December 25, 2010
~*~ MD ~*~
Although it's not a big, flashy wedding with music and dancing, they did concede to the idea of having an entrance. Merle's being summoned, or rather Daryl is, because he answers the radio before slipping it into a coat pocket of the coat he's carrying, not wearing. Daryl does still have his gun on him, but it's moved from its usual spot at his hip to inside the back waistband of his slacks.
It's a testament to their recent care about not being too careless about going unarmed that Merle feels damn naked without his. But even with the waistcoat he's wearing, he just doesn't want to have a gun against his back as his own reminder today. The gun in his boot holster might be part of his comfort level there.
They're both all in black, even with matching burgundy ties, but where Merle's wearing a heavier waistcoat Jacqui swears to him is a perfect match for Carol's dress, Daryl's just in shirtsleeves... until he reaches for something hung on a coat hook by the front door and grins.
The satin vest has a burgundy pattern and a cut that doesn't match Merle's. "You'll see in just a minute," he's assured.
Figuring he and Carol are about to have their day embellished a little, he just shakes his head and smiles, following the younger man down to the community center. He catches a glimpse of Jacqui standing lookout up at Honey's place just as Daryl snags his elbow to guide him inside.
The place is not only crowded to the gills because all of the elderly are here too, courtesy of some creative wheelchair work, but he thinks everyone in the place is present except his bride, her best friend, and her escort.
The food on the counters and serving tables might put Thanksgiving to shame, and the scent of the place has got to be driving everyone nutty, so he's glad they're not making a big production of it.
Now he sees the reason for Daryl's grin, once his brother's passed his coat off to a waiting Patrick.
Every single member of the family, including the adopted ones and in-laws, are dressed exactly as Daryl is. They've even adapted the vest and shirt maternity style for Lori and somehow rustled up something for Anaya. They're spread out in a semi-circle as Daryl leads him to stand between the family and their community.
It's not until Jacqui's slipped inside and taken a seat beside Jim that he really understands the full scale.
As soon as the doors open, Jazz begins playing, the notes familiar, although fully acoustic. But it's not his son's voice, as expected, that starts into the sweet lyrics of Stand By Me, but Sophia's sweet, clear soprano. She's closest to him and takes his hand as her mother's entrance is temporarily halted as Carol covers her mouth with her free hand, overcome with seeing her entire family before her.
Hershel, well prepared as always, passes Carol a handkerchief and lets her lean into him. He's glad the males of the family all backed off in favor of the older man escorting Carol, because it allows for this testimonial of welcome to his beautiful lady from everyone.
Her dress is just as breathtaking as he's been warned, clinging along her figure and making her look like an old school Hollywood starlet. It's not the first time he feels his breath hitch at how damn beautiful she is. He doubts it'll be the last.
The impact of the song is bigger when the chorus is reached, because all the family joins in. Merle can hear Jazz and Jamie's familiar baritones, with Daryl's lighter tenor joined by Glenn and Shane. The ladies' sopranos blend well, although he can still hear Scout's contralto in the balance, mostly because as Carol recovers and steps to the waiting semi-circle, he realizes they're meant to close the circle, not stand inside it. Sophia has his hand, and Scout has Carol's.
As the song draws to an end, they end up with armfuls of children, adults included, and it takes him a minute to remember their audience.
He clears his throat, turning with an arm around Sophia and Cricket, hands clasped with Carol behind his older daughter's back. "Well, it seems we're going out of order today. But honestly, this is better than a formality of vows. I think they've said just about all there is to say, for me as a husband and me as a father. Most of you probably even forgot we hadn't done this part yet, because she's fitted so neatly into my life I didn't even know half of me was missing til it wasn't anymore."
Carol smiles, still a little weepy, and bookended by daughters who are more than happy to keep her upright. He can see Jazz behind her.
"He's right. I've spent days thinking, what words begin to express the life I've found here, that Sophia's been given here, and most of the sentiment is how I wish we found each other so much sooner.
"Perhaps it's overdone, but people make quotes about families not needing to be tied by blood, but also by choice for a reason, and that's what we certainly have here."
Cricket snags their hands apart into hers, stepping neatly back and clasping their hands back so that Honey and Sophia can gently nudge them back to each other.
Merle obliges the obvious intent by cupping Carol's face and kissing her. He pauses, not giving a damn if his voice carries. "Still want to be Mrs. Dixon and keep me and these ungodly heathens in line for as the rest of our hopefully long and family-filled lives?"
"With everything that I am. I wouldn't give up a single solitary one of any of you." She kisses him, but has the quirky smile that tells him she's about to tease. "Aren't there supposed to be rings involved in this?"
Daryl very solemnly pats his pocket opposite the one Merle knows he has the ring for Lori in, before producing the pretty, pale antler carved rings with the garnet and amethyst inlay he made at Merle's request.
When she's taken his, he lets her slide the smooth ring on his finger, feeling the weight he hasn't felt in nearly two decades settle into place. He's missed it, that sign of being half of a whole. And this woman will never, ever make him regret wearing it.
When he takes her hand, he slides the ring on as he lifts her hand to his lips. "Hello there, Mrs. Dixon."
The kiss she damn near bowls him over with is perfect.
~*~ CP ~*~
Carol's not certain how she made it to a seat, but she supposes Merle's responsible for getting them to the small two-person table set up for today. She still wants to smile and cry and maybe dance too. She never expected a serenade from their entire family when those doors opened.
"You okay, darlin'?" Merle's leaning in, looking a little concerned. He produces a handkerchief from somewhere, probably Hershel, and carefully dabs at tears before kissing her.
"Just didn't expect that level of declaration."
There are plates in front of them now, courtesy of Cricket and Honey. The rest of the family is scattered in various stages of getting their meal, along with everyone else. The sight on the plate is a little out of the ordinary - sirloin steaks.
"They barbequed the pig, but figured Christmas was worth a splurge with some of the water buffalo for those wanting a little something different."
She senses more special planning, as their plates look individually prepared. It makes her feel even more loved. Roasted vegetables, one of Glynnis' specialty dinner rolls, and sautéed mushrooms. It easily looks like something from an expensive restaurant.
She loses track of time after that, being spoiled and indulged by Merle to the point her steak is about the only thing she eats herself.
"Hey, Mama."
Her attention is drawn to Jazz, who is smiling as he places a single dessert ramekin in between her and Merle.
"Sophia said you always wanted to try it, so I practiced."
She reaches for the spoon and carefully takes a portion of the crème brûlée. It's as perfect as she imagined it would be and she tells him as much before standing and hugging him close. He's nearly a foot taller, but his reaction is all happy boy as he hugs her back. "Love you, Jasper."
He returns the sentiment quietly before urging her to return to her dessert.
By the time they've finished dessert, it's like a signal has gone out to the family. They're coming by in singles and pairs, giving out hugs and congratulations. Even Shane takes the time to envelope her in a hug, and that's as rare as the embrace from Scout a minute later.
"If I could change anything about today," the younger woman says softly, "it would be that it happened many years ago. Hu guaiya hao Nåna."
She steps away, hurrying off as if she doesn't want a translation asked, but Merle's smile tells her it's a good one. "What did she say?"
"Same thing the others said. 'I love you, Mama.'"
Brides cry this much on their wedding days, right?
~*~ JD ~*~
"See, you did just fine," Jazz says softly to Sophia after their parents are seated at their small table. Two of the older girls are taking them the meal Glynnis cooked especially for them, and he's ended up with a shivering Sophia. The stage fright and high emotions of the wedding is making her crash a bit now.
He guides her to a seat next to Carl. "You want barbeque or some of the carabeef?"
"Both?"
That makes him and Carl both laugh and Sophia look a bit disgruntled, but he leaves her with Carl, knowing the younger boy will look out for her. It doesn't take him long to return with two heaping plates for both of them, although he produces a third plate and angles some of both onto his for himself.
Carl's reassuring Sophia that her song did go well, maybe even as good as Beth would have done. Jazz isn't quite sure that's true, but considering Beth's sang for years with lots of training, it's not a fair comparison yet. But Carl's good at knowing those kinds of compliments, not like Jazz himself.
He feels Sophia nudge his wrist and offers his hand. For all the times being left-handed makes his life difficult, this is one where it's nice, being able to hold her left hand in his right while they eat.
"You two are just so sweet. It makes me miss my husband, especially with the wedding today," Abuelita says from behind him. Her touch is gentle as she runs a hand across his hair. "Will you sing today, mi pechocho?"
"We are going to do Christmas carols after we eat, Lita."
"Such a sweet idea. Can you do Noche de Paz?"
"Of course. And Campana Sobre Campana."
"Don't forget Feliz Navidad so everyone can sing along." She kisses his cheek and continues on her way to the buffet of food. He would offer to get her plate, but she's staunchly independent and would be offended.
"You learned a lot of Spanish songs," Carl remarks.
"They like to hear them." He doesn't have a lot of spare time, but he does try to go by and let Abuelita and her friends know what he's been up to. They've sort of adopted him since he was wounded in Atlanta.
"And everyone knows Feliz Navidad already from school, as if it was the only Spanish carol ever," Sophia adds.
"Are you going to sing, too, Carl?" he asks.
The younger teen grimaces, but nods. "I never understood how you can be shy and like to sing in public too."
Jazz just shrugs. Singing is different than speaking. The words and the music are right there and don't get confused.
Patrick pops into the seat across from Jazz. "Al wants to know if we can do a marathon of the Santa Clause movies later."
"Could. Supposed to play a couple games of soccer up here after carols though."
That gets the expected grimace from Patrick. "I'll pass on that part. Haven't you noticed it's cold and wet outside?"
"No one's expecting professional play, you know. I'll pick you for my team."
"You used to play like a hundred sports. It's easy for you."
"Footwork is easier than trying to throw or catch. C'mon. Play a game and see."
"Alright. But if anything hits me in the face, I'm done."
Jazz smiles, happy with the concession. Patrick tends to be reclusive, and he doesn't want his friend slipping off to read all alone on Christmas because everyone is outdoors. The rain from earlier stopped, so maybe they'll end up muddy, but it won't be cold long if they keep moving. Maybe he's just used to the weather, after playing football, but it'll be fun.
Jazz gets tapped on the shoulder, before his sister follows that by slinging an arm across his shoulders to whisper, "They're getting close to done eating."
Prompted by that, he looks up to see where their parents are absorbed in each other, for once not looking around and checking on others. Honey steals his seat as he goes to do dessert and he reminds himself he probably will need to get a new plate.
But it's worth letting his sister steal his food for the thank you he gets from his mother for the treat. He's still wearing a smile when he returns to the table, and the lingering hug from Sophia makes it even better.
~*~ SW ~*~
"It's been a long day, hasn't it?" Shane says softly when he sees Anaya yawn and try to hide it. She's seated between Scout and Abby, with Shane across from Scout and next to Beth. He reminds himself to do something nice for both girls, who have spent the meal keeping Anaya engaged when the adults inevitably get their attention called to someone else. Like now, when Scout's over talking to Carol before the newlyweds slip off.
She nods, poking at the remnants of her meal. She's eaten everything she requested and tried two things she didn't. The kolokotes, she tried only because Jazz made them, but promptly devoured every last crumb. His young brother-in-law has a new admirer. The au gratin potatoes are just a cold lump with two bites taken.
"We can gather up some dessert and sneak off home and nap. I could use one."
"How much dessert?" She looks like she suspects there's a catch.
He grins. "Well, it's Christmas, so I think a lot of it. What's your favorites?"
"Cookies. Lemon pie. The white things that look like snowballs."
"Let's go find a carry home box and see what we can find." He stands and offers a hand, happy when she takes it without hesitation. Patricia took him aside for a few quiet words of advice, the primary of which was that Anaya might be clingy and even react younger than she is, when she feels safe. So far, he's seeing that happen, but only toward himself and Scout.
By the time they've loaded up three of the carry-out containers, one with dessert and two for a mini-supper later, Scout's back at the table. "We're going to go sleep off all this food."
She grins. "Sounds like a perfect plan."
It's getting dark outside despite the early hour, due to the overcast sky. The earlier rain stopped in time for the wedding, but it looks like it might start up again. It's probably a good thing they're heading home early.
"Oh, look. Snow!"
Anaya's voice holds all the awe of any Southern kid for snow, amplified. Shane can't remember ever seeing snow on Christmas Day. But she's right. It's not rain or sleet, but actual snowflakes. Anaya lets go of their hands to dash forward, mittened hands out to collect snowflakes against the dark fabric. She laughs, and it's the first time they've heard that sound from her.
Scout's smile can't get any wider, and he drags her to him for a clumsy kiss as they walk. "She's amazing, isn't she?"
His wife agrees, obviously, and they follow their little girl home as she dances among the falling snow.
~*~ MD ~*~
Merle's glad someone brought the flowing cloak Carol thought was overkill to her wedding outfit, because the cold outside the community center is bitter enough on him in shirtsleeves and waistcoat. With her arms fully exposed in that pretty dress, Carol would be an icicle by the time they got to the house.
The dark fabric gives him the first clue to the weather shift. They're melting almost as fast as they alight on the cloak, but there's no mistaking the snowflakes on Carol's shoulders.
"Hey darlin', we got snow," he says, drawing her attention to it.
She smiles and reaches out a hand to catch some of the elusive strays. "I wonder if it'll stick?"
"Cold enough to."
They've reached the deck, and the snow is coming down heavily now, enough he thinks Carol will get her wish. It's already collecting on the patio table as he opens the door into their room before turning to her with a grin.
She laughs and pulls him in for a kiss, braving the cold as the snowflakes turn her cloak to sparkly in the light from inside. He lifts her easily, stepping across the threshold and fumbling the door shut even as she peppers him with small, sweet kisses.
The room is warm, and the fireplace already lit, casting soft, flickering light across the room. It turns her pale skin golden as he tugs the cloak away. The teasing kisses turn serious, and he marvels at how bold she's become in chasing what she wants from him compared to their first night together.
"Got an idea," he suggests by the time she lets him up for air.
"I've got lots of ideas for right now."
He laughs and takes her hand, but when he leads her into the bathroom, he understands why the fire is lit. The dual-sided fireplace is the showpiece of the room with darkness beginning to fall, but it's been enhanced by at least a dozen candles flickering on surfaces near the tub.
He wonders which one of their friends or family set up the beautiful scene, and they must have barely left into the house, because the bath water is still steaming and scenting the room with the rich jasmine that Carol prefers out of all the offerings the kids have left her to try.
"Can't pass that up, now can we?" he says, kissing her bare shoulder. She shudders and nods, so he moves to her zipper. As the dress slides to the floor, he realizes she's only wearing a little wisp of silk masquerading as panties and spins her to claim a kiss.
~*~ CP ~*~
The first day Carol saw this bathroom, she suspected the big bathtub and nearby fireplace were the product of a designer allowed free reign. What she knew of Merle then didn't allow her to fully comprehend his need for quiet relaxation to reset himself after a long day. He's as likely to use the bathtub as she is, although he generally skips the bath oils and bombs in favor of hot water on a tired body and a gorgeous view out the windows.
He told her once that he usually took a glass of whiskey in with him, with that little tray she uses for bath products working fine to hold the snifter. But he's shelved alcohol as being a risk after his bout with narcotics, so she usually finds him just in a half-doze, if she's not ready to join him.
Tonight, he's got her leaned against his chest, where she's got the solid warmth of him to contrast with the steaming heat of the water.
edited scene
"Love you so damned much," he says, lips pressed to her temple.
"I love you, too."
~*~ MD ~*~
Merle draws Carol after him, enjoying the touch-and-not of their bodies as he walks backwards during the kiss. Their wedding fairy turned down the bed too, and though he glimpses some silky night thing on the chest at the end of the bed, right now he just wants the bed under his back and Carol above him.
edited scene
"Love you, Carol. Gonna make sure you know that for every day, long as I'm alive to do it."
She raises up at that, kissing gently along his jaw. "You already do that, Merle. I love you so much."
He runs his hand along her back, marveling that his hand can pretty much span her back at the waist. This woman in his arms is worth the missteps before, because now he's built to appreciate exactly how rare someone like Carol is.
~*~ CP ~*~
Merle's drifted off to sleep when Carol slides out of bed to go see if the ladies behind the room set-up left any more surprises. The mini-fridge in the television nook definitely holds more than the bottles of water and Gatorade it normally houses.
There's enough finger food in there to sustain them at least a day, so she suspects they aren't supposed to make themselves known for a while. It's still fairly early, the snowfall hurrying darkness along. The deck is blanketed in at least an inch of snow.
There hasn't been snow in Georgia on Christmas Day in her entire lifetime.
The world being softened by white seems a blessing on their marriage.
She looks back to the man in the bed and remembers how wary of him she used to be. All his noise and explosive temper toward anything he viewed as stupidity at the quarry was intimidating.
She's glad his family returned, and not just because she loves them all as her own. What would life be like for anyone if this gruff, loving man had been truly left to die on that roof?
He stirs when she climbs back in bed, kissing her sleepily before he settles her against him.
"Where'd you go?"
"Wanted something to drink. Saw all the snow."
He raises up to where he can see the deck through the French doors. "Isn't that just a damned surprise? Snow's sticking around."
She reaches out and strokes his bare shoulder. When he looks back at her, she leans in for a kiss and tugs him back down.
This is a man whose temper she'll never fear, not because the temper isn't there, but because she knows he'll never unleash it on her, only to defend her.
The ring on her finger used to feel like a jail sentence.
Now it feels like what it's supposed to - a promise of forever.
