Thanks everyone for reading and responding.

Thanks to the Ryan Hupfner website for the wedding vows in this chapter.

Please note the wedding song was supposed to be formatted next to Michonne's thought's as she walked down the aisle, but unfortunately the system here doesn't take tables. So her thoughts are posting after the song.

Chapter Seven – Part 2

Michonne and the others saw what was happening before they reached Darry and Rick's car. For the car was surrounded by lingering walkers with some streaming towards a nearby barn. She and the group had tried going to the Hilltop on the main road, but found it flooded and knew that Rick and Darryl must've taken the back way home and run into trouble.

They're in there. Michonne stated with a hint of relief as she pointed in the direction in which the walkers were going.

Aaron slowed the car to a crawl and they looked on at the small horde that was steadily growing, blocking the door of the barn.

We found them. Michonne then radioed to the group that was behind them. A couple of miles back in case there was trouble. They're trapped in a barn surrounded by walkers.

How many? Abraham radioed back.

About 20-25

We'll be there in two minutes.

Do we draw them away or take them head on? Aaron asked.

The only way to draw them away would be to make noise. Michonne stated.

We do that and it could draw out more. Morgan said from the back seat.

Then we take them on. Michonne decided as the other group pulled up, parking several feet behind them. Michonne, Aaron and Morgan got out the car and met Abe, Sasha and Heath in the middle of the road.

Morgan, Abraham, and Sasha you're with me. Aaron and Heath you keep watch here. Michonne directed and everyone agreed. Michonne and the group moved towards the barn with careful speed, quietly killing stray walkers that were headed in that direction. When they got a few feet from the barn, some of the walkers began noticing the approaching group and started wandering away from the doors and coming towards them. Not waiting for the walkers to reach them, Michonne and the others initiated the fight. Going for the ones directly in front of her Michonne stabbed one in the head then turned around and decapitated another. When before she could pull her sword free, another came upon her, going straight for her, when she swiftly unimpeded her sword to slice the monster in half. More came for her, this time from the front and the side of the barn. She pushed one down that donned a pizza uniform and crushed its head with her foot, then decapitated another before finishing off two others by stabbing one through the ear then severing the top of the head from another. She then turned around towards the entry of the barn and found that the doors were open, but that Morgan had gotten into a tough spot with two walkers. Both were stacked against him, having him pinned against the wall, leaving him with no ability to kill them, but just enough power to keep them from getting in a scratch or bite. Michonne quickly went to his aid stabbing one in the head, which freed up Morgan to kill the other with his wooden baton. Now scanning the landscape for the others she found that they were all spread out, taking down walkers, with Rick being the closest to the road and the farthest away, nearest to the second car. Finishing his kill, Rick looked around, and his eyes instantly locked with Michonne. They gazed at each other from across the way, happiness and longing in their stare. When both started to walk, to move towards each other but were stopped when Heath gave a shout, letting them know that more walkers were headed their way.

Let's get out of here! Rick yelled as he reluctantly backed away, holding Michonne's eyes, wanting instead to go to her. Michonne ran in stride with Morgan and watched, in joyful yearning as Rick made his way to the second car. Joyful that he was okay, that she wouldn't live the nightmare of the past again, and yearning because she wanted to go to him in that moment. But there wasn't time, for already she could see more walkers emerging from the woods. Making their way to the first car, Michonne and Morgan jumped in then at once sped off with Aaron behind the wheel. As they drove away, speeding towards safety, Michonne looked back, and confirmed with ease that Rick and the others were right behind them.

The group safely arrived back home with Michonne being whisked off by Sasha to prepare for the wedding and Rick being ushered off by Darryl to do the same, neither getting a glimpse of each other due to the vehicle Michonne's group used being parked inside the gate and the one that Rick and the others used to be left outside. Michonne arrived back home, gave Carl the good news and he immediately went to visit his dad. She then thanked Maggie for taking care of Judith, who was still napping, before she made her way upstairs, thanking the heavens that Rick was okay, that they'd made it through another day without losing anyone or each other. The happiness and excitement returned, and she knew that today would be nothing like the past. Today was going to be a great day she thought as she headed for the shower to get cleaned up and pre-prepped for her wedding.

Hours later

Michonne stood before the floor length mirror, gazing at her reflection. She couldn't believe she was the Michonne of the past three years who was a fierce warrior, fighting walkers and crazed leaders. This was the nicest she'd dressed and looked in years, which brought a warm flush of emotions to her heart. She continued staring at her dramatically changed image. Her dreads were pulled into a messy bun at the back of her head and was accented with purple wildflowers that Mrs. Johnson had gathered near the back of the community. Her face was for the most part make up free, save for the hint of naturally colored gloss on her lips. She wore diamond studs that were given to her by Spencer Monroe. They were my mothers. He'd told her. Then stated how he wanted her to have them because she'd helped him through one of the most difficult things he'd ever had to do in his life. The bracelet that Carl had given her adorned her wrist and went beautifully with her light gray strapless gown. The gown was long, all the way to the floor, covering her sandaled feet. The skirt was sheath and silhouette made from chiffon. The waist was accented with gray embroidered lace and small flowers that were featured with a silk ribbon that tied in a delicate bow in the back. The bodice was strapless and fitted, and like the skirt, was made of chiffon that folded in small layers that overlapped to give a ribbed looked. It was a lovely dress. Who it belonged to she didn't know, it was perfect for her special day. Michonne drew a deep breath, finding it unbelievable that she was standing here, and in mere moments about to marry Rick Grimes. Was this real? She had to asked herself with happiness and knew in her heart that is was.

Wow! Carl said as he walked in the room. Completely stunned by the beautiful woman before him. You look amazing. He said. His face a reflection of pure joy and awe.

Thank you. Michonne beamed. You look pretty amazing yourself. She then said. Come here, let me look at you. Carl walked over to her feeling shy and weird. He was wearing a white jacket and pants that had tiny blue pin stripes and a white button down shirt underneath.

I feel like I'm about to go sailing. He lightly, grudgingly stated.

You look handsome. She said with a smile then gave him a hug. How's your dad holding up.

About as well as you. Carl laughed. He's a nervous wreck. He can't wait to see you. Which made Michonne smile.

Before I forget, I need you to hold onto to something. She said as she quickly moved to the dresser, holding her dress up as she walked, and pulled a small box from the top drawer, handing it to Carl. The young man slowly took the box and opened it up and smiled at what he saw.

I thought you didn't believe in traditions.

There are some traditions I'm willing to embrace. She smiled. Carl took a breath, put the box in his pocket and this time he initiated the hug. I'm happy for you and dad. I know that you're going to have a good life.

Stop. I can't cry. Michonne pulled back, fighting the tears that wanted to flow.

Me neither. Enid will think I'm a wuss.

No she won't. Michonne refuted as they both laughed when Maggie excitedly walked into the room and asked if they were ready.

We're ready. They both said.

Carl gave Michonne one more hug before he then left her on the Monroe patio, obscured by the shrubbery that blocked the view of the wedding location. Carl made his way down the aisle to the piano accompaniment of Boyz II Men's On Bended Knee. When Maggie came to stand next to Michonne, handing her, her bouquet of flowers, a combination of, sweet alyssum, Perennial Lupine, Heath Aster and Bigleaf Mountainmint.

You ready. She asked as she stood in view of the ceremony space watching as Carl made it to the alter. Michonne took a deep breath and nodded. Maggie nodded to Enid who was in charge of the music, or rather the iPod that was hooked into the boom box and the first notes of her wedding march began.

Michonne stepped out from behind the brush and slowly, nervously makes her way across the lawn, taking in the beauty of the décor. The few chairs that were at the ceremony were accented with beautiful wildflowers that matched her bouquet and somewhere they'd found a white aisle cloth that popped beautifully against the greenery of the scene. Her eyes found the make shift alter that was four posts, that appeared to be made from long pieces of wood that had a white canopy top with more wildflowers hanging from each corner, matching her bouquet. She was utterly and completely touched by the people that stood before her and had worked so hard to make this day special, when she saw Judith, who was so excited to see her that she was calling for her while Mrs. Edwards attempted to calm her down. She then saw Darryl. He was wearing dark pants and a white shirt and jacket, looking happy but at the same time incredibly uncomfortable. Michonne stifled a laugh then turned her eyes to Carl who smiled from ear to ear…

Remember those walls I built?

Well, baby they're tumbling down

And they didn't even put up a fight

They didn't even make a sound

I found a way to let you in

But, I never really had a doubt

Standing in the light of your halo

I got my angel now

It's like I've been awakened

Every rule I had you breakin'

It's the risk that I'm taking

I ain't never gonna shut you out!

Everywhere I'm looking now

I'm surrounded by your embrace

Baby, I can see your halo

when her eyes moved to Rick, and her breath instantly caught in her throat. He looked incredibly magnetic, handsome in a light gray suit with a white shirt and a small bundle of wildflowers in his lapel. Her heart swelled with love, overflowing at the intensely tender gaze from the man she was about to marry.

The words of Halo flowing through the air, stirring them with emotion, reverberated through Rick and Michonne. Words so true to what they felt, what they'd lived to get to this moment. Michonne continued down the aisle holding Rick's gaze, moved by his deep adoration, him silently conveying how beautiful he thought she was and that no one had touched him so profoundly as she.

Michonne reached the end of the aisle, then handed her bouquet to Carl before turning to Rick…

You look beautiful. Rick uttered with emotion and in a hushed tone that only she could hear, inflaming her heart. They then joined hands, gently slipping them together. Instantly, she felt an electric heat rush through her, making her feel feverish and faint at the feel of his touch and at the fervent in his eyes, when Gabriel commenced the ceremony...

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today, and in the presence of these witnesses to join together Richard Grimes and Michonne Mitchell in Holy Matrimony, an honorable estate instituted by God, in the time of man's innocence, signifying the spiritual union between Christ and His Church, which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified and was commended by the Apostle Paul to be honorable among all men, and therefore should not be entered into lightly, or inadvisably, but reverently, discreetly and with the favor and the blessing of Him whose the author of life, whose blessing makes you rich and adds no sorrow.

The road that has brought Michonne and Rick here today hasn't been easy. It's been filled with unimaginable challenges that weren't easy to overcome, but together they've faced each one with strength and courage, which has fortified their bond and deepened their love.

Rick and Michonne, have you come here freely and of your own will and without reservations?

We have. They harmoniously declared as their gazes remained bound.

There are no obligations on Earth more sweet or tender than those you are about to assume. Gabriel continued. There are no vows more solemn than those you are about to make. There is no human institution more sacred than that of the home you are about to form.

Rick, do you reach out in love to receive Michonne and choose to share your life with her? Will you promise always to give to her your ever growing love, will you comfort her, be sensitive to her needs, express your feelings with her, listen to her, put your trust in her, and forsaking all others, be her intimate friend and honor her as your equal partner?

I do. Rick uttered with passionate conviction.

Michonne do you reach out in love to receive Rick and choose to share your life with him? Will you promise always to give to him your ever growing love, will you comfort him, be sensitive to his needs, express your feelings with him, listen to him, put your trust in him, and forsaking all others, be his intimate friend and honor him as your equal partner?

I do. Michonne voiced with quiet tenderness.

Gabriel then asked that they repeat the following:

I give you my love, my heart, my hope, my joy, these I offer you freely. To delight in your soul
to nourish your mind. To celebrate love with you to share my joy to console you in sorrow, I choose to go with you always. I promise to listen to you to labor with you, to believe in you even when you doubt yourself, to be the mirror of your highest value and to hold myself beside you for the rest of our days.

Michonne and Rick finished reciting, their eyes brimming with the happiness and fervor burning in their hearts.

Gabriel then requested the rings, which Carl and Darryl provided, then voiced a brief prayer. Followed by Rick and Michonne uttering the ring vows as they bestowed each other with the sacred jewel. Rick gently slipped a white gold diamond eternity band on Michonne's finger while tenderly whispering With this ring I thee wed. Followed by Michonne, doing the same, lovingly speaking the words With this ring I thee wed, while sliding a white gold band with a brushed finished onto his finger.

Rick and Michonne, have consented together in the union of Matrimony and have pledged your faith to each other in the presence of God and these witnesses; thus by the authority vested in me as a priest and the laws of the Alexandria, I now pronounce you husband and wife, Those who God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Rick and Michonne…"

Before Gabriel could finish his pronouncement Rick drew Michonne in arms and kissed her lovingly, ardently...

You may kiss one another. Gabriel slowly finished with everyone laughing including the couple before him, whose lips were just a breath away as they held an ardent gaze.

I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Rick Grimes. He then exclaimed with everyone cheering, clapping and whistling.

Now let's eat, drink and be merry! Abraham exclaimed causing everyone to laughed. Michonne and Rick then left the alter and were followed by Darryl, Carl and the rest of the others making their way to the Monroe house to pick up drinks, get plates for eating and just get more glimpses of the happy couple.

Michonne and Rick ran down the hallway in the Monroe house and slipped into the office at the end of the corridor. As soon as the door closed behind them, their mouths melded together, deeply kissing with hunger and fervor.

I can't believe we're married. Michonne breathlessly stated with happiness and disbelief, when they slowly pulled back as Rick gently caressed her cheek.

Believe it Mrs. Grimes. Rick quietly uttered, his eyes holding hers, tender with infinite love, when he then kissed her lips hungrily feverishly. I'm sorry I scared you, before. He then breathed against her mouth. I know what happened remi…

No. Don't do that. Michonne whispered with impassion gazing into his eyes. It's over. We made it through, like we always do, like we always will.

God I love you. He expressed with fervid warmth.

I love you too. She faintly voiced, then brush his mouth with hers, savoring them, before slipping him her tongue. Rick groaned and pulled her closer, tightening his hold, as he deepened their kiss, tasting her with deep yearning, when there was a strong knock at the door, just as it opened, disrupting the moment. Rick and Michonne reluctantly ended their kiss to find a smiling Aaron standing in the doorway, watching with his camera in hand.

I'm sorry to interrupted, but I'd like to get pictures before we start losing the light.

Rick and Michonne agreed to the suggestion then followed him out of the house, bypassing the reception area to get to the back lawn to take the pictures. They'd spent more time than Michonne ever thought they would on this task, with Aaron getting pictures of her and Rick, then her and Rick and the kids then just her and the kids, then just Rick and the kids, then them with Darryl etc. it went on and on to the point that they'd finally had to tell him enough.

After the pictures were finished, they made their way back into the Monroe house, this time going into the reception area where most of the community had gather. When they walked into the room, their hands intertwined and filled with joy, someone loudly introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Rick Grimes. Everyone clapped and cheered again, to which Michonne and Rick had smiled, feeling almost surreal in the moment, when music was cued. Rick led her to the center of the room where the couches and chairs had been pushed to the side creating a makeshift dance floor. He then turned to her, with love in his gaze and without a word asked her to dance. Michonne beamed and took his free hand in hers and tenderly accepted his request. The song, I Shall Believe by Sheryl Crow, wasn't what Rick would call particularly romantic, but the words were powerful and the music was great for dancing.

They swayed to the music, their hands clasped, held up at their sides as their gazes locked, silently conveying the incredible devotion that was flooding their hearts. Every third beat of the song Rick would spin her around, the skirt of her dress floating around her, then drew her back to him, until they soon forgot the music and the people around them. Only moving to each other, the feel of his arms around her, the strength in his love, driving her to tightened her arms around him, and for Rick to do the same, needing her closer. When the song ended, they didn't even realize they were moving to nothing but the silence in the room, that they'd mesmerized everyone around them, until someone started clapping. The gesture caught on and within seconds the room roared with whistles, clapping and cheers. Surprised and shocked out of their own world, their intensely ardent moment, Rick and Michonne shyly ended their dance both glowing with the delight, then encouraged everyone to eat, drink and be merry! The community had happily complied. The music was cued up again but with songs that were fast in tempo, but keeping it inside for they didn't want to risk having the sound outside for an extended period of time and risk the possibility of drawing walkers to the walls. They enjoyed grilled deer ribs and shish kabobs, with grilled corn on the cob and asparagus. For beverages, there was beer, wine and champagne for the adults and mint tea for the children. Rick and Michonne had stayed at each other's side almost the entire evening, unable to keep their hands off each other. They were constantly touching the other's hand or back or leg, if they were sitting and also stealing chaste but sometimes passionate kisses throughout the night. They'd enjoyed the company of the community, talking with them about their lives, about community business and even such minor things as getting better cleaning solution for the laundry. They also spent time with their family, thanking Maggie for all she'd done, teasing Darryl about wearing a suit, played with Judith who wanted to take the wild flowers out of Michonne's hair. They'd eventually distracted her from that, by taking her for a spin around the dance floor with the four of them clasping hands in a circle and spinning around to Labrinth's Sunshine song. They'd talked with Carl, who was almost immediately out of his suit jacket after the wedding, about his weapons training class, comics and his relationship with Enid. They then watched him with her, and deduced that they were getting serious, prompting Michonne to ask Rick if he'd had 'the talk' with Carl. To which he'd responded with crickets, making Michonne smile and suggested he put it on the agenda pronto. Rick had smiled himself, agreeing with her recommendation, before vowing to have the talk soon.

Later that evening, about an hour before sunset, the cake was brought out. Just as Mrs. Edwards had promised, it was a 9 tier blueberry cake with no icing, but vanilla crème between each layer. The cake was accented with red apples and mint leaves on top, on the bottom layers and around the base of the serving plate. It was a beautiful presentation, which Michonne and Rick thanked Mrs. Edwards profusely for it.

After having some cake, that was even more delicious than it looked and which the community all took slices of it, Rick and Michonne continued mingling with their guests, their people, talking about important things, happy things, frivolous things, having an incredible time, bonding with the people throughout the community. When they heard the clinking of silverware against glass, just as the sun was setting from the sky. Darryl stood on a chair that drew everyone's attention to him and began to speak...

I didn't intend on giving a toast, because honestly I'm bad at this kind of stuff. But as the best man, I guess it's my duty to say something. He said which made everyone laugh. I just want to say, you, Rick are a good man and you have managed to get yourself a great woman. Ya'll's strength throughout everything, the good, the very bad, and the very ugly has inspired me…all of us. You deserve this happiness….so, to happiness. He said raising his beer bottle in the air, his speech touching Rick and Michonne making them smile.

To happiness. Everyone said, lifting their drinks to the sky, then drinking.

Another hour went by with the party remaining in full swing, people listening to music and dancing inside, while most who were eating and drinking remained outside. Rick and Michonne had been at each other's side, up until that point, before they'd gotten pulled away to speak with someone about something personal or community business. When Rick finished with his chat, he'd made light conversation with others, until Michonne finished up with Ms. Simpson to which Rick then pounced. You ready to get the hell out of here? He huskily asked as walked up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist, then nuzzling her neck, setting her on fire.

Yes. Michonne sighed, then turned to face him and hotly took his mouth in hers. They then skimmed the party and saw that everyone was busy enjoying themselves not paying attention to them and decided to act as if they were returning to the Monroe house, in case someone they'd missed happened to be watching, and made a quick exit via the path that ran at house's side. Moments later they were back on the main road that ran through the community. It was quiet, deserted of any people except them.

Thank you. Michonne quietly uttered, as she changed their holding hands so that their fingers were intertwined.

For what. Rick questioned in the same quiet tone, heated by her touch.

A great day. She said, looking at him, smiling.

You did this too. He pointed out, returning her smile.

But I wouldn't have if you hadn't asked me to.

Rick lean over and caressed his lips with hers as they continued to walk, then slowed their trek before stopping completely once the kiss became passionate. When suddenly they heard clapping and cheering and broke their kiss to see many from the community standing on each side of the road throwing wildflower buds over them. I guess we didn't sneak out after all. Rick laughed, causing Michonne to do the same. They then promptly rejoined hands and began running beneath the sea of wildflowers that rain down upon them. When finally, they arrived at home, leaving the procession of well-wishers behind them as they headed for the front door.

Wait. Rick exclaimed, stopping her.

What is…you want to carry me over the threshold? She whispered, with tender realization.

Why not? Rick replied, caressing her cheek. I've done it before.

When?

Have you forgotten when we first met? He uttered with deep affection.

How could I forget, you saved me from certain death. She silently answered.

Well then what do you say? He huskily asked, teasing her lips with his.

Yes. She breathed. Before the word had fully left her lips Rick had scooped her up in his arms and kissed her with yearning heat as he carried her inside, where they failed to notice the living room that was bright with candles and the décor of fragrant wildflowers. Their kisses had become deeper, fiery as he lay her on the couch. For a moment, Rick pulled away, his lips heatedly grazing hers as he held the stare of this amazingly beautiful woman. He mused, who was now his wife, laying beneath him. Michonne felt the loving warmth in his gaze, her heart quickening, prompting her to seize his lips with deliberate ardor, savoring his taste, the heat of his tongue. When Rick, groaned, then passionately took control once more, skillfully devouring her mouth, driving her to an amorous moan as he proceeded to unhook her gown.