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Two months ago…

"Dad, are you going to be sad again?"

The sleeves of Rick's plaid shirt were rolled up as he chopped vegetables at the counter. He stopped mid chop and turned to his son who was supposed to be doing his homework at the kitchen table while he prepared dinner.

"Why would you ask that?"

"Well…you are usually a little sad but last weekend you weren't." Carl tilted his head in the same manner his father did when pondering.

Rick was truly caught off guard by his son's revelation. He didn't think he had been sad before these last few days. Conflicted, yes but sad, no. The decision regarding the fate of the lodge had been weighing heavily on his mind so maybe that was it. But then Tammy Rose's words to him came flooding back.

'Lonely Widower'

Had everyone come to this conclusion without the knowledge of his own predicament dawning on him? He had become a bit surly over the years but he had a lot suddenly thrust on his shoulders. This wasn't something he asked for but everyone was looking to him to have answers. The weight felt immense at times and he didn't want to let anyone down.

"Dad?" Rick looked up realizing he had been deep in thought.

"Sorry, Carl." Rick walked over to the table and sat next to his boy. "You know I've been honest with you about the lodge."

Carl sat up straighter. "Yeah, you might have to sell it."

"That's not something I want to do but…"

"It's alright, dad."

Rick was stunned by his son's approval but remembered he was still a child. He could mean this today and grow up, reconsider, thinking his father had squandered his inheritance. Not to mention the effect it would have on the town folks who he employed.

Carl looked his father squarely in the eye and Rick nodded while he formulated his thoughts.

"You know I would never do anything to hurt you and I want the best for you. That will always be my first thought."

Carl nodded back then wavered. "But I don't want to be happy…if you aren't."

Again, his son's maturity struck him, making him wonder had he been unknowingly hoisting a burden onto the child's shoulders. When all he really truly wanted was for him to enjoy his childhood as long as he could. Even though Carl was very young, Rick knew the loss of his mother had robbed him of some innocence and he nearly teared up at the thought. Instead, he pulled Carl to him, hugging him tightly and kissing his head through his hair.

Rick had not given himself a chance to be happy in a deeper sense in quite a long time, when he thought about it. He'd just resigned himself to being single after Lori died. In the midst of mourning her unexpected death, taking care of his son and keeping the business alive were the priorities.

Sure, after sometime passed women made advances towards him. Letting their intentions be known when they showed up with casseroles or sat closely during school events. He'd even gone on a few dates, but they never felt right so they almost as quickly ended. He was happy to have his son, friends and supportive staff but he had become solitary.

But this newfound happiness that had arisen from last weekend was so clear even his son could see it. He realized there were more ways of being that would influence his son's outlook on life.

Rick smiled as he rubbed Carl's hair. "You know what would make me happy, right now?"

"What?"

"If you help me make supper."

"But I have to finish my homework." Carl looked to his open books and tablet.

"How about, I write you a note this one time?"

"Really?" Carl's face lit up.

"Yep."

"Awesome!"

"But you have to promise to make it up during the week."

"I will."

"Clean this up and go wash your hands."

Rick chuckled at the joy his son brought him while he watched him scamper to clear the table. The two Grimes men went to the counter after Carl cleaned his hands. The boy stood on his stepstool to carefully place the already cut vegetables in the pot of stew.

Rick was enjoying this time with his son but flashes of what it could be popped in his head unexpectedly. It could be three of them here working together, sharing stories of their day and laughing at the others jokes. Carl could have someone else to be his best friend, sharing experiences he may not want to with him one day.

For himself, Rick could have someone to confide in, someone to bounce ideas off of and not feel judged. But mostly he wanted someone he could pamper, dote on and care for. Someone to share his life with. Someone to love. While him and Carl chatted as they continued to prepare their meal, thoughts of Michonne stayed in his mind.

Rick had gotten Carl off to bed that evening and ran through some lodge business with Barbara before he returned to his place. He showered quickly and dressed for bed then grabbed his phone. He had been antsy to call Michonne all day but his conversation with Carl just heightened it. He waited until all the day's affairs were in order not wanting to be distracted. He hoped the late hour would allow her to give him the focused attention he craved too.

He sat on the edge of his bed and anxiously scrolled to his favorites in the phone app and facetimed her. He fidgeted with the devices position, trying to get the right angle but fell short when her beautiful face appeared. He grinned and hopelessly blushed when her eyes showed her returned excitement.

"Hey."

"Hi." she smiled warmly and waved at the screen.

"Is it a good time to talk?"

"Yes, I had a long day but I ate dinner and just showered." she held her phone high so he could see that she wore a pink satin chemise with matching shorts.

"How is it possible for you to be even more beautiful than I remember?" he gazed at her making her coquettishly giggle.

"Rick." she dragged out his name.

"Umm…say my name again." The raspy tone of Rick's voice came on suddenly along with his intensified desire for her.

Michonne bit her lip and seductively looked his face over. "Rick."

He closed his eyes at the sound of her softly moaning his name. The flood of all the times she would quickly obey him came right back to the forefront of his mind. Knowing that she was strong, powerful and intelligent but was still willing and wanting to be soft, giving and submissive to him turned him on even more. His intentions for this phone call started off pure but had quickly turned dirty.

He watched as Michonne went into what he assumed was her bedroom and climbed on the bed. The top that she wore slipped down on her shoulder to reveal her décolletage, but she didn't pull it back up. Instead, she propped her phone up so she could be hands free allowing him a better view.

Michonne got comfortable after her phone was propped against the stack of books on her nightstand. Her day had been exhausting and she was ready for bed, but seeing Rick's striking face had revitalized her. Thoughts of him had been in her mind on and off the last few days, but she really needed to get her business in order for them to move forward. She'd spent the trip so wrapped up in him that she didn't get much of the original strategy completed.

But she was glad that Rick couldn't be satisfied by their texts conversations and had initiated a video chat. His passion for her was easily conveyed on his handsome face and made her moisten.

"I wish you were here with me." Michonne whispered.

Rick was so happy to hear that she'd been having the same feelings as him. "I miss you too. So much, baby."

He watched her lips part as if she was working herself up to something, so he waited.

She demurely giggled. "I wish your shirt was off."

He couldn't move fast enough to grant her request, he propped his phone up against some pillows then swiftly pulled his t-shirt off. The look of satisfaction on her face from seeing his toned chest and arms gratified him. But he wanted to have control for the next step.

"Chonne, I want you to touch yourself."

He saw the shyly pensive look on her face.

"Pretend it's me."

It only took Michonne a split second to know she would do this for not only him but for herself. Her body had grown accustomed to the sweet release he had enacted on her over that short time. Her pulse pounded as she closed her eyes and raised her hands to her neck. She did as instructed, imagining these were his hands slowly running across her skin then down to her breasts. The sensation of the soft fabric tickling her, coupled with his observation had her nipples growing taut. She hissed at the light pinches she applied, feeling herself growing wetter.

Rick was on the edge of his seat when she put her hands under the material, moaning as she made contact with her full mounds again. His pajama pants now sported a tent with his cock steadily rising. Michonne was fully ensconced, playing with her nipples boldly now, realizing how much her body ached for his touch.

"You are so fucking sexy."

She had been so caught up in the feeling that she momentarily forgot he was playing voyeur. She decided to give him the show he really deserved so she pulled her top off, tossing it to the side. Rick was rock hard now with the view of her playing with her dark areolas. He remembered the feel of them pebbling against his tongue and his mouth watered, wanting to taste them desperately. He slid a hand into his bottoms since it was all that he could do to achieve some consummation. He grasped himself and groaned, making Michonne focus on him.

"Take it out."

Rick pulled his stretchy waistband away so he could release himself easier. Michonne's walls flexed and dampened, craving to be invaded by his large shaft. She followed suit and put one hand into her shorts and strummed her clit.

"You feel so good."

He watched her as he stroked his thickness until a pearl of precum appeared from its tip. He smoothed it over his sensitive head, imagining it was Michonne's wetness coating him. He pumped harder, simulating her tightened walls squeezing him. The sounds of both of their moans and sighs filled the room now that they were caught up in the rapture.

One hand still on her nipple while the other was down her shorts making him envious. Rick was all consumed with the sight of her pleasuring herself for his eyes only. The jerking of her body and cursing made him stroke himself faster. He was so close, but he wanted to make sure she was satisfied first as usual, so he held out. Then suddenly, Michonne cried out his name as she trembled uncontrollably.

"Rick."

Her coming undone for him was all he needed before he quickly placed his closed palm over his sensitive head. His hot cum jetted into his hand and he imagined it being inside Michonne instead. He pumped a few more times to get it all out while he panted for breath.

When the fog lifted from his eyes, he saw a blissfully grinning Michonne observing him.

"One sec." he murmured while he got up to go to his bathroom to retrieve a washcloth to clean up. After, he returned to his bedroom and picked up his phone.

"You put your top back on." he forlornly stated more than questioned.

Michonne giggled. "Umm, I thought we concluded."

"Yeah, we clearly did but I was still enjoying the view."

They snickered before each of them settled into bed.

"Just so you know, phone sex was not my intention when I called, I just wanted to see you. I haven't quite figured things out yet, so I wasn't sure if I should contact you if there weren't any real developments to report so far." Rick rubbed his temple and Michonne nodded understandingly.

"I've been feeling the same way. The time I spent in Colorado was supposed to be going towards working on my business plan but that went kind of awry."

"I would say I'm sorry, but I'm not." Rick grinned.

"Neither am I." she smiled back.

"Andrea, Yumiko and I were getting closer to solidifying our plans but there's been so much work thrown our way since we've gotten back. It's frustrating having to put out Barrington's fires all the time."

"Has Gregory been bothering you?" Rick's jaw flexed making Michonne smile at his protectiveness.

"No more than usual. His showboating has gone to new heights since he and his partners started chasing around this woman named Natalie and her friends. It's become spare no expense way too often." she rolled her eyes before continuing.

"Andrea thinks that's why some of the clients are willing to depart with us so easily. Gossip is spreading and they want to be on the right side before the tide turns."

"What's your play?"

"We are going to do some digging. I plan on looking at the finances, there's bound to be something there."

"Sounds like a good plan."

"What about you?"

"I told you about my old friend back in Georgia, Shane? He and his wife MaryAnn would be willing to take me and Carl in until I find a place. Shane says we can't be any worst at turning the damned lights off then she is." Rick sighed while Michonne looked confused.

"Long story."

"Okay, how's Carl?"

"He's good, smarter than he should be." they both grinned, thinking of the freckle faced youngster.

"Tell him I said hello, and everyone else back there."

"I will."

"So you've decided to sell?"

"Not necessarily, I just want to plan the way ahead, in either direction."

"Smart."

A short silence followed as they simply gazed at one another, their eyes conveying the yearning they clearly had for one another.

"I really have missed you." Rick confessed.

"Me too."

"I know you've probably got a busy day at work tomorrow so I'll let you get some rest."

"Talk soon?"

"I can't wait."

"Goodnight, Rick."

"Goodnight, Chonne."

Neither of them hung up, they still stared at the other as if caught in some teenaged love affair. Both not wanting to be the first to hang up, until a yawn unexpectedly escaped Michonne's lips. She covered her mouth and Rick chuckled.

"Sweet dreams."

Michonne nodded and slowly disconnected the call. Rick dropped his phone next to him and laid back on his mattress. That interaction with Michonne had heightened his desire for her but also left him a bit melancholy. He had to get this plan in action but he still worried if Colorado or Georgia would be too much of a distance for them to manage.

A few weeks later…

"Good, you are finally here."

Tobin was leaning in the delivery van as Rick stomped towards him.

"Morning, you aren't going to believe it when you taste these new pastries Carol came up with."

"Really?" Rick huffed but did look at the covered tray the taller man had pulled out, seeing the gooey baked goods through the cellophane paper.

"I don't know where she comes up with these recipes, she adds ingredients together that you wouldn't even think would work when combined. But somehow they do!"

"Well, the few guests I actually have this morning would probably enjoy them. You know, since breakfast is being served now." Rick glared.

Tobin was taken aback after not catching on to the mood Rick was in, but he anxiously stumbled towards the entrance. "Sorry, we were a bit late."

Tobin shuffled in the door just as his wife appeared and he give her an exasperated look. Carol looked to her friend, presumably knowing that he must have been the cause for her husband's skittishness.

She walked over to Rick who was scrutinizing the contents of the van. "Everything inside there is for the lodge."

"It's a lot, I wasn't sure." he looked frustrated while rubbing his temple.

"Whatever the guests don't eat, the staff can take home."

Carol grabbed a tray and placed it in his hands then picked up one for herself and the two of them walked into the back entrance that lead to the kitchen. They placed the trays down on a counter and a couple of his staff members came over, retrieving the baked goods, presumably to carry them to the dining area, leaving them alone.

Carol sighed. "Rick, I know you are still concerned about the lodge but-"

"But what? Everything will be okay? Everything will work itself out?" Rick snapped but she didn't bat an eyelash. "What else you got?"

"Have you spoken to Michonne?"

Rick was flustered by that question. He was prepared to rebuff talk about the business, instead thoughts of smooth sable brown skin popped in his head. A bright white smile shining out from inside luscious heart shaped lips made his heart skip a beat. But then too quickly, his predicament came back to throw a wrench in it.

"What am I supposed to say to her? That I've figured things out? That I have a plan?"

"You need to say something to her, you don't want her to think you've lost interest. Have you?"

"Of course not."

"Then what's the problem?"

His head tilted. "What's the choice I give her? Georgia or Colorado? What if she's not willing to go to either place? Where does that leave us?"

Carol exhaled. "I don't think Michonne would start this whole process with you if she wasn't willing to make a change to be with you."

"You don't know that. She's busy with her own startup and I'm gonna ask her to tether herself to me and a young boy, after she's been used to living it up in New York City?" he started to pace.

"I'm not pretending everything's going to be fine but, you've got to step up and make a decision."

"You and Tammy Rose always want to pass on your words of wisdom like you two know the way. Maybe you don't know."

"I can't just be a farmer and a baker; I have to try my hand at something else." she smiled but Rick wasn't buying it so she took a deep breath.

"Back when I first started college before Tobin and I dated, I had this boyfriend, Ed. And he was… abusive." Rick's eyes shot up to meet hers as he stopped circling.

"I actually convinced myself, I was happy with him. Which wasn't all that hard to do considering my idea of happiness then was just not being alone."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that." sympathy present in his eyes.

"I didn't think I could be strong. I didn't know I could. That I already was. Rick, you are a fighter and you can handle whatever comes next. When it comes to Michonne-"

"I know what you are gonna say. That she'd be lucky to have us and-"

"Lucky to have Carl..." Rick was gob smacked once again. "…because you are being an ass! I get it, you are scared to take a leap of faith, but it's really making you stupid."

Rick opened his mouth for a rebuttal but she cut him off once more.

"You've never been one to shy away from a challenge, so don't start now." Carol started to walk out of the room but turned back. "And you'd be lucky to have Michonne."

She continued out, leaving him to brood alone. Rick pulled his phone out of his pocket to glance at the screen for what felt like the hundredth time. There were still no replies to the text he'd sent last night. He exhaled and reread the last of the messages he did have.

'Have you made any leeway?'

'Not much, how about you?' he replied.

'Some, but not as much as I'd like'

'Just give me a little more time'

Michonne not responding to his plea was frightening, but then he thought of the challenge Carol just presented to him. He knew it would be easier to know one way or the other what Michonne felt so then he could plead his case to her before it was too late. But everyone coming to him with expectant eyes and no concrete answers irritated him further. As he thought about his circumstance, he had to admit to himself that he was guarding his heart with avoidance and reticence. The act just created more restraint in him which was the opposite of what he truly desired.

A couple days later…

Rick was annoyed but not as dismayed as he had been in the past weeks but even so the staff gave him a wider berth. He was on the way to his office when he passed through the lobby and he saw Tammy Rose and Carol speaking to one another at the main desk. They quieted their conversation to a whisper, complete with avoided eye contact. He couldn't be bothered with one of their opinionated pep talks right now so he sighed and continued on his way.

Before he could get to his office he passed the supply closet just as Earl and Tobin exited it. Tobin dropped his eyes and started to walk away.

"Hey, how's everything?" Rick's voice stopped the men from departing.

"Everything's fine. This place is still running well. Don't worry." Earl patted his shoulder.

"Thank you. Thank you both." Rick looked to each man.

They started to walk away again and Rick chewed his lip in contemplation.

"Tobin, you… you moved here for Carol years ago." Tobin and Earl turned back hesitantly.

"Yeah." the taller man nodded.

"Did you…you ever regret it?"

Tobin looked to Earl in confusion then returned to stand in front of Rick.

"I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous about it a few times but it was the best damned decision I've ever made. I wouldn't have Sophia if I hadn't."

Earl stepped back over as well. "Is this about…Michonne? You worried about her coming here then changing her mind?"

Rick apprehensively nodded. "Or Georgia. Carl is young and I can't just drag him around, he needs stability."

"That's true, but have you considered going to New York for her?" Tobin added.

"I don't know if I'd fit in there." Rick scratched his head.

"Well, why don't you go visit her and take in the city? See if it's something you could get used to." Earl suggested.

"I could kill two birds with one stone."

'How?"

"There was a client at Michonne's firm that owns a hospitality business and he's been looking to acquire more property. If his offer is good, then I can sell to him, have enough to move wherever plus save everyone's jobs in one fail swoop."

"That could work." the men all looked to each other.

"This place here is Carl's legacy, but I want to give him the world. And the decision I make about the lodge isn't one I'd make lightly, especially with so many people's livelihoods depending on it."

"Don't forget about your own self. After all these years without Lori, you deserve joy too."

Rick sighed. "But so much time has passed and Michonne could be tired of waiting on me."

"Well, don't waste any more time talking to us. Go figure out how you are going to get to New York." Earl shooed him away. "And don't worry about the lodge in the meantime, Tammy Rose and I will make sure everything runs smoothly while you are gone."

"Carl is welcome to stay with us while you are away. Sophia would love it." Tobin added.

"Thank you."

Rick grinned and began to back away to his office with completely different plans then he had originally. He sat at his desk and booted up his computer then pulled up Barrington House using a search engine. He was going to call the office but the website's home page bragged about its clientele and Negan Smith was the first name on the list along with his company name, Smith Hospitality.

Just then, Rick felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He'd normally would've ignored it while he was completing this important task, but he decided to check it swiftly. He pulled it out just as it vibrated a second time in his hand.

'Hey.'

When Rick saw the preview message on the screen was from Michonne his pulse raced and he promptly unlocked the phone to read the second text.

'I just wanted to say Hi & apologize for not getting back to u. Work has been crazy & I've been bushed. By time I'm finished some nights, I figure u would already be asleep'

He typed back and his fingers shook with relieved excitement since their conversations had become sparse in the last few weeks.

'Hey, u don't need to apologize. I'm just glad to hear from u' he admitted.

The ellipses popped up and he waited as patiently as he could for her response.

'I'm glad to hear from u too '

'Truthfully, I started to get nervous'

'Y?'

'Just cause'

He anxiously waited as the dots came up.

'U don't have to worry Rick. I'm still with u'

Rick couldn't help the giddy smile that took over his face. Michonne still had an uncanny ability to know what he was thinking without him even having to say anything.

'I'm still with u too'

While he waited for her response, he clicked the link that rerouted him to Smith Hospitality's website.

'Ugh, I have a meeting to attend, but I promise to not let so much time pass between us again.'

'I'm gonna hold u to that. Enjoy the rest of your day Chonne'

'U too Rick. Muah'

Rick smiled brightly at the kiss emoji that she sent before returning his attention to his monitor. The much-needed contact with Michonne had him invigorated and he clicked on Contact us. He composed an email directed to Negan's acquisitions department, letting them know that he was referred by lawyers at Barrington, then sent it. He also took down the number, just in case no one responded to him in a timely manner. Like Earl said, he had wasted too much time as it already stood. He had to get this ball rolling, especially now that he knew Michonne was still in this with him.

Two days later…

Rick's sad, mopey and irritable state had been replaced with a more pleasant, hopeful one. Negan's assistant, Gavin contacted him, stating they were very interested in his property. They were going to fly him out to New York and put him up in a hotel for his stay so they could negotiate a price.

They'd have a meeting setup at the Barrington offices since they were the consulting firm responsible for their connecting. Rick knew that Negan was an asshole according to Michonne, but he'd undoubtedly request her, Andrea and Yumiko be present for this meeting. He was irritated that Michonne would have to be in this man's proximity. But he was also excited that he would be able to surprise her with his visit.

He walked out on the porch of the resort to see what Carl and Sophia had gotten up to out there and he spotted Tammy. She was sitting on the steps keeping a watchful eye on the kids as she took in the sun set. He walked over and sat next to her but she didn't turn to acknowledge him.

"Earl and I spoke…"

"I know, he told me." Tammy replied but still watched the kids running in circles after they briefly paused to wave at Rick.

Rick nodded then pinched the bridge of his nose. Even though he was more optimistic with a plan in place, he had to admit he was still a bit troubled.

"I feel like I'll be letting everyone down by selling the lodge but-"

Tammy Rose reached over, touching his arm and he looked back up at her.

"No, Rick. You have to do what's best for you and Carl. If that's selling the lodge, then so be it."

"I'm still leery about this deal, Michonne says the guy that runs the company can be a real asshole. But I want you to know that I will scrutinize all the details before I make a decision. I plan on asking that the staff be kept on, it would be in their favor during the transition."

"We can only hope. It will be different to see the place in someone else's hands, but it will be sad without you guys around." Tammy looked to a laughing Carl before turning back to Rick. "I'll miss you, we'll all miss you."

Rick's eyes welled up and he quickly wiped them before he pulled the older woman to him for a tight embrace.

"We'll miss you all too."

Tammy pulled away and wiped her tears then grinned. "You go get your girl."

Rick grinned. "We haven't spoken as much as I'd like in the past weeks. I just hope she's willing to take a leap of faith with me."

Tammy patted his cheek and giggled. "She'd be crazy to not be interested in this face and that heart." Rick blushed.

"I'll be flying out in two days."

"Don't worry, we'll keep the place running while you are gone and I'll help Carol and Tobin out with Carl whenever they need me too."

"It's just a long weekend."

Tammy stood up adjusting her headscarf and grinned. "We all know a lot can happen in a long weekend."

Rick laughed in agreement before she stepped towards the entrance but paused.

"Have you spoken to Carl yet?"

"Yeah." he looked at the land around him.

"No, I mean about Michonne."

"I didn't really want to get his hopes up until we had figured out whether we'd move forward."

"Carl is a smart kid and with all the plotting that went on that weekend, I'm sure he caught on to a certain level of it."

They both snickered. "You're definitely right. I'll talk to him tonight."

"Good, let me go get ready for the handover to Barbara."

"Okay."

It was almost time for Tobin to come pick Sophia up, but Rick continued to sit out there for a while longer. He wanted to enjoy the bliss of a crisp Colorado evening with the sounds of the children's laughter sprinkled in the background. He wanted to soak in all that he'd miss if leaving was the path forward.

After Carl had eaten dinner and taken a bath, his father walked in his room to tuck him in for bed. Rick sat on the side of the twin mattress once his son scrambled under the covers.

"Son, I need to talk to you about something."

"Okay, is it about the lodge?" the boy sat up giving his father his full attention.

"Well, partially. I'm going on a trip to New York to meet with some people who are interested in buying the lodge. I don't know if I'm going to take the deal, it's just a meeting."

"Okay."

"But there's something else."

The boy nodded.

"Remember Michonne?"

"Yes." his face lit up. "Is she coming back here?"

"Well, we are still trying to figure out some things. If we sell the lodge, we'd probably move."

"And stay with Uncle Shane in Georgia. Would we get to go on walks by the farm like we used to?"

Rick's eyebrows scrunched together wondering how his son could recall something from so long ago. After Lori's death, he needed to escape and went back home to stay with his parents in the country for a while. The Ross' were the family up the road and they had a large farm with a few animals. When Rick wanted to clear his mind, he'd stroll with Carl, who was just three at the time.

"You remember that?"

"Sort of…you'd hold my hand and walk me over to the fence to see the corn. A cow came over once and looked me right in the eye." he smiled.

"I remember going to church with grandma and grandpa. The kiddie pool you got me to play in at the barbecues."

Rick grinned. "You remember a lot."

"Mostly, how I felt…safe."

Rick reached out for his son and the boy crawled over to him so he could hug him to his side. "I always want you to feel safe no matter where we are, whether it's here in Colorado, Georgia or…New York."

"New York?" Carl looked up at him.

"That's where Michonne lives."

"Michonne made you happy." Carl studied his father's face.

"She did." Rick watched as his son seemed to be contemplating.

"I remember Mom too, not just from the pictures and you talking about her to me."

Rick anxiously waited.

"I…I think she would want you to be happy too."

Rick rubbed the boy's hair and leaned in to kiss his forehead overcome with emotion.

"I'm not saying it's happening, but you would be okay with moving to New York?"

"That's where all the best superheroes live! Spiderman, Captain America, and the Punisher."

"The Punisher? You aren't supposed to be reading that." Rick brow furrowed and Carl weaseled out from under his arm to get back under his blanket.

"I'm not, I just still remember from when Codger showed me before."

"Uh huh..." Rick stood while his son settled in. "So me and Michonne…"

"It's cool, Dad." Carl smiled before plopping his head down on his pillow.

"Goodnight, son."

"Goodnight, Dad."

Rick walked to the door and dimmed the lights and Carl closed his eyes. He stepped out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar before he went to his bedroom contented now that he'd had the hard talk with his boy. He could now move forward with his plan, knowing that everyone was backing his play.

The weekend with Michonne had allowed the parts of himself he missed to come alive. At first, if he had to explain it to someone he'd say it was brazen lust. But he knew when he looked into her eyes in their very first encounter he felt something shift. He didn't think he had the right to indulge in his desires, then decided it was worth pursuing, if only for a startling fling.

But each time he was near Michonne, his heart raced like he was a schoolboy with a crush on the popular girl. A girl that would be likely to ignore him but instead, she matched his attraction. Once they started he not only couldn't keep his hands off of her, his mind wandered to her whenever she wasn't around. He snickered when he thought about barely running his business that weekend because he was all consumed.

He had to admit that she had taken him aback with her intelligence, wit and humor. The yearning to know more about her, to take care of her quickly unfurled. He knew those few days wouldn't be enough and he was anxious as to whether she'd want to continue after she left. That spark of happiness was still present as she mulled over the options he offered, allowing them to decide their fate at a later time. When she accepted, he was elated but also melancholy that he'd not get to see her daily. Watching her drive away was heart wrenching but he had to pull himself together for his son and his own sake.

But now, that all this time had passed and their conversation had lessened it had put doubt back into his mind. He fought to push that away because he still desperately yearned for her. He had to make a decision and move forward with it no matter the results. Even if Michonne wasn't willing or able to be with him wherever he landed, he still needed to figure out the financial issues of the lodge. But he hoped she still was intent and his plans would solidify that for her, then she could make some choices too. He knew the ball was in his court so he retrieved his suitcase from his walk in closet and started packing. Hopefully bound for New York and the woman of his dreams.

A/N***~~~

Hey Everyone! I'm so so sorry it's taken so long to post a new chapter for this and On the Dock. But new chapters are coming as well as the new stories I promised. Maybe I share too much but you guys are my people and I don't want you to think I left you hanging purposefully. I had a lot going on family wise, some saddening but then luckily joyful ones after. I was away for a few weeks and it made it more difficult to write but I'm back home so I will work to drop my usual one chapter a week for the next few weeks (until my next trip lol).

But as usual I love you all and we will continue to keep Richonne Alive!

P.S. I hope the time jumps in this chapter weren't too crazy like in Find Me lol