Chapter 20

Leaving the Hospital Stella asked...

"Where are you taking me Mac?"

"You'll see Stella. You trust me right?"

"I trust you with my life Mac. I always have."

"Then trust me when I say you will love it."

When they arrived at the Zoo Stella was confused.

"The Zoo?? Why are we here Mac. They're closed."

"I know sweetheart. But I made a special arangement with them. Now close your eyes and no peeking."

Closing her eyes he brought her to the table.

"Okay Stella. Open them."

Opening her eyes she cried. Never had she seen anything so beautiful. The table was decorated in a beautiful lace, along with the napkins. The glasses where plastic Champagne, and the plates were paper. But what set off her tears were the candles. They were in the shape of hearts interlocked with each other.

"Oh Mac. This is beautiful."

"Thank you. Your seat my lady."

Sitting down Mac reached behind and pulled out a small boom box. Playing the music he smiled and lifted the dinner tray. Inside was two hotdogs with the works. Just like they had that day.

"Aww..Mac. Even the hotdogs. How did you do all this? And why?"

He was nervous now. He could feel his nerves begin to dance. Getting down on his knee, he said...

"Stella....I know it seems like a whisper of time has only gone by. But during that time it felt like we already started our forever. I only wish we hadn't waited so long to realize we were in love. What I'm trying to say is that I want to spend the rest of my life you. I want to spend every waking, every sleeping moment with you. I want us to have a family, a dog, even some cats. But most of all I want you to marry me Stella. I want you to "Always be my forever. Marry me Stella."

Pulling the ring from his pocket, he opened the box. Lifting it out he showed her the inscription inside. As she read it she cried again.

"Always my Forever. Oh Mac. That's so beautiful. Yes. Yes I'll marry you. Yes I'll be your forever."

Slipping the ring onto her finger he kissed it. Then pulling her up into his arms he gently pulled her close and passionately kissed her. So deep into each other as the music filled the Zoo around them, leaving them swaying long into the night.

After finishing their hotdogs they headed home. Unlocking the door Mac picked her up and carried her.

"This is for practice Stella."

"You've done wonderful Mac. Everything was so romantic, so well thought out. How could you think I wouldn't marry you? I love you Mac, always."

"I know that Stel. I just wasn't sure if it was to soon. The last thing I wanted to do was scare you. Or have you shy away from what we already shared."

"I'd never shy away Mac. That much I can honestly say."

"So I guess the next thing to plan is when."

"Hmm..I know. How about this exact day next year. That way we would never forget tonight."

"I like that sweetheart. So November 8th 2009 we will be .Taylor."

"Yes we will Mac. Now love me please. Take me to our room and love me."

Picking her up in his arms, he carried her up to bed. Where he loved her in fevered passion till the light shone through their window bringing their wedding date one more day closer to a future full of passion and love.

The End.

Epi

November 8th 2009

He was waiting at the alter as Sid appeared with her on his arm. Watching her waddle down the aisle placed a sweet loving smile on his face. For here was his Stella, carrying their first child within her. A child that would know what true passionate love was made from. A child that would know his parents were rooted from the strongest values and the most compassionate souls. A child that would soon become known as Mitchell Mackenzie Taylor.