𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 ⅩⅩⅦ

Final Preparations

Neverland was buzzing with movement.

The wedding planner had a whole team coming in and out of the ranch—unloading floral arrangements, testing the lighting, setting up tables near the pond. Workers carried heavy boxes full of decorations while others adjusted the silk drapes that would flow from the gazebo where I'd be standing in just a few days.

I could barely keep up.

Michael, on the other hand, acted like he was completely unbothered.

"You good, baby?" He leaned against the railing of the main house's porch, sipping on a fresh glass of lemonade.

I squinted at him, brushing sweat from my forehead. "You're really just gonna stand there while we do all the work?"

He chuckled, pulling me into his arms. "I told you—whatever you want, just say the word. I'm making sure you get the wedding of your dreams."

I rolled my eyes but smiled against his chest. "You're lucky I love you."

"I know," he murmured, kissing the top of my head.

By the afternoon, I needed a break from all the wedding talk.

I went inside, grabbing my phone as I sat on the edge of the bed. My fingers hovered over my mother's number. I hadn't called her in a while...

I knew she wasn't happy about my relationship with Michael.

She had always been strict about the kind of man she wanted for me—stable, clean, safe. Michael was anything but.

But he loved me.

And I wanted her there.

I sighed, pressing the call button.

It rang a few times before she answered. "Giselle?"

"Hey, Mama."

There was a long pause. "I was starting to think you forgot about me."

I swallowed, gripping the phone tighter. "I could never forget about you."

Another pause. Then she sighed. "How are you, baby?"

I smiled softly. "I'm good, Mama. Really good."

"You sure?" Her voice was gentle. "I know that man of yours has his... ways."

I bit my lip, closing my eyes. "Mama... I called because I want you to come to my wedding."

Silence.

I could hear her breathing, like she was trying to find the right words.

"When is it?"

"This Saturday... at Neverland."

More silence. Then, finally—"I'll think about it, baby."

I exhaled, feeling the weight on my chest lighten just a little.

"Okay, Mama."

After we hung up, I stayed sitting there, staring at the phone in my lap.

Michael walked in a few moments later, rubbing his hands together. "So... how'd it go?"

I looked up at him, my heart aching in a way I couldn't explain.

"She said she'll think about it."

Michael sighed, sitting beside me and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "That's better than a no."

I nodded, leaning into him.

Maybe, just maybe... she'd show up.

And maybe, for once, she'd see why I chose him.

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The days leading up to the wedding had been a whirlwind of planning, deliveries, and last-minute changes. But tonight, Giselle and Michael were finally forced to slow down.

Solange, Aaliyah, and Janet had planned a bachelorette night for Giselle at Neverland, turning one of the mansion's lounges into a private little party. They had champagne, music blasting from the stereo, and a mix of fancy and silly decorations. Solange, of course, made sure there was just enough wildness to make it memorable.

"Girl, this is your last night as a free woman!" Solange grinned, handing Giselle a drink. "After this, you're officially a wife."

Giselle laughed, shaking her head. "I already feel like one."

Aaliyah nudged her. "True, but now it's official-official. So, tell us—how are you feeling? Any nerves?"

Giselle sighed, swirling her drink. "I'm excited, but it's overwhelming. I just hope everything goes right."

Janet smirked. "Oh, it will. And if Michael messes up, you just call me, and I'll handle him."

The girls laughed, but then the conversation turned serious when Solange leaned in. "Did Mom ever say if she's coming?"

Giselle's smile faltered. "I invited her, but she didn't give me a real answer. I don't know, Sol. I don't think she approves."

The room went quiet for a moment until Aaliyah squeezed Giselle's hand. "Well, whether she comes or not, you've got us. And tomorrow, you're marrying the man you love. That's what matters."

Giselle nodded, trying not to let it weigh on her. The girls raised their glasses, toasting to love, new beginnings, and a little bit of chaos before the night ended.

-

Meanwhile, across Neverland, Michael was having his own night.

Unlike Giselle's bachelorette party, Michael's bachelor night was more laid-back. Marlon, Jermaine, and a few of his close guys set up a private dinner for him at one of Neverland's outdoor terraces, with cigars, whiskey, and smooth jazz playing in the background.

"So," Marlon said, cutting into his steak. "You ready for tomorrow?"

Michael exhaled, staring out at the moonlit landscape. "Yeah. I mean, I've never been more sure about something in my life."

Jermaine smirked. "Damn. That's deep."

One of Michael's guys, Chris, leaned in. "You know, marriage changes things, man. You're not just making a promise to her—you're making a promise to be different."

Michael looked at him, already knowing what he meant. Chris wasn't just talking about love. He was talking about business.

"I know," Michael said, voice firm. "I'm not walking away from anything, but I'm gonna do things differently. For her. For our future."

Jermaine chuckled. "Damn, love got you whipped."

Michael rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Jermaine."

The night ended on a high note, with Michael feeling even more certain about tomorrow. He was ready.

-

The next morning, it was time for the wedding rehearsal.

Neverland was a flurry of movement as florists, decorators, and planners rushed to put the final touches in place. The gazebo by the pond was coming together beautifully, and everyone was gathered to walk through the ceremony.

The wedding planner stood at the front, clapping her hands. "Alright, let's run through this smoothly, people!"

Giselle stood where she would be tomorrow, holding a fake bouquet. Michael stood at the altar, watching her. Even now, in just a rehearsal, she took his breath away.

Everything was going fine until Jermaine started complaining about his spot.

"Why am I standing all the way in the back?" he huffed. "I'm his brother!"

"Because that's where I put you, Jermaine," the planner sighed.

Janet smirked. "You can stand next to me, Jermaine. I'll make sure to 'accidentally' step on your foot."

Michael shook his head as Jermaine glared at Janet. His family was a mess.

Then, Giselle started getting emotional.

Standing there, running through the ceremony, it all became real. The weight of tomorrow, the fact that she was about to be Mrs. Jackson, hit her all at once.

Michael noticed her wiping her eyes and stepped forward. He took her hands, squeezing gently. "You okay, baby?"

She nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Just... a lot to take in."

He kissed her forehead. "It's gonna be perfect."

She smiled, believing him.

The rehearsal ended smoothly after that, and now, there was just one thing left to do: Get ready for the big day.

-

Later that evening, after the wedding rehearsal, Giselle sat in her room, exhausted but happy. The reality of tomorrow still hadn't fully sunk in, but she was excited. She had everything she wanted—Michael, her sister, her friends... but one person was missing.

She sighed, staring at her phone. Should I call her again?

Just as she was about to dial, her phone rang first.

Mom.

Giselle's heart jumped as she quickly answered. "Hello?"

Tina's voice was calm but hesitant. "Hey, baby."

Giselle swallowed. "Hi, Mama."

There was a long pause before Tina spoke again. "I got your invitation."

Giselle closed her eyes. "I know."

Another pause. Then, Tina exhaled. "I'm coming."

Giselle sat up straight. "Wait... really?"

"I had my doubts. You know I don't approve of all this, but... you're my daughter. And if this is what you want, then I need to be there."

Giselle's throat tightened, emotions swirling inside her. "Mama..."

"I don't want to fight anymore, baby," Tina said, softer now. "I just want to see my daughter happy."

Tears welled up in Giselle's eyes. "That's all I want too, Mama."

There was a brief silence before Tina cleared her throat. "Alright, then. I'll be there first thing in the morning."

When the call ended, Giselle just sat there, stunned, before a huge smile broke across her face.

Her mother was coming.

This wedding was truly going to be perfect.