A Selfish Kind Of Love

Dinner With The Family

~Rayne's POV

I wake up to a soft pair of lips lightly swiping across my nose. The amount of happiness I felt seeing my new found fiancé across from me was immeasurable. My eyes meet his, a warm palm slowly moving across my cheek, greeting me with a smile.

"Good morning" he grins, clutching my hand in his. My diamond ring shining as a ray of sunshine hits it. I couldn't help but mirror his broad grin.

"Good morning." I reply as he hops out of bed. I watch him as he searches through his suitcase attempting to find a shirt. I examined the light patches on his back, they weren't as pale as the ones on his wrist I saw earlier, but they were definitely lighter than the rest of his body. I knew he was so aggravated with all of the stories about him bleaching his skin. I didn't want him to be upset behind his condition , so I never really addressed it until he said something.

He turns to look at me, a smirk on his face. "What?" I giggle, grasping the blanket closer to me.

"I just can't believe it." He says, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Can't believe what?"

"That I actually got the courage to ask you to marry me." He chuckles, "and that you actually said 'yes'"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"After all the stuff we've been through.. I had a lot of doubts about even asking you."

"I think you asked perfectly. 'We may not be perfect, but we've perfected our flaws.' That was smooth." I laugh, wrapping the blanket around my body, making my way to the bathroom.

"When are you gonna start moving your things in here?" Michael asks.

"I was thinking after you finish your tour, seeing as how you leave for the tour again tomorrow. I don't wanna be in this big house all alone" I manage to mutter with my toothbrush stuffed in my mouth. "Plus, I've got to start planning." I smile, showing my freshly cleaned teeth.

"Planning, be careful. My sisters will have a field day and end up planning the whole wedding." He laughs. "I haven't even told them yet. That's why we're going to dinner at mother's house tonight."

"I've never planned a wedding before, so I'll need all the help I can get. Wait...does Joseph know about this?" I ask nervously, twisting my engagement ring around my finger. His expression seemed very calm and eased, "you'd be surprised if I told you how he reacted." He chuckles. I laugh it off and continue to find an outfit for the day.

***

While Michael ran around the city making appearances, I contacted Sharlissa to meet me at the bridal shop. "Why are we meeting in a wedding gown shop?" She asks, disturbing me from looking at a dress. I simply smirk, "I don't know. I just felt like looking at wedding gowns." I scratch my head so my ring would be in plain sight.

"What's this???" She asks snatching my hand to her face. "A ring" I giggle.

"This ain't just any old ring Ray!" She enthuses, jumping up and down. I laugh louder. "This is an engagement ring! Are you telling me you're going to be future Mrs. Jackson?" I nod giddily. At this point we were both releasing stifled squeals. "Congratulations!!!" She grins, hugging me tightly.

"Thank you." I sigh happily. Grabbing gown after gown. "You should get a dress made, don't use any of these." Sharlissa says.

"I am, I'm just looking at styles of the dresses. I've never had to do anything like this. I'm starting from scratch. I'm really gonna need your help."

"I got you!" She wraps an arm around my shoulder. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Screw this, I'll just draw my own design." I scoff leaving the bridal shop. Honestly my nerves were bad after Michael told me about the family dinner. On the way to my house I explained to Sharlissa my nervousness, "and with Joseph and I having a really bad encounter.. I just don't know if he'll approve. Michael says don't worry but-"