Chapter 10: 'More than the Girl Next Door'

"I knew right away that you were it for me,

there were no reservations or second thoughts,

I saw you, and in an instant

knew in my bones,

my soul had known your soul lifetimes ago."

-Beau Taplin

Rick inhaled deeply as he made the final loop, tightening the sage neck tie around his neck before smoothing down his collar and tucking the tie into the brown herringbone wool tweed vest worn. He looked into the mirror that sat atop of the mantle, a bright smile formed on his lips as he stared at the sunflower and baby breath's boutonnière pinned on the left side of his chest; the man was indeed elated and words couldn't possibly put into perspective the contentment he felt in his heart and soul. Even though for the most part- this day would bring its share of nervousness and disarray but the excitement, butterflies and pure satisfaction he felt, overpowered any of those things because the fact that some higher power felt the need to bless him with a second chance to do this all over again and for once and for all to get it right this time, was an act of grace. The fact that it was with Michonne, well that was a blessing within itself. That feeling of favor was pure euphoria for him.

"DADDY!" a 7-year-old Carl burst through the doors of the den, running straight towards his father, giggling up a furious storm as the little boy looked behind him humorously.

"Come back here you little rascal! Pa-Pa's gonna getcha'" Ritchie Sr. rasped out as he chased after his grandson, clutching the boy's dark brown suspenders and beige dress slacks in his hands.

Carl threw his arms around his father's leg tightly as he gazed at his grandfather, giggling hysterically to himself at the man's attempts to coerce him out of the corner.

"Hey Now!...What's going on here?" Rick rasped as he quickly looked between his joyous father and even happier son.

"Trying to get this child o' your's dressed, he rather run around buck naked instead of putting on his trousers and suspenders" the severely county man drew out cheekily. "You were the same way growing up...just wanted to walk around dick swing-"

"Dad!" Rick reprimanded the man's crassness with a head shake.

"Oh shoot! Ain't nothin' he hasn't heard before" he chuckled out as he waived a dismissive hand towards his son before turning his attention back towards his grand baby.

Rick rolled his eyes before looking down at his son, "Carl, you know better than to run away from pop-pop you know he's an old man now...can't keep up like he use to" he teased

Ritchie Sr. whipped his head towards his son, "You little shit...I could run circles round ya'...wanna taste of this?" he bantered back as he cocked his head to the side. The man's chocolate brown and beige fedora sitting proudly on his head full of grey hair-the man's shoulder length curls telling a story of where the man had been, done and where he was going.

Rick snickered, shaking his head at his father's curtness, "I think we're good" he drew out as he bent down and scooped Carl into his arms. The barn door to the den sliding open prompted all of the Grimes men to look towards it. Rick's best man Glenn appeared bearing a bright smile as he approached wearing a pair of black denim cigarette jeans, a sage long sleeve dress shirt-that was cuffed at his forearm, a dark brown tie, shoes and matching vest to match; his jet black hair slicked back handsomely as he carried his 8-month old son, Hershel Jr. proudly in his arms-the infant a splitting image of his father, as he stopped in front of the men.

"Just wanted to check in, Hershel Sr. said it's almost time to start-about ten minutes to be exact" he smiled out as he looked proudly at his best friend.

Rick let out a bated breath as he nodded his head in response. "Alright...it's time to get this show on the road" he drew out as butterflies instantly swarmed in his belly, today was the day. He was about to marry the love of his life and it still felt so unreal.

"Indeed son-" Ritchie Sr. rasped out as he placed a supportive hand to his son's shoulder. Words couldn't possibly define just how proud of his son he was, he had watched him and Michonne's love story unfold since they were 14 years old... despite all of their trials and tribulations, their love still prevailed, they still allowed love to bring them back together and here they were. "Come on her scoot...we gotsa' get you dressed. You are the ring bearer after all", the elder man announced as he quickly scooped his grandson into his arms to finish getting him ready. He blew raspberries against the Carl's cheek, causing the boy to erupt into laughter as they headed across the room towards the door. Before departing, Ritchie Sr. turned to look back at his son, "Your mama would be so proud of you..."

Rick beamed, his heart warming at the sentiment, "I think she would too" he agreed through a bright smile.

He nodded, "Knock em' dead kid", Ritchie Sr. smiled out as he proceeded to slid open the door and exit the room.

Rick turned back towards the mirror, giving himself another once over before running his hands through his slicked back curls. Once in place he turned towards Glenn, who was happily bouncing his son in his arms. "It's time..." he drew out with a warm smile as the two best friends made their way out of the den towards the ceremony space out back.

She bit down on her lip happily as she ran her fingers gently down the bodice of her dress. This was it...today was the day she finally was able to become Mrs. Michonne Grimes, her name next to his never sounded better and she basked in that joy-she rejoiced in the fact that the man she loved since she was 14 was going to make her his wife, that he loved her so that he waited 17 years to do so. Their love had literally conquered all and that fact-that truth made it all so worth it.

A soft rap at their bedroom door pulled her from her lull, "Come in" she responded softly as she turned to face the opening door. Slowly, Shelia opened the door, a soft gasp escaping her as she gazed at her daughter. Tears quickly filling her eyes as she placed her hands over her heart, "Mook...you look so beautiful" she gushed out as she rushed up to her child, cradling her in her arms.

Michonne smiled, tears beginning to form in her own eyes as she allowed her mother's love to engulf her, who she would be without this woman was a question she never wanted answered because her mother was god sent and she cherished the ground the woman walked on. "Thank you, mommy," she beamed as they parted from the embrace.

"Oh lord, don't mess up your pretty makeup now", Shelia giggled out as she quickly grabbed a Kleenex to wipe away the pool of tears in Michonne's eyes. "I didn't mean to make you cry baby. Just seeing you took my breath away", she continued as she finished up.

"You know how I get when I see you cry. The floodgates open up immediately" she chuckled out. "You look beautiful as well Mommy" she gushed out as she took in the floor length lace-brown chiffon dress her mother wore. Her mother's ankle length locs bundled into a beautiful curly pin up with a sunflower hair piece nestled at her temple, gold pumps, chandelier earrings and a clutch completed the look. A sunflower and baby's breath corsage sitting proudly on her wrist.

Shelia smiled brightly, "Thank you shug, I appreciate the sentiment but today is your day and you deserve all of the love and praise", she gushed out as she ran her thumb across her daughter's cheek. Michonne beamed at the gesture, gently placing her forehead against her mother's; something they had done since Michonne was an infant. As they basked in a love that could only be shared between a mother and a daughter.

"Godmommy?" a small voice suddenly filled the room.

Michonne parted from the embrace as she turned to see her and Rick's goddaughter, Noelle, standing in front of them. Michonne walked up to her running her fingers through her long jet-black hair. "Yes, my love?" she questioned as she crouched down in front of the child.

Noelle smiled, "Mommy said it's time. Her and Sasha are done getting ready" she informed sweetly. "You look so pretty Godmommy!" she exclaimed cheerfully as she clutched the basket full of petals in her hands.

Michonne giggled, words couldn't describe how adorable this little girl was. "Thank you, my glitter baby, you look absolutely gorgeous as well...simply magical" she beamed as she placed a soft kiss onto the small child's cheek. The little girl giggled in response as Michonne wiped away the lipstick print left behind. She stood up slowly, "It's time..." she breathed out softly as she gazed happily back at her mother.

After parting from Glenn, Rick made is way down the white brick corridor, his eyes scanning over the array of family photos encased in gold picture frames that adorned the walls. He smiled in contentment as he headed towards the white French double doors. He pushed them open gently, revealing his tribe of friends and family that sat patiently in the gold chameleon chairs waiting for the wedding to start. Rick slowly made his way down the back staircase, an abundance of sunflower bouquets inside of tall gold vases sat on either side of the wide staircase. He continued his journey down the aisle, walking atop of the white runner, he took in the bundles of sunflower and baby's breath bouquets wrapped in lace & chiffon bows that were pinned to the side of the inner and outer chairs. Rick smiled brightly at the guest, taking an extra minute or two, to kiss the cheeks of his grandmother, Michonne's grandmother and also aunt's. He ensured to dap up her uncles and cousins on his trek down the aisle as well. Briefly his ex-wife Lori caught his eye, he politely greeted her, Shane and their 3-month old daughter, Delilah, with a head nod as he continued on.

Finally, he made his way to the wooden wedding arch where Hershel stood smiling proudly at him, the pillars of the arch were covered by long lace and chiffon that cascaded from the top of it, an abundance of sunflowers and baby breaths sat at each corner. He placed a grateful hand on Hershel's shoulder before turning and taking his place back under the arch, his hands crossed in front of him as he waited for his Mrs. to make her entrance.

A gentle melody of "If This World Were Mine" by Luther Vandross began to play, those same butterflies from earlier found their way back into his stomach. As soon as Luther began to sing, those white doors opened instinctively, the first to appear was Noah walking his and Michonne's mother, Shelia down the aisle, he guided her to her seat before taking his place next to Rick as a groomsmen. Rick quickly jogged over, placing a kiss on his soon to be mother in law's cheek before jogging back over to his place. Next his groomsmen Daryl appeared, walking bridesmaid Andrea down the aisle, the duo quickly taking their places as well, Sasha and Tyreese right behind-the now teenagers beaming as they took their places as groomsmen and bridesmaid. Glenn and Maggie smiled brightly as they swayed back and fourth down the aisle, the two never missing a beat as they took their place as man and maid of honor. Rick took a minute to appreciate how beautiful everyone looked, his groomsmen wore matching outfits to Glenn's as the bridesmaids all wore off the shoulder light sage chiffon long dresses with splits up the front, they all carried bouquets of baby breaths, bound together with gold silk and a single sunflower tucked inside.

Roars of ooh's and awe's swept over the quaint ceremony space, as the crowd basked in the utter cuteness in front of them. Rick couldn't contain himself as he smiled brightly at his son, walking down the aisle smiling giddily as he held the pillow carrying the rings. The seven-year-old looked as handsome as his father in his beige dress pants, brown suspenders, sage dress shirt-that was rolled at the forearms and a brown fedora-matching his grandfather's. Carl excitedly ran the rest of the way, the crowd laughing as the young boy nestled against his father's leg. Rick bent forward, wrapping his arms around his son as he pulled him into a tight hug before leaving a soft kiss on the boy's forehead. The crowd cooed at the display of father and son cuteness, even Ritchie Sr. had a flutter of the heart. Rick quietly instructed his son where to stand next to his godfathers before standing straight and turning back towards the stairs. He looked forward, seeing his and Michonne's almost five-year-old goddaughter Noelle Mei, approaching. She was such a beautiful flower girl as she wore a sage calf length dress with a sunflower pinned to the side of her long hair. Glenn fought back tears as he watched his daughter drop the sunflower petals on the ground, ensuring accurate coverage across the runner, once at the altar she excitedly hugged her godfather before taking her place next to her mother as she looked on at him in admiration.

A change in the melody queued for the next verse, Cheryl Lynn's melodic voice began to fill the air as

Rick stared at those doors, the time had finally arrived. He placed his hands behind his back as he stood patiently waiting for her arrival, the guest stood to their feet all looking towards the doors that began to re-open, slowly she appeared wearing a white satin trumpet gown with a deep v cut neckline, the form fitting dress hugged her like a glove as her long flowing train followed. Her locs in a sea of curls that framed her face beautifully as a sunflower crown adorned her head. Her bouquet filled to its brim with sunflowers, bound by gold strand. She was absolutely radiant, her skin glistening as if it was made of the finest honey and brown sugar. Michonne smiled brightly, her eyes locked on her soon to be husband as she marched down the aisle with her step father Morgan leading the way.

Rick looked on in awe at the scene unfolding in front of him, thanking God to himself for being able to witness this miracle of a woman, seeing her so radiant... so gorgeous as she smiled towards him filled his heart with an indescribable joy. Thoughts of their first glance almost 17 years ago occupied his mind, he thought she was an angel that appeared to him in the midst of his brokenness, in the middle of his dark despair. She came into his life in one of the most beautiful yet chaotic ways imaginable. The way he handled her at their first meeting was something he would always regret, he quickly down casted his eyes, a heavy feeling of remorse coming over him before quickly looking back up towards her, her smile quickly melting that remorse away. She looked at him as if he was the only man in the world, the look of love exuding from her as she moved closer towards him. His mind quickly went back to the night that he knew he was falling in love with Michonne, that night at their senior prom when they danced under the stars. He would never forget the sweet smell of her breath, the softness of her skin, the look of forever in her eyes. She was his everything then and now and the fact that she was about to become his wife was unfathomable. Rick smiled as she inched closer and closer to him, her eyes never leaving him, he smiled and caught her gaze, that look of happiness prompted so many other sweet memories to come flooding back, Rick's face flushed thinking of their first kiss, the first time they made love, the way he took her face into his palms and told her he loved her, when they first met. All of those moments led up to this grand moment, they were stepping stones for this day, for the day he was able to submit himself to her forever. Rick locked eyes with the woman standing before him, she turned and gave Morgan a gentle kiss on the cheek as Rick walked up to them, he pulled the man into a tight embrace- assuring him he would give his daughter the world and more before reaching out his hand towards her and leading her to their marital altar. Maggie stepped forward taking her large bouquet from her as Michonne mouthed a sweet thank you to her best friend before the woman stepped back in place. Rick let out a boyish grin as he gazed lovingly at the beauty in front of him, "Hey you", he drew out trying to fight back tears. She beamed, "Hey to you too" she responded back as a soft giggle escaped her, softly she took his hands into her own; the love birds gazing cheekily at one another as they waited for Hershel to begin.

"You may now take your seats" the southern man drew out, his silver ponytail brushing against the jacket of his brown tweed suit as he nodded towards the guest.

Once seated, the ordained minister cleared his throat, "We are gathered here today, to celebrate a union-this union." He rasped out as he gestured between Rick and Michonne before continuing, "A union created in the name of love, one only bound by GOD in holy matrimony. Not to be entered into lightly, holy matrimony should be entered into solemnly and with reverence and honor. Into this holy agreement these two will come together to be joined. If any person here can show cause why these two people should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." he rasped out as a scanned over the crowd, no objections. Hershel smiled warmly at the sweethearts as he continued. "Marriage is a sacred union between husband and wife and shall remain unbroken. It is the basis of a stable and loving relationship and is a joining of two hearts, bodies and souls. The husband and wife are there to support one another and provide love and care in times of joy and times of adversity. We are all here today to witness the joining in wedded bliss of Rick and Michonne. This joyous day celebrates the commitment and love between you, may today start your lives together. Through God, you are joined together in the most holy of bonds. Who gives this woman in holy matrimony to this man?"

"I do" Morgan drew out as he stood up, a proud smile on his face as he locked eyes with his step daughter and son in law.

Hershel nodded towards Morgan; signaling for the man to take his seat before looking back towards the happy couple. "We may now hear the exchanging of vows, written by Rick and Michonne." He informed sweetly as he closed the brown leather notebook he was holding.

Rick smiled, looking deeply into Michonne's eyes as he deepened their handhold. He let out a bated breath before beginning, "Words cannot put into prospective how much I love you but I'm going to try" he rasped out as he ran his thumb across her wrist tenderly. Michonne's bright smile prompted him to continue. "I adore everything about you-whether it's the way your sweet smell of lavender and cocoa butter lingers when you leave the room, the way you stare at me as if you could see right through to my soul…down to the very depths of me. You're dorkish giggle", he beamed out proudly as she giggled in response, "Your beautiful brown eyes- I've awoken and fallen asleep within so many times. The beautiful shape of your nose, your soft lips, the way your locs sweep across your back gently when you walk. You're beautiful and intricate mind, how hearing you talk just stops my world, how we lay in bed for hours rambling about nothing or you telling me one of your many stories all of this...all of these thangs are all part of the list...the list of reasons why I love you and have loved you since I was 14 years old. You are more than my best friend...more than the girl next door-you are my soulmate, you are a part of me and will always be forever. I worship the ground that you walk on Michonne, you are my queen and forever you will be". he rasped out as his voice broke from emotion, tears finally escaping.

Michonne chuckled, her own tears pouring as she gently wiped away his. She exhaled softly as she gazed at her man. "You got me-I was not expecting all of that Reese", she gushed out. She was met with laughter and sniffles from their friends and family. Michonne beamed as she continued to lock eyes with Rick, "I carry you in my spirit, my soul leaps in bounds whenever you are near me. Wherever you go, I go. I've prayed for you more then I pray for myself. You are my vision in the darkness, you have brought me to the light time and time again. You are like my second skin and I love all of you from the tippy top of your curly brown hair down to those bow-legs and pigeoned toes. I love waking up to the scruff of your beard against my face every morning or the way that you cling to me as we sleep. How your voice sets my very being ablaze. You bring out the best parts of me. You are a love song that I want to sing over and over again. You are the best part of my day, the best part of my life. The fact you trust me not only with your heart but with your own flesh and bloods, means everything to me because I love him just as much as I love you. I now know that my grandest accomplishment in life has been falling in love with you and Carl. You have taught me how to love- how to receive it and I will give you mine for the rest of my days and beyond. There will never be a Michonne without Rick. You're stuck with me forever, kid" she giggled as tears continued to pour. Rick chuckled as well, wiping her tears away with his thumbs as he palmed her face in between his hands.

Hershel smiled looking between Rick and Michonne and his own crying daughter and son in law. "We will now have the exchanging of rings" Hershel announced as he gathered the rings from Carl. The young boy still bouncing in elation. Hershel cleared his throat, "The wedding ring is an unbroken symbol of the everlasting love and commitment between man and wife", he continued as he hands one ring to Michonne and then to Rick, "Repeat after me: with this ring, I thee wed"

"With this ring, I thee wed" Rick smiled out as he slid the silver band on Michonne's ring finger.

She beamed, "With this ring, I thee wed" she repeated happily as she slid the silver band on Rick's ring finger.

"What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. With the power vested in me by God and the state of Georgia, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride" Hershel smiled as he clasped his hands together proudly.

A huge grin fell on Rick's lips as his hand instinctively drifted from her hand down to her lower back as he pulled her into him. Rick inhaled her sweet essence as he raised his right hand and rested it on her cheek. Gently placing his lips onto hers, passionately their mouths and breaths mingled. Michonne hungrily clawed at the hair located at the nape of neck as she melted into him; their love outpouring as they celebrated being one. Their friends and families cheered on happily as the husband and wife parted from the kiss, still beaming amongst themselves.

Quickly Shelia picked up the straw broom that laid next to her chair- the broom beautifully decorated with sunflowers, gold strand and pieces of lace. She walked towards her son in law and daughter, bending forward, she placed the broom at their feet before returning to her seat.

Michonne beamed as she looked towards her husband, "You ready?"

Rick chuckled, a bright smile on his face as he gazed back towards his wife, "You already know I am" he drew out cheekily as they clutched hands and jumped over the broom; right into marital bliss.

The reception in the barn was soon underway, the tall wooden beams were wrapped in fairy lights as two huge chandeliers and drapery hung from the high ceiling. The gold ceremony chairs sat in front of the long lace covered rectangle tables, that were arranged in a U- shape around the bridal table. Tall golden vases filled with sunflowers adorned the tables, smaller vases filled with baby breaths and floating candles in mason jars accompanied the décor. The reception was just as breathtaking as the ceremony as their family and friends chowed down on an assortment of barbeque and spiked lemonade (for those old enough to indulge), as the children jumped, ran and danced away to the dj's tunes.

Michonne bit down on her lip, taking in every aspect of her beautiful husband. Marriage looked damn good on him and she couldn't contain her ever growing thirst for her man. She licked her lips, leaning into him, her mouth so close to his ear that he could almost taste the sweetness of her breath on his tongue. "You remember how you said you wanted a house full of babies? she questioned seductively.

Rick glanced towards her, his brow raised as a devilish smirk covered his face, "Yeah" he drew out as he licked his lips, leaning into his wife.

"Maybe we should go get started on that" she drew out huskily as she reached for his hand, taking it into her own, she slowly guided it under her dress and between her thighs, giving her man a first-hand feel of her au natural heat.

Rick's eyes instantly snapped up to hers, he nodded enthusiastically as he stared lustfully at her. "Oh yeah… we should" he rasped out with a wild grin as he nearly jumped out of his seat. He quickly grabbed his giggling wife by the hand and whisked her off into their home.

"Glenn…have you seen Jr's binky?" Maggie questioned her husband as she rocked their 8-month-old son in her arms. "He can barely keep his eyes open but he won't sleep without it" she drew out has she shooed the whiny infant.

"Damnit, I knew I was forgetting something. Sorry babe" he apologized sweetly before continuing, "Give him to me…I'll get it and lay him down for a nap."

"It's quite alright honey and thank you" she smiled out as she placed their son in his arms.

"Anything for you" he assured as he leaned over and placed a soft kiss onto his wife's lips before standing up and heading towards the house.

"Alright buddy…where did daddy put your binky?" Glenn lowly said to the infant as he walked into him and Maggie's guest bedroom. He scanned over his surroundings, trying to recall the last place his son had it. He swiftly walked around the bed, moving the comforter back as the black and white pacifier fell to the ground. "There you are", he smiled as he quickly picked it up. His son's eyes lighting up as soon as he saw it. "Not just yet slugger, daddy needs to clean it off first", he cooed out to the now pouting infant as he laid him across the bed. Glenn quickly walked towards the in-suite bathroom, swinging the door open as he began to walk inside. As soon as he did he was met with Rick's pants around his knees and bare ass hanging out as Michonne's dress was hiked around her waist, her legs wrapped tightly around Rick's abdomen as he stroked savagely inside of her. The door opening halted his movements, they looked back horrified to see Glenn standing there frozen in shock. The shock wore off quickly as he spun around instantly, "Sorry…I saw nothing" he fumbled out as he quickly ran out of the bathroom and closed the door. He quickly picked up his on, "Looks like you're going to have a playmate really soon kiddo" he smiled out brightly as he kissed his son's forehead and exited the bedroom, in search of an unoccupied bathroom.

Rick and Michonne chuckled loudly at what just transpired. She ran her hands down her face as she shook her head humorously, her red lipstick now smudged over her mouth, "Oh my god…Glenn is going to be scared for life"

"He will be but we ain't worrying about that right now" he rasped out huskily as he stroked longly inside of his wife's tight wet pussy;it was always home between her thighs. Michonne moaned, wrapping her arms around his neck as she groaned against his ear hungrily. Only magic could be created so raw, so pure, so unadulterated and they continued to bask in that magic for as long as they could.

8 months later…

Rick quietly crept inside of the room that his wife currently occupied, he shook his head as he watched her attempt to stand on her tippy toes. Her current situation not proving to be successful. "And what do you think you're doing?" he questioned as he made his presence known.

Michonne huffed, throwing her head back in annoyance. She thought she was stealth enough to not get caught, apparently, she was wrong. "Don't be mad at me, okay?" she pouted out as she looked back at her husband. "I was trying to fix the J…it's unevenness is driving me insane"

"You know that I'm not mad at you baby. You could have just asked me to do it…you know that you are on bed rest and don't need any strenuous activity right now" he reprimanded her as he walked up behind her, placing his hand on her heavily pregnant stomach as he leaned into her.

"I know but they'll be here really soon and I'm just so antsy" she revealed as she melted into his embrace.

"You're right...nesting has you on edge and I completely understand that but at this point your health and our babies health is the most important thang right now" he reminded as he left a gentle kiss to her temple.

"Your right papa" she huffed out as she gazed around the grey, white and gold nursery. ''

"Let's sit you down first, I'll get it fixed" he assured as he slowly turned her to face him.

"Okay" she beamed as she nodded her head in agreeance. The messy bun sitting on top of her head, bouncing up and down with every movement.

Rick smiled, God how cute was this woman. He placed his hand on her lower back as he carefully guided her across the room to the gold rocking chair that was nestled in the corner by the window. Rick cautiously helped her into the chair before a scene outside of the window, caught his attention.

"Who's the little girl Carl's outside with?" he questioned through a curious brow

"Oh-that's the little girl from next door. I think her name's Enid" she responded as she continued to get comfortable in the rocking chair, once content, she slowly ran her hand over her stomach.

Rick chuckled to himself, thinking about the one moment all of those years ago that altered his life, that changed fate's outcome, that day was destiny in its purest form- the day that he met his soulmate. His son may be a little too young for romantics now but who knows how his story could possibly unfold with the girl next door one day. All Rick could do was hope that Carl's would be just as beautiful as his and Michonne's. On that note he gazed lovingly down at his wife, placing a gentle kiss to her lips before crossing the room to put the finishing touches on their twins, Andre and Judith's nursery.

Only heaven knows how beautiful life can be when we just allow things to come full circle.

End