Grimes' Love Ballad: Wedding
New Year's Eve
Jeffrey answers the front door, "Andre so nice to see you again…please come in," taking a step back into the house.
"Thank you. I apologize for my early arrival but I needed a moment of Rick's time," he requests.
"Sure…coffee, breakfast pastry," he offers.
"No thank you."
Jeffrey calls out for Rick, "Let me show you to the office den," he gestures.
Rick enters minutes later lifting his arm and hand in greeting, "Mr. Wilson nice to see you again."
He returns the handshake and both men take a seat. "I know you are wondering why I am here," he is cut off.
"To be honest…no…my guess you are here for Mr. and Mrs. Anthony."
"Smart man…Pauletta would love you for bringing back her hopeful daughter. Michael would appreciate your unwavering protection of his Princess. We would all respect your confidence to celebrate her power and independence. This is for you," he hands over a worn black leather case.
Rick opens the box. Inside a vintage Accutron Cool Blue watch with a black face, blue Roman numerals and silver metal band rests. "I…cannot…this," he stammers
"Yes. I promised Michael. When I place her hand in yours this will be on your wrist. I need your help to make this happen for him."
Rick's mind reels with the significance, "Absolutely Sir," he nods solemnly.
"Coming," Michonne approaches the front door using the peephole. "What are you doing here?" she greets her favorite 'Velvet Rope' employee.
"Hey…did you honestly think I could resist the last delivery. By the way you two did not have to personally invite me to the wedding."
Michonne flips her hand dismissively, "What has he done now?" she shakes her head. He never fails to amaze. She places the box on the kitchen table and pulls off the lid. "Richonne," she questions.
"Yeah…I got carried away…your signature fragrance from his original order," the sales girl explains.
Michonne eyes roam over the bottles, jars, sachets, bath bombs, candles and oils. "I need to go…this wedding is the biggest thing in Kings' County history," the sales girl asserts.
"Now that is a gross exaggeration," she laughs following her to the door.
"You underestimate the impact of your status as a power couple. You are living the dream for all of us," making her exit.
Late Afternoon
Jolene stands in front of the groomsmen. "Each garment bag contains a back suit-not navy…I repeat not navy; with an ice blue neck tie. Rick you have a traditional black tuxedo with bow tie, ice blue pocket square and matching socks. Jeffrey, your tuxedo has a pewter pocket square and socks. Next, the tailor arrives 45 minutes before departure time to deal with any issues." She is stopped by her phone, "Thanks Eva…now where was I?"
"On your way to Michonne's to get ready with the other Ladies; I will pick you up," Jeffrey directs moving her toward the door. Once he hears her pull away he calls over his shoulder, "Who needs a drink?"
Daryl, Glenn and Carl hang their garment bags in the laundry room as instructed and fall onto the furniture; turn on Sports Center and devour the snack bonanza on the coffee table.
"Nervous?" Glenn guesses.
"Nope," Rick reaches across with his right hand to scratch his freshly trimmed 5 o'clock shadow.
"Excited?" Daryl concludes.
"Yep," he smiles.
"Cool," Carl offers.
"Here you go…the picture of your parents is in place, they added the extra crystal beading to the sheer, white panels between the ice blue shantung, diponi silk drapes-no seams or poles show. Honestly…they puddle against the floor…oh, the white carpet runner is in place too. I swear it looks like a grand ballroom during the Harlem Renaissance," Sasha describes over the phone.
"What runner?" Michonne questions the new information.
"It leads from the graveled road to the entrance and down the aisle. We won't need to hold up our dresses," she explains.
"Thanks Sasha. I could not do this without the perfect Maid of Honor. Panic attack over," Michonne praises.
"You know I got you. Plus, you will return the favor soon enough."
"I can't wait…did Ms. Lonette and Big H make it here safely?"
Sasha heads toward her car, "Girl yes…all that walking caused her to drop some pounds. She went out and got her some jeans with leather trim on the pockets. You cannot tell her a damn thing," she laughs.
"Mmm-hmm…I know he loves that," she replies.
Sasha laughs harder, "I do not even want to think about it. Daryl is pouting…mumbling about men looking at his Moms. They are a riot. You need anything else?"
"I'm good…see you when you get here."
Rick's phone signals an incoming message: Thanks Handsome with heart emojis.
Evening
The magic of New Year's Eve engulfs Kings' County with night fall. Rick stands in his childhood bedroom fumbling through his second attempt with his bow tie.
"How about you let your old man teach you one last lesson," Jeffrey steps into the room fully dressed.
He chuckles, "I know for a fact this will not be the last lesson," he affirms turning to face his dad.
"I am flattered…but you have everything you need and then some," he compliments.
Rick turns his eyes to the ceiling,"I hope so…I have to get this right. She deserves every perfect thang."
"Son, look at me. You two are the perfect thing. The love is evident, the respect is mutual, the devotion…relax and enjoy the journey," Jeffrey tugs the finished bow.
"I am still stuck on your own fragrance," Maggie shakes her head.
"Grimes is a fucking, golden unicorn," Rosita co-signs.
Sasha calls down the hall, "Uncle Andre is here and so is our ride." They sound of their heels mixes with the brush of fabric as they move to the front of the house. Each bridesmaid's hair is swept over to the right side to highlight the backless dress. Maggie sports classic finger waves; Rosita channels Rita Hayworth and Sasha's twist out should be billowing in the breeze along the Nile.
Richonne enters last, "The florist arrived. Your bouquets of blue orchids and white roses are waiting. She looks at her Girls with a swell of emotion, "I refuse to cry again. I am grateful to share this moment with each of you." The women embrace before exiting to the car.
"You okay?" Andre observes his niece. She nods quickly. He turns and unzips a garment bag. "This belonged to Pauletta," he retrieves a winter white cashmere waist cape and drapes it over her shoulders securing the single pearl button at the neck. He uses his monogrammed handkerchief to dab the tears at the corner of her eyes; careful not to smudge the gunmetal blue shadow saturating her lids.
"I like to think they would be happy, but…" she shrugs one shoulder.
"You listen to me. Your dad and my sister would be Lionel Ritchie-'Dancing on the Ceiling'; Michael Jackson Moonwalk with full swivel kick; Aretha Franklin high note; I got the Holy Ghost thrilled," he piles on until she smiles and laughs.
"Far be it from me to deny them that kind of Joy. Let's go get me married."
Justice greets guests with a welcoming smile, "Please make sure you sign or a leave a message in the guest book…thank you, I will make sure they receive the gift." A soundtrack of jazz classics from Armstrong, Ellington, Monk and Parker fills the venue and love is in the air.
Ms. Patti approaches, "Baby Girl, everyone is seated. Wait about five minutes before taking your seat. The wedding party has arrived."
"Carl is here?" she perks up.
Patti chuckles, "Yes as well as the bride and groom."
"Sorry…I remember to sweep her train," she replies sheepishly.
The jazz playlist fades and the Setembro (Brazilian wedding song) begins on a loop. Judge Ezekiel enters first as the Officiant turning to face the guests. His regal bearing blends with the ambiance of the night.
Ida B. knocks on the window of the groom's car and the Guys pile out; she inspects each groomsman thoroughly. She faces Rick, "Well look at you…all grown up," her eyes fill with tears.
He hugs her, "I could not have done it without you." He takes a deep breath and struts into the venue and down the aisle. He reaches his mark and faces the smiling audience of family, friends and guests. His eyes capture all the details: chandeliers with electric candles, the white carpet runner, and the crystals creating a dazzling brilliance. His anticipation mounts as he watches his parents enter.
"You ready?" Jeffrey asks.
"I haven't been this ready since we said 'I do'," Jolene looks up with a bright smile at her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes make their way down the aisle and take the reserved seats next to the framed landscape photo of Michonne's parents.
Daryl and Sasha…Glenn and Maggie and finally Carl and Rosita take their places at the front of the room. The enchanting instrumental ballad fades and Etta James voice rings out…
At last…my love has come along…my lonely days are over…
Judge Ezekiel raises his arms dramatically from his sides and all attendees rise. Rick blinks slowly, takes a deep breath and then his jaw drops. He slaps his large hand over his heart. Without shame, oblivious to the audience his eyes drink her in savoring every detail. The majority of her locs are pulled up and away from her face secured with crystal pins. The chandeliers cast a shimmering light show of blue and white against her dress. She looks like a goddess that descended from the heavens. She holds a cascading bouquet of fresh, white orchids in her left hand with her right hand tucked onto the solid arm of Uncle Andre.
I found a dream, I could speak to...A dream I can call my own...
Michonne's eyes sweep over the smiling faces of family and friends. She fixes her eyes on Rick and her knees buckle briefly and her skin tingles. There is so much love in his eyes. She floats down the aisle.
And here we are in Heaven...for you are mine at last...
"Please be seated," Judge Ezekiel begins, "Who presents this bride on this auspicious occasion?"
"On behalf of Michael and Pauletta Anthony-I do," he places her right hand in Rick's left. Sasha retrieves the bouquet.
Michonne steps into Rick's embrace. He pulls her close connecting every inch of them together and brings his forehead down to her; the tips of their noses touching. They simply breathe together. Their electric connection sets off sparks within the elegant Pavilion Tent. "Rick and Michonne choose to begin their journey in life embracing I Corinthians 13 verses four through eight," he announces. They both turn to face him but keep one arm around each other's waist.
Michonne voice rings out, "Love is patient…love is kind. It does not envy, boast nor is it proud."
Rick recites, "It does not dishonor, not easy to anger or record wrongs."
"Love rejoices in truth," she continues.
"It always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres," he concludes.
"Richard Grimes based on the gospel according to Paul do you promise to love your wife all the days of your life?"
"I do," he responds before retrieving a diamond band from Daryl and placing it on Michonne's left hand.
"Michonne Anthony based on the gospel according to Paul do you promise to love your husband all the days of your life?"
"I do," she responds before retrieving a brushed satin, stainless steel, beveled edge band and placing it on Rick's left hand.
"By my authority granted by the State of Georgia I am honored to present Michonne and Richard Grimes. Please salute and celebrate your bride.
Rick turns back to Michonne and slides his hand along the side of her neck pulling her face to his. Michonne's hand and fingers dig into his curls. Their mouths come together tenderly. His jaw works to consume her lush berry stained lips and she suckles his pouty lips. They part and gaze at each other. He leans into her ear, "Mama and Daddy got married Baby G." A laugh bubbles out and she grants him a smile that allows her eyes to dance. She gathers her bouquet from Sasha. They turn and face the guests who are cheering and crying. The new husband and wife retreat down the aisle hand and hand.
AN: It only took me a year to get them married. LOL! Up next…reception, honeymoon and much more to bring this epic to a close. Thank you to everyone for hanging in there with me. This is more than I ever imagined.