AN: Sorry I have been MIA but life…this is just a little something to get back in the swing of things. Thanks for your patience and continued support.

Sweet Thangs

Monday

Eric and Aaron moved around each other in the cozy bathroom completing their morning routine. "I am starting to worry," Eric interrupts their comfortable silence.

"I know…she hasn't unpacked anything. Maybe we are doing something wrong or moving too fast."

"I just want her to feel comfortable-at home. She seems to enjoy family book club; but it's hard to tell because she is so quiet."

"Let's give it more time. I know that joyous little girl filled with light and life is in there somewhere," Aaron states with confidence.

Their heads snap to the right as Judith's shower singing voice screeches down the hallway, "Girl put your records on…tell me your favorite song…go ahead, let your hair down."

They move closer to the hallway glancing at each other, "That is new."

Giant smiles stretch their cheeks, "That voice is the most off key, out of tune, wonderful thing I have ever heard," Eric gushes. They join in humming along while dressing for their day.

Michonne reviews motions for a court appearance later in the week. A new judge was assigned to take over the vacant docket. The Judge Blake nightmare is almost over. An incoming text interrupts her progress: Nursery decals arrived! She responds smiling to herself: Paint party!

Aaron enters, "The new judge is a woman from the coast…California or maybe New York. She is smart, attractive and all business."

Michonne shakes her head, "How do you get all this information?"

"Mess Hall…my new lunch buddy who replaced 'She who will not be named' is assigned to her courtroom," he explains.

"Switching topics…how are things going at home? Is being a dad everything you thought it would be?"

A wide smile spreads across his face, "It is everything…exhilarating, terrifying, eye-opening. I…we both feel really blessed."

"Judith is a lucky girl- any advice for us soon-to-be parents?"

"Yeah, fake 'til you make it," they both laugh.

Rick stopped at the home store to get the special order paint for the nursery on his way to pick up Michonne from work. He re-arranged his schedule to make sure he could drop her off and pick her up every day. The restraining order for Lori could not be extended and Judge Blake was still not behind bars. I alone can keep them safe.

He pulls into her vacant parking space to wait. Michonne opens the passenger door and lifts the plastic food container from the seat before sliding into the car, "Hey Handsome. What are we having today?" she greets.

"All your favorite vegetables: snow peas, carrots, and celery with Cesar dressing for dipping."

She lifts the lid and starts snacking while Rick turns the wheel hand over hand to exit the parking lot. "Do we have time to stop at the car dealership? I reviewed their inventory online and I have a short list of cars I am interested in. I appreciate you taking the swing shift so we can carpool but I need you to start sleeping properly."

"Gorgeous, do not worry. I am sleeping just fine. Plus this is fun-don't you think," he attempts to reassure.

"Of course, but we have two busy careers and three children to raise…We need two cars…am I missing something? Did we miscalculate our budget?" Why is he resisting?

"No, we both reviewed the budget-we're on track. We will get to the car. Let's focus on the nursery…I picked up the extra paint," he re-directs.

Michonne continues to munch away, "Good…paint tonight…decals later this week. We need to make a decision on the cribs and place the order. We need to get as much done as possible before I am too big to help."

Rick waits at the red stop light. He turns to face her. "Look at me…I love you. Stop talking about being big. Your body is amazing…growing to nurture all the life our love created. I will always be grateful and you should be too," he states emphatically.

She watches his face filled with love and wonder, "You are right. I knew there was a reason I married you," she puckers her lips and offers a quick kiss over the console.

He adds an extra kiss to her nose, "Now let's get going…the nursery isn't going to paint itself," he smiles.

Later that evening

Rick pays the delivery driver and retreats into the house placing the pizza on the kitchen table. "Michonne, come down for dinner," he calls through the house. He opens the kitchen cabinets retrieving plates and glasses. He grabs the fresh parmesan cheese and juice from the refrigerator. Where is she?

Michonne bounces to the beat of the music as she continues to apply fresh paint to the nursery walls using the long handled roller brush.

Isn't she lovely…isn't she wonderful…made from love…I never thought through love we'd be welcoming one as lovely as she…

Rick stands in the doorway watching his radiant wife. She is wearing his denim shirt pulling against her pregnant belly. There is a paint smudge on her cheek and a splat of paint on the red polish of her big toe. He shakes his head, "Gorgeous…time for dinner," he interrupts.

She pivots toward him and her locs swing around and land on her right shoulder, "Perfect," she responds with a bright smile. He snaps a picture. "We can finish the second coat after-Team Grimes is starving." She wraps the wet roller in a plastic bag.

"Really…do I have Team Grimes to thank for the meat lover's pizza instead of that healthy concoction you usually make me eat?"

Michonne approaches him and moves in close. She uses her finger to trace down the bridge of his nose before pressing her lips to the tip. "Yes you do…and you can thank them by making sure their mama gets her root beer float for desert," she replies.

Rick's eyes worship her from head to toe before moving in and capturing her mouth in a ravishing kiss. How is it she keeps getting sexier? He grips her hip with one hand and her ass with the other. He starts to lower them to the carpeted floor. Michonne places her hands on his shoulders and pushes away, "Rick…slow down-wait," she instructs out of breath.

"What? We have time and the pizza is not going anywhere."

She whispers, "We are not getting busy in the nursery."

"Are you serious?" he watches her face, "You're serious…there isn't even furniture yet."

"So, this is their space...the perfect space where we will rock them to sleep; read bedtime stories, and sing lullabies. We have more than enough rooms for non-mommy-daddy time," she explains.

"You're right…forgive me babies but your mama is smoking hot," he lowers his head to address her bump. She laughs and grasps his hand leading him downstairs.

Tuesday

Sasha and Jesus meet to review their upcoming conference presentation. They submitted a presentation outline to the bi-annual Investigator's Conference to be held in Macon, Georgia. "Deanna approved the power point slides and the participant handouts," she explains.

"Cool…we present Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning-correct," he clarifies.

She nods her head up and down. "Have you reviewed the conference schedule? If we split up we can gather twice the information to share with the staff when we return"

"I agree. I feel a little guilty leaving Javier. I know it sounds silly since he will be home with two capable parents but," he can't find the words to finish.

"Of course you do…you're a good daddy. I am not a parent yet, but I bet Facetime will help," she smiles.

"I hope so."

Tuesday night

Daryl enters the bedroom where Sasha is packing in preparation for her conference. He notices the stack of bras and underwear waiting to be placed within the suitcase. He runs his rough hand over the smooth lace and silk. Why does she need to take my panties? "Hey Baby…are you sure you will be okay moving while I am gone?" she gestures toward the boxes littered around the space.

"Yep, I need to keep busy since you are leaving me for a week," he whines.

"Daryl Dixon…I will be in Macon for not even a full week. I plan to take care of you before I go," she winks.

He strides over and pulls her body into his chest holding fast to her ass, "You and I know I need a little something-something every day."

She shakes with laughter, "You will be fine…they say absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"My heart is already bursting with love for you…I don't need a break," he whispers in her ear while nuzzling her neck.

Sasha slides her hand over his jeans stroking his stiff shaft, "Hmm…Baby." I hope I can hold out a few days.