The Manny (The Walking Dead Richonne)

Chapter 4

As the months and years rushed by, the friendship between the two single parents grew and solidified into something real and precious. Rick and Michonne relied on each other in times of trouble and celebrated life's happy moments together.

Rick was the first one that Michonne called when Andre lost his first tooth. Carl hand delivered Michonne's invitation to his high school graduation. On more than one occasion Rick was on hand to help when Michonne's car broke down on the side of the road before she finally replaced it.

"I can't believe he's starting kindergarten next week. I feel like it was only yesterday that I was bringing him home from the hospital," Michonne said, lingering on the front porch with Rick.

"Time flies, doesn't it?" Rick agreed wistfully, "I feel like it was only yesterday that you were slamming that door in my face."

"Stop that!" Michonne laughed, smacking him on the arm.

"And I didn't slam it. I closed it. There's a difference," she added.

"Alright, alright," Rick conceded.

Their laughter died down and they were quiet for a moment.

Rick met her eyes, his mood suddenly melancholy.

"I'm really going to miss this. You and Andre," he said softly.

"Hey, it's not like you're saying goodbye forever! We'll still see each other. We'll still be friends, Rick, you know that," Michonne said, not at all sure she liked where this conversation was going.

"I know. But it won't be the same," Rick said.

And he was right. Now that Andre didn't need a nanny, Michonne wouldn't be seeing Rick every morning before work or enjoying these little moments with him when she got back home. He'd become a comfortable fixture in her life and it was going to be hard to let go of that, his help around the house, the emotional support he gave little Andre, the companionship she'd come to treasure.

"This is the worst part of the job," Rick went on, staring out at the street, "Letting go. I watched Andre grow up the past few years. I get so attached...Maybe too attached."

Rick fiddled with the band of his watch; like there was something else he wanted to say but couldn't find the words.

Michonne watched him for a long moment, feeling the words that she wanted to say coalesce and then forcing herself to say them.

"Maybe...you don't have to let go," she said softly.

Rick looked at her, "What do you mean?"

"I mean...would you like to go to dinner sometime? Just the two of us," Michonne asked carefully, wanting him to understand what she was really asking.

Rick's face transformed into a warm smile, "Yes, I'd like that."

Michonne smiled back, a warm feeling in her chest telling her that yes, this was exactly where she was supposed to be.

Rick shifted a little closer to her, his blue eyes so clear in the fading glow of the sun. He lightly ran a hand down her forearm and found her hand.

"To be honest, I'd resigned myself to thinking that you weren't interested," he said.

Michonne let his fingers intertwine with hers.

"Oh, I was interested," Michonne confessed, "I've been interested since that first day you showed up on my doorstep. I just wasn't ready...I was afraid of rushing into anything. See, I've done that in the past and got my heart broken rather badly. I guess this time I wanted to wait."

"But you're ready now?" Rick asked, his eyes tracing her face.

"Yes. Absolutely," Michonne grinned, and Rick leaned in to kiss her, tender and heartfelt.

Michonne closed her eyes and returned the kiss, reaching up to tangle her fingers in the hair at the base of his neck.

"Oh, I can't tell you how long I've wanted to do that," Rick breathed when they broke for air.

Michonne smiled. She pulled him closer and kissed him again.

After a couple weeks of dating, it didn't take them long to decide to move in together. The kids, who already practically considered each other family, were thrilled. And it wasn't long after that for Michonne to start hinting about a ring.

On Christmas morning Andre practically dragged Michonne out of bed and down the hall to the living room. In front of the glittering Christmas tree and the beautifully wrapped presents was Rick, kneeling with a small black box in his hand.

"Michonne," he said, a twinkle in his eye. He opened the box and the ring inside sparkled.

"Yes! Yes!" Michonne practically shrieked in joy, rushing to him and throwing her arms around his neck.

Rick laughed, "Hold on, you gotta at least let me ask the question!"

Michonne pulled back from the hug, tears welling up in her eyes.

Rick began, "Michonne, light of my life, my beautiful angel girl, I love you more than anything. Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Michonne was laughing and crying as she kissed him.

Rick slid the ring onto her finger. Finally, Michonne thought to herself, my family is complete. The rest of the day was a busy, happy blur.

Not wanting to waste any time, they settled on a spring wedding. Judith wore a princess dress and skipped as she tossed flower petals down the aisle. Andre in his little tux was the ring bearer, a job he took very seriously. As the best man, Carl gave a memorable speech at the reception, reveling in the spotlight and cracking many jokes at his dad's expense. Of course he couldn't leave out the story of how Rick and Michonne first met.

"Clearly, it wasn't love at first sight for Michonne!" Carl declared, and everyone burst out laughing.

"But in all seriousness," Carl continued when the crowd quieted down a bit, "Michonne, I am glad you opened that door again and eventually gave my dad a chance. You're amazing and I am truly happy that you're family now."

The newlyweds honeymooned in Mexico. Rick and Michonne savored every moment they had together with no work, no kids, no distractions. When they managed to leave their suite, they spent the days lounging by the crystal clear ocean sipping on margaritas or touring ancient ruins.

Back home, Rick finished up his night classes, got his teaching certification, and became a first grade teacher in time for his step son Andre to be placed in his class.

And they lived happily ever after.

The End!

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A/N: Happy Holidays, everyone!