Amanda is surprised by her lack of a hangover when she finally treks back to her room to get ready for the wedding. The morning had been one of those soft interludes of being in their own little world, sleeping in after the round of morning sex that she can still feel the aftereffects of. When they woke again, it was to share a luxury breakfast and leisurely shower. Her room is on the same floor, it turns out, so she wears a robe to slip down the hallway instead of getting back into yesterday's clothes.
Dropping those in a heap on one of the chairs at the small table that holds the remnants of Lori's breakfast, she isn't surprised to see her dress neatly hung in the closet, free of the garment bag it was delivered in. Lori had brought both their dresses the day before, leaving Amanda to only have to transport a small overnight bag. Lori's dress is missing, so she assumes her sister-in-law is already nearly dressed.
"There's coffee and fruit on the table still, if you want it," Lori calls out. "I've got about fifteen minutes before I need to meet the other bridesmaids if you want me to help with your hair."
Amanda catches a flash of movement from the bathroom and helps herself to one of the halved figs from the bowl and nibbles on it while pouring a cup of coffee. "I was just going to wear it loose."
That summons Lori from the bathroom, and Amanda was right that Lori was already in her dress. The floor-length slate blue chiffon dress is gathered at the waist above the A-line skirt, hiding nothing of Lori's baby bump at six months into the pregnancy. The jewel neck and keyholes in front and back show off smooth skin and bare shoulders. Lori already has her long hair up in a twist with some sort of hidden hair contraption.
Lori's elegant appearance makes Amanda highly aware that she's nude under a hotel bathrobe and her hair is still damp from the shower. It may be the softest, most expensive robe she's ever worn, but it's still a robe. When Lori scans Amanda's state of undress, she smirks at Amanda.
"I'm guessing you two didn't talk much."
Amanda feels the heat crawl across her skin as if the embarrassed blush isn't part of her. No matter how much she reminds herself that Lori obviously approves of the relationship, Lori is still Rick's ex-wife. She turns away and fiddles with the fruit as a distraction.
"Amanda?" Lori's touch is gentle at her shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with you caring for Rick, or him being in love with you. I'm happy to see he's finally sorted himself out."
That startles Amanda into dropping the slice of apple and facing Lori. "He told you he's in love with me?"
Shrugging, Lori moves away to retrieve earrings from a case on the dresser. "Not in so many words, but I've known him for twenty years, and I've seen him in love and I've seen him chasing after whatever it was he was chasing these past few years. That man is head over heels for you."
"It doesn't bother you?" Amanda's still not entirely sure how she feels about the complicated situation they're all in, but she can't picture herself being so blase if she met Luke's wife, and they hadn't been married or shared a child.
"No, it doesn't. Part of it is being far enough from our divorce that it would feel selfish to deny him being as happy as I am now. Marrying Daryl taught me that what Rick and I had was puppy love. Maybe it could have matured into something lasting, but we made our mistakes and paid for it in the end."
Lori hooks first one earring in her ear and then the other, the trio of teardrop pearls darkening in color from white to gray to black, she sighs before smiling at Amanda and coming to hug her unexpectedly.
"You both deserve to be happy, sweetie, and I promise you, if I thought either of you would get hurt, I'd fight tooth and nail to keep you apart. I love you both too much."
Amanda blinks at her, feeling a little teary as she returns the hug. It's not that she doesn't know Lori is affectionate, because the woman hugs almost as much as Carol does. It's the quality that attracted both Dixon men, she knows, that ability to be lovingly soft without losing the spirited nature that makes both Lori and Carol able to match their husbands' strong personalities.
She's saved from replying by Lori moving away, going back to the case on the dresser. Lori brushes at her eyes before reaching into the case. "Now, I figured you would bring jewelry, but I have this one that I think you might want to wear today."
The necklace and setting are silver metal, although some instinct tells Amanda she's not looking at regular sterling silver. The pendant is a style that long ago art classes dredge up as art deco, an angular, geometric design with numerous small diamonds set in a beautiful pattern around a large sapphire. It screams antique and expensive in a way that makes Amanda's breath catch. Lori opens the clasp, settling it around Amanda's neck and smiling in satisfaction.
As the metal starts to warm against her skin, Amanda glances down to where it falls in the space that will be a focal point with the low-necked dress she's wearing today. "It's beautiful. And expensive, I bet."
Lori just laughs and sets a pair of sapphire earrings on the dresser as well. "It's insured. When I saw the color of your dress I couldn't resist bringing them along. Those shades of blue suit you even better than me."
Something about the way Lori says it makes Amanda hesitate. "Was this from Rick?"
The idea of wearing jewelry Rick once gave Lori makes her stomach feel sour, and she can't quite see Lori doing that when Amanda's already unsettled.
"No, not from Rick. They're family heirlooms, though." Lori's smile is wistful and a little sly at the same time. "The necklace was Rick's grandmother's. His grandfather willed me all her jewelry when he died, bypassing Evelyn completely."
That explains the little sly smile. "I'm not sure I want to start that sort of thing with Evelyn at the wedding."
As much as Amanda was wary of the older woman, Evelyn had been almost sweet-natured in their conversation at Carl's party. You couldn't miss that she came from old money, and a lot of her mannerisms made Amanda think of the upper-class women in old British shows about the aristocracy, but she'd been nicer than expected.
"Honestly, I think if she finishes putting two and two together about you and Rick, she'll be pleased to see it on someone other than me." Lori checks the time and fumbles in search of a small clutch that loops around her wrist. "I've gotta run. Wear it if you like, or put it back in the case. But I really think it deserves to be shown off instead of languishing in my lockbox at the bank."
Before Amanda can protest anymore, Lori's out the door. Going to the mirror, Amanda studies the elegant little piece of jewelry and imagines what it'll look like with her dress. Brushing her fingertips across the sapphire, she imagines Rick focusing on it in the cleft of her breasts and squirms despite their earlier activities. Things this pretty were meant to be displayed, and in a wedding full of successful, monied people, it certainly won't stand out.
In the end, she decides it's too pretty to be left in a hotel room and goes to dress to match the beautiful little pendant.
When Rick got married, the company he kept before the ceremony was almost entirely male, except for his mother slipping in to pin boutonnieres on all the groomsmen. In the years since, the elder males of the family have all been lost to them, with Rick's grandfather, father, and maternal great-uncle all passing. Shane's father disappeared before he was ever born, and Grandma Jean was a widow for a decade before she became a grandmother.
It still doesn't mean they're solo in the room. Carl and Andre look elegant in their tuxedos, although Andre's excitement over his parents marrying is manifesting by dancing around the groom's suite. The wedding had even inspired Carl to get a haircut, surprising Rick, who'd begun to think seeing his son's eyes clearly again was a pipe dream. He suspects he has Sophia to thank for it, because most of Carl's personal grooming improvements are centered around his girlfriend.
"Evelyn's on her way." Morgan steps into the suite, looking a bit flustered. He retired from the department, paving the way for Shane's upward promotion, and Rick understands why the two men get along. "Why did neither of you warn me about her ahead of time?"
Shane chuckles, adjusting his cufflink absently. "I never warn anyone about Mama Evie. She deserves to be experienced without any preconceived notions."
"Well, I think your wedding planner is going to add an extra line to your bill with her name on it. She doesn't find her as entertaining as you do."
Rick waves it off. "One thing about my mother is that she does understand the waves she makes. That planner will end the day with the best tip she's ever had if all goes well."
He's one of the first to consider his mother a narcissist, but certain habits are ingrained. Making sure staff is well paid enough to brag that they handled Evelyn's business - or her family's business - is a matter of pride. With Evelyn's usual lack of correlation to costs, he wouldn't be surprised to see the planner singing her praises by nightfall despite a day of wanting to push her out a multi-story window.
Evelyn breezes in, smiling brightly at Shane over the tray of boutonnieres. "I must say, Shane, that I thought the flower choices were quite odd when I first heard them, but the florist did an amazing job with everything. I've just come from the church to check last-minute things for Michonne, and it's just the prettiest place right now."
"I'm kind of happy everything's not roses and orchids," Shane admits, plucking the tray to sit on a table and hugging Evelyn close. "We're grateful for your help."
It's a little surprising to see his mother tear up at the hug and gratitude, but Rick also knows she's been looking forward to Shane and Michonne marrying for a long time. What intrigues Evelyn so much about Michonne, he's never understood, but for Shane's sake, he's glad that it happened.
Carl remembers his manners faster than Rick does, presenting his grandmother with a tissue, which gets him a fond kiss pressed to his forehead. Then she reaches for the little boutonnieres, with their silvery leaves and centerpiece sprig of thistle, pinning one on each of the males. She saves Andre for last, taking a seat on the couch and bringing the little boy to stand in front of her.
The hug she gives Andre after is lingering before Evelyn fusses with his bowtie. "Such a handsome little man. Do your grandmother a favor and don't grow up as fast as the others have done, alright?"
Andre giggles and agrees, taking Evelyn's hand when she stands and gets back to business. "The limousine is downstairs to take the groom's party to the church."
As they trail after Evelyn and Andre like obedient ducklings, Rick brings up the rear with Shane. "You ready for this, Shane?" he asks, remembering his own wedding day with a mixture of fond sadness.
"Never been more ready for anything in my life, brother, except maybe standing in front of that judge when I adopted Andre."
The unshakable confidence in Shane's voice makes Rick feel a surge of intense longing for that sort of faith in the future. Amanda's visit to his room seems to indicate he has good reason to hope, but a day like today can't help but make him crave having her in his life so much more.
If Amanda were a reporter for the social section of the newspapers, she would have to wax poetic about the sheer beauty of the ceremony. The church is historic, and instead of the usual roses, orchids, or lilies, there's a wildness to the flowers that verges on being almost woodland compared to the usual. Michonne's dress is a boho style with a scalloped train that makes her skin glow in contrast to the ivory lace, and the plunging neckline and strapless back are both daring and alluring at the same time.
Andre is perfect as ring bearer, his tuxedo a miniature version of the groomsmen's, smiling so broadly through the entire ceremony that Amanda thinks his little face will ache later. A little girl Amanda doesn't recognize is dressed in a silvery concoction of a dress that stops just short of having wings for the fairy impression. Seeing Rick in his tuxedo, though, makes Amanda's fingers itch to peel it off him. She thought he couldn't look better than he did in the suit at the gala, but she was so very, very wrong.
The reception is back at the luxury hotel in the elegant ballroom. Like most weddings, the wedding party is delayed for a host of photos, leaving the guests to enjoy hors d'oeuvres passed by neatly dressed staff. The open bar is proving popular, although, after last night, Amanda's a little hesitant, opting for a glass of chardonnay that she sips very carefully while indulging in tidbits as the trays pass.
"Have you tried any of the tiny little chicken tenders?" Carol asks as she drifts over to join Amanda, Merle and Daryl trailing behind her in matching dark suits.
When they'd picked Amanda up for the journey to the church, she'd been amused to see her brothers had color-coordinated their ties to match their wives' dresses. Merle's is a deep burgundy, while Daryl's is the slate-blue of the bridesmaids' dresses. Their kids had all attended the wedding itself, but Amanda knows there's a separate reception set up for all the younger kids.
"I'm still impressed that they serve chicken fingers in a place like this." Amanda did try them, curious to see what they would be like, and there is definitely a difference in five-star-hotel chicken bites and what she's used to, by a large margin. "I like the little lobster rolls more, though."
"Carol's plotting to recreate the jalapeno-sorghum syrup for the bar," Merle comments, smiling fondly at Carol.
"Forget the bar. I want her to figure it out for the next barbeque we have," Daryl adds. "And I think the guests of honor are about to make their entrance."
Daryl's right, as the bridal party enters ahead of Michonne and Shane. Carl is escorting Grandma Jean, talking animatedly to the older woman as Lori walks alongside them, while Evelyn has a hand tucked into Rick's elbow. To Amanda's consternation, Evelyn seems to be on a direct approach to Amanda's little group. Rick's expression is so politely, painfully apologetic that Amanda wonders if something's wrong.
For all the bad blood between Lori and Evelyn, surprisingly, Evelyn greets Daryl with the same politeness she had Amanda at Carl's party. She also exchanges pleasantries with Carol and Merle before turning to Amanda. There's the tiniest furrow between Evelyn's brows, as if something is bothering her.
It's the first time Amanda regrets her choice of dress. The plunging neckline isn't any more drastic than Michonne's, but Amanda can't help but feel somehow underdressed, especially next to Carol's elegant and conservative gown. But the nerves are proved unnecessary in some ways, because Evelyn's frustration is not with Amanda.
"My son has neglected to introduce you properly, Amanda," Evelyn says, and the stern look she angles Rick's way makes him smile apologetically again, even as his gaze drops thoughtfully to the necklace Amanda is wearing. "Although I suppose it was nice to get to know you objectively, yes?"
Amanda hopes her smile doesn't look like she's an uncomfortable teenager caught half-naked in her boyfriend's living room. "To be fair to Rick, it's a recent development."
"Recent, yet quite serious, I assume, if he's reacquired the jewelry you're wearing. It looks quite beautiful on you, I must say. Very elegant, much like it did when my dear mother wore it. You have the perfect complexion for it, and that dress matches it as if dyed to match."
Relief floods Amanda at the open approval, even if she continues to be baffled by Evelyn's odd friendliness toward her. She thanks Evelyn, avoiding explaining that Rick had nothing to do with the jewelry. From his continued attentiveness, she suspects they'll be having quite a conversation later.
Further discussion is avoided by Michonne announcing that dinner is about to be served, and Evelyn is spirited off by Rick to the table nearest the head table. Even though Amanda had been added to the guest list as Rick's plus-one, his wedding day duties mean she gets to sit with her brothers and Carol. They're joined at their table by one of the groomsmen's wives, Jenny, and an older deputy from King County that seems already acquainted with Daryl.
Conversation is easy and polite, and Amanda enjoys the poached pear salad and the honey-roasted salmon. She wonders if the chef would be offended that Rick's salmon was better. Tiny cheesecakes follow, along with wedding cake.
"Oh my god," Carol says softly. "I could eat my weight in this."
Jenny giggles over her own demolished cake. "Well, I'd hope you enjoy it, considering your bakery made the wedding and groom's cakes, Carol."
"This is yours, Carol?" Amanda asks, because it truly is delicious. "What exactly is the flavor?"
The five-tier silver and blue iced cake with its floral decorations matching Michonne's bouquet is one of the prettiest things she's seen in a long time. She's used to thinking of Lori as an artist, but maybe she needs to pay attention to Carol's bakery more. It seems both her sisters-in-law are talented artists.
"It's a dark chocolate cake with sea salt, espresso, cardamom syrup, salted brown sugar caramel, and blackberries."
"Blackberries make it healthy, right?" Jenny asks with a smirk, making the whole table laugh.
Speeches and champagne soon give way to the dancing. Amanda intends to stay seated, but neither of her brothers seems inclined to agree to that plan, so she takes turns with each before drifting to the bar to request a glass of wine. She's getting a bit tipsy despite her best intentions, because she's already had two glasses of wine and one of champagne so expensive she knows she doesn't want to know what it is.
As soon as she lowers the glass after her first sip, an arm slips around her waist as a firm body brushes against her back. Rick's voice is low and husky. "I can't decide if I want to ask you to dance or find somewhere to show you how beautiful that dress is on you."
"I think everyone will notice if the best man disappears," Amanda says, but she remembers the teasing at Michonne's party about Shane's ability to slip away during weddings. A grin spreads across her face as she turns to face him. "I thought you're supposed to slip off with a bridesmaid or the maid of honor."
Rick laughs, brushing a light kiss across her lips. They're out of everyone's way, back past the bar and far from where most activity is dancing, so she chases him for one of her own.
"Well, both bridesmaids are happily married and Andrea scares the hell out of me, so that's a stereotype this best man will skip out on." He takes her hand and she doesn't object as he leads her toward the ballroom exit. She's still got her wine glass in hand, but she figures no one is going to object with the amount of money being spent here today.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
Rick leads her past the elevators and big staircase that goes downstairs, coming to a door and fumbling with a keycard to open a door. The room is meant to be a conference room of some sort. It's just enough in disarray for Amanda to tell it's been used today. Shutting the door behind them so it locks, he claims a kiss, tongue seeking entrance she permits. By the time they come up for air, she realizes she's been backed up to the table when the backs of her thighs press against the edge.
"Do you know how sexy you look in this dress? Shane teased me about hyperventilating when I spotted you at the church. Been wanting you all damn day."
"Even after last night and this morning?" It's a silly question because there's no hiding his very intent interest with the way they're standing.
"Every night and morning," Rick mutters, lifting her to sit on the table. He slides her skirt up her legs, with his breath catching as he encounters the barely-there lace thong she wore under the dress. When his fingers slip beneath, she winces at how tender she is and he mutters a quiet, "Dammit." But then he gives her a mischievous grin and lowers himself to his knees.
Amanda can only hope the room is soundproof because being quiet and discrete is next to impossible. Sprawled on her back on the table, she revels in his attention and promises herself that she's going to get herself straightened out.
Losing him just isn't an option anymore.
A/N: Well, Shane and Michonne finally got hitched... and now the mystery of Evelyn's behavior just keeps growing. What is up with Rick's dear mama? :)