Chapter 15:

Michonne was standing in what would be their future daughter's room. Her forearm resting on her now 7 month's stomach. She was staring at their wall that had 3 large paint swatches, one pastel pink, lilac, and a pastel green. After a moment she spoke, "I don't like any of them, Rocky."

Rick let out a groan, "you're killing me, boss."

Michonne shrugged, "don't you want your daughter's room to be perfect?"

"I'm gonna be high off paint fumes by the time that happens."

Michonne laughed lightly, "she doesn't like it either she's kicking like crazy right now."

"How you know she's not kicking cause she likes one of these colors?" Rick asked with a smirk.

"Mother's intuition," Michonne said with a grin. "Did we try turquoise?" She gasped as she gained an idea, "turquoise and grey let's try that." she said happily.

Rick chuckled at her small excitement, "carlll! Come here!"

"You trying to veto me, Rocky?" Michonne said with a raised eyebrow.

Rick shrugged, "just wanted a second opinion." He said with a sly grin.

"Mhm…," Michonne said as Carl came in the room.

"Yeah, dad?" Carl asked as he entered the room.

"You like any of these colors?" Rick asked, waving his hand to indicate them.

Carl looked at the colors for a few moments taking them in and scrunching up nose. He shook his head, "dad, these colors aren't cool."

Michonne chuckled and Rick let out another groan. "Carl that's why you're my favorite Grimes boy." She said as she walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the forehead. She turned to Rick, "so turquoise and grey please."

Rick squinted his eyes at both of them, "Yall planned this I know it."

Michonne chuckled, "don't be a sore loser Rocky….you gonna get the paint today?" She asked with a bright smile, knowing that he would.

Rick chuckled at her and nodded. He wrapped an arm around her and gave her a light kiss on the lips. "I'll get the paint today."

Carl scrunched up his face at their kiss, "okay, I'm gonna go now!"

Michonne and Rick both laughed at his reaction. "Carl, I have a job for you." Michonne said waving him back into the room, "I need you to help your dad find the prettiest turquoise and the prettiest grey okay! And don't let him come back until you find it and then we can watch some Spider-Man movies what do you think about that?" She said with a wide smile.

Carl grinned and nodded, "okay! We need popcorn!"

Michonne smiled and nodded, "okay so turquoise and grey and popcorn! That's our list."

"So what when I'm up here painting y'all gonna be watching movies and eating popcorn?" Rick asked with a raised eyebrow.

Michonne chuckled a bit, "you could join us when you're done, Rick."

Rick laughed lightly, "geez thanks." He gave Michonne one more light kiss, "come on Carl let's go get this paint."

"And popcorn!" Carl reminded him.

Rick smiled and nodded, "and popcorn."

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A few moments later

"Are you ready to be a big brother Carl? Your sister is gonna be here soon." Rick asked his son as they walked over to the paint store.

Carl nodded, "yeah, I already know all of the things I'm gonna teach her!"

"Oh yeah, what's gonna be the first thing she learns?"

"Well, Michonne and I have been reading comics to her so I think the first thing would be all superheroes!"

"Really? All of them do you think she could handle that?" Rick asked with a raised eyebrow.

Carl nodded, sure of himself, "she already knows so much dad!"

Rick chuckled, "you're right, she probably knows more than I do." There was a small pause. "Hey, so you know we aren't gonna have a baby shower right? Michonne just wants something small."

"But we got her surprise presents!" Carl said excitedly. Despite Michonne not wanting a large event, Rick couldn't help but buy a few things for her and the baby that she would eventually be surprised with.

Rick chuckled and nodded, "yeah we still got her a few things. But I think we should get her one more thing, got any ideas?"

Carl thought for a moment, "Well in New York Michonne mentioned she had a cat! We can get her a cat!"

Rick scrunched up his face at the idea, "uh...let's get back to the idea. What else?"

"Umm…" Carl continued.

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Meanwhile

Michonne was just closing the door as she received a package, a bouquet. She placed the flowers in a vase, assuming they were from her mother. She opened the card, which said congratulations on the front.

Hey. Heard you were pregnant. Not through your mom ha. Just some news around here. Congratulations. You do deserve this. Sorry for being an asshole.

The card wasn't signed but she could tell by the handwriting that it was from Mike. She sighed a bit, her hand lightly touching her stomach as she read through the card a second time. She felt a kick and chuckled a bit to herself, "Yeah, your dad is gonna feel the same way." She heard the door opening and put the card on the kitchen counter.

"We got popcorn!" Carl said excitedly as he greeted her in the kitchen with Rick behind him.

Rick chuckled a bit, "And the paint samples." He gave Michonne a light kiss on the lip as a greeting and then noticed the flowers. "Who the flowers from?"

"Carl, tell you what can you bring the paint upstairs for me? And then I'll make some popcorn and maybeeeee we can make a fort." She said with a smile.

Carl nodded, excitedly. "Okay! Call me when you need fort help!"

Michonne chuckled and nodded, "I will." Once Carl had run upstairs Michonne turned to Rick.
"Read the card." She said, handing it to him.

Rick wore a confused expression but read the card anyway. After a moment he looked up at her with a roll of his eyes. "Is this from who I'm assuming it's from?"

"Yeah, it's from Mike."

"...You think he's back in Georgia?"

Michonne shook her head, "No, I think he just sent them. I think my mom told some of my friends up there and because most of them were mutual one of them told him." She paused, "You want me to get rid of them?"

Rick thought for a moment, "Keep 'em." He finally said.

"Rocky, if you want me to throw them out tell me." She said softly, as she did she picked his hand up and wrapped his arm around her. Wrapping her own arm around his neck.

Rick smiled a bit, "Keep them. He is an asshole. But uh, at least he didn't cheap out on the flowers."

Michonne chuckled a bit and nodded. "Look at Rocky all grown up."

Rick laughed lightly, "Yeah, yeah."

Michonne smiled and gave him several soft kisses on the lips. "You tell me if it bothers you."

"I will boss." He said with a smile.

"Okay," She said with a smile as she gently stroked his cheek. "...Did you get the correct paint colors?"

Rick chuckled a bit, "I know how to pick colors boss!"

"You sure about that?" Michonne asked with a smirk.

"Don't you have a fort to be working on?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't you have a room to paint?"

Rick laughed lightly, "So bossy."

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A week later

"Rick?" Michonne called into the assumingly empty house. She had spent the day with Sasha, catching up and receiving a few things for the baby. Now she was home from her day. She made her way upstairs, wondering where he could've gone since he had made no mention of plans today.

Once upstairs she went to the bedroom where there was a note on the bed from Rick that read: Hey, come over to the nursery. Got a surprise for you. Michonne smiled to herself as she read it and walked towards the nursery. Just a day ago the only progress made on it was the paint, light grey walls with turquoise accents.

"Surprise!" Said an excited Carl who jumped up and down when seeing Michonne enter the room.

Rick smiled at her, "You like it, boss?"

The previously unfurnished nursery was now completely done. The room had light grey furniture, a crib, rocking chair, changing table. And turquoise accents throughout the room including a rug, curtains, and decorative pieces.

"Rocky…" Michonne said softly, as she took in the room.

"I gotta admit I got some help. Called your mom a few times since she has knows you can be picky." Rick said with a small chuckle. "And uh, the crib changes into a bed. She said you would like that kind. And then I was able to send the stuff to Glenn's place. And Carl helped me put everything together."

"Dad, what if she thinks it's ugly?" Carl whispered, fairly loudly, as Michonne remained silent.

Michonne let out a short laugh, attempting to stifle any oncoming tears. "No, Carl I don't think it's ugly. It's….perfect. Rick….it's perfect." She said, with a smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you…thank you."

Rick smiled, wrapping his arms around her. "I'm glad you like it, boss."

"I love it. It's exactly what I wanted." Michonne turned to Carl, gesturing for him to come over. "Thank you, Carl." She said, then kissing him on the top of his head. "You did a really good job hiding this surprise. I'm proud of you."

Carl smiled widely, "It was hard! But dad promised me lots of comics."

Michonne laughed lightly, "Oh did he now?"

Rick chuckled, "I did...Oh, there's one more surprise. Let's go downstairs." He said as he pulled her towards the stairs.

"Is it just your goal to turn me into a crybaby, Rocky?"

Rick chuckled and nodded, "It is. But this was one all Carl's idea."

Carl nodded, "It was!"

"Alright, so close your eyes for a second," Rick said as they made it to the living room and Michonne did so. "Okay, open them," Rick said after a few minutes.

"So…" He began. "The first is our baby girl. You have no idea how happy I am to be having a daughter with you Michonne." Rick said as Carl handed Michonne a framed picture of her most recent ultrasound.

"Rick…" Michonne began, already feeling tears beginning to grow.

"Don't cry yet boss they are a few more things…" Rick said with a smile. "The next one is an ultrasound of Carl." As he spoke, Carl handed Michonne his own ultrasound. "This kid loves you, Michonne. I don't know anyone he's ever grown such an attachment to so quickly. He loves you."

"You guys are killing me…" Michonne said with a smile as tears were beginning to fall.

"Last one...It's um...Andre's ultrasound." Carl handed, off the last ultrasound as Michonne's tears had started to come faster than before. "Andre is your baby Michonne. He will always be your first child. I know he loved you. And I know you love him. And just because he isn't here anymore that doesn't stop any of that. I wish I could've met him but I thank you for telling me about him. And for telling Carl about him. Thank you."

"Rick…" Michonne said again through her crying. She wrapped her arms around him again and let her tears fall in the crook of her neck.

Rick gently rubbed her back as she cried and whispered into her ear. "You're happy with your gifts?"

Michonne nodded, with her head still buried in his neck and Rick gave Carl a small thumbs up indicating to him that they were indeed happy tears. After a few minutes, she pulled away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Carl, did your dad warn you that I'm a big crybaby now?"

Carl smiled and nodded, "Yup!"

Michonne laughed lightly and pulled him towards her giving him another kiss on his head. "You are an amazing kid, did you know that? Truly amazing."

Carl smiled widely at her compliment, "Amazing?"

"Amazing." Said Michonne with a smile. "And you…" Michonne said turning to Rick, "You realize nothing I do now can top this, right?"

Rick chuckled and nodded, "I do."

Michonne smiled and let out a breath, "These kids turn me into a mess."

"I like your mess," Rick said, giving her several small kisses.

Carl lightly tapped Michonne's stomach, "Ummm, do you think you'll be even happier if we get some pizza?" He asked, with a hopeful smile.

Michonne laughed lightly at his not so conspicuous way of asking. "A boy after my own heart! Call Glenn get whichever one you want."

"Yay!" Carl said excitedly, running off to the kitchen.

Rick chuckled, "don't you think he should have some parental guidance before we end up getting 10 pies of god knows what?"

"I don't even care you boys can do no wrong." She said with a smile, giving him another kiss. "Thank you."

"Anything for you," Rick responded.

"How long have you been planning this?"

"Well, the nursery I wanted to do as soon as you found out you were pregnant. But the pictures was when Carl and I went out to get the paint. I asked him what else we should get you. At first, he said a cat since you had one in New York. I vetoed that idea."

Michonne chuckled, "of course."

"And then I was like alright what else? I think he was going off of the things you talk about because he brought up Andre. And maybe we can do something with the stuff you have of him. Soo...I figured let's do something that will show your kid, my kid, and our kid."

"You make me so happy Rick, you realize that? Truly, truly happy. I don't know what I would do without you, Rocky." Michonne said with a smile as she stroked the hair at the nape of his neck.

Rick leaned in, kissing her tenderly. He pulled away and smiled, "anything for you."

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A few hours later

"Boss, that thing takes up the whole bed." Said Rick.

"Sasha gave it to me, it makes it easier to sleep with your child in my stomach." Said Michonne who was wrapped around a large pregnancy pillow.

"You don't need a pillow when I'm in the bed with you," Rick said as he slipped into bed.

"Believe it or not Rocky you're not that comfy." Said Michonne with a smirk.

"Wowww, that's hurtful boss," Rick said, feigning hurt.

Michonne chuckled and hit his shoulder lightly, "shut up."

They shared a silence before Michonne spoke again, "do you think I should stop working Rick? When the baby comes?"

Rick thought for a moment, "...are you asking because you want to be home or are you asking because you're scared of what could happen if you're not?"

"...I don't know." Michonne said with a small sigh.

Rick turned to her so they were fully facing each other. He reached out for her stomach and lightly stroked it. "Michonne, this baby will be okay. She will make it. And she'll be okay whether you have to go back to work after 3 months or not. There will always be someone watching her that loves her. Don't let your fear of what if prevent you from working. Cause I know you love it. You still working 7 months pregnant ain't you?" Rick asked with a smile.

Michonne chuckled a bit and nodded, "I am."

"Alright then, so do what you want to do. But don't choose because you're scared. She's gonna be okay." Rick said with a reassuring smile.

Michonne smiled and gave him a soft kiss on the lips, "thank you."

"You're welcome boss," Rick said with a smile. He paused for a moment, "can we get rid of the pillow now?"

Michonne laughed and hit his shoulder again, "no!"

Rick chuckled, "alright, thought I at least tried."

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A few days later

It was late at night and Michonne was still awake, going through a book of baby names. Rick was working late tonight and she realized that she had grown used to falling asleep with him and now she couldn't sleep. She skimmed through the book, highlighting the names she liked. Rick and her had discussed names but had yet to pick one. As she read through the names she heard a small knock and then saw Carl peeking in.

"Aren't you suppose to be sleeping Carl?" Michonne asked him with a raised eyebrow.

Carl nodded, sleepily rubbing his eyes. "I had a bad dream, can I sleep here?"

Michonne smiled softly and nodded, patting the spot next to her. "Of course you can come on."

Carl yawned but smiled joining her in bed. "What are you reading?" He asked once he was comfy under the blankets.

"I'm looking at baby names for your little sister. You're gonna be a big brother very soon." She said with a smile, brushing hair out of his eyes.

Carl nodded and smiled, "when is she gonna come?"

"December 26. You think this house is ready for a baby?"

"Wellll I think she needs a name first Michonne!" Said Carl.

Michonne chuckled and nodded, "you're right…tell you what I'm gonna give you an important job."

"What?" Carl asked, excitedly.

"There's 3 names that your dad and I really like. I'm gonna show you them. And I want you to think really long and hard about which name you think is best for your sister, okay? You up for the task?" She asked with a smile.

Carl smiled widely and nodded, "yes! I can do it, I promise!"

Michonne smiled, "okay, come closer let me show you the names." She said as he moved over to look at the baby book. She pointed out the three names that she and Rick liked best. "Okay? So think about it. And you let me know when you have your decision."

Carl nodded, taking his role seriously, "I will!"

"Good...now I think it's time for both of us to go to sleep." She said with a smile.

Carl nodded, "okay...you turn off the lights!"

Michonne chuckled and nodded as she turned off the lamp on her bedside table. "Goodnight Carl." She said, kissing him on the top of his head.

"Goodnight Michonne." He said, giving her a small hug in return.

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A few hours later

Rick had just gotten home from a late shift. He entered the bedroom, flicking on the light. He smiled at the unexpected sight, both Carl and Michonne sleeping. Her arm around his shoulders. He took them in, still smiling. Not wanting to disturb them he began to turn around to sleep in Carl's room for the night.

"Where are you going, Rocky?" Michonne asked in a hushed tone, as she began to wake up.

Rick smiled at her voice and turned back around, "I'm not sure if there's room for me, boss."

"Don't be annoying Rocky come to bed." She said with a small smile.

Rick chuckled and nodded, "yes boss." He changed into his pajamas as Michonne gently moved Carl over so there was space for Rick to lay beside her. He got in bed, turning the light off, besides her and wrapped his arm around her stomach. "So what's the reason all the kids are in the bed tonight?"

"Your son had a bad dream and asked if he could sleep here. And I said yes. And your daughter is pretty comfortable in my stomach so there's that." She said with a smirk.

"You can't say no to Carl, can you?"

"How am I supposed to say no to that face? Watch you're gonna be the same way with her."

Rick laughed lightly and nodded, "yeah, you're probably right."

"I know I am….speaking of our daughter, I told Carl he can pick her name."

"Boss…" Rick began.

"I didn't give him completely free reign I told him our favorite 3 and he is picking from those. I want him to feel like he is a part of this process."

"...I guess I can work with that." Rick said with a small smile, now liking that idea.

"You're gonna have to," Michonne said with a smirk.

Rick chuckled, "I liked you better when you were the crying pregnant lady."

Michonne laughed gently, "shut up and go to sleep Rocky."

Rick smiled and kissed her shoulder lightly, "goodnight Boss."

A/N: New chapter! Glad I didn't take forever with this one like the last one haha. Hope you enjoy! Sooo close to the end it's crazy! Thanks for the constant support to the story, y'all are great :) thank you for the fave/follows/reviews as always.