After they finished getting freshened up and changed they were just coming down the stairs hand in hand when the kids came bursting through the door. They were excited. They had gone to the planetarium today with their tutor and couldn’t wait to tell their father about it. When Michael saw them come through the door he turned to look at Annie, he smiled and whispered “I love you Annie,” and then let go of her hand and ran ahead of her down the last few remaining stairs. All four of them met at the bottom of the stairs in a bear hug. “Love you daddy,” and “I missed you daddy!” rang out as they greeted their father. Annie stood on the steps for a minute just to watch them. She enjoyed seeing him so happy—and nothing seemed to make him as happy as being with his kids.
She came to attention as she heard them calling up to her, “Come down Annie so that we can hug and kiss you too,” Blanket said as he ran up to where she was and pulled on her hand. “Okay Little Michael,” she let herself be guided down the rest of the stairs by Blanket and when she got to the bottom of the stairs they all pounced on her with hugs and kisses. “Easy now, remember she is carrying a little baby guys—don’t knock her down on the floor,” Michael said laughing. “No reserve that for your father,” Annie said laughing.
“We wanted to tell you about our trip to the planetarium,” Prince said. “Why don’t we go into the kitchen and see if George can fix us a snack,” Michael said. The kids ran ahead of them and Michael took her hand again and they walked in together. They sat at the table and ate a snack together while the kids talked about their field trip. Michael’s cell phone started to vibrate in his pocket and he took it out of his pocket and glanced at it. Then he politely said to all of his children. “Hey guys, I have got a guest coming now so I have to go. But I want you to meet him. You knew him a long time ago, when you guys were a lot younger.”
"What's his name daddy?" Paris asked. "His name is John Branca. Why don't you guys come with me and meet him and then you can go upstairs and help Annie unload some of her boxes? I don't want her working too hard, got that guys?" he said as he looked over at Annie and winked! She smiled and winked back! They walked out with Michael and Annie said she would join them in a minute; she wanted to talk to George for a few minutes.
When John arrived Michael met him at the door with his three children. They shook hands warmly and then Michael introduced him to his children. "I can remember when all of you were just babies, and now you guys are all grown up....I don't know where the years have gone," John said as he looked up at Michael. Michael gave him a reassuring smile back. "Okay you guys run on upstairs. We will see you at dinner." "Bye Mr. Branca," they all said politely and then ran up stairs. "Michael they are such good kids, I can tell you have raised them well." "Thank you John, I appreciate that. They were my lifeline a lot of the time during the rougher patches," Michael said. "Michael...." John started to say something. "John, here comes Annie, we will talk about it all. I promise," he said looking at John in earnest. Annie was walking into the foyer and Michael said, "Here's my Annie." John observed the way Michael eye's followed her into the room. He held out his hand and she took it firmly in hers. Without thinking Michael leaned over and kissed her on the lips and Annie responded in kind. It was as if they were the only two in a room full of people John thought to himself. They separated and it was as if both of them came to the realization that they were not alone and they both blushed. Michael composed himself and turned to John, "John this is Annie Walker, the love of my life." "Pleased to meet you Mr. Branca," Annie said smiling and shaking John's hand. "The pleasure is all mine. And please call me John, Miss Walker." "Well then you must call me Annie," she said softly. She could sense that he was a friend almost immediately. Perhaps it was just intuition, but she felt a good vibe from him.
She had decided that her desire to protect and watch over Michael included observing the people that interacted with him. How did they treat him? Were they fawning all over him, were they friendly, were they too friendly? She would continue to observe John Branca but her first instinct was that he was a good guy!
John remembered that Michael said she was not attached to the entertainment industry in any way shape or form but he thought he would test her out a little bit. It seemed as thought both he and Annie were checking each other out. Both in order to protect Michael. "Annie, you look so familiar to me, have we ever met? Perhaps at the Grammy Awards or at some other event?" John quizzed her. Michael was about to butt in but then bit his tongue. Let her handle it. She laughed. That lovely musical laugh that Michael enjoyed hearing so much. "I am afraid that you must have me mixed up with someone else John. I have lived in New York my entire life, and recently most of my time was spent working in my father's toy store. Have you ever been to my father's toy store? That is where I met Michael," she said looking away from John momentarily and into Michael's twinkling eyes. Again John observed the intensity between the two of them as Michael fondly stared back into Annie's eyes. "I am afraid I have never visited that particular toy store. Of course Michael was always tuned in to where every toy store was located in the greater United States and most of Europe!" They all three laughed. "I am so happy he remembered my father and our toy store because that is what brought him to me," she smiled at John and then turned towards Michael and gave him a big smile. He took her hand in his again and raised it up to his lips and kissed her fingers lightly. "Yes, I do like a good toy store," Michael said.
“And I offer my congratulations on your wedding and on the baby,” John said. “Thank you John. I know Michael has asked you to assist us in getting our marriage license. I know how important it is to Michael to have someone he can trust, so I am thankful to you for your assistance,” Annie said shaking John’s hand again. “I would do anything I could to help Michael, he’s one of my oldest and dearest friends,” John said warmly to both Annie and Michael.
"Very well, I will leave you two alone. I know you have some catching up to do. I will see you both a little bit later at dinner," Annie said. She turned to Michael and kissed him lightly on the cheek and said quietly to him, “I love you Michael.” Michael responded quietly back to her, “I love you more Annie.” She then turned around and walked up the stairs. John watched in fascination as Michael turned around with the biggest smile on his face, and then said to John, “We can talk in the library.”
When Annie got up to her studio Prince, Paris and Blanket were there waiting for her. They ran over to her as she entered through the door. “We are here to help you Annie, tell us what to do,” Prince said. Blanket took Annie’s hand and gently pulled her forward. “We have to look out for the baby,” Blanket said. She laughed and let herself be escorted into the room.
She put them to work helping her unpack the boxes and place books on the shelves. As they worked together they talked. When Annie had fallen in love with Michael she had also fallen in love with his children. They were a direct extension of Michael—kind, sweet, thoughtful, smart and most of all very loving. She wanted to grow closer to all of them and this was a perfect opportunity for them to start. She smiled to herself. She was sure that Michael had known this also!
She saved some of the best boxes for last—those that contained her toy collection. “Do you remember my toy collection I had displayed in my apartment?” Annie asked them as they drew near to where she was. “The wind up toys,” Paris said. “I remember those!” Blanket exclaimed. “Prince why don’t you come over and start to take some of them out and put them on the table before I decide where they are going and we can play with some of them,” Annie said in a delighted but tired voice. Paris, as sensitive as her father, immediately said, “Annie do you need to sit down? Come sit on the couch and we will bring the box closer to you and unpack it there.” “Okay, that sounds wonderful, thank you sweetie,” Annie said.
Prince and Paris carried the box closer to the table and Blanket took Annie’s hand and they walked over to the couch and sat down. “Are you okay now Annie,” Blanket said looking up at Annie. “Oh baby, I am fine. Thank you.” She kissed the top of his head. Paris and Prince started to take some of the toys out. “May we wind them up Annie?” Prince asked politely. “Sure you guys go ahead. Carefully, they are old. But I think you can handle it. I trust you guys.” Annie said to them. They watched in fascination as the toys did their thing, the couple spinning, the penguin waddling forward and the frog jumping. Annie relaxed and watched them as they laughed and joked amongst themselves with ease. Blanket snuggled closer to Annie. “Annie,” he whispered to her. “Yes Little Michael,” she whispered back. “Can I feel your stomach Annie?” She smiled. “Yes you can sweetie. But the baby is still a little too young to be kicking or moving. But you can place your hand on my stomach and say hello,” she said to him. “Okay,” he said getting up slightly. His long hair was still in the ponytail that Paris had fixed for him this morning. He looked at her with a smile on his face and then gently placed his hand on her stomach. “Hello little baby—sister or brother. I am Blanket,” he said giggling, “We can’t wait to meet you!” The others had stopped momentarily and were watching their little brother. “Can we do that also Annie?” Paris asked. She smiled at them, “Sure come on over. Careful, don’t squish your brother.” Blanket got up and sat at the end and let Paris slide in next to Annie. Then Blanket leaned in and watched in deep fascination as Paris placed her hand on Annie’s stomach and said, “Hey little brother or sister, this is your sister Paris—we love you!” She giggled and patted Annie’s stomach lovingly. Prince was seated next to Annie on her other side and Paris and Blanket watched as Prince smiled at Annie and he placed his hand on her stomach very carefully. He said, “Hey little brother or sister, I am Prince. I am your oldest brother. Don’t worry I am a good big brother. Just ask Paris or Blanket!” “He is good!” Blanket shouted and Paris giggling said, “He’s pretty good, most of the time!” And then they all started to laugh, Annie giving them all a giant hug at the same time. “All right break time is over,” Annie said laughing. They then all got up and Annie directed them to where she wanted to have the toys be placed.
They finished off the last two boxes and then Annie looked at her watch and said, “Oh boy it’s getting late. Why don’t we get washed up and then Prince when you are done, why don’t you go knock on your father’s library door and politely tell them that it is almost six and we will be eating momentarily. “All right Annie,” Prince said as he ran ahead and washed his hands and face quickly and then ran a comb through his hair and then headed for the library.
Michael told John the whole story of how he met Annie. John was impressed. He could see that Michael cared for her a great deal. They talked about Michael's desire to make a comeback. "You don't have a manager as of yet?" "No, I am still trying to make a decision about that," Michael said. "You know I saw Frank Dileo not to long ago. Do you ever talk to him Michael?"
"I have not spoken to him in awhile. But I do think about him a lot. I think about that time in my life fondly. I was very happy then. I was excited about who I was and where I was going. I want that again," Michael said looking at his friend intently. "Who's to say you can't have it again Michael?" John asked him. Michael laughed. "No one I guess, except maybe myself!" "Would you like me to contact Frank, let him know you are interested in perhaps meeting with him?" "Um...you know that is very kind of you...but let me think about it for a bit more. For now John I just want to take it a step at a time; and the first step is to marry Annie," Michael said thoughtfully.
"Okay my friend, no problem,” John said. “I will see what I can do about speeding up the process.” Michael looked with concern and then said, “Annie and I discussed this previously John, and we don’t want any special treatment. We want this to be as low key as possible. If we have to wait a specified time we will do it like everybody else.”
John smiled at him and said quietly, “You are such a good person Michael. I came here mostly today to talk to you. I want you to know that I always loved you and I never doubted your innocence. And I am so happy to be here with you again. And seeing how great your kids are and you are in love, man Michael I am so happy for you!” John said. Michael got up and motioned to John to get up and Michael hugged him, “Thanks John, I love you too!”
They both sat back down and they talked for a while longer before Prince knocked on the door. “C’mon on in Prince,” Michael called out. Prince walked in and politely said to his father, “Excuse me dad, but Annie says that dinner is about to be served momentarily.” “Oh great,” Michael said and he and John stood up and walked out of the room with Prince towards the dining room.
Paris and Blanket were helping to set the table. Annie had been impressed with the way Michael’s kids were totally unaffected by being the children of a superstar. Michael wanted them to understand the idea of being responsible so he assigned them some household chores. They were responsible for keeping their rooms clean and asked not to leave their books and other personal stuff around the house. Paris was always teasing her father about that rule because he was forever leaving one or more of his books in various spots all over the house.
But he also asked them to help set the table. He always thought this was good for them because he felt eating meals with your children was one of the best ways to commune with them. They would talk about anything and everything or listen to music and dance. And so he thought setting the table beforehand was also a good way for them to commune with each other and work together as siblings. Annie was there and of course they locked eyes immediately with each other. She smiled at him and he smiled at her. “John, why don’t you come and sit next to Michael,” Annie directed him. And the rest of them took their places around the table.
Michael said, “Today I am going to say grace because I have a lot to be thankful for. So let’s join hands and bow our heads.” Everyone did as he directed and then Michael started in his serious deep voice, “Dear God, I want to thank you for allowing us to share in your bounty. We are all fortunate and blessed at this table. We would like to pray for all of those who are not as blessed and fortunate as us. I also want to thank you for bringing an old friend, John, back to me today. And of course I want to thank you for bringing my beautiful Annie into my life and with the help of John, soon to be my beautiful wife and the mother of our soon to be born child. And dear God thank you for my children whom I love dearly, Prince, Paris, and Blanket. Amen.” “Amen,” they all repeated. And dinner was served.
As dinner progressed John watched Michael and Annie together. He felt so at ease. Annie Walker seemed to be exactly what Michael needed. After Michael had spoken to him on the phone he had considered asking Michael what he thought of a pre-nuptial agreement. But now he knew what a colossal blunder that would have been. Michael would have been highly offended and John did not wish to offend Michael in any way shape or form. He wanted to be back in Michael’s good graces because he truly missed being around him and he was hoping that this would be the start of a new and more mature relationship between them. He wanted to help Michael be successful again not necessarily because of the financial benefit but because he wanted to see Michael happy again.
“Michael has told me you are an artist Annie. I would love to see some of your work,” John said. They were just finishing dessert. Michael’s eyes lit up and sparkled as he said, “Annie show him the collage that you did of me.” Paris said, “We want to see it too daddy. Annie said we should wait to see it with you.” All of sudden Annie felt a nervous rush go through her. She would be showing her work to someone she didn’t really know all that well. But then she looked over at Michael and she saw the excitement and love he was feeling for her and she felt at ease. “I would love to show you the drawing. I am very proud of it. And I especially want you guys to see it,” she looked over at Prince, Paris, and Blanket and smiled and winked.
They all got up from the table and Annie led the way to her studio. They all huddled around the easel as she removed the cloth that was covering it. Michael stood back and observed. The kids were excited. Blanket seemed extra mesmerized by the pictures of Michael when he was young. Paris went to Annie’s side and hugged her, “Oh Annie it’s so beautiful!” “Pretty cool,” Prince exclaimed.
John Branca was also impressed. “It’s amazing, very powerful. You are very gifted Annie.” She looked over at Michael, who was now surrounded by all three of his children. They were laughing and talking with him about Annie’s artwork. She then turned back to John. “Thank you John, you are very kind. Michael has encouraged me to nurture my art. For awhile, before I met Michael, I had forsaken my dream because I was scared to take the risk. But Michael has been so supportive and he’s helped me find a new confidence.” She tentatively looked back at Michael who was still joking and laughing with his children. She looked back at John, and then leaning in slightly she said quietly to him, “That is why I want to help Michael get back his confidence in who he is. I love him very, very much and his happiness is very important to me. I just wanted you to know that.”
John looked at her and he could see the intensity in Annie’s eyes. He knew that she was sincere and he felt good about that. “I am glad to hear that. You and I are on the same side. I want only for him to be successful again. He deserves it,” John said as he squeezed Annie’s hand. His first instinct was right; Annie would be good for Michael. “Would you care to see some of the illustrations I am working on for a children’s book?” Annie said smiling gesturing towards her drawing table. “Yes, Michael had mentioned that also. I would love to see them.” The kids and Michael drew closer also and watched Annie page through some of the rough drafts she had. They all expressed delight in them. Michael had seen some of them before but some were new to him also. He reached automatically for his glasses to get a closer look.
After they were done looking through the portfolio Prince spoke up and said to John, “Mr. Branca Annie drew each of us would you like to see those also?” “Wow, I sure would, lead the way Prince,” John said. The three children led John to their rooms to show off their Annie portraits. Annie slowly walked over to Michael. He seemed lost in thought. He looked up as she drew near and smiled at her holding out his hands. She took them in hers. “Hey there my sweet, sweet boy!” she said softly as he drew her into an embrace. “Hey there yourself my beautiful girl!” he said softy back to her. “Thank you Michael,” Annie said. “Your welcome, but why are you thanking me,” he said looking into her eyes. “For being so proud of me…making me come out of my shell. Two months ago I would have been scared stiff of showing him or anyone else my artwork but now I feel so confident and happy and proud of showing my work to others. I can’t wait to be able to publish my book!” she said joyfully, kissing him on his nose and then kissing him lightly on the lips. “I love you Annie and I want you to be successful in everything you endeavor,” Michael said intently back to her. “I love you Michael!” she said and reached up and kissed him again. They could hear the children and John’s voice as they approached Annie’s studio and they separated but Michael continued to hold her hand.
John was chatting away with all three of the kids as they all came back into the studio. “Very nice, Annie,” John said as he approached Michael and Annie. “You captured each of them so perfectly. I seem to recall that Michael knows a thing or two about art. I should know to trust his instincts!” Annie blushed slightly and then composed herself and said, “Thank you John. I drew all of their pictures with a great deal of love in my heart so I feel really proud of those pieces especially.” “The illustrations are quite nice as well. If I can be of any assistance in your endeavor, please let me know Annie and I will gladly help,” John said. “Wow that is so generous of you. Thank you again, John,” Annie said as she gave him a quick peck on his cheek. They all walked down the stairs the kids running ahead. John was starting to say his goodbyes. "Let me work on the process and we will see if we can get you a marriage license in the quickest time possible. And yes, I promise, no special treatment," he smiled at the both of them as they stood at the door together, Michael's arm protectively around Annie, holding her close. “It’s been a real pleasure, thank you for inviting me. Annie, I am especially delighted in meeting you," he gave her a quick peck on her cheek and then he turned to Michael. "My friend, I am glad we had this chance to reunite with each other. I feel like this is going to be good for the both of us. I will call you when I have the license in hand." They hugged each other warmly. Michael whispered in John's ear, "Thanks John." "Bye guys!" John shouted out to the kids. They ran back in from the other room. "Bye Mr. Branca," they said in unison.
Two weeks later John Branca called Michael and told him he had the license in hand. Michael and Annie discussed a date and decided to wait another two weeks, that would put them at the end of May, 2009. They gathered the kids and told them. Two weeks and counting, and each resident in the house started to prepare in their own individualistic way.
Annie had one box that she had set aside and not unpacked yet. It contained numerous photo albums with photographs of her parents and Annie through the years. One afternoon not long after they had set their wedding date Annie carefully pushed the box over towards the couch in her studio and sat down and started to pull them out, one by one. She was looking for one in particular. When she found it she pulled it out and sat back and started to page through it.
She was smiling to herself when she heard the soft voice of Paris say, “Excuse me Annie but can I come in and sit with you?” Annie looked up and smiled, “Of course you can sweetie, come on in.” Paris scurried towards Annie and sat down next to her on the couch. Annie automatically placed her arm around Paris and moved the album so that they could both look at it together. She kissed Paris tenderly on the top of her head and said “Where are your brothers?” “They are downstairs playing a video game together.” “Good, I am so glad you came up I was thinking about coming to get you. I want to share something with you,” Annie said quietly. “When I was a little girl on rainy summer days when I would complain of there being nothing to do my mother would bring out the photo albums and we would peruse them together. I would always want to look at the wedding album.” “Is this what you are looking at now?” Paris asked. “Yes, it was always my favorite,” Annie said wistfully. Annie turned the pages back to the beginning so Paris could see them in order. “Oh Annie your mother is so beautiful. And your daddy is so handsome,” Paris said in awe. “Thank you sweetie,” Annie said, giving Paris a little love squeeze. Her parents looked so happy and in love Annie thought to herself. Annie remembered that most.
They continued to page through. There were pictures of the ceremony and the reception. Her parents were married in the sixties. Her mother’s dress was very classic and beautiful and Annie had decided that she would wear it for her wedding. She closed the album and then opened it back up to the first few pages. “Paris what did you think of my mother’s wedding dress?” “Oh Annie it’s so pretty. It’s very elegant. Like a princess,” Paris said thoughtfully. “You are very insightful Paris; I always thought the same thing. I have a secret and I want to share it with you,” Annie said. Paris sat up and said solemnly, “A secret…Daddy said it’s not always nice to tell secrets.” “This is a good one sweetie; I promise your daddy won’t mind.” She smiled at Paris and the child immediately felt at ease. “Okay Annie what is it, and I promise I won’t tell anyone!” she giggled. “Well Paris, I want to wear my mother’s dress when I marry your daddy!” Paris clapped her hands, “Oh Annie you will look so beautiful!” she exclaimed. They hugged each other. “Thank you Paris. It’s still in New York. I am going to have my stepmother Gloria and my friend Audrey, ship it to me as soon as possible. You see when my mom passed away I carefully packed it away for safekeeping. I always thought if I ever got married I would wear it. But I had pretty much forgotten my dream until I met your father and fell in love and suddenly I remembered it again,” Annie said. She went on to explain to Paris that she wished that both her parents were alive to see her so happy and so in love just like they were and by wearing her mother's dress she could at least feel like they were there with her.
“The other reason why I wanted to tell you Paris is that since you will be my maid of honor I was thinking that I could help you pick out a dress for you to wear at the wedding. Would you like that honey?” Annie asked Paris. “Annie I would like that a whole lot,” Paris said. “I love you Annie, I am so happy that you are going to marry daddy!” Paris hesitated for a few seconds and then said, “Annie you are kind of like a sister and a mother and a girlfriend all wrapped into one!” and then Paris reached up and looped her arms around Annie’s neck and hugged her again. “I love you too sweetie and I am so happy that I get to marry your daddy! And I am so happy that you think of me that way. I will always be here for you Paris if you ever need to talk to me about anything!” And they squeezed each other a little harder before they let go of one another. Then Annie went to retrieve her laptop computer and together she and Paris started to look for a dress for Paris to wear to the wedding.
Blanket wanted to do something special for his daddy and Annie’s wedding day. His brother Prince was going to be something called a best man and his sister Paris was going to be Annie’s honor maid or something like that—but Blanket didn’t want to be left out. He decided that he would talk to Annie about it. This way he could surprise daddy! Blanket loved Annie very much. She was kind and she always listened to him. He liked the way Annie called him Little Michael because when he grew up he wanted to be just like his daddy. And besides that, Annie was going to have a baby, and the baby was going to be a new brother or sister for him to play with.
Annie was in her studio drawing when Blanket approached her. “Watcha doing Annie?” he said as he walked into the room. She turned around smiling and said “I am working Blanket.” He stopped suddenly and said, “Oh, I am sorry Annie. I know daddy doesn’t like us to bother him when he is in the dance studio working unless he asks us to keep him company. Do you want me to go Annie?” She got up from her chair and came to him with her hand held out and said “No sweetie, that’s okay. Let’s you and me sit over on the couch and I can take a break.” He smiled up at her and grasped her hand tightly and pulled her towards the couch. “Thanks Annie!” he said. They settled themselves on the couch; Blanket snuggled up against Annie with her arm comfortably around him. “What’s on your mind Little Michael,” she said playfully, tickling him till he started to giggle. Then with a sudden mood change he said forlornly, “Annie, I can’t wait to be a big kid,” “Oh munchkin, what’s made you so sad,” she said squeezing him a little tighter. “Well Prince and Paris get to be something special in the wedding and I want to do something for you guys but I guess I can’t because I am too little.”
“Oh buddy, that’s not true. Listen to me; once the baby is born you are going to be a big brother. That’s going to make you a little bit closer to being a big kid. What do you think about that kiddo?” “That sounds good Annie, I mean I can’t wait for that to happen,” he said smiling up at her and just like Michael, he placed his hand on her stomach and rubbed it tenderly. “But you are right sweetie, we were not thinking about your feelings…I’ll tell you what, if you want we can think of something special for you to do and then we can surprise your daddy, would you like that Little Michael?” He smiled up at her and said “I would like that Annie. But I kinda have something that I think I want to do,” he said shyly. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked down at him; he was so much like Michael in his demeanor. “Oh that’s great Little Michael, let me hear your idea,” Annie said. “Well I was wondering if it would be okay for me to dance—like daddy?” he said again in a shy whisper. “Oh buddy, that is such a good idea!” she said. She explained to Blanket that when two people get married usually the groom and the best man stand up front and the bride and the rest of the wedding party process in. “Annie, what does pro—ssss—ess in mean?” Blanket asked. She laughed lightly. “Well that means they walk up the aisle towards the groom and the best man. You could be first Blanket. You could dance up the aisle towards your father and Prince. Have you ever heard the word choreograph before,” she asked him. He nodded his head no. “That’s what your daddy does. He makes the dance up and remembers the steps, and then he practices and makes it really good. You can choreograph your own dance for our wedding Little Michael!” With a big smile on his face he said, “Oh boy, then I would be just like daddy, right Annie?” “You betcha sweetie, just like daddy!” she said excitedly, squeezing him tighter. “How did you say that word Annie, ko-re-graff,” he said stumbling a bit over the word. She spelled it out for him on a piece of paper and helped him sound it out and pretty soon Blanket had learned a new word and found something special that he could contribute to Annie and Michael’s wedding.
A few days later Annie was sitting in her studio wrestling with her laptop. She was ready to cry in frustration because she feared it was crashing. She looked up when she heard a calm voice from the doorway say, “Is everything okay Annie?” Her frown turned into a smile when she saw Michael’s first born, Prince, standing in the doorway. “Oh Prince I’m afraid my laptop may be crashing,” she said forlornly. “May I take a look at it?” Prince asked politely. “Oh yes, of course, please do,” Annie said.
Prince came in and sat down on the couch next to Annie and she slid the computer over to him. With an intense look of concentration he went to work. His fingers flew like the speed of light on the keyboard and a few minutes later he passed it back over to her. “Okay Annie try re-booting and see what happens.” Annie obediently did as she was told and bingo, it worked! She turned to Prince and shouted out in glee “It works! Thank you kiddo!” and automatically grabbed him in a bear hug. She gently let go of him and then apologized. “I am sorry Prince. I don’t mean to embarrass you. I know it’s not exactly cool to get a hug from an old fogy like me!” Prince laughed. “That’s okay Annie. Like I told you before, living with Michael Jackson means you are going to get hugged, whether you want it or not! And Annie, you are not an old fogy!”
“Prince how did you know how to fix my computer?” Annie asked. Prince gave her a thoughtful look and then said, “I don’t know. I guess I just read a lot about how stuff works, especially the technical stuff. And I fool around a lot on my own computer. I guess I have just learned a lot on my own.” She smiled at him. Just like his father he had an innate curiosity about how things worked. “Well I am glad you came along at the right time. I have a lot of important stuff on there that I sure would hate to lose,” Annie said. Prince blushed and ducked his head. So like his father in this way also, shy and humble. “I can show you some ways to safeguard your files, backing them up, stuff like that, if you want me to,” Prince said shyly. “Wow, I would really appreciate that Prince. You are like my hero!” Annie said enthusiastically. “I don’t think anyone has ever called me a hero. My dad is more like the hero in this family,” Prince said.
She looked at the boy intently and then reached up and gently brushed the hair out of his eyes. “You are so like your father in a lot of ways, Prince. You are smart. And you are so loving and kind and thoughtful with your brother and sister. I feel confident that when this little one arrives on the scene,” (Annie placed her hand lovingly on her stomach) “that he or she will have a wonderful big brother to look up to.” He smiled and said, “Well I have had good practice with Paris and Blanket.” Then Prince said tentatively to Annie, “I really came here to talk to you Annie—if I am not disturbing you?” “No of course not—it’s the least I can do after you saved my computer.”
She leaned back and relaxed on the couch as did Prince. “So what’s up?” Annie said. “Well I was thinking since dad asked me to be his best man that I would like to give him a gift to commemorate the day. I want it to be something from the heart,” he said seriously. “He’s been through a lot the last few years. He doesn’t think we are aware of that but we are especially Paris and me, Blanket is still a little too young. We all love him and…” he lowered his head for a few seconds as though trying to think how he should say the next part. He looked up and continued, “Well we are very excited about him marrying you. We think that you are the best thing that has happened for him in a long time.” Annie was blown away. “That is so sweet Prince. I bet you already have an idea of what you want to do,” Annie said quietly. “I do,” he smiled. “I was kind of thinking of putting together a memory box. I would get Blanket and Paris and you Annie to give me items to place in the box. The items would mark the occasion of you two getting married. I want the items to be things that daddy could look at and they would remind him of you Annie and your relationship with him and the special day that you guys are going to have when you get married.” I was thinking I could make a wooden box or somehow acquire an empty one and then I could decorate it. That’s why I wanted to ask for your help Annie. I figured you’re an artist and you would have some nice ideas on what could be done.” He looked at her with a great deal of expectation, waiting for her blessing Annie thought. What a sweet kid! “Prince that is such a beautiful idea, your father is going to love it!” Annie exclaimed. “And I feel so blessed that you asked me for my help, thank you!” Nonchalantly Annie moved closer to Prince on the couch and put her arm tenderly around Prince’s shoulder and just as nonchalantly he moved closer to Annie on the couch and accepted her comforting arm, and then they both started to discuss the project in earnest.
With the help of an old friend in New York, Charles—Annie’s doorman—they were able to find a non-denominational minister that readily agreed to marry Michael and Annie. His name was Reverend Lewis Smith—and he was actually Charles’ younger brother. The Reverend ran a small non-denominational storefront church in the Los Angeles area. It catered mostly to the poor and destitute in the inner city. He was a young and vibrant minister that conducted a beautiful Sunday service filled with the word of God and plenty of music. And he was extremely dedicated to helping his less fortunate churchgoing patrons by assisting them in any way possible. He operated a food pantry and a clothing giveaway store plus provided any kind of service possible to empower and enrich those in need. When contacted by Bill at first the Reverend thought it was a joke. Michael Jackson and his fiancée wanted him to perform their marriage ceremony? But then a phone call from Charles reassured him that indeed it was a sincere request.
He was invited to meet with Annie and Michael—and they fell immediately in love with Reverend Lewis. He in turn was very impressed with Michael and Annie. He was vetted by both Bill and John Branca and signed a discretion agreement that required him not to reveal the marriage to anyone, media or family or anyone else. He was an honorable man and would never think of doing so but understood their precautions. But a very generous donation from both Annie and Michael to the Reverend’s fledgling church helped to seal the deal even further!
The days seemed to go by in quick succession, racing closer to the special day. The members of the tight household all worked on their individual projects and awaited the event with a great deal of happiness and excitement. Soon the day finally arrived.
On the morning of Michael and Annie’s wedding Prince, Paris and Blanket arose early and snuck down the stairs quietly, even though they figured Annie and Michael would probably not be up for awhile. They went in search of Bill and found him in the kitchen conversing with George while he ate some breakfast and had some coffee. “Hey what are you guys doing up so early,” he asked. Prince stepped forward and said “Bill will you help us with something?” “Well of course I would help you guys with anything…but why don’t I get an idea of what it is before I commit!” he said laughing and placing his hand on Prince’s shoulder. “We want to decorate the area out by the pool where Annie and dad are going to get married. As a gift to the both of them,” Prince said. “And we could use your help too George, if you wouldn’t mind,” Prince said shyly.
Bill looked at George and they nodded to each other. They loved Michael’s kids. They were not spoiled at all and both had worked with other entertainers and their children were not as nearly as normal and humble as these kids were. “Of course we can help you with that guys, we would be happy too, for Michael and Annie,” Bill said squeezing Prince’s shoulder lightly. “What do you guys have in mind?” All three of the children gathered around George and Bill and told them what they had planned.
In the meanwhile, the bride and groom were starting to awaken. Michael was the first one up. He lay in bed next to Annie, watching her sleep. She was a vision of loveliness as far as Michael was concerned. During their month separation Michael would often dream of waking up next to Annie but then cruel reality set in when he really awakened alone in his bed. But this morning it wasn’t a dream. Here she was; his beautiful, sweet girl and she would be his wife by the end of the day. He leaned down and kissed her gently, a light feather across her lips. She slowly opened her eyes. “Good morning my beautiful bride,” Michael whispered to her. He lowered his lips again to hers and this time kissed her with a little more oomph! They separated and she stretched lazily while still lying on the bed. “Good morning husband to be,” she whispered back. And then looped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for yet another kiss.
“We are being naughty Michael. We should have spent the night away from each other in anticipation of our wedding night,” she said demurely. He smiled at her and rolled over onto his back. “It would be painful for me to spend a night away from you….I only just got you back again.” She let the intensity of his words wash over her. It was a simple statement—said by any other man the words may have been trite, used only to seduce—but not with Michael; words were always heartfelt with him. Every word he spoke to her lately made her want to stop and pause and drink them in.
She had lived with Michael and his children for over a month and she felt such a tumult of emotions. She loved living here with them. She knew so far that they had been cloistered pretty much alone. No one except his family, John Branca, and her friends back in New York knew that she was living with him. That she would be his wife. She sometimes was still scared by the prospect of being Mrs. Michael Jackson. But then she would look to him and she would garner strength from him and she knew it would be all right. She never thought it possible to be so intensely in love with one individual. But she was. Her love was overflowing and by days end he would be her husband. Ever since she had that dream of Michael struggling to complete that perfect dance move, she had felt the need to be close to him, to watch over him. And a fierce need to protect him.
She turned her body towards him. They were both still nude—having fallen asleep in each others’ arms after making love last night. She lovingly caressed his bare chest with the palm of her hand. He turned his face towards her and closed his eyes. He loved the feel of her hands on his body. Would he ever tire of this? Would she ever become disenchanted with him—estranged from him? She saw the look of deep concern in his eyes. "Do you have a fear of me not being here, next to you when you awaken?" she said, studying his eyes for his real emotions.
"I strive for perfection in all areas of my life and sometimes I put too much pressure on those that I love to help me attain that perfection. I forget that we are only human and sometimes I drive the people that I need and love the most away from me in the process," he said somewhat forlornly. "Michael, this should be a day of love and joy for you and me. Let's not contemplate human foibles today," she lightly scolded him. She propped herself up so that she could lean in better and kiss him on the lips. And then she took her hand and caressed his face. "Your happiness means everything to me. But I am who I am and sometimes I make mistakes."
He reached up and caressed her face, "Annie, it's not your human foibles I am worried about. It's my own. I fear I may chase you away. I fear my life will interfere with your pure and beautiful soul Annie.” “Oh Michael,” Annie moved down so her head was resting on his chest and continued, “I love you because you are human not because you are perfect. I am marrying Michael Jackson today. Father of three wonderful, beautiful children—and one more on the way, a generous, loving, charitable and successful man. You have a pure and beautiful soul Michael. I will admit that it still scares me a little bit thinking about how we will eventually announce to the world that you and I are married. I don’t want anything to change what we are feeling right now.”
She propped herself up again and looked into his eyes, “But I know when we are laying here together and you are whispering sweet endearments to me and we make love, I know that I am with the man I love. The person I am meant to be with.” He reached up and looped his arms around her neck pulling her closer to him. “I love you Annie. Thank you for making me understand what’s important. And I am happy today and I am filled with joy girl.” He kissed her passionately, allowing his tongue to penetrate the inside of her mouth letting it dance around hers. Her body became flush; a warm sensation flowed through her. She wanted him. He turned her on like no other man ever had. They separated from the kiss and Annie whispered breathily, “We can’t do this now can we? What if the children come to wake us up?”
He reached up and nonchalantly traced his finger across her face and slowly down across her breasts. “If the kids are awake they know not to bother us…and besides I think they are up to something. Some sort of surprise is being planned—I know my children,” Michael said and smiled bemusedly thinking of his babies. Then changing his demeanor totally he said in a sexy whisper, “I want you Annie. Is it wrong to want to make love to my wife?” “I am not your wife yet my sweet boy,” she said teasing him. With his usual finesse he suddenly twirled them around and now she was on her back looking up into his eyes. “We just need the official status Annie. But as far as I am concerned—you are my wife already. I have never felt closer to any other person than I do to you. Annie, you are my partner, my best friend, my soul mate."
He leaned in and nuzzled her neck and Annie stretched her neck gracefully so as to feel the sweet sensation of his lips, tracing small kisses, lightly, along her chin and on her cheek, till his lips reached her ear. And then in a warm breathy whisper he said "Each time I make love to you I feel like another part of my soul, another part of me, is attaching itself to your soul—I feel like we are connected to each other on a much higher level. Do you feel it Annie?" He looked intently into her eyes, anxiously awaiting her reply. "I feel it too Michael, you are my soul mate, my beloved," she said, reaching up and looping her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. She kissed him and she could feel the depth of his emotions reverberating through her own body as she held him in her arms. She whispered in his ear, "I want you too, I will never be able to resist you my sweet, sweet prince!"
They came together quickly. He pulled her on top of him and thrust himself into her. They were both so emotionally charged; their senses on fire that they both climaxed quickly. Their shouts of each other’s names were muffled as they came together in a kiss and then separated. Annie, breathing heavily, collapsed onto his chest. She could feel the rapid rise and fall of his and knew he was as effected by what had just happened to them as she was. She finally felt herself floating back down to earth. She propped herself up and looked intently into his eyes and she could feel that connection that he spoke of…she was one with this man. And yes, each time they made love it became more apparent to her.
Though reluctant to leave each others’ arms they were both anxious and excited to get the day started. After a quick shower they dressed and proceeded downstairs to have breakfast with the kids. Michael took Annie’s hand and they both walked down the stairs together. Michael loved to hold Annie’s hand. He felt it to be such an intimate gesture and when holding her hand he felt such a strong connection to her. He felt he could conquer the world when his hand was in hers. As they entered the kitchen they could hear the happy chitter-chatter of all three children. When they saw Michael and Annie all three sprang up from their chairs and ran over to greet them. “Happy Wedding Day!” Blanket shouted out as he made a beeline to hug his father and Annie at the same time. “Congratulations!” Paris said as she hugged and kissed Annie on her cheek. Prince said the same thing as he hugged and kissed his father on his cheek. They both expressed their thank yous and kissed and hugged each of them telling each of them how much they loved them. “Are we too late for breakfast?” Annie said.
“No you are right on time,” George said as he placed a platter of cut up fruit on the table. There was an abundance of food already on the table, eggs, bacon, waffles, and cereal and sweet rolls and bagels. “Congratulations to the both of you!” George said beaming at them. “Thanks George,” Michael said happily as he took a chair, “I’m ravenous.” Everyone stopped talking and looked at Michael. It was rare for Michel to express how hungry he was. “What? Can’t a man get hungry once in awhile?” Michael said laughing. Paris went and stood next to his chair and placed an arm around his shoulder and kissed him lightly on his cheek, “We are just not used to hearing that from you daddy!” “Well today is special my sweet girl,” Michael said, his eyes sparkling. Having just made love to his beautiful Annie had worked up an appetite in Michael but of course he could not say that to his sweet innocent daughter! “Let’s all sit down and eat,” Annie directed. “I seem to be quite hungry also,” she said winking at Michael.
They had a lovely breakfast together laughing and talking, enjoying each others’ company in a very relaxed and happy atmosphere. It seemed as though the day held great promise for all of them, perhaps not only the day but their entire future together as a family. The meal was finished and Michael said “So what’s the plan for the day?” He watched in fascination as first Paris looked to Prince and then they both looked to Blanket. Blanket of course started to giggle. Then Paris and Prince looked at each other again. His two oldest always seemed to communicate with each other in a telepathic manner. Prince nodded to Paris and she spoke first. “Daddy we have a surprise planned for you and Annie. The both of you get to spend the rest of the afternoon together while we decorate the backyard around the pool for your wedding.” “Awww! That is so sweet,” Annie exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “Spending the day together doing what?” she asked.
Then Prince took over, “Well Bill is going to take you two on a drive up the coastline…and then he will let you know what the second part of the surprise is once you are on your way. But it entails a private lunch together.” Michael looked over at Annie and winked at her. “Well that sounds absolutely lovely,” he said. “However, I think I want to see what’s going on out in the backyard.” He got up and started to walk towards the back door that led out to the walkway down to the pool. Paris jumped up and grabbed him by the arm before he could get too close though. “No daddy, we told you it’s a surprise!” “Oh, c’mon Paris, let me see, you guys can surprise Annie, but I want to see!” He started to walk toward the door again, dragging Paris with him. “Help me Blanket,” she said giggling. Blanket jumped up and ran over to his father, grabbing his other arm and started to try to pull him the other way, he too was giggling furiously. By now Annie had started to laugh also as she watched them. They both shouted, “Prince come help us!” Prince jumped up and started to push his father backwards away from the door. Michael pretended to struggle towards the door, dragging them all with him. Till finally Prince shouted, “I got an idea, let’s tickle him!” and then all three started to tickle their father till he let them drag him onto the floor. All four of them were laughing uproariously and Michael was shouting out, “Annie come on and help me, please!” “No way, you got yourself into this, you can get yourself out,” she yelled to him. “Okay, uncle, uncle,” Michael shouted. “I promise I will be good, please let me up!” They all ended up in each other’s arms in a big hug. “I love you guys! I was just teasing! I can’t wait to be surprised!” Michael said.
Bill walked into the room and said, “Okay…car is leaving in ten minutes. Let’s get ready to go you two.” “Yes sir,” Michael said laughing as he got up. He reached for Annie’s hand again and they both walked up the stairs together to quickly get ready to go on their surprise adventure.
As they came down the stairs all three of the kids were waiting for them. They had already been instructed before they went upstairs that Annie should take her camera and her sketch pad and Michael should take his notebook with him. Blanket stepped forward first. “Daddy, make sure you take your umbrella with you. You may need it for where you are going,” he giggled and handed it over to his father. “Thank you Applehead,” Michael said and ruffled his youngest hair. And then Paris stepped forward with a pretty canvas sack, “There’s some stuff in here that you may need Annie for your destination, but no peaking till you get there,” she said also giggling. Then Prince stepped forward, “We want you guys to relax and have a good time and Bill will get you back in plenty of time before the ceremony.” Then all three of them escorted Michael and Annie out the door.
Before he started the car Bill turned around and said, "I want the both of you to relax, roll down the window a little bit, enjoy the warm ocean breeze and enjoy the scenery. Just pretend that you are all alone, okay?" "All right Bill," Michael said. "Sounds lovely Bill, thank you!" Annie said. And then Bill closed the curtain separating him from them and started the car and they were on their way. Michael and Annie were fully aware that they truly were not alone; however they also knew that Bill could be trusted and even though only a curtain separated them—they knew that whatever was said to each other in privacy in the backseat of this car would not be divulged to any other persons.
Michael still held onto Annie's hand and he brought it up to his lips, grazing her fingertips with a light kiss, "I love you Annie—my bride, my wife," he said quietly. "I love you too my groom, my husband," she said smiling. "Your children are a marvel to me Michael. To be so thoughtful and loving at such a young age is a testament to you my sweet boy," Annie said lovingly. "They never cease to amaze me too Annie, but sometimes..." he faltered. She looked into his soulful eyes and knew that he was yet again going to reveal something personal to her.
He suddenly looked away and out the window. She took her free hand and touched his cheek, gently moving his face back to within her eyesight. "Talk to me Michael," she said gently. His brows were furrowed and he had that melancholic look on his face. "I don't want to spoil our day...why can't I just be happy Annie?" "You can be happy Michael...I have seen you happy...It's okay, just talk to me...I don't want you to hold it in. I am here for you just like you were there for me when I was struggling to come to terms with my fears and anxieties," Annie said tenderly. "Okay Annie. I guess it's just that sometimes I feel I have done a great disservice to all three of them. Especially my two oldest. I preach to the masses about my lost childhood and I fear I have taken my own children’s childhood away from them. I have made them grow up too fast Annie." His voice was filled with anguish.
She knew that she must tread carefully through this minefield of Michael's emotions. "Tell me how you have taken their childhood away from them," she said squeezing his hand and then cuddling up closer to him. "Look at me when you talk," she said gently but firmly. He looked at her, gazing into her eyes, “Well, it’s just that when we were away, after the trial, I was so alone Annie. They were like my lifeline. I confided in them. I had no one else that I trusted. I looked to them for support. And that was wrong. They are just kids—sometimes I think I should have left them here with my mother. Perhaps they could have led a more normal life without me. I have been selfish. But to tell you the truth I fear I may have died without them,” he said in a tearful whisper. He bowed his head down and Annie took her finger and raised his head up so that they were looking at each other again. “You did nothing wrong Michael. To leave them behind would have been the greater disservice. You grew closer to them, you yourself told me that. They love you so much. Children grow up in a hurry for lots of reasons.”
Think Annie…Come up with a way to make him understand what a good father he is, and then suddenly a light went off in her head! “Michael, I want you to close your eyes and think about what kind of father you want to be for them and I also want you to think about what you desire for them—not on a big scale Michael, like world peace or an end to poverty—I want you to tell me what you want for them personally. Can you do that for me baby?” Annie said in a quiet soothing voice. He looked at her and nodded his head and leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes. “I want to be the kind of father that they are not afraid to come to if they are in trouble or sad or depressed. I never want them to fear me. I want them to know that I won’t laugh at them or make fun of them no matter what. I want them to understand that they are beautiful to me on the outside and the inside—even though as they grow into teenagers they may have some awkward years…but they will always be beautiful to me. I want them to know that I would never be embarrassed about hugging or kissing them or showing them affection. I want them to know that spending time with them is more desirable to me than anything in the world because to me they are more important than any tour or concert or album or any kind of business that I am involved in. I want them to be whatever they want to be. I want them to dream and I want them to use their imagination and I want to instill in them a thirst for knowledge and a love of reading and writing and art and music. And I also want to instill in them the importance of helping those that are not as well off as they are. I want them to be confident but humble. But most of all I want them to be proud of me and not ashamed of me. I want them to know that they are loved by me and that they are free to love me back with no strings attached.”
She could tell that he was getting emotional and that was all right. “All right my love, open your eyes. He opened them—his face was wet with tears that had started to roll down his face while he talked to her. She reached up and moved that ever present lock of hair and brushed it off his face and at the same time took her hand and wiped the tears from his face. “Michael my beloved I want you to listen to me really hard…you are the type of father that you just described. You read to them every night. You eat at least one meal a day with them and when possible more than one. You talk to them and encourage them to dream and to excel in whatever they do. This morning and many other times I witnessed you laughing and joking with them, engaging in a tickle fight with them. And you tell them countless times each day that you love them.”
“You said you did a disservice to them by relying on them for comfort after the trial. I beg to differ Michael…in a sense you empowered them. In allowing them to help you by cheering you up and bringing you joy in your time of need, you allowed them to become closer to you. They needed that too. They needed to know that you loved them and that they played a part in helping to heal you. You made them feel needed. Yes they are young…but they are strong like you Michael.”
She caressed his cheek with her hand and he closed his eyes again turning his face into the palm of her hand in order to fully feel her touch. “Later on you are going to get even further proof of how much you have influenced them…Your oldest is going to prove to you how thoughtful and creative he is. You are going to witness what a beautiful young lady your daughter is growing up to be. And your youngest, well let’s just say that you are going to see how much he emulates his daddy in the most wonderful and amazing way. You are too hard on yourself my sweet, and I don’t care if it takes the rest of my life, I will prove to you what a wonderful human being you are Michael Jackson!”
“Feeling any better my beloved?” she questioned him. “A little bit, yes Annie,” he said softly. “I love you so much. I think God sent you to me to help me and my kids heal Annie.” “I feel the same way, except I feel that he sent me to you and your kids to help heal me!” She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips. “All right I have one more thing I want you to do for me Michael,” Annie said in a sweet, loving voice. “Anything you want Annie,” Michael said. “I want you to close your eyes again and lean back and relax.” He did as instructed. “Now Michael I want you too let the fear of not being a good father lift off your shoulders…let it go Michael….it’s not true and I don’t want you to hang on to it anymore…imagine it lifting off your shoulders and blowing away on the breeze. Unburden your soul Michael.”
Michael did as she asked. Her voice was so soothing and loving. He relaxed, and he felt the warm breeze blowing in from the ocean through the window and he could smell Annie’s perfume…it was some sort of flowery, fresh scent. He felt suddenly like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He felt lightheaded, giddy. Suddenly he felt euphoric. And he grinned, from ear to ear. Annie witnessed the transformation in him. She could see him physically relax and then he broke out into one of his famous Michael Jackson smiles. The type that made her feel so good. And she knew everything was going to be okay…at least for now. But that was okay. One fear, one anxiety at a time, another battle won Annie thought to herself.
He opened his eyes and said, “I love you Annie. You are amazing. Thank you!” He grabbed her, pulling her into an embrace. “No more sadness today my sweet beautiful girl…no more talk about fears all right?” “All right Michael, it’s a deal!” she said. He kissed the top of her head. “Your love has a magical influence on me Annie,” he said. And then in a soft voice he started to sing to her. He had sung this song to her before but each time he sang to her she was mesmerized:
Your love is magical, that's how I feel
But I have not the words here to explain
Gone is the grace for expressions of passion
But there are worlds and worlds of ways to explain
To tell you how I feel
But I am speechless, speechless
That's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am far away and nothing is for real
When I'm with you I am lost for words, I don't know what to say
My head's spinning like a carousel, so silently I pray
Helpless and hopeless, that's how I feel inside
Nothing's real, but all is possible if God is on my side
When I'm with you I am in the light where I cannot be found
It's as though I am standing in the place called Hallowed Ground
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am far away and nothing is for real
I'll go anywhere and do anything just to touch your face
There's no mountain high I cannot climb
I'm humbled in your grace
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am lost for words and nothing is for real
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am far away, and nothing is for real
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am lost for words and nothing is for real
Speechless
Your love is magical, that's how I feel
But in your presence I am lost for words
Words like, "I love you."
After he finished singing she separated herself from his embrace and kissed him lovingly and then settled back into his arms again. They sat together, quietly, enjoying the drive and each other’s company.
After awhile Peter opened the curtain and said to the both of them, “Okay we have about a half hour to get to our secret destination. But first I have been instructed to give this to you. This is the second part of your surprise.” Keeping his eyes on the road he handed back to Michael an envelope. It was an elegant envelope to say the least, a light delicate shade of pink, their names, To: Annie and Michael, written in bold and beautiful handwriting. She looked at Michael as he ran his finger lovingly across the writing. He was smiling and started to giggle. He pulled her closer, squeezing her tenderly, “It’s from Elizabeth!” he said in a joyful whisper to Annie. “Elizabeth….?” Annie said questioning Michael.
“Yes, my sweet girl, an old friend,” he said, turning the envelope over. “You see Annie, ET!” Michael said gleefully. A gold emblem seal with the initials ET embossed on it was placed lovingly on the back flap. “ET…ET…Elizabeth….,” suddenly Annie knew who Michael was referring to and said in awe and amazement, “Elizabeth Taylor!” Michael had told her that they were close, but like a lot of aspects of Michael’s life, it was still so very awe inspiring to her that Michael knew Elizabeth Taylor personally and she had co-addressed a note to her! He brought the envelope up to his nose and inhaled the scent and then did the same for Annie, “White Diamonds,” he said giggling, “Elizabeth’s scent. Shall we open it my sweet girl?” She smiled at him. He was like a little kid in a candy store. “Of course my sweet boy, we have to find out the next part of our surprise,” Annie said sweetly, quickly stealing a kiss from him.
Michael carefully unsealed the envelope and took out two pretty pink sheets of very fine stationary that equally matched the elegance of the envelope. Elizabeth Taylor’s name was engraved in fancy black letters at the top of each sheet. Michael squeezed her warmly and started to read aloud:
My Dearest Michael and his Beloved Annie, I wanted to offer my congratulations on your special day today.
First to Michael, when you called me last week and told me that you two had set a date I was ecstatic for you Michael. I am gratified that you have found your one true love. It's your turn to be happy again Michael, allow Annie and your children to make you happy. Soak it up my dear boy because you are so deserving of this happiness after such a long, hard drought.
Now to his dearest Annie, I look forward to the day when we can meet my dear girl. When Michael first told me about you I could hear the love and devotion in his voice. Michael is a special individual and though he is loved and gives love to many individuals he reserves his special love for only a chosen few and you my dear are on top of that list. Please take special care of him Annie.
To the both of you...I am so very happy for you and I so look forward to the day that I get to hold that new baby in my arms.
Now to your surprise for this special day. Prince, Paris and little Blanket have enlisted my assistance because they know how special Michael is to me. I have a friend that owns a very private and secluded beach house. It is currently unoccupied. Bill is in possession of the keys and he is driving you there as you read this. The house has a very sheltered and private terrace that overlooks the ocean. A special lunch will be served to the two of you there. There’s a little path that will lead you to the beach. There you can sit and watch the waves. It’s very peaceful and very relaxing. Prince felt that perhaps Annie may want to take some pictures or sketch while she relaxes. And Paris suggested that perhaps Michael may want to work on his music. Blanket thought maybe you may want to walk on the beach, but said to make sure daddy has his umbrella because the sun may be too hot. And do not fret too much about the sun Michael my love, there are a series of cliffs and rocks that overhang onto the beach that create a lovely patch of shade. I suggest the two of you enjoy each other’s company and contemplate and meditate on the start of your new life together. Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy the day. Michael, I understand that your wedding is to be a very private and intimate affair with just you and Annie and the children. I think that is a marvelous idea my dear. Enjoy your privacy—that is all I ever would wish for you my love on this special day.
Love to you both, and again congratulations,
Elizabeth
Michael carefully placed the sheets of stationary back into the envelope and placed it in his jacket pocket. “Well what do you think my beautiful girl?” He was still grinning from ear to ear. “I am thinking that it is a lovely surprise. I guess the bag of goodies that Paris packed for me have something to do with the surprise also.” “What a lovely day Annie this is turning out to be,” Michael said. They watched the road ahead and soon Bill was saying, “All right we are here. Just have to maneuver this little road to the house.”
Needless to say the house was absolutely gorgeous. Bill drove up and parked the vehicle. He got out and opened the door for Michael and Annie. He had Michael's umbrella at the ready and opened it as they started to walk. Michael took Annie's hand and they started to walk towards the door when she hesitated. He turned around. "Everything okay my sweet?" "I forgot the canvas bag that Paris gave to me." She started to go back towards the vehicle and Michael stopped her saying, "Annie, Bill will get it for you." She said, "No Michael my love, I can get it." She pulled him towards her till he was standing in front of her. Bill stood away from them, giving them the privacy that he instinctively knew they needed. She looked up at him and said softly, "Michael, Bill is here to protect us and watch out for our safety—he is not my packhorse!" She said it in a loving and lightly scolding manner and she reached up and tenderly caressed his cheek for emphasis. He looked at her and smiled and let go of her hand as she went back to the car. She opened the door and retrieved the colorful sack. She also saw Michael's notebook sitting on the seat and placed it into the sack for him. She had a feeling he may want it later. She already had her camera with her. She then slung the sack over her free shoulder and closed the door. She turned around and saw Michael waiting patiently for her, laughing, "What are you laughing at Michael?" she asked. "It's just that you know how to bring me back down to earth. You are so real. You talk to me like I wish everyone would. You are right; he's not your packhorse. That's the role of the husband, right?" He raised his eyebrow and smiled wryly at her and relieved her of the sack slinging it over his own shoulder and took her by the hand once again. They walked back to Bill and Michael silently motioned to Bill and he took the umbrella in his own hand. All three of them started towards the door, Bill in the lead with Michael and Annie hand in hand following close behind. "It looks like Ms. Taylor's caterers are here already," Bill said.
"Greetings!" a gentleman said as they approached the door. Bill shook his hand and said something to the man and then disappeared into the house ahead of Michael and Annie. The gentleman reminded Annie of an old style European concierge, very formal and polite but with a warm and gentle smile. He held his hand out to Michael and said, “Hello. My name is Claude. I will be serving you lunch today outside on the terrace. It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Jackson." Michael shook his hand. "And you must be Miss Walker. A pleasure to serve you also miss,” he said, bowing slightly. “The house has been unoccupied for awhile so that is why it is pretty much unfurnished. So please do not be alarmed. Miss Taylor has instructed us to serve you lunch on the terrace. You will find the view absolutely breathtaking. Please follow me.” And with that Claude turned and led them into the house towards the outside terrace. Michael's home was beautiful, as was this house, but it had a more modern elegance to it.
Michael sensing her uneasiness was by her side immediately. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You are not in Kansas anymore Annie!” She looked up at him and she could not help but laugh. “I guess you can sense my nervousness. This is even more overwhelming than when I came home to you my love.” “There’s no need to be nervous Annie. I am here by your side. And besides, you fit in anywhere you go Annie my beautiful girl!” He kissed her quickly on the cheek before Claude turned around and gestured them to glass doors that led out to the terrace.
Claude was right the view was spectacular. He turned to them and said, “Lunch will be served soon. In the meantime perhaps the both of you would enjoy something to drink. Miss Walker, perhaps some sparkling water?” “Oh yes, that sounds lovely Claude,” Annie said. “Mr. Jackson would you like a glass of wine?” “Claude I would prefer a glass of sparkling water also, thank you!” Michael said. “Very well, I will be with you momentarily.” Once again he bowed slightly and left them alone. Michael and Annie gravitated to the railing of the terrace. Michael stood behind Annie and pulled her closer to his body. He rested his chin on her shoulder and said, “It’s beautiful. So peaceful Annie." The sun was shining brightly and the sky was a brilliant blue but there were some beautiful white cottony clouds scattered throughout. They could see the beach from here, and the waves were gently lapping onto the shore. “Yes Michael. Miss Taylor is so very kind to arrange this for us. And those little munchkins will get a special thank you from me when we get home!” Michael squeezed Annie and then turned her so she was looking at him. He kissed her—at first just a gentle kiss. But as usual, the taste of her lips and the sweet sensation that she gave him proved beyond his control and he deepened the kiss. She reached up and looped her arms around his neck helping him to deepen the kiss even further. They separated slowly—and then both blushed when they heard Claude clear his throat. They both turned towards him, Michael still holding Annie tightly with his arm around her waist. “Pardon the interruption; I have taken the liberty of pouring each of you a glass of water and I will leave the bottle. Again, lunch will be served in about five minutes.” Claude turned around and left them alone again. “I think we embarrassed poor Claude by our display,” Michael said chuckling. “Yes, apparently we did,” Annie said laughing.
Just then Bill came up from the path leading down to the beach. "Everything looks safe and sound boss! I will let you two eat your lunch in private. If you need me, I will be in the kitchen getting some grub myself." "Thanks Bill!" they both said at the same time.
A young man dressed in an impeccable white, starched uniform came out wheeling a cart laden with food. "I guess that's our cue," Michael said. He gently took Annie by the arm and led her to the table and politely pulled her chair out for her. "Madam," he said sweetly. "Why thank you kind sir," Annie said giggling. The table was set beautifully. The table itself was covered with a crisp, white linen table cloth. There were red napkins of the same linen arranged in a fancy fan pattern. The plates were white with a red and black trim, of course, Michael's favorite colors. The glasses that Claude had poured their water into were expensive and ornate crystal. The silverware reminded Annie of the good stuff that she had inherited when her mother died but was now packed away in her father’s storage locker in New York. It sparkled in the afternoon sunlight. A beautiful vase of sunflowers was placed in the middle of the table—again Michael’s favorite—Elizabeth paid attention to detail and she knew Michael very well.
“Michael it’s not too sunny for you now is it,” Annie asked in a concerned and loving voice. “No Annie, it’s fine—we are well sheltered here. It should be fine my love. Sit back and enjoy your lunch my sweet, beautiful girl,” Michael said. The waiter started to serve them. “Your first course is gazpacho, a cold Spanish vegetable soup,” the young man said as he placed the bowls in front of them. “It looks delicious,” Annie said smiling. After he left Michael raised his glass and said “Let’s toast Annie.” She smiled and raised her glass also. “First off to the founder of the feast, the lovely Elizabeth,” Michael said breaking out into an extra wide smile. “And let’s not forget those lovable children of yours Michael, to Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson,” They gently clinked their glasses together and took a sip. And then Michael said, “And now my beautiful girl, to us, may our future together continue to be as rewarding and enriching and loving as the courtship has proven—I love you Annie and I can’t wait to officially call you my wife.” “And to you Michael, I love you more and I can’t wait to officially call you my husband,” Annie said looking into Michael’s eyes with the utmost love and devotion. They clinked their glasses together again.
Then they both started to eat. The food was exquisite. The menu had a Spanish feel to it, the gazpacho was followed up with a Mexican seafood sauté with avocado-mango salsa and rice with summer squash, red peppers and roasted pepitas. For dessert they feasted on ice cream sundaes, made with homemade vanilla ice cream, with a toasted-coconut and caramel topping. They talked and laughed and relaxed, reveling in each other’s company. Annie took pictures of everything. She wanted to document the whole day so that she could show the children later on. It was the perfect pre-wedding lunch. After they were done Michael asked Claude if the chef and the entire kitchen staff would come out so that they could personally thank them. They all came out and Michael and Annie expressed their thanks for the fine meal. He shook all of their hands and he gave each of them autographs. They were all blown away at how down to earth and friendly and amicable he was. And as for Annie Walker, they were impressed with her natural beauty and grace. They all discussed later on in the kitchen as they cleaned up what a wonderful couple they made. They knew they were under strict orders not to tell a soul who they had just served lunch to.
After they ate lunch Michael suggested that they spend a little time on the beach. “Not too long. The sun tires me out my sweet girl. But I thought we could sit and watch the waves. What do you think Annie,” Michael said tenderly as he tucked his finger under her chin. “I would like that Michael very much.” Just then Bill walked out from the house and Michael told him what they had in mind. “Okay boss. Miss Taylor actually had the same idea. There are two folding chairs down there with an umbrella and a little table. Do you want me to have Claude send down something to drink for you two?” “Oh Bill how sweet, yes, some more of that sparkling water would be great,” Annie said smiling.
Michael grabbed the colorful sack that Paris had prepared for Annie and his own umbrella and he took Annie’s hand and they walked down the little cobblestone path to the beach. The house itself was situated on a series of cliffs and as promised at the bottom of the path you could see one of the cliffs hung out slightly creating a natural shelter from the sun. There were the chairs and table and umbrella set up for them. They situated the chairs side by side so that they could be close to each other and Annie began to unpack the little sack. “What did that darling girl of yours pack in here?” Annie said as she started to pull out the items. She pulled out Michael’s notebook and pen and handed them to him. “Here you go my darling. In case you are moved to write. Here’s my sketchpad,” she said pulling it out along with some pencils she had brought for drawing. Then she started to pull out the items that Paris had packed. There was a colorful hat for Annie and a baseball cap for Michael, a pair of sunglasses for Annie, a pair of beach sandals and some sunscreen. “What a thoughtful daughter you have Michael.” “She is a kind and loving child Annie,” Michael said beaming.
They settled themselves on their chairs. “Have you finished your vows Annie?” Michael questioned her. “Yes my love, last night I did. How about you?” she asked Michael. “I am going to finish them right now, suddenly I am inspired,” he said leaning over and kissing her lightly on the lips. She smiled at him. “Okay Michael. I am going to do some sketching.” As she drew she could hear Michael humming a lilting little tune. She thought it sounded familiar and suddenly remembered that it was the melody that he was humming a while back when they had made love in the afternoon on Annie’s little daybed. She blushed and smiled as she would always remember that afternoon quite fondly.
They both worked in silence. Not an uncomfortable silence. They were both secure in their love of each other that it was not necessary for them to talk to each other, it was enough just to spend this quiet time together. After awhile they both simultaneously put their work down and looked at each other. “Do you think we can take a walk on the beach my love,” Annie asked Michael. “Yes, I think that would be okay. Let me take my umbrella, okay Annie?” Annie took off the fancy sandals that she had put on that morning and exchanged them for the ones that Paris had packed. She gave Michael his hat and she put hers on along with the sunglasses. Michael as usual had his with him and he put his on also. They then both got up and started to walk towards the shoreline, hand in hand of course.
As they walked along the beach, hand in hand, they talked. "I feel so happy right now that I could dance down the beach!" Annie said. Michael smiled at her and said "Then why don't you girl?" She blushed. "I think that you are the dancer in this family, you and little Blanket!" she said shyly. Michael stopped and looked at her intently. "I think everyone has a dancer within them and whether you are feeling unabashed joy or even an all encompassing sadness, dancing is a way to let your emotions come out." He reached up and tenderly caressed her face, "Dance for me Annie. Show me how you feel right now."
She looked at him and said tentatively "All right Michael." She took a few steps away from him. She turned back around and saw him smiling at her, playfully twirling his umbrella. He took off his sunglasses and Annie could see his eyes were filled with such love and encouragement. Annie closed her eyes and started to let her body sway slightly. Even though there was no actual music Annie could hear the natural music of the ocean as the waves hit the shore and the sound of the gulls flying overhead and the sound the wind made as it rustled through the tall grass on the beach. She used this as her music and to set the rhythm of her movements. She raised her arms above her head and stretched her fingertips into the air as though to try to touch the sky and the sun all at once. She twirled her hands gracefully above her head and brought them down letting them touch her body in a sensuous gesture. She was wearing a sundress that when she moved flowed down around her body and she gathered some of the material in her hands and raised it up above her knees and her feet started to move into little skips and steps similar to an Irish jig or perhaps a gypsy folk dance. And then she let her body twirl around several times. She felt giddy and excited like a little girl but when she opened her eyes and saw Michael staring at her intently, his eyes a glow with a deep love she felt very much like a woman dancing for her lover.
Michael watched Annie as she performed her dance for him. He could see her lose her inhibitions and give into the movement. He knew the feeling all too well. She was sweet and sexy and beautiful all rolled into one. He wished he could take her and lie with her on the sands of the beach and make love to her right now. But he knew that was not possible. What he would give to get away with her to an island paradise or a mountain retreat. Somewhere away from the harsh glare of the spotlight. Maybe someday that would be possible. He felt like with her by his side anything could be possible. She ended her dance and opened her eyes. They were bright and sparkling and her face was flush and her skin seemed to be glowing.
He applauded her performance, shouting out, "Bravo, bravo!" and she did an exaggerated bow for him, "Thank you kind sir." And then he gestured to her and said, "Come here my lovely one." He folded the umbrella and dropped it on the sand and she scurried to his side into his open arms. He pulled her toward him in a warm loving embrace. "That was beautiful Annie, my pretty little dancer! I love you Annie so very much!" he said in a husky whisper. "I love you too Michael, my sweet boy," she said as they met in a passionate kiss. The kiss ended and they both stared into each other’s eyes. They then separated and Michael scooped up his umbrella and they continued walking hand in hand with each other. They played like kids with the surf, running towards the water as the waves retreated and then running away as the waves came back in. Then they would stop and kiss each other.
“Hmm…I better get you back to civilization before I tackle you on this beach and make sweet love to you girl,” Michael said finally. Annie laughed joyously and Michael closed his eyes and listened to the sound. She snuck up on him while his eyes were closed and gave him a quick peck on the lips and said running ahead, “You are right my love. We will celebrate our official union later on tonight!” He ran after her back down the beach towards the chairs. They packed their stuff up and Michael called Bill on the cell phone and told him they were on their way back up and ready to head for home.
They were finally in the car and on their way back home. At first they were both quiet, lost in thought, reliving the loving afternoon that they had just experienced. Annie’s head lay on Michael’s shoulder, his arm around her. After awhile he kissed the top of her head tenderly and said, “Did you have a good day today girl?” “Hmm…I would say it’s going to be one that I will always remember and the day is not over yet Michael. The most important part is yet to come,” she said sweetly looking up at him. “How about you my sweet boy did you have a good day today Michael?” Michael bent his head down and kissed her lips lightly. “It was beautiful Annie. It will be imprinted in my memory also for a very, very long time.”
She sat up so that she was face to face with him. He reached up with his hands and placed one on each side of her face. They couldn’t seem to touch one another enough today. Annie closed her eyes and her breathing quickened slightly. He moved his hands up slowly along her cheeks and then finished the caress by running his fingers through her soft curls. “Open your eyes Annie, please?” Michael asked in a plaintive whisper. She did as he asked. He observed that her eyes were bright and sparkly again when she opened them and her cheeks were glowing. “I remember the first time I caressed your face and kissed you Annie. It was as though my touch awakened your spirit. It moved me that my touch had such a profound effect on you and it still seems to my lovely one,” he said in a husky whisper.
“Your caress is magical Michael. I never will grow tired of it.” An uncertain look passed her eyes for a fleeting second and her brow furrowed slightly. And because Michael was so in tune to her emotions he said, “Is something wrong Annie?” “I...I want to tell you something Michael….” She hesitated slightly. “What is it my love,” Michael said urging her on gently. “I will never forgive myself for turning away from your touch Michael.” She bowed her head down not wanting to look at him when she said these words. “The look on your face the night of Suzie’s party when I rejected your touch still haunts me. I sent you away that night Michael and I will never forgive myself for that. The time we missed out on can never be recovered and I feel so foolish.”
When Michael had come back to New York they had promised each other to talk honestly about what had happened between them. But they had avoided talking about that night specifically. Perhaps at first because they knew it was going to be painful and neither was willing to explore it any further, especially when they had just experienced such a heartwarming reunion. But now that some time had passed maybe it was time to explore their feelings especially now that they were virtually about to promise themselves to each other.
Michael closed his eyes for a minute and said a silent prayer and then took his finger and tucked it under Annie’s chin and raised her head up so that she was looking at him. “Annie, I don’t deny that it hurt me…” Michael said tentatively. Annie sobbed, “Oh Michael,” and buried her face into his chest. Hot tears streamed down her face. “I am so sorry Michael!” “Annie, please don’t cry my sweet girl, please let me finish, please,” Michael said desperately. Michael could feel her body tremble, as he tenderly rubbed his hand up and down her back, trying to calm her. He kissed her lovingly on the top of head. “I didn’t mean for my comment to hurt you my sweet beautiful girl,” he murmured lovingly. “Let me finish, okay my sweet girl.” She nodded her head silently, her face still buried in his chest. “Annie, I know that you were not rejecting me or my touch that night. I know that you were afraid and confused. I wanted to come back Annie. I even turned around and almost came back to the door of your apartment. But you see Annie you were not the only one scared that night. I was. I was afraid to push you more because I was afraid that you would reject me again, and I couldn’t take that girl. So I left. But I never stopped loving you girl. And I came back Annie.” Annie lifted her head from his chest and looked into his eyes and said in a sobbing voice, “But I said such mean things to you that night and I still think about it Michael…I want you to know that I am sorry. It still bothers me that I was like others in your life that rejected you and turned away from you.”
“Annie, don’t torture yourself with these thoughts. You are not like the others. You have never disappointed me Annie, never! Since then I have shown you more of myself than I have ever shown anyone before, except maybe my kids. And you have never turned away from me, you have never rejected me. I know that you were afraid about going against your father’s wishes, plus I know that you were afraid of leaving the safe confines of a life that you had grown comfortable with. I was asking you to take a big step and I am sure it was very confusing and daunting for you. It’s over my sweet girl. We have gotten over that bump. We need only look to the future Annie. I love you girl. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone before you. You told me earlier today to let the notion of me being a bad father drift away on the wind. To free myself. You need to do the same thing Annie. Close your eyes and relax.” She closed her eyes and leaned back. “We said words to each other during that time that neither of us meant Annie. We were both afraid of being hurt. But now we understand that we were only hurting each other more by not talking to each other. You could never hurt me the way some of the people in my past have hurt me Annie. You are too good and loving and kind. You are my woman Annie and I am your man. Free yourself from these negative thoughts my love.”
Michael’s voice was soothing and loving. He was close to her face as he spoke to her. She could feel his sweet breath on her face and she inhaled his intoxicating scent. He was right. She felt much better telling him about it and now that it was out in the open she could finally free herself from the negative thoughts. “Now open your eyes sweet girl.” She smiled and opened her eyes. “That’s my girl, that’s the smile I could never ever live without!” He took his hand and caressed her cheeks once again, wiping the tears from both sides of her face. He looked at her in such a true loving and devoted manner and Annie reached up and looped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her and kissed him with all the feelings and emotions she had inside her.
Michael kissed her back and slowly moved her downwards so she was lying down on the seat of the car with him hovering above her. The kiss ended and they stared at each other intently. Both wanting each other but both knowing that this was not the right time or the right place, not yet, but soon they would express their love for each other again, later tonight after they had said their vows to one another and officially became man and wife. He lifted her back up and positioned her head back on his shoulder. “I guess today is a day of self revelation my lovely one,” Michael said. “Yes it’s like we are cleansing our souls Michael,” Annie said quietly. He squeezed her a little tighter, “I love you Annie,” he said. “I love you more Michael,” Annie replied.
Once again they sat quietly in each others arms. Soon Bill said from the front seat. “Home in a few minutes.” “Thanks Bill,” they both said. And in a matter of minutes, the car drove up to the front drive and the children were out the door in a shot to greet them. "Did you have a good time Annie?" Paris asked as she hugged both her father and Annie. Prince took the bag from Michael's shoulder and his umbrella and said, "Let me get that for you dad." Blanket was jumping up and down going from one to the other to express his happiness in having them home again. "We had a lovely time thanks to all three of you," Annie said kissing and hugging each of them. "Did you get Elizabeth's letter daddy," Blanket said. "Yes we did son. I am so proud of all three of you for keeping such a big secret." "I took pictures of everything and I will share later on. We will all sit down some time soon and all write a letter to her thanking her for her helping you guys and for giving your father and me such a lovely gift today. How's that sound?" Annie said. "Yes Annie," all three said. "What was the lunch like Annie," Paris asked as they started to walk towards the door together. Ever since their little talk Paris was becoming especially close to Annie. "It was lovely, very good Paris. The view was magnificent and the food tasted so good. Your daddy even ate ever last morsel! And the table was elegant. I can’t wait to show you guys the pictures. Did you guys get to eat?" "George fixed us something to eat for lunch. We took a break from our decorating," Paris said. They all entered the house together and stood in the foyer at the foot of the stairs.
"So what's the plan for the rest of the day?" Michael said. Once again Paris looked to Prince and then both of them looked to Blanket who as usual started to giggle. "How about a nap Annie and daddy?" Blanket said in a delighted voice. "Actually," Michael said looking at Annie in a very devilish way, "that sounds divine." "I think he meant separately Michael," Annie said laughing. "Oh really—separately huh? Okay, very well I guess," Michael said in a disappointed voice. Paris came to the rescue. "We just thought daddy that it would be good now for you guys to get some rest before the ceremony. And then after you both are rested then you can start to get dressed for the wedding. And I will help Annie and Prince will help you daddy." "What will I do Paris," Blanket asked forlornly. Paris went over to Blanket and gave him a little hug, "You can help everyone, how's that?" "Okay!" he smiled and started to jump up and down again. "I think little Michael needs a nap too—or he's going to wear out long before the wedding even starts!" Annie said laughing.
Michael and Annie went upstairs together holding hands again. "Annie you can rest in your studio and daddy will rest in the bedroom." Paris was like a little wedding planner. She had everything arranged.
Michael turned to Annie and in front of his kids, because he didn't care at this point, he grabbed her and kissed her. "The next time I see you, you will be in your wedding gown. I can hardly wait my sweet beautiful girl," he said in a quiet voice. "I can hardly wait too Michael." They both parted and went into their respective rooms. Annie felt a little bit tired but wanted to actually draw a little before she lied down for a nap. She felt so happy and filled with joy after their afternoon together and when she felt this good she liked to express her feelings in her art.
Michael was actually quite sleepy. The day in the sun probably was the reason. He hoped he didn't over do it but his girl looked so good today and seemed to enjoy the sunshine so much he didn't want to disappoint her. He took off some of his clothing and lay down on the bed. The room felt cool and the bed was so comfortable even though he wished that Annie was here with him. He understood that it was traditional for the bride and the groom to not see each other before the ceremony and he did so love tradition. Even without Annie, he seemed to fall asleep almost immediately.
Michael didn't sleep too long but in Michael's world any quality sleep was a good thing. And he felt strong and happy and confident when he woke up. As he lay in bed he smiled a devilish smile to himself. What if he was to sneak down to Annie's studio? He wanted to see her. He couldn't seem to get enough of her today. He even had dreamed of her. He closed his eyes in order to bring the images back up in his mind. A beautiful dream—a continuation of their adventure on the beach but this time the beach was moonlit. It was so real to him. The tender kisses they shared, the warm sand on their backs and the ocean breezes ruffling her soft lovely curls. The moon was full and shining above them high in the starlit sky. Her face was glowing from his caresses and her eyes were sparkling. They had just made love and were both laying down looking up in the sky, their hands firmly clasped together. "I will love you forever and a day Michael," his Annie said to him and Michael turned to her and said "I will always love you more Annie." It was then that Michael woke up.
He was still thinking about going to see her but then thought better of it. The anticipation of seeing her dressed in her wedding finery stopped him. It was better to wait. However, no one had said anything about not calling her. He got up from the bed and went over to where he had thrown his jeans before he took his nap. As he stuck his hand in the pocket he felt something smooth and hard and pulled out a pretty little seashell that Annie had found on the beach and given to Michael. He smiled. He kept the seashell and then pulled his cell phone out of his other pocket and jumped back into bed. He propped himself up and dialed Annie's cell phone number, he held the seashell in his hand, rubbing the outside of it with his thumb.
Annie slowly awoke from her nap. She was more tired from her little excursion with Michael than she thought. She had drawn some before she decided to lie down. She smiled to herself. The kids were so sweet separating her and Michael. If she knew Michael, he was itching to get to her. She suddenly heard her cell phone ringing and got up to look for it. It was on her drawing table where she had left it. She looked at the number and smiled, Michael was calling her. She answered the phone and started to walk back to the daybed. "Hello my sweet boy!" she said in her most sunny of voices. "Hello my sweet girl," he said. I almost came to see you but decided that I didn't want to spoil the anticipation. So I thought the next best thing was to hear your voice. And besides I figured Paris would be upset with me if she found me there with you!" Annie laughed into the phone. "I am sure she would scold you thoroughly Michael. Did you nap as ordered," Annie asked as she slid back into the bed. "I did Annie, I dreamed of you and me!" “You did? I hope it was a pleasant dream.” “Well if you call making love to you on the beach pleasant I would say it was one of my better dreams!” Michael said laughing. Annie got a nice little fluttering in her stomach and smiled. “Hmmm…that does sound very pleasant Michael.” “Well I just wanted to tell you how much I love you Annie, I couldn’t wait till the ceremony,” Michael said. Annie relaxed against the pillows a little more. “I love you too Michael.” “Well I guess the sooner we get ready the sooner we will get to see each other baby,” Michael said sighing. “Yes, you are right my sweet prince. I shall see you in a little bit, baby.” “Who is going to hang up first Annie,” Michael said teasing. Annie felt so young and carefree when he was playful like this. “Well we can count to three and tell each other that we love each other and then hang up,” Annie said sweetly. “Okay let’s do it,” he said. “One…two…three…” they said simultaneously. Then each whispered, “I love you Annie!” “I love you Michael.” And then they each disconnected. Michael held the seashell in his hand and smiled warmly while Annie closed her eyes and smiled as well.
There was a light knock on the door and Annie heard Paris’ voice, “Annie can I come in please?” Annie got up quickly and went to the door to let Paris in. “Come on in sweetheart,” Annie said. Without saying anything else, they automatically hugged each other tightly. “I love you Paris,” Annie said. “I love you more Annie,” Paris said sweetly. “I just wanted to check to see if you were awake Annie. I didn’t want to disturb you though if you were still sleeping,” Paris said shyly. Annie was always amazed how truly polite and sweet Michael’s children were. “I was just getting up Paris. I was thinking that I would like to take a nice hot shower and then start to get ready. Would you like to get ready with me here in my studio?” Annie asked Paris, “I would love the company sweetie.” Paris’s eyes lit up with happiness and joy. “I would love that Annie!” “Okay sweetie. Why don’t you go and get all of your stuff and bring it in here,” Annie said to Paris as she put her arm around the child and squeezed her tenderly. “Okay Annie I will be right back. I love you so much Annie!” “I love you too Paris!” Annie said. She already felt like she was getting emotional—but it was a good kind of emotional she thought to herself. This family already had quite the effect on her and now they soon would officially be her family.
Michael had taken a hot shower and was just finishing putting the rest of his clothes on, his shirt was only buttoned partially and he had no shoes or socks on, but he was taking his time and humming a tune and dancing around in the room, he felt so carefree. He heard a light knock on the door followed by his oldest child's voice, "Dad, it's me Prince, can I come in?" Michael smiled and walked to the door to let his son in. "Sure buddy, come on in." He noticed Prince was dressed and ready for the ceremony. He was wearing a snazzy black suit with a starched white shirt and a red tie which was done to perfection. "Who tied your tie for you?" Michael asked. "I did! Pretty good right?" Prince said proudly. "Very good!" Michael said whistling.
He noticed that Prince was carrying a pretty gift bag with bright colored tissue paper peaking out. As though their roles were reversed Michael said with childlike wonder, "What's in the bag? And who is it for?" Prince laughed. "It's for you dad. I wanted to get you something because today is such a special day, for all of us," Prince said in an excited voice. "Cool! Let's go and sit down so I can open it," Michael said in an awestruck voice.
Michael and his son sat on the sofa and Prince gave the bag to his father. Michael's eyes lit up. He so enjoyed receiving gifts. He placed the bag next to him and reached into it and pulled out a beautiful wooden box. There were pictures inlaid into the top. The pictures were of Annie and Michael. Michael lovingly ran his fingers over the smooth surface. “Pretty cool huh dad?” Prince said. “Yes way cool,” Michael said softly. “How did you know how to do this?” “Annie taught me how. We did it together. It’s called decoupage. Annie took the pictures when we visited her apartment in New York for the first time. Remember dad?” “I do,” Michael said lovingly, remembering fondly that day at her apartment. That was the day that Michael knew for sure that he was falling in love with Annie.
“It’s a memory box dad,” Prince said excitedly. Michael turned the box from side to side looking at the details. The four sides were painted red and black, two of Michael’s favorite colors. It was a little bigger than a cigar box. It was quite lovely he thought to himself. There was a tiny little lock on it keeping a small brass clasp tightly shut. Prince took a little key on a piece of string out of his pocket. “This will open it up.” Michael took the key from his son’s hand and opened the little lock. He placed the key on the string around his wrist for safekeeping. He then raised the lid. The lid was attached with small brass hinges. “I was thinking that you could keep items in there that remind you of Annie and how you guys met. I wanted to put some stuff in there for you to start you off so I got Paris and Blanket and Annie to contribute items. Mostly Annie. But Paris and Blanket wanted to donate also.” Michael started to pull some of the items out of the box. He was already starting to get emotional. The first item he pulled out was a fortune cookie fortune. “Remember Paris’s fortune, well Annie kept hers and she wanted to contribute it. The fortune was enclosed in one of those card sleeves for safekeeping, just like Paris’s. He read it aloud, “There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.” Michael smiled. The fortune had foretold their relationship. So true he thought to himself. There was a rolled up piece of paper with a pretty red ribbon around it. He took that out next and slipped the ribbon off and unrolled it. It was a sketch of Michael. “Annie said that was one of the first sketches she did of you dad,” Prince said. Michael was amazed at the other items. Amongst them was a Metro Card—the one he purchased for their subway adventure. Paris contributed two items, some pressed wild flowers and a Kentucky Fried Chicken napkin. The wild flowers were some of Annie’s favorites. Prince laughed as he explained the napkin, “That’s from the first night we met Annie. We had your favorite meal!” “I can’t believe your sister kept one of these,” Michael said. “We are all as sentimental as you dad!” Prince said. “Yes, I guess you guys are,” Michael said his voice trembling a little. He nonchalantly took his hand and wiped the tears from his eyes. “What did my little Blanket contribute?” Michael said looking through the box. “Look a little deeper dad, I think you will know it when you see it,” Prince said. And then Michael saw it. A rabbit’s foot, like one that you would use as a key chain. “This is it right?” Michael said laughing. “Yes. Blanket wasn’t sure what to donate. But he said he knew the rabbit’s foot was good luck and he thought it was a good thing to give you and Annie for your wedding. And you know it’s one of his prized possessions,” Prince said in explanation. Michael smiled again. He recalled that when Blanket had gotten the rabbits foot from some sort of vending machine or gumball machine. Bill had gotten it for him. Gum for Michael and the kids and then he had tried one of the machines that elicited mini toys and prizes. It was Blanket’s birthday Michael seemed to recall so he ended up with the prize, a rabbit’s foot. He carried it around with him for awhile and then it was out of sight for safekeeping and now it had reappeared. He was touched.
“And this was your idea Prince?” Michael said tenderly as he looked at his son. “Yes, it was my idea. But I wanted all of us to participate. But Annie said I should present it to you by myself. She said that lots of times the best man gives a gift to the groom. I thought you could fill it up with some of your own memories but we would just get you started.” Michael carefully placed all the items back in the box. He reached into his pocket and felt the seashell. He thought that is where this is going to end up, but for now he wanted to carry it with it him in his pocket, like a good luck talisman, when they said their vows.
He took the key and locked the little lock. And then carefully placed the string with the key back around his wrist, kind of like a lucky bracelet he thought to himself. He placed the box on the table and then pulled his son into an embrace. “I love you Prince. You are such a good kid. Thank you!” He kissed Prince on the top of his head. Prince hugged his father back, tightly. “I love you too daddy!” They separated from the hug. Michael said to him, “You don’t call me daddy too much anymore, it’s always dad.” “Well, I am getting older. But I though daddy fit the moment,” Prince said ducking his head. Michael reached up and caressed the top of his son’s head, threading his fingers through his hair. “You will always be my little Prince,” he said. “Now you are making me blush dad!” Prince said like a typical kid. “I just want to tell you one more thing dad,” Prince said. “Oh yeah, what’s that buddy?” Michael asked. “Well I am speaking for Paris and Blanket also…we want you to know that we love Annie very much. And we are so happy that she is here with us. She makes you happy dad and that makes us happy also.” “I am glad you guys are so close to her,” Michael said.
They both looked up as the door sprang open and in ran Blanket. Like a mini tornado. He looked like his father, partially dressed. He had his pants on but no shoes or socks; his shirt was buttoned up, but not tucked in, with no tie! “Daddy can you help me?” he said as he ran full speed at them. He had the tie in his hand. “Let me do it Blanket. Daddy is still getting ready too,” Prince said. “That sounds like a good idea,” Michael said. “Let me finish up. Prince is going to help you Applehead,” Michael said tousling Blanket’s hair. Blanket giggled. “Okay daddy!” Prince took the tie from Blanket and started to thread it through the collar of the shirt.
In the studio both Annie and Paris were finishing up themselves. Annie had allowed Paris a little bit of makeup. She hoped Michael would not be upset. She wasn’t sure how he felt about it. But it was very discreet and natural. She made sure of it. “You look beautiful Annie,” Paris said in awe. “You look so pretty too my dear. Your daddy is going to be speechless when he sees his little girl looking so grown up.” Paris was wearing a beautiful white dress with a red sash. Her hair hung loose about her shoulders, they had put some soft curls in it, and she wore a black velvet headband holding it back off her face. She looked lovely Annie thought. Annie’s mother’s dress had arrived safe and sound sent express delivery by Gloria and Audrey. But not before the women had it cleaned and pressed for her. Annie had to have it altered slightly. A woman stylist that Michael knew had assisted. Bill had been able to secure her services with no trouble. In the back of Annie’s mind she was starting to think nervously that the circle of people that knew about her and Michael was starting to grow. But she wasn’t going to think about it today. She didn’t want anything to spoil this evening.
While they fussed over each other one last time they heard a polite knock on the door and a little giggle from the other side. Annie looked at Paris and they gave each other a knowing look. “Yes, who is it?” Annie asked. “It’s me, can I come in,” and then more giggles. “Okay me come on in,” Paris said. Blanket came in with a little devilish look on his face. He was thoroughly enjoying playing the go between today. Prince had assisted in getting him dressed completely and he looked like a little man in his suit and tie. And he had shoes and socks on. Black loafers with white socks—paying tribute to his daddy! He came over to where Annie was and said in an awestruck voice, “Annie you look so beautiful. Like a princess!” “I was thinking the same thing Blanket!” Paris said. “Daddy will be so happy when he sees you Annie!” Blanket said. Annie cupped her hand under his chin and raised his face so that she could see his eyes and said “Thank you Little Michael,” and then she kissed him lightly on his forehead. He giggled again. “Paris you look pretty too!” Blanket said. “Can you help me tie my hair into a ponytail Paris?” “Thank you Blanket! Of course baby brother, come over here,” Paris said laughing.
After she was done Blanket thanked Paris. Blanket looked like he was concentrating really hard to remember something and then all of a sudden he said “I almost forgot! Paris I am supposed to tell you that daddy and Prince are both ready and they are going down. We have to give them a little bit of time and then they told me to tell you that we can come also.” Annie looked at the both of them lovingly. “Well guys, I guess we are almost there now! Let’s sit for a few minutes and then we can go down together. Paris where are the flowers honey?” “We can stop and get them on the way into the back Annie they are in the refrigerator in the kitchen,” Paris said. “Little Michael sweetheart you are going to go first and do your dance. Are you ready sweetie?” “Yes Annie, I am ready! I’ve been practicing!” Blanket said proudly. “Good boy! I can’t wait to see it also!” All three of them sat down, Blanket came and sat next to Annie and she automatically put her arm around him. “Annie can I say hello to the baby while we wait?” he asked softly. Annie smiled and said tenderly to him, “Okay sweetie, go right ahead.” Blanket moved closer to Annie leaning down towards her tummy and said “Hey little baby your mommy and daddy are getting married today and me your brother Blanket and your brother Prince and your sister Paris are going to be there. We’ll tell you all about it when you come out!” Paris and Annie laughed. They all relaxed for a few minutes more and then got up and made their way down the stairs together.
When Michael and Prince had made their way downstairs they met the Reverend Lewis. Michael was reminded all over again why he liked the guy so much. He had a very God like aura around him. And even though he was younger than Michael he reminded Michael of a preacher from a different era. He referred to his congregation as his children. Michael liked that! He also seemed to care about people a lot. Annie had visited the Reverend’s church and help center. They had decided that it would not be a good idea for Michael to go because it would just cause too much commotion. So Annie had taken lots of pictures and had intermingled with some of the Reverend’s congregation. They all thought she was some sort of a reporter or writer. She told Michael all about the visit and showed him the pictures. There were a lot of little children doing crafts in the center the day Annie was there and Michael found that particularly endearing. Then the Reverend had come here to meet Michael and to talk to the both of them. He was genuine and real, nothing phony about the guy and that made Michael feel at ease around him.
Michael was brought back to the present as the Reverend took Michael’s hand and gave it a strong, firm handshake. “Michael, congratulations! I hope you and your bride are happy today?” “Yes Reverend Lewis very happy. Thank you so much for agreeing to perform the ceremony. Annie and I really appreciate it,” Michael said. Then Michael had introduced Prince to the Reverend and they had made their way out the door and down the stairs to the pool.
As Michael waited patiently for his bride to make her appearance he was able to take a look around the area that the kids had decorated for the wedding. It was beautifully yet simply decorated, which Michael found charming. The most prominent feature was the flowers. Flowers were everywhere. Apparently they had Elizabeth to thank for these too according to Prince. Prince said that Paris and Blanket and himself had a meeting last week and decided what kinds they wanted and relayed the message to Elizabeth and she had them delivered after Michael and Annie had left this morning. There were red and white roses along with lots of wildflowers, Annie’s favorite and lots of sunflowers, Michael’s favorite. They were arranged in the planters that surrounded the pool. Michael felt warmed to the core. Elizabeth Taylor had always remained a good and true friend with him through every storm he had passed through.
There were some strings of little white lights strewn casually on the trees surrounding the pool. Presumably to light the area up a little more once it turned dark. And off to the side closer to the pool house George had set up a table and chairs. They would eat dinner after the ceremony. The table was set very simply but elegantly with fine china, silverware and glassware set upon a pretty red and black linen tablecloth. The fragrance in the air was a combination of all the lovely flowers and the delicious aroma of barbecued chicken which George was busy grilling.
On the cobblestone path that led to the pool an elegant carpet runner had been laid out to mark the path to where they were standing, like an aisle in a church. Michael smiled and chuckled to himself for it was no ordinary runner, it was a very expensive and very old Oriental rug and if the media could see this they would probably have a field day. With the help of George and Bill’s two assistants the children had set up a little awning right in front of the pool. That is where Michael and Prince and the Reverend Lewis stood waiting for Annie and Paris and little Blanket.
Before they made their way out the door Annie stopped the two children. “I just want to give you guys a big hug before we go out there and tell you how much I love the both of you.” She gave each of them a tight hug and a big kiss. “I love you Annie,” Paris said sweetly. “I love you Annie,” Blanket said holding on to her and placing his hand lovingly on her stomach. This little baby is not only going to have a loving sibling when it comes out but a friend for life in Blanket Annie thought to herself. “Okay Little Michael you go first, and then you Paris my love,” Annie said directing them out the door.
As soon as Prince saw them coming he ran over and turned on a compact disc player that he had set up earlier. The sounds of Dionne Warwick singing The Look of Love wafted out for all to hear. Michael smiled. His kids knew him well. He loved Dionne and he loved Burt Bacharach! As they drew closer Michael could see his youngest was first, than his lovely daughter, and then his beautiful bride. Michael smiled as his youngest practically skipped ahead. He stopped at the end of the runner just as the song ended. Blanket shouted to Michael, “Daddy, this is for you, I love you!” and then he blew Michael a kiss! “I love you more Applehead!” Michael shouted back. And then the next song started, Michael’s Billie Jean. The familiar beat started and to Michael’s amazement and everyone else in attendance, Blanket proceeded to dance down the runner. Even though he had no black hat or sequined glove, Blanket was his father personified. He moved just like Michael. He did the leg lifts the spins and then to top off it off he did the moonwalk. As the song ended he spun around once more and then ended by trying to stand on his toes. Not quite making it, but he gave it his all. He bowed deeply as everyone in the yard clapped. And then giggling as usual he ran into his father’s open embrace. Michael bent down and kissed and squeezed his son tightly. “Where did you learn to dance like that? I mean I have seen you dance before…but that was amazing buddy!” Michael said as he held his son lovingly in his arms. Blanket whispered in Michael’s ear, “Did you really like it daddy? I watched you, that’s how I knew how to do the steps, and I practiced, over and over again!” “I loved it Blanket! It was great. Thank you Applehead,” Michael said as he gave his son one last kiss and hug.
“Okay daddy, now Annie is coming and she’s as pretty as a princess daddy!” Blanket whispered to his father. Michael got up slowly and then Prince started the music again. This time the traditional wedding march started to play and Michael got ready to get emotional all over again. His daughter was dressed in a beautiful white dress with a red sash. She came forward with a basket of flower petals which she gracefully strewed in front of her as she walked. She was so beautiful and she was getting to be such a big girl. His eyes dampened with tears as she came closer to him. She looked up at him and gave him a big smile and winked and then mouthed the words, “I love you!” She came and stood on the other side of the reverend and waited for Annie.
And finally his lovely Annie came down the aisle. She seemed to almost glide as though she was walking on air. Her dress was flowing around her as she walked. She carried a simple bouquet of wild flowers. And on her head she wore a crown of flowers to match. Her skin had that beautiful glow and she was smiling at him, for him, he thought. The late afternoon sun shone down on her making her golden in Michael’s eyes. She was like a fairytale princess Michael thought, and he was her prince.As Annie approached Michael all she could think of was how beautiful he looked. Michael was the only man in her eyes that could carry off beautiful! He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt and a colorful vest.
His long black hair was blowing carefree in the breeze, but that ever present lock of hair was casually covering one eye. She was never entirely sure if Michael did that on purpose. No matter, it made him look even sexier than ever. He had his hands in his pockets and his head was bent down for a minute but when he looked up he stared intently into her eyes as she approached and as usual he had that shy, loving boyish look that Annie would never, ever be able to resist. Annie was thinking about how Blanket called her a fairytale princess. She felt like one, and Michael was truly her sweet prince. She felt so full of joy she nearly skipped the rest of the way down the aisle.
When she made it to the awning the first thing she did was lightly kiss Prince on his forehead and hug him. “Thanks kiddo, I love you!” “I love you too Annie,” Prince replied giving her a light hug in return. And then Annie bent down and tucked her finger under Blanket’s chin and lifted the child’s face up to hers, “Very smart moves out there Little Michael, very well done sweetie!” and then she kissed him lightly on his cheek. Blanket giggled. And then she made her way to her place besides Paris, next to Michael, giving her a tender squeeze on the arm. By then Prince had turned the music off and the ceremony was about to begin.
The Reverend Lewis started off with a few remarks. “I am pleased and honored to be here on this lovely, sunny day to officiate at the union of Annie and Michael. I have witnessed the way they interact with each other and I can testify that they are a beautiful and loving couple. Most of the people that come to my church or help center have lost all hope. Most have hit rock bottom and have a desire to start over. From what the two of you have told me about your lives in a sense you two are seeking to start over. Or begin again perhaps. I feel that there is a strong spiritual connection between the two of you. I sense that with time it will only deepen and mature. You both have a firm and solid belief in God and I know that will also help in your life together.”
“At this time Annie and Michael have a desire to speak a few words to each other before I recite the formal vows of marriage to each of them. Annie and Michael, would you like to take each other’s hands while you speak to each other?”
They both nodded their heads and Annie turned to Paris and handed her the bouquet, and then they took each other’s hands. “Annie why don’t you go first,” the reverend said.
“Thank you Reverend Lewis,” Annie said demurely. Annie closed her eyes for a few seconds to gather her thoughts and to compose herself. And then she opened them and saw the loving eyes of Michael. He smiled at her and she started to speak. “Michael I usually express my feelings visually and not through the written word. I leave that up to you my sweet. But my words come from what’s inside my heart and I hope they express how I feel about you. You have changed my life for the better in so many ways. You helped me work through my grief that I had over losing my father. You helped me reconcile my feelings towards my stepmother and in the process allowed me to see that Gloria is a true friend. You helped guide me back to my art and made me realize that I couldn’t turn my back on it even if tried. You have given me an instant family—Prince, Paris, and Blanket, I love them like they are my own children and when this little one comes (Annie patted her tummy) he will have such warm and loving siblings to greet him. Michael I feel a connection to you like I have felt with no other human being. I was lost before we found each other. I now know why. I was not whole till I met you Michael. You are truly my other half.” She looked into his deep, dark eyes when she said this and he squeezed her hands.
“Here’s what I want to promise you Michael, in addition to the traditional vows we will recite…I want you to know Michael for the rest of my life I want to provide for you a safe haven. When you come off that stage your children and I will be waiting for you Michael. We will ease your pains and your loneliness and I will provide for you a loving, peaceful home where you can always be yourself Michael, your true self. No masks, no disguises, just yourself baby. I know it won’t always be easy but I will be there with you no matter, through the good and bad we will work out any and all problems. I love you Michael and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
She nodded to the Reverend, and he turned to Michael and said “All right Michael now it’s your turn.” Michael nodded his head. He too closed his eyes for a few seconds and then opened them to Annie’s beautiful loving look. “Annie I had pretty much given up on ever finding true love. I was satisfied with the love and support my children gave me though I guess always in the back of my mind I desired more. When I saw you for the first time at your father’s toy store it was as though I was compelled to know more about you. It was like some sort of force bringing me closer to you.”
“You never cared about Michael Jackson, you just cared about Michael. That was so very refreshing for me. I need that in my life Annie. You have brought me a sense of normalcy which I crave. And I know that you will help me bring this same sense of normalcy to my children. I need help with that Annie—and I know you will be there encouraging me and making sure I stay real. You are not afraid to tell me the truth or say no to me or scold me. I need that also.”
“What I want to promise to you Annie in addition to the traditional vows we are about to exchange is room for you to create and to be an artist. I can allow you the freedom to become the artist you always wanted to and I will be there to support you in any way you need me. This is my pledge to you Annie in exchange for your everlasting love because that is all I want from you my sweet beautiful girl.” He squeezed her hands when he said this last part and looked deeply into her eyes. “And now I have one last gift for you. I wrote a poem for you Annie and I want to read it out aloud. It expresses my love for you.”
“My girl danced on the beach for me today
And I fell in love with her all over again
The warm sunshine turned her hair into golden threads
And her eyes sparkled like diamonds
Her arms swirled upwards
Moving to a melody only my sweet girl could hear
And then with a flourish my girl spun
Around for me, once—twice—thrice
My girl danced on the beach for me today
And I fell in love with her all over again”
There was a moment of silence and Reverend Lewis said, “Just beautiful children. Such honest words of love between the two of you, a very good start my children. And now we are going to recite the traditional vows. Perhaps you kids would like to draw closer. Let’s get the whole family together, hold hands children.”
Paris took Annie’s hand and Prince took Michael’s hand. Blanket stood in front of Prince who draped his other arm around Blanket’s shoulder. The Michael placed his other hand on Annie’s stomach and Annie placed her other hand on top of Michael’s hand. “Very good children, now the whole family are connected,” Reverend Lewis said jubilantly. “Now let us recite the vows. He turned to Annie first, “Annie do you take Michael to be your lawfully wedded husband, your constant friend, your faithful partner and your love from this day forward. In the presence of God and your children, do you offer your solemn vow to be Michael’s faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow and do you promise to love him unconditionally, to support him in his goals, to honor and respect him, to laugh with him and cry with him, and to cherish him for as long as you both shall live?” Annie looked into Michael eyes and said emphatically, “I do, forever and ever!” Michael smiled at her.
“Very good child, and now Michael, Michael do you take Annie to be your lawfully wedded wife, your constant friend, your faithful partner and your love from this day forward. In the presence of God and your children, do you offer your solemn vow to be Annie’s faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow and do you promise to love her unconditionally, to support her in her goals, to honor and respect her, to laugh with her and cry with her, and to cherish her for as long as you both shall live?” “I do, forever and ever!” Annie smiled at him.
“Lovely again my children. I understand that you are going to exchange rings also. Who has the rings?” Reverend Lewis said. Paris stepped forward, “I have daddy’s ring,” and then Prince stepped forward, “I have Annie’s ring.” “Very good children. Prince please hand your father Annie’s ring and Michael place the ring on your beloved’s finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow upon thee all the treasures of my mind, heart, and hands.” Michael slipped the gold band that they had picked out for each other onto Annie’s finger and repeated the vow. “And now Paris hand Annie your father’s ring and Annie place the ring on your beloved’s finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow upon thee all the treasures of my mind, heart, and hands.” Annie did the same, slipping the gold band onto Michael’s finger and repeated the vow.
And the Reverend Lewis continued, “Very good children, very lovely. You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other’s best friend. What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder. And so, by the power vested in me by the State of California and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth. Michael you may now kiss the bride.”
Michael pulled Annie towards him and whispered in her ear before kissing her, “I love you Annie my sweet, beautiful girl.” And she whispered in his ear, “I love you more my sweet, sweet prince.” And then they both kissed. A very passionate, long and enchanted kiss. And when they separated they both felt a warm glow overtake them and smiled, blushing. The Reverend Lewis then said, “Prince, Paris and little Blanket, may I now introduce to you Annie and Michael Jackson. Give them your congratulations children!” A shout went up, “Yeah!” and all three children embraced and kissed Annie and Michael at the same time!
After the ceremony they all sat down to the delicious meal that George had prepared for them. There was barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, fresh string beans, sliced tomatoes, and homemade cornbread. For dessert they would cut the wedding cake that George’s wife had baked special for the occasion. The Reverend Lewis was asked to stay and eat with them. He was reluctant at first, figuring they desired their privacy but they all convinced him otherwise. Michael asked him to lead them in grace and then they all started to eat and talk all at once. Michael sat tantalizingly next to Annie. After they broke free from their kiss after the ceremony all Michael could think of was that he wanted to lift her in his arms and carry her back into the house up to their bedroom and make sweet love to her for the rest of the day into the night. But he knew that was not possible and anyways, he shouldn’t be thinking that way not with the Reverend sitting so close by.
Instead he took every opportunity to touch her even if it was nonchalantly and quite innocent to everyone else at the table. Their fingers met as they passed around bowls and platters of food. It was as though an electric shock went through the both of them. He brushed her shoulder casually as he reached for the pepper. Even the sound of her lovely lilting voice and her laughter ringing out like sweet music seemed to have the potential for his undoing! He wanted her more than ever.
Annie watched Michael out of the corner of her eye. She was amused but just as agitated as he was. The kiss had been passionate and filled her with such warmth and longing. She had kissed Michael plenty of times before. But there was something about having just pledged their love to each other that made it seem more intense. She felt the finger touches and the casual shoulder brushing with as much intensity as he did. She reached under the table and took his hand in hers and when he felt her fingers touching his he turned to her and smiled. “Hello my beautiful girl, are you enjoying your wedding feast?” he whispered to her. “Yes, my sweet prince, I am indeed. Though I am having naughty thoughts Michael, I want to feast on you!” she whispered into his ear sweetly. His eyes got wide and he turned to look at her. Her eyes were sparkling and her face had the glow that he loved so much. He smiled and was about to lean in and kiss her when he heard someone tapping a glass.
He stopped and Annie almost started to laugh out loud when she saw the look of pure frustration on his face. “Let’s have a toast daddy,” he heard Paris say. He composed himself and said, “Very well.” He stood up and raised his glass. “I first want to tell our children how much we love them. Prince, Paris and Blanket, you guys planned such a wonderful surprise for me and Annie this morning and then decorated the yard so beautifully. Annie and I will never forget it and we love you very, very much. So here’s to the three most beautiful and sweet and loving children a man could ever ask for,” Michael said winking at all three of them. All three children said “Thank you daddy” and “I love you daddy!”
Next he turned to his wife. “And now my lovely Annie. Thank you for becoming my wife my sweet beautiful girl. Here’s to never ending happiness my love!” He reached down and casually caressed her face. Annie smiled and raised her glass and said, “I love you Michael—here’s to never ending happiness!” He took his glass and gently clinked it with hers. Then everyone at the table started to tap their glasses and Blanket said, “Daddy its okay if you want to kiss Annie, we don’t mind!” and as usual he couldn’t keep from giggling. “Thank you Blanket,” Michael said. And then he turned to Annie and said in a quiet voice, “Out of the mouths of babes, c’mon up here and let me kiss you Mrs. Jackson.” Annie stood up; her legs were trembling, once again, as though this were the first time he ever kissed her. He pulled her closer to him and she could feel the full length of his hard, toned body against hers. She circled her arms around his neck and they stood nose to nose, staring intently into each other’s eyes. And then he leaned in and started to kiss her. His lips met hers and they were soft and warm on hers. Then the kiss intensified. He inserted his tongue in her mouth, swirling it around hers playfully. She swayed into him, wrapping her arms tighter around his neck. This kiss was just as passionate as the one after they said I do but even more erotic if possible. He put all his yearning into it. The kiss ended but they didn’t separate. They still stood staring into each other’s eyes. “I love you Michael Jackson,” Annie said softly to him. “I love you Annie Jackson,” Michael said softly back to her.
They separated and then everyone started to clap and tap their glasses. Annie and Michael blushed and ducked their heads shyly and sat down. The dinner continued on, both still teasing each other with light touches and veiled glances. They kept up their ends of the conversations with the children and the Reverend but then also casually whispered words of love and seduction to each other, trying not to be too obvious as to their deep desire for one another.
After they ate they cut the wedding cake. Prince took several pictures of them cutting the cake together. Reverend Lewis said goodbye and was sent home with some of the leftover cake and food, which George wrapped up for him. And then the tight knit family was left alone. Prince took lots more pictures. And there were various poses with each other. Annie posed with Paris and then with Blanket and then with Prince. And then Michael posed with each of his children and then with all three of them. Then they all posed together. Prince set the camera on a tripod that Annie gave him to use. The picture was lovely. All five of them huddled together, arms draped around each other, Blanket planting himself in the middle of all of them with his hand placed tenderly on Annie's stomach. This one would be the family portrait that would be proudly displayed for all to see.
Then Prince took several pictures of just Annie and Michael. One involved Michael behind Annie with his arms placed around her waist. He rested his chin on her shoulders. He took this opportunity to pull her a little closer. Her backside tight against his front she could feel every inch of his form against her back. His warm breath on her neck and then he whispered in her ear, "I can't wait to get you alone my sweet girl. I need to feel you close to me!" She leaned back into his embrace turning her face towards him and looking into his eyes. They were warm and filled with love and desire. "Soon my husband, soon!" She tilted her face up and he leaned down to kiss her and Prince took the picture right at that moment.
It was starting to get dark by then and Michael said to Prince “Turn the music back on Prince, let’s all dance under the moonlight!” Prince had burned a compact disc with lots of Michael’s favorites, like Smokey Robinson, the Supremes, James Brown, the Carpenters, more Dionne, and even some Michael Jackson! He also made a point to ask Annie what some of her favorites were to be included. Annie always loved a lot of the old vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Julie London, Sammy Davis and Dean Martin. So there were many different kinds of music playing that evening and the Jackson clan danced to all of them.
When James Brown came on Michael and Blanket did a little moonwalk together, Michael really enjoyed that. The father so skilled and the son emulating the master. Prince got some pictures of that also. Then when a slow song came on Michael danced with his daughter Paris. “Daddy you look so very happy!” Paris said to her father. “I am Paris. And you look so pretty and grown up today my lovely one,” Michael said as he twirled his daughter around on the dance floor. She couldn’t help but giggle. “I love you daddy,” she said as the music ended. “I love you more my sweet Paris,” Michael said. Meanwhile Annie danced with Prince. “Annie you look beautiful today,” Prince said shyly. “Thank you Prince,” Annie said beaming. “You guys have been so wonderful today planning all of these surprises. You love your father so much don’t you?” “We love him a lot Annie. But we also love you. You are doing wonderful things for our father. He’s happier than Paris and I can ever remember. We just want him to be happy more than anything in the world Annie,” Prince said. “Well he makes me happy too. So I guess we are good for each other,” Annie said. “Prince I meant what I said to your father this afternoon. I want to provide him a home filled with love and peace. And I want that for you guys also.” “Thank you Annie, I love you!” he said as the music ended. “I love you too kiddo,” she said giving him a tight squeeze before she let him go.
Then Close To You by the Carpenters came on and Michael bowed to Annie and asked her to dance. “May I have this dance Annie?” She curtsied and said “I would be honored sir,” she said politely and then her beautiful laughter rang out and Michael pulled her closer to him and they started to slow dance. “It’s been a beautiful day has it not Annie?” Michael said. “Yes Michael, a very beautiful and memorable day,” Annie replied back resting her head lightly on his shoulder. They swayed as Karen Carpenter sang and Michael joined in, “On the day that you were born, the angels got together and decided, to create a dream come true, so they sprinkled moondust in your hair, of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue.” And then he twirled her around and pulled her closer so that her face was inches from his and kissed her. And then repeated the step once again ending in another kiss. “You are very light on your feet my sweet girl,” Michael said teasing her. As the song ended Michael tipped Annie back and kissed her passionately again. He lifted her back up so that she was standing upright. Between the kiss and the dip she felt a bit dizzy and grabbed a hold of him. “Don’t let me go yet,” she said breathlessly. “Okay,” Michael said staring intently into her eyes. He held her until she regained her equilibrium. “Are you still feeling faint Annie?” Michael whispered in her ear, teasing her. “I will always feel faint when I am around you,” she whispered back into his ear.
They separated slowly and Michael looked over at the kids, they were running around having a blast, dancing and chasing each other. “As much as I want you alone, upstairs, as soon as possible, I don’t think it’s going to be easy getting them to bed,” Michael said laughing. “Yes, but I guess it’s a special night for them too baby!” Annie said. “You are right. Hey I got an idea that might help calm them down and get them to sleep so that we can start our night together Annie,” Michael said leering at her with a devilish grin. “Okay my sweet prince, I leave it in your capable hands,” Annie said laughing.
“Hey guys how about bedtime?” Michael shouted out to them. “No daddy, please let us stay up a little later, please daddy,” Paris said sweetly. “Yea dad, c’mon please just a little bit longer?” Prince said. And then Blanket ran over to his father and grabbed him by the leg, “Please, please, please daddy, just a little bit longer, please? Annie get him to let us stay up later.” Blanket pleaded with Annie. She laughed. “Uh huh, now I see what its gong to be like you guys are going to try to divide and conquer!” “Michael what do you say, just a little bit more?” Annie said sweetly. “All right! You win; I don’t want to be the bad guy. But I got an idea. How about instead of us reading to you tonight, I tell you guys a story of my own?” “Yes daddy!” they all said.
They all settled down in an area near the pool house to hear Michael’s story. Annie sat on the wicker couch; Blanket crawled up next to Annie. He looked like a typical kid after a long day of partying, his jacket was off slung on the back of one of the chairs by the table, his tie was stuffed into his back pocket and the long sleeves of his shirt were rolled up above his elbows. His hair was coming undone from the pony tail that Paris had fixed for him earlier that day. Annie put her arm around him and he settled his head down on her chest. Paris sat on the other side of Annie, taking her hand in hers and settling comfortably to listen to daddy’s story. Prince pulled up his own chair next to Michael and gave his father his full attention. Michael had a wonderful way of weaving a story and his speaking voice could be quite mesmerizing. It wasn’t too loud, but just soft enough that it pulled you in.
“Okay everyone comfortable?” Michael said looking at all of them. They all nodded their heads. And then he began, “Once upon a time in a land far, far away there lived a troubadour named Michael.” Blanket interrupted, "Daddy what is a tru..bo...dor?" “A troubadour is a person who sings and performs for a living son," Michael answered patiently. "So this Michael was like you daddy, right?" Michael looked directly at Annie when he answered the question. "Yes you can say that Blanket. He's like me."
And then Michael continued.
“The troubadour traveled all across the land singing and dancing for both common folk and nobility and he was loved by all but he was especially loved by his three beautiful children.” Michael took a moment and reached out and caressed each of them on the back of their heads and then started again. “Still there were times when the troubadour was lonely. Sometimes he felt like he was missing something in his life but because he was so happy most of the time he never let it bother him too much.”
“One morning Michael's life changed in a moments notice. He woke up and found that he had lost his voice. Although he could talk, he could no longer sing. He tried and he tried but much to his dismay nothing would come out. And although he didn't lose his ability to use his legs, when he found that he could no longer sing he also lost the will to dance. The troubadour sought out the help of many of his friends both in high and low places. He asked for advice and counsel. Though some remained loyal and loving quite a few became embarrassed by the troubadour. Now that he had lost his ability to perform he became a joke, an embarrassment and those that had scrambled to see him perform, to talk to him or to even just touch him, for the most part now they no longer wanted to have anything to do with the troubadour some even publicly scorning him.”
“Needless to say Michael became even more despondent. So much so that he took his children and started to travel across the countryside in order to get away and to think, to rest his voice and to seek further advice and counsel in how to regain his voice. And again, even though his children gave him more love and support than he should ever need, at night, when he lay down to sleep, he often lay wide awake, filled with a longing and a loneliness that he couldn't define.” “Oh daddy that is so sad!” Paris said in a quiet voice.
Michael paused and looked at all of them, stopping to look at Annie the longest, she was somewhat taken aback to see the deep pain in his eyes. He was telling this story as if it was his own. And perhaps it was. She wrapped her arm around Little Michael more securely. He was starting to relax and fighting off sleep desperately. But when she looked at Paris and Prince they sat at rapt attention.
Michael continued on in his beautiful storytelling voice. “His little family stopped one day in a village that Michael had performed in many times long ago. It was one of the troubadour’s favorite places when he was a performer. He was to meet a friend who promised to help Michael try to regain his singing voice through some special voice exercises. Michael was willing to try anything at this point and being in this village brought back pleasant memories for the troubadour so he settled his little family in one of the better inns.”
“One early morning long before the rest of his family awakened Michael was restless as usual and decided to take a walk in the beautiful surrounding countryside. He set out with just a cap and cape and nothing else in the way of provisions and started to walk. The crisp morning air was very refreshing and the scenery was very beautiful. Mountains in the distance and small brooks with quaint little foot bridges. There were cows and sheep about getting their morning meal and grazing time in. After walking for quite awhile Michael became parched and desired a drink of water. He saw a small cottage ahead with a lovely well in the front. He decided to knock on the door and ask permission for a cup of water.”
“The land surrounding the cottage was very well kept. There was an abundance of beautiful colorful wildflowers growing surrounding the little cottage and the cobblestone path was immaculately swept of dirt and debris. He knocked on the door hoping that he would not be waking the owner or owners up from their slumber. The door opened and there stood a beautiful maiden. She had golden curly hair cascading down and around her shoulders and she was wearing a plain old dress and apron but very clean and neat and orderly. She had a kerchief covering the top of her head partially hiding her lovely curls and Michael thought that was a shame.”
“The fair maiden was taken aback for a moment. It was unusual for anyone to knock on her door. She was quite alone in the world and had very few friends and no family. The troubadour spoke first. ‘I am sorry to disturb you my lady but I have been walking for awhile and I find myself to be very thirsty. Would it be all right if I had a cup of water from your well?’ ‘Why of course,’ she said. ‘Would you like a piece of bread and butter? I have just made some fresh this morning. You could partake of it with the water,’ the maiden asked sweetly. The troubadour was enchanted by this fair maiden. But he could see that there was an air of sadness about her. ‘I would not wish to bother you or the rest of your family,’ Michael said.”
“At this point Michael paused and looked at each of them and then continued. “The fair maiden gestured for him to come in and said ‘No bother kind sir. And I live alone. There are no other family members here with me.’ Any other time the fair maiden would have never revealed this to a stranger but for some reason unknown to her she felt very at ease with this man. ‘Have you come from the village?’ she asked the troubadour. ‘Yes. My children and I are visiting an old acquaintance of mine,’ the troubadour replied. ‘Your children—is your wife not with you kind sir?’ the fair maiden asked—she was almost disappointed at the thought that he was attached to another lady. ‘No, I too am all alone, except of course for my children,’ Michael said.
“Once inside the small cottage the troubadour looked around while the fair maiden went to the kitchen area and sliced the bread for Michael. The cottage was one large room. An area was sectioned off with a partition where Michael surmised was where the maiden slept and the rest of the room was filled with an assortment of personal items. It was very simply decorated but very cozy. Michael’s eye caught an easel in the corner of the room. It was empty no canvas on it. It looked like it had been neglected for quite awhile. Just then the maiden returned with two hunks of bread with butter placed on a pretty linen napkin.”
‘You have a lovely home,’ the troubadour said taking the bread from her. ‘Thank you sir,’ she said. ‘Do you paint?’ Michael asked her, gesturing towards the empty easel. The maiden looked forlornly towards the easel and when she turned back to face him he could see there were tears in her eyes. ‘I did. But I have not for a while. Ever since my father passed away over a year ago I have not been able to draw or paint a single line. It’s as though my grief has blocked out everything,’ she said in a sad voice. ‘I am so sorry,’ the troubadour said. With the bread still in his hand he reached for her and brought her into an embrace, hugging her warmly and then letting her go.”
“The troubadour and the maiden walked outside towards the well and she pulled the bucket up and took a tin cup that was hanging on the side of the well and dipped it into the bucket and handed Michael a cupful of water. He took the cup and proceeded to drink and then took a bite of the bread. The water was cold and had a lovely sweet fresh taste to it and the bread was delicious as well. She gestured to a low wall nearby and they sat down and Michael feeling so at ease with her proceeded to tell her why he was in the village and what had happened to his voice. She sympathized. Losing one’s creative urge was something she knew all about. After he was done with his water and his bread, he stood up and said he should probably make his way back to the village; his children would start to wonder what happened to him. ‘My name is Michael, can you tell me your name fair maiden,’ the troubadour asked her. ‘My name is Annie,’ she said. Michael the storyteller paused and looked at his Annie when he said this and Paris let out a little gasp. Annie smiled.
And then Michael continued. “The troubadour took the remaining piece of bread and wrapped it up in the linen napkin. ‘How will I get this back to you,’ he asked her. ‘Please just keep it, there’s no need to return it.’ Now that he was leaving her she felt sad all over again. Again she could not help but feel a strange attraction to him. ‘Very well, thank you so much for your kindness my lady,’ and the troubadour bowed deeply. ‘You are quite welcome kind sir,’ and she curtsied. He started back the way he had come and just then Annie had an idea. “Michael, sir, please wait,” she shouted out. The troubadour turned around quickly. Annie was running towards him with handful of freshly cut wildflowers from her garden. ‘Perhaps you can share these with your children. They are so lovely this time of year,’ she said breathlessly. She had them wrapped in yet another linen napkin dampened with some water to keep them fresh a while longer. ‘Thank you my lady, they will enjoy them.’ And then with that he turned around again and left her.”
“The troubadour could not stop thinking of the fair maiden Annie. He sensed her pain and grief and she seemed so sensitive and thoughtful. And she was very pretty he thought to himself. The next day he and his children took a walk in the village. In the main square of the town there was a fair going on. They stopped to get some sweet cakes and to watch the entertainment. There were jugglers and puppet shows and acrobats and jesters. His children were delighted. While watching the entertainment, Michael was gladdened to see the fair Annie. She was carrying a basket filled to the brim with supplies. She was dressed again in a plain manner and her hair was covered by the kerchief. But to the troubadour she was far from plain. She had a beautiful smile on her face while seemingly entranced by the show. Afterwards he took his children over to where she was standing and introduced them to her. ‘Good morning to you Annie,’ the troubadour said. She looked around quite nervously and then said to Michael in a quiet and strained voice. ‘Good morning to you kind sir.’ She kept her eyes down as though she was afraid to be seen talking to him. ‘Is everything all right Annie,’ the troubadour asked. ‘I shouldn’t be seen talking to you Michael. Some of the villagers are not so kind and they may not be so kind to you if they see you associating with me,’ she said in a worried voice.
“The troubadour felt an immediate desire to sweep her away into a hidden corner to comfort her. He looked around the square and saw no evidence of anyone staring at them. ‘I have an idea, why don’t you come back to the inn with my children and me?’ ‘No!’ she said rather emphatically. And then softening her tone and looking at his three lovely children. ‘Why don’t you come back to my cottage Michael and bring your children with you. I would feel much more comfortable to talk freely there.’ ‘Very well Annie. We will meet you there in an hour’s time,’ Michael said softly to her. The maiden made a quick curtsy and then quickly moved away from Michael.”
Michael the storyteller asked if he could possibly have a glass of water and Prince got up and ran over to the table and poured his father a tall glass of ice water and brought it back to Michael. “Thanks buddy,” he said taking the glass and drinking from it. And then once again Michael continued. “As promised the troubadour and his children arrived at the fair maiden’s house. This time instead of walking they had borrowed a carriage with two horses from the innkeeper. The children were very enchanted with Annie’s gardens. Annie also owned a couple of pigs and a cow and some chickens. She was very self sufficient for the most part. While the children played in the yard Annie explained to Michael that her father was a bit eccentric. He was a cobbler by trade but also enjoyed carving wooden toys. The villagers found him to be strange and very often made fun of Annie when she was growing up. When her father passed away very few of them passed on their sympathies and because Annie was so shy and so filled with grief she now rarely went into the village. Only if she needed supplies that she couldn’t provide for herself. Once again the troubadour felt her pain. He understood all too well the scorn of others.”
“For the next several days the troubadour and his children spent a great deal of time at Annie’s small cottage. He started to care for her a great deal and she for him and for his children. Meanwhile Michael met with his old acquaintance to see what he could do for him regarding regaining his voice. The man’s name was Seth. He taught Michael some voice exercises with the hope that it might loosen up his frozen vocal chords, but alas it had no effect. ‘Michael there is one other idea that I have. Perhaps you may find it too odd though,’ Seth said. ‘What is it Seth? I am desperate. I will try anything at this point,’ Michael said his voice filled with anguish. ‘Well legend has it that there is an old woman that lives in the mountains. She is called Sister Sophia. She is apparently an old retired sister from the nearby convent. She is supposed to be a healer. She uses natural herbs to mix potions and salves and medicines to help heal people. She is a bit of a hermit. Never sets foot in the village anymore, and does not always appear to people even when they travel up the mountain to see her. It could be risky. But I remember hearing long ago that she healed people of the most dire illnesses.’ Michael was intrigued. ‘How do I find her Seth?’ Seth went to his bookshelf and pulled a large tome off the shelf. He opened it up and showed Michael on a map of the area where she was rumored to be located at. Michael traced the map on to a piece of parchment paper. ‘It will take several days to get there Michael. You best take some supplies with you and you will have to travel by horseback—no wagons or carts could navigate the rough terrain once you get into to the hills.’
“Later on that evening Michael took his children to Annie’s cottage. He was not expected that evening but he wanted to talk to her about Sister Sophia. He had decided that he wanted Annie to come with him. They ate supper together and then because it was already quite late Annie told Michael that the children could fall asleep on her bed and then Michael and she could talk. Once the children were asleep Michael questioned Annie about Sister Sophia. ‘I remember my father mentioning her long ago. And like Seth I remember some of the old timers saying that she had healing powers. You want me to come with you Michael?’ Annie asked timidly. ‘Yes Annie. Perhaps she could help you regain your ability to draw,’ Michael said. ‘And besides…I would like you to come with me for support. I have come to care a great deal about you and I trust you. Please Annie, will you consider it?’ Annie made a sudden decision. Until Michael and his children had come into her life she had been wallowing in her grief. They had brought such happiness and joy to her. She looked forward to their visits each day. Besides that this would be exciting and adventurous. Annie needed that in her life; it was time to take a risk. And also, the troubadour was such an intriguing man. She felt such a strong attraction to him. She felt like, dare she say it, that she needed him and he needed her. ‘Yes Michael, I will come with you.’ The troubadour smiled and squeezed her hands. ‘Good. We will start preparing tomorrow and leave the day after. I have a trusted man that I travel with, William. He will watch the children while we are away.’ ‘Why not have them stay here Michael? They can watch my cottage and the children can feed the animals while I am away.’ ‘That is a good idea Annie.’
So in two days time Michael and Annie were on their way up the mountain in search of Sister Sophia. They took two horses with them. One was used to carry supplies and the other one Michael and Annie rode together. It was late in the summer and the mountain air was already starting to grow cold so when they stopped for the day they would make a fire and huddle together for warmth. Even more so, now that they were alone, the two lonely souls started to open up to each other. They revealed private sides of themselves to each other that they had never revealed to anyone else and thus became closer and closer as they drew near their destination. At night as he held Annie in his arms for warmth and comfort he realized that he was falling in love with her and Annie realized that she too was in love with Michael. But because the two of them had been scorned and hurt by others they were afraid to reveal their true feelings to each other for fear of being hurt again. So they each kept quiet.
Finally they reached the spot where the old woman was purported to live. Sure enough it did look as though someone resided here. There was a small stone cottage with a sod roof above it and smoke was currently emanating from the chimney. There was a well tended garden nearby. ‘Well should we announce our presence Annie?’ Michael whispered to Annie. Now that they had made it up here both were a little leery. What if the old nun refused to see them? Michael would be heartbroken. They went to the wooden door and knocked and Annie spoke out in her sweet and melodious voice, “Hello, Sister Sophia! Would you please allow us to speak to you?” After what seemed like a very long time but was really only a short moment, the door opened slowly. A very old, wrinkly woman stood at the door. She was slightly stooped over and she was wearing a long robe and a veil covered most of her snowy white hair. She used a cane to support herself. ‘Hello my children, I have been expecting you.’ She stood aside and she gestured for them to enter her tiny abode. Annie thought her little cottage back home seemed palatial compare to the good Sister’s home. There was room enough for a little bed in one corner and a table and a few chairs in another corner. And one of the walls was dedicated to shelves filled with tiny little jars filled with what appeared to be powders and other herbs and spices. ‘Come sit down children. I know you are tired. You have traveled a long way to see the good sister.’ Michael became brave and asked ‘How did you know we were coming to see you?’ She cackled and pointed above her, ‘The good Lord told me to expect you. You are Michael and you my lovely dear are Annie.’”
“The two sat down and Sister Sophia brought them some hot tea along with two bowls of some sort of venison stew and some large chunks of bread and butter. They ate till they were full and then Sister Sophia asked them to each tell their story to her and why they were seeking her help. As they spoke to her Sister Sophia observed them closely. The two held each other’s hands and they kept glancing lovingly at one another. She could see the love between them was quite evident. And she could see in both of their eyes that there had been a great deal of past sadness. Once they were both finished she said to them, ‘I am sorry that you traveled such a long way my children because the cure you were looking for was always right in front of you.’ ‘What do you mean Sister Sophia?’ Michael asked. He squeezed Annie’s hand tighter because he was becoming emotional. This little old nun was his last chance at regaining his voice he was convinced of that and if she turned them away he would be absolutely devastated. The old nun could see his consternation and she tenderly reached out and caressed the troubadour’s cheek. ‘My child, do not be sad. It is going to be all right. Do you love this woman next to you Michael?’ He bowed his head momentarily and then looked up at the old woman, ‘I do, with all of my heart.’ And the old woman looked into Annie’s eyes and she tenderly caressed her cheek also, ‘And you my child, Annie, do you love this man sitting next to you?’ Annie looked into the old woman’s eyes and said, ‘I do, with all of my heart.’ The old nun took their hands and joined them together. ‘Then my children profess your love to each other and you shall be healed.’
At this point in the story Michael the storyteller reached over and took his beloved Annie’s hands and looked into her eyes and said, “Annie I love you very much.” And Annie looked into Michael’s eyes and said, “Michael I love you much, much more.” By now Blanket was fast asleep next to Annie but Paris and Prince stared in fascination. Then Michael went back to telling the story. “Sister Sophia cackled again after the two professed their love for each other. She looked at Michael and said ‘Troubadour, sing us a song please.’ Michael closed his eyes and thought of a song that his mother taught him long ago and started to sing at first tentatively and then in a strong beautiful voice, ‘Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong, They are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.’ By the time he ended tears were streaming down the troubadour’s face. He turned to the old nun and he said in a tearful whisper ‘Thank you Sister Sophia,’ and he got up and gave the old nun a hug. And then he turned to Annie and hugged and kissed her. ‘What about Annie Sister Sophia?’ Michael asked. The little old nun got up and rummaged through her stuff and brought out a piece of paper and a piece of charcoal. ‘Draw the face of your beloved Annie,’ the old nun said. Annie took the charcoal in her trembling hand and looked at Michael and started to sketch his face out on the paper. And she didn’t stop there she also drew the face of Sister Sophia in a matter of minutes the piece of paper was covered with sketches of faces and objects. Annie too cried tears of joy.
“The two spent the night at Sister’s Sophia’s and then the next morning bid her a fond farewell promising to come back for a return visit. Vowing to bring Michael’s children along with their first born. When they returned down the mountain to the little cottage they told the children that they would be married. And in a year’s time a baby was born to the couple and like all good tales end, they lived happily ever after.”
Michael finished the story and Prince and Paris and Annie clapped, waking up Blanket. “Oh daddy, what a wonderful story,” Paris exclaimed. “What were you trying to teach us dad?” Prince questioned because he knew his father quite well and he knew there was a message in this little tale. “Well what do you think the meaning was?” Michael asked his son. “That the power of love is all healing,” Prince said looking from Annie to his father. “Yes it is Prince, it truly is,” Michael said looking at Annie and winking.
“Okay now everybody to bed!” Michael said. The little family got up. Blanket still half asleep. Michael practically carried him up the rest of the way. Annie grabbed the young boy’s jacket from the chair and followed Michael and Blanket with her arms around Prince and Paris.
Michael and Annie assisted the kids in getting ready for bed. There was face washing and teeth brushing and the hanging up of their good clothes and putting on the pajamas and saying prayers…and all the time Michael and Annie exchanging furtive, anxious glances with each other. Blanket was especially exhausted after the day’s activities and they had to practically peel his clothes off and put him in his pajamas. Then there were the final goodnights and the “I love you’s” and then sweet blessed quiet. All three had such an eventful day and night that they were fast asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows.
After they looked in on each of them one more time Michael took Annie by the hand and led her to their bedroom. He closed the door behind them and finally they were alone. He turned around and pulled her into a tight embrace. They were both still in their wedding finery. Michael stared intently into her eyes and said nothing at first, he just moved his hands up and down her arms and then up and down her back. He then buried his face into her neck, nibbling and kissing her along the length of her, long slender neck and then along her cheek line and then he whispered into her ear, “I want to feel your soft silky skin Annie; do you think I can do that as soon as humanly possible my love?” She giggled and looped her arms around his neck. “Well why don’t you help me get my dress off and we can see where things go from there Michael.” He deftly spun her around and undid the numerous hooks and then undid the zipper. He then deftly spun her back around so that she was facing him and she started to move the dress off of her shoulders and then pulled it down the rest of the way, carefully stepping out of it she bent down and started to gather it in her arms so that she could hang it up.
Michael looked at her even more intently. Underneath her beautiful flowing white gown Annie had on a white silk slip. It was simple in design, no fancy lace or adornment, with thin shoulder straps. She also had on a pair of whit silk stockings held up with a pretty lace garter that he couldn’t even see at this point. And a pair of beautiful white high healed strappy sandals adorned her feet. She looked so very sexy and he wanted her even more. As Annie came back up after gathering the dress up off the floor she could feel his eyes burning into her. He pulled her into another embrace and started to kiss her passionately again. Annie let the dress slip from her arm and it hit the floor again as she looped her arms around his neck. “God you look so sexy,” he said breathlessly as they separated from the kiss. Her arms were bare now and he moved his hands up and down her arms again and then up and down her back. He didn’t know what felt more sensual, her bare soft skin against his hands or the material of the soft silky slip.
“Let me hang up my dress and I will get into something different and…”Annie started to say. But Michael was shaking his head no vigorously. “No…what’s wrong Michael my sweet,” she said caressing his cheek. “Don’t change Annie please…I love what you have on right now. It’s so incredibly sexy my love, please?” he said in that soft sweet voice that she could never resist. “Very well my sweet boy, I wish only to fulfill your desires,” she said sexily. She quickly gathered the dress up off the floor again and started to walk towards the huge walk in closet and then suddenly turned back around. “And Michael,” Annie said innocently, “Yes my lovely one,” Michael said as he stopped on his way towards his side of the bed. “Don’t take any of your clothes off, I will assist you my sweet boy,” she said giving him a naughty little smile.
Michael smiled back. Wow, he thought to himself. She is so incredibly sexy, so incredibly beautiful, so incredibly sweet and loving and what’s more, she is all mine! He did a little dance step and spun around throwing his arms up in the air in pure elation and singing out loud one of his famous tee hees as he made his way to the bed. He sat down and took off his tie and then slipped off his shoes and socks and waited patiently for his beautiful wife to…ahem…help him undress!
Before hanging the dress up Annie closed her eyes tightly and hugged the dress close to her body. Today had been a dream come true. A fairytale wedding to the man she loved more and more with each passing day. She felt so happy and she was slightly emotional. She gathered her wits together and slipped the dress onto a hanger. And then quickly did a quick assessment of herself in the full length mirror in the closet. Although her face was currently glowing she pinched her cheeks to give her some more red in her cheeks and then licked her lips and after unpinning the floral wreath from her head she quickly ran her fingers through her curls. She had brought a sexy piece of lingerie for their wedding night, but Michael said he wanted her in the simple chemise and stockings that she had worn under her dress. She admitted to herself that she did feel sexy wearing it. She would save the sexy lingerie for another night! She smiled and headed back out to be with Michael, her husband!
As she left the closet and closed the door behind her Michael immediately turned his head and stood up from the bed. She came around and immediately they were in each other’s arms once again kissing passionately. As they separated from the kiss, their foreheads were touching and they stared intently into each other’s eyes. “Hello my sweet beautiful girl,” he said in that deep sexy voice that he only seemed to reserve for her. “Hello my sweet beautiful boy,” she said in reply. Michael’s senses seemed to be on fire. Her scent, her touch, her taste, he was consumed by Annie and only Annie. He thought back to when they first made love—how intense and special it had been. He wanted this night to be just as special and intense. He wanted it to be like their first time all over again.
Annie was also thinking about the first time they made love. Even though she was not a virgin when she was with Michael the first time she felt like with Michael it was the first time. And now that they were husband and wife she wanted this to feel like that first time again. She remembered how patient and loving he had been with her and how sensual the whole experience had been. She wanted that feeling again, she wanted it feel like their first time all over again. “What are you thinking Michael,” she questioned him. “I am thinking about how I feel extra sensitive tonight, how every nerve ending is tingling and I feel so alive with your touch and your scent and your taste. You are sending me to another realm of feeling Annie. And I also was thinking how I want this to feel like the first time for the both of us.” He kissed her lightly. They were both holding onto each other swaying slightly as though dancing even though there was no music playing. “And what about you Annie, what are you thinking?” “I shouldn’t be surprised because we are on the same wavelength as usual, but I too was reliving our first night together. I want to feel the intensity of the passions that we were feeling that night also Michael. But there is one difference now Michael,” Annie said. “What is that my love,” Michael asked. “You have empowered me Michael. I am not afraid or unsure of myself the way I was that night. I know how to fulfill your desires Michael, and I want to show you tonight how far I have come,” Annie said sexily.
Michael felt an electric sensation course through his body when she said those words. He smiled at her. “I am all yours my love,” he said. Annie started to undress him slowly. She helped him off with his jacket which Michael tossed on a nearby chair. Annie then untucked his shirt and began to undo the buttons. He let her take the lead because he knew that was what she wanted. Once she had his shirt open she began to massage his chest with the palms of her hand. He breathed in sharply as her hot hands touched his cool skin. When her hands caressed his nipples she could feel the reaction in his body as he shivered inwardly. She watched his eyes—the window to her lover’s soul. He bent his head down and kissed her on her lips.
She began to take his shirt off and he assisted her by shrugging it off his shoulders and then it slid off his arms onto the floor. He pulled her back to him, anxious to feel the silky fabric of the slip on his chest. “It feels good,” he murmured. “Glad you like it,” she said smiling. He nuzzled her neck with his lips and he felt her soft curls tickle his face. His body reacted more intensely to each new sensation. He took her face into his hands and kissed her deeply again. When they separated she rested her face on his bare chest and sighed deeply, and he also did so as he continued to rub his hands up and down her back enjoying the soft silky fabric, and once again they seemed to be swaying to some internal music of their own.
Annie kept one arm looped around his waist and took her other hand and lowered it to the front of his pants. She looked down and could see the outline of his erection. She cupped her hand over it, moving it up and down through the fabric. “Let’s get these pants off Michael,” she said in a sexy, sweet voice. “Okay,” he murmured. He was totally enchanted with what she was doing to him. She undid the belt buckle and then unbuttoned the pants and pulled the zipper down. She could already feel the heat emanating from him and his pants were not even off yet. She took both of her hands and pulled the pants down past his hips and then Michael moved his legs and they pooled down around his feet. Without taking his eyes off her he lifted his feet up and casually kicked his pants out of the way. He was now standing in front of her in only his briefs. He was wearing a pair of black briefs and they were tight across the front his erection straining to get loose. She licked her lips and then moved her eyes back up to his face.
He swallowed hard looking down at her. He felt a little vulnerable but then remembered he was here with her, his Annie, his woman. He pulled her close again, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, thinking once again of how his erection would feel against that lovely silky fabric. And he was right, it felt heavenly. He rubbed himself against her, unconsciously thrusting his hips forward. Annie moved her hands up and down his bare back and then moved them down to his butt. She squeezed his butt cheeks and she could hear him let out a visible moan and she smiled, and then she moved her hands back up his back. She could feel his erection pressing into her stomach and when he thrust his hips forward the force of it almost knocked her off balance it was so forceful. “Sorry,” he mumbled as he buried his face into the top of her head. He could smell the fragrance of her shampoo mixed with the scent of the wildflowers left behind from the floral wreath that she wore. He kissed her head tenderly, sighing contentedly as once again their bodies swayed with each other.
“One more piece of clothing to remove my sweet, sweet boy!” Annie said seductively to Michael. “But first…” she said in a teasing voice and she let her hand graze casually across his erection. “Annie please touch me there,” he whispered in a pleading voice. “Here Michael,” Annie said as she now let her hand rest on his erection, moving it up and down through the fabric of his briefs. “Yes, girl, please don’t stop, not yet at least it feels so good,” his voice was in a strained whisper. “Okay baby,” she said sweetly and continued the stroking outside his briefs for a few seconds more. “Michael let’s make your a little more comfortable baby,” and then with one swift movement she pulled his briefs down carefully past his erection and then down past his knees and then Michael once again obliged when they reached the floor by stepping out of them totally and kicking them behind him.
He was totally nude in front of her. She had seen him nude before. They obviously had been having a rather active sex life since she had come to California. But for some magical reason tonight it seemed so much more sensual and erotic. He was breathtaking standing in front of her. It was like the first time. He was slightly nervous for some reason even though he knew she had seen him nude many times before but for some reason tonight he felt an excitement like he had never felt before. It was like the first time all over again. Seeing the love in her eyes mad him feel like he was the most magnificent looking specimen in the world on display for his lovely lady. He once again pulled her closer to him and he thought the sensation of his erection against her slip was heavenly before…it was ten times better now without the constriction of his briefs. He moaned out loud. “God you are so sexy and soft and beautiful. I want you so badly Annie.” “I want you too Michael. But we are not quite ready yet my sweet. Remember I am in control for now. I want you to lie down on the bed Michael. I want to gaze upon your beautiful naked body in the glow of the moonlight.” “All right my sweet girl,” he said.
Michael went and lied down on the bed and Annie went to the window and opened the curtains more so that the moonlight would shine stronger into the room. This gave her a moment to compose herself. She was trembling with excitement. Michael had propped the pillows up so that he was semi sitting up. He smiled to himself as she went to the window. She was truly amazing in the confident way she was seducing him tonight and he loved every minute of it.
Annie slowly walked back to her side of the bed. She could feel Michael's eyes following her and she felt a thrilling sensation flow through her as he admired her body. She slid into the bed next to him; placing her head on his chest and he automatically looped an arm around her pulling her closer to him. She could feel his heart beating rapidly, no doubt excited to find out what her next move would be.
She closed her eyes momentarily, just to continue to calm herself down and then she opened them up and propped herself up on her elbow so that she could look down upon him. The moonlight was no longer being blocked by the curtains and was shining down on Michael's nude form. "Hmmm...Just as I desired.....your body looks amazing in the moonlight my sweet beautiful Michael. You have such a beautiful but strong body Michael," Annie said. And she started to trace her fingers across his face down his long graceful neck, and then along his muscular arms and then across his firm chest. His body reacted to her touch, slightly trembling and he had a slight intake of breath, he closed his eyes. "You are like a warrior Michael—and your body still has the scars to prove it." And then she lightly touched some of the vitiligo patches on his arms and on his sides. "But you have conquered your enemy Michael and now you are stronger and more beautiful than ever!"
His eyes fluttered open and he took her hand in his and brought it up to his mouth, kissing her fingers lightly. "Annie, you make me feel beautiful and strong. Each day you are helping to heal my wounds. That story I told out there tonight...you probably already realize it...it was about us Annie...your love is a healing influence on me." He took her hand then and placed it on his cheek and she caressed him tenderly. "I realized it Michael. And I am so touched by your amazing ability to be so lyrical and so romantic and so sweet and tender—yet so strong and determined. That is why I am rewarding you tonight my beloved husband."
She kissed him on his mouth letting her tongue circle his playfully inside their mouths. She could hear his muffled moan of delight. "Now I want you to sit back and relax and let me continue showing you how much I love and adore you. I still have some surprises in store for you my sexy, (she kissed him on the lips again) sweet, (and then another kiss on his neck) beautiful boy (and then another kiss, this time on his chest). She then kissed and sucked on his nipples, swirling her tongue on each of them. He cradled her head in his hand and gently ran his fingers through her hair as she continued make her way down his body with feather light kisses till she reached his waist. He could feel her hot breath tantalizingly near his erection.
His eyes were closed and he was in such a sweet state of arousal that he wasn't sure what she was going to do next. Suddenly she stood up and said to him, “Open your eyes and watch me Michael.” His eyes flew open. She seductively lifted her silk slip up over her thighs and he watched in fascination as she revealed to him her lacy, satin creamy white panties. He could also see the pretty lace garter that was holding up the silk stockings she was wearing. She started to slowly take off her panties. She stepped out of them and she smiled at him and then lied down next to him once again. She provocatively took the satin panties and started to caress Michael’s skin with them. “Do you feel how soft and smooth the material is Michael?” she asked him sexily. He was wild out of his mind with desire and could barely find his voice, “Yes Annie, it feels so good my sweet girl.” She started on his chest moving the material across each of his nipples and then down to his stomach and then she boldly took the panties and wrapped them sensuously around his erection and began to move her hand gently squeezing and stroking him up and down. She looked up at him with the most loving look he had ever seen in her eyes and said shyly, “Does this feel good Michael?” He moaned out loud. “Oh my God girl, yes!” She looked up and delighted in his reaction. He was biting and licking his lower lip and his eyes were dark with desire. “Tell me how it feels Michael!” He smiled at her, and he continued on occasionally gasping between words, “It’s…hmm….it’s so soft and…it’s feels so warm and…hmm…oh God girl please don’t stop, please!” he pleaded with her. “All right Michael my love, your wish is my desire my sweet boy!”
He closed his eyes for a few more seconds enjoying the sensual sensation she was giving him but he didn’t want to peak too fast. He wanted to release himself inside her so he reached down and caressed her arm lovingly and said, “Annie, please I want to be inside you baby, please my sweet girl!” She smiled and nodded her head. “Okay that is enough sweet torture for you tonight my love,” she said teasing him. She gave him one last stroke and unwrapped the panties from his erection. He motioned to her to come closer and she did and he wrapped his arms around her and their bodies met in a tight embrace. They kissed passionately and then when they separated he still held her close and whispered in her ear, “You are like a seductive siren tonight my sweet Annie, what’s gotten into you?” “You have Michael, you have,” she said sultrily.
She separated herself from him and then lifted up her slip and straddled his waist. She didn’t let him enter her yet. She had one last treat for him. “Oh God girl, you are so incredibly sexy,” Michael said as he gazed upon her beauty. When she had his full attention she let the soft folds of her slip fall casually on to his waist and stomach, once again blanketing his erection in soft sensual warmth. It was coupled with the sensation of her silk stockings rubbing along his thighs. He was on sensory overload! He smiled at her and she smiled back at him. And then she lifted her body up and lowered herself onto his erection. She was wet with desire for him and he thrust himself up into her with one stroke. “Oh God this is what I have been waiting for all night my sweet, sexy siren!” he said to her.
Annie set the rhythm, moving up and down at first slowly then slightly accelerating her speed. He reached up to her and she leaned down so that he could kiss her. He caressed her body, his hands moving seductively over her slip. His breathing became quicker and she knew he would peak soon. Because she knew her husband’s thoughts before he even stated them aloud, she reached down and lovingly caressed his face and said, “Don’t hold back Michael, its okay baby!” “What about you my sweet girl,” he said breathlessly. “It’s okay Michael, this is about you right now baby,” she said lovingly. He closed his eyes and she could feel his body begin to tense up and then suddenly he released himself into her and he shouted her name out, “I love you so much Annie!” He continued to thrust himself up into her, practically bouncing her off the bed. She collapsed onto his chest which was damp with his sweat. She didn’t care. She buried her face into his chest inhaling his usual scent he wore mixed with his heady natural aroma.
He kissed the top of her head tenderly bringing his hands up to cradle the back of her head and then moved them and wrapping them around each side of her face lovingly kissing her and murmuring her name over and over again, “Annie, Annie, Annie, my sweet beautiful girl. I love you so much. You are so beautiful and so sweet.” “Did I please you Michael, fulfill your desires?” He laughed lightly. “Yes my sweet girl you pleased me and you fulfilled my desires. As soon as I float back down to earth I am going to reward you thoroughly.” Annie felt a lovely shiver go through her body in expectation of what was in store for her!
Afterwards they lay quietly in each other’s arms. After Annie’s performance, Michael was floating on air. He needed some time to steady his heartbeat and to calm his breathing. He continued to gently kiss and tenderly rub his cheek on the top of her soft curly hair. “Annie you have changed since you came here to live with us in California,” Michael said quietly. He could feel her tense up slightly and he quickly moved to calm her anxiety. He moved her body so that he could look into her eyes and he said “I am sorry Annie,” and he kissed her sweetly on the forehead, “I don’t mean in a bad way girl!” He kissed her again, this time lightly on the lips and he was relieved when he felt her relax and she smiled at him. “Maybe what I should have said is that it was more like a transformation. Like you have broken out of your cocoon and became the beautiful butterfly that I always knew you were my sweet, (he kissed her again on the forehead) beautiful, (a kiss on the nose) girl (a final lingering kiss on the lips).”
“The way you made love to me just now, you were so confident and sexy, you showed me a whole new side Annie,” he continued. She looked at him and then shyly lowered her lashes, “I hope that you didn’t think I was too brazen Michael.” These words coming from some other woman may have appeared to be phony or a way to seduce Michael further…but coming from his sweet Annie he knew she was still a little bit unsure of herself. He took his finger and tucked it under her chin and raised her face to his. She had that beautiful glow about her, her curls so golden on the top of her head, his little angel. “Annie, what you did for me…what you did to me, wow girl, it was amazing! I felt that each caress, each kiss, each gesture, was overflowing with your love for me Annie. And that is why I plan to do the same for you because I desire to make you feel the way you just made me feel Annie.” He kissed her and it was one of those all consuming kisses. Their lips melding and then she could feel her mouth opening to his and his tongue reaching in to play and dance around hers. Now it was her turn to moan in pleasure.
They sunk down on the bed so that they were now lying down, their bodies wrapped around each other, their legs intertwined sensuously with each others. She had momentarily forgotten that he was nude and she was still partially clothed. But now she could once again feel the hardness of this body pressing into her and it felt so delicious. They separated from the kiss but they were still wrapped in a tight embrace. He smiled at her. “Hey no fair, you still have way too many clothes on. Now it’s my turn to undress you Annie!” She felt a warm sensation flow through her body from the top of her head down to her toes when he said this to her in his sexy, deep voice.
Michael gently separated himself from their embrace and stood up and went to the foot of the bed and then kneeled down on the floor and said to her, “C’mon and scoot over her my lovely one. She obediently scooted over. “Hang those sexy legs over the side girl,” he instructed her. She sat up and did as he requested. “Okay now I want you to lean back on your elbows Annie so that you can relax and get a good view of what I am doing, okay baby?” “All right Michael,” she said sweetly and followed his directions. Michael lovingly lifted Annie's left foot and began to massage and caress it. He made his way up past her foot and ankle murmuring the whole time, "So lovely and so soft my sweet girl." Then he made his way slowly up to her knee. He looked up and observed her with her eyes closed and a lovely smile on her face. And then he finally made it to her thigh. Annie could feel his hot breath caress the inside of her thigh and she moaned and said his name out loud. "Michael I love you so much." "I love you too Annie, always and forever girl!" He then deftly unattached her silk stocking from the garter and pushed the stocking down, exposing her bare thigh. She opened her eyes and observed him intently as he began to caress her inner thigh. It tickled slightly and she couldn't help but let out a little giggle and he smiled up at her. "Annie my sweet girl," he said in a raspy whisper, "May I please...kiss you here, please?" he took his fingers and grazed the inner part of her thigh. She swallowed and blinked her eyes and then said, "Yes my sweet Michael you may." He kissed the inner part of her thigh and a warm sensation flowed through her entire body like liquid heat and she couldn't help but moan out loud.
He ended the kiss and then he looked up at her, his eyes filled with love and devotion and desire and he rubbed his cheek along her inner thigh and then said to her, "Thank you my lady!" He then took the silk stocking and lowered it further down on her leg, past her knee. And once again touched her lightly on her knee and said to her in a plaintive, husky whisper, "May I kiss you here my sweet girl, please!" Annie could just melt at the tone of his voice. "Yes you may my sweet boy!" she replied back. He smiled demurely at her and kissed her on her kneecap while he lovingly held the underside of her knee in his hand. Once again ending the kiss with a caress of his cheek and a "Thank you my kind lady!" Then he pushed the silk stocking down the rest of her leg and finished taking it off her foot with a flourish tossing it on the floor. He now held her bare foot in his hand and once again gazed lovingly up at her and said, "Can I please kiss you here Annie, please may I?" She closed her eyes and tried to compose herself before speaking, "Yes you may my sweet Michael, please do!" And then he kissed her foot and rubbed his face along it. The sensation of his lips on the various parts of her body was heavenly in and of itself but coupled with the semi roughness of his unshaven cheek was enough to send her to the moon and back down to earth each time.
He then gently lowered her left leg and started the same process on the right leg. By the time he finished taking off the second silk stocking Annie wanted to touch him and kiss him and she practically whimpered when he lowered her leg gently and then moved up so that he was kneeling between her thighs. She sat up immediately and embraced him pulling his head towards her chest and kissing him on the top of his head and murmuring his name, “Michael, Michael, Michael!” And then she started to kiss his face. He gently lowered her back down to the bed and said “Hey sweet girl, we are not done yet. Remember it’s my turn to pleasure you Annie.” He caressed her face and she smiled up at him. His simple gesture of taking off her silk stockings had made her want him more than she had ever wanted him before.
“You are so sexy Annie. From the top of your head down to your sweet little toes,” he murmured while kissing her on her face and then nuzzling her neck and caressing her through the soft silky slip that she was still wearing. He let his hands drift down to where the slip was now bunched up around her waist from when Michael was taking off her stockings. He then unhooked her garter and slid it off her tossing it to the floor. He then lifted the slip higher and caressed her warm skin with his hands. “Hmm….we have to get this slip off of you my sweet girl. I want to touch and taste you all over Annie,” he said in a husky whisper. She looped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her so that she could kiss him and whisper sexily in his ear, “Will you take it off of me, please Michael?”
She looked into his eyes and they were a mirror of her own, filled with desire. “Soon Annie but not yet,” he whispered. “Scoot back up on the bed Annie I want to feel my naked body against the soft silk before I take it off of you!” She obediently moved up n the bed and he slid in next to her. He gathered her in a tight embrace pressing his body into hers, smoothing his hands up and down her back. He buried his face into her neck letting her curls tickle and caress his face. He inhaled his girl’s sweet essence and kissed her on her neck and then worked his way back up to her lips. He took his leg and inserted it in between her thighs in a provocative manner and she tightened her grip on his leg moaning. “Oh my God I love you so much, please Michael, I want you to make love to me, please!” she said in a breathy whisper. “I am making love to you Annie,” he said staring into her eyes. Her lips were swollen and red from their excessive kissing and her face was flush and glowing. She nodded her head no vigorously and she said “No Michael…I mean yes…hmmmm…” she closed her eyes as he moved his leg causing her to move rub herself sensuously along his thigh. And then in another breathy whisper she said, “I want to feel you inside of me Michael. I need you to be inside of me, please!”
“Okay my sweet girl, soon baby. Why don’t you sit up and I will take that slip off of you,’ he said tenderly kissing her. She shot up and he followed her. “Raise those sweet sinewy arms of yours in the air my sweet,” Michael instructed her. She did as she was told and Michael took the slip and raised it up over her body letting it drag across her sensitive nipples and she breathed inward when she felt the delicious sensation. And then it was above her head and then over her arms and Michael tossed it on the floor. She lowered her arms slowly to her sides and she stared him straight in the eyes, proudly showing off her body to her lover, her man, her husband.
Michael marveled at his beautiful, sexy wife. One minute she was his sexy siren, the next his beautiful shy angel and then next she was his goddess proudly displaying her amazingly sexy body for him. She had said she was ready for him to make love to her but he wanted to pleasure her some more before he entered her and besides that he selfishly wanted to partake of the feast that was his lovely wife, caressing and tasting her sweet beautiful body just a little more. He reached out and caressed her cheek tenderly and moved closer to her on the bed pulling her into an embrace and kissing her passionately once again.
As he completed the kiss he lowered her back onto the bed. She opened her eyes and looked into his, so dark and deep with desire for her. She felt a delicious thrill go through her again. She still marveled at the fact that this amazing man was so deeply in love with her, Annie Walker—now Annie Jackson, she thought, smiling. “What are you smiling about my sweet girl?” Michael whispered to her as he kissed her chin and her nose and her forehead. “I am smiling because I love you so much,” she said breathily. “I love you more my sweet girl.” “Michael I am so ready for you, please make love to me” Annie asked him again. “Not just yet my love, I want to take your senses to another level Annie, just like you did for me,” he said. He buried his face into her neck kissing and sucking her there and then nuzzling her tenderly with his cheek and then switched to the other side and did the exact same thing. Annie could barely get out a full sentence as she absorbed the sensations that he was giving her, “I think if you make my senses feel any…hmmm…more…hmmm…intense…I may…hmmm…take off into the sky like a bottle rocket!” “Good, that’s the reaction I want Annie!” he said.
"Annie my sweet girl," Michael sang a soft whisper into Annie's ear. "Mmmmm...Yes Michael my love," Annie said, her eyes closed as she offered up her neck again to his tender kisses and nibbles. She felt like she was in the enchanting thralls of Michael's spell. "Remember that little game we were playing before? I asked permission to kiss you on various parts of your lovely legs," He said in a sweet sultry voice. "Hmmm....yes my sweet boy I remember it well," she said laughing. "Well let's play it again girl but… this time I want you to point to each part of your body that you want me to kiss. You will be the beautiful princess and I will be your loyal subject...your wish is my command Lady Annie," he whispered in her other ear.
Her eyes opened slowly and she found herself staring into his dark soulful eyes and she smiled. She wanted to play this game! Michael assisted her as she propped herself up on the pillows. “I think I would like you to kiss me here first my sweet Michael,” and she pointed to her lips. “Yes my beautiful lady,” and he leaned in and kissed her on her lips—letting his lips linger slightly on hers. “Hmmm…that was very good,” Annie said. She pretended she was pondering her next choice as Michael waited patiently. “Now I would like you to kiss me here my sweet boy,” and she pointed to her shoulder. “Yes my lady,” Michael said politely. She moved her head slightly as Michael leaned in again and kissed her shoulder. Again he let his kiss linger and then for extra measure he playfully caressed her shoulder with his cheek. She moved her head slightly and her curls brushed his face and he smiled as they tickled his face.
Annie was already starting to feel the heat this little game was generating and it had just begun. “Now kiss me here Michael,” and she pointed to the inside of her elbow. She proffered her arm to him and he gently took her elbow with his hand and lowered his face to her arm and before he kissed her he lifted his head and said in a husky whisper, “Whatever my lady desires.” An involuntary shiver went through her whole body as his lips grazed her there as she directed. She leaned back against the pillows and then said in an equally husky whisper, “Michael my love, kiss me here,” and she pointed to her neck, right in the middle of her throat. “As my lady wishes,” he said. His eyes were starting to blaze with desire for her. He lowered his face to her throat and she could feel his hot breath as he kissed her.
He came back up and studied her intently. Michael was thoroughly enjoying the game and couldn’t wait to see where she was going to point next! Annie decided to bring it up a notch….she playfully took her finger and brought it up to her mouth as Michael stared intently. She then sucked on her finger and ended with a generous lick and then said “Kiss me here,” she pointed to her breast, grazing the tip with her wet finger, “And then kiss me here my sweet Michael,” and she grazed the tip of her other breast with her wet finger. Michael swallowed and said, “Of course my pretty lady, your wish is my command.” And then Michael leaned in towards her body, slowly, and he took his mouth and covered the tip of her breast. He not only kissed it he suckled it, letting his tongue playfully swirl the tip of it. Annie could not help but arch her back slightly and moan in pleasure. And then he did the exact same thing to the other one. This time Annie reached out and caressed the back of Michael’s head and said out loud. “You are so very good at this game Michael my love!” He finished and raised his head and said sweetly, “Thank you my kind lady!”
By now they were both pretty hot and bothered. But Annie continued on. “Michael my sweet I want you to kiss me here now,” and she rubbed her stomach playfully. “Gladly my dear lady,” Michael said smiling sweetly at her. He slid his body down so that his head was closer to her stomach and he kissed her on her stomach, not once but several times and then caressed her tummy with his cheek. And then he said sweetly, “Hello my little baby,” And suddenly the sexual tension was cut for at least the moment as Annie leaned in closer to him and lovingly reached down and cradled the back of his head with her hands and said, “Listen to the sound of your daddy’s voice my sweet baby.” Michael looked up and smiled at her, “I love you Annie.” “I love you Michael,” she said back to him.
She leaned back onto the pillows and he sat up slowly, both staring at each other intently. “Where next my sweet, beautiful girl?” Michael questioned her in that husky whisper. Annie licked her lips and swallowed. “I want you Michael, please. I want to feel you inside of me, please,” Annie said in an equally raspy whisper. “Whatever my lady desires, your wish is my command my lovely one.” And he reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace. He buried his face into her neck kissing her there and moving his lips and kissing her all over her face on her lips and on her cheeks and on her nose all the while murmuring over and over again, “You are so sexy and so beautiful and I love you so much my sweet, sweet Annie. Do you know how much I love you my pretty one?” he whispered emotionally. She was equally overcome with emotion and desire and she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him ever closer and whispered to him, “I love you too my sweet, sweet prince. You are my everything Michael. You always will be forever and ever Michael.” They slid down on the bed, their bodies intertwined and then finally separated from their kisses long enough to look at each other and to try to steady their breathing. “Did you enjoy that little game my sweet girl,” Michael said. “It got me a little hot and bothered Michael,” she laughed, “But yes, I must say I enjoyed it thoroughly!” “I am ready to make love to you now girl,” Michael said. He lowered her back to the bed and kneeling on the bed in front of her he nudged her thighs apart. Annie looked up at him; she could clearly see that Michael was more than ready to make love to her! She lifted her legs higher and wrapped them around his waist and butt, pulling him closer to her nexus, and because she was so wet and ready for him Michael slid right into her with one hard thrust.
She moaned out loud as he entered her with the hard thrust and for a split second he thought he hurt her but when he looked down at her she smiled up at him. He didn’t move right away, he just let her get used to the feeling of him filling her completely. He leaned down so that he was closer to her and said to her “Do you feel me inside you now baby.” “Yes Michael I feel it and it feels so good. I feel complete when you are inside of me Michael…I feel one with you,” she said reaching up and caressing his face. “Let me make you feel even better girl!” And then Michael started to move in and out of her, at first slowly then eventually accelerating the rhythm. Michael looked down at her. Her body was glistening and her eyes were heavy with the desire and ecstasy she was feeling right at the moment. Her golden curls spread out haphazardly on the pillow framing her face like a halo. She was also licking her lips and tossing her head from side to side.
As she drew nearer to climaxing she started to physically thrust her body upwards to meet his thrusts and their bodies met in the middle making a slapping sound as they connected. “Michael my sweet I am so close please come down her and kiss me please Michael,” Annie said in a plaintive, husky whisper. He leaned in and obeyed her command, “As my lady desires,” Michael said. He kissed her on her forehead and then her nose and then ended at her lips. He could feel her orgasm coming on and he knew he would climax right after her but he wanted her to come first because he wanted to watch her. “Michael I love you,” she shouted as she peaked and he could feel her entire body humming and vibrating as she came and he watched her as she broke out in the most magnificent smile he had ever seen on her lovely face. And then in a matter of seconds he followed her. She could feel Michael’s body become tense and then he called her name out and then he released himself into her and collapsed his body onto hers.
The both were breathing heavily and murmuring each other’s names over and over again. He waited till his body stopped vibrating and then he rolled off of her and took her in his arms and they held each other tightly. He kissed the top of her head tenderly and she buried her face into his chest inhaling his beautiful essence and sighing contentedly like a purring cat.
Once again they lay quietly in each others’ arms. Michael broke the silence. “Annie?” “Yes, Michael?” “Are you sleepy girl?” “Not quite yet. I guess I am still on cloud nine,” she laughed. She got up slightly, leaning her arms on his chest, so that she could look at him while she talked. “What do you have in mind my sweet boy?” “Well, I was thinking about the memory box that Prince gave to me. I wanted to look at all of the items he put in there. Though I guess you are kind of familiar with it already because you helped him with it,” Michael said shyly.
“I only showed him how to decorate it and I contributed some of the items. I didn’t really get a chance to see the finished piece. Are you sure you want to share it with me? I mean…if it’s something that you wish to keep to yourself, I would understand Michael,” Annie said in a quiet voice. “Annie, I want us to share it. Prince said it’s to commemorate the beginning of our relationship and beyond. I want us to both enjoy it together girl!” He took her hands in his and brought them up to his lips and kissed them tenderly. She smiled at him. “All right my sweet boy in that case I would love for us to look at it right now. I can think of no better way to end this day, our day of celebrating our love Michael.”
Michael jumped out of the bed and padded over to the dresser in his bare feet, his nude form was lit only by the moonlight coming in through the windows and as usual it took Annie’s breath away. He carefully carried the box back to the bed and plopped down across from Annie who had sat up and had turned on the bedside table lamp to give them a little more light to peruse the contents. He placed the box between them. Annie lovingly smoothed her hand over the pictured enameled to the top of the box. It was a picture of them together, at Annie’s former Manhattan apartment. “Do you remember the day this photo was taken Michael?” Annie asked Michael. “I will always remember it Annie.” He looked up his eyes blazing with love. “It was the day I think I first realized that I was falling in love with you Annie.” She looked at him, her eyes sparkling with love also, “Tell me why Michael,” she said quietly. “Well I guess it was because you were in your element in your space, your home. And you welcomed me and my kids into your home and I got to see what you were like totally relaxed, in your element. Plus I got to see what kind of books you liked and I got to see all the rest of your stuff!” he smiled and laughed when he said this. ‘I think you can really tell a person by what kind of stuff they have!”
Michael smoothed his hand over the photo also. “He did a lovely job didn’t he Michael?” Annie said. “Prince told me how he wanted to decorate the box with a photo and I thought of decoupage right of way. So we downloaded the directions on how to decoupage. I remember doing the craft a long time ago and I wanted to make sure I remembered how to do it. So we practiced together on some spare pieces of wood with some cut out pictures from an old magazine,” Annie explained. “But I wanted him to do the real thing all by himself, because it was his gift to you Michael.” Annie looked up. Michael looked at her with love in his eyes. “You are going to make such a wonderful mother Annie. Or should I say…” he hesitated and then said, “You are a wonderful mother already Annie, to all three of them.” He impetuously said then, “Annie I want you to adopt my children.” She looked up at him with a surprised look on her face.
“Michael,” Annie said, “Are you sure, I mean Paris and Prince have a mother already,” she said. “It’s not that I wouldn’t be honored and touched if they thought of me as their mother, I love them all very, very much.”
“We’ve talked about this already Annie. Yes, its true Debbie is their biological mother. But she has no interest in raising them. She was very selfless and kind and generous by offering to have my children. But she understands that I am not in love with her. She will not fight it Annie.” Annie closed her eyes and tried to steady her heartbeat. “Michael, how do you know she won’t fight it? It’s one thing for her to step out of the way knowing that you are alone…but I am a woman Michael and well, if she knows you are in love and married to another woman that wants her children, well that could suddenly make her re-think it—she could suddenly feel threatened. Of course I would love to adopt them, but she would have to give up her parental rights in order for me to do so and I just am not sure if she would do that.”
In a somewhat frustrated voice Michael said, “But I want you to help me raise them. And if ever anything happens to me I would want you to be there for them, as their mother. Please consider it Annie, please?” She looked into his eyes and she could detect the hurt and the uncertainty there and she immediately felt like she had to reassure him. She reached out and caressed his face tenderly. “Michael, nothing is going to happen to you...please don’t talk about anything happening to you,” she hesitated and then said firmly, looking straight into his eyes, “Nothing is going to happen to you Michael!”
“And even if we don’t end up going through with the adoption…” he turned his head away as though he was upset, and she took her finger and turned his head back towards her. “Michael, look at me please baby and let me finish,” she said in a pleading, emotional laden voice. He nodded his head and Annie continued, “And even if we don’t end up going through with the adoption right away, I would love to be able to share in the responsibility of raising them because I love them very, very much and I would love them to consider me their mother. I think for now the first thing we should do is talk to them about it. I want them to be comfortable with the situation. I want to give them the option that they can continue to call me Annie or they can call me mom, whatever they are comfortable with. I want them to feel free to call me mom if they want to.”
“And then perhaps we can discuss the adoption process further, but alone. I don’t want them to be involved with the big time legal issues of it all until it’s absolutely necessary, is that okay with you Michael?” Michael marveled at his beautiful wife once again. She could reason out any situation with such sensibility and thoughtfulness. “Of course it’s okay with me. They know you as Annie and that’s fine my sweet girl. My gut instinct is that the two older ones may continue to call you Annie but my little one may just start to call you mom or momma once in awhile. It’s just a feeling I have. Do you want to talk to them alone or would you rather have me there?” he asked tentatively. She reached out and took his hands in hers and said “I want you to be there Michael, for support and so that they see that it’s our idea together, in case they feel the need to question you at all about it. But I will take the lead if that is okay?”
He smiled at her and reached up and wiped the tears from her face. “I am so sorry I got all serious on you…I caused you distress by talking about me…well I just want us to be a family Annie. And I want them to be protected and loved for the rest of their lives no matter what happens. I just felt like it was the right time to talk about it Annie. You are so good for me. You think calmly and you reason everything out…you are right…we can talk to Branca about it and get his advice on how to approach it with Debbie and the whole adoption process. I know you will always do right by them and I know that you love them very much. I love you Annie!” “Michael, what can I say but that I will try my hardest to do right by them and yes you are right I do love them very, very, much. And I love you very, very much also.” It was her turn then to lean in and kiss him.
“All right, now how about you open that box and we start reviewing some of those lovely memories my sweet boy!” Annie said in a much happier voice. He smiled back at her and then took the string with the key off his wrist and opened the little lock on the box with the key and then slipped the key back around his wrist. The box was set in between them on the bed and like two best friends they started to pull some of the items out of the box recalling the stories behind them. They laughed and recalled all the significant moments in the start of their relationship so far. Annie pulled the Metrocard out and they discussed Michael’s first and only subway ride. “I was so worried someone was going to recognize you,” Annie said. “That was thrilling. The best part was that young lady playing the violin. I wish there was some way to get a hold of her…I bet she would make a great session artist,” Michael said suddenly in a different world as he recalled the beautiful Mozart sonata she had played.
Michael snapped back to attention as Annie said, “What’s this Michael?” She had pulled out Blanket’s lucky rabbit’s foot. He laughed and then went on to tell Annie the story behind Blanket’s rabbit’s foot. “My sweet Little Michael,” Annie said laughing. “I remember this,” Annie said as she pulled a Dum-Dum sucker wrapper from out of the box. The flavor was grape. “The kisses were grape flavored that night and they were delicious!” she said. They both leaned into each other and kissed. “Not grape flavored tonight but just as delicious Michael,” Annie said laughing. He smiled, licking his lips, “I agree, very tasty!”
“Annie my love,” Michael said, “I told you when I felt like I was falling in love with you for the first time…now can you tell me when it was for you my sweet, beautiful girl?” Michael questioned her. She didn’t hesitate and answered quite quickly, “I would have to say it was probably that same day Michael, in my apartment. I remember you cut Blanket’s sandwich into smaller pieces so that he could eat it easier. That was such a loving gesture from such a loving father. And then later on that night after we read to them and we were alone, you sang to me. “I’ll Be There.” It was so lovely Michael. For me that sealed the deal!” she laughed. He reached out and caressed her face again, “I will always be there for you my sweet, beautiful girl,” he whispered. They stared into each others’ eyes for a minute and then slowly each of them came back to the real world.
They started to put the items back into the box and then suddenly Michael said, “Hey I forgot, I have something to add to the box.” He got up and went over and picked up his pants from off the floor. Annie watched him and blushed, getting a warm feeling throughout her body as she remembered taking those same pants off of him earlier in the evening. He reached into the pocket and took something out, keeping it secretly wrapped in his hand. He laid the pants on the nearby chair and came back to sit on the bed. “I want to add this Annie,” and he opened his hand up revealing the little shell that Annie had found on the beach this afternoon. She had given it to Michael and apparently he had kept it with him while they said their vows. She smiled. She loved how he was so sweet and sentimental. He had such a multi faceted personality. He had so much more depth than most people gave him credit for. She took the shell from him and rubbed its smooth exterior. “A very good idea Michael, something to remind us of our lovely day.” “Perhaps I can take one of the flower buds and we can press it or preserve it somehow and then we can keep it here also. How would you feel about that Michael?” He smiled at her, once again leaning in and kissing her. “That sounds like a beautiful idea Annie.”
Annie carefully placed the shell in the box and Michael closed the lid and locked it up once more. He got out of the bed and placed the box lovingly back on the top of the dresser. In the meanwhile Annie turned off the lamp and then plumped up the pillows for them and crawled under the covers and waited for Michael. He gathered up the clothing on the floor, his and hers, and then placed them in a neat little pile by the chair. And then he crawled back into bed with her. She welcomed him with open arms and they held each other in a warm embrace.
“Tired now Annie?” Michael asked her. “As a matter of fact I am quite sleepy now my sweet prince. I love you Michael, my husband,” she said demurely. “I love you too Annie, my beloved wife. Sounds so good Annie saying that!” “Hmm…yes it does Michael.” He watched her as she closed her eyes and within minutes she was out like a light. He watched her as she breathed in and out. Just like his angel he thought. He closed his eyes too and perhaps because of the wonderful day he had just spent, for once he had no trouble falling right to sleep.
By Scrantonmjfan
Rock With You
Beautiful Girl
For All Time
Break Of Dawn
This Is It
Look Of Love
Power Of Love
Close To You
Billie Jean
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