The Alexandria welcome party buzzed with music and murmurs, but you stayed near the edge of the yard, sipping something cold and watching the new arrivals.

Then you saw him — Rick Grimes, with that stormy look in his eyes and a baby girl nestled in his arms. Judith.

She babbled softly, tugging at the hem of his shirt as he scanned the crowd. His eyes landed on you — just for a second — but it was enough to make your heart skip.

Moments later, he walked over.

“She’s usually shy,” he said, nodding to Judith, “but she keeps lookin’ your way.”

You smiled, a little surprised. “Smart kid.”

He chuckled. “Yeah… she is.”

You held out your hands, unsure. “Can I?”

He didn’t hesitate. Judith shifted easily into your arms, warm and light, her little fingers wrapping around yours like she’d known you forever.

Rick watched you, quieter now. His voice came soft. “It’s strange, seeing her safe. Seeing us safe. But right now… it feels real.”

You looked up at him, heart fluttering. “Maybe it is.”

And in that quiet moment — Judith resting against you, Rick’s eyes holding yours — something unspoken settled between you.

Not quite love yet, but the very first spark of it.