Chapter 120
"We found love in a hopeless place.
We found love in a hopeless place…"
I sang along to Rihanna's words playing through my headphones as I mixed the batter in my bowl. My hips swayed to the rhythm while I breathed in the scent of lavender rose petals that infused my kitchen. In the city of Portland, where crazy things and crazier Wesen resided, we'd found love. Maybe it wasn't such a hopeless place after all.
I glanced through the doorway over at the cello propped up against the bookshelf in the living room. Last night was more than I could've ever asked for. Monroe was amazing, absolutely amazing. And he loved me…
"It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny…"
My smile permeated while I whisked away, moving my feet across the kitchen floor. Suddenly a pair of hands pulled me back, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned quickly to Monroe's silly grin.
He removed my headphones. "It's five-thirty. What in the hell are you doing up?" His grin cast down on me. "And what are you making?"
"Banana nut muffins," I replied. "I wanted to surprise you."
"Well, I'm surprised all right," he replied while taking in my disaster of a kitchen. I had the counter covered with measuring cups, eggs, flour, bananas, a bag of walnuts, and my mom's recipe book she'd given me. "So… umm, you need any help?"
"No, I've got this," I told Monroe, shooing him away. "By the time you finish your Pilates, you'll have delicious, warm muffins with breakfast."
"There's breakfast, too?"
"Oh, there's more than that," I grinned and then stretched up to kiss him.
"I love you," Monroe said and I sighed at the words. It wasn't a dream.
"I love you, more."
"As long as I'm the only one," he playfully smirked.
"That I can guarantee."
Monroe took the mixing bowl from my hands and set it down on the counter. He pulled me in close for a deeper kiss. God, his mouth was delightful.
I finally pulled back. "I need to finish these muffins, Mister."
"Okay, okay," he replied and lightly kissed my forehead. Monroe headed toward the living room while I worked the batter into the muffin pan and popped it into the oven.
"Hey, Honey. What's this on the table?" Monroe called out. "Please tell me it isn't a leftover gift from Nick or something."
"Gift?" I asked as I went into the living room.
Sitting on the coffee table was the red wrapping paper and the white bow. Oh, Hugues Nuages! It had been sitting there for days now.
I leaned against the doorway as I bit my lower lip. "Actually, that's for you."
"For me? Hmm…" He lifted the package as he had a small twitch. "Red wrapping paper again, huh?"
"It's your favorite color."
Tapping the bow on top with one finger, he raised an eyebrow. "White ribbon?"
I smiled coyly and then replied, "That's for later."
A devilish grin formed under Monroe's beard along with a flash of red in his eyes. Instead of replying, he tore away the wrapping paper, and his eyes lit up at the sight of the record. "Whoa! Where did you find this?" he asked as he jumped up from the couch.
"I have connections," I responded with a playful smirk.
Monroe set the record down and rushed over, lifting me off my feet as he embraced me. "You are just… I'm… Man..."
"I'm glad you like it," I chimed in.
He grinned widely as he gently let me down. "Dude, you have no idea." Rushing back, he removed the record from its sleeve. "This thing is, like, in pristine condition. Man, not even a smudge! I need to play it." He bounced around my living room, looking around. "Where's your record player?"
"I don't have one."
He turned quickly toward me. "You don't have a record player?"
"No," I smirked as I shrugged. "I'm just not as cool as you are."
"Oh, well that won't do." Monroe shook his head at me. "You know, I could get you one. Actually we could add some other things to this living room while we're at it." He moved about the room, commenting on additions I could really use here and there.
Chuckling softly, I crossed the room and reached for him. "You know best, Mr. Monroe."
Monroe took me into his arms and held me tight. "That I do."
I gazed up into his soulful, brown eyes that crinkled under his genuine smile. Everything else melted away as I rested my head against his chest. I was so thankful to have him. This year had really taken its toll. Too many things had tried to destroy us…tried to destroy my Sweater Guy, but in the end, love had conquered all. Oh, love. We were in love, and that was stronger than anything.
As I held Monroe close, I glanced out the window at the beautiful, spring day. The sunshine beamed through the glass. Pure perfection. Although it had taken its sweet time to get here, spring was still the best season of all.
To Be Continued…
Sweaters Are Better to Love You With
Coming this Fall 2013!
A/N: These author's notes are gonna be lengthy, so I apologize ahead of time, but it's the last one. LOL!
So after all the crazy extremes, Monroe and Renée found love in Portland. AWWW!
Monroe got his record, and it looks like he has more ideas for Renée's house, too. LOL! White ribbon? Oh my... (;
This story is over! OMG!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, I think it takes a village to write a story, too.
So I have a few shout outs:
First, I'd like to thank my husband. He has suffered my, "Monroe and Renée should do this..." and "Maybe Monroe oughta do that..." month after month and hasn't divorced me yet. LOL! I love you, Honey! *smooches*
Secondly, I'd like to thank Grimm. I LOVE THIS FANDOM! Never in my wildest of dreams would I have ever thought I'd be writing stories, but those wonderful creators have built a world and characters that I both love and adore... May they have many more seasons to keep me entertained for years to come!
Thirdly, I'd like to thank my editor, Snapdragon213. She has been with me for the last two stories, and has helped with the good chapters and the bad. Her insight, ideas, and suggestions have been a godsend. I appreciate you so much, Paula!
Fourth, I'd like to thank my Grimmster editors. Sometimes I need more than a second set of eyes, and I was blessed with two extra sets. Rebecca and Helena, you guys are so wonderful! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Rebecca, I couldn't have finished this story without you. Your encouragement has been priceless. I adore you!
Helena, your eagle eyes are spot on, and I appreciate every little nudge with wording as the chapters went up.
Fifth, I'd like to thank my two cellists for taking the time to make YouTube videos to go along with Monroe playing the cello for Renée. Hayden and Niklas, you guys are so awesome for adding to my story! (If you haven't watched and liked their videos, please do so. Go to my profile on here for the links and have a listen!)
Last, but definitely not least, I want to thank my readers! You guys are why I write these stories. (Okay, so maybe they've become novels. lol) Thank you for trusting me with this crazy tale, and sticking with me when some of these chapters were a bit on the extreme side.
A special shout out goes to Grimmgirl18, who has been the bestest fan I could have ever asked for. She has stayed up many a night to read my chapters, and always has something kind to say. She's even writing her own Grimm fanfic now, so keep an eye out when she starts posting, folks. (:
Usually I have a glass of wine after completing a fan-fic, but tonight I'm having a huge pitcher of margaritas and probably a few tequila shots to go with it after I watch Grimm tonight. WHEW!
This has been a loooooong story. Never will I write one this long again. It turned out to be approximately 315,000 words and 120 chapters. That's like the equivalent of a Robert Jordan, or George R.R. Martin novel. (They're large books!) The total of words for all three of my stories are higher than the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I kid you not! Yes, I think I'm just a bit wordy! LOL!
***If you like what I'm doing, please favorite this story, follow, and review!***
If you guys want more, leave me a comment, favorite this story, and if the interest is there to continue this journey, then you'll see more of me. I appreciate every comment, they make my day!
I already have ideas for story #4, which will be titled "Sweaters Are better to Love You With." (Aww, it's sweet, right?)
Thanks again for reading, and I hope you've enjoyed this one!
~DeWinter79~