A/N Thank you all again, so, so much. I promised a wedding and a wedding night, so here we go.
00
"Daryl, please. There hasn't been any trouble in town since…you know. Please, it's just one night." She looked at him with those big pleading blue eyes and he was beginning to feel his resolve weaken.
His bride-to-be had been making the same request of him for two days. Even though it didn't sit well with him to tell her no he'd done what he thought was best for her. Still he could feel himself giving in.
"It won't be like I'm somewhere all by myself." She appeared to have a set to her jaw, like she meant business and he'd better pay attention. "Everyone knows it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride on her wedding day, you have to wait for the service."
"Is that right? How come I didn't know bout that before?"
"Maybe you never paid attention to these customs before." Although her brow furrowed her look got softer then, "I just know I want to get ready where you won't see me. When I walk in the church in my wedding dress I want it to be special. Besides, how would we both get ourselves ready at Merle and Karen's?" That's when she got a bit haughty with him again, "I guess it will be easy for you. You'll just go to your house. But what about me?" Then she looked like she might get teary.
Despite the sad look on her face he managed to hold his ground, "Don't start cryin' Beth, that ain't fightin' fair. An why ya actin' like I'm tryin' ta be mean to ya? I'm just tryin' ta keep ya safe. The best way I know how ta do that is keep ya with me."
"I can't be by your side 24 hours a day. There's going to come a time you have to let me venture out on my own."
"Yeah? Well you spendin' the night in town while I'm out at my place is venturin' a little too far for my comfort."
"I've stayed with Zach and Amy before and it was fine, and we already have plans for tomorrow morning. Lori and Merna will be there first thing to help with my dress and my hair, and please Daryl. Let me have this time."
He wasn't happy but he knew he'd feel like the world's biggest asshole if he took this from her. "What? You women already got together an plotted all this out?" But he was smiling at her, not a big smile but she knew he'd given up the fight. "Alright then. I'll take ya there after supper tonight, but I ain't takin' ya happily."
She threw her arms around his neck, right there in his shop, "Oh Daryl, thank you! I know you're going to be the best husband in the world. I love you so much."
He couldn't help but smile in his defeat, "Yeah well my bride-ta-be wore me out is all." He glanced around and seeing no one he kissed her lips, "I love ya Beth, but it's like I said, ya don't fight fair."
She placed her hand on his cheek and admitted, "Tomorrow I'll make a promise to obey you and I will keep that promise, but that doesn't mean I won't try to get my way from time to time." She leaned up, kissed his cheek and added, "I will miss staying in the same house with you tonight Daryl."
00
At six Saturday morning Daryl was quietly knocking on the Mitchell's door. Zach opened it with a smile, "I thought that might be you. All is well here. Amy and Beth are drinking tea and chattering away in the parlor, and the other ladies will be here by seven. I'm going to try and keep myself scarce while they do their primping, but I'll be watchful for any trouble."
"Thanks Zach. Maybe I worry too much, but…"
"Yeah I know and I don't blame ya." The men shook hands and Zach softly chuckled, "Don't worry Smithy, I'll get her to the church on time."
Halfway home Daryl met his brother, Karen and Mary Ellen on the road. Karen was holding a large wooden box on her lap and Daryl knew the box held the celebration cake she and Mary Ellen had made. Suddenly he felt overcome with gratitude that his life had taken such a good turn.
He had very clear memories of being that little boy trying to survive all alone. It had been so hard and so lonely. He remembered how he cried when his Mama died, and he remembered how he'd hoped and prayed his brother would come home and find him. When Merle did, for a long time that was all he and his brother had, just each other. Now there was a real family and there were good friends, and there was a pretty young woman who'd told him she loved him, she'd even agreed to marry him and live with him forever.
He wondered how it was things had changed so much. He didn't know but he promised himself he would never forget what a lucky man he was.
He spoke with his brother for a few minutes. Merle was taking his wife and daughter to the parsonage, along with a wagon full of food and decorations, where they would help Olivia get everything set up for the wedding and the celebration lunch. There was so much he thought he should say to them to express the gratitude he felt, but all he could manage was a nod of his head and a, "Thank you Brother an thanks Karen, it means a lot."
His brother nodded back simply replying, "Always gonna be around for ya Little Brother." And that was really all that needed to be said between them.
Daryl continued to his own place where he would take care of his animals, bathe himself and dress for the most important moment of his life. But he couldn't seem to keep from worrying. He worried that his first time with the woman he loved, and her first time experiencing anything more than a kiss, he might be awkward and clumsy with her. Worse, he might hurt her or frighten her, and when it was over she may be angry with him, she may even hate him.
00
Lori and Merna arrived at seven a.m. and after enjoying a cup of tea and pleasantries, the ladies began their work. There was much to do. Beth's hair would be styled by Lori, Merna brought rouge to apply to her cheeks and lips. She even had a fine perfume that came all the way from France to dab behind Beth's ears, and Amy had the beautiful gown ready for them to dress her in. Amy's wedding shoes were a bit too big on the bride's feet but Merna fixed the problem by stuffing cotton down in the toes.
His bride would be the last to arrive at the church, he was told to be certain to get there early so there would be no chance of him seeing her before the ceremony. He thought it seemed a pointless custom but he wouldn't tell her that. He wanted her to be happy so he kept his thoughts to himself when Merle and his family came for him just after ten o'clock.
The Monroe's had stopped by the Mitchell's Friday night insisting it was a contribution they wanted to make to the ceremony. The bride would be arriving at the church in their fancy buggy. Deanna smiled when she told Beth, "If there are any prying eyes still milling around outside the church, they won't be able to see you until you decide to step down.
The gown was so full and so fancy it took Zach, Amy and Merna to help the bride in the tall buggy. She kept it to herself as the thought crossed her mind, when she and her husband arrived home alone she would simply jump down into his arms.
It was all so joyous and she was so happy to think she would soon be Daryl's wife, but she also had her worries. She was nervous about their wedding night. She was scared he would be disappointed when he discovered her figure was so slim, that she lacked the round shape of a full bosom and a shapely derriere men seemed to prefer. When her clothes were off there would be no corsets to push her breasts up and make her chest appear larger, nor a bustle to make her bottom more voluptuous.
Those thoughts didn't worry her as much as her fear of disappointing him in bed. She wanted to please him, but what she'd heard about gentleness and how to avoid having babies did not tell her what her role was. She had no idea what to do except whatever he may ask of her. Amy said he would show her and he would be patient and Beth hoped her friend was right.
She wasn't the only one who felt nervous and worried about their wedding night. The blacksmith had worries of his own. He'd only been with working women who had vast experience. Those women already knew what to expect and what they were doing and there was no surprise to any of it. He also understood full well, part of what those women were paid to do was to act as if they enjoyed what the man was doing. They would pretend they'd been pleasured and tell a man he was most certainly among the best lovers they'd ever had, but it was all just rehearsed bullshit that every man who paid his money heard.
What if he could not please the most important woman in his life, the woman he loved?
00
Daryl arrived at the church and was greeted at the door by Eastman and Olivia. Eastman shook his hand and told him, "It's a wonderful day to get married Daryl. I know you and Beth will be blessed with a good life." Daryl nodded saying, "Thanks Eastman. I hope I can make her happy."
Olivia took his hand then, "Of course you will Daryl. You just let the gentle side of your nature guide you in the home."
Most of the guests were already assembling. Karen waited in the front with Eastman and Olivia, she would stand with Beth. His brother, who would stand with him, had seated his children in the front pew, warning Mary Ellen, "Ya mind Virg now an ya keep yourself quiet Little Girl."
"You'll see Daddy, I'm gonna be so good you're gonna let me eat two pieces of cake."
Eastman saw them several yards away and around the side of the building. They were standing by their wagon near a patch of trees and the whole family was dressed in the traditional buckskins of the woman's people. There was a large woven basket that sat in the bed of the wagon and he assumed it held an offering of food or some other gift for the newlyweds.
The bride would be arriving at any moment and he thought the quests should hurry inside before she did. He went to the family and greeting them with a smile said, "Tyrese, Lozen, children, please, come in and have a seat. The bride will be here any moment."
Tyrese spoke plainly, "I dunno Mister Preacher. No offense meant but Lozen don't feel comfortable about your kind a religion."
Eastman nodded and spoke just as plainly, "I understand there are differences in our beliefs and that there has been conflict between our people, but this day is not about that. This day is about your friends making a promise to each other. I'm sure they'd like you to be watching when they make that commitment." He addressed Lozen then, "You have my promise, I won't try to force my beliefs on you." It took a bit more coaxing but finally Tyrese and his family agreed, although Lozen would not sit in the pews, instead the family stood at the back of the small church.
No sooner had Tyrese and his family entered the church than Andrea Harrison and Caesar Martinez approached in a wagon. Eastman walked over to them and said, "Come now, come in, the bride will be arriving any moment."
Andrea also spoke plainly, "Thank you Eastman, we're not here to intrude. I don't know that my presence in a church would be particularly welcomed. We just came by to extend our best wishes after the ceremony."
"I see. Did the bride or groom ask you to be here today?"
She knew what he was getting at and she smiled, "Yes, Beth invited me."
"Well then we'd better hurry, she'll be arriving here any moment and I'm sure she'll be disappointed if you're not in attendance. Come now, both of you. All are welcome here."
Zach and Amy helped Beth down from the buggy which proved to be a far easier task than getting her in it, and they walked her to the vestibule where Eastman and Karen were waiting. Amy straightened and fluffed the skirt of Beth's bridal dress and carefully set the veil to cover her face, kissed her hand and exclaimed, "My goodness Beth, you're the most beautiful bride in the world, Smithy is liable to faint when he sees you."
Merle would serve in two roles that day, he would escort Beth down the aisle and he would stand witness for his brother. He walked up front to the vestibule, while Daryl stood at the altar with Eastman nervously awaiting his bride's entrance. Olivia began to play a soft tune on the piano and Karen walked in and slowly began making her way down the aisle. She smiled at Daryl and he smiled back, but as much as he loved his sister, she was not the woman he was so anxious to see.
Finally, she appeared, her arm was wrapped through Merle's and his brother truly looked like a proud Daddy as he escorted her.
The groom wasn't sure if his bride looked more like an angel or like the princess of some exotic land. The dress she wore was white and shiny, satin he thought. The bodice was tight and trimmed in lace while the sleeves were full at the upper part of her arm then snug from the elbow down to her wrist, where they were finished in lace ruffles. The waist was tight and the skirt was full and there was layer upon layer of lace ruffles starting just above her hips and going all the way down to the hem. Covered buttons that looked like pearls began at the high neckline and stopped just three or four inches below her waist. He wondered how long it would take a man to loosen all those tiny buttons, then he chided himself for having such thoughts in church.
A lace veil that reached to just below her chin obscured her face, but not enough that he couldn't see how beautiful she was. He was in awe that this woman who possessed such beauty and sweetness had agreed to be his wife. He knew he would spend the rest of his life trying to prove to her she had not made a terrible mistake.
She tightly held Merle's arm as they slowly walked down the aisle. She was so nervous and excited she feared she would stumble, she was grateful for the strength of her new brother. All the while her eyes could not look away from her husband-to-be. He was so strong and handsome and she knew in her heart God had never made a better man.
She was amazed to think how blessed she was. She'd taken a chance when she set out, traveling to a small mountain town to teach school and never dreaming it was there she would find her true love. This day she would happily promise to love and to honor him, no matter what may happen, for the rest of her life.
She and Merle arrived at the altar and he stood in front of her while slowly he unveiled her and presented her to her groom, "Brother here is your bride." Her knees weakened, Daryl saw her falter and quickly took her hand.
Eastman smiled and began to speak of the responsibility a man and woman have to each other, to God and to their future children. Then he began the traditional wedding service and Daryl was the first to take his vow:
The Preacher asked, "Daryl, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her? Comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her for as long as you both shall live?"
His throat was so dry and he was unaccustomed to being the center of attention, and never had he spoken before such a large group. But he loved her and he wanted her to be his wife and so he would do this now. He slipped the ring he'd made for her from the pocket of his waistcoat. It was forged of steel with a hammer rock finish and as he placed it on her finger he swallowed hard and spoke his promise:
"In the name of God, I, Daryl Dixon, take you, Elizabeth Greene, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
She had not expected there to be a ring, they had not spoken of it. Already she had tears in her eyes from the words he spoke and the gesture he made. Then Eastman addressed her in the same manner with which he had addressed her groom:
"Elizabeth, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him? Comfort him, honor and obey him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him for as long as you both shall live?"
She feared she would faint at any moment. She was afraid the words she wanted so much to speak to him would not come out. Her voice was soft, barely audible and it quivered when she spoke, but her groom heard her when she made her promise:
"In the name of God, I, Elizabeth Greene, take you, Daryl Dixon, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish and to obey, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
Eastman spoke again and finally he said the words they'd waited to here, "With the power vested in me by God and the United States Territory of Montana, I now declare you Man and Wife. Daryl, you may kiss your bride."
The kiss was brief and chaste and then Eastman announced to the congregants, "Ladies and Gentleman I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Dixon." Those in attendance applauded the newlyweds and Daryl finally relaxed and smiled at his bride. He took her hand in his, wrapped her arm through his arm and walked her back up the aisle.
As soon as they were in the vestibule he kissed her in a most romantic way, and then she asked him, "Daryl, the ring, I didn't expect it."
"I wanted ta give ya a ring an I knew I couldn't get ta Billins an get ya a proper gold one," He shrugged his shoulders as if embarrassed and went on, "So I made it Monday at the shop. It's just steel but don't worry, I'll buy ya a real one this spring."
She layed her hand on his and smiled, "No Daryl, this is the ring you made for me. Why would I want any other? I would not. Not when I have such a beautiful ring my husband put his heart into. Thank you, it's beautiful."
By then their guests were streaming into the vestibule and Olivia announced, "Shall we all make our way to the parsonage and celebrate this joyous occasion?"
In addition to the use of their buggy, the Monroe's had other gifts. They'd hired a man to take a photograph of the newlyweds. Beth could not believe such a gift. She'd dreamed of having a wedding portrait to hang above their mantle, but never did she think such a thing would happen.
The man taking the photo told them where to stand, how to hold their chins, where to place their hands and where to look. At last he told them, "You must hold completely still for more than a minute while the camera completes the picture. Don't move now."
The parsonage was decorated so beautifully. Pretty quilts were used for table covers, and although there were no flowers to be had at that time of year, the ladies had made white ones from tissue paper. They'd decorated each table with the paper flowers and the foliage of the season including pine boughs, cones and dried berries, and there were small fabric bags of mints for the guests.
The gifts of food far surpassed anything Beth would have expected. Abraham and Rosita had brought a roasted suckling pig. It was presented on a platter with an apple in its mouth and never had Beth seen such a sight. Although she was fascinated she was nervous to try it.
There was a large roast of beef from the Monroe's and from others there were roasted potatoes, carrot salad, cranberry salad, green beans, pickled beets and canned fruits, relishes and jams, and a beautiful corn casserole and Indian style fried bread from Lozen. There were so many lovely rolls and quick breads. There were jars of juices, there was coffee and tea, and a few of the men could be seen stepping outside and partaking of corn whiskey from silver pocket flasks.
Never did the groom leave the bride's side as they nibbled at the food, both too excited to eat a proper meal. When all had eaten they were told to cut the celebration cake together. He held his hand over hers as they made the first cut and everyone clapped their hands together. The cake was white with boiled white icing and Beth smiled as she and Daryl fed each other a bite. Neither of them caring to embarrass the other by smashing it into their face.
They made to leave as soon as was polite, but before they could go the guests filled a box and basket with leftovers. While they did, Abraham was nudging Daryl and teasing him with such talk as, "You two are gonna be way too busy ta cook."
Merle was smiling broadly as he clapped the groom on the back and told him, "Just remember little brother, you're the head a your house an all, but sometimes them women know best."
Andrea had pulled Beth aside. She leaned in and kissed the bride's cheek and when she did she slipped a small jar in Beth's hand whispering in her ear, "This will help with the soreness or if you get too dry down there. If that should happen you'll know what I'm talking about. Just take a little on your finger and put it where needed. As for now, relax and try to enjoy it Dear, I know Smithy will take good care and I think you might just come to enjoy his attentions." She kissed her again and smiled, "Thank you for having us here today." Although she wanted to die of embarrassment, Beth was grateful to the woman.
They sat as close as they could in the buggy, hands holding on tighter and tighter the closer they came to home. He asked her, "Wait in the buggy a minute, lemme just get this stuff inside." He hurried to carry the basket and box to the kitchen counter, and then he was back out to collect his bride.
He helped her down from the buggy and walked her to the front door. He reached in front of her and pushed the door open, then he took her in his arms and as he carried her across the threshold he smiled, "Welcome ta your new home Mrs. Dixon."
00000
He stood at the hearth, elbows resting on the mantle and his face in his hands. How had this happened he wondered. He hadn't expected her to ask such a question. If she hadn't he would never have offered the information. But she did ask and maybe he shouldn't have been honest. Should he have lied? No, he didn't think so. Not when he'd promised her and himself he would never lie to her.
She lay in their marriage bed with tears pooled in her eyes. She should not have asked him such a question. Hadn't her Daddy always told her, "If you don't want to know the truth about something, don't ask." But she did ask and now she regretted it.
She remembered Maggie telling her most men had experience with these things long before they married. Then her sister had added, "It's best that way Beth. It's better for the woman if the man is practiced in what he's doing." Beth hadn't wanted to believe it and she'd gotten angry at her sister and told her never to speak like that again, that it was vulgar and she was sure it wasn't true.
She'd only been 14 at the time and she still believed what Mama told her, people waited until they married. Thinking back on it now she realized how naïve she'd been, and how naïvely she had behaved with her new husband.
He'd been kissing her so sweetly and tenderly and it was as if the devil on her shoulder made her ask him, "Have you ever, umm…have you ever done this…?"
He'd stopped cold and his mouth moved as if to speak but no sound came out. Not right away. Then he told her the truth she didn't want to hear, "Well, yeah, a few times, but ya know, just with workin' women. Never had no girlfriends an I never was with no one here in town."
She hadn't known what to say and so she said nothing, she simply nodded her head. He must have thought all was well then because he'd begun to kiss her again. She felt her body stiffen as if his touch repelled her and he felt it too. He reacted, but he did not react with anger. He simply left their bed saying, "I won't bother ya no more," and he'd gone from their room.
She knew full well this was her rift to repair. She rose from the bed, took a steadying breath and walked from their room. The fire was burning brightly in the hearth and she could see him clearly. He stood leaning on the mantle, his squared shoulders, muscled back and powerful arms were all bare. She felt her heart begin beating faster just at the sight of her partially naked husband.
The scars on his back though, and the thought of him enduring the level of mistreatment that would cause such a permanent reminder of pain, filled her heart with sadness. Then she shook her head a little at the sight of his tattoos. She'd expected to find them unattractive, maybe even disgusting. Instead she found herself quite fascinated by them.
He wore thermal underwear that went from his waist to his ankles. She smiled as she admired the sight. Her husband had slim hips and the underwear was tied low on those masculine hips. It nearly made her blush thinking what a fine figure her husband cut.
She'd been foolish, she'd made such a terrible mistake, and on this night that was to be so special for them. Again she breathed deeply and began to slowly walk to him. She hoped he would not react to her with anger and that he could forgive her.
He was so absorbed in his sadness and disappointment, and she was so small and light on her feet, he did not hear her footfalls as she approached him. It caught him by surprise when the small hand touched his back and in a soft voice she said to him, "Husband, I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
He took in a deep breath, turned to her and did not hesitate. He took her in his arms and with his face buried in her hair he told her, "I'm sorry. I wish things never woulda happened that way, or that I could change it now. But I can't."
"No, please don't say you're sorry. You have no reason to be sorry. I behaved badly, I was foolish and naïve and I promise I will never speak of it again."
He drew his face back and told her, "Beth, I ain't ever loved any woman but you and I'll never love another. You're my wife and I am your husband, forever."
"Yes…" That was all she could manage to say before his lips went to hers and the kiss they shared was different. It was deep and warm, but it also told of his desire. She didn't need experience to understand what it was he yearned for. His strong arms were around her and he held her so tightly and so tenderly, and this time her body did not stiffen in reaction. It was quite the opposite as it seemed her body almost dissolved into his.
He drew back and standing just a foot or so in front of her his eyes traveled up and down her body. He asked her plain, "I wanna lay with ya Beth. Are ya willin' ta share the bed with your Husband now?"
Although she was nervous she did not hesitate in responding. "Yes. I want to be your wife in every way."
His small smile betrayed his own feelings of shyness, but his shyness could not compete with his desire. He reached his hand to the bow at her neck. He pulled on one end, loosening the tie that held the gown on. He never took his eyes from hers as he carefully moved the fabric off her shoulders, and his bride did not try to stop the gown from falling as it slipped to the floor. It took all of her resolve not to attempt to cover her body as she stood before him naked and blushing. In spite of her nakedness her skin felt hot, and not just from the blush. It was the look in her husband's eyes.
Those deep blue eyes were still on her as his hand went to her face and with just the tip of his finger he slowly traced the outline of her jaw, down her neck and along her shoulder and arm, "You're so pale an soft an beautiful Beth." She shivered and without saying a word he picked her up in his arms and carried her to their room.
He gently laid her in their bed and as she looked at him standing above her he reached for the tie of his undergarment, loosened it and let the garment fall. She had never seen a grown man naked and a gasp escaped her lips. He slipped under the cover and lay next to her when he assured, "Don't be afraid. I'ma be gentle, I ain't of a mind ta hurt ya Beth."
They were lying side by side looking in each other's eyes while he lightly skimmed the back of his fingers along her cheekbone. Once again he told her, "I'ma be careful Beth an all ya gotta do is tell me if ya get scared."
"I'm not scared Daryl, just nervous is all."
He smiled and kissed her forehead when he admitted, "Yeah? Me too." The admission freed them both, knowing they were each a little nervous served to relax them a bit.
She was certain he'd moved his body as close to hers as he could manage and once more he began to kiss her so deeply and passionately. His hand lightly clutched her neck, his fingers playing in the back of her hair and his thumb lightly rubbing her jawline. It all felt so loving and so wonderful, and she was shocked by the depth of her sudden desire to touch her husband. She wanted to feel his skin and his muscles, she wanted to be familiar with his body.
She had not really believed that a woman could feel that kind of desire for a man, but she felt it for Daryl. Still, at first she was timid as she ran an open palm along his arm; her voice shy and quiet when she told him, "I've never seen such muscles."
He let out a kind of hmph noise as he told her, "Just from workin' is all." Her hand moved higher, now rubbing along his broad shoulder and she was surprised she could be so bold when she told him, "Hard work is something to be proud of, and it happens that I find your muscles very appealing."
He had not expected her to be so willing, he thought she would be hesitant and that she might shy from his touching. Never had he dared to think she would have an interest in his body, or that she would care to touch him in return. He found he liked that she did, and he especially liked the feel of her hands so softly and tentatively running along his body.
His desire to touch more of her, her more private parts was too strong to fight and he made no effort to do so. He only hoped she wouldn't shy to the more personal touching or object. He slowly moved his hand to her breast where he ever so lightly let his finger skim over the nipple. At first she quivered and he worried she didn't like it, but when she moved her leg to wrap around his legs he knew she was longing too and he took her breast in his hand. He gently began to squeeze the supple mound while the pad of his thumb lightly and tenderly stroked the nipple.
He was kissing her deeply, his tongue in her mouth and playing with her own. This manner of kissing that at first had caused her such hesitation was now adding to her excitement. Then the kissing changed as he moved his lips from hers and kissed the point of her chin. He began to kiss and lightly suck along her jawline, taking his time as slowly he continued to her ear. He nuzzled into the sloping curve of her neck, kissing and sucking a little harder at her now warm skin.
To her surprise she found that her husband's attentions were causing her body to react in ways she had not expected. She would swear his lips were working some kind of strange magic, and never did his hands stop their play at her breasts. She felt her breathing become more shallow, and she was quite aware there was a wetness spreading in what was the most personal part of her body. She didn't feel she had any control at all over the murmuring sounds coming from her or the way her low body seemed determined to seek out his.
Her reactions to him and the soft sounds he heard from her further emboldened him. He began to kiss his way along her chest until his mouth covered her breast. What sounded almost like a squeaking noise came from her and immediately he stopped and asked, "Ya alright?"
She smiled softly at him while her fingers combed back strands of hair that covered his eyes "Yes, yes. I just…just know that I trust you."
Again her words, and the way her body was reacting to his touch heartened him. With his mouth still on her breast he moved his hand slowly along her side. He followed the gentle curve of her body and he could feel his desire grow just at the sensation of her softly feminine shape. He took time to caress the dip of her waist and gentle swell of her hip, and then his hand slipped slowly along her abdomen and ever closer to her womanhood. He stopped only long enough to tell her words she had not expected to hear, "Ya got such a pretty shape to ya. Everythin' about ya is perfect Beth."
He wanted to touch all of her and he dared to let his hand go there. As he fondled that most private and personal part of his sweet bride's body he felt the wetness. He smiled knowing his new wife was aroused by his touch and when he heard her breathing become more rapid and he felt her body move in that certain way, it pleased him to know her desire was equal to his own.
He was nearly overwhelmed by the power of his feelings for her and the thought that she cared for him as deeply as she did. Knowing she trusted him to touch her in this intimate way increased his resolve to see to her happiness and comfort. He was tentative at first as he let his finger softly touch the dampness of her, feeling the wet curls, and although she responded with a shiver, she made no attempt to stop him. He took a breath himself and he took his chances as he slipped his finger inside that warm wet place.
She could not quite believe how his touch excited her, but it was true. Everything he did seemed to awaken more desire in her. She may have been embarrassed by her own wantonness were it not for the fact her desire for more of his touch outweighed any self-conscious feelings she may have.
She felt his heart beating the same as she felt her own, and his lips now sucked on her ear and even the sensation of his lips and his warm breath heightened her yearning.
He moved his body ever nearer hers and part of him rested on her, and it was then she felt it. She didn't know what it was, she was unfamiliar with these things, and yet she did know what it was. Her instinct told her, her Husband was ready.
He wanted her, he was ready for her and he thought he was reading the signs right, he thought she was ready for him too. His finger moved inside her and she reacted with hips raising, and in a voice even more coarse and husky than normal he whispered, "Tell me that ya welcome your Husband."
"Yes."
He touched her knee, gently guiding her legs apart and again her instinct told her and she spread them for him. As he slipped his body between them he may have been even more nervous than she, and in that soft but raspy voice he whispered, "If it hurts too bad, if ya need me ta quit, just say an I will."
In spite of the way she craved him she did feel apprehension. She feared the unknown and she feared the pain, yet what she'd told him earlier was true. She trusted her husband. She couldn't quite speak, she only nodded her consent.
He was having his own anxiety, he knew what to do, he just didn't know how to do it with one so innocent. He was afraid to hurt her, he didn't want something that would bring him so much pleasure to cause her pain. They were both holding their breath as he touched her entrance with his now fully engorged manhood, he would make every effort to go as slowly and as carefully as he was able to will himself to do. Her body stiffened and he leaned down, lips to her ear, "Maybe if ya try n relax some it won't hurt so bad. I love ya Beth, I don't wanna hurt ya."
His body was poised above her and he watched her pretty face as he slowly pushed himself into her. When he felt that resistance he knew just what it was, and as he took her virginity she let out a yelp and cried, "Oh!" He rushed to tell her, "Sorry, sorry. Ya want me ta stop?" He prayed to god she didn't because he wasn't sure he could. She breathed in and said, "No, Daryl don't stop."
He kept his movements as slow as he was able, and he felt a strange mix of excitement and relief when the movement of her hips slowly began to match his own. He tried to rest all of his weight on his forearms, so worried he would hurt her, and as he nuzzled into her neck he reminded her, "I love ya you're my wife. This is good, an it's right."
They were lost in the warmth and the love they felt and he began to quicken his pace. She felt soreness but she also felt need and she matched her movements to his. Then it happened, her husband could wait no longer and his body got so stiff as he pumped into her and then he let out a guttural noise and she felt as his juices spilled into her.
Again he tried to keep his weight off of her as he frantically whispered his apology. He had not wanted this to happen. He wanted to bring her pleasure before his own, but his body had betrayed him and now he was consumed with guilt. "I'm sorry I meant, I didn't mean to, I wanted. I'm sorry."
She didn't understand why he was sorry, she thought it was normal, yet she was oddly unsatisfied. She didn't want to say so, but she wanted more. As if her husband knew this he moved his body off her, not completely, but nearly. His hand was on her and his fingers in her and his mouth was on her breast. It seemed like only seconds that her passion had returned in full and her hips were rising as if to meet his hand and then it happened. Her body was trembling and then it seemed to stiffen and his hand and his fingers moved faster. Her whole body shuddered and she felt it. It was like so many things that day with her Husband, she didn't know exactly what it was, and yet she knew exactly what it was.
He held her in his arms and he promised her, "I's just too excited, but we'll try again after while, if ya want, an if ya ain't hurtin' too bad. I'll be able ta hold back better."
She wasn't quite sure what caused the laugh and what caused her to say such things, but she giggled softly and said, "Something happened to both of us and I think it was quite good. I am not complaining."
It caused him to laugh too and he held her closer when he told her his truth, "I knew I done the right thing when I married ya."
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A/N That's exactly where we'll pick up next Friday. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you'll leave a comment / review. The chapter photo is posted to my tumblr blogs, geenbee, bethylmethbick and A Place Called Heavenly. I hope to see you all back next Friday for more of our story. Until then remember, I love ya large and I wish you a Very Merry Christmas! xo gneebee