Chapter 14

After work, Stella, Mac and the boys headed over to her apartment with Pizza, beer and wine.

"Did you bring the boxes Sheldon?"

"I got them Danny. No worries."

Heading up to Stella's apartment, Danny put the Pizza on the table, along with the beer and wine. Then putting the boxes together, they began packing up her stuff.

"Jeez Stella. You sure don't have alot of stuff."

"I know Danny. I like to live lite," she laughed.

Sitting down to their Pizza, they discussed how they felt about their relationship.

"How do you guys really feel? Are you okay with Mac and I together?"

"Stel...we already told you. We are happy you both. In fact as Danny said earlier. It's about time. I mean think about it. You two know each other so well that you started even thinking alike. Remember that crime scene we were at. Mac walked in, at the same time you both said the exact same thing, and I said BOOM."

Stella laughed. Oh yeah, she remembered that day well.

"I believe as you put it...You two have been working together to long. You are thinking alike."

As they all laughed Stella heard a knock at the door. Getting up she answered it.

"Peyton?? What are you doing here?"

"Hello Stella. I was told Mac was here. May I see him please?"

"Sure. Mac!!"

Coming to the door Mac seen Peyton standing there.

"Hello Mac."

Hoping for at least a smile, she knew it wasn't going to happen. Not with that look of anger on Mac's face.

"What are you doing here Peyton? You said you weren't flying in till the morning."

"I know Mac. I was able to grab an earlier flight. I was hoping we could go out to dinner or something."

"I'll be right back Stella."

"Okay Mac."

Closing the door Danny and Flack wrapped Stella in their arms.

"It's going to be okay Stella."

"I know. I'm not worried guys. But thanks for the comfort."

"Anytime Stella. It's what family does."

"I can't believe she'd have the nerve to even come back here," said Danny.

"Either can I. Especially with how cowardly she was with that Dear John letter. come on Stel. Let's finish our Pizza."

Outside Stella's door, Mac stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

"You have alot of nerve showing up here Peyton. Even more nerve to come to Stella's home to see me."

"I know Mac. I truely do. But I needed to talk to you. I needed to appologize for saying good bye in a letter."

"You've said it. As far as I'm concerned it's over. Just go back to Engalnd Peyton. Your life is there, mine is here."

"Please Mac. I made a mistake. Give me a chance to make it all up to you."

"No. It's over Peyton. I never loved you, just as you never loved me. We shared a couple nights together. A few dates, but that's it. There was no solid foundation to continue. Going to London with you was the biggest mistake either one of us could have made"

"I never realized you felt like that Mac. So cold and distant."

"You left me Peyton. This is what you wanted. Take care of yourself Peyton. Have a safe flight back to London."

Knowing she had lost, knowing that ever being in Mac's arms again was impossible, she walked out into the cold, and hailed a cab to the Airport.

Walking back into the Stella's place, he seen they had all the boxes packed and ready to go.

"We'll start taking these to your car Mac. Come on Danno, Sheldon. Let's go."

Once the boys headed down to the car. Stella looked at Mac and said...

"Are you okay Mac?"

"I'm fine love. Everything is going to be fine. Now let's get you home."

Heading out of the apartment. Stella took Mac's hand.

When they got back to their home. Mac carried in the boxes, while Stella started the coffee. Bringing over two cups, they sat down, as he pulled her towards his chest, and just held her.

"I love you so much Stella. You've made my home complete. There was always something missing after Claire died. My life, my home, everything felt empty and hollow. Then when I started dating Peyton, I thought...could she be the one, or am I just filling the void of my loneliness from missing Claire."

Stella wrapped Mac tighter. Letting him know without words that she was listening.

"Then when that drug heist went down at the Station. I thought about my life. How quickly it could disappear. That's why I decided to go to London with Peyton. I knew deep down I didn't love her. But I also knew I no longer wanted to be alone."

Mac could feel Stella's warms tears on his shirt. Caressing her hair, he continued.

But once I got to London, I noticed the change in Peyton. There was not one night she spent in my Hotel in all the time I was there. Then the calls started at 3:33 everyday. I can honestly tell you Stella, that day I got the call to come home. I felt this huge weight lift off my shoulders. I guess I just begun to realize that this was where I belonged. With my team, and friends around me."

Stella gave Mac another little squeeze, as her tears continued to fall.

"It wasn't long after that I realized my heart had already found what had always been here in NY. You Stella. You were the one that my heart longed for, the one my soul needed to continue to live.

Stella couldn't speak. Her throat had closed from holding back her sobs. Looking up at Mac, he heard her sobs release. Not being able to control his own tears, they held each other while their pain was washed away by their tears of love.

End Chapter