Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and fluff.

– – –

Carol woke up in Daryl's arms the following morning, the sunlight blinding her as they hadn't shut the curtains the previous night, and she inhaled sharply, moaning. Groggy. She didn't know what time it was, expect time to pee—as always—and do some other things. She had some plans of her own. Maggie had inspired her. She wanted to...plan for the future. The far off future, one where her son was a man and he was leading people and directing his life.

She slipped out from his arms, turning back as she pulled his shirt down over her to clothe herself, and he snugged up closer to her side of the bed. He grabbed a hold of her pillow in his sleep and buried his face in the smell there. She chuckled and set a hand on the top of his head gently as to not wake him, then she headed to the bathroom for a shower. She needed a long, hot shower. Perhaps the steam would be the only thing clogging her today.

Daryl opened his eyes when the sound of running water came, and he noted both Carol and his nightshirt were gone. He'd have to walk around naked. Again. He knew she liked how big his clothes were on her, but he needed something to wear in the mornings. He couldn't cover himself with the sheet, because they didn't have one, and the blanket was too heavy, and the last thing he needed was Rick to see his bare ass. Who the hell visits someone at the crack of dawn? Jesus.

"There's another shirt on the other side," came Carol's voice from the bathroom.

"The other...side?" He sat up and spotted his second nightshirt. "I wasn't—"

"You were." She appeared in the doorway. "And I'm sorry. I just...love the space and the smell. They smell like you."

"I like your smell. Don't see me wearin' floral sweaters."

She laughed. "There's an image."

He glared. "Stop."

"You said it." She held her hands up in innocence. "If you'll excuse me, I have to shower and get some personal things done today."

"What personal things?" He pulled his shirt on, stepping over discarded panties and jeans to meet her by the door.

"Cleaning this pigsty," she opted. "Adding a few more touches to the baby blanket. I also have to see Sasha for...something. I'm not sure what, but I'll find out when I get there."

He nodded. "I got construction then the wall tonight."

"Guess I won't see you tonight then." She set her head on the frame. "Bummer."

He ducked his head and smiled. "Think we made up for lost time enough last night."

"Maybe." She crossed her arms. "But is there really enough making up?"

He stepped towards her and kissed her lightly. "As long as I have you, the rest don't matter," he murmured, stroking her cheek.

She set her hand over his. "I love you, Daryl."

"I love you, Carol." He studied her eyes and gripped her pinkie with his thumb. "Could I ask you somethin'?"

"I think you already did."

He shook his head. "No, seriously. No jokes." He lowered his hand, taking hers to hold it firmly.

"Ask." She locked her eyes in his. "Ask me."

He swallowed with no difficulty, didn't avoid eye contact, and he didn't fidget. He stood there before her, eyes in hers, back straight, posture...calm. And his lips parted to ask a question he never thought he'd have to ask in his entire life. Well, not have to, but get to. There were a lot of things he never thought he'd get to do, but...here they were before him now.

"Will you marry me?"

She didn't even blink. "I'm saying yes, but...why ask? I mean, we've pretty much been a married couple since the prison, you know. Just without all the...physical aspect."

"I...wanna be with you," he remarked, "in every single way that I can in this life. I want you to...make somethin' good with the Dixon name. I want you to be my wife, not just with me. I... I wanna be your husband and raise our son...like a married couple."

"A bit conventional." She set her free hand on his chest and pushed with little effort—he didn't budge. She smiled and curled her fingers underneath her palm so that her knuckles were on his chest, a fist over his heart, and she met his eyes. "Okay, let's...get married."

He smiled at her, widely, radiantly, and he kissed her, taking her breath away. She couldn't even react to all of the emotion in that kiss. She could only be consumed by them, and she couldn't help but be lost in it. In him. In her husband. In this amazing life she had now. There were things she wished had stayed, people she missed more than the safety and structure of the old world, but she...she had made a home for them in her soul. And her heart now...was content. It wasn't twisted in the dark wires of what happened in the grove, and while there were still shadows of that terrible day, she didn't feel the thorns. She just felt...him and his love and her son. Tobin's son. Daryl's son. Glenn's godson. Maggie's godson. The tip of a very large iceberg that made her entire world crack and crumble. Yet somehow all the pieces landed...in such a way that it was a beautiful mosaic. Everything happened for a reason... Perhaps Mika was right.

"I have to meet Sasha by noon," she murmured between kisses.

"She'll survive." He guided her back towards the bed.

"And the shower?" She pulled back. "We can't waste water. Hang on."

He pouted at her walking away, but soon all he could see was the opaque material of his shirt as she threw it at his head. He shook it off like a dog and found her before him once more, and he drank in her beauty. If he believed in Heaven and Hell and all that stuff, he'd pray this was his heaven. Her. All of her by his side through anything and everything the world threw at them forever.

– – –

"What's so important that you ditched your duty today?" Rick griped at Daryl, who had taken him off the wall. And Michonne off patrol. He wasn't happy with this at all, but Glenn had been walking by with Aaron, so they were covering the wall. Them and baby Eli, which he really didn't approve of, but it'd been a slow day, only a few walkers, and no people. He hoped it continued to be that way.

"I'm uh...well, I'm gettin' married." He just went for it. There was no point beating around the bush. He had done plenty of that and gotten nowhere. He wasn't going to do that anymore. "To Carol."

Rick blinked at him, head tilted to the side, and he rubbed his jaw. Meanwhile Michonne busted out into a huge smile and hugged him in congratulations, and Daryl was happy to welcome it. He had more news for them, but he'd let Rick digest this first.

"You okay?" Daryl didn't like how quiet he was being.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm good." He dropped his hand to the butt of his gun and cocked a hip. "Just thinkin'...where we're gonna have this weddin'. Gabriel will do the service, we can have some of the kids collect flowers, and there's bound to be somethin' nice we can all wear."

Daryl smiled faintly. "Yeah, bound to be."

"So, who's gonna be your best man?" Michonne asked. "Or will it not be the formal?"

"I just want... We just want you guys there. Our family. It's not a big deal, and the whole town don't need to be there."

"And we'll be there." Rick nodded. "I'll have Carl try and round up some nicer clothes, and I'll talk to Gabriel."

"Mag and I will work on Carol's clothes and bouquet." Michonne crossed her arms. "Of course we have to wait for Glenn and Enid to return, but they'll be back either tonight or tomorrow evening."

"Aaron and Eric can plan the reception. He has a veggie patter thing he's been wanting us all the try."

Daryl listened to them go back and forth planning this wedding, and he was happy to have the support and the ideas. Carol was a litte scattered lately with the baby and other things, and he didn't know a thing about weddings and formal anything. He was lucky they had experience and knowledge in these areas. He was really lucky to just have them.

"I'll make a list when my shift is up." Michonne adjusted the gun on across her torso. "Until then I oughta get back to it." She nudged Rick on her way by and set a hand on Daryl's forearm as a departing congratulations and I'm proud of you. She really was. Proud and elated for him.

"Let's hope that baby stays put until this is all planned," Rick mused. "You won't have time for this once he's born."

"Yeah, I know, so the sooner the better. I hope...Glenn and Enid come back soon."

Rick motioned his head, asking without words if he wanted to walk with him, and Daryl fell into step beside him. "They'll be back by tomorrow. Glenn isn't thrilled to be away from Maggie, and Enid...wants to talk to Carl, so they won't dally."

He nodded. "What's this "best man" business?"

Rick smirked. "It's...like your best friend. He stands by you at the wedding, and does a lot of other stuff, but it doesn't...really work now. He's just...someone who's stood beside you through a lot of shit. Someone who you love and trust and want beside you on one of the most important days of your life."

"Know a couple people like that," Daryl muttered.

"Me, too." Rick glanced at him and chuckled. "Congratulations, man." He set a hand on his shoulder. "I'm real happy for you."

"Thanks, Rick."

– – –

The word had gotten around rapidly that Daryl and Carol were getting married. Maggie and Denise spent a few hours in the clinic working on Carol's outfit. Denise had no luck finding something that would fit Carol and the baby, and Maggie had a few ideas on her veil. It was nice to be doing something normal and beautiful. It really washed away the cold winter they'd had.

"That looks nice." Denise smiled at Maggie's work. "It'll look great on her."

"I think so, too." She tilted her head to the side and carefully weaved stems together. "My...sister taught me how to do this. She used to make them for Judith. The prison yard filled with flowers, and Beth would take her out there and enjoy the day. She'd make flower crowns for her and for me and for Judy."

"She sounds like she was a lovely person."

"She was." Maggie swallowed.

"Knock, knock." Eric stood in the doorway. "How's the wedding planning going?"

"That's Michonne's department. We're clothes." Maggie gestured to the clean jeans and dark blue shirt they had rounded up for Daryl. He was going to be the something blue as well as clean and classy. It was Michonne's idea.

"Well then we came to the right place." Eric moved aside and let Spencer enter the room. "I ran into him on my way over."

"Spencer?" Denise smiled a greeting. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard that you were having issues finding something for Carol to wear." He lowered his eyes to the item in his arms, and their eyes followed. It was a beautiful cream-colored dress. It was simple and elegant at the same time with an eyelet trim along the hem and lace along the short sleeves. "It was my mom's."

"It's...lovely." Maggie stood up and looked it over. "I don't think it'll fit, though, with the bump."

"It's a maturnity dress," he added. "She wore it when she was pregnant with Aiden."

"Are you sure?" Denise studied his face and body language.

"I'm sure my mom wouldn't want it gathering dust in her closet, and...it's an important day for Carol and Daryl. I want to help make it special." He held it up by the hanger. "My mom wanted this. Weddings and births and the return of normalcy. I think she'd be happy to lend this dress to the bride."

"Thank you." Maggie accepted it and hung it by a nail in the wall. "It really means a lot."

He nodded. "Then I'm glad." He turned and left at that point.

Eric shook his head. "That boy, I swear." He smiled and chuckled. "Do you need any help?"

"I'm sure we do." Denise looked over her portion of Michonne's list. "Do you know how to remove a dress from a teddy bear? Without ripping it?"

Eric blinked. "For...what exactly?"

"Judith," she quickly answered. "She's the flower girl, and this dress is just perfect for her."

"I'm on it then."

"Well, that's three things down." Maggie sat down on her stool and looked over her work. "What will we do about rings, though?"

"Rob a Kay Jewelers?" Denise mused.

Maggie chuckled. "Let me know where you find one."

"How about some music?" Eric changed the subject since he couldn't think of a solution to their problem.

"CD player's over there." Denise pointed to it. "Tara has some CDs stacked around it."

"Okay." Eric looked at the selection and nearly cringed outwardly. He ran a finger over the cases and found one that might not be total torture. He popped it in and let the somewhat mellow tunes fill the clinic.

"I would have gone with the Kelly Clarkson CD," Maggie mused. "It has a...one good song at least."

"Trust me, it was this or Cotten Eye Joe."

"What CD has Cotton Eye Joe on it?" Denise looked them over. So she could burn it.

"None. I'd sing it to torture you for your shitty music selection." He smiled sweetly.

"The world's ended. It's not like I can hit up a music store." She turned back to the list. "Or hire a wedding planner, which is what I'd love to do. I don't know the first thing about weddings. I've never even been to one."

"That doesn't matter." Maggie crossed her legs. "What matters is making this day special for Daryl and Carol. It's something neither of them have experienced, and for them to be taking this step together as two people who love each other is wonderful. They deserve the best we can offer."

Eric nodded. "It will be. With all of us who care so much about them working on this, it can't be anything else."

––

Michonne looked over at Carl and Judith who slept together at the foot of the bed, his arm still wrapped around her, and her thumb in her mouth. She gently stroked Carl's hair and brushed a thumb tenderly over Judith's cheek. Her heart swelled with affection for them, and she returned to her portion of the list. She had crossed most of it off, but there was still the issue of rings.

They had decided to have the reception here, and they had brought out wide table that filled the living room as she worked on her list. Aaron and she had thrown a tablecloth over it and decorated it with candles and their best plates and a few plants to liven it up some—Aaron's idea. It was pretty cute. She hoped Carol and Daryl liked it. All of it, actually, would be a surprise, and they hoped it wouldn't be too overdone, but this was Carol and Daryl, they had to make it special and memorable. It was...huge. She hoped they made this day exactly what they deserve.

"Hey." Rick stood in the doorway, smiling in on the loves of his life. "You sleepin' in here tonight?"

"Where?" She softly jested.

He slipped into the room. "You still workin' on that? It's one in the mornin'."

"I'm about done." She set the list on the nightstand and stood up carefully, moving to stand in front of him. "Tomorrow will be the big day, and we don't have a lot of time."

"We don't even know if Glenn and Enid will be back by then."

"They're never late." She met his eyes. "Have you spoken to Daryl?"

"Yeah. He wants to keep it small still, and I think we're doin' that. It...looks almost normal."

"It is normal." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "This is life now, and this is what a wedding looks like now. Two people celebrating their love in front of family. It doesn't get more normal than that."

He grasped her hips and smiled. "You're absolutely right."

She kissed him gently. "When these kids get back to their own rooms and Daryl and Carol owe us, we are making use of these locking doors."

He smirked. "I like the sound of that."

"I thought you would."

A boot on the step interrupted their kiss, Michonne lowered her arms to grip Rick's forearms, and Abraham stood at the top of the stairs. Rick was a little confused why he was here this late, but he knew he would explain, and Michonne was curious what he was carrying in the little black box.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I heard about the weddin' from Sasha."

"It's made its way around town," Rick commented.

"Yeah, and I also heard about tryin' to find rings." He held the box out. "Here."

"What's this?" Michonne accepted the box and opened it, seeing two silver bands resting inside. "How did you...?"

"I made them." He shrugged casually. "Wasn't too hard, just made 'em from nuts."

Rick chuckled. "Guess our number one problem just got solved."

"Thank you, Abraham." Michonne smiled at him. "A ring doesn't make a marriage, but...this is still important, so thank you."

"Anytime." He returned her smile. "I...thought after everythin' Carol did for us back at that cannibal hell and when the wolves attacked that I had to pay her back somehow."

"Looks like all we need now are Glenn and Enid to return." Michonne closed the box and held it close.

"And they're never late," Rick murmured.

– – –

Carol woke the next morning to the sound of people in her house, and she moaned softly, wanting them to be quiet so she could get a few more hours of sleep. She reached over to rouse Daryl to ask if he could make them quiet down, but her hand hit only blanket. She opened her eyes and looked over to find his side of the bed empty.

"Daryl?" She pushed herself up, her lips drawing a line. "Daryl?"

"The groom can't see the bride before the wedding," Glenn replied, entering with a tray of food. "It's common knowledge."

"You're back." She beamed at him. "And...what?"

"Yeah, my head's still spinning on that fact, too." He set the tray down and sat on the bed. "I'm proud of you both, and I couldn't be happier. It's the best news I've gotten since I left Alexandria."

"Wow, I didn't know I'd be getting married the very next day."

"There's no time to waste," Glenn remarked. "We don't want that baby born at the ceremony."

"That's true." She picked up the fork and collected some strawberries, chowing down on them and the oatmeal.

"I'll let you eat then the girls are gonna come and help you get ready."

"Thank you, Glenn."

"Don't mention it. It's all in an hour's work for a godfather." He smirked and ducked out, heading out of the house afterward to meet Daryl at his house. He had woken him up super early to come and sleep a few more hours at his place. He was currently out cold on his sofa, and Enid was trying to wake him up. He had left when she resorted to poking his face, and he returned to find him upright and rubbing his head, yawning wide.

"Got him up." Enid set his breakfast down in front of him.

"She tried to kill me," Daryl corrected.

"All I did was say Carol was going into labor." She shrugged a shoulder. "You're the one who nearly killed yourself trying to climb over the coffee table and out the door."

He grumbled and helped himself to the foo she'd placed in front of him.

"Man, try and help a guy out and he's just bitter." She shook her head. "I'm going over to Carol's. Maybe the women there are nicer."

"Okay. And don't forget to get Gabriel."

"Will do." She jogged out of the house.

"You look like shit." Daryl observed, drinking water to swallow the thick oats. "Long night?"

"Something like that." Glenn rubbed the back of his neck. "It's complicated, but not important. It's your wedding day, and that is important. We have your clothes upstairs, so when you're done eating, just shower and change. We'll go to the church afterward."

"We're doin' this in the church?" Daryl frowned.

"Most weddings happen in a church."

"I ain't too religious, and neither is Carol."

"It's not about religion. It's about a place where we can sit and watch two people we love get married, and the girls already decorated it, so tough."

"Gee, so happy this is my day."

"Technically the wedding is the bride's day, but that's just what my mom always told me." He stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I'm gonna get changed now. Let me know if you need anything."

Daryl ran a hand through his hair and exhaled slowly, sitting upright and rubbing his hands on his thighs, a smile cross his lips, and he ducked his head, chuckling soundlessly. It was his wedding day. He never in his entire life thought those words would play in his head or be spoken aloud. He never even thought of the word wedding without rolling his eyes and scoffing, but now...it made him feel...ecstatic. He was thrilled to hear and think those words. It made his skin hum. It was his wedding day, and he was marrying Carol. He was marrying Carol, and they were going to have a baby, a little boy. They were already a family, but it felt official. They were telling this whole damn world that tried to break them over and over again that they were together and happy and about to become parents. This had to be the best day of his life. The actual best—until he held his son in his arms, he was sure.

He washed his dishes and headed into the guest bedroom where his clothes were laid out. He popped into a shower, his entire body rushing itself to get to the church and marry his best friend. He nearly choked on soapy water he was rushing himself so much. He had to slow it down, and he dried off, scrubbing his teeth and combing his hair. He even combed his goatee then threw on the clothes they'd given him. He slipped into his boots and padded down the stairs, nearly crashing into Maggie.

"Sorry."

She simply smiled at him. "You look handsome."

"Just clean," he muttered.

She reached out and adjusted his collar, patting his shoulder. "You look handsome."

"What're you doin' here?" He came off the steps.

"I forgot to grab somethin' for Carol is all." She slid by him and hurried up the steps.

"You ready?" Glenn came out of the kitchen, all prim and polished too. "You look good, Daryl. You look...really clean."

Daryl glared.

"Carol's gonna be impressed."

"Man, shut the hell up." He grumbled and folded his arms. "Let's just get goin'."

Glenn chuckled. "Shouldn't keep the bride waiting, after all. C'mon." He smacked his arm lightly and led him out of the house.

The church was filled already with their immediate family, Carl and Judith were at the end of the pews with a basket of flower petals, and Carl was holding her still. She was ready to just go, and Rick and Michonne were laughing at her eagerness. Sasha and Abraham were chilling on the bench with baby Eli as Aaron was taking some Polaroids, and Eric was at the alter in charge of the rings. Rosita was sitting by herself, but not for long as Tara and, of course, Denise joined her. Enid was trying to escape a conversation with Eugene who had been going for about a good twenty minutes. And Daryl stood beside Gabriel at the alter, messing with the buttons to his long sleeve.

Daryl looked up when he saw movement from the corner of his eye, Judith and Carl were tossing out flowers, and Maggie was finding her seat beside Glenn, but most importantly the woman behind Carl and Judith. Carol looked stunning. She wore this pretty dress that hugged her body and the baby bump just right, and she was glowing. Her smile, her eyes, her entire being was simply shining, and he'd never seen her so gorgeous. She had a colorful flower crown on, and she was...a goddess. And it brought a smile to the side of his mouth to see her boots peeking out from under the dress. It brought in some reality to the situation. She looked...out of this world beautiful, so he needed some reality to keep his feet on the ground.

Carol stood before Daryl now, Carl sitting with Judith in the front pews, and Carol took both of his hands. She was doing it to be sure this wasn't a dream, but it felt too good to be true. Her hands made contact with his, and she knew it was real. It was her life, and she was actually marrying Daryl Dixon at the end of the world. She couldn't stop smiling. He was right in front of her, and he looked so beautiful. He had cleaned up, and he still smelled like soap. She wanted nothing more than to curl into his arms and just bury her face in his chest and forget the rest of the world for a little while. She could do that when the day was over. When all the days were over.

Gabriel went over lines that he'd almost forgotten, passing over vows as the pair didn't want to do that, and they exchanged rings. Carol and Daryl both were stunned by the rings Abe had made, and he proudly grinned at their expressions. Aaron made sure to get a picture of both. It was...actually perfect.

"You're beautiful," Daryl told her when they were alone in the church, the others heading to Rick's.

"So are you." She wrapped her arms around his neck, adjusting to the feel of the cold metal on her ring finger. "I love you, Daryl Dixon, so much."

He smiled at her. "I love you, too, Carol Dixon."

She kissed him.

"Hey, there're hot food and drinks this way," Abe called to the duo.

Daryl had to remind himself that Abe had kindly made their rings on short notice. "Be right there."

"C'mon." Carol laced her fingers through his. "We'll have plenty of time for this after."

"All right, but if we get home, and you're tired—"

"Do you want to spend our first night as a married couple on the couch?" Carol arched a brow at her husband.

"I was just jokin'."

She laughed. "So quick to protest. Mmm, guess you do like the—"

"I'm still standin' right here," Abe reminded the newlyweds.

"Right." Carol pulled out a shameless smile, and Daryl blushed behind her. "Let's go."

The wedding feast was lovely and a very unique use of ingredients both grown in their garden and found outside. They passed around bowls of goodies and drinks. The room was filled with laughter and blissful vibes. It was the most fun Carol could remember having in recent memories. All of her family together and her husband. Her husband, a word she could think and say without cringing and feeling like a prisoner to it. For the first time she could say with utter joy that she had a husband. It was...amazing.

"Hey, you okay?" Daryl noticed the tears in Carol's eyes.

"I'm great." She beamed at him. "How could I not be?"

"Give us a kiss!" Maggie teased.

"Why don't you give that speech you've been penning there?" Michonne called out after.

"Not yet." Maggie covered it with her hand. "It's not done."

"I've got a speech." Rick stood up and cleared his throat, raising his glass of sparkling grape juice that had a kick. "I've had the honor of knowing Daryl for a good while now, and I can say honestly there is no one else right to stand by his side as his best friend, lover and soul mate. I've watched both of them grow into two amazing people who born survivors, and...I'm grateful to be able to call them my family. I wish you both all the happiness and patience in the world as you begin this journey together as husband and wife and parents. To the happy couple."

"Aww." A round of applause sounded, they all drank from their cups and shared a groan at the taste of the grape juice.

"Thanks, man." Daryl nodded at him.

"That was sweet, Rick." Carol smiled and laced her fingers through Daryl's.

"Hey, hey, hey." Maggie hopped up. "Just wait till you hear mine."

Rick sat down and smirked. "Go right ahead."

"Here's to Carol." Maggie raised her glass. "To the woman who has became an unexpected guardian angel to all of us, I am blessed to have you in my life. I am honored to be the godmother to your baby boy. If he has even a drop of your skills and heart, he will be a lucky little man. He will go far in this world and safeguard the future of this town and this family.

"As for the groom, I can't imagine a world where the two of you don't belong together. There is a bond between you that my husband and I share. It's beautiful and rare, and you didn't let it go to waste. You'll be...blessed at letting it flourish, and I hope you get to experience all of its joy and blessings before you inevitably are beaten to exhaustion at the birth of your son."

Glenn snorted. "You should've kept working on those napkins, babe."

"Shut up." She lightly smacked his shoulder and looked at the couple. "I just mean...what you have is rare, and I'm happy you two stopped beating around the bush and went for it. That doesn't sound romantic or meaningful."

"Thank you, Maggie." Carol tried not to laugh. "It was thoughtful."

"Yeah, it means a lot that you even said anythin'," Daryl added. "Thanks all of you, actually, for doin' this for us. You didn't have to, certainly not on such short notice, but you did. I can't...thank you enough."

"You can give me a foot massage for a couple weeks," Abe suggested.

"That's not repaying you, that's punishment," Rosita threw out.

That set the whole room off again in playful arguing, Carol couldn't stop laughing at faces Sasha was making, and Maggie nearly choked on her drink at Rosita's comments. It was certainly a lively reception, and it only seem to bring them all closer together. Like the blanket Carol had made for her baby, they were tightly woven together and secure. There could be no doubt that they were family, and there would be no doubt that her child would be fiercely loved by all of them. It warmed her soul to watch her family interact, and to be by her husband's side. It was a remarkable evening.

––

"I'm exhausted." Carol curled up in bed. "How long were we there for?"

"Couldn't tell you." He dropped beside her. "How're you feelin'?"

She inhaled. "Euphoric."

He chuckled. "Really? That good?"

"I'm not scared anymore," she confessed. "I'm ready to start this...adventure with you and our son without holding anything back. I feel...like all of my past is in the past now, and it won't hang over me while we're raising Greyson. It'll be just us and our family. I feel free."

He grinned. "Then I'm real euphoric, too."

"Oh, are you?"

"To be your husband? Damn euphoric."

She giggled. "I love you."

"I love you, too." He kissed her lightly and kissed her belly. "Welcome to my family, kid, don't follow in the name's footsteps. Make the name better, make it mean somethin' good."

Carol caught his chin and carefully lifted it so that their eyes met. "Daryl, you already did."

He smiled somewhat. "Doesn't mean he can't make the name even better."

"You don't give yourself enough credit."

"Neither do you." She pursed her lips. "Well, you don't."

"I guess we can work on that together."

"Reckon so."

"Is that all you have to say?"

"Tired as I am, yeah, it is." He pulled her against his chest and buried his face in her hair, the sweet scent of the flower crown she'd wore most of the day lingering there. He loved how soft her hairs felt against his face and the smell reminded him of meadows. It was a peaceful feeling, and he nearly lost himself to the exhaustion settling in his bones. "We can finish this in the mornin', right?"

She didn't say anything.

"Car—?" He was cut off by her soft snores, and he chuckled, not bothering to say anything more as he held his wife in his arms and drifted off.

– – –

Maggie and Glenn helped Michonne and Rick clean up the mess of their dinner, Enid and Carl carried dishes to the kitchen where Rosita was washing them, and Spencer had stopped by for leftovers, so they handed him a broom to work for them. Well, that and they really needed another hand.

Enid set the plates in the soapy water and turned to Carl. "Any other random weddings I should know about?"

"No, I think that's the only one for now." He smirked and leaned against the counter. "We haven't had the chance to talk since you came back."

"Kinda got bum rushed into the ceremony." She crossed her arms. "And I do still want to talk, but not here. It's a little awkward."

"We can finish with these dishes and go out to the stables, check on the horse."

"Okay." She smiled and headed back to the living room to collect the last of the dishes.

Maggie folded the tablecloth with Glenn's help, and she set it on the couch, seeing the look Enid and Carl shared. She minded the chairs and ended up by Enid. "Hey."

"Hey." Enid set the silverware into the last cup and paused to look at Maggie. "What's going on?"

"Nothing."

"Lair." She faced her now. "Is it your illness? Is it worse?"

"I'm not sick. I am fine. It's about you, actually. You and Carl."

"Oh." She shifted. "You don't have to do this."

"I'm not doin' anythin', I just want you to know that...you should be careful."

"Maggie—"

"I'm not sayin' you two will do anything. I'm just sayin' relationships are tough, especially now, okay? Don't...don't try and be a grown up, because you think you might not feel the same way as you do for Carl for anyone else. You never know who's out there."

"I appreciate the warning, but I have dated before, and I know how to handle myself. I just want to talk to him. That's all we're going to do. Besides he has the wall in the morning, so it's gonna be a quick chat."

"Okay." She set a hand on her cheek. "I'll see you in the mornin' then."

Enid embraced her. "Yeah." She lingered for a moment more then headed to the kitchen with the last of the dishes.

"I miss something?" Glenn had just returned from clearing the last of the chairs with Rick.

"No." She pointed to the potted plants. "Wanna help me take these back to Aaron and Eric's?"

"Nah, let's just keep 'em. We could use some more green life in the house." He picked them up. "Besides if they miss them, they can come get them."

She chuckled and picked up the last one. "Let's say good night. Spencer and Rick have the rest covered."

They said good night to their family then headed out, Maggie spotted Enid and Carl racing to the stables, and Glenn suddenly remembered it was about time for Luck's walk. He set the plants in the windows and grabbed the bag of homemade treats, instantly getting the puppy's attention. He chuckled as Lucky jumped up at him.

"Hold on. We still have to go on our walk and make sure you don't have any business."

Maggie wanted to smile at the scene before her, but the lump in her throat choked her. Her entire body ran dry and limp, and she felt fragile. She felt like a child who feared the dentist, and like a child, she had to face her fear. So she hugged her arms and entered the kitchen. "Glenn."

His smile instantly faded at the grim expression on his wife's face. He set the treats down and told Lucky to sit, and he approached her. "What's wrong?"

"...we need to go to Hilltop."

"What for?" He studied her.

"You know what for." She lowered her arms. "I think I might be pregnant again, and if I am then I need to know for sure. I need to take steps to be sure that we don't lose our baby again."

"Maggie..."

"I'm not...makin' it up. I know my body, and I know how much time has passed since I had my period. I'm sure it's not coming, so I need to get to Hilltop. I need you to be with me when I do. Please, Glenn."

"Maggie." He tenderly reached out and took her hand. "You don't have to ask. Of course I'll be there. You're my wife, and I'll be there."

She buried her face in his shoulder to hide the tears in her eyes. "I'm scared," she admitted.

"Me, too." He held her closer. "But whatever happens...we'll get through it together."

"I can't lose our baby again."

He inhaled. "I can't promise we won't, but I can promise that we will do everything in our power to keep our next baby healthy and safe. We'll be smarter about this. We'll be better."

She nodded. "Okay."

"I love you, Maggie." He stroked her hair and squeezed his eyes shut.

"I love you, Glenn." She smiled briefly into his shoulder and shuddered.

"We'll get through this." He released her and grasped her hands. "We'll go first thing in the morning."

"The sooner we know," Maggie agreed.

"Yeah." He rubbed his thumb into her hand. "I...want Enid there with us. Is that all right with you?"

She smiled. "Very all right." She stepped back. "I'm gonna go to bed."

"Yeah, I'm pretty bushed myself."

They went upstairs and got ready for bed, lying down under the thick blankets. Maggie stared at the ceiling in darkness and rolled over to look at Glenn's profile in the dark. She reached out and set a hand on his chest, almost a second later his hand covered hers and his thumb brushed over her fingers. She smiled and curled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. She sighed softly and closed her eyes. She had so many concerns about tomorrow, but she didn't know how to tell him any of them. She knew he would have plenty of his own, but they were both too tired to talk about them. They would discuss them tomorrow on the way to Hilltop with Enid. They were a family, and this was a huge step for them as a family. And it would be nice to have a new voice...and a new member to their family.

– – –

Enid set the brush down and patted the horse's side before dropping down in hay. She instantly felt it poke at through her jeans and blouse. She pulled her legs up and brushed it off, resting her hands behind her to keep her balance, pushing more strands away to keep it from stabbing her hands.

Carl fed the hungry mare a carrot and stroked its snout, looking down at Enid who smiled softly at him. He hushed the horse when it neighed and wanted more treats. "You've had enough." He moved to sit beside Enid. "Apple?"

Another neigh. It sounded almost offended. Enid busted out laughing, and Carl followed right after her. They laughed so deeply their sides ached, and the pair dropped back against the hay, rolling over to face each other as their laughter died down slowly. Enid wiped at her eyes as Carl's found her face, and he smiled gently at her, reaching out and catching her hand. He let their hands fall between them on the hay, intertwining their fingers.

"Hmm." Enid exhaled. "I'm gonna just jump right in, okay?"

"Okay."

"We've both been through a lot these last couple of months. All that happened with Pentaghast...is still pretty fresh in my mind, to be honest. I've worked through a lot of it with Maggie and Denise. I've gotten over the anger and the helplessness I felt, but...there are times when I'm right back there in the dark. Or with...with that asshole, and it's...hard to breathe." His grip tightened on her hand. "I'm trying to work through that last part, and...I will get through it, and while I'm doing that, I want...you by my side."

"Are you sure?" He studied her. "I don't want to send you backsliding."

"You won't."

"How can you be sure?"

"Because you're nothing like those people, and I'm not in the head space. You...keep me here. You keep me in this moment, and those memories can't reach me."

He smiled faintly.

"I know...it might get rough at times, but I'm not going to let that hold me back. I've missed out on too much, and I'm over that. I want to live whatever life I can with my family and with you. Wherever we end up, as friends or whatever, I want to see where this can go."

"I do, too." He drew in a breath of his own. "And maybe we can work through some of what happened with Pentaghast's people together."

"Are you sure you want to hear?"

"They're dead. They have no power over us now, which is why I want to talk about it. They don't get to take away from our lives now. We don't know how much time we'll have, but we shouldn't waste it...on what's already over. We'll work through this, and they'll be gone forever."

"Yeah." She nodded.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't—"

"Don't. You couldn't have done anything." She shook her head, hay embedding into some strands. "We got through it."

He chuckled. "That's nice, but I meant I'm sorry I couldn't have this conversation earlier. I feel like we wasted time...by avoiding each other."

"I believe we needed that time, though," Enid added.

"Probably."

She ran her tongue over her bottom lip. "I want to be able to talk about all of it at some point and not flinch. I want to find the strength within me to say all the terrible things that happened to me and around me and not have them influence me. I want to be better than that. I want to take the hard road and rise above. I don't care if that sounds stupid or silly to anybody. It's what I want more than anything, more than just surviving. I want to be alive and...really learn that means, even in this world."

"Mind if I join you on this journey?" he whispered.

"Who else is gonna carry the heavy stuff?" she mused.

He laughed. "That's harsh."

"Never said I'd be nice." She smirked.

"Yeah, try that again when you're not wearing a hay crown." He pulled a strand from her hair, and she sat up. "Pfft. It's pretty bad."

"Great." She gathered her hair over her shoulder and groaned. "Damn it."

He slid closer and helped her pull it out. "Sorry. We should have sat on the bench."

"I sat first. Pretty sure I suggested this, too." She met his eyes then leaned forward and closed her eyes when their foreheads met. "I'm glad to you have you in my life, Carl Grimes."

He cupped her cheek and brought her closing, kissing her gently. He didn't kiss her for long in case she had any lingering memories of what happened, and he nuzzled his forehead against hers, finding himself enjoying the sound of the night and her breathing. It was a sound he could listen to for the rest of his life.

Minutes passed, perhaps even hours had passed as well, and Enid drew away from him, hay still clinging to her hair, a shine to her eyes, and a gentle smile on her lips. She cupped his cheeks in both of her hands, stroking his defined cheekbones, and she placed a single kiss to his lips before standing up.

"I have to go, and so do you. You have the wall tomorrow." She crossed her arms. "And I have the noon shift."

"Yeah." He rose and dusted himself off. "Conflicting schedules."

"We have the night," she commented and faced him. "Walk me home? Please?"

"Yeah."

They said good night to the resident of the stable who was happily fed an apple on their way out, Carl laced his fingers through Enid's, and he walked her home. He went as far as the porch, leaving her with a tight hug and a whispered good night. She closed the door once he fell out of sight and climbed the stairs to have a shower to wash the itchiness of the stable off her body and the straw out of her hair.

A happy puppy met her in the shower, and she could only laugh at the precious face drenched in water yipping at her. She gave Luck a good scrub down with her and dried them both off. She tossed on cozy sweats and a tank top, curling up with the little fluffy puppy who licked her chin until they both fell asleep to the sounds of crickets.

– – –

Carol drank from her cup of tea while Daryl prepared simple pancakes made from fruit and two other ingredients. She was going to let him surprise her, so she didn't peek. She didn't want to say she'd seen Michonne make them before, so she happily drank her tea and let her husband pamper her. Her husband. God, a sentence had never sounded so perfect.

They had spent an entire week just...basking in the glow of marriage. They had no duties, no one coming to check on them. It was just the two of them peacefully alone together. They had made so many special memories, and Carol had never been so happy. She had never laughed so much. Or smiled so genially. She felt she would burst from all of this bliss. So much of this world had been cruel and hard and bloody, but now it was soft and loving and warm. She felt at home and at peace and content. She had...good, pure life growing inside of her, and she had the best man for her heart and body and soul. She felt like...the world was exactly where it needed to be, because this was exactly where she wanted to be. Needed to be, even. All was well.

Daryl flipped a pancake, praying he didn't burn them or ruin the sweet flavor of the fruits. He had gotten the idea from Michonne, and he didn't want to fuck it up. He rarely got to cook for Carol, and he wanted this to be special. Life resumed tomorrow, and they would be working and preparing for the baby. But for right now it was just the two of them at home, happily honeymooning in a land where time didn't seem to exist. It was some drug induced high shit, but hell, wasn't happiness a type of drug? It had to be too feel this damn good. If he knew how...good and right and whole love felt...maybe things for him would have turned out differently. Maybe he would have turned out differently.

But if there was even a chance it would change him and fuck up this bond and commitment he had with Carol, he wouldn't dare trade anything. He fucking loved where he was right now. He was making breakfast for his wife—his wife—after a night of soft laughter and utter completeness. He was whole for once in his entire life, and everything in this jacked up world seemed pretty damn good. This...had to be the type of joy that Hershel and Beth and Tyreese were talking about. He thought he understood, but he had no clue. This...this was actual heaven, and while part of him felt maybe he didn't deserve it, he was damned thrilled to have it. To have her by his side. His heart swelled at the acknowledgement that for the rest of his life there was nothing else in this world that he would need or want that wasn't right beside him, or soon to be in his arms.

"So...guess what." Carol set the cup down and reached over the sample the abandoned ingredients.

"What?" Daryl looked over at her, a smile ghosting his lips at her beautiful face, and he ran his eyes over her. "I love you."

She swallowed the apple slice and beamed. "I love you, too." She laughed. "But that's not what's up."

"Okay then what is?" He walked over to the counter and leaned over it. "Tell me."

"What's up is...I don't want to leave here tomorrow." She turned the slice over and pursed her lips. "I know it's not possible, but I just want to stay here...with you forever."

"I feel the same way."

"Then let's lock the door and grow an apple tree and never leave." She smirked, and he scrunched his nose. "No?"

"Kid's gotta come out eventually, and I ain't no doctor."

"True." She popped the other half of the apple slice into her mouth. "Oh, well."

"Could talk to Rick, maybe extend our...break."

"Honeymoon," she softly corrected, earning an eye roll from her husband. "And no, it's okay. I want to stay here with you for the rest of my life, and I will. I'll always be with you, but...I have other responsibilities. I can't let this haze of happiness consume me."

"Could let me do that instead."

She arched a brow. "Tempting, but I think we need actual food. I know I do."

"Oh, shit!" He spun around at the mention of food, suddenly remembering his pancakes and saw black smoke and a burnt shape on the skillet. "Fuck, man." He set it in the sink and tried to scrape it off, but it was pretty much stuck to the damn skillet. "Damn it."

Carol tried not to laugh at him as she reached for another piece of apple. "So...no apple pancakes?"

"Unless you want blackened apple pancakes," he groused.

"Hey, it's okay. We can have oatmeal."

"Didn't want oatmeal. I wanted to make you somethin' good, somethin'...not oatmeal." He slumped against the counter and folded his arms. "I should've paid better attention to the pan."

"It's all right. I've been filling up on the leftovers."

"What, you knew I'd fail?" He peeked at her.

"No, I'm just pregnant, and our son decided apples sounded amazing." She bit into a juicy slice.

He smiled a little. "Guess I can make 'em another time." He pushed off the counter. "You still hungry?"

"No." She finished off the piece. "You?"

"I had some before I woke you up. I didn't want to be hungry while I cooked for you."

"Smart." She smiled. "Okay, what's on the agenda for today then, husband?"

He chuckled. "I'm not too sure. We could try goin' out."

"Oh, right." She sucked air in through her teeth. "The outdoors. They exist."

"They do." He bobbed his head. "Wanna give it a try?"

"I just don't know." She pressed her lips together. "The great out doors," she weighted it on one hand while raising another, "or our bedroom..."

"Here, let me help you." He lifted up the bedroom hand, and she laughed. He laughed with her and kissed the side of her mouth before hitting her lips.

"We should get some fresh air." She traced her thumb along his bottom lip. "Then we can break down our mattress some more."

"Ten minutes."

"Five minutes."

"How about we just stand on the porch for a single minute?" Daryl suggested. "Or just open a window?"

She groaned at him, a wave of what he assumed was annoyed crossed her face.

"Fine, I can handle five minutes."

"No, it's not that." She blinked and exhaled. "I—I think...I'm having a contraction." Her lips thinned, her eyes narrowed, and she cried out. "Y—yeah, definitely a contraction."

Daryl stared wide-eyed at her.

"Greyson's coming, Daryl." She smiled. "Our son's coming."