Of Diamonds and Dreams

Chapter 18

"I was born to never die. To live in bliss, to never cry.

To speak the truth and never lie. To share my love without a sigh.

To stretch my arms without a tie. This is my dance, this is my high.

It's not a secret, can't you see? Why can't we all live in ecstasy?"

-----Michael Jackson (excerpt from the poem, "Ecstasy" which was included in his book, "Dancing The Dream")

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The next morning, we fought our way through the thick mass of reporters and cameramen who were camped outside of the hospital. All just waiting to pounce on us as we exited. "What a zoo! All those reporters were here just to see us come out of the hospital? Where's the story in that?" I asked, shaking my head with disbelief at the pandemonium that had ensued.

We settled into the backseat of the limo and Michael grimaced slightly as he answered, "Yeah, I'm sorry about that, baby. It's all part of this crazy business, I'm afraid. Are you sorry that you said yes to me?"

I squeezed his thigh lightly as I leaned in to kiss his cheek then softly murmured, "Not on your life. I can't wait to marry you, my sexy man."

People were still crowding around the limo as we were trying to move away. I was always so worried that someone would fall and get seriously injured. Michael told me that it had actually happened before to a few people and he always felt responsible for the mishap even though logically, he wasn't. If he became aware of any incidents like that occurring, he would always pay the unfortunate person's medical expenses.

"Well," I said ruefully, "at least Eric and J.T. got some things from the hotel and brought back something for me to wear today. I would have looked pretty silly in my dress from last night or that stupid hospital gown."

Michael cocked his eyebrow at me and replied, "Oh, I don't know, I kind of liked that hospital gown....especially the back of it."

I giggled. "You're so bad."

He smiled and reached for the button to raise the blacked-out glass partition separating the front of the limo from the back, then leaned into me and nuzzled my neck as he whispered, "I can't wait to show you just how bad I can be."

He gave my earlobe a flick of his tongue. I giggled again and lightly smacked him on the leg as I admonished him, "Settle down there, Mr. Frisky!"

Giving me an exaggerated frown, he said, "Hey, I can't help it if I have the sexiest and most beautiful fiancé in the world."

I kissed him on the cheek and whispered, "That's going to have to hold you over until later, so be happy with it."

He reached over to run his finger across my jawline and smiled softly, "I'm more than happy. In fact, I find immeasurable joy in just having you next to me."

He leaned down to softly brush his lips across mine in the sweetest of kisses and when he pulled away, only inches from my face, my eyes became misty with emotion. I whispered, "I love you."

Michael looked deeply into my eyes and murmured, "I love you more."

Sighing contentedly, I laid my head on the back of the seat and closed my eyes for a moment. I was still feeling very tired and had a lingering headache from my ordeal the night before. With everything that had happened, I felt very fortunate that the baby seemed to be doing okay and that all that I had to show for my tumble down the stairs were a few bumps and bruises. The doctor had ordered another ultrasound to be performed before discharging me from the hospital and our little one was hanging in like a trooper. "Babygirl, are you feeling okay?", Michael asked with concern in his voice.