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Chapter Three

Dawn had come, piercing the thin sheers on the windows, rousing Michonne to wake. She slowly opened her eyes, and for a moment remained still. Quietly savoring the moment, the happiness swelling in her heart at the man who lay nestled against her, his arms wrapped around her, filling her with warmth, making her feel safe. Soon he would be more than just a man, he already was. He was her lover, her best friend, her partner, and soon her husband. Michonne beamed with joy. Then lightly stretched, and retrieved a mint leaf from the bowl that sat on the nightstand nearby. Putting it in her mouth, she reveled in the fresh flavor, when she felt Rick stir. Groaning, he nuzzled the back of her neck, breathing in the clean scent of her hair. Then gently tightened his arms around her, and hotly kissed her shoulder, responding to her sensuously grinding her butt against his shaft. Michonne gasped as he then scooted forward, heated by his hardness, and reached for a mint leaf in the bowl, plucking it in his mouth.

What do you think? She breathed as she shifted her position to face him and watched with ardent eyes as he consumed the herb.

I like the apples better. He huskily replied, then devoured her mouth, kissing it with slow tenderness.

Wait wait wait. Michonne murmured when Rick abandoned her mouth for her cheek, then made his way to her neck, feverishly tasting it.

Why? He smokily replied as he continued his fervent path, exploring her shoulder and chest.

We need to be careful, quiet. She sighed, loving the feel of his stubble against her, elevating the fervor within her.

Why? Rick asked again, his hot breath caressing her breast, driving her to writhe beneath him.

Carl can hear us. She said with near incoherence.

I'll keep that in mind. He ardently replied, then teased her peak, lightly stroking it with his tongue, causing her to cry out in pleasure, before he took her mound in his mouth.

Rick. Michonne gasped as he grazed her chest, traveling to the opposite breast, heatedly sampling and savoring it, just as he'd done the other.

He then slid down her form, teasing her with sizzling kisses, relishing her perfect brown body until he reached her center. Rick delicately kissed the soft patch of curls, then moved to the curve of her inner thigh, torturing her with the searing caress of his mouth, before he drifted back to her core. Michonne breathlessly uttered his name as he slipped his hand between her legs, gently stroking and exploring her folds, before applying a gentle pressure as he entered her walls. Returning his mouth to her nub, he passionately tasted it, joining it with his fingers, to create a fiery caress. Michonne cried out, keened his name, moaned in pleasure, when she felt it - a scorching heat, building in her veins, rushing through her form, making her helplessly tremble until it seized her breath, exploded around her, and flooded her in a wave of euphoria.

An hour later…

We were supposed to keep it down. Michonne breathless uttered, still recovering from the intensely pleasurable release she'd experienced moments before.

Carl's sleeping down stairs. Rick revealed with a sigh, after languidly taking her lips, then shifted from atop her form and rolled onto his back.

Since when? Michonne asked with surprise as she turned on her side to face him, prompting him to do the same.

Since last night. He replied, kissing her lips once more.

Why didn't you tell me?

It wasn't exactly the right time. Rick scoffed with a laugh, causing Michonne to smile. They lay there for some time, their eyes falling closed, quiet and facing each other, content in the moment.

Early day today? Rick then quietly asked, breaking the silence as he reached out and caressed her cheek.

I'm not on the wall until mid-morning. She replied in the same quiet tone.

Good. That means you can stick around for a while longer. He whispered, then softly kissed her lips.

Aren't you supposed to be working on the east wall?

I am, but someone is distracting me. He admitted, then playfully pulled her to him, kissing her cheek and neck, causing her to laugh. Abraham has it under control, but I'll head out in a little while to help.

You know I never thanked you for the new toothbrush. Michonne stated with smile, gazing at him with loving eyes. How? When did you get it?

When Darryl and I went back for the bottled water.

That was pretty risky with walkers still lingering.

Anything for your dental hygiene. He smirked, driving her to again laugh aloud before she uttered a contented sigh, closing her eyes, thinking, as Rick now gently stroked her bare thigh.

We should talk to Gabriel about performing the ceremony. He then softly suggested.

Are you okay with marrying in the church? She asked, opening her eyes to his tender stare, knowing that his relationship with religion was virtually no existent.

It don't matter to me as long as we do it soon.

How soon is soon?

Within the next few days.

We could ask him if he can do one- day next week, late evening?

Late evening is good. Darryl, Maggie and the others should be done with their daily work and be able to join us. He concurred. If you want to come with me when I drop off Judith, we can talk to him then.

Ok. She agreed.

Meanwhile, Judith is still asleep. He then huskily pointed out.

What could that possibly mean? Michonne feigned bewilderment.

Let me show you. Rick hotly replied, then passionately took her mouth.

Maggie? Michonne exclaimed when the woman reached the top of the perch that overlooked the wall at the entryway of the community. What brings you here? Is everything all right?

Yes. I came to congratulate you. The woman brightly smiled, then immediately gave her a hug. I'm so happy for you and Rick.

Thank you. Michonne cautiously stated as she pulled back from their embrace.

When I heard, I was so excited I couldn't wait for you to finish your shift. I had to say something right away.

How did you find out?

Miss Edwards at the church. I was dropping off Glenn-Hershel and she told me. You know once she learns something it's all over the community.

Michonne casually rolled her eyes, lightly smiling and resumed eying the massive landscape that stretched ahead.

So, have you started planning? Maggie asked.

Planning? Michonne frowned returning her attention to her friend.

The Wedding. Maggie kindly retorted.

Rick and I are going to do it one-day next week, in the evening, so that you Sasha and the others can be there.

No. Absolutely not. Maggie strongly rejected. You have to have a real wedding. With a dress, flowers, a reception, the whole nine yards.

That's the way weddings were done before, when all those things were readily available. Michonne countered. We don't have that stuff anymore. Plus, this isn't something that should be forced on the community. We shouldn't be using resources unless necessary. And really, Rick and I don't need all of that. We're fine with keeping it simple.

That's not going to work.

Why not? Michonne scowled.

The community loves you, and Rick. Word has spread about your engagement and people are excited. They want to see a celebration of your marriage. They want to be a part of it. She revealed, shocking Michonne. As far as the resources go, we're doing better than we've ever done. You know that. We can do this without depleting our food and supplies.

We?

I, and the community can help.

This is too much. Michonne skeptically replied, not comfortable with the idea at all.

Michonne, the community is behind you and Rick on this.

It's not that. I'm just not comfortable with a big celebration. I had in mind something small, not… an extravaganza.

This is not only great for you and Rick. It's great for the community. Maggie argued. We've gotten things back on track, but people still need to feel like the community is stable, not only with its walls, but emotionally. What better way to show that stability and belief in this community than two of our strongest leaders marrying and having a party to celebrate.

I don't know. Michonne said, even as she contemplated Maggie's point, which was a good one.

We need this. Maggie reiterated.

Are you sure?

Yes. The community wa…

No. I meant are you sure, this won't be too much for you? Michonne slowly off asked. Maggie eyes reflected a deep pain before she quickly turned away to take in the scenery before them.

At times, I know that it will be difficult. She said as her eyes remained turned away. But I want to be a part of this. She conveyed, now returning her attention to Michonne. You and Rick are family, and this is what Glenn always wanted, a new life for us all, an established community. You and Rick getting married represents all of that.

Michonne gave the woman a sad smile, her heart panging at the memory of her friend, and Maggie's husband, how he was always the most positive of them all. The purest of heart, who only wanted the best for their family.

Let me talk to Rick, and think it over. Michonne then said. I'll let you know in a few days.

A few days later, ended up being a few hours. Maggie had been right. Word had quickly spread around the community about her and Rick's impending nuptials. Before she knew it, informal gatherings were being had to discuss what they'd deemed as the "biggest event" the community would have seen since everything happened. People were abuzz about what day it would be, which day would be best. The time, location, the flowers, even if there would be a wedding party. Alexandria was so excited about the idea of a community wedding that they'd just run with the idea without confirming with the bride and groom if this was something they wanted to do. There'd been so much pre-preparation for the event, that Rick and Michonne hadn't had the opportunity to discuss whether to go for the big wedding or keep it small, private. They'd ultimately been forced to choose the former, which Michonne was still a little weary about, due in part to her lingering fears surrounding the dangerous temperament of fate. However, Rick was the complete opposite, loving the idea of a community wedding, feeling like Maggie, that it would be great for the community.

Michonne entered the house and was instantly hit with the smell of warming black bean pie and the laughter of Carl and Judith. From the sounds of it, they were playing a game of airplane, where he'd lift her in the air and swing her around like she was flying. A game which Judith loved. Within seconds the toddler had abandoned Carl and was accosting Michonne, running to her wanting a hug. Michonne picked the child up and kissed her on the nose, driving her to giggle, then embraced her in a hug.

How're you doing today? Michonne asked the little girl who was like a daughter to her. Good? To which the little one responded with an enthusiastic 'yes' Then went on to tell Michonne about her day, describing her playtime and what she'd learned. Michonne listened intently making comments and asking question, when the chat warranted it, until Judith had exhausted all she wanted to say and was just content with being held by her.

How did the weapons training go today? Michonne asked as she carried Judith into the living room where Carl sat watching them. He and Tara had been tasked with teaching the children of the community, mainly those that were 10 years old and older how to use weaponry and defend themselves in the event of an attack. Today had been the first day of training.

Good, I think everybody is ready to graduate to guns. Carl replied. They're not ready yet, maybe in a month or two. How's the wedding planning? He asked as she kissed Judith on the forehead and lowered her to the floor where the little girl instantly ran back to Carl who resumed the games they'd been playing before.

I'd like an answer to that myself. Rick stated as he walked down the stairs, then made his way over to Michonne and gave her a kiss, lingering for a moment to savor her lips.

We finally have a place for the ceremony. She sighed while removing her sword then setting it in a place that would be unreachable by Judith.

I don't understand why it got so complicated in the first place. He said which stirred the side eye from Michonne. Baby there's only so many places it can be done.

Yes. But everyone has come to me with an idea about where it should be. How it should be. Some even mentioned having a party after. Today I had to remind a couple of people that this is my wedding and that I'd be making the final call on its location. It was insane.

So what did you decide? Rick asked, stifling a grin.

It's not funny. Michonne exclaimed with feigned reproach. This was supposed to be simple.

A thousand walkers and you don't break a sweat, but finding a place to have our wedding gets you flustered. He said, amazement in his eyes.

Whatever. She scoffed with a small smile. Then made her way into the kitchen.

Come on, where are we getting married. He asked again as he followed, watching as she got a glass of water.

In front of the oak trees next to the pond.

I like it. Rick said. Having a place solves most of the planning.

No. There's still what to do after the ceremony. Should or shouldn't there be a party. Then there's what I'm going to wear, what you're going to wear, what the kids are wearing…

Wait a minute, I'm not a kid. Carl jokingly interjected, yelling from the living room. And why would we need to wear anything? He asked, which prompted Michonne to roll her eyes to the sky and sigh, then take a swig of her water.

Hey. Rick uttered, gently touching her arm, drawing her attention back to him. We'll figure it out. He assured. I'll take on the after party and the kids.

Dad!

Judith and Carl. He corrected, looking pointedly towards his son.

We are having a party?

How can we not? It's our wedding and the community wants it. He smiled, then kissed her lips.

What about you? Michonne asked.

What about me?

What are you wearing?

Don't worry about it. I got it.

Ok. Michonne breathed, feeling significant relief. How was YOUR day?

I'll tell you later. Right now we're hungry. We've been waiting on you to start.

Give me a minute to get cleaned up. She said, setting her glass down. Then lovingly took his mouth. Thank you She whispered.

You're welcome. Rick huskily replied with a smile, then watched as she made her way towards the stairs.