A/N: Hello, Dear Readers! Let me first apologise for the wait. Well, this is it. This is the final chapter in this story. I wanted to thank each and every one of you for sticking with me on this journey. Much like the story, we've had ups and downs. I appreciate each favourite; follow; reblog; like; comment; PM; and review. There will be an epilogue to follow, but this is the final chapter. Thank you for your love and support! You've all been so wonderful. Okay, let's check in.

The trip to the elegant tea garden on the outskirts of the town was brief. Michonne, Deidre, Carl, and Judith rode along in Rick's car; the radio played softly as Deidre asked the children questions and made small talk.

"So, you've never been out here before?" she queried, referring to the quaint eatery.

"No, ma'am," Carl offered.

"I wanted to," Judith said sweetly. "Me and Michonne were plannin' for ages."

"That's right," said Michonne. "We were, and I'm so excited that we're finally getting to visit."

"Me, too," said Judith. "What about you, Carl?"

"I'm excited to eat some cakes and muffins…"

"And pie and cookies," Judith added.

"They say they have the best pecan pie in the whole state," said Michonne, amused by the fact that their entire group, consisting of her mother, and Rick's children, all had what one would call a sweet tooth.

"I'll be the judge of that," said Judith, causing the rest of them to chuckle.

…..

After the outing, they all returned home where Deidre was resting up, and Carl was watching TV. Michonne was sitting out in the backyard with Judith; they were dressing dolls and chatting quietly. She enjoyed the time she got to spend with Rick's children. They were always happy to be with their father, and Michonne relished in sharing some of that time. She had grown quite fond of them; her mother even raved about how polite and well-behaved they were.

Judith was always bright and chipper, a delight to be around. Carl was a thoughtful, smart boy who had many of his father's fine qualities. Michonne often watched them when Rick had to go in to work. He was presently at the station finalizing a few things. As if on cue, Judith asked about her father.

"Is daddy gonna take much longer?" the child asked.

Michonne checked the time on her phone, and said, "Not too much longer. Their softball uniforms arrived today, so he's sorting that out."

"For the big game?" she asked.

"Yeah," Michonne replied. "For the big game."

"I'm glad me and Carl will be here for it," the girl smiled. "Is daddy a good player?"

"I'm glad you're here, too," said Michonne cheerfully. "And, between you and me, I don't know if he is."

"Really?"

"Really," said Michonne. "You see, I wasn't allowed to go to their training sessions since I'm technically on the other team. They didn't want me spying."

"You're playing, too?" Judith asked, her eyes lighting up. Over the past few weeks, the King County Sheriff's Department had been training to play a friendly softball game against the Turning Point participants. While Rick did not work directly on the Program anymore, he was always keen to assist in whatever way he could. When Michonne asked him to get a team together, he could not refuse her or the participants.

"No, sweetie," said Michonne. "I'm more like the, I don't know, like the team manager."

"So, you're the boss?"

"Umm, maybe," said Michonne. "Kind of."

"And you have to cheer for them?"

"Yeah," the woman answered. "Really loudly, too. I really get into it."

"Will you cheer for my daddy, too?"

Michonne smiled at the little girl, and then said, "Of course I will."

xXxXx

Excitement and jollity filled the air. There was another boisterous cheer from the crowd as the team members ran from one base to the next. The King County Police Department was on the field; one of Rick's colleagues had hit the ball a far enough distance that the players positioned at the bases were able to run. Michonne sat with a group of Turning Point team members, participants, and Judith; Carl and Deidre sat in the bleachers. Michonne and the youngsters called out to urge their team to scramble for the ball in the outfield.

It was the seventh, and final inning, and the Turning Point team had a runaway lead. At that point, the KCPD was just trying to hang in there and get a few more points before the game ended; there was no run ahead rule in play. As the time wound down, Rick finally stepped up to the plate, the last hitter for his team. He squinted his eyes and glanced over at the opposing side. He placed the bat across the back of his shoulders and did some twisting and stretching; Michonne wolf-whistled out at him, which caused him to turn and bless her with a smile.

"Woooh!" she called out. "Go, batter! Lookin' good!"

This was followed by another whistle. Rick winked at her from under the shade of his helmet.

"Hey, Miss Michonne," one of the participants said, as they raised an eyebrow. "Why are you cheering for the other team?"

Upon hearing this question, Judith, who was standing up on the bench looking excited, turned to them.

"That's my daddy," the little girl said proudly. "And she loves him heaps so she's allowed to cheer for him."

Michonne broke out in the widest, brightest smile, and replied, "Yeah, that's right."

xXxXx

The evening was cool, but comfortable. The strategically placed lights lit up Rick and Michonne's backyard; they were functional, but aesthetically pleasing, as well. Music was the backdrop to the happy chatter and laughter that permeated the outdoors entertaining area that Rick had created for Michonne. The flowers that he had helped her to plant some time ago were still blossoming. Their close friends and family were gathered at their home to help farewell Carl and Judith, as well as Deidre.

"You've both built a lovely home here," said Deidre to Rick. "I've never seen my baby so happy and settled. Thank you for that."

They were both situated near the flowerbed toward the back of the yard. Rick stood sipping from his beer, and Deidre sat on one of two chairs at a small, round outdoors table, eating her food; Judith sat on the other chair.

"No need to thank me," Rick offered, humbly. "I'd do anything for her."

"You're a good man," she replied. "Good for Michonne. I'm glad she has you."

"I thank the lord every day for bringin' her into my life," he admitted. "You raised a real special person, Miss Deidre."

"I did, didn't I?" Deidre said with a smile. "I wish I could've spent a little more time here with y'all."

"You're always welcome," Rick replied.

"Yep," Judith interjected, while licking barbecue sauce from her fingers. "Always welcome here, Miss Deidre."

Michonne approached the scene with a smile. She stood at her man's side, and he instinctively wrapped an arm about her waist before planting a kiss to her cheek.

"Having fun?" she asked. "How's the food?"

"Yummy," said Judith, in between bites.

"It's good," Deidre agreed. "Compliments to the chef."

"I'll let him know," Michonne offered.

"Nah, don't do that," Rick said loudly, so his best friend could hear. "Shane's already got a big enough head."

The man in question quickly flipped off his buddy, before offering the ladies an apology.

"Sorry," Shane called out.

"It's okay," Deidre replied, as she stood up with her plate. "You can make it up to us with more of those ribs. Come on, Judy."

"Yeah!" the little girl replied happily.

Rick and Michonne watched them traipse off in the direction of the grill, and took their seats. He let out a contented sigh, and smiled to himself.

"This is good," he offered, sipping from his bottle once more.

"It is," she agreed. "Everyone's having a good time. I'm glad we did this before they take off and leave us."

She pouted a little, and he reached over to take her hand, before saying, "Yeah, I sure am gonna miss 'em."

"Me, too," she said. "Though, if we look on the bright side, it'll be nice to have the place to ourselves for a little while."

He shot her a devilish look, and then nodded his head, "Oh, really?"

"Yes, really," she replied, noting his change in mood.

"Why is that?" he teased, while rubbing his thumb over hers.

"Well, let me see," she offered. "I can walk around in next to no clothing at all…"

"Yeah, I see the definite benefits in that," he proffered, licking his lips.

"I can be messy and noisy…"

"Oh, you better," he grinned.

"And I can sleep in longer," she added.

"We won't be doin' much sleepin'," he said quickly, his hand finding her thigh under the table.

"You need to behave," she whispered, avoiding his gaze. She knew if she met his eyes, she would lose all of her resolve.

"What if I don't?" he said, in hushed tones, his hand trailing upwards slowly. Michonne finally looked at Rick; she saw the desire in his eyes, and felt a familiar stirring between her thighs. Just as she went to reply, her mother and Rick's daughter returned.

"I know you two aren't gonna make me and Judy stand up like horses to eat," said Deidre jokingly, drawing them from their own little bubble.

Rick retrieved his hand immediately and cleared his throat, before standing up.

"Of course not," said Rick. "Here, please sit."

He offered the seat to Deidre, and Michonne did the same for Judith.

"We'll leave you to it," Michonne said, as she took hold of Rick's hand and led him away to an area where the lawn chairs were set up.

They sat down next to one another, and Rick chuckled.

"You're right," he said.

"About what?" she asked, curiously.

"It will be nice to have the place to ourselves again for a little while."

They each smiled and then fell silent as they watched their friends and family enjoying the evening. Shane and Andrea were over by the grill cosying up to one another. Abraham was regaling Morgan and Father Gabriel with some outlandish tale or another while Rosita rolled her eyes. Carl, Morgan's son Duane, and their friend Ron were sitting together with their heads in their phones. Michonne's assistant, Maggie was currently flirting with Rick's colleague, Glenn. A few others were spread out around the backyard chatting, eating, and drinking.

"Remember when we first met?" Michonne suddenly asked; Rick turned to face her and smiled.

"How could I forget?" he offered.

"I definitely didn't," she stated. "I thought, wow; what a jerk."

They both started laughing, before Rick said, "Hey, now. You weren't that nice, yourself."

"True. But you were just so annoying," she teased.

"I think you mean annoyingly handsome," he countered, causing her to giggle.

"Yeah," she agreed. "That, too. I did think you were, cute, though. So maybe that annoyed me."

"What? My good looks?" he queried, jokingly.

"Yes," she replied. "You ended up being hot, despite being Shane's friend…"

Rick laughed and said, "What does that even mean?"

"Just that he's a little rough, so I thought his buddy was probably going to be the same," she admittedly somewhat cheekily.

"All right," he said with a small chuckle, giving her the side eye. "Back to me being hot."

"Right, so you were hot, and I was annoyed because we didn't hit it off," she said. "What did you think?"

"Honestly?"

"Yeah."

"Asshole."

"Hey!" she said, slapping his arm.

"Oww," he feigned injury. "Not you, I meant me. I was an asshole for missing our blind date."

"You kind of were," she joked.

"But seriously," he redirected. "I saw you and I was like, wow. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

"Liar," she said with a wide smile.

"I ain't lying," he said playfully. "You were stunning. And I was annoyed at myself because I blew it."

"Aww, baby," she said, taking hold of his free hand. "You made it up to me, though; we both made it up to each other."

He smiled, and then brought her knuckles to his lips for a quick kiss, before saying, "Yes we did."

xXxXx

"It's good to see you like this," said Rick while observing the love of his life eating pancakes.

"Like what?" asked Michonne as she poured more syrupy sweetness over her short stack.

"Relaxed on a Saturday morning," he offered. "Just like it should be."

"Time off has been great," she supplied with a smile. "Hanging out with Mom, and the kids this week was the best."

"It was pretty good," Rick replied. "And I'm glad you took the whole week off to spend time with them."

"Me too," she answered. "I didn't realize how much I missed my mom until she was actually here."

"Yeah," he offered. "I hope she makes it back for a visit soon."

"I have a feeling she will," Michonne said with a knowing smile; Rick noticed.

"What is it?" he asked. "What was that little smile for?"

"It's because I am so happy right now," she replied.

Rick held his hand out, with his palm facing upwards; Michonne placed her hand in his as he gave it a squeeze.

"Listen," she started. "I know how down you get when the kids have to go back to their mom's, so I thought that you and I could have spend the day together to get your mind off things."

"Darlin', I have to work today," he said sadly, with a little pout.

"I know," she replied. "How about tomorrow? Have a Sunday to ourselves. Maybe take a drive? Pack a picnic?"

A small grin played on his lips as he nodded his head and said, "Okay; let's do it."

xXxXx

Rick and Michonne set off around eight-thirty in the morning. They decided to take a drive out to his old family property. Although it had been a while since they had visited there, they thought parking the car and walking down to the creek would be nice. Rick carried the picnic bag and Michonne carried the blanket.

It felt as if time had stood still out there. The sun was bright, the breeze was soft, and the countryside was abuzz with life. The couple walked side-by-side. Michonne admired the wildflowers that grew beside the path. Rick listened to the singing of the birds. It was a nice retreat from town. A much needed getaway from the busy week they had both had. While they loved being with family and friends, they also enjoyed these moments alone.

"This was a great idea," said Rick as they came up to the creek. The gentle flowing water created a serenity that was unmatched. His mind drifted back to when he was a child, and then to the last time he and Michonne were there. It was one of his most favorite places in the world, and he was there with one of his most favorite people.

"I'm glad we made the time," she added, while spreading the blanket out on the ground under the shade of a tree.

"Me, too," said Rick, as he placed the food down.

They both sat and got comfortable; he removed his boots and she slipped her sneakers off. Michonne went to unpack the picnic, but Rick stopped her.

"Let me do that," he supplied. "You sit back and relax."

She did as he advised, and relaxed. Rick began to serve up their food. Michonne watched him. Everything he did was with care and concentration. Though it was an unexciting task, not even noteworthy, she watched him with adoration. She was so absolutely enamored with him and quietly mused that she could spend every day of the rest of her life with him.

"What's on your mind?" he asked, noticing she was staring at him.

"Just thinking about how much I love you," she crooned.

"I love you, too," he replied with a gracious smile as he poured their drinks.

"I really, really love you," she added.

"I love you more," he offered playfully.

"Is that a fact?" she teased.

"Oh, yeah," he answered with a cheeky grin. "Just let us finish this food, and then I'll show you."

xXxXx

There was something so liberating about unobstructed, sensual moans ringing out across the vastness of a wide-open space. Under the blue sky of the cool afternoon, Rick and Michonne made love. Their whimpers, free and unhindered by walls, carried across the steadily flowing creek; their pleasured little cries offered an added beautiful sound to their natural surroundings. Another moan escaped her lips as Rick's manhood struck at her center once more.

Their lips and tongues remained connected as he slid in and out of her sweetness. Sweat speckled their nakedness, causing them to shimmer out in the daylight. Rick's heavy breathing matched Michonne's while he lost himself in her: The way that she smelled, felt, and tasted. The way her eyes rolled shut when he hit her spot. How she sang for him and called his name. How at home he felt, buried deep within her folds, with his heart echoing hers.

Her eyes opened, and the brightness of the sun paled in comparison to what his attentions did to her. With each deft thrust, and each heated, passionate kiss, she was awash with his brilliance. His mouth caught her earlobe as he rocked between her strong thighs, and she proclaimed to the high heavens just how much she loved him.

xXxXx

The sun peered through the leaves of the tall tree and beat down on their bare skin. Michonne lay with her head resting on Rick's chest. His back was pressed to the blanket, which had softened the earth below. He ran his hands up and down her arms absentmindedly. The remnants of his pleasure still caressed him. He was so content lying with her in the afterglow of their lovemaking; he could scarcely recall a moment when he had felt so happy and sure of anything.

A gentle breeze swept over them, cooling their warm bodies. Michonne smiled to herself, completely at ease to be lying naked outdoors, by a stream, with the man she loved. She ran her fingers across the damp skin of his chest and brought her palm to rest over his heart. His pulse was strong and unbroken, like the allure between them.

"Rick," she started. "I want this forever."

He smiled, and stroked her back, "I know, but we can't stay out here forever."

She let out a little laugh, and then said, "That's not what I meant."

Suddenly, she shifted from her reclined position, and sat beside him; he did the same, so that they were eye-to-eye. He saw her shudder ever so slightly, so he reached for his shirt and handed it to her. She drew it over her head and smoothed it down, fixing her necklace to the outside of the garment, and removing her locs. After thanking Rick, she shook her head in wonderment at him.

"What is it?" he urged, before he brushed her hair away from her face.

"I just can't get over you," she said.

"I don't want you to," he replied with a grin.

"I won't," she held. "Ever. I want this forever."

She used her hand to gesture between them, before placing it to her chest.

"I want you to have this," she said softly, shakily.

"Your heart?" he asked, somewhat jokingly.

"You already own it," Michonne offered, as she began to undo the chain around her neck. She removed the small band that belonged to her father and grasped it between her slender fingers. She brought it to her lips, and kissed it, before holding it towards Rick. "I want you to have this ring."

"I…I couldn't," he stammered. "It's your daddy's, I…"

"Rick," she said, quieting him. "You're not understanding me."

She took hold of his hand and then kissed his knuckles, before taking a deep breath.

"I want you to have my father's ring because I'm asking you to marry me," she proffered, surprising herself that she had given voice to her true desire. "Rick Grimes, will you marry me?"

Rick closed his eyes a moment; a flurry of wind swept across his face. His heart swelled with affection, yet raced like the flowing of the stream. He held his breath, unsure of if the moment was real, while silently pleading for it to be. When he opened his eyes, he saw her beautiful face. She was waiting for his reply; a look of anticipation etched across her pretty features.

"Rick?" she queried. "I asked y…"

"Yes!" he said quickly, enthusiastically. "Yes, I'll marry you."

They both smiled broadly and let out little relieved chuckles as they fell into one another's embrace. Michonne slid the ring onto his finger and they shared a slow, sensual kiss. Still laughing when they drew apart, Rick covered her body with his before kissing her lips once more. His face hurt from smiling. A tear slid from the corner of his eye and she brushed it away with her thumb.

"Wow," he whispered softly, as he caressed her face. His heart was beating quickly in his chest as she smiled up at him.

"I know," she replied.

"So, we're really doin' this?"

"Yes," she replied happily. "We are."

He kissed her again.

"I'm sorry for making you wait for me for so long," she murmured, before stroking his hair.

"Don't ever be sorry," he riposted, unable to stop from beaming at her. "I'd do it all over again, Michonne. You're worth it."

End.