Three days have passed since Michonne asked Rick to give her some time to work through the emotional bomb he dropped in her lap. Days of Rick toiling alone in the field. Rick took the first day in stride, but on day three he was at the point of kicking in the front door and scooping her into his arms and kissing her breathless as he told her not to be afraid of his love. She would be his woman, his equal, his heart and soul, but he knew that would push her further from his grasp. Michonne had to come to terms with his feelings for her in her own time.

The strained situation sat like a lead weight in the pit of his stomach. The field was growing, but he was a mess on the inside. She never came out of her home to check on him. The only time when he saw her was when he would catch glimpses of her in his rearview mirror standing on her front porch watching as he left for the day.

Even though she was avoiding him, he did still have her morning meals to look forward to and even supper to take home but still no Michonne. No communication. It seems she was determined to shut him out completely.

With Michonne out of his orbit, Rick found staying in his home stuffy and confining. His thoughts muddled with visions of her and her smile. Her voice followed him throughout his modest home. He knew of only one way to quiet the visions that caused the white noise in his head, which was how he found himself heading into the Sanctuary bar. He wanted to drink enough 'til he was too exhausted to do anything other than going home and pass out into a visionless sleep.

A few scattered patrons were hovering at the bar and pool tables, but he barely took notice. Rick found the first empty stool and fell into the chair. His body was exhausted. The heat and working alone were catching up to him. He signaled to the bartender, and a cold long neck was placed in front of him. He grabbed the cold pilsner and rolled the side of the bottle across his heated forehead. The chill was glorious to his parched body.

"Rick."

"Jessie?" The short blonde gave her best interpretation of a sultry smile that a woman who had nothing to lose could muster.

"Why aren't you at Michonne's? You seem to be loving it over there as of late."

"Why aren't you home with your children? Since you are so concerned about my whereabouts."

"My mama is watching them tonight." in her attempt at a flirtatious purr, she touched Rick on his arm. Jessie wasn't a bad looking woman, but the pungent smell of desperation seeped through every pore of her skin. She was looking for an out — a man who would take her away from this small town. Her husband, Pete Anderson was currently serving 3 years for domestic violence and drunk and disorderly conduct, but from the idle gossip in town, he could be released in 6 months.

"So that means I'm free to have some fun. How about it?"

"How about what?"

"Well, look at me." She stepped back to give him a full view of her outfit of the evening. The skimpy outfit showed off the remaining soft curves that weren't ruined by two kids or father time. "Don't you wanna spend some time with me."

Rick turned away to take another sip of his beer, "Nah, I'm ok, but you go have a good time. I'm sure one of these fine upstanding men would be willing to have a roll in the hay with ya."

She scoffed at his flat out refusal of her, "So it must be true then."

"What must be true?"

"That your sleeping with her."

He paused mid-sip and turned towards her. "What did you say?"

"I said you must be sleeping with her. Everyone in town has been saying it. Why else would you be spending so much time out there then."

"First, her name is Michonne, and second I don't give a rats ass what you or anyone else thinks is going on. So why don't you just shuffle on over to the other end of this bar and leave me the hell alone."

Rick signaled to the bartender for another beer.

"Man, don't worry about her," said Daryl as he sat another bottle in front of Rick. Daryl was working that night as Negan had to drive to the next county over and pick up a truckload of fresh homemade hooch and liquor and wouldn't be back till sometime the next day.

" Don't worry. I'm not."

"So how is the crop doing," Daryl asked as he went about wiping down the bar.

"It's doing good...really good. It will be ready to harvest soon."

"Who would have thought you would team up with Michonne and grow something."

"Stranger things have happened," he voiced as he took a long pull from the beer bottle.

"Ain't that the truth." Daryl leaned in a whispered, "I heard about your run-in with Shane. Well, I didn't hear, but his face told the message loud and clear."

Rick didn't say anything in response about his former friend. He tried to keep his mind free. He took another long pull from the bottle draining the remaining contents "But for real are you and Michonne a thing now… like a couple."

Rick slammed the empty bottle onto the counter glaring at Daryl for continuing to pry.

"Alright, man. I was just asking because it is strange you being over there every day."

"I'm there to help with the crop and things around the property."

"If you say so. I'm just saying, you over there pitching in and crap but not pitching a tent in her bed seems kinda weird."

"There's nothing weird about it. So drop it," he grumbled.

Daryl raised his arms in surrender before turning back to the small display of assorted liquors.

"Nah there ain't nothing right about a man moving in on another man's woman while his side of the bed is still warm."

Rick followed the sound of the slurred words. His eyes finally landing on his former friend sitting at the corner end of the bar, cloaked in the shadow of the dim lights of the bar.

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about."

Shane sat up taller in his seated position. Using his empty shot glass as an extension of his hand as he continued, "I know enough to know you're a low down slithering snake."

"I need y'all to calm down. There won't be no fighting in here tonight. Take that shit outside," Daryl warned. His gaze shifting between the former friends.

Rick rose from his seat suddenly tired and no longer in the mood to be around anyone, "Don't worry about it, Daryl. I'm heading home." Rick laid a $2 dollar bill on the bar. He pulled his ball cap from his back pocket placing it over his thick head of dark curls.

"So Shane...How is your baby doing? I hear Sasha is due real soon and she's having a girl. Tell her I said hello and I will be sure to drop a baby gift off to her momma."

Rick turned heading towards the door before a seething Shane could respond. As he was exiting, a high pitched giggle caught his ear. He glanced in the direction of the pool tables where he saw that Jessie had latched onto one of the seasonal farmhands named Dwight and was straddling the young man in a dark corner. Rick just shook his head at the display. Well, at least she wouldn't be lonely for a few days.

Even though it was late in the evening, the air was still thick with the heat of the day. He looked out among the small dusty lot that had about 6 cars parked about. His truck was easy to find in the small area. He walked over to his truck his hands deep in his front pockets, digging for his keys.

His search was interrupted by the loud squealing of brakes of a classic Buick as it came to a halt beside his truck rustling up a small dust cloud as the car settled and the driver shifted the car into park. Rick immediately recognized the vehicle. It was Michonne's father. Rick groaned to himself as his stomach began to knot up.

"Richard Grimes. What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be over at Michonne's?"

"Evening sir. I was just heading home. How are you doing?"

"Well, son, I was doing ok till all the women gathered together and you wouldn't believe who was there also. Michonne. So do you wanna tell me why my daughter has all of a sudden felt the need to have supper at my house again and not at her own."

Michonnes father Dennis was a hulk of a man. His 6'4" frame, broad nose, salt, and pepper beard and hair gave him the look of a man of distinction and one who didn't play any games when it came to his family. He came to stand in front of Rick leaning on his vehicle, his arms across his chest and his brow furrowed the smell of sawdust from the lumbermill and earth wafted from his skin.

Rick cleared his throat, "Well sir. We had a small misunderstanding a few days back, and she asked me to give her some space. So that's why I haven't been over there."

"Hmm... So what did you do?"

"Excuse me?"

"What did you do to make her kick you out?"

"I'm not understanding sir." Rick surely wasn't ready to tell this man that the reason he was kicked out was that he was in love with his daughter, but she was feeling guilt over him being her ex-boyfriend's friend.

"Do you have dirt in your ears, son?"

"No, sir."

"Well…"

Rick sighed as he glanced down at his boots, trying to think of the best way to tell her father. He raised his head and found her father still waiting, scrutinizing him.

Rick looked him in his eyes as he blurted out his confession. "I told her how I felt about her, and she panicked and sent me away. She's even resorted to locking herself up in the house during the day when I'm over."

"Is that all?" Dennis lowered his arms as he came to a standing position. He slapped his hand on top of Ricks' shoulder, giving him a strong squeeze.

"Look here. I know you two doing something special over there with that crop of Sorghum but I also know there is something else deep down churning with you two also. I may not have approved when y'all were kids but your both adults now and I can't stop anything," he said bluntly.

"Now I will tell you one of the few things I've learned in life is when a woman tells you to give her some time then that's just what you do... but you still gotta let her know that you're there for her."

"How do I do that?"

"Son, I don't have the answers to everything. You'll think of something. But here is my one and only warning to you. If you so much as make my baby sniffle, I will drag your dead carcass down to the Gibson's pig farm and give them hogs a nice meaty treat to eat."

"I have no intention ever to cause her any heartache, Sir."

He studied Ricks face before rising to his full height. "Good. Once I catch up to your friend Shane, he and I are gonna have some words. His scrawny ass has been avoiding me every chance he gets."

"Well, tonight might be your chance."

"What do ya mean?"

Rick turns his head back towards the bar. Michonne's father followed his gaze.

"Well looks like I came on the right night. You have a safe drive home, Rick," he said patting Rick on his shoulder again as he made his way to the entrance.

Rick thought about sticking around just to see his former friend's expression when Michonne's father got in there but figured it would be best for him to head on home and give the paternal words a good think through.

THE NEXT DAY

Michonne lay in her bed, staring at the wooden ceiling in her bedroom, her small window lay open to the sounds of the day. She was counting each dark knot in the wooden planks hoping to keep her mind busy. As she counted, she also listened as the sound of Rick's truck, driving away for the day faded. No longer able to hear his tires traveling along the dirt road she pulls herself from the bed, sighing to herself as her muscles stretch and pull from their lack of use.

It was day four of her hiding herself away from Rick. Four days of her watching him work tirelessly outside while she paced around her home, cleaning her already spotless house again. She couldn't stand being locked away in the house, but she also wasn't ready to confront Ricks feelings for her or... her feelings for him.

Her feelings for him.

She paused at her back door just as the thought began to form fully. Her heart rate quickened from the thought. Did she really have feelings for Rick? Yes, her mind echoed.

She smiled a bit at the idea of accepting what she was feeling. Michonne spent many of these past long nights longing to speak to Rick and praying for answers in the stillness of the dark, but no answer would come. Instead of answers, she was soothed by her dreams. Images of Rick came to her in waves as she slept. In her dreams, she felt as if she would drown in the sea of his eyes. She found herself often musing what it would be like to be with him...intimately. She would allow herself to surrender to the passion of her dreams, often waking up with her whole body tingling from the image of Rick hovering above her. Dreams so vivid she could feel his breath near her ear whispering sensual words that would ignite her skin.

She pushed open the screen door and stepped onto the back porch to retrieve the plates and glassware that were still there from the lunch she made for Rick earlier. Underneath the decorative plate, she saw a white piece of folded paper which she could see that her name was scrawled on top. She pulled the soft paper out and opened it. A pressed pink wildflower slid from the folds of the paper. Michonne caught the flower before it tumbles to the porch floor. She inhaled the delicate sweet smell as she unfolded the page.

Michonne,

I just want to say upfront that I miss you. I miss seeing you waiting for me in the morning on your front porch. Seeing you each morning is better than anything in this world. I know that what I said may have frightened you and for that, I apologize. I didn't mean for things to go the way they did, but I just couldn't go another day without you knowing how I felt. I know my timing was terrible. Yes, the entire time you were with Shane, I watched you both. I was very jealous because I knew he didn't deserve you, and you deserved someone better. Do I think I'm better than Shane? That's not for me to decide. I know the type of man I am, and I know the mistakes I've made in my past relationships, but I've grown, and I've learned. I want you to know that I understand your reluctance and why you asked for time. I said that I would give it to you and I meant that but please don't continue to shut me out. Come back outside. The sun doesn't shine as bright with you gone. The sky isn't as blue. The Earth doesn't hum as loudly with you gone.

Rick

Michonne reread the letter one more time memorizing every word and every line before folding the letter neatly and placing it in the pocket of her dress. What it would be like to accept the love he wanted to give so freely, she thought. Didn't she deserve to be happy? Did she even need someone to define her happiness?

She didn't believe that she could count on any man other than her father. She was always guarded against reducing herself to satisfy the ego of another. She knew that choosing to let someone in meant that she must appear wise, fearless, and gutsy but also passive but still alluring. By making herself appear this way meant the prospect of a happy life...right? She didn't believe so because the one moment she let someone in just a bit he immediately viewed her as a lesser while sitting at her table and enjoying her labor of love. He only brought her heartache. Shane was only the second man Michonne had let into her life. The second man who lied about wanting a quiet life, who said that she made him a "better man." She wanted someone to truly value her as she was. Shane did not value her. He chose to give his time to others. The love he claimed for her wasn't absolute. It was hollow words spoken to keep his current state of comfort intact.

Michonne put her thoughts away as she prepared to go to her parents house for dinner. Being locked away in her house made her antsy for a conversation with others, and her folks were the closest.

During the walk to the front of her property where he parents home sat. Michonne took in the sight of the large acreage plot. Her ample portion was bright and green compared to her parents bare plot except for her mothers well-maintained vegetable garden. The sight didn't sadden her because she knew that her parents were still doing well for themselves. Her father had found work in the next town over as a lumber yard supervisor. His pay kept her parents in a more comfortable position than others. Her mother, Jolene, was the local midwife and had assisted Dr. Siddiq Ali with many of the at-home births. Local women who couldn't make the drive to the closest hospital or chose to bring life into this world in the comfort of their own home always called Michonne's mother to be present at the birth.

Michonne's mother was standing on her front porch watching Michonne walk the last bit up to the house. Her petite 5'4 frame was dressed in a comfortable floral summer outfit with her apron tied tightly about her waist. Jolene was the same deep walnut color as Michonne and her smile just as bright. Joelen greeted her daughter, warmly both women embracing.

"Hey, sweetheart back again for dinner, I see."

"Yes, ma'am. Do you have room for one more."

"I made sure to make extra in case you came by. I saw Rick drive off so I figured you would stop in."

"Yeah, he finished for the day and headed home."

"Uhm hmm."

"...but he will be back in the morning."

"Uhmm hmm."

"Mama," she groaned, annoyed at her mother's lack of response. She knew her mother was just waiting for her to talk about whatever was bothering her. Michonne took a seat in one of the rocking chairs on the porch.

"Rick left me a letter telling me how he feels about me."

"What did it say? Was he confessing undying love," Jolene chuckled a little at the jest.

Michonne darted her eyes towards her mother, shaking her head at her mother's idea of funny "No, just that he would give me time and that he misses seeing me."

"Well that's sweet and how do you feel about that."

"I don't know."

"Yes, you do. Go on ahead and speak it out loud child."

Michonne rolled her eyes. "And stop rolling your eyes before they get stuck."

Michonne exhaled steadying herself, "I don't know. I do have feelings for Rick, but it just seems too soon."

"Life doesn't stop while you try and stop feeling guilty about having feelings for someone new. Live your life. God knows Shane trifling behind is. That reminds me I need to go to the Gibson farm this weekend and inquire about a hog...Sorry honey continue."

"Mama, I don't want to make the same mistake again. I'm tired."

"You've known Rick almost all of your life. When has he ever been cross with you or dishonest?"

Michonne remained silent as her mother continued. "I seem to recall him pining over you when y'all were children, but your daddy would always run him off as you two got older."

"Yeah daddy did do that," she chuckled as she recalled the few times as kids her father would chase the then 11-year-old Rick from the house once all of the work for the day was done.

"Baby, things happen in our lives for a reason. Folks come and go, but it's not our place to question why just to understand the lesson that is being taught. That man is still coming out every day to work on what you started together. He's putting in the work; I think you should as well. I have a question for you. Do you change how you act when he is around? Do you dim the light inside of yourself for him?"

"No ma'am I don't."

"Then that is a man who accepts you for who you are. Women who start acting all out of character just because a man is around are living false lives. They do it for the promise of a life with someone but what kind of life is that where you have to keep yourself all bottled up. We as women, should be who we are at all times. If a man can't handle who you were created to be, then that man doesn't deserve the greatness inside of you. Live in your peace sweetie."

Michonne sat in the further into the rocking chair, letting her mother's words bump around her mind.

"Now come on inside and help me finish getting dinner ready."

The two women entered the home. Michonne felt a wave of comfort come over her as she took a seat at the wooden table in the center of the small kitchen. She was always transported to memories of her youth sitting at the table, helping her mother clean peas or prepare a meal. The modest kitchen was immaculate. Jolene took pride in making sure everything was in order and in its place in her kitchen.

"So have you spoken to Sasha recently," Jolene asked as she placed a large blue ceramic bowl on the wooden table that was located off to the side that held her rolling pin and other kitchen tools.

Michonne lowered her gaze to the floor shamefaced. "No, I haven't. I just can't bring myself to visit her right now. How is she doing?"

"She doing fine...just fine. The baby will be here really soon. You know she asked me to help with the birth."

Michonne rose from her seat walking to the four-burner stove pulling out the side storage where her mother kept all of her metal baking sheets "I figured she would. That's good. I know she will be ok with you there."

"Yeah I will make sure she and her baby come out just fine, but I want you to think about seeing her before or even after the birth. I don't care which but y'all need to talk."

"I know mama," Michonne murmured as she took out a baking sheet placing on the wooden table so she could grease the bottom.

"Did she tell you how it happened?" Joelene asked as she pounded the dough into shape.

"I heard something about it and just put the rest together myself."

Michonne knew Sasha was just a casualty in the dog ways of Shane just like she was. He played on the fact that Sasha had been away for most of the year up in Chicago with her aunt and uncle. When she returned home, Shane pounced on her lack of knowledge about the current goings-on in the town. Since his mom lived next door, it didn't take long for him to weasel himself into her orbit. Sneaking her away to be alone, promising her marriage and a life away from her smothering parents. He was her knight in shining armor, and when she offered her precious gift to him, he took it greedily.

"Well, you still need to mend that friendship. Don't let no man, especially not Shane 'no pot to piss in' Walsh ruin y'all." She punctuated her frustration by hitting the rolled dough a little harder than necessary with the heavy rolling pin.

"I won't mama."

"Good, now go check the temperature on the oven I wanna have these biscuits done before your father comes home, " she breathed slightly out of breath from the mild exertion.

Michonne did as she was told. While checking the oven, she made a mental note to check on her friend and to get back outside and help Rick.

THE NEXT MORNING

The next morning Rick arrived at his usual time just before dawn. He was nervous about today. He didn't know how Michonne would react to the letter he left for her. He didn't want to push her further away, but he also didn't want her to continue to misunderstand his reasons. As his truck made its way up the dirt road towards Michonne's barn, he could make out her silhouette on the front porch. He was surprised to see her waiting for him dressed in the clothes that she usually wore for chores. Rick exited his truck approaching her, excited but still cautious.

"Morning."

"Morning," she said, stepping down off the porch coming to stand in front of Rick. Crossing and uncrossing her arms as she glanced towards her garden. She didn't want to look at him face on. Not just yet. Sensing her nervousness, Rick cleared his throat to bring her attention back towards him. Michonne's turned towards his general direction, but she still kept her eyes averted elsewhere. Not wanting to question her actions Rick inwardly, smirked at the situation before breaking the awkward moment.

"So you ready to get started," he drawled out.

"Yeah… yeah, I am," she said quickly.

"Good. We'll let's get to it."

He held his arm out, giving her a wide berth as she hurried past him towards the barn.

They worked all morning in silence. Rick could see that Michonne was keeping her head down and not looking in his direction on purpose. The brim of her floppy hat pulled low to hide the side profile of her face. She moved about the garden checking and plucking the ripe veggies. She kept herself a safe distance away from him.

Rick was just happy that she was no longer hiding in the house. He would take this small yet momentous gesture and wait till she was ready to return to their normal jovial in synch routine hopefully.

It took only a few days for normalcy to return. Their conversations picked up like there was never an interruption. Michonne told him about her wanting to go see Sasha before her baby was born. Rick offered to take her over there and to be a helping hand in case she needs it.

After the visit, Michonne came home more content. Her heart was a bit lighter after seeing her friend. Her eyes still hurt from all of the tears they both shed but that didn't matter now. She changed her outfit to something more comfortable as she was preparing to make dinner for her and Rick to share for the first time in almost a week.

Rick was sitting at Michonnes dinner table, waiting for the delicious-smelling meal to be served. He didn't know what it was, but the robust smell that was coming from the pot was making his mouth water something awful. It was their first dinner together again.

Michonne set the small pot in the center of the table and began ladling the contents into each of their bowls. She made sure that Rick had a hearty portion of the food, especially after the day they had.

Michonne placed the pot back on the stove and took her seat across from Rick who was waiting patiently before he dug in. She extended both of her hands across the table to grasp his as they bowed their heads in a short prayer giving thanks for the progress they have made.

Rick dove into his bowl before "Amen" was out. Michonne leaned back in her chair and smirked as he devoured her meal. She always enjoyed watching people enjoy her home cook meals

"I see you like the chicken and dumplings," she teased. Rick raised his head grabbing his napkin to wipe his mouth.

"It is so good, or maybe I'm just starving," he chuckled as he raised his glass of water to his lips to take a drink.

"Or are you using me just for my home-cooked meals and good conversations."

"Maybe a bit a both, but can you really blame me," he smirked, "Delicious food and a beautiful woman across from me is a win-win to me."

Michonne scoffed as she picked up her spoon to begin to eat "No need in trying to butter me up, Rick Grimes."

Rick leaned back in his chair; his eyes fixed on Michonnes face as she began to eat "I'm only speaking the truth."

Her hand paused in mid-motion as she glanced up to meet his cerulean eyes. She saw that he was serious about everything he just said. Dropping her spoon in her bowl, she rose from her seat, sliding the chair across the wood floor, she turned and walked towards the sink leaning against it grasping the edge for dear life. Her heart was beating so fast and hard in her chest, she could feel the blood flowing through her ears as she breathed rapidly. She felt his warm arms encircle her waist as he pulled her body against his.

He inhaled deeply resting his chin on top of her head, "I meant everything I said in my letter, and just now."

She turned in his arms, resting her face against his chest. She could hear the steady thump of his heartbeat. "You said you would give me time," she whispered.

He slid his hands up her arms coming to rest on her shoulders, he slowly rubbed her tense shoulder muscles as his voice lowered.

"And I am, but I don't want to miss out again. Michonne I have loved you for so long and having you back out there with me just reminded me of that even more," his right hand slid up into her thick curls rubbing the nape of her neck. Michonne eyelids were half-closed as she tried to speak "I read your letter every night before I go to bed...it brings me comfort. Also, you are a better man than Shane. I've always known that."

"Good, now let's finish the wonderful meal you made and then we can sit outside and talk." Rick presses his lips to her cheek in a soft chaste kiss as he tried to pull away Michonne placed her hand against his stubbled face pulling him back. Holding his face between her hands she slowly brushes her full lips against his. The kiss was soft, light, unsure.

Rick instinctually slides his hand over the soft fabric of her dress his hands coming to rest at her waist pulling her into his body as he deepens their kiss. The moans of pleasure that came free were mutual who began it doesn't matter. They're lips danced together neither wanting to rush or lead but to taste and explore.

It was Michonne who broke from the dance first. Her eyes low and glazed "I want us to try...you and me...us. I want it and I want it with you."

Rick's eyes danced across her face as she spoke he felt joy swell within him. He was dizzy with the euphoric feeling unable to coherently say how happy he was. He leaned his forehead against Michonnes.

"Thank you," he choked out.

That night, with the surrounding aroma of the coming distant rain, imbued around their first time. Their bodies moving in a sensual symphony of pleasure. Soon the rain fell onto the parched earth and tiny home washing away the dust of the past.