A/N Thank you so much! We had a sweet, intimate wedding. How about a celebration and a wedding night?
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Everyone is so happy, there's barely a dry eye among them as they clap and cheer for the young couple. Teddy isn't sure what to think as everyone hugs and kisses and congratulates him. All he knows for sure is, this is a happy day and Beth is his Mama now. Daddy said so.
Daryl and Beth stand by the pond with her Mama, Daddy, Maggie, Teddy and Merle, and Dale takes their photograph with his new Kodak Brownie camera. There's another picture with the newlyweds and Maggie, Merle and Teddy, and a picture of them with Dale and Erma and Teddy. Dale sets the camera on a rock aiming it just right, sets the shutter timer and dashes to get in the big group photograph with everyone else. Finally, when neither Daryl nor Teddy think they can stand to have their photograph taken one more time, there's a picture taken of just the groom, the bride and Teddy. He cares for all of these people, loves some of these people, but he already knows his favorite photograph will be that one, just their small family of three.
Teddy is the one to get things going in the right direction when he takes Beth's hand and says, "I'n hungry Mama, peez."
Oh my goodness, that word from his sweet lips. Happy little tears glisten in Beth's eyes when she says, "Let's get you fed Teddy." She bends and kisses his head, continuing to hold his hand, while Daryl has a firm grasp on her other, and the three begin walking toward the house.
The four older "parents", Dale and Erma, and Hershel and Annette, have taken in the moment, and now they all smile at each other. Smiles that say this is a good thing, this is a blessed day.
The group gather around the table and Hershel happily orders, "Everyone sit now, we'll make the blessing quick, my grandson's hungry." He thanks God for the bounty before them and adds, "thank you for this day Lord. Thank you for bringing us all together to share this beautiful day as we celebrate the marriage of Beth and Daryl."
The food is passed and the conversation is joy-filled as the meal is enjoyed. Merle stands, lifts his glass and says, "Here's ta my little brother and his pretty new wife, I wish youa all the happiness cuz that's what ya both deserve." His grin spreads when he tells them, "I also got a little surprise. Me n Amy are gonna stay the night here on the farm. There's gonna be some cleanin' up ta do and some leftovers ta eat, I'm good at both them things. Teddy's gonna stay with us Daryl, we'll bring him home tomorrow afternoon. That'll give you two a chance ta have some private time."
Daryl and Beth are caught by surprise, happy, just a little embarrassed, and Daryl has a question, "Are ya sure?" as he looks to Merle, Amy, and Beth's folks.
It's her Daddy who responds, "We could sure use Teddy's help around here, especially Grandma. She said she'd really like to have Teddy stay and help her feed the chickens and gather the eggs." He winks at his wife and she smiles in amusement.
The little boy looks to his Daddy first, "Peez, I can Daddy?"
Daryl would be hesitant any other day, but this day is his wedding day. "Yeah, if ya want, but you be sure n come back home tomorrow, k?"
"Yes Daddy, I'na comed home."
No one at the table has failed to notice the glaring look Jim's been giving Merle, and it's Amy who speaks, "Jim, I know you're concerned, but Merle's a gentleman and you should also know by now, I am a woman who is capable of making sure things stay that way."
Mama's trying hard not to laugh, while Hershel assures Jim, "Merle will be sleeping in Shawn's room with Teddy. Amy will be in Beth's room."
Merle's getting a little tired of all this grief Jim's been giving him. He appreciates the guy is looking out for Amy, but she's more than capable of making her own mind up, and Merle hasn't been out of line with her. He looks at the man with a dead eye glare that only he can give, and there's a steely edge to his tone when he states, "Ya ain't got reason for concern."
Erma's the one who turns the conversation back to happy talk, "I have to say, this is the most beautiful wedding I've ever attended. Sweet and intimate and the setting could not have been lovelier. And my goodness Annette, what a beautiful meal you put together."
Everyone is agreeing, but Mama won't take all the credit, "Thank you Erma, but I had so much help, Amy, Enid, Maggie, and what about all the delicious food you ladies brought. Erma, I know your fruited cake is going to be a real treat, and I can't wait to try Carol's Italian wedding cookies. Olivia, I specifically told you not to worry about bringing a thing, you and Eastman had so far to travel, and yet you brought those beautiful homemade chocolates. I'm not going to know which dessert to eat first."
Teddy has an idea, "Weddin' cate gamma, peez?"
Dale agrees, "That sounds good to me too Ted. Let's see these two cut that cake!" Daryl thought he was done with pictures, but Mama and Erma insist on one of the happy couple cutting the cake, he doesn't object. He's too damn happy to care.
Annette sets a slice of cake on the table in front of Teddy, and the little boy eyes the filling, taking a taste and exclaiming, "It's cherdee gamma, it's cherdee!"
"Isn't that special Teddy? That was your Mama's idea, just for you. You enjoy that now."
As everyone enjoys the array of desserts, Daryl puts a voice to what he's been thinking. He's lightly squeezing Beth's hand under the table when he says, "I didn't think I wanted a weddin'. I thought me n Beth oughta just slip down ta the courthouse and get the judge ta marry us. I'm glad we didn't do that, this has been a real special day. Thanks everyone, thanks a lot."
Daryl's been holding out as long as he can, but he's anxious to get his bride home. Thank God for Olivia and Eastman. Eastman announces, "We sure hate to go, but we've got quite a drive ahead of us."
Goodbyes are said, and the ice has been broken. Daryl manages to hang on another fifteen minutes, until finally he announces, "I think Beth and me oughta be gettin' home now too. Miz Annette, Mister Greene, thank you, and thank all y'all for puttin' on such a nice day for me n Beth."
Amy, Maggie and Mama pack a cooler and also a box with leftovers for the newlyweds, and when Daryl gets out to the car to load it up, he can't believe his eyes, "What the…" it says "Just Married" in big white letters on the back end, and there are hearts drawn all over the car. Enid, Maggie and Amy are not successful at trying to hold in their giggling, and Daryl knows who did it right away. He's ready to throw a fit, what a mess to clean up, and how embarrassing to drive the thing down the highway. But he keeps his mouth shut, except to smile, when he sees the happy smile on his bride's pretty face.
Merle helps his brother load the wedding gifts in the trunk, looks around to make sure no one's in earshot, then gives him a little brotherly advice, "Take your time Daryl, women appreciate that."
"Shut up Merle," but Daryl's smiling when he says it.
After lots of hugs, handshakes and kisses goodbye, the groom helps the bride in the car. She turns in her seat and waves back at everyone as they drive away. Her Daddy's eyes are moist and Dale claps his back and assures, "I don't think she could have found a man who will treat her better, or love her more, than Daryl will."
In the car, Daryl turns to her and says, "You ready ta go home Missus Dixon?"
She smiles, "Yes, I am Mister Dixon." She's nervous as a cat, but she's not going to tell him that. Not now anyway, but then she thinks of something, "My overnight bag is in the trunk, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I got it. We'll get the rest of your things tomorrow."
There's a lot of time to think as they drive toward home, and yes, she's nervous, but she's also longing for him in a way she has never longed for a man. She's anxious to feel his touch on her skin and wonders what it will be like to become his wife in the most intimate way.
He pulls in the driveway, cuts the engine and walks around to help her out. He almost leads her to the kitchen door, then shit, he remembers and walks toward the front instead. Three feet from the door he catches her completely by surprise, lifting her up in his arms saying, "Welcome home Baby."
She's giggling, teary-eyed, and feeling so in love with her husband, keeping her arms wrapped close around his neck as he carries her across the threshold. He sets her down gently, takes her in his arms and kicks the door shut with his foot, then his lips go to hers and he kisses her the way he's been thinking about kissing her all day. She mounts only a small protest, "My bag…the food..."
"They'll keep a while."
She doesn't protest. She might be almost as anxious as her groom.
He lifts her in his arm again and begins the walk toward what is now their bedroom. He's so strong and confident, and she notices the small, mischievous smile on his lips. Beth would never guess the truth, her husband is every bit as nervous as she is, but his intense desire overcomes any shyness he feels.
He sets her on her feet close to the bed. When he speaks it's soft, his tone so gentle, but she notices a throatiness in his voice when he says, "Lemme help ya with that dress." Part of her wants to tell him no, then go hide in the bathroom, but no, no, her own desire is stronger than any bashfulness she feels.
He has hold of her hand as he offers, "Sit Baby," and nods toward the bed. The moment she's seated he drops to his knees in front of Beth, smiling up at her. She sees the need in his eyes and the slight redness of his cheeks as he removes her shoes, while neither of them utters a word.
His fingertips skim slowly up her legs, causing the hem of her dress to rise with them and revealing the tops of her hose and the garters holding them in place.
She's feeling timid but curious, and anxious to touch him too. She lets her fingers slowly comb through his hair and he looks up at her, and he's smiling again. Then it happens. With no effort at all, and his eyes never leaving hers, Daryl pops the garters open. She lets out a soft gasp when he leans, kisses and lightly sucks her inner thigh. It's all she can do to try and be still.
She's aroused, curious and wanting more, and he begins to slowly roll the stocking on her left leg down, stopping now and then to kiss and gently suck on the tender flesh of her inner thighs. She's becoming more and more aroused and her fingers have begun tugging softly at his hair, while her heart is racing. Who could have imagined that something as simple as a kiss could be so heated and sensual?
By the time Daryl has removed her stockings her whole body is warm and tingling, and she feels dampness spreading between her legs. She remembers her sister's words about how that's a part of this, and she's eager for more of his touch.
He gets to his feet and helps her to hers, then places his hands on her waist, gently guiding her as she turns her back to him. It's so sensual, so personal when he loosens her hair and lets it fall. He scoops up a handful of the blonde curls and begins kisses and sucking at her neck. It's so intimate and she feels the moisture between her thighs spread and her nipples harden. She's disappointed when he stops, but not when he begins to slowly slide her zipper down.
Her mind goes to a darker place, and she almost lets herself get caught up in thoughts with the woman before her, but tells herself no, no. That's his past, this is the here and now and they're together. He chose her, she chose him.
In no time at all she's down to just her slip and again he guides her to turn and now she's facing him. There's nothing under the pretty new slip except a very skimpy pair of underpants Maggie got her and insisted she wear. The truth is Beth didn't really put up a fight. She has no time to think of those things now, not with his body so close and the feel of his warm skin next to hers, oh my, he's kissing her so passionately.
His hand drifts from her face and soon he's cupping her breast and gently, softly, rubbing his thumb back and forth across her nipple. She'd been so nervous about this sort of touching, but it feels so good, and her undies grow damper. She has a new awareness; she likes it very much when Daryl touches her that way.
It seems like she barely has time to take a breath before suddenly, she's standing completely naked before him. Her husband's ice blue eyes are taking her all in and she feels her skin flush red with a mix of embarrassment and desire. His finger glides softly and slowly along her outer arm as he studies her, then whispers, "You're so pretty Baby." While he speaks he's lifting her off her feet and laying her in their bed.
She lays quietly, her eyes never leaving him as he loosens his tie and tosses it on the dresser. He smiles and before she can think, his shirt is hanging from the back of the chair. Oh my goodness, his handsome build, he's so manly, and then it seems to just happen, his slacks are open in the front. He reaches for the hem of his undershirt, then stops, "Ya okay with…ya know I got them scars. I could just leave the undershirt on if ya don't wanna touch em."
"I've seen them Daryl, you have scars and strange tattoos, and I love all of you."
He's half-smiling, how'd he get so lucky, but he asks, "Ya sure?"
"I married you, didn't I? And I'm in your bed."
His smile spreads and he feels relieved, he'd been so worried she wouldn't want to touch him. He pulls the shirt up and over his head, and she lets out a soft gasp. He's worried again, "Sumthin' wrong?"
"No. Not wrong at all. Everything about you looks good, very appealing." She can't believe she said it, but then, it is the truth.
When he's fully naked there is no gasp, no smile, not even wide eyes. She can't speak or think or move. She can only look. She's never seen a grown man naked, and her husband is quite the man to see.
He slides in the bed next to her and as they lay looking in each other's eyes he lightly skims the backs of his fingers along her cheekbone, whispering, "I love ya Beth, ya know that. Ya ain't scared are ya?"
She's honest with him, "A little."
He admits, "Yeah? So am I, really, I mean, why wouldn't we be? It's your first time, and our first time."
They're so close she can feel his heart beating and his kisses are so passionate they take her breath away. His hand is clutching her neck while his fingers weave through her hair, and the pad of his thumb skims lightly along her jawline.
It all feels so tender and loving, and Beth's a little stunned by the strong urges she feels to touch his body, all of his body. She wants to let her hand glide over his warm skin, she wants to feel his strong muscles and become familiar with her husband in this new way. She gives in to those urges and she's glad she did. "You have such nice muscles."
He kisses her nose, "Nuthin' special there, just from bein' a workin' man." She doesn't care what causes it, she's just happy he's built the way he is because she finds it so exciting. She rubs her palm across his broad shoulders and tells him just what she thinks, "Whatever causes this doesn't matter, you're very sexy." He's embarrassed and emboldened at the same time.
He didn't know what to expect, he had his concern. He's heard plenty of stories about wedding night blues because a woman didn't like the touch of a man, and barely tolerated "the act." That's not the way it is with his bride, she's so warm and she seems to be enjoying all of this almost as much as he is. He never thought she'd be interested in his body, but he's glad she is.
The more he feels her light touch on his skin, the more he wants to touch her. It seems like he's waited forever for this as he slowly moves his hand to her breast. That's when she stiffens a little, but as he lightly rubs her nipple she relaxes to his touch and her fingers begin to knead his back. They're lower bodies naturally move together, pressing against each other as their hands and lips explore. He kisses his way down her neck and across her shoulders, and she's completely under his spell when his mouth envelops her breast.
They both feel the growing warmth of their bodies as they crave more and more. His mouth and tongue stay busy at her breast, as his hand skims along her body. He feels the dip of her slim waist and the gentle swell of her hip, and slowly runs his fingertips along her abdomen. He whispers, "Ya got a perfect shape Baby, such a sweet little body."
Her breathing is faster, and shallower and she's aware there's more and more wetness between her legs, then his hand is there and he's pushing on her mound as his fingers tease her damp curls, and all the time his mouth is on her breast and his tongue is flicking across her nipple.
She feels her body begin to squirm with need. Daryl understands her need and his finger slips inside her. She lets out a gasp at the sensation. It hurts a little and yet it feels so good as his finger moves inside her, while she finds herself wriggling more and needing more of him.
Feeling her need increases his own and he nudges her legs apart, moving his body between them. His finger is still inside her, still teasing what's to come as he spreads kisses across her breasts and abdomen. She hears herself moan deeply when he kisses and then nibbles her mound, but when he hears it he stops what he's doing and asks, "Is that pleasure or pain?"
She's a little shy about it, but admits, "It's pleasure."
Her fingers comb back strands of his damp hair and she whispers the words, "I love you."
"Hmm, love you too Baby," and again, the way her body is reacting has him feeling excited and emboldened. It's so good knowing his sweet wife wants this as much as he does. He has so much love for her it almost seems like too much, but no, that's not possible. There's no such thing as loving her too much. He wants her, he wants her bad and he asks, "Is it okay, can we…now?"
She never expected to feel so desperate for him, but he hears it in her voice when she whispers, "Yes, yes."
She leans up on her elbows, she wants to see him, she wants to watch what he's doing, and the sight of him so hard and ready nearly takes her breath away. How could that not hurt? But she tells herself to trust her husband, he'll be gentle.
She has no idea what he's doing when he stops, reaches over and slides open the drawer on the night table. Then she sees the little packet in his hand she thinks it's odd, they're married. But yes, maybe it's best for now. She watches as he slips it on, and then he's on his knees between her legs. He holds himself in his hand and touches her womanhood with the tip of his manhood. She's surprised once more by how his touch excites her. He begins softly stroking himself along her opening, and she feels another surge of wetness as her arousal grows.
She can't believe the way her body responds to him, like it knows what to do. Her hips raise to welcome him, and his voice is coarse and husky when he promises, "I'll be careful with ya, promise."
Despite her craving for him, she's scared, this is it. She knows she has to expect some pain, but she believes him. Daryl will be careful, "I trust you."
He's got his own concerns. How can something they both want, the pleasure of making love to each other, cause her pain? It doesn't seem right. They're both holding their breath when he slowly, carefully begins to slip inside her. Her body turns rigid from the fear she feels, and he whispers, "Try and relax, it'll be better for ya. Easier. I'll be careful. I love ya Baby."
She does her best to will away the tension, and he moves as slowly as he can while pushing himself inside her. He feels the barrier of resistance and wraps one arm around her back, pulling her close and caressing her tightly as he makes the push that will take her innocence.
She lets out a yelp, "Oh! Oh Daryl!"
He apologizes, "Sorry, I'm so sorry. I can stop if ya want." He prays to God that's not what she wants.
His prayer is answered when she breathes out, "No, Daryl. Don't stop."
At first he keeps his movements as slow and steady as he's able, giving her time to get used to the feel of him, and soon her hips begin to match the movement of his. He leans in, his cheek close to hers as he rests his weight on his forearms. He nuzzles her neck, smelling the sweet warmth of her skin and reminds her again, "I love ya." They're lost in the warmth of their love and their deep need, and their bodies move together as if they were always meant to. She runs her hands along his back like there are no scars, and he goes deeper inside her and increases the speed of his movements.
He wants her to feel the pleasure before he does. He'll do whatever he has to do to make this right for her. Beth feels the soreness but it doesn't matter because she needs him and wants him, and his hand slips down to where their bodies meet and she feels him pushing on her mound. Then she feels something else, his finger is there and it's touching her in a way that's causing her to feel more feverish as he pumps into her harder, and continues to tantalize the little spot with his finger.
Then it happens, her body becomes rigid and she feels as if she can barely breath. She quivers and stiffens again and then she's trembling. She's hot inside and out and her whole body starts to shake as she feels the gush of wetness, calling out, "Daryl, Daryl!"
Her husband can't hold back any longer. His body stiffens as he pumps harder and deeper, and then he lets out an almost frighteningly guttural noise as he calls out to her, "Beth!" and she knows he felt what she felt.
His body is still so close to hers as they try to recover their breath, and he rolls to one side and takes her in his arms asking, "Ya alright Baby?"
"I never thought I would enjoy that so much."
He laughs, "Is that right? I think it's a good thing, cuz I ain't ever felt anythin' better than that with you. I love ya, Beth. I'ma love ya forever."
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A/N That seemed to go well for all involved :) Please leave a comment. There's a chapter photo on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. I'll be back next Thursday with more of Love at the Solo Cafe, I hope you'll be here too. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee