Chapter 6- Hello

Six years ago Washington DC

Tick, Tick, Tick.

Raising his eyes to the wall clock Rick then put his head down on the desk and sighed. It was only 2:47. He was scheduled to be in class until 3:30 and even though he had finished his test, the cadets were not allowed to leave the room for fear they might tell the others what was on it. Turning his head to the left a gold glint caught his eye. Rick lifted his head up and smiled. Michonne had gifted the ring to him two months ago, about 6 weeks after he had joined the police academy.

"Go ahead. Open it up."

"Well, I said I wanted a PlayStation since you haven't felt like going out. AND we are saving money for the baby," he added quickly seeing the deadly look on her face. "This box is too small to be that."

"Just open the box will you. Then you will find out and stop speculating."

Rick opened the small box and inside he saw a thick gold band. A wedding ring. He looked at Michonne in confusion. They had decided to wait until after the baby was born to get married. Well, Michonne had decided and Rick had agreed.

"Yes that is a wedding ring. And I know you are wondering why I gave this to you," she added now seeing the look on his face. "Well, I was telling my mom how you were complaining about all the fellow cadets and even officers flirting with you. She FedEx'd me this. It was my dad's and she assured me that the problem would go away"

"How so? Me wearing a ring isn't going to make them stop 'Chonne. In fact when I told my superior he commented to me that I should be prepared for this and expect it the rest of my life," Rick declared looking into his fiancee's deep brown eyes. As much as he loved the thought of a token to show that he was taken by Michonne, it didn't make much sense to him.

"Well, most of the cadets and all your superiors have met me right?" Michonne asked as Rick nodded in response. "Well once they see you with a ring, they will know that you are taken. And before you say that some women go after married men, my mom said that after meeting me and seeing that ring they will know that we are serious about each other. That we are having a baby together and that you are off limits. If they still decide to pursue you? Then I have the right to kick their ass first and take names later," she said, mischievous grin on her face.

All Rick could do was laugh to himself as he gazed down at the simple gold band on his left, ring finger. Michonne had definitely made it clear to everyone that Rick was taken. After she'd put a particular flirty female cadet in her place at the annual Redskins tailgate party a few weeks later, word had spread quickly that if you were smart to not try anything with Cadet Grimes.

"Has Rick ever flirted with you? Given you any reason to think despite the ring on his finger he wanted a relationship with you? To sleep with you?"

The attractive blonde put her head down, unable to look Michonne in the eye. "N..n…no," she stuttered. "But he is always so nice and offers to help me if I need it. None of the other guys do that unless they want something in return. He told me he was engaged but I thought he was playing hard to get."

"Well Musty…oh that says Misty. Sorry. Well Misty, Rick is a southern gentlemen. It's in his DNA to be polite and help people. Hello? He's in the academy to help people as a career." Michonne stepped closer, her hand on her 7 month baby bump. Even though she was smiling, the look in her eyes conveyed that she was not one to be messed with. "So if you can't be bothered to take my fiance at his word, then I'll make it clear to you right now. Rick is not available to you or anyone else. We own a house together, we are engaged to be married and we are having a baby. His parents are my parents. My parents are his parents. Enjoy the game Becky."

"It's Misty."

"Whatever," Michonne said as she turned around and walked back to where Rick, Sasha and Daryl were standing observing the whole interaction. "I think she got the message. But if she didn't let me know."

"Oh no she got it girl. I think they all did," Sasha said with a grin on her face. Michonne turned around to see Misty and some other cadets, including a few guys, talking animatedly and pointing in their direction. Michonne waved hello, pointing to the large yellow diamond that adorned her left hand with a smile.

"I think they got the message baby," Rick said as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and rubbed Michonne's belly. "But just in case they didn't…" he turned her face around and kissed her deeply. Seeing how possessive his spectacular fiancee was turned him on to no end. "I can't wait until this game is over and I get you home. You claiming me was sexy as fuck." He pressed his rapidly hardening member against her backside to show her the effect it had on him.

"Maybe we should sneak out early? I mean, being pregnant does make me tired faster," Michonne replied with a fake yawn, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Michonne was actually the exact opposite of every pregnant woman he had ever known: she had no first trimester symptoms, had no real cravings or dislikes of food, had even more energy than she'd had before she was expecting, and the only weight gain she had was their child. In fact if you saw her from behind or straight on there would be no way to tell that she was carrying a baby. His baby. Turning around and clasping her hands behind his head, Michonne moved her mouth close to Rick's ear. "I'll make it worth your while Daddy," she purred before taking his lobe into her mouth and nipping it between her teeth.

TWDTWDTWDTWDTWDTWDTWDTWDTWDTWDTWD

"Shit Michonne! You look so good doin' that. It feels incredible!" Rick moaned, his eyes hooded with lust. He was propped on his elbows watching as she worked his cock with her left hand, her full lips wrapped around one of his balls. Once again his eyes zero in on the ring that graced her hand, the ring he gave her when she'd accepted his proposal. The ring that showed she wanted to be his for the rest of her life and that he was lucky enough to experience the pleasure that she was currently providing him anytime she decided to. And Michonne provided it frequently.

The feel of her mouth was replaced with her right hand and she began fondling his sac just the way he liked. Her honey colored eyes met his cerulean ones as she used her tongue to lick his shaft from the base to the tip. Her tongue danced across the sensitive head, causing him to shudder as she lapped up the precum that was flowing out in a steady stream.

"Grimes you are and always will be, my favorite flavor of anything," she purred as her thumb danced over the tip, smearing the clear liquid around. "Mmmmm. That's the stuff daddy," she groaned, her eyes slowly closing as she stuck her thumb in her mouth causing Rick to almost lose it right there.

Their eyes connected once more when Michonne resumed to stroke him as her plump, pink lips covered his head and began to work their way down. She felt his breathing increase as she languidly tongued his frenulum over and over, his eyes struggling to stay open as they followed her every move. Her head bobbed up and down as more of him disappeared into her mouth. She placed her left hand on his stomach, caressing the pronounced muscles that were beginning to constrict as the pleasure increased.

"Michonne. Baby," he whispered. "Damn! You are incredible. Don't stop." There was no need to tell her that last part because his love was in a zone and only an act of God who make her stop. Actually, that was debatable; it would depend on what that act was. He felt his cock hit the back of her throat and he bit his lower lip at the feeling, a grin on his face. The first time she'd gone down on him, she couldn't fit all of him in her mouth. But as with everything else she attempted, Michonne had kept at it with vigor until she achieved success.

"Practice does make prefect," she'd declared and that's what her blow jobs were: PERFECTION.

Her head moved up and down a few more times before her lips settled around his base. Rick felt her throat open and close, squeezing his head as the urge to release increased. Michonne's nose brushed his trimmed curls and she inhaled, delighting in his smell. "Mmmmmm," she hummed, causing his cock to vibrate.

That was all she wrote as he exploded, falling back on the bed clutching her hand as his eyes squeezed shut. The warmth and softness of her sweet mouth. The feel of her nose against him and the vibration of her throat as it hugged his shaft. Her soft, small hands, one rubbing his balls, the other ghosting along his abdomen. The stark contrast of his milky skin against her mahogany one which caused the canary yellow diamond to pop. The way her browns locked with his blues and the feeling of intense love that flowed between them. It all cumulated into one of the most intense orgasms off his life.

Rick's body jerk and spazzed as stream after stream rushed into her mouth. Once he was completely empty, she spit into the towel that was on the floor besides her, wiping whatever cum that had escaped onto her face. Michonne used to swallow, delighting in the feel of him sliding down her throat, coating her mouth. However Rick had put an end to that when they first found out about the baby until he'd learned from Dr. Cloyd that it was safe. Once that was settled, they decided it was better for her to keep spitting. Even though Michonne didn't have the taste aversions some pregnant women did, neither wanted to take the risk of her getting one and never tasting him again or swallowing. Rick could handle it for a few months. Besides, he was still getting the act itself so who cared?

Once he'd regained control of his body, Rick pulled her to him and captured her mouth in a deep kiss. His tongue explored Michonne's mouth, delighting in the salty taste that was his. It may have been a bit alpha but he loved marking her in anyway he could to show she was his. He ran one hand through her dreads, the other sliding between her thighs before she pushed it away.

"I'm good right now Grimes. That was all for you. I got mine many times over earlier today. And for that I thank you very much," she said with a smirk, knowing Rick was just trying to return the favor. When they'd returned home after leaving the game at halftime, the door had barely been locked before Rick had her bent over the kitchen island with both their pants around their ankles as he pounded into her from the back. Two hours later, the Falcons game was no comparison against his desire to eat her out until she orgasmed so hard it felt as if he'd broken her vagina. A few hours after that they were at it again as she rode him in his favorite leather chair in the office. "Besides, the baby has decided he or she wants to audition for Real Madrid right now."

Rick moved his hand to her protruding belly and smiled. His baby was kicking up a storm inside Michonne. He moved his head to her stomach, rubbing as he began to talk "Hey, my precious one in there. This is your daddy again. You think you can calm down for a moment so that I can excite your mother instead?" They both laughed as the kicks seemed to double in frequency. "I'll take that as a no," he stated as he moved back up the bed, resting his head next to hers on the pillow.

"They just are just enjoying the sound of their daddy's voice as usual. And loving being the center of attention already."

"I wonder who they got that from?" he replied earning a pinch from his fiancee, who matched his grin with one of her own. "You are the center of my world Michonne Anthony and you always will be," he said looking into her eyes. "I love you."

"I love you more," she answered back before her lips met his once more.

TWDTWDTWDTWD

"Grimes."

Rick shook himself out of his daydreams and memories. Looking up he saw two of his superiors standing up front. "Yes sir?" he said, as he rose from his seat.

"Go with Captain Jones . And take your stuff with you."

Uncertainty was coursing through his body as he quickly gathered his things, everyone watching him. Rick couldn't remember doing anything wrong. Was he being kicked out and if so, what for? He moved swiftly through the aisle and out the door. Once outside Captain Jones began speaking.

"Calm down Grimes. You've done nothing wrong. However, something has come up and I need you to remain calm. Your fiancee has gone into labor. It's okay, she is on route to Medstar right now," Jones stated in a quiet, yet stern voice.

The hallway began to spin around him, his knees going weak. Michonne was in labor? But she still had at least two weeks before she was due! Would she be okay? Would his baby be okay? Rick felt a firm hand on his shoulder bringing him back to the situation while steadying him on his feet.

"Stay with me Grimes! Go change and get your stuff out of the locker room. Dixon is there waiting to take you to hospital." He patted the young man on the back. "Everything will be okay Cadet. Here's an early congratulations. Now go and watch you baby be born. I give you permission to run."

"Thank you sir!" Rick said before sprinting down the stairs two at time to the locker room, unbuttoning his shirt as he ran. "Daryl!" he called, bursting through the door and around the corner.

"I'm here man!" His best friend was in a similar state of undress. "This is some crazy shit! Sasha called the office and told them what was happening. That basically we are brothers and it would be best if I was there to calm you down. To be the one to drive you."

Rick pulled on his jeans and cowboy boots that he liked to wear in chilly weather. "Why didn't she call me? Why didn't Michonne call me? Is everythang okay? Can she call?"

'Yeah 'Chonne is fine. Or as fine as a woman going into labor can be I guess. She didn't call you because she knew you had that test today and didn't know if you were done. You know how your woman is! In fact Sasha told me that Michonne called her after she finished her debate that she has been practicin! That she'd been feeling contractions for a half hour or so before she asked the professor if she could please go next and when he asked why she said 'Because I'm about to go into labor I think but I would like to do this first so I can concentrate on giving birth later.' " Daryl shook his head as they ran out to the truck, pulling on their jackets along the way. "I thought my woman was tough but damn!"

"Damn indeed," Rick said with a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He buckled his seat belt and reclined his head against the headrest, praying that both Michonne and his soon to be born child were okay. He watching the sights fly by as he remembered their conversation in bed last night.

Rick was laying in bed on his right side curled behind Michonne, the big spoon to her little one. He slid her tank top strap to the side, placing kisses on her shoulder. She chuckled knowing he was trying to start something. It had been three days since they'd had sex and Rick knew that as her due date approached, so did his 6 weeks of celibacy. He wanted to capitalize and make love to her while he could.

"Here feel this," she said moving his hand to her belly. The baby was once again kicking away as if trying to free itself from Michonne's womb. He couldn't blame them for their impatience; he was beyond excited to meet their child. His child.

Looking at their hands joined together and feeling his baby move, Rick was overcome with emotions. Their engagement rings caught his eye and he stared wistfully at them, letting out a quiet sigh.

"What's wrong baby?" He should've known that Michonne heard him.

"Nothang. Nothangs wrong. I just…I just wish we were married already that's all."

"Riiiiccckk…" she said drawing his name out as she did sometimes to get him focused again. "We talked about this. A wedding takes time to plan and coordinate. Especially a destination wedding like we want to have. Plus both of our parents advised us that International travel while pregnant wasn't wise. Why take the risk of eating something or doing something that could potentially harm our baby?" The couple had decided that their nuptials would take place on the island of Anguilla.

"I realize that 'Chonne. I do. But I still would've been fine just going to the justice of the peace."

"And I told you that I wouldn't be fine with that. I want everyone we know and love to be there when commit our lives to each other. To share, remember and see that our love is special. It's different and can't be matched." Michonne turned around to face her fiance, looking deeply into his eyes. "I love you Rick. More than I ever thought loving someone was possible. I am yours and you are mine already and we don't need a piece of paper to prove that."

"I know. But…I just feel like when we go to the hospital that I might have a hard time getting in because we don't have the same name. That they won't look at us like we are a real family."

Michonne smiled as she rubbed her hand over his cheek, the five o'clock shadow scratching her hand in a familiar way. He might come off as hard and gruff when he was at work but her man was a sensitive, deeply caring person. He just wanted to legally claim what was his.

"Baby we are a real family already. We know that. Fuck what anyone else thinks. I call your parents mom and dad. You do the same to mine. My grandmother taught you the secret Anthony gumbo recipe. She won't even tell it to me but she told you. For goodness sakes our parents brought us this brownstone as a wedding gift! They know what we have is real as do I. We are getting married in six months after the baby is born and everyone is safe to travel. How great is it going to be to have our child in the wedding with us? In all our photos? Three to four generations of Anthonys and Grimes? If that doesn't show that we are a family, nothing else will."

Rick nodded, calm settling over him in the usual manner it did after talking to his love. She was right about everything. Of course. Their parents were now practically best friends and planned to fly up in a few weeks to help with their first grandbaby. Once they'd accepted the fact that the kids had decided to stay in the DMV, they took a week off to help them look at places to "rent". As soon as they found the perfect place, a three story brownstone in a sought after school district in Georgetown, they surprised their kids a few weeks later with the deed to the property over dinner. They'd combined to buy the house in cash, stating that with so much going on they didn't want the kids to stress over something they could provide for them so easily. That and when the baby came home, they wanted it to be to their home, same as both Rick and Michonne had done.

"You're right. I can't help it if I want you as my wife more than anything else."

Tears began to form behind Michonne's eyes as she pulled him close to her. "Baby, I've been Mrs. Rick Grimes from the moment you proposed," she said smiling before giving him a kiss that said just that.

TWDTWDTWD.

"Excuse me sir? How can I help you?"

Once again he was shaken out of his thoughts. He hadn't even realized that they had already left the car and were standing in front of the receptionist. "Oh hello! My name is Rick Grimes and my fiancee is in labor and I need to get to her."

"Well congratulations sir! What is your fiancee's name?" a big grin was on her face.

"Michonne Anthony."

"Do you have identification? Patient safety and privacy is one of main concerns here." Rick handed his license over to her. After a few clicks she found what she was looking and laughed. "I found her. The notes say 'Let him up as soon as he gets here or else.' You can come but your friend is going to have to wait."

"I'll be right here waiting for you man. Go get your girl and have your baby," Daryl said giving him a hug, his eyes shiny as he pulled away.

Rick simply nodded as he pulled away, unable to say anything due to the lump in his throat and began following the nurse down the hallway. She handed him a visitor sticker to put on as they waited for the elevator to the 4th floor. "Is this your first child?" she asked on the ride up. Again he just nodded still unable to talk. They left the elevator in silence before stopping at door 22. "Here you go Mr. Grimes. Are you ready to be a daddy?"

Present day

Rick walked into the lavender and white room looking for his daughter. "Savannah?"

"I'm in here Daddy!" she called from the bathroom. "MiMa is finishing my hair."

Sitting on the white canopy bed, he looked around. He and his princess had just redecorated a few weeks ago when she'd moved down the hall to this larger room. A large plush white rug covered most of the hardwood floors. All the walls except for one were white wall paper decorated with purple fleur de lys, matching the curtains on two windows that flanked her bed. The accent wall was lavender with the words 'Savannah Grimes' stenciled in white dead center, the same fleur de lys pattern on each side. Rick had such wonderful time that weekend, bonding further with his little girl even though it wasn't necessary. Savannah was a daddy's girl 100%.

He grinned as his little girl bolted from the bathroom, jumping on him and knocking him over in the process. "Look at my hair Daddy! MiMa did it like Princess Leia's from Star Wars! Can I wear it like this to school tomorrow?"

Rick looked down at his daughter sitting in his lap, her big blue eyes pleading with him. He could never say no to her. "Well….a princess should have a princess hair style and you look beautiful as usual sweetheart. If MiMa can do it again in the morning if it gets messed up while you are sleeping, I don't see why not." Though Rick usually did Savannah's hair in the mornings, he doubted he could duplicate the complicated swirls that adorned the sides of his daughter's head.

"Please MiMa? Will you do my hair for school?"

Dori smiled from the doorway where she stood observing her son and granddaughter. "Of course I will. As long as you get to bed soon."

"I am! Just as soon as Daddy tells me a bed time story."

"Okay baby. I love you," Dori replied as she walked over and gave Savannah a hug and kiss. "Sleep tight. Goodnight son." She pulled Rick into a hug, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"I love you mom. Thanks for everythang. I don't know what I would do without you guys," in said quietly in her ear.

"I love you too Ricky. And that's what family is for."

"Sleep tight! I love you MiMa," Savannah called as her grandmother left the room, blowing one final kiss at them. She settled into her bed, making sure the pillows were fluffed just right before declaring "STORYTIME!"

"What do you want to hear tonight Princess?" as he stood looking at her two bookshelves that were stuffed to the brim. Savannah's love of reading, books and libraries was inherited from both of them but more so from Michonne. He would need to get another shelf for her soon.

"I want to hear the story about the day I was born."

"Princess, I've told you that story for the past three nights. Are you sure you don't want to hear somethan' else?"

Savannah shook her head adamantly. "Nope! I want to hear that one."

Rick moved to sit next to her the bed. "Whatever you want Princess. I think you just like to hear about your Daddy cryin' ," he said raising an eyebrow.

"Only because you said they were happy tears."

"They were indeed Savannah. That they were.

Six years ago

"Rick! You made it! Did you finish your test?"

Michonne was in the bed, Sasha gripping her hand as sweat dotted her forehead. Rick rushed over, grabbing her other hand while capture her lips in a quick kiss. "Of course I made it 'Chonne. And yes I finished the test. How are you feelin'? Is the baby okay?"

The smile that he'd fallen in love with graced her face as she looked into his worried blue eyes. Taking her hand from Sasha, Michonne ran it across his handsome face. "Everything is fine Rick. The next generation decided they wanted to make an early appearance that's all. Right Doctor?"

Rick looked up to see Dr. Denise sitting at the foot of the bed with a nurse. In his tunnel vision of seeing only his fiancee he'd completely overlooked the most important person in the room. "Sorry Doctor. I was just relieved to see Michonne okay."

"No worries Mr. Grimes. What you did was totally normal and I would be shocked if you behaved any other way. You have a very smart baby in there!" Denise chuckled. She continued on seeing the confusion on Rick's face. " What I mean is Michonne is right at middle between early term and full term. She is just over 38.5 weeks, and it is healthy for her to have the baby. If it was a week earlier, I would've put her on bed rest and had to give her medication to stop the contractions which is always a risk for both the baby and mother. It seems your little one was smart enough to know right when they were healthy enough to enter the world."

"Really? The baby's fine?"

"Well Grimes we won't know until it's out but…OH FUUUCK!" Michonne squeezed his hand so hard he thought his fingers were going to break as she dealt with a contraction. Rick withstood the pain, knowing it was nothing compared to what she was going through. When it was over she fell back against the bed panting.

"Michonne you and the baby both must have been waiting on Mr. Grimes because you are now fully dilated missy. It's time to start pushing. Is everyone ready?"

To Rick it seemed as if time was standing still yet flying by at the same time if it was possible. He was eager to meet his child yet terrified just the same. What of he dropped them? What if he wasn't a good father? What if they cried every time he picked them up? All the thoughts danced through his head as he encouraged Michonne to push, clutching her hand in his.

"I see the head! That's it! One more big push Michonne and you're going to officially be a mommy!" Denise called to them.

Rick bent and looked his love in the eyes. "Remember the NCAA championship where that girl from LSU nearly beat you in the hurdles? I need you to give me that same determination and fire right now honey. Show that eye of the tiger so our baby can meet it's momma."

"Eye of the tiger," Michonne repeated with a nod. When the doctor gave her the go ahead she clamped her eyes shut and pushed with everything in her soul.

"That's it! The baby is out! You have a beautiful little girl!" Denise exclaimed. Still there was silence in the air. No cries of a newborn baby. Denise quickly cut the cord, handing his child off to the two nurses who rushed over to a table and began working on the baby.

"What's going on? Where's my baby? Why isn't she crying?" Michonne said looking at Rick, fear in her eyes. He closed his eyes praying that his daughter was okay as he kissed Michonne's hand, still locked in his. He refused to cry. If anything was wrong, he had to be strong enough for the two of them. Suddenly a wail echoed throughout the room. It was the first sounds of life from the new generation.

"Oh my god! Congratulations you guys!" Sasha squealed. "I have to go tell Daryl that we are aunt and uncle to a beautiful baby girl!" After giving Michonne a kiss and hug she rushed from the room, delight dancing across her face.

"We just had to clean out this little dolls nose and airway. That's why she didn't cry at first. She was all blocked up." The brown haired nurse named Tara turned around and walked toward him holding the tiny screaming bundle. "Daddy do you want to hold your little girl first or mommy?"

"Give her to her Daddy," Michonne said tiredly.

Rick looked like a deer in headlights as Tara handed over the irate package, placing her gently in his arms. He was terrified that he would somehow hurt the miniscule being but nothing would stop him from holding his child. "Hey there little one. I'm your daddy and I've been waiting so very long to meet you," he cooed. As soon as she was comfortably in her father's arms and heard his voice, the baby stopped its crying.

"She knows her daddy already," Michonne laughed. "Not a surprise as much as he talked to her. Sit down so I can see her too Rick."

Sitting down next to her mom on the bed Rick gazed at the beautiful little creature that he and Michonne had created with their love. She was so very tiny, with a headful of curl dark hair and pouty, heart shaped lips that were a true mix of her two parents. "She's perfect. She's gorgeous. She's everythang," he whispered as tears fell from his eyes. He turned his head so not to get his tears on the masterpiece cradled in his arms. He looked at Michonne who was rubbing his arm, looking as beautiful as ever even after just giving birth. In fact he had never seen her look so glorious.

"She's ours," she replied happily. "Looks like you were right for once. So what's her name daddy?" The couple had agreed that if it was a girl then Rick would get to name her and vice versa it was a boy. "Look. She's waiting on you."

Glancing at back down, he saw a pair of blue eyes identical to his glancing up at him, as if trying to see what her daddy decided she would be called. He'd chosen a name that paid homage to their birth state of Georgia and the praise his daughter would deserve from any guy that dared to date her. "Savannah. Savannah Antoinette Grimes."

Present day

A tiny snore caused Rick to look down. Savannah was asleep, a smile across her face. Standing up he situated the blankets over her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Sleep tight Princess. Daddy loves you."

Making sure her night light worked, he turned off her main light and closed the door, leaving it open a crack. After going down stairs to bid goodnight to both sets of parents, he made the trek down the hallway to his bedroom. Rick quietly closed the door behind him before taking a seat behind Michonne on the bed. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and neck before resting his chin on her shoulder.

"I missed you."

"Not nearly as much as I missed you baby. Savannah finally asleep?" she questioned.

"Umm hmm. Made me tell her the same story of the day she was born I've told her the past three nights in a row. I think she just likes to hear that I cried."

"Nah. I don't think that's it. You said she's usually asleep by that point right? After all that's happened recently, she just needs to be reassured that her daddy still loves her and that she's still your princess."

"Maybe. I don't see how she could think otherwise. She has me wrapped around her two little pinky fingers. Her momma has the other eight," he replied with a soft chuckle as he reached around her. "He's gorgeous Michonne," he whispered as he used his fingers to stroke the soft cheek of the baby boy she was nursing.

"Max is gorgeous. Just like his daddy."

Maximus Richard Anthony Grimes had made an early appearance just as his big sister had six years prior. However being born at 37.5 weeks required both him and Michonne to stay in the hospital for an additional week. Even though both mother and son were healthy, both the Grimes and Anthonys had flown up right away to help take care of their granddaughter while Rick catered to Michonne and their newest arrival. Still, Rick and Savannah had spent plenty of time together so she wouldn't feel as if she was being replaced.

"You know, I'm beginning to feel like nothing more than an incubator for your sperm," Michonne said as Max looked up at her with his steel grey-blue eyes. He had the same curly brown hair that Savannah had when she was born before it lightened to its current copper color. His pouty lips identical to his big sister's. "Both of the kids look just like you."

Rick nuzzled Michonne's cheek, wrapping his arm firmly around her. "I think they look like both of us. Savannah may have my eye color but they're almond shaped like yours as are Max's. Savannah has your smile 100% which is part of the reason she can get me to so anythang she asks. However, if you still feel that way when the 4 weeks are up, we can keep trying until we get one that you feel looks more like you. I'm all for it."

"You're incorrigibtle. It's six weeks not 4 mister and you know that." Rick did know that. Not being able to have Michonne for six weeks after Savannah was born surmounted to the cruelest torture possible. At least he had one week down. Only five to go. "You want to burp him when he's finished?"

"Of course," he answered, moving to sit in front of his wife. Rick watched as Max continued to feed and knew Michonne had picked out the perfect name for their son. Meaning "the greatest" and "powerful ruler" he had no doubt that his second born would live up to it. He reached for the baby as Michonne handed him over and began patting his small back. After hearing the tiny belch, he placed Max in the blue bassinet next to their bed. He stood there staring so long at him, that Michonne came over, wrapping her arms around his waist. Without warning he spun around, capturing her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. When they separated, both panting he rested his forehead against hers. "Thank you."

"For what Rick?" she questioned her brown, doe eyes locked on his sea blue ones that shimmered with unshed tears.

"For running into me that day years ago. For being my best friend and lover. For agreeing to be my wife. For blessing me with two beautiful, healthy, perfect children. In short for being my everythang. I love you Michonne Grimes. And I'll love you until I die because only death can keep me from you."

"Not even death can keep us apart baby. I love you more than life itself and this is just the beginning for our family," Michonne replied with her own tears running down her cheeks.

As he kissed her again, Rick could only wish for the next five weeks to fly by so he could show her repeatedly just how much he meant those three little words.

The End...(?)

Well, this is the end at least for right now. I may decide to add to it down the road because i love the world and relationship of Rick and Savannah but this was the way it played out in my mind from the start. Kudos to those readers that called Michonne being in the hospital giving birth to the new Grimes and that being the reason she wasn't around. I would NEVER kill her in any of my stories. I hope reading this short story was enjoyed as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Thank you once again Zeejack for practically being my beta and for your constant support. I don't know what I would do without you. :)

To those readers of Found. I am finishing up the chapter that i gave in the sneak peek. I refuse to say when any update is coming up anymore because as soon as I do, I get my butt kicked with work and school! Just know that i will never give up on that story which is my baby. However real life happens.

Thanks so much to everyone for the support.

Yours Truly and respectfully,

VegasLover.