"Liar," he seethed.

Thunk.

"Please!"

Thunk.

"I'll do anything! Please! I love you."

Thunk.

Dirt filled my mouth. I spit desperately as I tried to free my airway.

"I'm goin' to fucking kill you! I'm goin' to kill you, Tate!"

I shot up, clawing at my face. My chest was heavy and I was covered in a cold sweat. I could feel and smell the dirt piling on top of me. The full moon shined bright. The presence of death lingered just out of sight.

Hands grabbed my wrists and held them tightly. I tried to wriggle away while crying, "Let me go! Let me go, please!"

"It's me, Jo. Rick. You're okay. You're safe. It was only a nightmare."

My breathing slowed as my vision adjusted to the darkness. I wasn't in the grave. Tate wasn't standing over me with his evil grin. I was in Rick's bedroom and he was sitting next to me, holding me. His eyes were wide with worry.

Suddenly, Carl burst through the door in his pajamas. He held his gun at the ready. "What happened? Jo, are you okay?" he asked, the question was firm but concerned.

Rick waved him down. "Everything's fine," he reassured his son. "It was just a bad dream."

"You're still having those?" There was sympathy etched on the boy's face as he watched me.

I swallowed the stubborn lump in my throat. "Yeah," I said. My voice was hoarse like I had been yelling for hours. "I was bein' buried again."

The sun peaked above the window sill; beams of light illuminated the carpeted floor. The robins began their morning song.

Rick stroked the back of my head, his fingers running through my red hair. I was taken aback for a moment at the explicit display of affection in front of Carl. Yes, we were in the same bed together, but the situation wasn't exactly romantic.

"What do you need?" Rick asked. His touch comforted me. "What can I do?"

I took his hand. "Nothin'. I just need to get up and movin'." Rick swung his feet over the edge of the bed. I grabbed his thigh to stop his movement. "You go back to bed. You need the sleep."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

Rick leaned over and pecked me on the lips. Butterflies filled my stomach. "Wake me up if you need anythin'," he said after pulling away.

Every time he kissed me, a piece of my forgotten happiness was restored. It would take me decades to get used to the unmitigated joy I felt near him.

"Ew, okay, I'm leaving," Carl cringed, shielding his face.

Rick and I looked into each other's eyes and chuckled. I was relieved at Carl's reaction. He could have responded angrily, but he didn't.

"Hey, Carl," Rick called. Carl walked back into the doorframe. He crossed his arms. "Happy birthday."

The kid smiled shyly. "Thanks, Dad."

As Rick drifted back to sleep, I got ready for the day. There was a chill in the air so I put on one of Rick's grey sweatshirts before heading downstairs.

In the kitchen, Carl rummaged through the fridge.

"What are you doin' awake?" I asked, leaning on the door. A cool breeze from the fridge tickled my fingers.

"Once I'm up, I'm up," he said with a shrug.

I nodded. "I get that." I smiled mischievously before forcefully shutting the fridge.

"Hey!"

"Birthday boys don't make their own breakfast."

Carl rolled his eye. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered.

"Come here," I told him while opening my arms. With a little coaxing, he let me wrap him in a tight hug. "Happy 16th birthday, Carl." I held onto his shoulders as I stepped back. Although he was still young, his features were maturing. The baby fat in his cheeks was gone. "Stop growin' on me."

A tight-lipped smile appeared on his face. "I'll try."

Carl sat at the island and read a Fantastic Four comic while I began cooking the eggs and pancakes.

My mind wandered back to his reaction to Rick and I's kiss as I tried to distract myself from thoughts of Tate. "Hey," I said as I turned around with the spatula in my hand. Carl looked up from his reading. "Did your dad talk to you about..." I trailed off, feeling suddenly awkward about having this conversation with my lover's son.

"About you two being together?" he finished, raising an eyebrow.

I sucked in a sharp breath as I nodded.

"Yeah, he did. I'm just surprised it didn't happen sooner."

"Huh?"

Carl shot me a look that said, 'Really?'

"What?" I said, waving the spatula in the air.

He put his face in his hands and shook his head. "Oh my God, you two are both so oblivious," he muttered. He sighed before looking up at me again. "I knew it was gonna happen ever since you taught me to kill walkers on Poe. That day he started looking at you like he used to look at my mom."

My heart sank. I really hoped he didn't think I was trying to replace his mom. That was the last thing I wanted to do. Carl's feelings meant the world to me and it was kill me to hurt him like that.

"Not to mention after the prison when Dad was passed out," he continued. "He kept calling out for you in his sleep."

I smiled bashfully, my previous sadness slipping away.

Wow, Rick is really into me.

"So, you're okay with it?" I asked.

"Of course I am, Jo. I wouldn't want it to be anyone else."

I couldn't hold back the joy inside of me. I went over to Carl and squeezed him with all my might. He groaned and tried to wriggle away.

"Smells good," Rick said, walking into the kitchen with Judith in his arms. He paused when he saw me embracing his son. He grinned. "Group hug for the birthday boy?"

"No. No," Carl said, breathless.

Rick approached and wrapped his free arm around him. Judith giggled and grabbed her brother. The three of us smooshed the 16-year-old.

"I... can't... breathe."

Rick and I laughed as we pulled away.

"You need any help with breakfast?" Rick questioned before adjusting Judith on his hip.

"Nah, I got it," I said, waving him off. "Least I can do saying here rent-free for so many nights."

"Rent. Haven't thought about that in a minute."

"What's rent?" Carl asked, genuinely curious.

I scooped the sizzling scrambled eggs off the pan and onto a plate. "Something you'll never need to worry about," I said with a chuckle. "And that's a good thing."

"Whatever you say."

As I finished preparing the food, Daryl and Michonne found their way into the kitchen. It was still the early hours, but old habits die hard. I don't think anyone besides Judith has been able to sleep after 8 in the morning since the dead began walking.

___

"Hand me that pin," I said, reaching down from the ladder.

Dakota handed me the push pin. I stabbed the last corner of the happy birthday banner into the wall.

Since Rick wasn't able to get me the rest of the supplies I needed for Carl's birthday, I recruited my sisters to help me DIY some things. Blair had the best handwriting, so she did the banner.

"Are you sure he won't show up?" Dakota asked. She glanced out the window hesitantly.

I shook my head. "No. I told Enid to keep him distracted until 7. Shouldn't be a problem."

"Jo, it's 6:35," Blair informed me.

"Shit! Go tell Daryl to get the drinks ready. Everyone will be here in like 10 minutes." Blair nodded and went on her way. I leaned over to peer into the kitchen. "Michonne-"

"On it," Michonne interjected, already taking the chicken out of the oven. The scent of savory meat and rosemary drifted into my nostrils.

I stuck the last pin into the drywall and descended the ladder.

Rick skipped down the stairs with a bare torso and wet hair. He carried one grey and one blue dress shirt. His eyes widened upon seeing me. "Wow," he breathed. "You look... amazing."

I glanced down at myself. I wore a tight-fitting black dress and glossy, black heels. My hair was curled and I had my makeup done. I had to admit, I looked very different from my usual self.

"Whatever," I said, lightly hitting him on the arm.

"No. You look beautiful, Jo. I might have to arm myself for this party to keep everyone from trying to steal you away."

"I only got eyes for you, Grimes."

Rick smirked. "Good." He held both shirts in the air and asked, "Which one?"

I smiled before pointing at the blue. "That one. Matches your eyes."

"Thought you'd pick that one."

"You know me so well. Now go get ready." I pecked him on the cheek.

Rick pulled me in by my waist and kissed me before he went back upstairs.

"Gonna take me a minute to get used to that," Daryl said as he went down the hall with a tub of drinks. Blair trailed behind him carrying a case of beer. Her cheeks were red.

My face turned the same shade as my sister's. "Yeah, well you made it happen so you better get used to it fast. Unless you want to do a reverse parent trap this time."

Blair raised an eyebrow. "Parent trap?" she asked.

"I got work to do." Daryl rolled his eyes at me and walked away.

Blair adjusted the beer in her grasp. "Huh?"

I waved her off before saying, "I'll explain later."

After placing the last few decorations, Tara and Denise were the first to arrive. I welcomed them with hugs and immediately ushered them to grab a drink. The home soon became filled with a lively atmosphere of light conversation and laughs.

I climbed on the coffee table. The volume died down in the room. "Okay! Enid is bringing Carl here any minute," I announced. "Everyone needs to find a place to hide."

Rosita, Rick, and I ducked down behind the couch. Rick smiled at me and squeezed my hand.

Excitement and anticipation buzzed in my chest. Carl needed this after losing his eye and enduring all his other traumas. Not only did he need this, but so did the rest of us. In a couple of days, we would be going to slaughter the Saviors. A feeling of dread hung over us. For a few short hours, we'd forget about that dread and live like we weren't about to send more souls to the Reaper.

The door creaked open and two pairs of footsteps shuffled on the wooden flooring.

"Wait. What is this?" Carl questioned Enid.

I nodded at Rick and Rosita before we popped up. The rest of the guests followed suit. We all yelled, "Surprise!"

Carl tried to hide his happiness, but he couldn't fight it. He grinned ear to ear.

"Happy birthday, Carl," Enid said, giving him a brief side hug.

"Thanks," he responded, beginning to blush. 

Glenn swooped in to save him from the embarrassment. "Come get some food. You're first in line." As he led Carl to the kitchen, he looked over his shoulder and winked at Enid. I hid my laugh.

Everyone loaded their plates with fresh chicken, green beans, and scalloped potatoes from Hilltop. It had been so long since we'd had fresh food like this. Sure, Alexandira had a few fruit trees, but no meat and vegetables. When our stomachs were filled, our happiness increased.

Abraham walked over to me with a beer in each hand as I threw away some empty cans. He handed one to me. "Here," he said. "Take a break, you've done enough."

"Thanks," I responded. I grabbed the glass bottle and took a swig.

"I have to say, you look mighty fine tonight."

I chuckled. "Be careful. Don't let Rick hear you or you might get shot."

Abraham's mustache turned upwards. "I'd respect him if he did." He suddenly glanced away nervously, chugging his drink. "Can I ask you somethin'?"

"Shoot."

"What made you finally decide to get with Rick?" he asked. 

I was caught off guard for a moment before I gathered myself and responded, "I guess I had wanted him for so long I just couldn't take it anymore. It felt like if I didn't have him at that exact moment, I would die. And honestly, it was the best thing I'd ever done. I wish I would have done somethin' sooner."

He nodded absentmindedly.

"Why?"

Abraham sighed. "Needed a sign."

I nodded back, suspicion written across my face. "Well, if you ever wanna tell me more, my ears are open."

"I know." The man leaned forward and planted a kiss on my cheek. "Thank you."

I could smell the alcohol on his breath, but I knew the gesture was genuine.

As I started to answer, Rick entered the kitchen carrying a dish filled with apple crisp. Lit candles were stuck into the fruit.

"Dad, nooo," Carl pleaded.

"Happy birthday to you," Rick began singing as he placed the dish in front of Carl on the kitchen table. Everyone sang along and Carl accepted his fate. I slipped away for brief second to grab a Polaroid camera.

When the song came to a close and the kid blew out his candles, I snapped a picture. I immediately got a glare from my subject.

"What'd you wish for?" I asked in a teasing manner.

"If  I told you it wouldn't come true," he told me, matching my tone.

"He's got you there," Rick said with a twinkle in his eye.

Carl admired the dessert in front of him. "Thanks, Dad." There was a deep gratitude in his voice. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, he was having one of the best nights in years.

The man shook his head and pointed to me. "Don't thank me. Thank her. She planned it all and made you that."

Carl smiled. "Thanks, Mom," he said. His smile dropped.

Our eyes met and both widened. Carl gripped the tablecloth. Everyone else in the room went silent, which didn't help with the already tense situation.

My heart was racing. I had to do something. Say something. But as I tried to speak, all that came out was an awkward croak.

Carl abruptly got up from the table, almost knocking over his chair.

"Carl, it's okay," Rick said. He tried to place a gentle hand on his shoulder, but Carl rushed out of the room toward the backyard. As I was about to go after him, Rick grabbed my arm. He had a sad expression on his face. "Give him a minute."

"Anyone down for a game of rummy?" Dakota asked, cutting through the tension.

"Great idea," Blair added, sending me a sympathetic look. "Anyone who wants to play come to the living room."

With that, the party spread out and everyone resumed their conversations.

After about five minutes of impatient waiting, I grabbed Carl's present, a six-pack of beer, and a blanket.

As I entered the night air, I found Carl sitting on the wooden swinging bench staring up at the stars. My boots crunched the leaves in the grass. He glanced at me and scooted over to make room. Silently, I sat next to the kid, draped the blanket over our laps, and set the beer between us.

I fished a bottle opener out of my pocket before opening two of the drinks. I handed one to Carl. He looked at me, confused.

"On my 16th birthday," I began, "my father and I snuck away to the barn when my sisters fell asleep. I had been sad and angry all day because my mom had died three months ago. I missed her so badly and all I wanted was for her to be there. I wanted her to bake me the cake she made every year and to hear her beautiful singin'. Dad saw this, and he knew I needed somethin' to get my mind off of it."

I closed my eyes and took a drink as the memories flooded back.

"In the barn, he had placed two lawn chairs, a lantern, a deck of cards, and a case of cold beer. We drank, played games, and talked about life. Eventually, I had completely forgotten about bein' upset. He made one of my worst birthdays into one of my best."

I tapped my nail on Carl's beer, giving him permission to drink. Without hesitation, he brought the bottle to his lips. He cringed at the taste but still took another sip. I chuckled.

In my palm, I held up the small gift. "Open your present."

Carl stuck his bottle between his legs before grabbing it. He ripped the wrapping paper off and revealed a little velvet box. He flipped it open. Sitting inside was a gold ring with leaves etched into it. It was simple, but beautiful.

"It's a tradition in the Hawk family to pass down a gold ring to the eldest boy on their 16th birthday. Every time it is passed down, a priest blesses the ring to protect the wearer," I said. "In the barn, my dad gave me the ring. He had no sons, but he thought the tradition was outdated anyway. It was my most prized possession for years. That ring is long gone, but this one is very similar. I had Gabriel bless it."

I smiled at Carl as I took the ring from the box. "I was inspired by my father to throw you this party and give you your first drink. I'm takin' inspiration from him again by breakin' tradition. Carl, I know we're not blood-related, but you feel like a son to me. You have even before I got with your dad. So, I'm not upset you called me mom, because that's already what I feel like I am to you. This ring is yours."

I slipped the ring onto his right ring finger. It fit perfectly. Carl stared at it for a moment before he unexpectedly hugged me. A few tears streamed down my face from the joy I felt. I kissed his temple.

"My mom will always be my mom," Carl said after pulling back. "But when I called you that, I meant it." I took his hands in mine. "Thank you, Jo. For everything."

Overwhelming happiness took over my body. This was everything I had ever wished for. I had a family, my sisters, Rick, a daughter, and a son. I felt like the luckiest person alive.

"I love you, kid," I told him.

"I love you too," he responded, running his thumb over the ring.

"You want to go back inside?"

Carl shook his head. "No. I want to stay out here with you for a little while, if that's okay."

"That's more than okay."

I moved the beer and closed the space between us. I put my arm over his shoulders as the moon appeared from behind the clouds. 

The two of us drank our alcohol and talked about the comic books he was reading, the food we'd eat if we could conjure it at will, and the past. 

"You've come a long from pointing a gun at my face," I chuckled. 

Although Carl had only drank one beer, I could tell he was feeling it by the way he giggled. "That Carl's mind would have exploded knowing the conversation we had tonight," he said. "I am sorry about that, though."

"Nah, don't be sorry. You were bein' safe." 

The backdoor opened and Rick stepped through. "What's goin' on here?" he asked with a smile. "Jo, are you bein' a bad influence on my son?"

I held out my hands, my wrists pressed together. "Arrest me, officer."

He scoffed amusingly while shaking his head. "You're somethin' else." 

I moved over and patted the space between Carl and I. As Rick sat down, I lifted the blanket. 

"Is he allowed to have another? He's only had one."

Carl pleaded with his dad by sticking out his bottom lip and widening his eye. 

"Okay, fine," Rick sighed. He grabbed three beers from the case. "It's your birthday after all." 

"Yes! Thank you!" Carl exclaimed while eagerly taking the bottle. His ring clinked on the glass. 

"What's that?" Rick turned his head to get a better look. 

Carl slipped the ring off his finger and handed it to his father. "Jo gave it to me. It's a family heirloom given to the firstborn." 

Rick's face lit up when his eyes met mine. "Is that right?" 

My lips quirked up as I nodded. 

"It's cool isn't it?"

"It is. This is a great gift." 

Rick gave Carl the ring back before he laced his fingers with mine. The sheriff looked at me with immense love. I clutched him tightly, never wanting to let this moment go.