2-
The sun beamed down making the audience and dais members dab at their sweat moistened skin. Some were smart enough to bring paper accordion fans while others used their programs to provide some relief from the heat. The Allen E. Paulson Stadium had been set up differently then it normally was for games between the NCAA Georgia Southern Eagles and whomever their rival was that day.
Today was the Spring Commencement for in the Arts and Humanities, Health Professions, and Public Health departments undergraduates. Michonne and Rick were lucky to both work in the arts and humanities departments so they only needed to attend one of the three graduations for the Statesboro campus that the university held. They were happy to see the seniors they'd taught heading out into the world, but they would miss some students. They couldn't help but to be proud to have had a part in shaping the minds of future leaders before they went out into the world.
The guest speakers had made their addresses, the salutatorian and valedictorian gave their speeches and songs were sung. The diplomas were distributed making parents and family members applaud and snap pictures from the aisles, even when asked not to. But it was par for the course and you couldn't be upset with anyone that supported the 'Junkyard Dawgs'. The university's president was finishing up the closing remarks and once again adulating about the success of the school and its students and faculty.
Rick continuously glanced at Michonne who turned to grin at him from her seat two rows away. They each sat with the staff from their separate departments and they were both glad to be nearly done with this event. The sooner it was over the sooner they could get home and rest a few days before the summer semester began. But the way Michonne looked in her pink off the shoulder fishtail dress made Rick want to get her home as soon as possible so he could peel it off of her.
He wore a stone colored slim fitted linen suit with a simple white button up under it to try and match his fiancés style and grace. He pushed his earlier slicked back curls from his face, glad he opted out of wearing the vest. In this heat, it was out of the question. He took Michonne's advise and paired it was a tan belt and matching loafers. He had to admit he was feeling extra confident today, but he usually was when he got to have the beautiful woman he loved by his side.
When the ceremony ended he was distracted, Michonne sat ahead of him and when she stood to clap the view of her round ass snugly pressed against the material had him biting his lip. He quickly stood as well and looked to the audience, not needing anymore heat to be supplied to his body. Everyone on stage slowly made their way down the steps, making small talk of joy and nostalgia for the past year. Really they were happy to be free to let loose, some had parties planned or trips scheduled before they returned in the fall.
Rick made light conversation as he made his way down the steps keeping an eye on that pink dress. He watched Michonne smile and hug faculty members including Ezekiel and Luke before she was approached by overjoyed graduates. Her bosom, even though mostly covered, was full and garnered admiring glances from the male graduates and their male relatives too. To his displeasure, full on stares were occurring when it came to her butt in that dress. Rick was about to walk over and intervene, but he was suddenly bombarded by now former students, and their families as well. He tried as coolly as possible to commend them on their achievement but steadily made his way to his destination until a large family swarmed him. He smiled for pictures but lost sight of Michonne through the crowd.
Michonne's high heeled floral sandals were the perfect touch to go with her ensemble, but she wanted to get off the grass of the field. Near the stage, tiled removable flooring was installed but now in the cusp of the spectators, grass was underfoot. The chairs that the audience sat in were already being swiped away helping to push the families off towards the exit. She walked along with students and their families towards the Erk Athletic Park that was in the direction of the parking lot. She could see Rick when she got chances to look for him, but he was inundated with students and families as well. He was the hot professor that was fawned over by all since his arrival.
Most days she took it in stride but the way he looked in his suit made her yearn to get her hands on him, but she apparently had to wait her turn. Don't get her wrong, she had enough of her own admirers most days and today was no exception. She was being asked for hug after hug and snapped in pictures by students that she didn't even recognize. She ignored the lingering looks the same way she did any day.
She continued on her way in the pursuit of pavement, then cut through the Ted Smith Family Football Center to suck up some sweet air conditioning. After a few more pictures, she dodged the balloons and flowers and headed back outside. She knew Rick would find her if she stopped near the recently installed statue of Erk, a famed coach. A lot of the crowd had dissipated but some still lingered, excitedly chatting. Some students becoming emotional when realization that the end of their college careers had truly arrived.
A professor she could've sworn worked in another department smiled at her as he approached, just as she spotted Rick coming out the doors. She helplessly grinned at Rick's relieved face when they locked eyes. But the man in front of her attempted to draw her attention.
"Professor Hawthorne, you look absolutely amazing." the taller dark haired man complimented.
"Thank you, Professor…"
"Monroe. But you can call me Spenser." he extended his hand and she grasped it to shake but he pulled it to his lips for a soft kiss.
"Can I call you Michonne?" he grinned with confidence.
After she successfully removed her hand from him, she was about to respond but a sexy country twang beat her to it.
"Babe, sorry I finally caught up with you." he slid his hand around her waist and pecked right below her earlobe and she melted against him. "The crowd was unrelenting. You ready to go?"
Michonne nearly laughed out loud at Rick's spiteful mischievousness. He clearly knew this man was flirting with her and he planned on simply ignoring his presence while letting his position be known. Spenser's face showed shock and embarrassment for a moment before he quickly wiped it away. He extended his hand again but this time to Rick who looked down at it for a minute before he heartily shook the man's hand.
Michonne had to admit she was enjoying this display, not caring about Spenser's attraction to her but Rick's possessive side turned her on. His jaw flexed and his head slightly tilted as he relayed a message to this man. It sent her hormones into a fit making her pulse increase.
"Rick Grimes." his eyes squinted and Michonne could feel the juices coming down to wet her panties.
"Don't you work in the Engineering and Computing department?"
Spenser chuckled. "I do, I didn't think you knew who I was."
"I've seen you a few times…on our side of campus."
"You have to admit the arts department has all the beauty to see on campus." he not so subtly glanced at Michonne.
Rick released his hold on her and rested both his hands in front of him. Michonne watched as he looked to the sun then back at the taller man. Part of her wanted to intervene but she was becoming increasingly carnal, plus she knew her man could handle himself in any situation.
"You are right about that…" he nodded and chewed his lip. "…but I think you should worry about not getting offered tenure for what is it, the third time?"
Rick shrugged when Spenser blanched. "It'll give you something to work on when you walk past the arts department in the future. Now, if you excuse me, I have to get my fiancé home."
Again, she fought to keep a hold of her faculties, but when Rick's whole demeanor changed as he pivoted to her, she lustfully looked him over. He slipped his arm around her waist and prompted her to turn and begin walking towards the parking lot with him. Michonne was so transfixed by her man she didn't even turn back to say goodbye to the dumbstruck man they left behind.
Once they got to the SUV, Rick had already unlocked the doors with the key fob's push button start and he assisted her in climbing inside. Her skirt was rather clingy down her legs, making it a little difficult to step in. She ingeniously pulled it up a few inches so she could raise her leg to climb in and she heard the growl emanate from Rick's throat. With her door closed, he stalked around to the driver's side and climbed in. Her breaths were fragmented as she sucked in the air conditioning that blew in her face.
Rick looked her over then reached in the glove compartment making her breath hitch from his close proximity. He fished around for something and handed it to her.
Hand sanitizer.
She giggled as she opened the fragranced cleanser and squeezed some on her hands. "Is this because-"
"Since I can't kill him, his bacteria will have to do."
Michonne giggled louder and applied some to his hands, slowly rubbing it on. "You shook his hands."
They coyly smiled at each other before Rick began to drive. When they got to a red light, Rick fumbled around in his pocket and handed her a crumbled slip of paper. She raised an eyebrow and opened it to see a phone number. She squinted at the digits knowingly.
"I told the woman that I'd give it to my fiancé and now I have."
Michonne rolled the window down and let the wind take the slip from her fingertips and Rick smirked. It just reminded her that she was slightly bothered today by his fans also. She just hadn't gotten a chance to shut them down the way he had with Professor Monroe. She'd have to do something with this pent-up energy.
Since they left for the ceremony early this morning, Rick had been careful not to touch her and she knew why. Two esteemed professors missing a graduation would have been unprofessional in the least. But Michonne was happy that they didn't live too far from the campus because she thought she'd explode if he didn't get his hands on her soon.
Rick barely got the car in the driveway and Michonne had her door open. She followed the paved trail to the front steps and she was never happier to have an auto-unlock feature on their deadbolt. The Wi-Fi smart lock meant the front door was unlocked at their arrival, so she didn't have to fumble in her clutch for keys. She could hear Rick was just steps behind her once she got through the front door.
Michonne was just about to ascend the staircase for the bedroom, when Rick snatched her from behind. He adhered his body firmly to hers so she could feel his erection pressing into her backside. His breathing was jagged as he cupped her breasts, causing her to moan. She tossed her clutch to land somewhere on the ground before pushing her breasts further into his greedy hands. Then she reached back to sink her fingers into his hair. Rick ran his hands down her curves to gather the material of her dress, hiking it up. With her ass exposed in a cheeky panty he walked her forward to the steps.
The non-slip carpet pads would definitely give her rug burn, so she tossed one to the side before kneeling. Michonne could hear Rick swiftly undoing his belt and no doubt, unzipping his pants. She looked back to see his jacket had been discarded as well and he stalked towards her like she was his prey. He wacked her right between her cheeks, hitting her sensitive slit.
"Fuck!"
Michonne jaw dropped open as she dragged in air while he lowered her panties. The soft material on her freshly waxed thighs only heightened the anticipation. She braced herself when Rick came up behind her open legs. He reached over to unclasp her hair clip, releasing her hair from its tidy style. He weaved his fingers into a handful of her locs and turned her head to the side so she could see him. She fought to keep her eyes open but the feel of his thick head teasing at her opening had her barely holding on. Intense eye contact followed before Rick spoke.
"You're mine."
He slammed into her welcoming folds, stretching her honey slicked walls with his hard cock. He stilled for just a moment before he began to rapidly enter her. A litany of curses passed from their mouths to accompany the slapping sounds of skin making aggressive contact. Michonne wasn't going to let him have all the fun, she threw it back using her grip on the steps for resistance.
"I'm yours!"
Her response only made him go into overdrive, both his fingers dug into the skin at her waist, pulling her on him faster. Michonne's core contracted and she could feel the pressure building so quickly. She wanted it to last longer but it felt like she had waited so long for this. She wanted to warn Rick but she couldn't manage to formulate any words suddenly. But she knew he could always tell from the pulsing of her muscles, and she came apart. Euphoria made her dizzy but the shocks revived her system. His deep strokes continued relentlessly and she felt another orgasm forming in her. Her body was at near collapsing, her nerve ending tingling.
"Oh no..." she muttered not knowing if she could take it.
"Chonne, you've got another one in you. Give it to me."
The sound of his country thick voice demanding her pleasure for the second time drew it out of her. Her eyes squeezed tight and her mouth opened as she shattered around him.
"Rick!"
A few more plunges drew it all out of her then Rick reared into her once more. His body shook from his condomless release deep down inside her. They both trembled stuck together on the staircase, afraid they limbs wouldn't work if they tried to separate so soon. Exhausted breathing was the only sound in the house until Rick slowly began to withdraw from her.
"Shit!"
He paused midway, seemingly enjoying the last throbs of her pussy before he stumbled backwards. When Michonne turned around he was all the way leaned against the front door, gasping for air and trying to square himself away. She wanted to chuckle but remembered she still needed to get up herself. She used the banister to help stand up before pulling her panties back up. She sat on the step, tossing her hair back from her face.
Rick finally got it together enough to come over, taking her leg in one hand so he could massage her knee with the other. An appreciative moan came from her lips, making him smile before he switched to the other leg. After he put her still high heel clad feet on the hardwood floor, he kneeled between her open legs, grinning at her blissful expression.
"I missed the whole graduation because of you."
"What?" she giggled.
"I don't remember a word." he snickered. "But, I'll share some of you with the world as long as we get to do this when we get home."
"Me too."
He took her left hand in his and raised it to his lips. He planted kisses along her ring finger until he got to her engagement ring.
"Mine."
Michonne awoke from her vivid dream and remembered she was in the back seat of Rick's jeep. They were headed to Hilton Head Island off the South Carolina coast for a Fourth of July family vacation. Rick offered to drive the almost two-hour distance from Statesboro, Georgia where they lived, telling her to rest. They had picked up his mother, Patricia and Michonne told her to ride shotgun while she'd take the backseat to stretch out.
"How was your nap, Sweetie?" her future mother-in-law asked.
"It was good." Michonne rolled her neck.
"Hmm, it sure did sound that way." Patty snickered while her son tried to keep a straight face.
"What?" Michonne looked between the two of them, perplexed.
Rick looked at her in the rearview mirror. "You were a…moaning in your sleep. I tried to tell my Mama that you normally make noises in your sleep, that it didn't mean anything."
Michonne flushed and he smirked. When his mother turned around and looked at her, she tried to turn to the window but it was too late. Patty grinned then reached over and patted her sons leg.
"Just like his father."
"Mama!" Rick rolled his eyes and then locked them on the road ahead.
Michonne hid her giggle, but her blush told the whole story.
"Is that what's got you so tired?" Patty held no punches and Rick sighed.
Michonne artfully avoided answering that question. "Working for the summer threw me for a loop. I expected it to be easy but cramming a full semesters worth of work into a few short weeks is a lot. But once we get back it will only be reviewing for finals, then exams and we will be free."
"Well, that's good. You two deserve a break because the sooner you start planning your wedding, the sooner I can expect my grand-"
"Mama…" Rick side eyed her as respectfully as he could. He didn't want her putting undo pressure on them, Michonne in particular.
"What? I'm ready is all. You know, I've been going to physical therapy for my knee and I'll be all ready to chase those babies around. Whenever you two need a babysitter, I will be available."
"Aww, Mama Patty that's so thoughtful of you. But we don't want you to feel like you are obligated to give up your retirement years to be a babysitter for our future children."
"Children, plural. I like the sound of that." Patty mused making the couple giggle.
"Nonsense, that's my job. I just wish Edward could've been here when the time comes..."
Michonne reached up to squeeze her shoulder and the older woman mouthed thank you for the comforting touch.
Rick glanced at his mom. "I feel the same way, but we are glad to have you so close to us for the times we will need help."
Michonne nodded. "I know my parents will wish they were closer when the time comes. But we will welcome any help you want to give."
"Thank you, Michonne." she turned back to her son. "Are you feeling better?"
Before Rick could answer Michonne leaned forward to examine him. "What happened?"
"My stomach just got a bit queasy. But I'm fine now."
"Are you sure? You should've woken me up, I could've driven."
"Naw, it was nothing. Must've been the Chinese food from last night."
"Okay." Michonne lovingly caressed the nape of his neck as he drove on.
"We aren't too far from our destination. Just another few minutes and we'll be there." Rick announced as they crossed the toll bridge to the island. "Ty said just about everyone's arrived."
"Good, that means they've done all the hard work and I can just relax." Michonne blissfully sighed before sitting back in her seat and they chuckled at her antics.
"I can't wait to see Jo, Bev and Mary. We are going to have a ball this weekend, I wish there was a casino nearby."
Rick started to open his mouth to admonish his mother, but Michonne cut him off. "We can play card games. My Dad and Uncle Kev are always ready for a penny or nickel game of pitty pat."
"If they want to up the ante, I just might take them up on that." Rick snickered after resigning to let his mother enjoy whatever she liked.
As they drove through what had become a resort town, they admired the different sized homes from modest one levels to mini mansions. Golf courses, bike trails and hotel properties also lined the quiet streets. Signage asking people to not bother the alligators made them laugh. The area was home to a wildlife preserve that protected deer and birds, along with the large reptiles in the salt marsh. Cars eased along at a slow pace, allowing them to appreciate the small lakes and tall lush trees that shaded the scenic roads. They passed groups of bicyclists and even a farm with animals including majestic horses. The smell of the oceans brine tickled their noses increasingly as the Sea Pines area came into view.
"Word on the street is that Tyreese is dating someone new but he's being tight lipped about it." Patty whispered, drawing Michonne's attention. Rick kept his eyes squarely on the road and Michonne recognized he knew something about this.
"You didn't tell me."
He shrugged. "There isn't anything to tell…not yet."
Michonne eyed him through the rearview mirror and he smirked. "They just started seeing each other and he's not sure where it will go."
"But does he want it to go somewhere is the thing?"
"He does, but he wants to take his time before bringing her around the family. I understand. You, Sasha and Connie are a lot."
Michonne's jaw dropped and he laughed until she pinched his arm. "I'm driving." he chuckled.
"Well, I hope it works out for him. After him and Karen divorced, he was depressed for a long time."
"I hope so too."
"It seems like every time we get together, we're meeting someone's future someone." Patty proclaimed.
"You're right. Hmm…we could meet this mystery woman at the next family function." Michonne happily theorized.
They all nodded in agreement as Rick slowed the car in front of a large house. "We're here."
Various members of Michonne's family gathered on the sidewalks. Some embracing and joyously conversing, while others pulled luggage into one of the four homes they rented for the holiday weekend. As soon as they parked, Michonne scrambled out of the car and ran over to Sasha and Connie who jumped up and down, squealing. Another woman with glasses and a complexion close to Sasha's who Rick didn't recognize, came over to join in their hug too.
Rick chuckled after he attempted to help his mother out of the car but she waved him off to make her way to Josephine, Mary and Beverly. The two groups of ladies all hugged, then Rick spotted the men coming out of the house.
"Rick!" Tyreese's baritone voice sounded from across the way. Roger, Noah and Uncle Kevin all followed him outside one of the homes.
He and Rick jogged to each other and did their best attempt at squealing before bear hugging. The aunties all snickered while Michonne and her cousins playfully rolled their eyes at their joshing recreation of them. Noah and his father, Kevin laughed before greeting Rick as well.
"There's my baby girl!" Roger bellowed and Michonne skipped over to her parents who stood next to each other now.
"Hi Daddy. Hi Mom." they tightly embraced before Josephine looked her over in her maxi dress.
"Hmm…"
Michonne looked down at herself then back to her mother. "What, is something on me?"
"No, you look very nice. I love this dress." her mom responded before Rick came over to greet his future parents in law.
"Richard!" her father still called him by his formal name before he hugged him, heartily patting his back before he moved to Mama Jo.
"Rick, it's so good to see you both. And I see you are taking care of my baby."
"Good to see you too and of course. But she takes care of me too."
Michonne and him smiled at each other sweetly and quickly touched hands making her mother smile gleefully.
"Rick, can you give us a hand getting the next set of groceries into this house? Jo and her sisters bought enough to feed a football team, ten times over. I tried to explain we'd only be here until Tuesday."
"Hush Roger, it's fine. We have lots of mouths to feed and everyone can take things back with them."
"No problem." Rick responded and the men all went to the vehicles to grab bags and carry them inside.
"Aren't these houses nice?" Aunt Bev asked once she and the other ladies walked over.
The three level beach houses were elevated for hurricanes that could occur on the island, making them higher than the flood plain. The cream and eggshell paneled homes each had enclosed parking on the first level, large outdoor swimming pools and beach access. On the main floor were the large open granite kitchens with stainless stain appliances, large dining room area, a half bathroom and spacious living room, full of seating. The upper floor in each, either offered three or four master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms so no one had to share.
"We wanted to get one of those manors so we could fit everyone in one house, but with the late commitment we were lucky to get these four homes all next to each other. But they are amazing." Sasha grinned.
"I'm glad we convinced you all to do this." Connie signed with a playfully exhausted look on her face making everyone giggle.
The ladies all admired their location when two more men came out of the house drawing attention. They waved at the women before proceeding to the vehicles. Michonne recognized the tall, redheaded Abraham from the pictures Rick took at the guy's weekend as he toted lots of bags inside. But she saw another dark haired guy with muscular arms carrying cases of beers inside.
"Is that Daryl?" she raised her hand to her hair and created a downward wave, the description her cousin used for him during the Christmas break.
Connie blushed and then pretended to be shooting a crossbow. Making them all laugh at her secret sign for her boyfriend.
"His hair isn't that long?"
"It used to be. I got him to cut it so it frames his face better." Connie beamed.
Sasha and Michonne smirked in appreciation after giving him a once over. His hair was in sort of a choppy style with a shaggy bang. It was an odd cut but somehow it suited his rugged look.
"What do you think Nora?"
Michonne's cousin from her father's side laughed so the curls of her fresh twist out shook. Even though she wasn't actually Sasha and Connie's biological cousin, they all considered her family since they grew up around each other. They just didn't get to see her as often as they liked once she moved to California. But Michonne was excited when Nora informed her that she'd be moving to Georgia soon, so they'd get to see each other more. Michonne thought this trip would be a perfect time for her to catch up with everyone and she eagerly hopped on a flight.
"You three are too much! I'm just glad Connie's happy, look at her just a grinning." They all looked at their cousin who blushed before her little sister's voice interrupted.
"Y'all are here!"
They all turned to see Kelly barreling out of a different house so her dangly 1980's style earring swung wildly. She ran over to Michonne and hugged her tightly. "Where's Rick?"
"In the house, taking in groceries."
"This trip is gonna be lit, did you see the houses? We are right on the beach and there's a pool at each one. You know I'm getting plenty of pics for the gram!" she proudly proclaimed then turned to wave over a shy, petite blonde that followed her.
"This is Beth, Noah's girlfriend."
"Hi Beth." they all waved at her.
"Hi, thank you for having me. These houses are amazing."
"No problem. You'll have a great time." Sasha smiled.
"She's staying in the single girl's house with me, my mom and Nora. Even though, ya girl isn't really single." Kelly dusted off her shoulders and they all raised eyebrows except Connie who obviously knew.
"I got a girlfriend, her name's Arat." They raised eyebrows again at the unusual name.
"It's really Tara but she rebranded, changed it to Arat since she came out." They all nodded in understanding.
"But my mom says it's too soon for me to be bringing her on vacations. Can y'all talk to her please?"
The cousins all waved their hands in the air, not wanting any of that conversation. Aunt Beverly came walked over after hearing her daughter complaining.
"Like I told you, you and Arat are still in high school and too young for anything serious. Noah should be happy we let him bring someone and he's in college."
"This is the first time Noah has had someone to bring." the teen muttered and everyone burst out laughing at the shadiness.
"Kelly!"
She shrugged unapologetically before her mother went on. "And Noah and Beth are staying in separate houses so we can keep an eye on them. Don't worry, soon enough you'll get your turn."
The teenager sighed. "Alright. Come on Beth, let's go inside so you can meet everyone else."
"Okay." Beth waved at the group before she followed Kelly and the aunts inside.
"Which house is ours?" Michonne asked.
Connie pointed to one of the ones on the end before she signed. "It's beautiful inside and the bedrooms are huge. Not to mention the beds."
Michonne and Sasha turned to each other with Cheshire cat grins plastered on their faces.
"Ignore them, Connie. Let's go inside." Nora wrapped an arm around her shoulder and they all giggled while they walked towards the parent's house.
"Yes, so we can meet this Daryl." Michonne sung his name, making them laugh.
Sasha side hugged her while they walked. "This is going to be awesome."
Everyone was set to gather in the house that Michonne's parents, her Aunt Mary and Rick's mom would be staying in. The Aunts were in the kitchen preparing a late lunch of soft-shell chicken tacos while, Josephine and Patricia started the process to create a large pasta dinner for everyone. Her Dad and Uncle Kevin watched an old boxing match on the large flat screen from cozy recliners. Kelly and Beth sat at the dining room table, faces firmly planted in their phones.
Michonne, Sasha, Connie and Nora were currently sipping lemonade, sitting on lounger's poolside. They were taking in the view of the Atlantic Ocean while chatting and waited for the guys to come back from delivering everyone's luggage to each home.
"When will you be back in Georgia?"
"End of next month. I'm getting most of my furniture shipped, but I'm going to drive my car out so that will take a few days to cross the country." Nora signed what she could remember but faced her cousin so she could read her lips.
"Wow, you are driving all alone?" Sasha inquired.
"Yep, I'll stop at hotels along the way to get a good night's rest before I get back on the road."
"Well, that's good." Connie added.
"I'm glad I'll be closer for Michonne's wedding."
"Me too." she smiled at Nora.
"Any plans yet? A date? Something?" Connie asked and they chuckled.
"Not yet. After planning classwork for these last three semesters plus the upcoming one, we are considering just getting a wedding planner."
"That would make everything easier for the both of you. You'd still have some decisions to make, but all of the details would be taken care of by professionals that know the ins and outs." Sasha agreed.
"Right, that's what we thought. We are just worried about our moms wanting to provide input."
Everyone's faces showed alarm for a moment before Nora spoke up. "That will be the wedding planner's problem." she shrugged and sipped from her glass.
They all laughed loudly and high fived each other before the sound of the men's worn-out return combined with their chatter. When they first got in the house, introductions were made all around so now everyone was familiar with the new faces of Nora, Abraham, Daryl and Beth.
"You all packed too much stuff." Tyreese complained as he slumped down on an available chair, wiping sweat from his brow.
Daryl wiped sweat with a bandana he pulled from his back pocket. "Shit, my backs gonna be killing me tonight."
"That's what she said." Sasha signed so only the women saw and they cracked up again, leaving the men perplexed.
Michonne sat forward so Rick could slide behind her. "You guys lost Noah?"
Rick snickered. "He's inside with Kelly and Beth, whining to her about his pains too. You know she's a candy striper."
Michonne grinned. "No, you know more about some of my family then I do."
Daryl sat on the end of Connie's deck chair. When he spoke, he used a combination of sign language and keeping his mouth directly pointed to her so she could read his lips.
"There's a pool table in the guy's house. We are thinking about having a game one night, you wanna come?"
Connie caressed his hand and shook her head. "No, you go ahead and have fun with the guys."
He chewed his lip as he pondered then nodded and leaned in to peck her lips, making everyone melt from the sweetness.
"Is that how we are?" Rick asked Michonne.
"Worse!" most of them shouted before she could even hope of responding and they all burst out laughing.
Sasha continued to giggle as she stood up and walked to Abe. The larger man adoringly smiled down at her as he pulled her to his side.
"I shit you not, the couples house is mighty fine. There's gonna be a lot and I mean a lot of bed rocking going on tonight." he squeezed his woman and she coyly grinned.
"Man, that's my sister. I don't wanna hear that."
"Sorry, Ty. But your sister is irresistible and anytime she deems me worthy, I just can't deny her."
Everyone snickered while Sasha wrapped her arms around him and Tyreese got up to exasperatedly walk in the house.
"I need alcohol!" he announced and there was a chorus of the same requests following him.
"Ty can't carry all of that, I'll help him." Michonne rubbed Rick's leg before she stood up from the lounger to follow her older cousin upstairs to the kitchen.
Tyreese and Michonne went to the fridge and pulled out cold beers and wine coolers to hand out to everyone that requested them. Noah came over to grab one for himself, his Dad and Uncle Roger too.
"Noah can you help Ty bring those outside?" asked Josephine.
"Sure thing, Aunt Jo."
Michonne helped them hold as many as they could before she picked up her wine cooler to open but was interrupted by her mother.
"Honey, can you give me a hand with this?"
Even though she really wanted to rejoin the party outside, she hadn't helped much since she arrived so she decided to step up now. "Yes, what do you need help with?
"I need to get that garlic bread ready for the oven. Patty is working on the trays of ziti and I'm cutting everything up for the garden and Caesar salads."
"No problem."
Michonne grabbed the parmesan, butter, salt, parsley and garlic before she went to the loaves of French bread that were out on the counter. She grabbed a bowl to make the compound butter in and another cutting board. After she chopped the parsley, she moved on to the garlic cloves. Once she freed them from their skins she started to grate them and immediately her stomach churned. But she waved it off and started again and the same feeling hit her again.
"Michonne, you look positively green. Are you okay?" Patty asked after sliding a pan in one of the ovens.
"I'm fine, but these cloves of garlic are so strong." she tried to press on but felt nausea strike her once more.
Patricia and Josephine shared a look across the counter.
"What?" Michonne questioned with her hands on the counter, trying to keep her face straight.
"Nothing." they both responded too quickly.
Michonne was about to ask what that conspiratorial look was about, but Aunt Beverly turned around from another section of the counter.
"The tacos are done. Michonne, I can help them finish up. Can you tell everyone to come eat?"
"Okay."
Michonne didn't need to be told twice and went to the sink to wash the odor from her hands then she went out on the wraparound balcony.
"Lunch is ready!"
After lunch, a few of the family members decided a nice walk at the market place would help with digestion. They didn't want to waste their first day staying inside when they could be out exploring while working up an appetite for dinner. The island offered a free trolley service to the sights so they appreciated the benefit of not needing to drive to venture out. But the younger ones stayed behind and took advantage of the private pool access.
Michonne was looking forward to finding the stores and markets run by the Gullah people. Her father Roger was a descendant of the Geechee or Gullah, African Americans that had lived mostly isolated in the low country along the southern coast. Their enslaved ancestors cleverly figured out ways to live in the swampy terrain that whites shied away from, leaving them in a pseudo isolation. Their African and Caribbean traditions were passed down for generations until recent years. For a lot like Roger, the Geechee language was lost, his parents passed at a young age and he never learned.
Roger and Michonne chatted away with people in the shops and promised to return for the Gullah Festival. Several events took place all throughout Beaufort county and they looked forward to reuniting with their lost culture. Rick insisted on purchasing several handmade baskets made only by skilled Geechee that don't share the knowhow with outsiders. He knew how much Michonne loved adding art to their home and pieces that would teach their future children about their rich heritage were a must.
But for now, they were back to the parent's house and had just finished consuming the large Italian dinner Patricia and Josephine prepared. They sat poolside enjoying the breeze that came off the ocean while they caught up on each other's lives. When Tyreese suddenly stood up rubbing his large hands together, they all looked to him.
"I think I'm ready for my rematch!" he produced playing games from his shorts pocket.
Sasha and Connie looked at one another and burst out laughing. "Aren't you tired of losing to us Ty?"
"Who says I'm losing to you two again? Maybe I was just letting you win so you wouldn't feel bad about yourselves."
Again they laughed and the other family members chuckled as well.
"Oh, you all are doubting me?" he looked around.
Mary looked at her son woefully. "Sasha has kicked your butt in most things since she came along."
Ty snickered. "I know, I know. Was there ever a time that she wasn't the boss of me?"
"You had a few years before I was born." Sasha chortled.
"Don't feel bad Ty, she's my boss now too." Abe added before placing a bushy lipped kiss to her cheek.
Sasha looked at Connie. "You game?"
"Sure." Daryl pecked Connie's lips before the ladies stood to walk over to the table that sat in the open-air garage area.
"Give him hell, baby." Abe shouted from the lounger.
"Let's go Noah." Connie summoned their lanky cousin and he stood with a sigh.
"Oh, Noah. You can sit this one out."
Everyone's face showed confusion none more than Noah, even though he didn't really want to play.
"Huh?" he scratched his head. "How are you going to play Spades without four people?"
"I've got a new partner." Ty gleefully announced and Rick took the last swig of his beer and stood up.
Everyone's jaw dropped and Noah was flabbergasted as Rick strolled over, taking his place at the table.
"Did you know about this?" Connie signed to Michonne who raised her hands in the air and shook her head.
"I had no idea."
"Are we playing are not?" Rick cockily asked and Ty crossed his arms over his large chest with a raised eyebrow.
Sasha and Connie smirked. "You are too excited to lose, Rick."
"We'll see." he responded then jogging back over to Michonne for a good luck kiss before returning to the table.
After the cards were dealt, the girls said they had four books. Rick and Ty looked to one another having a silent conversation then nodded in agreement.
"Six." Ty proudly proclaimed.
Noah who stood by watching, smacked his face. "You are always saying you have books that you don't have."
"Mind your business Noah. This isn't your game, you don't have to worry."
"You know what, you are right." Noah lightheartedly scoffed and hugged Beth who stood next to him.
The game began and the rest of the family continued their conversations by the pool until the surprised groans were coming from the ladies' mouths and not Ty's or Rick's.
"Cut em, Rick!" Ty merrily yelled.
Daryl, Abe and Michonne made their way over to spectate along with Kelly, Beth and Noah who had watched the whole time. Michonne was astonished to see Rick and Tyreese had five books set in front of them while Sasha and Connie only had three.
Daryl scratched his head. "Wait, I'm confused. Ain't you supposed to play for tricks or bags?"
"That's what the official spades rules say, but they don't know how to play their own game." Michonne impishly shrugged.
"Just like the makers of Uno. It's a shame they don't know their own games." Noah added with a grin.
The cousins all laughed leaving Daryl more confused, but he went with it. Next thing, Rick was slapping down another spade card to cancel out both Connie and Sasha's provided cards of lower suits, winning the game.
"Yes!" Tyreese's jumped up from his seat and ran around the table to pull Rick from his chair and bear hug him.
Everyone's jaw dropped for the countless time, while Sasha reviewed the cards stunned. Even the last cards in their hands would've been beaten by Rick and Ty.
"What the fuck?" Connie signed so the parents didn't see her cursing.
"That's my best friend!" Ty announced into Kelly's phone as Rick unsuccessfully held in his snickering.
"How?" Michonne asked when the pair finally separated.
"I've been practicing with some of my students." Rick grinned and Michonne came over to smooch her man.
"No, we need a rematch! Best out of three, this has to be beginners luck." Sasha pouted and Abe rubbed her shoulders.
"You know I'm going live, right? Everyone just saw you two lose to Ty and a newb. No offense, Rick." Kelly recorded her sister and cousins stunned faces before Connie tried to grab her phone. The teenager quickly dodged and ran away chuckling.
"None taken." Rick pulled Michonne to him for a passionate celebratory kiss.
"This whole time, Michonne's been sleeping with the enemy." Sasha whined, making them all laugh.
The family had made their way inside after Rick and Tyreese pulled off an upset, beating Sasha and Connie in the third game after the ladies tied it up in the second. Aunt Mary was passing out slices of cake to anyone that wanted.
"Rick and Tyreese get the first slices!" she declared and handed them their plates.
"Congrats, Richard. You enjoy your cake, honey." Patty rubbed her sons back.
Rick wanted to eat his but his stomach was still a bit sour from earlier. "I think I'm gonna pass, Michonne can have mines."
"You okay?" his mother asked and Michonne looked at him with concern.
"I just think the tomato sauce is giving me a bit of acid reflux. I'll be fine."
"You sure? I can run out and get you some antacids." Michonne offered and he smiled at her.
"You look like you are about to pass out."
"I'm not." just then, a yawn escaped her mouth and she tried to hide it, making Rick snicker.
"You two should go rest. I have some Tums with me, I can get them to you tomorrow once I get a chance to unpack." Patty took the plate from his hands.
"Thank you Mama."
Patty smiled at him and rubbed his arm. "Just like your father."
Rick was confused as to why she said that but he decided to just rolled with it. He took Michonne's hand and walked over to the living room area where most of the family sat.
"Michonne and I are gonna call it a night." he announced to the family and some people groaned.
Josephine came over to smile at her daughter. "It is late and you should get some rest, baby."
"I will. Goodnight, Mom." she hugged her mother and Patty then turned to the rest of the family.
"Goodnight." her and Rick stated. They all responded in kind before the couple departed.
Rick and Michonne strolled to the couple's house and walked up to their designated bedroom. Michonne wanted to take a shower and wash the day off herself, instead she just washed her face and brushed her teeth. She was so tired that she just pulled her maxi dress off, kicked off her sandals and climbed into the bed. Rick followed her lead then flicked off the lights before getting in too. Michonne cuddled up next to him in the king-sized bed under the fluffy covers. She was reluctant to rest her arm across his chest, not wanting to pain him anymore, but he nullified her concerns and pulled her in tighter.
"It's our first night here and I feel like we should be celebrating your victory." Michonne stated before yawning again.
Rick grinned and stifled his own yawn. "We have plenty of time. You get your rest."
"I love you." Michonne sleepily declared.
Rick looked down at her already closed eyes with help from the moonlight and smiled. "I love you too."
He placed a few quick kisses to her forehead before they both passed out from the long day.