AN:hey guys, last chapter AN at the end of chapter:)

I do not own or profit from The Walking Dead

Chapter 26

There is no creature among all the beasts of the world which hath so great and ample demonstration of the power and wisdom of almighty God as the elephant~ Edward Topsell

10 days later The Hilltop

Daryl sat on the bed of his and Carol's room awaiting Carol's exit from the bathroom, with a smile. His wife.

The past ten days had gone by quickly. The day after The Lieutenant's death Daryl, Carol and the rest of the Lieutenant's group had departed for the hilltop. Trucks traveling in caravan, stopping only when necessary. Four days later they had arrived at The Hilltop, the three trucks arriving at the massive gates. News had travelled quickly throughout the safe zone, and by the time the travellers had reached Douglas's office, Daryl could see the prison group making there way towards them quickly, welcoming smiles on their faces.

The group had been emotional at their return none more so than Rick,embracing Carol and Daryl, muttering thank god under his breath, while wiping away tears. The group had then noticed The lieutenant's men unloading the shrouded body from the back of a pick up truck, in a scene reminiscent of Andrea's return to the prison to be buried.

Beth had scanned the Lieutenant's group and turned to Carol "Where's the Lieutenant?" She asked. The group had become quiet.

Daryl had watched Carol struggling for words. The lieutenant's death had struck her hard. She had been quiet afterward until Daryl had confronted her about it when they stopped on the road one night. She had broken down in tears, doubting herself and why she had been able to do it when the rest of The Lieutenant's men hadn't been able to.

"Maybe I am cold" she had said

"Angel, people who are cold don't worry about if they are or not. What you are is strong and tough. Tougher than a room of tough as fuck men, doing what needed to be done, even when you're heart was breaking...don't doubt your heart, the lieutenant didn't, and I sure as hell don't " he had said.

Carol continued to struggle to find the words to answer Beth when Daryl spoke up, squeezing Carol's hand "I'm sorry Beth, he was a good man and he loved you...you were one of the last things he spoke off" Beth had nodded and gone over to the Lieutenant's men, who had engulfed her in a sea of hugs.

That was the moment when Daryl had truly understood what it meant to be married, to be someone's significant other. Carol didn't have to be strong all the time, she didn't have to carry the weight of the world alone, cause he was there to help her carry it. Just like she would do the same for him.

Rick and the group happily brought the two back to the house they were sharing. The houses at The Hilltop were large homes and the group had been settled in a home that was a relative mansion. Carol and Daryl had a large room the group had prepared for them. Never giving up that they would show up at the gates.

The next day the had gathered in The Hilltop's graveyard and laid the lieutenant to rest. Carol had grasped Daryl's hand tightly the whole time.

Tonight he and Carol had surprised the group at supper. The prison group and the lieutenant's group had been sharing a meal together in the formal dining room of the group's new home.

Wong and Daryl had bonded on the road and Daryl had been surprised to learn Wong had spent time as an army chaplain pre turn and had performed wedding ceremonies. Daryl and Carol had spoke, deciding they didn't want a large ceremony, just a simple exchange of vows in front of their family. When Daryl had approached Wong he'd been honored to perform the wedding, but laughingly reminded them it wouldn't be legal. He come back a little later with two rings, the lieutenant's and his wife's. Carol had refused initially but Wong had been insistent. It's what he would want he said firmly.

The group had been confused initially when Carol had left the room returning with a Cherokee rose pinned behind her ear and Wong and Daryl had stood up. When Wong had explained what was happening there had been a stunned silence then applause. The vows had been short and simple but meaningful.

Carol walked out of the bathroom then bringing him back to the present. He glanced at her appreciatively as she made her way to the bed wrapped in a towel.

She lied down next to him, and he pulled her into his side, wrapping his arms around her.

"Hey Mrs. Dixon" he said softly with a grin.

Her smile lit up her face "Hey Mr. Dixon"

"So" he began as he leaned over her, opening her towel "Wanna screw around?"

AN#2: so I want to say thank you for all the encouragement and reviews. Please, please,review one more time and let me know what you think:) I would greatly appreciate it.