~Rayne's POV

I wake up to a soft pair of lips lightly swiping across my nose. The amount of happiness I felt seeing my new found fiancé across from me was immeasurable. My eyes meet his, a warm palm slowly moving across my cheek, greeting me with a smile.

"Good morning" he grins, clutching my hand in his. My diamond ring shining as a ray of sunshine hits it. I couldn't help but mirror his broad grin.

"Good morning." I reply as he hops out of bed. I watch him as he searches through his suitcase attempting to find a shirt. I examined the light patches on his back, they weren't as pale as the ones on his wrist I saw earlier, but they were definitely lighter than the rest of his body. I knew he was so aggravated with all of the stories about him bleaching his skin. I didn't want him to be upset behind his condition , so I never really addressed it until he said something.

He turns to look at me, a smirk on his face. "What?" I giggle, grasping the blanket closer to me.

"I just can't believe it." He says, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Can't believe what?"

"That I actually got the courage to ask you to marry me." He chuckles, "and that you actually said 'yes'"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"After all the stuff we've been through.. I had a lot of doubts about even asking you."

"I think you asked perfectly. 'We may not be perfect, but we've perfected our flaws.' That was smooth." I laugh, wrapping the blanket around my body, making my way to the bathroom.

"When are you gonna start moving your things in here?" Michael asks.

"I was thinking after you finish your tour, seeing as how you leave for the tour again tomorrow. I don't wanna be in this big house all alone" I manage to mutter with my toothbrush stuffed in my mouth. "Plus, I've got to start planning." I smile, showing my freshly cleaned teeth.

"Planning, be careful. My sisters will have a field day and end up planning the whole wedding." He laughs. "I haven't even told them yet. That's why we're going to dinner at mother's house tonight."

"I've never planned a wedding before, so I'll need all the help I can get. Wait...does Joseph know about this?" I ask nervously, twisting my engagement ring around my finger. His expression seemed very calm and eased, "you'd be surprised if I told you how he reacted." He chuckles. I laugh it off and continue to find an outfit for the day.

***

While Michael ran around the city making appearances, I contacted Sharlissa to meet me at the bridal shop. "Why are we meeting in a wedding gown shop?" She asks, disturbing me from looking at a dress. I simply smirk, "I don't know. I just felt like looking at wedding gowns." I scratch my head so my ring would be in plain sight.

"What's this???" She asks snatching my hand to her face. "A ring" I giggle.

"This ain't just any old ring Ray!" She enthuses, jumping up and down. I laugh louder. "This is an engagement ring! Are you telling me you're going to be future Mrs. Jackson?" I nod giddily. At this point we were both releasing stifled squeals. "Congratulations!!!" She grins, hugging me tightly.

"Thank you." I sigh happily. Grabbing gown after gown. "You should get a dress made, don't use any of these." Sharlissa says.

"I am, I'm just looking at styles of the dresses. I've never had to do anything like this. I'm starting from scratch. I'm really gonna need your help."

"I got you!" She wraps an arm around my shoulder. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Screw this, I'll just draw my own design." I scoff leaving the bridal shop. Honestly my nerves were bad after Michael told me about the family dinner. On the way to my house I explained to Sharlissa my nervousness, "and with Joseph and I having a really bad encounter.. I just don't know if he'll approve. Michael says don't worry but-"

"If Michael says don't worry then don't worry, he knows his father. You'll be fine.. Now, have you figured out what you're wearing to this dinner?" Sharlissa asks. "No, that's why we're here. Most of my clothes are at Michael's but a little of my more dressier clothes are here." I explain, shifting through my closet.

"What about this?" She says, revealing a long purple dress. "That's perfect." I sigh. "What would I do without you??" She giggles, "you'll be fine Ray. Stop over thinking."

"It's almost 4, I have to get going. Katherine is very strict on time. I have to meet Michael at my dad's." I gather my clothes and Sharlissa and I go our separate ways. Once I get to my father's, he greets me with a broad smile. "Well hello, my newly engaged daughter."

"Hi daddy." I smile. "I'm going to take a shower then we can talk more." I run upstairs to shower.

By the time I was ready, Michael was sitting in the family room with my dad. I quietly sat next to Michael, my hand falling in his.

"I remember when you two were 19. I never would've thought you two would even think of getting married." He smiles. "I trust you'll take care of her and I know that you'll love her just as much as she loves you."

I nod, "he's been doing a great job already."

"Baby we've gotta go, you know how mother is about dinner time." Michael chuckles.

I sigh nervously, I've never been anxious over Michael's house, especially around his family, but we were announcing something special. I just couldn't shake this anxiety. I give myself a once over, checking my dress and hair one last time. Michael smirked and shook his head, "you're over thinking things. You look fine." He squeezes my hand and we walk inside to his sisters and brothers greeting us.

His mother pushes through grabbing me and hugs me tightly, a small tear settling in the corner of her eye. "It's so good to see you Rayne." She says squeezing me tighter. "Same here Mrs. Jackson, it's been way too long." Joseph gives me a small nod and half of a smirk, which surprised me. I smile curtly and wave back.

After we all got settled and sat at the table, Katherine clears her throat and begins to speak. "I know we usually have dinners on Sunday's just to see the family together, but today is a special occasion. Michael has a very special announcement." She smiles, gesturing to Michael. He was so cute putting on a front like he wasn't nervous about telling his siblings himself. As soon as the spotlight was on him he started stammering.

"Well.. As of last night, Rayne and I are engaged."

Latoya gasps clasping her hands together bursting in a fit of giggles, Janet smirks, "I remember that conversation years ago. You told me this would happen Mike." She laughs. "What conversation?" I ask. "When I was younger, Michael told me, even though you guys were still pretty early, I think Mike was only 20 or 21 but he knew you'd be the one."

I grin, squeezing his hand. "I'm really happy for you guys." Marlon says.

"So when can we plan your bachelorette party and plan the wedding?!" Latoya giggles excitedly.

I chuckled, "I don't know about a bachelorette party. But I went to look at gowns today."

"Did you?" Michael asks, taking a sip of his drink.

"Yeah, but I think I'll just draw my dress design Save us time and money." I smile. Michael nods.

"I'm so happy for the two of you, I know you're gonna last along time." Rebbie says, raising her glass to us.

***

"That wasn't so hard was it, you were so nervous for no reason." Michael giggles, stuffing his clothes into another suitcase. I sat on the bed watching him.

"I guess, I'm glad your father was ok with it. I think I actually caught a smile."

"I told you, you'd never believe me if I told you his reaction." He laughs back.

"How long will you be gone?" I pout, leaning on his suitcase.

"Only 5 months, I'll be back before you know it." He assures me, kissing my lips lightly. "You've got stuff to plan."

"Yeah but I want your opinion on things.." I pout again.

"I will be ok with whatever you want." He says before zipping his luggage.

I lay in bed pulling my blanket over me, tapping the empty space next to me. "I've gotta go in 10 minutes." Michael says warningly. "I just wanna cuddle with you one more time before I sleep in this big bed all alone for the next 5 months." I explain. He leans back as I rest my head on his chest, his slow calm breaths hollowing in his chest. He grabs my hand, examining my ring. "I've gotta out do myself for the wedding ring." He chuckles.

"I've gotta get you one too." I laugh back.

"Are you ready to do this when I get back?" He asks, pulling me closer. "I've been ready for a while now." I respond.

"Don't let my sisters control your wedding plans Ray. They did that to Jackie's wife." He warns. I giggle. "I won't, I've got it."

Michael grins, pecking my forehead, before a knock on the door disturbs us.

"Michael, Frank is here. It's time to go."

I whine lowly before giving him a long lingering kiss and let him leave out the door. "I love you baby." He smiles.

I lay my head on the pillow and grab my pillow next to me falling asleep quickly.

I know this chapter real basic but I'm sick and I wanted to get a new one out for y'all since its been a week. Hopefully you guys enjoy it! Leave comments and likes. Thanks for reading!