"You have a beautiful family Michael..." She whispers with a warm smile.

I glance around the family room, examining the surrounding Jackson's.

I don't know about my family being "beautiful", but my family is a definite blessing. I'm fortunate enough to have them.

"Thank you. I mean they are something..." I chuckle, standing from the love seat.

I turn to her and extend my palm for hers.

"Let's get out of here. Go for a walk."

She glances around at the distracted Jackson's before taking my hand and following me out of the room. Within minutes we are able to slip out into the courtyard unnoticed, enjoying the laconic sounds of Hayvenhurst at rest.

For the moment, I observe her. The little smile that spreads her lips. The wind blowing carelessly at the few strands escaping her bun. She's beautiful, a truly beautiful being.

She's so beautiful that I have to wonder, where are the others like her? Who did she inherit this mesmerizing character?

Breaking my gaze off her, I glance at our entangled fingers. They mold perfectly into each other. I don't want to ever imagine her hand, not in mine. I'd feel lost because in her I'm found.

"You know I love you, Jesse Rose?" I break our silence, still dreamily gazing at our hands.

She turns her head slightly, earning an even more iridescent glow from the sun.

God, she's gorgeous.

"Yes, so I've heard." She giggles, gently squeezing my palm against hers.

I playfully narrow my eyes at her.

"So you've heard? That's real cute, girl."

She giggles once more, squinting her nose teasingly before gently bumping her shoulder into mine. I can only smile foolishly at her small gesture of affection. She's simple but all the more magnificent. I know, without a doubt, that her mother, wherever she is, would be proud of the beautiful woman before me.

Her mother would've been proud to know that her little ballerina is chasing her dreams and taking hearts along with her. Her mother would've been proud to know that her daughter has one man trailing at her heels. Her mother would've been simply proud of Jesse Rose.

"Where's your family? You don't talk about them a lot..." I exhale slowly, breaking the sudden silence again.

Her grip on my hand remains the same, but I catch her smile faltering just before she forces another one. Even when she flashes me that infamous smile of hers, I see right through it.

Jesse doesn't talk much about her family. Especially since her father's passing, she has been very adamant about keeping knowledge of her family to herself. I've never really asked nor have a pushed for answers. I want and always wanted, for her to tell me on her own.

But with us due to soon be departing for New York, I feel that I deserve to know. New York for us is me starting a completely new chapter in my life, and her venturing deeper into her own chapter. This is the beginning for the two of us.

We can't begin another chapter without closing the last one.

"I don't know much about them. I mean I've seen uncles and aunts from time to time. You know the whole seasonal celebrations. I'm not some orphan who always wished to see and have a family. I had my dad and sores my mom. I was happy." She simply answers, her voice tightening at the mention of her late father.

I lick my lips in grave thought. What child doesn't want to have those Sunday visits to grandmas house? What little girl doesn't want to play dolls with her older cousin? What child doesn't wish for a family?

I even wish for better with my own family.

"Why?" I finally force myself to whisper.

"Why what?"

I stop us in our tracks, taking a moment to glance around the entrance of the garden. The spring buds are looking healthy and fresh. The whiff of this season's fruit tinkles my nostrils. At this moment, the garden and Jesse are no different.

She's a bud. Once a seed, but now a bud. She wants to grow but needs nurture. She apparently didn't have that as a child; nurturing. A mother that is addicted to the Devils candy. A father who'd try to balance his roles of protector, father, and manager. I could see why a family was or is never her focus; it was never taught to be.

"Family. It's important Jess. Whether we like it or not, those human beings that annoy us, love us. I don't know about your family situation all that well, but from what you've allowed me to know, I can see you want it. I promise you... One day, if God has it as his will, we'll have our own family. I'll be a crust old father and you'd be a smokin' hot mama. I promise you now, I'll give you all the family you need okay? You'll never have to wonder because it will be ours." I pour my heart onto my sleeve, now fully turned to her.

Her eyes dance along with mine for a second or two before she steps closer.

"That's a big promise, Mister Jackson." She whispers, our eyes still fixed on one another's.

"Because our future is big."

"Is that all that you can offer?" She continues, taking another step.

"Maybe not. Depends on whether or not you're ready to take it." I grab her other hand.

"I think I am. What about you?" She encloses any means of potential space between us.

"I say let's take on the world." I lean into her.

"The world is ours." She whispers against my nose.

I smile and lean in further.

"It's ours." I capture her lips.

"And you know what Jermaine said? I'mma do it anyways! I told him not to get that greasy as-uh cut!" Marlon bursts, clenching his gut desperately.

Jesse and I exchange glances before shaking our heads in silent amusement.

My family has been here for only four hours and already three out of eight of them have made themselves at home. These three go by the name of Jermaine, Marlon, and Steven. Even after mother gave them a word or two, they are still misbehaving like boarding school boys.

Just a trio of tyrants.

As for the other five Jackson's, Joseph has yet to come from his and mother's guest house. Mother has claimed and advocated the excuse of him just suffering from a bit of fatigue lately. I don't know how much of that I believe, but if it keeps him from trying to "start something", then I'm perfectly fine with that.

On the other hand, Janet and Latoya joined the brothers, mother, Jesse, Noah, and me just two hours ago.

Of course, that reunion was just as amusingly chaotic as my reunion with my brothers.

Few questions were exchanged about our lives since two years ago, and well some questions stirred a pot we thought was long emptied. The main question of the hour and most likely will remain for the rest of the week; when will Jesse and I be tying the knot.

That's a great question.

Since my talk with Kat just a few hours earlier, the thought of Jesse in an ivory-laced bridal gown brought flutters to my stomach. It hasn't left my mind since. This image of her, midway walking down an aisle, has been brandished into a permanent imagination of mine.

I definitely want to talk to Jesse about this one.

A wedding before the baby comes, or even before my tour ends, would be nice. I don't know when we would find time, but I know this is something we've wanted; we've just been afraid to make the move.

I want to make that move; soon.

"Yeah, Jermaine... I don't know how your nine dwarfs can stand to be around you... You know, brave enough to be in the way of all that grease. How did Hazel them ever find that attractive? Blech!" Latoya chimes, adding a few dramatized invisible regurgitations.

All eyes fall on Jermaine for a witty comeback. When his hands clasp together and a smirk spreads his lips, I'm sure all sent a silent prayer above for peace to be maintained.

We all know how ruthless Jermaine's jokes can be.

"Says the woman, should I say girl... Who has inflated her titties. How could that pig even stand to be around that? A fake Barbie wanna-be. Oh wait, I know... He's a pig. They love slop. Check yourself before you bring my children or their mothers into anything." He grits, standing from the table.

All remain silent as he tosses his napkin on his plate and continues his silent storm out of the dining room. Once he's gone, all eyes fall on a now crumbled Latoya.

Although she's still holding her chest high, her now weary eyes uncover her feigned confidence. Jermaine struck a nerve. A nerve that Latoya will have to deal with for the rest of her life.

He was definitely unjust for that one.

"Latoya are you-"

"I'm fine mother. I'm actually full and I wanted to check on something with Jeffré anyways." She rambles, turning towards Jesse and me. "Thank you for the late lunch, Michael. It was nice seeing you again Noah and Jesse."

With that, after Jesse and I return her appreciation, she nods to mother and walks out with an awkward breeze of confidence.

That's one thing about is Jackson's, we have too much pride to let anyone see us down.

Once the dining room door closes for the second time this evening, I sigh aloud and decide to call it an early night. Rising from my seat, I exchange knowing glances with each Jackson and my lovely, before giving a mute dismissal.

"I guess I should go and check on your father. He must be really tired..." Mother trails, rising from her seat.

Marlon and Randy nod in agreement before stating that they will go after Jermaine; seeing that as best fit for the situation at hand, mother encourages to go. With awkward and sorrowful glances, the two brothers excuse themselves after the boiling Jermaine.

And just like that, five of us remain.

"I could go with you to check on him, mom. You should get some rest yourself." Janet offers, helping mother towards the dining-room door.

Kat offers a warm smile, the smile she gives us to gently let us know that she wants us to back down. I can understand her need for independence, but I just don't like the thought of her having to deal with Joseph the way she always has and still does. I wanted my family to come over and not only meet our newest addition, but I wanted them to be able to relax; especially Kat.

She's done so much for the family over the years. It's an instinct to want to return that favor to her. It's also a grave instinct to want to protect her. I'm not saying that I believe Joseph would try to harm her(He tried that once; big mistake), but he can be a little cold with her at times. He has a grizzly attitude. I know she hates it.

I also know that she shouldn't have to deal with it.

"No, no. I'm fine. You go check on your sister." She maintains her heartwarming smile, turning towards Jesse and me. "And you two should get some rest as well; especially you Jesse."

Well someone is being quite straightforward today.

Jesse gasps softly, stealing a glance of Janet's suspiciously raised eyebrow. Meanwhile, Kat locks eyes with me before winking and cooing at Noah; wishing him a good night's rest with his new dinosaurs (Kat brought him two, plush Tyrannosaurus Rex's to add to his extinct reptile collection) before quietly continuing on her way.

Once she's out of sight, Janet strolls over to Jesse and I, but not before folding her arms over her chest and asking the obvious question.

Here we go.

"So... Anything you guys want to tell me?" She pries; pausing her investigation to give a giggling Noah, a wide smile.

I lick my lips, slowly turning my head towards Jesse. When high cheeks lift high and a giggle escapes her lips; I return her smile-as well as my attention on the nosey sibling.

"You seem like you already have the idea..." I tease, earning a playful scowl.

"Don't be a butt-head. Tell me what's up." She pushes, her eyes darting between Jesse and I.

This girl just doesn't know when to quit; such a Jackson.

"Dunk... you already know! Stop being a little prick" I chuckle, slowly approaching her.

Placing my palms on either of her shoulders, I glance back at Noah before turning to her and shaking her gently.

"You're an auntie... again. Be happy."

Her eyes widen and she squeezes her lips together to hide her obvious need to burst into a million pieces of confetti. I don't think I ever remember her being this excited about the other having children. I actually expected her to brush it off; seeing as though that's what she always did.

I actually feel earmarked; that's why I love my Dunk.

"Next time I talk to ya'll we better be wedding planning!' She finally exclaims, turning towards Noah. "You better tell your mommy and daddy. Bringing all these babies and ain't got a proper ring." She giggles, pecking his cheek tenderly.

Noah giggles and glances at me as if relaying the message. I can't even scold Janet for teaching my own son how to gang up on me. Aside from the situation at hand; I'm actually glad that within a few hours he has been so opened to the other members of his family. He has laughed and giggled. He has even tried speaking to mother and now siding with his aunt (to gang up on his father sadly); that's just icing on the cake.

"Okay, okay. That's enough of you before you brainwash our child. Go check on Latoya." I playful shove her away from the toddler; Jesse only giggles in the background-obviously enjoying this little scene.

Two more playful shoves and painful pinches in the arms later; Janet leaves for her next mission and Jesse and I retreat to Noah's nursery to get him settled in for the night.

"Well, that wasn't that bad..." Jesse lulls, wrapping her arms around my torso.

I inhale deeply and turn away from Noah's crib.

In a hasty fifteen-minute block; Jesse and I tagged teamed a fussy toddler into bathing, having his hair brushed, and finally being set to rest in his crib. Jesse and I put up quite the fight to get through those fifteen minutes efficiently, but we did and with minutes to spare so that we could hop in and out of the shower ourselves.

I'm just exhausted at this point.

"If you think getting scratched up by a one-year-old boy is fun, while your fiancé; your only witness might I add, laughs like a damn hyena; then yes, it was splendid." I snort, scrunching up my nose.

She catches my distasteful expression through our reflection; bursting into another round of giggles. I watch in feigned insult before soon finding myself laughing as well. This woman just brings joy to the dullest of moments.

"I'm going to pee on myself!" She howls, releasing my torso to catch a stable breath.

"I hope you do." I tease, gently poking at her ticklish neck.

She tucks over, her laughter loud as ever.

"M-Michael! Stop! I'm peeing. Baby, I'm peeing!" She yelps, trying desperately to shove me away.

I make another distasteful expression and follow through with her wishes; releasing her easily against the marble countertop.

"A grown woman peeing herself, that's not cute sweetheart; not at all."

"You better shut up. Asshole. You better not tell a soul." She shoots back, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

Looks like a struck a nerve.

My smile falls and a frown soon replaces it. I exhale softly and kneel down to my lovely. Even though she's momentarily annoyed with me right now, she still looks so breathtaking. I can't and won't say this enough; I love her. I love her so much.

"Michael loves him some Jesse Rose..." I whisper, holding myself up by her knees.

She rolls her eyes and looks the other way-playing hard to get.

I can fix that.

"And the best thing is, she's all mine. From those pretty little roaches of hers to every single hair on that beautiful average-sized head of hers. She's all mine." I smile, earning a grumble and small giggle.

"Would you shut the hell up already?" She snaps, giggling in the same sentence.

My eyes widen and I stifle a chuckle. These mood swings are nothing to play with.\; but they are still all the more amusing.

"Kiss me and maybe I will..."

"I'm not kissing you.." She pouts like a kinder.

"And why not?" I retort, lifting a playful eyebrow.

"You have man cooties. I don't like man cooties." She smirks.

"Oh... I see. But these man cooties gave you a real good time. The proof is in the tummy." I cleverly shoot back.

She stares at me for a moment; analyzing my witty remark. Once she seemingly puts the pieces together, her bottom jaw drops before it reconnects for a forcefully hushed giggle. All the while I inwardly praise myself for that comeback; it was definitely a good one.

"God you're an as-"

"Just kiss me, girl. Damn." I chuckle, leaning upwards.

She grimaces playfully before taking up my offer and smashing her lips against mine. I start to make a fuss about her mushy kiss but decide against it once she grazes her tongue across my bottom lip. I even try to go for more, but I'm quickly rejected by a palm firmly pressed into my chest.

I can only lick my lips in anticipation of another kiss; that will never come.

"Damn, girl. You sure you don't want twins? I can always make renovations for a twin nursery..." I breathe, lick my lips once more.

Another schoolgirl giggle.

"No, you pervert! I'm tired. Can we go to bed now?"

I frown for a moment before inhaling and exhaling heavily.

I really need to talk to Jesse about this whole wedding idea; if I don't, I'll explode.

"I actually have one more request. I will accept no other answers, other than yes." I begin my expression calm and focused on hers.

"Michael, no more foreplay. I'm tired." She sighs aloud.

This woman.

"As much as I want to make a sly remark for that, I won't. I'll get straight to the point. Girl. We've been together for so many years. I fucked up. I have you back. You're pregnant. I-"

"Want to get married too. I dreamed about it when we moved here. I saw a alter clearly when that pregnancy test showed two lines. I wanted it badly when I held our Noah in my arms. I knew it once you replaced this ring on my finger." She inhales deeply. "Your best friend. Your lover. The mother of your children. Hell, I'll even be your dirty Diana. Whatever gets me closer to that alter with you."

Our eyes meet. A spark ignites. All truth is blueprinted. Love is exchanged. A plan has been made.

Marriage is confirmed.

"Took you long enough woman! Got a man begging and shit!" I playfully fuss, stealing a kiss before she could lift a fist to retaliate.

"I love you, girl." I whisper, breaking our kiss.

"I love you too, ass wipe."

Giving her one last, playful glare I break a smile and inwardly gorge on a hopeful new beginning.

And a kiss was all the confirmation I needed.