Title: The Promise of Tomorrow
Chapter 14 - A New Home & A New Surprise?
Neither Danny nor Lindsay make any remarks about Cameron's birth and so I am put out of my mental misery in wondering if I would have to explain my misgivings to friends and in front of my soon to be wife. Dinner finishes and then Lucy and Cameron disappear into Lucy's bedroom to play once again, leaving the adults to linger around the table with coffee and dessert.
We talk more about the move, how my mother factor's into all this, how my current supervisor reacted, what Flack might decide to do, the details about our new apartment and when we might go to Disneyworld.
XXXXXXXX
"I can't thank you enough for tonight," I tell Lindsay as I help her carry a few dishes back into the kitchen, leaving Mac and Danny to talk in the living room.
"We did it for all three of you," Lindsay replies warmly, giving my arm a gentle squeeze. "Mac looks very happy; your happiness is a given, mummy."
"Thank you for not making a big deal about it in front of Mac."
"I think its great how Cameron has taken to you already and how comfortable he seems in calling you mummy and listening to what you say...well for the most part."
"Just feels so right. I'm glad you aren't going to lecture us about rushing into this."
"Stella you and Mac have been friends longer than a lot of people have been married; most of us were just waiting until this day arrived. But with Cameron now in the mix I can understand you wanting to be together as a family and why not make it all legal, that is totally Mac. Besides...Stella Taylor, has a nice ring to it."
"Yeah it does."
But just before I can offer one more word to Lindsay, we hear a shout followed by crying and all four adults snap to attention. I reach the living room just as Mac and Danny enter Lucy's bedroom.
"Cameron Taylor!" Mac's angry voice directs toward his son. I reach the bedroom entrance to see Lucy crying and one of her dolls with a broken leg.
"He broke my doll momma!" Lucy wails as she rushes into her mother's waiting arms.
"She took my bumblebee!" Cameron moans in return.
"She's a girl Cameron and you are a boy and her guest, remember what I told you about playing with girls?"
"Mac...it's ok..."
"Danny I got this. Cameron you are coming with me," Mac states firmly as he takes Cameron by the arm and starts to pull him out of the room.
"No daddy!" Cameron shouts as he knows he's in for a spanking. "NOOO!"
I watch Mac disappear into the Master bedroom with a struggling Cameron in tow and then the door closes. I have to applaud Mac for his strength for being able to administer discipline and yet have such a strong bond of love between him and his son after it's all over. Still I know whatever he faces in there wont be easy at all and I now dread the day I ever have to do that.
"Lindsay I'm so sorry," I frown as Lindsay comforts his daughter.
"Stella, its okay," Lindsay answers with a slight smile. "Lucy's not completely free from blame. Are you Lucy?"
"He broke it!"
"Cameron is your guest sweetie, you need to share more. Now just for that, no more dolls."
"But..."
"You heard your mother," Danny warns. "If you whine you'll go to bed right now. Understand?"
Lucy's teary blue eyes look at her father in sorrow before she finally nods her head in agreement and we head back into the living room to wait for Mac and Cameron. I break away from the group and quietly make my way toward the bedroom, and slowly open the door. Mac's back is to me and I hear him explaining about playing with girls, being a boy and being stronger and how to act around those who are weaker; especially around toys that aren't his. His soft but firm voice and the way he looks at his son, cement Mac Taylor in my heart all the more.
Cameron looks at his father with a sad expression, tears running down his flushed cheeks, before he wraps his arms around his neck and gently cries. I'm sure that Mac didn't spare him a mild spank, but the fact that Cameron can still approach his father afterward assures me that Mac's fathering skills are something to be cherished and their loving bond is strong.
"You can come in," Mac softly calls to me and I slowly walk up to them and ease myself down on the edge of the bed, Mac still on his knees, his arms wrapped around Cameron's slightly trembling body.
"He's not used to playing with girls. Do you think they're mad at us?" Mac asks with a frown.
Before I can react, Lindsay and Lucy appear in the doorway and Lindsay answers for me.
"No Mac, this is all a part of growing up."
Mac turns around to see Lindsay approach. "Cameron what do you want to say to Lucy?" Mac asks his son.
"Sowry Lucy for breaking your dolly," Cameron whimpers with a sad face, his eyes still watery.
"Sowry for taking Bumblebee Cameron," Lucy whimpers in return before she pulls him away from Mac and gives him a big hug, resulting in a collective course of 'awww's from the three watching adults.
Cameron turns back from Lucy and pushes himself into my arms. "Mummy," he gently cries as my arms circle around him.
"I'm very proud of you sweet boy," I whisper as I kiss the top of his head and look at Mac with a loving smile. I watch Mac take his leave as Cameron and I linger in the bedroom. "You going to be okay?" I ask as I pull back and he nods his head. "Did daddy give you a spank?" I dare to ask and he nods as his eyes water once more and he buries his face in the folds of my arm. "You know daddy still loves you right?" I ask again and he nods his head once more. He finally stops his crying, wipes his red eyes dry and looks at me with a slight frown. I touch his flushed cheek and my heart nearly breaks at the soft expression of trust this small human before me is offering. It's humbling.
"And you know I love you too right?" I ask as I kiss his flushed cheek.
"Yes mummy," he whispers softly. "I love you," he states and my heart literally melts. I hold him for what seems like forever; knowing that I know my love for him will never fade, he's mine; my son.
"Let's go back and find daddy," I tell him as I stand up and offer my hand. Cameron takes my hand and allows me to lead him out of the bedroom and into the living room with the others. Mac and I lock eyes once more and he smiles and my heart is at peace. Cameron looks at his father who smiles at him as well before saying, 'go see Lucy and play nicely with the Lego.'
I let go of Cameron's hand and all four adults watch as he slowly wanders over to where Lucy is now playing with some Lego blocks, her dolls being taken away for the rest of the night, and plunks himself down and everything is right with the universe again.
"It's like it never happened," I utter in amazement.
"If only adults could patch up their mistakes as easily," Mac confesses in a small voice and I look at him in surprise. He offers a tight lipped smile and thankfully for us, Danny is quick to change the subject.
"So I hear Don has a new girlfriend?"
"Emily is his girlfriend now?" I ask in shock.
"Well she's a girl who..." Danny's voice trails off as he looks at Lindsay with a sheepish smile. "Okay..."
"They had one date last Saturday and I guess it went pretty well," Lindsay informs them. "He called Danny at one AM."
"Thankfully they weren't having sex," Danny laughs as Lindsay swats his arm and rolls his eyes. "He could have?"
"But he didn't. So what's she like Mac?"
"Actually she's very nice and I think a good...um...well I guess match for Don," Mac confesses. "Plus he needs to be happy also."
"So where did they go?"
Lindsay starts into all the details of Flack's date with Mac's CSI as I lean back on the couch and delight in the feel of Mac's strong arm wrapped around my shoulder holding me tightly against his body, his heart still beating rapidly.
XXXXXXXX
Listening to Lindsay talking about Flack's date has somewhat distracted my mind on this evening. Part of it has gone very well and the other part; the part where my son acted up, is causing me to wonder if they'll ever invite us over again. But I have to admit that watching her give him a firm instruction earlier and then earning his love and trust after I had administered my discipline further cement my love for Stella as Cameron's soon to be permanent mother. I had worried if Stella would want the burden that comes with being a step parent but so far she has proved to me that she does want it all and I know our decision to marry on Friday is the right one.
Stella's body presses up against mine, offering my nerves some soothing warmth and my heart has finally started to calm. We talk a bit longer, mostly cementing details about our marriage ceremony that will take place at 7pm at City Hall and then the intimate dinner that will follow afterward; with only both teams invited, my mother and us. Neither Stella nor I wanted something with a lot of fanfare and think this will suit us both perfectly.
"Well I think it's time to get the kids to bed," I finally mention as we look over and see both Lucy and Cameron asleep amidst a scattering of toys.
"Thank you both again for tonight," Stella mentions as we push ourselves up and head over to retrieve my son. Danny stops me before I can pick him up and gives me a brief hug. Lindsay's is longer and I just smirk when she looks over at Stella and smiles. Stella hands me my jacket and both of us carefully wrap Cameron in his before I lift him into my arms and head for the door.
"See you both on Friday," I confirm as Stella opens the door and it's time to take our leave. Stella's arm loops with my free arm, the other of course holding Cameron tightly against my chest. We reach the SUV and I bundle Cameron into the back and get him ready for the drive home. I hold Stella's hand as silence starts to fill the cabin.
"Mac?" She gently breaks it. "You okay?"
"Aside from being angry with Cameron for pulling those stunts tonight, I'm fine."
"He's four," Stella reminds me and I have to smile; my heart warming at her defending him.
"I had to spank him and I hate that. It wasn't hard but...I often wonder if he hates me afterward."
"Mac, he loves you; if he hated you he would have cowered afterward instead of showing you any kind of affection."
"Still worry."
"I asked him Mac and he said he still loves you," Stella assures me and my hand around her tightens.
"Plus I think I over-reacted. I saw the broken doll, saw Lucy crying...and...damn it Stella, did I over-react?"
"I can see why you would. But you never have to worry about Cameron hurting her, he's got too much you in him."
"Not al..."
"Mac..."
"Right."
"You'll know for next time."
"Thank you for helping with him tonight."
"Mac, there will come a time when you won't need to thank me as you will know it's my job and my place at your side to love him, teach him, help him, care and tend to him and sometimes yes punish him."
"I'm happy you don't mind doing all that."
"Mac, I love him just as I love you. He's a part of you and when I look at him I see you," she tells me softly and my heart swells as she leans over and kisses me on the cheek. "And for the record, you will win father of the year."
"Right," I offer with a slight smirk.
"I am taking tomorrow and Friday off," she informs me; quickly changing the subject so I dont dwell on my lack of parenting skills. "For personal reasons," she smiles.
"I'm taking well a part of tomorrow and of course Friday."
"Did you talk to your mother?"
"She practically told me what to do," I smirk. "Shesh I'm a grown man."
"But you'll always be her son," Stella reminds me. "And yes I booked the honeymoon suite at the Plaza and the restaurant in the hotel. Trust me it'll be easier that way. And it's close to City Hall."
We talk more about the move in details until we reach Stella's apartment. However, knowing I cannot take Cameron with me or leave him in the truck I have to say goodbye right here. I cup Stella's face with my hands and bring her lips to mine and warmly taste her lips before pulling back with a smile.
"I love you," I whisper as she turns to leave.
"I love you too Mac," she smiles in return. "I guess we'll both be pretty busy tomorrow with the move."
"I know," I gently frown and her finger moves to my forehead and presses down, ensuring the lines quickly erase. "But I'll call you tomorrow when I can."
"I love you," she repeats one more time as I watch her take her leave and then get out of the SUV; my heart starting to ache for her already with each step that gets further and further away.
"I love you Stella," I whisper into the stillness of the truck as I slowly pull away and head for home. "Forever."
I reach home and put Cameron to bed, my mind and heart now too excited with the move tomorrow, my wedding on Friday, unpacking on Sunday and then starting back with my old team on Monday. "I think I need a drink," I chuckle to myself as I glance at some packing boxes my mother has already retrieved. She had spent most the day packing up her personal items and then helping with things such as my clothing and other items that might take some time. I slump down into a chair by the table and glance at some notes my mother has made. By the time her things are packed and ready to go; Stella's apartment will already be moved, some items into storage and the rest into our new home; my apartment will be next. We decided to put any duplicates into storage for now and then take an upcoming weekend to sift through what we do and don't need, instead of trying to figure that all out right now. My adrenaline now high, I push myself up, head over to the boxes and start to pack up whatever my left over energy will afford. Finally a few hours later, well into the morning, I slump down into my bed; dreams of holding Stella close filling my head as I am quickly whisked into the dark realm of sleep. But my blissful slumber is not as long as I would like.
"Daddeeeee!" Cameron shouts as he runs into my room and jumps on the bed. I offer a small groan as I roll onto my stomach and cast a sleepy gaze at the clock.
"Cameron it's only six," I moan as he pounces on my back, tugging at my sleep shirt to get up.
"Ups daddeee! UPS!" He shouts only to have me twist onto my back, grab him by the waist and hold his struggling body captive in my grasp. He laughs as he tries to free himself, poking my sides, which only forces warm laughter from my own lips. And Stella's words quickly come into my head that if Cameron did hate me for giving him the spank yesterday, my love has shown him that I do love him and I'll never push him that far away. But just to be sure I have to ask...
"Do you love your daddy Cameron?"
"Yes."
"And you know that daddy loves you very much right?"
"YES!" He shouts and my day is set.
A few gasps later, my arms loosen and he pushes himself away from my grasp; my ears picking up the sounds of my mother entering our apartment.
"Morning!" She calls out.
"Gamma!" Cameron shouts as he leaps off the bed and runs from my room.
With a slight shake of my head I push myself upright only to watch my mother walk into my bedroom with her grandson firmly clutched in her grasp. "Morning," she smiles. "How did it go?"
"Aside from you know who pulling a few stunts, it was okay," I gently frown. "Plus I had to give him a spank."
"It was his first real visit with other people McCanna. Brief encounters at the playground don't count. But next time will be better."
"Next time?" I arch my brows as I push myself out of bed. "Stella took today off."
"Smart woman, you should have done the same."
"I am taking tomorrow off and I have a few things to wrap up before I um..." I stop and offer a heavy sigh. "Before I leave there for good," I finish softly.
"All change is scary my son," she mentions softly. "But it's for the best. Are you having second thoughts?"
"No," I assure her with a firm smile. "Sarah told me they weren't going to make a big deal about me leaving and most of my office was packed yesterday but...I guess a week just seems like I short changed them."
"They will forgive you," she teases and I just roll my eyes. "Now my place is ready to go and I'm going to finish in here. What time do the movers come?"
"Seven at Stella's," I groan. "And eight here. You sure you are ready?"
"I have been waiting for this moment since Cameron came into your life McCanna, of course I'm ready," she smiles warmly as she puts Cameron down. "Cameron we are moving today, so let's go and get you dressed and then start to pack up your room."
He looks at me with a frown. "Moving?" He queries.
"We are going to live in a new home. You and me and mummy."
"Gamma too?" He points at my mother.
"Gamma too. And you get a new room."
"YAY!" Cameron shouts in joy. "...ucy too?" He asks and I look at him in shock and then up at my mother.
"She must have made quite the impression. Aggressive women to work well for Taylor men," my mother teases and I just shake my head.
"LUcy can visit anytime she wants," I assure him. I watch them leave and then it's time to get this day officially started. I quickly shower and dress, foregoing breakfast, grabbing coffee and telling my mother I'll call her on my way back from the office. As suspected as soon as I round the corner, my core team is waiting for me; Flack hovering around them.
"We know you won't be here tomorrow," Sarah starts as I slowly ease past them into my office quickly removing my coat and then facing them with a frown.
"And we know you don't want a big send off, but we had to come and thank you," Riley concluded his partners sentence.
"Actually I want to thank all of you. I came here under strained circumstances and I just don't want you all to think that I am leaving because of something that involves any of you."
"Don told us you are getting married to your old partner and going back to your old team," Emily smiles as she looks at Don with a warm glance. "And we are all very happy for you."
"I am very proud of you all and I hope you'll show as much support to Riley as you have to me. I guess I'll know who to call if we ever have to share a case," I state looking at Riley with a nod.
"No way Mac, I'm going to be like you. Just send the rest of the lackey's here to do it," he teases and the room relaxes. I gather hugs from Sarah and Emily as they take their leave, Emily's partner, TJ wishes me well; Riley lingering a bit longer, thanking me for the vote of confidence but telling me also he'll be calling me the first week to make sure he's doing things right; Flack still remains.
"How you holding up?" He asks in concern.
I offer a heavy sigh as I turn and look out my small office window. "Should have done this long ago but I guess...it's odd," I finally huff. "I feel like I am also letting them down but I am anxious to get back to my old team," I finish as I turn back to face him. "How are you?"
"Fine, I guess."
"I am not going to ask you about your decision as I'm sure Danny hounds you with that all the time. How are things with Emily?"
"I guess because she's so different from Jess, I don't compare and so things have worked out better than expected," he confesses with a slight shrug. "I think I like her."
"And you are coming on Friday right?"
"And miss you and Stella finally getting married? This day was ten years in the making. Of course I'll be there. And yes Emily and I are going together, her idea," he smirks. "Will miss working with you though."
"Don..." I start and he holds up his hand. "I guess it's hard on both of us, huh."
"Mac, don't...I'm just saying it. I will miss seeing you around here on a regular basis."
"I will too," I frown.
"So the big move today," he starts, changing the subject to keep us both from becoming bogged down in sorrow. We talk a bit longer before my superior quickly whisks me into his office, Riley in tow, wanting to secure the handover before I am gone. I told both that I will be available for any open cases until they are wrapped up and am only a phone call away; not really on the other side of the world as is the general consensus.
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"How are things there?" I ask Millie over the phone as I direct the last of my boxes into our new space and then head back to my now empty apartment to wait for Millie's things to arrive.
"Crazy," I hear her sigh. "Cameron misses his mummy," she tells me and my heart starts to ache.
"I miss him too," I whisper lightly. "When will I see you two?"
"Well they are heading over with my stuff now and then we'll wait for the movers here at McCanna's,"she tells me. "Once our stuff is all moved out, we'll clean up here and then head over there to start unpacking. At least someplace to sleep tonight."
"Did Mac talk to you about Friday night?"
"You two spending the night at The Plaza? He did and I told him one night wasn't enough."
"We'll do a weekend away but we just need to get this all straightened out; well at least for the most part before Monday arrives," I sigh as I see the first of Millie's belongings arriving. "Your stuff is here now, I'll direct where you told me and see you both very soon."
I hang up with Mac's mother and then head into the apartment that will now house Millie Taylor and start to direct where things should go before I head into my new home to start to put some things away. I start to unpack a few bathroom items, needing to wait for Mac's items to arrive before I can start on our bedroom. I cast my gaze toward our bedroom and smile; my face warming at the thought of waking up to Mac as husband and me as his wife from now on. Cameron's room is right next door and another small room, which will remain an office for now, could be used later if we do plan to expand our family.
"Hello handsome," I answer the phone with a smile on my face; as I sit down an hour later to take a small break and talk to Mac.
"Hello yourself," he teases with a warm tone. "How is it going?" He asks with a serious note.
"Exhausting, but moving is right?"
"Why don't you wait until I'm there," he sighs and I can just picture a frown on his face.
"It's no big deal Mac, there will be lots left for you. Your mom's stuff is almost done and they are now bringing your stuff over. We unpack the bed first right? Don't forget we'll need to sleep here tonight."
"Sounds good to me," he mentions softly.
"How did it go?"
"A small send off, which is what I hoped for. Riley is nervous as hell but weren't we all once?" Mac gently chuckles. "My superior still wasn't too keen on me leaving, but the more I think on it the happier I am that I made the decision; the right decision. I belong there, with that team and at your side."
My eyes slightly water as I listen to his confession. "You have no idea how good it is to hear you say that," I offer in truth. "I never wanted you to regret leaving another team."
"Never should have left in the first place," he huffs once more. "I'm almost done here; the courier is taking my stuff to the lab there and then I'll be home just as fast as I can."
"Home," I echo. "Like when you say that."
"Home Stella, where I belong."
I offer him a whispered kiss over the line before he hangs up and my heart is now racing with happy anticipation that my husband will be home very soon. An hour later I hear laughter in the hallway and know that Millie and Cameron have arrived.
"Welcome!" I call out over the chaos. I look out from some boxes to see Cameron peering around the corner at me with a large smile. "BOO!" I shout and he laughs and tries to run away. I quickly grab his arm and pull him back, holding his small body close to mine as he laughs and tries to get away.
"Lets go mummy. Lets go..." he moans as he tries to twist himself free. I poke his sides and soon the space is filled with the warm laughter of Cameron Taylor. I finally release the child I now call my own and look up to see Millie looking down at us with a smile.
"Lots of work ahead," Millie gently frowns. "Do you even have a dress for tomorrow night?"
"Believe it or not, I do," I tell her proudly as I slowly push myself up, dust off a bit and then lead her into our large Master bedroom. "I had picked this up...um a year ago," my voice trails off into a whisper as I turn to face her with a heavy frown. "I always hoped this day would come, but I um...never really thought it would," I manage weakly as my eyes water. She wraps her arms around me and holds me close. "I'm sorry," I whisper. "I shouldn't really burden you with my thoughts and such," I pull back with a slight swallow. "I never had a mother."
"I never had a daughter," she touches my cheek. "So I guess we are the same. Can I see the dress?"
"Do you think it's stupid that...well I mean a year ago and..."
"Stella, dreams are never stupid. Trust me to hear that you thought of marrying my son even a year ago warms my heart even more. Now show me that gown."
"Of course," I smile as I unzip the dark garment bag and produce an ivory colored, fitted gown with matching shoes; simple but stunning.
"You are going to look gorgeous," Millie whispers as her fingers gently caress the fabric. "I can't tell you enough how happy I am that it's you who loves my son and grandson Stella; you make me so proud," she states and my eyes water once more as we both embrace again before Cameron comes rushing into the room, tugging on my dusty shirt.
"Mummy I can't find Zoom," he moans, referring to his favorite stuffie.
"Stella, I'm going to leave you and Cameron here and go and get started on my place. Thank you for getting the movers to set up the heavy stuff. And don't worry about dinner, I'm ordering in Chinese and none of you have a say," she states with a firm smile. I look down at Cameron and shrug. "Sounds good to me." I watch her leave before I look kneel back down to Cameron.
"Why don't we go and unpack your stuff and see if we can't find Zoom."
"Kay mummy."
I take his hand and lead him into the space that will be his room; the promise to paint coming in a week. Thankfully it'll be done by professionals as I don't think we'd have the time. Cameron looks around at all the boxes as I push his dresser into place. I open a box and gently lead him toward it. "Want to start looking in here?"
"Sure," he shrugs as he starts to sift through a variety of toys.
I start into a box of his clothing, smiling as I take out small shirts and jeans and start to organize his dresser drawers, hanging up other items as I come across them. Half hour later, another voice breaks the small chatter that Cameron has provided me until now; the warm sound of my husband finally come home.
"I'm home!" Mac's warm voice rings out. To hear him say he's home, to hear our son's enthusiastic reply and to know that my happy future is finally coming true, leaves me without words. I'm home...you are home Mac.
"Daddy!" Cameron shouts as he drops a few items and rushes into the other room.
"Come here sweet boy," I watch Mac gather up Cameron into his strong arms and plants warm kisses on his face. "You taste like dust," he teases and Cameron giggles. He finally looks up at me and smiles; the same smile that even after all these years, melts my heart like no one else on this planet.
"I'm home," he whispers as I near him. I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on, planting warm kisses by his ear, and closing my eyes in delight as his arms wrap around me and hold me close. But when I say nothing he's quick to call me on it. "Stella? Everything okay?"
"Have waited my whole life to hear you say that Mac. Never thought those words would sound so welcome."
"Trust me Stella, you have no idea how excited I was to be coming home to my complete family today."
"Every day Mac," I tell him as my lips brush his once more.
"Man I missed you today," he tells me as we finally break apart.
"How was Don?"
"He didn't say if he was going to leave or not and I didn't want to press. But he said he's still interested in Emily and they will be there together, as a couple, on Friday. I'll leave the rest of the pestering up to Danny. How did it all go? Anything left?"
"A few pieces are still coming up, but your mother is well on her way to being settled and we are having Chinese takeout at her place," I inform him and he smirks. Cameron turns and rushes back into his room, frantically pulling out toys and items in search of a lost friend. I follow Mac into our bedroom and lean against the door as he starts to undress.
"I love watching you," I tell him warmly and his face gently blushes as he removes his work clothes; pulling on a pair of jeans and old sweatshirt and then walking back up to me.
"I love that fact that tomorrow and every morning after that we'll be waking up as a family," he states as he kisses my cheek. "Now what do I need to do to get things started?"
"Well as you can see I have unpacked most of my personal stuff but now that your furniture is here, how about you take the bedroom and I'll take the kitchen; the bathroom is almost done."
"Wow you have been busy," Mac praises. "How was Cameron?"
"Our son," I emphasize, "is a very good boy. He's in his room right now unpacking."
"Alone?" Mac arches his brows and my smile turns to a frown. We both hurry out of the room and into Cameron's only to see that all the boxes have been basically dumped into one large pile with Cameron buried somewhere in the middle. "A very good boy?" Mac counters with a shake of his head before we both laugh.
"Daddy I couldn't find Zoom," Cameron informs us as he holds up his beloved stuffie.
"Right well now that you have, it's up to you to help mummy with all these clothes."
"Me?" I chuckle. "And what will you be doing?"
"Unpacking your underwear," he teases and I just grin. "Or did you do that already?"
"Come with me. Cameron I'll be right back."
"Kay mummy."
"Love to hear that," I tell Mac and his hand grips mine tighter. I lead him to a small box and open it. "Okay unpack."
He pulls out the first item, a racy piece of lingerie and looks at me in shock, his face instantly a darker color. "I um...can't unpack this."
"Why not?" I arch a brow in wonder.
"Because I'm almost hard just looking at it."
"Weak man," I laugh as I snatch the item from his fingers and stuff it back into the box.
"Can you blame me?" Mac teases as his arms wrap around my waist and he holds me captive in his grasp. "Will you model that for me?"
"Not unless you are tied to a chair," I shoot back he pouts. "Well I wouldn't get much modeling done would I?"
"But..."
"Will you model for me?"
"Hardly," he rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
"I'll put those away later Mac. Start with the other boxes," I tell him.
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I hear her calling out Cameron's name as she heads into his bedroom to help him put his things away and am not upset in the least that I am left here to fend for myself. I look back down at the box and then at her bedside dresser and start to put a few of her intimate things away. But as suspected as soon as the box is empty, my body is aching for a release and so I quickly head over to my boring things and my growing hard-on quickly subsides. An hour later the bedroom is almost unpacked and I'm surprised at how much we have gotten done.
"I thought for sure we'd have no bed for the weekend," I frown as I walk into Cameron's room where Stella has nearly everything put away.
"Thought it would take us longer?"
"Well you did a great job of sifting through all the duplicate furniture and..yeah I thought it would take longer," I sigh as I watch her put a few more things away. We discuss the lay out of Cameron's room before we head into the living room to see Cameron unpacking DVD's and toys.
Stella and I discuss where we'll put up shelving like I had in my place; a few strategic pieces to help with the reading and such of our son. Stella has put most of the bathroom things away; the kitchen however will need Friday and so will the rest of the living room.
Another hour later and I head into our bedroom to find Stella standing fixed in place her back to me. I gently wrap my arms around her and hold her close.
"What?"
"You did a great job of putting everything away," she praises and I can't help but smile. "Even my personal items. Was that hard for you?"
"Literally," I arch my brows and she just laughs. "Well I was hard. And it was your fault. But I didn't mind picturing you in those items."
"Are you flirting with me?"
"Is it working?" I counter.
"Yes."
We gather up Cameron and then head down the hall to my mother's new apartment and she lets us in. Her unpacking has fared pretty good but both of us have promised to help her unpack what's left on Sunday; Saturday being spent for our shortened honeymoon.
"I really hope you take that proper honeymoon," my mother tells us as we sit around her lightly cluttered table, eating Chinese food an hour later.
"Orlando," I nod with my head in Cameron's direction; not wanting to mention Disneyworld so that he doesn't get his hopes up when he realizes we aren't going tomorrow. I look at Stella who wraps her fingers around mine and squeezes.
"Happiest place on earth right?"
"Second to here," I mention and she smiles. "And we are all set for tomorrow."
"Do you have a tux?"
"You said a black suit," I lightly moan and she smiles. "And yes Cameron has a black suit also."
We talk a bit more about the plans for tomorrow until Cameron finally falls asleep and it's time for us all to get some much needed rest.
XXXXXXXX
I think due to the exhaustion of the move; the mental stress of leaving the Jersey office behind and the promise of all the things still head of us, I slept through the night without waking up once.
"I can't wait until you are Stella Taylor."
"I think part of me always has been Mac," she admits and my face beams in delight. "But now it'll be official."
"And we have to be there at seven right?"
"Seven sharp. Think you'll make it?" She teases and I just laugh.
"On pain of death. My mother will bring back Cameron and then we'll get to spend some real quality time together."
"Like the sound of that," Stella murmurs as her lips meet mine once more.
"Cameron shower time," I call out and smile as he pushes himself up from the floor and rushes toward us.
"Mummy too?" He asks eagerly and Stella and I look at one another and laugh.
"No Cameron and daddy shower alone sweetie," Stella tells him with a warm smile as she kisses the top of his nose. "Cameron needs his privacy."
"Okay," he shrugs with a small frown. I whisk Cameron with me into the bathroom and turn on the hot water, allowing Stella whatever time she needs to get things done before it's her turn to use the bathroom. I reach for my razor and always smile as I look down at Cameron who has a plastic one and mimics my actions, putting some cream on his soft skin before using the piece of harmless plastic to wipe the cream away. I use an electric razor but don't have a toy one for him so the bladeless fake straight razor will have to do. After that we are in the shower and ready to get ourselves clean.
After I'm finished I quickly dry off Cameron and then wrap him in his warm snuggle cover and then wrap a towel around my own waist before we exit.
"Now that's what I like to see," Stella whispers warmly as I head into the bedroom and she looks at me with hungry eyes.
"Tomorrow," I smile as her body presses into mine.
"I'll hold you to that."
"You better," I tease as I watch her take her leave; her turn to use the bathroom to get her day started also. I quickly change and then head into Cameron's room to see him standing before his dresser not wearing anything. My lips offer a small chuckle as I just shake my head and approach.
"Daddy helps me," he huffs with a slight frown, his gentle eyebrows always raising when he's agitated.
"Let's find you something to wear." I pull out a few things and then help him get dressed before I head into the kitchen to start breakfast. "So Cameron this is what is going to happen today..." my voice trails off as I try to explain to my son what will happen today. We watch as Cameron just shakes his head in agreement and then hurries away from the table to play. "I know he didn't understand all that."
"He doesn't have to," Stella assures me as she wraps her fingers around my hand and squeezes it tightly. "The most important thing for Cameron is that he'll get used to having a real family now; the three of us being together on a daily basis."
"Have waited a long time to hear you say that," I whisper and her lips curl upward. "I love you so much Stella."
"I love you too. Come on let's get this busy day started. We have a lot to do before we get ready for tonight."
I offer her a nod and then we both push ourselves away from the table and while Stella puts a few more things away for the kitchen I get started on cleaning up the breakfast dishes and then join her. My mother doesn't come over as she spends most of the day doing the same thing as us; unpacking her belongings and personalizing her new home.
"Stella!" I call out, my back to the door. "HAVE YOU SE..." I start, only to turn around and offer a small gasp.
"I'm right here Mac," Stella smiles. "What did you misplace?"
"My overnight toiletry bag," I frown.
"Bathroom sink, your side."
"My side?" I inquire as she takes me by the hand and leads me, past our napping son, into the bathroom and then opens the right side of the bathroom sink.
"Your side," she informs me as she pulls out the small black traveling case.
"My side," I smirk as I shake my head and smile at her before I plant a quick kiss on her lips. "Thank you."
"We did pretty good today," Stella mentions as we both head back into the living room; most of the boxes gone, Cameron's room set up and just the kitchen and main living space waiting to be personalized.
"We make a great team," I whisper as I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close. "Can't wait until I see Stella Taylor on the outside of your office door."
"You sure it won't be Stella Bonasera Taylor?" She arches a brow.
"Oh I uh...sure..." I frown and she giggles as she kisses my firmly on the mouth.
"Mac...Stella Taylor it is. A fresh start remember?"
"Mmm," I moan as her body presses further into mine. But just as I feel certain parts starting to harden, a knock is heard at the door and I look at Stella in wonder.
"Mac?"
"Probably my mother," I mention as I head for the door Stella in tow. But when I pull it open I stare at the last person I expected to see before the ceremony. "Don?"
"Hey Mac, Stella," he starts in a quiet voice.
"What's going on?"
"Just need a minute Mac."
"You're a bit early," I state lightly. However my smile fades when his face turns serious; Stella is also quick to pick up on it.
"Don what is it? Has something happened?"
"Stopped by your office to just check on the mail and such when...this um...came for you today," Don informs us in a dead tone as he holds up a letter.
"Who's it from?" Stella inquires as my eyes rest on the name of the sender; my world coming a complete halt.
"Anna Nicholson," I whisper as my voice starts to fade. "Cameron's...birth mother."
A/N: Surprise? Not what you were expecting? (AiP ducks - sorry for the cliffe) So what do you think the letter is about? Will it impact the wedding? Please review and let me know if you liked this chapter. Thanks in advance!