A Selfish Kind Of Love

Joe Jackson Day

A Few Weeks Later.

~Rayne's POV

"Is everything ready?" Michael says, peering out the side of the bedroom window into the courtyard. Balloons and all kinds of decorations were placed throughout the ranch for Michael's big celebration.

"Mother called and said they were on their way, but I don't want them to be here before Jackie, Janet and the rest get here.." He panics, letting out a small sigh of worry.

"Tito and Randy just pulled in.. I'm sure the rest will be here soon." I explain heading outside to greet his siblings. Tito, his 3 sons, Randy and his daughter all hop out of their cars. A big smile on their faces.

"Joe Jackson day huh? Did you convince him to do this because I know this wasn't just volunteered" Tito grins, his arms outstretched for a hug.

"I may or may not have given him an idea or two." I smirk. "It's so good to see you guys. Hopefully he'll start to calm down when he sees you." I gesture for them to follow me back into the house.

"Look who's here.." I smile, opening the door to Michael, pacing the floor.

"You guys are late. I told you 12. It's 1:45." He sighs, wrapping arms around his niece and nephews.

"Mike, we're here, calm down." Tito says calmly, straightening his bowler hat.

Finally little by little his siblings began rolling in before their parents. Michael scolding all of them for being late.

"Only one missing is Latoya." I inquire, looking around the room at Michael's siblings.

"Her husband is keeping her away from her family. We can't get in contact with her." Janet says.

"Oh.. I hope she's alright." I worry.

"Your Father and Mother are here Michael." Bill says peeking his head inside the living room we stood in.

"Thanks Bill." Michael says as his siblings file outside to meet them. "Rayne, do you think this is really a good idea?" He asks, wilting his eyes with worry.

"It's a good start for bringing your family closer together. It'll be fine." I smile, squeezing his hand as we made our way outside.

"Mother." Michael smiles, hugging her tightly.

"This is beautiful Michael, how much land is this?" She gleams admiring the ranch.

"3,000 acres" he says proudly as I hug Mrs. Jackson.

"Joseph." Michael says politely, his hand reached out to shake.

I never knew how to greet Joseph, so I would just smile and wave politely, hoping for a reaction back. We had no kind of relationship and it didn't bother me at first, but he's my father-in-law for God's sake.

Once the event began, things started to loosen up, I actually caught his father smiling while feeding a monkey. I decided to record it, you never know when you'll see a sight like that again. I handed off the camera to Marlon to catch a little down time. I had been feeling so fatigued recently. I sat on a bench, far enough to be alone, but close enough for me to see everyone.

I loved watching Michael get along with his family, he turned this ranch into one of the most fun places on earth.

"Why are you just sitting here? You're missing all the fun." Michael said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, sitting his water gun in his lap. I shrug, "I'm kinda tired, I guess it's been a long day. You seem to be enjoying yourself."

"I am." He grins.

"I told you everything will be fine. Look, even your father is having fun." I smile.