Sorry for long wait! Now next chapter is up! Many thanks to lily moonlight!:)

Disclaimer: I do not own the CSI:NY characters.

Past Ghost 23

Today was the day that Mac and Stella were leaving New York for their trip to Hawaii. Both of them were nervous, excited and thoughtful; it was the first time they had travelled together and they sat holding each other's hands, exchanging kisses and hugs.

"Are you looking forward to our trip?" Mac asked Stella.

"Yes," Stella answered and smiled at him. "Don't worry, Mac. We're sure to have good times together there. Just think, it's only me and you." She squeezed his hand, telling him in a gentle voice, "Mac I love you." She saw then that Mac was sad and thoughtful and she asked, "Mac, whatever it is that's bothering you, you can tell me."

For a moment, Mac thought about lying to Stella, telling her that all was fine but he wanted their relationship to work, to last and so he told the truth.

Taking a deep breath, he spoke. "It was a long time ago that Claire and I planned to travel to Hawaii but, as you know, our destiny was different and Claire died before we were able to go there." He sighed. "It was Claire's dream and had been for a long time…"

"Mac, I'm sorry," Stella said, hoping to comfort him. "But, life goes forward and you have another chance. Maybe it is like destiny. We have our team to thank for giving us this chance of a trip. And really, Mac, when was the last time you traveled to somewhere only to rest and not work?"

Mac looked thoughtful and finally had to admit that he couldn't remember when the last time was that he took a trip only for the purpose of rest…

"No, wait," he said, looking up at her, "I remember it was when I first married Claire and we were on honeymoon. Both our family made it a gift. It was a great place and we had a fantastic time together…" He paused, looking wistful. "But it was a long time ago."

Stella squeezed Mac's arm and kissed him. "Mac, this is our time and for sure it will be a lovely time together. We can put all the bad times that happened with Laura behind us. It is our healing trip, too, mentally and spiritually. I will help you and don't forget what I said; it is brave to ask for help when you need it. Mac you are a real knight and I love you with all my heart and soul." She grinned at him and kissed him again. "We'll be there soon and I cannot wait to be with only you!"

Stella had a playful smile on her face now and it made Mac a little nervous, but he was ready for whatever lay ahead.

"Stella, you know you are my happiness," Mac told her. "I have faith in us together. I know at times when I'm not easy to talk to and close minded you will help me open up and I trust you and love you, even though it is not easy to ask and talk." He stopped for a moment and the look in Stella's eyes gave him the confidence to continue. "I am thankful to God I have a second chance to be here with you, Stella. I love you."

They hugged each other tightly and stayed in each other's arms.

Both were sure that the Hawaii trip would be happy and lovely. Far away from what had happened; it was time to relax and have a good time together.

Stella knew that things were still difficult for Mac, but she knew also that time would help heal the wound that Laura and Mark had caused. She made a promise to herself that she would stay next to him, to support and love him. A shadow crossed her mind when she remembered the moments when she had thought that she might not see Mac anymore. It felt like a knife to her heart and made her sick and sad but she would change the bad dreams to good dreams. She thought instead of the future; how she wanted them to marry and have children; to build a home and happy family. It would not be easy, but together, their love and bond grew even stronger and deeper. She knew they belonged together.

Sitting beside Stella, Mac was lost in his own thoughts. He could still hardly believe he was going to Hawaii with Stella. It was almost like a dream that he did not want to wake from. It still tormented him, how close he had come to killing Stella thanks to the lies of Laura, a woman he had loved in the past. He still thought with sadness of the daughter he had lost, but was thankful that Stella was alive and with him.

It was almost unbelievable; that he had fallen in love again and with his best friend, Stella. Stella, that most wonderful, caring and beautiful warrior. He knew that he wanted to be with Stella until the end of his life; he wanted to marry her, build a family with her, a home where he and his children would live.

Again he thanked God for the second chance he had been given and vowed that he would use it the right way. He wanted it to be special when he and Stella first made love together so it would be something they never forget and would want again and again. He loved her with all his heart and soul.

Let their dreams come true; it is destiny that they belong together. They deserved to have happy times. Thinking that, Mac sat back and smiled. This would change their lives. Through bad and good times they would stay as one.