Grimes' Love Ballad: Reception
Rick, Michonne and the wedding party finish the last staged photo session under the moonlit sky. "Please make sure the rest of the picture package is filled with candid shots," Michonne instructs the photography team. They returned to the Pavilion that has been transformed with three extended rectangular tables for family-style dining. The guest mingle among the appetizer buffet of fried shrimps, catfish nuggets, mini-salmon croquettes, hot wings, fried okra, sweet potato fries, onion rings and massive colorful vegetables trays with dipping sauces.
The DJ announces their return, "Send some love to Mr. and Mrs. Grimes!" The guests cheer, clap and whistle, "And now for the first dance." Justice meets them at the dance floor to retrieve the bouquet to place it on the stand next to the wedding cake.
I…have never been so much in love…before…what a difference…a true love made in my life…so nice…so right
Rick's arm rests against his back. He pulls Michonne by the hand to the dance floor. He raises his arm above his head and twirls her into his embrace; placing both arms around her waist. She places her arms around his shoulders and laces her fingers on the back of his neck. "Finally a moment alone," he teases.
She kisses the tip of his nose, "You can hold on."
"Not when the back of your dress is missing."
"You noticed…I may have thought about what you like," she flirts.
"I promise you will be rewarded," he kisses her softly. They twirl and glide across the floor lost in each other. "Is tonight everything you wanted?"
"More than I imagined…better than I dreamed. What about you?"
Lovers come and then lovers go…They're not there when you love me, hold me and say you care…what we have is much more…
"Gorgeous, my life with you is more than I believed possible since our chance meeting at the gun range," he clarifies.
She groans from her throat, "Now I want to do thangs to you."
"You can hold on," he quips back.
The guests and family are seated and beginning to pass platters and dishes to enjoy the best of soul food cuisine. Daryl approaches Ms. Lonette and Harry followed by a server carrying two large plates. "Don't even think about it," he commands. They both freeze. The plates are placed in front of them. They glance quizzically at Daryl. He points at each one, "Cholesterol…blood pressure-'nough said," he returns to his chair.
The amazing meal is finished and the tent fills with rambunctious laughter and gleeful conversation. Daryl and Sasha stand at the front of the room with the microphone. "May we have your attention," she introduces. The rooms quiets, "My name is Sasha Williams, Maid of Honor. I met Michonne in college and we have been Sista' friends ever since. She is smart, loyal, determined and a daily inspiration to live your best life…You deserve every happiness, Girl. To Michonne and Rick," Sasha raises her glass. The crowd responds in kind to the call and response.
Daryl takes the microphone, "I am the Best Man, Daryl. I don't have pretty words like my woman," he glances down at Sasha. "Rick is one of the best men I know and he found everything he deserves. Follow directions and don't screw it up. To Rick and Michonne," he takes a shot. The guests erupt in laughter.
The reception is in party mode. The lights are dimmed and the dance floor is full. The bodies are bumping, grinding and swaying. The DJ takes the microphone, "Grab your noise makers…15 seconds," people scramble to get their silver poppers, "10, 9, 8…1!" The noise-makers sound, the poppers launch glitters into the air. The crowd cheers, "Happy New Year!" Friends embrace and couples kiss and the New Year seems limitless.
Twilight hours
Eric rests in Aaron's arms against his bare chest. "I have to say I actually enjoyed dancing with a girl." They both laugh.
"True…last time I did it I definitely thought I had cooties…turns out I was gay."
Eric swallows his nerves, "I know we closed the baby door so we could move forward, but," Aaron finishes Eric's thought.
"Raising a 13 year old girl would not require a sacrifice of either career because she is reasonably independent."
Eric's head snaps up, "Are you sure…I mean really okay with this?"
He kisses his forehead, "When I return to the office I will contact the Foster Agency." Welcome to the family Judith.
Sasha turned the radio up louder trying to drown out the smacking lips from the backseat. "Can't you drive faster?"
"If I had a siren…how much did they drink?"
"I am not sure they are drunk. God, this is torture," she pouts. My lap dance plans are ruined.
The car screeches to a halt, "Pops…Pops…take Mom inside," he directs.
"Huh…right. See y'all whenever," he states slightly distracted; pulling keys from his pocket. Lonette scrambles out of the car with Harry hot on her heels.
Daryl looks at Sasha, "We don't talk about this-ever," before flipping a u-turn headed to his place.
"Deal," she folds her arms in frustration.
Carl uploads pictures on his phone from the reception to the private gallery on his laptop. He lingers on the photo of Justice holding Michonne's bouquet up to her nose before placing in the stand. Maybe. His thoughts are interrupted by her ringtone 'Pretty Wings'. "Hey…how are you still awake?"
"Why are you awake?" she challenges.
He re-directs, "Did you have a good time?"
"Best New Year Eve's of my life…the food…all the dancing; especially with Ms. Jolene and her Crew. They are way fun," she giggles, "Can you keep a secret," she teases.
"Absolutely," he replies.
"I made out with one of the groomsmen in the gift room…it was super hot," she whispers.
"Well…you know what they say about wedding hook ups?" he flirts.
"I am not sure…why don't you tell me."
"They might make all of your dreams come true."
"Maybe," she responds with hope.
Jeffrey and Jolene are still buzzed by the time they make it home. "I have to say…tonight was one of my top five. My son…my new daughter…the two of you pulled off a magical night," he compliments.
She beams, "Every moment was a joyous labor of love. Tonight was all I ever wanted for him. I know…I won't cry again," she pulls bottled water from the refrigerator.
He laughs before noticing a large box on the kitchen table, "I think we received a thank you gift." He opens the card; his eyes scan the words and tears fall. "Well would you look at this- more magic," he sniffles.
"Jeffrey," she questions with concern. He hands her the card and she gasps, "Thank you for making all our dreams come true," her voice chokes on a sob, "Grandma and Pa-Pa."
Jeffrey un-ties the satin-ribbon and opens the box. Jeffrey reverently places the ball cap on his head. "Read it to me," he turns to face his wife.
"Pa-Pa Grimes," she recites. He hands her a sparkling pink t-shirt. She holds it up to her chest, "Your turn."
"Grandma Rocks!" Soon they are scrambling over each other pulling out all the swag: monogrammed golf shirts, graphic tees, tote bags and children's books.
Jolene wipes her eyes for the thousandth time, "We got our first grandbaby."
Rick tips the sky cap and long term parking valet before gathering his new bride out of the car. "Ready?"
"Never been more ready in my life," she tugs up the side of her wedding gown as they enter the sparsely populated airport. People pause, a few stare and more glance over at the elegant, glamorous couple as they move to the front counter.
Rick places their pre-printed passes and identification on the counter, "Flight 712 to San Francisco."
The customer service representative looks up, "Whoa…the Queen came to slay. What New Year's gala or extravaganza brings you to our little part of the world," he gushes.
"This amazing goddess married me tonight," he explains.
"Congratulations…that cape alone is worthy of an upgrade. Is that tulle, crystals and satin ribbon?"
"Great eye," she winks.
"Well I am creating a wedding package…waive bag fee…first class for the dress alone."
"Thank you, that is very generous," Rick smiles in gratitude.
"Uh, don't come at me with those baby blues and that smile. You don't tease a starving man with something he cannot have." They all erupt in laughter, "Enjoy your honeymoon."
"Oh, we will…Guaranteed," they respond over each.
AN: One more chapter of fluff before we return to regular established story lines. Yes, I am fully aware that the song selections show my age. LOL!