Title: Beauty & The Beast
Chapter 9 – A Few Steps Closer? Or a Giant leap Back?

A/N: I wasn't going to post this today b/c it seems that so many still have to catch up to New York Stories II latest update (gosh reveiws are really down for the last 2 chapters) but hope it's okay and you all get caught up (hey I've only got 2 NY stories on the go right now so you should all have time to read and review both right? *grin*)


After he had picked up his mom from the airport, talking about her week in Chicago and her friend who was now gravely ill the conversation turned to his events for the week and how it went with work and if he heard anything more from Frankie after the initial taunt.

"He's a coward my son," Millie states as they near the front door, the luxury SUV now in the garage and the rest of the estate dark and quiet.

"Was still stressing and lot of what he said was true."

"They were mean words from a bully and nothing more," Millie offers in contempt. "Now are you all set for tomorrow?"

"I just have to show up right?" Mac quips with a small smirk, forcing his mother to just smile and shake her head in return. "Stella might just bail on all this at the last minute."

"Trust me, she'll show up. But just one piece of motherly advice, be honest but don't be a martyr."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning you weren't responsible for Claire's death in any way. She died in an accident and if her own sister won't fault you then it's time you moved past that as well."

"I will be honest," Mac promises but says nothing further.

The house of course was spotless, just waiting to be inhabited by a family that would make use of its sizeable resources to the full. They both say their goodnights and then Mac slowly wanders upstairs to his bedroom and closes the door, gazing at the bed with a smile as he watches Stella's beautiful face appear. She gives him a small beckon with her head and for a split second he watches an image of himself approach the bed and take her into his arms. But as soon as he blinks the image is gone and he's alone in the dimly lit room once again.

"Will never happen," he sighs softly as he heads for his closet to undress for the night and try to get some sleep. But upon crawling into bed, Mac finds his mind is still fully awake, trying to ponder what the events of tomorrow might bring – especially if Stella was to actually show up. As much as his mother had tried to assure him that she was interested, 'my son I could see it in her eyes, she's very interested in you, she'll show up,' he still had his doubts, telling himself that even if she did come, as soon as she had heard the truth, it would be her last visit.

But also how would the children fare? Lindsay had called him and told him about how Lucy and Isabella were getting along at school and how Lucy had a small crush on Isaac and that all three of them were becoming fast friends. That also compounded part of his concern. If Stella and Lindsay continued to work together and draw closer, same with their children and things didn't work out between him and Stella, would he have to see her only to know she would never be his?

"That would be…terrible," Mac groans as he rolls onto his belly and buries his head in his pillow. He turns off the light, hoping that the darkness will help lull him to sleep, but it's to no avail – his mind is active and he knows the night ahead promises to be long and fitful.

XXXXXXXX

Stella too didn't fare much better with her sleeping, as she too was tossing and turning most of the night, her mind just as active as Mac's about what her Saturday adventure would hold for her and her children. And while Mac just had his own solitary future to consider, she had that of herself and her children, especially Isaac as she knows just how attached her son was growing of Mac.

"Ah forget it," Stella lightly grumbles as she forces herself to get up, knowing that sleep was now a moot point. She heads into the hallway and hears soft talking and quietly makes her way over toward her daughter's room. Stella slowly opens the door and looks down to see Isaac on the floor with three Barbie's sitting on his small chest as his hands try to grab them and make them fall off; forcing Isabella to laugh at her brother's silly antics.

"What are you two up to?"

"Isaac is a boat and he's trying to rock it," Isabella tells her mother as Stella sits down beside them.

"You know mum, rock the boat."

"Rock the boat, where did you hear that?"

"Ms. Aiden," Isaac pipes up.

"What did she say?"

"She said to Freddie that he was trying to rock the boat when he asked for another cookie. We didn't see a boat in class so Isaac is volunteering," Isabella babbles away.

"Ah okay got it. So do you guys want to go someplace special today after lunch?"

"Yes!" Both children shout at once, Isaac half lifting himself up and sending the Barbie's tumbling, forcing Isabella to pout and him to laugh.

"Isaac!" Isabella states in an angry huff.

"Now be fair Belle, he's been your boat long enough, it was time to rock it," Stella teases her daughter as she pulls her into her lap.

"Where are we going mummy?" Isaac inquires.

"Well we are going over to Mac's house."

"YES!" Isaac shouts as he pushes himself up to leave the room.

"Where are you going Isaac?"

"I want to bring my Lego so he can play with me," Isaac tells her as he rushes out of the room. Stella feels her heart sink as she knows Mac will be busy and probably won't have time to just sit down and play Lego with her son.

"Can I bring my dollies?"

"Well how about we just go and see what he has to offer first. I know he has a big yard and mummy is going to help in the garden. So I think it would be okay if you brought a ball and maybe one toy each but that'll be it okay?"

"Ok-ay," Isabella answers. Stella kisses her daughters head and then goes in search of her son, wanting to relay the same information to him about what to bring.

"But he has to see them all mummy," Isaac tries to insist.

"Just one box Isaac," Stella restates. "And if you insist or whine I will not let you bring anything at all."

"Ok-ay," Isaac offers her the same glum answer as his sister, forcing Stella to just laugh as she leaves them and heads for her bathroom to have a shower and get the day started. But as her mind starts to ponder what she'll be wearing, her anxious nervousness starts to build once again.

"Oh I need coffee."

XXXXXXXX

For most of the morning Mac's mind was focused on listening to his mother's chatter about her trip back to Chicago and what things the house needed repairs on. But as soon as lunch time hit, his anxiety started to grow; Stella was due to arrive anytime after lunch.

"So I think we'll have a child…friendly…McCanna are you listening?" Millie asks softly.

"Sorry what?" Mac looks up at her with a small frown, his fingers fiddling with the can opener. He puts it down and just shakes his head. "What the hell am I doing?"

"Starting over my son," Millie warmly reminds him. "It's always scary at first. Trust me I know. When your father passed I wasn't sure how I would ever cope without having him in my life. But as each day passed I realized that it was still his love and strength inside of me that helped me to go on and now I'm fine."

"Right," Mac agrees quietly as he looks up at the clock.

"She'll be here. And next time don't worry so much. That goes the same with Stella's father. If you wanted to include him as well, I know you said he was kind to you."

"I just don't want you to be uncomfortable," Mac tells her in truth.

"My son," she pauses as her hand rests on his face. "I am not lonely or wanting to start over. Now help me with these treats and then go and wait for your guests."

"My guests…right."

Mac helps his mother with the rest of the food items and then heads outside; already dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt for working. He wasn't sure if he was underdressed but figures that Stella would probably show up dressed casual as well. Course she'd look good in nothing, his brain inserts to which his just gives himself an inward curse and carries on.

"I wonder where she is?"

XXXXXXXX

"Dad I'm sure that Mac won't mind if you come too," Stella tells Sid as she helps the kids with their things. The weather was warm right now, so layering was in order as it did tend to get cooler in the late afternoon thanks to the setting of the fall sun a bit earlier than normal.

"It's the first time you'll all be there with him Stella and with his mother there and others I'm sure the young man will have enough to worry about than another nosy parent trying to see their children happy together."

"Well when you put it that way," Stella retorts with a roll of her eyes. "I just want you to be happy dad."

"Seeing you happy makes me happy," Sid assures her.

"I still want to know more about your new friend down at the Coroner's office."

"Alice is just that my dear, a friend," Sid winks. "Now get these two in the car before they use up all their energy here and just fall asleep on Mac's lawn. Maybe run over by the lawn mower."

"No gampa that's not funny!" Isaac looks at Sid with a frown, making the older man look down at the young child and smile.

"Become lawn ornaments?"

"Mummy!"

"Dad," Stella groans as Isaac looks up at her with a mortified expression.

Sid just chuckles as he picks up his young grandson and then carries him to the waiting car, Stella taking Isabella's hand. They knew that Lucy Messer and Kara Hawkes would be there also, but a bit later; only Isaac and Isabella would have the whole estate to themselves while their parents worked in the garden.

The drive to Mac's seemed to be shorter than expected and by the time she was letting out her second breath, her car was stopped and she was gazing into the warm afternoon sunshine at the handsome man waiting for them; a smile automatically forming.

"I see Mac!" Isaac exclaims happily as he tries to get his seatbelt off.

"Isaac you will wait for us," Stella reprimands him quickly, forcing her young son to halt his actions and give her a meek nod of compliance. "Remember I want you two to be on your best behaviour today okay?"

"Yes mummy," both offer quietly at the same time.

Stella gets out of her car and gives Mac a small wave, her heart starting to race as he nears. Oh I'm sure he's not as nervous as I am, she concludes silently. Wanna bet?

Damn I might just have a heart attack before I get to her, Mac's mind races as he nears the waiting trio. As suspected, even dressed casually she was beautiful. She too was wearing jeans but had chosen a few layers that once again hugged her curves and forced his mind to race with the wrong thoughts. Her golden curls were pulled up and back, further showcasing her smile and perfect skin.

"Am glad you made it," Mac's brain finally manages to send the proper words to his mouth. "Hi kids."

"Hi," Isabella answers with a warm smile. But Isaac rushes toward Mac, breaking free of his mother's grasp and standing only a few inches from him.

"Want to play ball with me?" Isaac asks eagerly, looking up at Mac with a large, expectant smile.

"Isaac, Mac needs to…"

"Oh I um…I don't mind. That is if…well if you mind?" Mac gently stammers, his face instantly displaying a small frown.

"Mind?" Stella asks in haste. "No I don't mind. Isabella do you want to play too?"

"Yes!" Isabella answers excitedly.

"Well we can all play then," Stella looks at Mac with a soft smile. "You really don't mind?"

"I don't mind," Mac tells her in truth, his face softening by the second. Isaac takes the ball, dropping his small backpack on the ground for his mother to pick up, Isabella quickly following suit and then both of them running toward a large open grassy area, laughing all the way.

"Thanks," Stella mentions casually.

"You seem surprised by my willingness to be…um friends with them?"

Stella looks at Mac with a small sheepish frown. "I just wasn't sure what to expect. But I think it's great and I know they love the attention as well. Plus your yard was just…well made for a family to enjoy."

"That and the circus right?" Mac chuckles. "I have enough space right?"

"Yes that you do."

"So how did they make out during their first week at school?"

"Well they had some adjustments to make, as I'm sure do all children who start a new daily routine. But they have a very nice class and a great teacher and I think they'll do fine as the year goes along."

"And you?"

"I am actually enjoying my new teaching post very much," Stella answers as they reach a spot and stop, Stella dropping her kids things on the grass. "And how was your week?"

"It was…well I…" Mac's voice trails off as he looks away. But a soft hand on his arm pulls his gaze back to hers and his heart automatically skips a beat. "Just haven't been back to work in little while so it was a bit stressful."

"Mac, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot."

"Asking about work should be a normal question right? I'm not mad," he assures her with a kind smile. "But in all honesty, despite the tension and stress that started the week, it ended on a positive note and I'm…well happy to be getting back in the game."

"I'm glad to hear that. So speaking of games…" Stella gestures with her head in the direction of her waiting children. "You still want to do this?"

"Guys against the girls?" Mac arches his brows.

"You got it," Stella nods as they reach the children. "Okay so we are going to play me and Belle against Isaac and Mac."

"Yay we're gonna win!" Isaac sticks his tongue out at Isabella who puts her hands on her hips and just wags her head in return.

"Best…behavior," Stella warns and both quickly pull back, forcing Mac to chuckle a little. "They only look well behaved most of the time," she smirks. She watches Mac break away and then go in search of two stones to use as goal posts. Isaac quickly follows after him, picking up a stone and hurrying after his larger counterpart, forcing Stella's heart to soften with each step they took.

"Ready to play?" Mac asks Isaac.

"Yes!" Isaac answers eagerly.

Stella tosses the ball into the middle of the grass between the two teams and soon a lively game is well underway. The four of them of course are oblivious to the fact that they now have a silent spectator. Millie watches from a distance with a happy smile, her eyes almost wanting to brim as she hears laughter coming from her son; a sound she hasn't heard in well over five years. Thank you God, she utters a silent prayer as she watches the young boy follow her son, looking up at him with adoring eyes and mimicking every action he makes.

"Okay Belle kick the ball," Stella instructs her daughter as they near the posts. Isabella kicks the ball through and the ladies take the first goal.

"We win!" Isabella jumps up and down with a joyous shout.

"Not fair!" Isaac tries to protest, drawing a small smirk from Mac.

"Game isn't over yet," Mac tells the small gathering. Stella tosses the ball back into the middle and watches as Mac picks up Isaac and rushes for the ball, her young son waving his arms like an airplane and laughing all the way until Mac deposits him in front of the goal stones and Isaac kicks the ball home; a goal for the boys.

"We win!" Isaac turns and laughs at Isabella.

This time it's Mac's turn to toss the ball back into the middle; both children racing for it in seconds. Mac follows but as he nears the middle he sees Stella approaching and wants to avoid running into her. But destiny has other plans and so before he can stop himself, Mac's foot catches on a hidden knot in the ground and his arms wrap around Stella, taking her to the ground with him.

Stella lands on Mac's chest with a small gasp, her face flushed at the nearness of their intertwined limbs.

"Stella I'm sorry," Mac stammers as he looks up with a frown.

"You know you seem to fall a lot around us," Stella smirks as she lingers on top of him for a few more seconds, reveling in the feeling of his firm body holding her close. The husky scent coming from his body and his warm eyes watching her were forcing her brain to instantly think thoughts that she had long kept at bay.

Mac too was feeling the same euphoric tingling from having Stella's perfect frame on top of his and he was actually thankful the kids rushed up to them because a few seconds longer and he would have just forced a kiss on those perfect lips.

"Alright I think that's the game," Mac huffs as he allows Stella to roll off him and then help to stand up.

"No," Isaac starts to pout sadly.

"Sorry kids we did come here for a specific job," Stella tells her children. "You two can come with us and help if we need it."

Mac watches Stella with intrigue. She was all play one minute and all motherly business the next but the sparkle never left her eyes and the charm her entire being; she was…perfect. At least to him and it was almost a bit unnerving. The children finally nod in agreement but before they can head toward the garden, they hear Millie approaching and all look up with a smile.

"Afternoon," Millie greets them. "Hello Stella, so nice to see you again."

"Hello Millie. These are my children, Isaac and Isabella."

"We're five."

"We're twins," both of them say at once even before a modest hello.

"Well I am very pleased to meet you five year old twins," Millie greets them each with a small handshake. "Can I take them with me to get some lemonade? It's home made and so doesn't have all those unnecessary chemicals as that store bought stuff."

"What do you say kids?"

"Yes pleaseeeee," both state at once in an eager tone.

"I um…brought something for dinner later," Stella mentions, drawing a small surprised glance from Mac. "Or not…is…oh I'm sorry I thought that…"

"Of course you are Stella," Millie answers in haste. "I would be happy to put it into the fridge if you'd like."

Stella heads for her car with Mac in tow, the children following after Millie, chattering away about the game and the toys they brought and happily answering any questions that she asked of them.

"Mac if I wasn't…"

"Stella, of course you are invited for supper," Mac states as they reach her car. "I just didn't want you to…you know trouble yourself with…I'm glad you wanted to bring something," Mac offers in haste, his heart racing so fast he fears it'll stop suddenly and he'll just keel over.

Stella stops and turns to him with a sideways smile. "Well I see we are both nervous."

Mac's lips twist upward into a soft smile as he gives her a nod in acknowledgement and then takes the plate she offers. "Smells good, what is it?" Mac inquires as he head toward the back patio entrance.

"A platter of my favorite Greek bites."

Mac listens as Stella tells him all about the edible items he's carrying; most of which he has never heard of. He glances over at her every few seconds and smiles at her animated delivery. I'll bet she could make even the phone book sound like a best seller!

"Hey you two come and join us."

"Look mummy we got fishes!" Isabella holds up a cracker in the shape of a fish.

"And worms!" Isaac holds up a gummy worm to Stella's surprised expression.

"Oh Millie thank you but I did bring…"

"Nonsense my dear. I know children need to be fed on a regular basis. I'm sure that game made them hungry and it's a ways before dinner time yet."

"What do you say kids?"

"Thank you!" Both utter with large smiles followed by happy giggles.

"Well it was my pleasure."

Millie takes Stella's tray of appetizers and heads for the fridge, allowing the two adults to also have a few of the snacks. Soon the children finish their goodies and ask to be excused. After getting a nod of approval from their mother, they head into the living room where more childish banter and happy laughter were soon heard, drawing instant smiles to both Millie and Mac's faces.

"You really do have delightful children, you should be proud," Millie comments softly.

"Well they have their ups and downs but overall they are great kids," Stella answers proudly. "I'm just glad they are behaving."

"Well if something becomes amiss I'm sure it won't be that big a deal," Millie tries to assure her.

"I really do love this kitchen. You could host Iron Chef America in here," Stella mentions with a friendly tone.

"I take it you like to cook then?"

"I love to cook. I think in a previous life I would have been a chef," Stella smirks. "But the I might have lost my self control so…" her voice trails off.

"What's wrong?" Mac asks in haste.

"I feel like I am talking to much," Stella frowns.

"Please don't think that," Mac tells her with a warm smile. "I was enjoying…listening," he finishes with a weaker tone. Mac goes on to tell Stella a bit more about the design of the kitchen and what was his favorite part about it and pretty soon it was time to head back outside.

"Come on kids, we are going back outside."

All three adults stand back as the two, freshly charged children race for the door, plunk themselves down on the tiled entrance way and start to pull on their runners.

"I'm really glad we had good weather today. Gardening in the rain isn't much fun," Mac notes as he leads Stella and her children around to where the garden area was being renovated.

"Hmm but you knowing if it was a warm rain then playing in the mud is kinda fun," Stella giggles.

"Okay," Mac adds with a small shake of his head. It didn't matter what he mentioned that even had a small negative connotation to it; she was able to see through that façade and put a happy twist on it, she was something else he was sure of that.

"Alright Isaac, see that wagon over there. I want you to bring…"

"But mummy we wants to play some more," Isaac whines.

"Isaac you played a bit and now its time to work. If you don't listen then you'll both just sit over there and not be able to play again. Too bad because Lucy and Kara are coming soon."

"Yay!" Isabella cheers happily. "I'll get the wagon mummy."

"Isaac is going to get the wagon, Belle. I have another job for you."

"Yes mummy," Isaac finally resigns as he slowly heads for the wagon, forcing Mac to watch in amusement but not say a word and Stella just to sigh. After she gives Isabella her instructions, Stella heads over to where Mac is to see what he's doing.

"So do you wa…" Mac asks loudly as he turns and then bumps into Stella. "Oh sorry, didn't see you," he gently recants with a nervous chuckle. "Did you want these?"

Stella eyes the pot of bulbs he's offering and mentally kicks herself for her unheard remark that was something along the lines of him offering her air and she'd happily accept. His nearness had that affect on her. "I do, thank you."

"They are nice…well in very good shape," Mac stammers as he places the pot into the wagon that Isaac was now standing beside. After that he was sent to help his sister pick out only bulbs that still had their brown skins on them and to put the rest into a growing compost pile. Millie finally comes to join them and soon the area was filled once again with light banter about gardening and the happy laughter of children.

But the day wasn't to be without stress at all.

"What's over there?" Isaac points to the special area where Claire's gravesite was situated; tugging at the bottom of Mac's sweatshirt and looking up with large brown eyes.

"Oh it's um…a special place."

"What's it for?" Isabella pipes up.

"Children I don't think it's polite to pry, do you?"

"Is for someone that isn't here anymore," Mac answers with a small frown.

"Where'd they go?" Isaac inquires innocently.

"They um…"

"Isaac why don't you and Isabella go and get your bags and play on the patio with your toys now," Stella directs her children, cursing herself for the now downcast expression that Mac was displaying. When she had glanced over she had seen the name 'Claire' on the outer wall of the ornate gravesite and remembered that that was the name of Mac's dead wife.

"Come with me kids I'll show you where I put your bags."

Stella watches her children leave and then turns back to Mac with a heavy heart. "Mac I'm sorry if they made you feel uncomfortable."

"No it's just that…"

"That's the…gravesite for…"

"Claire," Mac answers with a heavy swallow. "I…you know Stella I'm sorry I…I can't do this."

Then before she can utter another word, Mac turns on his heel and heads for the back door that would lead into the lower part of the house. Just as the door closes, Millie comes outside with the children, only to hear the door slam and watch as a bewildered and surprised Stella turns to her with a look of sorrow.

"I uh…guess we should…go."

Oh no…what happened? Is it over already? Millie's mind races as she wonders what happened to Mac.


A/N: Well a bit of tension to breakup the happy day – sorry you know it can't be all wine and roses! Lol So think supper will still happen? Will Mac come back and explain or is this day now over? Lots more to come so stay tuned and please review before you go and Alice will get busy on the next update! Thanks smackies your reviews mean so much especially with this lame season dragging us all down!