Michael let go of my leg pulling out as I panted trying to catch my breath. My eyes were closed as the hot water hit mine and Michael's body. I felt Michael's hand come up and gently grab my cheek right before he placed a soft kiss on my lips.

He pulled away and placed another kiss on my left check before his head fell into my shoulder as he tried to catch his breath. I ran my hand through his curls that were slowly growing back from his short hair cut.

I finally opened my eyes, still feeling drowsy in a state of ecstasy from our round in the shower. I ran my hand that was in his hair down to his neck, "You okay?" I asked, looking down at him as he had his eyes closed still laying on my shoulder.

"Mhm, that was incredible," he said, finally opening his eyes and looking at me. I chuckled as he pulled away from me, "Good, now I can finally shower in peace without you pouncing on me," I teased and he sucked his teeth.

"You wanted me just as much as I wanted you," he said and I laughed. "Yeah, but you're insatiable," I said and he gave me a look. "Oh don't even go there. Do we remember December? You wouldn't let me out of the bed for days!" he said and I playfully frowned.

"Doesn't ring a bell," I said, grabbing my body wash. "Mhm," he hummed sarcastically, making me laugh. I stepped under the water, letting it massage my scalp. I closed my eyes in relaxation, "I can't believe I'm 27 today," I said and I heard Michael chuckle.

"You're still young. I wish I was 27," Michael said and I opened my eyes to smile at him. "Do you really?" I asked. He nodded, "Oh yeah definitely," he said, stepping under the water with me. "Why?" I asked softly.

He shrugged, "Maybe because when I was 27, I had been in the business for so long I felt like I was already nearing 40. If I could rewind time just a bit, then I'd be able to be a 27 year old and just have fun y'know," he said and I nodded.

I can only imagine how Michael must've felt growing up. I mean it's why he compensates now for having something like Neverland or having kids be his friends and it's all because he never had that. I mean imagine being 8 years old and all you know is adults because you were just work, work, work. Or even just being considered a sex symbol at the age of 10. That's insane. When I was ten, I could barely spell California and Michael was considered a sex symbol. I will never get over that.

"That's why I spend so much time trying to compensate for that loss of time. I learned so much and I'm grateful for the wisdom it all taught me, but at the same time I feel like I missed out on so much. I don't know what it's like to be on summer vacation and staying out playing with your friends all day and going to state fairs. I don't know what it's like to have had sleepovers with my friends. I had none of that," he said and I gave him a comforting smile.

"I'm sorry," I said feeling for him. "It's okay, because even though I am in my thirties, I at least experienced some of that and I have you...you make me feel young," he said and I smiled. "Oh do I now?" I asked.

"Mhm, you do. Your aura is just vibrant and fun and it keeps me going. Some of the things I've done with you, I've never done before so thank you," he said and I smiled, hugging him because I was speechless. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad I can be someone you want to share and experience things with."

He smiled and kissed me. "You were meant for me, y'know that right?" he asked. I smiled, "I do," I said and he smiled even wider, "And you were meant for me. Us against the world," I said, holding up my hand.

"Us against the world," he reemphasized and we shared a laugh high fiving. "Let's finish showering," I said and he smiled. After helping each other shower and wash our hair, we got out of the shower finally to get ready for my birthday as people set up in the backyard.

I blow dried my hair and curled it before I did my makeup so the curls would fall to a loose wave. After finishing with my hair and makeup, I went into my closet to find something to wear for the night. It was my birthday so I had to dress to impress despite the fact we were staying home.

"You know, ever since we got engaged and I've been designing my dress, I've been obsessed with white," I told Michael, who was also in my closet getting dressed, as I picked out an all white outfit. "We should match, wear white," I added, glancing at him.

"That's if I have something white here," he said and I turned to look at him, "Where is my stuff going to be when we're officially married. I need a closet of my own, not just a tiny section of yours," he said and I bit my finger. "Really?" I asked confused. I totally forgot about that. I guess I was going to have to make some renovations.

He scoffed, "Uh, yeah. I need more room. You have a whole closet at Neverland, but I don't," he said and I pursed my lips. "What about the closet in the guest bedroom down the hall?" I asked. "No! Why does my closet have to be in another room?" he asked. "Fine, you can have my beauty room. I'll just move that room downstairs or something," I said and he smiled. "Thank you," he said and I laughed.

Michael and I got dressed matching in white, courtesy of me. I checked the clock on my wall and saw it was already 5 PM meaning guests should be showing up any minute.

I saw Michael pass me as I sat on the bed putting on my heels. I saw him go over to the dresser and grab his watch, putting it on. I eyed him from head to toe biting my lip. I swear, Michael is literally the finest man I've ever seen. Like I used to have crushes on other celebrities but Michael is just in a whole other class.

I don't even pay attention to men anymore because I literally have the best guy. Michael turned around and looked up at me as he adjusted the sleeves on his white shirt. I smelled his perfume from the bed making him even more attractive right now. I think I want him again, but I shouldn't because people are going to be here any minute.

I slowly got up and walked over to him. He gave me a look as he placed his hands on my hips, "I know that look," he said and I smiled leaning in to kiss him. He kissed me back and we fell into our own little world, "We shouldn't," Michael whispered against my lips and I sighed.

"Sorry, you're right. You just look really good," I said and he smiled. "Thank you, so do you," he said, checking me out. I smiled and backed away so we wouldn't get carried away. I stood in the full body mirror and fixed my top and ran my fingers through my hair. I saw Michael staring at me through the mirror.

"Okay, maybe we should," he said, walking up to me fast and turning me around. I giggled as he kissed me, picking me up and laying me down on the bed. "We gotta go fast," I breathed out as he kissed my neck. "Okay," he said through his kisses as he started unzipping my white pants on the side.

Just as he went to take them off, the doorbell rang. He stopped and looked at me and we both gave each other the same groaning look. "Fuck," I said as he rolled off laying next to me. He covered his face with his hands groaning and I chuckled at him sitting up, "I have to go answer the door," I said and he nodded.

He uncovered his face, "I'm gonna need a minute," he said and I chuckled at him. I leaned back down and kissed him repeatedly on the lips, "We'll continue this later," I said and he nodded. I got up leaving him in the bedroom to go answer the door still feeling hot on the inside.

I took a couple deep breaths to calm myself back down. I opened the front door and saw my parents, Ashton, my grandparents, and my aunts and uncles trucking behind with my cousins and instantly my body returned to normal.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" they all yelled. I laughed, "Thank you! Come in, come in," I said, stepping back and opening the door wider. "Hi baby! Happy Birthday!" My dad said hugging me. "Thank you daddy," I said, hugging him back. "Happy birthday sis!" Ashton said and still my heart broke that he didn't call me 'sissy' anymore. "Thank you, Ashton," I said as he hugged my legs.

My mom opened her arms for a hug, "Aw, my baby is 27," she said and I groaned, "Mama you don't have to remind me," I said, making everyone laugh. I pulled back and smiled. I looked around and saw my grandpa giving me that smile he always gave me and I ran over hugging him, "Hi Papa! I missed you!" I said, swaying us. "Aw, I missed you too. Happy birthday Smiles," he said and I squeezed him a little tighter, "Thank you."

We pulled back, "Where's my hug!?" my grandma asked as she faked being offended. "Grandma!" I exclaimed, hugging her just as tight. "Happy Birthday my Smiles," she said and I smiled. "Thank you Grandma," I said in her ear.

We pulled back and I saw all my cousins running in with my aunts and uncles. "Happy Birthday!" they all yelled with balloons and gifts. "Oh my gosh, you guys! Thank you!" I said crouching down trying to hug them since they were all so small.

"Come on, follow me," I told everyone, leading them through the foyer to the kitchen and backyard where the DJ, dessert table, and Bar was set up. I also had a jumper for the kids. "Ash, where's Michael?" my grandma asked. "Yeah, where is my son-in-law," my dad added, making me laugh.

We walked into the kitchen and I turned around to face them, "Um, he's upstairs. He's still getting...ready," I said nodding. "Ohh, okay," my dad said and I smiled. "Yeah so," I said, taking a breath, "Help yourselves. Michael's family should be here any minute so enjoy. There's a bar outside for the adults," I said and they all scrambled outside as the kids ran towards the jumper.

I turned and looked towards the kitchen and saw James and a little team of his preparing the food. "Hi James," I said, smiling at him. "Hi, Smiles, happy birthday," he said, making me laugh. "Thank you James," I said, walking over and sitting at the barstool.

"I always hear Michael call you that and I just heard your family. Is that your nickname?" he asked. I chuckled, "Yeah, I've called that ever since I can remember," I said and he smiled. "That's adorable. Is it because you're always smiling?" he asked.

I nodded and he laughed. "I actually love that," he said and I smiled. "Yeah, yeah, what's yours?" I asked, smirking. "So, are you excited for your birthday?" he asked, trying to change the conversation. "Oh no, no, no, you teased me. It's my turn," I said and he laughed.

"Fine, it's bubbles," he said and I cracked up laughing. "That's so cute!" I said and he shook his head, "But why?" I asked. He shrugged, "I honestly have no idea. I've just been called it for as long as I can remember," he said and I smiled. "Hey it could be worse," I said and he nodded. "Oh I know," he said and we shared a laugh when I heard the doorbell ring again.

"One sec," I said, getting up and going over to the door. I answered it and it revealed Janet, Rene, Jermaine, Alexandra, and their kids. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"' they yelled, making me smile. All the little ones gave me hugs as I thanked them.

"Happy birthday sis," Jermaine said, kissing my cheek. "Thank you Jermaine," I said smiling as I pulled back and hugged Alexandra who was pregnant. I don't know how I felt about Jermaine and Randy sharing a wife, but hey to each their own I guess.

I got to Janet and she screamed, jumping all over me giving me a hug. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" she yelled, making me laugh as she swayed me. "Thank you sis!" I exclaimed, smiling over her shoulder.

"Gee Dunk, let her go," Marlon said walking up with his kids and Carol. "Hey!" I said pulling away from Janet to give them hugs. "Come in," I said, waving them all in and closing the door behind us all.

"This is for you," Janet said, holding up a gift. "Thank you," I said, smiling at her and grabbing it. "How's your birthday Ash?" Jackie asked as we walked into the kitchen. I sat Janet's gift down, "Relaxing actually," I said and they all chuckled.

"Mike been spoiling you?" Janet asked. "Of course," I said, smirking at her. "Where is Mike?" Jermaine asked. "He's upstairs still getting dressed," I answered. "Still?" Jackie asked and I laughed not knowing what to say because that wasn't it.

"Nope, I'm right here," Michael said walking into the kitchen. "Heyyy! There he is!" everyone said as he smiled giving them all hugs. I watched him interact with his siblings and it always warms my heart. I smiled watching him and as he finished hugging Carol he looked up at me and smiled.

He looked so handsome. I wish we had time before everyone arrived because now all I wanted was him to take me into the bathroom and give it to me, but we shouldn't considering there are kids around and our parents.

He walked over to me, grabbing my waist and kissing my lips. "And it's time to go, let's go," Janet said, making me and Michael wave her off as they all walked outside. "Better?" I whispered to Michael. He shook his hand saying 'so-so' and I laughed. "Yeah, me too. I wish we could go to the bathroom."

He laughed, "Don't say that because it'll tempt me and I need to keep my composure," he said and I laughed. "Okay, you're right. Saying things like that will only make things worse," I said and he nodded. "But, later, you're all mine," he whispered, kissing my cheek. "Can't wait," I said, biting my lip as he pulled back to look at me.

"Hey Ashley," James called out and we looked over at him, "Oh hey Mike," he said and Michael nodded, smiling, "The appetizers should be done in about 10 minutes. Are we taking them outside?" he asked.

"Mm, yeah that's fine," I said and he nodded. "Got it Smiles,'" he teased and I tilted my head at him. "Okay Bubbles," I said and he waved me off with the towel he had on his shoulder. I looked back at Michael and he was looking at me weirdly, "Bubbles? When did he start calling you Smiles?" he questioned. "James' nickname and just today. He heard my family," I said, turning around and holding onto his hand as we heard the DJ start playing music.

"I don't like him calling you Smiles," Michael mumbled and I rolled my eyes. "Oh be quiet," I said, pulling us outside where people were.

More people started showing up from my family and Michael's as well as a few of Michael and I's friends. Just Michael's mom and Joseph were the only ones who weren't here yet.

And just as I looked around to see if they had arrived, they did. I saw all the siblings going over to greet them and I smiled. Michael waited in the back for his turn and I knew it was because he was going to hug his mom the longest. He loved his mama and honestly it was adorable to me.

I watched as Michael engulfed his mom in a hug. We hadn't seen everyone since the Bahamas so it was actually great to see everyone.

"Michael loves his Mama," Alisha said beside me. "He really does," I said, glancing at her, Josephine, Hazel, Mariah, and Lais. "They all do. Look at them. I love the respect they have for their parents," Josephine said.

I watched as Michael finally let go of his mom. He turned looking for someone and when he made eye contact with me he waved me over. I smiled, "Be right back," I told the girls walking over.

As I neared closer, I heard Katherine talking to Michael. "Where's my baby?" she asked, looking around. "Mother, I'm right here," Michael said like it was obvious. "You're my baby, but not the one I'm looking for," she said and when she saw me walking up she smiled, "There she is!" she exclaimed.

Michael scoffed as I hugged Katherine, "Hi mom! How are you?" I asked, hugging her tightly. "I'm well baby, thank you. Happy birthday!" she said excitedly and I smiled pulling back from our hug. "Thank you," I said, grabbing her hand. "Hi Joseph," I said, smiling at him. "Hey! Happy Birthday!" he said and I kindly thanked him.

"I'm so glad you guys could make it!" I said and Katherine gave me a look. "You know we wouldn't miss your birthday! Are you crazy!" she said, making Michael and I chuckle. "Did Michael spoil you today?" she asked, giving him a look.

"I did! Ask her!" he gestured to me. I laughed, "He did. He always spoils me," I said and he smiled wrapping his arm around my shoulder pulling me into him. "Good, I've taught him well then," Katherine said and I smiled. "You sure did," I said as Michael acted like a little boy.

"Well, let me go greet your family. I haven't seen them in a while," she said and we nodded moving out of her and Joseph's way. I smirked at Michael, "I stole your Mom's heart. I'm her baby now," I teased and he smiled. "I know, just like you stole mine," he said and I blushed.

"That was smooth," I said and he laughed. "They don't call me a smooth criminal for nothing," he said smirking. "Yeah okay. Go check on Annie then," I said walking away from him, making him laugh.

I walked back over to the girls and saw Janet had joined us. "Ash, I gotta say this is the first I've ever spent with you and it wasn't as extravagant as a Debutante ball," Hazel said and I laughed. "I was thinking the same thing!" Alisha added.

"I know. I actually wanted something just chill for once. My focus is on the wedding, which by the way did you guys get the invitations?" I asked. "Yes!" They all cheered and I laughed, "Okay good, but yeah my focus is on that so I wanted something that wouldn't add stress."

"That makes sense," Jo said and I nodded. "So, how is the planning going?" Janet asked. "It's great! I don't know where we'd be without Michelle. She's the best! Next week we're leaving to visit 3 venues so we're gonna pick one soon. That's the first thing on our radar right now so when we get that out of the way, it'll be even easier," I answered.

"Where are you guys thinking?" Lais asked. "Paris, Spain, or Italy. We're not sure yet," I said, holding up a hand. "Oh the joys of being rich," Hazel said and we laughed. "Michael brought up the destination wedding," I said smiling.

"Well that makes sense. Money means nothing when it comes to you," Janet said, poking me and I grabbed her hand, laughing. "Do you guys remember when he rented out the floor at the hospital because he didn't want people bothering her?" Jo asked and I pursed my lips.

"Or how about renting a yacht for their anniversary?" Alisha said. "Let's not forget their yearly trips," Lais added. "The ring on her finger!" Hazel said and I laughed. "Y'all leave him alone," I said and they gave me a look.