A/N: Well…let's dive into a proposal. Please be sure to comment to let me know what you think! #KeepRichonneAlive
Chapter 13: Say Yes
Tonight, is the night. It's officially been two months of Michonne living in London full time. Rick planned on proposing as soon as she got situated in their home, but his schedule had him traveling a lot more than he anticipated. However, in his absence, Michonne has truly turned their house into a home. When she wasn't decorating all of the rooms to give them their own personality, she was out with Rosita and the dogs that the pair recently adopted. Yes, Rick came home from a week-long trip overseas to find that they had adopted a new puppy named Papi, who easily has become king of the castle. Rick couldn't be upset about the new addition to their family, because Papi kept Michonne very busy as she continues to train him and get him adjusted. The pair had a doggy playdate with Rosita and her new pup Dog. According to Michonne, she still regrets to this day allowing Daryl the opportunity to name the dog. When Rick inquired what inspired the name, Daryl grumbled "that if the dog stayed, he was the one who got to name him", and the rest was history.
Rick is thankful for these doggy playdates because it has allowed him the opportunity to get the house ready for one of the biggest moments of his life. He didn't want Michonne to know that tonight was going to be special, he wanted the atmosphere to be natural and intimate. He could have had her return home to a walkway full of rose petals and give his intentions away as soon as she walked through the front door. He even thought about whisking her away to some exotic land that neither of them had been before on a whim, but none of it seemed right. When he thought about how he pictured tonight going, he knew it had to be in their home, where they are building a future. Their entire journey has started in London, from him being a dumbass and almost not getting out the car, to him courting her via phone calls and text messages, to him prepping their new home for her anticipated arrival. So, when it comes to continuing their journey, doing it at home just felt right.
The mood is set, candles are lit all around the house to add to the ambiance, the smooth sounds of Miss Lauryn Hill are in the background adding to the mood, he's pulled out a bottle of their signature wine created for them on their very first date in Africa, the back door leading to their outdoor sanctuary is open as the summer night evening breeze lingers into the house, the lights in the trees that adorn the backyard are all lit up to add to the magic that is in the air. And most importantly, the ring patiently awaits in his pocket to be placed on her slim finger. Everything is ready, now all he needs is his Michonne.
He can hear Papi sniffing him out in the kitchen as Michonne follows behind calling out for Rick.
"Babe? We're back" she says as she takes the hallway that leads to the kitchen.
"Hey baby," he says enthusiastically as he reaches down to pick up the whining pup, who requires some love and attention from his daddy, "did you all have a good playdate?"
"Are you talking to me or Papi" she states as she finally rounds the corner seeing the two loves of her life greeting one another like long lost friends. Michonne knew it was a good idea adopting Papi, and though Rick tries sometimes to act as if though it's a burden, he's absolutely obsessed with their dog.
"He got to me first, but you know you are both my babies" Rick responds as he leans in for a welcoming kiss as she finally makes it to him behind the kitchen island.
"Yeah, okay mister. It feels good in here, I'm glad you opened up the backdoors to let some air in" she says as she stands in front of the double French doors breathing in the summer air as though she has been locked indoors all day. She takes notice of how ethereal their backyard is with all the trees lit up. Rick comes up behind her to wrap her small frame into his strong arms, breathing her in as she breathes in the fresh air.
"I figured that tonight we could do something a little different" he calmly states as he nuzzles into her neck, squeezing her closer to him.
"Different?" she asks enjoying being enfolded in her favorite place in the world, Rick's arms.
"Yes, I want to cook dinner for you tonight. I want you to sit and relax and let me do everything" he states with a glimmer of humor.
"Excuse me sir, I let you cook dinner all the time" she says on a chuckle as she turns into his arms to feast her eyes on him.
"Oh, please Chonne, you are forever adding seasonings here and there thinking I don't notice" he says following a guttural laugh at her blatant lie.
"Rick, just because the recipe doesn't call for flavor, doesn't mean that you aren't supposed to add it" she cheekily replies. She can't be too hard on him though because he has his specialties. She'll never forget when he first brought her to the house and he cooked her one of the best breakfasts she's ever had, and he is a master pasta maker. And everything else is good, but Rick loves to follow a recipe to the tee, never veering away from the specified seasonings, so Michonne being the loving woman that she is and needing to ensure that her man is eating properly, doesn't hesitate to add a little something here and there.
"Ohhh, okay missy, you owe me a kiss for that one" not waiting for permission leans into her gorgeous full lips for a heated kiss that he's been missing all day long.
"You know I love your cooking babe, I'm just teasing" she says as he leads her back towards the kitchen to get the night started.
"Yeah, well you better be good before it's me whose teasing you later" he boldly responds as he pops her on her perfect ass. She can't help but to squeal at the affection and obsession he has with her ass.
"Okay, first things first," he uncorks the bottle of wine away from her wanting to surprise her with their signature red created just for them, "milady" he says as he hands her the long stem glass.
"Mmm, oh my God, Rick, what is that?" She asks taking a longer sip.
"You don't remember?" he asks as he shows her the bottle, enjoying the look of shock, seeing the name "Richonne" written across the body.
"God, I can't believe I forgot about the wine! Why does it taste different than I remember?" she asks rhetorically.
"Good different?" Rick asks as he finishes pouring himself a glass and taking a quick sip before he gets started on their meal.
"Amazing, different."
"Good. And since we are going down memory lane tonight my sweet baby, I thought why not create the meal we shared that night as well?" Rick states as Michonne's face lights up. He, however, can't tell if she is excited about the sentimentality, or the idea of having a good steak which she puts under his list of specialties.
"You are really pulling all the stops out tonight babe. Am I getting dessert tonight too?" she asks thinking about the most beautiful crème brûlée she has ever had.
"Yes baby. I wouldn't dare forget dessert" he mildly deadpans now knowing her excitement is mainly about the food, but he will settle for the acknowledgement of the sentimentality.
As the evening progresses of Rick preparing their meal, he can't help but to reminisce on the memory of it all. Remembering the first time they cooked dinner together in this very kitchen. Though the menu has changed, the bond has been strengthened over time, and the love is deeper. The kissing, the dancing, the laughing is all symbolic of that first time they had dinner together.
Michonne savored every last bite and every drop of wine that was poured. It was on their second bottle of the night and moving outside to lounge by the firepit snuggled together that Rick notices, that Michonne has gotten quiet. He's been more observant of her tonight than usual seeking out his moment to proclaim his irrevocable love for her.
"What are you thinking about?" he asks while giving a kiss to the crown of her head as she takes another lingering sip of wine.
"Africa…" she states looking at the dark garnet colored beverage. "It just seems like that trip was a lifetime ago. You know?" she says on a sigh. Meanwhile, Rick controls his breathing as his perfect opportunity has presented itself.
"Well, we've done a lot, and experienced a lot in the past fifteen months…" Rick says recalling internally that it hasn't been that long, but they truly have done more, and experienced more than some will experience in a lifetime, in less than two years of being together.
"We have," she smiles as she snuggles deeper into his side, securing his arm around her more tightly. "We've done, birthdays, anniversaries, Warrior Trials, you came to my last Con and visited me at work, hell we've had enough drama from both sides, moved in together, and a doggy baby. I'd say we are doing alright mister."
As she makes the statement, Rick continues to regulate his breathing as the moment draws closer.
"Yeah, I'd say we are doing alright" he takes a deep breath, "Chonne…"
"Yeah?" she responds sitting up to face him fully noticing the slight shift of his tone as he calls out to her.
"Y-you remember in Africa, on our last night and we had dinner under the stars?" he asks as he takes a hold of her hands, needing to touch her in some way as he does this. He's not sure why he is so nervous but continues amongst the sweatiness of his palms and stuttering of his words.
"I remember Rick. I remember everything about that trip…except the wine" they chuckle as she ribs trying to add some lightheartedness to the mood sensing that Rick is trying to tell her something but is struggling for some reason.
"Then you remember that we shared so much about one another, and I-I knew then baby, that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you." Taking a deep breath, he kneels down to one knee. Michonne can't help the gasp that leaves her shocked mouth at what is about to happen.
"That night, we saw a shooting star, and I asked you what you wished for, and you told me you'll let me know when it comes true. Then you asked me what my wish was, and I told you that us sharing our first kiss was my wish coming true, but if I knew then what I know now, what I feel in my heart, then I would've told you that I will wait to tell you until it comes true, and baby, loving you and being loved by you has exceeded any wish I could ever conjure up in my wildest dreams. You are the reason for my existence, I know I was put on this earth for many things, but the greatest thing is to love you, cherish you, honor you and protect you until my last breath. So, with that, will you Michonne Denise Anthony do me the greatest honor, will you finally make my wish come true? Will you marry me?" the few seconds of anticipation is almost too much for Rick to bear. Luckily, he doesn't have to wait long.
"Yes!" she says through her tears as she leaps into him, wrapping her legs around his lean waist, and he catches her. He will always catch her. The couple stays in this embrace for a few moments letting the reality set in that they are going to one day soon be husband and wife. Michonne leans back to look into the eyes of her fiancé, the man who has chosen her with no motive other than to love her unconditionally. She vows to herself to ensure that every day he knows that she loves him just as much as he loves her.
The couple shares a kiss that is filled with so much hope, adoration, passion and heat. Rick is ready to head upstairs to consummate their engagement, but first he has to actually give her the ring.
"Baby…baby…" he says through kisses as Michonne is not letting up, feeling the same heat and passion he is feeling and ready to solidify their future union with a night full of lovemaking. "I-I gotta give you the ring" he chuckles though she still doesn't stop peppering him with kisses, still attached to his body like an extension of him.
"Oh" she giggles "sorry", she takes a seat back on their outdoor couch.
Rick reaches into his pocket to pull out the black velvet box to reveal the ring that he put so much time and effort into creating. Michonne can't help but awe at the timeless, yet stunning three diamond ring as Rick gently places it upon her left hand.
"Rick…it-it's gorgeous."
"I'm glad you like it Chonne. The middle stone is from my mother's engagement ring. I know without a doubt in my mind she would've loved you and would've wanted you to have her ring. The surrounding stones are from one of my grandmother's crown jewels. I wanted it to represent our past, present and future, but I also wanted to give you something old, and borrowed."
"I don't just like it Rick. I love it. And I love you!"
"I love you too baby" Rick states as he seals his sentiment with a kiss.
"So, what happens now?"
"Well, first we are going to go upstairs and consummate our engagement. And then my dear the rest is up to you. You can decide when you want us to announce, how long of an engagement you want, and we'll just go from there."
"I don't think I want a long engagement Rick. I feel like I've waited my whole life for you, and now that I have you, I'm ready to start our lives together."
"Well then that settles that, I'll reach out to our aids in the morning to write an official press release announcing our engagement and the approval of our union by my grandmother."
"Oh my God, Rick! We have to tell your grandmother, and your father! And my mother…and Maggie!"
"Hey, hey calm down" Rick can't help but chuckle, "everyone on that list has already granted permission…including Margret. I spoke with her this morning."
"And your family? They approve?"
"Of course, they do Chonne. My grandmother was ready to start the citizenship process after your first-time meeting. My father absolutely adores you; this is happening baby."
"This is happening" she squeals as she jumps into Rick's arms. As much as he wants to assure her that everything is going to be fine and answer any and every question, she may have regarding the process of them getting married, he's got a one-track mind and is ready to take this celebration upstairs to their bedroom.
A few weeks later…
"And welcome back to the Today show, I'm Hoda Kotb and if you are just now tuning in, you are in for a treat…an official announcement has just been released that America's very own Michonne Anthony will be a princess, in an announcement released by the Royal Family a little while ago, Michonne Anthony and Prince Richard are engaged! The announcement released from his father's house, reads: "His Royal Highness the Prince of Alexandria is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Rick to Ms. Michonne Anthony. The wedding will take place in the upcoming Spring. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course." The Announcement goes on to let us know that the couple became engaged earlier this month and Prince Rick has informed Her Majesty the Queen and others close to him. He also sought out permission from Michonne's Mother. And actually, I'm getting news now, that the couple is making their first official appearance as an engaged couple right now. Let's tune in…"
"You ready" Rick asks as he takes in Michonne in her pure white coat over an emerald green dress and black strappy heels. Her locs are up in an intricately designed chignon with just a few pieces flowing freely around her beautiful face.
"Yep!" She says as she takes him in, in his navy-blue suit and crisp white shirt, with a blue tie that matches his eyes.
The couple has been in pure bliss for the past few weeks as they began to put necessary details into motion as they prepare for their pending nuptials. After intimate celebrations with their nearest and dearest, Michonne immediately had to begin preparing for her citizenship exam. They have also secured details regarding their wedding. They will be saying 'I do' before God, their families, friends and the world at St. George's Chapel. Being the heir to the throne most will predict that the couple will wed at Westminster, and though the wedding will have a lot of dignitaries, and famous faces in attendance, the couple still wanted it to be as intimate as possible. Their wedding will also be taking place on the same day as their "failed" first date, May 19th.
As fun as living in their own private universe has been and enjoying the planning process, there is certain protocols that they have to follow, and that does mean official announcements being made. Today will be their first time stepping out "officially" as fiancés and allowing the public to see what will be highly revered as "the ring" to have. They will also be participating in the one and only exclusive in-person interview with a close friend of Michonne's, Noah Bradshaw who is an up and coming broadcaster for ABC news. The interview will talk about the proposal, plans for the wedding, and what some of their official duties will include.
With just 10 months to plan the wedding of the century, the couple takes a deep breath as they silently let that reality settle in. Michonne is about to step onto a world stage that she never could've imagined. A stage that is highly respected and holds a great deal of power and responsibility. Every action will have a reaction, and though the reality of her new world is slowly closing in on her, she looks at the man next to her buttoning his suit jacket, the man who looks at her every single day as if though she hangs the moon and the stars, and she knows without a doubt, that she will be just fine with whatever the world throws at her.
Rick, one who has never loved the spotlight and the sometimes invasion of his privacy releases a deep breath as he takes ahold of Michonne's hand, and they begin their walk outside to the front gate for the press to get a look at the couple. He loves this woman and will do any and everything to protect her and make her happy. If he could've stayed in their private bubble and secretly married surrounded by just their family and friends and let the world know later, he would've. He takes a look at Michonne and smiles as she is looking up at him already ensuring that he is okay. With a reassuring squeeze of her hand, the couple rounds the corner to flashes of light and shouts of congratulations. This is their life now, and though he hates having to share her with the public, and the press, he knows that he can because even if it were all to go away, he knows she would be right by his side looking at him the same way she is right now. Full of love and admiration.
"Wow look at them. They truly look like a couple that is so in love. I can say that I have had the pleasure of meeting Michonne on a few occasions, and if there is anyone who deserves true love it's that woman right there, and by the looks of it, I'd say she's found it. I am looking forward to seeing this couple blossom and as we count down the days to their wedding, until then, from all of us here at the Today show, I'm Hoda Kotb and to Michonne and Rick congratulations, and to the rest of America, have a great day!"
