As Stella fell deeper into sleep, she found herself wandering in a garden. A beautiful garden that smelled of warmth and sweetness. Turning around, she seen Mac standing there, all dressed in a white suit. Nearing her side, he reached his hand out to her.

"Don't be scared love. I'm right here with you. Take my hand and walk with me. Let's say goodbye together."

Stella could feel the pain fill her heart, yet she couldn't cry. Something about this place kept the pain at bay. Leaving behind only love. The love of her husband. Nearing a little of the garden, Stella seen the blanket spread out along the garden. Lowering her to it, he sat behind her, wrapping her in his warmth.

"I miss you Mac, We never had the chance to say goodbye. Even our children and grandchildren were left without a goodbye. I don't understand why you had to leave us so soon."

"I often wondered that myself love. It was just my time to leave and come home. I need you to know sweetheart. There is no pain here, no ache or tiredness. I'm alive, more alive then I have felt in years. I have so much love filling my heart right now from all of you. I hear each one of you as you reminese and talk. I feel each one of you, when you show your pain. I'll never leave you love. You or our children. I'll always be in your souls. That will never disappear, ever. Your memories and thoughts will keep me alive forever in each one of you. You need to remember sweetheart that everything you touch, see, or smell in our home is part of me. It's part of the world we created from our passionate love. That can never disappear love. I'm everywhere, especially in our children."

Turning her in his arms, he softly touched his lips to hers. So soft that it felt like a butterfly fluttering its wings.

"Mmac... I don't want to leave you, please... I love you." she cried in her sleep.

"Mom... mom wake up. Wake up mom," called Alan.

Opening her eyes, she felt the tingle still embraced within her lips. She felt the warmth and scent that was her husband, everywhere upon her.

"Are you okay, mom? You were calling dad." said Alan.

Looking into her sons eyes, she cried. "It's fine son. Go back to sleep. I love you."

Snuggling back under his moms neck, he could smell the lightest scent of his father all over his mothers clothes.

.........................................................

The following morning was a day of hell. While half the family ran around preparing breakfast, the other half dressed the kids for the viewing this afternoon. Then they had the memorial and burial for family, that evening.

"Does anyone know where mom is?" asked Claire.

"She headed over to the funeral home with Alan. They're having dad buried in his uniform and medals. She also took a huge armful of photos, I'm not sure what for though, said Tony.

"Auntie... is papa being put in the family crypt with daddy, mom and the others?" asked Jessie.

"Mhm... that's where all the Taylor's go sweetheart. Do you know why papa and nana chose a crypt for the family?"

"No... why auntie?"

"So they could come out at night and party or talk about us," winked Claire.

"Honest auntie? I think you're being silly," said Jessie.

Tony wrapped his wife protectively in his arms. "That's was sweet of you, baby. I know how hard this is for you, especially missing your dad."

"I know Tony, I miss him so much. But I need to stay strong for mom. She's going to need alot of help." said Claire.

"Just don't forget about yourself in between, baby. Think of our child you're carrying. You need to make sure you take care of yourself too."

"I will Tony, don't worry. I'm going to get Graham and Bryan dressed. I'll be back."

Watching his wife walk away, Tony could see her tears form once more.

.......................................................

Over at the funeral home, Stella passed the uniform to the dresser. Holding Mac's medals, Stella waited with Alan till they came to get her. Walking into the chapel, Stella neared the open casket with Alan. Looking at Mac, you would swear he was sleeping. He looked so handsom and had a beautiful glow over his body.

Taking out the medals, Stella pinned them on his jacket, following the picture. Once she placed on the last one, she took all the photos she brought from home of the children, grandchildren, and CSI family. Pasting them onto the inside of his beautiful casket, so he would have have them all with him everyday.

"Alan where is the big one of the family?" asked Stella.

"It's right here mom. Did you want me to place it on the stand?"

"Mhm... dad would like that. So come have a look at daddy. Tell me what you think?" smiled Stella as she cried.

Nearing the casket, Alan looked over tearing up. "He looks so peacful mom. It looks like he's just sleeping. Can I touch him?"

"Mhm... very carefully though, you don't want to take off his facial powder."

Reaching for his fathers hand, he layed his over top, then leaning toward his fathers face he whispered... "I love you dad, and I promise to take good care of mom for you." Giving his father a kiss on the lips, he reached for his mom and held her. Turning toward the door, Stella and Alan tried their best to greet the visitors and friends who came to say goodbye.

tbc...