A/N You guys are the best. Thank you so much for your follows, faves and sweet words. And here we go, what you've been waiting for, the wedding, the reception, the first night of the honeymoon. I'm not a big fan of writing sex scenes, but I did my best for you, then I had a large adult beverage. I hope it all lives up to your expectations.
The wedding ceremony would begin at 4:00, but there was plenty to do before then. Glenn would drop Beth, Maggie and Annie off at the small spa in Newhope right after Annie's late morning nap. They were all to have mani/pedis and get hair and make-up, well Annie would just think she got make-up. Maybe just a little lip gloss.
Daryl woke up early feeling more excited and also more nervous than he'd ever been. He was happy to see the skies were clear, he had some outdoor work to tend to.
They'd decided they'd spend their first night as a married couple at that nice hotel on the beach in Newhope. Daryl had rented a room with a spa tub that looked out over the ocean. He was looking forward to this first night with Beth with a combination of excited anticipation, and also more than a little anxiety. He wanted this day to be perfect for her from start to finish, but perfect is a lofty goal, and he was well aware of that.
Neither Daryl nor Beth was much interested in city life, but both had always wanted to see Portland and Seattle.
After their night at the beach they planned to drive to Portland where they had a room booked at a classic Portland Hotel, The Governor. Beth wanted to see the City's renowned Rose Gardens, and Daryl wanted to have dinner at Jake's Famous Crawfish Grill.
The next morning they'd make the fairly short trip to Seattle where they both were looking forward to visiting the iconic Pike's Place Market, and then having dinner in the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle.
After their city adventures, they were off for some bike riding through Olympic State Park, then driving down the Oregon Coast back to Newhope, and finally home to their cabin.
Daryl had cleaned the truck from top to bottom. It wasn't like he ever let it get very dirty, but this was special and he wanted it spotless. He'd loaded their suitcases in the back seat.
The bike was polished like new as well, he just had to get it on the trailer, get the trailer hitched to the pick-up, and cover the bike.
The rental company had set up the party tent the day before, but they showed up early Saturday with the rest of the party supplies, the dance floor, tables and chairs.
The caterer had asked the rental company not to set out the linens, plates, flatware and dishes, she and her crew would handle that part.
Carol, Lori and Patricia had filled large Mason jars with wildflowers and tied them with pink ribbons; they'd be by later in the afternoon to place one on each of the tables plus the buffet and beverage tables. The bride and groom's table would feature a bouquet of pale pink, pale blue, pale green and white Hydrangea.
There would be six tables of ten, the bride and grooms table would include: Beth and Daryl, Maggie and Glenn, Merle and Carol, Otis and Patricia and Annie and Sophia.
The D.J. showed up at noon and set-up his equipment.
Aaron and Eric came by and asked if there was anything they could do to help, and they also brought Daryl some lunch. They figured they could distract him at least a little. They knew their friend well enough to know he'd be on pins and needles.
They would be hanging around while he got ready for the ceremony, just in case he needed any help, especially with tying that tie.
They'd also been in cahoots with Karen for a very special cake topper.
Daryl would ride to the church with Merle, Carol and Sophia.
Glenn had rented a Lincoln Town Car and would be driving Beth, Maggie and Annie from the spa to the church, and after the ceremony he'd act as Daryl, Beth and Annie's Chauffeur back to the cabin, Maggie would ride with Merle and Carol.
Maggie had carefully placed Beth, hers and Annie's dresses, shoes and accessories in the trunk of the Town Car, they'd be getting ready in a small private room of the church used for just such things.
They didn't know what more they could plan; they just hoped they'd taken care of every detail.
What both Beth and Daryl knew for sure was, no matter what, they were getting married today.
xxxx
Beth, Maggie and Annie arrived at the church at three. Glenn helped them get everything in the dressing room, and then he made himself scarce.
He went in the men's room, got himself ready and then stepped to the vestibule to greet any guests who may be arriving.
Daryl was talking with Father Daniel in his office, where the priest would have him wait until it was time for them both to go to the church.
"Are you ready for the big step you're about to take Daryl?" The priest asked him with a smile.
"Yeah Father, I'm more than ready, been ready, nuthin' I want more in this world than ta be a good husband ta Beth and a good daddy ta Annie," Daryl replied sincerely.
"Well then I feel confident we're ready for a wedding today. Remember Daryl, this is just the start. There will be some bumps and turns along the way, but if your love is true, and your commitment strong, you can get through any difficulty that may present itself. And also remember, I'm always here if you need counseling or guidance," the Father spoke calmly and with love.
"Thanks Father, I appreciate everything ya done for us," Daryl's voice was a little shaky, but Father Daniel had seen lots of grooms and he thought Daryl would survive this day just fine.
Carol had set-up a small table in the vestibule where Sophia was to ask guests to sign a little book and leave a message for Daryl and Beth. Sophia thought that to be a very important job, and she was taking it seriously.
The guests had begun arriving and Carol, Merle and Glenn were greeting them, while Sophia made it her mission to have everyone sign that book.
There was no bride and groom "sides", they felt no need to separate friends and family that way, but the first pew on each side was reserved for family and close friends.
Promptly at 4:00pm Daryl and Merle entered from the side door and walked up the steps in front of the altar.
Daryl was wearing a classic black pinstripe suit with vest, white shirt and a classic striped tie. He'd never been dressed in anything so fancy. Aaron and Eric had counseled him that this was the time to go all out. Aaron had said, "This is going to be the biggest day of your life my friend, you may as well look sharp. Beth will be surprised, and I'm certain, appreciative, of your efforts."
And Eric had thrown in, "Daryl, you're going to be the hottest groom on the planet."
Daryl's neck and ears had flushed, but he'd gone to Salem with Aaron to pick out the suit.
Merle was dressed more casually in gray slacks, a white shirt, dark gray tie and a gray sport coat. Daryl and Aaron had dragged him with them on their shopping trip.
The priest proceeded down the aisle and to the front of the altar, in the center, and greeted the congregation who responded in kind.
Then the organist began to play "Water Music: Air" by Handel, and Annie walked down the aisle carrying a small basket of flower petals which she threw haphazardly as she walked. She was wearing a pastel flowered dress with a full skirt and a pink satin ribbon at the waist, pink tights and white patent leather Mary Janes. Daryl smiled at the little girl and she looked to him, smiled and waved. There was a collective "Awwww," from the congregation.
Next came Maggie wearing a tea length pink sheath and white pumps. She carried a simple, unstructured bouquet of three Hydrangea, pale pink, pale green, pale blue.
Then came the bride. She wore a tightly fitted ankle-length, strapless gown of white satin. She had on t-strap white patent leather sandals and carried a bouquet of pale tone Hydrangea tied with a pink satin ribbon.
She had her hand resting in the crook of Glenn's elbow as he escorted her down the aisle.
She took Daryl's breath away. He'd always thought she was the prettiest girl he'd ever seen, but in this moment he was stunned she was even more beautiful than he'd thought. They locked eyes and smiled.
Daryl could feel Merle's hand on his shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze and Daryl understood it was Merle's way of showing he was happy for his "baby brother."
She reached the altar, Glenn leaned over, smiled and kissed her lightly on the cheek, then took a seat next to Otis and Patricia.
Because Daryl was not of the faith, they'd chosen to have the priest perform the wedding without the mass. And both had agreed they wanted it simple and traditional.
The priest presented the homily speaking about the mystery of marriage, the dignity of wedded love, the grace of the sacrament and the responsibilities of married people, and in their particular case the acceptance by Daryl not only of the responsibilities of a husband, but the responsibility of being a father to Annie.
"Beth and Daryl, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? Will you love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives? Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?" The priest asked.
Beth and Daryl respond "Yes," in unison.
The priest continues, "Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church."
Beth and Daryl face each other and join hands
The priest then invites the couple to declare their consent to be married, which they do by stating their marriage vows.
Daryl begins, nervous, but in a steady voice and never moving his eyes from Beth's eyes, "I, Daryl Dixon, take you, Beth Annette Hadley, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."
And Beth, with glistening eyes gives him a shy smile and declares, "I, Beth Annette Hadley, take you, Daryl Dixon, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."
The priest proclaims, "Beth and Daryl, you have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings. What God has joined, men must not divide."
Father Daniel says, "May the Lord bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love and fidelity."
And all present respond, "Amen."
Daryl takes the small platinum and diamond band and places it on Beth's left hand, slides her engagement ring on after it, and says, "Beth, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity."
And Beth places her husband's ring on his ring finger and says, "Daryl, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity."
Then the priest, and Daryl and Beth all face the congregation and the priest says, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Dixon. Daryl, you may kiss your bride."
The church soloist sings, "The Gift of Love" as Daryl places a sweet kiss on her lips and they hug tightly before walking back up the aisle, followed by the priest, then Maggie and Merle with Annie in between holding their hands. The crowd erupts into applause and cheers.
As soon as they were out of the church Daryl took her in his arms and kissed her more deeply, "I love ya so much Beth. I ain't ever been happier than I am right now."
She smiled at him and said, "I feel the same Daryl, I love you and I am so happy."
Then they spotted Annie heading toward them, Daryl picked her up and hugged her to him, "How's my girl? Did ya like the wedding?"
She giggled as she placed a tiny had on each of his cheeks, "I yoved it Daddy Dawell."
He reached his free arm around Beth's waist and the three came together in a hug.
There were much congratulations, hugs and kisses in front of church before everyone got in their cars and headed to Daryl and Beth's home for the reception.
Daryl and Beth opted to have Annie ride with them in the Town Car, they were going to be away from her for a week, and wanted to spend a little time with her before the party.
Daryl asked Glenn jokingly, "How many pizzas did ya have ta sell ta get this car Glenn?"
"Plenty, but it was worth the work to make Annie happy," he smiled back.
Everyone was in a party mood at the reception, greeting one another and enjoying beverages and antipasto.
The D.J. asked Beth and Daryl to come stand by the small stage, Beth wasn't quite sure why Aaron was standing there, but she didn't really have time to think about it or ask before the D.J. asked, "Ladies and gentleman, can I get a round of applause for our newlyweds, Beth and Daryl Dixon?" Of course, there were loud cheers and clapping.
"Then he said, we have a little surprise for you, our groom has chosen a song for he and Beth for their first dance as a married couple. I'm going to play the music, and Beth and Daryl's good friend, Aaron, will sing for the couple."
There was a round of applause as the music began. Beth was completely stunned when Daryl took her in his arms to dance while Aaron sang Chris Young's "She's Got This Thing About Her."
The song was sweet and romantic and she was surprised and so thrilled that Daryl had chosen this song, and had learned to dance to it! As they moved around the dance floor he whispered in her ear, "You're so sweet and so beautiful Beth, I love you so much, you'll always be the only woman I have ever loved or ever will love. Don't ever doubt that."
And she responded, "I never will Daryl, you're the best man in the world, you are, and I love you so much, you are my everything," as she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.
When the song was over the crowd cheered again. Daryl shook Aaron's hand and thanked him. Aaron smiled, leaned forward and softly said to Daryl, "You dance a lot better when you're with Beth than when you're dancing with Eric, she must be more your type."
Both men laughed and Daryl went along, "Well he was already spoken for."
After the dinner had been served it was time to cut the cake.
Daryl and Beth and their guests were all surprised and smiling as Caesar carried it in and placed it on a small table. The three tier cake had a topper that was a perfect replica of Daryl's motorcycle with Daryl riding and Beth seated behind him.
Aaron and Eric had a friend who owned a manufacturing company with a 3D printer, he'd made the model for them. Karen promised to keep it safe for them until they returned from their honeymoon.
Beth and Daryl slipped into the cabin and changed their clothes, they weren't going far, but they wanted to be comfortable. They went back to the party and Beth got Maggie's attention, "Daryl and I are going to go Maggie, can you bring Annie to us outside, just so we can have a few minutes to say goodbye to her before we officially say goodbye to our guests and thank everyone?"
When Maggie brought the little girl over she looked sad, and it upset both Daryl and Beth. He got down on his knees in front of her, "Sunnyside, don't be sad. We're just gonna be gone for a few days, then we're comin' home to ya, I promise. Aunt Maggie and Uncle Glenn are gonna stay with ya at the house. Then when Mommy and Daddy Daryl get back, we're bringing ya here to the cabin, to our new house together. How's that sound?"
She nodded her head, wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed as tightly as she could, "K Daddy Dawell, I yove you. Better pwease huwwy, k?"
"I promise we'll be home before ya know it. I love ya too and I'ma miss ya bunches."
Maggie and Beth both had tears in their eyes, he was so sweet and patient with the little girl.
Beth gave Annie a big hug and told her how much she loved her, and that they would call and talk with her every day.
Beth and Daryl went back in the reception tent, said "goodbye" to their guests, and got in Daryl's pick-up for the drive back to Newhope.
When they got to their room, Beth excused herself and went in the bathroom. Daryl sat on the small bench at the foot of the bed and waited nervously. When he heard the door knob click he stood and looked to the bathroom door.
Beth stepped out dressed in a short pink silk nightgown, she had a matching silk robe on over it, tied at the waist, and pink slippers.
He immediately went to her. He first wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. He leaned back and said, "I'ma do everything I can to make this right for ya Beth, I love ya, want you ta be happy, k?"
"Yes Daryl, I love you too and I want you to be happy," She gave him that big beautiful smile.
He hugged her tightly again, and then began to kiss her on the lips, gently at first but becoming increasingly more passionate and deep. He moved his lips to her neck and begin sucking softly on the skin there, sending delicious shivers through her.
He reached his hand down and untied the belt on her robe, then reached up and slowly slid it from her shoulders, stopping briefly to kiss and gently suck on her shoulder, then he removed the robe completely.
He moved back to kissing her lips, and then gently nipping and sucking on her neck. He reached down with one hand and softly began tweaking her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, while his other hand pushed her lower body firmly into his.
She could feel him getting hard and between that sensation, and his hands and lips on her body, she was becoming more and more aroused.
Suddenly he stopped, lifted her up, carried her to the bed and lay her down. He stood beside the bed and removed his own clothes while watching her intently; she looked back at him and was surprised how excited it was making her to watch him.
When he was down to just his boxers he knelt beside her on the bed, resting his hands to either side of her shoulders he leaned down and kissed her deeply on the mouth. "Ya all good Beth?" he asked in a whisper.
She knew he was worried about her, that was his way, and she responded softly, 'Yes Daryl, I'm so happy."
That was all he needed to hear. He lay down on his side as close as he could be and begin kissing her mouth and neck while he reached his hand down under the gown and gently lifted it up and over her head before she was even aware it was happening.
He bent down and started sucking lightly on one breast, while gently pinching the nipple of her other breast between his thumb and forefinger.
She could feel herself getting more and more aroused and her panties getting wet. Her hips were lifting up of their own will, and she didn't want anything more than for him to take her. He slipped his hand in her panties, slid them quickly off, and immediately began rubbing her mound while penetrating the wet opening with his middle finger, he moved it slowly in and out before adding his index finger and quickening his pace, he used his thumb to slowly rub the sensitive little nub he knew would bring her intense pleasure, all the while continuing to suckle her breast.
She lost control and her inhibitions as she came with a fury while calling his name, "Oh Daryl, Daryl…" He removed his hand from her womanhood, quickly grabbed her ass and pulled her into his hardened cock, while softly saying, "Come for me Baby, I love ya Beth, come for me."
She could feel the aftershocks still coming as he leaned above her and guided himself to her. "Y'all good Beth, ya ready," he questioned in a husky voice.
"Yes Daryl, I want you," she responded in her own breathless voice.
He looked her closely in the eyes while he entered her. He stopped for just a moment before the final thrust, giving her that quick moment to anticipate what was to happen and become further aroused.
They began to move together and he bent over her, alternating between kissing her lips, the soft tender skin of her neck, and sucking and nipping at her breast. When he knew she was close to orgasm, and he began to feel that he couldn't hold on much longer, he put a hand under each of her butt cheeks, grasped them and lifted her lower body up off the bed so that sensitive nub was being rubbed more intensely by his hardened cock, and she came with a scream while instinctively grabbing his face in her hands.
He followed her into that blissful state while calling her name and thrusting into her hard and deep.
They lay there quietly for a moment, both feeling like small electric jolts were shooting through their bodies.
He smiled over at her. "That was powerful Beth, never wanted a woman like I've wanted you and Baby, it was worth the wait. Love ya Beth Dixon."
She smiled back at him and said, "Oh Daryl, that was perfect, I'm still reeling. Everything about today was perfect. I love you Mr. Dixon."
And almost instantly they both fell asleep.
xxxx
"She's Got This Thing About Her"
Chris Young
It might be her smile cause it can change my day
Blue eyes that chase my blues away
Might be her touch that keeps me coming back for more
Her loving words that keep me going strong
that heart of hers hang my future on
What it is well I can't say for sure
It's just she's got this thing about her
she's got this thing about her
Like that magic in your favorite song
you just can't put your finger on
In her arms when were all alone
I get the feeling that I've come back home
she's got this thing about her
She stops time when she moves through a room
When she leaves she's always gone too soon
and I'm counting down the minutes till she's back
She's the love I've known eternally
that always feels brand new to me
I can't separate the fiction from the fact
Its just she's got this thing about her
she's got this thing about her
Like a hymn in a cathedral hall
watching April snowflakes fall
In her arms when were all alone
I get the feeling that I've come back home
she's got this thing about her
Like the magic in your favorite song
you just can't put your finger on
She's got this thing about her.
I don't own Chris Young or this song. Damn my lousy luck
A/N Phew! There ya have it, wedded bliss. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank for reading, please review xoxo