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Chapter Five

The wedding was in three days, and Rick was finally starting to feel the pressure of getting things ready, and right with the after party which was really a reception. He'd decided that it'd be held almost in the same space as the wedding, just a few feet down the way on the lawn near the Monroe home. They'd use the inside of the Monroe house, that had French doors which opened to a patio that flowed out to the space near the pond. Using the house would give people an option besides outside, to enjoy their food. The grill would be set up near the pond, while the beverages would be kept cool inside. One of his biggest challenges was selecting someone to manage the grill. For he wouldn't be able to do it for obvious reasons and he didn't want to task Darryl with the job because he was the best man. Much like what Michonne encountered when trying to find a dress, many of the men of the community offered to help. However, some of the men were so passionate about who should do the grilling and whose grilling was better, that a physical altercation nearly ensued. Rick had to check both men and ultimately banned them both from the grill and assigned two other men to the job, both of whom were happy to take it on. Besides planning the logistics of the food, Rick also had to deal with those who wanted to go all out with elaborate decorations for the party, to the point of wanting to do a run to get the materials they needed. Rick had instantly rejected this idea but had to be authoritative and firm when some became strongly insisted that they go on a run. Though the general area was safe, the thriving communities in the area - Alexandria, Hilltop and the Kingdom, had worked together to keep the area as clear as possible of vagrants and herds of walkers, they still couldn't do runs for such frivolous things. For walkers and dangerous people were still in abundance, and were known to materialize unexpectedly and cause trouble. With that, the plan for a run to get decorations was deserted. The people would have to use what they had, and in turn had come up with some creative ideas for decorating. There were still a few more things to decide, for one, if there would be music at the reception and if so what kind. He knew that he wanted at least one dance with Michonne. She'd be nervous and internally reluctant but she'd do it for him, happily, knowing how much he loved to dance and how he's always desired to do it with her. Rick continued his strong stride, heading to what felt like his millionth task of the day, meeting Carl and Darryl to scour the men clothing inventory for suits for the wedding. Which might be his biggest challenge yet. He mused. For Carl had already expressed his displeasure with having to wear a suit outside, due to the heat, and Darryl never having worn a suit in his life being terrified, though he'd never admit it, of putting one on. What a day. Rick thought with cheer, getting giddy at the thought of it all coming together and marrying Michonne. A good day. He deduced and continued on his way.

Michonne walked up to Mrs. Edwards door really just ready for a shower and some sleep. The day had been long with lingering issues rearing their heads and some that were completely unexpected. Entering the woman's home, whose door was always open, she heard the sound of voices, one in particular very familiar, coming from her kitchen.

Rick? She exclaimed as she slowly walked into the kitchen, finding her husband to be, standing with the woman at the island in the center of the room. What are you doing here?

Since I'm handling the after party, reception, Mrs. Edwards wanted to speak with me about the dessert. He explained as Michonne came to stand at his side, driving him to immediately leaned over, and kiss her lips.

You were coming over to talk about the same thing. I thought it would be good for Rick to join us since he's planning what food we'll have. I hope that was okay? The woman asked.

It's okay. Michonne replied, struggling to keep the shyness out of her voice at Rick's loving, yet blatant affection.

Great! Because I was just suggesting to Rick that you do a wedding cake.

Wedding cake?

Baby I know you're not big on tradition, but we are getting married. We need a cake. Rick contended as he gently touched her back, caress it.

I thought we were going to talk dessert, like cookies or maybe a couple of pound cakes, not an actual wedding cake. Michonne stated, relaxing at Rick's touch, then rested her hand atop his that lay on the counter.

Actually its wedding cakes. Mrs. Edwards corrected. We need to use the rest of the milk and eggs that we got from Hilltop before it goes bad. I was thinking we could make a stackable cake with nine layers, three 14 inch, 10 inch and 6 inch layers. I can also do a smaller cake that can serve as the groom's cake. She said, looking at Rick. And Sandra Jenkins has said she'll cook a couple of deep apple pies and acorn cookies so that there will be an option for those who don't eat cake.

That too much. Michonne firmly protested. It's our wedding and everyone wants to celebrate, but we need to make sure we're not overdoing it.

Michonne's right. Rick agreed. We may have plenty of food now, but things can change, and fast. I'm all for cake, but we can't be wasteful.

Well…I can scale things back... Mrs. Edwards slowly stated obviously disappointed. I can do a sheet cake, if you think the stackable is too much. I'll let Sarah know we won't need the cookies and apple pies. She said. I guess... all I need from you now is the type of cake you want and the flavor.

What choices do we have? In flavors I mean? Rick questioned.

Apple, Blueberry and Carrots.

Which can we afford to spare? Michonne asked.

We have plenty of blueberries and carrots, but we don't have enough apples to do a cake that'd be big enough to serve everyone. We'll need to pick more if you decide on that flavor.

Then we'll go with the blueberries or carrots. Rick replied, looking at Michonne who nodded in agreement.

I'm good with the stacked blueberry. How about you?

Whatever you want.

It's your wedding too. Michonne pointed out, tilting her head and giving Rick her eyes with a hint of exasperation.

Whatever you want, I want. Rick stated again, then took her lips, quelling her frustration with his warmth. I'm fine with the blueberry. He then whispered.

Well then blueberry it is. Mrs. Edwards excitedly smiled.

Michonne and Rick exited the house, stopping in the doorway to thank Mrs. Edwards for baking their wedding cake, to which the woman enthusiastically replied that she was proud to have the honor. After which, they started their walk home.

One less thing to think about. Michonne sighed, as she slipped her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. I can't believe she was thinking of cooking so many desserts.

She's just excited, like everyone else. Got a little carried away. Rick stated. You were right though to point out the waste of cooking so much. One cake should be more than enough... I think I want carrot instead of blueberry though. Michonne gave him a look of 'you're kidding me' inciting him to laugh.

Rick! She lightly scoffed, playfully rolling her eyes.

Did you really think you were going there to talk cookies and a couple of pound cakes? He teased.

I don't know what I thought. She wearily admitted. It's been a long day. She said as she massaged her neck, prompting Rick to release her hand and take over. Pushing her dreads aside, his hand glided to her neck, applying a gentle pressure before stroking it at her nape. Then moving to her shoulder he kneaded it gently, causing her to sigh and to slightly lean her head over at how good it felt. He then dropped his hand to her back, massaging it, just above where her katana was strapped.

Tired? He quietly questioned as she slightly leaned her head to the side, sighing at the heaven in his caress.

Yeah. I just want to shower and go to bed.

Can I join you?

In the shower or the bed? She asked with a laugh.

How about both? He softly, hotly suggested.

Why did I know that'd be your answer?

Cause you know me. He said, then briefly stopped their trek, now again caressing her neck, he pulled her face to his, then passionately kissed her lips.

Which is why you should know, I have little energy for anything except sleep. Michonne uttered softly, then tenderly captured his mouth again.

We can shower, go to bed and just cuddle. Rick claimed, his lips then lightly brushing against hers, teasing them.

Cuddle? She then quietly exclaimed and pulled back. I can't believe I just heard that word come out of your mouth. She laughed and resume their walk, knowing he was full of it.

What? I can cuddle. He contended, a smile in his voice as he took her hand once more.

Umm. Hmm. Michonne uttered skeptically. We'll see when we get home.

Yes we will. Rick stated with a smirk. They then became quiet walking for several minutes in a companionable silence, enjoying the beauty of their community and the peace around them.

We need to talk about Mr. Gordon. Michonne spoke, reluctantly breaking the tranquility of the moment.

Yeah. I know. Rick stated. I heard about the incident with Angie.

He's in lock up. But this is the fourth fight in a month. We need to figure out what to do about him.

We can get everyone together in the morning to talk. He agreed. We can use that time to talk about the issues with the east gate too.

The fortitudes still not holding like they should?

No. It's gone take more time than I expected to get those walls to hold like we need them to.

Do you think anything's left at the shopping mall we can use?

Maybe. But how would we get the materials here? We don't have the transportation to hall steel beams. He said. We may have to temporarily stop the work, hold on that part of the expansion until we can figure out a better way to reinforce the wall. Michonne sighed, thinking how the expansion was critical to sourcing food – creating a much bigger garden, to trade for other goods and keeping for their community. Delaying that part of the expansion, could leave them a little too dependent on their allies for food.

We'll figure it out. He reassured, now slipping his arm around her shoulder.

We always do. She said, smiling at him with tired eyes.

So which first? Shower or Bed? He asked.

Definitely the shower. But no funny business! She quickly added.

Scouts honor. Rick promised even as he eyed her with amorous eyes.

Scouts honor. She echoed with a skeptical smirk when Rick smiled, then pulled her to him, kissing the side of her forehead as they continued their stroll towards home.