Disclaimer—I don't own or make claim to the characters from The Walking Dead. I only own my original characters

The next morning I wake up feeling so much better, I can actually think halfway logically again after a good night's sleep. As much as I would have liked to sleep in Ricks arms, I wouldn't be remotely as well-rested as I am now because I'm sure we wouldn't have stuck to just sleeping. He's like a drug and I'm already addicted. Plus there's the whole point I need to make to be sure he understands. I've always been a very independent person and he needs to get over this overprotective, unilateral decision-making stance he has been taking or this is never going to work between us regardless of sparks. He's made a lot of progress, but he has to understand I'm serious if things have a chance of working between us. Addicted or not, I won't live in a relationship like that. I think after our discussion last night he understands and I have a better understanding of him as well. I have hope that we can navigate our way through this. I'm willing to give him the chance anyway.

I'm surprisingly at peace with the fact that we are in a relationship now, even after fighting it for so long. Even with things changing so quickly from friendship to an intimate relationship and ahead of my, admittedly, arbitrary schedule. I want this to work, in fact the realization of just how much I want this to work surprises me. I ponder how quickly my feelings progressed once I killed Negan. After thinking for several minutes, I decide that the act of killing Negan, of finally getting vengeance for Dave served as a cathartic act in order to finally let go. I hadn't been at the point I could do that before, everything felt unfinished, undone, even though he was gone. I was ultimately able to complete the final act that would free me to start living again after losing Dave.

I decide those are enough deep thoughts for the morning, so I get up, throw on a t-shirt and shorts, prepare my hot chocolate and go out to my swing to watch the sun rise. You'd think I'd sleep in, but my body is too used to rising early now I guess. It's chilly this morning, so I grab a blanket to wrap around me as I pull my feet up onto the swing into the warmth of the blanket.

Shortly afterward, the door opens next door and Rick exits to go on his morning rounds. I wonder if it's possible for him to ever sleep in? He walks down the sidewalk, but turns when he reaches my house, heading up the stairs to my porch. I look at him inquiringly, wondering if he'll be mad at me this morning for kicking him out. "Good Morning," he says with a smile. I reciprocate with a sassy, "Well, Good Morning, Officer Grimes." Not mad. Good, maybe he gets it now.

He grins and stops in front of me, putting his hands on the back of the swing to stop it and hold it steady leaning down and kissing me. After he pulls back from the intense kiss I ask, "I thought you were doing your rounds?" He smirks at me and says, "Checking in on you is part of my rounds now." I laugh as he sits down next to me, putting his arm around me and pulling me in close. "Is it now?" I ask.

"Yep, gotta keep an eye on you somehow if you aren't going to let me move in," he states. I smile and take another sip of hot chocolate and see him eyeing it. I offer it to him saying, "Hot chocolate?" He leans over and takes a sip, placing his lips exactly where mine just sipped from. He looks up at me and says, "Mmm." I laugh and place my lips in the same place again, sipping and finishing it off. I repeat back to him, "Mmm."

He chuckles and takes my cup, placing it on the ground by his feet. He leans in again for a kiss, repeating, "Mmm." I hum back at him as I see some curtains twitch across the way as I sit back. I ask, "Making a statement? I've seen at least 2 sets of curtains twitch since you joined me, I think everyone will know by noon." He kisses me again, firmly and deeply this time. When we come up for breath he says, "That wasn't my goal, but I don't object. I'm happy for everyone to know we're together." I snuggle into his side, enjoying his presence.

"I think I'm slowing you down from your rounds," I say. He murmurs, "Yeah, a little bit." He kisses me on the temple. "Worth it though." I smile back up at him.

He says, "I do need to get going, but wanted to see if you could spare me an hour at lunch? I know you're going to be busy prepping for Annie's Birthday, but I'd like you to join me for lunch if you could."

I give him a surprised look. "Are you asking me out on a date, Officer Grimes?"

He smiles. "Well, if we're dating, I figured we should actually go on a date. You made a good point there last night." He drops a kiss on my nose. "But actually, I'm asking you out on three dates Mrs. Jones."

I say, "Three? All at lunch? You're trying to make up for lost time in an hour?"

He laughs and responds, "No. Just lunch today. But tomorrow is the get together that Michonne and Daryl organized while we were gone. Kind of a 'Welcome the newcomers to Alexandria' thing." I look shocked. "Michonne and Daryl planned a party? Daryl Dixon?!"

He smirks and says, "Yes, Daryl Dixon. He's helping Michonne out with some of the duties I delegated while I was gone. I wanted you to attend with me. They planned it, but I guess I'm hosting. I wondered if you'd go with me and be my hostess?" He looks a little nervous asking this. I agree, saying, "Sure, I'd be happy to." He looks relieved and says, "Then the third date is Friday night. I'm taking you to dinner. Dress fancy." I eye him, "Fancy? Is there a 5 star restaurant around here I haven't noticed yet? How many clothes do you think I have? I think I have one and only one dress." He laughs and nuzzles my hair with his cheek. "I would guess there are some women in this town that would love to help you out."

He then gives me one last kiss, then stands up. "I'd better finish my rounds or I'll never get them done." I smile up at him. "Why don't you bring Carl and Judy over for breakfast when you finish your rounds? We can talk to the kids then about the fact that we're past friendship and on to dating now. Especially since I think they'll hear all about it the minute they step out of the house based on the amount of curtain twitching going on around here. I'd rather they heard it from us first." He nods and agrees then walks down the steps to finish his rounds.

I get up, retrieve my cup and go inside to whip up the breakfast I've been planning. I manage to turn out some decent waffles with a few tweaks. Add to that the eggs I was able to hoard from the animals we got from Hilltop and we have a pretty decent breakfast.

I put a generous serving on a tray and carry it up to Annie's room. I walk in declaring, "Happy Birthday!" as I go. Annie sits up bleary-eyed and then smiles at me when she sees me and the tray I'm carrying. She sits up against the headboard and I put the tray on her lap. I kiss her on the temple and say, "Happy 19th sweetie!" She grins back at me. "Thanks, Mom!"

I poke my head into the rooms of the other 3 kids and tell them to come down for breakfast. I walk back downstairs when there is a knock at the front door. When I open the door, Rick, Carl & Judy are there. I motion them to come inside just as the kids start coming down the stairs. Everyone takes their place at the table while I dish up plates. "Wow," Carl says, "I can't remember the last time I had waffles." I smile at him, saying, "Well, they're Annie's favorite, so I had to find a way to do them. Luckily I came across a waffle iron and hauled it home."

I hand out plates to everyone and then cut up waffles for Judy so she can feed herself, putting a small dollop of syrup on each piece. I carry her plate over to set in front of her in her booster seat and then take a seat next to Rick with my plate. He looks up at me, saying, "This is impressive. Thanks for inviting us for breakfast."

Just then, Annie comes downstairs carrying her tray. "Happy Birthday, Annie," Rick says. She smiles at him saying, "Thanks." The others all echo the birthday wishes.

"Hey Annie, do you want more?" I ask. She shakes her head, "No, I'm full. Thanks Mom." She comes over and gives me a hug from behind me. I reach up and pat her shoulder. "Anytime, hun," I reply. "Actually, can you take a seat? Rick & I had something to talk to you all about."

Rick looks at me hopefully as Annie sits down. Then Judy lets out a big yell of disappointment as she finishes her waffle. I laugh. "I guess she wants more, just a second," I say as I grab her plate and get up to get her another one. I quickly cut it, add some syrup and put it in front of her taking my seat again. Rick leans over and drops a light kiss on my lips, pulling back and saying, "Thanks for taking care of her waffle addiction. You've created a monster now, ya know?" I look up to see all of the kids staring at us in shock except Carl who is just smirking proudly at us.

I shrug at them and say, "We just wanted to let you all know that we're moving on from the friendship stage earlier than we planned. We're dating now." Kayla looks at us and says, "And kissing too, apparently." I laugh. "Yes, and kissing." Rick looks at them all and says, "Fair warning, we'll be kissing a lot now." To emphasize his point, he leans over and kisses me again. Multiple groans fill the air. "Ooh." "Gross." "Yuck, not while I'm eating!"

I pull back and laugh at them all. "Hey, you all said you were OK with us exploring a relationship. Things just progressed a little faster than we initially planned. Deal with it. Fair warning, some Alexandrians saw Rick kissing me on the front porch this morning, so I'm sure the news will spread quickly. People may ask you about it." Rick smirks and adds, "I can't help wanting to kiss your Mom, so you'll just have to get used to it."

They make faces at us and everyone continues with their breakfast. Carl looks up and says, "I knew Dad would win you over eventually." I roll my eyes at him. Apparently Carl has been rooting for his Dad which is no real surprise to me.

Well, the hardest part is over, I think. As they all scatter for their various plans for the day, I start to clean up the kitchen. Judy is the only child left in the house, finishing up her waffles. Rick walks up behind me at the sink, sliding his hands around my waist and nuzzling his beard-covered face into my neck. I tilt my neck for him to have better access and say, "See, when I know you're there I don't scream." I turn around and put my arms around his neck. "It's a much more effective approach than sneaking up on me." I lean up and kiss him lightly and pull back to grin at him.

He rolls his eyes at me. Wait. Rick just rolled his eyes at me? I say, "Woah. Did I just see Rick Grimes roll his eyes? What is this world coming to?" He smiles and says, "I'll concede that last night wasn't my smartest move. In my defense, I just wanted to be with you so I wasn't thinking things through logically." I take a step back and slap my hand over my heart. "Wait. Rick Grimes also admits he made a mistake? Is the world ending?" I smirk at him and continue, "Oh wait, it already did."

He ducks his head and I can swear I can see a tint of red on his cheeks around his beard for a second. He looks back up at me with determination then and says, "Stop. I can admit when I'm wrong. You were right, moving in right now is a bit too quick for the kids." He gives me a determined look and continues, "But don't think that means I'm giving up. My goal is to get us all living under one roof as soon as possible. They'll adjust quickly, they have to."

I nod at him saying, "They do adjust more quickly now, in this world they have to. Nobody objected to us moving on to dating this morning which I think is a big win. We'll decide together when they're ready for the next step, though." I give him a stern look at this.

Rick gathers me back into his arms, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Yes, we'll decide together. That doesn't mean I won't push for you to agree sooner than later though." I chuckle, saying, "Yes, I'm very aware you like to push and nudge things along the way you want them to go. Just as you're aware I won't always be pushed." He hums in agreement while leaning down to kiss me again, going a little deeper this time. Judith lets out a yell, wanting our attention. I laugh and turn to her, "You feeling left out Judy Pie?" Rick walks over to her, wiping her hands and face down and picking her up out of her booster seat. He smiles at me and says, "Well, Judy and I should be going. Does noon work for lunch?"

I nod, saying, "Noon is just fine." He leans over to kiss me on the cheek while Judy pats me on my arm. "I'll see you then," he says and walks out the door to complete his own tasks.

I get busy knowing I'm going to have to work quickly in order to carve out that hour for lunch and still get everything done that I need to in preparation for tonight. I pull all my ingredients out and get to work.

Right at noon, just as I put my last item away to finish working on later, Rick knocks briefly and then comes in the door. I turn toward him smiling as he walks into the kitchen to greet me with a kiss.

"You've been hard at work I see," he says, bringing his hand up to brush at my cheek. "You have a bit of flour right here." I say, "Oh, just give me a second to clean up a little." I turn away to hang up my apron and wash my hands and face. When I turn back around he grabs my hand and says, "You look perfect. Let's go, my hour is ticking away." I laugh and follow him out to the porch where he picks up a bag that is sitting there.

Soon we are on the other side of the lake with a blanket spread out and I'm settling onto it while Rick starts pulling things out of the bag. "Wow," I say, "A romantic picnic huh?" He smiles at me and hands me a sandwich. "That's the hope. Here, scoot over here and let's get comfortable," he replies. He helps me shift over so I'm leaning against his chest and he has one arm around me. I say, "I'm not sure this is the best idea. I'm gonna get crumbs all over you," I laugh up at him with my head leaning back against his shoulder. He chuckles and leans down to kiss my lips that are pointed up toward him. "Oh, I'm not scared of a few crumbs and this way I can do this," he kisses me again, "anytime I want to." I laugh and turn my attention back to my food. We sit there in harmony, eating and then talking a little bit. We chat about the kids, about proposed improvements to Alexandria, about whatever comes to mind. It's relaxing and really nice because it doesn't require any effort, everything just flows naturally while we relax. There's no urgency, no agenda other than spending time together. After some time passes, he asks, "Last night you said you had some ideas about setting boundaries so I'm not on call 24/7. I'd like to hear more about that." I nod and say, "When we walked in the gate yesterday you got bombarded with people needing help." I look up at him, "You know that none of that was really urgent?" He nods, saying, "I know, but I've found it's easiest to just get it done when they ask so they stop pestering me about it."

"That makes sense, but it also has encouraged them to think any question they have needs your immediate attention. My recommendation would be to start actually using the offices at the townhouse. Set up some office hours designated for them to ask their questions then."

He scoffs a bit. "I'm not much of a desk worker. I'd rather be out and about in the community, seeing what's going on, pitching in where needed."

I say, "I understand that. I'm not saying you need to ride a desk and stop being out in the community helping out. I know that's part of who you are. But think about it, the reason they grab you the minute they see you is because they never know where you'll be later. They have to take that opportunity to grab you and get your attention. If you even just committed to 4 hours, maybe midday, in your office and tell them to come talk to you then, I bet you'd have a lot of time freed up. They'd know exactly where and when they can find you so you'd be bothered less when you're out and about."

He's silent thinking about that for a few moments and then says, "OK, I see your point. I guess I could try it and see if it cuts down on so many interruptions." I smile and lean my head back on his shoulder to look into his eyes and give him a kiss. "You won't regret it," I say. "I bet it's going to free up a lot more of your time by doing this." He smirks at me and asks, "Do you have any ideas how I might spend all that free time?" I smile up at him and reply, "I might have one or two things in mind." He leans down and pulls me into a consuming kiss. Afterwards, we toss around a few ideas on how to communicate his new schedule to everyone and more, get them to follow it.

When he tells me his hour is up, I sigh and lean my head back, looking up at him. "I'd rather stay here, but if I'm going to get everything done on time, I'd better get a move on." He leans down and kisses me, saying, "Well, you gave me my hour and that makes me happy. You'd better go though, I don't want to delay your plans for Annie." I stand up and he gives me a hand. "You and the kids should come over around 6," I say. "I think they'd enjoy this as well." He agrees and we part as I head back to the house to finish up with my plans.

At 6, Rick, Carl and Judy have arrived and I have them join Kayla, Kira and Jordan in the dining room. I call Annie down and when she arrives, everyone jumps out yelling, "Surprise!" She had no idea there was more, she thought breakfast was her special birthday thing. She looks at the dining room table and then looks at me in astonishment. "Pizza and Cake?!" she exclaims. I nod, "Yep, I've been gathering supplies for weeks now. Happy Birthday honey, dig in!" I encourage.

Soon, everyone is enjoying pizza and cake, a rarity these days. It took me some time, but I recreated my old pizza dough recipe and learned how to catch wild yeast. We are having a good time together, the kids are having fun and, dare I say, it's almost like we're a real family. We have a lot of fun and as things start to wind down I see Rick talking to Carl and Carl nods at him and then walks over to check on Judith. Rick looks up at me and then walks toward me, giving me a small kiss when he arrives. I ask him, "Heading out on your rounds?" It's about that time, looking at the setting sun outside. He nods, "Yeah, I asked Carl to get Judy cleaned up and take her home to bed." I look over to see Carl cleaning up a sleepy Judy and say, "Yeah, she looks done for. You want me to help him?" I start to move toward them to help but he grabs my hand swinging me around and says, "No. I want you to come with me." I look at him in shock. "With you? On your rounds?!" I ask, surprised. I have never known him to take others on his rounds except maybe Daryl. He smiles, saying, "Yes, come with me on my rounds." I look around at the kids, seeing they are all occupied and look back at him. He says, "Please?" and smiled that perfect smile at me that melts my heart, his blue eyes sparkling.  I smile back at him and say, "Well, who can refuse you when you say please so nicely?" He grins, tells the kids where we're going and pulls me after him out of the house to do his rounds. I follow while wondering exactly what he's up to.

A/N Sorry for the delay, I had RL stuff going on and it took me awhile to shape this chapter. It's a longer chapter than usual, so hopefully that makes up for it.  I'm finally happy with it now though, so I'm ready to share with you all. What do you think dating during the apocalypse would look like? As much as we attempt to simulate the old world, I figure there will be different hurdles to overcome that you wouldn't have had before. Do you think Rick & Sandi have a hope of weaving his overprotectiveness and her independence together and making it work? I hope you enjoy! It will likely be next weekend for the next update when you will find out exactly why Rick pulls Sandi along with him on his rounds. ;)

Thanks for reading, I really appreciate you all coming back for more. If you liked this chapter please consider giving me some feedback! Sometimes it feels like I'm throwing this out to the void but not sure if anyone is really reading or enjoying it.