~ Sparkling ~

In the old world, Rick had no doubt that he would have kidnapped Michonne for the weekend, headed straight to Atlantic City or Vegas, eloped, and spent the rest of their time making love on soft sheets or in a foaming bubble bath. He wouldn't have had the patience of waiting for everyone to get seated or musicians to coordinate their sounds. He would have wanted her as his wife without delay. Patience be damned. Yet, as they stood before Father Gabriel with their children and family of friends as witnesses, he could not imagine their wedding day happening any other way.

His bride stood beside him, a lovely vision in a strapless white dress that molded to her curves like a second skin. Her dark eyes were sparkling, as was her smile every time their gazes met. One hand clasped a bouquet of violets while the other hand was locked with his. At this point, he could not be sure which of them trembled more, but he knew fear did not cause the involuntary muscle movement. They were far too certain of this transition. Other than continued safety for his loved ones, he wanted nothing more than to be Michonne's husband.

Gabriel's smooth tones carried them through the occasion of the ceremony with passionate delivery, pausing only to allow them to declare their vows. Rick had scratched his thoughts on several slips of paper. Nothing seemed enough. There was far too much he wanted to promise. So many things to thank her for. None of the words fit. In frustration, he had thrown the papers into a fire and decided to speak from his heart. Now he wished for a brief outline. Then as he turned to her, what he needed came just as he instinctively knew it would.

"My beautiful Michonne," Rick began, "I love you. I vow to spend the rest of my life making sure that you never have to question that. You are my best friend, my partner, my lover, my everything. Without you, I'm not sure I'd be here today. With you, I know anything is possible. I will always be grateful for whatever guided you to us that day, and I am even more thankful that you stand with me today as I promise to be your husband."

"Rick..." She coughed to clear her throat. Embarrassment flashed across her face, but he squeezed her hand and her usual quiet confidence returned. "You know I love you, too. I have for a long time. Carl and Judith...I couldn't love them more if..." She drew in a deep breath. "We've brought each other back from dark places too many times to count. My wish is that we never have to do that again, but if I falter, I know you will be there to pull me from the darkness. I vow to always do the same for you, but even more than that, that I vow that we'll create a life for each other and our family that keeps the dark places far, far away. I am happy to stand with you today and promise to be your wife."

The exchange of rings happened in a blur, but Rick required no encouragement to kiss his bride. His arms encircled her tiny waist and drew her against him. Despite the layers of a suit jacket and shirt and her beautiful gown, he felt the distinct pounding of their hearts, the drumming in unison. He tried to resist deepening the kiss in front of an interested audience, but her tongue skimmed his bottom lip and all was lost. Cattle calls from Abraham's booming voice and Daryl's loud cackle were just noise when Rick held his beautiful Michonne, now his wife, in his arms.

A short while later, Rick held Michonne's hand as he waited patiently during Daryl's longwinded toast. Rick never imagined his "brother" would take his responsibility as best man so seriously or overcome his usual shyness in such a bold display. A mason jar filled with clear home-brew was lifted and others followed suit. Michonne smiled at Rick as she too raised her glass. Rick did the same, all the while admiring his good fortune to have her and their family.

Around them, their extended family cheered their happy union. Maggie served as matron of honor, and Judith was the cutest flower girl imaginable. Carl strummed on his guitar whenever Father Gabriel dipped his head in a slight nod.

Over a year had passed since he and Michonne led their group inside the walls of what they deemed the Alexandria Safe Zone. All of them had endured more than they thought possible. They had survived losses and welcomed newcomers in the midst of overwhelming grief. The Grimes family was strong, united, and healthy in body, mind, and spirit, and Rick knew Michonne was the source of their strength. He loved her more every day and with more intensity than he ever thought possible.

After following the usual traditions of a wedding—tossing the garter belt and bouquet and cutting the cake—Rick and Michonne dipped out. With the reception in full swing, no one noticed to stop their departure. Carl had put away his guitar, and a CD player now blared an eclectic mix of rock, soul, and country. The make shift dance floor vibrated, and Rick planned to do the same with Michonne in the privacy of their honeymoon suite.

"Where are we going?" she asked, slipping the katana into place. "Our place is that way?"

"We're not going home tonight," Rick said with a slight grin. He reclaimed her hand and with the other, he grabbed a backpack. The weather-proof bag was stuffed with everything he decided they needed for an overnight getaway. Food, toiletries, clothes, and a jar of home brew.

He led her to the Ford Mustang that he had prepped and hidden just for this purpose. Michonne's giggle made his smile widen. He tossed the bag into the backseat and hurried to open the passenger door. Before she slid inside, he pulled her close for a deep, exploring kiss. When they parted, he admired her beauty in the waning twilight. Still dressed in wedding finery, she took his breath away. He was glad he had convinced her not to change clothes. A crown of violets recognized her for the royalty she effortlessly presented with her grace and wisdom. On impulse, he bowed low and kissed her hand, aiming for the finger where her wedding ring now took residence.

"Rick!" She giggled again. "What are you doing?"

"You're full of questions." He rose to his full height. "Don't you know you're not supposed to pepper your groom with questions on your wedding night? You're supposed to let him romance you."

"Oh really?"

Rick nodded, claiming a quick peck. "Yes, really. Get inside. Buckle up."

She murmured, "Bossy," under her breath, but she did everything he said.

As planned, Spencer opened the gate to let them out. Within minutes, the open road lay before them. Michonne slid in a Marvin Gaye cd and rested her hand on Rick's thigh. Fewer than five miles separated them from their destination, but Rick was half tempted to pull over and kiss his bride until the windows fogged. However, with stray walkers always about and potential enemies lurking around, he preferred not to risk it. Her life was too precious, and he promised himself that no blood would spill this day if he could help it.

Rick, Daryl, and Eugene had worked on the secured getaway for weeks. It was equipped with a sensor-controlled gate that he operated from a remote control. A line of defenseless, armless walkers served as protection around the chain-linked fence. The aesthetic was less than appealing, but it worked to keep walkers and curious humans from getting too close.

Rick noticed Michonne's quiet shake of her head when she saw the walker-guards. He continued driving until he pulled into a garage. Working on another set of sensors, lights illuminated the open space as soon as they drove in. The door rolled down when Rick touched a button.

"You've been busy."

Rick watched Michonne closely to assess her. A shadow blocked her eyes. Then she reached for the katana. Finally, he spoke. "Everything okay?"

"I'm not sure how I feel about the guard set-up," she answered. "It reminds me of who I'm not anymore. I don't miss that person. Reminders of her don't belong here."

He nodded, affected because he hadn't considered that. "I'll remove them."

"Stop." She grabbed his hand. Her smile was genuine, sexy, and hinted mischief. "I don't want you covered in blood tonight."

Rick paused to stare, enjoying this side of her as he always did.

"We'll take care of it in the morning." Michonne tugged, pulling Rick toward her. "We have better things to do, don't we?"

"Yes, ma'am, Mrs. Grimes," he said. "Indeed, we do."

With hands still locked, Rick didn't waste time to grab their backpack. They would retrieve the bag from the Mustang later. He led his bride up to the barn's loft where the honeymoon suite waited for the newlyweds. There were no roses or champagne, but a queen-sized mattress equipped with satin sheets that set the mood just fine, as did the flickering candlelight. Tonight made their union official, but Rick knew that he and Michonne had been husband and wife even longer than they realized. Some things were just meant to be.

[A/N: Thanks for reading, reviewing, and favoriting! Your enthusiasm is motivating and appreciated! But TWD... I'm feeling like a little girl again who got EVERYTHING on her Christmas list. The Barbie townhouse, the Corvette, Barbie, Ken, Skipper, and clothes for all! Richonne being canon is like... (breathe!) And when Michonne made gaga eyes at Rick and he touched her knee and they held hands and Rick started grinning! No, I'm not over it. Are you?]