Disclaimer: I own nothing.
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"How long has it been since we've had time alone?" Carol snuggled closer to him, the movie he had chosen played the opening credits, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Four weeks?" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I can't be sure. Could be five."
"I think I'm permanently seeing a flash in my eyes."
He chuckled. "I know what you mean. I swear, every time I'm over at their house, someone's takin' a damn picture." And they didn't use the flash on the baby, only on everybody else. It was mostly Shane. He was an asshole with the camera. He thought it was hilarious. Daryl wondered if he found it funny to have his camera be chewed on by Honey. It was karma. Though to hear Carol tell it, Daryl smothered the camera in peanut butter and gave it to Honey.
It had been a hectic four or five weeks. They had to take Celia to the hospital a few times for an ear infection, but she was healthy now, and very happy. She was the giggliest baby in the entire world, and she absolutely loved her grandparents. Iris and Patrick were favorites too, but hand her to Andrea or Daryl or Carol, and she's all smiles. Sometimes even with Shane. Of course sometimes babies just had to cry.
Even with the lack of sleep and excess of tears, it was perfect. When Iris had a test or Patrick had an exam, Daryl and Carol would take the baby so they could study without any interruptions. Often Carol would come downstairs to find Daryl passed out on the couch with Celia on his chest, carefully tucked under his arms. It was the most precious sight.
"What movie is this?"
"Turner and Hooch."
"Weren't you supposed to let me borrow this movie five years ago?"
"...no."
She smiled. "Uh-huh."
Honey jumped up on the couch with them, resting her head on Daryl's thigh, and Daryl grasped one of her ears and rubbed it how she liked.
"Does the dog die?" Carol inquired.
"Will you just watch the movie?"
"If I cry, I'm hitting in the arm."
"Okay."
Daryl shifted on the couch as they watched the movie, both amused with how Hooch destroyed Turner's house and kept him up at night. He knew five years ago was poor timing to watch this move. After Bear was killed, he just decided it was best to forget about the movie. Tonight, though, it served a purpose. He was filled with anticipation as he felt her hand grasp the hem of his shirt more and more, observing the nighttime action scene. She jumped when the man shot Hooch, and Daryl set his hand over hers.
The movie was nearly over, Turner stormed through the house, following the mess made by an unknown source, and when the floppy-eared culprit was found, he said: This is not your room.
"Asshole." Her voice was soft, but he could hear the thickness there.
"I didn't make any promises."
She sat up and wiped at her eyes. "Does it say something horrible about me that I can watch people die in movies and not cry, but when an animals is killed, I cry like a baby?"
He chuckled. "No." He pulled out a red bandanna, offering it to her to wipe her eyes with. "Don't have any tissues." He stood up and ejected the movie out of the DVD player.
She accepted it and felt something hard in it. "I think I found your lunch change." She unwrapped it and instead of finding a quarter, she found a diamond ring. "Daryl...?" She looked up to find him down on one knee in front of her.
"Carol." He grasped her hand.
"Oh, my God," she breathlessly whispered.
"I'm not good with this sort of thing, and you know that, but I love you. I've loved you for almost six years, and I know I'll love you for the rest of my life. You're the only person who's accepted all of me, who understands all the shit I've been through. You said I saved you all those years ago at the shelter, but it was you..." His face was pink, but he continued. "I told you I wanted you to be the last woman I loved, and if you'll have me, I'd like to be the last man you love. So...Carol, will you marry me?"
Her hand tightened around the bandanna-wrapped ring, and she embraced him. "Of course I will." She felt tears in her eyes, and she kissed him. "Yes."
He smiled, cupping her cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too." She kissed him again.
~Three Years Later~
"This is what happens when your mom hides things and tries to elope," Sophia scolded, adjusting the flowers in her mother's bouquet.
Carol glared playfully. "I didn't want a big wedding, or a big deal to be made of it. I know how you girls are."
"It's my fault, if anybody's." Iris ran her eyes over the dress and crossed her arms. "I got pregnant and devoured everybody's income. Me and diapers and bills."
"It wasn't your fault." Carol shook her head. "Daryl's business took money, and the house—"
"It's fine to admit it was my fault," Iris interrupted. "That's why I'm paying partly for today. I want you and Dad to be happy, and I'm happy we could get everybody here."
"I know. It's incredible." Sophia laughed and held out the bouquet. "Here you are."
"Thank you."
"I'll go get the veil." Iris grabbed her heels off the stool on her way.
Carol gazed at her reflection and sighed happily. It had been a crazy three years. Amazing and crazy. Daryl's business took off, and he was swarmed with work. He and Merle both were a little in over their heads, but with some aid from Hershel and T-dog, they managed to sort it out. Daryl was out most nights, trying to figure out how far he wanted his business to go and for planning. He always left the coffee pot on, and whenever Carol came home and saw that light on, she knew he likely wouldn't be home tonight. She would leave a message on his phone, saying good night and she loved him. Some mornings she would wake up to find a dusty beer bottle with a white flower sticking out of it on her nightstand. She had a collection of dusty bottles; she started dumping them in the recycling bin. Sophia threatened to drive down from college to do it if she didn't.
It had been a year since Sophia moved out of the house. She had been working and saving money, and as a Christmas gift Daryl and Carol gave her the rest of the money she needed for an apartment. She and Enid starting living together a couple months ago after Enid decided to stick around here for college. She had left and came back twice, and this time Sophia talked her in to staying. She was already leaning toward it, and Sophia just sealed the deal. Sophia needed a roommate to help with bills and food anyway, and Enid didn't snore, unlike her roommate from her dorm. They had gotten closer since living together, and Sophia brought Enid home for Easter and her birthday. It was nice.
Sophia and Carl remained close as well. They often had dinner together and studied for tests. He was originally supposed to move in with her, but they began to date again. He didn't want to make it awkward or put pressure on her. He lived close by, and they saw a lot of each other. He came home with her for Christmas and Thanksgiving. It was a brief exchange, as he had to go home or his mother and father would drag him back. His keeping in contact skills were poor, and Sophia had to nudge him to call home or e-mail his parents on how he was doing. They were happy together, and they were considering buying a dog. They would both take turns with it, and Enid wasn't allergic and actually always wanted a dog, so they started thinking on what type of dog they wanted. Sophia promised that she would love this new puppy and Honey the same, but the old girl turned away at the mention of "puppy".
Patrick was doing well. He was well on his way to becoming a teacher, and he was living on his own like he planned to. He worked his ass off all the time, but he seemed pleased with the direction his life was heading in. He often stopped by the shelter to speak with Carol. She had become something of an adoptive parent to him, as his own mother wouldn't answer the door or phone if she knew it was him. He even started buying flowers for her on Mother's Day, claiming that it was simply appreciation for her tending so diligently to his daughter. He was a thoughtful kid. Well, a thoughtful young man. He was a good father, dedicated to his child as well as his studies, and he doing a remarkable job finding balance. No one was sure if he ever slept, but he didn't let his exhaustion show. And if he slipped up, it was typically around Iris. He let himself be still around her. Celia kept him on his toes. Always.
As for Iris, she spent her days working and taking care of Celia. She had help from her parents—both sets. She matured even more when the baby was born and took initiative over her life. She began taking night classes a year ago, and she decided to become a neonatal nurse. She was passionate about it, and she was doing well in her classes. She had a more difficult time finding a balance among motherhood, work and school. She had a few minor breakdowns from stress and from being overwhelmed. Daryl and Andrea had to talk her through them and consoled her. Merle helped her find an outlet for all of her stress and frustration; they would go out and track or fish or use her bow until she felt better. It was a great way for them to bond. They were closer than ever, and it made Daryl smile a little.
It was late September when Sophia and Iris dropped in for a surprise visit, Carol had been cleaning and Daryl was working on the guest bedroom. Since Iris left the baby with Carol some days, they needed a place for her to nap. Sophia had taken her old bed, and Daryl didn't want the baby in their room, because of all the things she could get into. He cleared out the boxes and was morphing it an office and her nap room. He enjoyed doing little projects when he could.
Anyway, the girls had rushed into the house all excited and betrayed. Apparently Lori had taken them out to dinner and let it slip that Daryl had proposed. They weren't waiting for anything. Work was just keeping them busy, and Carol and he both had to watch baby, and it just eluded them for years. She didn't mind waiting, and neither did he. They were actually going to just go to city hall and get it done when Iris came to take Celia this weekend. Then the girls found out...made them plan an actual wedding. After an hour they took over and kicked them out of the house.
When Daryl and Carol came back, they had it all planned out and then proceeded to drag Carol to find a dress and Daryl to find a suit. It was annoying at first, but when she saw how pleased and giggly the girls were about finding a dress and a suit and having a ceremony, she came around. She didn't have much of a first wedding, and Daryl didn't want a big wedding, however they both agreed a small wedding with immediate family suited them just fine.
So there they were. Hershel allowed them to use the land where the barn once was. It was clear now and nature had taken it back. It was beautiful, little wild flowers had sprouted up, and any angle a picture was taken would be excellent.
Maggie and Beth were on board the second they heard about the wedding. Beth was worse than the girls, and together they were a trio of demons. If anybody said anything negative or slacked, they got the "look" for all three of them. It was enough for Merle to toss his hands up and back the hell away. He was likely dressed and downstairs now. He was, of course, the best man, though he gave the speech to Iris. Carol struggled but in the end Sophia was her maid of her honor, and Karen didn't mind. She made herself the officiator of their wedding, and Carol laughed at first, but the thought of someone she loved so much marrying her to the love of her life made her happy.
Maggie and her husband had provided a tables and chairs for the reception. It was almost too much. Maggie insisted on doing it as a thank you for all the long hours Carol worked at the shelter, and it doubled as a wedding gift. Glenn had offered to let them have a few free pizzas from his old job as a gift, and while Daryl had thought about it, Carol politely declined. She was very grateful for the tables, and she didn't want to feel any more guilt than she already did. She had to make it up to Daryl later. He really wanted those free pizzas.
Annette had kindly allow them to use the house to get ready in, and as a thank for this and for allowing them to stay in the barn, Carol invited them to the wedding. She wanted to do so much more, but Hershel assured her that wasn't necessary. Then Beth let it slip that Daryl and Merle had already promised to rebuild a barn for Hershel for free. She was stunned for a moment, and she wanted to talk to Daryl about it; however, Beth had only told her about ten minutes ago and she was already dressed, so she would have to wait to speak to him.
"Celia." Iris found her on the floor with Carol's veil. "You're as nosy as me sometimes." She smiled. "May I have that? Please?"
Sophia moved a loose strand of hair from her face. "You look beautiful, Mom."
"Thank you," she embraced her daughter, "for this and so much more. You steamroll people, but I'm happy you did here. Both of you."
Iris grinned at them, strolling over to them with the veil in one hand and Celia in the other. "You're very welcome."
Carol returned it. "Should I expect teeth marks?"
"Probably." Iris laughed and handed the veil to Sophia. "Don't worry. Nobody will be looking at your veil, not when you look like that."
"I don't know whether to feel complimented or self-conscious."
"Complimented," Sophia remarked, adding the veil. It was a gift from Annette from her wedding. It was the something old. Mom joked their eyes was the something blue, and Sophia had let her borrow a pair of flats, and the something new was still empty for now. "For sure."
"We still need something new." Iris pursed her lips. "Hmm, what do you think? What should be our something new?"
Celia looked at her mom and gave a small, "I dunno."
Sophia giggled at the sound. "Gosh, she's so cute. Could I just take her home? Please?"
"I don't need a babysitter tonight, but maybe tomorrow," Iris stated.
Sophia stuck her tongue out since they weren't allow to do or say anything vulgar in front of the toddler. "Butt head."
"This has been helpful," Carol informed them, "but I've got it covered."
"Are you sure? I can think of something." Iris glanced at her watch. "We have twenty minutes."
"I'm positive. Why don't you guys make sure everybody came since I can't leave this room."
"Iris can do that. I still have to get my dress on...and find my shoes." She scanned the floor. "Oh, no."
"They're on the bed." Iris pointed them out. "I'll be back when everything's ready."
Carol nodded.
She slipped out of the room and saw Hershel and Maggie having a laugh by the front door. Iris used the back door to let them have that time, and she saw what they were laughing about when she turned the corner of the house. Honey was wrestling around on the ground, trying to wriggle free of the ribbon someone had tied to her neck, and from how the bow was done it had to have been Beth. Or maybe Andrea or Karen. It was likely Beth though, as she had done the same thing to her own dog.
Iris shielded her eyes from the sun and spotted Karen and Tyreese with Mom and Dad. Well, stepdad. It wasn't official yet, but Iris had gone with Shane to shop for rings. She didn't know when he would pop the question, and she didn't care. She knew Mom would say yes, and she knew it would be a small wedding. City hall, best clothes, dinner at their favorite restaurant. That would be it. It would be cute. She knew a small wedding was perfect for them, but Carol and Dad were different. They needed this.
"Hey." Karen left her husband's side and hurried over to Iris. "Is she ready?"
"Almost. I just came to do a head count."
"Everybody's here." She crossed her arms. "The only problem we have with the guests is Merle. He wouldn't put his suit on, but he is wearing nice...ish clothes."
"He refused to even browse suits with me and Dad, so I'm not surprise."
"Right, speaking of your father... Well, last I heard he was complaining about his suit."
Iris laughed. "Yeah, he did that the entire time I was with him picking it out." She sighed. "I'll go check on him."
"I can take Celia, if you want. I have to check on Harrison anyway."
"No, I've got her. Besides if anyone can put a smile on his sour face, it's her. Thanks though."
"Good luck."
Iris found her dad in the guest bedroom, his face etched with annoyance, and she was trying not to laugh, because he only had the shirt on. He was struggling with the tie, and he was muttering curses under his breath. He continued to do that, not hearing Iris' giggles under her breath, but he did hear Celia call out to him.
"What're you doin'?" He faced her.
"I was told you were...having issues with your suit." She entered the room. "I came to check on you."
"Suit's a piece of crap. I don't see why I gotta wear it."
"Because all of your pants have holes, and all of your shirts are dingy. No offense. I know how you get."
"Merle ain't wearin' a monkey suit."
"Uncle Merle also isn't getting married." She reached out and yanked the tie off his neck. "Even I can tie a tie."
"Carol don't care what I wear, just that I'm there," he grumbled.
"I know. It was my idea. I thought it'd be nice." She handed Celia over to him and looked over suit splayed out on the bed behind him. "Maybe just wear the shirt and...I'll go get you some new pants. The jeans you have on now won't do."
"Nah, it's fine. I'll wear it." He sat on the bed, Celia's hand wrapped around his index finger, and he looked over his daughter. "You all right?"
"Yes, I'm all right." She tucked hair behind her ear.
"Lair."
She smiled a little. "I'm just...really happy for you. I want today to be special and memorable, and all I feel is that Sophia and I forced this on you guys."
"Iris—"
"Well, we bum rushed you guys, didn't we? We were so thrilled when we found out you were engaged, and we just planed everything. Literally everything. All you guys did was choose the cake."
"We chose the cake? You sure?"
"Dad." She groaned, and he laughed at her. "Be serious, okay? I know Carol's pleased, and she looks so beautiful. But you?"
"Wait. Carol likes all this?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm." He tried to lightly pull his finger from Celia's grasp, but she held on tighter, giggling at his efforts. "I'll get dressed, but could you give me a hand with the tie? And this little monster?"
She laughed softly. "What, no dance lessons?"
"Not again." He chuckled at the memory. "All right. Let me change. I'll come find you when I need my tie done."
"Sure." She leaned over and helped him free his finger. "We'll be outside the door."
"Okay."
She stepped outside and bit her lip, laughing softly when she thought about that day.
– – –
"You're going to have to dance with her," Andrea commented. "It's sweet, and Carol will love it."
"Why do you always say that?" Daryl argued. "Carol will love these flowers. Carol will love this restaurant. Carol will love those earrings. Carol will love this engagement ring."
"Because you're a sucker for things you know Carol will love." She smirked. "And I was right, wasn't I? Carol loved them."
He glared. "I ain't doin' this."
"Dad, come on." Iris gripped the back of the couch. "Carol will want a first dance with her husband—the first husband who's ever loved her unconditionally and healthily. She liked the idea, but she knew you would never agree."
"Even Iris is doing it now." Sophia sat beside Daryl on the steps. "I think it's a family thing."
"You don't do it."
"One of us had to be the good one," Sophia teased. "And when I rebel in my twenties, Iris can finally be the good one."
"Hardy-har-har." Iris scoffed and folded her arms. "All I want to do is teach my dad how to dance. It'll be your only first dance with your new wife, so please. Please, just say yes."
"You don't gotta word it like that," he grumbled.
"Is that a yes?" Iris perked up. "I'll take a reluctant yes at this point."
"It'd be nice for you guys," Sophia added, tying to sway him. "Mom never talks about her first wedding, and even if she did, I doubt anything that happened mattered to her. It will this time, and it'd be good for you guys to embrace a little bit of tradition. I mean, don't you think so?"
"Yeah, come on, Daryl." Andrea glanced at her watch. "Do it for Carol."
"Fine!" He groaned and stomped over to the back door to check on Honey. "Fine."
"Yes!" Iris cheered. "I'll go find some music."
"I have to get to work." Andrea stepped toward the kitchen. "I'll be working late, so make sure the girls eat."
"I know." Daryl nodded. "Iris has the nanny cam thing on the table, and Carol just brought some food for the baby. I'm off today, and she'll be home by seven, or eight at the latest. We'll be fine."
"I know you will be. I just worry."
Sophia hopped up and off the stairs. "I worry too, which is why I'm here. While Iris is teaching Daryl to dance, I'll keep an eye on Celia."
"I am perfectly capable of multitasking," Iris remarked on her way back down the stairs with her purse. "Thanks for the vote of confidence though."
"Iris, I worried about you every single day," Andrea retorted. "And I will worry about you, my grandchild and Sophia for the rest of my life, okay?"
Iris smiled and hugged her. "I know. Go to work."
"I'm off. Try not to injury the groom. He's kind of important." She smiled goodbye to Sophia and exited the house, heading for work.
"All right." Iris bent down in front of the stereo and popped in a CD. "I got this from Patrick a week ago, so if you judge any of the songs here—it's his fault."
"No wonder you guys are so happy," Sophia mused. "With an attitude like that, you'll make it passed exchanging crystal, I'm sure."
"I don't know what year married couples exchanged crystal, and even if I did, I'm not offended." She clicked her tongue and let the first song play for ten seconds before changing it. "Dad, do you want to start with a slow dance?"
He grunted. "All I intend to do is the first dance."
"First and last dance, got it." Iris stopped on a classical music score. "How's this?"
Sophia shook her head. "Do you and Mom have a song?"
"No." He leaned against the back of the couch, hands tucked under his arms, and he shook his head. "We don't really listen to music."
"Mom might have one. I'll ask her one." She swiped her phone off the table and began to text her mom. "I hope she's not busy."
"We can use one of my favorite songs," Iris suggested. "It's good for dancing. It was in the album Celia left me."
"She left you a list of songs?" Daryl narrowed his eyes.
She nodded. "They were her favorite songs, and she wanted to know what I thought about them. I think this one should work until we have an actual song."
"We ain't got anythin' else." He pushed off the couch. "Let's just get this over with."
"Don't make it sound like torture."
"It is."
"Do you really hate this?" Iris met his eyes. "Isn't a little part of you happy? Or...I don't know, not grouchy and not wanting to fight every suggestion?"
He heaved a sigh. "Just ain't a weddin' type."
"Well, please try. Not for me or Sophia, but for Carol. C'mon, it's the best day of her life, with people who love her all around and a groom who not only adores her but is good to and for her. I mean, it's surprising it worked out so well, and I wanted you guys to remember this twenty, forty years down the road when you're old and wrinkled."
"And dyin'?"
"Dad!" she groaned.
"I'm only kiddin'." He grasped her hand. "So, how do we do this? You smash my feet a couple of times? Lecture me on my posture?"
"No, that was last week." Sophia tucked hair behind her ear.
Iris smiled. "I apologized."
"Yeah," he learned toward her, "not enough."
"Fine then. I'm sorry. I hadn't slept enough, because I have a baby and school and a job, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stomped on your foot or lectured you. It won't happen again." She took his other hand. "In five minutes, it won't happen again. Your shoulders shouldn't slouch that much."
"You're shorter than me!" he argued.
"Well, it'll look bad in the suit."
"Suit?"
"Shirt, suit, whatever. Slouching doesn't work in any of them." She averted her eyes. "And you should probably put your hand on my hip, not my shoulder."
"I could teach him." Sophia hopped up. "I'm taller, and I don't lecture."
"He was my dad first."
"Prove it."
"That's not fair, because I can't."
"Exactly." She laughed. "Just find a good song. You can dance with him all you want at the actual wedding."
"I said one dance," he reiterated.
"Sure, Dad, one dance." Iris patted his shoulder and grabbed her phone to find the song on YouTube.
"You know she'll make you dance with her at her wedding," Sophia whispered when she exchanged places with Iris. "And there will be recordings of it, and she'll have some of it framed. There will be no escape."
His brow twitched. "Lemme guess, you want the same thing too?"
"I don't know if I'll get married, but if I do...kinda." She smiled apologetically. "I just...never thought I'd get the chance with Ed, but now there's you. And it's stupid, but I really do want it."
He drew in air and pursued his lips. "Damn, I wish I'd had a boy."
"Thanks, Dad, that makes me feel appreciated and so very loved." Iris found the song and joined them. "I can play it on my phone. Let me just turn off the stereo."
Sophia moved back, Iris pushed power and stepped back, and Daryl looked from Iris to Sophia and smiled a little. The girls exchanged a glance and wondered what he was smiling about, but before either could ask, soft wailing sounded from the baby monitor.
"I'll be right back."
"Nah, I'll get her." Daryl held his hand out to halt his daughter then hurried upstairs.
"This doesn't excuse you!" Iris called after him and turned to Sophia. "What was that about?"
"I dunno."
"Maybe he's gonna sneak out the window." She crossed her arms. "It's not a long fall, and he did it once before."
"He fell off," Sophia corrected. "We were hanging Christmas lights, and he slid."
"Yes, but he lived."
After a moment's pause, the girls scrambled up the stairs to the guest bedroom. Daryl was inside with Celia in his arms. Iris tripped in the doorway and caught herself. Sophia joined them, reaching out and brushing her thumb gingerly over the baby's cheek. Iris smiled at the sight of her father, daughter and sister, and she remembered her phone in her hands. She snapped a photo and held it to her chest, acting as if nothing happened, because Dad hated having his picture taken.
"It doesn't matter," Daryl murmured, rocking the baby in his arms.
"What doesn't?" Iris drew nearer.
"What I said before about wishin' I had a boy." He lifted his head. "This is all I need. All of y'all, Carol, Merle, you're all that matters."
Sophia grinned. "Yeah?"
"So if you want me to dance with you at your wedding and my own...I will." He reached over and ruffled Sophia's hair. "You're right. I just ain't gonna smile about it."
"That's fine." Sophia ducked away and over to Iris to straighten out her hair. "We're not asking you to."
"Beside you can do wonders with photoshop," Iris informed him.
––
It took five hours to finally teach him how to dance properly. Celia occupied an hour of it, lunch was another hour, and the other three were them fighting with him. He was the most reluctant man in the entire world, and it was a tad out of his comfort zone, but he worked through it. They were impressed with how willing he was in rare minutes, and it worked out perfectly. Carol would be astonished, and Iris couldn't wait to have that forever captured in a photo.
While Iris waited for Daryl to dress, Sophia rushed herself to dress and Carol helped her with the zipper. It was stressful to be this behind on her mother's wedding day, but the laughter made it fun. They had enjoyed themselves while getting ready, and it seemed to melt away any butterflies Carol had.
Sophia seated herself on the bed to strap on her heels. "Sorry, I'm so behind."
"Don't worry about it. There's time." She smiled. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you." She raised her eyes. "Are you anxious at all?"
"I was, but not anymore."
"Really? Why?"
"We'd been engaged for three years, and knowing that in less than an hour we'll be married..." She sucked in air through her teeth. "I feel like the time's just snuck up and tackled me."
"In a good way, though, right?"
"Yes." She ran her hands down the new material of her dress. "It's the same feeling I had when I had you. I knew I was pregnant, and I was excited. God, I was so excited to meet you and hold you in my arms, and when my water broke...it felt sudden. You were a week late, and I knew it would be any day yet it still felt abrupt."
Sophia set her feet on the ground. "You were happy afterwards."
"Of course I was."
"And during? Before pushing and all that, how did you feel?"
"Terrified. I wondered what kind of mother I would be, how I would protect you from the world and your own father, how could I show you what strength was when I was so weak." She cast her eyes away from her daughter. "I remember praying to God, pleading that you never end up in the same situation as me. I prayed and prayed that you would find strength that I didn't have and you would lead a life of happiness. It was all I could do."
"Mom." She reached out and clasped her hand. "We are both strong and happy now. God answered your prayers."
Carol squeezed her hand and nodded.
"You were strong the entire time you were with Ed," Sophia remarked. "You're the strongest person I know, and nothing that happened in the past will change that. Don't let Ed ruin today. This day is for you and Dad, to celebrate how much you love each other and how much we love you, so please don't waste a second on him."
She met her daughter's eyes. "I was thinking about the car. You didn't let the boys decorate it, did you? I heard Merle talk about filling it with condoms."
Sophia giggled. "No, no we didn't. Merle wasn't allow anywhere near the car."
"Thank God." She laughed.
Sophia embraced her. "I am beyond ecstatic for you."
"Heh."
She held on for a second longer then stepped back. "One day you'll be telling your grandchildren how you and Grandpa met."
"Oh, I can't wait. It's such a romantic story. Me crying in the bathroom, and Daryl hiding in a stall, and if it weren't for that candy bar, I would've never met him."
Sophia snorted. "Wait, that's how you met? Seriously? I thought you met him in the hall when I ran away."
"No. No, it was in the bathroom that first night. He offered me his bandanna for my tears."
"Well, that's cute."
Carol laughed at the awkward memory. "I'll just have to edit the story a little."
"Just a little."
"Hey." Iris opened the door. "It's time. Dad's completely dressed in his "monkey suit", and everyone's here."
"You made him wear a suit?" Carol gaped. "He agreed to that?"
"For you, yep."
"How much did you guys guilt him into doing for my sake?" Carol demanded.
"Just...like two things." Iris cleared her throat. "I swear. Two."
"Or all of it," Sophia mumbled.
"Girls!" Carol scolded.
"What? He fell for it! You can't be mad at only us." Iris remained in the hall. "And it's just one day."
Carol pinched the bridge of her nose. "When this is over, the four of us are sitting down and having a talk."
"When this is over," Sophia repeated. "For now, let's get this show on the road. I'll go make sure Aunt Karen is ready, and everyone is seated."
"Already done." Merle appeared behind Iris with Celia. "We're just waitin' on y'all."
"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting." Carol handed the girls their bouquets. "Merle, could you escort the flower girl down the aisle? She's a little forgetful."
"No can do." He handed the girl over to her mother.
"Why not?" Iris adjusted Celia and the bouquet.
"I got another job, but Patrick's on it."
"I'll go take her to Patrick then." Iris slipped out the doorway.
"I should go with her." Sophia followed her sister and niece.
"What other job?" Carol picked up her bouquet and joined him in the doorway. "I don't recall the girls mentioning you as anything other than Daryl's best man."
"I am his best man, but since your old man couldn't be here, I'd be honored to walk you down the aisle."
She slowly smiled. "Did I hear you correctly?"
"You did." He offered her his arm.
She looped her arm through his. "I wasn't expecting this."
"You've been family for a while now," he replied, "so let's make it official."
She kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Merle."
"You can repay me by giving us a boy."
"Don't push it."
He chuckled. "This way, Mrs. Dixon."
––
Like Carol and Daryl wanted, it was a small wedding. The Greenes, of course, were all invited and present, Karen and Tyreese with their kids, Andrea and Shane with Amy, and Patrick and Carl. Merle gave away Carol, Daryl seemed taken aback when they walked down the aisle together, and Iris was grinning at his face. Sophia held back a smile, knowing Merle could resist adding himself to such a big occasion. For Celia's first birthday, he made her a wooden rocking horse, and he made no attempt to hide it. It was talked about for an hour, because of it beautiful it was, and he smiled the rest of the day. He didn't want all the attention, just some of it.
Daryl couldn't help the smile on his lips at the glimpse of his bride. The girls hadn't found her a ridiculous puffy or massive dress. It suited her well, and she'd never looked more gorgeous. Or happy. It wasn't her smile; it was in her eyes—the same eyes that he had first seen eight years ago red and swollen in a dark bathroom. For the past seven years now, there wasn't a trace of that woman or sorrow, and he didn't know if that was him and their family or not, but he knew that part of it was him. Just as she was a major part of his own happiness. Without her, he didn't know where he would be. If he hadn't worked that day, if he hadn't bought that candy bar, if he hadn't chased after her kid, he didn't know how his life would have played out. Luckily he didn't have to know.
Everything that happened worked out for the better. There was suffering and tears and blood and regret; there was hatred and love and joy and loss. Years and years of that, and it wasn't for nothing. They couldn't always see the bigger picture, but all the lines that had been broken reconnected at some point. At a point where they needed to reconnect, and it was rough. It was difficult to smooth it out after years of forcing it away, but it had. And everyone came out stronger for it. It was finally growing up, and being able to accept a hug with flinching away, and being able to look in the mirror at your scars and seeing a survivor instead of a victim. It was realizing that the only place you could make amends were with the people who love and accept you no matter what you've done. It was being brave and taking that chance—that slim chance. That was all life was anymore, and chances and change weren't all negative. They realized that too.
– – –
"Ladies, gentlemen, tiny children," Iris spoke through cupped hands so they could hear her on the lawn. They had a lot of moving when the day was over, but it was worth it. It was a lovely day, and the pictures would print beautifully. She would cherish these memories forever. She wouldn't forget. "It's time for the couple's first dance."
"They didn't have a song," Sophia chimed, "so we picked one for them."
"Wait, what?" Carol sounded amused. "A first dance?"
"Yes, a first dance." Iris squinted at the sunlight reflecting off the white tablecloths.
"Daryl, are you okay with that?" she whispered.
"Yeah." He set his cup of water down.
She pursed her lips. "What did you pick?" Carol cringed at the thought of the music she'd heard the girls listening to over the years.
"One you'll like," Sophia vowed.
Daryl stood up and offered Carol his hands, and she accepted it. It would different dancing on grass, but the ground was even, and he didn't trip easy. He was prepared to catch Carol if she lost her footing. He was used to it, because his daughter had the balance of a stick of butter, and he'd learned that when they danced.
Take the blame off your back. It's a burden you don't own
Lay your head in my arms and I will be your home
You can't carry this alone
Daryl set one hand on her hip and held the other in his hand, and Carol still appeared amused. He didn't know if it was directed at him or the song, but he didn't care. He was going to dance for the first time with his wife, and it didn't matter that people were watching. It didn't matter that Iris like was recording this and taking pictures of it. He had everything he could ever need, and he was happy. There was no other word for the joy that coursed through him as he held his wife—yes, his wife—close, and her chuckle of amusement only pleased him more.
I just want to love you. I don't want to change you or judge you
I just want to love you, but darling you have to learn to love you too
Carol was incredibly impressed with Daryl. He wasn't the best dancer, but he wasn't the worst. He had taken time to learn how to slow dance for her, for their wedding, and it made her laugh. It wasn't the first time she'd felt like this, and she knew it wouldn't be the last. She had thought for the longest time she was damned, that everything she touched would fall to ruin, and she would never know true bliss. She couldn't have been more wrong. She had endured hell for most of her adult life, and now she would experience joy and bliss for the rest of it. She was blessed, and it was funny. It was also spectacular. God, it was spectacular.
I won't count every line this life has carved in you
Your beauty lies in these eyes 'cause I can see the truth
I see the strength in you
Iris laced her fingers together and sank her teeth into her bottom lip, trying not to smile any more. Her cheeks were sore, and the day wasn't over. She couldn't help it. Her dad was married to her best friend's mom—no, scratch that. Her dad was married to his soulmate, and they were dancing, and it was awesome. She had come from a broken home with a broken father and uncle, and abusive grandfather, and now she had a home filled with family—two fathers, two mothers, a sister, an uncle, an aunt and a daughter. She didn't know what to do with all this family, all this joy, and if she could lock it away for a rainy day, she would. Thank God for this second chance. Thank God. Thank God.
She looked at her daughter who was being bounced up and down on Merle's lap, and she blinked back tears at the cute giggles and laughter. She laughed herself, and she placed her hands over her heart, closing her eyes. Thank you, God.
I just want to love you. I don't want to change you or judge you
I just want to love you, but darling you have to learn to love you too
I just want to love
Sophia intertwined her and Carl's fingers, and he tried to smile around his mouth full of shrimp hors d'oeuvres. She giggled at his attempt and tried not to roll her eyes. Carl and his love of shrimp. She was tempted to ask if that was part of his reason in coming so early, to steal them before anyone else could. She wouldn't. She would pretend he came early to lend them a hand and because he loved her.
She inhaled the warm air and peered at her parents. Daryl had been her fathers for years, and it was official now. She wondered if she could change her name, because she was never fond of Peletier. She would take her mother's maiden name at this point. She had her blood in her as well, and she wouldn't be a Peletier.
The wind caught loose strands of her hair and blew them in her face, and she moved them aside. She would enjoy today and treasure time spent with family. Come tomorrow she was back on the road to student debt. She had a goal to reach, and she was adamant on reaching it. She wouldn't let anything hold her back anymore. She could be all she dreamed of as a kid, and she would make her mom—her parents—proud. She would make herself proud, and she would try her best to not regret anything. Life was too short for regret after all.
You hide behind your mask of stone, but you don't have to be alone
A thousand lives you could have lived. You're the only one you still need to forgive
Andrea twisted her fingers around a her glass of champagne, her best friend and father of her daughter dancing in front of her, and her lips pulled back in a smile. She knew tomorrow would come with stress of bills and work, but today was for celebrating. She was what? Seven years? Had it been seven years? Wow, she was seven years free of a miserable marriage where she and her daughter were treated poorly. Her daughter was now a student in college and a mother; however, she had matured into a lovely young woman, and she was pleased with her pace. She was a good daughter, and she was an amazing mother. Andrea knew she would make a great neonatal nurse one day, and she stood by her one hundred percent.
As for herself, she was in a loving, honest relationship. They fought from time to time over varying things, and they had their ups and downs, but it was better than fighting relentlessly and being in a permanent state of down. They talked to each other, and Shane was great with Celia and Iris, treating them like his own, and he worried like they were his own. Sometimes more than her, and it made her snicker to see him act as the mother hen. She couldn't believe her luck, and she hoped it didn't wear out. She still had quite a ways to go before she was satisfied with every aspect of her life.
I just want to love you. I don't want to change you or judge you
I just want to love you. I just want to love you
As the day faded into evening, it was time for the end. Iris and Sophia had saved up for them to have a pleasant honeymoon anywhere they wanted, but Carol and Daryl drew the line there. They thanked them for the suggestion, but they had plans. They'd rented a cabin for a week, and it was by the lake where they could fish and stick their feet in. It was a nice cabin, cozy, and it was isolated, which Daryl loved. He adjusted to people as his business and family grew, but he wanted to have uninterrupted time with Carol that he hadn't got in years. Actual years. It's like they knew, and every time they got close, someone would knock on the door or just walk in and announce their issues with school or work or bills. He made sure only Andrea knew where they were, because they'd made a deal that only if someone was sick or dying to contact them, and he knew she'd keep her word. She also wanted to hog baby Celia to herself, so it was a win-win.
"Just call us when you arrive, okay?" Iris hugged her new mom. "Let us know you arrived safely."
"We will." Carol rubbed her back. "We'll take plenty of pictures, and we'll have dinner when we get back to catch up. Don't worry about us."
"We'll take care of the house." Sophia squeezed her finally legal father in an embrace. "And I'll water the plants, and Honey will remember she loves me."
"Nah, you're still a traitor," he told her.
"We'll see." She released him and switched with Iris to hug her mom. "Have a great time. I love you."
"I love you too." She buried her face in her shoulder. "Take care of yourself."
"I will."
"Don't ever tell me what you guys do in that cabin." Iris locked eyes with him. "I'd like to pretend you fished and made s'mores—and that's it."
"Sure, fish and s'mores." He smiled at her. "That grandkid of mine better miss me."
"I'm sure she'll throw fits at nap time and demand Grandpa come read to her."
"She'd better." He pulled her into a hug. "You'd better take care of yourself—no missin' meals and shit 'cause you had to study."
"Mom will sense if I skip a meal and stalk me around campus until I eat," she assured him. "She's already mapped out my schedule. I'm not even kidding."
"Good."
They let go of their kids at the same time and as they'd already said farewell to their other guests, they departed. Sophia and Iris watched the car grow smaller and smaller, and Iris grinned, tackling Sophia in a hug, and Sophia squealed in surprise, almost falling to the ground.
"It's official! We're sisters!" She held Sophia at arm's length. "Carol's my mom now too!"
"And Dad's my dad."
"As you are now my younger sister, I'm leaving you to clean up everything." She took of running toward the stable. "Good luck!"
"What?" Sophia scoffed. "Like hell I am!" She chased after her.
– – –
Carol inhaled the musty scent of the log cabin, running her fingers through her short hair, and she rolled over, finding the spot beside her empty. She opened her eyes and frowned, and she sat up, holding the sheet around her, her eyes finding the shadow of her new husband.
Daryl was looking out the window at the moon's reflection on the lake, sitting in a chair with a mug of fresh coffee, and Carol joined him. "Hey."
"Hi." She hugged the sheet closer. "What are you doing up?"
He handed her the mug and pulled her down onto his lap, and she smiled at him. "It's nearly sunrise," he explained. "I wanted to see it."
"Haven't you before?" She took a sip of his coffee and handed it back to him.
"Yeah, I have." He wrapped his arm around her hips and hugged her closer to him, using his free hand to drink his coffee. "Just not with you."
She chuckled and snuggled against him. "Shouldn't you have woken me up?"
"I wasn't about to," he whispered back at her, setting the mug beside on the end table. "You beat me to it."
"Hmm." She brushed her forehead over his. "Well, thank you. I wouldn't want to miss this."
He titled his head back to kiss her. "I love you, Carol."
"Dixon," she murmured.
He chuckled now. "I love you, Carol Dixon."
"Not as much as I love you, Daryl Dixon." She wrapped her arms around his neck, her nose bumping against his, and she stroked his cheek with her thumb. "So, about this sunrise...?"
"Yeah?"
"Any chance we could catch it tomorrow?"
He mulled it over and kissed her, picking her up and heading back to the bed. He gently set her down and climbed on top of her. "Yeah, we'll give it another shot tomorrow."
With that, he sealed her mouth with his.