Author's Note: Hello everyone. I know that it has been a really, really long time since I updated this story. Dont ask me why I lost inspiration for so long, or how I suddenly got hit with it last night but I did. And I can honestly say I feel really fulfilled getting this chapter out. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter, if anyone will even read this anymore lol. Anyways, please, read, review and enjoy.

Chapter 6: Where Everything I Dreamt Of Would Be True

" Fairy tales always end, but that's no reason to not enjoy the story."-Anonymous


The tour in Japan went by quicker than I thought that it would. So quick in fact that I find myself double checking the calendar even as I sit on the plane back home.

" How many times are you going to check the calendar before you realize that this leg of the tour is truly over?" Michael asks in a hushed and amused voice as he snaps my planner closed in front of me.

" I don't know, I think around the millionth time its going to start sinking in," I say smiling as I settle into my seat.

" Well put it out of your mind, besides we have a party to plan or did you forget?" he asks and I sigh pulling open my planner, flipping to January fourth which is circled in red pen multiple times.

" Of course I didn't forget. Its only going to be the biggest party of the year. Luckily for you I was able to get invitations mailed out before we left for Japan, and as soon as we get home I am confidant that someone will have a list put together, of everyone who rsvp'd, and those who graciously declined the offer, which lets face it, no one would decline," I say caught slightly off guard by Michael's warm laughter, "What could possibly be so funny?"

" You are just so adorable when you go into serious assistant mode," he says flicking a finger lightly down my nose.

" Yeah well you didn't hire me for my good looks," I muse turning my attention back to the papers in front of me.

" Oh really? And how do you know that? After all, all I had to go on was a picture and Jay's words of praise," he teases and I shake my head. Sure, some other people would hire people based off looks alone, deciding that their appearance would help somehow raise them just a little bit higher, or maybe because they are so self-centered that they couldn't allow themselves to be seen with anyone who was less than attractive, but not Michael.

" I know that because you're a perfectionist, but at the same time you have so many things running through your head at any given time that you couldn't possibly get things organized and done without someone who will take everything one step at a time. It also helps that I can keep up," I murmur making a side note to have the caterer make Michael's favorite cake.

" You think you have me all figured out don't you?" he teases and I chuckle looking up at him.

" I don't think Michael, I know I do. Now, what do you say we stop talking about brilliant assisting skills and you tell me exactly what you want for this party," I say laughing when he rolls his eyes before snatching the paper from my hands.


" Carly-Ann, Carly-Ann, oh beautiful daughter of mine," I call out in a sing song voice. Home barely twenty four hours and all ready she has settled into the position of little princess of Neverland. How that girl can get people wrapped so tightly around her little fingers I will never understand, or question, " Hey, Max, have you seen Carly-Ann?" Max turns his eyes lighting with laughter.

" Last time I saw munchkin she was in the library reading with Janet," Max says and I smile at him.

" Thanks Max," I say walking towards the library. I pause outside of the door when I hear Janet's soft voice floating through the room, and peak around the corner, smiling when I see my daughter curled in Janet's lap, one of her small hands pillowing her cheek as her other hand plays with her hair. I recognize the sleepy look in her eyes and now that in just a few moments she will be out like a light.

"What moves me so deeply about this sleeping little prince is his loyalty to a flower, the image of a rose shining within him like a flame within a lamp, even when he's asleep. And I realized he was even more fragile than I thought. Lamps must be protected. A gust of wind can blow them out," Janet reads pausing to look down at Carly-Ann a soft smile pulling at her lips before she brushes a soft kiss to her forehead, softly shutting the book.

" Hey," I murmur stepping in to gather Carly-Ann into my arms, " Thank you."

" It was no problem," she says, " She is so sweet. She reminds me of Michael in ways."

" How so?" I ask, rocking steadily back and forth as I study her face.

" For example, The Little Prince is one of Michael's favorite books, and it's one of hers also. They have similar tastes when it comes to well, just about everything," she says, smiling as she lovingly runs a hand across Carly-Ann's hair, " I think in a way he see's himself as the narrator, getting rushed into growing up, but the truth is Michael is, and always will be The Little Prince," she murmur and I smile.

" I would probably agree, but I haven't read it," I say and before I can leave the room she slips the book under my arm.

" Read it, I think you'll learn a lot from it," she offers and I nod my head turning to take my daughter to her room to lay her down for her nap.


" Michael," I call out as I walk through the darkened kitchen, " Michael, where are you? Now is not the time to pull a disappearing act you know, I have to get Carly-Ann into bed, in case you've forgotten tomorrow is the ball and she needs her sleep, besides we have a few more things to go over." I shake my head as I walk from the kitchen and decide to try the library. Those two seem to spend a lot of time together in that room, their heads together as Michael reads to her, taking her to far away lands full of fantasy and make believe. I walk into the library, finding that it too is strangely deserted. I lean against the door sighing, my exhaustion quickly catching up to me. I close my eyes letting myself drift slowly.

" Dani," someone says a warm hand on my shoulder making me scream and jump. I turn quickly and find Michael standing behind me an amused look on his face, " Didn't mean to scare you."

" No it was my fault, I was just," I trail off shrugging my shoulders realizing that I have no excuse to feed him.

" Your just dead on your feet. Come on," he says taking my hand as he leads me to the couch.

" Michael, I cant," I murmur trying to fight the fact that my body relaxes into the comfort the couch offers me, " I have to get Carly-Ann to bed, and tomorrow is such a busy day. There's over seeing the set up and decorating, making sure the caterers have everything that they need."

" Don't worry about any of that, I all ready tucked Carly-Ann in," he says, his hand running under my hair to rub the back of my neck, " You have the day off tomorrow."

" What are you talking about?" I ask, turning my head to look at him.

" You heard me the first time Dani. You've been working so hard for months, and you deserve a day off. You are not going to be doing any work whatsoever come tomorrow, all you have to worry about is getting you and Carly-Ann ready for the party," he says chuckling slightly.

" Michael, I have to work, its my job remember?" I murmur, my words slightly slurred as he scoots over on the couch pulling me down so that my head is pillowed on his lap, his fingers running through my hair.

" Not tomorrow, tomorrow your going to be my…" his voice drifts off as my eyes flutter closed, feeling completely relaxed by the steady movement of his fingers in my hair.


" Isn't that just the sweetest thing you've seen in your life," a soft voice clouds my head, slowly waking me. I blink my eyes open slowly, Janet and Carly-Ann's faces swimming into focus, causing me to let out a small yelp as I roll away from Michael's arms, finding myself falling onto the carpeted floor of the library.

" Oh, ouch," I groan laughing slightly as I rub my backside, only to be met with my daughter and Janet's peeling laughter.

" What a wake up call huh?" Michael asks as he rubs sleep blurred eyes and peers down at me from the couch. My face flushes as I get to my feet.

" Yeah well, I shouldn't have fallen asleep in here," I murmur taking Carly-Ann's hand in mine, " I should probably go change and get ready to start work, see you in twenty minutes." I walk from the library feeling so embarrassed that I wish I could just stay hidden away in my room for the day.

" Mama, what's wrong?" Carly-Ann asks as I set her down with a coloring book so that I can take a shower.

" Nothing baby," I say pressing a soft kiss to her head before gathering a change of clothes and heading into the bathroom.

I let the hot water run over my skin as I try to drown away the memory of last night, and more so this morning. I never meant to fall asleep with Michael. I mean sure, we've slept in the same bed a few times, but he was always gone before anyone else woke up, which kind of stung, yet at the same time I understood why. I'm sure it would look bad to people, not anyone who was close to us, but if a stranger were to find us in what might be considered a 'compromising' position, the news papers and tabloids would have a field day. Most importantly, at least for me, I never wanted Carly-Ann to find us that way because I wouldn't want her imagination to run away with her. Of course I know how she looks at Michael. I close my eyes and remember.

' Mama,' Carly-Ann's questioning voice calls to me and I look down at her, where she sits with a stack of paper and her favorite crayons.

' Hmm?' I ask turning my eyes back to the itinerary in my hands.

' Do you think Michael likes me?' she asks and I feel the papers slipping through my fingers as I look down at her, her huge blue eyes shining at me. I drop down next to her, wincing only slightly as my sore ribs protest as I pull her into my lap.

' Of course he does baby. Michael more than likes you baby, he loves you, very much,' I say brushing a golden lock from her face, ' What makes you ask a question like that?' She shrugs her slender shoulders looking away from me.

' Do you think he would be my Daddy?' she asks her voice so soft and innocent my heart drops into my stomach as my breath hitches.

' Oh baby, I don't, I mean. I think Michael would like that very much, but it's more complicated than that honey,' I say fighting for the right words to say to her.

' I don't see why it should be. He loves me, and you, and we love him and that's all that matters in the end. It's all about love, l-o-v-e," she coo's as she turns back to her picture, the words she spoke ringing true, and familiar. After all, that's something Michael says, all the time.

I snap out of the memory fumbling to turn the water off. Yes, Carly-Ann wants Michael to be her father, and I spoke the truth to her when I told her that Michael would like that. I wouldn't lie to her, not about that. Michael loves her, deeply. She is number one in his life, just as she is number one in mine. And there lies the problem. By allowing myself to give into Michael, give into what I feel for him, even the slightest little bit is not only setting myself up for a hard fall, but my daughter also, and I cant let that happen. Not now, not ever.


True to my word, twenty minutes later I leave Carly-Ann in the capable and all to willing hands of Katherine, Michael's mother, and make my way to find Michael. I smile as I walk through the dining room, reveling in the work all ready done. It's going to be a fairy tale, just the way Michael wanted it. I find Michael standing in his office talking with Janet and Rebbie and clear my throat lightly to get his attention.

" Hey, I just saw the work that their doing in the dining room," I say settling on the corner of the couch, " It's beautiful."

" I know its going to be fantastic," Michael says smiling, " Where's Carly-Ann?"

" Your mother has her, I just wanted to see you real quick, to remind you that guests will start arriving at around seven thirty. Now I'll leave you three to your own devices, I have to get to work," I say giving Janet and Rebbie a quick hug before turning to leave.

" Uhm Dani," Michael says and I turn slowly fighting for control as blood threatens to rush to my face, evidence of my nervousness, " Did you forget?"

" Forget what?" I ask confused by the humorous glint in his eyes.

" I told you last night, you aren't working tonight," he says laughing when all I can do is stand and stare at him. I search my mind trying to remember any mention of my day off. A vague memory comes to mind of him telling me something along those lines right before telling me something else, I just cant seem to think of it. " You're my date tonight remember?" I shake my head furiously at him rousing laughter from everyone in the room.

" All right big brother," Janet chides lightly, " Let her be. We will go do, girly things, see you at seven thirty." And before I can demand to be allowed to work, or to graciously reject the idea of being Michael's date, Janet and Rebbie pull me from the room their laughter floating around me as my nerves fray at the idea of what's to come tonight.


I stare at my reflection in the mirror, reveling in the material laying over my body. The dress was a surprise. I had picked one out myself, bought it and everything, only to have Janet inform me that there had been a change in red silk lays beautifully, the black beads and rhinestones shining brightly under the light. Of course, Michael would pick the most beautfiul dress ever made for a night like tonight.

" Wow," a voice calls from behind me and I turn my head finding Kyle and Brandon leaning against the doorway.

" Brandon, Kyle," I murmur picking up the puffy skirt of my dress to walk towards them.

" You look amazing Dani," Brandon says gathering me in his arms. I linger in the embrace, missing the connection, the familiarity that is my big brothers.

" Thank you," I whisper, turning to hug Kyle, " You two don't look too bad yourselves."

" Well, what are we waiting for there's a party raging down stairs," Kyle says taking my hand in his.

" Where's Carly-Ann?" I ask looking around the hall way for my daughter.

" Mom has her," they say in unison and I smile, linking arms with my older brother's letting them lead the way.


I walk slowly and steadily down the stairs my brothers at my side, and I cant help but gasp slightly when I see how the house has been transformed into a fairy tale. Only that isn't right, Neverland is and always will be just that, a fairy tale but this is different, a whole new level. Twinkling lights flicker around the room, and candles dance, casting shadows across the walls and floor. I smile slowly when I see my Mom standing with Michael, both of them thoroughly wrapped up in whatever animated story that Carly-Ann is telling them. I pause love coursing through me as I watch three of the most important people in my life, standing together. The breath catches in my throat when Michael looks up over everyone's head and smiles at me, his rich brown eyes sparkling under the light.

" Well this is where we take our leave, your date is making his way over," Kyle says hugging me as he walks away.

" He's right, little sister. Oh, and have fun, okay? Now its time for me to go dance with the prettiest girl at the party," Brandon says brushing a kiss to my cheek before shaking hands with Michael and walking straight towards Carly-Ann.

" M'lady," Michael says bowing his head gracefully, a few black tendrils falling in his face as he holds his hand out to me. I smile softly putting my palm against his.

" Good sir," I bow curtsy dramatically, giggling softly when he pulls me upright and spins me slowly out onto the dance floor.

" You look beautiful Daniella," he murmurs his lips a breath away from my ear.

" Thank you, for everything Michael. I want to apologize," I say looking up at him from under my lashes, " For the cold act earlier this morning. I just worry that Carly-Ann will read too far into it."

" Dani, you don't have to apologize I understand," he says his hand coming up to brush the hair from my face, " But you have to understand that I have every intention of marrying Carly-Ann's mother one day." I blink furiously, his words seeming to take their sweet time to sink in.

" What? Michael, wha-" the words rush out of my mouth as I shake my head at him turning and walking away.


I plaster a smile on my lips and nod when people smile at me. My chest feels like its on fire as I hold my breath searching for an escape.

" Dani?" a questioning voice calls to me and I turn finding my mother her eyes lit with worry, " Honey what's the matter?"

" I have to get out of here," I murmur my words straining as I do the best that I can to stifle the tears that threaten to spill over. Wordlessly she wraps an arm around my waist as we walk down the hall, the sounds of the party growing distant as I lead her into the library and shut the door behind us. I press my back against the cold wood and a hand against my galloping heart trying to keep myself together.

" Sweetheart, what's wrong?" she urges taking my elbows in her hands, " Tell me what hurts."

" Michael, he, he just said, he has every intention of marrying me," I stammer my eyes blurring with hot tears.

" What?" she asks her face filling with shock. I take a deep breath and look up at her.

" Michael and I fell asleep in here last night, and Carly-Ann and Janet found us there this morning," I say pointing towards the couch, " And I was kind of cold to Michael. I have been trying so hard for Carly-Ann's sake, to not get too far into things with him, and its been hard, and it hurts, because I love him Momma. I do, and he loves Carly-Ann, and well I don't have to explain the way she feels about him, its written all over her face."

" Darling, come sit," she says leading me to the same couch Michael and I had slept on just last night, " Listen, love comes around once in your life, one chance, and when your soul mate walks into your life you know that they are the one for you."

" I thought that about Nathan Momma, and we all know how well that worked out," I murmur, brushing my fingers under my eyes to catch a few stray tears.

" True, but Michael isn't Nathan, Dani. I wasn't happy when you took this job Daniella. You know that, and I was even more infuriated when you and Carly-Ann got into that accident a few months ago. I was more than prepared to bring the wrath of hell down on Michael's head for it, and then I saw him, sitting in the hospital room with Carly-Ann, holding her hand, talking to her and comforting her. Then you want to know what I saw?" she asks and I nod my head slightly, " When she fell asleep, I watched him cry. I heard him apologizing to her, telling her that he would spend the rest of his life making it up to her. I forgave him the moment I saw him with her, and I started loving him when I watched him sit next to you for a week, everyday and every single night he sat at your side, holding your hand, talking to you, coaxing you back to him, to us. So let me tell you something Daniella James, if that isn't love, I don't know what is."

" But Mom-" my words trail off when she shakes her head taking my face in her hands.

" Listen to me Daniella, and listen good. I was lucky enough to find my soul mate and I got to love him for as long as God saw fit, and I will be damned if I let my daughter and her stubbornness get in the way of her being able to do the same," she says pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, " Fallow your heart DanI, and you just might find that it will lead you right where you need to go. Take a few minutes, compose yourself, fix your pretty make up and let your heart lead the way my sweet girl."

" Mom," I whisper when she reaches for the door handle, and she casts a look over her shoulder, " Thank you, for everything."


I take a last fleeting look in the mirror, satisfied that my tears didn't wreak too much havoc on my make up. I smooth my hands down my dress, and push back out into the party. I stand in a shadowed corner, listening to the music. A slow melody plays, all strings, and my heart soars when I see at the center of the dance floor my daughter, and the man that I am helplessly and madly in love with dance together. And it all clicks into place. Everything my mother said to me not twenty minutes ago makes perfect sense. When its your soul mate you'll know. I stare at Michael and its like I'm breathing for the first time, seeing with unclouded eyes the beauty that the world has to offer. I walk slowly through the crowd standing on the edge of the dance floor watching a flurry of motion as people dance, and smile when Carly-Ann turns shining eyes towards me her smile blooming wildly.

" Momma," Carly-Ann calls running towards me, " You have to dance with Michael, Momma."

" Oh baby, I think your doing a good enough job for the both of us," I say smiling as I run a finger down the bridge of her nose cursing the fact that her smile fades slightly.

" Well I have to dance with Uncle Kyle now," she urges pulling me towards Michael. I smile shaking my head when Michael fluidly takes me into his arms spinning me out and pulling me in getting a giggle to float from Carly-Ann's lips.

" I'm sorry, for leaving the way that I did," I murmur staring up at Michael.

" You seem to be apologizing a lot tonight Dani," Michael whispers back to me, brushing his thumb across my cheek, his eyes narrowing as he studies my eyes. " You've been crying." I nod my head slightly my throat thickening threateningly.

" Can we talk about it, later?" I ask blinking furiously, " For now I just want to live in the fairy tale that you created here, even if its just a borrowed one."

" A borrowed one? And what kind of fairy tale would you like to have as your own Danielle?" he asks and I rest my head against his chest not trusting myself to speak out loud knowing that if I did every foolish dream I have been holding inside of me would come tumbling out, along with a whole new bout of fresh tears.

' The kind of fairy tale where you would always be the prince.' I think to myself closing my eyes as I let the music carry me away, to a place and time where everything I have dreamed of with Michael would magically be true