Love and Weakness (Third Part of "Love In The Spotlight") MJ Fantasy

Chapter 40: Wedding March (Part 1)

***3 years later- 1998

Michael's POV

I stared at the pond intently from the bench I was seated on. I smiled and inhaled deeply. It's serene here. So peaceful. It reminds me of the way she made me feel. But then again, everything makes me think of her. The amusement rides, the zoo, the studio, my office, and especially the kids.

At that very moment both Junior and Heaven ran over and sat on the bench next to me. "Hey Daddy!" Junior chirped as he plopped down beside me.

"Hey, buddy..." I grinned. "What are you two doing over here? You're going to mess up your outfits." I said as I smoothed out Heaven's poofy dress.

"Auntie said to come get you." Heaven explained in her cute toddler voice.

I giggled. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah!" She responded.

"Alright, let's go then." I stood up and scooped Heaven into my arms and held Junior's hand. We walked away from the pond and across the lawn toward the main event.

As we approached the white tent Rebbie spotted me and ran over. "Michael!" She shouted. "What did you do?"

I placed Heaven down on her feet and she and Junior sprinted away toward a group of children in the distance. "Guys, play carefully! You can't mess up your outfits!" I called after them.

Rebbie scoffed. "Take your own advice, Mike." She muttered as she began smoothing out the sleeves of my tux. "Now it's all dusty and wrinkled. Jesus..." She complained.

I smirked and kissed her cheek. "It's fine, Rebbie."

She sighed and nodded. "I know. I'm just a little frantic is all..."

"Aren't we all?" I joked. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay. And thank you for all of your help. I couldn't have done this without you."

She pulled me in for a tight hug that lasted for several minutes. "You grew up to be a pretty decent man, little brother." She teased.

"Thanks to you and Mother."

She chuckled and grabbed my hand. "You should get in place. It's almost time."

My eyes widened. "Already?"

She laughed at me. "Yes, already..."

I ran a hand over my face. "Oh god, I'm so nervous..."

She raised an eyebrow. "Why? This isn't your first rodeo."

"Yeah but it's different this time."

She nodded. "I understand, but I know once you see her all of your anxiety will wash away."

"Have you seen her? How is she?"

"She's excited and she's beautiful." She replied.

I cleared my throat. "Is she getting cold feet or anything? Like having second thoughts?"

"No, of course not. She's excited and waiting on you just like everyone else...." She said as she practically dragged me into the tent.

Once inside I admired the beautiful layout, the white roses lining the aisle, the crystals that somehow managed to hang from the makeshift ceiling, the calming music played by the pianist, and the guests all dressed in red and white.

Rebbie pushed me forward and I snapped out of my trance, realizing that I had been standing in place and staring down the aisle. I adjusted my red bow tie and set forward down the aisle, greeting the guests as I passed them. In the front row I stopped and hugged my family members, as well as hers.

"Mike." Someone called to me.

I turned around to face the person and when I did my jaw dropped. "John?" I gasped.

He smiled and nodded. "That's right, man."

I offered him a surprised grin as we embraced. "It's so good to see you, bro. I had no idea you were coming."

"Yeah, well... I figured you could use some support." He chuckled.

"You got that right."

He clapped a hand on my shoulder. "How have you been holding up? Since... ya know..."

I looked down at my feet and sighed. "It gets easier... Some days are harder than others."

He nodded. "I understand. And I know it must have been hard for you to do this. Some people may say it's too fast but I think that whenever you're ready is perfect timing."

"Thanks, John. And I've been trying to ignore what other people have to say. I know what I'm doing. Besides, she asked me to do this. I promised her I would."

He looked around the room and beamed a smile. "She's proud of you. I know she is."

I pulled him in for another hug. "I'm glad you came." I said.

He pulled away and shook my hand. "Me too. Now get up there!"

I snickered as I turned away from him and continued to descend down the aisle toward the altar. I stood in my place in front of the podium and took a deep breath. This is it... Here comes the moment we've all been waiting for.

Soft music began to play and I grinned from ear to ear when the bridesmaids and groomsmen began to file in. There was Lola and Jermaine, Janet and Marlon, and then Diana and Jessie. They all look magnificent.

After them came the flower girl. I have to admit, I got a little emotional seeing Heaven in her beautiful red dress walking down the aisle. She is the spitting image of her mother, who would love to see her like this.

Next was the ring bearer, who decided to spend 5 minutes walking down the aisle because he wanted to stop and say hi to every single person he passed. I giggled, that's my boy. Always polite.

Once Junior made it to the altar, the pastor stepped forward. "Please stand for the bride."

Everyone stood and the pianist played infamous Wedding March. My heart beat rapidly against my chest and sweat formed on my hands. Why am I so nervous? I've been married before, I know what this feels like. I don't know why but for some reason I feel like I've never even been to a wedding.

I love her, and I want to marry her. That's all that matters. No matter what the public may think of me or of her, I know that this is the right decision.

She soon entered the tent with her father and my smile was unbreakable. She is absolutely gorgeous. I mean, she is beyond gorgeous. There is no word to describe how amazing she looks right now. She's radiant. And that smile... I'm pretty sure the whole room is lighting up because of it.

As she walked toward me I felt extremely grateful for her. I'm so happy that she's mine. And today, we will seal the deal on our love officially. She will be my wife.