The Best is Yet to Come
Sunday
Michonne arrived at the elder Grimes' home entering through the side door, "Morning, it's me," she announces.
"I'm here…and very excited," Ms. Jolene shouts entering from the backyard.
Michonne glances around the kitchen. Where is the food? "Ms. Jolene, shouldn't we start on the kabobs?" she questions.
"We are-or should I say…he is," she points to the window. Jeffrey Grimes dressed in fleece to fight the crisp fall air as he grills seafood kabobs. "He said the bacon wrapped scallops would not be good enough unless he grilled them," she explains.
"He's a good one," Michonne affirms.
"I couldn't agree more," she smiles, "Come with me," Jolene directs.
They enter the dining room and each place setting includes a small 'Wedding to Do' notebook. "How sweet…thanks for this," Michonne states, "I have something for you." She reaches into the bag on her shoulder and removes a sparkling pageant sash that reads: Wedding Mother. She drapes the gift across her soon to be mother-in-laws body. "Go check it out," she instructs.
Jeffrey enters with a foil covered tray, "Hey Sweet Girl," he greets.
"Hey OG…thanks-you didn't have to do all this," she gestures to the pan.
He shakes his head, "My pleasure. You all have fun today."
Jolene bound into the room, "Look!"
Michonne hands Jeffrey her phone, "Pictures," she requests.
Mike meets with Andrea in a small office in the mega-church sanctuary. "So your plan is to serve as my Spiritual Advisor while I petition the court to nullify the pre-nuptial agreement and the other financial restrictions and agreements for a fee-of course," she asks for clarification.
"Basically…classic abused woman defense except your claim is mental and sexual. You are a smart attorney…you could build the case and have one of your junior associates present in court. With the current charges against him he has a credibility problem. If we keep our mouth shut no one can disprove your claim," he states confidently.
"I don't know…I like my lifestyle. He is probably going to jail so nothing will really change for me," she is skeptical of the plan.
"Can you be sure? How many times has he surprised you already? The allowance-the inability to transfer funds without signatures of both parties and/or the death certificate. You honestly believe he doesn't have a booby trap in place if he gets sentenced to real time behind bars?" Mike is creating as much doubt as possible. I need this to work since I have no clear path to my trust fund.
Andrea contemplates his assessment of her circumstances. Her anxiety begins to mount. What if the recordings get out? Her internal musing is cut short by Mike behind her speaking lowly in her hear, "Think of all we could be…free from these people and their rules holding us back," he seduces. "When was the last time all of you was fucked right," he challenges. "Nasty and raw…he could never give you that," he concludes.
She squirms in her seat, "Maybe we could get together…help each other out," she offers provocatively.
I am tired of getting played. "I will let you watch me get off but I need a firm deal before I get you off," he declares.
"Be real…you are a barely competent attorney. Why should I trust your plan?" she retorts in frustration.
"Different motivation…something we both share; hedonistic pleasure and love of money. Let me know what you decide," he saunters out of the room.
The women made fast friends. Their conversation is lively and the laughter is contagious. Michonne stands at the head of the table, "I present…drum roll please," the ladies improvise with pens against the table. "Wha-la," she lifts her vision board onto the table and start to share everything she hopes their wedding day will be.
"So…we are wearing ice blue and the groomsmen are in Navy suits with coordinating ties," Sasha confirms.
"Evening or night by candlelight but the venue has yet to be determined," Ms. Patti joins the discussion.
"White orchid bouquet for you but your still undecided for the bridesmaids," Rosita continues.
"I have my inspiration dress but $30,000 for Swarvoski crystals-please," she is cut off by Maggie holding up her tablet.
"What about this substitute," she turns the screen to face the group, "It is in Macon County."
"Road trip," they exclaim and head for their cars.
Lori swallows her medication for the day and stares at the Engagement Section. She cannot read the words because the picture shatters everything within her. Michonne smiles radiantly at the camera. Rick's lips are pressed against her cheek. The dated caption reads: First Date Prediction…Future Mrs. Rick Grimes.
Jolene and her Crew wait impatiently in the wedding boutique for the reveal. "I may be a little tipsy but I am having a blast," she continues sipping champagne.
"They are too much fun. Did you hear everything Officer Spunky accomplished this week?" Ida brags.
"Oh…my…Sweet Lordt," Patti exclaims passing her copy of 'The Gazette' to Eva. She gasps and hands the Engagement Section to Jolene. She stares at the photo and begins to tear up. Her motherly meltdown is stopped short by Sasha.
"We are saying yes to the dress," she announces.
Michonne enters and steps up onto the raised platform. The tulle fabric is woven with silver, white and ice blue crystals, and thin, flat silk ribbons creating a dazzling pattern over the nude lining. The halter neckline highlights her shoulders and muscled back. The body conscious silhouette and sweep train accentuate her height and every dangerous curve. Her eyes examine every inch through the mirror. "Is this real…I feel like I am in a dream," she practically whispers.
"You look like you have been covered in stardust," Ms. Eva compliments.
Michonne turns to the group, "Well," Jolene hands her the paper. She looks down and the tears fall, "I am going to be Mrs. Rick Grimes," she chokes out with a big smile. He is full of surprises.
Monday
Carl and Justice wait in the office for Mr. Hamilton, "We are in trouble for PDA," she laments.
"Not possible…I am gone half the day," he pushes back.
"Justice and Carl…follow me please," Mr. Hamilton greets. They are seated in his office, "Congratulations…you were nominated to represent Kings' County High at the Junior Senators Program," he hands them each a packet.
"What?" Carl asks in shock.
"A nomination form was submitted for each of you. Each teacher completed letters of recommendation. I will serve as your coach. To be honest you are both extremely impressive. Please have your parent/guardian sign the permission forms and we will get started in a couple of weeks," he continues to explain.
"Thank you," they chorus before returning to class.
Justice's excitement cannot be contained. "This is amazing…we will be able to write our own ticket; Stanford, Cal…we are so on our way."
"You are leaving Georgia?" he asks with wide eyes.
She shrugs, "Maybe…I am not sure but those schools are options don't you think? Why else would we be working so hard," she shares.
"Oh," he replies dryly. She is leaving. Of course she is leaving me. What could I have been thinking? "Let's get back to Stats," he changes the subject.
Justice bounces up on her toes and plants a playful kiss on his lips.
Rick whistles and submits a permit request, "Congratulations…wow…New Year's Eve," Denise comments.
"Whatever she wants…make sure you save the date," he turns and walks to the break room and posts a flyer on the board-Home for Sale.
Daryl enters the jewelry boutique and waits at the Customer Service counter. "You made it back," the gentle specialist greets.
"Sorry…I had a work thing," he offers awkwardly.
"Yes…saving the town is a thing," he shakes his head before reaching under the counter. "The ring is cleaned, certified and insured."
Daryl opens the case and examines the unique, dazzling piece one more time," he cannot fight the smile. I know exactly where to propose.
Michonne enters the front door and is greeted by Rick's large suitcase in the hallway against the wall. She turns to the left. He is sprawled on the couch with his right arm over his eyes and his left foot on the floor. His chest rises and falls rhythmically. He is tired. She pulls off her shoes and approaches quietly to place a kiss to the tip of his nose. "Ah," she yelps when he grabs her and pulls her body on top of his.
"How was work?" his deep voice inquires.
"Good," she pecks his lips. "Did you sleep at all like you promised?" she chastises with love.
"I slept in…filed our permit for the Hilltop; posted the flyer to sell our houses and started packing," he shares before returning her kiss.
"That does not sound like you spent enough time in bed…I will have to supervise," she flirts grinding her pelvis against him.
His eyes dance with delight, "Yes…I need constant supervision," he thrust in return. "Please tuck me in nice and tight…wet and warm," he captures her mouth.
Justice reviews the packet of information again making notes and waiting for Carl's call. I can't wait to hear what he thinks. She receives a text: Good night Angel. She stares in confusion. Maybe he had a rough day. She shrugs and tucks herself in for the night.