Giving Thanks (A Richonne Fic) by SBK

A/N: The holidays have inspired me to write about our favorite couple. I hope you enjoy.

The rain is coming down in white sheets as Michonne Grimes peeps out of her bedroom window. She ties the belt of her robe and sighs quietly before looking over to her slumbering husband. She smiles as she knows he's awake. He just doesn't want to move even though he knows their schedule is very tight today. She steps to him and leans over to place a hand on his head and a kiss on his cheek.

"Rick, I would love to let you sleep but there's too much to do today," she whispers.

He lets out a groan before grasping her arm and pulling her back into the bed with him. "Just 5 more minutes." He wraps a well-muscled arm around her waist, holding her to him.

She laughs softly and shakes her head. "Oh no. You are the main reason we're doing this so let's get this show started. You get the kids up while I start breakfast."

An hour later, the Grimes clan is seated at the kitchen table, eating breakfast and discussing their plans for the day. Only their looks give away the fact that their family is a blended one. Carl and Judith are Rick's children with his ex-wife, Andre is Michonne's son from a previous relationship, and RJ is the child they have together.

"So we're still doing this even though it's raining outside?" Carl asks.

"Rain or shine, son," Rick answers.

A timer goes off and Michonne knows that is the cue for everyone to start getting dressed. She and Carl put the plates and pans away, vowing that Judith and Andre will be responsible for washing them later. Afterwards, they follow the others upstairs.

They arrive at St. Sarah's Church and rush in to get out of the rain. Father Gabriel greets them by the door and they wait patiently as other friends and family enter. Maggie, Glenn, and Herschel Rhee (Glenn is Michonne's business partner and longtime friend). Sasha and Bob Stookey (close friends of the Grimes family). Andrea and Shane Walsh (Michonne's and Rick's longest friendships and Shane is a deputy). Tyreese, Karen, Tyson and Tylon Williams (Tyreese is one of Rick's deputies and longtime friend). Rosita, Abe, and Coco Ford (neighbors and friends of the Grimes). Grace and Morgan Jones (RJ's godparents and Morgan is Rick's best friend). Walter and Mae Hawthorne (Michonne's parents). Arthur and Gladys Grimes (Rick's parents).

They are all there to feed the less fortunate for Thanksgiving. The King County Sheriff's department continues to host a food drive every year where the collected items are given out the week before the holiday but Rick felt there should be something done on the actual day of so he partnered with his wife of 6 years and her law firm to feed people on Thanksgiving Day. This is the first year hosting this event and they are unsure of the turnout but he is thankful for family and friends who decided to volunteer their time to help. He is also grateful that Gabe agreed to let them use his church.

One of his main reasons for doing this is to teach his kids more about giving back to their community and he knew there was no better way to do that than by example. Luckily, his wife agreed and they were able to pull this thing together with the help of those closest to them.

He gives everyone their assignments and watches as his latest goal comes to fruition. He smiles at his kids as they seem to genuinely enjoy helping others. It makes him proud and he will be forever grateful for the blessings bestowed upon him and his family.

Unbeknownst to him, his wife is watching him closely and pride shines in her eyes as well as the endearing love she holds for the man in her life. Rick is just a natural born leader and once he sets his mind on something, he almost makes it seem effortless.

Much later, they are all seated around Gladys's dining room, two other smaller tables set near the large main one to accommodate all the guests, discussing the success of today's dinner. Rick's mind is already twirling with what they could accomplish for Christmas. He decides to wait to discuss it with Michonne first before rushing ahead with any plans.

He listens attentively as one by one, they all share what they are most thankful for. He grabs his wife's hand with an affectionate squeeze, already envisioning how he would worship her once they are home ensconced in the comfort of their bed.

XXXXXXXXXX

The house is finally quiet. He could not believe the fuss Judith put up at being asked to wash the dishes from their morning breakfast. Andre was a silent co-conspirator. Rick loved him for his quiet demeanor and the want to keep the peace amongst his siblings.

His wife emerges from the adjoining bathroom, dressed in a silk nightdress that hugs her smooth curves. He admires her with appreciative eyes and lifts the coverings as she enters their bed and sidles up close to him.

"I should be exhausted but I'm surprisingly energized," she admits.

"Good coz this night is far from over."

She smiles. "Oh someone is extremely proud of themselves I see."

He nods in agreement. "You know me so well but I couldn't have done any of this without you. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me Rick. I was more than glad to help. We're a team right?"

He looks deeply into her eyes. "We're a team. The best team." He pauses. "How'd I get so lucky finding you?"

She drapes an arm across his shoulders. "We found each other and I'm just as lucky as you are."

He kisses her soundly, moving down to her neck to nibble gently. He smiles against her skin as she moans and threads her fingers in his hair.

He breathes in deeply, relishing in her sweet scent. "I don't know if I told you but I'm most thankful for you. I love you."

"I love you too."