Here and Now
AN: I know I have been gone a dog's age, but the Muse was in some sort of coma. The weather sucks so I decided to fight for this update. I hope anyone still checking in on this soap opera is experiencing all the joy and love their heart can hold.
Daryl stands in front of the hotel mirror fastening his skinny tie. His smile is so wide he can spot the missing molar on the back left side of his mouth. Today is the day he never imagined for his life…a wedding. The rehearsal dinner at his parent's house was the type of down-home fun he relished. Walter, from around the way, set up his homemade grill and proceeded to prepare the most tender ribs he had ever had in his life. He went easy on the moonshine so he could commit every moment of the ceremony to memory. The knock on the room door takes him out of his thoughts. He crosses the floor and opens the door. "Pops, what's up?"
"Your momma is on the warpath…sent that pretty boy Rick to confiscate my Bluetooth."
Daryl presses his lips together, but a harsh guffaw slips out. "Uh, do you think you were going to get a call while you walk Sasha down the aisle?"
"Nah, but I need to make sure that expensive ass wedding planner can get in touch with me. I need y'all's day to be perfect."
"We appreciate it; we really do. I think today will be great and not just because you threatened to have their taxes audited," he chuckles.
Harry laughs, "Yeah I know you cannot actually do that; but it felt good to watch his pretentious ass nearly shit his pants."
Daryl takes a deep breath before walking over to the nightstand and retrieving a piece of paper. "I wanted to…I did something…I hope you don't mind," he stumbles over his words.
Harry takes a step and places a hand on his broad shoulder, "Son, take you time." Daryl hands him the paper and holds his breath watching the older man's eyes scan the form. He clears his throat, "I…well, this is just fine. I have always been proud to be your dad…Daryl William Dixon," he smiles wide. Love made this boy change his name.
Sasha sits on the velvet stool in front of the vanity. Michonne takes take her time pulling her natural curls back on one side using a black crystal hair comb. She leans down pressing their cheeks together, "There…perfect."
She smiles wide, "I do not know why I am so nervous. I love that man like crazy." Sasha locks eyes with her friend.
"Trust me. Once you see him waiting at the end of the aisle to start your lives together everything will be fine."
Lonette's voice calls from the doorway, "And if you bring me back some grandbabies from your honeymoon things will be even better."
"Mama," Sasha sighs.
"What, I spent the past two days looking at pictures of Michonne's three little angels. I want to join the grandma club. It really is not too much to ask." The room laughs. "Now, let me look at you," she gestures for her daughter to stand. Lonette's eyes wash over the lace mermaid gown with trim of black lace on the train. "Well, if you are not more beautiful than the first day I laid eyes on you," she gushes.
"Do not make me cry."
"All right," she pats her hand. "Now, who does that red giant belong too?" Lonette glances around the room.
"Technically, he does not belong to anyone but perhaps Rosita could be of some assistance," Michonne instigates.
Rosita glares at her before clearing her throat, "How can help ma'am?"
"Make sure he did not sneak any of that leftover moonshine into the church and if you can do something about that filthy tongue of his I would be so grateful."
"Yes ma'am…do not worry. He will be on his best behavior."
"But will you?" Maggie mutters. Rosita reaches back and slaps her on the arm.
Daryl waits at the top of the steps to the church. The 1970 vintage Cadillac Fleetwood limousine pulls to a stop. He cranes his neck trying desperately to sneak a quick glance at his bride, but the windows are too dark. The driver exits walking around the back of the vehicle to open the door and escort the mother of the bride out. Daryl descends the steps, "Moms, you look real pretty."
"Thank you, baby, you are too handsome. You ready?"
He extends his arm, "More than ready. Let's get you down the aisle."
They take the steps carefully and reach the double doors. The planner nods and speaks into his headset, "Mother's procession."
Unforgettable…That's what you are…Unforgettable…Tho' near or far…Like a song of love, that clings to me…Never before has someone been more…Unforgettable…Never before has someone been more
Daryl walks her down the aisle with his head held high and his back straight. When they reach the front pew of the church, he releases her arm. Lonette reaches up and presses a kiss to his cheek and mouths, "Love you." He reaches into the pocket of his 2- button lambskin leather jacket and produces an African American cameo brooch. She gasps lightly, "Oh baby."
He fumbles attaching the jewelry to the shoulder of her V-neck deep purple A-line gown. "Perfect." He turns and takes his place at the altar next to his best man.
"You ready baby girl?"
Sasha tightens her grip on her father's arm before nodding. The double doors open, and she takes a moment. The white bunting along the church pews along with the massive bouquets of white Peonies look better than she imagined. She waits for music to begin. Daryl insisted on making the music selections and no amount of snooping or sexual incentives had worked. She smiles way too big once she hears the beginning lyrics.
For you I'd give a lifetime of stability…Anything you want of me…Nothing is impossible…'Cause this is no good alone…Since we become one I've made a change…All roads end, all I do is for you
Once they reach the end of the aisle Harry places his daughter's hand on Daryl's open palm. He lifts her hand and presses a soft kiss to her knuckles. She smiles and they face the pastor of the church. "Dearly beloved, we are here today before God, and this blessed congregation to bring together this man and woman in the holy bonds of matrimony. We ask God to guide them all the days of their lives. We ask God to bless them so that they may be fruitful and multiple," he is interrupted by a loud Amen from the front pew. Daryl winks at his mother. "Now I want the church to know that I have counseled this couple. They do not enter into this union lightly. Young man, if you would repeat after me?"
"I, Daryl William Dixon," he does not get to finish.
"What?...What you say?" Sasha and Lonette exclaim together.
Harry stands and turns to face the church, "Y'all heard it…the boy done changed his name."
The congregation erupts, "Amen…God is good…Bless him Jesus." Rick laughs into his fist. Xavier shakes his head and Abraham mutters, "What in tarnation."
"I, Daryl William Dixon, vow to love you with all that I am and all that I will ever be. I vow that my life today and every day after is yours and I promise to keep building all my dreams around you and our family 'til death do we part."
"I, Sasha Bridgette Williams, vow to love you unconditionally, to be your best friend, to celebrate our family all the dreams we will make come true 'til death do we part."
"You may now salute your bride!"
Daryl reaches down placing his arms around Sasha's tiny waist and lifts her off the ground. "Husband," she exclaims while wrapping her arms around his neck and bringing her lips to his. They kissed softly and tenderly. They break apart and she brushes her nose against his.
He swings her legs around scooping her into a bridal carry. "Carl," he directs. Carl rises from the end of the first pew on the left and places a large straw craft broom adorned with fresh Peonies and large black satin ribbons before the newly married couple. Daryl leaps over the broom with his new wife in his arms. The church erupts in loud cheers of praise and congratulations.