"LAMBS",
When was the last time you check on your canines? :lol: Hope you enjoy the new update.
Stella was in a dark green tube dress standing in front of the mirror, putting on her earrings when Mac got in. He stood behind her, placed his hands on her bare shoulders. Their gazes met in the mirror. A smile bloomed in Stella’s face when he bent down and kissed her on her shoulder. Then he planted another kissed on her neck. “Smell good.”
Stella giggled a thank you.
“Don’t you think this little dress is too sexy for a charity ball?” Mac ran his finger along Stella’s neckline to the shoulder.
“Stop it, Mac.” Still giggling, Stella turned to face him. “We’ll never make it to the ball if you continue this little game of yours.” She walked to the closet and pulled out a light green floral shawl.
Mac wrapped the shawl around Stella’s shoulders. “This is much better.” He smiled approvingly.
“Possessive.” Stella felt her heart is full and warm although she was complaining.
“Protective.” Mac corrected her with a smile.
Stella suppressed a smile. “Can we go now?”
Mac put her hand into his crooked arm and left for the ball.
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Mac and Stella arrived at the hotel where the charity ball was held at the same time with another couple. The woman glanced toward Mac and Stella.
“Oh, my god. Stella!” The woman ran forward and hugged Stella.
“Judy!” Stella hugged the woman back. Then she hugged the husband. “Gavin! Oh my god! How long was it? Twelve years?”
“Give or take. How are you? I heard about a Mrs. Taylor lately.” She gave Stella a side glance. “I still have some informants around you.”
“Still a Bonasera.” Stella introduced Mac to her friends.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Taylor.” She gave Stella another meaningful smile while shaking Mac’s hand.
“We are blocking the way. Let’s go inside.” Stella said.
With a glass of champagne in hand, Stella started to tell Mac the story of her friendship with Judy. “Judy and I went to the cadet together. Only she left before she joined the force. Married this handsome attorney from Canada and moved back to his homeland.” Then she turned to her friend. “How come you didn’t call me when you came back?”
“We came back couple days ago. My granny passed away and she left me this house. We just came to check the house before we put it into the market.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Your granny was such a sweet old lady.”
“Thank you. We’ll have a barbeque this Sunday. Why don’t you and Mac come?” Then she saw someone waving at her. “Oh. That’s Gavin’s partner. We need to go.”
“See you on Sunday then.” Stella said.
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The barbecue gathering was already begun when Mac and Stella arrived. Judy introduced them to her other friends. Then the two girlfriends retreated to the sitting room to catch up. They laughed hard talking about the old days.
“Stella. I was so happy when I heard about the rumor of you getting married. I can see you’re so in love with your Mr. Taylor. What are you waiting for?” Judy changed the subject.
“I don’t know.” Stella shrugged. “We are happy with the present circumstances. Don’t need the ritual thing.”
“Nooo. You’re not thinking that way. He didn’t hint on anything?”
Stella lowered her head. “He lost his wife few years back. It took him a long and painful period to recover. As long as he’s happy, I don’t care about marry or not.”
“But you always want a family of your own.” Judy wrapped Stella’s hand with both hands.
Stella smile bitterly. Then she withdrew her hand and covered her friend’s instead. “Don’t worry about me. Let’s talk about your kids. Why didn’t they come with you?”
Judy took a deep breath. “You always keep the problems to yourself. Look, if there’s anything I can help…”
Stella hugged her friend tightly and kissed her on the cheek. “I will, I will. Now, tell me about the kids.”
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It was sunset when the party’s over.
“That house is beautiful. Claire and I were considered to buy a house like that when we have kids.” Mac commented while walking to the car. “We should buy one in this neighborhood. It’s so peaceful here.”
“I love my apartment.” Stella said.
“We can’t live in your apartment.”
“Who’s talking about living together?” Stella found it hard to calm her racing heart.
“Why? Mrs. Taylor doesn’t live with Mr. Taylor?” Mac teased.
“Hey! How dare you teasing me again?” Stella slapped him on the back.
Mac stopped walking and pulled Stella’s hands. “I’m not teasing. I’m proposing.”
“No. You’re not. The whole happy family barbecue scene reminded you of Claire and the life you supposed to have. You’re not ready. I don’t want you to regret it when you can think clearly.” Stella said sadly. She got into the car without another word.
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“I’m sorry, Mac. Can I borrow the car? I wanna go home.” Stella stayed in the car when they arrived at Mac’s place.
“Stella. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I’m not mad. I have a headache. I want to go home and rest.” Stella said half-heartedly.
“You can rest here.”
“No. I really need to go home.”
“I can’t let you go home like this. Come on.” Mac pulled her out of the car.
When Mac opened the apartment door, Stella went directly for the Aspirin.
Mac was waiting in the bedroom when she got out. He took out a little box from behind him and opened it. Stella was stunned when she saw the ring.
“I bought this little thing few days ago. I was planning to take you to a dinner before I propose. When we had such a beautiful time at that house, I realized I don’t want to wait any longer. I want you to marry me right away. But I didn’t bring the ring with me.” Mac blushed. “I’m sorry to upset you, Stella. I want a life with you. I want our children running around the house. I don’t want to wait even one more day.” Mac got down on one knee. “Stella, would you marry me?”
Stella was totally paralyzed. She didn’t aware her tears slid down her cheeks. She didn’t know what to say. Mac got up. He took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. Stella flung herself into Mac’s arms and cried out the happy tears.
“Mac Taylor! You’re unbelievable!” She said with laughter. Then she kissed him with all her love until both of them couldn’t breathe.
“Calm down, Mrs. Taylor! I still want a wedding.” Mac said breathless.
Stella just ignored him and started to kiss him all over again.
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Stella woke up on Mac’s bare chest. She lifted her hand and looked at the ring. Tears began to fill her eyes again. She remembered how sad she was when she worked with Mac everyday knowing that he’s someone’s husband. How she helped him went through all the rough days after Claire’s death. How painful it was expecting he would love her with his heart.
She remembered the electric shock went through her body when he held her hand the very first time after all those longings. The sweetness and passion they shared when they first make love.
Her heart was pierced with some sharp objects when she heard Mac talked about his plan with Claire. She didn’t sure he’s totally stepped out of the grief of losing Claire. Her heart stopped when he proposed. The fact that he bought the ring beforehand surprised her.
Stella kissed the ring before she held Mac closer with her hand. She was happy and ready to welcome her new identity as Mrs. Taylor.
