Richonne (Short Love Stories) A Gifted Heart Part VI (Chapter 48)
A/N: Thank you so much for the continued support. There were a couple of requests from Queenmojo and RBGzMom so I hope this chapter obliges. Also, for the readers concerned about Rick's 'ticker' our guy is in excellent shape. As he said, he has been eating right and exercising so he is more than prepared to handle his lady love in ALL ways.
The snow is coming down hard and fast but the two people inside the isolated cabin are oblivious to the perils of nature as they roll from one side of the bed to the other, relishing in their nakedness. They play and giggle, basking in their newfound freedom of exploring each other's bodies. He bumps her nose with his before growing serious and capturing her lips in a salacious kiss. He gropes her breasts before moving down to her waist, her hip and finally palming her core, slipping a finger inside smoothly.
She gasps, breaking their kiss, caressing his bicep, his muscles flexing as he works against her. She rocks her hips and slowly drops her hand to take hold of his manhood, returning the favor. She grips him gently, moving her hand up then down, thumbing the base of his head expertly.
He shudders with her ministrations realizing that she is giving just as good as she gets. His body reacts to her touch almost instantly. He whispers "Shit" before dropping to his back, pulling her with him and aligning his body with hers lifting up off the bed as she pushes down on him, connecting them yet again. "Ahhh….."
She throws her head back, delighting in the way he fills her. She rolls her hips, lifting up then down, loving the feel of his hands as they splay her hips, holding her in place. She brings her chest down to his, kissing and sucking his neck as she continues to ride him, his shaft caressing her clit directly.
He slides his hands to her ass, palming and squeezing as they rock together. Their languid movements increase in rhythm as they draw closer and closer to climax.
He grunts once, twice. "I….I can't…..hold…." His body erupts before he can utter another word, his manhood pulsating and jerking inside her.
She grinds against him even harder, tightening her arms around him as her body starts to shake and shiver. She finally stiffens and her hip movements decrease to a slow roll as she comes down from her high of release. She places a soft kiss to his cheek and then his eyelids, his nose and his lips. "That was…..incredible."
"Yes….yes it was," he agrees breathlessly. Just then his stomach lets out a loud rumble.
They both freeze before dissolving into giggles.
"I guess that's our cue that we should get something to eat," she states.
"Ya think?"
She rolls her eyes heavenward before disconnecting their bodies and watching as he exits the bed and walks into the adjoining bathroom. She finally detects the coolness of the room and looks to the windows. She climbs out of bed and pads over to take a look outside and gasps. There is a canopy of white as far as the eye can see and the snow continues to fall, pelting the glass and swirling through the air. The sight is one of pure beauty and she smiles with appreciation.
She feels his arms wrap around her waist from behind, his chin at her shoulder. She breathes in deeply and reaches up to caress his head. "It's beautiful isn't it?"
He nods. "It really is but we need to check the forecast. If this keeps up there's no way we'll be able to leave tomorrow."
She agrees as he takes her hand and they make their way to the closet to don their robes before going downstairs. He adjusts the thermostat before walking over to the dark and dank fireplace to get another warmth giving fire going. She grabs her cell phone and makes a call to her parents to check in with them and speak to Andre briefly. She reminds Rick to do the same and walks into the kitchen to see what she could put together for a meal. She notices the champagne chilling inside and sighs.
"You know we didn't get to ring in the New Year like we should have. Think it's too early to drink champagne?"
He joins her in the kitchen, looking at his cell phone, and asks, "Who says we didn't ring it in like we should have?"
She blushes as she recalls exactly what they were doing when most of the world was celebrating with toasts, cheering, and ball dropping. She gives him a look. "It was a great way to celebrate huh?"
"The best New Year's Eve I ever had," he shares sincerely. He makes his call to Carl and his parents then proceeds to help her with their meal complete with a champagne toast.
Afterwards he leads her out onto the back porch in the cold to look out over the lake. She protests but he insists, telling her he will keep her warm. They wrap their arms around each other, relishing in their newfound happiness and enjoying the scenery. Small touches, light caresses, and soft kisses lead to more as they move upstairs to shower together where they make love once again.
The afternoon brings a break from the snowfall so they don warm clothing and boots and make their way outside. The feeling of contentment and happiness bring her such joy that she bends over, gathering snow in her hands and tosses it at him.
He gasps as the snow hits him, then glares at her with a comical expression. "Really?" They both race to gather more snow and a fight ensues. Their laughter is infectious as she finds herself being tackled onto her back, his body pressing into hers. Blue eyes gaze into brown ones as he lowers his head to kiss her.
Their getaway ends all too soon but they were glad the weather allowed them to get on the road and make their way back home. They find their parents and the boys all at Michonne's house. Carl and Andre insisted on spending time together and their grandparents couldn't deny them. Michonne and Rick are beyond pleased that their parents have finally met and seem to get along rather well. They all decide to have dinner together and Michonne looks around with hopefulness, ready to accept and welcome this new phase in her life.
Rick is equally content, never envisioning that his heart transplant would transform his life in more ways than one. He looks around the table at the people he loves and closes his eyes briefly, offering up a heartfelt thank you.
EPILOGUE
Rick sits in a chair trying his best not to move, not to think. The AC is blasting just as it should be, Carl brought over a portable fan to blow directly on him and Andre made a paper fan, waving it back and forth near his face. The nervousness is getting the best of him and he doesn't even know why. He's been anticipating this day for a long time, so he shouldn't be nervous. He takes several deep breaths in an attempt to calm down and stop the perspiration.
Carl walks over to the coat rack where his jacket hangs and retrieves his cell phone. He dials a particular number and starts talking jovially. He hands the phone to his dad. "It's for you."
Rick rubs one side of his face before accepting the phone. "Hello."
"Hi babe. You ok?"
The sincerity in her voice, the soothing lilt calms him immediately. He looks to his son, thankful that Carl knew exactly what to do. His heart rate decelerates slowly. "Hi. I'm fine….now."
"Nervous?"
"Just a little."
"Me too. But we've been waiting for this day for a while now. We're here and it's going to be fine. I promise."
"I know. You're right. I'll be fine. Everything ok?"
"Better now," she admits. His voice had the same calming affect for her as hers had for him. "See you soon. I love you."
"I love you."
Forty-five minutes later, he is standing at the altar with his best man, Morgan, and his groomsmen, Carl, Shane, and Tyreese. Across the way, Sasha stands in as matron of honor, along with Andrea as maid of honor, and Maggie and Jacqui as bridesmaids. The bridal processional begins and his wife to be appears with her father on one side and her son on the other.
She looks like something out of a dream, encased in off white lace and silk. He blinks several times to ensure that he isn't dreaming, clearing his throat. Her eyes lock with his and they share a knowing smile. Their wedding day is finally here and they couldn't be happier.
He looks exceptionally handsome and distinguished in a dark tuxedo. She was a bit antsy before but laying eyes on him dissolves any anxiety she may have been experiencing. The love shining in his eyes makes her want to run to him and jump into his arms. She still can't believe how incredibly safe and content she feels with him.
The ceremony is long and short all at the same time but the clergyman finally announces, "You may now salute your bride."
Tears gather in her eyes when she sees the glistening in her newlywed husband's eyes. He cups her face gently, stepping to her slowly and lowers his lips to hers. She wraps her arms around his neck, opening her mouth and pushing her tongue inside. He obliges, tilting his head and deepening their kiss, offering his tongue as well.
"Ahem….." the clergyman clears his throat and when they pull apart, he asks them to face their guests. "Ladies and gentleman, I present Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grimes."
The reception is a whirlwind of activity with the wedding party welcoming the guests as they enter the ballroom. Michonne and Rick greet Lori and her husband, Phillip. The former met them previously on a trip to Virginia where she, Rick, and Andre visited Carl for a week. Some of Mike's relatives are there as well including his parents, his brother, and his brother's wife. They haven't fully accepted Michonne's decision but see without a doubt how much Rick means to Andre. For that reason alone, they have chosen to be cordial and Michonne is thankful.
The music is going full blast and soon it is time for the first dance for the bride and groom. A beautiful instrumental plays as they take the dance floor and flow with the tune while holding each other lovingly. Soon, they are joined by their parents and from there, other couples join in as well. The celebration is full of love, toasts, good food, laughter, dancing, and genuine camaraderie.
The night ends with a wardrobe change and good byes to their family and friends as Morgan prepares to drive them to a hotel near the airport. In the morning, they will board a plane to Hawaii for a week long honeymoon.
Six months later
Married life agrees with the couple. Rick gave up his apartment and moved into the home Michonne bought, he visits the doctor annually now, and has been on full work duty with the Sheriff's department for over a year. Michonne continues to work full time and the boys are flourishing although they seriously miss Carl when he is not there. They are sure to talk with him every day via phone or email and recently incorporated Skype and Face Time.
They are hosting a small dinner party to celebrate another heart donor/recipient event as they continue to participate in the program. Maggie and Glenn are in attendance with their children. Sasha holds her newborn, sitting next to her husband, Abe. Morgan, Andrea, Paul, and Aaron are there with their significant others as well.
Michonne was laughing with Aaron when she looks over to see Sasha handing the baby to Rick. He is a bit clumsy and awkward but holds the infant just as instructed, smiling wide as he looks down at the sleeping little one. A sense of longing she has never felt before hits her and she gasps. She sees her husband with their sons all the time, with Andre on a daily basis yet seeing him so in awe of the tiny baby in his arms overwhelms her. She experiences a pull at the pit of her stomach, imagining Rick holding a baby of their own, a living, breathing reminder of the love they share. They'd never really talked about having a baby but she didn't think he'd be opposed to it. She didn't even think it was something she wanted until that very moment.
They continue to enjoy the time with their friends and before long they are saying their goodbyes and seeing the last of their guests off for the night. She starts clearing away glassware and plates from the dining area while Rick retrieves a sleeping Andre from the sofa, moving up the stairs to the young one's bedroom.
He joins her moments later, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "What do ya say we leave this all here and turn in for the night? It'll be here waiting for us in the morning."
She smiles and giggles softy as he nuzzles her neck before kissing her skin lightly, convincingly. "You're sleepy already?"
He turns her around to face him. "Who said anythang about sleeping?"
They secure the house before turning out the lights and going upstairs to their bedroom.
Hours later, they lay in each other's arms, spent from their vigorous lovemaking. He breathes evenly, indicating slumber but she is wide awake, running her fingers through his hair, deep in thought.
"Rick?"
"Hmmm…." He murmurs groggily.
"I think…I think I want to have a baby," she admits.
"Hmmm…..that's good. A baby's always good."
She smiles at his answer, knowing that he is more asleep than awake. She decides to just wait and have this discussion when he is able to fully comprehend the conversation.
He blinks several times, trying to clear the fog from his brain. He quickly recalls what she said and asks, "Baby?" He pulls away from her, sitting up just enough to switch on the bedside lamp. He rubs the sleep from his eyes and gives her his full attention. "Did you say baby?"
She nods. "How do you feel about that? Do you want another child?"
"I haven't really thought about it. Are you sure?"
"I saw you tonight, holding Sasha's baby and I just felt this incredible longing. Something I've never felt before. You were so amazed and….I don't know. It's like a light bulb went off and I was hoping for something I never even knew I wanted."
He slides closer to her, caressing her upper arm softly. "Well seeing as how you've done such an awesome job with Andre, I'd say you were more than qualified to become a new mom."
"You're just as qualified to be a new dad. I'm very proud of Carl."
"So when can the baby making begin? Immediately?" He asks with a determined gleam in his eyes.
"Rick Grimes you were just sleeping," she reminds him.
"Well I'm awake now. Come here woman." He pulls her to him as they both laugh and hug each other tightly.
Five months later
Michonne sits on the lidded toilet, looking at the negative sign on the pregnancy test as the tears stream down her face. She feels like such a failure. She got Rick on board with this, got him just as excited as she was only for them to be let down month after month. She is almost afraid to go to the doctor, afraid of what they could find out. What if they are unable to conceive? What would she do?
A knock on the door alerts her to his presence and she wishes she hadn't even told him she was taking a test. He was always so hopeful. She lifts up to a stand with a deep sigh and moves over to the door, opening it. She holds up the test, watching as his eyes zero in on the sign. A flicker of disappointment crosses his face before he masks it and pulls her into his arms, whispering assurances in her ear.
The next few days bring a lot of soul searching for Michonne as she decides to just put off concentrating so hard on getting pregnant. She and Rick have a beautiful family with Carl and Andre and that's where her concentration should be. Carl is home for the summer and she is determined to make it his and Andre's best summer yet.
Rick stays ever watchful, concerned about his wife but she appears fine. Of course, she doesn't talk about the baby anymore which is a huge clue that she's not ok but he decides not to press the issue. Between work and home, they are both keeping busy and maybe that's what they need right now.
The end of the month brings a surprise for the entire family. Michonne arranged for a trip to Disneyworld in Florida. Even the grandparents are going. None of them can contain their excitement. They spend the next couple of days preparing for their trip.
XXXXXXXXXX
Disneyworld is amazing and Michonne is delighted at the looks of awe and excitement on her family's faces. She just knew this would be a welcomed trip for all of them. The grandparents are in separate hotel rooms down the hall while Rick, Michonne, and the boys share another room.
Ms. Mae and Ms. Gladys knew of the difficult time their daughter and son were having and can't help but notice the expression on Michonne's face each time they encounter a baby carriage. They make plans to give them some time alone, taking the boys off their hands for a few hours.
Rick and Michonne make the best of their time together, diving into bed as soon as they see the boys off with their parents. From there, they take a tour of the gardens near their hotel and end up by the pool.
He grabs her hand and brings it to his mouth for a kiss. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. This trip has been amazing. Just what I needed," she answers.
He wants so badly to garner the topic, to finally get it out into the open but he also doesn't want to ruin their good mood. The decision is taken out of his hands as their sons come running towards them, both yelling about the cool stuff they bought and what they did.
The trip comes to an end all too soon and they return home to their routine of everyday life. Six weeks brings an end to Carl's summer visit and it is the night before his departure. The grandparents are there as well to see him off and they are having a night of eating pizza, baking brownies, and playing games….some of Carl's favorite things.
Andre tosses the dice onto the game board and announces, "I hate it when you have to leave. I want you here all the time. Why can't you live with us?"
Carl smiles at his stepbrother. "I don't want to leave but I have to. I'll be back before you know it. I promise."
Michonne watches the exchange, trying to hold her emotions at bay but finding that she can't. "Excuse me." She moves off to the downstairs bathroom. She was dabbing her eyes with a tissue when Rick knocks and enters the bathroom.
"I'm ok. I just…needed a moment," she assures him. "I know this is the way it has to be but it gets harder and harder. Plus he's starting middle school and Andre is starting kindergarten. They're growing up."
"Yeah they are. Maybe I should talk to Lori about full custody," he suggests. "She's had things her way for years now. It's time for a change."
"I don't want Carl to feel like he has to choose." She shakes her head. "It'll be fine. We may just have to go up to Virginia next month since we won't see him until fall break or Thanksgiving." She turns to face him. "Are my eyes red?"
He smiles at his ridiculously adorable wife and kisses her on the forehead. "Your eyes are fine."
They rejoin everyone in the living area and allow the boys to end the night playing video games in Andre's room. Carl was gracious enough to give up his bedroom for his grandparents while Mae and Walter occupy the guest bedroom.
The next morning, amidst tears and smiles, they see Carl on a plane back to Virginia.
Three weeks later
They are landing in Virginia to attend a football scrimmage. For some reason, Carl has chosen to join his middle school football team and Rick, Michonne, and Andre are there to support him as much as they can.
Michonne is quiet as she hasn't been feeling well at all. The entire trip was like a blur because she was too concentrated on her roiling stomach. They meet Lori and Phillip at the game and proceed to enjoy the sports event.
Afterwards, Carl chooses to stay with Rick, Michonne, and Andre at their hotel. They order room service and try to be quiet as Michonne is laying down, trying to feel better.
Andre walks over to check on his mom, touching a hand to her head gently. "Are you ok mama? Do you want some ice cream? That always makes you feel better."
Michonne smiles thinking to herself 'nice try' as she knows her little one spotted an ice cream shoppe down the street from the hotel. She takes a deep breath and wonders if more outdoors air will help. "Ok. Grab your jackets. Let's get some ice cream."
The boys squeal as Rick says, 'It's ok. You get some rest. I'll take them."
"I'm fine. I'm up to it," she assures.
They have at least 45 minutes before the shoppe closes so everyone makes their order and takes a seat at a table. Moments later, the boys were talking animatedly and Michonne was scraping the bottom of her cup loudly. The ice cream was better than she thought it'd be and miraculously makes her feel a whole lot better. The others stop what they are doing just to watch her.
She finally looks up, holding the spoon in her mouth with a contented expression on her face. "What?"
"Uh….you want some more?" Rick asks.
"As a matter of fact, I do. That was delicious." She makes her way to the counter again, this time ordering two scoops instead of one.
They continue to enjoy their long weekend in Virginia although Michonne is careful with what she eats. They return home already making plans for when they see Carl again. She still isn't feeling 100% but trudges through the rest of the work week, happy when Friday finally arrives.
She opens her eyes on Saturday morning, feeling the absence of her husband's warmth. The sunlight filling the room indicates that it is late morning so she glances over at her night stand to confirm the time but notices a white box blocking her view of the clock. She frowns and reaches for it, her eyes popping when she realizes it's a pregnancy test. She deduces instantly that Rick must have put it there but why…..She trails off as her thoughts take another path. She remembers her last cycle and how light it was but also knows she has had light cycles before. There was no reason for her to think she was pregnant but maybe the upset stomach was an indicator. No. I can't be pregnant. She tosses the bed linens aside and was about to walk downstairs to tell her husband just that. She quickly reconsiders and decides to take the test just so she would have proof.
Several moments later, the spoon Rick was holding clatters noisily into the pan of eggs he was scrambling as he hears, "Rrrrriiiiiicccckkkkkk!" He removes the pan from the burner and he and Andre rush into the living area to see Michonne descending the stairs rapidly. She holds the stick up, an expression between astonishment and joy crossing her face. "Look!"
The pink plus sign is blaringly obvious and indicates positive for pregnancy. He lets out a whoop and gathers his wife into his arms, twirling her around as they both laugh loudly.
"What is it? What's going on?" Andre asks.
They calm down for a few moments and pull Andre towards them.
"We think mommy might be having a baby, son," Rick informs.
"A baby? Really?" The young one's eyes light up with excitement. "You mean I'm gonna be a big brother?"
"We don't know for sure yet. We have to go to the doctor and let the doctor tell us," Michonne states.
"Oh boy! We gotta tell Carl!" Andre races for the cordless phone in the kitchen and brings it back to Rick, asking him to dial the number.
Seven months later
Rick and Michonne stare into the eyes of their beautiful newborn daughter. She was 8 lbs and 3 oz, a nice healthy baby. Carl and Andre are already enamored of her, both asking to hold her or touch her in some capacity. The grandparents are equally enthralled, Ms. Mae commenting on her plump, juicy looking thighs.
Michonne laughs at the comment, knowing she ate whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Hopefully, she'd be able to drop the 20 lbs she gained sooner rather than later. The hospital room is a bevy of activity as extended family, friends, and co-workers stop by to express congratulations.
Rick can't believe how incredibly lucky he is to have such an amazing woman as his wife and mother of his children. For a fleeting moment, his thoughts drift to Michael Anthony. Without him, none of this would've been possible and he will always be thankful not only for the gift of life but for Michonne and Andre as well.
He smiles down at his beautiful wife. "I love you."
She reaches up to caress his cheek. "And I love you."
-The End