Author's Note: Okay, so here is Chapter 29...sadly there is only one more chapter left to Dani and Michael's story. So Stay tuned for it, the authors not on the next chapter will be lengthy but worth the read I promise you :D
Chapter 29: A Love So Overwhelming
" If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were love by wife, then thee." -Anne Bradstreet.
I wake up, stretching slowly, contemplating going back to sleep when I open my eyes again, throwing the covers off of me. Today is the day. The day I marry Michael. I look around, remembering that me and the girls had taken over the rooms on the opposite end of the house, staying true to the old wives tale that it was bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding. I peek into Prince's bassinet, smiling at his sleeping form. 'He looks more and more like Michael everyday,' I think to myself, jumping slightly when a knock on the door catches me off guard.
" Morning sweetheart," Mom whispers, and I smile at her as she holds out a steaming cup of tea to me. " It's the same tea my mother gave me the morning I married your daddy." I sip it slowly, closing my eyes on a sigh of contentment when the wonderful mixture of jasmine and honey relaxes me.
" Thank you Momma," I murmur sitting down in a chair, drawing my legs underneath me.
" Your welcome dear heart. The wedding planner and workers have been here since seven, you should see it Daniella, its all coming together beautifully," she murmurs smiling at me.
" I know. I was planning on going down there, after I feed Prince breakfast," I say, smiling when Prince stirs as if the word 'breakfast' roused him from his slumber. I coo at him as I lift him in my arms, unbuttoning my pajama shirt slowly as I sing to him.
" Actually, you aren't going to have the time to look, once you have Prince settled again, you and I are taking a drive, and then its time to get ready," she says, and I look over at her from my rocking chair, confusion on my face.
" Where are we going?" I ask, wincing when Prince suckles a little too enthusiastically.
" You'll see, I will be back in an hour to get you," she says, smiling as she backs out of the room.
" You here that handsome? Grandma is taking me somewhere, where do you think she's taking me?" I ask Prince, smiling when his eyes start drooping as I continue to rock him in the early morning light.
True to her word, Mom knocks on my door an hour later, just as I am pulling my teal sweater on over my leggings.
" Look who is here to look after Prince while we're away," Mom says, opening the door to reveal Katherine. I smile warmly, as I hug her close.
" Hello Katherine," I say, pulling away to pull my hair into a ponytail.
" Hello child. Prince sleeping?" Katherine asks, looking around the room.
" Yeah. He ate an hour ago, I pumped some milk for him, just in case," I say, pointing to the small refrigerator set up in the corner of the room. " I love you Prince." I lean down kissing my sons head before turning around. " All right, I'm ready to go."
" We'll be here when you get back," Katherine assures me, and I smile, my heart aching at the thought of being away from my son, no matter how short amount of time its for. I slide quietly into the car, noticing the small smile on my mother's lips, wondering where it is she is taking me.
I look through the window of the car, smiling at the watery sunlight laying over the scenery. My heart catches when I recognize where we are.
" Momma?" I ask, confused and heart broken. She drives through the tall iron gates of Ainesworth Cemetery. She shakes her head slowly remain silent as she pushes out of the car. I follow behind her, our feet crunching over the frost laden grass. My heart beats sluggishly in my chest as we reach the destination. My father's headstone screams at me as my eyes read over it, the ache of his loss still hitting me as if it happened just yesterday and not nine years ago.
" I promised your Daddy something, before he died. I promised him that on the morning of your wedding, and your brothers' weddings that I would bring you out here, and give you this," Mom says, handing me an envelope. " When your father was dying, he had one other moment of clarity before he saw you, and he had me write letters to each of you kids. This is yours. I'll leave you two alone." I stare at the envelope in my hands, the feel of my mother's lips pressed to my skin the only warmth I feel in the sudden bitter cold. I sit down slowly, opening the letter with hesitating fingers. I blink my eyes slowly, trying to clear them as I read the words.
'Dearest Dani,
If your reading this then I have been gone for some time. I wish that I could be there with you, on this, most special of days, to walk you down the aisle. However, God had other plans for me baby girl. I can only ask a few things of you now Daniella. That you marry a man who loves you Dani, for the amazing woman I can bet my life on that you've become, and the he is a man who cherishes you. That he brings you no sadness, or pain, that you find joy and solace when you are in his arms. I want you to know, there was always a reason that I was telling you that your destined for greatness kid, its because you are. Your beautiful, smart, and have one of the gentlest hearts I have ever seen. I will always believe in you, no matter what you choose to do in your life. Whether you become the Prima Ballerina, or the first woman president, I will always be looking down on you with love and pride, my Daniella. I love you daughter, more than you could ever know.
Love Always,
Your Daddy.'
I stand to my feet staring down at where my father is buried, my eyes overflowing with tears and love when Mom hugs me, pillowing my head against her shoulder.
" How, how is it possible that I still miss him so much, after all of this time?" I ask, my voice hitching over the words as my chest heaves with sobs.
" I ask myself the same question every single day," Mom says, her voice wobbly from her emotions. I turn around, hugging her closely.
" I'm sorry Momma, so sorry, that you lost the love of your life," I say, as I bury my face into her neck. She pulls away taking my face between her hands.
" Don't be sorry, I'm not. I spent many years feeling bitter that my soul mate died when there was still so much left for us to do together, but now I am so thankful for the time we had together," she says, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek before we turn back to look at my father, silence and peace falling over us.
The scene I walk into back at Neverland however is far from peaceful.
" Daniella James, your twenty minutes late. We need to get started," Janet says, pulling me along behind her down the long hallway. I giggle when she pushes me through the open doors of one of the master bedroom's slamming the door behind her. The once simple room was transformed. Bridesmaid dresses lay lined up across the bed, clearly marked. My wedding dress hangs from the closet door still in the bag, and before I can catch my breath the door opens and slams shut behind me. I turn around smiling at Rebbie, and Siedah.
" Why is the bride to be not in the shower? We're running twenty minutes behind schedule here," Rebbie says, pushing me towards the bathroom.
" Nice to see you too Rebbie," I joke when she closes the door behind her.
" No time for niceties Dani, get in the shower," Rebbie yells through the door and I grin wildly as I start the shower. Today is going to be an interesting day.
Forty five minutes later, I'm sitting in a chair as Rebbie carefully curls my hair. I smile as I bounce my feet in front of me trying to dry my freshly painted toenails. I smile as I look up, watching Rebbie carefully pinning my hair up. A soft knock echoing through the room.
" I'll get it," Janet says, floating past me in her ice blue floor length bridesmaid gown.
" Delivery for the bride," Kyle voice floats through the room, and I turn to look over my shoulder, beaming a smile at my brother. I stare in disbelief when he hands me a large wrapped rectangle. " From the groom."
" Well what are you waiting for, open it," Siedah prompts, snapping me out of my thoughts. I tear the paper away from the package, gasping lightly as tears cloud my eyes. Carly-Ann's smiling face stares at me, the light shining off of the oil painting.
" Isn't she beautiful," Janet murmurs, laying a hand on my shoulder squeezing lightly. I simply nod my head, captivated by every detail. I stand up, propping the picture up on a table against the wall. I pull out a small wrapped box and hand it Kyle.
" Give this to Michael for me," I murmur, hugging my brother closely. I watch as he smiles at me brightly before leaving the room. I take a deep breath before turning back to the girls.
Michael's POV
I stare in the mirror straightening my black shirt carefully, despite my shaky hands. Today is the day, in less than an hour I will be marrying DanI, and I groaned wishing I could press the fast forward button on my life. I want to see her. I can just picture her now, her eyes shining under the stars and millions of twinkle lights that were being painstakingly hung at this very moment.
" Well its official you made my sister cry on her wedding day," Kyle says as he walks back into the room, holding a small wrapped box in his hands. I wince. I didn't mean to make her cry, then again I should have known that it would. " Don't beat yourself up man, they were happy tears. Anyways, this is from your bride." I take the box in my hands and take a deep breath before opening it. I slip open the top of the box my heart catching in my throat at the sight of the sterling silver pocket watch. I take it out carefully, opening it slowly. A picture of Carly-Ann and Prince smiling at me. I smile slowly running my finger's over it. I blink furiously trying to contain my emotions as I slip it into my pocket. I pick up my tuxedo jacket, slipping it on slowly, my heart sighing.
Dani's POV
I stare in the mirror caught slightly off guard by my appearance. Barley recognizing the girl who stares back at me.
" Okay Dani, are you ready to get into your dress?" Siedah asks, standing in the doorway of the bathroom smiling at me. I turn to look at her smiling softly.
" Yes," I murmur trying to hide my shaking hands. I walk into the room watching as Janet and Rebbie work together to take my gown out of the bag. I step into it, smiling as the satin slides over my body.
" Lets hope it fits," I say, taking a deep breath as they zip it up.
" You can breathe now Dani," Janet says, laughing when I exhale. " Wow." I turn around, everyone's eyes shining as they stare at me?
" What?" I ask, running my hands down my beaded bodice.
" Your just so beautiful, look," Rebbie says, motioning for me to turn around and look at myself. I turn around, my eyes misting over as I take in every detail of my dress. The beaded embroidering on the empire waist. I smile as I run my hands over it, a sniffle coming from behind me. I look over my shoulder noticing that everyone is pressing tissues to their eyes.
" Don't get me started you guys," I murmur trying to stifle my own wave of emotions. I laugh lightly when Janet Stands on a chair behind me so that she can pin on my veil. I watch as the lace material falls billows behind me, realizing its complete.
" What time is it?" I ask, turning around to press a hand nervously to my stomach.
" A quarter to six, fifteen minutes and you'll be Michael's forever little sister," Rebbie says, handing me a box.
" What is this?" I ask, looking at her shocked.
" Something borrowed," she murmurs hugging me quickly. I flip open the box and smile at the set of pearl earrings. I slip them on when Janet presses a silky material into my hand.
" Something blue," Janet says, brushing a kiss across my cheeks.
" Something new," Siedah says, handing me a silky white garter belt, the room erupting in laughter when I blush deeply, Janet and Rebbie working together to hold my dress up and slip it on me.
" Something old," Mom says, fastening a tear drop diamond necklace around my throat. " This was your grandmothers, she gave it to me the day I got married, now I'm giving it to you." I blink wildly fanning my face with my hands.
" Okay before I completely lose it and start bawling like crazy, lets go," I say, turning around and heading for the door, Siedah straightening my train for me.
I stand on a small hill looking down at the guests as they take their seats my heart hammering in my chest, my stomach alive with butterflies.
" You okay sister?" Brandon's deep voice asks from beside me and I nod my head slowly.
" You sure?" Kyle asks from the other side of me. I continue nodding when the wedding planner walks up to me, handing me my bouquet of black magic roses, the scent of them spinning through the cool air making me light headed.
" All right people, the wedding starts in exactly two minutes," the wedding planner says as she kneels down straightening the train of my dress. " Remember DanI, count to ten after Rebbie reaches the front before you start walking down the aisle." I nod my head numbly, my heart skipping a beat as the band starts playing, the sound of violins floating through the air. I watch, barely able to make out Michael's form, trying to remember to breathe. I watch as Rebbie starts walking, my pulse hammering in my throat. Rebbie stops next to Janet, and I slowly start counting under my breath.
" One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten," and as if my body works off of pure instinct I start walking down the aisle, my brothers on each side, their strong arms holding me steady. I smile slowly when Michael's face becomes closer and closer, my heart soaring as I take in his appearance. Simply breathtaking. It seems to take an eternity before I reach him, Brandon and Kyle pressing soft kisses to my cheeks before Michael takes my hand in his. His strong fingers lace with mine as we turn to face Minister Campbell.
" Dear friends, we gather hear at this hour to witness and to celebrate the drawing together of two lives," Minister Campbell says, his deep voice filling the silence. I look at Michael from the corner of my eye, a smile spreading over my face when he winks at me. " We have come so that this man, Michael, and this woman, Daniella, may be joined in marriage. Two people in love do not live in isolation from the wider embraces of humanity. To achieve love is not to be absolved of social responsibility. So it is that the institution of marriage is ordained as a public recognition of the private experience of love, and as a sanctifying of both parties to its great purposes. At the same time it represents the desire of Michael and Daniella to share their joy in each other with you, their family and their friends. At this time I would like to share with the bride and groom some words and thoughts on love." I smile as I turn to Siedah handing her my bouquet before turning to Michael, his warm hands taking mine.
" Love is the most profound experience that can come to humankind. At its best it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities, and makes life far more meaningful. Its very nature is to want to give to another, and to feel joy in the joy of the other. Such love can call forth the best qualities in each of you. A marriage that is to last will be continually growing. Yet the closeness which it assumes should not diminish but strengthen the individuality of each partner. The poet Rilke has written that, 'Marriage is not a matter of creating a quick community of spirit by tearing down and destroying all boundaries, but rather a good marriage is that in which each appoints the other guardian of his solitude . . . once the realization is accepted that even between the closest people infinite distances exist, a marvelous living side by side can grow up, if they succeed in loving the expanse between them which gives them the possibility of always seeing each other as whole and before an immense sky.' Today's celebration of human affection is the outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment, which religious societies may consecrate and states may legalize, but which neither can create or annul. Such union can only be created by loving purpose, be maintained by abiding will, and be renewed by human feelings and intentions. It is in this spirit that these two come now to be wed. The bride and groom have chosen to write something special for each other which will be spoken before their vows, Daniella if you will please read yours first," Minister Campbell says, and I turn taking the slip of paper from Siedah's waiting hands. I take a deep breath, nervousness vibrating through my entire body.
" Michael," I say, my voice barely above a whisper, making me stop to clear my voice, " I still remember the very first time I lost myself in your eyes. You looked into me, and I into you. And what I saw there, terrified me." I blink furiously as I look up at Michael, his eyes brimming with emotions. " I, until that point, had never seen two eyes say so much, giving me a small glimpse of how delicate and fragile your heart was. Yet the darkened outline and depth of the gaze, showed me the power and determination of your soul At that very moment I knew, I knew my future had just looked me in the eyes. From that moment you have delivered me from my despair, and your made completely right all that was wrong in my life. And for this I pray, I pray that you accept my unconditional love, and never ending devotion." Michael's eyes smile at me as he reaches up brushing a stray tear from my cheek.
" And now Michael if you will please read what you have written," Minister Campbell says, and I take a deep breath, losing myself in his voice.
Michael's POV
Dani was a vision in white as she walks down the aisle, her green eyes dancing in the light, her skin glowing. I barely listen as the minister talks, losing myself in Daniella's eyes. I smile when DanI's voice fills the cool December air as she exposes her heart and love to me with words that overwhelm and humble my soul. I reach up, brushing my fingers across her cheeks when she finishes, wiping tears from her face.
" And now Michael, if you will please read what you have written," Minister Campbell says, and I smile when I turn to Max, taking the paper from his fingers.
" You all will have to bear with me, when I started writing my vows, it quickly and easily turned into a poem," I say shyly, clearing my throat. " Daniella, the vows I take will be forever, I'll love you all my life, there's no part way, no holding back, once we are man and wife. The choice is made, and now I swim, in a far different sea, the shores of which are bright green hills, raised up for you and me. Our love is like a mountain side, awash in lovely flowers, it is our home, our solid rock, where all bright things are ours. And though of need we often must, spend our days apart, our love will always be with is, held within the heart. I feel it now, so strong and free, a part of every breath, that it must live, I swear It will, even after death." I look up, tears sliding beautifully down DanI's cheeks and smile as I have to brush my own away.
Dani's POV
" Now comes the exchanging of the rings," Minister Campbell says, " Daniella take Michael's left hand in your right, and recite the ring vow." I take the platinum ring I had made for Michael from Siedah, taking Michael's hand in mine.
" Michael, with a free and unconstrained soul, I give you all I am, and all I am to become. Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love for rest of my life," I say, sliding the ring onto his finger, his hand tightening on mine for a short second before he turns to take my ring from Max.
" Michael, take Daniella's left hand in your right, and recite the ring vow," Minister Campbell says, and I smile as Michael stares at me intently.
" Daniella, with a free and unconstrained soul, I give you all I am, and all I am to become. Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love, for the rest of my life," Michael says, his words flowing around and over me.
" Michael, do you take Daniella to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?" Minister Campbell asks and I watch when Michael's face lights up.
" I do," Michael says, smiling broadly at me, overwhelming me.
" Daniella, do you take Michael to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?" the minister asks, and I smile, the words bursting from my lips.
" I do," I proclaim, smiling into Michael's eyes.
" Then it is my great honor and pleasure to pronounce you Michael, and you Daniella, husband and wife, you may kiss your bride," he proclaims, and I grin when Michael takes me in his arms, pressing his lips to mine, and in this moment everything in my world is perfect.
" It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jackson," Jermaine announces as Michael and I walk hand in hand into the reception area. I smile brightly as everyone claps, feeling breathless when I take in the decorations. White and ice-blue silk drapes luxuriously from the ceilings and walls, tall crystal vases full of black magic roses adorn every table, twinkle lights hanging beautifully everywhere I can see. I blush deeply when we take our seats, my face buried against Michael's shoulder. After a half an hour of people coming to talk to us, Jermaine returns to the microphone getting everyone's attention.
" It's time for the bride and groom to share in their first dance," he says, as Michael gets to his feet taking my hand in his as he leads me to the center of the dance floor. He rests one hand on my lower back, the other hand holding mine to his chest as the music swells around us.
" I haven't had the chance to tell you that how beautiful you look tonight, Mrs. Jackson," Michael murmurs in my ear, the sound of my new name drawing a smile to my lips.
" Mmm, you don't look too bad yourself Mr. Jackson," I reply, smiling when he draws my lips to his.
" I'm going to love you forever Daniella Jackson," he says, cupping the back of my head in his hands.
" I'm going to love you forever and a day Michael," I say, smiling as we spin across the dance floor completely captivated and bathed in a love bigger than both of us.