A/N: Welcome back to another chapter of "Love Remembers." At the request of some readers, I won't be giving anything away, unless of course it is to prepare you for violence or something, which there is none of in this chapter…. I'd also love to thank all of you who have reviewed the story so far. It means so much to me.
Please read and review as always.
Also, still dedicated to MissAmieB.
Love always,
Nicole
The next morning…
Aaron woke up to his phone ringing angrily. He looked over at Mac and noticed she wasn't moving. She was obviously unaware of the phone annoyance. He moved as much as he could without waking her. "Hotchner." He whispered gruffly.
"Hotch, sorry to wake you." JJ's voice came over the receiver. "I know it's your weekend off, but the director demanded I call you."
Aaron had to fight the urge to bolt from the bed right then. The only time the director ever demanded his team's participation in an investigation when it was beyond anything most other teams had seen. "What's the case?"
"It seems like a voodoo or something case. It's coming to us from Baton Rouge."
"How long?" He asked.
She knew he meant, "How long has this been going on?"
"2 months. They hadn't made the connection because the original cases were from rural areas near the city. Last night the first Baton Rouge victim was found."
He groaned. These cases were never good. They hardly ended quickly either. "I'll be there ASAP. Gather the rest of the team. Tell them wheel's up in 45 minutes."
"Yes sir." JJ said quickly, then hung up.
He sighed. He had hoped to talk to Mac about what had happened between them, but that wasn't going to happen today. He didn't want to wake her, but he couldn't help it. He wasn't just going to just leave her alone with questions. He wasn't that type of guy. He gently brushed a hair from her face. "Mac." He whispered. "Come on sweetheart."
"Mmmm." She moaned. "5 more minutes."
"Sorry love." He pulled her to him. "Can't."
She fought to open her eyes. "Why? Did something happen?" She sat up, slightly panicked.
"No, no. Relax. I just got a call from the Bureau."
Her face stayed panicked. "You have to leave." She stated.
He nodded. He could see that she was hurt, and that was the last thing he wanted to do. "I wouldn't go if I didn't have to, love."
"It must be really bad if they're calling you in on your time off."
"It is. When I get back, I'll talk to you about it, to maybe make the leaving easier."
"Aaron," She looked up at him. "You don't have to explain if you don't want to. I know that you can't talk about your work because of laws and stuff. I get that. I just want you to promise me that you'll be careful."
He kissed her quivering lips. "I promise. I'll be back for the gala next week. I promise."
"I love you." She whispered.
"I love you too." He kissed her again. "I'll call you once we land. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can."
She nodded and slowly let go so he could get dressed. She pulled her knees to her chest and watched as he got dressed. She admired him. Once he was dressed, he grabbed his bag and turned back to the bed. He walked over and kissed her one last time. "I'll miss you."
"Me too. Be safe."
He nodded and slowly went to the door. He slowly shut the door behind him and left silently. He didn't want to do this. He swore to himself that he would start putting his future as the priority. That meant more time with Mac, and less calls that pulled him away from her.
Mac laid back down and thought about what just happened. She knew Aaron didn't want to leave anymore than she wanted him to go. She turned over onto his side of her bed. Tears began to form as his scent flooded her senses. She grabbed his pillow and hugged it to her chest, allowing his scent to comfort her as she heard the soft "pinging" of the rain as it began to fall on the roof.
Lynn and Dave…
Dave was the first to wake up. He carefully got out of bed, as not to disturb Lynn. He quietly snuck to her desk, wrote a note and placed it on his pillow. He went downstairs to start making breakfast. He could see the rain gently falling outside but then also noticed that Aaron's car was gone. He picked up the phone and dialed Aaron's cell.
"Mac? Is everything alright?" Came Aaron's panicked voice over the receiver.
"It's Dave, Aaron. Where the hell are you?"
"Director pulled me back for a case."
"Does Mac know?"
"She knows. I'm not a heartless ass to just up and leave without saying a thing, Dave."
Dave sighed. "When will you be back?"
"I'm praying to be back for the gala next weekend."
"I'll keep an eye on her." Dave offered.
"Thanks Dave. I hated leaving her this morning."
"Keep in touch." Dave said as he heard the pilot on Hotch's end announce take-off.
"I'll call when I land." Was all that was said before the line clicked off.
Dave sighed. The BAU had cost him three wives. He just prayed that Aaron would be able to make this work. He set about making waffles as well as frying bacon and sausages he had found while snooping through the girls' fridge.
Lynn woke up to a somewhat cooler bed. Dave was gone. A moment of panic set in before the pink Post-It caught her eye. She grabbed the note and quickly read it.
Bella,
I haven't left. I've just decided to spoil you with breakfast in bed. I love you.
Dave.
She grinned. Despite their late night conversation on the incident of the broken condom, they were still strong. She was sure she couldn't get pregnant anyhow. She was on the pill and she never missed taking one. Though there was a part of her that wished she could be. She let her thoughts wander to what a family life with Dave would be like.
Meanwhile…
Mac heard a soft knock at the door. She lifted her head from her knees. She had moved from the bed to the window seat to watch the rainfall. "Who is it?"
"It's Dave. I brought you breakfast."
Mac could smell something heavenly. She sniffled. "Come in. It's unlocked."
The door opened and the aroma of sizzling bacon, fresh waffles and delicious sausage assaulted her senses. She put a smile on and prayed that Dave wouldn't see her tear streaked cheeks or the pain she felt.
Dave walked in and gently placed the tray of food on the dresser. He noticed her tears, and he could see the sadness in her eyes, but there was also something different about her. He looked around. He could only guess what had happened between her and Aaron the previous night. "Are you okay?"
She smiled a little more. "Yeah." She whispered.
"You don't have to lie to me Mac." Dave smiled. "I know what happened. Why he had to leave."
She felt a tightening grip around her heart and the let the tears fall again. "I know it's his work, but it still hurts."
"Mac, I can't begin to fathom the pain you're feeling, but I called him when I saw his car was gone. I know he feels the same way."
Mac looked up at him again. "Really?" She sniffled.
"Yes." Dave nodded. "I promised him I'd keep an eye on you and get you anything you need until he comes back."
"Thank you Dave." She got up off the window seat and hugged him. "Sorry for being such a mess."
"Don't be. Now eat and I'll let Lynn catch up with you in a bit."
She thanked him again as he left to go bring Lynn her breakfast. Mac wrapped her robe tighter around her and to the tray of food to start eating.
"Knock Knock!" Dave said as he walked into Lynn's room bearing a large tray of food.
"Food!" Lynn exploded into a fit of giggles.
Dave looked at her. "What about me?"
"You can be dessert." Lynn smiled.
"I like that idea." Dave replied as he put the tray on Lynn's lap, then joined her on the bed.
They ate and laughed. Soon breakfast was gone and Dave took the tray away. He got back in bed and pulled her to him. "Thank you bella. For everything."
She snuggled to him. "It was my pleasure. Something's up, you're acting funny."
"It's Mac and Aaron."
Lynn sat up and looked him straight in the eye. "Did they have a fight?"
"No, they didn't fight. He got a call from work. The Director himself called Aaron in."
"Shit."
"I saw his car was gone when I got up to make breakfast. I called him, and he told me what had happened. I have a feeling they did something last night, and neither of them got to talk about it."
"Does…"
"Mac knows." Dave guessed the end of her sentence. "I saw her when I brought her food. I think you two may need girl talk. I'll leave for a bit this afternoon, and come back later tonight. I promised Hotch I'd make sure Mac would be okay until he came back." He finished his explanation.
"Thank you Dave." She leaned over and kissed him gently. "I don't want you to think I don't want to spend time with you."
He kissed her lips passionately again. "I don't think that. You two may as well be sisters. I'll come by tonight. Maybe watch a movie."
She nodded. "I think that's a good plan."
They kissed one last time before quickly showering so Lynn could check on Mac.
"I love you Dave."
"I love you too bella." He held her tightly. "See you tonight."
She then watched him run to his car and drive off into the rain. Once his taillights had disappeared into the distance, she ran up the stairs to talk to Mac.
"Mac?" Lynn asked.
"Come in." Mac said, voice shaking.
Lynn slowly entered the room. "How are you?"
"I don't know." She whispered. "Last night was a dream turned into a nightmare when he had to leave."
Lynn sat next to Mac on the bed and held her. "Sweetie, it'll be fine. He's coming back."
"I know. I just wish…"
"You could've had more time with him." Lynn finished the sentiment.
Mac just nodded. Lynn held her best friend and told her to just cry. Once the tears slowed and Mac was calm again. They set about discussing the events of the previous night.
Lynn cut right to the chase. "So did you two?..."
Mac nodded. "Yeah."
"How was it?"
"It was amazing, well after the initial part."
"You're not regretting anything?"
Mac shook her head. "Nope."
Lynn smiled. "Good." She hugged Mac again. "I'm so happy for you."
"What about you?"
"What about me?" Lynn cocked an eyebrow.
"You, Dave… what happened last night?"
Lynn felt her cheeks burn a little, which was something that didn't happen very often, even when talking about sex. "Uh."
"Aislynn Carmichael!" Mac exclaimed. "I've never seen you speechless in my entire life." She poked Lynn. "Dish."
Lynn moaned. "Okay, I'll tell you. Yeesh. You've never been this interested before?"
"That's because I never liked any of your past guys before. I like this one."
Now it was all making sense. "Oh. Okay well, first he carried me to my room, started against the door and ended in the bed."
"Wow." Mac grinned. "How was it?"
Lynn laughed. "Great, I corrupted you. Your dad's gonna flip."
"Not the answer to my question."
"You're impossible Mac." Lynn said, trying to calm her breathing. "It true what they say."
"Huh?"
Lynn shook her head. "About Italians."
"Oh!" Mac gasped. "Well, I guess we both had pretty amazing nights."
They continued to laugh and talk throughout the day about everything.
The next week…
Mac was beginning to lose it She had less than 2 days to find a gown for the gala and award ceremony, and Aaron wasn't back from Baton Rouge yet. Penelope had said she'd take Mac gown shopping, but she too had been called to Baton Rouge, so now Mac swore she was screwed. She started sorting through the few dresses she owned. She growled in frustration when she couldn't find anything. Lynn heard the frustrated sounds coming from Mac's room. She poked her head in, careful not to piss Mac off even more.
"What's wrong?" Lynn asked, careful not to anger her friend more than she already was.
Mac fell on the bed and sighed. "I have no gown or date for the Gala."
Lynn cocked her head to the side. "Aaron told you he'd be back."
"Only if they solved the case."
Lynn stepped over the clothes on the floor and sat next to Mac on the bed. "He'll be back, but if he isn't, I'll go with you."
Mac looked up. "You hate these things."
"But it means so much to you. Friendship trumps boring galas."
"Thanks." Mac smiled. "Still need a dress though. Mine aren't good enough."
"That, I can solve. Gimme 5 minutes."
Mac nodded and with that Lynn left the room. She hit her speed dial, and on the second ring, the call was answered.
"Everything alright bella?" Dave asked.
"Mac's freaking out about the gala, and you know how important it is and she needs a gown."
"I see. How can I help?"
"I need to get her one of Maya's gowns."
Dave laughed. "Alright. That's not a problem."
"Don't worry, I won't go insane on it, since it's my gift to her."
"Just put it on my tab, bella." He could sense her impending argument. "No, ifs, ands, or buts. Just do it."
Lynn smiled. "I love you."
"Ti amo cara mia." He whispered sultrily in Italian.
They hung up and headed to get Mac to Maya's before she closed, though Lynn suspected Dave was calling ahead to give her the head's up.
Later that night…
Finding the perfect gown hadn't taken long, but getting Mac to agree to it being put on Dave's tab had. She was determined to pay for it herself, even though it was probably worth an entire month's salary. Lynn had to fight against her and the urge to explain the real reason for gala. They got home, put the gown away and went to make a quick light supper. They were just about to eat when Dave came to the door and the phone began to ring at the same time. Lynn went to let Dave in, even though he now had a key and Mac answered the phone.
"Hey Mac." Aaron's reassuring voice came over the line.
"Aaron." She said breathlessly. His voice still took her breath away, she figured it would happen every time.
"We landed safe. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner." He missed her, she could hear it in his voice. "It's a bad case, but I'm really hoping to be able to come to the gala, even if it's only for that."
"Aaron, it's alright if you can't. It's your work."
"But my work isn't everything to me, you are."
When he said that, her right hand instinctively went to the promise ring on her left hand. "Aaron."
"I love you Mac. It hurt to leave you that morning." His voice hitched. "It still hurts to be here and alone."
She felt tears building up behind her eyes. "We'll be together soon." She heard another man's voice behind Aaron on the phone. "Who's that?"
"Gideon, he's the unit chief right now. I think we just ended up with another victim." The man's voice said something and Aaron sighed. "Yeah, another one. I'll try to be there this weekend. I love you Mac."
"I love you too. Be safe." She blew him a kiss over the phone and then she heard the line disconnect. She sat to eat her supper in her bedroom while watching a comedy, but her heart sat heavy in her chest.
The night of the gala…
Mac had been getting ready since the early afternoon. The gown was the last part, but she needed to do her hair, which was a 2-hour task minimum, and her make-up before she could put the gown and accessories on. Lynn did her hair. Soft curls framed her face, while others fell down her back and some were pinned up with silk orchids. Lynn also volunteered to do her make-up.
"I can do it, Lynn."
"I know, but since I can't come tonight, I need to be able to do as much as I can to be a part of tonight."
"You're lending me your boyfriend because Aaron hasn't shown up yet."
"Dave volunteered and he was going anyhow, he may as well be the escort for the belle of the ball don't you think?"
Mac's cheek filled with color. "I guess."
"There will be other events for you and Aaron to go to." She turned Mac to face the mirror. "What do you think?"
Mac examined her reflection. Her hair was perfect, and her make-up was natural with a touch of shimmer and shine. "Wow."
"Good, now, gown and hurry, because the limo will be here soon." Just as Lynn finished, the doorbell rang. "I'll go see who it is, you get in the gown so I can do you up."
Mac nodded as Lynn flew down the stairs.
Same time… Dave's…
Dave was just finishing getting ready when the doorbell rang. He continued to struggle with his last cufflink while answering the door. He was shocked to see Aaron Hotchner standing on his front step, dressed in full tux. "Aaron?"
"Yes. I promised her, and then the case turned and …."
"Calm down man." Dave let him in. "That's what she figured. She's smart and she understands, something that other broad never understood."
"I know, but tonight is so important to her, and I feel like I've let her down."
"You're here now aren't you? You never have let her down, yet, but that's not the point." He looked at Aaron, there was something different about him. "If you're here, who's running the team?"
"Gideon, he's been running it, well as much as he can, he's distracted."
"It's his son again. I don't know why he just doesn't take a leave of absence."
"Because he's stubborn, like another old profiler I know." Aaron laughed.
"Yeah, I know. There's something else isn't there."
"Take the profiler out of the BAU, but you can't take the profiler out of the man." Aaron nodded. "I have something very important to ask her."
Dave looked at him. "Are you going to…?"
Aaron nodded again.
"Tonight will be a great night, that's for sure. Okay, well head to this address and wait for me there." He handed Hotch a piece of paper with the banquet hall's address.
Hotch nodded. "Let me do up that cufflink, you've only been fighting with it since I got here." He did up the link and headed out the door.
Dave shook his head and he hit the lights before heading out to the girls' house to pick up Lynn for all of the evening's festivities.
Lynn and Mac's house…
Lynn opened the door. Dave stood in front of her, and he looked amazing in his tux.
"What are you doing here? The guest of honor is still here." She whispered.
"I'm gonna wait in the back for her to leave, then we'll go."
"Works for me." She leaned in and kissed him. "You looked very debonair."
"I feel like a damn penguin." He muttered and headed to the back porch to wait for Lynn to be ready to head out. Luckily he had all the surprises under his belt.
Lynn ran back up stairs and did up the gown and clasped the necklace around Mac's neck.
"Who was at the door?" Mac asked.
"Girl Guides."
"Is it that time of the year already?"
"I guess so. The limo will be here soon, let's get down stairs."
Sure enough, the instant they were down the stairs, the doorbell rang again and this time, a driver was there to pick Mac up. The two women hugged and Lynn wished Mac a great night.
Mac got into the limo and waved one last time to Lynn. She was a little sad that Lynn wasn't able to make it to the gala, but she understood that this portfolio was important to tie up. She sat back and enjoyed the ride.
Once Lynn closed the front door, she went to the porch to let Dave in. Once he was in, he quickly set to helping her into her little black dress and they too headed out. They used every single shortcut in the book. This way to guarantee they'd beat Mac to the gala. Dave also had to make sure that he hid Lynn from view so Mac wouldn't be suspicious and to ensure, as much as he loved her, Lynn wouldn't pop the 'Aaron' surprise bubble. They made it in record time, so he hid Lynn back stage, then went to position Aaron for Mac's arrival. Once everyone was in place, Dave stood back and waited to enjoy the show.
Aaron hadn't been this nervous since his first day at the Bureau. His palms were sweaty and he was sure his heart was about to fly out of his chest. He could see Mac's limo approaching. He took a deep, calming breath before stepping up to the curb to open the door for her.
Mac felt the limo slow to a stop. She quickly readjusted her gown and waited for the driver to open her door. The door opened and a hand reached in to help her out of the car. She slowly got out of the limo, only to almost fall back in when she saw the man who had really helped her out of the limo.
"Aaron!" She exclaimed.
"Mac, you look beautiful." He finally managed to say. He swore that she had stepped off the set of "Gone with the Wind." The bodice of the orchid colored gown was corset style with ebony accents and straps . The whole gown fitted her like a glove. The skirt was full but flowed naturally from her hips. He could only imagine the layers of crinoline that was under there. The skirt itself was unique. The main skirt was a shimmering ebony silk with a touch of lace. The over skirt was the same orchid silk organza as the bodice. It flowed and swished and just suited her. She was stunning and radiant, and to Aaron, those words barely covered how beautiful she was tonight.
Mac felt her cheeks burn. "Thank you. I didn't think you were coming."
He gently kissed her lips. "I promised you that I'd be here. I wouldn't miss this, not for anything. I love you Mackenzie."
"I love you too, Aaron." She said as she slid her arm through his pre-offered one.
Dave approached the couple. "Well, well. I guess I won't be needed tonight."
"I'm so sorry Dave. I didn't know he'd actually still make it." Mac apologized.
"Don't be bella. You will be much happier with him tonight, than with me." He kissed her free hand. "You look ravishing." He turned to face Aaron. "You're a very lucky man."
Aaron shook his friend's hand. "I know. Thanks again, Dave. For everything."
"Have fun tonight." He winked at Aaron. "I'll just go to my table for the presentations. See you inside." He turned and went into the banquet hall.
Aaron and Mac followed, both wearing beaming smiles. They arrived at the banquet hall doors, only to be told they couldn't just enter just yet. Mac was a little confused, but Aaron had been informed of the real reason.
Dave's voice soon came over the speaker system. "Ladies and gentleman. Now that everyone is here, I believe, I should bring in our guest of honor. Please stand and help me welcome, Mackenzie Lambert."
The giant mahogany doors opened and applause filled Mac's ears. She didn't fully understand what was going on. Aaron started moving and Mac followed suit. They slowly made their way to an empty table at the front of the room. Aaron helped Mac into her seat before taking his next to her. Dave still stood at the podium.
"Now we'll go into the presentation, before we say Grace and enjoy the wonderful meal that's waiting for us. It is my great pleasure to present to you, tonight's award presenter. Mackenzie's best friend, Aislynn Carmichael."
Applause filled the room once again as Lynn stepped from behind the velvet curtain. She was radiant in her little black dress. In her hand was the coveted, "Time Magazine's Photographer of the Year Award." Lynn handed Dave the Award to present her speech.
"Good evening." She began once the applause died down. "It's a great honor and pleasure to present this award to an amazingly talented photographer and my best friend tonight. The Award is for a photographer who goes above and beyond. Now everyone who knows her, knows that she does just that. But not just in photography, it's in every aspect of her life. She's broken limbs and been in harnesses above the cityscape just to get that perfect shot."
Applause filled the hall once again, cause Mac's cheeks to burn once more.
"Mackenzie Lambert has been behind the lens of a camera since before she started school. And she is the youngest photographer to ever have any of her work published in National Geographic and Time Magazine. At 14 years old, she risked her life for one shot of the effects of an F5 tornado while we were on a school trip. Then, on 9/11, she was in New York. She shot over 1500 images of that somber day. Her works now pay tribute to all those we lost that day, and those first responders that were on scene, risking their lives to save complete strangers from the rubble. Through her photographs, they live on in our hearts and minds forever."
A moment of silence passed to honor those lost.
"Now, she has her own studio, and she provides great experiences for family, engagement and wedding portraits as well as amazing nature shots for the world to enjoy. Please help me to congratulate her on the 'Time Magazine Photographer of the Year Award'. Miss Mackenzie Lambert."
Mac fought back tears of joy and pride as she got up, and kissed Aaron before making her way to the podium.
Once there, she hugged both Lynn and Dave before taking to the podium for her unprepared speech. Dave and Lynn just stood off to the side. "Thank you Lynn, Dave." She drew a deep breath. "I am truly honored and blessed to be receiving this award. To be honest with you, I had no idea of this, so I really don't have a speech prepared."
Light laughter filled the room.
Mac let the room settle before continuing. "It is truly a great honor to be name Time Magazine's Photographer of the Year. Photography is my passion and my life, and with much more effort, I only hope to better my art. I do have some people to thank though. First, Time Magazine, thank you so much for this honor. Secondly, my family, especially my dad for buying me my first Nikon when I was 10. Next, I'd like to thank my best friend and business partner, Aislynn. Thank you for supporting me and backing all my wild schemes to get the perfect shot. I'd also like to thank my friends and assistants for all your support and help." She turned to face Aaron. "Last, but most certainly not least, Aaron. Thank-you for your love and support. You are an amazing man, and it means so much to me that you're here to celebrate with me tonight. I love you. Thank you all again."
Applause and cheers exploded as people stood and honored her achievements. Dave and Lynn guided her back to their table. She turned to Aaron to kiss him. "Did you know?" She asked.
He shook his head. "Not until I showed up at Dave's tonight."
"But you knew?" She directed her question to Lynn.
Lynn nodded sheepishly. "I've known for months. They asked me for my help to plan it all."
"I see." Mac looked serious for a minute before grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "Thank you! It was perfect!"
The two hugged as best they could, as they were now seated for the banquet.
"I'm glad you liked it." Dave said from Aaron's right. "I'm especially happy that we kept the whole thing a surprise."
Mac arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I'm on the board for the award, as well as the organization that funds the whole thing." Dave smiled to her. "Don't worry, I have no say in who gets it, but I'm very glad it was you." He eased her mind, which was fearful of being chosen because she was his girlfriend's best friend.
"Thank you Dave." She blew him a quick kiss. "Now, let's eat, I'm starving."
Their table burst out into laughter as the food arrived just in time. The meal passed by quickly enough. Soon music filled the adjoining ballroom, and all the guests slowly made their way there. The table of honor was the last to leave, as they had to make an entrance once again. Lynn, on Dave's arm glided into the room. Mac and Aaron waited until they were announced. They too glided into the ballroom and made their way to the center of the floor. Soon slowly music filled they're ears and they slowly danced around the room. Aaron's feet were light and Mac was surprised at how talented he was. Soon the floor was with dancers gliding along the floor and any fears or negative thoughts that they had were danced away and their lives were filled with peace. Even if it was only for tonight.
The night passed on, Mac danced with many partners but her eyes and heart belonged to Aaron. He watched as she beamed as Dave waltzed her around the floor. Lynn came and sat next to him.
"How's everything, Agent Hotchner?" She teased him.
He smiled, something it seemed, from what Dave told her, was a rare occurrence. "Yes, everything's perfect." His eyes were busy following Mac.
"You seem distracted, Aaron." She pointed out.
He finally turned to look at her. "A little. I'm trying to plan something out."
"I see." She smiled. "Care to share?"
He leaned in and whispered something to her. She smiled and nodded and whispered something back to him. With that, he went to talk to the band. She smiled. Tonight was truly the best night.
Aaron walked up to the leader of the band. "Good evening."
"Good evening sir. Do you have a request?"
Aaron nodded, then explained. The leader smiled and nodded. "Of course. We'll do it right away."
Aaron went to wait for Mac to finish her chat with the Senator that was in front of her. She saw and him, and excused herself and went to his side.
"Thank you for coming again." She kissed him.
"I wouldn't have missed it Mac. It's hard being away from you." He pulled her close and led her out of the ballroom.
"Where are we going?" She asked.
"It's a surprise. Trust me."
Lynn and Dave watched as the couple left. Right at that moment, the band announced a small break of 30 minutes and that they would return to finish the evening. If only they knew that love was in the air tonight.
Outside on the terrace…
Aaron led Mac to the center of the fragrant courtyard. Roses, lilies and lilacs filled the air. Tiny twinkling lights were strung through the tall trees and everything seemed like it was part of the most romantic of movies. It was then that Mac noticed that the band had followed them out, but were on the balcony above them. Soon a song so familiar to her filled her ears, and tears of joy and love slid down her cheek as Aaron took her in his arms and in a slow waltz he danced her around the courtyard. Her head lay on his chest as he began to sing the words to her and her alone.
"An empty street, an empty house
A hole inside my heart
I'm all alone, the rooms are getting smaller.
I wonder how, I wonder why, I wonder where they are
The days we had, the songs we sang together.(oh yeah)
And all my love, I'm holding on forever
Reaching for the love that seems so far
So I say a little prayer
And hope my dreams will take me there
Where the skies are blue, to see you once again... my love.
All the seas from coast to coast
To find the place I Love The Most
Where the fields are green, to see you once again... my love.
I try to read, I go to work
I'm laughing with my friends
But I can't stop to keep myself from thinking. (oh no)
I wonder how, I wonder why, I wonder where they are
The days we had, the songs we sang together.(oh yeah)
And all my love, I'm holding on forever
Reaching for the love that seems so far
So I say a little prayer
And hope my dreams will take me there
Where the skies are blue, to see you once again... my love.
All the seas from coast to coast
To find the place I Love The Most
Where the fields are green, to see you once again...
To hold you in my arms
To promise you my love
To tell you from the heart
You're all I'm thinking of
Reaching for the love that seems so far
So I say a little prayer
And hope my dreams will take its there
Where the skies are blue, to see you once again... my love.
All the seas from coast to coast
To find the place I Love The Most
Where the fields are green, to see you once again... my love.
Say it in a prayer (my sweet love)
Dreams will take it there
Where the skies are blue (woah yeah), to see you once again my love. (oh my love)
All the seas from coast to coast
To find the place I Love The Most
Wherethefieldsaregreen,toseeyouonceagain...MyLove."
As the song ended, Aaron went on one knee and it was only then that realization hit her. She watched in awe as he pulled out the box and said. "Mackenzie, I have fallen in love with you, and I never want to leave your side. I want to spend my life loving you, being yours and always believing in you. I would really love spending the rest of my life with you by my side, to raise a family together and to be each other's beacon in the darkness that could come. Will you give me the pleasure and honor of being your husband? Will you marry me, Mac?"
She had always imagined what a proposal would be like, but she never, in her wildest imagination, had imagined this. She nodded, tears of joy falling, "Yes, Aaron, I will marry you."
He moved her promise ring over, and slid the ring he had chosen for her onto her left hand. "I love you, so much."
She kissed him passionately. "I love you too. I'm so happy!"
Music cued again and the next song was another song, again it was by Westlife. "Swear It Again" played and one of the band members sang while Aaron and Mac danced under the stars and moonlight.
A/N: Well my dears, finally Ch. 10 is done! YAY! I really hope you enjoyed it! It took so long because of my last year of University's course load. The next chapter is in the works, but because I am starting my student teaching next week, I won't be able to publish as much. Be patient, and it will be updated!
Song influence for this chapter:
My Love by Westlife
Love you all!
Nicole