Happy Never After

Disclaimer: Nope, still nothing. Null. Zip.

A/N: So, this is the penultimate chapter with only the epilogue left. It's pure and utter fluff 99,9% of the time – consider yourself warned;) We hope that this chappie makes up for all the angst we've put you through in this story.

To everyone who reviewed, faved and alerted, and to all you lurkers out there;) You all rock, guys!


Chapter 9 – If You Leave Me Now...

After making sure no one was within ear shot, Mac let his pen slip away from his fingers onto the file he was working on and allowed himself a deep sigh. His wrist hurt, his eyes were burning and his back was killing him. He had come to accept those things as necessary sacrifices of his job and barely noticed them anymore but this time they forced him to make a break. He had come to hate making breaks lately because then his mind instantly drifted where he didn't want it to. So when he came back from NOLA he made sure he had no time for breaks, resorting to what had always worked before – work in near-exhaustion doses. He had to hand it to the New York criminals, though, they made it quite easy for him. During his absence the files, reports and other red tape had literally grown into a Kilimanjaro on his desk. He groaned as his eyes settled on another heap of paper waiting in a box next to his desk. Usually this would be part where his wife dragged him out of the lab, using force if necessary. But right now his wife wasn't here.

He rubbed his eyes with his right hand and turned on his chair to look at Broadway at night, not really seeing anything of the illustrious view Manhattan had to offer at this time of night. The feeling of anxiety and uncertainty hadn't left him ever since he got onto that plane and the awareness of how much he had recklessly put on the line that day still made his hair stay on end.

7 days earlier…

Stella sighed and massaged her temples as her truck raced towards the airport with sirens and lights on. Brandon's track on Mac's cell leading her to the last place she wanted him. She wasn't going to lose him again. After everything they'd been through and all the work they'd put into fixing this, she wasn't going to give up so easily. She'd turned away from him, from their life together, because she wasn't happy; because they had fallen apart. Both of them had severed all lines of communication and they'd come unbelievably close to losing each other because of it, but they'd made it through. They had come around to the other side, a little rougher for the wear, but stronger than ever.

Her body practically flew from the vehicle as she parked in the valet area, flashing her badge rapidly and racing inside. Her feet moving faster than she ever imagined they could. She would not lose him again no matter the cost. Her eyes frantically searched as she ran and moved through the slight chaos surrounding her, the room almost feeling as if it was spinning and the voices infiltrating her mind in loud murmurs and parts of sentences. She made it to the security line and chased back and forth, looking for him in the line and finally dropped down into a seat with a soft sob as her final thread of hope slipped out of her grasp. He'd already gone.

She ran a hand through her hair and stood, turning to head into the women's restroom to splash cold water on her face and then gather thoughts, but her movements stopped as her target exited the men's room and caught her eyes. Both frozen in time as they stood there, broken and waiting for the other to make a move.

He swallowed as her green eyes dipped down his body, following the planes of his chest and legs before coming back to him and glistening as a tear tracked down her cheek. She licked her lips and shook her head disbelieving her eyes. It felt as if time was standing still around her. No one else present in the moment, only them, as she wiped her cheek, "Is it really you?"

His hands stuffed into his pockets as he watched her fight to get back into control of her emotions; he didn't realize he'd hurt her this badly, a second time. "Yes, it is."

She began to take a step forward, "You're not leaving?"

She watched as his head dropped and stopped with her progression towards him, rocking back to her original position and then backing away slightly. His silence sliced through her heart and she shook her head, "I see."

She nodded and ran a hand over her hair, "I came here to tell you that you're wrong. I couldn't call you. I couldn't bear the thought that you might've moved on without me, that I'd be a memory to you and that you wouldn't want me anymore. Don was the only way I could watch over you, protect you. Damn it, Mac, I came here to find you because when you realize that you love someone and want your life to be spent with them, you want to start that life as soon as possible."

His eyes lifted to hers as she took another step away, another move out of his mind's grasp, "But if you want to run away and throw away everything we've done here the last week, you do it. Do whatever you want, but I want you to remember that this time, you're the one making the mistake of running. You're the one who's choosing to end it."

She turned and began to walk away from him, her curls bouncing slightly before a hand caught her wrist and forced her around, blue eyes seeking out hers, "I've made the mistake of not coming after you once, Stella. I'm not going to do it again, no matter how brave you are."

She blinked away more tears and shook her head with a weak laugh as he ran a hand over her wild locks, "And I suppose you just expect me to go weak at the knees and fall into your arms and cry hysterically and say we'll figure this all out? You and I just picking up where we left off and…growing old together and…and…come on, Mac, what do you expect? To live happily ever after?" she asked with a hint of irony that turned into hope as she looked into his eyes.

He cupped her face with his hands and brought it inches of his. "Yes. To all of the above. Except you don't have to cry hysterically."

"Yes, I do," she said as his lips crushed hers and her arms wrapped around him tight, clinging to him for all that she was worth and letting his body fully encompass hers.

He pulled back when the need for oxygen became too great and pressed his forehead to hers, "We've come too far and been through too much for me to just let go and throw it all away. I love you too much to…"

Her mouth on his silenced him and he grinned as she pulled back and kissed the end of his nose, "I love you too, Mac. You're not getting rid of me that easily." She chuckled softly and ran her fingers over the back of his neck, "Are you leaving?"

"I tried to. I wanted to. I almost bought the ticket, but I couldn't leave you, not again, not like this." He shook his head. "I was trying to figure out a way to get back. Maybe fall down to my knees and beg you for forgiveness?"

"I remember the last time you went down to your knees for me," she smiled wryly. "It turned out pretty well as I recall. Maybe you should try it again," she said with a playful smirk.

Before she could stop him, that was what he did and she felt her breath hitch. She suddenly felt very self-conscious knowing people were starting to stop and stare at them. But lasted only for about a second before his intensely blue eyes didn't lock with hers and the rest of the world ceased to exist. Mac Taylor, the most private and non-fanfare man she knew was just kneeling in front of her at an airport full of people. He took her hands in his and gently squeezed them.

"You want it, you got it," he smirked looking at her flabbergasted expression but then he became serious.

"I see I have to watch what I say to you," she quipped.

He just shook his head and she watched him with growing interest as he started fishing for something in his shirt pocket.

He seemed to have found what he was looking for and his eyes turned back to her.

"You forgot something the last time," he said softly looking up at her.

"You?" she asked with a teary smile and he chuckled lightly, opening his hand.

"You can say so."

Sunlight caught on the band of gold in his fingers, rekindling the memory of the day she had promised him never ending love before God and the whole world. The happiest day of her life.

"Will you be my wife, Stella Taylor?" His gentle voice brought her back from the past. She was looking into those warm, blue eyes again, and they were shining with the same love as on that day.

"I've never stopped being her, Mac," she said, tears now running freely down her cheeks.

Mac stood up and kissed them all away, one after another, until there were no more tears in her eyes, only happiness. He slipped the band on her finger and gathered her in his arms. They both remained oblivious to the audience comprising passengers, clerks and personnel that had built up around them in the mean time and the cheers and clapping that met their reunion.

The present day…

That was a week ago. They had returned to Stella's apartment and spent a blissful weekend Mac doubted he'd ever forget. But then the reality kicked in. He had to go back to New York and Stella had lots on her plate considering the decision they had come to in the end. She didn't want to just up and leave and he understood she owed it to her team. She couldn't tell him exactly when she would be back to New York. That was when he started burying himself in files – everything to distract his restless mind from counting the minutes and hours and days – he could swear his watch was getting physically worn out from the number of times he looked at it each day. He respected her for not wanting to leave her people in the lurch, the devotion and passion were traits that made her into the wonderful woman he had fallen for and he wouldn't have it any other way, but it still meant he got to sleep alone another night, and another after that and probably more after that.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Missing him?"

Her celery colored eyes lifted from the photo of her and Mac to meet Brandon's smiling ones, "Nothing easy about being away from him."

He nodded and leaned against the doorframe, "Isn't it your night off? Why are you here?"

She paused and sighed glancing at the late hour on the clock before turning back to him with a light shrug, "Finishing up something."

"I see." He fidgeted for a moment as she turned and glanced back at the image of her and Mac on her desk, "You know, no one would fault you if you disappeared for a few days. I hear New York in the fall is beautiful..."

The chuckle that escaped her mouth matched her shaking head as she stood up at her desk, her fingers gathering the team assignments before she walked towards him, "He's not into surprises..."

"If it's you surprising him, I bet he would be." He smiled wider as she winked playfully at him and nudged him out of her office, "Get back to work."

He laughed softly and headed towards the computer lab. She couldn't stop herself from smiling as she watched him move away from her, appreciating what a sweet young kid he really was.

"Hey, Stell." Her head turned as Nate stepped up next to her, his strides matching hers as they headed down the hallway, "I have a favor."

Her eyebrow rose as she paused and smirked at him, "You know, last time I heard that from you..."

"Yeah, yeah, I was asking you out. This is different." She nodded and he took a deep breath, "I'm taking my new girl out this weekend and I... I don't really want to scare her away but I want to impress her."

"Ah... anyone I know?"

"Maybe."

She laughed softly and nodded, her arm wrapping around his shoulders as she guided him down the hallway, speaking low and conspiratorially with him, helping him figure out how to woo his date without going overboard. She stopped in the hallway and handed him the team assignments, "You think you can handle this?"

He chuckled and nodded, "Guess we'll find out."

The tilt of her head and slight smile were her only response as she watched him enter the layout room and share a knowing glance with Ashley and then trying to pass off the slight brush of his hand on hers. Stella's eyes brightened as she watched their interaction with a warm smile and slight wink at Ashley as they caught each other's eyes. Her thumb caressed the gold on her ring finger as she headed out to her vehicle.

She dropped her keys onto the counter in her kitchen as she glanced around the apartment. It felt so empty without him here with her; sharing her home, sharing her bed, her life. She sighed and headed into her bathroom for a hot shower. She stepped under the spray of hot water as the water helped soothe her and wash away the world around her.

"I'm scared…"

Her hands trembled as she ran them over the smooth cream fabric and glanced in the mirror. Everything was exactly how she'd pictured it. The flowers, the place, the people around her… and yet she was terrified.

"Stella, you're going to be fine. If Danny and I can do it in a court house, you can do it here."

"Lindsay, it's not that simple… I mean… God, what if, Peyton comes back or something happens… I… I…"

"STELLA. Calm down." Lindsay gripped her gently by the shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. "It's all going to be fine. No one in the world belongs together more than you and Mac."

Stella sighed and hugged her tight, "How'd you get to be so wise, kiddo?"

"I learned from you." Lindsay smiled and gave her another gentle squeeze as the door creaked open and Danny poked his head in, "'ey, you two ready or what? We got a few people out 'ere waitin' for ya."

Stella gave a nod and nudged Lindsay to go, winking at the 3 year old Lucy as she toddled out of the room in her light blue dress.

She turned back to the mirror and took a deep breath. Her eyes traced over the simple cream dress with a sweetheart neckline that she'd chosen. It wasn't flashy or ornate or anything that would make a statement, but it was classic and elegant. Her hair was pulled back just off her face, while still letting her signature curls dance across her shoulders and back. She did a final check of her makeup and grabbed the small bouquet of white roses before heading out the door and heading down to the designated area.

Her eyes caught his as she walked down the aisle in the church with the small assembly watching her every move. She winked at him with a bright smile as she neared the altar and took his hand. His eyes traced her form slowly before he leaned down and kissed her temple, then spoke in a hushed tone, "You look beautiful."

She dropped her head as her cheeks turned a shade of pink as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze as a thank you. As the priest addressed their team and a few close friends sitting in the pews, welcoming them and beginning the ceremony, she leaned over to him and whispered softly, "Do you know how much I love you in a tux?"

She pulled back seeing his smile and chuckled softly, their fingers interlocked as the ceremony progressed and by the time they turned to each other to recite their vows, all her nerves had disappeared and she knew she was making the right choice. He had always been the one, the ONLY one for her. She stared into his eyes as she repeated each word the pastor said and blinked away tears as he did the same back to her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. MacKenna Taylor."

She grinned as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, wrapping his arms around and pulled her flush against him as their guests clapped.

"I love you," he whispered after pulling back and holding her tight to him still. She smiled against his neck and pressed a gentle kiss there, knowing that no matter what their future brought, his arms were the only place she'd ever belong.

She emerged from the steam filled booth and slid into the soft cotton of her pajamas, before getting into her large, empty bed. Hours past as she laid there, tossing and turning and trying to get back to bed. She barely realized she was spinning the rings on her ring finger over and over as she gazed at her ceiling thinking about the man she missed terribly. So much had happened since Mac had left, so many choices had been made on both their ends and it felt like it'd been an eternity since she'd seen him. She turned on her side and stared at the empty space next to her, almost willing her husband to appear before she huffed and turned back onto her back. She debated for another moment before grabbing her phone and dialing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next morning in New York offered one of those chilly yet so beautiful experiences that they seemed like cut out of a postcard.

Mac would have appreciated the yellow and red hues of the magnificent trees lining Central Park walkways and the almost ridiculously cheerful blue of the skies above had it not been for the reason he was in the green jungle in the middle of the concrete jungle. He was on call, which meant his first order of the day was a dead body.

He made his way to the place indicated by Flack and frowned not seeing anything even suggesting a crime scene. He checked with the GPS on his phone and was about to dial Don when a voice from behind stopped him.

"Looking for something, handsome?"

He slowly turned around, his heart beating rapidly against his ribcage. Stella was standing a feet away, giving him her megawatt, self-satisfied smile. She looked beautiful. Gentle rays of autumn sun brought out the green sparks in her eyes and softly sculpted her features into an image of pure perfection. They stood like there for a moment, eyes locked and hearts beating to the same rhythm before Mac got his voice back.

"Don? The scene?" he asked though he already knew the answer.

She chuckled. "Let's just say I owe him," she said coming closer to him.

He raised an eyebrow at her, "I'll really have to start keeping an eye on him."

She chuckled and he made a step in her direction. They were standing at arm's length and he could see that underneath the smile there was anxiety. "Are you back, Stell?" he whispered. He had to make sure, he had to hear her say the words.

She put a hand to his cheek. When she did that, a stray sunray reflected off the band of gold she was wearing on her finger. The warmth in his eyes as he saw it only grew when she said simply, "It's high time I came back home. To you."

Mac took her hand from his cheek and brought it to his lips, brushing her ring finger in a butterfly of a kiss.

She cupped his face with her hands. "You're the love of my life, Mac. It took me some time to figure it out and I'm so sorry. But now I'm here and I'm yours forever, Mac, heart, body and soul. I love you."

"I love you, too. So much that I was going mad with you not here, Stell," he confessed, his voice unusually thick.

"I thought Marines never got sick, let alone heart-sick," she quipped though her voice was trembling.

"I'm discharged," he breathed taking her into his arms and crushing his lips against hers.

She moaned softly into the kiss, her arms wrapping around him holding him tight to her, reacquainting herself with the feel of him against her before pulling back a bit and resting her forehead to his. Their breaths mingled as they fought to regain normal breathing abilities and a soft murmur sounded from him, "What about your team?"

"New leader started today. Not bad, little cocky perhaps, but his new girlfriend will keep him in line."

"You didn't..."

"Well, he did learn from both of us."

Seeing his skeptically arched eyebrow, she chuckled and caressed his back, "I couldn't stay away. It was time."

She wrapped her hands around his and smiled, "Now, you have a choice..."

His eyes narrowed a bit as he squeezed her hands and nodded for her to continue, curiosity getting the better of him. "Go to the lab...or take a day off and help me move back in."

He took a moment to revel in the hopeful lilt and emotion her voice held. It was real. She was really here standing with him, wanting to be with him, loving him again. Looking back at the tortuous path life had led them onto, he realized he had no regrets. He wouldn't change a thing. If this was the final outcome, how could he ever complain? Finding a love lost compared to nothing he had ever experienced in life. It was like he had gotten a second chance at life. And he wasn't going to waste it.

Stella was still waiting for his answer, uncertainty starting to creep onto her sun-kissed face.

He chuckled at her confused expression and kissed the tip of her nose, "They'll survive a day without me."

tbc.


A/N: So, how was the wedding flashback from Stella's POV? We hope you liked this and it made up for all the twists and turns…still, we're not finished with that, sorry, some more to come in the epilogue;) No angst this time, though, we promise! We hope you'll stay tuned and give us your thoughts about this chappie!

A/N2: If you've found a couple of lines familiar somewhere in this chapter…then you're good! Extra brownie points for anyone who finds the exact lines;) Let me give you a hint – they come from the movie 'Parent Trap'. They seemed to fit our Smacked perfectly, and this is our small tribute to the late and sorely missed Natasha Richardson, and the ever cute Dennis Quaid.

Have a great weekend!

Babygurl&Stardust