A/N: Hello friends! Happy MLK Day! I am excited to get this chapter out! I pushed myself to get it done because I wanted the last one to be fresh in your minds. This chapter is huge. It's pivotal to everyone involved. Buckle up your seatbelts, lol. Here we go…
Chapter 14: The Storm
I was screaming into the canyon
At the moment of my death
The echo I created
Outlasted my last breath
My voice it made an avalanche
And buried a man I never knew
And when he died his widowed bride
Met your daddy and they made you
I have only one thing to do and that's
Be the wave that I am and then
Sink back into the ocean
I have only one thing to do and that's
To be the wave that I am and then
Sink back into the ocean
Three days after the baby shower…
With the baby due to arrive in only a few weeks, Rick and Michonne were taking every opportunity they could to relax before all of their attention would be consumed by the little one. Tim helped Michonne get connected to a local support group for parents who had lost children. So, when Michonne learned that the group was holding a butterfly release ceremony at the Savannah Botanical Garden in remembrance of their loved ones, she jumped at the chance to attend. Thankfully, Rick agreed that it would be a great way to celebrate Kyle and Kaley.
The ceremony turned out beautiful. They joined a group of parents who welcomed them with open arms and offered words of comfort and encouragement, before releasing an array of colorful butterflies.
Following the event, they enjoyed a lunch of shrimp and grits, paired with savory fried green tomatoes, and walked along downtown Savannah, exploring the local attractions, including an art gallery showcasing the rich culture of the Gullah Geechee people. There were crafts and paintings depicting different aspects of Gullah living. The paintings featured bright yellows, oranges, and reds, each showing dark-skinned people cooking, quilting fishing nets, making pottery and other common daily tasks of the early people who settled the area.
Rick watched Michonne as her eyes lit up examining the artwork. Wearing a flowing red, spaghetti-strap sundress, her locs piled high and secured with a multicolored silk scarf and her butterfly necklace sparkling in the sunlight, she looked as if she belonged on one of the canvases.
Rick stood behind her, wrapping her in his arms and placing his chin on her shoulder as she studied a painting of a woman making ceramic bowls. He laughed as he recalled the day they attended the class at the hostel. His bowl hadn't turned out great, but Michonne was right that the act of kneading the clay was relaxing.
"What's so funny?" Michonne asked curiously, enjoying the feel of his beard brushing against her cheek. She moved her hand to his face and teased her fingers through it.
"Just thinking about how awful my little creation turned out…you know the ones we made at the pottery class?"
Michonne turned to face him, chuckling at the memory. "It wasn't that bad, especially for your first time," she reassured him, offering him a loving peck on his lips.
He drew her closer, inhaling her scent. She smelled of coconut and shea butter, making him want to devour her right then and there.
"Thanks for saying that, even if it isn't true," he smirked, discreetly licking the side of her neck, coaxing a giggle from her.
"You ready to head to the beach?" he asked.
"Yeah," she smiled sweetly.
It was a gorgeous summer day, so they drove over to Tybee Island to enjoy the weather. They were pleasantly surprised to find North beach less crowded than some of the other areas.
The water was a deep shade of azure, with calm waves rippling through it as people swam and waded leisurely in the shallow end. A few people lounged around reading, listening to music, and enjoying cool treats from the nearby ice cream vendor. The enticing aroma of fried seafood from the local grille wafted through the air causing Michonne's stomach to growl, even though it hadn't been that long since she'd eaten. She laughed quietly to herself at her incessant appetite. It had become even more ravenous in her third trimester.
"What are you laughing at darlin'?" Rick queried. "Nothing," she nodded. He looked at her quizzically but continued walking.
They walked along barefoot, enjoying the feeling of the grainy sand sinking between their toes. Michonne had changed into a violet bikini, exposing her heavily pregnant body in all its glory. Rick wore a pair of royal blue swim trunks, showing off his sculpted physique. The couple caught a few appreciative stares as they traipsed along the beach, hand-in-hand.
Finally coming across a desirable spot in a more secluded area, they laid out a thick purple blanket, set up a pair of lounge chairs and placed a large beach umbrella in the sand to provide some shade.
Michonne's velvety dark skin looked radiant in the sun's glow as Rick slathered her with sunscreen. He gently ran his fingers over the butterflies on her back, mesmerized by how the colors complimented the shade of her bathing suit.
"You know, some women wouldn't be able to pull this off," he said, gesturing to her skimpy swimwear. "But you look stunning," he complimented her.
She grinned at him over her shoulder. "There you go charming me again."
"I'm just bein' honest," he whispered close to her ear, causing her to shiver as his warm breath brushed her neck. He smelled like cinnamon from the gum he'd been chewing, and it made her smile.
"You get more and more beautiful each day. It's a struggle to keep my hands off of you," he said, tenderly kissing her shoulder.
She turned to face him. His intense blue stare was doing more to heat her up than the sizzling summer sun. Holding his gaze for a moment, she smiled at him adoringly then forced herself to look away, not wanting the evidence of her arousal to soak through her bikini bottom. Even in this late stage of pregnancy, her libido was still high, much to Rick's enjoyment.
He finished coating her with protection and handed Michonne the bottle so she could return the favor. She positioned herself on her knees, sitting behind him and placed a few kisses to his back before getting to work.
Rick sighed in satisfaction as she slowly trailed her hands across his body, enjoying the feeling of his well-defined muscles beneath her fingertips. His skin was tanned from spending many afternoons out in the sun tending to the yard. His brown curls were sun-kissed at the tips, giving them a golden appearance. 'God, everything about him is sexy', she mused, secretly admitting to herself that she too, could hardly keep her hands to herself whenever he was near her.
"Okay, handsome…you're all set," she said, offering him one more kiss.
"I'm gonna go for a swim. You comin'?" he asked, standing to his feet.
"Nope, I'm gonna sit here, relax, and partake in these candied pralines," she replied, motioning to the bag of snacks they picked up on their way to the beach. She placed her sunglasses over her eyes and lazily laid across the blanket.
He grinned at her, his eyes roaming her beautiful figure once more. "All right…I'll be back," he announced, crouching down to kiss her cheek.
Michonne watched him as he headed toward the water with that bowlegged gait of his, looking like he belonged on Baywatch or the cover of Men's Fitness Magazine.
Rick passed by a group of three women who followed him with their eyes as he strolled by them. Michonne smiled to herself, thinking about how someone so attractive could be so unaware of his good looks. He certainly wasn't the type to primp in the mirror, making sure every hair was in place. He didn't need to; he was effortlessly sexy and that made him irresistible.
The women glanced in Michonne's direction and one of them gave her a thumbs up. Michonne snickered, shaking her head.
Changing her mind about lying down, she retrieved her phone from her beach bag and scrolled through her playlists until she came to her R and B mix. She placed her earbuds in her ears, pulled out her sketch pad and sat in one of the chairs, intent on recreating the relaxing beach scenery.
An hour later, Rick and Michonne were stretched across the blanket, sharing a ripe peach. Michonne bit into the juicy piece of fruit, causing a trail of syrup to run down her chin. Rick eagerly captured the sticky sweetness with his warm tongue, prompting a giggle from Michonne.
He pulled back, grinning naughtily before gifting her with a kiss that made her weak in the knees. He sensually sucked on her plump bottom lip, making her moan in response. Her breathing hitched as his strong hands caressed her warm skin and his fingers wandered along her silky thighs. Before long, his lips were on her neck, eventually continuing their descent between the peaks of her breasts and down to her swollen belly. She squirmed at the feathery-light touch of his kisses as they brushed across her body.
"Rick," she panted, tugging on his soft curls to gain his attention. "You're gonna get us arrested for too much PDA," she joked.
He halted his ministrations, glancing up at her with a devilish smile. "Last time I checked, that wasn't a law," he quipped.
Michonne smirked as he ran his finger along her prominent linea nigra. Caressing her stomach with both hands, he placed a gentle kiss to her belly button which was now missing its piercing.
After a few more soft kisses, Rick felt the baby kick. He looked at Michonne and she smiled knowingly as their eyes connected.
"I guess the baby enjoys daddy's affection just as much as I do," she grinned, before seductively biting her bottom lip.
"How much do you enjoy it?" he asked in his honey-laced drawl, venturing back up her body, planting more kisses along the way until he reached her lips.
"I can show you better than I can tell you," she whispered, staring intensely into his eyes.
"Is that right?" he smirked, captivated by her sexy allure.
She owned him. They both knew it. If she asked him to eat her pussy right there in the middle of the beach, he would devour her like she was the tastiest, juiciest peach he'd ever eaten, no questions asked, spectators and all.
"Mm-hmm," she nodded in response to his question then consumed his lips once more.
After a moment, they broke apart and Rick laid on his back with Michonne resting her head on his chest. She gently fluttered her fingers across his skin, finding it hot from the summer heat and their suggestive banter.
"You wanna do a little reading?" he asked.
"Yeah, that sounds nice," she responded softly.
Rick retrieved his glasses and the novel they were reading together, Haruki Murakami's Kafka On the Shore, the story of a 15-year-old boy who feels trapped by his solitude and embarks on a journey of freedom and escapism, encountering love and loss along the way.
He turned the page to the passage where they left off and began to read aloud…
"Sometimes fate is like a small sandstorm that keeps changing directions. You change direction but the sandstorm chases you. You turn again, but the storm adjusts. Over and over, you play this out, like some ominous dance with death just before dawn. Why? Because this storm isn't something that blew in from far away, something that has nothing to do with you. This storm is you. Something inside of you. So, all you can do is give in to it, step right inside the storm, closing your eyes and plugging up your ears so the sand doesn't get in, and walk through it, step by step. There's no sun there, no moon, no direction, no sense of time. Just fine white sand swirling up into the sky like pulverized bones. That's the kind of sandstorm you need to imagine.
And you really will have to make it through that violent, metaphysical, symbolic storm. No matter how metaphysical or symbolic it might be, make no mistake about it: it will cut through flesh like a thousand razor blades. People will bleed there, and you will bleed too. Hot, red blood. You'll catch that blood in your hands, your own blood and the blood of others.
And once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about."
As she listened, Michonne couldn't help but see the parallels between these words and her life, and what she suspected Rick's life had been before they found one another. Together, they were finding a way to weather the storm.
It was nearly sunset as the couple embarked on the drive back to Tannon Falls. Michonne rested comfortably in the cushy leather seat, as Rick talked to his dad through his Bluetooth.
"Okay, daddy. I'll see you in a few weeks. Have a good night," Rick commented before disconnecting the call.
He glanced over to Michonne and smiled, shaking his head in amusement.
"What's that look?" she questioned.
"My dad…he's quite smitten with your mom. Did you know they've been talking on the phone?"
"You're joking…my mom didn't say anything," she laughed. "I can't say I'm surprised, though. You saw the way they connected at the shower."
"I sure did," he grinned.
"You Grimes men sure do have a way with the ladies," she teased.
"If you say so," Rick chuckled.
"Well, I'm sure they will enjoy seeing each other when they both visit in a few weeks," she smirked. "Are you certain your family is okay with staying in my house?"
"Yeah, it's a good idea. The house is empty, and it will save them money. Why stay in a hotel when they can be right next door to us?" he rationalized.
"No argument there," she agreed. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask you something?" she continued, her tone turning serious.
"Yeah? What is it?"
"It's about Andrea," she replied.
"What about her?" Rick sighed.
"I'm just wondering why she has so many reservations about our relationship. At first, I thought she was just worried about you, but it seems like it's more than that. What's the story behind it?"
Rick briefly glanced at her before turning back to the road. He exhaled, pondering how to answer her question.
"Andrea and Melanie were extremely close, like sisters. Honestly, I don't know if she'll ever get used to the idea of me being with someone else. The few women I dated after Melanie died, all got the cold shoulder from her. Trust me, it's nothing personal," he shrugged.
"I'm sure it's hard for her," Michonne nodded. "I just don't want there to be anymore tension."
"It's nothing to worry about, darlin'," Rick assured her, patting her knee. "She'll come around. Besides, I know she genuinely likes you. She gave me a hard time after what happened with Tim. In fact, she's the one who pointed out what an asshole I was being and demanded I contact you," he grinned.
Michonne rolled her eyes. "Remind me to thank her later," she said sarcastically, earning a chuckle from Rick.
Not wanting to waste anymore energy talking about her future sister-in-law, she changed the subject.
"You know Tameka's send-off party is in a couple of days," she noted carefully.
"Yeah," Rick responded, raising his eyebrows, anticipating what she would say next.
"I'm really hoping you'll consider coming. Tameka adores you and would love to have you there."
"Michonne…I don't know," he replied tentatively.
"Baby, please. There will be plenty of people there. You won't have to interact with Tim," she pointed out.
"I'm sorry, it's not that easy for me. I'm not like you, Michonne. You have such a big heart…it's one of the things I love about you," he said, smiling at her. "The way you welcomed Lydia at the shower was gracious, but you have a history with her…she was like family to you. Tim and I knew each other, but we never had a relationship."
Michonne quietly processed his explanation, completely understanding his resistance.
"You're right," she exhaled. "The last thing I want is for you to be uncomfortable," she offered apologetically.
Rick was hesitant at the idea of being around Tim, but disappointing his love was unbearable, so he relented.
"Okay, sweetheart…I'll come."
Michonne perked up in her seat. "You will?"
"Yeah…you know I hate sayin' no to you," he affectionately smiled.
"Thank you. We'll have a good time, you'll see," she convinced him, grasping his free hand.
"Okay," he nodded, relaxing at her touch. "Listen, before we go home, there's something I want to show you."
Soon, they were pulling onto a secluded road lined with large, contemporary colonials. The brick homes were cookie-cutter style, each with large windows, cathedral ceilings, three car garages, and sprawling, well-manicured lawns. It reminded Michonne of one of those up-and-coming neighborhoods often featured in the magazines she loved to browse.
"Rick, what are we doing here?"
"You'll see," he answered, driving down the quiet road, eventually stopping in front of a vast empty lot at the end of the street.
"Come on," he instructed, getting out of the truck, and walking around to assist her. He took her hand as they examined the area.
"What is this?" Michonne questioned, eager to understand why they were there.
"It's ours," he responded, looking into her eyes.
Her mind was racing as she peered at him, wondering if he was saying what she thought he was saying. "What do you mean?" she prodded.
"Michonne, this town brought us together. It's where we should raise our family."
She nodded, anxious for him to confirm her thoughts.
"I bought this land, so we can build a home…our home," he explained.
"Rick!" she shrieked in excitement. "When did you…how did you…" she attempted to get the right words out but found it difficult as her emotions got the best of her. She gave in as tears of joy streamed down her face.
Rick engulfed her in his warm embrace, lightly stroking the exposed skin on her back.
"I told you, I want to spend my life making you happy. This is only the beginning," he said lovingly.
She kissed him slowly, with purpose. "What did I do to deserve you?"
"I'm the lucky one and I'm gonna spend everyday showing you that I'm worthy of your love," he promised.
Back in Savannah…
Merle sat on his motorcycle outside of the small bungalow. He held the phone to his ear, impatiently waiting for Simon to pick up.
"Dixon, how's it hangin'?" the man greeted him.
"Took you long enough," Merle huffed.
"Sorry about that. I was in the middle of entertaining," Simon apologized.
"Listen, I'm on my way back into town…"
"Whoa," Simon interrupted. "That ain't a good idea. A lot of shit's happened since you been gone."
"What shit, Simon?" Merle inquired.
"For starters, that crazy chick attacked Grimes' girlfriend…"
"What the fuck are you talkin' bout?" Merle growled.
"Jones' daughter had a breakdown. I warned you about dealing with her. She talked Merle…so did Jones and so did Grimes. The all spilled what they know about your…uh…activities."
"Fuck!" Merle shot back, clenching the phone tighter in his hand.
"Jones got himself fired then he and his daughter took off. Grimes is still here though…but I wouldn't come back if I were you. The cops are looking for you," Simon informed him.
"Shit! How the hell do you know all of this and why the fuck are you just now tellin' me?"
"I ran into your brother. He's pissed at you…he gave me all the details and said I better tell you not to come back. I woulda' told you sooner but you never answer your fuckin' phone!" Simon retorted. "Where the hell are you, anyway?"
"In Savannah. I met this girl…I think she has potential, if you know what I mean," Merle smirked.
"Nah…whatever you're doin', leave it alone. Get the hell out of there. You need to lay low for a little longer…someplace further than Savannah," Simon urged.
Merle looked up as Enid opened the door and walked toward him. "I gotta go. I'll call you back later," he told Simon.
"Hey there baby doll," he sneered at Enid.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she apologized.
"Oh, it's all right…just don't let it happen again," he cautioned her.
"It won't," she replied, getting on the back of his bike.
He nodded and took off down the dirt road.
The following day…
"Knock, knock," Maggie tapped on the door of Glenn's office.
"Hey beautiful, to what do I owe this surprise?" he smiled.
"I brought you lunch," she said, holding up a large brown paper bag. "It's fried chicken."
"I knew it. I can smell it from here. Come on in," he waved.
Maggie entered the modest-sized office and closed the door before going to sit on Glenn's lap. She placed the bag on his desk and passionately kissed him.
"How long is your lunch break?" she asked, grinning mischievously.
"As long as I want it to be. Perks of being the boss," he smiled.
"Good, because I'm really hungry," she replied, running her fingers through his dark hair.
He kissed her again and squeezed her bottom causing her to squirm. She melted into his kiss, perfectly okay with getting carried away, until they were interrupted by a knock. They groaned, pulling apart. Maggie got up and opened the door.
"Hey Maggie," Daryl mumbled. "Glenn around?"
"Yeah, come in," she nodded, stepping aside.
"Daryl, what can I do for you?" Glenn asked.
"I came to let you know I'm takin' off. I ain't feelin' well."
"Okay, man. Go home and take it easy," Glenn replied.
"I also wanted to give ya' this," Daryl said, handing Glenn a yellow envelope. "It's for Rick and Michonne…a little somethin' for the baby."
"You could have given it to him yourself. By the way, we missed you at the baby shower," Glenn asserted.
"Man, Rick wouldn't have wanted me there. We ain't exactly friends, especially after the shit Merle pulled," Daryl grunted.
"I hear ya' but I hope you and Rick can get to a better place since Merle hasn't been around," Glenn noted.
"Are you still in contact with him? When is the last time you spoke to him?" Maggie interjected.
"I ain't spoken to my brother in months," Daryl shrugged. "I would have told the cops if I did."
Maggie looked at him skeptically.
"I would have. I'm tired of his bullshit. The minute he steps foot back in Tannon Falls, he's done," Daryl declared convincingly.
Two days later…
Michonne, Tim, the members of the youth group, and a few students from the high school were busy putting the finishing touches on the décor inside the community room at the church. It wouldn't be long before the guests started to arrive for Tameka's surprise party.
The room was draped in white and shades of blue, matching the signature Columbia University colors. There were blue tablecloths, blue chair covers with shimmery white sashes, blue streamers, and blue vases on each table filled with white roses. In the back of the room stood a table with a large sheet cake dawning the head of a lion, the university mascot. Everything looked perfect, Michonne thought as she scanned the large room.
"Delilah just called," Tim informed her. "She's on her way and the caterer just got here to set up."
"Fabolous," Michonne smiled, running her fingers through her long, wavy locs.
"You look really pretty," Tim smiled, admiring her pale-blue lace overlay maxi dress.
"Thanks, you look great, too," she grinned. "You clean up nice Taylor," she teased, causing him to blush. "This is your color," she gestured to his sky-blue polo shirt.
"Thanks," he chuckled. "So, Enid is going to get our girl here under the guise of helping prep for the art class tomorrow."
"Smart. How much time do we have?"
"About an hour," he answered.
"Okay, I'm going to do one more stroll around the room and make sure everything is set," she said, beginning to walk away.
"Hey…wait a second," Tim said, gently grabbing her arm. "Um…is Rick coming?" he asked cautiously.
"Yeah, he'll be here after he gets off work," she replied softly. She saw him tense at the news. "Don't worry, we've discussed it. Things will be fine, trust me."
"Okay, I trust you," he nodded. "Hey, I never asked you how he liked the portrait?"
"He loved it! In fact, it's hanging in our bedroom," she beamed. "I can't thank you enough."
"It was my pleasure," he assured her.
"Hi," a soft voice interrupted them.
Michonne and Tim turned to see a blonde woman standing in front of them.
"Hey, you made it," Tim smiled, walking over to hug the woman. "I want you to meet my friend, Michonne."
"Hi Michonne, it's nice to finally meet you. Tim speaks so highly of you. I'm Jessie," the woman said, extending her hand.
"Oh, Jessie…yes. It's nice to meet you. You work with Tim at the hardware store, right?" Michonne responded, shaking her hand.
"Yes, that's right. We've gotten really close," she said, smiling at Tim, who nodded in response.
"That's great," Michonne smiled. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to check on a few things before the party."
"Of course, the place looks great by the way," the bubbly woman remarked.
Michonne smiled warmly before walking away. She briefly looked back at them, thinking about how nice it was to see Tim with a companion. The woman was a bit plain, but pretty enough she supposed. She was just happy her friend wouldn't be lonely any longer, assuming this budding romance worked out.
An hour later, the guests stood quietly as Enid led Tameka into the community room.
"Surprise!" they collectively shouted as the young women entered through the double doors.
"Oh my god," Tameka squealed in shock. "You guys!" she smiled as her mother, Tim, and Michonne greeted her with hugs and kisses.
"We thought we would send you off in style baby girl," Delilah said excitedly.
"I can't believe y'all did this," Tameka shook her head in amazement.
"It was Michonne and Tim's idea," her mother noted.
"You deserve it," Michonne beamed. "We're so proud of you," she said, kissing Tameka's forehead.
"Thank you," Tameka whispered through tears.
"You're so welcome," Michonne smiled.
A short while later and the party was going well. The guests were having a good time eating, mingling, and taking turns offering their well wishes to the guest of honor.
Michonne pulled out her phone, seeing a text from Rick letting her know he had just gotten off work and would be on his way after he showered and changed. She smiled and tucked it back into her purse.
"Is Rick on his way?" Tim asked.
"Yeah, he'll be here soon," Michonne responded.
"And Rick is your fiancé, Michonne?" Jessie inquired.
"Yes," Michonne nodded. She looked at Tim, trying to discern how much he had revealed to his new friend. He shook his head, indicating that he hadn't explained everything to her, so Michonne left it at that.
"That's exciting! Congratulations on your engagement and the baby," Jessie beamed.
"Thanks," Michonne chuckled at the woman's seemingly perpetual state of glee.
Before Jessie could say anymore, they were joined by Delilah.
"Michonne and Tim, I just want to thank you both for what you've done for my daughter…not just this party, but everything. This program has been a great support for her. With me always working, and us not having any family here, it's been hard for her," the tall, dark-skinned woman stated appreciatively.
"Your daughter is really special," Michonne responded. "She has quite a gift. Her art is amazing and she's extremely smart. You should be very proud."
"I am, thank you," Delilah smiled.
"Michonne is right…T is one of a kind," Tim added. "We're certainly going to miss her, but I'm looking forward to hearing all about the exciting things she's doing in New York."
"Same here," Michonne agreed.
Thirty minutes later…
Enid stood in the parking lot as Merle drove up and parked his bike. He got off and the young woman quickly ran over to him.
"Let's go, suga. Hop on," he instructed her.
"Merle, where are we going? I can't just leave in the middle of my best friend's party. I was hoping you would come inside and meet her."
"You got a few screws loose or somethin', girl? I ain't come here to play the dotin' boyfriend in front of your little friends. Besides, I got other ways of partyin'," he said, holding up a small baggie filled with a powdery substance.
"Merle…I can't leave right now," Enid repeated.
"I ain't come all this way for nothin'. Get on the bike and let's go!" he snapped, grabbing Enid by her hair.
"Ow, you're hurting me," she murmured, trying to break free.
A moment later, Tameka came outside to see Enid struggling against Merle's tight grip.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing? Let her go," she yelled, swiftly jogging over to assist her friend.
"Mind your fuckin' business girl," Merle warned her.
"It's okay, T. Just go back inside," Enid pleaded with tears streaming down her face, as Merle continued to pull her hair.
"I said let her go!" Tameka shouted again, stepping closer to Merle and her friend.
The young woman's brashness infuriated him. He shoved Enid and slapped Tameka so hard, she fell to the ground, hitting her head on the concrete curb. Enid screamed as her friend lost consciousness.
Tim and Michonne who had come into the parking lot to get a few things from Tim's car, stood stunned, trying to make sense of what was happening.
As they watched confused, storm clouds seemed to come out of nowhere. Lightning flashed across the sky as rumbling thunder seemed to shake the ground.
"What the hell is going on?" Tim shouted.
Enid was flailing her fists at Merle in shock and anger. He palmed her face and shoved her to the ground. "You bitch. How dare you hit me," he growled.
Tim acted on instinct and ran over to Merle, tackling him before he could cause further harm to Enid.
"Tim!" Michonne screamed as she watched them tussle. "Call the police!" she shouted to a delirious Enid, as she spied Tameka lying on the ground.
The floodgates opened as a torrential downpour washed over them. The heavy raindrops splattered against the windows and roofs of the vehicles outside, the pitter-patter sound loud in Michonne's ears. She desperately wanted to find shelter, but she couldn't leave Tim or Tameka.
After a moment, Enid came out of her trance and took off running toward the entrance of the church as a couple other guests came outside to witness the commotion.
"Call the police!" Michonne yelled again to no one in particular. She looked on in horror as Merle produced a shiny object from his boot. As she heard Tim yelp and saw his blood dripping on the pavement, she realized it was a knife.
"Stop!" she begged. "You're going to kill him!" Michonne was in such distress, she didn't realize Rick had driven up.
The sky grew darker as the storm raged on. The angry wind howled as it blew, forcing the branches on the nearby trees to wildly thrash around.
Rick couldn't believe his eyes as he observed the grizzly scene unfolding before him. Without thinking, he grabbed his Colt Python from the glove compartment and quickly exited his truck. Tim's screams drowned out the rain, filling his ears as he approached the brawling men. The stinging raindrops hit every inch of Rick's exposed skin, feeling like a million tiny needles. Still, he pressed on, training his weapon on Merle.
"Drop the knife and get off of him," he commanded.
Merle looked up, shocked to see his nemesis standing before him. He let go of Tim, who fell to the ground, bleeding profusely from his chest.
"Rick!" Michonne called to him.
"Michonne, stay where you are," Rick directed her.
"That's right sweetheart…listen to your man," Merle interjected. "We wouldn't want her to get hurt, now would we officer friendly?"
Another flash of lightning lit up the sky as Rick and Merle squared off, both men trying to anticipate the other's next move.
"I said drop the fuckin' knife," Rick ordered Merle again, his weapon still pointing directly at the unhinged man.
"I don't thank I will. I been waitin' on this day officer friendly. It's just you and me," Merle stated, suddenly lunging at Rick without warning.
Thunder cracked, booming loudly as Rick pulled the trigger, aiming for center mass like he was trained. One shot fired into Merle's chest.
Michonne screamed as the sound invaded her ears and she saw a large red stain spread across the man's shirt before he slowly fell to his knees and tumbled over.
Everything from that point seemed to move in slow motion. Michonne barely registered Rick calling her name or the screams of the other guests as some of them rushed outside into the pouring rain. She looked at Tim, who lay on the ground contorting in pain. The water pooling on the ground carried his blood over the pavement and she gasped, feeling a sense of dread. She saw Rick by his side, taking off his shirt and pressing it to Tim's wound, desperately trying to stop the bleeding.
"The police are on their way," someone shouted from the doorway of the community room.
Michonne couldn't identify the voice. She felt a blistering pain radiate across her abdomen as it tightened, like vice grips were squeezing her.
"Rick," she whimpered, attempting to get his attention. He didn't hear her, so she called out louder as she doubled over from the pain. "Rick!"
He finally looked at her and she watched the color drain from his face.
"It hurts," she cried, grabbing her abdomen.
The wind picked up again, as the rain continued its assault, making it difficult to see and move without toppling over.
Still, Rick could make out the pink-tinged fluid against the light fabric of Michonne's dress. It was trickling down her legs, and he began to panic. "Michonne…baby!" he yelled, letting go of Tim and rushing over to gather her in his arms as she wailed in pain.
"The baby's coming," she panted.
"No, it's too early," he said, shaking his head frantically as she screamed again.
Just then, a police car drove up along with an EMS unit. A male and female officer stepped out of the vehicle trying to assess the situation through the rain and all the commotion.
"Help her!" Rick yelled urgently.
"Shit," the male officer shouted as he spotted Rick and Michonne, along with three other people on the ground. "Espinosa, we're gonna need backup and a couple more buses."
"I'm on it," the female officer nodded, taking out her radio to call in more units and medical support.
"What the hell happened here?" the husky male officer asked Rick.
"My fiancée is in labor. She needs help, now!" Rick shouted, completely unconcerned with anything else.
"What's your name, sir?" the officer questioned.
"Rick Grimes, now please…get her some help!"
"Okay, Rick. I'm Officer Morales."
Enid interrupted the officer's attempt to calm Rick down. "Excuse me, I'm the one who called," she whimpered. "My boyfriend and I were fighting, and my friend tried to help me. He attacked her and then he stabbed Tim," she explained, pointing to the man who was currently being loaded into the back of an ambulance, along with Tameka and a frantic Delilah.
"I shot him!" Rick interrupted. "I arrived and saw him attacking the man with a knife. I warned him to stop, he lunged at me and I shot him. Now, please…get my fiancée to the hospital. She's in pain and our baby isn't due for another month," he pleaded.
Morales looked at Michonne who was clearly in distress. "Over here," he yelled to the EMTs.
The team came over, working quickly to assist Michonne. She shrieked loudly as they lifted her onto the gurney. "Rick…it hurts so bad. Something's wrong," she wept.
"Shh, it's okay…everything's gonna be okay," he said, taking her hand. He desperately wanted to calm her and himself, but he was finding it increasingly difficult as gripping fear clutched his chest, making it hard to breathe. He fought back the burning sensation of tears as they stung his eyes. He couldn't believe this was happening.
"I'm sorry sir," Officer Morales stated. "You can't go with her. We need to take you in for questioning."
"Like hell," Rick growled. "There is nothing that's gonna keep me from getting on that ambulance right now."
"Don't make this harder than it has to be. That man over there is dead," the officer pointed to Merle's lifeless body as it rested under a black sheet. "Even if your story checks out, we can't just let you walk away. It's procedure," the officer stated, narrowing his eyes on Rick.
"I know the fucking procedure. I was a cop!" Rick snapped.
"He shot him in self-defense," Enid informed the officer. "Merle would have killed Tim if it weren't for him. Please officer, Michonne needs him with her," the young woman begged through a fresh set of tears.
"We need to move her now. She's going into distress," one of the EMTs informed the officer.
"Shit," Morales groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. He looked over to his partner, silently asking her opinion.
Officer Espinosa nodded. "We'll accompany you to the hospital and question you there. Tobin, secure the church's security tape for review," she instructed a tall, middle-aged officer who had arrived on the scene.
"Secure the weapon as well," Morales added. "You'll get it back after it's processed," he said to Rick.
Rick didn't hear anything the officers were saying. All he could focus on was the way Michonne's face twisted from the pain and the tight grip she had on his hand before their hands were separated so she could be lifted onto the back of the ambulance.
The wind was still whipping as the rain splattered across their faces. Rick hopped on the vehicle, followed by Officer Espinosa. The EMT shut the doors and they were quickly on their way to the hospital, the sound of the sirens blaring as they sped down the street.
Rick took ahold of Michonne's hand once again as she cried, "Rick…" she huffed.
"I'm here sweetheart," he managed to choke out. "We're almost there."
Minutes later, a medical team was urgently carting Michonne off to be assessed.
"Arghhh," she moaned, trying her best not to scream from the searing pain shooting across her abdomen and radiating to her lower back. Her dress was soaked from the rain and leaking amniotic fluid and her hair was sticking to her face. She closed her eyes and squeezed Rick's hand trying to shut it all out, but her efforts were futile, as she felt yet another powerful contraction clench her. "Ughhh…" she panted through gritted teeth.
"Sir, please wait out here," one of the nurses ordered Rick as they wheeled Michonne into a room.
"No, I'm not leaving her," he shook his head, attempting to bypass the woman and enter the room.
"Please!" she demanded. "Let's us take care of her and the baby."
Rick finally relented, allowing her to shut the door.
"Fuck," he exhaled, pacing back and forth and running his hand through his wet hair. He was on the verge of collapsing and had to brace himself against the wall.
He glanced over to Officer Espinosa as she stood next to him. Her expression was sympathetic, but she remained silent.
A minute later a caramel-skinned male nurse with long gray locs tied behind his back, stepped outside of the room carrying a clipboard.
"What's happening?" Rick asked nervously.
"She's in active labor. Her blood pressure is elevated, and the baby is in a breech presentation with the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck. They're both in distress. We need to perform an emergency caesarean."
"What?" Rick whispered, having trouble making sense of what the man was saying.
"Do you understand?" He asked pointedly, looking Rick in the eyes. This situation is urgent. Are you her husband?"
"Her fiancé," Rick answered as his heart raced.
"I need you to sign the consent forms. She's in too much pain to do anything," the nurse informed Rick, handing him the clipboard.
Rick took it and rapidly signed the documents.
The nurse took the board and offered Rick a compassionate look. "We'll have someone come take you to the waiting room and update you as soon as possible," he said before entering the room and closing the door.
Moments later Rick was sitting in a quiet, sterile looking waiting room with Officer Espinosa. He looked down at his soaked undershirt. It was sticking uncomfortably to his damp skin and tinged a deep crimson. He realized it was Tim's blood. He was covered in Tim's blood and he couldn't escape the irony of it all. At one point in his life, he wanted him dead, now he was covered in his blood because he was attempting to save the man's life.
Closing his eyes, he replayed the events in his mind…Merle stabbing Tim, as the deafening sounds of screams mingling with roaring thunder pierced his ears…the disturbed man wielding a knife and lunging toward him…and finally the loud bang of his Colt as the bullet escaped the barrel and penetrated Merle's heart.
Rick held his head in his hands, trying to shake the images.
"They'll be okay," Espinosa finally spoke. "Your fiancée and baby…they're in good hands," she nodded.
Rick didn't respond, instead he got up to pace around the room as images of Michonne flashed before him. He pictured the moment he first saw her in that tangerine dress. He remembered how his heart fluttered as she smiled at him. She was so damn beautiful, she left him breathless.
Pray God you can cope
I stand outside this woman's work
This woman's world
Ooh, it's hard on the man
Now his part is over
Now starts the craft of the father
His mind drifted to their first kiss, standing in her kitchen. She stirred something in his soul from the moment their lips met. It was the first time in a long time that he'd felt anything resembling peace. The way she touched him with a longing desire, it was exhilarating.
He took a seat and pulled out his phone. He texted Glenn, requesting he and Maggie come to the hospital but leaving out most of the details. Then he texted Anna and his dad, alerting them of the urgent situation.
As expected, his phone began ringing as soon as he finished his messages. He stared at it, unable to answer. He couldn't speak. He couldn't find the words to explain how this day had turned out so terribly wrong. He couldn't express his anger that the woman he loved, the woman who had saved him in every way imaginable and their child were now in danger. He couldn't tell them how the fear radiated through his body, causing his hands to tremble and his heart to beat out of his chest as he contemplated the idea of losing them.
Officer Morales walked into the waiting room and greeted Officer Espinosa before they came to sit next to Rick.
"Mr. Grimes, I wanted to formally introduce myself and my partner. I'm Officer Jorge Morales and this is Officer Rosita Espinosa. I know this is a difficult situation for you, but we really need to get your statement about what happened at the church. Normally, this would be done at the station, but given your situation, we can make an exception, especially for a former officer."
Rick stared at him blankly, his knee bobbing uncontrollably as he clutched his vibrating phone.
I know you've got a little life in you yet
I know you've got a lot of strength left
He pictured Michonne laughing as they lay in bed. He'd been reading and she straddled him like she always did when she wanted to lure him away from a good book. He rolled her over, which led to them playfully wrestling across the bed. Her laughter sounded like sweet music to his ears. God, he needed to hear it again.
I should be crying, but I just can't let it show
I should be hoping, but I can't stop thinking
"Mr. Grimes, did you hear me? We need your statement," Morales repeated. "Can you tell us why you shot the deceased?"
Officer Espinosa moved closer to Rick and gently rested her hand on his knee to calm him. "Are you ready to talk?" she asked.
Rick looked at her through bloodshot eyes. "I can't," was all he could muster.
She sighed and looked to her partner. "Let's give him a minute."
The burly officer nodded in agreement and they stepped outside of the room.
Rick's thoughts instantly went back to Michonne. He pictured the first time they made love…the way she called his name, the way her body moved with his, he felt like he was home. He couldn't fathom living without that feeling. He needed more of it.
He remembered the day she told him she was pregnant. She was so scared. They both were frightened but it pained him that she was too nervous to tell him when she first found out, afraid of how he would react. How could he ever have made her feel like she couldn't trust him, like their love wasn't secure enough to handle anything.
Of all the things I should've said
That I never said
All the things we should've done
Though we never did
All the things I should've given
But I didn't
Oh, darling, make it go
Make it go away
He felt the walls closing in on him. The room felt like it was spinning. He shut his eyes, gripping his hair so tight that it stung. "Please…" he pleaded out loud as a single tear tumbled down his cheek and dripped down his bearded chin.
Rick wasn't religious…not anymore. He hadn't been to church in years, but he recalled how strong his mother's faith was and how she instilled it in him when he was growing up. At this moment, feeling like he had nothing else to grasp onto, he began to pray.
He prayed for Michonne and the baby. He prayed for Tim and Tameka. He prayed for himself. If ever there was a time of reckoning, it was now. The violent storm outside mirrored the chaos in his soul.
Give me these moments back
Give them back to me
The lights flickered out and the room went dark as he dropped to his knees, apologizing for the hate he'd carried in his heart for so long and pleading with God to spare his family. He wouldn't survive another loss. Not this time. Not her. Not their child.
All the things that you needed from me
All the things that you wanted for me
All the things that I should've given
But I didn't
Oh, darling, make it go away
Just make it go away now
The wind harshly blew outside whipping through the air with force. Drenching rain pounded against the windows as he continued to bargain with God, promising to be the best man he could be, if only he could have his family by his side.
After a moment, the lights were restored, and he opened his eyes.
He exhaled sharply as the same male nurse he'd spoken with earlier stood before him.
Tameka and Delilah walked into the waiting room on the surgical floor. The room was quiet, with only a few people anxiously waiting to hear news about their loved ones. She spotted Tim's uncle John and his aunt Ella in the corner. She'd met them on a couple of occasions when she attended church services but wasn't sure if they recognized her.
"Mr. and Mrs. Walker," she said softly. "Do you remember me? My name is Tameka. I'm in the youth program at church."
The older couple both looked at her as she and her mother took a seat beside them.
"Yes, young lady. We remember you," John confirmed.
"Can you tell us what happened?" Ella asked hopefully.
"I don't recall everything," the young woman stated, nodding her head. "That man with Enid…he attacked me."
"She has a mild concussion," Delilah spoke up. "We can get the whole story from Enid once she's done giving her statement at the police station. All I know is that your nephew stepped in to save the girls and he was stabbed. The other man…"
"Rick…Michonne's fiancé," Tameka interjected.
"Yes, Rick…he shot the man. He may have saved your nephew's life," Delilah informed them.
"Rick Grimes," John said quietly, looking over to his wife in disbelief.
Before she could respond, a medium-built, gray-haired man wearing scrubs entered the room.
"Mr. and Mrs. Walker. I'm Dr. Bryant. Your nephew is out of surgery. We were able to repair the damage. He's going to pull through."
The couple, along with Tameka and her mother let out a collective sigh.
"He's very lucky," the doctor continued. "Just a few millimeters over and the blade would have pierced his heart."
"Can we see him?" John asked.
"He's still under heavy sedation but we'll be moving him to a room shortly. Someone will come get you soon."
"Thank you, doctor," Ella stated.
The doctor nodded and walked out.
"I'm happy he's okay," Delilah told John and Ella. "Baby girl, we should get you home to rest. The storm has let up and it's safe to be on the roads now."
"No, mom. I feel okay. I want to see Tim before we leave," Tameka insisted. "I mean if that's okay with you?" she directed to his aunt and uncle.
"Yes, sweetie. I think he would be happy you were here for him," John nodded.
"I'd also like to check on Michonne and her baby," Tameka informed her mother. "Do you have any information about them?"
"I'm sorry baby girl, I don't," Delilah stated.
John sighed. "I do hope everything's all right. Tim is very fond of Michonne. I just can't wrap my head around how any of this happened," he pondered.
"Sometimes, things don't make sense," Ella stated. "I'm just grateful Timmy is okay, and I pray his friend and her baby are as well."
Glenn and Maggie rushed off the elevators as soon as the doors opened to the obstetrical unit. Maggie went up to the front desk, frantically trying to catch her breath.
"I'm looking for a woman who was brought in by ambulance. Her name is Michonne Jameson," she panted, as Glenn rubbed her back, attempting to calm her.
"Are you family?" the triage nurse asked.
"Practically," Maggie shook her head.
"Ma'am I'm sorry…I can't tell you anything if you aren't family."
"Please…can you please just tell me if she's here. She's one of my closest friends," Maggie begged.
The triage nurse sighed and searched the system. "Yes, she's here," she confirmed.
"Can you tell me her condition? How is the baby?" Maggie rattled off.
"I don't have that information. You can go to the waiting room and I can send out someone to speak with you."
"Excuse me," Officer Espinosa, who'd been listening from her position against the wall adjacent to the desk, interrupted. She approached Maggie and Glenn.
"I'm Officer Rosita Espinosa. I couldn't help but overhear that you're looking for Michonne Jameson."
"Yes," Maggie and Glenn nodded curiously.
"Can we talk over here for a second?" the officer asked, gesturing to a row of seats, one occupied by her partner.
"There was an incident at Christ The Redeemer Church earlier this afternoon. Ms. Jameson and her fiancé were involved," Rosita continued once Glenn and Maggie were seated.
"Yes, Rick…do you know where he is?" Glenn asked. He texted me to meet him here. What's going on?" Glenn questioned, trying and failing not to raise his voice.
"There was a party going on in the church's community room when a man attacked a few guests in the parking lot. Your friend, Mr. Grimes shot the man, right before Ms. Jameson went into labor," Morales explained.
"Oh my god," Maggie gasped. "We came as fast as we could after we got Rick's text. The storm knocked out so many power lines, it was hard to get through the stalled traffic. How is Michonne? Is Rick in trouble?"
"All we know is that there were complications, and she was taken for an emergency caesarean. Regarding Mr. Grimes, we got word from our superior that the security video and other witness accounts confirm his story that the shooting was in self-defense. We were waiting here to take his statement once the situation with his fiancée and baby stabilizes," Rosita answered.
"Oh no," Maggie nodded in disbelief. "This can't be happening," she murmured as she fought the urge to cry.
"Are you familiar with Merle Dixon? We're trying to contact his next of kin," Morales asked.
"Merle…what does he have to do with this?" Glenn remarked.
"So, you know him?" Morales continued.
"Yes, his brother Daryl works for me," Glenn nodded.
"We need to reach his brother. Can you give us his number?" the officer requested.
"Yes…of course," Glenn agreed, consumed by his nerves, which were causing his hands to shake and his voice to tremble.
He could feel the sweat on his brow and practically hear his heart thumping in his chest. Whatever had happened, if Merle was involved, it couldn't have been good. He put the pieces together in his mind, assuming that the officers were trying to locate Merle's next of kin because he was dead, and if he was dead, that meant Rick had killed him. He couldn't believe the tension between the two men had come to such a catastrophic conclusion.
"Please, just tell me…is Merle the person Rick shot? Is he dead?" Glenn pleaded with the officers.
They looked at one another then turned back to Glenn and Maggie, both nodding in confirmation.
"Shit," Glenn muttered.
Maggie held her head in her hands, unable to speak. She felt like she was going to hyperventilate at any moment.
"Let me give his brother the news and then I'll hand the phone over to you," Glenn suggested.
"Okay," Rosita agreed.
Glenn pulled out his phone and scrolled to Daryl's number. He pressed call and held the phone in his trembling hand as he waited for his friend to answer.
"Glenn, what's up?" Daryl mumbled in his low drawl.
"Daryl, I'm afraid I have some bad news."
Rick entered the quiet hospital room. His knees nearly buckled at the sight of her lying still on the bed. The thin hospital sheet and blanket were pulled over her, covering most of her lower body. A couple of tubes were inserted into her arm, delivering fluids and pain medication from an IV. Her hair was sprawled across the pillow. She looked peaceful, angelic even.
"It was touch-and-go for a moment," the male nurse who Rick now knew as Zeke, stated softly. "She lost a lot of blood during the surgery, but we managed to get it under control."
Rick simply nodded, unable to take his eyes off the love of his life.
"It's okay…you can go to her," Zeke encouraged. She's still under the effects of the anesthesia but it will wear off soon.
Rick walked over to the bed and gently grabbed Michonne's hand, rubbing her palm with his thumb.
"Hey, baby. I'm here now," he whispered, leaning down, and kissing her cheek.
"Knock, knock," A female nurse lightly tapped on the door.
Rick looked toward her to see her wheeling in a small bassinet.
"You have a visitor," she beamed, lifting the baby, and walking over to Rick. "Meet your son," she said handing the child to him.
Rick couldn't contain the emotions coursing through his body, a mixture of relief and exuberance. He took his son into his arms, staring at his perfect little tan face. The boy's big brown eyes stared back at him. Rick ran his fingers across the fine tufts of sandy brown hair covering the baby's head and brought him closer to his face to inhale his new baby scent.
"Hello," he whispered. "I'm your daddy. It's so good to meet you."
"He's strong," the female nurse stated, breaking through his reverence. "We thought he might have to stay in the NICU for a while, but he handled the delivery well and his lungs are fully developed. As you can see, he's breathing just fine on his own. He's also a heavy little guy for being a few weeks early…8 pounds and 11 ounces. You may have a future NFL player on your hands," she joked.
Rick smiled, briefly thinking about his father's comment when he felt the baby kick.
"Anyway, congratulations dad. You and mom did good," she commended Rick. We'll be back in a little while to check on them," she said referring to the baby and Michonne.
"Thank you," Rick nodded, watching the nurses leave the room.
After they left, he looked at his baby and soon-to-be wife and offered his gratitude to God and whatever other forces had made this moment possible.
A couple of hours later, Rick sat in the recliner next to Michonne's bed, cradling their son. He'd barely put the baby down since the nurse brought him to the room. Maybe it was the thought that things could have turned out much different or the joy that he was actually holding his child in his arms, he wasn't sure, but he knew he didn't want to part with him.
Glenn and Maggie had joined Rick a while ago, accompanied by Morales and Espinosa. Rick was finally able to give his official statement and the officers let him know they would follow up with him a few days.
Tameka and Delilah also stopped by to check on Michonne and the baby and let Rick know that Tim was going to make it. Tameka thanked him for saving her friend and made him promise to have Michonne call her when she woke up.
Soon after they left, a distressed Richard and Anna arrived within minutes of one another, both anxious to learn the fate of Michonne and the baby. Of course, they were overjoyed to learn things had turned out fine. They welcomed baby Grimes into the world with faces full of tears and hearts full of excitement. After they got settled, Richard informed Rick that Shane and Andrea would arrive in the morning.
Now, they all anxiously waited for Michonne to wake up.
"Son, have you eaten anything?" Richard asked.
"No, I'm okay daddy," Rick shook his head.
"You gotta keep up your strength for her and the little one," Richard pressed.
"I wanna be here when she wakes up," Rick said.
"How about we go see what we can find in the cafeteria?" Anna suggested.
"That's a good idea," Richard agreed.
"We'll come with you," Glenn added. "I could use a cup of coffee." He stood up and patted Rick on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile.
"We'll be back soon," Maggie said, kissing Rick on the cheek.
Once they were gone, Rick carried the baby over to Michonne's bed. He sat beside her and stroked her cheek with his thumb. To his surprise, she stirred and slowly opened her eyes. He felt his heart leap out of his chest as she awakened.
"Rick," she said quietly, her voice hoarse.
"Hi," he smiled. "Welcome back."
Her eyes wandered to the baby in his arms and she tried to sit up but stopped when she felt the slight pain across her abdomen.
"Easy, sweetheart. You had to have surgery," Rick stated softly.
"Is that…" she started, her words trailing off as she was overcome with her emotion.
"Yeah…he's here," Rick nodded, bringing the sleeping baby closer so she could get a good look at him.
"He? We have a son?" she asked as her lips started to tremble. "Is he okay?"
Rick nodded and kissed her with enthusiasm. "Yeah, he's perfect," he said, wiping at a fresh set of tears as they fell.
He placed the baby into her waiting arms, and she gasped at how beautiful he was. As is often the case with newborns, she couldn't quite make out who he looked like, but he seemed to be a perfect blend of her and Rick.
"He's gorgeous," she whispered, looking up at Rick.
"He is…and so are you," he nodded, kissing her once more. "Thank you."
"For what?" she asked.
"For supporting me…for loving me…for giving me a son…for you," he said sincerely as he gazed into her glassy brown eyes. "I love you."
She reached her hand out and he took it, affectionately squeezing it.
"I love you, too," she smiled.
"I know we picked out a name for a girl and a boy. Are you still settled on what we chose?" he asked her.
"Yes, it suits him…don't you think?" she noted, looking down at their son.
"It does. Welcome to the world, Richard James Grimes."
He tenderly caressed the baby's rosy cheek then cupped Michonne's chin, gazing at her adoringly as if she'd given him the moon and all the stars. Slowly, he brought his lips to hers, kissing her with a loving passion that nearly took her breath away and she realized in that moment, that she was complete.
Lyrics: "Container" by Fiona Apple (written for the show "The Affair") and "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush (Maxwell did a popular cover).
Book passage: "Kafka on the Shore" by Haruki Murakami
A/N: So, I hope this was satisfying! I mean it. I really hope you enjoyed the themes and symbolism that played out in this chapter. This story has always been about healing and redemption, but also loss, love, cause and effect, and forgiveness. It's a story about fate and the lasting impact people have through the choices they make and how one navigates the challenges they encounter. It's why I chose to incorporate the song "Container" and the passage Rick read to Michonne.
Just a little tidbit, I wanted the scene of Rick in the hospital to be similar to "She's Having a Baby," where the song "This Woman's Work" played. If you haven't seen the scene, check it out. The movie is pretty good, too.
Also, shout out to one of my consistent readers and reviewers for giving me the perfect name for baby Grimes! You know who you are *wink*.
Anyway, I am SO anxious to read what you guys thought of this chapter. Please leave a review! One more chapter to go. Be well friends! We are living in devastating times and I hope my writing can give you some enjoyment. #KeepRichonneAlive
