Chapter Thirteen: Epilogue
Six months later …
Merle Dixon grinned as he looked up from the front desk to see Carol coming in the front door of the garage, her arms laden with takeout bags from the new Mexican place which had opened up down the street. "Hey there, darlin'. How was class?" he asked, holding the door open so she could step behind the counter.
"It was fine," she said, setting the bags down on her desk. "Since I went for the summer semester, I'm all set to graduate next month before Christmas break."
Merle nodded. She'd worked hard over the summer, needing the distraction. It wasn't a secret the events of that weekend getaway still bothered her. Carol still wanted to stick close to the brothers, leery of being alone, and always keeping an eye out on her surroundings. Ed had spooked her more than she'd been willing to admit. She was better now. Michonne had convinced her to speak with a therapist about her ordeal, and it had seemed to help.
Most of all, she was happy. Carol had quit her job at the coffee house when Merle had suggested she come to work at the garage. He'd been contemplating for a long time on their need for a secretary, their books a mess. With all of her classes in the morning, she'd been more than happy to devote her afternoons to her new job. It freed up her evenings to spend time with them, and it seemed as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Daryl still worried every day when he dropped her at the campus, but he could breathe easier now the threat of her stalker was no longer a problem. They'd barely been home from the retreat five minutes before he'd moved Carol into his loft bedroom and rearranged the spare room into an office/closet for his girl. Merle had never seen two people more in love than his brother and Carol. Daryl deserved every ounce of happiness he could get after his horrible childhood, and Carol was just the woman to see he got it.
Carol looked through the big plate glass window separating the office from the garage and frowned. "Where is everyone?" she asked when she didn't see their employees in the cavernous room.
Merle flopped down in Carol's desk chair and leaned back, twining his fingers together over his middle. "Martinez and Axel are on a call. There was a pile-up on th' loop, an' I had t' send out both trucks," he replied, referring to the two new mechanics – and Merle's close friends – he'd hired. Not that he minded. He was glad their business was growing. Carol had convinced the brothers to buy the parcel of land behind the garage and expand the company into a salvage yard and parts sales.
"Well, damn. Their lunch will be cold by the time they get back."
"That's why we have a microwave, darlin'."
Carol pulled a styrofoam container from the bag and set it before him. Merle frowned as he flipped open the lid to reveal a taco salad. "Th' fuck is this, woman? Where're my enchiladas?"
"Your cholesterol is too high, and your triglycerides are through the roof, so I got you a salad instead."
"But –"
"No buts … eat," she ordered, handing him a plastic fork and a packet of taco sauce.
"I hate rabbit food!"
Carol sighed and pulled another chair over to the desk to sit next to him. "Merle, if I didn't love you, I wouldn't give a damn if you tried to put yourself into an early grave." She poured taco sauce over her own salad and took a bite, allowing her words to sink in. "You promised you'd try to stick to the new diet."
He grudgingly filled his mouth, surprised to find the salad appealing. "It ain't right. I'm a grown ass man, an' should be able t' eat what I want."
"Your next appointment is December fifth. If you continue to take your medication and stick to the diet, I will allow you to splurge on Christmas," Carol bribed.
"Y' makin' pumpkin pie?"
"And fried turkey, cornbread dressing, and candied sweet potatoes," she sing-songed.
Merle groaned. He could already taste it, just from the descriptions alone. "Y' got yerself a deal." He ate his salad, wondering if he'd ever get used to having someone other than his brother looking out for him.
*.*.*
Daryl glanced up at Merle as he ran a shammy over the Camaro's ebony fender. "What?"
"Y' done buffed that thing so many times t'day, I'm surprised y' ain't worn th' paint off," his brother teased, leaning back against the car and trapping the soft cloth between himself and the fender.
Daryl shook his head and yanked the rag away. "Think she's gonna like it?"
Merle snorted. "Yer kiddin', right? She's been glued t' yer side for six months, workin' on yer project right alongside y'. She loves this car." He craned his neck to peek at her through the window, watching her work on her computer, the phone held in the crook of her neck as she talked to the customer who'd called. "So, when y' givin' it t' her? Y' been hemmin' an' hawin' about it for a week now."
Daryl glanced up at his brother, a sheepish grin curling his lips. "I'm takin' her out t' th' quarry this afternoon. Gonna let her drive it, see if she likes it." He pulled a little black velvet box from the pocket of his cargoes and flipped it open, so Merle could see the diamond solitaire nestled within. "An' this."
"Hot damn!" Merle chortled, clapping Daryl on the back. "I was wonderin' when y' was gonna man up an' finally make an honest woman outta her."
"Shut th' fuck up, Merle. Christ! I don't want th' whole garage t' know about it before I even get a chance t' propose," he hissed, stuffing the box back into his pocket.
"Well, I hope yer ready, 'cause here she comes now," Merle said, nodding as Carol flicked off the lights in the office and headed in their direction, her purse in hand and her leather jacket – actually Daryl's leather jacket – folded over her arm.
Daryl bit back the rising panic welling in his chest and opened his arms to her, enfolding her in his embrace. His wide eyes met Merle's over her head, and he knew his brother could see his fear.
Merle's mouth gaped. Don't y' dare fuck this up, Darylena or I will kick yer ass! he mouthed silently.
Daryl knew Merle wouldn't really try to kick his ass. It was his brother's way of trying to help dispel Daryl's fear and get him moving forward. Before he could respond, Carol kissed Daryl's cheek and leaned back with a smile. "What do you want me to cook for dinner? I'm fixing to head to the market, and it's always good to know what my boys want," she said, turning the full blast of her smile on Merle.
"I think I'ma hit Longhorn an' have a steak. Might ask Axel and Paco if they want t' join me."
"Oh, you're sure?" Carol asked, already worrying about his diet … again.
"Yeah, darlin'. You an' baby brother go have a good time." He gave her a wink before sauntering over to talk to his boys.
"That was odd. It's not often he wants to go out for dinner."
"My fault," Daryl admitted, leaning back against the car and pulling her to stand between his legs, his fingers teasing along her hips. "I might've mentioned I wanted t' take y' out t' dinner t'night. Y' game?"
A slow grin spread across Carol's face as she looped her arms around his broad shoulders. "You know I am if it saves me a trip to the market." She leaned in, her fingers delving into the soft hair along his nape, bringing his head down to meet her lips for a sweet kiss. "Do I need to change?" she asked, trying to get a clue as to where they'd be going.
Daryl's eyes raked her body from top to toe, eyeing the jeans, half-boots, and sweater she was wearing. "Naw, baby, y' look good."
Carol's eyes widened with excitement as Daryl took her hand and led her over to the driver's side of the Camaro, opening the door. "Wait … you're letting me drive?!" They'd taken their baby our for more than one test run, but he'd never let her behind the wheel before. She'd never imagined he ever would.
He twirled the key ring around his finger and grinned before dropping them into her palm. "Sure, why not?"
Carol squealed, a second before hurtling herself into his arms and peppering his face with kisses. "I love you!"
Daryl gave her ass a sharp smack and grinned devilishly as he rounded the hood of the car to open the passenger door. "Love y' too. Now, c'mon, woman, let's go!"
She waved at Merle as he stood at the large bay door, ready to close it once she'd driven through. Carol was grinning from ear to ear as Daryl directed her to the highway where she was able to run it full out, the engine purring like a dream. Carol had always loved classic cars, but the experience of helping Daryl restore the 1969 Camaro was one she would always cherish. The car meant so much more to her, simply because it had been a project she could share with him. Each moment they'd spent together covered in oil and transmission fluid was precious.
"Put your blinker on, our exit's comin' up," he murmured, watching her closely as recognition brightened her eyes.
"We're going to the quarry?"
"Yeah, jus' thought we could park under our tree an' maybe go for a walk along th' lake before we head t' dinner. Th' weather's not too cold yet t' make us uncomfortable."
Carol followed the two-lane road, watching for her turn, easing her foot off the accelerator to slow enough to make her turn. The quarry held so many memories for them both. Even before that fateful weekend when they'd confessed their feelings, Daryl had brought her there on more than one occasion. Hunting in the nearby woods, hiking the trails, fishing in the lake … they'd done it all. Over the summer, he'd coaxed her there to go swimming, unafraid to strip down to his trunks and bare his back to the sun. His confidence had grown as their love had deepened, and it made her heart swell to see him so open with her.
She parked beneath their tree on the hill, the towering oak with its moss-covered limbs, a sentinel to watch over the quarry. Their tree, where Daryl had spread a blanket on the fourth of July as their friends gathered to celebrate with a picnic and fireworks. Their tree, where he'd brought her after a particularly nasty nightmare and chased her fears away, making love to her until the first rays of the sun had crested the horizon. Their tree, their spot … their haven.
"Did you remember to put a blanket in the trunk?" Carol asked as she turned off the ignition and climbed out of the car.
"Of course," Daryl grinned, taking the key from her to unlatch the trunk. He retrieved the king-sized tartan blanket he'd purchased when he'd begun bringing her to the quarry and spread it out over the chilly grass.
Carol took his hand, puzzled as to why he would be acting so nervously. "Hey, are you alright, love?" she asked quietly as she sat down and reclined against the base of the oak. "Did something happen today at work?" There really was no telling what he'd gotten up to while she'd been at class.
He stretched out beside her on his back and folded his arms behind his head. "So, whatcha think of the Camaro? She handles pretty well, don't she?"
Carol's fingers drifted to his hair, carding through the soft locks near his temple. "She's a thing of beauty, Daryl. You have a real talent for restoration. I think you should find another classic to restore. They go for a lot of money. Or we could offer this service through the garage … you know, like that show Merle likes to watch so much where they –"
"It's yours," Daryl chuckled, cutting her off before she could get herself worked up. If she started thinking of ways to make improvements or expand the business, she'd be distracted all evening.
"What's mine?" she asked, cocking her head to the side questioningly as she met his eyes.
"The Camaro. I knew it would be perfect for y' th' minute I saw it. So much better than your old civic," he said, chuckling at the shocked disbelief settling on her features.
Carol straddled his lap, taking a fistful of his jacket in each hand as she stared down at his amused grin. "Seriously?! Mine?"
"Yup."
"Oh. My. Gawd!" she squealed, cradling his face in her hands as she brought her lips to his. "You … are the … most wonderful … most considerate … most loving … man, I've ever … met." Each pause was peppered with a kiss, the last slow and lingering, a brush of lips, the slide of their tongues as they dueled, each trying to convey the wealth of emotion coursing throughout their hearts. "I forgot generous. I love you so much."
"Because of the car?" he asked, arching a playful brow at her as his hands settled on her hips.
"NO! Not because of the car!" Carol rolled her eyes.
Daryl took her left hand in his and kissed each of her fingertips. "An' how long y' gonna love me, baby?"
"Forever," she whispered with a soft smile, her hand tingling where his scruff had tickled her skin.
"That's a long time. Y' sure?"
"Oh, most definitely."
Daryl sucked in a deep breath, his heart thundering in his chest. He could easily lose himself in her eyes, show her with his body how much he loved her, but this was a time he couldn't allow his words to fail him. He rolled her off of him to lie at his side and propped himself up on an elbow, so he could watch her. He didn't want to miss a second with her. "I love you too, Carol Ann, with my whole heart. Y' stormed into my life when I thought I was pretty content with myself. I had a business, my brother, enough money t' be comfortable, but I'd never known what it was like t' be in love. Never really wanted t' … not 'til you."
Carol bit her lip as her eyes welled with tears, trying to quell the emotions forming a lump in her throat.
"Y' showed me what it was like t' have a friend, what it was like t' confide my deepest secrets t' another, how to push th' fear an' pain away, an' open myself up completely. Y' taught me t' trust, t' feel … t' love," he continued. "I don't ever want t' know what it feels like t' lose y', Carol. I want y' t' be my wife, my partner an' lover, an' th' mother of my children … erm … if that's what y' want too, that is." He pulled the ring box from his pocket and flipped it open with his thumb, the diamond sparkling in the dappled sunlight. "What do y' say? Will y' take a chance on me? Will y' marry me?"
Carol pulled him into her arms, and sobbed against his throat. "Yes!" came her muffled reply.
"Aw, baby, I didn't mean t' make y' cry. Please, don't cry," he croaked, elated that she'd said yes, but more than a little unnerved by her tears.
Her smile was blinding as she pulled away and brushed the tears from her flushed cheeks. "They're happy tears, Daryl," she chuckled. "I would be honored to be your wife."
Daryl slid the ring onto her finger and dropped a kiss to her knuckle before pulling her into a deep kiss. "Y' don't know how happy you've made me. Never thought I'd ever feel like this," he whispered, pressing his brow to hers.
Carol grinned mischievously, tugging on the ends of his hair as her fingers twisted in the soft locks. "Maybe we could skip dinner and just go home. We could curl up in our big bed and have a little celebration of our own."
"Compromise," Daryl snorted. "We'll pick up somethin' from that little italian place on fifth on the way home. Cain't have my fiancee starvin' while she's busy makin' weddin' plans and callin' everyone she knows," he teased. "I can jus' imagine what your parents are gonna have t' say about y' marryin' so far beneath y'."
Carol groaned. "Oh, no. I am NOT having that conversation with my mother."
Daryl pulled her up and folded their blanket to return to the trunk. "Y' ain't gonna invite her t' th' weddin'? She's your mother."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for another lingering kiss before they hit the road. "I'll send her an invitation, but she will not ruin this for us. If she can't be accepting, she can, at least, be tolerant. You are my choice, Daryl … my love, my life, my world. I won't allow anyone to take that from me."
Daryl growled low in his throat as he hugged her tightly. He'd let her handle it, and sit back and wait for the fallout. Frankly, he gave no fucks as to how they'd react. He was over the moon for Carol, and he'd never seen her so happy. They'd fallen in love and had to overcome so much. They'd earned the bright future which stretched out before them like a shining beacon in the night, guiding them home.
He thought back to how he'd been before, and knew he wouldn't trade his happiness – their happiness – for anything in the world.
THE END
A/n: OMG is it really over? I'm feeling relieved and a little distraught. I think I'm going to miss it. I think this is the most inspiring challenge I've ever participated in. Thank you, Nine Lives! Anywho … once again I feel the need to thank everyone who has read this story and supported me throughout the writing process. You, dear readers, are the reason I write. Your entertainment is precious to me :D Every little review which crossed my inbox showing your love just brought me untold joy. I'm now happy to say I will get back to my WIPs ASAP. My 'Blood Pony Productions.' girls, my betas: BettyBubble and Geektaire … this wouldn't've happened without you. Love and hugs!