Hey guys! I'm a horrible updater, I have realized but thank you to all my readers who still kept reading and reviewing this story. You have no idea how much it means to me, every single one of my readers, I appreciate every one of you. You guys are truly the best! This story is pretty much, for the most part is done. But I know you guys deserve a final closure which I will grant to you all. Thank you all incredibly! 3
This chapter was sparked from this lovely reviewer: Claire Jojo Collins (:
Chapter 11: Epilogue
****3 Years Later****
Claire smiled as she rolled over in bed and was greeted at the sight of a peaceful looking Michael, his arms wrapped protectively over her waist and his face closely buried against her neck. Her dark brown eyes ran over the sleeping male beside her, as she gently brushed his blond strands away from his forehead. Michael stirred underneath her hands and her eyes snapped over only to find his still closed and she knew it'd been long day for all of them. Claire then stilled her movements not wanting disturb his slumber, she then shifted against him but she couldn't much move due to his arm still wrapped around her which only seemed to tightened at response to her movements. A soft sigh left her lips but she couldn't stop the smile that seem to make its way on her face again, this hadn't been the first time he had kept her beside him even when he was in deep sleep. Fully rested, Claire decided to stay in bed until he woke up, her eyes looking around the slightly dark room and she couldn't open the drapes either because it would only result in a burning Michael.
Claire set her hand on the arm that Michael had around her, the diamond ring glittering from the slight streak of sunlight that reflected off the mirror and onto her hand. Her eyes softened at the band on her left hand as she recalled the day he had proposed to her. And Claire swore that the heavens themselves had descended upon on her, it had the best day of her life. A soft chuckle left her lips as she recalled Eve's excitement at the news and the way her parents had been utterly shell shocked but she had easily been able to convince them it was alright.
Michael stirred at the feel of movement against him and the sound of bell-like laughter and his eyes fluttered open a few seconds later, he looked around a bit disoriented but soon his eyes focused onto the small brunette beside him. A grin began to form his lips as she saw his beautiful fiancée staring at the ring he had placed on her finger and his smiled only seem to widen at the sight of the glittering diamond. It looked gorgeous on her just as he imagined it would when he went to buy it.
"I hope you're not having second thoughts, gorgeous." He teased and he chuckled seeing the startled look on her face before he watched her eyes soften and he knew he'd never grow tired of those warm brown eyes looking at him like that. It had to be the best thing in the world.
"And if I am?" She said playing along and a mischievous glint appeared in his baby blue eyes.
"I'll have to spend the day convincing you." He remarked, throwing her a wink as he pulled her closer to his side and leaned over her to press a kiss to her forehead, but he didn't stop there he pressed one to her nose and then hovered over her lips. Touching but not quite there, his eyes locked on her dark ones.
Claire let out a moan of protestant but stopped herself from kissing him and met his gaze.
"Hmm, I might be up for that." She teased and leaned back away from his lips which only caused him to cover her body with his own completely. Silencing her chuckles as he claimed her lips, relishing in her soft gasp he took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside and teasing her. On cue, her arms came up to wrap around his neck and press himself closer to her. Feeling her soft warm body pressed right up against him was enough to have him lose control but he held himself, because he couldn't get carried away right now.
Much to both of their dismay, Michael pulled away as he watched her try to catch her breath , breathing hadn't been an issue for him but he had to remember it was for Claire.
"So how is my beautiful fiancée this morning?" Michael spoke, gently brushing some of her hair away and stroking her soft cheek.
Claire gazed at him with those big brown eyes which were now a shade slightly darken and he smirked softly at her reaction to their kiss. Fiancée. After three months since his proposal he still had a hard time believing this was all real, and if this was a dream, he sure as hell didn't want to wake up from it. "I was fine just a few seconds ago when you were kissing me, now, I'm not so sure." A small pout curved her lips and he laughed.
"Trust me, there's plenty more to come but it will have to wait till tonight. I don't think Eve and Shane will appreciate the early morning wake-up call." He told her and winked again, his expression that of a smug one as he recalled how loud Claire can be. Just as he predicted a dark blush spread across her cheeks and leaned down to kiss them, letting his lips linger there before going over to her ear and kissing the spot just underneath it.
Claire was sure her face matched the color of silk nightie that she was currently wearing, her eyes closing momentarily as she felt his lips caress her cheek and then trail below her ear. She could already feel herself melting and all it took was one brush of his lips and she would be his for taking. She mentally scolded herself but she couldn't stop the way he body responded to his littlest of touches.
"You're not helping either, what were you thinking wearing something like this?" Michael whispered huskily in her ear as his hands slid down the silky material of her gown and Claire could feel the heat of his hand through the material and she nearly moaned. His hands trailed down her sides and stopped by the hem that ended right at her mid-thigh, his large pale hand gripped her thigh softly. "It should be illegal for you to look so tempting in this." He continued, pressing small kisses against her skin of her jaw.
"Michael…" Claire murmured, her heart pounding in her chest when she caught the look in his eyes and the tone of his voice. "Okay, you have to stop now." She muttered and her voice still sounded breathless before gently pushing him off.
Michael rolled off her but not before pressing a kiss against her temple before finally sitting up as Claire got off the bed and began to stretch. He took this moment to drink in the sight of her in the little red number and he grinned as she caught her shooting him a disapproving look. Michael held his hands up in surrender. "I'll behave, I promise." He said innocently before standing up as well and soon the two began to get ready for their day.
Forty-five minutes later the four were seated at the kitchen table eating breakfast, Claire wedged in between Eve and Michael and beside him was Shane. Michael currently had his eyes on the newspaper and occasionally making comments to Shane, while Claire and Eve began a conversation of their own.
Claire was just in the midst of speaking when Eve abruptly cut her off
"Oh! Have you guys decided on a date yet?" Causing three pairs of eyes to turn to the Goth, who seemed have excitement written all over her face.
"Not yet." Michael answered before flickering his gaze over to Claire as he folded the newspaper and set it down. His eyes now held interest at the topic.
Claire shook her head, they honestly hadn't talked about setting a date but in her defense she was still living in the bliss of being engaged.
"I suggest you both have a summer wedding, it'll be perfect!" Eve gushed on and Shane snickered.
"You do realize we'll have to be in suits right? So, I have vote no. Why not Fall or Winter?" Shane muttered then looked two the couple almost pleadingly.
Claire laughed and patted Shane's hand softly, "Summer wedding would be nice but in Texas, not so much." She saw Shane left out a breath of relief.
"I agree too." This coming from Michael. "I'm a vampire, that's all."
Eve rolled her eyes, "Well, you guys are lame. If summer is out, then I vote Fall. No winter please."
"Fall's okay with me, Michael?" Claire spoke looking over at him curiously.
"Fall works. Just pick any date you want Claire, it will be fine with me." Michael told her with a smile.
"Here we go again." Shane said good-naturedly, a smile forming on his lips as he watch the couple once again gaze into each other's eyes.
Eve noticed too and the brunette smirked wider before leaning over to whisper to Shane, "Is it just me or does Michael seem eager to get married fast?"
"You do know I can hear you clear, right?" Michael said casting an obvious look to Eve, who in turn, shrugged him off.
"Whatever, dead guy." Eve countered "You know I'm right."
"I didn't deny it."
Shane and Claire only look back and forth between the two before Claire stepped in. "October then?"
"Why not September?" Michael spoke, clearly getting ready to object.
"Like I said." Eve interjected.
Shane was quiet for the most part but no doubt he was happy for his best friend as he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Michael smile so much.
Claire shook her head and look towards Michael, an amused look on her face, "I thought you said I could pick?"
"I change my mind, pick an earlier date." Michael said firmly.
"Lucky for you I don't object. September the 10?" She asked looking to each of them and they all nodded in agreement, except Michael who grinned looking quite pleased.
The table fell into silence and Michael reached out to take Claire's hand and laced their fingers together, the two smiling at each other as they looked forward to their new life in the Fall. Claire could feel the butterflies once again in her stomach as she saw Michael stare at her with so much love and warmth and Claire knew, without a doubt, that she was belonged with him.
There you folks have it! I hope you enjoyed this and I'm sorry once again for my absence regarding this story. And special thanks to every one of you who still stuck around. I love you guys. :D
Note: I will probably write a new story of the two of them but it will be AU. So keep a look out for that but this time you won't have to wait very long for updates!
