The Look of Love
Thursday
Beth and Aaron sit at their favorite lunch table in the Mess Hall. "You will love her. She is real sweet."
"I look forward to meeting her. Quinn comes back next week. Did you see the 'Dead Mommy' picture she posted?"
"OMG, it was hilarious," she stops when she spots Rae-Ann, "Over here," she waves.
After introductions and a re-cap of their work day so far the conversation turns to Aaron and Eric's journey to parenthood. "We have to be patient but it is so hard. Eric drove by the school just to catch a glimpse."
"Awe…she is a lucky girl. Do you have a picture?" Rae-Ann gushes. He shares the selfie they took at the wedding.
"I have an idea to pass the time. Make a list of all the things you want to do as a family; then she will know you were thinking about her all this time," Beth suggests.
Aaron smiles wide, "Brilliant."
Sasha answers her phone, "Hey Daddy, did you find it?" she greets.
"How could you doubt me? I found a second one at Clifton's we can use for parts. He set it aside for us."
"Great…can you think of anything else?"
"No Baby Girl…you are doing a really good job taking care of him."
"I am trying…I have a meeting. Tell Mama hey and we will see you guys this weekend."
"Thank you for meeting with us," Jessie begins.
"Not a problem. I reviewed both statements and spoke with some patrons. I am not pleased by what I learned," the Bistro manager states.
Before Jessie can respond Spencer interrupts, "Of course not. Our hope is that you will consider Jessie's state of mind. Listening to mom prepare cases may pay off after all. She is at her place of work verbally provoked and taunted about a past personal relationship. Is that not worthy of consideration?"
Jessie stares at him with heart eyes. No one has ever fought for me.
"Fair enough…I will consider your perspective," the manager states.
Once they reach the car Jessie hugs Spencer. "Thank you for fighting for me."
"As a traditional man that is my job. You were a good, traditional woman and stayed in your place. Let's enjoy the rest of our day," he resplies.
Friday
Michonne occupies her busy mind cooking dinner. "Something smells amazing," Rick compliments entering the bright kitchen.
"Everything I am craving at the moment: rice, ground lamp and veal, spinach, goat cheese and Greek olives served in individual bowls."
"If I get to eat like this I support all craving," he teases.
"Any luck with Carol?" she rolls her eyes.
"After a lot of listening and clarifying of intention we are good to go. What time do they get here?"
"About twenty minutes for OG and Ms. Jolene but Uncle Andre should be here any minute."
The doorbell rings, "Welcome, nice to see you again," Rick pulls the front door open and moves to the side.
"How are you young man and how is my amazing niece?"
Michonne enters the large foyer, "Extremely pregnant," she announces with a dazzling smile.
He turns and laughs, "You did not waste any time at all. Let me look at you?"
She smoothes her baby doll blouse over her belly. He approaches hugging her tight. "I am proud of you. Let me see this house," he glances around.
They finished the tour in time for the elder Grimes' arrival and assemble at the kitchen table that seats six for dinner. Rick and Michonne hand out bowls and take their seats next to each other. He clears his throat, "We had the first ultrasound," he clasps Michonne's hand, "We are having triplets."
Andre's brow furrows tightly and his eyes roll up in confusion.
Jeffrey keeps opening his mouth but no words come out.
Jolene shakes her head back and forth and starts laughing hysterically with tears of joy.
Michonne leans over, "We may have broken them."
Milton waits under the cover of darkness in the late night on Route 50. This is the last delivery to the confidential witness. Two backdoor deals in the same place was a risk but both men were long time clients and their ventures proved lucrative. "Mr. Monroe, nice to see you again," he greets.
"Likewise, $250,000 in non-sequential, small bills," Spencer clarifies.
"Correct. In exchange for your continued silence on anything you witnessed or had knowledge of prior to or after the single public incident in Judge Blake's chambers," Milton confirms.
"I am not aware of anything," he recites.
"Excellent. Pleasure doing business with you," Milton retreats to the rental vehicle and departs Kings' County.
Spencer returns home and places the duffle bag along with the other in the locked trunk at the back of his closet. Now I need to establish a legal security company.
Saturday
Ms. Lonette grasps Daryl's arm, "I enjoyed our walk this morning."
"This was nice. I like all the wide open space. I am proud of you…you exceed 10,000 steps almost every day."
"I added those bands to improve my flexibility too. I feel so much better. I am trying with the food but I miss my Lawry's," she whines.
"At your next appointment talk to Doc…see if you made enough changes," he relents a little.
"Thank you Baby," she stops and hugs him. They reach the driveway. Harry and Sasha are waiting next to a tarp covered vehicle.
"Hey Pops…I was meaning to ask last night what was going on with this," he gestures to the unidentified car in the side driveway.
Sasha and Harry work together pulling back the cloth to reveal a vintage 1960 Chevy truck. Daryl's eyes bulge in delight. "You need something to do while we plan this wedding," she announces.
Daryl moves toward the truck. He runs his hand over the body. The paint has long since faded and the upholstery is a disaster. Harry lifts the hood, "Clifton has a second one we can use for parts. Sam and Clarence are on their way."
He grabs Sasha spinning her through the air. Her laughter is infectious. He returns her to the ground and plants a solid kiss to her full lips.
Aaron and Eric walk Judith's caseworker through the empty house. "We will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a large backyard," Eric explains.
"Your current residence is the two bedroom-correct."
"Yes…the guest room/office would be her room for now," he continues.
"Your case manager is persistent and quite the advocate. Judith's grades have improved and she seems happy. I am reluctant to disrupt her placement."
Eric begins to panic. Aaron holds his hand and summons the resolve to fight for his fledging family. "She is resilient by sheer force of will and circumstances beyond her control. Imagine what she could accomplish…who she could be with a solid foundation and a permanent support system."
She studies them, "No promises but keep your phone with you," shaking their hands and exiting out of the front door.
Saturday afternoon
"Hey Uncle Rick…what's up?" Carl greets walking up the driveway after Carol dropped him off.
Rick turns out of the garage, "Come on in," he gestures to the side entrance. "'Chonne he's here," he announces.
Michonne sits at the kitchen table eating a banana with peanut butter, "Hey Carl, you hungry?"
"Naw, I'm good," he takes a seat at the table.
Rick starts, "With the babies coming we need to make some changes," he winks at his wife.
Carl nods. Wait…"Babies? Like more than one?" he asks.
Michonne holds us the last three fingers on her hand with her thumb and index finger bent into a circle, "Completely his fault." Rick rolls his eyes.
Carl looks at her, "You are having three babies at the same time?"
"Exactly what I said…I am still in shock and awe-mode," she states.
"Wow…you are serious overachievers," he laughs.
"You got jokes," she and Rick laugh.
Carl laughs harder and goes in, "I mean…who does that the first time? Should we call Guinness World Records or maybe America's Got Talent," he continues to tease.
"What can I say…your Uncle is an X-Man." Rick blushes from the neck up. She pushes her keys across the table, "I need you to take my car baby. Two-seaters are no longer part of my life."
Carl freezes, "I cannot accept that but I am flattered," his tone is firm even as his eyes glance down at the keys.
Rick gives her the side-eye. I told you so. He slides the DMV Bill of Sale form to Carl. "Pay the registration and the title change fees and you become the rightful owner."
Carl's head snaps up and back down. His eyes scan the document quickly. He stammers, "I…thank you isn't enough…you guys keep changing my life for the better."
Michonne cries, "You deserve so much…you are so smart and kind. I hope the babies are just like you." Rick rubs her back and shakes his head with a smile.
Carl rounds the table and bends to wrap her in a warm embrace. He whispers in her ear, "They will be better because you are their mom."
Sasha and Lonette return from a day of venue appointments exhausted. "I am glad we are starting early," Sasha exhales.
"We meet with the church social committee tomorrow to determine dates for the ceremony."
"Look," they glance at the foursome huddled over the engine or under the car. "They are having the time of their lives."
"I like seeing him that happy."
"Without a doubt you make him that happy. Now me…I just need a grandbaby or two," she laughs, "Not made in a garage."
Rick and Carl busy themselves walking around the Audi R8 pointing out features and answering questions. They keep their eyes fixed on the car. He pulls a business card from his denim shirt pocket, "Before I forget…her car wash card. The next one is free." They both laugh. "New rules…the speed on this thang can end your life or someone else. Keep condoms in the glove box and remember all your uncles patrol every make out spot and lover's lane in the county."
"Got it…Can I ask you something?" Rick nods but doesn't look over. "Are you as scared about the babies as I am?" Carl keeps his eyes forward.
"Terrified…but I am determined to win."
"Let me know my part," he states.
"Absolutely," Rick confirms. Michonne interrupts their conversation.
"Make sure Justice gets this," she approaches and hands him a full canvas box decorated with orchids. "We all know that will be your first stop in your new whip," she giggles.
"I am sure I do not know what you are talking about," he blushes.