Feels Like Home

Friday morning

"Sasha, put these biscuits on the table next to the salmon patties," Lonette directs.

"Mama…the fruit is in the frig…oh, the French vanilla whipped topping is in there too," she responds.

Lonette passes the items while calling down the hall, "Y'all come eat."

The family assembles and Sasha blesses the table. "Daryl, you have our attention…what's on your mind?"

He swallows, "The Regional Director offered me a permanent consultant job with the FBI. Most of my time will be as a deputy in Kings' County but I would advise on cases, train operatives, plan operations," he pauses, "go undercover for limited amounts of time," he explains.

Harry places his fork against his plate and leans back in his chair. Lonette sways from side to side. "Is this something you want?" he asks.

"Yes Sir…I want to build the best life I can for Sasha and this will help."

"Why can't you just promote at the department…isn't that safer," Lonette pushes into the discussion.

"Maybe, but I would not be good at it. I don't have patience for stupid people," he shakes his head.

"If we said no would you turn down the offer?" Harry observes him closely.

"I would. This change will affect my entire family so we got to be together," he nods securely.

"Mama, Daddy…Daryl is even going back to school to complete a Bachelor's degree and I support him," Sasha states with confidence.

"Excuse me," Harry leaves the table. Lonette continues to sway and begins humming and singing His eye is on the sparrow…

Sasha elbows Daryl and points with her head directing him to follow her father outside.

"You know…I spent most of my life taking care of my family. Worrying about who would be there when I couldn't…I don't have to worry anymore. I watched you when that bastard came after you and you never stumbled. This is hard but I know you are a man of your word… you will stay safe. Give my Sugar Pie some time," Harry finally turns and faces him.

Daryl extends his hand but Harry pulls him into a bear hug. Daryl's heart thumps heavy against his chest. "I could not be any prouder," he declares.

Daryl returns the embrace, "Thanks Pops," he manages to choke out with his voice cracking around the two simple words.

"Maggie…may I have a moment," Quinn waddles into her office.

"Sure, how are you doing?" Maggie asks with a smile.

"If this baby does not come out soon I may resort to random acts of violence," she teases.

"What can I do for you?" she laughs.

"I am here on behalf of my family. You were so welcoming we want to show our appreciation. Xavier would like to sing at your reception…if that's okay."

"Are you kidding…he is freaking amazing. Do you think he would do two songs?" her enthusiasm escalates.

"How about we do lunch and work out the details?" Quinn replies.

Maggie stands and scrambles around her desk and hugs Quinn, "Thank you so much.

"You are welcome…I am going back to my desk which may take 20 minutes because my butt is that big," they both laugh.

"'Chonne you need a real breakfast. You cannot eat a bowl of pluots," he scolds mildly.

"I promise to eat a solid lunch but eggs are now disgusting…carbs are boring and I have exhausted the amount of bacon one person can eat," she explains.

"Fine…I am cooking dinner and you will clean your plate," he declares, "Ready to talk?"

She nods, "I need to wash my hands and I will join you on the couch in a minute." She enters the room and climbs into his lap and wraps her arms around his neck. He cannot leave with me attached to him. "The reason or part of the reason Lori came to see me is because Mike told her he wanted me back. She thought they were working together to get their ex's back-I think." Rick attempts to get up but she tightens her arms holding him closer. "I met with Deanna and his supervisor. He is suspended and the Public Defender's office will conduct an ethics review."

Rick's head tilts severely to the right and his nostrils flair. "I told him he did not want strike three…this is beyond…this is all out war. He put you and Baby G in danger. I will not allow that…not on my watch," his knee bounces violently and he stares at the wall without seeing.

"Rick I know…I want to bum rush his office and beat him with his own desk or catch him in the parking lot and treat him like a speed bump but we have too much to live for…me in an amazing white dress…you in full handsome-mode and the biggest, most amazing part…our child we get to raise in love. Please do not let him ruin what we have," she places kisses on his temple, cheek and neck.

He strains to take deep breaths, "He will not be around?" he tries to think rationally.

"No, he will be served and sent home today…that is why I am going in late," she re-assures.

"I need you to check in today," he turns his eyes to her.

Michonne kisses him slow, "Absolutely…I will include cute pictures to make you smile," she attempts to lighten the mood.

He smiles in love, "I appreciate that…but this is hard for me…you need to be patient," he tries to make her understand; however, he knows his words are not enough to explain his turmoil.

"I know you and your heart…we will get through this together…sure and steady. Remember, Carl and Aaron have your back," she tries to re-assure him.

He nods slowly, "True…but they will not rip his throat out to keep their family safe from any harm and I will," he states firmly.

Friday early afternoon

Daryl places a box on the work bench in the garage, "Ms. Lonette, can you come out here for a minute?" he calls. She stands in the doorway with her arms folded but refuses to speak.

He pulls out two vintage standing mixers. "I think I can fix your old mixer…you want to bring it out so I can try," he asks tenderly. She turns quickly without saying a word. He gives a small smile. These women are tough.

Lonette returns and hands him her original mixer she has refused to throw out. He pulls out his tools and gets to work, "Did you get the special cocoa and coconut I sent you?"

"Hhm-hmm," her lips are tightly pressed together.

"You know I won't go looking for danger. I have to live long enough to eat every one of your recipes," he teases.

A grin tugs at her lips, "Look…my pressure is bad and you got me on my knees with Jesus every morning. You do not want me coming for your big behind with a switch," she admonishes with tears in her eyes.

He stops his work and pulls her into his arms, "Got it…now let me finish so I can get a German chocolate cake."

Lonette reaches up on her toes and kisses his cheek before retreating into the house.

Carl places a decorative box on Aaron's desk. I wonder how long this has been going on. A short time later Aaron returns from a meeting. He notices the box and looks up to check if Carl is watching but he is focused on his computer screen. Aaron opens the box and smiles. He retrieves the pastry and takes a bite and feels his insides warm.

"How is Eric these days?" Carl asks without physically moving.

Aaron chokes slightly, "Um…I…we," he stammers.

Carl laughs, "You have good taste."

Friday late afternoon

Daryl and Harry enter the FBI building. They are signing the Visitor's log and receiving badges when Penelope approaches. "Hey Dixon…rumor has it I will have the pleasure of your virtual company more often," she greets.

"Looks that way…let me introduce you both to Sasha's dad, Harry Williams he gestures to his left.

Harry extends his left hand, "Nice to meet you," his deep bass voice rolls out.

"Whoa…warn a girl before you unleash all that sex in your throat," Penelope flirts.

"Big thick girl like you don't need any warning," he charms in response with a wink.

Daryl practically chokes on his tongue. What in the hell! Pops has game.

"Please let me show you around personally…we can drop Derek and Daryl off at his office," she guides them through the entrance with a swipe of her badge.

Daryl takes a seat. Derek opens, "You are here so is this a firm yes?"

"My family is on board…I am ready to get started."

Derek hands him a thick packet, "We will buy out your contract with Kings' County so we can adjust your pay…you will have a small operational budget and safety protocols will apply to your immediate family. Anything else?" he shares.

"Uh…I need this verification form signed. I am going back to college and my FBI work is credit toward my degree," he explains.

"Not a problem. Let's go find your father-in-law before Garcia takes him back to her lair," he prods.

"He…I mean I haven't…is it that obvious?" he surrenders.

"Oh yeah…you are full Babyface," he laughs. Daryl stares in confusion.

Derek and Daryl join them in the lobby. Harry has a box filled with tons of FBI merchandise. "Thank you for the opportunity," Daryl shakes his hand.

Derek turns his attention to the patriarch, "Mr. Williams we will take good care of him."

"You better…because we do not play," he threatens. Daryl blushes.

Michonne enters the house and the aroma of Rick's homemade chili and cornbread attacks her senses making her stomach growl. "Hey Handsome," she wraps her arms around his waist and kisses his back.

"Hey Gorgeous…go change so we can eat," he instructs.

"On it," she turns to leave when he gingerly grasps her arm and turns her toward him.

He takes a knee, "Baby G…Were you good today? Did you eat more than fruit?"

Michonne runs her fingers through Rick's chestnut strands, "We had a turkey sandwich with spinach, took our vitamin without getting queasy, and had a mini-jug of white grape juice," she recounts.

Rick embraces her waist and kisses her stomach, "Great job…I love you," he speaks against her belly.