"To be fair you probably haven't seen me around because I didn't grow up in this town. I'm originally from Cyrus County. My mother worked as the head of surgery over in Crowley County and she had to pass through here everyday for work."

"Go on." Rick casually sipped on his drink.

"Sometimes she would have these dinners with her friends in Crowley and my father and I would pass through here with her. I honestly despised those dinners, but I loved the drive through here. It always made it worthwhile." Rick chuckled. Michonne looked at him amusedly. "What's so funny?"

"You loved the drive through here?"

"I did! What's so funny about that, Grimes?"

"You know, I lived here my whole life. I love it here but most of the people I know... don't."

"And?"

"Just makes me wonder how a passerby could love this place when even the people who live here don't."

Michonne giggled. "Well, Rick. Maybe I like the quaintness of it all. There's a certain beauty to it. This is a very peaceful place, especially compared to the city. About a year ago, I decided peacefulness was exactly what I was missing in my life so here I am."

"Did you find peace?"

Michonne sighed. "Not yet. Turns out moving away from everyone you know to start a new business in a small town while raising a toddler on your own isn't as peaceful as one might expect."

"You don't say."

The couple laughed with one another and instinctually leaned towards each other. Michonne would have fell into him if not for the bar in front of her.

"Still though. I'm much happier to be here."

"I'm much happier you're here, too."

Michonne smiled, looking down bashfully. She could tell by his eyes that he meant what he was saying. "I never asked. What do you do for a living?"

"I own a nursery."

"Oh, I love plants. Which place is yours? There's only two that I know of. One's called Walsh's Horticulture and the other is-"

"Debbie's Plants."

"That's cool. I've been wanting a few plants for around the house. I'll have to stop by one day."

He smirked. "Why don't you just stop by after work tonight. What time do you get off?"

"2. Will that be too late for you?"

Rick knew damn well he never stayed up that late, but in this case he was willing to make an exception. "Not at all."

"Good." Her smile was from ear to ear.

The time flew by as they maintained deep conversation, with the occasional interruptions by customers. Before they knew it, 2am had arrived and Rick was helping Michonne close up her lounge. One swept and mopped while the other cleaned tables and washed dishes. Michonne cheered inside of her head, happy to leave the lounge so much sooner than usual. She was very grateful for Rick's generosity as this was something she typically did alone, as she could not afford to hire any other employees at the moment. Business was good, but it definitely had room for improvement. Maybe buying plants was the last thing she should be doing right now, but she would never forgive herself if she parted from Rick so soon. She just wanted a little more time with him.

They walked outside clearly both hesitant to go to their respective vehicles. Rick let out a shaky sigh. "Would it be weird to ask if you wanted to ride with me?"

"No. I'm glad you asked." The softest of smiles grew on both of their faces as they quietly walked to Rick's red 1999 Ford Ranger. Even though it was pitch black outside, his bright truck was plain to see. For a ten year old vehicle, the truck kept its shine. The truck was well taken care of. Before Michonne could even lift her arm for the handle, Rick had beat her to it. "Wow. Good looking and chivalrous?"

Embarrassment colored his face red. Michonne hopped in the truck pretending not to notice, although she thought it made him even more cute.

There was a calming silence as they drove to Debbie's Nursery. Maybe she should be scared riding with this random guy to what he claims is his place of business. But instead, for the first time in a long time, Michonne had felt peaceful.