It was still early in the morning. Michael had his arms wrapped around Jessie as she slept. He slowly trailed his fingers down her arms. Michael had so many things going through his mind, especially what he was going to say to Jessie later in the day. Michael thought of a proper way to explain his decision to Jessie. He sighed and shut his eyes. He prayed everything would go on well.

A few hours later, Michael felt Jessie move. He opened his eyes and looked down at Jessie. He watched her shuffle closer to him and pressed her face to his sides. "I can't see anything," Jessie mumbled. 

"That's because you have your face buried in my side.” Michael snickered and moved a little.

He watched Jessie slowly open her eyes, and he smiled brightly at her. "Good morning."  

"Good morning. I don't feel like getting up," Jessie groaned and shuffled closer to Michael.

"You don't have to get up if you don't want to," Michael said.

"No, I have to get up." 

Michael watched Jessie untangle herself from him and sat up straight on the bed. He watched her slowly stand up from the mattress and make her way towards the bathroom, but she stopped and turned to look at Michael.

"Is everything okay?" he asked.

Jessie nodded her head, but she still didn't go into the bathroom. Michael waited for her to speak, but she looked reluctant to say what was on her mind.

"What is it, Jess?"

"Would you like to join me in the bathroom?"

Michael's eyes widened in surprise. He didn't expect what came out of Jessie's mouth. Michael wondered if he really wanted to join her. He looked at Jessie and saw her playing with her hair.

"If you don't want to, it's okay." Jessie didn't want to pressure Michael into doing what he wasn't ready for. She turned to leave, but Michael stood up quickly. He held her hands and stopped her from moving. 

"I would love to join you." Michael led the way to the bathroom and shut the door. He didn't have any idea what he should do. He didn't know if he should take off his clothes or not. 

Michael watched Jessie tug her clothes away. He couldn't help but stare at her as she got rid of her outfit. 

Jessie looked at Michael when she was done putting away every piece of clothing from her body. She was not shy about herself. She looked at Michael with expectation in her eyes. "Take off your clothes." 

Michael nodded his head and did what he was told.

"You are beautiful." Jessie stepped closer. She ran her fingers down his chest and placed a kiss on his lips.

"You are beautiful too." Michael pulled her closer and trailed kisses on her neck. He turned on the shower and wrapped his arms around her body.

Michael enjoyed the moment. He couldn't believe he had Jessie all to himself. He had always believed he would remain alone forever, but everything had changed, and he was grateful. Michael kissed her on the forehead and closed his eyes as he enjoyed the shower.

When they were done bathing, they left the bathroom. Jessie quickly picked out her outfit while Michael waited for her.

"Are you done?"  

Jessie nodded her head and took Michael's hand, and they made their way downstairs. 

                            *** 

"I was about to send Sunshine to come to get you guys," Elena said as Jessie and Michael joined them at the dining table.

'Thank God she didn't come. She would have interrupted our intimate moment.' Michael looked at Jessie, and he could tell she was thinking the same. He smiled at her as they took their seats.

They started eating their breakfast. However, Michael and Jessie held their hands underneath the table. After breakfast, Michael went to the living room. He saw Jessie speaking to Sunshine. Their eyes met, and Jessie smiled at him before she averted her eyes.  

Michael sighed. He noticed Raguel going up the stairs. He stood up and made his way to Raguel. "Hey, Raguel."

"What's up?"

"I want your opinion on something."

"Okay, I'm listening." 

"Not here. Let's speak outside."

Raguel nodded his head and followed Michael's lead outside. 

"I have been thinking about something. Specifically about Jessie and I.”

"What is it? Are you having second thoughts about Jessie?" 

"What? Not at all. I love Jess."

Raguel nodded his head. "So, what is it about the two of you?"

"You know Jessie is not my soulmate, and if she were my soulmate, we would have been bonded forever.”

"What are you saying?"

"I want to make Jess mine just like the way humans do, just like what you and Elena did.”

“You want to marry Jessie?"

"Yes. But first, I want to..." Michael trailed off. His forehead furrowed in concentration. "What's the word humans use?"

"Propose?" Raguel supplied the answer.

"Yes, propose. Do you think it's a good idea?"

"Of course, yes! You love Jessie, and I'm sure she loves you too. I don't see any reason why you should waste any time.

"Do you think I'm too forward?" Michael honestly wanted to propose to Jessie, but he felt it would be better not to rush anything. "Should I give her some time?"

"Just pop the question, Michael. I'm certain she will not refuse you," Raguel reassured him.

"Alright then, but I need your help." 

"Sure." Raguel grinned widely.

        
                       **** 

 "Hey Jessie," Elena greeted and walked closer to her. "Are you busy?" 

 " No."
 
"Will you like to accompany me to the grocery store?" 

"Sure. Are we going now? 

"Yes."

Elena and Jessie talked about random things as they headed to the grocery store. "I have a question to ask you?"

Jessie nodded her head. 

"I know you said you would never hurt Michael again, and I believe you, but are you sure you can stay with Michael forever?"

 "I have never met anyone like Michael before.  He is kind, loving, and caring. Even when I hurt him, he forgave me. I can't see myself with anyone else. I love him, and I will stay with him for as long as he wants me."

 Elena smiled widely at Jessie. "I'm certain Michael feels the same about you too."

 
                        **** 

"We need to hurry up before they return." Michael wanted everything to be perfect.

"Don't worry about anything, Uncle Michael," Ariel hurried out of her uncle's sight to get other things done. 

'I can't believe this is happening.' Michael was pulled out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw Samael smiling at him.  

"You have truly come a long way, Michael. I'm proud of you."

"I'm here only because of you. You helped me a lot. You made me believe in myself again, and I'm completely grateful to you."

"You deserve all the happiness you are getting."

Michael smiled at him and hugged him tightly.

"They are here."

Michael took in a deep breath, and Raguel placed his hand on his shoulder. "Everything will go as planned." 

"What is going on here?" Jessie glanced at the well-decorated house. She looked at Michael with questioning eyes. 

"From the first day you stepped into this house, I felt a deep connection with you. I tried to convince myself that I couldn't find love, but with each passing day, I fell deeply in love with you, and I'm so convinced that I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. Will you marry me?" 

Jessie looked at Michael with tears rolling from her eyes. "I will marry you." 

Michael immediately stood up and slipped the ring on her finger.

"I love you. I'm happy our paths crossed, "Jessie whispered into his ears.