Chapter 7: Confessions

"Going to tell you that I love you

In the best way that I can"

"If I lost you, it'd be worse than when I lost Claire," Mac admits, walking to the edge of the roof. "I know it shouldn't be like that; she was my wife, and you're my best friend. But I'm sure it would be."

She stands a little way behind him, arms wrapped around herself and shivering. "I know you loved her, Mac; she meant a lot to you."

"So do you. Sometimes I think you mean more than she did."

"It just seems that way since she's not here."

He turns around to look at her, realizing how cold she is. He pulls his jacket off and puts it around her shoulders. "You were there for me after she was killed. I wouldn't have anyone if you were to go."

"The rest of the team would be there for you."

Shaking his head, he says, "They don't understand me like you do. We… have some weird connection that I don't understand. I guess it's from years of working together."

Stella reaches up to brush her hair out of her face. The wind knocks it back though. "I think it's because we're both so… guarded, we only open up to each other."

He gently brushes her curly hair from her face. "You're beautiful, Stel. I always wondered why you never really had a boyfriend."

"I do have quite a few ask, and most of them I do at least go on one date with. Second dates occasionally. But since… he came after me, I don't accept much. I was still reluctant even with Drew; I guess I had good reason there."

"Do you think… I have a chance?" he asks timidly.

"Of course you do, Mac. You'll find someone eventually. You may not love her like you loved Claire, but she'll respect that if she really does love you," she smiles encouragingly at him.

"That's not exactly what I meant," Mac looks out across the sky.

"A chance for what then?"

"A chance to… to be with you."

She freezes, not sure how to respond. "I… I've never… never really thought about that."

"If you don't think so, just tell me."

"You have just as much chance as any other guy. Maybe a little more since I know there's nothing wrong with you."

"Nothing wrong with me?"

"Yeah, you're not crazy and you have good hygiene."

"So, uh, how do we start?"

"You haven't asked me out yet."

"Would you like to join me for dinner, Stella?"

"Now?"

"Well, I figured we'd watch the sunset and then go to dinner," he takes her hand.

"Sure."

They walk to the edge of the roof. He stands behind her, arms wrapped around her waist. "Still cold?"

Stella rests her head against his shoulder. "No, I'm okay now."

As the sun sinks lower in the sky, he tightens his grip on her. "I love you," he whispers.

"Mac," she turns her head awkwardly to look at him. "Can you loosen your arms a little?"

"Oh, sorry," he completely lets go of her, afraid he'll cause her pain.

She remains close to him as the light finally falls under the horizon. "I guess we should go."

"Okay."

Neither heads to the door leading inside. Mac moves in front of her, his arms embracing her. She puts her arms slowly around him. After a moment, they lean back to look at each other. Their lips meet as they lean forward for what feels like eternity. The kiss is slow and gently yet filled with passion and longing.

Stella pulls away first, resting her forehead in his shoulder. "I love you too, Mac."

His lips brush her temple. "So we're officially dating?"

"Yes."

"And you're okay with all this?"

"I kissed you back, didn't I?"

A/N: Like every time I log in this thing has changed. It's getting annoying. Anyway... finally they're together... so now they have to figure out if she can have kids or not... at least I think that's next... I don't remember. But it's not going to end up like housewives where the lady was told she wouldn't be able to have kids and then magically a few years later she gets pregnant... twice. And doesn't have a miscarriage. What's new... we got a one at states so marching is officially over... well, not quite. We have to go play for the little fifth graders tomorrow and be proud of what we do because come Wednesday, we might not be able to do it anymore. We have a big school levy... and they have to make serious cuts if it doesn't pass. I don't know how it'll really affect us... other than we won't be able to use the buses for competitions. Maybe we won't have to go to away games... and we probably won't be able to have Wednesday night practices if the buildings have to close earlier. And the fee for band will be higher. Yeah, so... what else... I'm still waiting for teachers to put in grades. I have an eighty-nine point seven eight percent in English. He still have three one hundred point things to put in. I'm going to be so mad if I'm still that close and he doesn't give us back the points from the one question on the previous test that no one knew the answer to because we never discussed it. He said it wouldn't change anyone's grade because it was only three points, but he doubled it so it was really six. And I think that wouldnt' give me an A right now... Math I'm pretty sure is a B because like thirty more points isn't going to raise my grade four percent. Although since it's an AP class, I think it either comes up as an A or I'll still have a 4.0 GPA, assuming I get an A in English. I guess that's all... Maybe Tuesday I'll update... or Wednesday.... sometime before next weekend. My cat is laying on the floor and she looks dead. Please review.