AN: Thanks to all of you still on this journey with me and those of you that have joined along the way. This story has become epic but we really are approaching the end. Thanks for your patience and amazing reviews.

The Set Up

Sunday

"You did good today…I saw all your steps. You should check out the mall…even if you are the youngest one…love you," Daryl finishes and calls out for Sasha.

"Hi, remember me the child you brought home from the hospital," she teases, "No, it's too early…we agreed to Virginia. Cousin Hazel is a hard no…absolutely no choir selections; no to the social committee reception and thanks but no thanks to the Usher Board."

Daryl pulls the pillow from under him and squeezes it over his head to muffle the animated chatter. He smiles to himself. I get a lifetime of this.

Monday

"Thank you for meeting with me. To be clear you are required to attend these sessions and I am required to file a report with the court. I hope the process will prove beneficial to you," Raquel introduces.

"I am already seeing the benefits," Lori responds.

"Really…please explain."

"First, the medication keeps me from being impulsive. I really think about what I do before I do it and I have a relationship and a whole new life," she asserts.

What in the hell? Maybe she needs a CAT scan. "Wow…I am not sure where to begin…how about with the impulsive behavior."

"When I think about those days I did things so wrong…out of order. If I had talked to her first and then talked to Rick no one would have been caught off guard. There is really is no need for the restraining order; but I get it," she reveals her deluded thinking.

"Do you think they would have agreed to your requests?"

"Hard to say…hindsight…but I think they would have listened," she asserts.

This is a full bottle of wine session. "Please tell me about the new relationship…it seems sudden…am I wrong?"

"Yes and no…we had bad timing in high school but we are getting a second chance like star-crossed lovers," Lori describes wistfully. We are building a business," she whispers, "I even drove through my dream neighborhood…it is back within reach."

"Thank you for sharing so much. Please describe to me how this new relationship began-the first time?" She needs more than six sessions.

Tuesday

Xavier hums to himself before Daryl startles his work groove. "Sorry…wanted to make sure you were settled," he explains.

"Not a problem. All the electronic profiles are organized…travel requests processed and requisition orders ready for your signature," he reports.

"Quick…thorough-we will get along great," Daryl accepts the folder, "You know you can change what you need to make this place work for you," he gestures around the space.

Thank you God…paint…upgrade and re-arrange furniture to optimize efficiency. "I appreciate you making me feel like a partner…the opportunity for autonomy," Xavier replies.

Daryl signs the forms quickly and returns the folder, "I submitted our reports and operation recommendations so unless the unexpected happens we are good for the week," he concludes.

"Uh…okay…give me a minute. I am not use to this level of competence," he admits.

Daryl chuckles, "Why not show me pictures of that new baby?"changing the topic.

Xavier beams, "I thought you would never ask," he retrieves his phone.

Wednesday

Carl, Aaron and Michonne are reviewing their security plans after the day's safety drills. "I am pleased with our progress…we are at 70% implementation," Michonne affirms.

"I agree…to be honest I did not think it would happen," Aaron admits.

"I want to pursue those help or call buttons for bathrooms and conference rooms," Carl pushes.

"Those require funding," Aaron reminds.

"Add that to my de-brief agenda with Deanna…now can we please get those street tacos from the food truck down stairs," she rises to get her wallet.

Rosita and Sasha meet to review the dash and body camera proposal. "There is no way around the funding deficit. We need to petition the City Council," Sasha sighs, "What do you know about them?"

"Desperately in need of new members…most die in office or pass their seat to a waiting family member. I volunteer Rick to make the request." Sasha raises a brow. "What…he is late to meeting or not going to show at all," she laughs.

"You are so wrong…you know they have weapon re-certification this week. You are off the hook because you graduated early and have a 3-5 years expiration period," she laughs shaking her head.

"Don't hate the player," Rosita cannot even finish before laughter bubbles up.

Thursday

The Academy Range is jam packed with a line of deputies waiting to re-certify. "What kind of cluster fuck are you all running? We are standing here holding our nuts," Abe shouts toward the front of the hallway in frustration.

"Give 'em a scratch Ford," the technician shouts in return, "The private company scheduled before the department's priority time slot is finishing." The side door opens and a line of mostly fresh faced KCSF staff file out in their uniform polo shirts, "Did you see the Captain?...I hope to get that good…Do not get so excited-every one of these deputies can do the same thing," the private security staff converse among themselves.

The tension in the air thickens. Half the officers in line turn their back and the other half of the line adopted a challenging posture. Shane enters the hallway and observes the reaction of his former colleagues. He adjusts the Captain baseball cap on his head. He swaggers behind his small team out of the building. I will show them…I am a winner.

Friday

"Thank you for taking this meeting after hours," Deanna introduces.

"Thank you for providing the time…what is the game changer and will it accelerate trial…add additional charges…increase time served," Michonne pushes.

"First, do you or did you know former PD Owen's previous supervisor?"

Michonne's back straightens, "Yes, Andrea Harrison," she replies crisply. Rick grasps and squeezes her hand.

"Yes, professionally she is Harrison but her married name is Andrea Blake," she watches the significance of her statement register on their unsuspecting faces.

Michonne looks at her lap, "I do not understand," she stammers. Was Mike working with Judge Blake? Was this an elaborate set up? Why was I targeted?

Rick knows she is struggling to make sense of the new information. "What does that mean for this case?" I could kill them…no-we are getting married. I should kill them…no-we are having a baby.

The defense case is based on the premise that Judge Blake's behavior on that day was an isolated incident. However, we now have video evidence from KCSD building raid and 'The Gazette' yet to be published investigative reporting that documents a lifestyle of alternative sexual behaviors. The Blake's own a separate property in Atlanta exclusively for those activities. We will not have all the answers until trial and the chance to question each one under oath. Bottom line this destroys their premise," she explains.

Michonne snaps back into the discussion, "Have you submitted the new evidence through discovery?"

"Not yet," Deanna smiles.

She returns the smile, "Minimum and will you revoke house arrest?" Rick watches the two women engage in a legal tactical exchange.

"I am not accepting less than ten years incarceration; five years of probation and permanent loss of legal license. I plan to freeze assets and demand surrender of passport. I have to warn you our trial date may get delayed; especially if the 'fancy pants' firm drops him as a client," she warns.

"When will you have definite answers?" Rick questions. I need to keep them safe.

"You will know when I do…try to stay focused on your upcoming blessings," she tries to alleviate the tension.

"Thank you," they rise to leave. Michonne embraces Deanna without uttering a single word.

Hours later Rick licks bbq sauce from his thumb listening to Michonne's update their life 'to do' lists. "First up, the house: the yard is on its way back; we only need to fill in a few furniture items; the indoor painting is half done; and the major electrical and plumbing stuff is complete. Now wedding: switching to family dining for the reception got us access to the Pavilion Tent, heating lamps ordered, menu confirmed-including black eye peas for luck; music playlist," she smiles over her shoulder, "I am deliriously happy."

"Good, my job is to keep you that way," he smiles. She is not thinking about the case.

Saturday

"They are good kids in need of some discipline and I should pass on what I know. Right now we work on basic skills and we will have some scrimmages but I could really see this becoming something. I am still figuring things out," Tyreese reports with enthusiasm.

"I am happy for you man. Are you going to leave the Café?" T-Dog asks.

"I really don't know…maybe part time. I meet with Mom next week. If I stay I need to step up but I am not sure how but we can figure that out together; now that I am listening," he nods his head.

Their conversation at the counter is disrupted by the arrival of a customer. "Hey Journey," Raquel greets.

"Hey Girl…the usual order?" she responds.

"Hmm…maybe-what's new?" her eyes scan the menu.

"Unfortunately not a damn thing," they both laugh.

"I hear you…let me get the hot link special," she replies.

"Add a slice a cake to the lovely ladies order," Theo interjects when Journey turns to enter the kitchen.

"Thanks Theo," she smiles.

"Man that is a waste of time…she is much too bougie for a regular brotha. Trust me," Tyreese admonishes.

Raquel pivots quickly with her hand on her hip, "Why I got to be all that? Is it because I have standards or because you can't meet them?" she reprimands.

Tyreese mouth falls open and Theo shakes his head. Damn…two steps forward and three steps back.

"Exactly…triflin' sorry ass," she mutters.

Journey returns with her order, "Listen, a bunch of us going over to the 'Touch of Class' later tonight. Grab Penelope…so we can shake these old hips," she chuckles.

"I'll text if I can drag Super Mom out the house." She is about to exit when she turns, "Hey Theo," she calls.

"Yeah," he responds eagerly.

"Are you going?" He has such a pretty smile.

"Should I?" he responds with a hint of flirtation.

Raquel shrugs, "Grown men usually do what they want."

"I will see you tonight," he delivers.

"I will buy you a drink," she returns and heads out the door.

Rick traps Michonne against the end of the large black sleigh bed at the furniture store with his hands on either side. He stands close enough for the heat rising from both their bodies to dance deliciously together. "My Queen...you know there is nothing I would not deny you."

She drapes her arms over his shoulders and around his neck, "Yes my King…it is one of your best qualities," she laughs.

He nods. I am so happily whipped. "We are not getting this bed."

"What?" her eyes widen in shock and her lips pout.

He pulls her bottom lip with his thumb and index finger. He lowers his voice and slows his southern drawl, "When I worship my wife in our marriage bed…when I put my tongue, teeth, lips, hands and thang on you-I need space and this over-sized foot board would be in my way." Rick runs his tongue over his pink bottom lip before tucking it between his teeth at the corner of his mouth. His eyes roam her face and body making a sexual inventory.

"Oh," she squeaks.

Without turning away from her he calls the sales person back over. "We need a California King with a headboard designed for a queen with no foot board or at least low enough for me to sit and pull off my boots," he winks at Michonne.