Title: All I Need is You
Chapter 4 - Out with the Old, In with the New - Future!
A/N: so sorry I haven't updated this in a bit but back to regular updates so hopefully you're all still reading this story and enjoy this chapter as well. Thanks!
~Athens Greece~
"Dinner will be served shortly," Mac stated in haste as he hurried into the kitchen to get started. Stella watched with a smile before she pushed herself up and followed in after him. They chatted more about what they saw as Stella set the table and Mac started on warming their dinner. Stella poured some wine, and arranged a plate of fresh bread and some oil and vinegar for dipping before Mac carried two steaming plates to the table.
"Smells amazing Chef Taylor," she praised as he sat down beside her.
"Only the best for you."
"How is it?" Stella wondered as Mac silently ate his meal.
"Have to say not bad," Mac smiled.
"And you thought it would be what? Stale?"
"A little," he wrinkled his nose. "Sorry."
"You can make it up to me later," she teased.
They finished the rest of their and then retired into the living room once again; where Mac had already started the fire; the warmth would add to their warm slumber. This time Mac laid himself down on the soft couch and pulled Stella into his warm embrace. "Just close your eyes and rest until you want to wake me up," Mac told her as he kissed her cheek.
"And what if you're not rested yet my love?"
"Stella, when you're ready, I'll be also," he assured her as she just beamed under his loving words. She snuggled herself into his arms, closed her eyes and allowed the slow comforting rhythm of her husband's chest and heart beat to gently lull her to sleep.
A few hours later, Stella was the first to awaken. She opened her eyes and carefully looked up to see her husband still asleep; his handsome face at peace. His warm lips were slightly parted and his hair slightly messed up. Back in New York he hardly slept and she wondered if when they returned home, if he'd keep this habit and actually sleep with her right through the night; but she doubted it. Mac took his job and family responsibilities very seriously; sometimes too much and she still worried that if a new family was going to be on the way that he might have more problems sleeping than in the past. But he had mentioned that he wanted to try to learn to spend some time really relaxing and she just prayed that he kept true to what he said.
His body gently stirred in his sleep and his lips parted as he mumbled the word 'Stella' and her heart swelled. She felt her desire for him as it started to take hold and debated with herself if she should wake him up or just let him continue to sleep, knowing he needed his sleep more than he might admit. She looked at the fireplace and frowned as she noticed the fire as it started to die. She very carefully removed herself from her husband's grasp and wandered over to add a few more logs; the curtains already closed for intimate privacy.
When she looked back, Mac was awake and he watched her with a smile.
"Thank you," he noted as she slowly walked back up to him.
"Couldn't have my husband cold when we made love now could I? I would be a neglectful wife," she teased as Mac moved himself into a better position on the couch. Stella slowly straddled his waist and then leaned back as his knees came up to support her actions. She slowly removed her top and was rewarded with each movement as his smile continued to grow; as well as his desire for her.
She tossed her sweater aside and then looked down at him with a playful nod and he knew it was his turn. She helped him slowly pull off his golf shirt and then leaned in and planted warm kisses on his bare chest. "Mmm you're skin is nice and warm," she breathed as she gently nibbled a tender spot which forced him to suck in his stomach.
She moved her lips up his chest, gently sucking and nibbling until her lips met his, his fingers lost inside a tangle of messy curls. She started to devour his lips with hers; his fingers already starting to unbutton her jeans before moving to his own. Soon both were naked and locked in a passionate embrace as the evening passed.
"Come to me Mac," Stella gently begged as their bodies moved together as one. Stella's fingers grabbed Mac's hair at the nape of his neck and directed his lips back to hers, as they devoured them with all she had.
"Take me Stella," Mac gasped once more as her body arched into his as she willingly gave herself to her loving husband. She delighted in the moans his lips offered as she rewarded him with one last gasp and then the room was still.
"Mac..." Stella said as she planted one more warm kiss on his damp chest as her head rested on his shoulder. She loved the feeling of Mac's hands as they tenderly massaged her glistening skin, his lips as they whispered warm, loving words into her delighted ears.
She looked up at him one more time and he smiled down at her. "I love you Stella," he offered as she just beamed under his love. "Want to shower tonight?"
"I'm not in a hurry to get you off me Mac," Stella assured him and his arms tightened.
The fact that she wasn't in a hurry to wash off the evidence of their latest love making endeavor told him more than he could ever express to her in words or even actions. With saying another word, he carefully picked her up and carried her to the bed and then climbed in after her, pulling the covers over them as they curled up together; naked and content.
"Goodnight my Greek angel," Mac whispered into her ear as his lips nuzzled her neck.
"Goodnight my wonderful husband," Stella whispered in return as her lips displayed an unseen smile.
XXXXXXXX
The following morning both awoke early but lingered in bed; talking about what they saw and what the day ahead had in mind for them.
"Wouldn't mind a walk down the road," Stella mentioned after breakfast. "Visit the market and just relax?"
"Could be persuaded to join you," Mac smiled warmly.
An hour later, Stella leaned her head against the warmth of Mac's shoulder and closed her eyes, letting the sun continue to warm her as they slowly headed back to their villa. They arrived back at the villa and unloaded their items and then walked hand in hand back down to their private beach. Mac leaned against the tree and Stella pushed herself up against him, his arms wrapping around her to hold her close.
"Thinking about fatherhood again?"
"Actually I was thinking about Dario."
"Pardon?" Stella questioned, looking sideways at Mac in wonder. "Why?"
"He was part of the catalyst for all this. You know part of me always wanted his sorry ass to just sit in jail so that I could gloat to him that I had what I wanted and he had nothing," Mac starts with a hint of contempt. "But I know that is just petty vindictiveness and I am glad he's gone. His actions did rush things but I think even without his interference this is exactly where we would have been."
"Really?"
"Minus a few scrapes and bruises," Mac adds in a softer tone; his emotions calmed after talking about his deceased nemesis.
"Ah you mean character scars," Stella teased as Mac kissed her cheek. "Came close a few times with that one Mac."
"I know," he sighed as he leaned his head back against the tree. "I told myself as our married life progressed that I wouldn't take as many risks and chances."
"And how is that working for you?" Stella twisted her neck and arched a brow in wonder.
"Well I was going to say okay until you gave me that look," Mac lightly frowned and she smiled. "But I did say as many."
"Mac if we do get pregnant then..."
"Stella, I give you my word; things will change for both of us. I also want to be around to see our child grow up."
Stella smiled at the words her husband promised as she snuggled deeper into the warm confines of his embrace. They continued to enjoy the rest of the afternoon by the water, sometimes walking in it without shoes; or drawing funny shapes in the sand or resting in the shade; just being together.
"So for dinner tonight..." Stella started as they slowly climbed back up the hill, the sun starting to create a warm pinkish glow as it started to set.
"Yes?"
"We never did dinner in bed."
"I love the way your mind works," Mac praised as he looked up at her and smiled. They reached the top only to be greeted once again by their gracious host who at Mac's secret request had packed a picnic dinner that they would eat anywhere.
Stella thanked the hostess and then turned and looked at Mac in suspicion. "So..."
"What?"
"Did you plan this?"
"No," Mac lied, his face turning an automatic shade of red.
"Mac Taylor!" Stella gently scolded.
"It was um..."
"That's okay, just means no dinner in bed," she stated firmly as she turned to leave, a smile on her lips.
"What?" Mac asked weakly as he hurried after her. He gently grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. "I just asked if she could make a picnic supper for us, that's all."
Stella just smiled as she leaned in and kissed her husband on the lips. "You're quite the Lady charmer Mac Taylor. Tell me when did you..."
"When you were distracted with that fruit vendor early this morning," he admitted. "And it had nothing to do with charm," he stammered; once again betraying his boyish innocence to her.
"Right."
"Stella you have to be..." he rushed as she turned to walk away. He pulled her back against his body and gently twisted her around to face him before he planted a firm kiss on her tempting lips.
"Wow," she breathed. "And I was only joking."
"Oh," he huffed as he just shook his head and followed her inside. Once inside Stella went to open their goody basket while Mac headed into the bedroom to get things ready. He poured two glasses of wine and then hurried to get undressed and then lighted the few candles that had been left and lightly draped a sheet over his lower half as Stella walked into the room.
"Mmm now you'll have to do this for me when we are back home," she smiled at her handsome, half naked husband who waited in bed for her.
"You approve?"
"Of you sneaking around behind my back with an older woman?" Stella teased and Mac just rolled his eyes.
"She's old enough to be my mother," Mac deadpanned as Stella placed the basket of food between them and slowly started to get dressed.
"Damn it Stella, now we'll have to have dessert before dinner," he groaned as his body started to make his desire know for his wife; who now stood before him naked.
"It's called self control Mac, and you'll just have to wait because I am hungry."
"But..."
"I can eat in the other room if that makes you feel better?" She suggested with an innocent smile and he reached out and grabbed her arm as he pulled her onto his covered lap and kissed her on the lips.
"We'll eat first."
Stella smiled at his words; once again she took delight in the fact that he always put her needs before his own. It had been his pledge to her and he was doing everything he could to ensure she knew it; despite the fact that his body had already started to betray his desire and need for her. Mac cleared a small opening on the bed between them and helped Stella lay out the food for them to eat.
"I really am going to miss eating like this," Mac sighed as he leaned back on the bed frame, his small plate almost empty.
"Are you saying..."
"In no way Stella, you're cooking is amazing. However, when we are back, it'll be business as usual and that means you doing most of the cooking for us and..."
"Mac I don't mind when you cook you know," she assured him as she squeezed his hand.
"Stella a diet of grilled cheese and instant noodles doesn't qualify as a well rounded meal by any means."
"Then how is it you survived this long?" Stella teased as she moved her fingers slowly up her husband's naked arm. "You're in pretty good shape you know."
"Pretty good only?" Mac flexed for her and her grin widened.
"Okay great shape," she teased as she planted a warm kiss on his muscle. "But seriously Mac, this has been an amazing but special adventure for us, I don't expect this to continue when we get back."
"So no sex on a daily basis?"
"I meant the food," she laughed as she kissed him on the mouth and then playfully pulled back.
"But the regular sex will continue right?" Mac asked in haste as Stella started to pack up their dinner.
"Only if you are good."
"And if I'm not?"
"It'll continue for sure," she winked and his grin widened as he helped her clean up. They rested for about ten more minutes; their conversation once again revolving on what they could expect when they got back home. When anything breakable or sharp was taken off the bed, Mac didn't wait for Stella to ready herself as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her close.
"Can't believe it Mac, only one day left," she pouted as he gently pulled her on top of him.
"Well I'll make you a deal."
"Another deal?" She questioned slowly and he just smirked. "What are the terms for this one?"
"Trust me we'll both like it."
"Okay."
"We make a pact right now, that no matter what comes our way, we'll take a two week holiday from work. It doesn't have to be this amazing or..."
"Expensive?" She wondered.
"Just as long as we are together as a family and are taking time just for us."
"I like the sound of that."
"I hear hesitation in your voice," he frowned.
"Mac I know you; I've known you for ten years. You never take a day off; much less two weeks. And I fear that..."
"Stella the one thing I always lamented when Claire died was the fact that her and I never took any time to just spend together. We were always working and that was okay; we thought we'd have time. But I have seen that time isn't on our side as much as we'd like to think it is and I just think it's time to put the important things first. Do you agree?" Then before he could offer another word, she leaned in and silenced him with warm hungry kisses.
"I love you Mac."
"You like my deal?" He breathed between kisses.
"Very much," she whispered as she started to hungrily devour his neck and ear. Her mouth tenderly sucked on the lobe until she was rewarded once again with moans of desire as his body started to arch into hers; begging for their union to be completed.
XXXXXXXX
One more day to go on their amazing honeymoon and Mac was the first to awake; his mind now in anticipation about going home tomorrow and then getting back to the lab; the move; and a possible addition to their family. He slowly pushed himself out of Stella's gentle grasp and headed into the kitchen to make some tea; Stella telling him the past few mornings that the caffeine has been causing her stomach to tighten. Both have now suspected that their offspring is growing inside her but that hasn't been confirmed yet so neither wanted to speculate and get their hopes up if it turns out to be just a small stomach flue.
Mac put the kettle on; his back still to kitchen opening as Stella slowly walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist as she offered him a good morning hug and kiss.
"Thank you," she whispered as she kissed his neck.
Mac twisted himself around to face her and kissed her warm lips once more. "How do you feel this morning?"
"Mac, I am okay," she slightly frowned. "False alarm?"
"Just gives us more excuses to keep trying."
"Do either of us need an excuse?" She teased.
"Ah good point," Mac smiled as he heard the tea kettle whistle that it was finished. Mac continued with the tea as Stella started to make breakfast for both of them. The morning was warm and beautiful once again and their sun drenched balcony called to them to make use of its services one last time. Mac helped Stella carry their breakfast offerings to the table outside and they spent the next few hours enjoying each other's company as the morning progressed.
"I think I'll miss just being able to pick fruit right from the trees," Mac stated as they walked hand and hand in the private orchard.
"How about some balcony tomatoes?" Stella teased as Mac looked at her sideways.
"Pardon?"
"They grow in a planter right on your outside balcony."
"How about we just visit the market whenever we feel the need."
"I like that idea very much."
Mac and Stella spent the rest of the day just walking and talking and enjoying being together until evening started to fall.
"The last supper," Mac gently commented as he helped Stella set the table outside so they could enjoy the warm salty night air. Stella just smiled at his sentiments as she joined him at the table. They sat and enjoyed their final honeymoon meal and then lingered over an after dinner coffee.
"Why so quiet all of a sudden?" Mac questioned as he squeezed Stella's hand.
She looked over at him and offered him a loving gaze; rewarded with a smile upon his handsome face. "You know when you first suggested Greece for our honeymoon I thought at the time we'd have a good time; see some amazing things, eat some good food and have great sex."
"And did all that happen?" Mac asked softly when she paused; a faraway look in her warm emerald eyes.
"I am almost afraid to say yes," she whispered as she looked away from him.
"Stella?"
"It was perfect Mac; more than I ever expected," she smiled as she turned back to face him with a warm expression. "When I was a girl and first told that half my heritage was Greek, I remembered I ran to the nearest map and found where Greece was and then I must have spent the rest of the week, day dreaming about what it would be like to go to Greece and spend some time. Even as I grew up, I would research different places; always telling myself that one day when I was able to afford it, I would go. But as I got older and no one was a permanent fixture in my life for me to take that dream almost died. And then you offered it to me Mac; I don't know how I can ever thank you."
Mac heard her beautiful confession and smiled as she leaned in close and kissed him on the mouth. "I love you."
"I love you to Stella; trust me I would not have come here without you. These past two weeks have been amazing," he whispered as he returned her kiss. "Anything that you didn't get to do?"
"Just one last thing," she smiled as she leaned in closer and whispered in his ear; which produced a large smile on his face.
"I think I can arrange that," he agreed as he slowly pushed himself up and offered his hand, which she willingly took. Mac lead them back down the familiar path one last time; the ocean calling to them one last time. Mac planted a warm kiss on Stella's cheek before he slowly removed his shirt and then reached for his wife's and helped her remove it also. Mac's lips met Stella's as he allowed her fingers to unzip his jeans and then push them to the ground; his body already going hard as her fingers danced around the top of his underwear, their lips still locked.
Mac returned the favor as he quickly pushed her cotton pants to her feet; both almost completely naked; their silhouettes bathed in pale moonlight; their limbed intertwined. As one other time before, Mac gently scooped up Stella into his strong embrace and carried her into the cool water; small bumps covering their sizzling skin in minutes. However, their slight shivers disappeared as soon as their union become one and their bodies started to rock the waters that caressed their naked flesh.
"Stella come to me..." Mac whispered as his lips hungrily devoured the warm salty flesh around her ear; before his lips moved down to her neck and then breasts. Stella's hands gripped Mac's damp back; her nails gently digging in as his arms gently raised her higher as they neared climax.
"Mac I love you!" Stella gasped as her lips moved back to Mac's; having left their loving mark on his soft ear lobe. One last gasp from both and their bodies started to slow and the waves to subside; their latest adventure now at an end.
"I am going to miss this," Mac whispered as he tried to free his fingers from her tangled curls.
"We are going to stop having sex when we get back?" Stella teased as Mac's lips curled into a small smirk in the dimly lit pool.
"I mean this," he nodded to the ocean that was holding them captive. "Trust me the Hudson doesn't have the same allure."
"Don't want to finish smelling like dead bodies?"
"Rather finish smelling like you," he smiled as he nuzzled her ear with his flushed lips.
"I guess a few more things will change also," she whispered as they finally pulled apart, Mac's arms still wrapped around her holding her naked body against his bare chest.
"Our love will for sure," Mac mentioned, forcing her to turn and look at him in wonder. "It can only get stronger."
Stella gently touched his face and smiled; every endearing expression he offered she burned into her mind and heart. "Promise me something Mac."
"Anything."
"This romantic side of you better not change."
"With you in my life how could it?" Mac grinned under her compliment as he pulled her close one more and planted another warm kiss on his salty lips. His arms wrapped around her holding her close once again. But as he felt her body offer a slight shiver, he was, as always quick to act, to ensure her needs were put before his own. Mac gently scooped his wife up in his arms and slowly walked back to shore where they gathered up their clothing and headed back up top and into the safe confines of their private villa; where they enjoyed one last shower together before they both headed into the bedroom to call it a night.
XXXXXXXX
A few hours later, however, Stella lay awake with a smile on her face. What she had confessed to Mac only hours earlier had been right; everything she thought she would enjoy doing by coming here was made perfect because he was at her side to enjoy them with her.
Inside she knows she has the same fears as Mac about becoming a parent; but their close bond only strengthened these past few weeks as they talked about what to expect and what might change that it didn't scare her as much as it did when the idea first popped into her head. She listened to the comforting sound of Mac's steady breathing and smiled in the darkness. Even now; even though he wasn't even saying a word to her, just the nearness of him was all the strength she would need to successfully navigate the next chapter of her life.
"I love you Mac," she whispered before she finally settled her mind a little, closed her eyes and got some sleep. A few hours later both were up and getting a few last minute things packed up before they headed back to the Athens International Airport for the flight back home.
"Hard to believe we are leaving already when it seems we just got here," Stella mentioned as she carried her small carry-on bag to the door to join the other's as the cab pulled onto the driveway of their villa.
"Well I do agree that these past two weeks have passed by incredibly fast," Mac commented as he hugged her close and planted one more warm kiss on her cheek. "Thank you also for the amazing memories. You thanked me yesterday for making this perfect, but in truth I wouldn't have come here with anyone other than you. You made it perfect for me."
Stella smiled at his beautiful words once again as she helped load a few things into the cab and soon they were in the backseat, hand in hand heading to the airport. Once through security they headed over to the waiting are of their departure gate and sat down to wait for their boarding.
"Think we'll come back to find that Flack and Jessica had a party at our place?" Stella teased which forced Mac's face to display a slight frown. "Mac, I'm teasing."
"Think they would?" He pondered while she just laughed.
"Yes and I think all the cool whip they would have used will leave..." she started only to have him look at her in shock. "Mac, I'm kidding."
"Cool Whip?" He arched his brows.
"You like Ready-Whip better? Or just a whip in general?" She teased and his face blushed.
"Uh no, just wondering."
"Oh so busted Mac," she smiled as she poked his side. "I know what you are thinking."
"And how is that?"
"Because I am thinking the same thing as you," she whispered.
"And what would that be?" He dared.
Stella leaned into Mac's body and breathed into his ear, exactly what he wanted to hear, which of course forced his cheeks to go an even deeper shade of red.
"You don't have to say anything Mac," she smiled. "Your face tells me the whole story."
"Easy to read am I?"
"In certain things, very much," she reminded him. "But trust me, that is not a bad thing."
Mac just offered a warm smile as they finally got their boarding call and slowly headed for the gate and then finally down the ramp and onto the plane.
"So what is the first thing you are going to do when you get home?" Mac wondered as their plane was finally loaded and they were in the air headed for home.
"Have a drink from Mr. Coffee," she teased as she planted a kiss on Mac's cheek. "And you?"
"Share the same drink with Mrs. Coffee," he replied warmly his hand locked with hers. As the flight progressed, Stella took out their digital camera and flipped through the pictures as she laughed with Mac and they discussed the highlights of the past two weeks and which pictures they wanted to have printed and kept. The rest of the flight was spent talking, eating, sleeping and then finally waiting for the plane to land as the dark skies over JFK finally welcomed them home.
~New York City~
Mac felt Stella's hand squeeze his as they neared their apartment and he looked at her with a slight frown. "Stella?"
"Almost nervous."
"Why?"
"Seems like we haven't been home in forever and now that we're here, it seems like we never left."
Mac's arm wraps around her shoulders as he offered her a small squeeze and planted a warm kiss on her cheek as the cab pulled to a stop in front of their apartment. Both Mac and Stella unloaded their bags and slowly headed upstairs to their apartment and then finally inside.
Mac looked at the new sign and smiled.
'Welcome home, Mac & Stella'
"Flack is the one who is becoming sentimental," Mac noted as he carefully removed the sign and Stella retrieved the spare key they left under the door and already taken their leave.
"Oh you want to keep that sign right?" Stella teased as she poked her husband in the side. Mac just frowned as he carried their bags into the bedroom. "What do you want for supper Mac?" Stella called out from the kitchen.
Mac looked at the time before he slowly walked out of the bedroom and joined his wife in the kitchen. Stella hovered around the counter when Mac walked into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his chest; his lips kissed her cheek and then ear.
"How hungry are you?" Mac whispered.
"Actually I'm more tired than anything else," Stella answered her back still pressed up against Mac's chest, his heart beating against her back and sending warm loving shivers down her spine.
"Say no more," Mac told her as he planted one more kiss on her cheek and then disappeared into the bedroom to remove the items off the bed for them to get some sleep in. As much as he wanted to make love to her, if she was tired her needs came first. To keep her happy was to keep himself happy; something he had learned long ago when it came to maintaining marital harmony. And wise advice he always heeded from his father.
Stella finally wandered into the bedroom, the rest of the apartment darkened, the night hour well advanced. She looked at the suitcases that were now on the floor and half opened. Mac appeared out of the bathroom with only his underwear on and slightly blushed as her eyes instantly devoured him.
"Shesh Mac, I just wanted to sleep," she moaned as he neared her. But instead of pulling her into his arms, she watched in quiet amazement as Mac gently pushed his way past, quickly dressed into some sleeping clothes and then pulled the covers back on the bed before he walked back up to her.
"And I respect that Stella," Mac whispered as he planted a loving kiss on her perfect lips. "I am tired too. So get changed and we'll see what happens in the morning."
"But..."
"Stella, you are tired and so am I."
"Wow," she smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his body into hers. "You are amazing, you know that?"
"Your fault really," he mumbled as his lips were once again covered by hers before she pulled back.
Mac pushed himself into the warm bed and then watched with a smile on his face as his wife changed and then climbed into bed beside him; his arms wrapped around her as soon as the covers were pulled over them.
"I miss the ocean already," Mac murmured into her ear as he hugged her closer.
"Think a warm bubble bath will suffice?"
"Not really the same," Mac huffed.
"So there is nothing I could do to persuade you to join me?"
"Right now?" He asked eagerly and she giggled.
"Not right now. Tomorrow night?"
"Hmm lets see, having your warm, naked body pressed up against me in warm bubbles? Don't think you'd have to try to hard to convince me of that Stella."
Stella kissed his lips in the dark once more. "It's a date."
"A date?" Mac echoed.
"Too high school?"
"A date night with my wife? No, I think it's perfect."
"Then we'll have to set up something like that every week. Our date night."
"Every week?"
"I read in a book that even when a family comes, it's important for a couple to have regular alone time each week to make sure that their bond doesn't wane."
"Think that would happen with us?" Mac pondered, the room still dark.
"No, but I just like the sound of us having an official date night."
"Date night it is," Mac assured her. "Like the sound of that also."
Stella smiled in the dark as Mac's arms wrapped around her once more. "Goodnight Mac," she whispered as sleep finally tugged at her eyelids.
"Goodnight Stella," Mac replied as he too finally succumbed to the darkness that awaited them.
XXXXXXXX
Still having his hours skewed, Mac awoke before their regular alarm went off and he looked over at the small bedside clock and frowned, before his head slumped back down into the soft pillow it was before.
He glanced at his sleeping wife and smiled warmly, his heart always beat faster as he offered her only a small glance; to continue to gaze invited instant naughty thoughts.
His lips curled into a warm smile as he remembered their discussion last night. Regular weekly date night. As much as the thought had a silly notation, it had merit and it would give each of them something to look forward to and plan for; taking their minds off their regular weekly grind and have some much needed down time. He loved the fact that she was already reading things about becoming a parent and knew it was also his duty to inform himself as much as possible in order to become a helper instead of a hindrance.
"Mac?" Stella's warm voice quickly called him back to reality.
He looked down at her and smiled before he kissed her lips. "Morning."
"Awake already?"
"Ah this time change screws me up," he huffed as Stella smiled. "But to be honest I was thinking about what you said last night."
"About the bubble bath or date night?"
"Both," he admitted. "But I guess mostly the fact that you have already been reading on becoming a parent and I..."
"Mac, I didn't tell you that so that you would think I was trying to show you up on something," she quickly eased his mind. "Mac forgive me if I e..."
"Stella, there is nothing to forgive," Mac stated in haste. "First of all it made me happy that you did that and in truth I did see that book you bought but was too busy with all the wedding stuff and work to actually look into it. I will try to...."
"Mac, we can read it together. I mean this family is for both of us," Stella suggested. "Would that be okay?"
"Think I would like that very much."
Mac and Stella lingered in bed a little longer before it was time to get up and get the day started, the lab called to them like an old friend, as it reminded them that the fun was over and reality was waiting for them to return once again.
"Okay so after work, I'll get some groceries and then..."
"Stella, I don't mind doing that together," Mac reminded her.
"But if you are busy..."
"Never too busy to enjoy even the regular everyday things with you. Have to get used to doing that now," he smiled as he took a break from buttoning up his dress shirt and wandered over and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. "Just like we can spend this weekend going through our storage locker and deciding which things to keep for the move to our new home."
Stella looked at him and grinned before she quickly planted a warm kiss on his inviting lips and then pulled back. "Kinda like the sound of that. Then we can shop for paint?"
"Okay, but if you are going to make me wear those funny white coveralls, you have to also."
"Will you go shirtless under them?" She flirted.
"Will you?" He countered.
"Sure," she tossed and him and he looked at her in shock; once again not ready for the curve ball she loved to throw in his direction.
They finally finished dressing and then headed into the kitchen as Stella grabbed their two coffee travel mugs and then both were out the door and headed into work.
"Hey boss welcome back," Danny greeted them as he and Sheldon met them in the hallway.
"Lab still in tact?" Mac questioned with raised brows.
"Trust me, he's more than ready to give it all back," Sheldon teased and Danny just frowned.
"Should I be afraid to ask?" Mac wondered as he whispered a goodbye to Stella and headed into his office with this two junior CSI's in tow; ready to get their full report on what happened while they were away.
Stella took her leave and headed into her office. An hour after answering all emails and voice mails, Stella goes in search of Lindsay; a new case that needed to be wrapped up before the day was over. She passed by Mac's office, he was still in with Sinclair and she offered him a slight frown as she noticed how tense his body was and the serious expression his handsome face now bore.
"Thanks," Lindsay smiled as I handed her the results she was seeking. "So I know I didn't have time earlier but how was Greece?"
"It was wonderful," Stella replied with a slight frown.
"Then why aren't you smiling?"
"Jet lag," Stella answered in uncertainty; her stomach a bit upset. Thinking it was just something she had from the vending machine at lunch she pushed it aside as she had all day long. Besides, if it was just a false alarm she didn't want to get the staff hope's up either in case it was nothing."Athens was more amazing that I could have imagined."
"Danny and I want to go to a tropical island," Lindsay smiled. "Kinda predicable but when he suggested it, I just couldn't say no."
"I think that will be wonderful. When is the big day?"
"Well we talked about that and figured if you two could pull together such an amazing day in a month, then six months should work for us."
"Okay so what do you want me to do?" Stella asked which forced Lindsay just to laugh as Jessica walked into the room and offered Stella a warm hug.
"Welcome back."
"A big thanks to you and Don for all your help with our apartment while we were away. Mac really liked the signs," Stella mentioned and all three girls laughed.
"Okay so besides the fact that I know the two of you had sex on a regular basis, what else did Athens offer you?" Jessica questioned, which caused Stella's face to automatically darken with crimson.
"Well..."
XXXXXXXX
By the time Mac finished all he had to the sun had started to set and darkness was threatening. With his back to the door his lips curled into an automatic smile as his wife entered; her beautiful reflection in the window offered him a feast for the eyes and a delight to his tired brain.
"Just saw Sinclair leave, everything okay?"
"Wanted to bring me up to date on a few things that happened around here," Mac started as he turned around to face her. "But Danny had already informed me."
"Bad things?" She arched her brows.
"No, just a few mishaps. How are you? You look a little peaked?"
"Just tired. Jet lag," she informed him with a slight frown. "And a bit hungry. You?"
"Hungry and looking forward to tonight."
"Tonight? Mac, what is tonight? Tonight isn't date night."
"Doesn't have to be date night for me to want to do something special does it?"
"Hmmm very cryptic, too bad I have to work late."
"Why?"
"I have this workaholic boss who..." she started which only forced Mac to smirk as he realized she was talking about him.
"You're sleeping with the boss," he reminded her. "Trust me he won't mind if you want to leave when he does."
"Right. Well then what are we waiting for?"
Mac pushed himself up, grabbed his coat and then followed her outside into the hallway and then into the busy New York night. The first stop was at the grocery store for some much needed supplies and then it was home where they were both able to unwind after a very busy and taxing first day back.
Stella busied herself making them dinner, Mac helped where he could; mostly stood by and ferried stuff to the table when requested and filled her in on the events that she missed during the day.
"Missed this," Mac mentioned.
"What?"
"Sitting down to a home cooked meal at the end of a working day," he told her as he took her hand and held it in his, before he offered her a gentle squeeze. "Gave me something to look forward to all day."
"Actually I was looking forward to it as well," she smiled in return, their hands still joined. They lingered over their meal a while longer before Mac told Stella to go and rest while he did the dishes and cleaned up; their new agreement now in affect. Whoever cooked, the other would clean, something he didn't mind as he would never have expected her to do it all. He smiled as he listened to her humming in the other room and then when finished he went in search of his wife.
Mac passed by the bathroom just as Stella opened the door, almost completely undressed. "Wow," he whispered as he quickly pulled her scantily clad body into his open arms and held her captive against his now rapidly beating heart.
"Bath time Mac," she smiled.
"Why when you say it, does it actually sound pleasurable instead of sterile?" He queried and she just laughed.
"Oh quite the romantic aren't you Mac Taylor."
"But tonight I was..." he started in mild protest only to have her quickly silence him with a warm kiss.
"We have lots more nights Mac," she reminded him as she gently started to unbutton his dress shirt. "Now it's time to relax in some warm soapy water."
Mac smiled as he allowed his wife to continue to undress him before he stood before her naked; his hands finally rewarded with the privilege of being able completely remove her last vestiges of satin and lace before she led him into the steamy bathroom; the soapy tub waiting for them to make use of.
Mac eased himself into the water first and then relished in the feeling of her body as it followed and then pressed up against his. "Love the feel of you on top of me like this," he whispered as he planted a warm kiss on her ear. His warm hands started to gently cover her tempting flesh with bubbles before he would make swirly patterns on her arms.
"That tickles," she commented, which forced his eyes to acknowledge some small goose bumps on her bare skin. "See I got the shivers."
"But it's warm in here," he frowned.
"They aren't from the cold Mac."
"Ah," he mumbled as he gently pushed her to a sitting position and started to tenderly massage her shoulders. He remembered from the day before how tense she was and so was very careful not to do any further damage with his strong hands.
"How does that feel?"
"Wonderful," she praised, her eyes closed and her body relaxed. A few minutes into the massage, Stella gently twisted herself around and her face mirrored the smile her husband's face offered. She moved herself in closer, damp curls stuck to her back and her naked body now pressed up against Mac's bare chest. Her lips planted soft kisses on his warm lips as his arms automatically wrapped around her body and held her close. Her hands grabbed the back of his neck as he guided her lips to his and started to crush them with hungry desire, his body already waiting for her.
Stella allowed Mac's strong hands to move her where he needed, and smiled as his hands sometimes slipped thanks to the soapy water that covered both of them. As their bodies moved together, the floor around the bathtub became lightly decorated with evidence of their latest endeavor.
"You feel so good like this," Mac moaned as his lips devoured the area around her ear and then moved to her neck. He relished in the sight of her body as it arched into his, his fingers still attached to the small of her smooth back as their rhythm increased.
"You feel pretty good yourself," she praised as her lips offered one more gasp to the delight of his ears. "Mac!" She groaned for the last time before the water started to slow in its rocking and both were still once again.
Mac pushed some wet curls off her face before he planted one more warm kiss on her flushed lips. They lingered in the water a bit longer before it was time for a real wash and then to get out and into bed for some sleep. Mac finished first, dried off and with only a towel wrapped around his waist headed into the bedroom to get changed.
Stella felt a small twinge in her stomach and closed the door before she sat down on the closed toilet seat, hoping the feeling would pass. However, when it didn't and she had to go, she quickly reached for her the small pregnancy wand and then got to work; wondering if her lingering stomach flue was indeed something else.
By the time Mac was dressed for bed; the book they would read together now on the bedside table as it waited for them to make use of it; Stella slowly headed into the bedroom, only her robe wrapped around her warm body. Mac looked up at her in concern, her facial expression not exactly what he had expected from her, especially after they just made love.
"You okay?"
"Not really," she replied with a slight frown.
"Jet lag? I can't seem to get this damn time difference figured out yet."
"It's not jet lag."
"Stomach flue?"
"No."
"Did I miss something?"
"No, but I did," she remarked which forced his eyes back up to hers.
"Stella?"
"Mac, we're pregnant!" She stated as she held up the pregnancy wand that displayed a positive sign.
"What?"
Mac's eyes looked at the object in her hand and then locked with hers that were now threatening glistening tears. Time seemed to hold him captive in place, his smiled already wide and warm. When allowed to move, he rushed to her side and took her in his arms and held her close, their hearts keeping time together.
"We're going to have a baby," Mac whispered, his own eyes watered as he gently pulled back and looked down at his beaming wife's beautiful face.
"We're going to be a real family," she whispered in return as he gently cupped her face in his strong hands and kissed her lips.
~Albany, New York~
"Damn it Ella! You did it again."
"Did what Carl?"
"Called me Mac when we were having sex!"
"Maybe I said man," she threw at him angrily as she pushed her naked body away from his. "I give myself to you and this is the gratitude I get?" She stammered. She looked at him in anguish and as she thought on a sad memory her eyes started to water. Being the Master manipulator she was, she knew exactly what kind of game she had to play to ensure a man would fall for her lies.
"Ella, I didn't mean..."
"You know a friend of mine helps me...forget it..." her voice trailed off as she tried to move herself out of the warm bed. Carl gently held onto her arm and then pulled her back.
"Baby I'm sorry," he huffed. "I didn't want to ruin tonight."
"You know you're not even supposed to be here this late!" She hissed. "I took a real chance to sneak you in here so that you could make me feel amazing like you always do and this is the payment I get? You get mad at me?" She continued. Her mind relished in the fact that she could hold him in the palm of her hand and he was blind as to the false traps she had set for him.
"Tell me what I can do to make it up to you?"
"Carl I..."
"Anything Ella, just name it baby. I want to make you happy, I love you, you know that right?"
She looked back at him with a slight frown before she offered a small sigh. "Of course I know that. I love you too," she lied. "I would like a trip into the city."
"New York? But that's..."
"Carl I will be out of here in one month and I'll need a place..."
"You can stay with me."
"I just need a trip into Manhattan. Please?"
Carl looked at her and sighed before he slowly nodded his head in agreement. "I'll see what I can do."
"Excellent!" She praised as they heard footsteps walking down the hallway. "You better go."
Carl hurried himself to get ready. He looked at her and smiled, thinking it was his face she was picturing and smiling about in return. However, little did he know that inside her mind another man was the sole focus of her attention; another man that was about to start his own family, another man who's own thoughts never dwelt on her for even a split second. And Carl would soon come to learn how deadly the game of obsession can really be.
A/N: Okay so this story is back on and I hope you all haven't given up yet. Honeymoon is over and it's back to reality and family planning. Please review and let me know your thoughts in this jam packed chapter (hopefully it's not to long! Those that PM me and tell me to write shorter chapters, just go away!). Thanks in advance!
PS: Target Specific updated tomorrow