Richonne (Short Love Stories) A Gifted Heart Part V (Chapter 47)
A/N: Thank you so much for the continued support.
Present Day
Moving day arrives and Michonne is determined to be in her new home in Senoia before Thanksgiving. It also appears that Sasha will get her wish because of course she is helping with the move as well as Rick, Morgan, Deputy Walsh, Paul, and Aaron. Her parents are taking care of Andre thankfully so they should get it all done over the weekend.
She watches Rick and he watches her while their friends watch them, wondering what they are waiting for. She made up her mind to start fresh weeks ago, purchasing a new home to get away from the constant memory of being in the home she shared with Mike. The next step was removing her rings which she did and placed them in one of her jewelry boxes. Now she just wants to kiss him more than she has ever wanted to kiss anyone. A tinge of guilt remains but her want of Rick is overriding everything else.
Hours later, they are at her new home taking a break as they just arrived. Deputy Walsh and Morgan drove one moving truck while Paul and Aaron drove another. Sasha and Michonne drove her car while Rick drove Michonne's older vehicle. She gave Mike's old vehicle to one of his nephews months ago.
She was standing in the garage with Paul, both of them sipping from bottles of water. He nudges her and says, "Sasha was all wrong about that one. He only has eyes for you so there's no way he's batting for my team."
Michonne smiles. "I knew that but you know how our buddy Sasha can be."
"So what are you waiting for? From what I hear, he's a great catch," Paul states.
She sighs. "I don't know. Maybe it's still too soon. Maybe he's not even interested in me that way. There are so many things that could go wrong."
Her friend turns his body to face her fully. "Why not consider all the things that could go right?"
She nods and looks out toward the end of the driveway where Rick was talking and laughing with Morgan. The temperature was cool but he only wore a black T-shirt and dark jeans. She had been out of the dating scene for so long that she's not even sure how things go nowadays but she's willing to give it a try….for him.
They work tirelessly and she is more than thankful for her friends but of course they lose the light soon so she orders pizzas and they all eat and drink together. She opts to eat the veggie pizza with Rick as the others turn up their noses.
"That is just not real pizza," Aaron says.
"It is too real pizza. You haven't even tried it so how would you know?" Michonne counters.
"It's really not bad at all," Rick states.
Later that night, Paul, Aaron, Morgan, Deputy Walsh, and Rick are preparing to leave. Sasha will stay the night and continue to help Michonne situate her new home. The latter is in her bedroom, wishing the weather were warmer so she could enjoy some time out on the balcony. She is going to love looking out over her new backyard and the woods beyond her fence. She hears a slight creak and turns to see Rick standing in the doorway.
"Hey. I was wondering where you were. We're getting ready to head out. You alright?"
"I'm fine. I can't wait for summer so I can really enjoy my balcony." She looks longingly at the doors and Rick gives her a smile as he walks inside.
"Who says you can't enjoy it now? Come on. It's not that bad." He grabs her hand and opens the double doors, stepping onto the balcony with her. "This is a really nice view." He looks up at the brightness of the moon, admiring the clear night skies.
She steps up beside him, still holding onto his hand, relishing in his warmth. "Thank you. I know this move was a huge endeavor so I appreciate your help."
"It was nothing. So are you going to need some help tomorrow? I can come back you know."
"That would be nice."
"Alright. Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow." He makes a move to walk away but she squeezes his hand, detaining him.
"Rick?"
He looks over to her. "Yeah?"
"I….." She lifts her eyes to his…..fuck it! She throws caution to the wind and places her lips against his. She can feel him tense up then he is pulling away, searching her eyes, her face. Her lips part even farther with a gasp as his hand goes to her waist and brings their bodies together. She lets go of his hand and places hers on his chest, gliding them to his shoulders as she tilts her head and pulls him closer.
He tastes her cautiously with the tip of his tongue, his heart racing faster and faster. He feels light headed like he's floating and they haven't even deepened their kiss. He can't recall how many times he has thought about this moment, how many times he hoped it would happen. He wants to savor this and not scare her off but she tastes so good and she's so close. He feels her hand move into his hair and he shudders with her touch.
She pushes her tongue into his mouth, yearning to taste more of him. This is so much better than she ever fantasized about and she wants more. Already she knows she wants more. His chest feels so solid, so wide against her. One hand at her waist, the other in the middle of her back pressing her in gently, softly. The cool night air is all but forgotten as her body floods with desire and heat.
He breaks their kiss and crushes her to him in a hug. He had to stop before he embarrassed himself with a completely evident reaction. She returns the hug, wondering if she could convince him to stay. She laughs inwardly and reminds herself to take it slow.
She pulls back to look at him, needing to know that they are on the same page. Between the light from the moon and the light from her bedroom, she could detect his flushed face and gives him a tentative smile. He smiles back and drops his forehead to hers. For the first time in a long time, she feels light, unburdened and she likes that feeling. She wants to say something but doesn't want to ruin the mood.
"I…." He clears his throat. "I better get going."
She nods, understanding that he has to leave but wishing he didn't. "Call me. Let me know you made it home safe."
"I will." He takes her hand again. "Walk me out?"
Five pairs of curious eyes zero in on their linked hands as Rick and Michonne move into the living area. They ignore their friends' knowing expressions as Rick asks Morgan and Deputy Walsh if they are ready.
Only moments later, Sasha and Michonne are alone in her new home and the former has her hands on her hips, glaring at her best friend.
"Well?" She demands.
"Well what?" Michonne returns coyly.
"Girl…"
"I kissed him!" The smile she has been containing bursts forth and she wants to giggle like a little school girl.
Sasha does the giggling and for some mysterious reason, her eyes start to water because she hasn't seen her friend this happy in a long time. She blinks them away rapidly. "So is he a good kisser?"
"You'll never know," Michonne laughs then yelps as Sasha swats at her.
They stay up late, working well into the am hours arranging the living and kitchen areas. Michonne tries her best not to talk about Rick but she can't help thinking about him. He called just as he said he would and she thought once they ended their conversation, she'd be ready for bed but she is too energized to sleep. Most of all, she finds herself counting down the time until she sees him again.
Meanwhile, Rick is wide awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He replays their kiss in his head over and over again, remembering the sheer perfection of it but unable to shake the feeling of hesitancy. He knows this is what he wanted and he's not sure what it will take for him to believe that this is real and actually happening between them. He wonders if she has had enough time to grieve her husband, if she is truly ready to move on. He takes a deep breath and tries unsuccessfully to sleep.
The next day when he arrives at her new home and sets his eyes on her, the thoughts that plagued him earlier all fade away.
XXXXXXXXXX
They fall into an easiness with each other that seems even more effortless than what they shared before. Their lives continue normally with work, the mentor sessions, etc. except there is an extra component with hand holding, stolen kisses, heated glances, and spending more time together.
Carl returns for Thanksgiving and as soon as he sets eyes on his dad, he knows something is different. "What's going on?"
Rick smiles a completely goofy smile and answers, "Michonne. I guess we're dating now."
Carl laughs. "You guess? You mean you don't know?"
"I think it's safe to say that we are but we haven't actually announced it or talked about it," Rick admits.
Carl eyes his dad, wondering why they haven't talked about it. "Ok. I'm happy for you dad. Are they coming to grandma's for Thanksgiving?"
Rick hadn't given the holidays a thought but he is sure Michonne and Andre would spend time with her family. He makes it a point to ask her about their plans.
Thanksgiving was busy but Rick and Carl manage to make it to Michonne's before 6 pm that evening where they happily spend time with her, Andre, her parents and a few members of her extended family that included some in-laws.
They were enjoying their time together, watching a football game in the living room when Michonne noticed Mike's brother and his wife staring at her and Rick. She tries to ignore them but cringes as she never factored in their reaction to her moving on with her life. She only introduced Rick as her friend but she knows people can detect more between them. She becomes uncomfortable under the scrutiny but before she can suggest to Rick that they move to another room, her brother in law speaks.
"So how long has this been going on?"
Michonne takes a deep breath and faces her brother in law. "I don't see how that is your business."
"You are seeing him?" Her sister in law interjects.
"My brother has only been gone for a short time and you're already moving on?" Her brother in law raises his voice, drawing the attention of her parents and Mike's from the kitchen area.
Rick clears his throat and tries to diffuse the situation. "Let's not get upset about this."
"You don't have a say about anything." Mike's brother comes to a stand as he glares down at Rick.
"What's going on?" Mike's father asks.
Mike's brother's wife quickly informs him of the situation.
"Is this true Michonne?" Mr. Anthony inquires.
"Yes. Rick and I were friends and now….we're dating. Is that so wrong?" Michonne wants to know. She can't even fathom their reaction if they knew about Rick's heart transplant.
"You don't think this is too soon?" Mrs. Anthony inputs.
"It's been over a year now. Am I supposed to just stand still and not live my life?"
Ms. Mae wasn't surprised as she noticed the connection not only between Rick and her grandson but Rick and her daughter as well. She will always be saddened by the loss of her son in law but she desires happiness again for her daughter. That's not wrong. "It's fine Michonne."
"How can you say that Mae? How can we be ok with some other man in our grandson's life already?" Mrs. Anthony states.
"Rick has been a positive influence on Andre. He's doing well and Rick has been integral in that," Michonne offers.
"I can't believe you can replace Mike just like that," her sister in law snaps her fingers for emphasis and Michonne can feel a headache developing.
"I think it's time for us to leave," Mr. Anthony announces. "We'll send for our grandson in another week if that doesn't interfere with your new life."
"Please don't leave like this. Don't be upset," Michonne implores.
Her words are ignored as her in laws gather their coats, say goodbye to Andre and take their leave.
Ms. Mae and Walter are immediately apologetic with Rick but he tells them he's fine. He is more concerned with Michonne and her feelings.
Later that night, he attempts to discuss it but she refuses.
"I don't want the holiday riddled with negative vibes ok?"
He agrees and not long after that, he decides he and Carl should call it a night.
The next couple of weeks fly by but Michonne can detect a slight difference in Rick. They continue to talk every day but she can feel him closing off slowly but surely. She shows up unexpectedly at his job, laden with lunch. He welcomes the surprise and guides her to his office so they can sit down and eat.
"So what are your plans for New Year's?" She asks.
"Don't have any just yet. You?" He returns.
"Well….a friend of mine has a really nice cabin in the Tennessee Mountains so I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a weekend trip. I know Carl will be here so if it's not a good time, I'll understand."
"I….I don't mind but this thang with your in laws, maybe…"
"Let me worry about that. It's not your problem, it's mine and I can handle it," she assures him.
"I don't want to be the reason for more issues in your life, Michonne. If being with me is going to be a problem…."
"It's not a problem for me and that's all that matters." She moves on hurriedly. "Do you think your parents would take Carl while we go away?"
He hesitates only for a matter of seconds. "They'd love to. What about Andre?"
"I'm covered between my parents and Mike's. So should I make the arrangements?" She gives a hopeful smile.
"I've never been to the Tennessee Mountains. I'll look forward to it."
XXXXXXXXXX
Carl arrives for his two weeks' Christmas vacation and he is more than excited to spend time with Michonne and Andre. Rick can't express how happy he is that Carl gets along so well with them. He wants nothing more than to dive into this relationship with everything he has but he is still hesitant for some reason. He realizes that it's not fair to Michonne that he is holding a part of himself back from her. He has to get past this or let her go.
Christmas Eve arrives and they are at his parents' home in King County for dinner and games with his family. Michonne is nervous meeting his parents for the first time but Ms. Gladys insisted after hearing her grandson talk incessantly about his dad's girlfriend and her son.
Rick's parents knew about Michonne but he hadn't informed them about the recent developments. That was all Carl who seemed most excited for his dad. Gladys and Arthur understand why. After his diagnosis, the divorce, and the heart transplant, they wondered if their son would ever settle down again. To know that he is in a relationship brings them some relief.
Ms. Gladys and Arthur are enthralled with Andre and understand why Rick dotes on him the way he does. They also knew about their other connection and all they can deduce is that this union was meant to be.
Rick, Michonne, Carl, and Andre exchange gifts that night and the next day, she and Andre say their goodbyes after they all have breakfast at a nearby hotel. Her parents' home in Columbus is their destination as they will be spending Christmas day there. The day after Christmas finds them together again and Michonne corners Rick in the kitchen after she situates Andre and Carl in the former's room with a video game console for entertainment.
She produces a piece of mistletoe and tiptoes to hold it over his head. "I missed you yesterday."
He smiles. "I missed you too."
She touches her lips to his before slowly wrapping her arms around his shoulders and deepening their kiss.
New Year's Eve arrives and they start out in the early am hours driving to Tennessee. Carl was with Rick's parents and Andre was with Michonne's parents. He smiles over at her, happy that they are spending some needed time alone. Maybe now is a good time to get everything out into the open and finally decide where they should go.
A little over six hours later, they are driving onto a pebbled driveway pulling up to a two story cabin surrounded by huge snow covered pine trees and other foliage and shrubbery. Michonne retrieves the keys from her purse and announces they should take a look around before unloading their things.
Several minutes later, they have completed a tour and are more than satisfied with their weekend accommodations. Rick brings in the last of their bags and starts a fire while Michonne unpacks their clothes. She finds him on his haunches in front of the fireplace, staring into the flames. She walks up behind him, draping her arms around his neck.
"You ok? Something on your mind?" She asks.
He sighs as he grabs her hands and stands to face her. "I meant it earlier when I said I don't want to cause any more issues for you. I want you to be happy and no matter how much it would pain me, if walking away from this, from you is what you need, then I'm willing to do that."
"Have I given you any reason to doubt me?"
"I don't doubt you. It's just….the circumstances, the things you're dealing with….are you sure you want to be in a relationship?"
She searches his eyes, realizing that he is completely sincere. She steps to him and kisses him deeply. "Does that answer your question?" His silence is her answer and she knows that he needs more from her. Expressing her feelings hasn't always been the easiest thing but she is willing to do anything for him.
She leads him over to the sofa and asks him to sit down while she takes up the space next to him, kicking off her ankle boots. "All I know is that I haven't felt this light, this happy in a long time….even before….Mike's death. When I made up my mind to let go, to just do what I wanted, what I was feeling, there was such a sense of freedom and it felt right. I still have that feeling and I don't want to let it go. I can't explain it but it's you. You make me feel better about everything but…..if…..you're not sure then…." She trails off as the expression on his face morphs from wonderment to determination.
He inches toward her, moving a hand up to caress her cheek. "I'm sure. I just…..I need to know that you are. That's all."
She smiles as she looks into his eyes, knowing that there isn't anything in this world she wouldn't do to ensure his happiness. "I'm sure Rick. I am." That was all he needed as he draws her closer and claims her lips in a passionate kiss. One minute she was sitting on her folded legs and the next she was flat on her back with her thighs at his waist, cradling him intimately.
He lifts up, staring into her eyes. "I don't know when or how but I've been yours for a long time now. I was patient. I waited for you because you're all I want. There's no going back for me. Not now."
She smiles as her heart swells with love, wondering what she did to deserve such a good man. "There's no going back for me either. I'm here with you because this is exactly where I want to be." She cradles his face in her hands. "Come here."
He obliges her, bringing his lips to hers once again, kissing her lovingly, languidly. Between the heat emanating from their bodies and the fireplace, they both grow hot and start pulling at each other's clothes. They remain on the sofa in their undies, a pile of clothes and shoes on the floor beside them.
He moves down to her neck, peppering kisses along her chest, pulling the skin into his mouth, suckling soundly. She pushes her fingers into his hair, palming his head as he tongues her through her bra. She arches her back, pressing her chest into his mouth, delighting in the feel of his lips against her.
He lifts up, bringing her with him and comes to a complete stand. He admires the light from the fireplace illuminating her skin and grazes his lips against her shoulder. "Beautiful."
She accepts his compliment, wrapping her legs around his waist, her arms around his neck, holding on tightly as he makes his way to the stairs. He walks slowly but methodically up to their bedroom, shivering as she nibbles on an earlobe.
His arm rests around her waist as he lowers her to the bed, closing the space between them immediately, claiming his place in between her legs once again. He wants to touch her all over, all at once but tries to take his time.
She starts to explore with her hands as well, sliding down his arms then up again to his shoulders and to his back. He is firm and solid and feels so good as he rocks his hips against hers. She reaches further down and caresses his ass, his boxers now a hindrance. She slips her hands inside, squeezing as she lifts her hips, grinding into him. "I want you so much."
She rolls over until she is straddling him, her hands planted in the center of his chest. She traces his scar before spreading her fingers and sliding them down his torso. She can feel his erection, long, thick, and stiff straining against her. She reaches behind her and unhooks her bra, tossing it aside.
He gasps as she guides his hands to her breasts, instructing him to squeeze her. He rolls the nipples between his fingers before lifting up and latching on, pulling on her expertly, eliciting an erotic moan. He splays a hand in the center of her back as he moves from one breast to the other. His free hand finds her silk covered center, rubbing her skillfully before pushing inside, gliding his fingers against her, savoring the moisture.
Patience is no longer a virtue as she removes his boxers and he removes her panties. She finds herself on her back again, his hands underneath, palming her ass as he pushes inside slowly. They both exhale with the connection, their breathing growing harsher and louder as they find a rhythm and rock together in perfect unison.
She kisses his neck, his shoulders, whispering his name as she relishes in their lovemaking. Her body pulls at his, the pleasure he gives overwhelming her senses, her core on fire like never before. He moves in and out slowly, trying his best to hold out to ensure she finds her pleasure before he does. Her warmth surrounds him, gloves him so tightly that his throat grows taut with emotion.
She moves her hands from his back to his neck, bringing him in for another kiss. Their tongues collide as their bodies culminate into frenzied motion, striving for release. Their moans and the slap of their slickened bodies fill the room before she cries out with her orgasm. His relief is palpable as he thrusts one more time before pumping his seed into her, his hips jerking repeatedly.
As their bodies cool down, so does the room so he maneuvers their bodies, covering them with the downy comforter and wrapping his arms around her affectionately. She snuggles up to him as close as possible, nuzzling his neck. She kisses his cheek lightly. "I'm in love with you."
He looks at her, wondering how he ever got so lucky as to meet someone as amazing as she is. He admits what he has known to be true for a long time. "And I'm in love with you."