Richonne (Short Love Stories) You Changed My Mind (Chapter 42)
A/N: For the RichonneFics June Bride Challenge. This is a sequel to Richonne (Short Love Stories) No Attachments (Chapter 27)
Day 1 – What Do You Propose?
Michonne's internal clock awakens her right before sunrise. This always happens when she stays the night at Rick's and Carl is in his bedroom down the hall. The pre-teen knows she is dating his dad but she has a problem with him knowing that she spends an occasional night there so she is sure to rise before he does, gets dressed and rushes off to procure breakfast, pretending to arrive just as the two of them are waking up.
She is about to scramble out of bed when an arm snakes around her waist and pulls her back. "Don't even think about it."
He nuzzles her neck with his nose. "I was just gonna say good morning."
"Hmmm…..I bet you were," she returns. She disentangles herself and exits the bed, moving to the bathroom.
Rick watches her go then rolls over and retrieves something from his night stand drawer.
Moments later, she returns wearing a pair of jeans, sandals, and a red tank top. She piles her hair up into a ponytail as she walks toward her purse and overnight bag.
"I'll get pancakes this morning. He loves pancakes."
"Or you could stay right here with me and let me cook breakfast for you for a change," Rick offers.
Michonne ponders his words. "Well, I guess that might work. I could run out for a few minutes and come back….."
"No, I don't want you to leave at all. I want us to make this right. Let's get engaged so you don't have to run off on the mornings that Carl is here." He pulls a small black box from underneath the sheets and places it on her side of the bed.
Michonne gasps as she looks from him to the box and back to him again. "You….you bought a ring?"
Rick nods. "I bought a ring."
She lowers herself to the bed, propping up on her knees. "But we said we didn't want to get married again. Remember?"
"Yeah but you changed my mind." He smiles. "Did I change yours?"
Michonne smiles right back. "Yes."
Day 2 – Something Old, Something New
Michonne can't believe how excited she is to be getting married again. She thought it would be the last thing she would ever consider a second time but Rick has definitely changed her mind. He swooped in and swept her off her feet but gave her the space she craved or thought she was craving. The two weeks she tried to pull away and convince herself that she wasn't in love turned out to be disastrous but thank goodness her love is the forgiving type.
She is now at the jewelry store finalizing an order for a locket that will serve as her something old, something new. Rick purchased a three stone engagement ring that she absolutely loves and he chose it all by himself. It signifies past, present, and future so she decides to use the same adage for something old, something new for the wedding.
She is ordering a sterling silver oval shaped gate locket with an old photo of Rick and Carl to represent their past, a photo of her and Rick to chronicle their present, and lastly, a recent photo of her, Rick and Carl to show their future. She also includes their birthstones (amethyst for her as her birthday is in February, alexandrite for Carl who has a June birthdate, and sapphire for Rick whose birthday is in September).
She smiles at the salesperson as she hands over the sales ticket after ensuring its accuracy. "Everything looks great." She checks her watch and realizes she needs to leave in order to meet Andrea, Sasha, Ms. Gladys, Jacqui (their wedding planner), and her mom for another luncheon/planning meeting. She thanks the salesperson once again and exits the store.
Her phone vibrates and she retrieves it immediately thinking it's one of the five, probably her mom, texting her. She smiles as she utilizes the keyless entry to unlock the car, climbing inside as she reads Rick's text. Have fun.
Day 3 – Planning Paradise
Of course she would be the last one to arrive at the restaurant. It appears that her friends, mother, future mother-in-law, and Jacqui are just as excited as she is. She can't help but think how much of a blessing that is.
She greets them all, giving her mother a kiss on the cheek as she pulls her planner from her purse. She sees they already have theirs out and at the ready. At least three major items have already been decided….the invitations, the venue (a coastal hotel) and the colors (navy and purple). Today, they would be looking at caterers, photographers and videographers, florists, decorations, and bridal shops. Majority of which would be local businesses on the coast. They were also planning a trip to the coast to finalize details and sign contracts.
"Before we do anything, Rick wants Morgan's bar-b-q on the menu. He said he'd take care of it but Jacqui please touch base with him about that," Michonne informs.
"Guess Morgan's made a pretty good impression on him the night he met you," Andrea puts in.
Michonne laughs. "He has gotten to know Morgan quite well since then."
"Noted. Now I sent you the names of the caterers that the hotel recommended. Did you get a chance to check out their websites?" Jacqui asks.
"I did. Would you suggest we do a tasting with them as well as the bakeries?"
"Yes, I can set that up for our visit next month," Jacqui suggests.
"What about the bridal shop?" Mrs. Gladys puts in as she has been most anxious about the dresses.
"Massey Brides did a great job for my wedding so they'd be my recommendation. There's also Bridal Expressions and Wedding Allure," Andrea suggests.
They order a couple of appetizers and continue planning well into the afternoon.
Day 4 – Something Borrowed, Something Blue
She only has a matter of days before she leaves for the coast and she wants as much as possible handled at home, so she makes every effort to accomplish that. She would be traveling with Andrea, Sasha, and Jacqui on Thursday while Rick, Shane, and Morgan plan to arrive Friday night. That way, they can finalize their plans once and for all. She had to remember to reserve two extra rooms as both their parents would be arriving as well.
The wedding is only weeks away and time seems to be moving faster than ever. She decides to take care of her something borrowed and something blue now that she knows exactly what she wants. She snaps her fingers as she remembers what she was supposed to do first thing that morning. She retrieves her cell phone and presses a button.
Andrea picks up after the first ring. "Andrea Walsh."
"So you know how much I hate to call you at work but I really had to do this while it was fresh on my mind," Michonne begins.
"What are you talking about?"
"I need to borrow something from you," Michonne states cautiously.
"As long as it's not Shane, we're good," Andrea laughs.
Michonne ignores her joke and says, "That gorgeous bouquet holder you had custom made for your wedding…..could that possibly be my something borrowed? Please?"
Andrea smiles from ear to ear, honored that Michonne would want to use anything of hers. Her friend is the one who exudes class like no other so Andrea is always borrowing from her. "I'd be delighted. Never knew you liked it that much."
"It's beautiful and you know it," Michonne returns.
"Consider it all yours," Andrea agrees. "So what's the something blue or are you even bothering since navy is one of your colors?"
"I've decided to decorate the unity candles with navy accessories and a navy pen set to sign the certificate," Michonne answers.
"Well, that's different. I like it," Andrea inputs.
"I feel like I'm putting way too much effort into this. Maybe we should've just gone to the justice of the peace. This is the second marriage for both of us after all," Michonne ponders.
"Yeah and this time it's forever so pull out all the stops my friend. You and Rick deserve it," Andrea encourages.
Michonne can't help the smile that plays around her mouth. "You're right." Her other half walks into the room she has converted into a part time office as she has been working from home for the last two weeks. The look on his face is confused as he thumbs through the cruise line brochure she handed him two days ago.
"Umm….babe?" Her uniformed fiancé utters.
"Talk to you later Andrea. Thanks again."
Day 5 – Let Them Eat Cake
Rick arrives early at the hotel and is almost awestruck. The photos did not do this place justice at all. The numbers start adding up in his head and he has to wonder if they can afford all of this. Morgan and Shane are close behind just as awestruck as he is.
They all get room keys and take the elevator to their respective floors, arranging to get together in a couple of hours. Rick arrives at the room and promptly gets in the shower after unpacking his overnight bag. He was standing in the middle of the bedroom in nothing but a towel, enthralled by a local news story on TV when Michonne walked through the door. She gasps when she sees him and immediately tears up after saying hi, not expecting him to be there.
Rick rushes over to her and asks, "What's wrong?"
"I'm just glad you're here."
He gives her a look, letting her know he realizes it's more than that.
"They ordered the wrong color for the bridesmaids' dresses and I don't know if they'll get it straightened out in time." Tears of frustration stream down her cheeks as the weeks of planning, organizing, the meetings….finally start to take their toll. "I was thorough. I checked and rechecked. Jacqui checked and rechecked and they still got the color wrong. Now what?"
He sighs as he pulls her into his arms to comfort her. "It's going to be fine, babe. Come on, don't cry."
"I just wanted everything to be perfect and now this….." She trails off as he leads her over to the bed, pulling her purse off her shoulder and setting it aside. She watches as he bends down and starts removing her shoes, the wet tendrils of curly hair falling onto his forehead.
He sits down beside her, assuring her that Jacqui would handle it and everything would work out. He leans over and nuzzles her cheek with his nose. "I bet I know how to cheer you up."
She gives him a look, hoping he's ready to get frisky. She needs him to take her away for a while. "How?"
"I know about all of our appointments tomorrow. I've really been using the app you downloaded on my phone. We've got the caterers, the florist, the musicians, the cake tastings, the tuxedos, and the photographer/videographer. Did I miss anything?"
She gives a giggle, so pleased that he really does know how to cheer her up. "I think that's everything. So you have been paying attention?"
"More than you know," he returns as he brushes his lips against her cheek. "I missed you last night. Did you miss me?"
"Yeah." She tugs on the towel, revealing his nakedness underneath. She smiles and welcomes him into her arms as they both recline on the bed.
The next day is filled with appointment after appointment. They meet with the caterers, Jacqui, Morgan, Ms. Gladys, and Ms. Mae in tow. Andrea and Shane were meeting them later at the bakery and Arthur and Walter were playing golf. From there, it's the florist and the cake tastings. The day has been full and eventful and they end it with meeting the hotel's musicians and taking tours of the garden area where the ceremony will be held, the location for the reception, and choosing a honeymoon suite for their wedding night.
Michonne is not sure how they crammed it all in and especially with an entourage, but they pulled it off and got things finalized, taking in coastal sights as well. She flops down on the bed, exhausted. "Can we just skip the group dinner tonight?"
Rick turns to look at her. "And have my mom and your mom knocking on the door wondering what we're up to in here? No thanks."
She laughs, knowing he's telling the truth. "Fine. Wake me up in an hour." She grabs a pillow and pulls it over her head.
Her last thought before drifting off to sleep is of the tiered violet cassias cake they ordered and the chocolate monogrammed cake Rick chose for his groom's cake.
Day 6 – Singled Out(ings)
Butterflies in her stomach is an understatement as Michonne realizes that it's the night before her wedding. They've been on the coast for an entire week and all has miraculously come together. Ms. Gladys worked tirelessly to get the bridesmaids' dresses taken care of. She decided talking to the manager was doing her no good so she contacted the corporate office and demanded to speak to the owner. It didn't hurt that Walter put in a call as well to politely threaten legal action. Needless to say, their order was handled personally by the owner and her staff instead of the local chain and the dresses were delivered directly to the hotel.
She had met with Jacqui just that morning finalizing plans for the hair stylists and makeup artists and was assured repeatedly that everything was in place.
We're going out and having some fun tonight…..Jacqui's words echo in her head as she looks at herself in the mirror, wondering for the tenth time why she even agreed to this. She just wants to curl up in bed and sleep. The thought is so inviting but the reality is the excitement coursing through her veins would prevent anything close to slumber at the moment.
Her mind slowly but surely drifts to her fiancé, imagining that he is getting prepared for his night out as well. She toys with her engagement ring, smiling as she recalls how he insisted that he would occupy another room for the night. She knew it would serve no purpose to protest so the thought that she'll be sleeping by his side each and every night after tomorrow is what will get her through the night.
A series of knocks at the door jolts her out of her reverie and she sighs as she already knows who awaits on the other side.
Rick laughs jovially with Shane, Morgan, Tyreese, Glenn, and his cousin Tate. He is surprised by the number of people from King County who decided to attend. He is equally surprised that his boss decided to leave everything in Leon Bassett's hands for two days while half the force came to support him. He's not sure what the guys have planned. The coast is beautiful and that's what they're known for. Not strip clubs and the like and he'd never admit this to Shane but he is beyond relieved they won't be bothered with that trope although he knows his best friend has something planned. He hopes the closest he'll get to seeing a nude female tonight is a porn flick. He scoffs as he remembers the most perfect set of breasts he has ever encountered and will ever want to encounter.
He shakes his head as his thoughts seem to conjure her up as she steps out of the elevator surrounded by her friends, all of them talking and laughing with excitement. She is wearing a sequined dress that hits her mid-thigh and the tallest heels he's ever seen her in. He immediately regrets that they won't be spending the evening together.
"Hey! Where y'all headed?" Shane yells across the lobby.
Andrea looks over with a huge smile. "Wouldn't you like to know? See ya later alligator!"
"After a while crocodile," Jacqui sings.
"Are they drunk already?" Glenn asks.
Rick only smiles as his eyes connect with Michonne's. He is sure to peruse her body from head to toe before meeting her gaze again. The shyness but apparent desire he encounters has him tilting his head, wondering how he will make it through the night surrounded by a bunch of hard legs. He only gives her a nod as she tosses her hand up and waves goodbye before being dragged out of the hotel by Andrea.
An hour later, Rick finds himself walking into a club that they had to drive over thirty minutes to find. Of course, Shane's plan as best man was to drive another forty minutes away to a strip club. Rick protested as that's not what he wanted to do. Hence, they were basically going to wing it for the night. Glenn was their designated driver for the time being so he opted to check out the night club first. If nothing was happening here, they'd move on.
Shane is complaining but Rick politely ignores him as they make a beeline for the bar and order drinks.
"Are you kidding me right now?!" The female voice is loud and belongs to none other than Andrea as she stalks over to Shane and demands to know why he's there.
Her husband turns to face her, his expression one of innocence as he answers, "Huh? What are you doing here?"
"If you guys followed us…." Andrea begins.
"Hey now. No. No, we did not follow you. We came here looking for a good time just like y'all did," Shane returns.
Rick immediately starts searching the vicinity, looking for Michonne. He spots her standing with Sasha, both nursing drinks as they watch the dancers on the floor. He smiles and grabs his drink, making his way towards her.
Before he arrives, a gentleman in a denim jacket steps to his fiancée and starts talking to her. Rick can't hear what is being said but his eyes zero in on Michonne and it's almost like she can feel his stare as she lifts her soulful brown eyes over the guy's shoulder and connects with Rick's curious blue gaze. He stands off to the side, waiting.
Only seconds later, she has excused herself from the guy and Sasha and steps to Rick. "What are you doing here?"
"No….fancy meeting you here?" He asks with a smile.
She wonders how he still manages to make her heart race after all the things they've shared and after all the time they've been together. "Well, it's more than fancy but somebody is gonna think this was your plan all along?"
"How is that and I had no idea where you ladies were headed? This is completely circumstantial," he states.
"So….what are we gonna do about these current circumstances?"
"Would you like to dance?" He offers his hand and pulls her towards the floor once she accepts.
The music is upbeat but they hold each other closely, moving rhythmically. He trails his fingers down her arm, smiling as she starts to quiver. He grasps her hand in his, entwining their fingers as he grazes his lips against her cheek before capturing her mouth with his.
Shane is walking alongside Andrea as she tries to round up the others to take their party elsewhere. He watches as she pulls up short and says, "Well, damn." He follows her line of vision and bursts into laughter.
Rick and Michonne are holding hands and making out right there on the dance floor without a care in the world.
Day 7 – Going To The Chapel
Carl can't believe his dad is still sleeping as today is the day for the wedding. He spent most of the previous night with Duane and even though his grandparents wanted him to stay with them, he opted to be with his dad. Although his dad stumbling in at 4:30 in the morning didn't equate to them spending any time together. Secretly, he loved being in the room alone. It made him feel a lot older than his twelve years of age and he wanted his dad to enjoy his last night as a single man. He opens up the curtains, allowing the morning sun to brighten the room gloriously.
Rick moans and lifts an arm to block the brightness. His head is pounding just a bit as he attempts to look around and decide whether to wake up or not. He blinks rapidly, recognizing his son as the young one flits across the room almost nervously.
"I ordered breakfast so it'll be here soon. You should get up and get your day started. I'm going to check on Michonne," Carl relays as he laces up his sneakers.
Michonne. Rick recalls the night before and smiles. They danced well into the am hours and consumed way too much alcohol. He reaches up to rub the sleep from his eyes and feels something soft and silky between his fingers. He blinks a few times as he tries to figure out what he is holding. He lifts it up as his eyes pop with recognition. It was Michonne's thong. He looks over to find Carl scowling at him.
"What is that?" His son asks sternly.
Rick drops the item to the bed. "Nothing."
"Dad…you didn't! Were you with some stripper or something last night?"
"Of course not," Rick states.
"Then who do those belong to?"
He gives his son an uncomfortable but exasperated look that clearly says 'stay out of my business'. "I was with who I was supposed to be with and that's all you need to know."
Carl nods slowly as he comprehends what his dad is relaying, smiling inwardly. "Well, go on, get up. Get your shower. We've…."
"Carl, the wedding isn't until 2. Why are we rushing?" Rick asks.
"I just want everything to be right for today. For you and for Michonne," Carl returns.
Rick looks over at his son as his expression softens with love. "It will be, son. This is going to be the happiest day ever for all of us." He takes a deep breath, rolls off the bed, and opens the French doors to step out onto the balcony.
The sun is shining and the wind is higher than anticipated but he knows the day will be perfect. He looks to his side as Carl joins him, throwing an arm across his son's shoulders. "You ready?"
Carl nods as they both look out towards the sandy coast, admiring how the sun makes the water glisten.
Hours later, Michonne laughs as Carl enters her bedroom with Andrea, walking backwards. "What are you doing?"
"Dad said we're not supposed to see you before the ceremony but I still wanted to come by and check on you….for him and….well, for me, too," he admits.
She tilts her head to the side, smiling up at Jacqui as she considers her soon-to-be stepson. "I'm doing fine, Carl. Thanks for checking on me…..and it's the groom who's not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony so you're ok."
He gives a sheepish smile and turns to face her. "In that case….are you ready?" His eyes grow wide as he sees her in her wedding dress. "Wow!"
"Why, thank you. You look mighty handsome yourself, young man. That color looks good on you," she returns as she admires his navy tuxedo with matching accessories.
"I can't wait for Dad to see you," Carl exclaims. "You're really beautiful, Michonne. I'm glad you're marrying my dad."
"Aww….you're the sweetest. Come here." She opens her arms wide to receive him, giving a tight love filled hug.
A chime goes off successively and Jacqui checks her phone. "Ok people. Time for photos. "Gentlemen in the garden and ladies in the ballroom. Let me call Clara so she can start rounding everybody up." She rushes off, pulling Carl with her, to ensure everything is being handled.
As they are exiting, Ms. Mae and Ms. Gladys are entering. Walter and Arthur were with them, but Jacqui detains them and tells them to follow her.
For the next hour, photos and videos are handled, the groom, best man, and groomsmen in one area while the bride, matron of honor, and bridesmaids are in another. They switch and then everyone prepares for the ceremony, official wedding party photos to be taken afterwards.
The time has finally arrived. Jacqui and Clara, her assistant, are flitting back and forth ensuring all is in place, checking on the bride, groom, and wedding party as well. Jacqui gives the signal to begin and the music ensemble plays something soft as Rick along with his two best men, Carl and Shane and Reverend Hines walk the aisle to arrive at the altar.
Once they are in place, the parents of the groom, Gladys and Arthur, walk in, followed by the bride's mother, Mae, escorted by one of the ushers. Next are the bridesmaids (Maggie, Sasha, and Karen) escorted by the groomsmen (Morgan, Glenn, and Tate) followed by the matron of honor (Andrea). The ring bearer is next and finally the flower girl.
The guests are prompted to stand as the first chords of the wedding march are sounded. Michonne enters with her father, Walter, at her side. The gasps of the guests attest to how breathtaking the bride truly is. She smiles nervously as she seeks out her love, locking eyes with him as she slowly but surely makes her way down the aisle. She drops her gaze for only a moment when she sees the moisture in his eyes, trying her best to keep her own tears at bay. The happiness they are experiencing is trying its best to burst forth in all ways.
Rick steps forward to claim his bride, shaking hands with Walter before bringing his eyes right back to his beautiful wife-to-be. They both step towards the reverend and the guests are directed to sit as the reverend begins to speak.
"Family, friends, guests, we are gathered here before God to witness the union of Rick and Michonne in holy matrimony. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which they begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest of bonds." The reverend continues to recite from the bible accordingly.
Moments later, Michonne is handing off her bouquet to Andrea as they prepare to exchange vows and rings. They face each other, holding hands as they repeat the traditional vows as rehearsed before the reverend announces that the couple will also recite vows of their own.
"Rick?" Reverend Hines gestures toward the handsome groom as Rick prepares to share his personal, heartfelt wedding vows.
He smiles nervously as he lifts his eyes to hers and says, "Thank you for being the woman you are, for recognizing what we could have together despite what the world had doled out to us before. You have been my greatest challenge. But most importantly, you are the love of my life and you make me happier than I could ever imagine. You changed my mind a lot earlier than you think and yes it took you a little more time but you finally caught up and you've never looked back. I vow to love you with everything that I am. Always and forever."
Michonne squeezes his hands, trying her best to keep her tears at bay as she detects the sniffles behind her. "Rick, it's amazing that we both had the same thought process about marriage and that's what brought us together. I'm so thankful for you, for you changing my mind and showing me that I could have happiness again. I love you so much and I know this journey with you is going to be the best thing that has ever happened to me. I vow to be by your side in any and everything we do. You are my equal, my other half, the one person I can't live without. Always and forever."
Reverend Hines looks around nervously as the couple embrace, something that was not rehearsed but something they both felt the need to enact in that moment. Once they pull apart, the rings are exchanged happily and promptly. "I now pronounce you husband and wife." He turns to the groom. "You may now salute your bride."
Rick mirrors Michonne's smile as they both lean in and kiss each other sweetly. They then turn to face their guests.
Reverend Hines smiles proudly as he announces, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grimes."