Michonne smiled to herself and her ears tuned in to the sound of a riding lawn mower from a distance. Guess he wasn't too mad about last night if he got her flowers. She walked out of the room and made her way outside. She saw him, shitless riding the lawn-mower. She waved to get his attention and he immediately stopped what he was doing.

"Mornin', sweetheart." He said as he hopped off of the mower and walked towards her.

"Thank you for the flowers," She said, trying not to look at his strong, glistening chest. He knew he was sexy and that she'd have to come out and see him. Without warning he put his lips to hers, letting them linger for a moment. He didn't want to mention that he saw Mike and Dawn together at the grocery store last night. It must've been a coincidence. It was no point in worrying Michonne. "I'm sorry about last night." She said regretfully. She looked up at him with her gleaming, brown doe eyes. She felt like a jerk…she had called him a mistake. But he seemed to take it in stride.

He looked at her for a moment, a smile forcing itself on his rough face. He was damn near determined to be the man for her. "Is baby boy up yet?" He asked in an effort to change the subject.

She shook her head. "No, it's still fairly early. He usually wakes up around 11 or 12 when I don't have to take him over to Tonya's."

"That's good," He said as he rubbed at his goatee. "I just wanted to make sure that the mower didn't wake him."

"He's okay," She paused. "Wait, aren't you supposed to be at the shop?"

"Nah, this is the time where I do yard work. Daryl and I agreed on it. Since he hates cuttin' the grass and tending to the yard, once every couple of weeks I take off and do it all in one day," She caught herself admiring his masculine body once more. Merle was aware, flashing a cheeky smile. "You ain't seen nothin' like me before?" He asked jokingly.

She snapped out of her trance. "I sure haven't," She retorted, batting her brown eyes at him. "You're one of a kind, Merle Dixon."

He looked her up and down, and suddenly she was burning up. He loved every minute of it. That was her, his Ebony goddess. She was as rigid as steel and as hot as fire. Why was she so fucking gorgeous? He'd do anything to be near her and even catch a whiff of her feminine scent. He reached for her and kissed her roughly, surprising her with a piercing dart of his tongue. Her breath got caught in her throat. She couldn't deny how good that rough kiss felt. His hands dropped to her behind and he gave it a quick squeeze. A sharp sound of surprise escaped her mouth, and his lips curled into a pleased smirk. He hesitantly released her from his bold gesture. He flashed his signature grin at his blushing goddess. Merle certainly wasn't afraid of a little public display of affection in his front yard.

The sound of screeching tires in the driveway snapped the enamored redneck's attention from his chocolate queen. The hairs on his neck stood up and his male pride began to flair. It was a cop car, one of the older ones. Since he opened the hunting shop his life was on the up and up; especially since meeting Michonne. What the fuck did this law muncher want? He had a lot of run-ins with the police back in his prime, but he was older and had more important things in his life. This asshole better not threaten it.

He gestured Michonne behind him as the car door opened. A clean-cut man emerged from the car. He was handsome, probably in his early thirties. His eyes were of a cool blue shade and his hair was immaculate and orderly. The man donned a smoky, charcoal-colored Sheriff's uniform; which his masculine frame seemed to complement.

"The fuck do you want?" Merle asked defensively, with a hand on his side. It was no secret that Merle Dixon didn't care for law enforcement. He was ready for a fight, let this gun-toting little sheriff make a move. He seemed almost eager for a good brawl.

"Merle!" Michonne said quietly, putting her hand to his shoulder. The officer's stoic expression subsided as he heard the softness in her voice. This Merle character seemed to be a prick, talking to the woman would be more practical.

Merle grumbled.

"Listen, I don't want any trouble," The man assured. "I've traveled a decent way, all around- -"

Merle gave him a frosty stare. "You gonna arrest me?" He snorted as his large hands gripped each side of his torso. He stared the Sheriff down and Michonne kicked herself for seeing the alluring masculinity in his stance. Surely Merle Dixon wasn't afraid of any man on this Earth, and damn that was hot. He didn't give a damn and that drove her up the walls. Why would she think such things? Insubordination to a law enforcer was no laughing matter, it was a crime. Yet she discreetly bit her lip and enjoyed Merle's presence.

"Hear him out." She blurted out, looking at Merle intently. She needed to get her perversions under control. This was unacceptable.

The sheriff sighed. "Though I'm familiar with who you are; I don't care to sweat the small things." He said with distain in his calm voice.

That certainly struck a nerve of the prideful elder Dixon brother. Who the fuck did this Yankee think he is? On reflex Merle yanked the man by his collar. "Don't get all high and mighty in my yard-" He warned.

Michonne ripped him from the easygoing sheriff. She was stunned that he didn't draw his gun from his holster. And judging by the steady look in his eyes, surely this man wasn't there to do harm or stir the pot. "I'm so sorry," She said in an attempt to mediate the situation. Merle looked at her and willingly submitted. He didn't want her to see him arrested. "What seems to be the problem?" She asked.

The man pulled out a folded picture from his pocket, then handing it to Michonne. He surveyed her gentle gestures, her eyes softened and she looked back at him. "That's my son, Carl," He explained. "Him and I don't see eye to eye on things and occasionally he runs away," He went on to say, letting his eyes scan the now tame Dixon brother. "I'm not here to arrest anyone, I've just been traveling the neighboring towns handing out flyers," He sighed. "It isn't like him to leave town...but I guess I really did it this time."

Michonne could see the heartbreak in the man's icy, blue eyes. She wanted to help this man. "What's your name?"

"Rick Grimes." He said, reaching for her hand and shaking it.

"Rick Grimes," She said softly, eying him intently. She could see the good in this man. "I want to help you find your son." Merle looked at Michonne in surprise, not only was she beautiful; she had a heart of gold too. He wished he could say that about himself. All he cared about was her, Andre' and Daryl. Everyone else could eat shit. But her...she had humility, and he caught himself admiring that quality in her. She looked at Merle.

Rick was dumbfounded by her generosity and looked over at Merle to see his reaction. He rubbed his chin and looked at Rick in apprehension. He sighed and looked back at Michonne. "Whatchu' need me to do, sweetheart?" He inquired gruffly. Her sex appeal wasn't the only persuasive part of her, but her motherly instinct and desire to help people. That was amazing, she was certainly a better person than him.

"Help me look for Carl." She requested, not departing her hopeful eyes from his.

He slowly nodded. "Alright." He grunted.

Rick looked at Merle, who was reluctant to help. But this woman could compel him to. "Thank you," He said, reaching out his hand to Merle. After flaring his nostrils and turning his head away, he roughly gripped Rick's hand. Damn. Now he was being all good Samaritan and shit. He didn't like that...but then again, a weight felt lifted off of his shoulders. He could help this law muncher find his brat. After the men released hands, Rick looked at Michonne. "I didn't catch your name, Miss."

She smiled. "Michonne."

"Ah, Merle's wife?" Rick inquired sociably, raising his brow.

Merle nearly had a conniption. Michonne...his wife?! Holy shit. He was as red as a beet. When it came to sex and seduction he wasn't a shy man. But when it came to big commitment he was a bit frazzled. The thought of it was just- - "N-No," Merle grumbled. "She's my lady friend." He said, looking her up and down, then placing his large hand on her firm ass in an effort to stake claim. The good sheriff better not get any ideas.

Michonne did find Merle's crudeness endearing. "I need to check on Andre'." She said, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. He wanted to pull her back by her arm and get a REAL kiss from his Nubian goddess; but there would be time for that at some point.

Rick looked at Merle. "I appreciate this."

He turned away. "Don't tell the boys round' these parts that I'm helpin' law enforcement." The last thing he needed was to be perceived as soft. Merle's reputation was under scrutiny enough...most likely.

"Sure," Rick said with a smile. "If he turns up, my office is right down the road aways."

"Alright, Officer Friendly." Merle replied with a wise-ass smirk. Rick chuckled to himself. Officer Friendly? Merle watched as Rick got into his car and drove off. Merle went into the house and saw Michonne sitting on the sofa and holding Andre'. His wide-almond colored eyes were open and now fixated on Merle. "Why'd you do that?" He asked as he sat down next to her.

She looked at him, perplexed. "You didn't want to?"

He stared at the carpet for a moment. "Didn't say that," He mumbled. "I'm just not used to...being decent." He wasn't used to helping anyone but himself and Daryl; and now Michonne and Andre' were in his imposing space.

She sighed, then looking at her lively son. "Well," She went on to say. "If it were Andre' would you want someone to help find him?"

"Of course!," He said, without thought. Hell yes he would. He'd move the Heavens and Earth to find him. His harsh eyes softened as he saw Andre' reach for him. "Uh...can I?-" Wow, he was actually going to hold him. Well, he had held him before but it was always so surreal. He'd had practice before with Daryl, and here he was...raising another brat.

Michonne smiled and nodded. Just like she thought, Andre' went straight for Merle's nose. "Do you have something shiny in your nose?," She joked. "Andre' sure does like messing with it."

"No," He said with a chuckle, turning his attention to the excitable toddler. "You got a ton of energy! I think you gotta use this energy for good, not mischief!" He said to the tyke.

His eyes lit up. "Mer?"

"My name's Merle, kid," He joked, then bouncing him up and down against his leg. "I gotta learn you, yet!" He said with a jovial laugh.

"Mer! Mer! Mer!" Andre' chanted happily as he laughed.

Shit. He was getting soft, not just to that cop...but in every way. Michonne and her boy were getting to him. He knew it, but it felt good to be admired and depended on. He had failed Daryl, but little Andre' was a second chance. It crossed his mind to have a third chance...another baby to raise. Imagine that, having his own seed and blood. Michonne could sense it and she was innately turned on by it. He needed to stop those thoughts.

He was so good with Andre', like a teddy bear; and she could see how genuine he was. The sexual tension was undeniable, but when would be the right time? Was it too soon to be feeling this way? Those questions plagued her every time he kissed her, or explored her feminine parts with his lusty tongue. The question also proved problematic while he explored her curves with his possessive hands. She had to be fighting against natural reactions, and she was just a woman. A woman with sharp desires rolling through her labored body. When would the time be right?

She felt bad for her fantasies now, watching him interact so carefree and playful with Andre'. And here she was lusting after Merle like a female cat in heat. She abruptly stood up, she wanted time to herself. No. She needed time to herself. She couldn't take it. Any other thought would do, perhaps looking for Rick's son...or talking to Tonya or Andrea. Anything but thinking about Merle.

Before Michonne could retreat, her and Merle's attentions turned to the door. Daryl walked in with a young man following behind. Immediately Michonne snapped out of her stress. That boy looked like Rick's son, jet-black hair and dark blue eyes. He seemed stoic and unfeeling as he looked up at the three of them. "Found this brat walkin' down the road," Daryl muttered, running his hand through his messy hair. "Couldn't leave him since the sun's goin' down."

"Is your name Carl?" Michonne asked, eying the boy carefully.

He scoffed and looked away from her. His arms were folded and the look of defiance painted his young face. Surely this boy was tougher than his baby-face portrayed him as being.

Merle cleared his throat. "You hear the nice lady talkin' to ya?" He asked, his imposing nature making an appearance.

"Yeah," The boy replied in annoyance. "I have ears. I can hear." He retorted.

Merle snarled. "Listen you little- -"

Michonne gently put her hand to Merle's shoulder. That was her way of telling him to "stop". He listened to the non-verbal gesture without thought. He looked to her and watched as she interacted with the boy.

"Your parents are probably worried about you." She mentioned in a matter of act way.

He scoffed. "Yeah, my name is Carl…," He confessed. "So what?," He pouted. "I'm just a dumb Sheriff's kid," He shrugged and sighed. Daryl's eyes widened. Sheriff's kid? Holy shit. "He treats me like the townspeople and I hate it. Like I'm a kid."

Michonne laughed softly.

Carl's face turned bright red. "Hey, don't you laugh!," He exclaimed. "What's funny about that?"

"Well you are a kid," She explained with a warm smile. "And it isn't safe out here for you," She went on, her tone becoming more serious. "Your dad was worried sick about you. That's what parent's do, you know?"

"I'm not a baby!," He protested. "I survived this long!"

A righteous anger simmered within Merle. He didn't see himself in this boy. He wasn't like him. This brat didn't know what it meant to survive. He had a good dad. He'd love to have had a father that didn't beat him…or abandon him, or tell him that he wasn't worth 2 shits.

"You should listen to your daddy, you little brat," Merle said, very perturbed. Though the initial encounter with Rick was tense (more so on his part), he saw in Rick what he hadn't seen in his own father. He saw love, hope and compassion in that man's eyes…forgiveness. "Not every kid got a nice one like you do." Daryl's narrow eyes crept to Merle's. The old wise ass was serious, and he knew that he was thinking about him and Daryl's childhood.

Carl's insolent demeanor gave way to a remorseful kid. He stared at the ground with softened eyes. "I'm sorry for the worry I've caused…," He muttered under his breath. "I do this a lot," He shoved his hands into the pockets of his dark blue Levi's. "You would think dad would stop looking for me."

"Ain't no parent worth a shit gonna stop lookin' for their own," Merle replied, rubbing the back of his neck. Carl took the blunt man's words to heart. "Now we're gonna have to take you home- -"

"Can I just…stay the night here?," Daryl, Michonne and Merle all looked at each other. "Just to do some thinking I guess…"

Daryl looked to Merle. "Your choice."

Merle immediately looked to Michonne. "I don't see any harm in it." She said with a smile.

Daryl cut his eyes at Carl. "You'd better not try nothin' else, alright?," Carl slowly nodded. "I don't wanna have to go "Dog the Bounty Hunter" on you." He joked.

"I-I'll be good," Carl assured them, his lips curling into a boyish smile. "I've seen that show and I don't want to be slammed into the ground." He said with an innocent laugh.

"Yeah, kid," Daryl grumbled, rubbing his chin. "I'll body slam a little brat, don't forget that." He said with a small smile as he walked past him. Michonne laughed aloud at the visual of Daryl running across borders and hopping fences just to catch a child.

"Alright kid, guess you're staying the night," Merle replied, then looking to Michonne. "You think he'd be comfortable on the couch?"

"Do you mind sleeping on the couch?" She asked him.

Carl shook his head. "I've slept on worse," He said with a smile. "Thank you." For a kid that was so high strung and impulsive, he knew how to express gratitude and admit his wrongs. That was refreshing to Michonne. He really was a good kid.

They heard Andre' fussing in the distance. Carl's lips curled into a boyish smile. "You have a baby?," Michonne nodded, then going into the bedroom to check on him. Minutes later she emerged with her now content son. Carl looked at Merle. "That's why you were so concerned, you have a son too."

Merle smirked. "Yeah, kid," He said with chuckle. "And when he gets to be your age and does this crap I'll give the same lecture I gave you." Daryl smiled as he laid in bed, the walls were a bit thin and Merle's thick voice carried. That was one of the very few things that he didn't mind hearing his brother say. He was changing for sure.

Carl looked to Michonne. "What's his name?" He asked excitedly. Andre' looked at the fervent boy, then to Merle.

"His name is Andre'," Michonne replied. "Are you going to say "hi" to Carl?" She asked. He hesitantly raised his hand in a waving motion.

Carl waved back, the smile on his face was a mile long.

"I'm gonna get some sheets for ya." Merle replied, walking towards Daryl's bedroom.

"Were you hungry?" Michonne asked Carl as she bounced Andre' against her hip.

"A little…" He replied, still ashamed of the worry he caused.

Daryl sat up as he saw Merle walk into his room. "Any extra sheets?" He asked gruffly.

He smiled. His brother was still cantankerous…not as much though. "Yep, in the usual spot I guess," He watched him rummage through the small closet. "Stepdaddy of the year, humanitarian of the year." Daryl mused, genuinely impressed.

Merle scoffed and grumbled. "Whatever."

"I'm not teasin' you," Daryl assured him. "I'm glad you're gettin' a heart."

"I been had a heart," Merle grumbled. "How can I live without it?"

Daryl snorted. "Ain't what I meant," He looked up at Merle. "You good now," He smiled. "You took Michonne and Andre' in, and you're helpin' this kid."

A hoarse laugh escaped Merle. "You proud of me?"

"Yeah." Daryl said with a cheeky smile.

Merle threw the sheets over his shoulder. "Huh, never thought I'd hear that."