Spring Break: Baby Shower Edition
Late Saturday morning
"You know I love me some Ms. Jolene but…"
"Finally, I thought this day would never come," he responds from his lazy position across the foot of their bed.
Michonne continues their conversation from the bathroom, "Rick, she had blue prints, two flat beds filled with lumber, a construction crew and a bullhorn. Who in their right mind gives her bullhorn? She had every intention of erecting a two-story score board."
"Wait is that what she planned for the front yard?"
"Yes," she emerges in the doorway gesturing dramatically. "Team Grimes…Girls versus Boys. Remember, we decided on the sports theme."
Rick eyes devour her. Her body is all baby belly with broad hips and heavy breast. I am a lucky son of bitch. Michonne stands before him patting herself dry. "Uh…how did you convince her to scale thangs down and move it to the backyard?"
"I may have suggested that she should have one at her house too," she shrugs.
He laughs, "I bet she added flood lights, a speaker…don't be surprised if she has a jumbotron."
Michonne laughs, "I know…she is so excited and I am too exhausted to put up much of a struggle."
Rick pushes up to a sitting position nodding Michonne to move closer. "I'm real proud of you. I know if it was up to you the babies would be delivered in court after you won a conviction," he takes the towel from her hand.
"Don't forget the high heels," she smiles before placing a kiss in the center of his forehead. "Now, since I can no longer dress by myself I need you to focus. You are putting my clothes on…this is not foreplay. Understand?" She hands him a tub of Aloe Vera crème.
Rick warms his skin by rubbing his hands together before dipping into the tub. He worships her skin with firm even strokes over every inch. He uses the back of his hand to catch the drool at the corner of his mouth. Once done he looks to his left raising his brows in surprise, "This is your outfit for the day?"
"The average body temperature is 98.6 and I am carrying triplets…I am a freaking human furnace."
"I am not complaining in the least," he responds picking up the periwinkle blue panties. She lifts one leg after the other while he pulls the tight fabric up her thighs and over her ample ass with a snap. They repeat the process with her denim maternity shorts. "Turn around," he motions with his index finger before standing. He helps her secure the matching criss crossed back sports bra.
Michonne leans forward adjusting her breast, "Ugh…I bought the largest cup size on the rack and I am still spilling out…cleavage, side boob," she spins to face him.
"I do not see a problem if we never leave this room," he smiles devilishly.
"Hand me my tank Grimes," she shakes her head. He should pounce once the last guest leaves.
Here's your friendly announcer…I have serious news to pass on to every-body…Love's in need of love today…Send yours in right away…
The house hums with activity while the Stevie Wonder exclusive soundtrack plays in the background. Jolene and her Crew banished Michonne to a chair at the kitchen table to arrange the trays with pre-cut vegetables. They expected a full house of friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Jolene's contagious enthusiasm kept a permanent smile on her face as she issues orders. "Remember, gifts of diapers belong in the down stair's den and all other gifts go in the parlor. Jeffrey enters wearing his matching 'Team Grimes' t-shirt with Pa-Pa printed across the back carrying the last box from the car. "All right Ladies, I am going to join my son in the designated man space around the grill," he announces.
"Thanks," she kisses him soundly.
He moves over to Michonne handing her a Ziploc bag filled with homemade oatmeal, chopped walnuts, golden raisins and dark chocolate chunk cookies. "Glad to see you off your feet. How y'all doing?"
She smiles brightly, "How do think? We have Pa-Pa's famous cookies…all is right with the world."
He admires her matching white maternity tank still blown away that she carries three lives that will extend the family well into the future. "Make sure you stay hydrated," she cuts him off.
"Keep my feet up and no extended time in the sun. I remember… and if I need a nap take one. The guests will get over it," she repeats dutifully.
He laughs, "Well, let me get a move on so my son can teach me about this ceramic grill. Maybe I can get my wife to get me one too," he whispers.
"Your son put in work for that grill," Jolene quips.
"You don't say…well prepare yourself for work to be done," he squeezes her butt as he makes his way to the backyard.
Saturday afternoon
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May…Just as hate knows love's the cure…That I'll be loving you always…
The house and property are filled with joyous voices and rambunctious laughter. The spring breeze carries the tantalizing aroma of grilled vegetables, various meats and bbq sauce. Michonne beams brightly from her perch on a lounge chair from the deck above the end of the pool. After engaging at various baby shower craft stations and a series of shower games each attendee made their way to either Rick or Michonne to offer congratulations and thank them for the invitation before breaking into smaller groups for leisurely socializing. "Rick," she calls across the yard. "Come do the thing," she gestures above her head toward the sunshade.
Her Girls laugh. "Seriously…you no longer use nouns," Rosita comments.
She pouts, "The official term is pregnancy brain and I swear I have the worst case ever."
Sasha giggles, "You look incredible…your locs are flowing."
"I only hope I look this good when my time comes," Maggie compliments. All heads snap in her direction. "We're going to start trying." They cheer wildly.
"Do I need to change the size on your bridesmaid dress too?"
"No, we are not there yet," she shakes her head.
Michonne sighs, "The babies should be a few months old by the time of the wedding. I hope one size bigger works because I am never getting my body back."
"Why would you want to…folks pay top dollar for them big 'ole tits," Rosita chuckles.
Rick makes the adjustment so she receives all the sun she craves without having to squint her eyes. He hands her a cold bottled water, "Anything else Gorgeous?"
She rubs his denim covered thigh in appreciation, "Can you take the gift from the Girls in? I don't want the sun to fade the finish," she explains.
"On it," he moves toward the three matching mahogany chairs decorated with giant metallic, silver bows.
Sasha and Maggie chime in calling across the yard, "Glenn get over here so you can practice…Daryl you too."
Early Saturday evening
A warm affectionate vibe surrounds the family and friends now that most of the guests departed. Carl and Justice enter from the side gate. They returned early from the road trip and dropped by to deliver the baby gifts Justice helped him select. "Carl," Michonne shouts struggling to rise from picnic table chair.
"Michonne…sit still," Rick chastises.
"I am not listening to you…I'm tired of sitting," she gripes moving across the grass to greet her favorite teenagers with a warm embrace. "I am so glad you two are back. Have you eaten? How was the trip? Did you pick a school?" she gestures toward the large table closer to the house.
Justice and Carl share the highlights from their trip and describe their challenges moving forward. The adults smile in understanding sharing college and young adult war stories.
Saturday night
Rosita exits the passenger side of the truck adjusting her blue tank. "Did you find my panties?" she whispers.
Ford wipes the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. "Naw…I'm sure they'll turn up. I can drop them off or maybe we could meet up for coffee or breakfast," he asks without making direct eye contact.
She rises from her crouched position after tying her shoe, "What, are you asking me out…like regular people?"
He stands taller nodding his head before responding, "Yep…doing just that…a date…serious courting. I figure if Junior Deputy Dog has the beginning of a plan and a fine little woman I need to step up my game."
"Oh," her mouth rounds, "Sure…I mean the hard part is over. Shit…you know what I mean." Mother Mary full of grace please make my brain and mouth work together.
Michonne and Rick stand on their front brick porch waving as the last of their guest depart. His arms wrap around her shoulders and his left hand grasps his right wrist to hold his wife as close as possible to his firm chest. The last remnants of the baby shower soundtrack float through the night sky bouncing against the stars. The deliriously happy couple sways to the melody.
We lay beneath the stars…I reach out for the part… of me that lives in you…that only our two hearts can find…There's something 'bout your love that makes me weak and knocks me off my feet…I love you…I love you…
Lori slouches down in the seat of her car to obscure her presence. She spent half the day watching the comings and goings of the shower guest…listening to the lavish praise filtered through the cracked window of the rear passenger door.
Such a lovely couple…I do enjoy having young people in the neighborhood again …Those babies are going to be beautiful…I am betting on all girls…No way I agree with her…all boys: Richie-Rich-Rick…The grandparents are proud as peacocks with just ultrasound pictures
She does not completely remember how she arrived at the secluded spot. She went to the jeweler early to have her stone reset but he insisted she purchase a tube of Gorilla Glue as the best option. Do all large diamonds need adhesives? The sound of Michonne's girlish giggles break through her rumination. She looks up just in time to watch Rick planting kissing along Michonne's neck and behind her ear. Lori reaches up with her left hand rubbing the same spot on her body.