Here's chapter 17! Enjoy! :)
Madly In Love
Meanwhile Amy, Ricky, and John arrived at Ricky's house. It was bigger than that small apartment Ricky had over the butcher shop. Amy was surprised by how nice it was.
"You've done well for yourself, Ricky," Amy said as she took in the sleek modern furnishings.
Ricky chuckled, his eyes scanning over the open-plan living space with a hint of pride. "It's not much, but it's home," he replied, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious room. The house had a warm, welcoming vibe, with the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen.
"Yeah I like it too! So are you going to move in Mom?" John asked enthusiastically.
Amy felt a jolt of surprise. She hadn't expected the question to come so soon, and certainly not from her son. She glanced at Ricky, whose eyes had lit up at the idea, and she knew she had to tread carefully.
"I would love for you to move in! Since we plan on getting married it makes sense to me. We can pay someone to ship your stuff from your apartment." Ricky said happily as he set down Amy's bag.
Amy felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She took a deep breath, her eyes flitting around the room, trying to find the words to express her feelings without dampening the excitement. The house was indeed beautiful, a stark contrast to the cramped apartment she'd been living in.
"I would love to but we're not officially engaged yet." Amy said kindly.
"Don't worry, babe. I'll get you a ring." Ricky said nicely as he pulled Amy closer to him.
"Heh, I know. John, how about you go see Claire or one of your friends?" Amy said sweetly after licking her lips at Ricky.
John nodded eagerly, grabbing his jacket from the coat rack by the door. "Okay, cool. I'll be back later!" He called out as he dashed out of the house, the door slamming behind him.
Alone now, Amy turned to face Ricky, her expression a mix of happiness and apprehension. He looked at her with hopeful eyes, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her hand. "What's wrong, Amy? Don't you like the idea of living here with me?"
Amy sighed and leaned into him. "Of course I do, Ricky. It's just a lot to take in. We just got back together and now we're talking about marriage and moving in together. It's all happening so fast. I just need a little time to process it all, you know?"
Ricky nodded and started to slowly kiss Amy on the lips.
"I understand. It's a big step, but I know we can handle it. We've been through so much, and we're stronger together. Let's take it one day at a time, okay?" He whispered, his breath warm against her cheek.
Her eyes searched his, finding the reassurance she needed. "Okay," she murmured, her hand sliding up to cup his cheek.
They stood there for a moment, just holding each other, the air thick with unspoken words and the promise of a future they hadn't dared to dream of. The house felt even more like home with their combined warmth filling the space.
"Is it ok if we go to the bedroom?" Ricky asked seductively.
Amy nodded, her heart racing. The anticipation grew as they ascended the stairs, the soft carpet muffling their footsteps. Ricky's hand never left hers, leading her through the hallway filled with framed photographs of family and friends. The bedroom was just as she'd imagined, with a king-sized bed that seemed to swallow the room with its opulent bedspread, and windows that stretched from the floor almost to the ceiling, allowing the natural light to flood in. The curtains were drawn back, revealing a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
He gently pushed the door closed with his foot, and the sound was like a cocoon enveloping them. Ricky's hands found her waist as he kissed her again, this time with more urgency. His touch was familiar yet electrifying, a spark that ignited a fire that had been smoldering between them for so long. The weight of their baggage from the past melted away, and in its place was a fierce need to be close, to erase the distance that had kept them apart.
Amy's hands slid up his chest, feeling the rapid thud of his heart. She knew that this was where she belonged, not with anyone else. She took a deep breath, letting the scent of him fill her, a scent she hadn't realized she'd missed so much. She leaned into his embrace, her body responding instinctively.
The sunlight painted patterns on their skin, adding a warm glow to their reunion. They tumbled onto the plush mattress, their kisses deepening, their touches growing more urgent. Amy's hands roamed over Ricky's back, feeling the taut muscles and the smooth skin she'd missed so much. She could feel his love in every caress, every gentle sigh that left his lips. The bed beneath them creaked slightly, a familiar sound that brought back memories of stolen moments in his old apartment.
"Amy, I promise I'll make you happy. I've never stopped loving you, and I never will," Ricky whispered between kisses, his voice thick with emotion.
Her eyes searched his, finding the sincerity she'd been longing to see. She knew he meant it. "I love you too, Ricky. More than words can say," she replied, her voice barely a murmur.
"Before we keep going, do you want me to make love to you?" Ricky asked nicely after taking a breath.
Amy's eyes snapped open, the reality of the situation crashing over her like a wave. She sat up, the coolness of the sheets contrasting with the warmth of her skin. She looked into Ricky's eyes, searching for any signs of doubt or hesitation.
"Oh Ricky, I would love to but…" Amy said, concerned as she looked down at her hands.
"But what? It's ok, you can tell me." Ricky said gently as he rubbed Amy's hands.
"I was thinking it would be more romantic if we waited until our wedding night to make love for the first time since we've gotten back together." Amy said honestly as she looked at Ricky.
Ricky's gaze searched hers, understanding dawned in his eyes. He nodded, gently stroking her cheek. "That's a beautiful thought, Amy. I respect your wishes. Our love is worth the wait. We've waited so long already."
Amy's tension eased, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Ricky. It means a lot to me that you understand."
They lay back down, side by side, smiling wider than ever before at each other. The sun had shifted slightly, casting a different pattern of light and shadow across the bed. They held each other, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces, the quiet intimacy of the moment speaking volumes.
Meanwhile John was with Claire at a nearby park.
"So I have to ask why don't you look like your mom and who is your dad?" John said nicely as they walked on a path.
"Well, I was adopted by my Mom a few years ago actually. My birth parents got killed unfortantely in Africa which is where I'm originally from. But as it turns out I am related to my Mother in a way." Claire answered honestly as they kept walking side by side.
"I'm sorry, Claire. What happened to your birth parents? How are you related to your Mom?" John said sincerely and then curiously.
"It's ok, John. There was a war going on and well...they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm related to my Mom because I'm her half brother's cousin. His name is Jacob and he lives in Africa with his mother's family. But I met my Mom when she helped some sick people and visited my cousin in Africa." Claire explained nicely after sitting on a park bench.
"Oh wow! That's so cool! I didn't know your mom had a half brother!" John said excitedly.
"Yeah, I suppose it is. So what's new with you? Are you going back to New York with your mom?" Claire said sweetly as she put a piece of her light, brown, and curly hair behind her ear.
"Uh...we were supposed to fly back today but my parents are getting married!" John said awkwardly and then happily.
"Wow, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you, John. Your mom and Ricky are so good together." Claire smiled, her eyes lighting up.
John nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Thanks, Claire. I'm happy too, but it's all just happening so fast. I just hope they don't break up, again."
Claire leaned in and gave him a comforting hug. "They won't, John. They've been through a lot, and they've found their way back to each other. They're stronger now."
"I hope you're right. Do you want to go get some pizza? They have some arcade games at this pizza place I know."
"Yeah, that sounds fun!" Claire said, her smile growing as she stood up.
John felt a weight lift off his chest as he returned the hug. "Let's go then!"
Meanwhile back at Ricky's house the couple were making stew together.
The kitchen was a flurry of activity as they chopped vegetables and seasoned the meat. The aroma of garlic and onions filled the air, mingling with the spices that Ricky had brought from the butcher shop. Amy felt a sense of comfort in the mundane task, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that had been swirling inside her since they'd decided to give their relationship another chance.
"So, when do you think you'll ask my parents?" Amy said casually, stirring the pot as she glanced at Ricky.
Ricky's hands stilled, holding a carrot mid-chop. He met her gaze, his heart skipping a beat. "Well, I was thinking maybe tonight, after dinner. It seems like the perfect time." He said, trying to keep his voice steady.
Amy nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I think they'll be happy. They've always liked you." She said, adding the vegetables into the pot with a clank.
Ricky resumed his chopping, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Yeah, I hope so. I've missed them too, you know?" He said, his eyes misting slightly.
Amy nodded, knowing the bond Ricky had with her parents was strong despite the years of separation. She placed the pot on the stove, turning the heat up to a simmer. "I'm sure they'll be thrilled. They've always wanted us to work things out."
They finished preparing the stew in companionable silence, the comfort of their shared task bridging any awkwardness that might have lingered. As they set the table, Ricky's phone buzzed with a text from John. "Hey, I want to stay out a bit longer. I'm with Claire at the arcade."
Amy chuckled, looking at Ricky. "Guess we're on our own for dinner tonight."
"Ha ha, I guess so...and desert?" Ricky smirked as he set down a glass of white moscato on the table and two wine glasses.
Amy giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, you're thinking about dessert already?"
"How could I not? With the very tempting preview you gave me earlier here and at the hotel?" Ricky said flirtatiously as he pulled out Amy's chair for her.
Amy rolled her eyes playfully as she sat down, her cheeks coloring slightly. "You're terrible!"
"But you love it," Ricky said with a wink, pouring them each a glass of moscato.
They laughed together, the sound filling the kitchen and mingling with the simmering stew. They clinked glasses in a toast to their future, the light sparkling off the crystal and reflecting in their eyes. The conversation flowed easily as they discussed their plans for the wedding and the house, their dreams and fears. The warmth of the wine spread through Amy's chest, complementing the warmth of Ricky's hand resting on her thigh.
The stew was perfect, the flavors blending in a way that made Amy's taste buds sing. They ate slowly, savoring each bite as the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky outside turned a fiery orange. The house grew quieter as the evening wore on, the only sounds of their laughter and the occasional clink of silverware against plates.
"This might be just the wine talking, but are you sure that you're really over Ben?" Ricky asked Amy seriously after taking another sip from his wine glass.
Amy's eyes searched his, the question hanging in the air like a fog. She took a deep breath, the warmth of the room a stark contrast to the sudden chill that had settled in her heart. "I'm positive, Ricky. Ben was a mistake. You're the one I've always loved."
Ricky studied her, the tension between them palpable. "I'm sorry, Amy" he said, his voice tight with unspoken pain. "How can I be sure you won't leave me again?"
Her eyes filled with sadness as she reached across the table, placing her hand over his. "I can't change the past, but I can promise you that I'll fight for us this time. I've learned so much, and I know now what's truly important."
Ricky looked down at their intertwined hands, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. "I just don't want to go through that again, Amy. It almost killed me when you left."
Her voice was soft and earnest. "I know it did, and I'm so sorry for the pain I caused. But I've grown, and I know now that what we have is worth fighting for."
Ricky squeezed her hand, his gaze intense. "I need to know that you're in this for the long haul."
Amy leaned forward, her eyes never leaving his. "I am, Ricky. I promise you, I am in this for the long haul." She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their shared history, the love that had brought them back together despite the odds. "And I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to work on us every day, to build a life together."
The silence stretched between them, filled with hope and uncertainty. Finally, Ricky nodded, his hand tightening around hers. "Okay," he said, his voice gruff with emotion. "I trust you."
They sat for a few moments longer, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air like the lingering scent of their meal. Then, as if by unspoken agreement, they both stood up and moved to the couch, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. Ricky wrapped an arm around Amy, pulling her close as they watched the city lights flicker to life outside the window.
The TV was on in the background, playing a romantic movie that mirrored their own lives in many ways. They didn't pay much attention to it, though, their focus was on the future they were trying to build and being together once again.
"So...How about that desert?" Ricky asked quietly after giving Amy a slight kiss on the neck.
Amy's eyes fluttered closed, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Mm, I'm definitely ready for dessert," she murmured.
Ricky stood up, pulling her to her feet, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Good, because I have something special planned." He led her out of the kitchen and down the hallway, his hand in hers.
The dining room was transformed, the table set with fine china and candles flickering in the center. A chocolate fondue set was arranged neatly with a variety of fruits and pastries. Amy's eyes widened in surprise. "Ricky, you didn't have to do all this."
He grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But I wanted to. Tonight is special." He pulled out her chair, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. The fondue pot bubbled gently, the sweet scent of chocolate mingling with the lingering aroma of stew.
They sat down, the candles casting a warm, intimate glow over the room. Ricky took a strawberry and dipped it into the chocolate, holding it out to her. "Open wide," he teased. Amy's heart skipped a beat as she took the berry, the chocolate warm and sweet on her tongue.
The evening passed in a blur of laughter, shared secrets, and gentle touches. The tension that had been simmering between them since they'd first reunited was finally starting to ease, replaced by a sense of peace and belonging.
"When did you put all of this out?" Amy asked curiously after eating another chocolate covered strawberry.
"While you were in the shower. I figured it would be a nice surprise." Ricky said smiling.
Amy felt a warmth spread through her, his thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze her. They dipped and shared bites of fruit, their fingers brushing against each other's in a delicate dance that spoke of a love rekindled. The candles cast a warm glow on their faces, highlighting their smiles and the love in their eyes.
"I'm really impressed, Ricky. Not just because of everything you've done for me tonight but for John too all of these years. You've completely turned your life around. I never completely apologized for leaving you before I started college." Amy said honestly.
"It's in the past, Amy. We can't change it. But we can make a better future together." Ricky said reassuringly, taking her hand in his.
"Yeah I know but still...I am so sorry for being selfish. I don't deserve you, really." Amy said sadly as she looked down at their hands on the table.
Ricky lifted her chin with his free hand so that her eyes met his. "You're not selfish, Amy. You were just scared, and that's okay. We've both made mistakes, but that's what makes us human." He said earnestly.
"But I left you with John, and it was so hard for you." Amy said, the guilt still lingering.
"You did what you thought was best for you at the time. And I wouldn't change a thing because it brought me to where I am now. To you." Ricky said with a soft smile.
"Aww that's so sweet of you to say...But are you madly in love with me?" Amy said kindly and then concerned as she looked at Ricky.
Ricky's smile grew, and his eyes softened. "Madly in love with you? Amy, I've been in love with you since the first moment I saw you. That love never went away, even when you weren't here." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Do you remember our first kiss?"
Amy's cheeks flushed at the memory, her eyes glazing over. "How could I forget?" She murmured, the sweet taste of chocolate still on her lips. "You were helping me practice my french horn and I thought my lips were dry."
Ricky chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "And I just couldn't resist stealing a kiss. That was the day I knew you were the one for me." He leaned in closer, his breath fanning her cheek.
Their kiss was gentle at first, a soft brush of lips that grew more insistent with each passing second. The chocolate on their fingertips added an extra layer of sweetness to the moment. The candles cast a soft, romantic glow over their faces, and the sound of their breathing grew louder in the quiet room.
Amy felt the heat from the fondue pot radiate against her leg, but it was nothing compared to the warmth of Ricky's touch. She melted into him, her body fitting perfectly against his as their kisses grew more passionate. The chocolate was forgotten, the only sweetness they needed was each other.
Ricky's hand slid up her back, his thumb tracing the line of her spine, sending shivers down her body. Amy's hands found his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips. It was as if all the years apart had never happened, as if they had simply picked up where they left off.
The candles flickered, casting shadows that danced around them, adding to the intimate atmosphere. Their kiss grew deeper, hungrier, as if trying to make up for lost time. Ricky's hand moved to the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pulled her closer.
Amy's heart raced, the anticipation of what was to come making her tremble. She leaned back, breaking the kiss for a moment, her eyes searching his. "Are you sure about this?" She whispered, her voice barely audible above the sound of their ragged breathing.
Ricky's eyes searched hers, his expression filled with love and longing. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life," he murmured, his hand sliding up to cup her cheek.
I hope you enjoyed some more Ricky and Amy fluff in this one! Stay tuned for the next chapter! :)