking back to Mac telling her to dress up for a formal occasion so she had gone with a short stretch satin off the shoulder dress. Satisfied with her look she went to her jewelry box to search for the earrings to complete the ensemble.
Ellie was making her way down the hall to the front door but decided to stop her mother's room to let her know she was on her way. When she saw her mother getting ready she smiled, she knew something her mother did not know, Mac was going to pop the question tonight. Both she and Tyler were delighted when they found out their mother was with Mac rather than Hadrian (whom they both disliked) and gave their approval right away. Mac even had asked Ellie to help with picking out a ring when he picked up her up from soccer practice to go ring shopping.
As Jo was making a final decision on the earrings she knew someone was standing behind her; she whipped around and saw Ellie standing there beaming at her, "Mom you look beautiful, Mac won't know what hit him."
Jo smiled at her daughter, "Thank you."
Giving her daughter a hug and when they came apart she asked, "Ellie are you ready for the sleepover at Liana's?"
Ellie smiled back and replied, "Yes I am mom. Oh may I suggest something?"
Jo looked at Ellie and said, "Yes you sure can."
Ellie cleared her throat, "You know the mini golden teardrop diamond earrings you wear only for special occasions? I think you should wear to complement your dress."
Jo eyed Ellie peculiarly, "Ellie, you are a tomboy since when do you know fashion?"
Ellie replied confidently, "Liana and Danica have been teaching me."
Smiling, Jo inquired as she brought her into a hug, "Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?"
Ellie hugged her mom back and answered cheekily, "I am still Ellie, your daughter."
Right then the doorbell rang and Jo let Ellie go. As Ellie made her way out of her mother's room towards the door she turned around and said, "Have fun tonight I will see you on tomorrow for brunch with Tyler."
When Jo heard the door close she went back to the jewelry box, went with her daughter's suggestion and put on the mini golden teardrop diamond earrings.
Meanwhile Mac was in the elevator going up to pick up Jo. During the ride up, he brought out the ring box from his pant pocket, when he saw the ring he smiled, tonight he was going to propose to the woman who had claimed his heart with her Southern charm ever since he met her for the first time a little over two years ago, he knew she was different.
He thought about how the guys were all congratulating him at the crime lab a week ago and how Danny made Adam, Hawkes and Don pay up on the bet causing Mac to shake his head. Then there was his chat with Stella."
"I know I don't need to tell you this but I know she definitely say yes."
He smiled at the thought; he knew Stella was happy for him because once Stella had met Jo one Christmas at the Messer's Christmas party she, Jo, and Lindsay formed a very close bond.
When the elevator's ping sounded Mac knew he had arrived at the fifth floor. Taking a deep breath he put away the ring and walked out of the elevator and headed towards Jo's apartment and he rang the doorbell once he got to her place.
Jo had just put on her pair of pumps and was getting her overcoat and purse when she heard the bell ring.
Coat in hand she went to open the door and saw Mac standing there in his formal wear. She felt heart beat fast, but once she steadied her heart she thought, dang Mac is as good-looking ever…what did I do right to deserve someone as handsome and as loving as Mac?
When Mac saw Jo standing there in a figure hugging dress and a radiant smile on her beautiful face he felt his heart skipped a few beats, wow…just wow!
The one thing he wanted to when he saw was to forgo dinner and stay in for the night, alas he had made the dinner reservations four weeks ago.
Jo grinned, she knew Mac was speechless so she spoke first, "Like what you see McKenna?"
Mac lightly shook his head and answered, "I most certainly do, Josephine."
Jo couldn't wait any longer, got a hold of Mac's tie and pulled him and Mac then took the lead by wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her in and they began making out within an instant. After a few minutes they came apart for air and leaning against forehead to forehead. Whilst catching their breath Mac asked, "Ready to go?"
With a Cheshire grin on her face she replied, "Of course, lead the way handsome."
They reached a small and quaint Italian restaurant thirty minutes later and once they checked in their coats they were shown to a private room Mac had reserved. Once they had given their drink and food order and were left alone, Mac thought, now the unforgettable night begins.
All throughout dinner Jo and Mac talked and exchanged kisses in between alternating between long and short.
As soon as they finished their dessert of two slices of chocolate tiramisu cake in which they fed each other, a slow song began to play, Mac stood up and held out his hand and asked in a suave voice, "Ms. Danville may I have this dance?"
Smiling, Jo answered in Southern lady tone, "Why Mr. Taylor yes you may."
The morning cold and raining,
dark before the dawn could come
How long in twilight waiting
longing for the rising sun
ohoh ohoh Oh ooh
You came like crashing thunder
breaking through these walls of stone
You came with wide eyed wonder
into all this great unknown
ohoh ohoh Ohoooh Oohh
Hush now don't you be afraid
I promise you I'll always stay
I'll never be that far away
I'm right here with you
[Chorus]
You're so amazing you shine like the stars
You're so amazing the beauty you are
You came blazing right into my heart
You're so amazing you are...
You are
You came from heaven shining
Breath of God still flows from fresh on you
The beating heart inside me
Crumbled at this one so new
ohoh ohoh Oooh ooohhh
No matter where or how far you wander
For a thousand years or longer
I will always be there for you
Right here with you
[Chorus]
You're so amazing you shine like the stars
Find More lyrics at .com
You're so amazing the beauty you are
You came blazing right into my heart
You're so amazing you are...
I hope your tears are few and fast
I hope your dreams come true at last
I hope you find love that goes on and on and on and on and on
I hope you wish on every star
I hope you never fall too far
I hope this world can see how wonderful you are
[Chorus]
You're so amazing you shine like the stars
You're so amazing the beauty you are
You came blazing right into my heart
You're so amazing...
You're so amazing you shine like the stars
You're so amazing the beauty you are
You came blazing right into my heart
You're so amazing you are...
You are
ooooooo
When the song came to an end Mac knew now was the perfect time to present the ring to Jo. Clearing his throat, he began his speech, "Jo, my darling, you are my dream come true. I have loved you since introduced yourself from the balcony at the crime lab. Subsequent to us transitioning from a friendship into a relationship I realized I have been blessed to have you, Tyler and Ellie in my life."
Mac paused, got out a small blue ring box, opened it, and got down on one knee causing Jo to gasp. Smiling Mac continued, "Miss Josephine Charlotte Danville, you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, will you do the honors in becoming my wife, will you marry me?"
Jo had her mouth covered when she saw the Princess Cut diamond ring set in 14-k white gold. Now crying tears of joy Jo replied, "Yes, most definitely yes."
With the biggest grin on Mac's face he removed the ring out of the cushioned surroundings, put the box down and with the ring in his left hand and taking her left hand in his right hand, he slid it up her finger, kissing her hand once the ring was on her finger; it was a perfect fit. Mac then stood up, placed his hands on her face, tilted his head to the right and placed a gentle and sweet kiss on her lips. The kiss quickly became heated and passionate as Jo wrapped her arms around his neck and Mac wrapped his arms around Jo's waist pulling her closer to him and kissed her senseless.
When they had to part to get air in their lungs, they leaned forehead to forehead and Jo whispered in a mischievous tone, "My handsome fiancé why don't we go somewhere it is more comfortable, hm?"
Mac felt his heart beat extra fast at the suggestion. Grinning playfully, he took her hand and led her out of the privacy of their reserved dining room and out in to the open restaurant and headed towards to the front to pay the bill and left a generous tip.
Once they were outside, had hailed a cab and as soon as Jo had given the cab driver her address and their lips were fused making out once more as they couldn't stand to be apart any longer. When cab reached their destination Mac paid their fare and they quickly made their way up to her place. As soon as they made in the door and in her room with the door closed there was no stopping them.
As they made out like there was no tomorrow Jo let her left hand run through Mac's hair whilst pressing her face on the left side of his neck. While Mac undid the zipper on the back of her dress and gently pushed it off her body
They came apart when they needed air and as they were trying to catch their breath Jo helped him with his suit, tie and the buttons on his dress shirt. As soon as the buttons were undone, revealing his toned upper body the yearning in Jo's body increased threefold. Jo ran her hands up and down his toned chest. Mac groaned as he felt the sensations Jo was leaving behind with her hands.
Not able to resist being apart any longer Mac enveloped Jo in his arms and lavished kisses on her neck, collarbone and shoulders. The tingly sensation she was now experiencing throughout was nothing like what she had experienced with her body was incomparable with Russ; maybe it was due to the fact that she loved Mac with everything she had within her.
Soon they were only in their underwear and Mac had carried the rest of the way to the bed, and after placing her on there and the rest of the clothing had come off they gave into their desires far into the night.
A/N 2: Thanks for reading the first chapter. As always reviews are appreciated!