Title: Beauty & The Beast
Chapter 25 – Waiting to Exhale
A/N: Just an aside that tomorrow is my 10 year anniversary here on fanfiction yay! wow 10 years. Hope you all enjoy this update and thanks so much!
*bang*
Time seems to slow for them all as Mac, Don and Frankie all fire at the same time. Mac's shot takes Frankie in the stomach while Don takes his in the heart – Frankie falling to the ground dead. But Frankie's aim which was meant to be a kill shot for Stella is hindered by his body faltering thanks to the two bullets entering his frame, causing his bullet to be sent off course and sent into the flesh of another – a much more innocent being.
"ISAAC!" Stella's shrill voice is heard, shattering the few seconds of silence following the bullets. Mac quickly turns and gasps in horror at Stella kneeling beside Isaac's body as blood starts to show on the floor.
"Oh god not…Isaac, no!" Mac shouts as he immediately drops the gun and hurries toward Stella and Isaac, Isabella now racing down the stairs toward her family.
"Mummy!" Isabella cries as she nears them.
"Isaac," Stella moans as Mac's fingers start to inspect where Isaac was shot.
"Is he…"
"Just the shoulder I think…oh god it can't be lower," Stella states in anguish.
Mac finally finds the cut skin, the bullet had gone right through the top part of small shoulder blade, but it wasn't to be a fatal shot and it had missed the bone. "He's gonna be okay."
"Mummy," Isaac wails. "Hurts."
"I know sweetie, we are going to make it all better right now."
"Don, take him to the ER," Sully directs as he looks down at Mac who had grabbed a nearby jacket to wrap Isaac in. "You'll be faster than waiting for a bus. I'll stay here and clean this all up."
"Thanks Sul," Don nods as he calls both Sheldon and Dr. Adams at the hospital, telling them to prepare for their arrival.
"Mummy hurts," Isaac continues to sob as Don kneels beside them with a first aid kit.
"Here apply this and let's go," Don tells them in haste.
"Stella I'm so sorry," Mac states in misery as he looks at his future wife with regret.
Stella looks past Mac to Frankie's fallen frame and then back at him with a small strained smile. "We are all truly free now. Thank you."
"Hey save the mutual admiration society for later…" Don lightly growls. "We gotta go."
"Isabella and I will meet you there."
"We can all fit…now lets move," Don directs as Mac gathers up Isaac in his arms, the crude bandage holding.
"You're gonna be okay Isaac," Mac praises as he kisses the top of his head.
"Hurts daddy," Isaac moans as his shoulder burns each time he moves.
"I know my son and I'm so sorry," he whispers as they race outside. "You'll feel better very soon.
Stella's head slightly cocks to the right, her ears wondering Mac had actually called Isaac my son but her brain saying it was something else sounding similar. Mac and Stella climb into the back holding Isaac and although Isabella wasn't supposed to be in the front, in light of the emergency situation, they would have to argue protocol later.
"Mummy," Isaac continues to cry as tears run down his flushed cheeks and pool in the fabric of the jacket he was wrapped in.
"It's gonna be okay," Stella tries to soothe, gently brushing away tears from his reddened cheeks. "I love you sweetie."
"It hurts."
"I know it does, but I promise that very soon it'll be all better," Stella says as she looks up at Mac with a weak smile. "Mac I'm sorry."
"The only one to blame for all this is dead," Mac replies firmly. "It's over now. Our son was very brave," he mentions warmly and Stella's smile grows. "Has his mother's determination."
"More like her unwillingness to listen."
"That too," Mac slightly smirks before his face turns serious again. "Frankie fixed the car."
"I figured and there was about five minutes after the car had broken down that a big semi-trailer had come down the road and plowed right into the car."
"What?" Mac asks in shock. "But how did…"
"I got out and waited on the other side and then Don came. Frankie set it all up; he wanted me to die the same as Claire."
"Bastard," Mac curses under his breath before offering Isaac an apologetic glance. "I'm glad it's over now."
Stella leans forward, her fingers grasping Isabella's hand and squeezing it. "And how's my brave girl?"
"She likes the lights," Don lightly chuckles.
"Is Isaac gonna be okay?" Isabella twists herself around to look at the three of them crowded in the backseat.
"Well he's gonna be sore for a while and won't be able to be as active outside as he was say yesterday, but he's gonna be just fine," Stella assures her as she leans forward and gives Isabella a kiss.
"Isaac told me to stay in the closet but I couldn't mummy…I couldn't," she shakes her head as her eyes start to water. "I was too scared. I'm sorry."
"Hey don't be," Stella leans forward as best she can and tries to comfort her daughter. "You were such a brave girl tonight and you did so well," she whispers as she kisses her cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too mummy."
They finally reach the ER entrance where both Sheldon and Dr. Adams were waiting with a ready stretcher.
"Mummy!" Isaac calls out as he's laid on the stretcher and then looks up at the two strange faces.
"I'm right here sweetie and I'm coming with you."
Stella holds his free hand as she rushes into the ER treatment area with Sheldon and Dr. Adams, Mac and Isabella waiting with Don. Macs arms hold Isabella tightly against him, his brain biting back the painful throbbing in his chest from the fight with Frankie.
"He's gonna be fine," Don tries to assure Mac with a squeeze of his shoulder.
"I know Don and thank you," Mac looks at him seriously. "Thank you for helping Stella and for your timing tonight."
"Just lucky it all went our way."
"Yeah me too," Mac sighs heavily.
"Okay I'll let you go and wait, I'll take care of the necessary paperwork and then head back to help Sully. See you later."
"Don if the power isn't on, there is a generator by the garage…well you know. Use it."
"I will."
Mac thanks his friend and then carries Isabella to a bench in the waiting area and slowly lowers them down to a seated position.
"Where's Isaac?" She asks in a sad tone.
"He's getting his wound fixed," Mac tries to explain as his fingers tenderly brush away a tear soaked curl from her flushed cheek. "He's gonna be okay. Just rest now," Mac whispers as he pulls her back down onto his shoulder, his fingers gently stroking her back. "You both were very brave tonight."
"I didn't listen," Isabella moans as she twists her head and looks up at Mac. "Will mummy be mad?"
"No she won't," Mac answers with a warm smile.
"Are you mad at me?"
"No I'm not mad at you. You were scared and I think under the circumstances it was to be expected. Just rest now, I promise you won't get into trouble."
"I'm sorry daddy," Isabella lightly sobs as she buries her face into his shirt and cries; Mac's heart breaking with every little sob that is uttered. A few minutes later Mac looks up to see Stella walking toward them, Isabella looking up with a bright smile as her mother nears.
"Well?" Mac asks in haste as Stella sits down beside him and their free hands instantly clasp.
"He's gonna be just fine," Stella assures them as she leans in and first kisses Isabella on the cheek and then Mac. "You saved them tonight."
"It was close," Mac confesses in truth. "But both did so well."
"I know," Stella leans back on the bench, shaking her head. "Can't believe he'd stoop that low."
"It was a mighty desperate act," Mac answers with a deep frown. "He shoulda stayed away but his hatred and need for revenge got in the way. I guess he figured he could use the storm to his advantage and then fly away with the last laugh."
"Well I'm glad he's gone," Stella hisses before she looks back at her daughter who only looks up at her with wide hazel eyes. "You'll never have to see that bad man again."
"Promise?" Isabella asks wearily.
"I promise," Stella smiles.
The three of them remain on the bench, while Jessica helps Sheldon under the oversight of Dr. Adams as they work on little Isaac Bonasera. Don and Sully, now accompanied by Millie, Sid and Alice at the Taylor estate, cleaning up the mess before the beleaguered returns home. Finally Don and Sully accompany Frankie's body to the coroner, the while the other three remain; the power finally coming back on an hour later.
Mac looks up as a nurse approaches, Isabella asleep on his chest and Stella's head resting on his shoulder.
"Mr. Taylor?"
"How's my son?" Mac asks in haste, prompting Stella to look up in surprise before she turns to the nurse. "Where's Jessica?"
"Your son is fine and Jessica is just helping him get ready to be taken home tonight."
"He's allowed to come home?" Stella interjects.
"Yes he was very lucky," Dr. Adams's smooth voice is heard from behind, making Mac shift Isabella to Stella and quickly stand up.
"Thank you Ben."
"Ah Sheldon did all the hard work. But the bullet was small and made a clean exit, miraculously it didn't shatter his shoulder blade. He'll be sore for a few weeks and won't be able to do anything that pulls or strains it in the next week for sure but he can go home tonight. Getting here when you did saved blood loss."
"Can I see him?"
"Of course," Dr. Adams answers kindly.
Mac turns back to Stella who nods for him to go. "We'll wait here. Go get our son."
"Okay," Mac smiles back as he turns and follows after Dr. Adams.
"Your son," Dr. Adams gently pats Mac on the back, "is surprisingly a lot like you, charming but very stubborn."
"Ben, he's not…"
"Mac," Dr. Adams stops and looks at him directly, "why are you arguing? He will be soon enough right?"
"He will," Mac answers softly as they enter the ER operating area where Sheldon was just wrapping up Isaac in a warm sweatshirt for the drive home.
"Daddy," Isaac states sadly as Mac walks up to the bed and gives Sheldon a smile.
"Hey big guy," Mac says with affection, garnering an approving smile from both Sheldon and Dr. Adams but nothing verbal, no other words were needed. The two men take their leave; Mac alone with Isaac for a few moments before Stella and Isabella would join them.
"How do you feel Isaac?"
"Hurts daddy," Isaac looks up with a sad stare, his large hazel eyes wanting to water once more. "I'm sorry."
"You did nothing wrong," Mac tries to assure him.
"I didn't listen," he whimpers softly as Mac leans in closer before wrapping his arms around the small boys shaking frame, pushing his cheek against his for a bit extra warmth and affection.
"I love you very much Isaac, you were very brave today," Mac insists, knowing that Isaac would probably have a few nightmares as it was and not wanting to add further burden by making him feel guilty for not listening and staying in the closet, thus getting himself shot.
Mac glances to his right to see Stella enter with Isabella in her arms as they hurry up to the bed, Stella placing Belle on the bed beside Isaac; both twin siblings embracing immediately. Mac pulls Stella into his arms and holds her close for the first time of the night since the whole trying ordeal started.
"I love you so much," Stella whispers as she kisses Mac's cheek and then no caring about those around, presses her mouth to his and hungrily crushes his lips with hers.
"Mummy's kissing daddy," Isaac whispers as he and Belle break out into a bout of giggles.
"Don just called, he said your home is all cleared up and the power should be back on when we get to my place but your power isn't on yet."
"Well I think to your place is where we'll be heading then."
"Soon to be our place," Mac whispers as his lips nudge her ear, making her smile.
"I wanna go home," Isaac moans.
"Let's go," Mac says softly as he picks up Isaac and cradles him in his arms.
"Mac your ribs," Stella frowns.
"They'll hold my son until we get to the cab," Mac looks down at Isaac who looks up and smiles before his head rests on Mac's chest. "Let's go home," Mac turns to Stella and says.
Stella's arm slips through Mac's her right hand taking hold of Belle as they head for the exit.
"I'll drive you guys home," Jessica pipes up from behind as she hurries up to them and gives Stella a hug. "I'm off shift now anyways."
The four of them follow after Jessica to her car and all carefully pile in, this time Mac in the front with Stella in the back with both children. True to Don's word as soon as Mac pushes the large wooden front door open, they are only greeted by warm hugs from Millie, no body or blood in sight.
"It's over now Mac," Don assures him as he greets them and then walks over to Jessica. "You know Danny and family will be by in the morning."
"They're waiting that long?" Mac retorts.
"I ordered them," Don smirks. "Alright I'll leave you guys to it. Goodnight."
With the power finally back on, it was time to bring the exciting evening to a close. Millie and then Sid each take turns giving copious hugs and kisses to the children; Alice also giving a few before she kindly says her goodnights, Sid offering to drive her home and then head back to his own darkened home, at least that's what he told everyone.
"I'll make a nice big breakfast in the morning," Millie tells them, getting another hug and kiss from Belle and a sleepy smile from Isaac. "Goodnight."
Stella picks up Isaac and cradles him as Mac takes Isabella's hand and the four of them slowly climb up the stairs to the large master bedroom.
"Can I sleep with you daddy?" Isaac asks in a somewhat sad tone.
Stella looks over at him and frowns, but after the trying events of the past few hours couldn't blame her son for not wanting to sleep on his own; she wouldn't want to either.
"Well I think the bed is big enough for all of us to sleep in it."
"Me too?"
"You too," Mac smiles down at Isabella.
"And what about mummy?"
"Well she can come too," Mac winks at Isabella who smiles widely in return. "If she wants."
"Oh she wants," Stella teases in return.
Mac's mind races with a small panic just as Stella goes to open the door, wondering what state the children would have left it in before Isaac came to see what the commotion was. But thankfully as he pushes the door open he sees that his mother who had gotten a few things from Stella's place had laid out some pajamas for the kids, beside it a small bag for Stella and the rest of the room was cleaned up.
"I'll change with Isabella in the bathroom if you want to help Isaac," Stella suggests as she leans in and kisses Mac on the cheek.
"I'm tired," Isaac moans as Mac slowly starts to undress him, careful with his bandaged arm as he tries to pull on a button up pajama top. Isaac watches silently as Mac's fingers carefully do up the buttons before looking up at Mac directly.
"What is it Isaac?" Mac asks softly.
"I love you daddy," Isaac whispers, prompting Mac's eyes to instantly produce soft tears as he sits on the bed beside Isaac and wraps his arms around him, holding him close.
"I love you too my son," Mac whispers tenderly as he kisses the top of his head. He then helps Isaac into bed just as Stella and Isabella reappear from the bathroom dressed and ready for bed. "I'll be right back," Mac tells Stella as he heads past her toward his large walk-in closet and then disappears inside.
A few minutes later he pulls on a pair of dark sweatpants and then reaches for a t-shirt just as the door opens. He looks up to see Stella's smiling face appearing as she enters.
"Sorry."
"It's okay," Mac tells her in a quiet tone as she closes the doors behind her. Within seconds, Stella was in his arms, their lips locked and the heat between their bodies instantly rising.
"I love you Mac," Stella whispers as she pulls back for a few moments, their eyes locked.
"I kept my family safe," he confesses with a firm nod. "But I'm sorry I got Isaac hurt."
"Frankie did," Stella assures him as she kisses him once more. "But he's gone now and now we can finally just concentrate on us."
Mac's hands gently cup her face as his brings her lips to his once more, hungrily crushing them but cursing himself for wanting more when there were two tired children only a few feet away. "I want you…all of you," he confesses as his forehead rests upon hers.
"I'm free this weekend," she answers with a small giggle, bringing a broad smile to his face before he kisses her once more.
"As it turns out I am too," he winks.
"How are you feeling?" Stella asks in concern as she looks at the bandages on his chest that had shifted when he was carrying Isaac.
"Sore," he admits in truth. "But Stella when Isaac was hurt…"
"I know you wanted to hold him," she answers for him. "And I love you even more for it."
"He's my son now Stella…no matter what," Mac nods. "I love them both as if they were my own."
"And when you get your own?" She asks with a coy smile.
"I'll love all my children equally," he replies as he takes her into his arms and holds her close once more. "But not quite as much as I love you."
They remain locked in each other's arms for a few more moments before quietly leaving the closet and heading toward the large bed where the two children were already asleep in the middle of it.
"Guess I know who I'm sleeping by," Mac sighs.
"That would be me," Stella whispers in an undertone as she gently rearranges her children, who in their sleepy state don't seem to mind being repositioned by their mother. "And since tomorrow is Friday and they'll be missing, sleeping is in order."
"No arguments here," Mac replies softly as he watches Stella slowly climb in beside Isaac, leaving enough room for Mac to crawl in beside her. As soon as he does his arms pull her close, placing her head on his shoulder and kissing the top of her head. "Goodnight Stella."
"Goodnight Mac," she answers quietly in return before the light is turned off and sleep starts to commence. But about an hour into their sleep, as predicted Isaac's little lips utter a terrorized cry, instantly pulling Mac from his sleep, turning on the light and allowing Stella to roll over to look at her son, who's wet eyes were wide with fright.
"Mummy…scared," Isaac whimpers sadly as Stella cradles her son in his arms.
"It's okay sweet boy," Stella's lips nuzzle his ear as she soothes him. Isabella snuggles closer into her mother's frame as Mac gets out of the bed, puts on a small nightlight and then crawls back in beside Stella and Isaac. Fatigue takes over once again as soon as the lights are turned out but it isn't long before it's Isabella's turn to let out a cry of fright and Isaac is shifted between Mac and Stella as the little girl wanted only her mother's arms to keep her safe for the rest of the night. And by the time the morning had come, all four were slowly waking up but not really rested.
Mac's eyes open first, looking at Isaac's small peaceful face asleep on his chest, his bandaged shoulder slightly covered by the quilt but still showing enough of the bandage for the adult male to feel instant remorse. He slowly twists his head and looks over at Stella who was waking up, watching her with an adoring smile and feeling his heart for her instantly swell. Her warm emerald orbs fully open and greet him with a happy smile, before she looks at her son and slightly frowns.
"Morning," Stella tries to greet him in a quiet tone.
"Mor…" Mac's lips slightly purse just as Isaac's eyes slowly open and look up at him.
"Hi daddy," he greets with a sleepy tone.
"Morning!" Isabella's shrill voice is heard before she pushes herself to her feet and starts to jump on the end of the large bed.
"Be careful Belle," Stella slightly scolds before turning to Isaac who was trying in vain to stand up and jump as well. "No jumping for you."
"But mummy," he moans before turning to Mac for his answer.
"No jumping until that arm heals," Mac confirms, getting a sad pout from Isaac in return. "Oh that face isn't fair," Mac huffs as Stella's finger playfully jabs her son in the side, making his small lips twist upward. "Well I have to take it easy today also," Mac states in truth. "So how about we just sit by and watch the girls play?"
"Not fair," Isaac shakes his head in frustration, making Mac ruffle his hair and just laugh at the mock pout. But Isaac's pout soon disappears and he starts to laugh as he watches his sister trying to cheer him up.
Mac and Stella edge themselves up so they are sitting against the headboard watching the children laughing and talking to each other.
"Friday at last," Stella sighs as her head leans against Mac's shoulder. "I am going to call in sick today so that you don't have to take on the burden of babys…" she starts and then stops.
"What?"
"Mac I'm sorry."
"For what?" He asks with a wondering glance.
"I didn't mean to make it sound like you were still…"
"A temporary visitor in their lives?"
"Mac I'm sorry," Stella frowns as her fingers intertwine with his. "I just didn't want you to have to look after them all day alone after all this."
"You know I don't mind right?"
"I know that," Stella nods. "I just…"
"Right…you don't really believe that I am serious that I want to stay here with you and them and be a permanent part of their lives and yours."
"No Mac…that's not it," Stella tries to argue back.
"Are you sure?" Mac arches his brows in retort.
"You are wonderful with them and I know you love them and I do believe you when you say you love me."
"But…"
"No…no buts, Mac I'm tired and didn't mean to imply…" her voice trails off and ends with a frustrated sigh.
"Okay I think I know how to fix this," Mac looks over at her with a small smile before he slowly pushes himself out of bed, making both children stop and then look at their mother for an answer as to where Mac was going.
"Mac don't go, I'm sorry," Stella moans as she watches him head for his closet and then just shakes her head. But a few seconds later, his reappears with his fists closed and a pensive look on his face. "I didn't mean to offend," Stella sighs as she looks at Mac's cryptic expression.
"You think I'm mad?"
"You are a part of us Mac…a big part."
"But not the most important – yet," he slightly smirks as he nears the bed, making Stella sit up as he nears, wondering why he doesn't sit down but stands by the side.
"I really did have something more special planned…you can ask Jessica," Mac nervously stammers. "I really wanted um…well something different for this moment but I can't wait a second longer," Mac pauses before he drops to one knee, making both children peer over the edge of the bed and Stella to quickly sit up and swing her legs over, her heart already racing at top speed in anticipation.
"I love you Stella, more than anything. You have taken me from the darkness and brought me back into the light," he warmly confesses. "I owe this second chance to you and know that my heart belongs only to you. You are my life. So...Stella Bonasera," Mac slowly opens the black velvet box to reveal the custom made engagement ring, "will you marry me?"
With large tears forcing her eyes to sparkle and her lips displaying a wide grin of happiness, her head nods even before her mouth utters the one word that he wanted to hear.
"Yes."
Mac holds his breath for about a second until he hears her affirmative answer and then takes her in his arms and finally allows himself to exhale. Their happy ending was only a heartbeat away.
A/N: Okay yay to Frankie being dead and Stella saying yes! Hope you were all a bit surprised by Isaac but of course he'd be okay. Stay tuned as we work toward a happy ending and please do review before you go and thanks so much!