The sun dawned, pale and yellow, spreading across the land lazily. Spring was slow in coming this year, as though the winter had tired it out. Still, slowly but surely, the frost ebbed away and despite the odds, delicate green sprouts fought their way to the surface of the previously frozen earth.
Michonne sat out on the porch, her head tilted back, enjoying the play of the sunlight on her skin. She'd missed this simple pleasure. From the doorway, her husband watched her, clutching a tin mug of tea.
"This is what got you out of our bed this morning?" he asked in a joking grumble, his footsteps heavy as he too emerged on the porch, heading for her.
"I wanted to feel the sun," she smiled at him, making space for him on the swing Tyreese had built that winter. Most often, Duane, Carl, and Judith could be found here, taking their lessons from Carol or playing their games, sword fighting with sticks they'd found in the forest. Occasionally, Morgan and Carol could be spotted sitting here with one another, conversing lowly while she rocked Sophia. Once or twice, Michonne had spotted Tyreese, Theodore, and Sasha crowded together laughing, or Hershel reading the Bible aloud to his daughters. Glenn and Maggie had commiserated here on more than one instance, and once, Rick swore he caught Daryl and Beth having a heart-to-heart in the late hours of twilight.
"It's barely up," Rick observed, sitting beside her now, setting the wood swaying gently. He pressed the cup into her hands. Michonne took a sip, delighting in the tang of the mint tea. It began to settle her stomach at once, providing instant relief.
"So watch it rise with me," she responded, settling against him. She hadn't wanted to wake him this morning when she slipped out of bed, but she was thrilled to have him beside her once more.
Wordlessly, Rick complied, draping his arm around her. A silence stretched between them, comfortable and worn as the blanket Rick had brought outside with him. Michonne passed the cup back to him. Rick took a deep pull, sighing contently, watching the sky put on a show for them.
"Beautiful," he breathed, pulling Michonne closer to him. His lips were warm from their tea as he pressed them to her neck. She laid her head against his shoulder as the sun continued its accent, bathing the world in golden light.
"It is," she clutched her husband's hand beneath the blanket.
"It'll be planting time soon," he mused. "Time to get ready for another year." He released her hand, instead reaching for her belly. She was just beginning to swell beneath her clothing, the new contours of her stomach unknown to the rest of the family.
"Lots of things to prepare for," she agreed, smiling brightly.
Rick grinned right back. "It's going to be a good year," he predicted, pressing his forehead to hers.
From across the field before them, the occupants of the cabins began to stir. Glenn and Maggie emerged first, the newlyweds rising uncharacteristically early. They waved from far off before heading to Hershel's cabin to join the rest of the family for breakfast. Daryl emerged next, sullen, Beth in tow, heading to switch Sasha and Theodore from their watch. Morgan was sure to be awake next, heading out to check on Carol and Sophia, Duane dogging his steps.
"The children will be up soon," Michonne noted. She sat up, turning back towards the house and their children. It was almost time to begin the day, to see to chores, tend the animals, resume combat lessons, and farming, and cooking.
"Sit with me a little while longer," Rick suggested, pulling back to his side.
Michonne complied willingly, content to enjoy the peace just a little longer.
A/N: That's all folks! I had a ball writing this, and I'm so humbled that you all came along for the ride with me. I hope to revisit this version of Richonne and Team Family one day. I hope you all enjoyed it!