(11/28/09) Fixed a major continuity error in the epilog....sorry...ooops. :)

Thanks as always for the support on this fic. Sorry it took so long to complete. :)

Title: Crumble
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Fiesta, DL, Smacked friendship
Summary and notes: See part one

Epilog
A year later

In a ball room of one of New York's many Manhattan area hotels Stella Flack literally felt like she was on cloud nine. The wedding reception was in full swing.
Never in her life had she felt as happy and complete as she did now.
Surrounded by loved ones.

Brightly colored flowers decorated each table. A five piece jazz band sat at the front of the room entertaining the guests.
The reception traditions had already been done with Don's sister Sam catching the bouquet.
Hawkes had caught the garter

Across the crowded room Stella met her husband's gaze and received a wide smile. She thought it'd take her awhile to get used to having a husband and being a wife but it felt perfect for her and Don….natural…..

"Stella."

Turning to her left Stella found Mac leaning against one of the chairs.

"You look radiant."Mac continued as he straightened and stepped towards her.

Stella blushed but drew her old friend into a hug. "Thank you…for everything."

Mac nodded as he pulled back and held out his right hand gallantly. "Can I have this dance?"

With a laugh Stella accepted his hand. "You can have as many as you want."

As they moved onto the dance floor Stella spotted her husband dancing with Lindsay. Stella had been glad that Danny's mother was able to watch baby Lucy. The day wouldn't have been complete without Danny and Lindsay in attendance.

Mac took her in his arms and blended them into the crowd. "I have one other present for you."

Stella shook her head. They'd had a small church wedding and were just going to do the reception at Flack's parents.
Mac had stepped in and paid the rental on the ball room.

"You've already been more than generous, Mac."

Mac took an envelope out of the inside pocket of his suit jacket. "Humor me."

Stella accepted the envelope and opened it. Inside was a single sheet of paper. A requisition form....stamped in bright red letters on the front was the word approved.
Her vision blurry from tears Stella looked at her best friend. After the shooting and the rehab she'd used up all her vacation and sick time. Not enough left for a honeymoon. So she and Don had just settled for a weekend in a hotel near Central Park and a night of theater.

"Mac."Stella whispered her voice barely audible over the music.

"I pulled in a few favors."Mac replied with a smile. "Two weeks. You deserve it…go, have fun."

Stella wrapped him in a fierce hug. She closed her eyes and rested her head on Mac's left shoulder.

"Thank you."

A throat clearing drew Stella's attention and she smiled when she saw her husband standing a few feet away.

"Mind if I steal my bride?"Don asked as he took Stella's left hand in his.

Mac smiled and stepped back. "Not at all."

Stella held up the envelope. "Mac got my vacation time approved…we can take that long honeymoon after all."

Don wrapped his arms around Stella pulling back against him so they were both facing Mac.

"Thank you."Flack stated as he held out a hand to Mac.

Taylor shook his head as he started to back towards the tables. "Least I could do…sorry it took so long….red tape. Don't let Stella get sunburned or seasick….need her in top form when you get back."

Don nodded with a smile. "Will do."

Stella watched Mac leave the dance floor for a long moment before she felt her husband give her right arm a gentle pull. They moved towards the center of the dance floor and Stella melted into his arms just as the band started a soft waltz.

"This day has been a dream."Stella said softly as she met Don's gaze.

Don tenderly brushed a stray hair away from her face. "Its real, Mrs. Flack."

"I love you."Stella stated as she leaned in and kissed him.

Once they came up for air Don pulled her to him resting his chin on the top of her head.

"I love you too, Stella….now and forever."

end