Chapter 18

Coda part 2: the middle

A very anxious Rick Grimes sitting in the cab of his truck was doing so on pins and needles. He and Carl were running late for court and they'd left the condo some thirty minutes earlier just in case something happened.

Evidently something had...standstill traffic that they were now in and didn't seem like it would be moving again anytime soon. Then to make things even worse the Sheriff had forgotten to charge his phone last night for an obvious reason, his mind was elsewhere; centered all on that beautiful and lovely Miss Rénald while his boy had just left his phone home altogether!

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"Come on Sheriff Grimes, answer pleaseee! Just do it!" whispered the almost frantic Michonne as she listened impatiently with an earpiece in her ear watching her phone, all the while mentally wishing and willing the man's gravelly voice to come through over the line. And when it didn't the young lawyer's heart raced and became even more concerned than she already was because that hadn't been her first, second, or third time calling him and getting the very same results every last time!

Where could they be? she wondered with an anxious heart. And so preoccupied was the troubled Michonne concerning the Sheriff and her Handsome's whereabouts, didn't even hear her name being called out by her friend standing right next to her.

"Me, Me...Meee!" quitely spoke an excited Andrea no longer peeved as if the young woman was warming up and getting ready to sing in the greatest operatic drama ever, but in reality was just trying to get Michonne's attention because the tapping of her "little sis's" shoulder, along with the pointing really wasn't doing the trick, neither did her proclamation of...

"Wellll heeello there people...laud have mercy too! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for answered prays...Delilah's! Looky Me at my babies daddy who's sho'nuff been kissed by God himself, coming all the way down the hall just as foine as can be all for little ole me, and he's bowlegged too!"

And Andrea's extremely worried Me heard none of it but did hear something else that was fairly faint, yet oh so familiar, and absolutely precious...footsteps, two sets of them! One was the pitter-patter of a certain little seven year and two months old, while the other was his dad's quick gait; both was she attuned to pass to the ninth degree, and both with just their smiles were able to fill her heart with so much unspeakable joy.

Then a worried no more Michonne quickly turned, stepped pass Andrea and with a relieved smile just waited. And sure enough coming straight down the noticeable hushed hall, all void of those soft voices from earlier was her Handsome running out front of his well put together Sheriff dad as the perfectly dressed man came up walking all sexily smooth and stuff, rather close behind his excited boy.

And both were receiving some intensive eye enthusiasm from a captivated audience, mainly the women, especially Daddy!

And Lance Amondè, whatever else could be said except, the man truly did outdo himself, but good for sure this time with his yummy walking billboard! And the very same thing can be said about Mr. Calvin Klein himself too! Never ever has his designs looked so good on any one man ever before!

And more then just a majority of the females present if asked would have to wholeheartedly agree with that accurate assessment that certainly was no lie! Not only were they deliciously being held dumbfounded by those two couturier's handiwork, but had more than just a few of them standing thirsty in awe of the hurried man as he and his adorable young son passed by them as all thought, Good gracious, and a great googly moogly too!

But mind you, none were anywhere near on the gawking side, they were professionals after all and trained to be inconspicuous!

Yeaaah right! Didn't they have eyes? And their silence was a dead away!

And how could any of the women standing so still not stare when there was this marvel of a man who's got it going on with those smashing blue eyes, soft brown curls, and a nameless stride nervily walking pass; instantly innocently messing with their libido, causing the whole silent storm. A fact all lost on him that he, Sheriff Richard Grimes was the husher indeed without question and so much more making the man just that more hotter!

Yeah buddy! And you know it!

However, to be fair the law man if asked would take none of the credit himself, blaming it all on the charcoal grey slim fitted tuxedo lapel suit, the black shirt worn underneath, and its perfectly selected silk tie matching the well fitting outfit, hitting the swanky dressed eye candy in all his right places.

And whatever else can be said about Michonne's Sheriff? He and it were an all-in-one eye pleasing package, and the man who may be oblivious of his powers, in addition to a great deal of other things going on around him at present, however is always on point when it comes to the one who is now in his line of sight and desired target...his Miss Rénald.

And beamed he did the whole way there to his one and only, just because his one and only was beaming too.

And the Sheriff with his misgivings concerning the ensemble he was wearing...if it was appropriate or not for court, could tell by the look that Michonne was giving him right then and there was concerned no more. And that was because of all her and it, that she was no where near trying to hide said it all.

"Sheriff 'Sir' it's perfectly fine promise."

And the "Sir" could do nothing but smile even more with every step as he got closer to his Her!

And Andrea shocked just like Lori and her entourage were, stood looking with their mouths ajar as they watched both Grimes, more profoundly Daddy Grimes as the happy undeterred father and son made a beeline to their girl. And Carl did what his dad wished he had it in him to do when getting to Michonne, and that was to wrap his arms tightly around the quite lovely and beautiful young lady.

"Michonne look!" her Handsome hushed out toothy as he hugged her tight. "Dad and me got a hair cut, and a shave too! Just feel how smooth my skin is!"

And Munchie who neither cares much about the pesky trespasseror his smooth skin showed its displeasure with a swift bump of it's very tiny posterior hard against the interloping seven year two month old's head. And surprising to the little jelly bean, both its mother and so call brother ignored the tiny flutter. And the stinker just to prove a point did it again, and again got the very same results...nada, nothing, zero, zlich!

"The nerves, I'll show them," it seemed to be saying with yet another move, but this time it was a rather intentionally sharp one which was royally ignored as well! And then the poor baby did the only thing that a poor baby could do, and that was begrudgingly with a pout, as well as a thumb in its mouth settled down with a grudge for a nap, it had months to get them back! What else can a Munchie do, Mama was way too engrossed with what's his name to even flinch. Boo hoo!

And Michonne looking down at her belly then at Handsome could do nothing but smile as she touched them both but gave the cutie's baby bottom soft flush cherub cheeks more heed. At the moment the little guy hugging her needed it more. She would also thank Tony appropriately later on for making the sweet one's day too by making her Handsome feel so extremely special, and happy all at once.

Then in the midst of he and his friend's hug fest, Carl noticed his mom's sad look, turned his head while still in Michonne's strong embrace, looked at his dad standing right behind and asked if he could go over to her and the family to say hello.

And Rick making his exe's heart beat fast with just a look, acknowleded all with a nod of his head and said, "Yeah son, you can." And that one statement from his dad had the little boy quickly leaving without hesitation, running straight over to Lori where he received his overdue abundance of love and attention in the form of hugs and kisses from his family members there.

Both were a common act of affections that Carl was more than used to without fail but had missed out on his special holiday installment (but certainly not from Michonne), clearly a delayed event all due to his absence during the Henderson's Thanksgiving Day celebration, and without fail was so lovingly kept stored up tight in their hearts for the second that his grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and Lily Mae were to lay eyes on their special boy, the lone baby of the family on both sides.

And now with all of that going on over there it was Dad's turn as the Sheriff with his unawares sexiness walked up to his and Carl's Miss Rénald, but not too close mind you. The law man really didn't want people getting the wrong idea as he gladly taking his boy's place continued with the smiling now so much more broader than before, and he with an ache looked forward to some of the alluring stunner's attention too!

And Michonne the Sheriff's unacknowledged beauty smile brightened more as he did.

And all looking saw, which was everybody!

"I'm so sorry we're late Miss Rénald," Sheriff Rick Grimes all serious said low with those simmering eyes. "There was a very bad accident that had traffic backed up for blocks. Fortunately Terry and Kal saw us, and to Carl's delight was given a flashing blue light escort all the way here."

And Michonne happier than words could ever express would definitely thank Terry and Kal for getting her boys there to her safe, sound, and on time.

Then she and Sheriff Grimes basking in each other's aura just stood there communicating wirelessly with eyes only; his steel blue, and her hazel brown, all lovingly in focus, directly on the other. And she as if spellbound breathed in deep, naturally taking in the close man's scent would have to admondish Lance for playing dirty...Hugo Boss nearly made her almost forget where she was at, and blushed!

And everyone were mesmerized by what they were watching, Michonne and the Sheriff caught up in a spectacular embrace arms free.

Of course, Lori seething and green with envy couldn't hardly believe what she was witnessing, and Shane's emotions were no better as he watched Rick so near Michonne with that look became just as envious while William C. seeing an opportunity was intrigued, then there was his Bunny's lawyer Jason Dunbar, Lori's mom Lindy, and cousin Mitchell just smiled thinking respectively, good for her, good for him!

And those now absolutely parched females ignoring any man nearby just sighed inwardly as they collectively thought, Wish that was me.

And Sheriff Richard Zane Grimes IV, sooo where he most wanted to be briefly taking his eyes off of his prize the beautiful Miss Rénald, looked to checked in on Carl over on the opposition side which he did exactly, and then with a quickness replaced those steely blues back where they belonged, squarely on his and his boy's heart.

However, Andrea unlike Lori was no one's girl at the moment, as well as feeling a bit crotcherty wasn't accustomed to not getting at least some form of attention herself! And with her experiencing such a foreign and profound emotion of being left out, purposely with a unique style of proficiency swiftly broke up the eye fest going on between her best friend, and her client with a sarcastic clearing of the throat.

"Ah-em!" After all wasn't she Mr. Hot Thang's lawyer. And was it not her that Mister fine as an exquisite bottle of chilled Chardonnay should have been apologizing to first?

But oh no, it's all Michonne with her and Mr. Do Right and that out of placed sprig of hair dangling ever so just off center of the most gorgeous, and oh so perfect forehead ever as the two eying each other, both wanted and needed the girl to boldly take a chance and move it back from whense it came!

And Andrea in the dark about their secret desires was fighting a strong urge not to just move Michonne out of the way and boldly ablige the delicious deed delay free! That sexy piece of hanging hair was calling her too but hard! And her knowing all to well, without a doubt that if it with its inviting self wasn't soon taken care by someone...anyone would do the honors gladly herself!

Because at the moment, she and her Me unknowingly of the other suffering from the very same dilemma when it came to the smokin hot law man! Keeping it all proper and appropriate, there was a court case to win and eyes all around, especially those of his son's family and Jace's!

And Michonne feeling her counterpart's misplaced ire and antsiness, reluctantly driving her eyes away from the sexy man who's also her Handsome's dad standing that close turned to Andrea smiling, and definitely amused introduced her once again pissed bestie to Sheriff Grimes her friend's new client. And Rick with those eyes all a glistering, his crooked smile, and the most alluring southern drawl ever spoke moved in closer to her and held his hand out pass his Miss Rénald and said...

"Glad to meet you ma'am," soothing the young lawyer's ruffled feathers posthaste. And why not...who in their right mind would or could stay mad at someone that looked so stinking delectable! Certainly not her!

And Miss Andrea quite happy with that, and leaving her associate all alone...by herself, quickly led Mr. Rick, and that dangling tempter of his over to an empty bench where she acquainted the law man in all that was going to be happening in the hearing today. And then afterwards with her most charming smile ever, informed the good looking male of the law proudly that it will be one in which she was definitely going to win for him and his son Carl.

And then with nothing but a boat load of extra pride in herself mind you thought, See Andrea, you could and did remember the kid's name!

And Carl the kid cuddled fixed in his mother's arms noticed something, his Michonne was alone. And him certainly with no malice at all hastily with a slight wet smack of a kiss to Lori's cheek wiggled free, left and went straight over to her side which Shane, Lori's parents, cousin Mitchell, and Jace saw when he did, and sadly for Michonne obtained even more of Lori's disdain because of her Handsome's non-malicious act.

Nevertheless, that innocent move even though hurtful to the Sheriff's ex, did give the young counselor the chance to once more ask her very special guy if he wanted to discuss anything at all concerning what would be happening today.

And the lawyer's Handsome being exactly who he is, with a whole lot of trust and confidence in her ability to make his world right, looked his special friend sincerely in her eyes, all smiley before proclaiming nonchalantly, "No ma'am, I'm fine." And Michonne ever impressed with him knew that her boy would be exactly just that...fine no matter what.

And somewhere else, located in the courthouse...

Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, one of the most unconventional judge of all of Atlanta's family court judges sat at her desk with a great deal of time on her hands; a whole extra thirty-five minutes to be exact, and intended on using those two thousand and one hundred seconds exactly any which way that she liked before her next hearing, and that would be her having a rather tasty late lunch.

And Jackie with a delicious thought smiled wide, called her bailiff then sent the man out on a very important errand. She was in need of a lunch date too!

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Carl standing there with a suspicious eye stood extremely close to his Michonne, feeling rather uneasy too in the process. There was no way he was ever going anywhere with that man without his friend or dad by his side, and care not one big whoop-de-do (his grandpa Rich's word) if he was sent by the judge. He still was not going to budge for someone that he did not know, bailiff, judge, or anyone else, and that was that! No one could make him!

And Michonne ever since day one has always been ever aware of all that is her Handsome, and felt his discomfort she did in addition to his distress too! And both laced thick with apprehension were radiating out from the little guy's everywhere. Then lovingly did she looked down at him with a touch equally as adoring, all were accompanied by one of those bright smiles of hers to assured him with no doubt that all will be fine and requested.

"Handsome, look at me please!"

And her Handsome did obediently.

Smiling more Michonne continued. "I know both Jeff the bailiffandJudge Hogan...take my word for it baby boy, neither one nibbles on handsome little boys in between their meals as a snack.

"Right Jeff?" the young woman asked looking up smiling back at the man while trying hard to put a smiled back on the unduly concerned face of her little love.

"Right Miss Rénald," the bailiff replied with a hearty chuckle. "Personally little man I'm a peanut and popcorn lover myself!"

"Okay my Handsome you heard it straight from the source. See, Jeff's into concession stand eats, and if the judge is anything like me, the woman loves herself some chocolate!" Michonne said smiling more and bent down planting a loving kiss squarely on top of her sweet, sweet little one's head.

And Carl more than reassured smiled and said, "Ok Michonne I'll go."

Because he knew exactly how much his friend loves chocolates! She even has a draw in her bedroom especially for chocolates as well as the two in the kitchen. Besides the man's laughter had already given way to his true nature, quickly taking the fear away from the young woman's Handsome once he heard it in spite of the man's imposing size.

And Lori watching the whole scene did it through squinty eyes, not once had they moved from the lawyer since her boy left her to be by the perfect woman's side, and truly suffering a hurting heart all because of Carl and his father's actions toward the lovely Michonne, angrily had to painfully admitt to herself that it was more than a possibility, even when she wins today may have already lossed both her boys to that alluring Hoochie!

And Michonne's Handsome fortified with her kiss confidently left with Jeff the bailiff, straight to the judge's chambers, and not once did Lori's baby turn to his mother and wave bye.

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The Honable Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, one of the most unconventional judge of all of Atlanta, noticing the little boy entering the room really liking what she saw and smiled brightly just like Michonne. And Michonne's Handsome noticed that she did. And Jackie charmed by Carl's assurance knew because of that one fact alone she was just that closer to accomplishing her goal, which was her making the tiny Grimes comfortable enough to talk to her.

She'd already read Mellissa and Michonne's individual reports among some other things, and that was quite thoroughly. But the boy's input would cause it all to come to life in real time, and that will make all the difference in quite a few things!

"Thank you Jeff," the woman said as she made her way from her desk over to the cute little boy standing just inside of the room. And the man nodding politely left the two as he quietly closed the door shut behind them. And the judge looking at the boy noticed the resemblance of a long ago friend in his eyes that filled her heart full with some very strong emotions held back from long ago, and a tear.

"Well hello there Mr. Grimes, " said Jackie quickly getting ahold of herself, happily holding out her hand to shake his small little one, was she not a professional after all? "My name is Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, but if you like you can call me Judge Jackie. Take a load off young man, and I do hope that you don't mind me calling you Mr. Grimes, do you?"

And Carl all grinning politely said, "No ma'am. I don't mind, because in ten months I'll be eight years old, and my Grandpa Rich said he's going to buy me a mini bike and a four wheel drive for my birthday! I'll be half of sixteen and eight years closer to getting my drivers license and have eight years to get ready for them, and can do quite a bit of practicing on them until then. My grandpa said so!"

And the judge could do nothing but lightly chuckle back while wonder if the little boy was lightedheaded. He spoke the whole long sentence without even taking a breath, sounding just like her Richie, when she, he, and one more were children.

Jackie always knew that his grandfather would be a big old spoiler of children, and that's why she loves-loved him so much growing up in King County. The man had a heart as big as the farm that he grew up on even back when, and knew how to love unconditionally back then too!

"And how does your dad and mom feel about your promised birthday gifts?" the judge asked now back in the present, and her with a brown bag in hand as she took a seat right next to her quest sitting down on the leather couch.

"Dad thinks it ok! Me, him, and grandpa are going to build a little track especially for me on the farm with bales of hay along the sides if it to help keep me safe," replied the proud still grinning little boy. Then with a sadness everything changed when continuing, "Mom don't know about it yet, but when she does, none of it will ever happen."

"And why is that if you don't mind me asking," the judge questioned as tenderly as possible. "Could it be she's just being a mom and worries!"

And the little boy being a boy shrugging his shoulders said, "I don't know maybee, but ever since mom and dad got dee-voiced she always puts a stop to anything that we have plans to do. Dad would come and have lunch with me at school but then stopped!"

And Jackie's heart broke for him because she heard the childs pain. And pondering that for a short bit of time said.

"Did you ask him why?"

"Yes ma'am I did. Mom thought that it distracted me."

"Did it?"

"No ma'am, I was just happy that me and Dad were eating lunch together. I just lovvved spending time with him is all."

"Is that why you left the hotel?" the judge asked naturally surprising the little boy. And him answering in turn clearly surprised her with a question of his own.

"Yes ma'am," Carl said looking her straight in her eyes. "Are you going to make me go back with my mom and Shane? If you do I'll have to leave my dad forever when they get married and we move away! Dad's going to be so lonely and me too, because we won't be able to see each other at all! Even if its some times by mistake."

And Jackie could do nothing but marvel at the astute kid!

"And how old are you again?" Are you sure you're seven years and two months old?" the judge asked out loud, really, really wanting to know!.

"Yes ma'am, " the despondent child replied back.

"Promise!" Jackie said in return to get Carl's smile back, but he didn't bite he was way pass being jostled towards any kind of jovial mood. His little heart was now just too full and heavy with adult stupidity!

"Please Judge Jackie, please tell my mom that I'll be good, and that I'm sorry I ran away," the child whimpered, "then maybe they'll stay home! At least then my dad and me could see each other when mom and me are out shopping sometimes, or when she'll let me go visit. We missed all of Thanksgiving last year, but she did let us spend a short time together last Christmas and it was great! I just miss my dad so! A lot...a whole lota times! Please, please Judge Jackie...I'll be good, promise!"

And Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan almost in tears herself, having heard enough said and asked, "Don't you worry about anything anymore son, because I intend to make sure that the best is done for everyone so no more worrying, and no more tears, hear me?"

And Carl sniffed, looking the smiling lady's way mustered a smile himself and shook his head up and down in the affirmative.

"Good," said Jackie extremely joyous for it. "And have you had lunch yet my good man?"

And Carl shaking his head again said, "No-no ma'am. I haven't. But Michonne ordered me and Dad a hot breakfast from Mama Ella's this morning and it was great! But that was this morning, and I hungry now."

And that was exactly what the smiling woman wanted to hear as she taking a wet one, wiped her hands clean, then handing him one too began taking the lunch out one item at a time...there were two different kinds of sandwiches; one fried bologna, the other a peanut butter with grape jam; both were cut in halves and both were Carl's favorite minus the jam. He was a jelly man himself, but would try the jam; Michonne taught him to try things if only once.

Then the judge taking out chips, pickles, cheese sticks, and chocolate cookies afterwards directed her lunch date to the mini fridge, located behind her large heavy dark wooden desk were cold bottles of water, as well as slushy juice boxs were kept specifically for little ones just like him. And after the blessing of their meals and the getting of their drinks, the two ate and talked about many other things...their past Thanksgiving and how good Michonne Rénald had been to him and his father; she even cooked all their favorites for the holiday.

And Jackie herself even shared her grandbabies favorite cartoons with Carl, which just happened to be some if not all his favorite one's too! Then he told her of his favorite video games that he likes playing with Cody his new friend, and of them including theirs pupps going to the house up on the hill with Michonne and his dad, and the fun they all had; his grandparents farm, Lily Mae and his grandmother Lindy's cooking, and how he now loves the combination of peanut butter and jam instead of jelly which Jackie thought adorable, then he asked.

"Judge Jackie, how did you make your fried bologna sandwich taste so good," chomping down on the sandwich to take another bite.

And the judge could do nothing but smile before answering.

"Well, little one, it's the Miracle Whip along with some sandwich spread and mustard, not Mayonnaise," Jackie said really enjoying the company. He is so precious and such a neat little eater too, she thought amused.

And an "Oh" was the only reply given as the little gem bit down once more on the delicious concoction, taking yet another tasty taste, and said nothing more.

But what was so unexpected and most concerning to the jurist about the extremely sweet boy was with all of their conversing did very little in the mentioning of his mother Lori in a favorable way, or her boyfriend Deputy Shane Walsh, who was once the little man's father's best friend. And even more curiouser was the fact that he didn't ever mention at all the home that they all share together.

"Hmmm, she thought as she watched the little one, perceptively surprised.