A/N You guys are the best. Thank you all so much for the follows, faves and reviews. Let's have a wedding!
She'd crawled into bed with him every night for nearly two weeks now. As much as he loved having her there, and sleeping with her cuddled up at his side, it was tough on him. It was all he could do to honor the promise he'd made to himself to wait until they were married. He wanted to do that for her; somehow he felt it was important.
That didn't stop some pretty serious bedtime kissing, and Merle had happily noted she seemed responsive, a little nervous at first, but yeah, she was definitely enjoying the kissing as much as he did.
And now, with the wedding just two days away, Merle's mood was alternating between nervous wreck and wild excitement at the thought of her being his wife. He'd decided maybe he'd fallen for her the day he met her...no, he was sure about that.
He never thought he'd be involved with a woman like her. She was the complete opposite of anyone he'd ever been with, and he'd sure never had a serious relationship with anyone, just fooling around, but this? This was love and he knew it.
He'd always been involved with women who were free and easy with big buxom bodies, big hair, plenty of make-up, especially those big red lips, gals that had been around the block a few times and knew the score.
She was sweet, small, innocent, wore no make-up and well, she sure didn't have big breasts. But she was his everything. He never thought he was capable of loving a woman, but he loved her so much it was almost painful. And Tommy. He loved the little boy; he was happy and proud to call him his son.
He knew Lori and Michonne were putting on some kind of fancy "Bridal Lunch" for her in the little apartment today; he appreciated how kind they were to her and how happy she was to spend time with other women.
He'd started going back to the shop every day, they were slightly shorter work days, and he wasn't doing any mechanic work just supervisory and tending to office duties, but he was glad to be back. He was grateful to Daryl for working so hard for him and holding things together when he was laid up. He didn't know how he'd ever repay him, but Daryl just kept telling him that's what families do.
Today he'd brought Tommy to work with him, laughing and reminding her it was time for the boy to be a man and earn his keep. What he really wanted was for Beth to have her day, to enjoy her time with the other ladies. He told her not to worry about cooking supper for him; he and Tommy would just stop at the diner on their way home.
Beth just knew she was the luckiest woman in the world.
She was excited to have her "day off" and enjoy lunch with her two friends, one of whom would soon be her sister. She put on the dress she'd made to wear the night Merle had taken her to the Grange Hall, and even pinned her hair up. She wanted to wear her new heels, but she didn't want to take a chance of anything happening to them before the wedding.
The apartment was decorated with flowers and crepe paper streamers, she felt so special, and a little embarrassed by the attention she was receiving. There was a beautiful luncheon of pretty and delicious tea sandwiches, a Waldorf salad, and sliced fruit that Michonne had made.
The women took their time, enjoying the delicate sandwiches and making small talk. Then Lori brought out the dessert, which she'd purchased at a local bakery – cooking was not her forte – beautiful petite fours with tiny flowers and miniature wedding rings on top.
Everything was just so lovely and so delicious, and then Michonne went in the bedroom and came back with two beautifully wrapped gifts for her. She was feeling a bit overwhelmed, she had never had so much attention and kindness directed at her. She looked back and forth between the women and in a soft voice said, "Thank you both so much. You are such a blessing in my life and I love you both." All of the women had tears in their eyes.
Beth opened the small box first; it held a little bottle of French Perfume and a tube of lipstick that came in a compact with a mirror. The lipstick was a pale pink color and Beth was so excited. She'd never owned either perfume or lipstick.
Beth slowly opened the second gift, when she drew the gift from the box she turned a bright shade of red, "Oh my, it's beautiful," she said almost under her breath.
Lori and Michonne had agreed the negligée should be somewhat modest, and it was, it was a simple slip style made of white satin with thin, delicate lace straps at the shoulders, and a low V-neck with a small pink rose at the center of the V. There was a matching pair of white satin slippers with a kitten heel.
Tears began to fall from Beth's eyes and she seemed to be shaking. Lori and Michonne were immediately concerned and asked nearly in unison, "Beth what's wrong?"
The flood gates opened and the young woman started to cry in earnest, her words came out in a rush, "I'm just so scared. I don't know what to do in the bedroom, I don't know how to make Merle happy and I don't want to disappoint him, make him wish he'd never married me. And I'm afraid, afraid he'll hurt me, I don't think he'll intend to hurt me, but before, that time, it hurt so bad and, and, and, I'm just so scared."
Lori put her arm around the crying woman's shoulder, "Beth, Merle will know what to do. You don't need to know, I'm sure he doesn't expect that of you. Please don't be afraid. I'm sure it will be beautiful and loving for you both."
Then Michonne put an arm around her, "Little sister, don't be fearful. I've known Merle Dixon for a long time and until I came here this time, I have never seen him love anything or anyone except Daryl. I know that man loves you, he worships you, he would never hurt you, and he'd kill anyone who did. I'm married to a big tough Dixon man myself and I can say that, behind closed doors, he's tender, romantic and more interested in my happiness and pleasure than his own. Just trust Merle, he'll show you the way."
Beth took turns hugging both women, and thanking them for everything, the beautiful day, the wonderful food, the very special gifts, and for being her friend and easing her fears.
They continued to chat and enjoy one anothers company as Beth and Lori insisted on helping Michonne with clean up. They were all surprised at how the time had passed when Daryl came in at 5:30. He walked right to Michonne, put his arm around her and said, "Missed ya woman." She just smiled at him.
Then she realized, "Oh no Daryl, I didn't even think about your dinner."
"Well thank you kindly for that woman," he smiled, "I figured I wasn't at the top of your list today, so I stopped at the diner and got myself a burger." He held up a brown paper bag. Then he acknowledged the other women. "You have a good party today Beth?"
"Oh yes Daryl, thank you," she replied.
He chuckled softly and said, "Don't thank me, these women here done it all." Then he looked at Lori, "Thanks for helping my beautiful wife out today Lori."
She smiled, "It was such fun Daryl. I'm sorry you have to eat diner food, but I do believe there are some salad and petit fours left."
He looked a little confused, "what the hell is a petit four."
Lori smiled back and said, "Michonne will show you. Now I'll skedaddle so you can enjoy dinner with your wife."
Beth said, "Oh my gosh, Merle and Tommy will be getting home, I'd better skedaddle myself! Thank you so much Michonne, thank you so much Lori, this was such a wonderful day for me I could never thank you enough."
The women all hugged good bye, and as soon as they left Daryl took his wife in his arms and kissed her passionately, "Damn you're a beautiful woman, I'ma show you just how beautiful soon as I eat and have a bath."
She just smiled at him and said, "You're always at the top of my list Daryl Dixon."
As luck would have it, when Merle walked in the diner with Tommy the first person he saw was Carlotta. Merle just walked to a booth and had Tommy slide in, then he slid in next to him.
Carlotta came over with a menu and said, "What're you doing with this rug rat Merle?"
"I'ma marry his mama on Saturday, he's my boy. We'll both have a water and my son will have a glass of milk, I'll have a coffee please."
She was stunned, but she tried to act like she wasn't a bit bothered.
When she came back with the drinks Merle ordered Tommy a grilled cheese and tomato soup, and himself a hot roast beef sandwich. She leaned down and said to him, "Merle please, I'm the better woman for you."
"You was way outta line with Beth, Carlotta. I'm sorry if I hurt ya, thought we had an agreement. Truth is, there ain't no better woman than my Beth. I love her, I love the boy, I'ma marry her Saturday. Simple."
When he and Tommy got home she was still in her party clothes and he just smiled at the sight of her. Tommy ran and put his arms around her legs and Merle wrapped his around her shoulders. "Ya look mighty pretty Lil Darlin, prettiest girl in the world," he smiled and kissed her lightly on the lips.
"You're the most handsome man in the world Merle Dixon, and also the best man. I love you so much, and I just want to make you happy."
xxxx
The wedding was to take place at noon. Michonne had spent Friday evening preparing scalloped potatoes, pea salad, a shrimp and tomato aspic, and making dough for dinner rolls she'd cook in the morning. Daryl had built a fire pit and rotisserie and was cooking a couple of venison roast on it. Rick and the kids were picking up the wedding cake from the bakery, and Lori was helping Beth get ready. Merle had taken Tommy for a ride. He wasn't allowed to come home until 30 minutes before the wedding, just enough time to get himself and Tommy ready, Beth would be at Daryl and Michonne's by then.
Daryl had come in the house to wash up, he wrapped his arm around her, pulled her close and said, "Missed ya Woman." She just smiled. "You outdone yerself Mishy, but you been working too hard. When we get back to the cabin I want you ta take it easy for a while. You and our baby need ta rest up. I want ya both healthy."
She just smiled at him and he smiled back.
Beth was a nervous wreck. Lori had had to practically put her garter belt and stockings on for her. Then the full slip she would wear, rather than a bra and half-slip; then help her with her hair, the dress and shoes, a dab of perfume behind each ear, on the inside of each wrist, and finally a little lipstick.
When they walked in the apartment Daryl smiled and gave her a low whistle, "My brother is a lucky man Beth."
She blushed and Michonne just went up to her gave her a big hug and said, "You're a beautiful bride Beth. I just know you and Merle are going to have a happy life together."
Merle was mighty nervous his own self. He got Tommy ready first, short pants, white shirt, suspenders and a bow tie. There was a knock on the door and Daryl walked in. "Can I help ya brother? Maybe poor you a shot a sumthin' for them nerves?" he was smiling.
"Nah little brother, I'ma try n stay sober for my weddin' night, but thanks anyway. Just gonna get myself dressed and go down there and marry the prettiest, sweetest girl I ever did see."
The judge had driven up from Savannah. Michonne had been put in touch with him through a chain of civil rights workers. He was young, a liberal and out to change the world, starting with the South. He greeted everyone at the apartment and enjoyed a sweet ice tea while they waited for the groom, the best man and the ring bearer.
When Rick announced he could see them coming down the driveway Beth and Michonne slipped in the bedroom.
Merle walked in, greeted everyone and took a deep breath. The judge asked, "Is everyone ready?" Merle nodded and took his place with Daryl standing next to him, Lori started the music on the small record player.
The bedroom door opened and Michonne stepped out smiling broadly. She carried a small bouquet of yellow and white roses.
Beth came slowly through the doorway, and when he saw her his heart skipped a beat and his stomach felt like it flipped. Her hair was pulled back in some kind of loose braid down her back, with little curls hanging on either side of her face, and there were tiny yellow and white flowers in her hair. Her white dress had small yellow flowers on it; it was sleeveless, tight on top and at the waist with just a bit of fullness at the hip and a straight skirt that went to just below her knees. She was wearing silk stockings with heels. He smiled broadly; he'd never seen her in stockings and heels. Her lips were a soft pink color and she had a beautiful blush on her cheeks. She was carrying a spray of yellow and white roses.
When she saw him standing there waiting for her she knew there was never anything she wanted more than to spend the rest of her life with this good man. There he stood in his brown suit, white shirt and a broad tie with a bold yellow and brown design. He had a small yellow rose on his lapel, and he was wearing his snazzy two tone shoes.
When she reached him they locked eyes for just a moment, and both of them knew they belonged to each other.
The vows were exchanged, and when Merle bent down and kissed her tenderly the small group cheered loudly. The judge said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Merle Dixon."
The mood was festive as everyone enjoyed champagne, a delicious afternoon meal and a beautiful cake featuring a bride and groom atop. The bride had yellow hair and the groom was smiling.
The judge used Michonne's camera to take a photos of the entire group, one of just the bride and groom, and one of Beth, Merle, Tommy, Michonne and Daryl. Michonne knew someone who would discreetly develop the photos.
There were cards and gifts and good wishes all around.
The entire time Merle and Beth could hardly take their eyes off one another. They were two people who had suffered terrible abuse, cruelty and hardship and they had found one another, they loved one another, and they were about to build a life together. They were incredibly happy.
Rick and Lori announced they were leaving and Tommy was going with them. Lori promised Beth he would have great fun with her children and she'd bring him home Monday morning. She hugged Beth and Merle, Rick shook Merle's hand, gave Beth a quick hug and they were off.
The judge thanked everyone for a great day and made his own departure.
Merle hugged Michonne and thanked her for everything, he came close to hugging Daryl, but that just wasn't what they did, instead they looked at each other with deep affection and shook hands.
Beth hugged Michonne and thanked her for everything she'd done. Michonne smiled and whispered in her ear, "It's all going to be wonderful Beth."
She hugged Daryl; he stiffened at first and then hugged her back, "Welcome to the family little sister."
She and Merle walked up the driveway to their home, when they reached the door he scooped her up in a bridal carry, leaned down slightly to open the door and carried her across the threshold, "Welcome home Mrs. Dixon."
A/N This seemed like the right place to stop this chapter. I know I left ya hanging a little right here, but I'll be back soon. Please read and review xo