A/N: For the Richonnefics' Richonne Married Life Challenge.

The Fall Out

October 28, 2016 (Day 125)

"My belly is not that big yet." She scrambles out of the bed, positioning herself in front of the standing mirror. She lifts her shirt and states, "See. Barely even a bump. Certainly not big enough to paint it as a basketball or a pumpkin. Pick something else."

"There's a bump there alright," her husband snaps back. "I know your body better than you do and there have definitely been some changes."

He clicks off the image and returns to his search. They are attempting to garner ideas from the internet for Halloween costumes. So far, she has declined the two ideas he presented.

"Well I'm not painting my stomach. You know my belly is not that big and I resent you saying that."

"It's not that big….yet but it's getting there. He's growing every day," Rick states.

"You found anything else?"

He laughs and zooms in on another image. "Oh this is awesome." He turns the lap top to face her, sharing his findings.

She looks at the screen then gives him an exasperated gaze. "Really?"

"It's perfect! We can announce the pregnancy and everything."

"So you're the bun maker and I go as an oven with a bun baking? What about Carl? He's coming too. What's he gonna be? A loaf of bread?"

"That could work."

"You are not serious. Why are all of my costumes centered around my stomach….a stomach that is still mostly flat you know."

She was only a little over three months pregnant and barely showing but Rick is so excited that he wants to announce it to the world. He figures Shane and Andrea's Halloween bash would be the perfect setting. Dr. Greene confirmed their pregnancy weeks ago and after a few calculations, they realized that they didn't get pregnant on their honeymoon but shortly thereafter once they returned home.

"It's only for announcement purposes and it's not like your belly isn't going to get bigger. You don't see it but I do."

"Are you saying I'm fat?"

"No of course not but you're gonna be."

She gasps. "Did you just say that? I am not fat nor am I gonna be. This is a pregnancy and yes….I will gain weight but I'm supposed to and you…." She stops abruptly, her feelings more hurt than she realized. "You don't get to call me fat." Her bottom lip trembles as her emotions start to overwhelm her. She had a couple of breakdowns early on and thought she was losing her mind until she read in one of her baby books how a pregnant woman's hormones are seriously out of sync. Although she recognizes what she is going through, some days she can't stop the reactions.

She covers her mouth as the tears well in her eyes and makes her way to the bathroom, closing the door.

Rick sits there dumb founded. He's not sure if he genuinely said the wrong thing and hurt her feelings or if this is another one those hormone induced episodes she told him about. What do I do? He makes his way to the bathroom door. "Babe?" He cringes as he hears her sniffling. "Michonne you're not fat. You know that. I was only joking."

Seconds later, she snatches the door open and marches over to the lap top, taking a seat on the bed. She clicks and types and types and clicks and finally finds an image she likes. She turns the computer so he can see it.

"A football player and a cheerleader? That's what we're going as?"

She gives him a curt nod with a roll of her eyes and leaves the room.

Her husband watches her leave, wondering at the exchange then sighs. Shit. She's pissed.

For the remainder of the evening, he gives her space and time, hoping she will calm down and believe that he honestly didn't mean to hurt her.

Dinner is unusual as they sit at the table and just eat….no conversation. She even avoids his gaze. He knows he shouldn't push her but he also refuses to allow this to go on for much longer.

"I'm sorry," they both say simultaneously then smile as they finally connect visually.

"I know you didn't mean it. I just get so worked up about the smallest things now and I'm praying I don't lose my job because I'm bound to go off on somebody."

"You'll be fine. You're just getting adjusted. It's gonna be a whole new thang for us," he offers.

"So am I forgiven?" She asks quietly.

"There's nothing to forgive," he answers just as softly.

"Same."

They end the night wrapped in each other's arms, satiated and content.

Days later, Halloween night arrives and they are preparing to leave for Shane and Andrea's. Rick and Carl are dressed in their football costumes complete with helmets, cleats, balls, and eye black. They are downstairs waiting for Michonne. She finally arrives, descending the stairs in a matching cheerleader costume, her midriff revealed with a huge #2 painted across in white.

"Why is that number on your stomach?" Carl asks curiously.

She shares a look with Rick then smiles at her stepson. "We're making a huge announcement tonight. We had #1 put on your jersey because your little brother or little sister will be baby #2."

Carl frowns as he comprehends what she is telling him then his entire face lights up with clarity. "You mean…..you and dad are having a baby?"

She nods slowly. "How do you feel about that? Are you ready to be a big brother?"

Carl laughs as he looks from his dad to his stepmom. "It's cool. I've always wanted a baby brother or baby sister but I'd prefer a baby brother."

"Well that's what we're having…..a boy," Rick announces.

"What? You already know?" Carl exclaims.

"No. Your daddy does not know yet."

"I'm claiming it son."

"Me too dad."

Michonne rolls her eyes. "Can we go now?"

They each grab their coats and an item for the party, making their way out of the front door.

"Does anybody else know?" Carl asks.

"Nope. Not yet," Rick relays.

Carl stops in his tracks. "You mean grandma and grandpa don't know? What about Mama Mae and Papa Walter?"

"We're telling them at Sunday dinner," Rick informs.

Their son shakes his head. "You're going to announce it to everybody else and wait to tell them on Sunday? They won't like that."

Michonne considers his words. "He's right. We'll just make a couple of stops on the way to the party. I'll call Andrea and tell her we'll be a little late."

"Good idea," Rick states.