Title: The Promise of Tomorrow
Chapter 13 - Old Friends and New Starts
A/N: On a sad note, it was just confirmed for us yesterday that some 'friends' have died in the Haiti earthquake (confirmed by a close friend living just outside the downtown area of Port au Prince). We like everyone else were waiting on news, any kind of news and it was the worst kind to get. Please if you can do anything to help, anything would be much appreciated as the situation down there is bleak at best. My prayers go out to their families and friends still down there or up here. I have tried to finish this the best I could. I just hope this chapter and tomorrow's make sense as my brain is still kinda fuzzy. So I am trying to keep myself busy and my mind focused on writing as it brings me a small amount of happiness right now and keeps me from going off the mental deep end! (eek) Thank you all in advance and please forgive if there are any errors.
"You are not the only one working to secure our future Mac."
"I know but I don't know if I say thank you enough."
"You are welcome," I answer firmly and he gives me a small nod of his head. I press the spare key into his hand as we walk back into the main living area.
"Like the fireplace," Mac mentions as his eyes once again take in everything.
"I like the kitchen," I state and Mac nods his head.
"I like it all. When um...do we move in?" He finally turns back to me.
"It's ready now. My stuff will be easy. It's just the three of you."
"I guess I have some phone calls to make this afternoon."
"And I guess talk to your boss," I suggest."
"Oh no, Sinclair already did that," Mac smirks. "As I said to him, I think I have been set up."
XXXXXXXX
Stella stops us at the door and turns me to face her. "See Mac, it's not just me that wants you to be happy."
"Are you mad I didn't tell you I was going to see Sinclair?"
"Figured if you wanted to back out then no one would think less of you," she states and I just shake my head. "Scary how well I still know you isn't it?"
"Very."
"I am not mad. Are you mad I did this without you?"
"No."
"See how meant for each other we really are," she whispers as she brings my lips to hers and tastes them one last time. "Come on handsome we gotta get back."
The ride back to her lab is once again filled with talk about the move, me already mentally making arrangements to get the movers after I have talked to my current supervisor in person; and then my existing team. In reality, I'm not that upset to be leaving my current team as I did miss the cohesive family environment that I had worked so hard to create with the team I left behind. Saying sorry to them today was the right thing to do. I had to and not just for them; but for my own piece of mind.
"So Wednesday night at the Messer's right?" Stella reminds me as she brings the Avalanche to a stop beside my Suburban.
"Right. I wish I was coming up there with you right now."
"One week Mac and then you will be."
I lean over and plant a warm kiss on her cheek before pulling back with a smile. "I'll call you tonight."
We take our leave and then I watch her turn and offer me a smile and wave before the elevator doors take her from my view. I quickly push my own truck back into traffic, my mind now determined to get the ball rolling. Sinclair will take care of the paperwork for my transfer from New Jersey to Manhattan and I'm glad he never filed my resignation with the NYPD or I might have had to take an entrance exam all over again.
"Hate to lose you Mac," my supervisor states with a heavy sigh.
"I'm sorry Sir," I offer simply, not sure what to say. "I have a replacement in mind..." my voice trails off as I finally settle into my chair to discuss the next supervisor for the NJ lab and my departure in a weeks time. He wasn't pleased with the timing and I'm not sure what Sinclair used as clout, but I'm glad I won't have to drag it out too long and am not about to question anything.
I quickly head back to my office and then call for the movers, wanting everything in place this weekend if possible so that when I start fresh on Monday, hopefully my wife and myself will both be coming home to be with our son; to a home that is not far away.
I feel a lump form in my throat as I look at the picture that is now my computer wallpaper; a picture of the three of us at the petting zoo on Saturday. "I love you Stella," I whisper as I think of how much she has done to make this all possible. "I know I don't deserve her," I mumble as I hurry to finish my work so that I can get home and tell my mother the good news.
"Daddy!" Cameron shouts as I finally push myself through the door, an hour later than I normally would be.
"Sorry I'm late," I tell my mother as I hug my son close.
"How did it go?"
"I start back there next week," I inform her in a quiet tone as I look at her with a slight frown.
"Sinclair didn't chew you out?"
"He tried but then figured he'd save it for at least a month," I tell her with a half smile.
"Don't kid yourself Mac, he knows good help is hard to find. Speaking of help...did you talk to the rest of the team?"
"I did, well most of them."
"And I see you survived the stoning you said you'd have to face."
"Just didn't think they'd be so accepting," I huff as I slowly head into the living room, placing my suit jacket over the back of the chair and taking Cameron in my arms as I ease myself down onto the couch.
"Why? McCanna have you lost sight of the fact that it has been four years?"
"I guess so," I state with a mild sigh.
"Well it's where you belong. And how did it go with your team here?"
I finish telling my mother about my full conversation with Sinclair, talking to my supervisor here, Riley and a few other details. But she can tell that something else is up.
"You have been trying to downplay that cryptic smile since you got home. What surprise did Stella give you?"
"Stella?"
"Sinclair? Trust me there is only one person on this planet that could ever have that affect on you."
"Stella um...she got a new home for us," I mention weakly as my eyes are still fixed on my son as he fiddles with something in his lap. "I almost wasn't sure how to tell you."
"Really where?"
"Her current apartment building. Did you know?"
"I had an inkling but..."
"Even found a place for you."
"When are you getting married?"
"Saturday?" I counter and she smiles. "Or Sunday. I think I screwed myself time wise."
"McCanna, you have the ring, what are you waiting for?"
"What do you mean?"
"You want to move in on the weekend and are starting a new job on Monday...well not new...but you know what I mean. Why are you waiting? You know she's going to say yes?"
"Cameron, will it be okay with you if I propose to Stella tomorrow?"
"Mummy?" He asks looking up.
"Yes mummy."
"Sure," he shrugs and I can't help but give him a small squeeze as I look over at my mother.
"I guess I'll be very busy this week."
"Sorry I know it..." I start only to have her lift her hand to stop me.
"Why are you sorry? I've never seen you so happy. Just try to stop smiling. Did you have lunch?"
"Why do you think I'm still smiling," I counter and she just shakes her head.
"Not food right?" She counters and it's my turn to shake my head. "Well I know I'm right, but it's what I like to hear. But tomorrow I'll call for..."
"Already done, you just need to keep Cameron out of the way and direct what needs to be done. They'll be here to pack up on Thursday, move us in on Friday and then we'll spend the joyous task of unpacking on the weekend."
"Thought you were getting married on the weekend?"
"Friday night? Ah damn it..." I lightly curse before mouthing, I'm sorry, to my son.
"And will you be taking a proper honeymoon?"
"Probably in a month. Maybe to Disney Land or something," I mention and Cameron looks up at me with a wide grin.
"Mickey! Yay! Legs go daddy!" He shouts as he throws his arms around my neck and holds on tight. I can't help but laugh at his enthusiasm.
"In a month Cameron," I tell and he looks at me in wonder before offering me a soft shrug of compliance.
My mother and I talk a bit more about all the things that will be crammed into this week before I finally push myself up off the couch and head into my bedroom to get changed, my mother insisting on making dinner for us this week.
"I wonder what my wife is doing?" I ask quietly as I start to change. My eyes gently mist as I reach for the phone, knowing the weekend can't come fast enough. Only one more call to make. I pick up the phone and dial a friend.
"Mac?"
"Hey Don, got a sec?"
XXXXXXXX
"You seriously came back?" Lindsay queries as I walk into the hallway with a wide grin on my face; Mac's faint scent still tempting my hungry brain; even two hours later.
"What do you mean?"
"Yeah nice try with the innocent routine. I might have been stuck in the evidence room but I heard Mac was here and I know you two left together."
"Had to show him our new apartment."
"And?"
"And he liked it," I smile as I head into my office; Lindsay following. I turn to face her and she just rolls her eyes.
"Right and which room did you make out in?"
"We did not make out," I insist.
"Your sweater is on backwards on purpose then?" Lindsay counters in sarcasm and my face turns red. "Which room?"
"Bedroom. Damn it Mac," I gently curse with a laugh.
"Did he at least get dressed properly?"
"Hope so. He went to talk to his boss right afterward," I sigh as I quickly fumble with my sweater to get it changed around the proper way, thankfully not showing too much to any curious onlookers.
"So Mac starts next week?"
"He's excited and very nervous," I state with a slight frown. "Part of me actually wonders if he'll be able to go through with it."
"But you said he contacted Sinclair first right?"
"Right."
"Trust me, Mac will be here."
"Now he just needs to tell his mother and Cameron."
"Think he's home already?" Lindsay asks in surprise.
"Talk about role reversal huh," I smile as she just nods her head.
"But you two are still coming on Wednesday right?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Any other surprises we need to be warned about?"
"You mean besides Mac coming back here? Us moving in together this weekend and possibly getting married?"
"WHAT?" Lindsay half shrieks and I have to laugh as she draws some stares.
"It's not official yet."
"So do you need me and Danny to clear...well anything?"
"What do you mean?"
"Who else is going to stand up with you two?" Lindsay asks in haste. "Sheldon and Adam?"
"Good point," I laugh. "I'll let you know."
We both look up to see Sid knocking on the glass.
"So I hear we are getting a new employee on Monday," he smiles as he enters.
"Gossip travels fast," I smirk.
"You better believe it," he confirms as he hands me a file. "About damn time."
"That's what Danny said also," I respond dryly.
The three of us talk a bit more before it's time to call it a day and then head for home. For the first time in years, as soon as I close my front door, my empty apartment is filled with a loud happy cry of joy.
"YES!" I shout in true immature fashion at the notion that this time next week, Mac and I could possibly be the family we have both always wanted. I quickly work to get my things put away and start dinner, wishing more than anything that Mac and Cameron were already here to share it with me.
I put the food into the oven just as the phone rings.
"Is my wife busy?" Mac's warm voice greets me over the phone.
"Really like the way you say that," I tell him in truth.
"So how did it go? I mean my return?" He's quick to ask.
"You mean did Sid know right away and Lindsay and the rest of the whole building? You are the talk of the town," I tease and I hear him let out a heavy sigh. "You knew that right?"
"Stella..."
"Mac, you know there will be the team who will support you no matter what. They won't ask questions and the details they do know are locked away from the gossip mongers. Those that do gossip would have no matter what."
"Just hate being the focus of anything."
"You are the focus of my love," I remind him in haste.
"And that I am thankful for."
"So did you talk to your mother? What did she say?"
"Bout damn time son. Seems to be the sentiment of the day."
"And what about her moving in here?"
"She's happy and excited and now very busy."
"Why do sound hesitant?"
"Are you sure I'm not moving too fast? I mean rushing you to.."
"Mac, if you were here right now I'd shut you up with a kiss. Stop worrying," I gently tease. "I love you and have waited for this for a long time. Are you okay with it?"
"Yes."
"Then don't worry. I know it seems fast but I think if we were to drag anything out, it would just cause more tension and neither of us wants that. You said Cameron is okay with everything."
"He is."
"Mac, he's all that matters in the long run. You and I will be fine, but the more he comes to terms with the idea of a family and me being in his life the more he's going to start to wonder if we aren't the loving family we pretend to be if I am only there when it's convenient."
"I just want it to be perfect."
"It already is. Now what else did you tell our son?"
"He was very excited when I told him we'd be going to Disneyland."
"What? Disneyland? Mac?"
"Oh sorry Disneyworld as in Florida. Unless of course you want our honeymoon to be just us?" He asks in concern.
"No I um...I think that's one of the best things I've heard in a long time."
"Really?"
"The best. Besides whenever we want some time away, I think we know of a person we can leave our son with."
"Our son? Like the sound of that."
"Me too."
We talk a bit longer about the movers Mac has arranged not only for his and his mother's apartment but also for mine. We also talk about the discussion he had with his boss and then finally Don.
"And what did Don say? You know Danny wants him to come back with you."
"Don said he would have to think about it," Mac huffs. "He's involved in a lot more things than he was before and...I guess he has some thinking to do. I wish I could tell Danny something firm when I see him on Wednesday, as I know he'll ask but..."
"I'm sure Danny's asked him enough Mac. In fact, he probably got on the phone with him right after we left."
We talk a bit more about the move that will be happening in a few days but Mac never once mentions getting married and I am now wondering if maybe he just wants to live together first before actually putting our names down on paper, legally. But since he didn't bring it up, I didn't press.
"Okay so I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Goodnight Stella, I love you."
"I love you too Mac, goodnight."
I hang up with Mac and then true to my words I go about starting to pack up the personal items I don't want the movers to happen upon; knowing that any of my 'adult' things are not for anyone else's viewing pleasure; outside of my husband of course.
"My husband," I state with a smile on my face as I move about my bedroom. The thought of coming home to my family and my husand and the thought of us taking Cameron to Disneyworld as a family brings happy memories to mind of us at the amusement park and the rest of the night just seems to fly by. And as suspected tonight, as soon as I lay my head down on the pillow, I am quickly whisked into a world of happy dreams of being a real family.
However, morning comes all too soon and Tuesday greets me a little faster than expected. With a slight grunt, I push myself out of bed and hurry to get ready for the day. All throughout the day the whole lab is buzzing about Mac's return; most happy but some still questioning. To the naysayers I just tell them if they don't like it they can leave, to the rest I agree that it's about time. I try to concentrate on the cases at hand but with the thought of Mac's return on Monday, even my brain is distracted from what I need to do.
"Did you actually work today?" Lindsay queries as her and Danny hover outside my office door.
"Surprisingly yes. Did you two?"
"Nah we made out in Mac's office one last time," Danny retorts and Lindsay just smiles and shakes her head.
"It was the locker room downstairs," Lindsay playfully corrects and this time its Danny turns to look at his wife and smile. "See you both tomorrow."
I offer a nod, finish my paperwork and then it's finally time to head home. Tonight however, I am heading home with a nervous stomach; the thought of the weekend events coming upon me sooner than expected. Needing to ask Mac a few questions I pick up the phone and dial home. When I get no answer I dial his blackberry but still nothing. Then I call his mother.
"This is a last resort Millie, but do you know where Mac is? I have a few details I need to work out with the landlord and I can't get a hold of him."
"Stella, he had a few things to do. Maybe he's in an area he can't be reached. Try again in about ten minutes or so."
"Right. Okay."
"I can't thank you enough for doing all this," Millie tells me in a happy tone. "I know my son loves you more than anything and so does Cameron. Making them happy makes me happy."
"I love them Millie and have waited for a happy family life since I was a little girl."
"So what colors are you going to paint?" She asks me after a few more minutes of talking about my dreams coming true.
We talk a bit longer until I hear a soft knock at the door. "Millie, I'm sorry I have to go. I'll talk to you later." I quickly hang up and head for the door, thinking it's the landlord coming to get his answers. But when I open the door, I stare at the last two people I honestly expected to see.
"Mac?"
"Mummy!" Cameron shouts as he leaps from his father's arms into mine.
"Missed you sweet boy," I hug him tightly as Mac slowly follows me inside, closing the door behind him. "Not that I am complaining by any means, but what's going on?"
"Have something important to ask you Stella," Mac starts as he gently takes Cameron from my arms and stands him beside him.
"Mac?" I ask, my heart starting to race. "What um..."
"I love you Stella Bonasera, more than anything; my life included. My life has been empty and hollow without you and I don't want to continue alone. I made one huge mistake in my life by allowing myself to lose you once to something I did. I don't ever want to make that mistake again. You are in my heart and you are my life; you give me purpose and hope."
Mac takes a deep breath before he drops to one knee, my eyes already wet with happy tears. He pulls out a small black velvet box and gives it to Cameron. Just as Cameron opens the box and holds the amazing ring up for me to see, Mac asks me the one question I have longed to hear from him.
"Will you marry me? Us?"
XXXXXXXX
I wait with baited breath for Stella's reply; the few seconds it takes her to respond, feeling like an eternity; Cameron nervously fidgeting beside me. Stella kneels down and looks at Cameron and then at me; her eyes watery.
"I will marry you. Both of you," she whispers with a happy smile as she leans in close, plants a warm kiss on my lips and wraps her arms around my neck, whispering I love you so much, into my ear before she plants another kiss on my ear lobe. "Oh Mac, I love you so much. I would be honored to be your wife."
Cameron wraps his arms around both of us, forcing a small giggle from Stella's warm lips, which sends warm breath and small tingles down my spine. She pulls back and takes the ring from Cameron's hand and then allows me to slowly push the band of white gold up her delicate finger.
"Mac, it's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."
"Pales in comparison to you," I confess and a happy tear escapes the corner of her eyes. This time I have no hesitation in tenderly brushing the tear away before I kiss her once more and then stand up.
"Don't go yet," Stella begs and I know there is no way I could just ask her to marry me and then leave so I have no problem in putting her fears to rest. "I was going to make some dinner, two extra plates would be welcome."
"Trust me Stella, I wasn't just going to leave. Cameron, want to stay for dinner?"
"YES!" Cameron shouts as he wraps his arms around Stella's leg and holds on tightly, looking up at her with a sweet smile.
"Daddy bought you a rig," he tells her with a grin, forcing both of us to laugh.
"RiNG," I correct and he looks at me with a frown.
"RING," Cameron repeats and is then rewarded with a firm nod of my head.
"Actually I was hoping you'd ask or that we could go out."
"You know I just called your mother...was she stalling me on purpose?"
"I plead the fifth."
"Mac, you lie like a cheap rug," Stella tosses at me and I have to laugh. "But I think I know a few creative ways to get the truth out of you."
"Oh really?" I arch my brows as she kisses me on the cheek.
"Come on, let's get supper ready."
"But..."
"Nice try with the sad face Mac."
Thankfully I brought a few things to keep Cameron occupied so the takes his coloring book and crayons and plunks himself down at the table, allowing me and Stella to work at getting supper ready for the three of us.
I wrap my arms around Stella as she works on something on the stove and plant a warm kiss at the base of her neck.
"So that's what else you did on Sunday," she mumbles, pausing not look at her ring and I have to smile.
"That would be it. Do you like it?" I ask.
She twists herself around and faces me with a slightly perplexed look. "Mac, it's the most amazing gift I have ever gotten in my life. Second only to you."
"You honor me Stella," I whisper in return before I plant a warm kiss on her inviting lips. I allow her to turn back to dinner, wishing Cameron wasn't around so that I could make love to her right now. But as I look at my son, who looks up and offers a happy and contented smile, I know that my time with Stella can wait.
"I don't want to rush you about the wedding or anything and I know it's not fair for me to..."
"Mac, I told you I don't want a big wedding. I mean both Danny and Lindsay have bigger families than us and they were more than happy and satisfied with a small legal arrangement. I know you want to be a proper family for Cameron's sake and..."
"Not just his Stella, for all three of us. I want him to have a real family, not just one that sees each other when it's convenient. But a real everyday and everynight family."
"And I don't need a big wedding to know how much I love and want to be with you for the rest of my life."
"I just don't want you to have any regrets."
"I'll make you a deal. We make an appointment with city hall on Friday, get married with good friends at our side and then head to a nice restaurant for a great dinner and then home for some hot married sex."
"Like the last part," I smirk and Stella playfully swats my ass.
"I'll no regrets Mac. I promise."
"And our official wedding night? Stella we'll have no furniture."
"We'll be moved in by then...just not unpacked."
"Not very romantic," I lightly moan and she looks at me in wonder.
"Well we could always have Cameron stay with your mother for one night and we can check into a nice hotel."
"The Plaza?"
"Well that is nice," Stella smiles as she turns back to dinner.
"And who are the good friends?"
"Oh Lindsay already has it arranged," Stella laughs but I just frown. "I know you are frowning but wipe that look off your handsome face and realize that they want to help us as much as we helped them."
I just shake my head as I help her bring supper to the table. And soon the three of us are sitting down like a regular family, discussing the move that will happen in a few days, telling Cameron that he'll meet a new friend named Lucy tomorrow night, there will be a special dinner on Friday and then on the weekend, he'll be getting a new room in a brand new city and yes gramma would be coming with them. We discuss what colors we'll paint our new apartment, which furniture we'll keep and which we'll toss and a few other details.
An hour later, Stella puts on the Cartoon Network for Cameron as we just linger around the table, discussing the days events like we used to do in the past; trading my old office for a dinner table.
"Like this..." Stella mentions as she takes my fingers and starts playing with them.
"What?"
"Just sitting here with you, my husband," she smiles as she emphasizes the last work, making my heart beat a bit faster. "And do you have a matching ring?"
"I do. So I guess when we get to that part, it'll be shorter because you will already have yours on," I smirk and she lightly laughs.
"Can't wait," Stella tells me as I look up and lock my eyes with her once more. "Have waited for this dream to come true for a long time Mac."
"Me too," I confess warmly.
"Shall we retire to the couch?"
"Would like that very much."
I take Stella by the hand and lead us to the couch, pulling her into my embrace and kissing the top of her head. Cameron looks up and immediately wants to be where we are. He jumps onto our laps, forcing a small gasp from Stella as he just laughs.
"Got you mummy," Cameron teases.
"I got you!" Stella laughs as she wraps her arms around him and starts to tickle his sides, forcing happy laughter to fill the once quiet room. Cameron finally settles into our lap, sitting between both of us as the Cartoon Network displays some childish cartoon that he seems to find amusing, Stella and I lightly talking.
XXXXXXXX
"You better be bringing that Twister game with you," I tell Mac and he smiles and nods his head.
"Trust me there is a reason Cameron will go to bed early during the week," Mac retorts with a smile.
Cameron distracts his attention with something allowing me to look back down at the band of white gold on my finger and smile, my heart always skipping at beat at the fact that in a few days my life is going to change once again; but for the better.
Mac looks back at me and then takes my ring hand in his and bring is to his lips and places a warm kiss on the band of gold before looking at me with a smile. "I love you."
My lips curl upward as I caress his face and bring his lips to mine and tenderly taste them. "Can't wait until you don't have to leave for the night."
"I wish I could stay tonight," Mac sighs heavily and then frowns.
"Cameron needs his bed," I insist. "Wait until he's asleep."
Mac tries to offer a small protest but realizes that I am right and so simply nods his head in agreement. We talk more about asking Danny and Lindsay to help us on Friday night with our modest ceremony and I assure Mac that since he took the time to arrange all the moves and some of the painters that I would arrange our reception dinner at a small intimate restaurant of our choice; also booking the honeymoon suite at the Plaza. The more Mac talks about us taking Cameron to Disneyworld as a family, the more excited I find myself becoming over a vacation destination. I had at one time romanticized the idea of Mac taking me to Greece and while that could still happen when I look back down at Cameron who is now trying in vain to stay awake, looking up at me with an adoring smile, I can't help but feel my heart warm toward the child I now call my own. I do, however, wonder if Mac would want another child, one with me? One that would be created between the two of us; one that I could give him. I think two would be enough but I somehow feel robbed that some stranger had the privilege of giving Mac such a wonderful gift and I might not be able to.
"Stella?" Mac queries after a few minutes of silence.
"Thinking about Disneyworld," I confess with a warm grin. "Always wanted to go there as a kid and now," I stop and look at him as I take his hand and hold it firmly in mine, "to be going there with my own family is almost too good to be true."
"It is true," Mac whispers as he leans in close and plants a warm kiss on my lips. "For me too."
We linger a bit longer before we hear Cameron gently snoring and my heart swells once more as I look at the small face pressed firmly against his father's firm chest. Mac gives me a nod and I know it's time to go.
"Daddy..." Cameron mumbles as his body shifts in Mac's strong arms. I help Mac stand up and then hurry to get Cameron's jacket and carefully put it on him; not taking any protests when Mac wants to head outside with his.
"I love how you take care of us," Mac whispers as he offers me one last kiss before the elevator doors close him away from view. I hurry back into my apartment but instead of allowing my mind to dwell on the silence, I am busy cleaning up, doing some more personal packing before finally calling it a night; falling asleep with dreams of us in Disneyworld filing my head. Morning comes all too quickly. I look at my ring and then decide to keep it in its black velvet box until it's actually time that way Mac and I can exchange rings together.
"We had to bribe Lucy to go to sleep last night," Lindsay offers as I head into the lab an hour later. "She's more excited than we are that you guys are coming over."
"Well we are also looking forward to tonight."
"So what did Mac think about us standing up with two?"
"He'll let you know tonight."
"Stella," she huffs and I just laugh as Adam and Sheldon walk up to join us.
"The whole lab is abuzz with Mac coming back," Adam informs me and Lindsay.
"The usual gossip?" I arch a brow.
"More yay's than nay's," Sheldon adds and my mind seems to settle. "Monday right?"
"Monday it is," I confirm with a small sigh.
"Stella?"
"Monday is going to be a big day in many ways," Lindsay winks as she takes her leave.
"Why do women do that?" Adam queries.
"They like to keep us guessing."
"And because it works," I tell him. "So what do we have?"
True to my suspicion the day passed by so fast and the next thing I knew I was rushing around trying to get ready while Mac and Cameron waited patiently in the front entrance. I quickly start to change when I hear a noise and turn around to see Mac watching me with a warm smile.
"I did knock," he smiles. "Please don't stop," he offers as I finish dressing. I walk up to him and wrap my arms around him, pinning his arms at his sides and planting a firm kiss on his mouth.
"Think you'd like a strip tease?"
"Now?" Mac gently gulps and I chuckle. "Okay."
"Nice try gutter mind," I retort as I lead us out of the bedroom and up to Cameron who is waiting for us like a good boy. We finally get ourselves out of my apartment and into Mac's SUV and then on our way to the Messer's.
"Cameron, remember what daddy told you about being a good boy tonight?"
"Yes dadda," Cameron answers in a sullen tone.
"What is it?"
"Oh he didn't want to listen before," Mac sighs as he looks over at me with a slight frown. "Wasn't in the mood to behave so I had to take away his favorite toy."
"Mummy," Cameron starts to moan.
"You heard your father Cameron," I reply in a kind tone and Cameron stops to fuss. Mac looks at me and mouths, 'thank you,'.
"Part of the job right?"
"Right."
We finally reach Danny and Lindsay's and I notice Mac's body start to tense. "You will be fine," I assure him as I take his hand in mine and hold it firmly. "One more step right? Come on Mac, let's go in."
"Welcome!" Lindsay states happily as she pulls me into a warm embrace and then without waiting for his permission, offers the same greeting to Mac. Lindsay then looks down at Cameron, who has for the most part disappeared behind his father's leg.
"You must be Cameron," Lindsay smiles as she bends down to see him. "Can you come out and say hi? Lucy!" She bellows and Cameron's blue eyes dart from the strange woman before him to the small girl hurrying to come and meet him.
"Cameron, say hi," Mac huffs as he ushers his son out from his hiding spot, forcing him to stand in front.
"Hi," Cameron offers in a timid voice.
"Cameron this is Lucy. Lucy sweetie this is the friend I was telling you about, Cameron Taylor."
"Want to play Barbie's?" Lucy asks loudly as she wraps her arms around Cameron's frame and squeezes.
XXXXXXXX
I can't blame my son for being nervous as my heart is nearing critical as well. But he looks up at me and I can do little more than nod as I help him remove his jacket. I watch with some amusement as Lucy takes him by the hand and literally drags him into a play corner of the living room, shoving two blond dolls in his hands.
"She gets it from Lindsay," Danny smiles as he offers Stella a hug and then much to my surprise me as well. We take our coats off and then follow them into the living room, my eyes darting nervously around. Danny brings me a beer and soon conversation focuses on what I have been missing the past few years, what is new, who has left and what I can expect upon my return.
"We sure are happy Mac," Danny tells me as I watch Stella follow Lindsay into the kitchen to help. "That you are coming back. You happy about it?"
"Ask me again at the end of the day on Monday...if I survive," I smirk as I look over at Cameron and Lucy playing in the corner and then back at Danny. "I kinda feel like I shortchanged her four years," I confess in a soft whisper.
"You know we don't fault you for that Mac. You know that right?"
"I know but..."
"Seriously she wouldn't have known the difference. You're here now and that's all that matters."
I take some small consolation in his words but still feel like I have let them down inside.
"So I hear you two want to get married like we did."
"DAN-NY!" Lindsay's voice bellows from the kitchen and I look up to see Stella offer me a sheepish smile.
I just smile in return but nod my head to Danny in confirmation. "Stella and I found a new apartment and I want us to be a proper family to Cameron and..."
"Mac, you don't have to justify your reasons to me. I think...we think it's great and would be happy to help out in any way we can."
"We'd like you to stand up with us, if that's okay."
"We love to!" Lindsay calls out before her and Stella start laughing.
Danny just rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "This is what I have to put up with. But seriously Mac, we'd love to. When?"
"Friday?"
"Friday it is."
Danny asks a few more questions and I finally find myself starting to relax once again. Neither ask about Cameron's mother or about my new lab, wanting to focus on only positive things about my return and our new family arrangement. A few minutes later I watch Cameron head back to me with a worried look on his face.
"Daddy..." he urges as he tugs on my sweater. I look past him to Lucy who's watching us with a sad expression.
"Cameron what happened?"
"I don't want to pays Barbie's anymore," he moans sadly.
"Lucy, I told you to offer something else besides dolls," Danny huffs in exasperation.
"Danny, it's okay, Cameron has to..."
"She has a few transformers!" Lindsay calls out once more from the kitchen and I have to smirk.
"Bumblebee! Danny can I?" Cameron exclaims happily. I watch Stella come back into the living room, take Cameron by the hand and lead him back to Lucy as she sits down beside the two of them, handing my now happy son something more to his liking and then a Barbie.
"She really wanted to play dolls," Lindsay laughs as she joins me and Danny in the living room. "I told her to be reasonable but she didn't listen. She gets that from Danny."
"Hey," Danny protests with a smile as the three of us watch Lucy and Cameron playing together, their banter happy coupled with Stella's laughter adds extra warmth and love to the room. Stella looks up at me, locks eyes and smiles, making my face instantly warm but thankfully the two happy onlookers don't say a word.
"Mummy looks at this," Cameron exclaims with a wide smile and this time both Danny and Lindsay look at me in wonder.
"No she told us," Lindsay assures me before I can say anything. "Just um...somehow comforting to actually hear him say it."
"I agree," I add in a half whisper as Stella finally pushes herself up and comes and sits down beside me. "Are they behaving?"
"Cameron is going along with whatever she tells him," Stella giggles as I watch my son with some amusement.
"He's Mac's boy alright," Danny teases and my face gently flushes. "Compliant to aggressive women."
"Hey," I offer in protest as Stella's and gently squeezes mine.
"Lucy gets that from Lindsay," he teases his wife before he kisses her cheek and she just smiles in return.
We finally push ourselves up and a few minutes later gather around the dinner table; Cameron and Lucy both sitting side by side on a raised bench. I look over at my son who is looking at his plate of food with interest before he picks up some peas and puts them on Lucy's place, forcing her to look at him with a frown.
"Cameron, don't do that," I gently warn, forcing Lindsay to look up in haste. "Sorry."
But then before anyone can react, Lucy takes the peas and throws them at Cameron. "Lucy!" Lindsay scolds in return. "Do you want to go do your room?"
"What do you say Lucy?" Danny asks firmly.
"Sowry dadda," she moans as her eyes turn red.
"To Cameron, for throwing food at him."
Lucy looks at Cameron with a grumpy expression before she begrudging utters, 'sorry' in a hushed tone and the adults just groan.
"Cameron you started this now apologize to Lucy," Stella pipes up, much to my surprise and delight. Thankfully no other adult makes a fuss as Cameron looks at Stella with a frown; but doesn't listen.
"Cameron you listen to your mother," I warn and with the commanding tone of his father's voice finally turns to Lucy and also utters, 'sorry' in a barley audible whisper. I just shake my head and look back up.
"It's okay Mac," Danny frowns as I put the few bits of food back onto the table and then look at them with a weak smile.
"Still learning," I huff and all three adults agree before we are swapping children's growing up stories. I had already told Stella most of them so was very thankful that she didn't stiffen when the conversation focused on Cameron's brief upbringing. Fortunately for me, none of them dared ask about Cameron's biological mother; to anyone concerned, Cameron Taylor's mother was Stella Bonasera, soon to be Stella Taylor; the way it should have been right from the start.
A/N: thanks everyone so much and hope you liked it! The rest of the dinner and then a surprise up next. Please let me know if you liked this before you leave and thanks so much.