The First Responder

Chapter 14

A/N I truly appreciate your continued support: reviews, favourites and follows. Thank you!

Summary: in the last chapter, Michonne and Rick met with Karen. Rick told her to either take the test or else there would be nothing further to discuss then he and Michonne walked out of the meeting. Their actions prompt Karen to say yes. Maggie joined Jones & Associates but Spencer becomes less than happy with many things; one of them primarily being the new trajectory in which Michonne's life was heading so he elected to do something about it. Rick's friends just happened to be in the right place at the right time and save him from himself when it mattered most.

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It was the first time we were being intimate since the Spencer mess four days before. It took a lot of talking to get past it. His jealousy over Spencer need not be so but he needed space and I allowed him that to cool down and realize that I was with the man I'm meant to be with. We were finally there and the good morning wake up call he initiated was being rudely interrupted by the phone ringing.

"Fuck!"

"Don't answer it… please, not now."

I beg him. I was so close... in that sweet spot on the edge of falling over the cliff.

Aaron has such lousy timing.

He halted his drilling, conflicted, knowing this call would change our lives forever. I used his distraction against him. I was now on top taking from him what he denied me. I slide myself up and down my fireman's pole and grind against him until I was there... moaning in his ear. I felt the subtle tremors building and taking over my body then it didn't take him long to get his head back into the game. He quickly found his groove and before long our bodies convulsed in unison I collapsed on top of him and remained there as we tried to catch our breath.

We're laying here together, I'm in his arms but neither of us voiced it but we're both thinking it. What happens now? Eventually, his free calloused hand covers my smooth flat stomach and he says, "whatever it is… we'll all survive it somehow." I kissed him then got up to take my shower. I was feeling very emotional but I didn't want him to see it. I just needed a moment where I could cry without having to explain myself. In as much as I want to know the answer, I'm afraid because it might not be what I wish for. As a result, it will be painful putting out the little hope I have left. I know I will have to deal with that too along with all the other stuff I have on my plate.

Two hours later, we're both sitting in the conference room waiting for Aaron and Karen to join us. We already had a strategy in place in the event the result was positive. One that I'm sure wouldn't please Karen but I didn't care.

Rick already felt she was getting more than she deserves but I didn't see it that way. I was trying to keep the peace moving forward and minimizing my stress.

Finally, the door opens and they walk in. As soon as she was seated, Aaron places a sealed envelope in front of her and another in front of me. Rick's hand is rubbing my thigh. I inhaled deeply and reach for the envelope at the same time Karen did. I tear the envelope open and pull from it the sheet of paper that will decide once and for all our fates. Rick and I looked at the test result together.

The result of the avuncular DNA test done to establish whether or not Marc-André could possibly be my nephew was a match. I'm not alone, part of my twin lives on in my nephew.

I'm choked up and I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from becoming a blubbering mess. My ever loving fiancé kisses my cheek to let me know everything will be okay.

Naturally, Karen was wearing her signature smug face. Her shoulders ramrod straight as she turns to Aaron asking, "So, what happens now?"

"Mrs. Jones, I've told you before I'm not your attorney, my client is Ms. Jones," and he looks to me to jump in.

I allow my professional mask to slide into place. They'll be time enough to be emotional after this meeting.

"What happens next is wholly up to you Karen but we're open to resolving this matter amicably. If you would prefer to get representation that's up to you but that's at your cost."

She gasped. She seemed shocked that I wouldn't be covering her legal bills. The audacity of her. Seriously. Did she think this was going to be the Powerball jackpot? Then again it's Karen, of course, Marc-André's her meal ticket. At least so she thinks.

"Mrs. Jones, my client has expressed an interest in adoption… she has the means to care for Marc-André and a support system in place. The last part caused her to look at me. Everyone knew what she was thinking.

"Yeah, that's true… my mother's more than willing to help us out." This was a lie on our part, we've never mentioned Marc-André to them before, unless, of course, he told his folks about him in my absence. The last few days the only talk was about how safe it was for me giving that Spencer seemed to have flipped his switch and crossed into crazy land. I followed his lead and made it a united front, it soon would be as we were soon to be married anyway.

"Oh, I see, so y'all think I'm here to give my child away, is that it?"

"Karen, we're simply exploring options. You're a single mom with no job and or support system in Atlanta. Are you able to care for him as you should?"

"Michonne, you must think I'm stupid up until two minutes ago, you didn't give a damn how I managed. I just proved to you that he's your nephew that should be enough for him to get what's his." She said with barely concealed loathing.

"We're not trying to deny him of his birthright, Karen. Based on a positive result, Aaron was tasked to set up a trust fund for Marc-André, which he'll be able to access once he turns twenty-five. We're willing to allow you to stay at Mark's condo rent free. We'll even hire a live-in-nanny for him which frees you up to find gainful employment and that's non-negotiable by the way."

She looked offended that she'd have to work to support herself so, I remind her that she was a divorced woman, one who got a handsome payout. Our only obligation was to see that our nephew is cared for. I continued… "whatever his needs are we'll cover them. As well, we'll choose his schools and pay for his education. All this with the right to custody every other weekend to maintain a familial link. Essentially, you're gonna be a live-in-mother."

"So y'all have it all figured out, have you?"

"We're just trying to help you, Karen. It's been a year since the estate was closed but we're willing to cover all of the medical costs you incurred during the pregnancy."

All eyes turned to Karen to see what she'd say. She seemed to be weighing the pros and cons when Aaron spoke up. "Mrs. Jones, this is more than a generous offer but you're more than welcome to get a second opinion."

Karen seemed indecisive about her next step so Aaron offered, "Legally, in cases like this, child support is awarded up to a year after the fact. My client is offering to one, adopt the child or two, take care of the child financially until he comes of age to manage his inheritance. The latter, which includes visitation rights. You don't have to decide today. Consult someone and get back to us."

Aaron no sooner finished speaking when Karen got up and walked out the door leaving Aaron, Rick and myself stunned at her hasty departure.

"Well, I didn't exactly expect us to become besties but the fact there was money on the table for her medicals I thought she might have considered the offer. I know her cards are maxed out, it would have helped her situation some."

"Michonne, don't worry about Karen, I'll deal with her, that's what you're paying me to do. How are you feeling anyway?"

"I'm doing okay, thanks. My old love is back… I'm eating again which makes Rick very happy." Aaron chuckled because he knows my love for food it was a running gag in college when he and Andrea often claimed that my appetite was due to a tapeworm.

At my revelation, my fiance gently squeezes my hand. He was relieved when I actually started eating without being prodded to do so.

"Aaron, how long do you think this situation will drag on with Karen?" He asks.

"It really all depends on her level of desperation. I think she was expecting a payout with no accountability whatsoever. However, from my observations, she needs to get her hands on money and fast. We gave her that option so she's got something to mull over now."

"Aaron, how does her situation affect Marc-André? I don't want this to be a protracted affair. I want to be able to pitch in and take care of him as soon as possible."

"Sweetie, I can have the papers drawn up this afternoon and be ready for signature by Monday but it's up to Karen. We can't approach her any further… wouldn't want her claim she signed them under duress."

"Yeah, I know." As we got up to leave he added.

"We need to get together soon I have a few ideas for Andrea's party."

"Fine, we can have lunch next week." We hugged and then Rick and I left the office.

The afternoon was spent running around King's County and Macon talking to caterers, ordering flowers and trying to find a D-jay on short notice. The D-jay thing was proving to be a challenge but we were saved at the last minute. During a conversation with Shane, he reminds Rick that TDog dabbled in scratching when they were younger. Rick then called him up and he agreed to volunteer his services if we rent the equipment.

Ma joined us at the Café and hijacked what was supposed to be just an afternoon for the two of us. She was so excited, I couldn't say no. I was happy she did too because it eased the pangs I was having not having my mom there. I told myself it was no big deal lots of people don't have their parents around for their big day. I was treating the afternoon like it was just another business deal. I was wrong, it mattered; seeing ma get so excited about it perked me up. She convinced me to go dress shopping. I told her that Andrea and I were supposed to do that the next day, her response was, "We can do that too."

After the meeting with the rattlesnake, we left for King's County. We were essentially planning our wedding in one weekend. I didn't think it was possible but I'm learning when Michonne sets her mind to something it gets done.

We met ma at the Café and she was bubbling with excitement. I told her the night before to dial it back a bit because I knew this thang would more than likely be touchy for Michonne given that her family couldn't be here. Earlier, she seemed so withdrawn, her interactions were very businesslike. I imagined a happy bride to be would react differently. I knew she loved me so that wasn't the problem. It was just her way of coping with planning a wedding without her family so I didn't push. That changed, however, when she saw ma. The two started talking about dresses so I called Shane up, it was as good a time as any to head to Macon to look for a suit. While in Macon, I intended to touch base with Abe too.

Rick and I went our separate ways after the Café. He was on his way to collect the Sheriff and Shane to go shopping for their suits.

Later that night, we dined with ma and the Sheriff then we went to Rick's place for a change. We're going to be spending more time there given that the renovations at the cottage were scheduled to begin right after the wedding; the only condition I had was that the locks at his place had to be changed and the spare keys were to be left at his parents' place. He had no problems with my request. We needed boundaries for a fresh start. I didn't want to walk into the house and find his friends there.

When I walked into the room he was sitting up in bed waiting for me. I was exhausted from the day we've had and I knew he was too. On Monday, we would both return to work. This was a working weekend for us to finalize the wedding plans. The worst was now over and all that remained was finding a dress for Andrea and deciding on mine.

As I approached our bed he lifts the bedding open as an invitation to join him. I know the look on his face, it's one of concern for me… for us. I sat down beside him and he takes my hands in his.

"How are you feeling?" He asks.

"I'm tired." He watches me carefully.

"I know that. I also know you and the babies are fine physically but what I want to know is how are you feeling emotionally? It hasn't been an easy week and today could not have been easy for you."

I know he's talking about the debacle with Spencer, the Karen mess and most recently the wedding stuff too. I went to our appointments on autopilot. I tried not to feel anything and it worked until ma showed up. It was like she knew I needed her. I didn't even know I did.

It was hard for her to even talk about her day but I wait patiently for her to speak and gently squeeze her hands to let her know it's okay. Eventually, she pushed through it.

"Yes... it was tough. I convinced myself that it wouldn't be a big deal I just had to get through it. It was just going to be another day with a simple ceremony. It turns out it is and will be a big deal. I didn't say anything to you because I didn't want to break down we had things to do and we did them."

"I get that… but you need to know that I'm here for you babe… you need to lean on me… that's what the vows we're about to take means… I am here for you in good times and in bad."

"I know that but at the time, I didn't know what I needed so I couldn't vocalize it but I'm happy ma met us for lunch and suggested shopping it helped a lot."

Earlier that day...

We walked into the boutique and were greeted by the owner, Natania. "Rebecca, I was wondering just how long it would be before you brought the lucky lady around." She says looking up from her appointment book.

"Natania, you know you can't rush these things… they happen when they must. I know this is kind of last minute and all, we won't be any trouble. We'll be just happy to browse and make an appointment for next week."

"Nonsense, the Sheriff's daughter-in-law is no trouble. Cyndie can take care of the party coming in. Cyndie!"

I was shown to a dressing room and the parade of dresses began. The chink in my armour began to wear and ma knew it. She held me close and I began to sob. I was missing my mom something terrible. I thought I could do this without breaking but I couldn't.

Ma sat me down on the sofa and cuddled me like a child until the moment passed.

"There… there darling, let it all out… you'll see everythang will be okay. I know your mama isn't here physically but she's here with you in spirit. No one will ever be that for you again but I'm honoured to have you as a daughter. Michonne, I'll be here for you for as long as you need me to be; you're precious and Richard is lucky to have you."

It was such a touching moment, I was truly happy to have her with me. In all honesty, I love Andrea and I know she loves me… we're sisters but I don't think she would have been prepared for my meltdown. I thought I was holding things together but obviously, I wasn't.

After my meltdown, Natania materialized out of thin air. I'm not sure when she disappeared but she showed up with bottles of water and then more dresses. This time she brought dresses for ma to try as well. We didn't find my dress but we at least found ma's dress.

"The afternoon with ma was nice. She made me see that… it was okay to be sad, that we could still have fun and be silly about it too. I'm grateful for her. I'm very lucky… your parents have been so good to me. Thank you!"

"All I did was invite you to dinner, they fell in love with you the first time they met you but the fact you're about to make them grandparents well that's like winning the jackpot as well. I never told you this before... but that night, dad told me I should marry you."

"Really?" I asked somewhat surprised. I knew the Sheriff and I got along well but then, he didn't even know me.

"Yeah, he did. There was somethang about you… I knew from the moment our eyes met that I wanted more."

"Well, you certainly ensured that." I quipped. So, how did y'all fair today?"

"As the boss instructed… I showed the photos to the salesman and we got everythang. You?"

"We went to the boutique here and then to several more in Macon. I think we found something too. Tomorrow, ma will join Andrea and me for lunch and we'll go to Macon to make a final decision on my dress and hopefully find one for Andrea."

"Just like that? I can't believe you pretty much did this in one afternoon. You're amazing."

I blushed at the compliment. "I made a lot of calls before leaving the city but yeah, I'm amazing." I teased. "Babe, there's something I want you to do for me. Will you accompany me to the cemetery when we get back?"

"Of course. How about we grab breakfast at the Café on Sunday morning and head there on the way home?" It was decided, we kissed goodnight, turned out the lights and settled in for the night.

We entered the Café shortly after ten that morning. The place was pretty busy for the time of day, there were a few locals there and quite a few out of towners too. The out of towners were beginning their preparations for the upcoming cottage season. The instant we walked through the door, I noticed her sitting at the table where Michonne and I sat our first time here. It was the nurse from Dr. Carson's office, suddenly, it all made perfect sense. She had to be the leak to Olivia and that's how the news got back here so fast.

Michonne hadn't seen her because she went directly to the counter to place our order to go. In the meantime, I walked to the back of the shop, "I hope you don't mind," I said as I sat down without an invitation to do so. "I would appreciate having a word with you outside and don't make a scene just follow me."

Moments later, we're standing beside what must be her car. "I take it you remember me and my fiancé from Dr. Carson's office because I certainly do remember my face on a tablet in that office."

The woman pretends to be searching her memory… she pretends to be confused. "I'm sorry, how can I help you?"

"That's rich… have you ever heard of doctor-patient confidentiality?"

"I don't understand… Mr. ?"

"Grimes, but that's not the point... it's about you disclosing information... personal information, which made its way back here in record time."

"I'm sorry Mr. Grimes but I would never ever violate a patient's privacy. I simply mentioned to Olivia that Mr. September on the calendar she sent me may have a dopelgänger in the city. I had no way of knowing you were in fact from King's County. I apologize for any problems my comment may have caused you. It was never my intent to be malicious in any way."

"Well, just so you know, your comment as innocuous as you thought it may have been it had ramifications. Should we choose to stay with Dr. Carson moving forward I would expect no further comments about me or my fiancé's visits to that office. Are we clear?"

"Understood Mr. Grimes. Again, I'm truly sorry." She said and then got into her car and drove away.

Michonne walked out the Café as the woman got into her car and drove off. She had a puzzled look on her face, "What's the matter?" she asked.

I explained to her what happened and we got in the car and head for the city.

We arrived at the cemetery and sat in the car for a minute or two so that I could gather my courage to do what I came to do. We walked hand in hand to my family's plot. Rick's hold was a little tighter than normal as we stood there. I knew it was his way of letting me know that I wasn't alone so I allowed his quiet reassurance to continue… to allow me to do what I came here to do.

"Dad, Mom, Mark and Duane it's me and my fiancé. Yes, I did say that… so much has happened in the past few months, I don't even know where to begin. First of all, mom, dad… you're grandparents. Mark left behind a beautiful baby boy… we just confirmed it a few days ago. Apparently, Mark found out about it on Christmas Eve. "

"Mark, your son's name is Marc-André and he's eight months old. I met him the day she brought him to the office. It jarred me… it was like looking at my baby big brother. He knew me even when I became a blubbering mess. I didn't scare him...he just kept reading my face with his tiny little hands. He's beautiful. Thank you for this gift. I didn't understand even when I last came to visit but now I know you made sure there were two people for me to love before you left me… it just took me time to put it all together. I promise you we'll take care of him as if he was our own."

"Duane, please don't feel left out baby because what Mark did was to ensure I found the man I was to marry and now you'll be an uncle to twins as well… we just found out. You'll never be forgotten because Rick will definitely teach Marc-André to play baseball something you loved and we'll tell them all about their uncle Duane."

"Mom and Dad, I know you would have loved Rick. He takes very good care of me and his parents are doing the same too. I wish y'all could be here for our wedding but at least I chose a date that will make it memorable. I chose your wedding anniversary as our wedding day. I hope we're as blessed as you were. I love y'all. The next time we visit we'll be Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grimes. I love you always."

Michonne's tears were contagious. I felt a few escaped myself. I was moved by the revelation behind our upcoming wedding date and felt I had to add something. It was unfortunate that I couldn't ask for her hand in the traditional way so I did the next best thang. "Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Mark and Duane, I certainly wished I could have met y'all before that day but I promise you that I will take good care of Michonne. I promise to love, honour and to protect her, our children and little Marc-André for as long I shall live."

After my pledge to her family, I led Michonne back to the car and we went home.

"Please be very careful out there," I say to him as he kisses my forehead before leaving for work. I've been dreading this moment since the Sheriff was last at my door. I knew his job was dangerous. I just never gave it serious thought until… it happened.

"I promise… it'll be okay. You'll promise to take it easy too… your first full day back and all."

"I promise," I say to him. He was referring to the fact that I gained a half a day more per week. What Dr. Jenner did was green light three non-consecutive full days. So, I would now work Monday, Wednesday and Fridays… yippee! The moment he found out about my pregnancy and the fact there were no scans to read he was more than happy to placate me with a half day.

Rick reasoned in any event, I'd probably end up on bed rest depending on how the pregnancy progressed.

Our lives were moving forward. The renovations on my parents' place begin today. If all went well we would move in there in two to three months but if Maggie and Glenn still hadn't found a place they'd they'd lease the condo until they built something. The last little bit was news, which I found out after the mess with Spencer. It seems the boys were making life-altering decisions during that lunch.

"Mr. Blake, I'm sorry sir, you can't just barge in there. Ms. Jones, I'm so sorry."

I heard Jessie's pleas as Philip barges into my office and shuts the door.

"I'm sorry Philip but unless you have an appointment this meeting is over. I'm busy and I don't have time for this. Whatever it is."

"Michonne, just when are you going to stop acting like the entitled little princess and start acting like a damn adult?" He yells.