Beth

It's been a month since the tower fell, since the herd got inside the walls, and since the Wolves disguised themselves as walkers and tried to destroy us and our home. The wall is finally rebuilt and fixed thanks to Abraham and the construction crew. Carl is now at home. He lost his left eye to a gunshot wound. Apparently, Ron, Jessie's oldest son, tried to shoot Rick. Michonne stabbed him with her katana and he accidently fired the gun. The stray bullet hit Carl right in his left eye. But despite it all, he seems to be in good spirits.

Rock music blares from the ceiling above our bed. I roll over into Daryl and groan. He wraps a sleepy arm around me. "I'm glad the kid's alright but if he don't quit blarin' that damn music every mornin' I'm gonna kill him." Daryl gruffs.

I feel the same way but I am also a little more forgiving than Daryl is. "Go easy on him. He's happy to be home. And to be fair, we slept in."

"Yeah, yeah." Daryl huffs. "I know." He looks down at me and smiles. "Ya ready for tonight?"

I nod and smile back up at him. "I can't wait."

"Me neither." He says sincerely. His eyes are thoughtful as he rubs his calloused hands up and down my spine. "I guess I should get up and go."

He goes to get out of bed and I try to stop him. "No. Stay."

"Nah." He pulls away from my touch and he walks across the room. He tugs on his clothes as he says. "I gotta a lot I gotta do today. Plus ain't it bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the weddin'?" He asks lightly.

"It ain't if you don't believe in all that mess." I tell him as I sit up in bed.

He gives me that cute half smile of his as he leans down to kiss my forehead. "Well… I still gotta go. We're already pushin' it by staying together last night."

I roll my eyes at him but I appreciate what he is trying to do. He has said he wants to do the marriage thing right. He's trying to give me a wedding that I would have probably gotten before the world ended. It's sweet. He even tried to tell me he was gonna sleep next door last night. I didn't like that idea. I insisted it wasn't a big deal. Those old superstitions were dumb and I guilted him into staying with me. I pouted and told him that he knows I can't sleep without him. Also that I didn't want to be a bride with huge dark circles under her eyes because my future husband insisted on sticking to old stupid superstitions that didn't mean anything anyways. He caved but was very adamant that any touches we shared would be respectful and PG. I rolled my eyes in agreement and we both got a much needed good night's sleep.

He gives me one last kiss. "I'll see ya tonight."

I smile wide at him. "Okay I'll be the one in white."

The tips of his ears turn red and he grins shyly at me just before he turns and leaves. I don't know what he's going to do all day. The ceremony is tonight. Daryl wanted the ceremony to be at night under the stars like my song.

While I have no idea what he's doing all day, I know what I'm doing. I've got to get ready for tonight. It won't take all day but everyone involved has insisted that I take the day to get ready, relax, read or whatever. They keep saying it's my day. I tried to resist and tell them I'm happy to do some job or chore to help out around here during the day but they all refused.

It's my day.

My wedding day.

At the end of the night I'll be Mrs. Daryl Dixon. No longer Beth Greene, but Beth Dixon. The thought makes me smile. I can't wait for tonight. Thankfully it's still winter. The days are shorter and it gets dark earlier.

I get out of bed and opt to take a long, luxurious bath with the bath salts we found on a run not too long ago, then I eat some lunch. Pretty soon, Maggie will come over and she'll pamper me some more. She's promised to paint my fingers and toes, pluck my eyebrows and help me do my hair and makeup. I told her not to but she said she wanted to. I could see her mind was made up so rather than fight her more on the matter, I just thanked her.

She's worked hard to put together this wedding. She organized and gone on runs specifically for the wedding to get things like fake flowers and sexy lingerie and find a suitable bridesmaid dress for herself. I told her she was doing too much but she dismissed me.

You only get one wedding day Bethy. Enjoy it.

It's a wonderful afternoon with all the ladies from our group drinking a bottle of peach schnapps and getting ready together. It's the most fun I've had in a long time. When the sun sets, I know it's almost time. I go into the other room and slip on my dress. I turn to face myself in the mirror and gasp.

My hair is up in a delicate updo with curly trindles framing my face. Dangly earrings hang from my ears and silver rings adorn my fingers. My makeup is subtle and natural with a dramatic red lip. The dress is as beautiful as I remember. I feel more beautiful than I ever have in my entire life. Emotion overtakes me and I can feel the tears well up in my eyes, but I force them down. Today isn't a day for tears. I take a few deep breaths and regain my composure. I reach for my bouquet and admire my red manicured nails. Then I grab my bridal bouquet and look at each individual fake flower. Simple white flowers with decorative lace around the stems. I try to memorize everything about my appearance and the details of my dress and bouquet. Today is an extravagant luxury and I don't want to take it for granted.

I don't know how long I stare at my reflection but eventually I call for Maggie to come in the room. She instantly cries and tells me repeatedly that I'm the most beautiful bride she's ever seen. I blush at all the praise and thank her for everything. It all wouldn't have been possible without her. She gives me a hug and whispers that she wishes that Daddy was here and Momma and Shawn. My heart aches because I wish they were here too. I let three tiny tears escape my eyes. One for each of them and then we vow to keep the day happy. Maggie helps me fix my veil and then suddenly I'm all ready. When I step into the living room, everyone has gone. All that is left to do is to wait for Rick and Glenn to come tell us that it's time.

Thirty minutes later, Glenn knocks on the front door. We chose to get ready in a house right off Main Street so we would be close to where they had the ceremony set up. Maggie answers and let's him in. Glenn gives me a big hug and tells me I look so pretty. He holds out his arm for Maggie and she accepts it quickly.

Another knock sounds and then Rick appears through the door. "It's time." He takes in Maggie who is wearing a beautiful floor length blush colored dress that shows off her small baby bump nicely. He smiles and hugs her. "You're glowing."

"Thanks, Rick. Wait until you see the bride." She says happily.

Rick's eyes fall on me and he stops. "Beth…" his eyes turn glassy as he approaches me. "You look beautiful."

I smile and give him a tight hug. "Thanks. How's he doing?"

Rick pulls back and looks down at me with understanding. "He's good. A little nervous but good." I nod and imagine Daryl nervously pacing, waiting for the wedding to start. "You ready?"

I take his awaiting arm. "Ready."

As if on cue, music sounds prompting Maggie and Glenn to exit the house. Rick and I follow them and stop behind a tree. I can see everyone sitting in the chairs that are neatly lined up on the street. Light glimmers in their hands because every guest is holding a candle to help illuminate the street. Maggie and Glenn walk down the makeshift aisle slowly. The surrounding trees twinkle with twinkle lights.

I look over at Rick again and whisper. "Thanks again for walking me down the aisle."

Rick's right hand covers mine that it tucked in his other arm. "It's my honor."

The music fades and the opening chords to Moon River fill the air. I chose the song because it's the song that my mom walked down the aisle to. Rick leads us behind the chairs to the aisle. Everyone stands and all eyes are on us. I squirm but ignore them. My gaze falls on Daryl at the end of the aisle waiting for me. Father Gabriel is standing next to him between two tall golden candelabras that have greenery and white flowers snaking along the base of each. Glenn and Maggie stand in their respective places, each holding their candles framing the scene.

I smile as Rick and I begin to walk forward. I make brief eye contact with the people I pass, but my eyes immediately dart back to my future husband. The closer I get, the better I can see him. He looks very handsome. I know he must be so uncomfortable in the clothes but he looks so good in his black pants and white button up shirt. My heart nearly burst when I see the look on his face. I've never seen him look at anything that way before. With such wonder and softness. He's looking at me like I'm an angel or something. It takes my breath away.

Then I'm right in front of him with my hands in his. I smile and that cute lopsided grin appears. I can see his hair has been trimmed and his facial hair has been cleaned up making his gotee more defined. Everyone behind us takes their seats and Rick takes his place right behind Daryl as best man. Daryl shifts his weight from one foot to the other trying his best not to fidget. I give his hands a gentle squeeze and his eyes meet mine. I take a deep breath then smile encouragingly at him. In silent understanding, he takes a deep breath too. I watch as the tension leaves his body and his gaze settles on me again with a renewed focus.

Gabriel speaks but Daryl and I remain locked in on each other. With the shimmer of the candle light, I'm no longer standing in the middle of Main Street in Alexandria. I'm in the kitchen of the funeral home. Crickets chirp softly and Daryl's giving me the same look he gave me then.

"We are gathered here today to join together, Beth and Daryl, in marriage. Thank you all for being witnesses to this joyous occasion on this beautiful night. Before the vows, Beth and Daryl would like to say a few words. Beth, you're first."

I nod at Gabriel then look back at Daryl. I hate speaking in public but I brush the nerves away.

"Daryl, when I met you, I was in a dark place. The world had just ended, the dead were walking and I had no hope. I didn't want to live because I didn't think I could ever be happy again. But I was so wrong. This life is hard but I have never been more alive. You make me so happy. You believed in me when no one else did. You showed me how to fight and adapt to this world. You made me stronger, better. You have saved me in every way a person can be saved. I will spend my life trying to make you feel as loved and as happy as you make me feel. I love you so much and I'm so proud to be yours, forever."

Tears fill his eyes and his chest rises at my words.

"That was lovely Beth. Daryl, it is now your turn." Gabriel instructs.

"Evergreene… you once said that I would be the last man standin'...but the truth is… I don't wanna be the last man standin' if you ain't standing there next t' me. I need ya. I need ya everyday, for as long as I live. You're my reason for livin'. You're every good thing in this world, my light at the end of this shitty tunnel." I giggle. "Shit, sorry. I didn't mean to curse." Everyone else laughs at his apology. Daryl shakes his head and pushes through. "I didn't save you, you saved me. You don't have t' do anythin' for the rest of our lives. You just gotta be you. That's all I need."

I swallow the lump in my throat and blink the tears away.

Gabriel looks at Daryl. "Daryl, do you take Beth to be your wife, in sickness and health for as long as you both shall live?"

Daryl stares deep into my eyes. "I do."

Gabriel turns to me. "Beth, do you take Daryl to be your husband, in sickness and health for as long as you both shall live?"

A tear falls. "I do."

"The rings?" Gabriel asks Maggie and Rick. They each hand us the rings.

"Daryl, put the ring on Beth's finger and say 'with this ring, I thee wed.'"

Daryl slides the simple gold band on my ringer. "Wit' this ring, I thee wed."

"Beth, now you put the ring on Daryl's ringer and say 'with this ring, I thee wed.'"

I put the matching gold band on his ring finger as I repeat. "With this ring, I thee wed."

"As God and all these people as witnesses, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Gabriel says happily.

I gasp into Daryl's mouth that is suddenly on mine. I figured he'd be shy about our first kiss. He hates PDA but his lips crash into mine so sweetly. His kiss is desperate, passionate at first. I sigh and open my mouth to sweep my tongue across his. He softens the kiss and it turns tender. Our mouths close and he pecks my lips once more before pulling away.

I look up at him in blissful disbelief. He's my husband now. He takes my hand and we turn to all our family and friends who are cheering. A light flashes before us and I know it's Eric taking pictures. He lowers the camera from his face to reveal he's crying from happiness or sadness I am not sure. Maybe both. I know he's happy for us, but I know he misses his husband. Despite our efforts to get him to Denise on time, Aaron ended up dying from his wound. We all took it hard, especially Daryl.

He saw Beta stab Aaron but was too far away to warn us or stop it. Like he always does, he blamed himself for a while. I had to remind him he can't save everyone. And even if he was able to do something or warn us, we were surrounded by the Wolves, there's no guarantee that he would have survived. Daryl eventually saw reason and reluctantly agreed.

I put a hand on my chest and look at Eric with a knowing sad smile. Eric shakes his head quickly and smiles through his tears letting me know he's okay. I've been spending a lot of time with Eric. We've confided in each other and laughed and cried together. He's quickly become one of my best friends. Even though he's still mourning Aaron, he's happy for us. I give him a small nod and make myself a promise to find him as soon as I can to give him a big hug.

Daryl and I walk around greeting everyone as they say hello and congratulate us. Daryl deals out respective nods and I pass out hugs as Abraham and Eugene move the chairs quickly to form a circle around us. Music softly plays from the boombox in the back and the reception party starts.

The air is crisp and a little chilly but also light and happy and hopeful. Daryl has smiled more tonight than I ever thought him capable in public. Normally he's so guarded and grumpy around others but today, he's just happy. I am glad everyone else gets to see him like this even if it's just this once. I get to see Daryl like this all the time in the quiet moments when we're alone. It's nice to see him smile and laugh with people other than our family. I take a moment to just admire him. He's so cute when he smiles. Small dimples come out of hiding and his eyes crinkle in the most adorable way. Unable to help myself, I press a quick peck to his cheek and watch his face flush.

I smile up at him as his eyes meet mine. "I think it's time for our first dance." He says to me in a low, deep voice.

I nod and let him pull me to the middle of the circle. I nod at Maggie who hits play on tape in the boombox. Slow instrumental music sounds and everyone quiets down as we begin to sway.

I smile at Daryl and am thankful we have a minute to ourselves. "Hi."

His lips twitch in amusement. "Hey Evergreene." He brushes my cheek as he tucks a stray hair behind my ear. "You look… beautiful. I didn't think you could be any prettier but here ya are."

My face heats at his words. I know he thinks I'm pretty but to hear him say it aloud (because it's so rare) makes my stomach explode with butterflies. "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself… Mr. Dixon."

His eyes darken as he says, "Thank you, Mrs. Dixon." Hearing him call me Mrs. Dixon makes me feel things I never expected. Surprise. Love. Satisfaction. Affection. Desire. He leans in and kisses me. The kiss is short and soft but when he pulls away his gaze tells me he wishes we were alone.

"I like the sound of that. Mrs. Dixon."

His gaze softens at that and he gives me another soft peck on my lips. The extra display of affection surprises me.

"I know it's our wedding day but what was that for?" I ask curiously.

"Just putting a quarter in the jukebox."

I smile. "What do you want to hear?"

"You know…"

I do know. My heart melts because this is how he wants to spend our first dance. Dancing to something I am singing. Something that I wrote. How can a girl say no to that? I am deliberate about where I start hoping he will get the hint.

"So make up lies and say goodbyes

And meet me at the door

Cause we got married tonight

And we've drank up the wine

You married me and you'll always be mine

It's such a nice night in the safe zone

And we should be alone

We got married baby

Let's go home."

He gives me a devilish look. "Yes ma'am."

Xx

The streets of Alexandria are dark or maybe they only seem that way now that we are away from the light of the reception. Daryl and I are holding hands as we walk home to our honeymoon. Our honeymoon. It won't be anything too crazy, just a day or two and I'm sure we will spend most of it in bed. But I'm still just as excited as if it were the kind of honeymoon from before.

I've imagined sex with Daryl so many times. We've fooled around and each time, even though I'm satisfied, I want more. And even though he's been the one to insist we wait until tonight, I can tell each time he's just as hungry for more as I am.

I start to head to the front door of our house but Daryl tugs on my hand to keep me moving forward. I look at him confused. "Where are you going?"

He keeps his gravelly voice low when he says, "You'll see."

He walks me two more houses down before he stops in front of the last house on the street. It's a little smaller than the others but not by much. The house glows blue in the moonlight but I know it's white with red shutters and a matching red door. The porch is huge and there are two rocking chairs that I don't remember being there before.

I look at Daryl. "What's this?"

"It's ours." He says. "Rick and Deanna gave it to us."

A smile forms on my face. The thought of getting to spend my honeymoon alone with Daryl in a house where we will have total privacy… it sounds to good to be true. "How long do we have to for?"

"Forever, if we want." My eyes snap to his in shock. "I told them I'd let you decide. Rick told me that was smart and said some bullshit about happy wife, happy life."

I breathe out a small chuckle and look back at the house. "We've been living in close quarters for so long it's hard to imagine having a whole house to ourselves. We haven't had that since…"

"...the funeral home." Daryl finishes my sentence.

Instantly the memories come to the front of my mind. Serious piggyback rides. Me playing the piano for him. Daryl picking me up to hurry me to the kitchen. Us laughing and joking together. That candlelit dinner. Things between us had been different there. It was easy. We had no pressure. No expectations. We could just be together. Since I escaped we've only had that in small doses. When we were on the road, it was when we went out hunting together or when practicing my bow. Then we got to Alexandria, we have that when we are in our room in the basement but it's not quite the same. We're still living in a house with other people. There is always someone around. We're constantly interrupted by either Maggie, Judith or Rick. Here we would have true privacy. The urge to tell Daryl that this is our home now is overwhelming. But does he want to live here?

My eyes meet his. "What do you think?"

He shrugs casually. "Well it don't have any caskets. I checked." I laugh at his ridiculousness. The memory of him getting comfy in the casket as I played the piano surfaces again. He slept in that stupid thing every night. He even insisted I try it out once. It was comfy but I never admitted it. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction. I just continued to tease him about it. His voice pulls me back to the present. "But that's the only downside I can see."

I smile. That's a glowing endorsement from Daryl if I've ever heard one. "Well then, take me home, Mr. Dixon."

"Yes ma'am, Mrs. Dixon." He says cooly as he sweeps me off my feet as he carries me bridal style to our new home. Arousal hits me with the new terms of endearment. Who knew calling me ma'am and Mrs. Dixon would be such turn ons?

He opens the door and carries me across the threshold. I giggle at him as he sets me down abruptly but he doesn't let me fall as I regain my balance. The living room looks like every other living room in Alexandria except there is a piano on the far wall with a big bow on it.

"It's my wedding present to you. I found it on a run the other day and made the guys help me bring it in." He says shyly.

"That's what you were doing all day?" I ask in surprise.

He nods as I wrap my arms around his neck. "I love it. Thank you." He hums at me rather than saying you're welcome. "What would have done if I said I wanted us to still live in the basement?"

"Then I'd have the guys help me move it down there." He says matter of factly.

I can't believe he got me a piano. It makes my wedding present seem silly. "I got you a wedding present too."

"Ya did?" He asks happily.

"Yeah but it's no piano so I hope you're not disappointed." I add insecurely.

"I promise ya, I won't. If ya remember, I ain't received many presents in my life. I'll be happy with whatever it is." He says sincerely.

I give him a peck on the lips. "I'll be back, I gotta run and get it."

I make a move to leave but he stops me. "I had Maggie pack ya a bag. If she knew what it was, she shoulda packed it." I nod in confirmation. "It's in the bedroom."

Sure enough, there is a bag on the bed. I look at him and try to be seductive as I say. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable and I'll go change into your present." I watch his eyes turn dark. I turn away from him to dig in the bag to grab the white sheer lingerie that I picked out for tonight and disappear into the connected bathroom.

What I picked out isn't too scandalous. It's a babydoll style nighty. Basically a lace bra with sheer fabric attached making it look like a sheer dress. It closes in the front to create a perfect v neck giving me some cleavage. I put on the white sheer lacey thong that came with it. I study myself in the mirror. I've never worn lingerie before. I like it. A surge of confidence swells inside me. I feel pretty and sexy. I think if I had picked the teddy that Maggie tried to talk me into, I wouldn't feel as confident. I take a deep breath and step out into the bedroom.

Daryl is sitting on the bed. His white shirt is in buttoned slightly and his shoes are off but that's all he done to himself. He looks up when he hears me come in. I hear him whisper damn under his breath

I lean against the door frame and smile demurely at him. "You like your wedding present?"

He stands up quickly and meets me at the doorway. "How the hell do you think I could ever be disappointed with this?" His fingers pinch the sheer material hanging near my hip.

Feeling self conscious all the sudden, I shrug. "I mean I know I could have chosen something sexier… I don't know." I look down in embarrassment.

His hand stops my chin and he forces me to meet his intense gaze. A shiver runs through my body as I stare up at him. His blue eyes bore into me behind the veil of hair that has fallen over his forehead just so. "Listen t' me Evergreen. You're the sexiest thing I've ever seen, don't matter what ya wear. This, your favorite pair of jeans, a potato sack. It all drives me crazy."

My throat feels tight as I force myself to swallow. "Really?" I say breathlessly.

"Really."

He moves his hand from my chin to lean against the door frame and his other large hand grabs my waist as he leans in and takes my mouth with his. He presses himself against me, pinning me deliciously between him and the door frame. I moan at the contact. My right hand finds its usual place in his hair. He groans as I pull it slightly. My left hand lingers on his chest. I feel his bare chest underneath my fingers. I feel him shudder under my touch or that could be me again, I can't tell at this point.

A thrill courses through me as I begin to unbutton his shirt and expose more of his big chest and tight abs. He helps me shrug it off and then without warning he lifts me up. My legs wrap around his waist as he carries me to the bed. He lays me down softly and kisses me thoroughly. His lips travel to my neck and lick me on the spot he knows I love, making me moan. My nighty has fallen open exposing my belly button. Daryl takes notice when his fingers graze the naked flesh of my stomach. He kisses down my neck to my chest where my hands grasp at his hair. Expertly his lips kiss and nip to my navel. I giggle and squirm as he licks me there.

He looks up at me and grins that crooked grin. "Ticklish, Evergreene?"

I sigh, "A little."

He mumbles a sorry as his lips attach to my stomach again this time below my belly button. His fingers hook in my panties and he slowly peels them from my body. My legs hang open, off the bed, as he sits back on his knees and looks at me. I sit up on my elbows and watch as he brings my panties to his nose and sniffs. I feel myself grow even more wet at the sight. He tosses them to the side and grabs my left leg. He kisses my toes, then my foot, then my calf, then my thigh. As he gets closer to my sex, my breath speeds up in anticipation. Then he pulls away and starts the same menstruations with my other leg. I throw my head back and groan in frustration. He chuckles but his lips never leave my skin. Then he's close again.

I find myself holding my breath as he gets closer and closer. Only when his lips attach to my pussy do I breathe again in a gasp. He licks my clit and I snake my hands in his hair again. I moan when his tongue works itself against my folds. I can't help but buck my hips and ride his face in pleasure.

"Daryl…" I gasp. I tuck at his hair pulling him to me. "I want you."

He pulls back and says, "Yes, ma'am."

The look on his face tells me he knows how much I like it when he says that. I grasp at his belt and help him remove his pants. His dick springs free and I wrap my hand around it and pump it a few times making him moan this time. He climbs over top of me and kisses me. My tongue dances with his as he settles himself above me. I grab his length again and guide him to my entrance. His eyes meet mine as he pushes into me. We both moan in pleasure as he fills me. When he is fully seated inside me as deep as he can go, he whispers, "I love ya Evergreene."

My eyes sting with tears at his words. "I love you too." I whisper.

I roll my hips urging him to move. He takes the hint and starts to thrust into me slowly. I have never felt love so tangibly before. He isn't saying much but I can feel it and see it in his eyes and in his movements. He constantly amazes me how he says so much without ever saying a word and right now it's no different. I've had sex before but it's never been like this. Making love is the only way to describe it. I wonder if he feels it too. He must with the way he's moaning and groaning in my ear. I kiss and lick at his neck as he moves within me. I bite down when he hits a particularly deep spot. It's like we were made for each other.

I pant as his pace picks up and I can feel my orgasm rise within me. My body is hot all over. I feel the heat deep inside me push it's way to the surface of my skin which is slick with sweat. It's like a volcano as the pleasure erupts from my body. I tighten around him and my limbs turn rigid. A few more thrusts and Daryl pulses within my core. It feels so good as he spills himself inside me. We both ride the wave of our orgasms together. Daryl collapses on top of me and our chests rise and fall as one as we try to catch our breath.

It takes a few minutes but eventually we calm down. Daryl moves to lay beside me. I sign in contentment as he holds me close. We're both sweaty but I don't care.

His voice fills the silence. "Sorry."

I twist my head to look at him. "For what?" I ask, confused.

"I shoulda asked before I…" He trials off and his eyes lower from mine down to my lower half.

His eyes meet mine again and I shake my head. "Don't apologize. It was perfect."

His lips twitch in that crooked grin. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." I say reassuringly. "We will be more careful next time."

He nods and falls silent again. "Hey Evergreene?"

"Yeah?" I ask.

"Thanks for marrying me." He says softly.

"Thank you for asking me." I say sincerely. I grab the side of his face. "I love you Daryl Dixon."

"I love you Beth Dixon." I close my eyes and take a deep breath, the air smells of Daryl, leather and nicotine, and sex. Exhaustion overtakes me and I feel myself beginning to grow more and more tired. My breathing evens out as I feel Daryl kiss the top of my head and whisper, "I'm gonna make you so happy, Evergreene. You'll see. We're gonna be the last ones standing. You and me."