Title: Complicated
Chapter 20 – Baby Shower and Wedding Reception

The night was fitful for the most part until a few hours before dawn Stella's mind had come to terms with the fact that Levi was in fact back where he belonged and they were still trying for a child of their own. Tonight they would be having dinner with the Garret's and then the shower the following weekend with the team. Their own wedding was only a few weeks away and Stella was hoping to be able to give Mac some good news as a special wedding present – a child of their own.

"You awake?" Mac's voice softly pulls her from her thoughts and her gaze to him. She gives him a tender smile and nods. "Did you sleep okay? It's later than we usually sleep."

"Just had to get it all out and then come to terms with the fact that Levi isn't here any more."

"The quiet didn't give that away?" Mac teases. Stella moves in closer and kisses his lips. "I was worried last night," he confesses as he strokes her cheek and pushes some hair from her face.

"I was too," Stella sighs. "I never realized just what kind of impact he made on my life until he was gone. But since they are going to be a regular part of our lives I know I'll have to come to terms and deal with it."

"Stella…"

"Mac I'm fine."

"You are the strongest, bravest woman I know and fell in love with. But never forget that a big part of that love is me being here for you," Mac confesses as he twists himself to look down at her, covering her lips with his. Her body quickly responds to his sexual advances and before too long they were both locked a heated tangle of sheets and sweat; moving together as one. They had put aside the stress of focusing on having sex to try for a child and were now happily content on focusing on having sex to please the other. That plan worked better.

Their Sunday for the most part was spent relaxing together; a late leisurely breakfast, a heated shower for two, both of them taking advantage for their first shower for two since Levi had arrived as they didn't have to look after him. They then had a late lunch and just spent the day getting to know each other a little better. Stella had then set up the computer and together they looked at, talked about laughed with each other over a myriad of pictures of them and their precious adopted son.

And by the time they were getting ready to head to the Garrett's for dinner, Stella's anxiety had all but subsided. She enters their bedroom and smiles as she watches Mac putting on some cologne and walks up to him.

"Mmm not fair Mac," she whispers as she kisses his cheek. "I don't think I want to let you leave."

He turns to her with a smile before he kisses her briefly on the lips, not wanting to mess her makeup. "I could call and cancel," he smirks as she pulls back.

"You know I bet you just would do that."

"Reed would understand," Mac chuckles. "You look beautiful," he tells her in truth, drawing a smile to her face instantly. She had chosen a simple black skirt and sweater, matching his black dress pants and casual top. They head for the door and after stopping to get a bottle of win arrive at the home of John and Karen Garrett; Reed and Mira and Levi already there.

"Hey Mac, Stella, welcome," John Garrett invites them in. They enter the warm house and immediately greeted with the smell of good food and happy laughter. Karen was feeling a bit better but even still wasn't as active as she normally could be thanks to the residue from her Chemo treatments.

"Hey guys!" Mira greets them both with a big hug as Reed comes up to them with Levi in his grasp.

"Hey Levi," Mac's voice draws the happy baby boy's gaze upward and soon Levi's face breaks into a large smile and his hands start happily waving around. Mac takes the boy from Reed's grasp and plants a warm kiss on his soft skin before giving him a mild squeeze.

"He tried to stand on his own again today," Mira states happily. "He's going to be walking very soon I think."

"He's one determined kid," Mac remarks as hands Levi to Stella.

"Hello sweet boy," she whispers as she holds his small soft face against her cheek.

Levi happily babbles away as Stella holds him in her arms as her and Mac head into the living room to join the others. They sit down and soon all four older adults were listening to the stories from the two younger adults about their adventures in Poland and other areas that Reed had covered with his job; Levi being happily passed from person to person before he was on the floor and contentedly playing or trying to crawl somewhere to try to stand.

"You know Mac you and the team have already done so much for us," Reed pipes up as they sit around the dinner table a bit later. "You sure they want to give us a shower?"

"Yes in fact they insisted we wait until you were back," Mac tells him in truth. "It's no trouble Reed."

"Well all the things that Dr. Hammeback gave us fit perfectly. We spent the morning just playing dress up with Levi," Mira laughs as she looks over at her precious son who was sitting in the high chair beside her. Stella looks at the young mother and feels her anxiety surge. Am I too old? She ponders. Will our child be healthy? Will I even be able to conceive?

Mac looks over and knows she is distracted but when he sees her slightly tense for no reason he knows that she's only putting on a brave face for those around her; something was wrong. Did she get the pregnancy results back? Are they negative? Is she having second thoughts?

Inadvertently Reed then changes the subject to something more benign and Mac instantly notices Stella's frame slightly relax. But knowing that it'll only stress her out a bit more to mention it later, he settles in his mind to just it rest and prays she'll be fine no matter what.

The dinner was modest, and most could tell that the excitement was taking its toll on Karen's weakened frame so after diner they all retire to the living room except Mira and Stella who stay behind, willing offering to help with the cleanup.

"So how are things settling?" Stella inquires as they finish the rest of the dishes.

"It's different," Mira confesses with a small sigh. "I miss my mother so terribly some days and other days I can cope. I still have no idea what my father's full sentence might be so we are always worried that he might come back and try something. I really have no one to draw on for experience when Levi gets older and…" her voice trails out as she gives Stella a nervous laugh. "Sorry to ramble."

"Why be sorry, those are all legitimate reasons to be concerned."

"You probably don't understand but I have always well had to fend for myself you know? My mother was very old fashioned and although I loved her very much and miss her terribly we didn't see eye to eye on a lot of things so have had to almost take care of myself most of my life."

"Actually I can understand more than you might know. I don't have any personal parenting experience either nor do I have a mother to draw from, but if you ever need help or support for anything you know you can always call me right?"

"Thank you."

They talk a bit more about Levi and how they were settling into their new apartment before heading back into the living room and then rejoining their husbands to just rest for the remainder of the evening. Finally when a few more cups of coffee had been drunk and Levi was now fast sleep on his mother's shoulder it was time to say goodnight.

"See you all next weekend at the Messer residence," Mac tells them before him and Stella walk hand in hand back toward the Avalanche. "I'm glad Karen's health is improving," Mac mentions as they get into the truck and head for home.

"What a relief for John and really for them all," Stella answers softly. "I think Mira is going to be a great mom."

"I hear a but in there," Mac notes softly.

"Nope no buts this time," Stella looks over at him with a weak smile. "Just happy for them and I think they'll have their hits and misses like everyone else but I think Levi is in good hands – literally."

"Sure has matured Reed a lot," Mac comments as their conversation starts to lighten from the mounting tension that each of them had when they were leaving. But they both knew it would get a bit easier from now on as they came to terms with the fact Levi was where he belonged and now it was time to concentrate on them.

As soon as they get home, Mac takes Stella by the hand and leads her to the bedroom and before she can utter a word he's captured her mouth in his and devouring her lips firmly.

"No babies, no agenda, no thinking about anything other than I just want to make love to my wife," Mac's soft words fill the room as his hand cups her face. "That's all I ever really wanted in life Stella, was you."

Stella feels a small lump form in her throat as she wraps her arms around his neck and starts to passionately crush his mouth with hers. In a few minutes, the floor around them was littered with clothing and soon after that it was just two naked bodies moving together as one on their bed; putting aside anything else aside from just wanting to make love to the other. Some time after that both were snuggled in each other's arms, sound asleep with peaceful thoughts for the first time in weeks.

Monday came all too soon, however, and both were quickly scrambling to get ready for their court hearing with Judge McGruder and just going through the formalities of giving Levi back to his natural parents, legally. The ride to the court was spent mostly talking about a new case that Danny had just called in; Mac assuring him that once they were finished with court they'd both meet him in the field to help out.

"Ready?" Mac looks over at Stella before they enter the courtroom.

"Actually yes," she gives him a firm nod. They enter to see John Garrett along with Reed, Mira and Levi as well as their court appointed lawyer, which was again just another formality that go along with the proceedings.

"I must say Detective Taylor these were very unusual circumstances. I do believe it wasn't your intent to mislead the court in any way but I am telling you that I must put a note of my verbal concerns in the file."

"Yes your honor we understand."

"Other than that I find no reason that the child in question, Levi Garrett cannot be rightfully returned to his parents…"

And after the Judge said what she had to, it was off to sign some paperwork, say a few more words to their newly extended family and then out into the field. As soon as they arrived at the crime scene, their personal anxieties faded and it was back to business a usual; each of them taking a part of the scene that was left over and helping to wrap up whatever was needed before heading back to the lab to finish up there.

"You know I think I am going to miss using Levi as an excuse to leave a bit early from now on," Stella tells Mac as she heads into his office after everyone had left; back to their old professional ways.

"I didn't even realize how late it was," Mac puts down his pen and looks at the clock. "Long day?"

"Long but fruitful," Stella hands him a file. "We got our man."

"So we did," Mac acknowledges as he quickly reads her findings. "So what's for supper?" Mac inquires as he stands up to get his coat and they both walk toward the elevator to head home. The rest of the week was pretty much the same with them both settling back into a regular working routine, long days, somewhat restful nights, rushed breakfasts, lunch on the go but a sit down dinner to talk about their day. All in all things seemed pretty much back to normal.

"So has Mira heard from her father at all?"

"She called him apparently and told him that Levi really suffered because of the drugs, adding a bit more drama to make him feel really guilty," Stella pauses, "and then telling him that it's his own fault he'll never see his only male heir. After that he said nothing more and she said he started to cry. I doubt his hatred toward Reed will ever change but maybe he'll realize just how terrible he's been and what he's personally done to destroy his family."

"Well hatred that is that deeply rooted will be hard to just rid himself of…it will take time," Mac huffs as he leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. He looks over at Stella who is on the couch beside him and then reaches over for his bass guitar and opens the case; Stella easing back and waiting for the intimate show her husband would soon be putting on for her.

"I think you'll like this first one," Mac warmly comments as he starts into the song he used to play to put Levi to sleep. He gives Stella a soft smile just as the melody ends and quickly starts into the song she loved most, her lips rewarding him with a tender smile of appreciation. After they were done with the serenade, both headed for the bedroom and the door was quickly closed.

Stella awakens early Saturday morning, her mind pondering the shower but also their own small wedding reception only two weeks away. Millie was coming down for the event and it would be mostly the team with their respected mates or dates and few other close friends, but otherwise it wasn't going to be a lot of fanfare as that wasn't the style neither of them subscribed to.

She looks over at Mac's handsome face and smiles at the fact that he was still softly sleeping, his tempting lips parted uttering contented sounds. Although he was trying so hard to be her rock right now, she knew inside her heart that this whole ordeal had taken its toll on his inner being more than he was admitting; he too had gotten used to the idea of being a father.

Stella carefully removes herself from the warm bed and heads into the living room, easing herself down onto the couch and then pulling out the small items she and Mac would be taking for the shower in a few hours. She starts to pull of the price tags and looks up as Mac finally enters.

"Please tell me you got some sleep," he huffs as he slumps down into the soft couch beside her.

"I did, did you?"

"More than I thought," he answers as he leans in closer, resting his head on her shoulder and watching ass he starts to fold the jean jacket and then place it in a bag.

"Think these will fit?"

Mac takes the small baby runners and places it next to his bare foot and then looks up at her with arched brows. "Couldn't you have gotten one size bigger?" He teases, earning a playful shove from her shoulder. "I think they are perfect. I'll start the coffee."

Mac heads into the kitchen to start the coffee as Stella finishes putting the rest of the items into the large gift bag and then closing it shut and placing it aside for the shower. She soon joins Mac into the kitchen and in no time both are making breakfast and talking about what things the team might be buying the new couple.

They had already gotten a few more household furnishings from the Garrett's and Stella told them that since she and Mac weren't going to be getting their marriage annulled and going back to separate places they would see what extras they had and then happily give them to the young couple if they so chose.

They talked about the final wedding details and what else if anything was missing. Stella had her dress, it was a bit more formal than the one she chose to wear to their civic ceremony and Mac would be wearing his black suit. Since they weren't redoing their vows – it wasn't necessary, they would only be arriving to take pictures, make a few speeches and then of course enjoy a great dinner and some dancing.

"But I still don't understand why I can't see the dress until that night?" Mac ponders as they finally start to get dressed for the night's events, the team coming to their place.

"Because I want it to be a surprise," Stella offers with a small smile. "And I like driving you crazy."

"You don't need a dress to do that," he tosses at her with a small smirk of his lips.

"Oh is that so?" She asks, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. "You don't mind do you?"

"Not at all," he quickly assures her. "I know I'll love it."

"Alright then Mr. Impatient, it's time we go set up."

As they had already had one small dinner event at the Messer's, Stella told Lindsay it was only fair they take turns and that way it wouldn't be a burden on any one. But they were the first to arrive.

"Where's Levi?" Lucy asks in haste as she pokes her head around her father's legs, seeking out the small baby boy.

"She's been asking about Levi ever since we told her this morning we were going to see him," Lindsay remarks with a sigh.

"Yeah poor kid doesn't know what he's in for," Danny teases in return, forcing Lucy to look up as if on cue and all four adults to chuckle. But it wasn't long before Reed and Mira did arrive with Levi, the happy infant instantly garnering the attention of the spirited little girl.

"Mummy can I pick up Levi?"

"No sweetie but if you sit on the floor, I'll help you hold him on your lap," Lindsay instructs.

"Okay mummy," Lucy readily agrees as she plops down on her butt and holds out her arms. Mira bends down, placing Levi's now sitting form onto Lucy's lap and Lindsay wraps Lucy's arms around Levi's mid-section and tells her to hold onto him and not to make any sudden jerky movements or it would make him sick.

Don, Adam and Sheldon were next to arrive, each bringing their own gifts and placing them on the floor next to Mac and Stella's and the Messer's.

"Sinclair couldn't make it but this is his gift," Flack tells him as he wheels in an outdoor stroller with the thick wheels; a gift card sitting in the top compartment as well.

"Never let it be said our fearless leader is stingy."

"I thought Mac was our fearless leader?" Adam frowns.

"Yeah he is but…" Flack stammers. "Whatever okay?" He groans and the rest of the team just laugh.

Sid and Alice are next to arrive along with two other friends of Reed's and then finally the Garrett's.

"Wow Mac, full house," Danny pats his friend on the back as they hover in the doorway looking at the living room full of guests.

"We are within the fire code right?" Mac asks with a small frown and Danny just shakes his head and laughs.

"And someone keep an eye on Adam and that food table," Don teases.

"Ah yes I heard about the food incident."

"You told everyone?" Adam's face flushes red. "I don't know what….well babies like that eat."

"Gummy bears!" Lucy pipes up as she tries to shove a few of the soft jelly candies into Levi's open mouth.

"No!" Both Lindsay and Mira shout at once and Lucy literally freezes her hand in mid air, the gummy bear hovering in her fingers before it comes loose and falls to the floor. Levi had watched the small red object fall and was soon flailing his arms to grab it, wanting to put it in is mouth and making it hard for Lucy to keep control of him.

Lindsay quickly grabs the gummy bear and then pries Levi out of her daughters grasp and hands him back to his mother.

"No mummy," Lucy starts to pout and her bottom lip to quiver.

"Levi needs a break sweetie," Lindsay smiles down at her daughter. "Let someone else hold him if Mira is okay with it."

"Can I hold him?" Sheldon asks as he wasn't at the Messer's the previous time and hadn't had a chance yet.

"Don't drop him," Lucy warns and all the adults laugh at her serious expression.

"Is this okay?" Sheldon consults with her as he holds Levi cradled in his arms.

"Yes," Lucy answers matter of factly, forcing Lindsay to just shake her head.

"She gets that from Danny," Lindsay teases.

Levi reaches up, trying to get Sheldon's glasses, but his attention is quickly distracted by a small toy shoved into his open fingers and so Sheldon's glasses remained in tact. Levi's next destination was the very rapt attention from the Hammerback's who took much delight in holding and talking to the delightful little boy.

"Mummy can we open the pesents now?" Lucy asks eagerly.

"Well that's up to Mira sweetie. But when she sits down you can ask her if she'd like some help okay?"

"Okay."

They all talked, laughed and ate a bit more before Mira and Reed with Levi perched in the middle of them sat down on Mac and Stella's loveseat, the rest of the team gathered around them. Lucy was more than delighted when she was asked to help bring the presents, giving only Levi a play by play of what everything was.

"Yeah wonder who bought that," Danny pipes up when they open the box to reveal a pair of boys hockey skates, a small NY Rangers hockey jersey and a few other hockey related items.

"Uh Adam?"

"Did not," Adam retorts. "I bought…oh right," he groans and the Flack just laughs as he slaps his friend on the back.

Adam's gift was next and it was a small iPod, and a few other toys in the shape of electronic gadgets. Sheldon had bought Levi a set of reading books and things to play with that would also stimulate his brain.

"You know Sheldon really is the biggest nerd here," Flack teases.

"Hey at least he'll learn more than just lets go Rangers from my books."

"Hey what's wrong with lets go Rangers?" Flack offers a small pout and laughter ensues once again.

"At least it wasn't Sex for Dummies like Sid gave."

"Well he'll learn early in school," Sid shrugs and everyone laughs again.

Sid and Alice's gift was next and it was stuff that a two year old might need for winter, a coat, boots, mittens, hat and scarf. The Messer's had bought the exact opposite in that they got stuff for summer, including small trunks, fins, a beach play set and a few other items. Lucy even bought Levi something, a small bear toy for him to gum and a Bob the Builder figure. The Garrett's bought them a whole host of practical items, such as bibs, a carrying backpack for Levi to sit in, a generic diaper bag. Mac and Stella had finished up the gift giving with a bag of clothes that included dress pants, a dress shirt, a sweater vest, small jean jacket, a pair of good shoes and runners.

Mira then takes Reed's hand and looks out at all the smiling faces, her eyes about to water. "Wow I can't even almost express what today has meant for us. I have no family anymore and to come here and to be welcomed so openly, warmly and generously is amazing," she starts in a soft tone. "I can't thank you all enough for the beautiful gifts and for helping us when we were stuck so far away. Thank you all so much, it has truly touched my heart personally."

She finishes with small stifle, causing Reed's grasp around her hand to tighten.

"And a um…well a special thank you to Mac and Stella for this party and of course for all the work they did to keep Levi safe despite um…well great personal sacrifice."

"Sacrifice? They were always going to get married Reed," Sid pipes up, "you two just sped up the process so we should be thanking you," he finishes with a small smile while his wife next to him just looks on in shock; Mac and Stella exchanging amused expressions.

"Hope you all weren't betting on that," Mac mentions sternly.

"We were boss and I um…won," Adam mentions sheepishly.

"Adam you know that gambling isn't allowed at work," Mac says in a serious tone, a small smile desperately tugging at his lips.

"It wasn't his idea," Flack offers in his defense.

"Well in that case I'll just have to confiscate the money," Mac smiles.

"Yeah nice try Mac, that is our hard earned cash that you guys took long enough to make us part with," Danny joins the discussion.

"Hmm wonder if the next pool on baby Taylor will also hold up?" Sid ponders with a small frown, making all in the room laugh again, except Lucy who was very content in playing with Levi and his new toys.

Mac and Stella just look at one another in amusement but say nothing.

"So anyone for dessert?" Lindsay quickly breaks the mounting tension.

"ME!" Lucy shouts and the mood quickly changes, back to the light conversation it was before.

The rest of the afternoon and early evening was spent just bonding with the young couple, the excited baby and the team; laughing, talking and eating and enjoying the kind and warm Taylor hospitality. The Garrett's were the first to leave just before dinner time and then slowly the team started to leave as well until it was just Mira and Reed left.

"How is he?" Mira asks plunking herself down by Stella who was holding a sleeping Levi on her chest.

"He's a furnace," Stella smirks.

"Yeah it's great when I'm alone and cold," Mira chuckles as her fingers stroke Levi's soft pink cheek. His golden eyelashes were resting on his flushed face and his small pink lips were slightly parted and soft sounds were coming forth. For a split second Stella's mind flashes the same picture of Mac when he was asleep, so at peace and content and her heart quickly swells. But Levi starts to stir and the memory instantly fades.

"I think he needs to sleep in his own bed," Stella mentions just as Levi starts to fuss, his small face crunching into the start of a sad cry and hands him back to his mother before he starts to wail.

"Shhhh my darling boy I got you, mummy's got you," Mira whispers just as Mac and Reed return from filling up Reed's car with the presents. "Your team really was amazing today."

"They all support you both very much," Mac tells them in truth. "Well you are all packed up."

"Okay time to get him packed up and away we go," Mira states as she hands a now fussing Levi to his father and stands up. "I want to rent him a baby tux for the wedding reception in two weeks," Mira smiles at her son as he's being tucked into a blanket and then into his travelling chair. "But not sure I can find any."

"He'll be a darling in whatever he wears," Stella assures her as she gives her a hug and then Reed and then plants a big kiss on Levi's cheek. "Goodnight Levi."

Levi looks up and offers a small frown, trying so desperately to offer her a smile but garnering another kiss in return; his body settling a little. Mac and Stella both say goodnight and then close the door. Peace at last.

"Seems so quiet now," Mac remarks with a small frown.

"Yeah but what a great event it turned out to be."

"They really did get a lot of nice stuff. Surprised that even Sinclair was so generous."

"Oh beneath that hardened exterior he's really a big softie. As I said…brought down by a smile."

"Hmmm isn't that all men?" Mac teases as they head toward their bedroom.

"You really are asking for it aren't you?" Stella teases in return as she closes the door and looks at him with an arched brow. "Might have to discipline that out of you."

"Please do," Mac encourages her as he moves in closer.

XXXXXXXX

The next two weeks just flew by for everyone, especially Mac and Stella. Millie had arrived the night before and was staying at a nearby hotel for the weekend.

"Don't know why I am actually nervous today," Stella lightly frets as she slowly slips her coffee that Saturday morning.

"We don't have to say speeches Stella," Mac tries to tell her.

"You really don't want to give one do you?"

"We thank people and tell them we appreciate their love and support and that's it, what else is needed?"

"I thought that was your speech?" Stella counters and Mac just chuckles.

"But why are you nervous?" He asks, taking her hand and planting a soft kiss on it.

Stella just shrugs as she leans in, whispering 'I love you' into his ear before she pulls away and heads back into the kitchen. Since there was to be no formal ceremony all Mac had to do was wait a few more hours before he could see his wife's new dress and then it would be into the limo and off to the hotel. Mac had booked the honeymoon suite for the weekend but told her that they would be taking a proper honeymoon in a few months when the weather was a bit warmer.

"Maybe I'm just excited," she offers warmly as she comes back up to him at the table.

"Let's go with that," Mac tells her with a smile.

They finally start to pack up their weekend bags and then it was time to get ready for their big evening event. While Stella was getting ready, Millie had come over to get a few pictures before they would go to the hotel where an official photographer was waiting to take a modest album to capture the happy event.

"You look nervous McCanna," Millie softly comments.

"I am a little," he answers with a small laugh.

"What is it?"

"Stella said she was nervous earlier and I guess now it's my turn," Mac offers with a small sigh.

"You look so handsome my son, your father would be very proud of you today."

"I wish he was here."

"He is," Millie smiles as she touches Mac's cheek and then plants a small kiss on it. "He's always with us."

"Are we taking turns as at a kissing booth?" Stella finally makes herself known, stepping out into the living room and forcing Mac to quickly offer a small intake of breath as he looks at his wife with a growing smile.

"Wow," Mac whispers softly.

Her dress was nearly floor length and cream in color. The modest and delicately beaded halter neckline showed off her flawless olive skin. Her hair was partly up and she had some fresh white orchids on one side. She had bought special diamond earrings that hung just above the silken neckline and her bare arms were holding a bouquet of flowers.

"I don't have the words to tell you how beautiful you look right now," Mac confesses as she nears them. "I am honored to have you as my wife," Mac concludes.

Stella takes in the heartfelt words and feels her heart skip a beat and her stomach tighten. "I think I am the lucky one Mac to have a man like you in my life," she tells him softly as she leans in, planting a kiss on his lips and allowing Millie one of many intimate photographs for them to keep and cherish.

"You both make me so very proud and happy," Millie comes in and hugs them both. "Stella, my darling daughter you look like an angel, truly stunning."

"Thank you Millie," Stella gives her mother in law another hug and kiss. Then it was time to grab their coats and bags and head downstairs and get into the waiting limousine and then off to the hotel. It was the Long Island Hotel as that one had an amazing room overlooking the water and offered the best package for the modest wedding affair.

Once they arrive Mac and Stella give their bags to the Hotel Concierge to take care of while Millie goes in search of the professional photographer to let him know the bridal couple had arrived.

"Hey Mac you're late," Flack teases as he approaches them. "Did you uh…test out the limo?"

"With my mother inside?"

"Ah yeah…no that would…be..."

"Very wrong," Mac adds and all three adults laugh.

"Stella, you look amazing," Flack praises as he gives his close friend and the woman he considers a sister a warm hug. They are then ushered away for some pictures, while Flack is left to greet the arriving guests and show them where they are were allowed to sit.

About an hour later after they had finished their pictures they head, hand in hand, into the main reception area where they are greeted with a warm round of applause as Flack introduces them as Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. Mac and Stella take their seats at the same table as the Garrett's, Millie, Reed, Mira and of course Levi. Lucy had begged to sit by the sweet little boy, dressed in a rented black suit, but was told by her mother she could see him afterward.

The served meal was of course five star, the bridal table eating first, but everyone really not having to wait too long to enjoy the food and drink offerings. As they really didn't have a color picked out, the hotel used seasonal offerings of dark blues and silver, a color mixing that both later commented was stunning. Just before the meal was over both of them stood up and offered a few words of thanks, for the love, support and encouragement they had received from all their family, friends and of course the team.

"We couldn't have done a lot of this without your love and support," Stella best summed it up before it was time to just finish the meal. Neither of them wanted to make heartfelt confessions; both agreeing to save their loving words for in private if needed. It wasn't something that should be forced, and although that was Mac's rouse to get out of saying anything too personal, Stella did agree that love didn't run on an agenda; it had it's own.

After the dinner was over, most rested with some coffee, tea and dessert and just relaxed before the dance floor was cleared and it was time for the first dance.

"May I have this dance?" Mac asks softly as he extends his hand for his wife to take. Her fingers curl around his and she allows him to lead her to the dance floor and then both start to gently sway to the music; each locking eyes with the other and offering a showdown of contentment and love.

"Thank you for tonight Stella."

"Mac you helped with most."

"For being here with me and making this happen," he confides in her ear, drawing a smile to her face instantly.

"There is no where else I'd rather be," she admits in truth. "So I guess I should thank you also."

They finish their dance and soon it's time for the rest of the couples to join in, Lucy immediately at Levi's side, the small boy strapped into his chair so that his parents could at least dance once or twice. The little girl was kept very busy telling the happy baby boy all about the event and what everyone was doing.

Lev's eyes would shift from watching Lucy with adoration to watching his parents to watching everything else that was going on. His arms would excitedly flail about and his lips would offer happy jabbers about nothing in general. Next it was Danny's turn to take Lucy in his arms and dance and Mac and Stella to hold Levi between them as they twirled around on the dance floor. Flack took him for a fast dance and between him, Adam and Sheldon, Levi laughed and squealed as he endured a mock mosh-pit of arms. Finally Millie took him and rocked him to sleep, Lucy curled up on a chair beside her as the music turned to a more of an upbeat tempo and the dancing continued for a few more hours, both Mac and Stella enjoying their friends and family for as long as allowed.

Then it was time for the bride and groom to say their thanks and goodnights to their guests and head upstairs to enjoy the rest that the evening had to offer.

"So before we start," Mac mentions with a small smile as he stands before Stella in the beautiful bridal suite. "I have something for you. A wedding present."

Stella watches as Mac pulls out a small black velvet box and then slowly opens it to reveal a modest diamond engagement ring with a matching wedding band, both in white gold. "For my amazing wife," Mac whispers as he slowly removes the plain band of gold and starts to slide up the pair of elegant rings. "Now we are an official couple," Mac looks up with a tender smile. "I love you Stella Taylor," he whispers warmly.

"Oh Mac I love them so much," she utters in a dearly dead tone, her eyes glistening with happy tears. "Do you have one?"

"I do," Mac answers with a soft smirk as he pulls out another box. He watches as Stella takes his matching white gold wedding band and replace the plain one on his left hand with the one that matched hers.

"The gift I have for you isn't material Mac," she states warmly. And then much to his surprise she take his ringed hand and places it upon her belly and looks up with a smile. "Now we are an official family. I love you Mac Taylor."

"What?"

"We are going to have a baby Mac, a family of our very own. I am sorry I didn't tell you earlier, I wanted it to be a surprise for tonight."

And no more words were said as their lips met and two worlds collided once more in a single showdown of heated passion.

A/N: Okay so one more chappy to go. Hope you are all still liking this and stay tuned for more and please review before you go.

PS: New York Stories II was just updated.