Hour Six

"Ohhhh!"

"Ahhhh!"

Rick wished he could take all the pain this created away from her. He knew he couldn't, but he would comfort Michonne as much as he could. But letting her squeeze his hands as tightly as she could, wiping her moistened brow and massaging her back didn't feel like enough. Lamaze classes with shared breathing exercises seemed like bullshit right now. Then finally, the needle on the machine slowed its tremble paralleling Michonne's slowing inhales and exhales. The contraction was finally passing.

"Okay, so that was a big one." Michonne panted.

"I'll go get Dr. Stevens." Rick tried to step away but she wouldn't release his hand.

"This is normal. This is the process. This is how our baby gets here."

Rick only nodded while he dapped at her forehead. The window was open again, allowing a breeze of cold air through until Michonne would decide she was suddenly freezing instead of boiling hot.

"That had to have gotten me past six centimeters."

"Only three more to go."

"Easy for you to say." Michonne tittered.

"I know, I'm sorry." Rick ran his hands through his curls. "What about some more ice chips?"

"Please, before the nurses cut me off."

He showed her the now empty pitcher. "Will you be okay? I have to go to the ice machine to get more."

"Yes. And update the family while you are out there. I know they have to be worried by now."

"Okay, but just for a minute then I'll be right back." he assured her then hastily made his exit.

But the door opened moments later and she was ready to admonish Rick, but instead Patricia appeared. Michonne was surprised to see the soon to be grandma's head in the threshold.

"Is it okay if I come in? They make an exception for grandparents." she whispered.

"Of course. I'm so glad you are here."

The older woman walked in sans cane, showing that her physical therapy had been working well. "Shane and Nora came and picked me up. They knew I didn't want to miss this."

"We still have some ways to go. I didn't want you to miss this either." Michonne smiled then looked down briefly but Patricia caught the look.

"Don't you worry. I spoke to Josephine just a few moments ago. Her and Roger are on the way."

"I just hope they can make it in time."

"No matter when they get here, they will be excited grandparents. But if they don't and you would like a substitute, then I would be glad to stand in for your mother."

"Thank you Mama Patty." Michonne's eyes shined with gratitude.

"You're more than welcome." she patted Michonne's hand.

Patty snickered. "You should see that son of mine out there."

"What's he doing?" Michonne's eyes shot to the door with concern.

She realized that Rick's mood was subdued and pensive as her pain levels increased in the passing hours. And she knew she was doing it again. Worrying over him when the situation called for it to be reversed. But she couldn't help it, seeing him dismayed made her melancholy. She knew of course labor would be difficult, to say the least but she hoped his spirits would stay high to help her along the journey.

"The ice machine isn't working so he's running through the hospital to find another one for you." Patty grinned.

"He didn't have to do that."

"When I was delivering Richard, that was back in the olden days when men didn't come in the room. My mother kept Edward up to date but he paced back and forth in the halls. Pestered the nurses and doctors about mine and the baby's condition. My room was close to the waiting area and he heard me let out a yell so loud…" Patty snickered caught in the memory.

"…he tried to get to me, but security intervened. My daddy had to take him for a walk around the hospital grounds so he could cool off. Luckily, Edward got back just as Richard was entering the world." Patty dabbed at her eyes. Michonne smiled, thankful to hear about the man she loves birth.

"This is natural when you have a loving, caring man by your side. They worry, that's their job. Richard will be okay once he knows you are okay. You need to focus on you and getting my grandbaby here safely, okay?"

"I will." Michonne smiled at the sage advice.

"Just you wait and see, Richard is going to wait hand and foot on you two. Just like his father."

The two women giggled just as the door opened and a frazzled Rick entered with not one but two pitchers in hand.

"I got enough to hold you over but I can go back whenever you want." he informed Michonne. Her and his mom exchanged looks and smirked.

"Well, I'm gonna leave you two to it." Patty gave Michonne's hand one more squeeze.

"Thanks for staying with Michonne, mama."

"Sure thing, son." she smiled with tears in her eyes before exiting the room.

Rick fed a few pieces of ice to Michonne then proceeded to fluff her pillows when a loud garbled noise echoed from his stomach. They both looked down and couldn't help but chuckle. The laughter helping to brighten the atmosphere immediately.

"You should eat."

"If you can't, I won't."

"I appreciate the solidarity but remember you have to stay strong. Plus, I had a huge plate of food right before we left for the hospital."

"That is true." Rick rubbed his flat stomach before looking at her with apprehension. "You sure? I can grab a sandwich from the food court. I know exactly where it is now."

Michonne smirked since she knew he must've found it on his ice machine quest. "Yes, go get yourself something. But in a minute, right after this…"

Her sentence falling off as she began to breath heavily. Rick reflexively grabbed her hand and breathed in the same pattern while they locked eyes.

Rick paused his actions. The carton of eggs and container of milk were the ingredients he was returning, and butter was what he was in search of. But the grainy pictures on one of the refrigerators doors always caught his attention. It didn't matter if he was simply passing by, he had to stop and marvel in wonder.

It had been a couple days since a new sharper image joined the older one. The sonogram of the distorted kidney bean in black and white shades had company. A 3D ultrasound gave almost eerie detail to his and Michonne's gestating child. Sepia tones combined to display rounded chubby cheeks and an angular nose similar to his but a tad bit wider. Rick swore the baby had heart shaped lips like its mother while Michonne pointed out the even more pronounced cleft in its chin then he had in his.

Michonne had just made twenty-eight weeks when the appointment finally arrived. A second glimpse at their baby was all they could think about until the day came. After, they sat in their parked car, memorizing every detail before Rick could manage to tear his eyes away to drive them home. Now, the picture was magnetized to the fridge for safe keeping until they'd make the drive to Josephine and Rogers place. It would be a Thanksgiving surprise for the whole family next weekend.

"Rick, don't forget the burner is on."

"Shit!" he hustled over to the stove now that he'd been jogged from his thoughts to continue his task. Pouring the batter on the griddle for his famous pancakes.

Michonne giggled. "I can only imagine how you'll behave once the baby arrives, the way you stare at the ultrasound."

"It's a good thing the university offers bonding leave. I'll take four weeks when the baby first comes home. My new teacher's assistant will take over during that time. I'll go back and finish the semester, have the summer off then use my remaining eight weeks for the fall."

"How are things working out with Aaron?" Michonne asked as Rick brought her a cup of tea.

"He's better than I expected. He's been on some missions in Africa, Asia and Europe. I think his firsthand knowledge helps him adapt the history lessons well." he sipped the coffee he still got to enjoy.

"Good, so you won't have to worry while you are away."

Michonne loved to watch her man cook for her. His chest bare since he didn't have to worry about any oil popping as she just requested his fluffy creations this morning. His back muscles flexed when he skillfully flipped the pancakes without use of a spatula. Showing off for her all while his pajama pants sat so low that they invoked a different hunger in her. But the baby's abrupt kick reminded her to stay focused until it was fed.

Rick took a plate out of the warmer just as his phone chimed on the counter. He glanced at it and exhaled, placing it down to continue plating his fiancée's meal.

"Let me guess. Glenn?" Michonne muttered.

"Yeah, I'll catch up with him later."

Michonne sighed. "You had Glenn and Maggie so scared to tell us. You know that right?"

"Me?" Rick motioned to his chest with both hands.

"Yes, you. You should've heard him when he called me. He was stumbling over his words trying to explain how it happened." Michonne tried to hold back her grin before blowing her tea to cool it so she could take a sip, keeping her eye on Rick's face.

"Well…I don't know why." he shrugged after presenting her plate.

Michonne stared amusedly but also incredulously at Rick's nonchalant face. "He thought they were skipping us."

"They kind of did." Rick huffed as he began to clean the kitchen making Michonne titter.

"Maggie took the phone from him so she could apologize to me too."

"You have to admit, it did come out of nowhere." Rick tapped his leg, showing his thinly veiled annoyance.

"Maybe, but Las Vegas marriages usually do come out of nowhere." she snickered.

"I guess." Rick pinched the bridge of his nose, letting her know his frustrations were nearing an all-time high so she spoke gently.

"We should cut them some slack. It was spontaneous…" Rick opened his mouth but she kept going "…there was an Elvis impersonator."

Rick nodded and they both snickered. "There was."

"And if I said let's do it today, you'd jump at the chance."

Rick smirked and moseyed over. "I would."

"Besides we talked about this. I didn't want to struggle through dress fittings with this ever emerging beach ball." she gestured to her stomach that would soon have her sitting sideways in her seat to be able to reach the table.

"You are still just as beautiful as the day I met you. You always will be." he leaned down to softly kiss her lips. "As soon as the baby is born, we need to start planning again."

Michonne grinned. "How about we ease into parenthood first? We have time."

"No, we won't."

"Why not?" Michonne raised an eyebrow.

"Dr. Stevens said we have to wait six weeks after, then we'll be back at. So I'm figuring the next baby will be right around the corner." Rick winked.

Michonne burst out laughing at his slick planning. "Rick."

"Only if it's something you wanted." he raised his hands yielding the power to her.

"Get me the syrup, Sir."

"Yes, Ma'am."

He did as he was told and sat next to her as she dug into her food. He always enjoyed the moans of appreciation she emitted whenever he cooked for her. He twisted one of her locs around his finger as he took in the sight of his family being taken care of by him.

"Aren't you going to eat with me?"

"Naw, my stomach still gets a bit queasy if I eat first thing. It's okay, have your breakfast."

Michonne made a sad face at him before her expression shifted. "I can see your pajamas are hanging unusually low lately."

Rick heated when she ran a finger across the top of the elastic band of his pants so she tickled his lower ab muscles. He bit his lip for clarity and he shifted away, leaving Michonne to chortle.

"Don't start that. We are talking about stuff and things."

She continued to snicker as she returned her attention to her meal. "Sorry, go ahead."

"But you are right. We don't have to get it done tomorrow. We can take our time. I can give you more time if you need it."

Michonne stopped her fork before she could take her next bite and turned to him. "I don't need more time. I just want it to be perfect for you."

"For me? I want it to be perfect for you." Rick stared deeply into her eyes before she gently held his cheek.

"For us."

"For us."

Rick pulled Michonne's lips to his for a gentle kiss that was only sweetened by the taste of maple. They tenderly sucked at the others lips until Michonne suddenly pulled away. Rick could see the lightbulb go off above her head.

"What is it?"

"Nora had the perfect idea in Hilton Head. We get a wedding planner. It solves two issues for us, the planning. Plus, our mother's suggestions get shunted onto a paid professional."

Rick beamed. "Remind me to find out what Nora likes so I can buy her a gift. See, I knew she was my favorite of your cousins."

Michonne's jaw dropped open before she laughed so hard that Rick couldn't help but to join in. "Don't let Ty hear that."

"I don't even care. He didn't suggest this. You think Nora is willing to be my best man?" Rick and Michonne laughed so hard that tears sprang from both their eyes.

Michonne's whole body felt loose from the tenderizing rubdown. She had officially entered the uncomfortable stage of pregnancy. Her feet would swell and her back ached if she stood for too long. Not to mention her waddle was epic even though her balance was somehow still maintained. Her due date had come days ago and no baby was in sight. The books all say two weeks before or two weeks after but she'd hoped for the prior. A trip to Dr. Stevens office informed her she was only one centimeter dilated to her dismay. This baby wasn't ready to come out of its cozy womb just yet.

When Rick saw her increased discomfort, he suggested a trip to the spa. He'd heard about prenatal massages in all his research and he thought it would be a great idea to help. Michonne insisted he sign up for a treatment as well so they could make a day out of it. They'd enjoyed facials, manicures and pedicures together before she was whisked away for her bodywork. Rick deciding to visit the sauna or Jacuzzi since she couldn't partake.

Cucumbers over her eyes in a dim private room with light jazz playing was Michonne's setting now. The masseuse promised to find her fiancé and send him in. In the meantime, she relaxed on a heated leather recliner with her feet up, tranquil. When the door opened, she didn't bother to move since the footfalls, even in slippers, were a tune she knew all too well.

"I almost don't want to disturb you." Rick whispered before pressing his lips to hers. "But I missed you both."

Michonne removed her vegetable eye mask and weaved her fingers into his curls to kiss him again. "We missed you too."

When she released him, he took a seat on the lounger next to her. She had to take a deep inhale to calm her raging hormones before she could speak.

"I have to call Glenn and Maggie and thank them tomorrow."

"Yeah, me too. I guess that means you enjoyed your massage?"

"I did. This was a great suggestion, baby."

"Yeah, it was the perfect time to cash in that spa day Glenn bought out of guilt."

Michonne chuckled. "Be nice, that was November of last year."

"I know, I know. All is forgiven."

Michonne side eyed him to see a grin playing at his lips.

"Well, mostly."

They both laid there in comfortable silence before Rick timidly interrupted it. "I spoke to Jacqui. Just, just now."

Michonne giggled and sighed. "You were supposed to be relaxing while I got my prenatal massage."

"I know, but she called and I wanted to make sure everything was going according to plan. You know, just get an update."

"Fine…" Michonne grinned. "…what did she say?"

"Everything's a go for an autumn wedding."

"Is she sure we can get everything together by then?"

"Yep, it's mostly done from what she's saying. We already booked the location, sent out save the dates and gave the decorator and florist our style choices."

"Hired caterers much to my mother and aunts chagrin." Michonne exhaled deeply.

"No, take another breath and remember Nora's wise words. That's for the wedding planner to deal with."

The couple laughed together. "You are right. My Dad said when Jacqui came to collect his check, she even went over some things with them while she was there."

"Yeah, she met with my mother too. She's worth every penny she's being paid." they snickered.

"So what was the update?"

"She's created our website even though I didn't know that was a thing." Rick shook his head in disbelief making Michonne giggle. "And the photographer and the DJ we liked are secured."

"Good, I loved her demo. We need to send her our song requests soon." Michonne wiggled happily in her seat.

"I'm gonna have to practice my electric and cha-cha slides." Rick teased and she nodded.

"Once I get back in shape, I will start dress shopping with my side of the wedding party. While you still have to figure out who your best man is. Tyreese and Shane are vying for the spot next to the famous Rick Grimes."

"Aww shit, don't you start that."

Michonne loved that she could make Rick giggle as she watched his cheeks turn red. She knew the color was rushing down him. His fluffy red robe was tied tightly but it still gaped open at the top so she could get a glimpse of his light chest hair. Darker hairs were present on his legs leading her eyes down his strong shins and calves.

"I'm so glad you remembered to bring our robes because I completely forgot."

Rick heard the breathy tone of Michonne's voice. "Me too."

He looks her over in her blue robe. Even in the faint light, her skin glowed. She looked so refreshed and above all, blissful. Her mind and body were at peace, but he yearned to increase that feeling for her. He got out of his seat and sauntered over to gaze at her beautiful face. Michonne looked at him just as adoringly before he leaned down to capture her lips.

A soft moan emanated from her as Rick's hand traced its way down her jaw to her neck. Her chest was next before he finally slipped inside of her robe. He gently circled one of her nipples with the tips of his fingers, making her breath catch.

"If I was still flexible, I'd let you take me right here."

"If I wasn't worried a staff member would walk in, I still would find a way."

Michonne hissed from his threat, wanting to put him to the test but she resisted.

"What about I get you home and put you to bed?"

"That sounds perfect."

Rick grabbed their clothes from the locker and dressed quickly. He helped Michonne finish putting her clothes on even with it making him waver in his decision to depart before they could be satisfied. He took her hand and guided her through the halls towards the front desk. Michonne wasn't surprised to learn that he'd already tipped the staff while she waited for him to return with the car.

Once she was inside the vehicle, the journey home was wrought with expectation. Rick's hand would momentarily leave the steering wheel to squeeze her thigh. Michonne was sure the relaxation day had intensified her already delicate balance of sensitivity. Because even a glimpse at her with that knowing look on his face was making her wet.

Diligence was at an all-time high for Rick now that he transported his pregnant fiancée most days. Yet every stop light was a chance for him to lean over and kiss her. To tell her how beautiful she was. To get a preview with a tender touch of her body. But he had to admit he was tempted to pull over somewhere desolate whenever she weaved her fingers in the curls at the nape of his neck. The love and passion that she expressed in an action that was so simple was something she probably couldn't completely fathom.

When they finally pulled up to their home, he jogged around the SUV to help her out. Once inside the house, they couldn't help but to partake in a passionate kiss in the entryway. Their hands groping at each other's bodies, demonstrating the ride home hadn't extinguished any of the fire.

Michonne's breath became a bit heavy as she struggled her way, with assistance up the staircase to their bedroom. She giggled at the new amount of effort it took her to do such menial tasks nowadays. She was thankful that Rick helped her to the bed then removed her boots while she slipped off her coat and scarf.

"Just give me a minute to catch my breath." she smirked as she sat.

"I'll just go hang up our coats and put our boots away."

"Could you bring me a glass of water too?"

"Sure thing."

Rick pecked her lips before gathering her items. He hustled his way back downstairs while shaking his Carhartt coat off. He hung the outerwear on the designated hooks, pulling off his boots before he went to the kitchen. He grabbed a cold bottle of water from the fridge then hastily took the steps two by two to get back upstairs.

"Chonne, here's your-"

Rick chuckled to himself as he entered the bedroom. A now underwear clad Michonne was laid on her side in the center of the bed, curled up in a ball. Yes, Rick's libido was frustrated but he was also amused and contented. He knew the pregnancy had been wearing the woman he loved out. She was pushing it and he knew it so he tried as hard as he could to provide her with the care and comfort she deserved.

He undressed as quietly as he could as to not disturb her slumber. Tiptoed to the linen closet and grabbed a spare comforter. Then gently laid it over Michonne before easing his body onto the bed. Becoming the big spoon to her little one as he cuddled up behind her. She softly mumbled something unintelligible in her sleep after he switched off the lights. Rick shifted her locs away from her face and pressed his lips behind her ear. He gently placed his hand on her belly, letting him know that both the people he loved most were right here with him.