Chapter Fifty Four

Four months later, Alexandria Safe Zone….

It was a chaotic scene this morning in the Safe Zone, as chairs and tables were being placed around the newly rebuilt courtyard of the townhomes. Fresh picked flowers of fleabanes, wild geraniums, may apples and golden stars were filing every vase as the men strung up newly woven tent covers across the courtyard. And three large boars were being put on the spits around the corner for the wedding banquet tonight. All around the community everyone was smiling and joyful for there was to be a wedding today. And it came at the right time.

They managed to rebuild their homes and are now constructing a new windmill for making flour. Soon they will transplant some of the apple trees from the orchard outside. Last week the residents started to plant various fruits and vegetables in their yard so that they would have good yields this summer.

But the best came from Eugene and David who managed to save the electric grids after all. Eugene at first thought it was hopeless but David was more persuasive, telling him nothing's impossible and damned if he was going to live in the 19th century. The downside of their operation was that they had to go to the factory where Noah and Aiden had perished. But this time they were more prepared. Instead of going in blindly, they opened all the doors to the building while Daryl and Jesus led the walkers out by blowing horns and playing loud music on radios. And in the end, their efforts paid off when last week, to everyone's amazement, Eugene turned on the switch and the lights came on.

And that was why on this day everyone was going to celebrate and not just because of a wedding. It was because they were truly rebuilding society from scratch. All of their hard work was coming into fruition and they were thriving.

David walked around with Annie, watching all of this unfold in front of them. They were holding hands and smiled sweetly at each other, pleased at everything around them.

"I can't believe Rick wanted to do all this," she told David.

"Rick wanted a very big reason to celebrate. We don't get that much now," David said.

Just then, Olivia ran up to them, a little out of breath but excited. "The people from the Kingdom and Hilltop have arrived," she told them. "And they brought lots of supplies and food."

"Good. Let's go see them," David responded, putting his arm around his girlfriend as they walked to the gate. David laughed a little when he saw Jesus ride in on a black horse wearing a black suit and put his long hair into a man bun. A man bun! David couldn't believe the sight.

And then behind him rode in horse drawn wagons filled with people carrying various items and presents, all looking very happy to be here today.

King Ezekiel then made his bold entrance, sitting on his throne in the wooden wagon, beaming a large friendly smile around the community. David chuckled at him, and was very pleased to see him.

And then he saw Maggie and Glenn ride in next. And Maggie was carrying a small bundle in her arms. It was their son Hershel who was born two weeks ago.

Jesus got off his horse and warmly greeted David with a hug. "It's been a while, David," he told him. "It's good to see you."

"It's great to see you too, Jesus, but do you have to wear that man bun," David chided him. Jesus laughed.

"I know. But it's perfect when I'm out there," he told David.

"David! There you are," King Ezekiel exclaimed proudly as he approached him. "My dear friend and ally, what a joyous occasion we are to revel in today. How goes your dear sister?"

"She's well, I think. I haven't seen her yet. She's getting ready right now in one of the townhouses."

"And the groom? I hope he dares not make a hasty exist due to the unfortunate reason of cold feet."

"No, he's good. He's getting ready at his house now with Rick and Carl. So far, we're getting everything ready."

Glenn then walked up to David and gave him a huge hug. "It's great to see you, man," he told him. David smiled at him and saw Maggie approach, carrying their baby in her arms. Glenn looked at his son and smiled at him. "Here he is," he said. The baby made a small cry and then was comforted by Maggie who gently hushed him and bounced a little with him.

"He is so cute," David said as he lightly touched the top of his head. He then looked up at Maggie. "And how are you doing."

"I'm fine. I'm feeling a little better," she told him. "Not only am I taking care of a community, I have this little one too. My daddy would've been proud."

"He would have," Glenn told her. Glenn looked so happy then he almost looked like he was about to cry. "I can't believe what we've all done so far. We did such a great job reinforcing the road we didn't see one walker out there."

"That's because for the last week we were herding them out to uncharted areas," Jesus reminded him. "Rick's very serious about making sure the roads are safe to travel on."

"By the way, where is he? I want to see him," Glenn asked.

"He's at Dani and Daryl's house with Daryl, getting ready. You guys know the way, right?"
Maggie nodded. "I need to settle him down a little. Is our old house available?"

"Sure is. If you remember, their house is right next to yours."

Maggie smiled. "That's wonderful. Let's go. We'll see you later this afternoon." Glenn and Maggie then walked to their old home carrying their little son with them.

Annie then kissed David's cheek and smiled at him. "I'm going to go see your sister and see how's she's doing."

"Okay. Tell her I'll come to see her before the wedding." And with that Annie headed for the townhomes, walking past the busy people.

"So, shall we congratulate the groom now and the bride later," Ezekiel asked. "I did bring many gifts for the beautiful couple and for the community."

"Your majesty, your generosity is way too much," David told him. But Ezekiel smiled.

"It is because of you we have so much to give. If Negan would have continued to have his way then we'd have nothing at all to give." Ezekiel than paused for a moment. "And may I ask how your prisoner is?"

David smirked. "I saw him this morning in his cell when I was giving him food. He didn't look too happy."

"Of course he's not happy. We're having a huge party today and he's not invited," Jesus responded.

"Well, he's not ruining my sister's day," David told him. "Look at all this. What everybody's doing here. They're happy and this is what we fought for. And it was worth it."

~0~

In the room he shared with Dani, Daryl began to put on his black suit jacket over his white button shirt, feeling anxious about the whole day. He opted not to put on a tie. He felt it made him look ridiculous. He smoothed his long hair back and took a deep breath as he looked in the mirror one last time. He looked good but extremely nervous. He didn't want such a big wedding. Neither did Dani. He remembered when the day after they arrived at Hilltop when they announced their engagement how happy everyone was. And that they would get married as soon as Dani healed from that beating that bastard Negan gave her.

Over time, what should have been a very small ceremony of just their family became a huge event and Rick had told them there was no other way around it. Everyone wanted to make a big deal of it because they wanted to feel good for the first time in a long time. They wanted something special and something to smile about. And Rick had told them that this was a way the people wanted to thank them for everything they've done for them.

But Daryl didn't see it that way. Dani too. She had the big wedding years ago and was fine with something small. But in the end, the people won and now they're having all of the communities coming today. Even the Sanctuary wanted to provide security around the walls just in case the party music draws walkers. Everyone wanted to do all of this for them, but they didn't feel right about it.

There was a knock at the door. Daryl turned and saw Rick walk through the door, looking proudly at him. He was wearing a black suit himself, and he cut his hair back this time.

"You look good, Daryl," he told him as walked over to him. "You nervous?"

Daryl shrugged. "Too many people here today. We didn't want something like this."

"I know Daryl. But they wanted to do something for you. To show their appreciation. Just go with it and it'll be all right."

"If you say so," Daryl muttered, still not feeling right about this.

"Dad, Glenn's here," Carl called out from the bottom of the stairs. The faint baby giggle of Judith was heard from below.

"Send him up," Rick answered. The sound of footsteps was heard walking up the stairs. And Glenn cautiously entered the room, smiling nervously at Daryl, with Carl behind him, carrying Judith.

Glenn's eyes grew wide as he saw Daryl dressed up. "You look really good," he told his friend. Daryl became agitated at that statement.

"It's just old clothes from around here," Daryl answered.

"Still, Daryl, I've never seen you dressed up like this before. And I figured you're a little nervous so I brought this." He pulled out a silver flask from his jacket pocket. "It's whiskey from Hilltop. Figured we can have a swig before we get the show on the road."

Rick smiled. "Glenn, you never ceased to amaze me." He took the flask from Glenn and handed to Daryl. "Groom takes the first swig," he says.

Daryl reluctantly took the flask and opened it. He took a deep breath and looked around the room at his brothers since the beginning of this walker nightmare. They smiled at him, showing how happy they are for him. But Daryl didn't feel he deserved it. He needed to tell them something. The truth.

"Um…guys. I….um….something you gotta know. I ain't all that good," he told them.

"Of course you are, Daryl," Carl told him as he set his sister down on the floor, standing her on her two legs. "You're one of us."

"Yeah, but I need to tell you all somethin' and afterwards, you may not think I'm all that good." Daryl took a deep breath. "Me and Merle, well…..Merle was fixin' to rob all of you at that camp outside of Atlanta." He paused, feeling really guilty about this. "I was going to go along with it. I always went along with what Merle wanted. But you handcuffed him to the roof and I just couldn't….I didn't feel right about it." He looked at them with guilt in his eyes. "I'm so sorry, guys. But I was such a piece of shit back then."

There were looks of disappointment in the room, making Daryl feel even worse than before. But he had to tell them. Back then, he was the type who went along with Merle all the time, making stupid decisions that held him back.

Rick shook his head at him and put his hand on Daryl's shoulder. "I know for a fact that's not true, Daryl. You were loyal to your brother, but you became ours as well."

"That's right, Daryl." Glenn spoke up. "I never thought of you that way. You're one of us and we care about you."

Carl then walked little Judith up to Daryl. The little girl smiled widely at him and held up her arms and jumped a little towards him, begging for him to pick her up.

"Remember when you gave her first bottle? I think she remembers," Carl told him.

Daryl bent over and gently placed his hands under the little girl's arms and picked her up. She laughed excitedly at him and started to pull on his whiskers a little. She then laid her head against his chest and sighed a sweet baby sigh, making the men in the room laugh.

"Looks like she has a crush on you," Glenn laughed. And then he looked at Daryl with an optimistic look. "You are one of us, Daryl. You are part of our family. And we love you."

Daryl felt the tears building in his eyes. These were such good people and now he knew in his heart he was one of them. He took a swig of the whiskey while holding Judith with one arm. He handed the flask to Glenn who also took a swig.

Glenn then handed the flask to Rick who then looked over at his son and smiled at him. "Carl, you take a swig if you want," he told him, making the boy happy. "You've earned it."

Carl took the flask and sipped a little. Then he started coughing and his face twisted in pain a little. "That's strong," he bellowed, making the men laugh. Carl handed the flask to his father.

Rick then looked over at Daryl, and chuckled a little. "You know, I remember the first time I met you. You were coming out of the woods right after we killed that walker in the camp. And you were so pissed off about that walker chewing on that deer you killed. You were yelling and cursing, saying, it was gnawed on by this….filthy, disease-bearing, motherless poxy bastard!' And I have to tell you I was worried at that moment because I had to tell you about what I did to Merle."

Rick became silent for a little bit. "I am awfully sorry about that. And I'm sorry you lost him in the end. You knew him better than us and I would like to admit there was something admirable about him, something I hadn't seen yet."

"Nah…he was always a bastard," Daryl spoke up. "But deep down, he was the only one who gave a damn about me, at least that's what I thought. Until I met all of you." Daryl shrugged. "You all are my family."

Rick nodded and took a swig. Then he looked around the room and laughed a little. "Just think about it. When you come back here tonight, you'll be a married man."

Daryl chuckled and looked at the bed he shared with Dani. He smirked and set Judith down. "Let's head downstairs. Show'll be starting soon.

~0~

Dani sat in the master bedroom of Deanna Monroe's townhome dressed in a pink silk dress. Carol had helped her earlier with her hair, putting it up in curly ringlets. She also helped her with the make-up, using very light shades that they could find and some pink lip gloss.

And now she was alone in the room that Deanna once shared with her husband Reggie a year ago, nervous but happy. She was marrying the man she fell in love with close to a year ago today with all of their friends and family in attendance. At first she protested against planning such a huge event. But Carol insisted, saying it was something they both deserved and it was a gift to them from everyone.

She heard people shouting commands outside. She looked out the window and chuckled as she saw Tara bark orders to everyone, limping on her fake leg but not letting it slow her down.

And then she saw Sasha walk down the street actually wearing a yellow dress with Heath and Dani couldn't help but notice that she seemed a little happier, a little brighter, not as removed and sad as before. Dani smiled at them, thinking of how everything was changing for the better and that they will live now in this brand new world instead of just surviving.

Dani then put on some gold and diamond earrings Carol had given her. She took a deep breath and looked in the mirror and was amazed at what she saw.

She saw a beautiful woman standing before her, no longer scared of the world and what was in it. This woman now had so much to look forward to and so much living to do. She did have faint little scars under her right cheek from Negan's assault, but they were easily covered up with foundation Carol gave her.

And she didn't have a heavy heart anymore. Last night she finally said goodbye to Michael by putting her former wedding rings and locket in a jewelry box she had in her home. And then she put the box in her desk, saying one last time that she loved him. She always will too.

Carol walked in smiling at her friend, wearing a green dress with dark red flowers. "You look so lovely, Dani," she told her. "How are you feeling?"

Dani shrugged. "I've done this before, Carol. So I feel the same way I felt before, scared but excited."

Carol walked over to her and lightly touched the sleeve of her dress. "Of course you feel that way. But I know you and Daryl are going to be so very happy together." She then suppressed a small snob followed by a sniffle. "You've really helped that man so much."

Dani smiled. "We helped each other."

Carol then hugged Dani dearly, patting her back and sighing deeply. "You two are going to live very long lives together. And no matter what you both have each other's backs."

Dani smiled as she released Carol from her embrace. "We always do, Carol. It's who we are. But Daryl came at a time when I was losing hope. That there weren't people like you guys left. And then he just sprung out onto the road right in front of me, aiming that crossbow of his. And almost a year later, I'm marrying him. And it doesn't seem so strange now, because it was meant to happen."

"You mean fate," Carol asked. "I don't know."

"Of course I know it was fate. Fate that I ran into you good people on the road here right after Louisville, when I thought I lost my brother and I felt so alone in this cruel world. You guys practically twisted my arm, begging for me to come with you. And I took that chance, and here we are now. A family. All of us." Dani wiped a little tear that was beginning to drop from her eye. "Thank you all so much, Carol."

"Um..excuse me," a voice called out from behind her. Dani turned around and saw Maggie walk into her room, carrying little Hershel in her arms. Dani eagerly walked over to Maggie, giving her a short hug, thrilled at seeing the baby. "I thought he may want to say hello to the bride," Maggie told her.

Dani gently touched the two-week old's forehead, and exclaimed sweetly as he sneezed. Maggie asked her if she wanted to hold him. And Dani nodded yes. Maggie carefully transferred his little body to Dani, reminding her to keep his head up. And then Dani began to rock the baby gently in her arms, beaming at his little sleepy face.

"He's so beautiful," she told Maggie sweetly. "Look at him!"

Maggie palmed the back of his head and looked lovingly at her child. "He's a tough little guy, just like his grandfather," she said. And then she looked up at Dani. "I don't know if you and Daryl are having kids but I can see you and him being great parents yourselves."

Dani thought about it. A year ago children was the last thing on her mind. And she was grateful that when she and Daryl started becoming intimate her implants worked. But she had to have them removed because of Negan, leaving them to rely on condoms the last few months.

But she had always wanted to be a mom, just like her own mother. And now things are getting better, making it possible for babies like this little one to be born and raised safely. Maybe if Daryl was on board, they could have a little one like baby Hershel one day.

"And how are you doing, Maggie? How's everything at Hilltop," Dani asked her as she cradled Hershel.

"Going really good. Things are progressing. Glenn is now training new runners and he does guard shifts of course. Me? I have my hands full but I love it."

"And what about Gregory," Carol asked her. "Is he still a problem?"

Maggie shook her head. "Mostly he just keeps to himself. He's here, of course. Mainly for the free liquor I imagine. But I don't worry too much about him. Jesus watches him for us so that's about it."

"Ugh, that guy at my wedding. Guy still gives me the creeps, you know."

"Don't worry. He'll be on his best behavior," Maggie assured her.

Just then, David walked in through the doorway and beamed at his sister. "Dani, you look great!" He walked over to her and hugged her, leaning in just a little as she held the baby. "Let me take a look at you." Maggie took Hershel from Dani as her brother stepped back, holding his sister's hands to take a look at her figure. "You still look good for your age," he smirked a little.

Dani slapped him on his upper arm and scoffed at him, making him laugh. But then he hugged her again and whispered, "I'm so happy for you, Dani. You really deserve this."

"Thanks David," she told him as he released her.

Carol and Maggie excused themselves, telling her they'll be downstairs, leaving Dani alone with her brother. They both sat on the large bed as David patted her back, looking hopefully at his sister.

"So it's the big day, right," he told her and she shrugged. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, um….well…..I'm doing this again and I'm thinking of Mom and Dad right now," Dani told him with a little sadness in her tone. "I really miss them. I wish right now they were here."

David nodded sadly. "Yeah. Me too. But I know that wherever they are they're happy for us. We here now, we're alive and everything's getting better. It's what they wanted for us in the first place." He then held her hand. "And Dad would've loved Daryl. He liked Mike, but Mike didn't know stuff like Daryl does. And Mom would have adored him. But she would have insisted on cleaning him up and all. You remember how she was."

Dani nodded, remembering her wedding day almost eight years ago, how her mother barely slept and kept running around, making sure her only daughter's wedding was perfect, driving Dani crazy in the process. Of course, she would be outside in the courtyard making sure the arrangements were perfect and getting frustrated at whatever stupid thing would come up.

Her brother hugged her again, and stood up with her. "You know, Dani, whatever happens, I'll be there for you. You got that?"

"Sure, Dave. And I'll always be there for you." She then gave him a suspicious look. "And what's been going on with Annie lately? You two are spending a lot of time together."

David shrugged. "Well, we kind of like each other. But we're taking it slow, you know. After what happened and all."

"Good. But it's different this time," she said, referring to Rosita.

"Yeah, and when she smiles at me, it just makes my day. Is that how it is for you and Daryl?"

"Of course, Dave. It's how it should be."

"Good to hear," he said as he walked her over to the bedroom door. "And now I'm more than proud to walk you down the aisle this afternoon."

~0~

It was mid-afternoon when everyone walked to the courtyard for the ceremony. A wooden table was set up as an alter at the end of the yard, draped in white fabric with a gold chalice and a small golden plate with pieces of bread. A candle with two wicks was placed in between two long white candles on the alter. A wooden cross was set up on a pole to the left of the alter, signifying that this was a Catholic service.

And outside the yard, Michonne stood by watching the people file in. She was hesitant to go inside for she didn't feel ready to enjoy anything yet.

She then felt a tug on her arm and spun around to see Ezekiel standing there, warmly greeting her. "My dear lady, are you waiting for me to accompany you inside," he asked her.

She shook her head. "Don't know if I want to go in there. I don't feel like celebrating anything, Ezekiel. It doesn't feel right."

Ezekiel gently patted her shoulder, and even though she cringed a little at his touch, she didn't pull away. "Dear Michonne, I can understand how you feel. But we have so much to celebrate. Negan's behind iron bars, our communities thrive without him and our dear friends Danielle and Daryl marry today. It would mean so much to show them how much we care and attend to their important day."

Michonne smiled at him, grateful that this strange but wonderful man has made her feel so good right now. She then turned to him and kissed him gently on his lips and he returned the kiss, stunning the citizens as they walked by. Ezekiel was shocked by her gesture. Normally she would have waited until they were alone to do that.

"Michonne, you surprise me," he told her. And she grinned at him.

"So do you, your majesty. Let's go inside, together." And arm in arm they ventured inside with the other guests.

~0~

Sherry and Amber stood next to each other inside the courtyard, waiting for Mark to come back with their drinks. As soon as Mark approached them, Amber smiled at him and kissed him sweetly. "Missed you already, hon," she told him.

"Thanks Amber." He then handed a wine glass filled with merlot to Sherry who reluctantly took it. He noticed she was sad. "Are you all right, Sherry?"

She looked sadly at her friends, feeling the pangs of guilt as she looked at poor Mark's face. She knew how much Amber still loved him despite what Negan did, and Mark never blamed her for what happened either.

She wanted to tell them what happened, that she asked Dwight for an official divorce yesterday. Not because of his face. It was because ever since the war ended, he was still giving her the cold shoulder. Anytime she approached him he would shrug her off and talk to someone else. She knew Dwight didn't blame her for what happened to his own face and that he had to pretend to hate her so that Negan wouldn't hurt her. But in the end, it caused a terrible strain on their marriage and now they are mere strangers to each other. And when she asked Dwight for the divorce, he agreed, as if he were agreeing on what kind of take-out to get that night. It left her angry at him for not even trying but she realized she couldn't go on like this and she owed it to Dwight to confront him.

However, she couldn't just bring up her own problems with them and ruin what would be a beautiful wedding. So she merely smiled and said, "Just a little tired but I'm all right."

Of course, she really wasn't all right. And she was elated about how the fucker who ruined their marriage was rotting in a cell right below them.

~0~

Negan let out a loud exaggerated sigh as he sat on his cot, listening to the sounds of people giggling and talking so happily with each other. He heard some of his old people from the Sanctuary up there, such as Carson and Wade talking about how things are so much better now.

Negan grinned at them talking, thinking about how long this man made paradise will last and when they would beg for him to save their lives as he had done so many times himself. It will happen, he thought to himself.

And when that day comes, he promised he will have Rick skip the selection and have Lucille give him a huge sloppy kiss!

~0~

Daryl stood at the right side of the alter fidgeting and feeling very nervous. He took in deep breaths and sighed as he saw the people look up at him, some giving him a thumbs up.

"You'll be fine," Aaron told him as he approached him. "Dani's a really lucky girl."

"Thanks Aaron," he told his friend as he patted his shoulder. Aaron then slapped Daryl's upper arm lightly and looked sadly at him.

"Hold on to her, Daryl. No matter what, never lose her," he told Daryl, still reeling from his loss of Eric. Daryl understood and nodded to him. It made him feel a little sad that he's getting married and there are people here who have lost their mates.

And he promised he would never lose Dani at all.

Father Gabriel arrived at the alter carrying his bible and wearing his priests robes. He had a pleasant smile upon his face and looked around at the people in underneath the canopy. He then turned to Daryl and said, "I think we can start now, wouldn't you agree?"

Daryl nodded. "Sure. Let's go."

Father Gabriel raised his arms to the air, signaling that was time to start.

~0~

Piano music began to play, signaling that the wedding will start soon. Dani felt her heart leaping and her head swooning. She stood in the living room with Carol and David, anticipating the start of her wedding.

They heard the back door open and saw it was Rick, coming to claim Carol. "It looks like it's about time," he told them, taking Carol's arm.

Carol turned to Dani one last time and hugged her tightly. "I'm so proud of you," she told her. "You both deserve every bit of happiness."

Dani hugged her back. "So do you, good friend," she said. Carol stood back and handed Dani her bouquet of false Solomon seals, showy orchids, and trailing arbutus flowers made for her by the good ladies of the pantry. Carol gently touched her cheek one last time before joining Rick outside.

Rick paused to get a look at Dani and smiled approvingly. "Daryl is really going to be amazed when he sees you," he told her.

"Thanks Rick. Thank you for all of this," she said as she walked over and kissed his cheek. She nervously smiled at him as he nodded at her and then left with Carol to begin the ceremony.

David placed his arm around his sister's arm and exhaled. "This is it. You're taking the plunge again," he told her.

"Yeah, I am," she said. "I sure am."

The organ started to play the wedding march and the door swung open by Eugene and both brother and sister ventured onto the newly built porch and down the wooden steps under the huge canopy. She heard people gush at how pretty she was, but as soon as she saw Daryl at the alter she started to tear up. He was just so beautiful standing there, looking so lovingly at her, his chin trembling as she approached.

When she finally reached the alter, David handed her over to Daryl and hugged him. Daryl then took his bride's hands and looked into those ocean blue eyes of hers, so filled with so much love for him. And he looked upon her so sincerely and feeling so complete now.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Father Gabriel began. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Daryl Samuel Dixon and Danielle Helen Peterson Evans in holy matrimony. As Daryl and Danielle prepare to take their vows today, we are privileged to witness the joyous love of a new family-a family that will be nourished and nurtured through the devotion of two separate individuals growing together through the common bonds of love.

"May their marriage bring them the peace, joy and comfort that are known in the hearts of all God's children. And may Daryl and Danielle look forward to each new season of their marriage-just as the world looks forward to each new season of the year, for all seasons bring with them their own special moments and memories. Daryl and Danielle, your love for each other will grow deeper with every passing day, but it's important to remember that your love stands on a foundation of genuine, mutual affection and respect for one another. To truly love someone is to be willing to accept both their strengths and their weaknesses with equal measures of love and understanding."

He then raised his hands to the air. "Let us pray," he commanded and he gave the Our Lord prayer. When it was finished, he continued. "At this time, I will ask of you, Daryl and you Danielle to face each other and take each other's hands." Daryl and Dani did as they were told, and Dani felt the tears of joy fall from her face. "Daryl, will you take Danielle to be your wife, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish her and love her today, tomorrow and forever? Will you trust and honor her, laugh with her, cry with her? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

Daryl beamed at her, shaking a little. "I will," he replied, his voice trembling.

"Danielle, will you take Daryl to be your husband, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish him and love him today, tomorrow and forever? Will you trust and honor him, laugh with him, cry with him? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

Dani sniffled and said, "I will."

"And now we have the exchange of rings to symbolize this union of love under God," Father Gabriel announced as Rick leaned over to Daryl and gave him the two white gold rings.

"Daryl, please take Danielle's hand," Father Gabriel commanded. Dani gave him her ring hand and Daryl slid the ring down her finger but held it there first, waiting for Father Gabriel.

"Daryl, as you place the ring on Danielle's finger, please repeat after me: with this ring I thee wed."

"With this ring I thee wed," Daryl repeated, looking at Dani with such joy in his heart.

"I offer this ring as a symbol of our love and my undying devotion and loyalty to you until the end of our days."

Daryl repeated the last line and slid the ring just a little more down her finger.

And Danielle repeated the same exact vows to him as she slid the ring on his finger.

"And now, let us participate in mass," Father Gabriel announced, telling them to pray to God as he prepared the challis with the watered down wine. He then gave the challis to Daryl who took a small sip and then handed it over to Dani who took a sip as well. Both ate small pieces of bread as if they were communion wafers. Dani didn't have the heart to tell him that only Catholics could participate in Mass but she didn't care.

After the mass was over, Father Gabriel closed the ceremony by saying, "By the power and the glory of God and by the powers of the United Communities of Alexandria, Hilltop, The Kingdom and the Sanctuary, I know declare both of you husband and wife."

Dani and Daryl beamed at each other. This was now official. They were married now.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you all Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Dixon. You may now kiss the bride."

And Daryl immediately grabbed Dani by the waist and kissed her passionately as she tightly embraced him to the applause and cheers of the people. Daryl then picked her up by her waist and swung her around as she held on to his neck, laughing. Both were so happy now and in love as they continued to kiss and embrace each other for now they belonged to one another for good.

~0~

The rest of the evening was just as wonderful. The wedding was followed by a wonderful feast of roast pork and vegetables with wine and beer. And once every ten minutes, everyone would hit their glasses with a fork, demanding that the newlyweds kiss, which they always did.

Dani and Daryl sat at a long wooden table with Carol and Rick watching everyone enjoy the festivities. All were laughing and having a great time.

And soon, a tall four tier cake was brought to them, frosted in white and made with candy flowers, followed by a daisy flower topper.

"Oh my God, I didn't expect this," Dani exclaimed looking at the cake. "Who did this?"

Carol stood up and shrugged. "What can I say? I always find ways of being clever."

Dani immediately hugged her best friend and maid of honor. "Thank you so much for this, Carol! This is just so amazing of you!"

"Thanks to Hilltop and their granary, we were able to pull this off," Rick told them. "And sugar's a little hard to come by. But Eugene says we can make it from corn when we grow our first yield. So we're going to be all right on that."

Daryl shook Rick's hand and patted his back. "Brother, thank you for this," he told him. "This is more than I thought."

Rick patted Daryl's shoulder and smiled at him. "Daryl, you've always had my back in the beginning. You have never let me down and you have become my brother, my best friend. I wish you and Dani our best wishes and our deepest love for you both deserve it." He then chuckled a little. "I feel bad that I can't get your two airline tickets to Costa Rica because the flights have been suspended but I've decided to give you both a vacation. Seven days, starting tonight."

Dani then walked over and hugged Rick. She then whispered gently at him. "Did I ever thank you for talking me into coming with you guys?"

Rick smiled. "I think you already did," he told her.

~0~

For the rest of the night, the whole community danced and sang and drank. Everyone cheered and clapped, having the time of their lives, watching the newlyweds fawn at each other. They danced their first dance of the night to Annie singing Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash with beauty and sincerity. Annie had a wonderful voice and David loved to hear her sing.

As they danced, their foreheads touched as they looked up at each other, smiling. In the distance they heard little Hershel cry and Dani smiled.

"That little guy is so cute," she told him. "And his parents are amazing people."

"They are," he told her. "But his grandpa Hershel was a tough son of a bitch. Good man. He woulda been happy seeing him. So would Beth." He felt a little sad then, missing them.

Dani and Daryl were quiet for a moment as they continued their slow dance with each other. Daryl looked over his shoulder and saw Rick holding Judith as he smiled at her. He then kissed Carol sweetly and hugged her. Carl was dancing with Enid, looking happily at his father and Carol. And it made Daryl happy.

"Hon, you ever think of kids," he asked her.

She was silent at first. And then she looked up at him and smiled. "Yeah. And Daryl, I really want kids. Maybe one or two."

Daryl grunted, unsure how she would react by his next question. "Well…if you want…um…we can start…soon. I mean…maybe…tonight?"

Dani's eyes grew wide and then she smiled. "Really? You really want to start a family?"

"Hmmm…..yeah. I would. If you want to…."

She kissed him enthusiastically and sighed so happily. "Yes Daryl! I really want this. And I know you're going to be a great daddy."

"And you're gonna be one tough momma bear yourself," he whispered into her ear, grunting into her hair, making her laugh.

"Oh Daryl. I am so glad I met you and your family. I love you so much."

"I love you too, sugar. Love you till the end of the world," he told her, making her frown a little.

"But Daryl. The world did end," she told him.

He shook his head and smiled at her, the most beautiful smile he ever gave her. "The world's not dead, sweetheart. It's just coming back to life again, that's all."

Dani beamed at him and kissed him tenderly as they danced, listening to people clap for them as they watched them.

But Dani and Daryl drowned out the noise and the music. Right now they are in their own world and they are content and in love.

And with each passing day, their love will grow even more. For as Morgan had said, where there is love they will endure.

And no matter what comes their way, or what horror happens upon them, they all will endure.

THE END

This completes one year of hard work! I want to thank everyone for reading my story. And I hope you enjoyed reading this as I have enjoyed writing it. Please let me know what you think and thank you again for all of your kind words and reviews. And Happy New Year everyone!

Next week, I will provide an epilogue which will be a short story of sorts. Soon I will work more on Dani's prequel. And then Dani and Daryl's story continues in What Wicked Events Comes Now.

Happy New Year everyone! I love you!