Chapter 7

An Accidental Something New.

Sheriff Richard Grimes slowly woke to a delightful sense of familiarity that was permeating area. Then clumsily reached for his phone face down on the nearby nightstand.

Is it really that late? The Sheriff thought half awake; straining to see the time through sleep grogged eyes. Then after focusing noticed the many missed calls, and begin scrolling through them one by one; and all but two, which he'd already taken care of earlier were from Lori. The man then promptly placed the phone back from where he gotten it, and streched his arms lazily above his head as he became acclimated to his still new surroundings. And this being the second time this morning that he had woken up in the same unfamiliar bed, located in the same unfamiliar room.

But, unlike the first time, instead of being awaken by the unfamiliar delicate sounds of knocking that had brought him out of a very sound sleep. However,, the culprit now is the very familiar smells of fresh brewed coffee and what he deduced was the aroma of both bacon and sausages cooking, along with something sweet hitting his nostrils; welcoming the glad man to what he knew was the start of an awesome day; even if it was late mid morning.

And then the law man looked over and found himself grinning from ear to ear again, and which he also knew made him looked like an complete idiot. But he dI'd not care. Carl was right there laying peacefully next to him; alive, well, and sound asleep.

Once more was the Sheriff filled with elation, and a feeling of unspeakable joy. The same emotion that he'd experienced and felt earlier this morning when he'd first walked into the condo and saw his boy asleep there on the couch with those four puppies.

And the boy's father still with that goofy grin, looked up, and said a very grateful silent prayer, thanking God once more for the beautiful and glorious miracle that is his boy.

Albeit things were not exactly like the happy man had wanted, nor were the two of them in any of their familiar surroundings like the father would have liked, but still-Carl was alive, safe, and whole.

And King County wasn't going anywhere.

The overjoyed Sheriff also gave thanks for Miss Rènald too! The astounding young woman with a rather good, and very big heart. A lady who has gone far, far, above, and beyond in seeing to, and keeping his son safe, even though Miss Rènald and his Carl had been nothing but complete strangers before last night.

And amazingly the very lovely young lady even graciously opened her home to his boy; mercifully keeping him out of the traditional foster care system (i.e. home). Now Miss Rènald without a second thought is even allowing him to be there too; living under her roof with his boy until the Hearing on Monday.

To be truthful the father would have been just as satisfied with her just letting him be there until the morning; when Carl wakes up. But she insisted, and did it without knowing the first thing about him.

The Sheriff even went as far as asking, "Are you sure? You don't even know me!" After her having made them both welcomed.

And the woman didn't even flinch at the question either, she just looked him straight in his eyes before answering and then said.

"Yes, I am," she replied nonchalantly with a bright prepossessing smile, while pointing towards the sleeping pups. "I do have more than enough protection with them you know. Besides, why would/or could I have anything to worry about when only a man with a good heart, could produce such an exceptional, and extraordinary little guy as Handsome over there."

The Sheriff blushed mightily, just as he had when Miss Rènald said what she said earlier.

She's really something else, he thought reflectively.

And surprisingly enough to the very at eased man, he also realized that he'd had a rather good sleep too. One of his best in a very long time. Definitely not since Lori left and took Carl with her to move in with that-Shane.

And with that thought came an epiphany. It was as if a very bright light had been switched on for the first time, shining brilliance onto darkness, or as a needle that had quickly slid across a playing album or record; making the music come to a screeching halt.

Because it was then at that very exact moment that Richard Grimes had quickly made up his mind on purpose, that he was no longer doing any of that, or go there anymore!

And that was to dwell on what was of yesterday, because that self-inflicted wound of pity, and regrets was no longer acceptable for him, his boy, nor this new day.

From now on Rick was going be thankful for the present, and live life in the moment to the fullest of his ability with his son.

Him dwelling on, and over thinking the past last night, fused in with blinding anger caused the man to stupidly sit in a cold at times truck cab. And that's being there for over two hours or more, when he could have been where he is now, and that was there with his child.

Never again! The man wanted to shout out at the top of his lungs.

And looking over at the sleeping boy again, which he would never tire of. The boy's father smiled once more; claiming it a good day.

This was their dawn of a brand new very good day. His and his son's brand new beginning, to a whole new chapter for their whole new life. He was blessed to have his boy with him, and his boy was blessed to be there period.

Lori, Shane, and the divorce; all things that Rick could have done, should have done, didn't do, or could have done better, or differently all together were things of the his past. And not ever would those two people, or those things of yesterday dictate his now and/or future.

When seeing his son peacefully asleep on that couch last night, with those puppies after all that he'd gone through, his boy's father decided right then and there, that he was going to fight with everything in him to keep Carl safe no matter what!

That's why he hadn't talk to Lori, nor answered any of the calls that were lefted by his ex-wife's late last night, or even those from earlier this morning. She has had her way for far too long, and far long enough!

Their child's life and well being is paramount; the most important thing. Not her wants. Because those days are now over and done with.

And yes, he and Carl were certainly going to sit down and deal with what has happened with him running away from his mother and Shane, and why? What those men tried to do to him, and the Hearing that they all have to attend, but for right now, today he was so very, very, grateful that his boy was safe and with him, even if the situation wasn't perfect at the moment.

Then while the Sheriff laid there contemplating, something unexpected happened, and quite embarrassing too!. The man's stomach growled rather loudly; causing him to grab at it.

And that also caused something else to happen, and it too unexpected. The Sheriff's supposedly asleep son began to giggle, and do it uncontrollably, because the boy was just so immensely happy.

That definitely was not a baby, Carl thought contently. He hadn't been asleep after all, and not for some time, just playing possum, and so ecstatically glad that his dad was there with him when he woke up. And had been waiting impatiently for him to wake up too!

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Earlier that morning Michonne found herself really not doing too well at all. The-mother-to-be had had a rather restless couple of hours. She'd tried going to sleep after getting the Sheriff fed, and then he and her Handsome situated comfortably in the guest bedroom. But the woman just couldn't calm herself enough to do so. It was little Munchie, her baby wasn't moving. And Mama was sooo be-yond worried.

The fretful woman tried everything that she could think of, like walking around rubbing small circles on her more flat than big belly-soothing her love, to singing some of her favorite tunes to the baby. And then made the greatest sacrifice of all…drank some rather very hot warm milk-ew!

All was done to get Baby to acknowledge it's Mama's loving coaxing. But Munchie stayed motionless. The stubborn little thing.

Michonne was scared almost witless, even with them having been given a clean bill of health some hours earlier. But her little Stinker hadn't moved not once since she and Handsome left the hospital last night. And that caused the young woman all kinds of angst and concerns, especially with all of her little Munchie's previous active body language

Panicky, its mother just hope that she hadn't done anything wrong to have hurt her love, and caused it's lack of movement.

And her being filled full with an unshakable weight of fear is why Michonne called her doctor's personal line; not caring one lick if the woman was asleep or not. She needed answers, and wanted them now! The mother was desperate with concerns about her baby!

But- just as providence would have it, Doctor Jaxs was already up with another patient who was in labor, and told a very unsettled Michonne to come into the hospital just as soon as she could, and she'd check them both out again, just to make sure.

But inwardly Dr. Jaxs didn't really think there was anything wrong, but a sleeping baby, and a first time mom-to-be.

And just as soon as possible is exactly what Michonne did once she put on a Chuck Taylor low top to go along with her foot boot, and then grabbed a coat, her keys, and purse. Thankfully, she was already dressed in leggings and a large heavy sweater.

And due to a miracle by some unknown origin, the predictable and always heavy Atlanta morning rush hour traffic was almost non existent. Where within 20 minutes of leaving her condo, a highly agitated, and distressed Michonne found herself walking through the doors of the Atlanta Presbyterian Hospital, heading straightway to her appointment.

Then less than an hour later, she and Baby had been given a clean bill of health for the second time within 12 hours. And just like last night...he or she had a very strong heart beat, and even mooned its audience of two.

Both mom and her doctor laughed.

And the only change was Michonne's slightly elevated blood pressure, which she and the doctor both knew came from her worrying about Baby.

Doctor Jaxs had been right all along, Baby was sleep. The little munchkin with all its moving around had tuckered the poor thing out. Now the sweet bundle of joy was just chillin, and enjoying some down time with a much needed snooze, unlike the one which its mother was unable to have because of fear.

He or she was just waiting until Mama herself was asleep or at peace , and then bam! Will make him or herself known. A precursor, or little taste of what Michonne has to look forward to when parenthood becomes her reality, which will include both the good, and the trying.

Now after all of this morning's drama, the very grateful and ecstatic mother-to-be is busy in her kitchen preparing baked goodies for Thanksgiving, and a rather hearty brunch for her guest once they're up, because breakfast time for the two will soon be lapsing into lunchtime if they chose to sleep any later.

But Michonne didn't mind because in the whole time that her Handsome and his dad were sleeping, she'd taken the puppies down to the sitter, gone to the hospital and once more gotten a wonderful and glorious check-up, which would have had her literally skipping to the market if she hadn't been driving.

And just as she knew it would be, the store was closed. But no worries, that didn't matter because Adam Marchi the owner who she knows quite well let her in; allowing Michonne to make full groceries for now, the holiday, and beyond in a store void of other shoppers.

Thankfully Adam's son, Giovanni was there too. He was home from school for Thanksgiving, and helping his dad out along with the other staffers; all had been busy stocking for the coming holiday grocery buying rush.

And when Michonne was finished with her spending spree, the obliging young man helped his dad's friend bring everything back home. And his dad's friend was extremely grateful too! Because there was really quite a lot; all of which was for her growing boy and his dad who were living with her for now.

Once home, and with everything put away, Michonne went back downstairs to retrieved the puppies from the sitter. She certainly couldn't have her Handsome waking up with them not anywhere around-now could she? And the conscientious young woman even gave Andrea a call; waking her best friend up out of her beauty sleep (which is how Andrea always describes it) on the Sheriff's behalf; the man was going to need a very good lawyer come Monday's hearing.

Michonne had also gotten a call from one of the FBI Agents from last night, informing her that they wouldn't be coming by as planned today, but would be calling to make another appointment later on and soon.

Her saying that she was pleased to hear that good kind of news was an understatement for sure, because Michonne felt that neither she, nor her Handsome would be in any mood at present to relive last night so soon after.

However, before all those things could, and did happen, Michonne walked down the hall of her condo with reluctance, and lightly tapped on the bedroom door where both her guest were sleeping. She really hated waking either one of them, but didn't have a choice. She had to go, and go now. But didn't want to do it without letting Sheriff Grimes know that she'd be out for a while.

And when that bedroom door did open, Michonne was met yet again with those beautiful blue eyes that were now sleep filled and looking at her, which the girl knew she could never tire of looking back at, sleep filled or not.

And the awesomeness of those seas of blue were second only to her Handsome's, and that was because Handsome was so adorably cute. Which by no means had the fact gone unnoticed of just where he'd gotten his lovely peepers from.

Fortunately for Michonne her Handsome's glorious attributes came straight from the long waisted, perfectly proportional bow legged, and curly haired man, who sluggish from sleep was now standing right there in front of her in the middle of that opened bedroom door, wearing the stank out of that slightly salt peppered five o'clock shadow, a tight white T-shirt, and those rather low hanging pajama bottoms.

And not to mention that off-set untamed, and dangerously sexy curl that fell ever so...

Hot-diggity dog! And an oh-my-goodness, the stunned woman thought while not loosing her composure; using her courtroom face. Now girl...get-a-grip…and slow-your-roll. Please behave-yourself-Michonne, that's your Handsome's dad-Remember? She devilishly reprimanded herself, but still just couldn't help herself and went there anyway.

Oh, yes Lawd he is, and I bet that the man doesn't even realize just how good he looks first thing in the morning either!

Michonne feeling just an itsy bity teeny weeny bit of guilt over that somewhat inappropriate thought closed her eyes, took-a-great-big-deep-breath, and then the girl politely, and slowly got a grip before opening them back up again to say a "Good morning," and a "Sorry" to the "Sir" for her intrusion.

Then the flabbergasted woman quickly informed the probable clueless man facing her, that she had to step out for a little while, and would be back in a bit.

It also amazed Michonne, that just by looking into those baby blue orbs, this had been the first time all morning long that something other than worry had gripped ahold of her emotions, as well as her mindset. And for that she was extremely grateful.

She'd also made sure to let the Sheriff know that he and Handsome were more than welcomed to make themselves at home while she was out.

"Okay, thank you," the man said in a voice raspy from sleep. And just stood there a bit longer intently studying the woman as she hurriedly walked away.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Michonne methodically rushed about without thought, collecting her things and 4 leashed puppies before heading for the door. And when walking out gently closed it behind her ever so softly as not to jolt her sleeping Handsome, or his easy on the eyes dad, who'd no doubt had gone right back to bed, and his sleep. Probably having forgotten all about her, and that quick uneven chat of theirs.

Oh boy…these are really going to be some real interesting six days, now aren't they? The woman mused as she briskly walked her and the puppies to the elevator smiling to her.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Carl Grimes dressed in footed Avengers pajamas, and an action figure held tight in one hand ran down the hall of the condo just as fast as his 7 years and 2 months old legs could carry him, and it was with purpose. His cute and adorable little self was on a fervor filled mission as he diligently looked for his friend.

And an overjoyed and proud papa was close behind.

But that was some time after the boy and his dad had had a proper father and son greetings. Because after hearing the boy's giggles the Sheriff with a quickness, swiftly reached over and pulled the child close to him; hugging Carl tight. So tight that the boy had to plead for air.

"Dad! I…I-can't-breath!" was all the little fellow could get out.

The Sheriff laughed a hearty laugh, and with a tender kiss to his son's forehead loosened his grip, but not by much. And when he did, Carl returned his father's embrace with a tight squeeze of his own around the man's neck, along with a quick kiss to his dad's cheek before scampering out of bed, and into the bathroom before heading out looking for his Michonne.

And Rick knew as he too got out of bed, that his boy was just as glad to see him as he was to see Carl, and also equally glad that his father was there when he woke up. That quick peck on his cheek was proof enough for the man.

Because his son hadn't done anything like that since the child was four years old. And that kid's kiss was still just as moist as ever before. Which made his dad shake his head, and laugh out loud.

Hurriedly Carl searched for the lady in question, and found her in the kitchen; bypassing the napping pups asleep on a long body pillow in the living room as he did. The boy just had to get to her first!

And the little guy with great delight ran straight into the woman's open arms once he reached Michonne, who'd turned around just at the right moment after hearing him call her name, along with the pitter-patter of his covered feet as they excitedly hit the wooden floor.

Hugging her as tightly around her waist as he could, her Handsome looked up at the smiling woman with pure and honest admiration showing bright in his young adolescent eyes, and smiling himself said huskily, almost out of breath.

"Good morning Michonne."

And while not waiting for her reply, lowered his little head back to her waist and whispered almost silently, "Good morning Munchie."

That made Michonne giggle like a little school girl as she look down at her Handsome. Because, that tiny information was their not really a secret, secret, but still their secret serect.

It was a little something that Michonne had shared with her guy while they were waiting at the hospital. When once again the child mistook the movement of Baby as her stomach growling from hunger. Causing Michonne to whisper in her kid's ear.

"That's not hunger little one, but a baby, making him or herself known to-you!"

Hence Carl with the whispering, because Michonne whispered first. And every body knows that secrets always come in, in the form of a whisper. And that was a child's rationale to the whole thing.

"Good morning Handsome," Michonne said in return, as she hugged her boy back with the same intensity as he did her. And this time she did what she'd wanted to do last evening, and that was to kiss that loveable bundle on top of his adorable little head.

She did.

And the Sheriff watched both of them together and smiled brightly. Surprising to him, their rapport was so very easy and natural; an amazing sight to behold because his little boy, and the young lady had only known each other for less than 24 hour.

Then Michonne's boy looked back up at her again, still smiling and said.

"Thank you."

"For what my man?" she asked swiping loose long bangs from her heart's face with a loving hand.

"For letting my dad stay here with me," the child continued. He had been both happy, and surprised to see his father there when he woke up. Michonne hadn't let him down, just as she had his back too!

And the happy boy with his gappy toothed grin was just about to run off to pay some much needed attention to his now awake puppies, who were impatiently waiting for their number two boy to come out of the kitchen.

They weren't allowed in, and they knew it.

A fact that hadn't dampened their enthusiasm for Carl's note of them in the least. With their demands coming in the forms of small puppies yelps, and the wagging of tails that lightly tapped against the floor as they all sat there at the kitchen's threshold eager with anticipation.

However, not to be outdone Munchie in Munchie fashion and style, said a good morning too. And that was in the form of a strong kick that made Mama and Big Brother jump with surprise and joy; causing them both to laugh out loud and say, "Ooh!"

Euphoric to feel her baby move with such feistiness, Michonne proudly place a hand on her almost flat belly and beam.

Munchie was ok. And her little one and boy were at it again. With their Mama being the overjoyed go between, between the two of them. And loving it!

"Talk to you later baby," was all the boy said softly as he ran off to his puppies. It was still their secret to keep; his dad was near by in the next room.

And Michonne followed close behind as her lively child excitedly ran off to join his furry friends. And she along with the Sheriff watched with amazement as their boy got down on the living room floor and happily romped around with his new pals. Both were content just as all five friends were, and thought, What a beautiful sight.

Then as if in sync the two adults looked up at the other.

"Good morning, Ma'am, said the Sheriff with a slight nodded of his head, and feeling sort of off for some reason. And he had been since watching Michonne walk away earlier.

"And a good morning to you too Sheriff Sir," Michonne said with one of her magnificent smiles, while putting a great deal of emphasis on the word sir.

The Sheriff noticed that and her too, just as he had the very first time he'd laid eyes on the captivating woman. Even if it hadn't been outwardly evident at the time, and that was only because his boy Carl took precedence.

The law man also knew too that they were going to have to do something about that "sir" stuff before long. He's just 37 and don't think he looks that old. Besides, he'd much rather, and expected it in some cases, that the handle "sir" be lefted for others to say. And a most def-i-nite no, no when it came from her lips!

And Michonne's question of "Sheriff are you and Handsome hungry?" quickly brought him back from his uncharacteristic musing when it comes to the opposite sex. He's never been considered a ladies man. That was Shan-. The man thoughts thankfully had been cut off by...

"What are we having, because I am starving!" promptly voiced his son as he innocently snatched that question away from his dad with precision. And did it without even putting a stop to his and the puppies play.

Again, Michonne giggled at her Handsome. He was just too cute!

And his father had two words for his too cute son, "Carl, manners!"

"Yessir," the boy answered back, but was now looking at Michonne when he did. His question needed the information asked for. He was really running on empty and needed to have been filled yesterday.

And she looked over at her boy's father with quiet amusement before continuing. They both were fun to watch.

"Well…," she said while still smiling and drew out what her boy was eagerly waiting for. "You all have a choice. There's melon with berries fruit salad, sausage, bacon, country fries, toast, a variety of pastries, hot chocolate, juice, coffee and oh yeah... oatmeal," she finished, but then added quickly. "Or cold cereal with milk, even eggs if you like."

But before Carl could answer, his dad did it for him.

"Thank you ma'am, the oatmeal, sausage and toast will be fine," he said to Michonne. "No need to put yourself out."

But it wasn't fine by Carl! And as hard as he tried his little face couldn't hide his dislike for his father's choice for the two of them, mainly that oatmeal, no matter whatever else was going alone with the stuff.

And why on Gods green earth (the boy's grandpa's favorite phrase) didn't the man just say cold cereals? The dismayed child wondered!

"But Daddd!" he whined out loud. "We don't like oatmeal, remember? You said that that stuff only comes in two ways. And that's Mom's waterfalling over a spoon, or Grandma's stuck to one!" The smart boy finished; shivering at the visuals.

Both adults just stood there opened mouthed, and looked at the kid.

Yeah, and that little tidbit was suppose to be between you and me boy! Thought his embarrassed father, while a tickled Michonne was tempted to just sit down and have a good old fashioned laugh right there on the couch.

And "Carl," was the only word that his dad was able to get out. It was neither too soft, nor very loud, just it and a tilt of his head did the trick.

Carl noticed. So did Michonne.

Now that's where her Handsome gets that from! She marveled with a secret delight.

"Yes Dad," the little boy said without a lick of back sass, and left heading towards the bathroom. He knew his dad meant business now because that thing that the man does with his head speaks volumes. It has been known to even get his mother's attention.

"And where are you going son?" His father some what demanded.

"To the bathroom to wash my hands Dad. You and me have some… Ugh! Oatmeal to eat."

And Carl deep in his little being, just wanted to stomp all the way down the hall to the bathroom. With that being an outward protest of his displeasure towards his dad's breakfast choice for the both of them.

But the boy knew Michonne wouldn't go for that. She'd already put him in his place once, and her boy just didn't want that to happen again.

So on the outside the angry little man walked himself down the hall and to the bathroom just as a good child should, but on the inside stomped every last step of the way there, just like the fractious Carl felt.

The Sheriff looked over, and was about to apologize to Michonne for what had just occurred between him and his son when he noticed her face. The woman had tears in her beautiful dark Hazel Brown eyes that were on the verge of escaping, and running down her lovely face.

Oh no, just great! He and Carl had hurt her feelings, the man full of remorse said under his breath. But before he could say "sorry" out loud, Michonne noticed how the Sheriff was looking at her and interjected.

"I am so sorry! That kid of yours is not only adorable but funny too!" She said trying to look remorseful herself while holding in the laughter as best she could. "That Handsome is something else-is he not?"

"Yeah, that boy is something else, but what…I haven't a clue?" His father deadpanned quickly, and not amused at all by his boy's behavior, but relieved that her tears were not those from hurt feelings, but rather the product of held in laughter due to him and his audacious child.

And after hearing the Sheriff's pithy response, Michonne lost the battle all together, and laughed out loud in spite of herself, but not so to where her Handsome could hear.

Surprising even to himself, the Sheriff laughed too. And how in the world could he not have when that smile and her drew it out of him lickety-split. It was just as contagious as she is alluring.

Rick caught himself, and quickly looked away with his eyes wondering around the room. Just looking for a place to light themselves on besides on the woman's luscious lips.

What is wrong with me, he thought standing there trying hard not to stare back at his son's rescuer, but had no choice when she spoke. Because, his boy's father just didn't want to be rude to his host now did he?

"I hope that you know that I wouldn't mind preparing whatever it is that our guy would really like for breakfast. And you know that goes for his dad too! It would be no problem at all, because my doing things for Handsome is never a problem," Michonne said. Gracing the man, surly out of his depth with yet another smile, after she'd stopped laughing, and then finished with a devilish under eyed…

"Sooo…, you don't like oatmeal either-Huh law man?"

And Rick was taken aback by all four of them…

Michonne herself, her tone, the style of the question, and that smile. And the Sheriff poor thing knew right then and there that he was done for.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Carl leisurely, and on purpose took his time in washing his hands. And then slow walked his way back towards the two adults who were now waiting for him in the kitchen. And when the boy did get there, he continued with his drag as so all could see. Then walked himself over to the kitchen banquette where his father was seated, and plopped down hard right next to him with an Emmy award winning thud.

Both adults looked at Carl, but didn't comment at all on his dramatic performance. However, if it was under any other circumstance or time the boy would have been thrilled and thinking it so cool to be there sitting next to the man. Because Michonne's benched breakfast nook reminded him so much of being back home at the diner and eating there with his dad. But the thought of oatmeal had just killed the thrill for him.

"Handsome." Michonne called.

"Huh?" The boy replied not looking up, or at her at all. He was peeved.

"Carl, respect!" His father said giving his boy a last warning, and a serious set of blue eyes to look back at.

"Yes, Ma'am," the child quickly corrected.

"I know that you are not crazy about oatmeal," she continued. "So what is it that you'd really like to eat instead?"

"Anything but that!"

"Anything! Even Turnip Soup?" she joked.

"Nooo…" Her Handsome laughed in spite of himself. He was still annoyed, but it was waning a bit now.

"Well, you did say anything!" Michonne giggled. And his dad chuckled as he dranked his coffee.

"Yes…I did, but Turnip Soup is not even breakfast food, now is it?" the smart boy countered, and not really appreciating being the butt-end of the woman's quick thinking mind.

The boy's father smiled. He was so extremely glad and relieved to see that those monsters hadn't taken that away from his son. His son's quick mind. Amused, the man thought, That's my boy, always quick on his feet, and giving a word for a word...and it was Miss Rènald who was responsible for that too!

"Yeah, you got me there, Mister Smarty-pants."

And the Sheriff and Michonne's little guy felt overly smuged; relishing in his victory over the somewhat semantics.

"Well what is it that you really want for breakfast-Bud?" Michonne asked again.

The child looked over at his father doubtfully and shugged his shoulders.

"Handsome, while you were washing up, your dad and I had a little conversation about you, and oatmeal. And he said that it would be ok for you to have something else if you like." Michonne disclosed.

And the child looked back over towards the Sheriff for confirmation; not that he didn't believe her, because Carl did. It was just that he wanted to make sure that he'd heard Michonne right.

The Sheriff nodded yes while still drinking. And how could he not have when the man had been triple teamed, and hadn't a prayer. Not when he was up against his son, his son's beautiful co-conspirator, and that equally beautiful smile of hers. It was official. He was whipped.

And that nod did the trick. Carl needn't be told twice, and began voicing his breakfast wants with freedom. Just as if he was in the diner back home in King County, sitting there getting ready to eat breakfast with his dad.

"What about French Toast with fruit, sausages and some of those Hash Browns?" Handsome brighten with a smile. "Oh yeah, I'll take some of that hot chocolate too!"

Michonne looked over at her boy and shook her head, he was way too cute and a joy. And Rick shook his too. That boy of his was ordering like he was at the diner back home.

"Okay," she smiled."

Her Handsome smiled too and thought, Yea, no oatmeal!

Unfortunately for the little boy, that was short lived with one question.

"But will you do something for me first?" Michonne said.

I knew it! The disappointed boy thought, but said."O-kay, and dad too! What do I have to do?"

"Try some of my oatmeal…and dad too!" Was all that she said with a shrug of her shoulders, and winked at Dad smiling.

And Dad smiled back.

And Carl purposely messed with their moment.

"Why is it that something good almost always has to come with a stipulation," the somewhat pessimistic, and astute child said out loud, getting Michonne's attention back to him.

"Stipulation?" She questioned.

"Yes Ma'am," her guy said unemotional, and with a tint of his returned peevishness. "A word I learned from CrashBox on HBO."

Note to self. Munchie-baby you will be watching loads of that show, Michonne thought as she turned and began getting things ready for their meal.

And when the food arrived, Carl looked intently at the bowl of oatmeal that had been placed lovingly before him. And to both Grimes surprise and shock, it didn't look at all like what they was use to. And did not look all that bad either.

The oats in the bowl were uniformed and recognizable; not too runny, nor too stiff. Not only did it look kinda right, but rather appetizing too with that pat of butter, a small mixture of both brown and granulated sugar along with a smidge of cream.

First, there was grace for the thanking, and then the keeping of the stuff down on Michonne's Handsome's part. Then after slowly mixing up the hot porridge, the boy took his first spoonful. And his mouth was exposed to a cornucopia of goodness that he had no words for. Because the hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla made the stuff unlike any other oatmeal that he'd ever tasted before.

Not surprisingly, their guy forgot the French Toast all together, and enjoyed the breakfast/brunch place before him. So did his dad. And Michonne secretly enjoyed watching them both in the process while sipping a hot cup of green tea with lemon, with a piece of dry toast; Munchie was acting up. And with his bowl clean Michonne promised her Handsome breakfast for dinner if he so liked.

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Now that their extremely surprisingly good brunch was behind them, Handsome changed, and then he and the puppies sat quietly on the couch watching cartoons, while his dad had a very long and productive conversation with Andrea his new lawyer. Who'd left the father feeling much better than before about his chances of being able to take Carl back home wirh him after Monday's hearing.

And Michonne feeling a whole lot better cleaned the kitchen, and afterwards began her prep for their Thanksgiving Day meal. And would later have extra hands helping out once the Sheriff was finished and off the phone. Her Handsome was helping out too, but not before having a very good hot shower; the boy was covered in puppy essence. Truly not a desired secret ingredient for any dish.

And both Father and son took their duty of helping Michonne out with the prepping of the vegetables very seriously. Which they painstakingly did until that became a pain for the son, and the son got tired and decided to stop pronto! Choosing instead to rejoin the sleeping puppies on the couch, and his cartoons. Leaving the rest of the washing, peeling, and cutting of the vegetable stuff to the grown folk. Which meant his dad, while Michonne prepared the ham for the oven, and the buttered well seasoned turkey for the refrigerator. Giving it at least 12 hours or more to marinate until tomorrow's roasting.

And with that done, Michonne gave the Sheriff a hand with his task. And while doing so, both adults had to privately admitt to themself, that they made quite a team, working together there in that very quiet kitchen. And liking it too!

Later, the trio along with Cody, after he came in from school, took the puppies down to the doggie park for some physical activity that both they and the boys enjoyed tremendously

Afterward, the four rounded out their day with a trip to Peachtree Mall by train, which their two guys loved. And once there the boys and Michonne went ice skating. Well Michonne and Cody did. Carl just fell a whole lot, while the Sheriff sat on the sideline taking in the view.

But Michonne being ever the boy's champion, showed her Handsome the basic of standing and balancing on skates just so as not to fall. And with a little pratice, and before long, the child was able to not only stand and not fall, but take baby skate steps with Michonne out in front with her finger tips as his loving safety net. And with her other boy Cody on the ready in back as an insurance policy just in case of any more falls.

And afterward there was pizza for all. Which Michonne had with loads of salty fries and a grear big chocolate milk shake. Munchie had a craving. And all the Sheriff could do was secretly marvel at his and Carl accidental something new, as Michonne ordered another side order of barbecued chicken tenders and promised she'd share this time.

But unbeknownst to the happy little family esque quartet eating their meal, they were being watched, and watched rather hard with a very curious eye, and then a very glad smile.