A/N Thank you for being so awesome, reading, following, favoriting and reviewing. Much appreciated! This chapter begins the day after the proposal.

They got to her Mama and Daddy's an hour before it was time to leave for church, they just couldn't wait to share their big news.

Mama was beside herself with excitement, and Daddy was just beaming. Maggie was chattering away about dresses and hair styles, and Carl, Glenn and Shawn were just watching the craziness unfold.

Rick could see Beth starting to get just a little overwhelmed by the chaos and he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to his side, "Okay Sweetheart?"

She seemed to relax right away, and gave him a smile and a nod.

She told Maggie and her Mama she'd agree to go dress shopping with them Monday, if they promised to go early before the store got busy. Now Maggie was really excited, and Beth had to admit, she was pretty darn excited herself.

Mama said they'd plan the wedding menu over Sunday dinner. That's when Beth reminded them all, "I really want to keep this small and personal, and casual, please. We're just having everyone in this room, plus Merle and Carol, Daryl and his girl, if he asks her, and Aaron and Eric. The only thing I want to be overwhelmed by on my wedding day, is the love I feel for my husband." Rick felt his heart swell and he pulled her even closer.

After church, the dinner, the planning and the clean-up, they were so happy to get home. Beth did want to make her three phone calls, and she started with Daryl.

She told him the news, what they decided about the wedding, and asked him to please come, and that she'd love for him to bring his girl. "Beth, please, I think ya know I'ma be there, 'course I am. Uh, hang on a minute, K?" And she heard him talking to someone, but dang, he had his hand over the phone. He came back on the line and asked, "Would it be okay if I came over after dinner tonight, n, ya know, brought my girl, so I can introduce y'all ta Kathleen?"

"Oh my gosh Daryl, are you kidding me? Of course, I can't wait! Don't forget, we already ate at Mama and Daddy's, so come anytime. I'm just so excited!"

And Daryl almost laughed, "Geez Beth, calm down Sis, we'll see ya after while, we gotta get somethin' ta eat. And yeah, I'm excited too."

She hung up and almost ran the short distance from her office to the living room. Rick was in his easy chair, Carl was lying on the sofa, and the football game was on. "Guess what! Guess what! Guess what!"

When she got excited like this all he could do was smile, "I have no guesses Sweetheart, what is it?"

"Daryl's coming over after he eats, and he's bringing his girl to meet us, her name is Kathleen! I can't stand it, I'm so excited." She was practically jumping up and down.

Carl looked at her with a big smile and said, "You know Beth, I'm excited, what you are is goofy."

And she laughed and said, "I know I am, but gosh, I never thought Daryl would get a steady girl, and I'm just so darn happy. I love him and I've prayed for this for him for so long."

Carl smiled again, "Beth, I swear, you're like the nicest person ever."

Rick was smiling too, because he was so damn happy the two people he loved most in all the world, loved each other and had so much fun together. And his best friend, who he'd always worried would live a solitary, lonely life, was coming over to introduce them to his girl, that was monumental.

xxxx

Beth was waiting on pins and needles, and when she heard that motorcycle Rick thought she might jump right out of her skin.

She was peeking out the window, hoping they wouldn't see her. The woman, Kathleen, got off the bike, and then Daryl. She had on a menacing looking black helmet, and Daryl's leather jacket, which she was practically smothered in. She watched as Daryl helped the woman out of the helmet and his jacket, and then carefully pulled the elastic band out that was holding her long light red hair back, and fanned it out for her. Beth was smiling widely thinking not only what a gentleman Daryl was being, but how romantic that gesture was.

Kathleen was straightening the skirt of her pale green sundress, and Daryl put an arm around her, drew her close and kissed her. He said something to her, and she smiled up at him. There was no doubt in Beth's mind now, they were in love.

She was tiny, even smaller than Beth, but with a more athletic build, and that beautiful red hair went nearly to her waist. She had a cute, sweet look, and Beth couldn't wait for a closer look and a chance to talk to this woman and find out about her.

Beth hurriedly stepped back from the window, afraid they'd spot her any minute, Rick was smiling at her, "Beth, Sweetheart, you're like a small child at Christmas. Try to calm yourself just a little, okay?"

There was a knock to the door and he swore she jumped, "Okay Rick, you answer, please."

"Hey, c'mon in, so glad you could stop by." And he held the door open widely.

"Hey Rick," Daryl greeted as he held out a hand to his friend, "I'd like ya ta meet Kathleen, Kathleen Flanagan, Rick Grimes."

And then Beth appeared and she was introduced, and rather than shake, or just say 'Hello', Beth gave the other woman a warm hug, "I can't tell you how happy I am to meet you Kathleen."

When she got a close look at the woman she was amazed by her eyes, they were stunning. They were big, round and the most striking shade of green Beth had ever seen. Her skin was pale, and sprinkled with freckles, her features were delicate and her smile warm and friendly.

They went to the living room, and about that time Carl showed up. Rick could tell right away just how cute Carl thought Kathleen was.

Rick offered beers, or ice tea, or lemonade, and he smiled when Daryl asked for beers for both he and Kathleen.

Her accent was as thick and fresh as could be. They learned she was from a small town in Western Ireland, near Galway.

It turned out she was a bit older than they would have guessed, 30, and that she was an Orthopedic Surgeon. Daryl had met her when he'd injured his hand at work, just over a year ago. "Yeah, I knew she was the girl for me first time I met her, but she wouldn't even think a goin' out with me while I's her patient, I was one miserable patient too, but she don't let me get away with that shit, this girl is one feisty little redhead."

And Kathleen smiled that cute little innocent smile, shrugged a shoulder and said, "I'm the youngest of seven children, I have six older brothers, all big strapping lads, they'd be taking after my Daddy. A girl can't live with them and not get tough in a hurry, that bunch is full of the devil." And they all smiled. "I knew right away this lad here was going to be my biggest trouble of all, and I wasn't going to make it easy for him, I may be a bit contrary from time to time, but I do love the big fella, they'll be no denying a that."

Rick didn't think he'd ever seen Daryl smile like he was right then, and his neck was flushing red, he looked at Kathleen and said, "Yer gonna make me say it Katie, right in front a everyone, ain't ya? Ya know how I get 'bout this stuff, I love ya too, now drink yer beer."

And Beth sent up a prayer of thanks, Daryl had met his match and the love of his life. She knew this to be a fact, just as well as she knew her own name.

Kathleen asked her about the wedding, and what their plans were. Beth shared with her, and it was like they'd been friends forever. "Aye, that's sounding so nice there Beth, it's not going to be that way for me and the big fella, my good Irish family, they're insisting on the full blown Flanagan wedding. Being as I'm Mickey and Celeste's only baby girl, you can bet I won't be going against their wishes, your lad here, he's not too happy with the idea at all, but thank the Good Lord, the big fella does love me, and has agreed to go along with what the family wants."

And Beth couldn't help but giggle, "Oh my gosh Kathleen, you and Daryl are getting married?" And Rick, Daryl and Carl were now all ears.

"Oh yes indeed, the big fella, he just hasn't gotten around to telling anyone, he's a bit of a shy one ya know, but it's one a the things I find irresistible about the man. Such a rough tough lad he appears to be, but he is really quite tender."

Then there was a look, a look between Beth and Daryl, no one in the room missed it. And they stood in unison, and Daryl started to move toward her, but he hesitated and turned back to look at Kathleen. She gave him a small smile, slight nod of the head and said, "Yes."

Beth and Daryl moved toward each other, and it was as though no one else was in the room. They embraced, never speaking, just holding tightly to one another. Kathleen and Rick looked across to each other and smiled. They knew now, this thing that passed between Beth and Daryl was not romance, it was a far different type of love and understanding.

As they pulled apart, Beth had tears softly falling, and her hands to his shoulders, she spoke quietly, "I am so thrilled for you and Kathleen. I'm amazed that you and I, two people who could never seem to fit in anywhere, or with anyone, have found these two wonderful people to love and share with. I think we're the most blessed misfits in the world."

And Daryl placed a kiss on her forehead, "Ya know I always want the best for ya Sis, Rick's a good man and I know he'll always do right by ya. My Katie, she's just it for me Beth, can't imagine I ever got along without her, and I know I never could again. We are a lucky couple a misfits girl." And they both smiled.

Kathleen remarked, "Well I don't know that I've ever seen anything more beautiful than what I just witnessed, you two have me weeping. I see now why Daryl said he had to come to you those times, it seems you share a spirit. It's such a lovely thing to see."

And she and Beth shared a hug, and Carl managed to lighten the moment when he asked, "Geez, doesn't anyone wanna hug me?"

Rick couldn't resist, "Sure, I'll hug ya son."

"Yeah Dad thanks, but I had someone prettier in mind."

Beth suddenly found that her interest had shifted, at least for the moment, and she was curious to know just what the wedding of Daryl Dixon and this adorable little Irish fireball was all about. Daryl sat quietly with that half smile on his face while Kathleen spoke.

"Mam and Daddy have made it clear to me, as their only girl I will not be letting them down, we'll not only be having the big Catholic wedding, the whole clan is getting their passports in order, making arrangements at work and they will all be here next August 10th. We are to have the big church wedding and the reception of the century, which will undoubtedly last no less than a weekend, no excuses will be accepted. Your lad here, he may not be too happy about that part, but that's the only way he wins the prize, because this girl in front of you, she is not going against Mam, the circumstances would be far too severe." And she was smiling, but guess who else was smiling…that's right, Daryl Dixon.

"I think that's the only person my Katie is scared of, her Mama. I'ma work real hard ta be Mama's favorite." Daryl smiled at Kathleen and she just laughed softly.

"I've been putting him through his paces now for a while, and I think he's got the names of the close family committed to memory. Will ya kindly give your friends the rundown love?"

He smiled and said, "Damn Katie, yer cruel, but I think I got it, oldest ta youngest, Mam and Daddy are Mickey and Celeste, yer brothers, in order a oldest ta youngest, and their wives, Mickey Jr. and Margaret, Seamus and Sarah, Donal and Mary, Patrick and Fiona, Tommy and Siobhan, and Declan and Marie, did I get it right? Oh, n I ain't gonna make everyone sit her all night while I name all the kids these people have produced."

Kathleen gave him a kiss to the cheek and said, "I think even I would have trouble with that one. Now Beth, I want to talk about you. I'd love to help. Can I do something, make any food, help your Mam and your sister with the set-up? Quite honestly, I'd be honored to help."

"Oh, gee, well maybe you could help me, I might need some advice, and someone to help me with something, but I don't want to talk about it in front of men." Her cheeks were on fire, Rick had that head cocked and he wondered what this was all about.

xxxx

Mama and Maggie showed up right after Rick and Carl left for work and school Monday morning. Over coffee, Beth shared with them about Daryl and Kathleen. All three women were thrilled. Daryl was a favorite with all the Greene family, he was considered family, and although it was never spoken of, he was the one who'd saved Beth's life. Without him, they wouldn't have her. They all wanted to see him happy.

"Before we go to the bridal shop Beth, I have some other options for you to consider. I still have my wedding dress, I have my Mama's wedding dress, and Maggie has her wedding dress. We'd be thrilled to have you choose to wear any of those, it's up to you what you want."

"Oh my, yes, I would like to look at those first, please, especially the older ones, that would be my style, and I think it would please Rick as well. You just have to look around this house to know, Rick's an old fashion man, whether he realizes it or not." And her smile was ear to ear just thinking about him.

She fell in love with her Grandmother's vintage 1930 wedding dress. It was light weight and soft ivory Charmeuse underneath light gold lace. A pleated band with lace applique ran down one side. It had thin straps and an Empire Waist. There was delicate beading, and it buttoned all the way down the back with small round fabric covered buttons. It flowed with soft easy styling, and was truly unique to the time period. When Beth tried it on Mama and Maggie both gasped, it fit perfectly. Mama had tears, "You must be the exact image of my Mama, Beth, and you look so beautiful." All three women were now feeling decidedly emotional, but in a happy and sentimental way.

xxxx

Kathleen did surgery early Tuesday morning, then her hospital rounds, quickly showered and went to Rick and Beth's. The women had lemonade and visited like old friends will, when finally Beth got to the big questions she had, "I don't want to put you on the spot, but it's just not something I felt comfortable talking to Mama or even Maggie about. I'm embarrassed, and I don't even know quite how to begin."

Kathleen reached across the small kitchen table and took Beth's hand comfortingly, "I think I might have just a bit of an inkling what this is about Beth. Is it perhaps about sex or birth control?"

Beth began to tear up and Kathleen immediately began to apologize. "No, no, it's not your fault; I cry easily, I get so overwhelmed by most things in life. Please don't apologize, and you're right, that's what it is and I'm scared. I don't know why. I know Rick loves me, I feel it all the time. And he is so gentle with me, I don't even know exactly what I'm scared of, I just feel so nervous, like I might let him down. I don't know why and I can't even quite put it into words."

Kathleen stood, went to her and hugged her tightly, then back in her seat she said, "I know this is hard to believe, I was no child when I began dating Daryl. I was an adult, a 29 year old woman with a big education and at the start of an important career, but Daryl Dixon is the first and only man I've ever been intimate with. I was scared too. What you said Beth, about knowing Rick loves you, about how you feel it from him, about how gentle he is with you. Those are the things that will make it wonderful. He'll show you the way. You just need to trust him and trust his love, it will be special, he'll make it so. These men of ours, they're not fumbling boys, they're old enough to have had a little experience, and to have the patience an inexperienced woman needs. Just let Rick lead you, from what I've seen of him, he's a gentle soul and my goodness, he looks at you like you hung the moon, the stars, and you sing lead in the Angel's choir. I'd bet anything, your wedding night will be the best evening of your life and you'll treasure the memory of it forever. And please, don't be concerned you're going to disappoint him, it simply won't happen."

Beth took Kathleen's hand in hers, "I knew you were going to be a gift to me Kathleen. You're everything I would ever want Daryl to have, and everything I've ever wanted a friend to be."

xxxx

Beth spent the night before the wedding in her old bed at Mama and Daddy's. She'd never been a good sleeper, but since living with Rick, having him to hold her at night, she'd started to sleep all night. Not this night, there was no Rick, and she just kept thinking about the wedding. She was happy, excited and nervous for the big day ahead.

Daryl and Kathleen came over early Saturday and Daryl helped Shawn set up tables and chairs on the back porch, while Kathleen helped Mama and Maggie put the finishing touches on the food, and set the tables.

When the work was done, Daryl and Kathleen rushed home to change, and Mama and Maggie set about helping Beth get ready, and getting their selves ready.

In the meantime, Rick was a little nervous himself, but he was also so ready to be Beth's husband. He loved the woman hopelessly and completely. Every soft and sweet thing about her, right along with every quirk and need; to him, she was perfect in every way.

Carl had always thought he'd hate having a step parent, but he couldn't wait for Beth to be his Stepmom. In fact, he'd kind of like to call her Mom. Maybe he'd ask her sometime soon if that was alright.

Carl wore a dark suit, white shirt, and striped tie. Rick had on a dark gray pinstripe suit with vest, white shirt and navy blue tie.

When they arrived at the Greene's they were ushered into Hershel's office, where they wouldn't see anything. It made Rick smile, because poor Beth, she had wanted so badly to tell him about her dress. Apparently she'd found the perfect one, well he was sure she had, because that's what she'd told him, and there was no doubt in his mind it must be perfect, because Beth would look perfect in it.

He and Carl shot the breeze with Hershel. Carl would be spending a couple of nights here at the Greene's. Hershel had promised to teach him some important secrets about fishing, and Glenn was going to show him how to kick major booty in Minecraft. Carl already felt at home with Beth's family. They were warm and welcoming people. Rick marveled at how good life had gotten for him and his son since that day he'd grudgingly gone to the laundromat to wash those sleeping bags.

When the time came, Annette came in the office, pinning boutonnieres on Hershel, Rick and Carl, and told Rick to get outside and get in his spot.

Carol and Merle, Daryl and Kathleen, Aaron and Eric, Glenn and Shawn were seated near a flower covered arch. Rick went to the spot he'd been told to stand at the arch. Annette soon came and sat with Shawn.

Music began to play over the outside speakers. It was a 1930's love song, the Irving Berlin classic, How Deep is the Ocean. Rick was smiling broadly; they often played this old song in the evening and danced on the back porch.

Maggie and Carl came from the house and walked slowly, arm in arm toward where Rick was standing, following behind were Hershel and Beth.

Rick's breath caught in his throat when he saw her, she was a vision in a vintage gown. So soft and feminine looking. Her blond hair was piled atop her head, with loose curls hanging down and framing her beautiful face. She was smiling happily at him, and he at her.

He'd been aware for almost the entire time he'd known her he was in love with the woman, but seeing her now, on their wedding day, he felt like he loved her even more. She was everything he'd ever hoped for in a lover and partner, and so much more.

When the wedding party arrived at the arch, Carl took his place next to his Dad, Hershel stood center, and Beth and Maggie stood together at his other side.

Hershel began to speak of the promise of love and Rick and Beth's unique love story, but he kept it short, everyone knew Beth would be very nervous. They had chosen to keep their wedding vows very traditional, Beth did not want to speak in front of the group, and Rick didn't want her to be uncomfortable. The most important thing to both of them was that they be married, and all the most important people in their lives were there to witness the occasion.

Just before it was time for her to say her vows Rick noticed her began to sway slightly, Hershel was about to grab her, but Rick already had his arm around her waist. He maintained a firm hold on her as he spoke to her just above a whisper, "Are you okay Sweetheart? Are you feeling unsure, how can I help?"

She whispered back, "I'm just so in love, I'm so happy, I feel so overwhelmed, but it's in a good way, I promise." Rick smiled and for the remainder of the brief ceremony, he kept his hands at her waist.

When it was time to present the rings, he turned her Claddagh ring so that the heart pointed toward her heart, and she surprised him, Maggie handed her the ring, and she placed it on his finger, it was his own Claddagh ring.

When Hershel said to the group, "I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grimes, and it was time to kiss the bride, Rick didn't make it showy, he just held her face in his hands and kissed her lips tenderly. He moved an arm around her waist and walked her back up the short aisle. Mama could swear the place lit up from their smiles.

Everyone gathered on the porch for a traditional roast dinner, featuring a venison roast courtesy of Merle.

There was a very small heart shaped wedding cake, courtesy of Carol. Rick and Beth did a traditional cake cutting, fed each other a small bite and shared a kiss, but then the dessert everyone was really there for was served, Mama's peach cobbler.

After the meal, Glenn put on the reel tape he'd made of love songs of the 20's, 30's and 40's, and everyone danced on the porch.

As far as Beth was concerned, she had the perfect wedding, she'd never been happier.

xxxx

They arrived back at their house and Rick carried her across the threshold. When they got in their room they were completely surprised. The bed was covered with rose petals, on the nightstand was a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, a small tray of chocolate covered strawberries, and two fluted wine glasses, one was engraved Mrs. Grimes, the other, Mr. Grimes. There was a handwritten note that read, "May this be the first day of a beautiful journey that never ends. We love you both, Daryl and Kathleen."

A/N Yep, stopping here, heck, I had to stop someplace! Next chapter we'll have a wedding night, Rick will visit that attorney, and on and on. Thank you all for reading, please, please review xo