A/N Thank you all for reading along and for the great comments. This is a big chapter full to the brim with wedding plans, a wedding day and yes, the wedding night. So, grab a plate of Christmas cookies and some eggnog and let's see what happens! xo
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He almost lets his hand wander to her breast, but he stops himself. He's waited this long for her and he'll keep waiting until the time is right, until they're married.
When he finally draws his lips from hers, he takes hold of her hand and says, "C'mon, let's see about that pond. This time of day there might be some critters comin' by for a drink of water."
Her ankle has stiffened up and won't allow her to move quickly, he understands and he's patient. They take it slow and easy as they walk in that direction. They're not far from the house and there's not far to go, but he's concerned. He's noticed her limp has become more pronounced.
He stops and asks, "Ya okay?"
The pain shows in her face when she admits, "Maybe we could just stop to rest a minute."
Daryl bends a little at the waist, putting his back up as he tells Beth, "Hop on."
She looks at him like he might have lost his mind and asks, "Are you serious?"
He shrugs, "Yeah. This is a serious piggyback. Jump up."
Beth climbs on his back and he pretends to have to strain to lift her, then teases. "You weren't jokin'. You really are heavier than you look."
She feigns anger at his remark, but they're both smiling as he carries her to an idyllic little spot next to the water. It's a spot she's certain she recognizes; yes, it was in her dream.
He's careful as he slowly bends so she can slip down and off him. When she's safely on her feet he turns to look at her and it all comes rushing back. She's just like she was in his dream. She's so beautiful in her yellow dress with her sun-kissed cheeks and big blue eyes. And that smile, that pretty smile. He knows more than ever, this is how it's meant to be. The two of them are destined to be together in this place. Forever.
He gently sets his strong hands on her slim waist and tells her, "I never knew I wanted a wife and now I can't wait ta be married. How soon ya wanna do this Sweetheart?" He prays she won't want to wait too long.
She's pink cheeked, shy about making such a big decision on her own, "Oh I don't know, what do you think?"
"Like I said, the sooner the better for me. Ya wanna do it next week? The Saturday after that? Or is there some reason you might wanna wait?" He's hoping to God she won't want to wait.
"Umm, how about in two weeks?" It's not a time she picked for any particular reason, it just sounds right.
"Two weeks is good with me. All I gotta do is get my suit pressed."
She smiles, "You always look handsome Daryl. Two weeks should give me enough time to…well I'm not sure what I need to do, but people always talk about how much planning these things take." She looks to be in thought and then says, "One thing I want to do is call my sister and tell her the news. Maybe she can come. I'm certain my brother won't be able to, he's so far away." She looks a little sad and although he doesn't like to see that, he's relieved there are no tears.
He's also not sure what he should say, they're her people and it's her decision, so he asks a new question, "Where? Ya wanna get married at the preacher's? In the church there? Your Dad's place? The boarding house?"
She knew the answer the minute she saw the pretty pond and this beautiful spot. There's no doubt in her mind. This is the place she dreamed of, and Daryl Dixon is the man of her dreams, "Yes, I want to marry you right here where we're standing."
He hadn't thought of it but now he realizes it's perfect. What better place to make their promise? He holds her close and whispers softly, "Then this is where it will be." He takes her in his arms once again, telling her, "I love ya Sweetheart, so much."
"I love you too Daryl." Then she looks worried, "Oh my goodness, I'm going to need a dress!"
He smiles when he tells her, "Why? There never was anyone who looked prettier in any dress than you look in the one ya got on."
She looks down at the yellow cotton dress and back at him, "Really? It's not very fancy."
It's true but he points out, "Look around ya Sweetheart, this ain't exactly a fancy place." Then the thought comes, this stuff is real important to women, "But I want ya ta wear whatever ya like. Ya know what I'll be wearin', well unless ya tell me I should wear sumthin' different."
She makes herself blush hard but she doesn't care. She tells him what she's known since that first morning at Horvath's, "Well, there was never a man who looked better in a pair of overalls than you do Daryl Dixon, but I imagine you don't want to wear your working clothes. Your suit is good-looking and you look so swell in it, it will be just right."
He's got her in his arms again, kissing her while fighting those hungry urges that have him wanting more than hugs and kisses, and reminding himself over and over, "Soon. It won't be long now til I'm hers and she's mine."
They get back to the house the same way they got to the pond, she's riding on his back. Her arms are wrapped loosely around his neck and her lips are on his ear as she whispers, "I love you Mister Dixon." And his smile seems to go on forever.
What they don't expect is to see their families waiting for them on the front porch. Everyone's eyes are on Hershel Greene, worrying what kind of reaction the sight will provoke. Except Sophia. The little girl just runs toward them calling, "I want a piggyback ride! Can I have a piggyback ride?"
Only two things are preventing Merle from busting out laughing. His desire to be a good brother to Daryl, and the fact that Carol is pinching him so hard it's about to bring tears to his eyes.
Now Beth's whisper has taken on a frantic tone, "Oh no, Daddy…Daryl, put me down."
He's careful, leaning forward at the waist as she slips off. He takes her arm and her limp is quite dramatic as they walk toward the group. He can't help but wonder. Is it because her ankle has gotten even worse, or is she playing it up?
She's talking fast and there's a nervous quiver in her voice, "Hi um, I'm sorry if that looked bad. My ankle got to hurting so much that I couldn't walk at all, and Daryl did his best to carry me."
That's it for Merle. He can't hold back any longer, "It looked to me like he did a right fine job of it too, looked like a man who enjoys his work."
Olivia jumps in and tries to save the day by redirecting the conversation, "Did you two make any plans while you were out walking?"
Daryl nods, "Yes Ma'am we did. You tell em about it Sweetheart." And he's not at all sorry he used the endearment. Facts are facts, she is his Sweetheart. Forever.
Beth tells them of her and Daryl's decision and Erma responds, "Oh my, just two weeks! We've got a lot to do."
And Olivia asks, "You're sure you want to do it here, at a pond?"
"Yes Ma'am, and preacher, Sir, I hope you'll agree to officiate."
The preacher's all smiles, "It will be my pleasure."
Miss Erma inquires, "How many guests?"
Daryl and Beth discussed this question while at the pond. They decided they want to keep it a family affair. Mostly the same people that are here today. Her Daddy, her Uncle, the Horvaths, Merle, Carol and Sophia, the preacher and Miss Olivia and the only other person they'll invite will be his long-time friend, his wife and their baby. They're like family too.
What they don't tell all the folks gathered around them is, two weeks after the wedding they'll host a party that's a lot less formal and a lot more raucous for their friends from the boarding house.
When the plans are finalized and the time has come for Beth to go, the preacher insists, "Daryl there's no reason for you to drive all the way there and back, we've got room for everyone in our automobile. We'll take Beth and Hershel home with us with us."
He might have argued if he thought there was the slightest chance her Daddy would ride with the preacher and let him and Beth have a nice ride alone. He knows that will never happen, and besides he should help the Horvath's get their things home and put away.
He longs to hold her and to tell her he loves her before she goes, and steal a goodbye kiss. That's not possible either. All he can do is promise, "If it's alright, I'll be out ta visit ya next Saturday Miss Beth."
Before Miss Olivia steps into the Ford she takes his elbow, leans in and whispers something to him. He's not sure how to respond to this news, all he says is, "Yes Ma'am, alright. And thank you."
As soon as they're out of sight of the house and she can no longer see Daryl, Beth leans her head against the window. She closes her eyes and pretends to sleep. She wants quiet time with her thoughts, and on the long ride home all of her thoughts are on Daryl and the big step they'll soon take.
He does his part, he follows the Horvaths and his brother back to the boarding house and helps unload the table and all the dishes and glassware, knowing they'll be loading it all up again in a couple of weeks to take out to his place for the wedding.
The ladies already have everything planned and that's just fine with him. He has no idea about planning weddings, he just knows he's going to have one with Beth and he's never felt happier.
He's exhausted when his head finally hits the pillow. What a day, but it's done. Her Daddy said yes, begrudgingly maybe but still a yes. Soon she'll be lying next to him in this bed every night.
He drifts off knowing that together him and Beth are going to build a big life in this little home.
Sunday morning comes and he does what he promised he'd do, and what he wants to do. He said he'd get the Horvaths a deer and it's the right thing. They've done so much for him.
He gets a good size buck and once he's field dressed it and he's heading back to the house with it a thought comes to him that makes him smile. He's about to give that butcher block a good workout right in the kitchen. Once Beth is living here with him, she probably won't want this stuff going on in the house. Then again, his bride-to-be is a country girl.
Beth's got all the coins she saved tucked in a sock and squirreled away in her purse. After church on Sunday the preacher drives her to the payphone that sits in front of the U.S. Post Office building, and waits while she steps in the booth and makes her call. She takes the paper with Maggie's number written on it and lays it on the small shelf. With her bag of coins at the ready, she calls the operator.
She's connected to Maggie in no time, but they have to keep the conversation short. Long distance calls can easily cost as much as a week's worth of groceries. She tries to tell the story of her and Daryl as fast as she can get the words out, finishing with, "The wedding is a week from this coming Saturday. I hoped maybe you could come."
"Gee Bethie, I don't know. I'll try. I promise I'll try."
They each promise to write a new letter that day, they say their I love yous and the conversation is over. Five minutes, a dollar and a half. Almost half of Beth's change. When she gets home to the preacher's she writes both Maggie and her brother Shawn long, long letters telling them of her husband-to-be and the life they have planned together.
The week seems to go so slowly, she misses him so much. On the other hand, it passes quickly. Although she knows he loves the yellow dress, and she plans to wear it for him until it's threadbare, she wants something made especially for her wedding day.
Monday morning Beth carefully removes the back from her family picture and takes all the bills hiding there. She stashes them in her small bag, and the preacher drives her and Miss Olivia all the way to Albany to shop, "I'll be back here for you ladies at two. You have a good day shopping."
They visit the fabric shop first and Beth's see's it almost immediately. It's a lacy fabric, light and delicate. It's summer weight and it's chilly out these days, that makes it even better. It's on the clearance table.
She and Miss Olivia put their heads together and decide how much fabric it will take, and all the other items they'll need to complete the dress. Then Miss Olivia gets a twinkle in her eye and says, "I'm going to need some fabric too."
"What are you planning to sew Miss Olivia?"
"Well Dear, I plan to make you a new satin slip for under your gown, you don't want your dress to be revealing. There's something else too, something even more important."
Beth is already blushing when she asks, "What is that? What's important?"
Miss Olivia takes her arm and whispers conspiratorially, "You're going to need a new nightie, you can't be wearing flannel on your wedding night."
On the one hand Beth's face feels like it might catch fire, on the other hand she's feeling quite excited.
From the fabric shop they visit the lingerie section of the department store. Miss Olivia insists, "You won't need a new camisole, the slip I'm making will do for that, but you're going to need a little fancier pair of undies, a garter belt and white hose."
These are things Beth hadn't even thought about. She's never owned a garter belt or hose. Socks with her shoes is all she's ever worn. Miss Olivia not only promises a lesson in how a woman puts these things on, but further embarrasses Beth by adding, "Daryl will enjoy helping you with them too." Although her face is once again on fire, it's true that the thought also has her titillated.
They have their lunch at the drug store fountain, chicken salad sandwiches and cream sodas. Another new experience for Beth.
It's been such a wonderful day she doesn't even mind that her ankle is burning and throbbing with pain.
Her week is consumed with thoughts of Daryl and their quickly approaching wedding day, and she's feeling such a broad range of emotions. Excitement, longing and fear about what will happen on their wedding night. She's keeping busy though, sewing on her wedding dress and trying to get her leg better and stronger.
Daryl's week is consumed with a bear of a job at the main plant that keeps him worried and concerned for most of each day, except before and after work and at lunch. During those times, and especially when he lays his head down at night, all his thoughts are on his new bride.
He's looking forward to the wedding itself and sharing their special day with family, but most of his thoughts are of their wedding night. He's excited but he's nervous too. His young bride-to-be is so innocent and he's never had the experience with anyone so pure.
He made the mistake of mentioning his concerns to Merle who slapped him on the back, smiled and said, "Just do your best not ta hurt her, and make sure she has as much fun as you do." Merle may be a jerk, but dammit, he's right.
They see each other on Saturday and it's wonderful to be together, but they don't get to be alone for even a minute. That part is so hard. They're both longing to share a touch, some closeness and a kiss. Even a private word or two would be nice, but the only private words are spoken between Daryl and Miss Olivia.
It happens are they share a meal. Out of the blue Miss Olivia says, "Daryl, I'm sorry to interrupt your meal, but could you come to the kitchen with me for just a minute? There's something I need to ask you to do."
He has no idea what it could be but he's willing and happy to help her with whatever. Beth's looking curious and confused, why would the woman call Daryl away from the table to do a favor? Couldn't it wait? But she won't question her hostess. The preacher and Daddy just keep eating like they never heard a thing.
The following week seems to drag for the couple. All they can think about is the day when they'll finally get to be together, forever. Forever in a house together, forever sharing a bed. The thought can be a little scary, but they're both sure the good life they'll have together will easily outweigh any challenges.
Finally, the day they thought would never get here arrives. She's so grateful to wake up to sunny skies, she hopes they'll be just as sunny over his way.
Daryl doesn't understand quite why he's not supposed to see her, but if it's what she wants he'll go along. So, once the tables and chairs are in place, and all the heavy lifting is done, he and Merle make their way back to Merle's house.
Daryl has his suit and shoes and everything else he might need to get ready, and when the time comes that's what he'll do and then, at the appointed hour, he and Merle will head back to his place. Silly, yeah, but it's the way Beth wants it and that's all he needs to know.
The preacher has loaded her suitcase with all of her things in the trunk of the automobile, along with the foods Miss Olivia has made. Her dress is covered and hanging from a hook above the rear driver's side window. A satin bag sits on her lap. It contains her new slip, nightgown, undies, garter belt and hose. Just looking at it gives her a little tingle.
They've managed to cram everyone in the car and surprisingly neither her Daddy nor her uncle make a complaint about the closeness.
He's not there when they arrive at the house, she knew he wouldn't be and yet she's disappointed. She's been missing him so much. She's not sure why they have to hide from each other but she's been told its bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. That seems so silly, they've seen each other a hundred times. But it's tradition and so it is.
Miss Erma is there waiting and so is Carol. They've been busy all morning and Beth feels so blessed they want to do these thoughtful things for she and Daryl.
There are pots of fresh flowers on the porch, where her Daddy and Uncle immediately plop themselves down, while Beth enters what will be her new home. She sees the dining table and almost cries at the beauty of it. There are even paper "wedding bells" hanging from the ceiling and Sophia tells her, "I helped make them Aunt Beth. That's you ya know, you're gonna to be my Aunt Beth as soon as you marry Uncle Daryl."
"That's right Sophia, I will be and you'll be my sweet little niece who made me such beautiful wedding bells."
There are pretty flowers at the center of the table and she recognizes Miss Erma's fine china, crystal glasses and beautiful silver. They never used those things at the boarding house. Miss Erma explained they were far too delicate and far too expensive to be used every day. It makes Beth smile knowing that Miss Erma thinks her and Daryl's wedding is a special enough day.
She goes to the bathroom to freshen up before dressing, and stops to take a good look at the bathroom again. Everything about it is so pretty and perfect. Daryl did a wonderful job. She does wonder about the shower. She's never taken one and doesn't think she ever would. Especially when there's that big pretty yellow tub.
She bathed that morning but still she takes the time to give herself a good bird bath and apply some lotion. Once she's done and in what is to be her new bedroom, the room she'll share with her husband, she sits and Carol does her hair.
Beth didn't want to wear a veil and so Carol weaves some small flowers and greenery into a long loose braid instead. Miss Erma has a special bottle of perfume that Mister Dale gave her for Christmas, "I never use it, but I didn't tell him that. I know he paid a fortune for this stuff, it's that Chanel brand." She puts a little dab behind each of Beth's ears and on the inside of each wrist, "You smell lovely Dear. Very fancy."
Finally Miss Erma helps her with the garter belt and hose. Beth is surprised, embarrassed and really quite excited about the way the ladies giggle and make naughty little jokes about garter belts, hose and men. They tease her about how much fun Daryl is going to have helping her remove the stockings.
Never would she have imagined any of these women playing the sorts of bedroom games they mention. Then she recalls what Maggie once told her, "Everyone does it, it's just that not everyone talks about it." Maybe Maggie isn't as full of beans as Beth always thought.
The ladies hear Merle's truck pull in, and they know the preacher is under orders to immediately walk with Daryl up to the pond and wait for them all to arrive. Miss Erma asks the bride, "Are you ready to get your pretty dress on and go to your groom?"
The question nearly brings tears to her eyes, "Yes, yes I'm ready."
The white lace dress is much like the bride, modest. There's a high neckline so they're very cautious when they slip the garment over Beth's head, being careful not to muss her hair. She slips her arms in the long, cuffed sleeves and Miss Olivia buttons them at the wrist, while Carol's busy with the buttons at the back of the dress.
The flow of the dress gently follows the curves of Beth's body in a soft drape that falls to mid-calf, showing off her white hose and a new pair of white shoes. After today the shoes will have to be put back until spring. That's alright though, they were marked down 60% at Jordan's Shoe store in Albany.
When she's ready Carol smiles at the sight of the young bride and says, "Oh my Beth, you look like a princess."
Daryl's old buddy escorts her uncle and all the ladies, with the exception of the bride, up to the pond. It's Merle who will take Beth and her Daddy. He gives the others enough time to get there, then asks her, "Ya ready little sister?"
"Yes Merle, I think so."
"Well ya make a beautiful bride, Daryl's a lucky man."
"And I'm lucky too."
He nods, "Ya are," and helps her and her Daddy in the preacher's Ford. He drives them as close to the pond as he's able, without risking getting stuck. He helps her down from the cab, gives her Daddy a hand, then sticks his thumb and middle finger in his mouth, proceeding to make a very loud whistle. He looks at his watch, waits three minutes like he's been told to do, then tells her, "Alright, you and your Daddy walk this way along the path and you'll see us all there waitin'. You remember, right?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Okay, I'ma run ahead and get up there with Daryl, I just need a few seconds head start, k?"
"Yes."
Merle can see she's shaking like a leaf so before he goes he his hand on her arm and promises, "It's gonna be just wonderful, you'll see."
Daryl didn't plan to be nervous, after all, this is what he wants, it's what he's waited for. Now he's as nervous as a cat. He just wishes she'd get here and they'd get this done. Everyone can eat some food and then go home and leave him alone with his bride.
When he hears his brother's whistle, his gut clenches but not in a bad way. It's just nervous excitement and anticipation. Hurry Beth, hurry.
Merle's standing to one side of him, the preacher in the middle and on the other side of the preacher is Carol. The rest of the group are no more than ten feet away, all smiling happily as they wait.
Then Daryl sees his bride and he almost hollers, "Beth!" and runs toward her. She's so perfect and he feels like he's waited for this moment forever. But he doesn't move. He stands, spellbound by the mix of sweet innocence and womanly beauty walking toward him.
She thought she might faint she was so overcome with both excitement and nerves, and then she saw her groom. He looks so handsome, so strong and manly. She can't wait to say the words and promise herself to him.
Even Daddy appears to have lost his sour look. He's not smiling, but it's almost like he's trying to.
The ceremony begins, they've asked the preacher to keep it brief and he does. It's all so nice and going so smoothly, and then Daryl makes his promise as he slips the ring on her finger. When she sees the gold filigree band she squeals. It's impossible to know if it's in horror or delight. Carol places hands on her shoulders and asks, "Beth, are you alright?"
"Yes, yes, I'm wonderful, so happy. Daryl, where did you get this ring?"
He nods his head in the woman's direction when he says, "Miss Olivia gave it to me."
Olivia calls, "Your Mama wanted me to give it to your true love to give to you." Her Mother's wedding ring brings such happy tears to Beth's eyes.
Finally it's time for him to kiss his bride, but he keeps it mostly chaste. The sort of kiss he'd like to give her is not to be enjoyed in front of an audience.
Back at his house the radio's tuned to soft music and he silently thanks Dr. Eugene for the gift. Everyone is happy and chatty and the food they all share is delicious. Daryl purchased the country ham for Miss Erma, along with some other requests the ladies had, and the effort they all put in has provided so many wonderful dishes. He didn't expect to be able to eat, neither did Beth, but they've both been too nervous to eat for two days and now their stomachs won't be denied.
He feels a slight twinge of guilt, he shouldn't have wished these people away. They're the best folks in the world and he and Beth are blessed to have them.
He didn't even think about a wedding cake but he's not surprised the ladies have. Miss Erma has outdone herself. It's a white cake with a strawberry filling and white mountain icing. He and his bride make the first slice together, he feeds her a bite and she feeds him one, and they smile and kiss and the guests all laugh and clap for the newlyweds.
There's another kind of hunger they're feeling and it won't be denied either. As soon as their guests have departed, they set about trying to satisfy that hunger.
He seems so confident and his small smile displays a hint of mischief. If she didn't know him as well as she does, she probably wouldn't realize he's feeling almost as shy and nervous as she is. Shy or not, his desire dominates any inhibitions he may have.
He speaks softly but she notices the deeper throatiness in his voice when he says, "Lemme help ya with them clothes." Part of her wants to run and hide in embarrassment, but her own desire is stronger than any bashfulness she feels.
He has hold of her hand as he offers, "Sit Beth," and gestures toward the bed. The moment she's seated he drops to his knees in front of her and removes her shoes. She can't imagine what he's up to when, beginning at her ankles his fingers skim slowly up the sides of her legs. It tickles in such a warm and exciting way, and his fingers cause the hem of her dress to rise with them. He stops when the tops of her hose and the garters holding them are revealed.
She's feeling a little timid but also excited and curious. He looks at her, smiles and it happens. With seemingly no effort at all he pops the garters open, never taking his eyes off hers. She lets out a little gasp when he bends to kiss and lightly suck her inner thigh, it's all she can do to try and sit still.
He's got her aroused, curious and wanting more. Then he slowly begins to roll the stocking on her left leg down, stopping now and then to lean in kiss, lick and suck on her tender flesh. Beth's heart is racing. Who could have imagined that something so simple could be so sensual and cause her to feel almost dizzy with excitement and anticipation. By the time both stockings are removed her whole body is tingling and she feels the dampness on her new undies. What has he done to her? She's not sure but she's eager for more of his touch.
Now she understands what the ladies were all giggling about.
He stands, extending both hands to her and helping her to her feet. He places his fingers on her shoulders and guides her to turn. When her back is to him he smiles, pulls the band from her hair and gently takes the blonde curls in his hand. Leaning in he kisses and sucks at the back of her neck and she feels herself backing closer to him. She's disappointed when he stops, but then he begins to loosen the buttons of her dress. She could never have imagined those big rough hands would be so skillful at popping the tiny round buttons open. It seems he's quite an expert.
A wave of anxiety rushes through her, oh no. He must have been with lots of women before her. Then she tells herself no, no. That's not for her to question. She knows a woman should never ask a man about such things, and she doesn't really want to know.
It doesn't matter anyway. He chose her, they're husband and wife. That's all that matters now. With those thoughts her anxiety fades. She only hopes she'll be able to satisfy him.
In no time at all she's down to just her slip and there's nothing under it but the fancy new undies Miss Olivia insisted she have. His body is so close she feels the warmth of him as he's kissing her so passionately.
His hand drifts to her breast and as he gently cups it his thumb rubs back and forth across her nipple. Beth has been so nervous about this sort of touching, but she feels the nipple harden and her undies grow damper. Now she knows, she likes it very much when Daryl touches her that way.
She hardly has time to take a breath before she's naked. Her body is flushing red with a mix of embarrassment and the heat of passion. His finger glides softly and slowly along her outer arm as he studies her and whispers, "You're so pretty and so delicate lookin' Sweetheart," and while he speaks he's lifting her off her feet and laying her in their bed.
She lays quietly, her eyes never leaving him as he pulls his suspenders down, then loosens his tie and tosses it on the dresser. Soon his shirt is hanging from the back of the chair, and the buttons of his trousers are open. He reaches for the hem of his undershirt, then freezes. He looks at her and admits, "I got scars Beth…"
She interrupts, telling him so matter of factly, "I know, and tattoos. I saw them."
"Ya don't mind?"
"I don't think so. I'm in your bed."
He laughs a little, he's so much more relaxed now. What he spent so much time worrying about turns out to be no problem at all. He pulls the shirt up and over his head, and she lets out a soft gasp. He's worried again, "Sumthin' wrong?"
"No. Not wrong at all." He smiles, happy knowing she likes what she sees, and glad to know she's more open to these things than he expected her to be.
When he's fully naked there is no gasp, no smile, not even wide eyes. She can't speak or think or move. She can only look. She's never seen a grown man naked, and her husband is quite the man to see.
He slides in the bed next to her and as they lay there looking in each other's eyes he lightly skims the backs of his fingers along her cheekbone, whispering, "I love ya Beth, ya know that. Ya ain't scared are ya?"
"A little, and nervous."
He kisses her forehead and admits, "Yeah? I'm nervous too." With their confession they both relax a little.
She's certain his body couldn't be any closer to hers. She can feel his heart beating as he kisses her so deeply and passionately. His hand lightly clutches her neck while his fingers weave into her hair and his thumb rubs lightly along her jawline.
It all feels so loving and wonderful, and she's shocked by her strong urges to touch his body. She wants to rub her hand along his skin, she wants to feel his muscles and become familiar with her husband in a new way, an intimate way.
She wasn't sure she'd be able to feel deep desire for a man, but with Daryl desire has been building for quite some time. Still, she's a bit timid as she begins to run an open palm along his arm and quietly whispers, "You have such big muscles."
He kisses the tip of her nose and says, "It's just from workin' is all." She doesn't care what causes it, she likes the look and the feel of him. She's surprised at her boldness and by how aroused she feels as her hand moves a little higher. She rubs along his broad shoulders and once again she's a little daring, "Whatever causes them doesn't matter, I find them very appealing."
He had not expected the behavior any more than she had. Her curiosity and willingness are exciting to him. He worried she might be hesitant or shy about touching and being touched. He didn't want to have to spend their wedding night trying to coax her, and he knows he could never force himself on her. But never did he think she'd be so interested in his body.
He has no complaint that she is.
The more he feels her light touch on his body the more his desire to explore her body grows. It feels like he's waited forever to touch her in all the ways he knew were forbidden. He slowly moves his hand to her breast and she stiffens just a little, but as he lightly rubs her nipple she relaxes and her fingers begin to knead his back as he feels her lower body press into his.
He kisses his way down her neck and across her shoulders, and she'd swear he's put some kind of spell on her. She moves her arm and leans back a bit as if presenting herself to him. He takes advantage of the invitation as his mouth envelops her breast.
Her skin feels so warm and his does too as his open palm begins to follow the gentle curve of her body. He feels his desire growing as his mouth and tongue stay busy at her breast, and his hand glides along her body. He feels the dip of her slim waist and when his hand reaches the gentle swell of her hip he changes course, slipping the hand slowly along her abdomen. He pauses long enough to whisper, "Ya got such a nice shape Beth, a perfect little body."
Her breathing is shallow and she's aware there's more and more wetness between her legs, and then his hand is there. He's pushing on her mound as his fingers tease her damp curls, while his mouth is back on her breast and his tongue is flicking across her nipple.
She feels her low body begin to squirm like she needs him to touch her more, and he seems to understand her needs as his finger slips inside her. She lets out a gasp at the sensation. It hurts a little and feels good all at once, and as his finger continues moving inside her she finds herself wriggling more and still seeking more of him.
Her reactions make him bolder. He nudges her legs apart as he moves his body between them. His finger keeps working inside her as he spreads kisses across her breasts and abdomen, and she hears herself squeal when he kisses and then nibbles her mound. He stops what he's doing and asks, "Is that alright?"
She smiles softly as her fingers comb back strands of hair and she answers, "Yes, I just…it feels good."
Again her words and the way her body is reacting have him excited and feeling brave. It's so good knowing she wants this as much as he does. That's more than he ever could have hoped.
He has so many feelings for her, there's so much love that sometimes it feels like too much, but no. He knows that's not possible. There's no such thing as loving her too much. He wants her, he wants her bad and he asks, "Is it okay, can…is it alright?"
"Yes, yes." She leans up on her elbows, she wants to see him, see what he's doing. The sight of his hardened manhood nearly takes her breath away. How will this possibly work? But she knows he knows and she trusts him. And the truth is she's yearning for him and she wants to make him happy.
He looks in her pretty eyes and she looks at him. He holds himself in his hand touching her womanhood with the tip of his manhood. The sensation excites her, and then he begins to softly stroke it along her opening and she feels the surge of wetness as her arousal grows.
She can't believe her body, how it seems to know what to do. Her hips raise to welcome him and his voice is coarse and husky when he promises, "I love ya, I'll be careful with ya."
In spite of her craving for him she feels some apprehension. She's not sure what to expect and she's afraid of the pain, but she trusts him, "I know you will be, I love you too."
He's got his own fear. How can something they both want, the pleasure of making love to each other, cause her pain? It doesn't seem right. They're both holding their breath as he slowly and carefully begins to slip inside her. Her body turns rigid and he leans down, his lips to her ear, "Try'n relax, it'll be better for ya. Easier. I'll be careful. I love ya Beth. You're my Sweetheart."
He goes slowly as he pushes himself into her, and when he feels that barrier of resistance he knows what it is. He bends down trying to caress her as he makes the push he knows will take her innocence.
She lets out a yelp and cries, "Oh! Oh Daryl!"
He apologizes, "Sorry, I'm so sorry. I can stop if ya want." He prays to God that's not what she wants.
His prayer is answered when she breathes out, "No, Daryl don't stop."
At first he keeps his movements as slow and steady as he's able, giving her time to get used to the feel of him. His efforts pay off when eventually her hips begin to match the movement of his. He leans down, his cheek close to hers as he attempts to rest his weight on his forearms. He's so worried he'll hurt her. He nuzzles into her neck, smelling the sweet warmth of her skin and reminds her again, "I love ya Sweetheart. This is good, it's right."
They're lost in the warmth of their love and the hunger as their bodies move together. It's as if they were always meant to. She clutches onto his bottom like she wants more of him, and he goes deeper inside her and increases the speed of his movements.
He wants her to feel the pleasure before he does. He can't ruin this for her. She feels soreness but it doesn't matter to her, she needs him. His hand slips down to where their bodies are joined and she feels him pushing on her mound again. Then she feels something else, his finger is touching her in a way that's causing her to get more and more feverish as he pumps into her harder, while continuing to tantalize the little spot with his finger.
Then it happens, her body becomes rigid and she feels as if she can barely breath. She quivers and stiffens again. She's hot inside and out and her whole body shakes as she feels the gush of wetness while calling out to him, "Daryl!"
Her husband can't hold back any longer. His body stiffens as he pumps harder and deeper, and then he lets out a kind of frightening guttural noise as he calls out to her, "Beth!" and she feels his juices spill inside her.
His body softly collapses into hers as they try to recover their breath. He rolls to one side and takes her in his arms asking, "Ya alright Sweetheart?"
"I'm wonderful. I never thought it would feel so good."
He smiles, "Yeah? Well I ain't never felt nuthin' better and that's a fact. I love ya, Beth and I'm sure happy I married you today."
"I'm going to love you forever Daryl, and I'm happy and proud to be your wife."
They hold each other close and before they can even think about cleaning themselves up, they're sleeping soundly in each other's arms.
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Note: I'm going to take Christmas week off, but I'll be back with a new chapter of The Stranger Upstairs on Friday, January 1st. We'll see if we can have a Happy New Year! In the meantime, please leave a comment and kindly check out the chapter photo on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick. If you celebrate, I wish you a Very Merry Christmas! Remember, I love ya large and stay safe out there! xo gneebee