Chapter 3: Wise Decision

This chapter is dedicated to severelybabykryptonite, literaturechick, MichonneGalaxy, and, ssaamm23 for your great reviews and wonderful support.

It was 8:30 pm when they returned at Tamara's.

"That was a pretty eventful day wasn't it?", Michonne said after she hopped out of Rick's Land-Rover. She walked with him to her cousin's town house.

"You mean you birthing twin lambs? Dr. Chang was pretty impressed by your quick actions. I thought were were amazing. You are a natural.", Rick said.

"Well, that too. But, thanks. I was only acting on instinct.", Michonne said as they slowly walked up the steps. She was actually thinking of that almost kiss under the willow tree.

"I think Dr. Chang is right in saying that you should think about becoming a vet. It's not too late you know.", Rick said.

"I must say. I've never seen anything like that before, something as miraculous as baby lambs being born and taking breath for the first time.", Michonne said. She hoped he wouldn't leave without giving her a kiss. A real kiss. The one she's been waiting for.

Rick looked into her eyes as though he had something weighing on his mind. His eyes looked determined and grew piercing. She wasn't sure, but, he had a look in his eyes and she wondered if he was thinking the same thing as she. Feeling a little nervous, she cleared her throat and said,

"Thank you for a wonderful time. I would love to visit again. At least before I..."

Then, without warning, he covered her mouth with his. She had been kissed before but this kiss was one she'd never had before. It was deep and desire filled. It made her weak and at the same time it made her strong. Closing her eyes, she felt dreamy and warm all over. He tasted so good. She didn't want him to stop. His lips were the very life that sustained her. He wrapped his arms around her body and drew her in while deepening his kisses. They both parted their lips and opened their mouths slightly allowing each other in. With their tongues they explored and tasted each other. Like a powerful medicine, his kisses and his touches healed her body, healed her soul.

Breaking way from her lips, he looked into her eyes and said softly,

"Good night Michonne."

Then, he kissed her on the top of her head, hugged her, and walked back to his Land-Rover parked across the road. He kept looking back at her as he neared his SUV. She felt out of breath and wobbly in the knees. She sighed and started to miss him already even though he hadn't left as yet. He hopped into the vehicle and started the engine and waved at her before he drove away.

**ooo0ooo**

Michonne watched his Land-Rover disappear in the traffic before she let herself in. Once she was inside, she locked the door and leaned against it. She lingered there for a while and closed her eyes and smiled. She reached up and touched her lips remembering Rick's lips on hers. How he felt. How he tasted. She wasn't aware but Tamara was in the kitchen watching her.

"Oy!", Tamara yelled out startling the poor love-sick woman.

"Gah! Were you watching me all this time?", Michonne cried out.

"Ah, yah. I live here you know. So, what have you got to say for yourself missy?", Tamara teased. Dressed in her pyjamas and fluffy slippers, she was drinking coffee.

"Well, we kissed.", Michonne admitted proudly, beaming from ear to ear. She walked up to the kitchen and sat on the stool across from her curious cousin.

"And?", Tamara asked.

"And what?", Michonne teased.

"You know what I mean. How was it?", Tamara pressed.

"Wow. All I can say is, wow!", Michonne exclaimed.

"That good huh?", Tamara said.

"Oh. I don't think I've been kissed like that ever before.", Michonne confessed.

"Oh my God. Sounds like you really like him.", Tamara said smiling. She poured her cousin a glass of milk and gave it to her.

"Yes. I do. Do you think it is too soon for me to fall in love? I mean I only met him not even two days now.", Michonne asked and thanked Tamara for the milk before taking a sip.

"No honey. I know Rick and I can tell you that he was into you from the moment he met you. He's not the type to romance and discard like face tissue. He's in it for the long haul. And I think you both are good for each other. Well, that's if you are serious about this." Tamara said.

"I am. Still, I don't think I have fallen for someone this hard before and it makes me scared. I am afraid I'll screw it up.", Michonne said.

"You two are so alike in a lot of ways. I knew from the get go that you two would hit it off. I think you guys are meant for each other. I don't think you should worry. But, what about your classes, your plans? You know a long distance relationship won't work.", Tamara said.

"Tam, being with Rick is like life itself. I already miss him and we've only been apart not even ten minutes. If I can't bear to be away from him for this long, how will I manage when I'm back in America. I know I'll be miserable the moment I go back to Chicago.", Michonne said.

"Mich, are you saying what I think you are saying?", Tamara asked and looked at her cousin in the eyes.

"Yes. I have decided. I am moving back home. I haven't planned it out properly yet, but..", Michonne started and before she could finish her sentence, her cousin stretched over the counter and hugged her tight.

"You can stay here! I have lots of space. It will be just like old times.", Tamara offered excitedly.

"You sure?", Michonne asked gasping for air.

"Stay for as long as you want.", Tamara said smiling.

"Ok. I will and thank you! I'm so happy.", Michonne said with certainty.

"Eeek! Yay!", Tamara squealed gleefully and hugged her again.

"For now, let's keep this between the two of us. I want to surprise Rick with the news.", Michonne said.

"I understand. So, tell me about your day.", Tamara said.

Michonne then told Tamara of all that happened at the farm. She told her about delivering twin lambs, touring the farm on horse-back, Conrad, the gardens, Sam, Mary, Dr. Chang and more.

"Hold up. You delivered lambs? Twins? You?", Tamara said.

"Yep. And you know what? Rick thinks I'm a natural and Dr. Chang thinks I would make a great vet.", Michonne said.

"I think they are both right. You do have a way with animals. Remember you once nursed a sick baby squirrel back to health? You know, the one we found in your back yard?", Tamara said.

"I forgot about that. That was the year I moved to Chicago.", Michonne recollected.

"I think you should pursue veterinary science. And, I think you have made a good decision to move back home. And. We should celebrate. But tomorrow. I have a presentation in the morning and I have to work on that before I got to bed.", Tamara said.

"Sounds good. Oh. Hey, before I forget. Rick invited all of us to his cottage this weekend. He wants us to start out Friday morning. You and Simon, game?", Michonne said changing the topic suddenly.

"I have already asked for some time off. I just need to get it approved. But, you can darn well count us in. This is fabulous. I'm going to call Simon right now. I'll check in with my boss and confirm it with you tommorow morning.", Tamara said. She bade Michonne good night and headed for her room.

"Ok. Nite nite. See you in the morning.", Michonne yelled out loud enough for her cousin to hear.

She thought of what her parents back in Chicago would think when she tell them about her moving back to England. Then, she thought of Rick. She was tempted to pick up her mobile and text him but decided to hold off until they were at his cottage. She wanted to see his face when she tells him. Michonne turned off the lights in the kitchen and the living room before heading to her room. After she closed the door behind her, she took off her pink polo shirt and was about to toss it in the laundry hamper. Instead, she held it to her face and inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. She searched and found faint remnants of Rick's cologne. It filled her with a sense of longing and gladness.

~oooxx0xxooo~