Chapter One:

'You know I wouldn't ever dip out'

It was August; the closing of summer was just around the corner as the Georgia heat still stood strong. A gentle breeze began to flow in; a subtle nod that fall would be here shortly. The backyard was full of family and friends as the smell of charcoal filled the air, music and laughter accompanying it. Rick gently twirled around the contents in his cup, nervousness setting in as he rubbed his hand against his jaw line, the stubble of his beard felt course against his fingertips. It had been about three years since he had last seen her and about ten since she had left for school, her absence caused an indescribable void in his life, something he could never truly fill. Whether he wanted to admit it or not he was excited, he had been counting down this day since March...the day she finally was coming home.

Rick stood by the grill chatting with Uncle Ray and Cousin Charles, the men he had looked to as family over the years, along with the rest of her family had accepted him openly and without question many years ago. That acceptance and love from them was something that stayed with him all throughout his adult years.

Rick excused himself from the conversation, heading over to the refreshment table to refill his drink. After filling the cup, he wandered aimlessly towards the large spread of cookout foods; ribs, hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, potato salad and more. His eyes scanned over the dishes before he settled on an overstuffed deviled egg, popping the entire thing into his mouth, he licked the remnants off of his fingertips as he discretely bopped his head to the music coming from the speakers positioned behind the tables.

"Rick?" a melodious voice filled his ears from behind, the familiarity of it caused him to twist his head around in a quick motion, his eyes meeting hers. A smile spreading across his face as he slowly chewed and swallowed the remaining pieces of egg. He turned his body towards her, placing his hands on his hips as his eyes traveled the length of her, he took in her ebony skin that was on full display in an orange halter top maxi dress that hugged her curves sinfully, a side split showed off her toned legs as she wore her locs crimped in a high ponytail that cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face gorgeously as gold hoop earrings, bangles, rings and flat sandals adorned her skin and feet, completing the look. She was truly a sight to behold and after all of these years, Rick couldn't help but relish in it.

"God Michonne...You look fantastic" he breathed out in his southern drawl as he continued to study her

The sound of his deep raspy vibrato caused a chill to run down her spine "You don't look to bad yourself Reece...just a little thicker in the waist..." she poked at his side, a giggle escaped her as she watched him flinch away bashfully "but it looks good on you" she assured through a bright smile.

"How have you been?" He asked softly as he stepped closer to her, filling the small distance between them

"I've been good...things have been good. I'm just so happy to finally be back home and done with school... It's been a long time… too long" she chuckled out, "How about you...How have you been?"

"Good...thangs have been good. No complaints but today ain't about me...it's all about you Miss. Harvard graduate! I'm so happy to hear you've been doing well... I am so proud of you Michonne. This was your dream for so long and you made it happen" he smiled out as he showered her with admiration

"Oh stop it Reece" she blushed out as she nudged him playfully in the chest. "It's not happening just yet...It won't until I'm employed and can save up enough to open up my firm" she said in a more serious tone as she dropped her gaze

"Hey…Hey… it will happen and that's all that matters" he countered encouragingly as her gaze met his

A pleasant silence fell among them, an occurrence that happened time and time again since they were younger. This silence was so much more than the absence of words, it was a reflection of how deep their connection was; it was the act of sharing a space and significance in solitude, without the constant dread or worry of saying the wrong thing. They simply vibed, something that had been evident since meeting on that park bench almost 16 years ago.

"CHONNE-MICHONNE! Mommy's looking for you" a voice yelled from the house, abruptly interrupting that silence. Michonne winced as her eyes traveled towards the back door that her little brother Noah hung out of as he impatiently gestured for her to come in to see what their mother wanted. Michonne frowned slightly at the teenager's rudeness before acknowledging the statement, "Okay" she said through clenched teeth, he quickly retreated knowing that look all too well. She turned her attention back towards Rick a gentle smile forming as their eyes met again.

"I'm going to go see what she wants...I'm sure she's in her feelings because you're the first person I came to see" she chuckled out, "I'll be back over in a few okay? Don't leave...promise?" she asked as she held her pinky out

Rick smiled at the cute gesture, his mind traveling back to the many times that same cuteness had him agreeing to her sometime lavish ideas, it usually ended up being something to get them or him in trouble.

"Yeahhh I promise" he drew out with a smile as he took her pinky into his

"Okay...it's really good seeing you Rick" she gushed out before dropping her hand to her waist, flashing him with another gentle smile as she headed towards the house. Rick's eyes followed her until she disappeared into the home; butterflies filled him as a content smile crept across his lips. He turned back towards the food table, piling a few deviled eggs on to a plate and heading to find Uncle Ray and Cousin Charlie's so they could finish their conversation from earlier.

A few hours had passed as the sun began to set; guest began to disperse into the home as the grills and music began to die down. Rick sat perched on the Robinson's front stoop, his back resting against the top step as he rubbed his hands together anxiously. He glanced down at his watch, 6:30 he said to himself as he scanned the yard for her. As much as he wanted to stay and catch up it was getting late and he had to get Carl home at a decent hour, the two-hour drive to and from Lori's parents' house was a massive inconvenience but it was one worth it, if he could spend as much time as possible with his son. So with that he looked across the yard once more before he began to stand up

"Taking off so soon? I thought you made me a promise that you would stay?" Michonne cheeked out as she playfully pouted from behind the screen door

"Hey now...I gave you my pinky promise. You know I'm a man of my word but after the first hour or so I did think you dipped out on me" he bantered back cheekily as he looked across his shoulder to her

Michonne chuckled as she opened the door and walked out of it, the screen door clanking loudly as it closed. She made her way to the stoop, piling the bottom of her dress into her hands as she sat down on the top step, her bright brown eyes took him in as a bashful smile crossed her lips before a relaxed sigh escaped her. Rick watched her before he took a seat next to her, his eyes meeting hers

"I really wasn't trying to leave. I gotta pick Carl up from The Rouses tonight and the two-hour drive coming and going is hell" he drew out

"Oh I'm sorry. If I knew I wouldn't have kidnapped, you for so long" she smiled playfully. He nudged her playfully as he shook his head, a gentle smile on his face.

"How old is he now?" she questioned as she studied the length of him

"Five...he'll be six in October" he gushed

"A Handful?" she questioned knowingly

"You know it. He gets into everything...that boy is too damn smart for his own good. He questions everything under the sun...at his age I was not that inquisitive...I was still learning my damn abc's" he chuckled out, "he's a rascal but he's a good kid" he beamed as pride filled his tone

"Like his daddy" she teased before continuing, "hopefully I can meet him soon" she responded softly

"I'd like that...I'm sure Carl would too" he nodded fighting back a smile

Michonne nodded with a smile as she took him in, seeing him filled with so much love and pride as he talked about his son moved her deeply. She never thought in a million years that the short tempered, cursing, brawling, bow legged, curly haired boy with the southern twang she knew growing up would be someone's father one day. That he would grow into the mature, handsome, sweet, good man that sat in front her today. A bittersweet feeling came across her, yes on one hand she was so damn happy to see her best friend again but on the other so many years had passed, so many events were missed that they both needed one another for, a small part of her was afraid that they could not get those years back, that too much time had passed. Michonne took a deep breath as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her thighs. Her thoughts causing a little insecurity to set in,

"You know I wouldn't ever dip out on you...right?"

"I know...and you know I would never break a promise to you" he assured with a smile

"I know...plus you wouldn't want to get one of these" she playfully shook a balled up fist at him.

They both erupted into laughter as he took her fist into his hand and brought it down across his lap. She stretched out her fingers, resting them from their balled form; Rick gently patted her palm before interlocking her fingers into his own, as he looked towards her with a content smile. Michonne's eyes traveled from their interlocked fingers to meet his gaze, seeing the same love in his eyes that she saw so many years ago was a feeling of bliss. She soon felt bashful under his gaze; she turned away from him as warmth filled her cheeks.

"So you staying here or you found a place?" he questioned as he tightened the hand hold

"This is home...so I'll probably stay here for a little while...it'll be just like old times" she chuckled

"Yeah...except we won't have to sneak out now" he sniped

"Tell my dad that" she joked

Rick chuckled softly as he down casted his eyes. Michonne winced as she tightened their hand hold to get his attention; he brought his eyes back up to her and was met with a gentle smile as she rubbed her thumb along the curve of his hand. He cleared his throat, in an attempt to fight back the sudden emotion, he felt, "I'm proud of you Michonne. I always admired you and knew you would get outta here and do something...be someone. You have been my inspiration for so long" he gushed out

"Awww Reece...you know you have always been my biggest supporter. Thank you for that and everything" she countered as she bit her lip happily.

Rick nodded happily as he looked towards the street and then down towards his watch, 6:50pm. He sighed knowing he had to leave her soon. He ran his free hand along his face before looking back towards her.

"I better get a move on before it gets too late...catch up soon?"

"Of course...you know where to find me" she beamed as they both began to stand up and walk down the steps hand in hand. Once they reached the pavement, Rick pulled her into a tight embrace as he soothingly rubbed her back and she snugly wrapped both arms around his waist

"Call me to let me know you made it in alright" she replied in a stern yet lighthearted tone

"I was planning to do that anyway" he responded playfully as they stayed in their embrace for a little longer before he stepped back, gazing at her one more time before he trudged over to the white picket fence that surrounded the house. He popped the lock and closed it behind him as he walked next door to his own home, fishing the keys to his pickup truck out of the back pocket of his black jeans. He unlocked the door and hopped into it before cranking up the truck and closing the door behind him. He rolled down the window and looked towards Michonne, she waved at him happily as he waved back, their eyes meeting one another's once more before he backed out of the driveway and headed south towards I-85, he looked at his side view mirror, catching sight of her. He didn't take his eyes off of her until she was no longer in sight, a bright smile crossed his face as he thought about her, hopefulness filled him at the thought of being able to make up for all of the years lost.

-SD