9 – Epilogue

"My hair looks so pretty!" exclaimed Elodie. The 11-year-old modeled the hair-do in the mirror, beaming brightly. Finished styling the girl's long hair into an impressive crown braid, Michonne set the brush and bobby pins on the bathroom counter. "This is my new favorite. I can't wait to change into my dress!"

"Me too. We're going to look good."

They shared in a girlish giggle leaving the bathroom behind.

It was Saturday morning on Christmas Eve, and they had a wedding to ready themselves for. At two o' clock that day, Sasha Williams would walk down the aisle and marry long-time boyfriend Abraham Ford. Being the maid of honor, Michonne woke at sunrise to begin preparations for the day. Always keen to shadow her, Elodie rose not long after.

Now, thick curls braided into a crown with a few loose tendrils to frame her face, the girl looked like a princess. Michonne smiled to herself as Elodie ran off to her bedroom to change. She loved doing girly things and the upcoming wedding showcased how much. Yesterday they'd gone for mani-pedi's and she kept admiring the glossy nail polish on her fingers. Today she'd get to wear a similar dress to the bridesmaids and that too excited her.

In their early months together, the adjustment had taken some work. Elodie had abandonment issues, afraid she'd mess up and be given away. Michonne worked hard to change her mindset, proving to her that she didn't need to walk on eggshells. She was home now, and never had to worry about being given back again.

The pair bonded as mother and daughter over time. Michonne took a leave of absence from the community center and devoted herself to bringing stability and routine into Elodie's life. She dropped her off and picked her up every day from school. After working on homework, they ate dinner together each night. She slowly taught the girl how to care and style for her own hair, never having anyone else to properly show her before then. On weekends, they splurged on fun. They spent time with Rick and Carl, going to parks and the movies. For summer vacation, they ventured on their first mother-daughter trip. They spent the next week stuffing their faces with hotdogs and pizza and sightseeing the Big Apple.

It was on a night Elodie lay in bed with a bad cough and runny nose that they reached a new milestone in their relationship. Earlier in the day, Michonne brought her to the doctor and she'd been given strict orders to stay in bed and get some rest. Michonne couldn't help doting over her, fluffing pillows, doling out medicine, carefully checking her temperature each hour. She sat at Elodie's bedside reading her favorite Babysitter's Club book to cheer her up when the girl started to drift off to sleep. Michonne stood and kissed her forehead, tiptoeing to the door. She'd flicked off the light and grabbed the knob, but a drowsy murmur stopped her.

"Night, mama."

"Good night, El. I love you."

"Love you too, mama."

Michonne held it together long enough to make it to her bedroom. Then she'd cried happy tears.

She'd been mama ever since.

"Coming!"

The girl's squeak echoed through the apartment and the mother and daughter reunited at the front door. They pulled on their coats and scarves to brave the winter cold.

"You ready to have a blast at this wedding?" Michonne asked.

She shook her head excitedly. "Yes! Let's go watch Miss Sasha get married!"

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

"Dad, we look good," said Carl proudly. He showed off his bowtie and suspenders with a giant grin.

Rick only chuckled. "We do, don't we? Gonna be the two best looking guys there."

"Yep!"

The father and son had finished getting dressed for the wedding. Carl bragged nonstop about putting on his bowtie properly. He suggested that next time they attended a wedding he could wear a real tie like the other men. Rick merely eyed his son, humored by his insistence, and vaguely replied, "We'll see."

The boy had grown a lot in the last year. He'd shot up a couple inches in height, no longer as runt-sized. The result made him look gangly and long-limbed, but he loved the advantages the new height afforded him. No longer did he have to use the step stools in the house. Elsewhere, he'd taken a liking to responsibility. He relished in being elected captain of his hockey team and had even started talking about how he wanted to try student government come middle school. He'd also developed a small crush on a classmate. Sophia Peletier would be in attendance at the wedding later that day, and Rick caught the boy deep breathing to work up the courage to finally say hi.

Life in their home itself was much the same. Their weekdays were routine, structured to the schedules of Rick's sheriff deputy shifts and Carl's school hours. The weekend allowed for reprieve. Most times they spent the off-days enjoying the company of two of their favorite people walking the earth. Carl and Elodie were inseparably best friends, able to entertain themselves with their games and toys for hours. It usually gave Rick and Michonne the chance to share in intimate conversation and bonding, especially on the weekends they stayed overnight.

Their relationship had grown stronger. Rick still questioned how he'd been blessed with a woman like her. She had one of the biggest hearts of anyone he'd met, endlessly caring in every way possible. From the way she effortlessly nurtured Elodie and Carl to how she loved him. They'd exchanged the words on their sixth month anniversary. He insisted on taking her out for a special night on the town, just the two of them.

Being summer, even after dark the air was hot and sticky. They'd walked hand-in-hand after seeing a live show when they happened upon the horse and carriages in the park. He'd grinned at her and she'd shaken her head, uttering, "no…Rick…no!"

"Yes," he'd told her. "C'mon, it'll be nice with the city lights on."

But he hadn't been able to take his eyes off her no matter how enchanting the city lights were. They simply didn't measure up, paling in comparison to her beauty. He'd decided to tell her on the spot. She'd been watching the skyline and then glanced at him with a soft smile and the words tumbled into existence.

"I love you."

Michonne's smile brightened and she'd kissed him. "You're in luck. I love you too, Officer Friendly."

They'd laughed and cuddled up after that, contently watching the scenery for the rest of the ride.

Today, he had the good fortune of being her date for Sasha and Abraham's wedding. He'd decided to make the most of it and use the joyous occasion to his advantage. That's with great assistance and approval, of course.

"Dad, we're gonna be late!"

When Rick turned up at the front door, the 11-year-old waited for him.

"Alright, alright. I'm ready."

"Do you got everything?" Carl nagged.

"Yanno…you are getting bossy now that you're a big, bad 11-year-old."

"Someone's got to keep this house running." The boy winked and tapped his watch.

"It's a yes to answer your question. And c'mon, let's go. You can finish bragging in the car."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

"When Abe sees you, he's going to go into cardiac arrest."

The bridesmaids nodded in eager agreement to Michonne's flattering assessment. Sasha's lips parted in a slight smile and she fought the urge to speak. Rosita was working on her makeup and if she talked or blinked too much, it'd smudge again. Instead she let her eyes speak for her, shooting Michonne a look that only the two best friends understood.

"It's true. You look gorgeous, Sasha," chimed in Jessie. The blonde stood already dressed in her bridesmaid gown, her short blonde hair pinned behind her ears.

"Just wait 'til tonight when he gets to rip this dress off you," Rosita said, lining the bride's eyes.

"Oh, dear!"

The scandalized gasp stood out amongst the younger women's laughs. It belonged to Barbara as she clutched her pearl necklace and blushed a fierce red. Latrice patted the woman consolingly on the shoulders and suggested they head downstairs to check on the rest of the preparations. In the time Rick and Michonne had started dating, the two late fifties women had bonded and become fast friends. The friendship helped them both. Barbara got widowed Latrice out of the house and her funk and Latrice got bored Barbara to escape Mr. Grimes' CSPAN and to loosen up.

"Oops, mighta been too explicit for Rick's mom," said Rosita afterward. "Sorry, guys. It's been a few months and Shane's going to be here today…"

"No," said Sasha firmly. "There's plenty of other eligible bachelors at this wedding. Shit, I'll introduce you to Tyrese if you want. Set you two up. God knows a girlfriend would keep his needy ass off my back. He already told me he's gonna come over every week for dinner with me and Abe."

Michonne interjected teasingly, smiling at each woman. "Someone once told me that matchmaking is the devil. Think her name was…Ask Alex?"

The women erupted into more snickers.

"Why is my best friend always such a smartass?" Sasha pondered aloud as Rosita lightly dusted blush on her cheeks.

"Because you've been giving me hell since college. That's why."

The two shared a smile through Sasha's reflection in the mirror. Then her gaze focused on how svelte Michonne looked in her maid of honor gown. "Michonne, babe, those breasts are looking like a snack. Rosita talking about Abe ripping my dress off—let's talk about how Rick's gonna tear that thing off the second the reception's over."

"Yeah, I was gonna ask you…what bra is that?" Jessie asked obliviously. "I finally got a Victoria's Secret membership and I need help, guys. Badly."

Michonne flushed, glancing down her front. The luxe charmeuse gown did look spectacular on her body. The ultra-flattering emerald fabric hugged her curves in the right places and the V-neck bodice certainly highlighted her bust in the most tasteful way possible. Truthfully, she had noticed she'd started to fill out some of her tops a bit more lately, bosom more tender than usual, but she chalked it up to the fabled weight gain from a happy, long-term relationship.

"I'm, uh, not wearing one," Michonne said and the ladies nodded impressively.

"What the hell is your secret? Spill!"

The women never got their answer as they finished primping. Sasha was modeling the magnificently beaded wedding dress and veil in the mirror when the door creaked open and Elodie poked her head through the crack. The 11-year-old girl didn't need to ask for them to understand her wish. She'd tired of the kids play area and wished to be a fly on the wall to the women. They invited her inside and she gleefully bounced onto the bed, grateful to watch the glamorous wedding prep.

"You're such a pretty bride, Miss Sasha!" she gushed.

"Thanks, El. But you too. Prettiest junior bridesmaid I've ever seen."

"Really?" Faint traces of pale pink tinged onto her brown face. "My mama braided my hair into this crown. I think I want to wear my hair like this to school too. It keeps it out my face and it looks so nice…"

Michonne beamed, holding out her arms to take the girl in a hug she eagerly accepted. "You got it. I told you we'll practice so you can learn how."

"Okay!"

About another half hour passed before the women agreed they were ready. They didn't have much time left as the clock inched toward 1 P.M, calling for them to be downstairs for the ceremony. They circled around Sasha and helped the bride every step of the way. Elodie held onto her bouquet while Rosita and Jessie carried her gown's train. Michonne walked beside Sasha, fussing last minute to perfect her spiral curls and adjust her sparkling jewelry.

"I don't think I've ever been this nervous," Sasha confessed quiet enough for Michonne's ears only.

Michonne grabbed Sasha's hand, giving it a squeeze. "Don't worry. It's going to be amazing. You're never going to forget today."

Sasha slowly smiled. "Thanks, Michonne."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Sophia Peletier sat between her mother and father in the tenth row down, fifth seat over. Carl gulped and straightened his bowtie. The next time the girl got up he could pretend to bump into her and say hi. The blonde was one of the quieter kids in class, but he thought she was so nice and pretty that he couldn't help his crush.

"You're hopeless," Elodie sighed, catching him off guard. She stopped beside her best friend and followed his gaze into the seated crowd. "I don't get it, Carl. Why don't you go over and say hi? What's the big deal?"

"'Cuz…cuz it'd be weird. That's why!"

"Okay, I'll do it. I'll go say hi and tell her you said hi too."

"El. No!"

Carl realized he looked mortified, but he didn't care. The thought of Elodie butting in freaked him out. He planned to do what he'd done the last time he had a crush—wait it out. He'd liked his babysitter Cyndie Hanks in secret. The teenager was older and cooler and patted him on the head like a puppy. He'd gotten over it eventually.

"Fine," huffed Elodie, crossing her arms. "I was just trying to help."

"I know. But I have to be the one to say hi. It shows confidence or whatever."

Her nose scrunched. "Who told you that?"

"My dad's friend Shane. He said the ladies like confidence."

"The ladies," said Elodie smartly, "like being yourself. So be yourself!"

"You're a girl. What do you know?"

"More than you!"

"Okay, okay, okay. Maybe I'll say hi at the reception. That works, right?" he asked, tugging on his collar. His eyes wandered from the audience to the front of the room and he spotted his dad standing with the rest of the groomsmen. He smirked. "Yanno if my dad and your mom ever got married, we'd be brother and sister. That'd be kinda awesome, right?"

"Just think we'd be under one roof."

"Yeah, and I'd be your big brother."

"Carl." Elodie rolled her eyes.

"What? I'm two months older! It counts…"

Elodie didn't argue his point, but he could tell it wasn't because she agreed. More out of exasperation. She pressed on, "do you think it'll ever happen? Your dad and my mom marrying?"

"Ut oh. It sounds like you've got some ideas going."

"I'm not crazy. I know we can't trick 'em into getting married, silly. I'm just wondering," said Elodie.

"I dunno. My dad's so sappy whenever he talks about Michonne. He gets this goofy smile on his face. He never looked like that talking 'bout my mom."

"My mama too. She really, really loves him!"

"Guess we'll see. Anyway, wedding's starting. I should get to my seat."

"Okay, bye!"

The 11-year-olds parted ways, going down opposite directions. Walking down the aisle to his place, Carl noticed that the heart-shaped face of a blonde girl smiled at him. It was Sophia. He almost threw up, feeling so nauseous it was a struggle to smile in return. At least he managed one. Even if it was as goofy as his dad's…

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Elodie found the gaggle of bridesmaids as the procession set to begin. Her mama caressed her head and smiled down at her reassuringly. It helped ease her nerves. Stage fright and performance anxiety still plagued her, but with her mama there everything would be alright. She encouraged and inspired her to be braver and bolder, stepping outside the timidity that she once used as a shield in school.

One day, she'd be as beautiful and confident as her mama.

Miss Sasha inhaled a deep breath and turned to them for last minute praise. They fawned over her and told her how good she looked and how Mr. Abe was waiting for her with bated breath. That seemed to calm her down as she nodded and smiled prettily, looking like those little bride figurines on the top of a wedding cake.

The soft opening notes of the ceremony began, born from the live pianist and cellist. The divine melody floated through the air with swooning romanticism welled into each chord. The audience sat at attention, some with tears already in their eyes, endeared by the sweet harmony in the music which touched their ears. Even more enthused when the 'mother' of the bride emerged.

Grandmama Latrice, the motherly figure in Miss Sasha's life, smiled proudly at the crowd and slowly eased down the aisle. She looked lovely making her way, crocheted gray braids twisted in an updo and eyes crinkled when she smiled. Elodie marveled watching her, thinking about how Grandmama Latrice always looked so regal.

Her nerves jittered in her belly. It was her turn. She held onto her ivory bouquet and appreciated the small nudge her mama gave her. Every eye in the hall fell on her and she blushed deeply. But she couldn't freak out, reminding herself that Miss Sasha and Mr. Abe had chosen her for their special day and she needed to cross the aisle to the other side. She concentrated on walking step-by-step to the altar, smiling as she did. The altar arrived before she knew it, and she took her place where the bridesmaids would stand.

Next, as the music continued to swell beautifully, Miss Jessie walked. She too looked nervous and even flubbed in step at one point. She recovered nicely and finished in stride. Miss Rosita was after, more confident and smoother in her strut to the altar. Elodie caught Mr. Rick's friend eying her. Frowning to figure out what that was about, it didn't matter the second the maid of honor stood at the front of the aisle and the music softened.

Her mouth hung open in awe as her mama started down the aisle adorned by glittery lights on either side. Her mama was always gorgeous in her eyes, but in that moment, she transcended to another level as the 11-year-old stood and inhaled a gasp. She already looked like a luminous princess walking down the aisle, but to see Mr. Rick looking the part of a handsome prince as he watched her, really made Elodie go breathless with hope. That one day it'd be their wedding she'd stand at the altar of, bearing witness to their exchange of love.

That was on their minds too.

It was in their gaze. Her mama walked gracefully, flowing like a stream down a river, and her brown eyes were on one person only. Mr. Rick met her gaze intensely, the light in his own giving him away as he couldn't take his eyes off her. He was irreversibly in love with her and she him and Elodie smiled contentedly. This was only the beginning for them—a preview of what was to come.

The next chord struck deepened considerably and prepared the audience for the bride's arrival. The audience rose and craned their necks for a look. Elodie did too, standing on tiptoe for optimum viewing. Miss Sasha appeared on the arm of her father, Mr. Lamar. The father and daughter drifted down the aisle in a long stretch of white fabric and wide, happy smiles. Some tears as they reached the altar and Mr. Lamar 'gave' her away. She kissed his cheek and then turned to Mr. Abe, looking nervous but bursting with excitement.

The crowd exploded when they said, "I do."

Mr. Abe kissed Miss Sasha on the lips and the entire hall shook with positivity. Elodie clapped with everyone, cheering them on until her throat ached. The wedding was the most delightful thing she'd ever seen.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

The reception wore down but the attendees didn't seem to care. The food, dancing and mingling kept the entire hall buzzing. Michonne indulged with Rick, Elodie and Carl. The foursome snacked on wedding cake and hit the dance floor for more than a couple songs. Carl teased her when she went for a second slice of cake.

"Michonne, you wolfed that down! How did you finish so fast?"

"Don't judge me. I'm starving. It's been a busy day," she justified, piling the slice onto her plate and scraping extra buttercream frosting too.

The afternoon had faded away into civil twilight, only adding a whimsical appeal to the wedding as the sky glowed purples and blues and the night's stars coyly revealed themselves.

"Attention!" Abraham called, tapping his champagne flute. "If I could get y'all to hush those mouths for a second, I could tell you 'bout how me and the Missus are gonna bid Adios in a few minutes."

The crowd chuckled, but otherwise remained silent. Anticipation rose for whatever the newlyweds had to say.

"How 'bout my beautiful bride gets rid of this bouquet? Feels like it's time to pass the torch, am I right?"

Sasha had moved to the dais with her giant bouquet in hand. A smile broke out onto her face as she eyed the women in the crowd.

"C'mon, to the front!" insisted Jessie. The blonde grabbed Michonne's hand and bulldozed their way through despite her protests.

Latrice ended her long-fated dance with Lamar and Rosita cut off Tyrese's flirting, and both women flocked with several others to the front. Michonne laughed thinking about how the women would soon launch into a wrestling frenzy over the flowers. She planned to side step out of the way, valuing her safety over a wedding tradition. Besides, there were women like Rosita in the crowd who had never married. The game was better suited for them. Robbing their chance to catch the bouquet felt selfish.

"Okay, is everyone ready?" Sasha asked, holding the flowers above her head. "One."

The women braced themselves.

"Two."

They leaned forward.

"Three!"

Their gazes were airborne as they searched the skies for the flying flowers.

But Sasha never tossed the bouquet. Instead she stepped off the dais and walked toward the crowd of women, smile slowly spreading. Michonne stood befuddled as her best friend approached. She even glanced over her left and right shoulder, convinced she walked toward someone else. Sasha stopped in front of her and grabbed her hands to ease the flowers into her grasp.

"Sasha…" she muttered, at a loss for words. "What…?"

"Behind you."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

On cue, the crowd had cleared as soon as Sasha drew closer. Rick slipped forward and lowered onto one knee, ring in hand. Only Michonne stood watching as Sasha left the stage and walked toward her. Little did she know she stood alone and that he knelt behind her. The bride pushed the bouquet into her hands and smiled, urging in a soft voice for her to look, "behind you."

Michonne turned and her gasp was audible. She froze on the spot and the bouquet tumbled from her loose grasp. Rick hardly contained his chuckle, taking hold of her hand.

"Michonne Nadine Berlet, will you marry me?" he asked boldly for every ear to hear.

Her free hand rose to her mouth and she gawked at him. Blinking and staring for a long moment, she processed reality. Rick savored the feel of her supple hand in his, patiently in wait for her answer. He already knew what it'd be. He wasn't cocky, but he knew love—he saw the spark in her eyes. He believed in them more than anything in the world.

"Yes," she whispered. She nodded and her voice volumized. "Yes, yes, yes!"

Rick stood up to capture her in his arms and the crowd screamed their cheers. Sasha and Abe looked on proudly as the newlyweds passed the torch and soon made their exit, embarking on their two-week honeymoon. The last quarter of the reception honored their engagement, shifting into a late-night celebration of their love.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Michonne waited until only a dozen or so stragglers hovered at the reception before she asked for a private moment with Rick. She led him out of the hall and outside into a courtyard piled with mounds of snow, lit solely by lanterns above. Rick had never looked happier, his wavy curls kind of a windswept mess after so many hours and his tie loosened and a crooked grin on his bearded face. She wanted to kiss him and mount him and spend hours in their own intimate celebration, but first there was something important to address. Something that made her so nervous her stomach clenched and she fiddled with her necklace.

"What is it, baby?" he asked unknowingly, hooking his arms around her hips. He moved in to inhale her scent and his lips grazed the hollow of her throat.

She wanted to moan, but she had to step back before he distracted her. That sobered him.

"Michonne…what…?"

"Rick, I'd be honored to be your wife," she started heavily.

"But…?"

She drew in a breath and lowered her gaze. "I just don't want to disappoint you. I've told you about my condition."

"I don't care 'bout that."

"You say that now, but…but what about one year from now? Five? Ten? You want a big family. I can't naturally give you that. Doctors say there's a 10% chance at best. At best."

"I love beating the odds," he said, grabbing her waist and pulling her close again.

"Rick. I'm serious. I love you and the answer is yes. You know that," she said against the quiet battle raging turmoil on her. It occurred to her that she might be sabotaging her own happiness by giving him a way out. "I need you to be sure what you're getting yourself into. I need you to be okay with the idea it might never happen for us. Is that something you want to deal with? I can't go through what I went through with John again. I need to know for sure. I need you to be alright with that possibility."

"Michonne, I want you as my wife. If we're lucky enough to conceive one day, that'd make me the happiest man on earth," he explained. She hung on his every word, sensing he had more to say. "But," he continued, "if we don't, that'd still make me the happiest man on earth. You, Carl and Elodie are enough on your own. You're all I ever need. Saying I'm blessed is an understatement."

"You mean it…" she said, heart warmed by his words. "You'd be happy either way…"

"I sure will be."

Michonne melted on the spot, tossing her arms over his shoulders and kissing him hard. His large hands cupped her face and his thumb stroked the curve of her cheeks. He always did that. Made her feel so loved and accepted.

"Plus," he added afterward with a naughty husk to his voice. "I love practicing. Don't you?"

She slapped him on the arm. "Rick!"

"What?"

"Yes," she whispered. "A thousand times yes. I'll marry you."

Rick picked her up off her feet, lifting her into the air as they laughed loudly under the lanterned lights.

"Good," he said. "Because I'm ready to blow this popsicle stand for a very private afterparty. Invitation only."

She squirmed in his arms, flush and giggly. "Mmmm…and am I lucky enough to get an invite?"

He nuzzled her, breathing against her skin. "How 'bout you come with me and find out?"

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Hours later, the clock tipping toward midnight on Christmas, Rick lay exhaustedly but elatedly in bed. In the aftermath of the proposal, Carl and Elodie had tuckered themselves out celebrating with breathless cheers so animated they jumped, danced and whooped the air nonstop. They put the hyper kids to bed with the promise they would celebrate more tomorrow and then headed to their bedroom.

Now, he'd settled on the cool sheets and fluffed pillows after a long shower. After a long session of making love to Michonne. She finished up her nightly routine before bed, moisturizing her already smooth, supple skin. His offer to slather the lotion on her body had garnered a skeptical eye as she told him she wasn't fooled for a second. He chuckled, caught red-handed for his ulterior motives.

"Baby, you coming to bed?" he hummed sleepily.

"Almost done!"

"Bed's cold without you—I need some snuggling to warm me up."

His joke made her snicker as she appeared in the doorway, looking like a damn ethereal goddess. The amused grin wiped off his face as he sat up, suddenly awake. Suddenly aroused. She wore nothing but a satiny robe and that was more than enough. Her dark skin glowed as she smiled at him and he eyed her head-to-toe, ready to peel that robe off her and ogle the bare form beneath. But, as she walked toward the bed with a bashful glint in her eyes, he picked up on something else, and the extra time in the bathroom made perfect sense. He couldn't breathe.

"What…you're…it's…?"

Michonne crawled into bed beside him, settling into his arms as if drunken off the blissful news.

Rick swallowed and rasped her name. "Michonne, what is it?"

Her smile widened and she produced a long white stick with a smiley face from the pocket of her robe. In a soft tone that inspired a shiver down his spine, she said, "Rick, I'm pregnant."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed this story! I hope it brought you some holiday entertainment and I am pleased to read you guys enjoyed Richonne and their new family (it was so much fun to write Carl and Elodie!)

Anyway, I am hoping this little epilogue tied things up for you. Please let me know what you think!

If you are crazy like me, and still stuck on the holidays, you can also check out my other holiday story called North Star Angel. That one should be updated soon. :)