You Are Not Alone

Lily's POV

Lily was on cloud nine. She was still in shock at the turn the events of her birthday had taken. Finally, she admitted that she was head over heels in love with Michael. It was actually a relief for her that she finally accepted the fact. What she still couldn't believe was that Michael returned every bit of her feelings. He loved her, too and she was over the moon right now!

After their long heart to heart, Michael and Lily cuddled on the couch, holding hands, watching movies and stealing kisses. Michael had just informed Lily that he had a surprise for her. She began to wonder if this was the reason he kept leaving the room to make a phone call or to "take care of a quick business matter" while they watched movies. No matter how much she begged for clues, he wasn't budging. He was giggling at the childish pout that had made its way onto her face. Hearing this, she glared at him playfully. Suddenly, he pulled her into his embrace. Kissing the top of her head, he spoke.

"You won't have to wait long to find out, babygirl". Lily shivered, feeling his big hands rubbing up and down her back. "Go to your room and you'll find the first part of your surprise on the bed." Michael burst out laughing as she broke free of his embrace. He had barely finished his sentence when she was running out into the hallway.

Flinging the door to her guestroom open, Lily's eyes instantly zoned in on the black boxes sitting in the middle of the bed. Three boxes, to be exact, were stacked on top of each other, each smaller than the last. Biting her lip, she smiled in anticipation. Who didn't love presents?! Walking closer, Lily discovered a small card sitting on top of the boxes. Opening it, she smiled as she read.

Lily,

I hope you like your gifts. I confess, I had to do some sneaking around today with my stylist. I gave him free reign to choose what he thought you would like. My only two requirements were that it be formal and that they match those beautiful blue eyes of yours. I love you so much, babygirl!

Love,

Michael

Considering the contents of Michael's note, Lily gathered that she would most likely find a dress and shoes. Although, she wasn't sure about the last box. Deciding to open the biggest one first, Lily set the other two aside. Opening the lid, she unfolded the tissue paper to reveal her first gift. She gasped at what she saw. Folded neatly into a pile of royal blue silk, was a beautiful dress. Carefully lifting it, she inspected the expensive looking garment in awe. It was sleeveless and had a v-neckline. The dress was knee length and looked to be rather form fitting. The fabric in the abdominal area was somewhat smooth while the rest of the dress had ruched. It was absolutely beautiful!

Gently, Lily layed the dress out on her bed. Picking up the second largest box, which she was certain would contain shoes, she opened it. Correct in her assumptions, Lily squealed. There in the box, sat a pair of silver, strappy heels. They had a skinny, almost four inch heel and sparkled under the lights of her room. It was then that she noticed the label. Michael had bought her a pair of Jimmy Choo's. She knew damn well how expensive those had to be.

"Oh, my God! Jimmy Choo?!" Lily couldn't help but shout. After all, she was a girl and she loved shoes! She would have blushed, had she known that Michael, who was currently walking down the stairs, after putting on his suit, had heard her exclamation. Giggling, he simply shook his head in amusement, then proceeded to wait for her at the bottom of the staircase.

Getting over her shock, Lily set them down. Moving onto the smallest, and final, box, she opened it. She raised an eyebrow when it simply revealed another box. She froze when she realized it was the kind of box that was used when giving jewelry. Opening it slowly, Lily's hand went to her mouth as she gasped.

Sitting there in the box, was a pair of earrings and a bracelet. Just by looking at them, Lily could tell they had to have cost a fortune. She made a mental note to tell Michael not to spend so much money on her. She did NOT want anyone, especially Michael, to think that she was with him for his money. Hell, both her parents were well off, but she insisted on paying her own way through college and paying her own bills. That is why she had her job at the diner.

Letting go of her thoughts, Lily admired the jewels. The earrings each had a large, oval cut, sapphire in the middle, with several round, white diamonds squared around them. Two princess cut sapphires sat atop that, while two more round diamonds were on top of those. The bracelet was also a mixture of princess cut sapphires and diamonds. A pattern of three diamonds, then three sapphires went all the way around it. In short, both pieces were breathtakingly exquisite. Tears clouded her vision. The kindness and generosity in Michael's heart left her speechless. She couldn't help but wonder what she'd done to deserve it.

Trying not to keep Michael waiting, Lily began the process of getting ready. She was thankful that her hair still had it's curl. She touched it up quickly, then moved to the next step. Sliding on a strapless black bra and a black, lacy thong to match, she began her makeup. Never being one to wear too much, Lily made an exception for tonight. Giving herself a smokey eye, she applied black eyeliner, followed by a dark silver eyeshadow, that gradually swept up into a white shimmer. After applying black mascara, she kept the rest simple as she coated her lips in a thin layer of nude lip gloss.

Once her makeup and hair was ready, it was time to get dressed. Careful, so as not to rip the fragile fabric, Lily stepped into the beautiful dress that Michael had bought her. Not wanting to look in the mirror again until she was completely ready, she sat at the foot of the bed. Putting the shoes in front of her, she carefully slid her small feet into them. She smiled, loving them even more now than before. Next, Lily picked up the small jewelry box. Taking out the earrings, she slipped them into the small holes in her ears, followed by the bracelet. It was difficult to clasp it by herself, but she was determined. She didn't want to have to ask Michael for help. She wanted to be completely ready when she revealed herself to him. Finally succeeding, she touched the bracelet around her wrist softly.

Slowly, Lily stood and walked over to the floor length mirror provided in her room. She almost couldn't believe what she saw. Was that even her reflection staring back at her?! For the first time in a long time, Lily actually felt beautiful. No matter how many times Mason had tried to beat her down, whether with words or his fists, he couldn't spoil this moment. Right here, right now, Lily felt like the most beautiful woman in the world. The dress hugged her subtle curves just right. The dress, coupled with the heels on her feet, made her legs appear to go on for miles. The subtle, but striking makeup on her eyes made her blue irises stand out. Her long, blonde hair hung in loose curls down the bare expanse of her back. The jewels on her ears and around her wrist gleamed in the light. Lily felt like a princess. Now, it was time to meet her prince.

Grinning, Lily felt those familiar butterflies as she walked to her door. Opening it, she stepped into the hallway, closing the door softly behind her. Still getting used to the new shoes, she walked slowly down the hallway and to the stairs. Halfway down, she saw that Michael was sitting at the bottom, waiting patiently. Clearing her throat, Michael stood quickly. His jaw dropped when he saw her. Lily's mouth had gone dry when she saw him.

Lily smiled when she looked closer at what he was wearing. Michael's outfit was very reminiscent of his suit from "Smooth Criminal". He was wearing pants and a suit jacket, both white. Underneath his jacket was a blue, silk shirt with a white tie. All that was missing was a fedora. His curly hair was tied back into a low bun, a few curls had escaped to frame his face. Finally reaching him, Lily spoke.

"Well, hello there, handsome", Lily smiled and Michael blushed.

"You look absolutely breathtaking, babygirl", he replied softly. Lily blushed as he brought her hand to his lips. She was surprised that her knees didn't buckle beneath her.

"Michael, I can't believe you did all this! Everything is so beautiful", she exclaimed, holding her arms out. "You didn't need to spend so much money on me though. I don't ever want you to think that that's why I'm with you", Lily said earnestly, as she grasped his hands in her own. Still holding one of her hands, he brought the other up to cup her cheek.

"Lily, I wanted to do this for you. It's your birthday and you deserve it." Michael put a finger to her lips, stopping the interruption he knew was coming. "You do deserve it, babygirl. Besides, seeing you happy makes me happy." With that, he brought his face towards hers, placing a soft kiss on her glossy lips. With a small smile, she sighed softly.

"Alright, Michael. You win", Michael smiled but didn't get the chance to speak. "BUT this is more than enough for my birthday. Heck, this might be enough for the next decade!" Michael giggled, even though she was only half joking. "I'm serious, Michael!" By now, she was grinning along with him.

"Well", Michael began, sheepishly drawing out the word. "I can't really promise you any of that". Lily raised an eyebrow, wondering what the hell else he'd done. "In my defense, you can't get mad at me for things I already planned before this conversation", Michael bit his lip when she shook her head.

"Boy, you're already spoiling me", Lily said, but she was grinning. Who could stay mad at that face anyway?!

"And it is my pleasure to do so", Michael whispered, stroking her cheek softly. "So, are you ready for your next surprise?"

"Oh, alright. If I have to", Lily relented jokingly.

"You have to", Michael said with a giggle.

Taking hold of her hand, Michael led her outside. When they reached the pool area, Lily found herself in shock yet again. Many small lights lit up the entire length of the pathway on both sides. That wasn't necessarily what caught her by surprise. The large pool was surrounded by a stone patio. On that patio, sitting next to the water, was a candlelight dinner set for two. There were even dozens of small candles floating in the water, casting a romantic glow on the water. Turning, she looked at the man she had come to love to the depths of her soul.

"You did this...for me?" Lily asked breathless. Michael smiled and kissed her forehead. Putting his hands on either side of her face, he stared into her eyes.

"Don't you know by now, babygirl? I would do anything for you. You're a princess and every chance I get, I am going to treat you like one." With this soft declaration, Michael kissed the tip of her nose. Giggling, Lily wrapped her arms around him, as he pulled her into his warm embrace.

Seemingly out of nowhere, but Lily assumed there must be hidden speakers somewhere, soft music began to play. Burying her face into his neck, she allowed Michael to lead her into a slow dance. She was pretty sure she had died and gone to heaven as he laid his head on top of hers. Breathing in each other's scent, they closed their eyes and let themselves get lost in the music.

After their dance, the couple sat at the small table. Two men, whom Lily recognized as members of Michael's staff, came out with two covered silver platters. When they lifted the lids, the delectable smell of grilled chicken, buttered baby red potatoes and asparagus wafted into her nose. Realizing just how hungry she was, Lily's mouth began to water. To complete the meal, they then served them each a glass of red wine. Enjoying their food and wine, Michael and Lily fell into easy conversation. Getting to know each other more personally and laughing with each other. Once their meal was finished, Michael stood and spoke.

"Might I have one more dance, milady", Michael said with an exaggerated bow. Lily giggled, placing her hand in his.

"It would be my pleasure, good sir", Lily replied, playing along.

As Michael led her into an open area of the patio, he pulled her towards him. Clasping her right hand, he placed it over his heart, holding it there with his own. His other hand slinked around her waist as she put her left arm securely around his neck. Leaning into his warmth, Lily laid her head against his chest as Michael buried his nose in her hair.

Right as Michael and Lily were beginning their dance, the song changed. Recognizing the intro to "You Are Not Alone", she smiled to herself as she wrapped her arm tighter around his neck. In response, Michael pulled her even tighter against him.

"I love you, Michael", she whispered. Her head still laid against his strong chest.

"I love you more, beautiful creature", Michael whispered into her ear.

The only thought currently running through Lily's mind was that she never wanted Michael to let her go.