The fragrance of roasted turkey hung heavily in the air as Willow and Annie prepared the rest of the dishes. Willow looked up seeing Daryl taking another slow walk past the turkey, stopping trying to get a sample.

"I swear Daryl Dixon I'm going to smack your hand with this spoon if you don't stop picking at that turkey!" Willow threatened

Daryl turned cocking an eyebrow at her

"Oh really?" He asked walking towards her. Willow giggled backing up as Daryl grabbed her and slid his arms around and then over her rear.

"Maybe I'll have to take that spoon and use it on a certain body part of a girl who thinks she's the boss of me" he whispered in her ear pulling her backside so she was pressed against him.

"This says I am the boss of you" she laughed and held up her ring finger

"I created a monster" Daryl rolled his eyes and groaned heading back to the living room.

Willow and Annie happily continued working on the side dishes until Willow heard a knock at the door. Making sure Daryl was still distracted by grandpa, she answered the door quietly, telling them to come in. Watching their new company walk into the living room, Willow smiled watching Daryl turn around quickly, hearing a familiar voice.

"Now I know you're not planning a hunting trip without me little brother" Merle smiled.

Willow smiled watching Daryl's surprise and then smile as he saw Merle, Ray and Martha walk into the room.

"No way bro, I was planning on coming by and getting you and Ray tomorrow morning. Glad you're here though" Daryl said smacking his brother's back and shaking Ray's hand.

Willow felt great that she had pulled off this little surprise for Daryl and went back to mashing the potatoes until she felt his arms around her waist.

"Hey" he said softly turning her to face him "did you do that?"

Willow smiled and kissed him softly nodding her head.

"Yeah, I went the day you went with Harlin to pick up the spare bedroom set from Peach tree. Don't get in a huff, I told grandpa where I was going and what I was doing just to be safe" she said before he could ask.

"That's too bad" he whispered "I was hoping you did something that would deserve another spanking" he grinned

"Just give me a minute and I'll think of something" she giggled as he kissed her deeply.

"Hey little brother, you gonna give me the nickel tour of this place?" Merle said walking in eyeing the turkey, just like his brother.

"You better watch Merle, she has a wooden spoon and she's not afraid to use it" Daryl teasingly grumbled. "C'mon I'll show you around"

Merle smiled and winked at her as she smiled back. They had come to an understanding when it came to Daryl and they both knew that each one loved him just as much as the other. Merle was better, much better than he had been a few months ago and Willow wanted so desperately to be able to give Daryl his brother back. Driving out to Geneva to invite Ray, Martha and Merle to Thanksgiving, she and Merle sat down and talked for quite a long while. She felt a little guilty hiding her engagement ring from him, but she still wasn't sure how he would react and thought maybe hearing it from Daryl what they were planning, might be for the best.

Merle had been touched that she was inviting him and said it would be a first for both of them, having a family Thanksgiving. That's when she knew things would be OK between her and Merle. He finally seemed like he really wanted his brother to be happy, and he even seemed like he wouldn't mind a little happiness himself.

Willow and Annie finished making dinner, calling everyone to the table. After grandpa saying grace, and sitting down to eat, Willow sat back and took in the scene of her now family and thought about how almost a year ago she had only had one person left in her family. Eating her dinner, listening to everyone laugh and talk she felt Daryl grab her hand and gently squeeze it.

"You OK?" he asked looking at her curiously

"I'm perfect" she whispered "Seriously…I don't think things could get any better" she smiled

"Hey girlie" Merle said after swallowing a big bite of turkey "So where did you get that rock that's on your finger?"

Willow stared at Daryl and then looked at Merle as Daryl squeezed her hand again softly

"I asked her to marry me a couple of weeks ago Merle…I was planning on doing it today, but I couldn't wait." Daryl said softly

Merle sat there for awhile then finally nodded his head

"I knew it…first time I caught you two smoochin' I knew it was all over for my little brother. He tried to hide it but I knew. I'm glad though, I always wanted a little sister to boss around" Merle said with a wink

"Good luck with that" Daryl snorted "She thinks she's the boss of everyone" he said with an eye roll

"Not everyone…..just you" she said sweetly as everyone chuckled.

After dinner was over and everything cleaned up and put away, everyone retired to the living room to sit and talk some more. Sitting on the couch with Daryl's arms wrapped around her and her head on his chest, she smiled as they talked and told stories of days gone by. Watching her grandpa stand, she was a little curious as he looked like he was ready to give a speech.

"Well, this has been a wonderful evening, and might have been even better if Daryl hadn't decided to ask Willow to marry him before he was supposed to" he teased "But that got me thinking…maybe there still could be some sort of engagement tonight….Annie…please don't ask me to get on one knee, I don't think these old bones could get back up…..but you make me happy and I'd like for us to make each other happy for the rest of our time here on earth. Would you make me even happier and be my wife?"

Willow sat straight up in shock and stared at Annie who's face reflected her own. Slowly nodding her head they heard Annie whisper a soft

"Yes Joe, I will"

Willow couldn't help bursting into tears and hugging her grandpa and Annie. She had really hoped for something like this, especially now since she moved out and was with Daryl. The thought of her grandpa being alone or lonely had really bothered her. As hugs and congratulations were passed around Merle couldn't help himself.

"Man, I don't know what y'all have in the water around here but remind me not to drink it..Everyone getting hitched" he grinned.

Daryl looked at him smugly

"Oh don't worry, I'm sure Willow already has a plan for you, she likes playing matchmaker" Daryl laughed

Willow couldn't help but grin at Merle…she wouldn't mind setting him up with someone, but she'd have to be a special girl and one that wouldn't take any of his crap and put him in his place when he needed it.

"Alright everyone, this old man is getting tired and we're leaving pretty early in the morning for our hunting trip. Martha, Ray y'all can bunk with us and sleep in Willow's old room. Merle you gonna stay out here with your brother and Willow?" Joe asked

"Yep, I already have the spare room made up for him" Willow smiled

Daryl looked at her

"That's why you had me go get that bedroom set in Peach Tree isn't it? You sneaky little thing" he said grabbing her as she laughed

"I very rarely get to surprise you" she whispered "and you continually do such wonderful things for me, I just wanted to do something for you" she said kissing him softly.

Daryl hugged her tightly

"Not only did you give me my first real Thanksgiving, you gave me one with my brother. That may rate you a new vacation home or something" he smiled

"Don't you dare!" she giggled "Besides, I don't want to be anywhere but here with you"

Daryl kissed her slow and sweetly and held her tight unable to believe how lucky he was to have found someone like her.

"Sweetheart, I'm going to go to bed, I'm really tired. You going to hang out with Merle for a bit?" she asked him

Daryl thought a moment

"Yeah, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to him for a little while" he smiled softly caressing her face

"I don't mind, I think I ate too much turkey and now I need a nap" she yawned

Daryl laughed and swatted her gently on the rump before she started to climb the stairs. Daryl sat down next to his brother and stretched out his legs and began talking softly about their hunting trip.

"So you're sure Daryl will be gone tomorrow on a hunting trip?" Tiny asked Summer

"Yep, at least that was the plan last night. My guy overheard everything….said Joe and Daryl were going hunting the day after Thanksgiving…said they wanted to start some sort of stupid family tradition. Anyway, she'll be alone in the house." Summer said smugly

It had been easy enough to find someone to sit in the bar and drink and make sure they listened to everything being said by Daryl or Joe and report it back to her. They were never the wiser as the old man sat at the bar, drinking his fill, listening to every word they said.

"Alright then, we'll snatch her tomorrow morning….can ask one thing though? What are you getting out of this? You haven't even asked for anything for helping?" Tiny asked her

"The only thing I want is to be the one to tell Daryl that he has to give his stupid brother up to get his bitch back. Only then will I be able to see the hell and pain he's put my through" Summer smiled at him.

Tiny nodded staring at her.

"You know, once we get Merle back, we're not going to let either of the Dixon boys live…." He said quietly.

Summer stared at him and nodded.

"I kind of figured that….but like I always say, if I can't have him then nobody can. I'd rather him be dead then happy with her." Summer said bitterly.

Tiny shrugged

"Well then, I guess you'll get your wish"

Summer lay in her bed smiling…she had done it. Not only was she going to make Daryl miserable, she was going to make his dumb cow disappear. She knew what Tiny threatened, but what he didn't know is that there was no way Daryl would give up his brother for a woman, no matter how much he claimed to love her. Tiny would be stuck with a whiny little bitch and Daryl would be so lonely he would eventually come crawling back to her. She could barely wait until tomorrow!

Willow drifted off to sleep warm and happy with how absolutely wonderful everything had turned out today. Her grandpa was going to marry Annie, Daryl had his brother back and she was so in love it was absolutely ridiculous. After sleeping for a couple of hours she woke herself up moaning. Blinking open her eyes she realized she was feeling the exquisite touch of Daryl's tongue licking her slowly between her thighd sending sparks of electricity shooting through her body.

"Ohhhh Daryl" she moaned as the heat between her legs could barely be contained

Feeling his mouth work its way back up her stomach to her breasts she could feel her body absolutely crave him. Her need for him was almost painful.

"Daryl please" she whimpered

Willow watched as Daryl hovered over her, staring into her eyes as he took the tip of his shaft and rubbed it on her throbbing clit as she gasped. He was teasing her unmercifully sliding himself just past her entrance.

"Daryl!" she yelled panting for him

"Shhh" he chuckled "We're not alone" he whispered

"I don't care" she whimpered "I need you now"

Willow moaned as she felt him fill her entirely with his manhood. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she felt his strokes slow and deep. She wanted to cry she needed him to go faster so desperately. Feeling him pull out, she stared at him in shock until he flipped her over and pushed her knees forward so that her backside was in the air. Feeling him drive into her she groaned loudly as she gripped the headboard as he pounded into her when her body finally exploded everywhere in pleasure. Barely able to breathe she felt Daryl's own shudder deep inside her as he collapsed on her back.

Willow felt him pull out and turn her back over and then bury himself deep within her again as she felt her body respond with another orgasm. Daryl looked at her and watched her features as her climax rippled through her body. Willow opened her eyes and stared into his as she began pummeling him with her small fists

"Ow...hey! What's that for?" Daryl laughed

"For almost making me die!" She complained

Daryl chuckled kissing her intensely

"I'd never let that happen" he whispered pushing himself deeper inside her as she gasped

"M-maybe not d-die" she panted "but t-torture"

Daryl moved his hips and pressed further watching her orgasm again as she gripped his arms

"Not torture…well OK, maybe a little but look at what fun we had" he grinned

Willow smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck kissing him deeply.

"I love you so much" she whispered

"I bet you do, especially after that" he laughed softly

"You did not just say that" she laughed

"Yup, I did and I plan on saying it again and again" he smiled pushing her hair back kissing her softly

"I love you too, with everything I am" he whispered

Willow and Daryl drifted off to sleep in each other's arms until morning approached and a pounding Merle woke Daryl out of his slumber

"I hate to pull you away from your beauty sleep little brother, but the deer are calling our names" Merle yelled through the door.

Daryl groaned

"I'm up…be there in a minute" grabbing his shorts and jeans, yanking them on.

Willow stared at him and sighed moving the sheet so it bared her bent leg, leaving it draped between her thighs. Daryl stared unable to move.

"Willow…don't do that" he whispered

Willow smiled

"Don't do what?" she asked innocently

"Look like that…I have to go!" he whispered a little bit louder.

"That's too bad" she pouted "Looks like I'll just have to pleasure myself then" she grinned at him.

Daryl's chin hit the ground

"Did you just say what I think you said?" he asked completely bewildered "that's not even fair! Now I'm going to have to walk through the woods all day long with that image in my head and my pants fitting way too tight!"

Willow grinned at him

"All's fair in love and torture baby" she said batting her eyes.

Daryl groaned and threw his pillow at her as he slipped on his flannel.

"You are in so much trouble when I get home" he said sitting on the side of the bed, slipping on his boots.

Willow slid across the bed and hugged him from behind, pressing her naked body against his back.

"Promise?" she giggled

She was absolutely killing him but he couldn't help grin.

"Mmmmhmmm" he said softly turning his head to kiss her. "I'm not going to turn around because I will never leave this room if I do" he said softly and smiled hearing her laugh "Go back to sleep, trouble" he grinned and ducked as she threw his pillow back at him as he walked out the door.

Willow curled up back under the blankets and listened to the soft sounds of Daryl and Merle talking then the sound of her grandpa's truck pulling up along with another one. Ray must have his too she thought as she started drifting back off to sleep.

Willow yawned and stretched looking out the window at the overcast day. It was late morning, but it wasn't noon yet…maybe it wasn't too late to see if Annie and Martha wanted to make a trip to Peach tree to do a little Christmas shopping. Getting dressed in her favorite blue jeans and t-shirt and flannel. Slipping on her boots, she walked down the steps to the kitchen, she froze as she saw a truck outside she didn't recognize. Looking for who it belonged to, she then noticed the dumpy brown Mustang parked a little behind the truck.

"Dammit" Willow whispered with her heart pounding in her throat. What the hell could be going on? Why was Summer here with strangers? Willow watched as a huge biker guy came to the glass door and knocked, staring at her.

"Open the door Willow, I need to talk to you" said the man

Willow shook her head and grabbed a knife from the butcher block that was on the counter. She watched as the man kicked a few times as the door finally popped open. Willow went tearing down the hall, trying to make it to the back door to get out of there. Seeing the door, she jerked it open only to be grabbed by several hands. Doing her best to slash and hack with her knife, her efforts were soon stopped with a vice like grip on her wrist.

"My my, you are a feisty one" Laughed one of the men.

Willow glared at them and tried everything she could think of to break free. Watching the large man come around the corner, she froze again. He was huge and one of the most menacing man she had ever seen in her life.

"Willow" he said quietly "My name is Tiny, and you will be coming with us"

Willow's heart sank realizing what was going on. Willow tried to fight as they pulled her hands together and put a zip tie around her wrists but it was no use. There were several of them and only one of her. Walking with then back through the house then through the broken door, Willow looked at Summer leaning on the porch deck smirking.

"See ya bitch" Summer laughed "I'll send Daryl your love" she smiled.

It took all four men to hold Willow back as she lunged for Summer.

"I don't know where or when, but I will kill you Summer….mark my words" Willow threatened in the deadly voice.

Willow watched as a flicker of uncertainty passed over Summer's features but that was soon replaced with smugness.

"Whatever Willow. You lose. I win. Bu-bye" she laughed.

Willow shot daggers from her eyes as they walked her to their truck and forced her in. Her rage was seething and all she could think about was slitting Summer's throat.

"Make sure you give him our message and where to meet us Summer. Tell him we'll be there until 6pm" Tiny said staring at her

Summer nodded her head

"Will do Tiny" she said softly and walked into Willow's home.

Joe and Daryl drove home, pretty happy with themselves. They had each gotten a deer and were thrilled at the prospect of having some steaks. Ray and Merle had each gotten one too and were thrilled about turning one into sausage and butchering the other. They had parted ways after the hunt and now Daryl couldn't wait to get home to see if he could talk Willow into doing what she had said she was going to do this morning. He could not get that picture out of his mind no matter how hard he tried. Pulling up to the house, Daryl looked at the beat up Mustang and then at Joe. Looking at the door that had been kicked in he jumped out of the truck before it was parked and started running

"WILLOW!" He screamed running into the house stopping and staring at Summer.

"You WHORE!" He screamed and grabbed Summer by the throat and shoved her up against the wall. "I swear to God I will strangle and kill you right now if you don't tell me where she is." Daryl threatened as we watched her turn purple from lack of air.

"Daryl" Joe said softly "Let her go so she talk"

Daryl open his hand as Summer gasped for air.

"Talk" he said coldly

Summer took a few steps away and massaged her neck and couldn't help feel afraid. She hadn't expected this kind of murderous rage from him.

"I said TALK" Daryl spat taking a step towards her.

"T-tiny has her." She stuttered "he left me here to give you the message your brother or your lover" Summer said trying to regain her composure.

Daryl stared at her

"And how is it that he left you of all people to give me that message?" He asked bitterly

"It was an accident Daryl, I didn't mean to cause problems. After you and Willow left I went to the bar across the street to calm down a little and before I knew it, I was drunk and being treated pretty well by these bikers. They started talking about you and Merle and I told them I knew you guys, and I kind of complained about your new wife to be. I think that gave them the idea to take her but I swear I didn't mean to!"

Daryl stared at the ground and literally felt his heart rip in two.

"Daryl" Summer continued softly "you have to make the right choice here. If you turn over Merle, they'll kill him and probably you. I doubt they'll kill Willow, I mean he may use her for awhile but he's not into killing women. She'll be fine, it's Merle you have to think about"

Daryl stared at her

"There's no choice here. I choose her, I will always choose her and Merle would agree with me." Daryl said softly

"What?" Summer asked dumbfounded "Merle is your blood, this Willow is just a girl, one you'll get over as long as you have your brother" she insisted.

That's when Daryl knew. He knew Summer had set this entire thing up. Grabbing her by the neck, he shoved her up against the wall again staring into her fearful eyes.

"Are you going to kill me?" She whispered

Daryl thought long and hard then released her.

"No...but you're going to help me" he said stone cold

"Help you with what?" She worried

"Save them both"