Hour Ten

"If I told you to go fight all the doctors right now, you would, wouldn't you?" Michonne panted as the perspiration trickled down her neck.

"You know I would but...I'm thinking we might need at least one for this."

Michonne couldn't help it, she laughed in spite of the pain. The little rise at the corner of Rick's lip from his hesitant joke made her smile.

"I guess."

Rick wanted to take her mind off the thoughts of the next impending contraction as much as possible. "Can you believe they are all still camped out there? Damn near taking up all seats in the waiting room."

Michonne smiled. "I can."

Rick rubbed his brow as he stood next to her bed. "They are all tired. Half of them are asleep and the other half is nodding off."

"You're the glue."

"The what? Are you feeling okay? Well, other than the obvious." he checked her head for a temperature making her chuckle.

Michonne took Rick's hand and interlocked their fingers, usually a sign the next one was about to hit. He readied himself for the contraction but it didn't come. Instead Michonne looked adoringly in his blue eyes.

"Abe, Shane, Morgan and even my own cousin Tyreese see it. You brought us all together. The fact that you don't even realize what you've done, it's one of your most endearing qualities. You can be so commanding and self-assertive one minute then nervous and humble the ne-"

Michonne's eyes squeezed shut and huffing breaths escaped her mouth. Rick's hand was being crushed as she went through this ongoing wave. It was a mild discomfort compared to what his love was going through so he bared it for her without question. Michonne eventually released his hand and held on to the cold plastic guard rails, pressing her back into the pillows with her knees still bent. Rick quickly dabbed at her forehead and neck to soothe her as much as he could.

"I don't know how you or any of them can think that I'm the glue. Look at everything you are doing for me. For us. You are bringing forth a life that will connect both sides of our families forever. It's you Chonne." Michonne's eyes welled up and Rick leaned in to tenderly kiss her forehead.

"I may have kept my friends together for years but, once you came along I knew there could be something greater. Your family welcomed us in when they didn't have to. And I know my mama is a lot and don't even start on Shane."

Michonne burst out laughing, just as another agonizing surge hit but Rick was quick to react. Having her follow his panting breaths as he took her hands in his. She pressed her back further into the pillow after the pain ceased, trying to take in this moment of respite before the next one would come. Just then the door to her room opened. Dr. Stevens and a spectacled nurse entered with optimistic smiles on their faces.

Without looking back at the new entries to the room, Rick smirked at Michonne. "Say when." she giggled at their inside joke.

"I'm glad to see you in good spirits. Rick here must be doing a good job since you haven't kicked him out even once." Dr. Stevens teased.

"I try." he grinned as he made space for the professionals to work.

"Michonne, you seem to be moving right along nicely from your charts. It's time to check how far you've dilated in the last couple of hours." Dr. Stevens cheerfully announced as she washed her hands then gloved up.

"This has to be it, right?" she pled as Rick assisted the nurse in raising Michonne's legs into the stirrups. He came back to hold Michonne's hand as the doctor pulled her stool into position.

"Let's see."

Anxiety was clear on their faces as they waited. The contractions had gotten so close in the last hour. Rick wasn't sure how much more of this Michonne could take. Then the doctor finally came up with an even bigger smile on her face.

"I hope you are ready to push because you are ten centimeters."

"It's time?" Rick disbelievingly asked.

"This is it?" Michonne sighed with relief that she was almost to the finish line.

"Yes, Nurse Cloyd prepare for the birth."

"I can't believe all our parents just left us here and ran off to the casino." Connie snickered while she ate a slice of homemade pie that Rick prepared from scratch.

"I just want to apologize for the bad influence my mother has been." Rick offered making everyone laugh.

"Oh don't worry, they were just as bad before Mama Patty came along." Ty offered as Sasha and Abe walked back into the living room with drinks in the latter's hand.

"Who are we talking about?" Sasha asked.

"Our parents." Michonne responded from her lounging seat between Rick's legs on the couch.

"Oh, they are right." Sasha snickered making everyone join in.

"Hey, why are we hanging out over here when we could go to Ty's place?" Daryl asked unexpectedly.

"Because this is where all the food is." Michonne joked as she rubbed her belly.

"Tyreese said he has a sweet grill. We could barbeque up some steaks. Make some veggie skewers for my girl." Shane hugged Nora tighter to him even though she already sat on his lap.

Rick smiled at his childhood friend being added to the Christmas holiday tradition. It was Shane's first voyage to Michonne's parents home since he couldn't make it for Thanksgiving. Nora wanted him here and he was lucky enough to trade shifts with another deputy to get the time off. They had even decided to stay in the same hotel as Rick and Michonne.

Michonne was happy for Nora also since Shane and the family continued to get along after their initial meeting during the 4th of July trip. She was joyful for all of her cousins really. They all sat around with their significant others, celebrating the holiday season. Tyreese had been feeling like the odd man out and he seemed to be progressing well with Stephanie. The Kwanzaa festivities had gone off without a hitch and they'd continue to spend time with one another until departing after bringing in the New Year, as per tradition.

"I've got more of that moonshine." Daryl offered and the guys all blanched. "What?"

"I need to be around for this baby, you know that right?" Rick teased and they chuckled.

"It wasn't that bad."

"That stuff managed to kick right back up into my ass." Everyone, including Sasha, wore looks of confusion before laughing at Abraham's ability to say things in the oddest yet most satisfying ways. "But if you got more of that whiskey, I'm sure as shit ready to go. What do you say, Darling?"

"I'm game." Sasha blushed.

"Steph!" Tyreese bellowed as he began to walk in the kitchen to retrieve her. "Everyone wants to head to my place."

"Wait, so we are really doing this?" Michonne playfully groaned.

"I guess so." Rick kissed her cheek.

"Okay, somebody help me up."

Daryl and Shane took hold of her hands and heaved her up to standing and she thanked them. Once Rick stood, he whispered in her ear. "You sure? If you aren't up for this, we can always stay behind."

"No, I want to go. The semester is over and I will be stuck in the house mostly while I'm on leave so I want to suck as much as possible in."

"Okay, I'll go get our coats." Rick grinned.

Stephanie was chugging her drink as she was being hustled out of the kitchen by Ty. Everyone tidied up a bit then threw on their coats heading for the front door.

"Are you going to make it to Ty's house without a bathroom break?" Connie smirked at Michonne so she stuck her tongue out at her then she paused for a moment.

"Damn, I should go before we leave." she realized.

"No worries, we'll meet you there. You have to be the last one out anyway, to lock up." Connie stated before she wrapped her scarf around her neck.

"Okay, we'll catch up with you guys there." Rick nodded as he watched them all hustle out of the house while Michonne went to the half bathroom.

Once she was done, they put on their winter gear and locked up. Rick drove while Michonne relaxed on the way to her older cousin's house. After a little while driving when they were close to their destination, Rick's phone rang through the car's speakers interrupting their music.

"Hey, change of plans. There's this great place we are going to go to instead." Michonne's face scrunched in confusion at her cousin's declaration.

"Uh, what's the address?" Rick spoke to the hands-free device.

"I sent it to Michonne's phone. It'll be no trouble at all. It's right up the road from my place."

"But we were just going to have a nice evening in at your place?" Michonne questioned.

"Yeah, but we thought about the no food thing. And you were right Cuz, as usual. I don't really wanna cook after all." he explained before Stephanie's voice came through the speaker.

"You'll love it Michonne. They have nice comfy sofas, good music and the atmosphere is right."

"Oh okay, we'll be there soon."

The call disconnected and Michonne gave Rick the new directions.

"It'll be fine. You did say you wanted to soak in all these moments before you are essentially locked in the house." Rick shrugged.

"Yeah, it is fun being spontaneous with a big group." she grinned.

"How about once the baby arrives…we can take my mom up on her babysitting offers and do this more often?"

"That sounds like a great plan."

Rick pulled into the outdoor parking lot and found a space near the front. He came around to help Michonne out as per always, then they walked down the sidewalk at the outdoor strip mall. They passed tall glassed in windows with long curtains that blocked them from seeing inside before getting to the entrance. Rick pulled the door open so they could both step in.

"Surprise!"

Michonne placed a protective hand on her stomach out of instinct and Rick was moving to get ahead of her protectively before realizing exactly what was happening. She pivoted to see him relaxing from his ready to fight stance, his face just as astounded as hers. They quickly reassessed when the family members all waved them in further. Josephine and Patricia stepped forward, taking their hands and leading them inside.

"Welcome to your baby shower!" Jo kissed her daughter's cheeks that were now streaming with an outburst of tears.

"How?"

"No other way to get you somewhere for it to be a surprise without you knowing. It had to be during this trip so you wouldn't be suspicious." Josephine hugged her daughter tightly.

Rick hadn't let go of Michonne's hand as they walked but he needed to wipe the tears from his own eyes. His mother reached up and dabbed at his cheeks while her own blue eyes were full. "I know you were probably complaining about me going to gamble again, Richard."

Rick snickered. "We really pulled the wool over your eyes on this one?" his mother asked.

The couple looked at one another and nodded gleefully. "You did. Thank you Mama and Mama Jo."

"A lot of your friends are here too." Josephine motioned.

Rick and Michonne looked to see Morgan, Jenny, Glenn and Maggie were there, waving and clapping for them as they made their entrance.

"Did you know?" Roger walked over to hug both of them.

"No, Pops. We were completely caught off guard." Rick responded, trying to get himself together while Michonne embraced her father.

Tyreese's baritone laugh could be heard above the applause. "You two don't know how much I was sweating, hoping this plan worked."

"I was about to tell Rick to just turn around and take me back to the hotel." Michonne laughed before hugging her older cousin.

"We are glad you didn't." Stephanie smiled and hugged her and Rick as well.

Michonne and Rick hugged friends, family and even people they didn't recognize as they were ushered further inside. The restaurant had obviously been rented out for the evening and was beautifully decorated in peach and mint. Accents of gold and cream were added in to offset the original color scheme. A huge cream backdrop with 'Michonne and Rick's Baby Shower' written in gold script was highlighted with a grand balloon arch of varying sizes that swept to the floor. A peach tablecloth covered the main table that held the usual decor for a party but also included flowers, candles, and little glass animal figurines.

Michonne's eyes welled up again when Rick pointed out the fabric draped tables overflowing with wrapped, bagged and boxed presents. They advanced to a cream fluffy loveseat that was obviously meant for them. They hugged and kissed each other before turning to face the audience.

"I don't even know what to say." Rick dabbed at his eyes before taking the woman by his sides hand tightly in his.

"When I first met Michonne, I knew she was extraordinary but I had no idea she was leading me to all of this. I am so eternally grateful to her." the crowd awed snapping pictures while Michonne stared at him lovingly.

"Thank you all so much for doing this for us." Rick beamed still unbelievingly at the turn of events.

"I was wondering if I was going to have to ask for a baby shower." everyone laughed at Michonne's teasing, including Rick.

"I'm so happy you are all here to celebrate this little miracle." she rubbed her belly tenderly. "The first of hopefully, many."

"I can't wait!" Mama Patty couldn't help but add while wiping her own tears and Michonne's parents playfully side eyed her. "We can't wait!" she corrected and they chuckled.

"Neither can we." Michonne locked eyes with Rick seemingly caught up in an enchantment before remembering their audience. "But thank you. I just wish I wasn't wearing these leggings and sweatshirt."

"I think we have just the thing for that." Sasha stepped forward with a black garment bag. Connie and Nora joined her too with another smaller bag.

Glenn smiled and walked up to Rick with a bag of his own. "I hope you like this. I picked it out."

Rick unzipped the bag partially to see a freshly ironed, cream button up shirt that was very similar to one he already owned. "This is nice, thanks Glenn."

"DJ, throw on some tunes while we go get them ready." Shane announced. "Everyone enjoy!"

A sweets table with peach and green decorated cupcakes, matching the candies and other confections displayed in glass canisters was another touch they witnessed while being whisked to the back. A small room was what the women entered, pulling the couple apart momentarily while Rick was taken to a large private bathroom to change in. He laughed when Shane handed him a pair of his favorite black jeans he'd been looking for days.

"So you stole these from my house?"

"Borrowed, brother. Borrowed." Shane grinned.

"We figured you'd be wearing your trusty boots so we had to pull this look together somehow." Glenn chuckled.

Meanwhile, Michonne opened her garment bag to see a beautiful flowy cream empire waist dress. "You guys didn't have to do this." she ran her fingers over the light material before turning to her cousins.

"You deserve it." Connie grinned. "And here, for your feet."

Michonne giggled at the box of brand new cream Converse slip-ons. "I hope the dress fits."

"The waist is stretchy plus Nora got a glance of the tags on the dresses you've been wearing lately." Sasha explained.

"Wait. Did you steal a pair of Rick's jeans, by chance?"

"Shane stole a pair of Rick's jeans when we came over last week." Nora confessed and they all laughed.

"Rick was driving me crazy looking for those. I have to admit I did miss them too. They accent his legs perfectly." Michonne got a starry look in her eyes.

"See, that's why you are in this position now." Sasha snickered.

"Let's get you dressed." Connie grinned.

"Ethereal."

When Rick set his eyes on the love of his life that's the first thought that came to mind. He couldn't help but to be transported to reveries of the way she'd look when they'd finally marry. In just the few minutes they were apart, her cousins had transformed her into a goddess. Her locs were back and to the side in some sort of chignon with a sparkly cream headband as her crown. Her dress was flowing and gracefully displayed that she was full with their growing child. He chuckled when she stopped, lifting a foot from under the material to show him that she wore crisp, comfy sneakers.

Her waddle became a gentle sway as she approached. And Rick strode to meet her more than halfway, still in awe of her regal beauty. Yet her eyes gleamed at his appearance. He was warmed by the marvel in her eyes even though he was just wearing a basic outfit. But her observation had him feeling like he was the sharpest dressed man in any room.

Arriving to stand in front of their seats gave Michonne a chance to dotingly run her fingers through his curls. She always loved when they were full and bouncy above the nape of his neck. She could tell he'd toyed with them while getting dressed. Her hands crept down the collar of his shirt to run down his chest. Their eyes still locked in an intimate exhibition of devotion as the party goers clapped for them.

"Please don't move." a photographer appeared and began to snap away.

After a minute, Rick couldn't resist and he leaned down to get a feel of those heart shaped lips against his. Soft, pillowy and inviting was the pull that he couldn't, wouldn't fight against. Michonne's palm holding his cheek only invited him to slide a hand to her neck. The sounds of the cameras click, their friends and family cheering and applauding only would have egged them on. But suddenly, the little jubilant interloper began their custom of somersaulting, making them pull apart to laugh joyfully.

Michonne didn't try to calm the baby's movement, just placed a hand to relay how happy they all were in this perfect moment. Then Rick kneeled in front of her, rubbing her stomach, still awestruck by this miracle. He smiled up at Michonne who amorously watched him before pressing his lips to the body that was carrying his child.

"We love you too, Watermelon."

The party was in full swing as the DJ kept up the jovial mood with his choice of tunes and requests. Noah and Kelly lived on the dance floor, even inspiring the elders to get out there and shake a leg. Guests ate plates of delicious food and enjoyed cocktails from the open bar. Rick and Michonne made their rounds through the hall and she introduced him to people she hadn't seen in years. Rick even had some people that ventured to South Carolina for this event including his mother's friends, the Neudermeyers. Rick and Michonne thanked guests for all the presents but mostly for coming to experience this amazing day with them.

The women got a good laugh out of Daryl, Abraham, Glenn and the others eating baby food out of diapers to discern what the flavor was. Morgan had a leg up, being a new dad himself and of course won the competition.

"Are you and Glenn thinking about having kids? I mean no pressure." Michonne asked while she watched Rick and the other men line up for the next game they were to play.

"Our marriage was so quick that we kind of wanted to settle in first, but now that I'm seeing all this. And talking to Jenny, I'm thinking maybe it is time. Who wouldn't want to have a child grow up with all this love?" Maggie sighed as she looked at the new people that were family to her since meeting Glenn.

"That's true." Michonne smiled.

"Play dates, backyard barbeques and not to mention, lots of potential babysitters." they both laughed. "Glenn told me we were building something. I just didn't know how big."

"How exactly do we get the baby out of the ice?" they heard Glenn exclaim after the objectives for the next game were announced.

Shane smirked. "See, you are gonna have to use your tongue. You must know how to do that since Maggie married you so fast."

They all fought to hold in their snickers, except Glenn who kept his face stern before stepping closer to his friend and muttering. "I have her reaching for shit that aint even there, asshole."

All the men burst out laughing while Glenn wore a cocky grin and winked at his wife. Maggie turned red, covering her face but also laughed.

"That's my boy, right there!" Shane patted his back in a rough congratulatory fashion then turned back to the event planner and host, Barbara.

"Who came up with this game?" Rick asked.

"This my friend, is some damn fine, genuine outside the box thinking right here…" Abe pivoted to Sasha who giggled after coming to stand next to Michonne "I'm sure it was my Darling over there."

Connie and the other women looked at her. "Did you?"

Sasha devilishly shrugged, making them all laugh while Barbara counted down for the start of the activity. The ladies all stood by watching their men lick and suck on the ice cube, trying to free the brown plastic baby trapped in the center. The varying techniques that required only the use of their mouths and hands for the challenge had their temperatures rising steadily.

"Sasha is an architect." Connie signed, not looking away from Daryl's mouth working his ice down.

The crowd laughed and cheered them on. Tyreese had popped the whole square in his mouth and Stephanie stood up to shout for him. Glenn had what seemed like a lead as he tried to grasp the toy from the ice but Morgan displayed he had half his ice dissolved and Jenny egged him on. The men all looked at one another as they worked, making them stop to laugh several times. The whole scene was hilarious and chaotic.

"Done!" Rick shouted as he presented his baby to the audience. The players whined and griped, trying to get a look to see if he was really telling the truth. But Rick took his baby to Barbara.

"We have a winner!" she announced on the microphone and everyone applauded as Rick jogged around the room, celebrating his victory.

"I told you Sash, my hormones are out of control during this pregnancy. Why would you do this to me?" Michonne squirmed in her seat making them laugh until Rick arrived.

"Did you see that?" he smiled like the Cheshire cat.

"You know I did, Professor." Michonne looked him over salaciously and Rick returned the look.

"Later." he promised and Michonne fanned herself while her cousins and friends laughed and playfully rolled their eyes.

"Next game is for everyone except the expecting parents. Guess Who, Mommy or Daddy?" Barbara stated as she passed sheets of paper out. "Whoever gets the most question right first wins the grand prize. I have prizes for the next nine people also, so time is of the essence."

"But I've only known them for a few months." Stephanie sighed.

"That's okay baby, you can copy off my sheet." Ty grinned at her before Shane jumped in.

"No cheating! No couples can sit together." Everyone laughed and separated.

The event planner called the start and everyone started to scurry through their questionnaire. Rick came to sit next to Michonne, kissing her forehead as the guests competitively worked.

"This is amazing, right?" Michonne beamed, looking at the packed restaurant.

"It is." Rick took her hand, kissing her knuckles before their closest friends started to pop up, racing their quizzes to Barbara. She collected all the sheets that were turned in in order then returned to the mic. She came over to stand next to Michonne and Rick.

"Some of these questions will need the expectant couple's answers for verification. Josephine, Mary, Beverly and Patricia will help us grade them."

"Made the first move?"

Before Rick or Michonne could even open their mouths to answer their closest friends and family shouted. "Rick!"

Rick laughed so hard his face turned red and his eyes watered. More questions were read with either of them chiming in the answer and the crowd clapped whenever they got one right or sighing when they got one incorrect.

"First to admit they are wrong."

"That's definitely me." Rick smirked at Michonne.

"That's because I'm never wrong."

"And you'd be right about that." Rick peeked her lips and everyone rolled their eyes and made gagging sounds, especially her cousins.

"Next!" Noah shouted.

"Better in the kitchen."

"Rick!" everyone shouted again.

"I can cook ya'll." Michonne glared at everyone before giggling.

"Will be the disciplinarian."

"Michonne. This kid will run rings around me." Rick palmed his face.

"The better driver."

"Me." both Rick and Michonne stated then turned in their seat to stare at one another making everyone laugh.

"Who's needed the other one to come rescue them while driving before?"

Michonne jaw dropped. "Wow, you get stuck in the mud once and that makes you a bad driver."

"It could happen to anyone but I'm just saying." Rick shrugged.

"You like my driving any other time." Michonne coyly looked him over before finding his eyes.

"Naw, don't start that now!" Kelly exhaled.

"Box of hamsters." Mama Patty, Glenn and Daryl stated simultaneously, making everyone burst out laughing.

"And the grand prize winner is…" the crowd patted their legs to create a drumroll. "Nora!"

Everyone's faces scrunched up in surprise as Nora danced her way over to collect her bottle of champagne.

"Michonne's my cousin and Rick's my boyfriend's best friend. Who did you think would win?" she playfully taunted.

Shane rushed over, picking Nora up and spun her in a circle before he put her back on her feet to kiss her. "You damn right baby. This is my woman!"

"We have Mama Patty to blame for that." Michonne whispered to Rick.

"I know but he is the happiest I've ever seen him. That's gotta count for something."

"It does. And getting to witness all of this." Michonne delightfully sighed, looking at everyone enjoying the party.

Rick was still astounded, knowing that all who came were there to celebrate their child's nearing arrival to this world. He caressed Michonne's stomach and they shared a tender kiss.

"Time for presents!"

Michonne looked over at Rick as he slept soundly. She had to admit she wanted to be exasperated but the level of serenity he seemed to be experiencing was what she sought. During this pregnancy, she normally slept like the dead, but tonight the baby was kicking the shit out of her. She tried massaging her stomach to soothe the baby and switching positions, but nothing was working. She glanced at her phone to see exactly how late or early it was. 4:12am. She sighed and decided to just get up instead of staring at the ceiling.

She attempted to ease out of bed as carefully as she could to not wake Rick. He had to be up in a couple hours to get ready for work and she wanted him to get his rest. Her new development made it a bit of work, but she successfully made it up. She paused as Rick grumbled in his sleep but his breathing returned to a restful pattern. She grabbed her robe to cover up the cotton bralette and shorts she'd wore as pajamas and exited their bedroom.

Michonne didn't know what her destination was as she waddled down the hall. She thought of going downstairs for a snack, thinking the baby may be hungry, but an open door caught her eye. It always garnered her attention, no matter what her plans were. She'd been in the room every day since Rick revealed it to her after all his hard work was complete. She stepped into the room, freshly painted peach to match the baby shower colors. Her mother had picked it and the mint green as a nod to the Georgia state fruit and she decided it was fitting.

Michonne's eyes were always drawn to the framed picture that was a focal point. Seeing how much her body had grown to accommodate the product of her and Rick's love was astounding. Rick on one knee, in front of her, adoringly kissing her stomach while she lovingly gazed down at him. The photographer captured the moment at the shower and her parents had it printed and placed in a 30x40 inch gold frame.

Viewing all the amazing items that would be necessities soon, now in place made her heart expand. A washed natural wooden crib was assembled. Matching dresser and bureau were full to the brim with tiny clothes. Diapers piled high with size increases stored for the future in the closet. Cream patterned blackout and sheer curtains hung in the windows so light could come in, but be blocked out when the baby slept. A cushioned rocking chair that Michonne wouldn't dare trying to sit in now was placed near a shaded lamp. On the side of it was a rattan storage table and the other was one of the large handmade Geechee baskets Rick had purchased for her on Hilton Head Island.

Michonne strolled through the room, looking at all the stuffed animals, books and toys, stopping in front of the changing table. She especially loved the wall behind it. Rick had hired one of her students, Iris to paint a mural of animals in vibrant colors. Something extra for the baby to view along with the twirling mobile. Michonne was so shocked at Rick being able to pull this off with her home from work. He explained that Iris worked out a schedule of availability and he'd get Michonne out then. Once they left the house, he'd remotely unlock the door so the young women could get in over a few days to sketch, draw then paint her design.

The eager couple couldn't wait for the baby to arrive but, Michonne couldn't wait for her dexterity to return as well. She was almost two weeks past her due date and a call earlier from Dr. Stevens let her know that if she didn't begin real contractions instead of just Braxton hicks she would have to be induced. She deeply sighed at the prospect that could bring for her labor, delivery and the baby. Not to mention her recovery and ability to care for her child after.

She rubbed her belly as she moved around the room. "I'm rushing you and I haven't even figured out what your name will be."

"Maybe I should've just let your grand mamas fight it out." she giggled. "Can you believe they were going to play a hand of cards to see which one of them got to name you? Good thing your daddy talked some sense into them. But I have to admit, that would have been funny. I can only imagine the names they would come up with."

Michonne did a few circles since walking was recommended to encourage labor, but the baby slowed and seemed to be relaxing. "Hey, I know it's got to be cozy in there, but it really is time for you to come out."

"I can't wait to meet you and your daddy has grown so excited, but also impatient."

"I am."

Michonne looked up when she heard the groggy voice in the doorway. Rick grinned, taken by the beauty of her in the moonlight, rubbing her stomach with both hands.

"I'm sorry, I was eavesdropping."

"I tried not to wake you." she whispered.

"You didn't. I reached over and you two were gone. You know I miss you when you aren't in the bed with me." he sauntered over in his shorts with his chest bare.

He kissed her lips softly. "And besides, I need to get used to getting up whenever the baby needs me in the middle of the night. It won't be all on you."

"Oh, I know." Michonne grinned and rubbed his chest, prompting him lean in to peck her lips again.

"Is what Dr. Stevens said today what's got you up?" he tucked one of her locs away from her face, back into her ponytail so he could read her expression.

"I don't know, maybe I was transferring my nervous energy onto the baby."

Rick looked at her with concern. "You sure you still wanna have company tomorrow?"

"Yes, I need a bit of a distraction."

"Okay." he kissed her lips once more.

"I was a little anxious and this one…" she looked down and smirked. "…didn't want to sleep but suddenly it's their bed time."

Rick looked out the window realizing the sun would be up soon then back to Michonne. "You know you missed one more thing that can help bring on labor."

Michonne saw the twinkle in his blue eyes in the moonlit room. Her hand raised to run across his stumble as she coyly grinned back at him. "What would that be?"

"Distraction." he stated and she giggled. "Yeah, let me show you. It's your bedtime also."

Rick took Michonne's hand and lead her back to their bedroom. Stopping in front of the bed, he immediately leaned in to suck on her lips. Michonne could feel her body responding quickly as his hands creep up her sides. Their kiss grew more passionate when tongues got involved and hands started to explore. Michonne slid a hand down past the elastic band of his shorts taking hold of his thickness, so it continued to expand in her greedy hand. A groan had to escape Rick's mouth so he reluctantly pulled away. In its place, he began to kiss and lick his way to her earlobe.

"If this works, then this might be the last time we get to do this for a few weeks…" his breathing was harsh as he whispered.

"We should make the most of it." Michonne pulled his lips back to her, recognizing he was correct and she needed to get her fill.

Her full breasts were in his hands as he carefully caressed them through the material of her bralette. But he needed to taste the sweetness so he kissed his way down her chest before revealing her taut nipples. His tongue slowly laved at the dark brown skin before gently sucking. Michonne kept her fingers in his hair as he graciously switched to the other. Her moans of appreciation gave him authority to increase the pressure when he began the process over and over again.

The sound of her moaning his name during foreplay had him more than ready. He successfully dropped his shorts without breaking contact with her luscious moods. But Michonne could feel her legs beginning to tremble and she knew what she wanted.

"Rick, I want you inside me."

"Fuck, me too baby."

Rick grunted, needing a second to revel in her plea then he assisted her in removing her robe and top. After it was thrown to the floor, he kneeled to slip her shorts down. Nuzzling his face in her mons before kissing his way down her thighs then back up. He stood helping her step out of her shorts before he stepped back admiring her body in the shadows.

"You're so fucking beautiful."

Even in the dim light he could see that Michonne blushed, appreciative of his compliment. Rick came to stand behind her sweeping her ponytail to the side. His lips, tongue and teeth skimming her delicate skin. His hard cock pressing into her ample cheeks while slowly walking her to the bed.

"Climb up and lay on your side."

"Yes."

Her breathy responses were going to be the death of him tonight. He helped her on the bed then came to lay behind her. Michonne knew she would enjoy this position and she needed no instruction to lift her leg when he moved in closer. His cock coating in her juices as he kissed her shoulder. His hand massaged its way down her body before he took ahold of himself at her entrance. Michonne fought to stay still, wanting him to be the one to enter her. The touch of his slick head had her waist moving involuntarily.

Suddenly, teeth bit into her skin just as he penetrated her. Michonne's senses were always heightened from just the foreplay then his entrance had her meeting her end. "I'm coming."

Her eyes closed as she rode the wave that coursed through her body as Rick continued to fill her completely. All while she orgasmed he didn't stop, thrusting into her and continuously nipping at her skin. His breaths harsh as he pressed her leg down to tighten the hold she had on him. She was catching her second wind and started to bounce her ass back into him. Rick's eyes clamped shut as he sped up the pace.

"Shit, you feel so fucking good."

Michonne took his hand and had him cup her tender breast. Each flick of her nipple had her cry out yet move faster. Each plunge seemed to ricochet through her body reminding her of the long weeks she's have to go without this powerful connection. Even though she could feel it coming, she tried to will it away so could enjoy it that much longer. But her man knew her body too well and her walls started to clutch at him. Adding his moans, groans and grunts was not helping her case.

"Rick, your gonna make me come again. Please."

Her request had him pistoning into her now. His own demise on the verge, his dick stiffening more with how she gripped him even though she was so wet.

"Come for Professor Grimes."

Michonne grabbed the sheets as her body came apart on his command. The sounds that emitted from her mouth were jumbled and she wasn't even sure what she was even trying to say. But Rick slammed into her again and stilled before beginning to convulse.

"Chonne!"

Their bodies stuck in a euphoric dance that needed to carry them through the waiting period that would soon approach. Eventually, them and their breathing began to calm. Michonne could tell Rick's heartbeat was slowing against her back. He moved and his fingers grazed her skin sending another shockwave through her.

"Wait, don't move."

"Okay."

"I just want to lay like this a bit longer. So we are still connected." she whispered.

Rick intertwined his fingers with hers and pressed his lips to the spot on her shoulder he'd previously bitten. Their bodies still against one another's so their breathing pattern synced. The other's sighs of bliss lulling them so their heavy lids slipped closed.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

A/N~~~*** Sorry it took so long to get this out. Leading up to Fandemic, I was running around then after I was working on a new project that I will let you know about shortly *nervous* But I'm having to learn to schedule myself for things as of late and that includes writing. There's a learning curve but I think I've got it down pact, fingers crossed. We'll c lol

Final chap should be ready in another week, then a new Richonne story will follow the next. I'm going to get back to responding to your reviews because I miss it. Ya'll crack me up, keep me motivated and I love the theories on which way you think the story should or will go. I apologize if you got a bunch of messages as I caught up. To all the guest reviewers I see you too and wish I could respond but I'm grateful for you also.

But as always thank you for allowing me to be creative again as my willing reading test subjects lol I'm glad to have meet you all and we will continue to keep Richonne Alive!