Super long chapter..... Consider yourself warned!

Carter's POV

A couple of days later, it was finally New Year's Eve. I was so excited to finally put this horrible year behind me and start the new year as Michael's fiancée.

Me and Michael decided to have a New Year's Eve party to help celebrate. Also, since no one knows about our engagement, we figured that this would be the easiest way to tell all of our loved ones at the same time.

Against my better judgement, I made Michael extend the invitation to to Joseph, as well as his mother. I know that when Joseph finds out that we're engaged, he's going to be livid but I want him to see that he didn't break us apart, like he thought he did.

"Baby?" Michael called out from the walk in closet, breaking me away from my thoughts.

"Yes Applehead?"

"What color are you wearing tonight?"

"Umm, I wasn't sure yet," I say, knowing that he's gonna come question me about my lack of an outfit.

Sure enough, he pops his head out of the bathroom and looks at me.

"What do you mean? You have an outfit, right?" He asked.

I turned around to face him before biting my lip and shaking my head no.

He groans and his head disappears. He steps out of the bathroom a couple of moments later with a towel around his waist and one over his hair.

"Why don't you have something picked out baby?" He wondered, rubbing the towel over his hair.

"I couldn't find anything to wear. Nothing screams "New Year's Eve/Engagement party" to me," I laughed.

He chuckled and walked over to me. "Why don't you let me pick something for you?"

"You?" I raised an eyebrow and he nodded. Michael does have great fashion sense so I figured it'd be fine. "Alright, go ahead."

"Great," he leaned down and pecked my lips. "Finish your makeup and I'll leave it in the wardrobe, ok?"

"Yep. One more kiss though," I pleaded. He smiled and kissed me harder and longer this time.

Once he pulled away, he walked into the wardrobe and I went back to doing my makeup.

Once I finally finished, I stood up and Michael just happened to walk out of the closet fully dressed at the same time.

He had on a classic black suit, with a dark blue button up shirt underneath his suit jacket. He also had on his loafers and his gold chain that I bought him for Christmas.

"Aww you look so handsome Applehead," I reached up and grabbed his cheek.

He smiled and pushed my hand away. "Thanks. Go get dressed. I can hear people arriving."

I nod and walk into the closet. When I see what he picked out for me, I smile. Its a strapless blue dress with a plunging neck line that ends just above my knees. There's also a band of crystals around the midsection and a slit on the left side.

I grabbed it and quickly slipped it on. However, I couldn't get the zipper in the back up so I walked back into the bedroom, hoping that Michael was still here.

Thankfully, he was and when he saw me, his face lit up.

"You look beautiful," he got up and walked over to me.

"Thanks. You have pretty good taste Jackson," I wink at him and he laughs. "Zip me up?"

He nods and I turn around. He grabs the zipper and pulls it all the way up. I turn back around and fix the dress on my body.

"You ready for tonight?" He asked.

"For announcing the engagement or the guaranteed fall out that's gonna happen afterwords?"

"Both," he laughs.

I shrugged. "As for announcing the engagement, I'm beyond excited. I can't wait to let everyone know that I'm going to be Mrs. Michael Jackson."

"Mm, I love how that name sounds on you," he leaned down and kissed me softly.

"As for the fall out, we'll deal with it. It won't be that bad."

"You're right. Even if it is, we'll get through it together, yeah?"

"Together," I nodded and grabbed his hand, intertwining our fingers.

"Come on, let's go." He said before leading me out of our bedroom and down the stairs, where the party looks to be in full swing already.

When everyone sees us into the living room, they all cheer and people are instantly surrounding us.

"I didn't know that this many people were here already," Michael leaned over and yelled in my ear.

"I know and its only 10:30," I yelled back. 

Me and Michael were talking to one of his business associates when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around and saw Janet standing there.

"Janet!" I squealed and hugged her tight. "I thought you wouldn't be able to make it!"

"Turns out the party that my record label was throwing got canceled so I was able to come here," she explained. "Hi big brother."

"Hi Dunk," Michael hugged her and kissed her cheek. "How are you?"

"Tired, working, stressed, all of the above," she said, making us all laugh.

"Ugh, I'm so happy you're here. That way you won't miss the big announcement," I told her.

"Big announcement? What is it? Oh my gosh," she said and put her hand on my belly. "You're pregnant again."

"No Jan, I'm not pregnant," I giggled. "But its just as good as that."

"Baby, we better make the announcement now before everyone gets too drunk," Michael interrupted us.

"Right. Come on." I gave Janet one last hug before me and Michael walked over to the stairs. Michael signaled for the DJ to cut the music and once he did, everyone turned to look at us and quieted down.

"First off, me and Carter would like to thank you all for coming to our New Year's Eve party," he began.

"We know it was very short notice so we appreciate it," I laughed and everyone chuckled and applauded.

"However," Michael stated and everyone got quiet again. "This isn't just a New Year's Eve party."

Everyone began to murmur.

"Its also an engagement party," I smiled brightly. I heard some gasps in the crowd but everyone mostly just looked confused.

"That's right folks. While we were in Paris on Christmas, I asked Carter to be my wife."

"And I said yes so....we're engaged!" Everyone erupted into cheers and applause. My mom and dad came running up to me and they hugged me at the same time.

"Aw congratulations baby," my mom yelled. "I can't wait to help you plan the wedding!"

"Thanks mommy," I smiled at how excited she was.

"Congratulations baby girl," my dad kissed my forehead. "Michael's a lucky guy."

"You got that right," Michael interrupted, smiling. I blushed and hid my face in Michael's arm.

Next thing I know, Liv, Avery, and Janet came running up to us.

"Bitch, you got engaged and didn't even tell me?!" Liv asked, fake annoyed.

"We wanted to tell everyone at once. I'm sorry Liv," I apologized.

"I guess its alright. I can't believe you two are getting married!" She hugged me and bounced around a little bit.

"How you could not tell me?" I heard Avery ask Michael. "I'm your confidante, remember?"

"I'm sorry Ave. We wanted to break the news together. I still love you," Michael hugged her and kissed her forehead.

"Whatever Applehead. I love you too and congratulations." She hugged him back.

"Let me see the ring!" Janet shouted. I stuck out my left hand and all 3 of them gawked at it.

"It's fucking huge," Liv commented.

"This probably cost the same amount as my life," Ave laughed.

"Big brother, can you buy me one like that?" Janet joked.

"Sorry Dunk. There's only one like that in the whole world." He said.

"Really?" I looked up at him.

"Yeah. I had the ring custom made for you so that it'd be special and one of a kind, just like you."

I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes and I stood on my tip toes and kissed him passionately. I could hear the girls, along with everyone else say "aww!".

Once we pulled away, Michael's brothers and their wives came to congratulate us. Once we finished, the DJ cut the music back on and the party continued.

Me and the girls walked into the kitchen so that we could have a less crowded place to talk.

"Spill everything," Avery said as soon as we sat down.

"And leave nothing out," Liv added.

"Well, after we made up, we decided to stay in Paris for Christmas and we just spent time reconnecting. On Christmas, we woke up, watched cartoons for like an hour," I giggles along with the girls.

"Then we opened up our presents and  after we finished and I was cleaning up, Michael called me back into the living room and he said that I missed a present. The engagement ring was sitting on a branch in the Christmas tree, you guys."

"Oh my gosh, that's so cute!" Janet gushed.

"Finish the story!" Avery said.

"So then, he took the ring from me and gave me this whole speech about how much he loves me and how he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. After that, he asked me to marry him and of course I said yes. Then, we had the most amazing sex that we've ever had!"

"Ew, that's my brother," Janet commented.

"Shut up Jan!" Liv laughed. "That's so sweet. I wish Eddie would do something like that for me."

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Avery roll her eyes.

"So, have you guys talked about a date?" Avery wondered.

"Well, we know that we want it to be as soon as possible and now that we've told everyone, we can start planning. I want all three of you to be in the wedding too," I told them.

"Of course we will," Janet confirmed.

"And I'll be the best maid of honor ever!" Liv stated proudly.

"Who said that you were gonna be her maid of honor?" Avery looked over at Liv.

"Um, it pretty much goes without saying. I am her best friend, after all."

"Well, she does have other friends you know. I wouldn't get my hopes up too high."

"Umm guys," I spoke up but they ignored me.

"Other friends? Like who? You?" Liv asked.

"Yeah, like me."

As they continued to argue, I looked over at Janet, who was pointing towards the front door.

"Parents at 12 o'clock," she semi whispered. I looked over and saw Katherine and Joseph standing at the front door, talking to Michael.

I stood up and walked out of the kitchen, making my way through the crowd over to them.

"Oh hello Carter," Katherine greeted me, smiling.

"Hi Ms. Katherine," I stood next to Michael, who wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"Carter," Joseph said, glancing at me.

"Joseph," I replied back in the same tone.

"Sorry we're so late. The traffic is terrible tonight," Katherine explained.

"Its fine but you guys did miss the special announcement," I said.

"Announcement? What announcement?" Joseph spoke up.

"Me and Carter....well, we're getting married," Michael stated proudly.

"Married? Really?" Katherine smiled.

We both nodded. "He proposed while we were in Paris for Christmas and I said yes."

"Oh, congratulations you two!" Katherine yelled, hugging us both at the same time.

Joseph looked shocked, annoyed, and pissed, all rolled into one. He didn't say anything about the engagement, he just turned around and stormed out of the house.

"Oh, I guess we're gonna have to be going now," Katherine sighed.

"Mother, you don't have to chase after him. Stay and enjoy the party. I'll even take you home myself afterwards," Michael spoke up.

"Oh baby. You know I'm not much of a party type," she smiled apologetically. "Congratulations again you two. I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you Katherine," I sighed.

"Goodbye Mother," Michael gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you more Michael. Carter, I'll expect an invitation when you start dress shopping," she pointed a finger at me.

"Yes ma'am," I laughed. She kissed Michael's cheek and turned around, walking out the door. Michael turned towards me and sighed heavily, running his hands over his face.

"I hate that she does that all the time," he groaned.

"What?"

"Chases after Joseph even when he's the one in the wrong. Its annoying."

"You know what your parents relationship is like Michael," I told him. "Don't worry about it. It'll be alright."

"How can I not worry about it? One of my parents hates the fact that I'm getting married and the other is excited but can't even show it," he complained.

"Baby," I grabbed his face and made him look at me. "Its ok. So what Joseph isn't happy for us? Look around us. All of these people here are happy for us and they love us. So for now, forget about your parents and celebrate the new year with me."

"You know what, you're right," he sighed. "I need to just let it go and enjoy the night."

"There's my Applehead!" I yelled and he chuckles. "Now, come on. You'll loosen up for sure once you get a few drinks in you."

I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the bar.

An Hour Later

"Five minutes until the countdown!" I heard Janet yell throughout the house. The party was still going strong and a couple more people had shown up too.

I turned and looked at Michael, who was drinking his 5th glass of champagne.

"How are you not drunk off your ass right now?" I asked in amazement.

"Because living the lifestyle that I do, I learned to handle my liquor a long time ago," he set his glass down on the counter. "Besides, not everyone is a light weight like you. Remember that night in Paris?"

"Ugh, shut up, shut up, shut up! I thought we agreed not to talk about that."

"I never agreed to anything," he smirked.

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever. Come on Applehead."

He grabbed my hand and we walked out of the back door, where Janet, Liv, Avery, Michael's brothers, and a few other guests were waiting for the fireworks.

Me and Michael stood off to the side, a few feet away from everybody. I wrapped my arm around his shoulder and he wrapped his around my shoulder.

"Can you believe that next New Year's Eve, we'll be married?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Hell, we'll be celebrating our six month wedding anniversary by then."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, really," he looked down at me. "Besides, the sooner we get married, the sooner we can start popping out those babies we talked about."

"We? You mean me right? I'm the one who's gonna have to push out our big headed babies," I laughed.

"If the baby has a big head, its gonna be your fault."

"Um, they don't call you Applehead for no reason," I pointed out, making him laugh.

Suddenly, everyone around us started the count down.

10

9

8

7

6

"Hey Carter," Michael said, making me look at him.

5

"Yeah?" I asked, not taking my eyes off the sky.

4

"I love you. So much."

3

I looked up at him. "I love you too Michael."

2

1

The fireworks went off and everyone around us cheered but me and Michael got lost in our own little world as he grabbed me by the face and kissed me passionately.

Through everything that Michael and I had been through this past year, we've gotten through it and our love is stronger for it.

I've always realized that there's no where else on Earth that I'd rather be than with Michael, because I love him and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

I know that ending kind of made it seem like this was the last chapter but trust me, its not lol.

I tried to get the chapter up for Michael's birthday but I wasn't able to finish it in time so haply belated 58th birthday Applehead! We love and miss you so much down here!

I know I've been bad at updating this summer and I'm so sorry but I appreciate you guys' continued support and even though I don't comment back all the time, I see every single comment and vote that you guys leave on this story so I just wanted to say thank you!

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and please comment, vote, fan and share! Thanks guys ✌.

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