Slipping Away

Chapter 51

July 2nd, 1996

Michael woke up the next morning with Mariah in his arms, her smooth skin against his body. They had finally had sex, and Michael had to admit, it was better than he had remembered. He felt a flame ignite in him that he hadn't felt in a while and made a mental note to thank Janet when he called her later that day.

Mariah stirred slightly and moved closer to him. He left a kiss on her temple and allowed his mind to drift to his plan. He had something big planned and it would required help from his entire family. Marlon was flying from Atlanta just to help out. 

He wanted to make this new engagement more intimate than the first. He had come to realize that Mariah had been the one to complete him; he never wanted to spend another moment where they weren't together. He was aware hard times would come, but it didn't matter to him. As long as they were together, he knew he would be alright.

Mariah yawned before opening her eyes. "Good morning."

"Good morning." He said, kissing her forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired." She giggled. "You were an animal last night. I wouldn't be surprised if I got pregnant."

"You're not on birth control?" He asked.

She shook her head. "Why would I be?"

He shrugged. "I thought you'd want to wait."

"Why wait?" She sat up. "You want a family, I want a family. Your marriage will be over next month, we could have a baby by the beginning of next year."

She leaned against his shoulder rubbing her fingers against his chest. "But until then..."

July 4th, 1996

Michael had decided to throw a large party for the fourth of July. His entire family and some of their friends had come over. She was sitting in the kitchen with Latoya and Rebbie as Rebbie seasoned the meat. Tito and Joseph were each working a grill, while Michael was in another room talking to Janet and Marlon.

"So Mariah, how are you and my brother doing?" Latoya asked.

Mariah grinned. "We are wonderful."

"You're glowing. Are you pregnant?" Rebbie asked.

Mariah giggled. "No, not yet at least. I've just been so happy. Michael is such a good man."

Latoya nodded. "Mike has always been sweet."

Mariah looked outside. The sun was going down, so the party was about to really kick off. Michael had went out with his brothers and bought a large amount of fireworks to set off. 

"Austin!" Rebbie called and her son came from outside.

"Yes mom?"

She handed him the tray of chicken. "Take this out to your uncle. Tell him that's the last of the food."

Mariah chuckled. "It's been so long since I've seen him. He's gotten so big."

"Yeah, big and hardheaded." Rebbie laughed. 

"Mariah!" Michael called from the front room and Mariah got down from the bar stool to see what he wanted.

He was standing at the door while Janet and Marlon were on the couch. What surprised her though, was her father standing in the middle of the room.

"Dad?" She looked at Michael. "You brought him here?"

Michael nodded and put his arm around her. "Of course, why wouldn't I?"