The familiar road to Alexandria came into view when Daryl drove the car towards their former home. He glanced across at Carol, who beamed him a tired smile before she reached across the seat to lay her hand on his thigh. Craning her neck back she grinned at Maggie, who was sitting in the middle of the back seat, squeezed between the two baby car seats.
"Everyone okay back there?" Carol asked when Maggie reached over to her son and readjusted the little sock he'd managed to kick off of his foot.
"Yep," Maggie grinned happily when she turned in her seat to check on the baby in the other car seat. Reaching down to her baby niece, she smoothed a finger over her auburn curls before she withdrew her hand and sat back in her seat. "They're both asleep."
"I'm not surprised Livie's sleepin'," Daryl grinned as he caught Maggie's eyes in the rear view mirror. "She was frettin' cuz Carol was workin'. She missed her momma."
"I didn't finish in the infirmary until late. One of the workers fell off the scaffolds at the wall and cut his leg pretty bad. So by the time I got home she was already in her pyjamas," Carol sighed, speaking to Maggie as she laid her head back against the headrest. She glanced across at the man beside her, loving how he had taken to fatherhood so naturally. "And she was still awake when I got home…"
"She wanted to see ya!" he smirked, his eyes darting to hers briefly before he looked back at the road.
"Our daughter knows exactly how to wrap you around her little finger!" Carol teased as she reached across the seat to lay her hand on his thigh.
"Pfft...yeah, keep tellin' yerself that!"
"Hey, I'm not the one who checks on her ten times a night," she grinned. "Less than two weeks of us being her parents and she's already a daddy's little girl!"
Daryl's smile widened when he reached down to squeeze her hand on his thigh. He never thought he'd ever be a father, but when that little girl looked up at him with those big, beautiful eyes, he'd fallen head over heels, hook, line and sinker.
"I can't wait to see their faces when they see you two with a baby. I told Jesus not to spoil the surprise," Maggie beamed, her eyes growing a little brighter when Alexandria's gate came into view.
"I imagine it'll be the same reaction you had when we came home," Carol told her, her wide smile sparking the memories of two weeks ago when they returned to Hilltop as a trio.
"Hey, welcome home," Maggie's voice surrounded them when she came towards Carol holding Hershel in her arms. "We've missed you."
Carol pulled her into a one armed hug before she bent to place a brief kiss onto Hershel's forehead, her eyes lingering over his soft features. "He's changed so much in three weeks...he's so beautiful."
"He is isn't he?" Maggie beamed proudly. "He looks more like his daddy every day."
Daryl nodded to her when he got out of the car, and Maggie watched him curiously when he moved to the back door, pulling it open. She opened her mouth to ask if he was okay, but the words died on her lips when the unmistakable sounds of a baby caused her mouth to gape open in shock.
Carol moved to his side and held her arms out for the baby dressed all in pink and all Maggie could do was stare at the two of them in confusion. Daryl's hands lingered over the baby, smoothing his hand over her hair before he looked up at Maggie with a huge grin.
Maggie focused on her friends more closely. They were standing close together, looking over the baby with doting eyes and suddenly everything made sense.
"Olivia," Carol spoke softly as she smiled brightly. "Come and meet your aunt Maggie…"
Alexandria's gate slid open, welcoming them back home as Daryl pulled the car to a stop just inside the gate. He looked around for the welcoming committee that he thought would be greeting them, but instead they were met by the lone figure of Jesus who was waving his arm in the air in greeting. Carol was out of the car first, smiling warmly at him as she looked around.
"Where's Rick? I thought he'd be here to meet us."
"Oh, they called an emergency meeting, so he sent me out to wait for you," he told her, even though his eyes gravitated to Daryl when he climbed out of the car. "We'll make our way over when you've got the kids settled."
"Emergency?" Carol asked, her eyes sparking with worry. "What emergency? Is everyone okay?"
"W...what?" Jesus stammered as he swallowed nervously. "Oh...no, not that kind of emergency. Something about the hot water not working I think."
Carol watched him for a few moments, nodding at his explanation. He seemed a little jittery and she eyed him suspiciously. "You didn't tell them did you? Because if you did…"
"No," Jesus gasped, holding his hands up in surrender while his eyes left hers as he shot Daryl an appreciative smile, not even bothering to hide his interest in him. Looking back to Carol, he took in her piercing gaze and shook his head nervously. "Of course I didn't...it'll be a complete surprise, I swear!"
"It better be," Daryl groused when he opened the rear side door to reach in, unstrapping Hershel from his seat and lifting him out. He shushed the baby when he mewled grumpily, not happy that he'd been woken up in the middle of his nap. Maggie climbed out of the car and dusted herself off before she took her son from Daryl and lifted him against her shoulder, bouncing a little to settle him. She looked from Carol to Jesus, a smile forming on her lips as she wondered if Jesus realised that Daryl was oblivious to anyone other than his wife and child.
Carol moved to the back of the car and opened the door to be greeted by little squeals of excitement when her daughter spotted her. The little girl kicked her legs excitedly when she reached in to unstrap her. Lifting her out, Carol broke into a wide smile when she kissed her daughter's chubby cheek. "Daddy's coming, honey," she cooed softly as she turned Olivia around so that she could see her father as he walked around the car and held out his arms for the giggling infant.
"Hey baby girl," he grinned, delighted in her little squeals of laughter when he held her a little higher in the air before pulling her down to shower her face with sloppy kisses.
Carol shook her head as she closed the car door and slipped her hand over Olivia's hair. Leaning in to kiss her cheek she chuckled softly when their daughter hiccupped, the hitch in her body causing her to break into a fit of giggles. She babbled into her fist, hiccupping and giggling even when her daddy handed her back to her mother while he popped the trunk and reached inside to grab the two changing bags and his crossbow.
Maggie took her offered bag, slipping it over her shoulder while she cradled her son in her arms. "Does Rick want us to head straight over?"
"Yeah, they should be finished soon," Jesus nodded, his gaze lingering on Daryl. "I'll take you all over..."
"We used to live here," Maggie told him, a hint of annoyance seeping through her voice. "We can find our own way."
"I know," Jesus nodded, taking a step back. "I didn't mean…"
"No...I'm sorry," Maggie shook her head and sighed heavily. "It's being back here again. It was different when I was pregnant, but now Hershel's here…"
"You miss your husband," Jesus nodded, "I get it...I really do."
Maggie watched Jesus when he glanced across at the Carol and Daryl as they fussed over their daughter, both of them making her giggle louder with every raspberry kiss and every peek-a-boo. She knew that if things were different, then Jesus would have been all over Daryl in a heartbeat whether he was interested or not. Lowering her voice, she moved a little closer to him. "Carol is my friend and all this you're doing whether you think it's harmless or not, she notices...so please just stop, okay."
Jesus huffed, his voice dropping to a mere whisper, "Sorry...y'know I didn't mean anything by it...he's just so damn hot...y'know!"
"I know," Maggie told him with a gentle smile as she glanced across at the new family. "That man has only ever had eyes for her...believe me, there's been plenty of women who have already tried...and besides, Carol will kill you!"
Daryl was oblivious to the unwanted affection from the other man as he kissed Olivia's cheek, knowing the scratch of his beard always caused her to erupt into a fit of giggles. He grinned happily when he lifted his head to kiss Carol soundly on the lips before he slipped his crossbow over his shoulder. He was in the process of placing the strap of the changing bag over Carol's arm when he spotted Carl coming towards them. Nudging his wife's side he nodded his head towards the teenager who was suddenly barrelling towards them excitedly.
"You're here...but…" Carl's eyes widened in surprise when he slowed to a stop as he looked from the baby in Maggie's arms to the baby who was bouncing in Carol's. Opening his mouth, he tried to formulate a sentence but no words came out, instead he only managed to blink in confusion.
Daryl took pity on the young man and slapped his shoulder affectionately when they began walking towards the small church. "That's Olivia...she's our kid."
"What...how?"
"That was my exact response too," Maggie giggled when she and Carol followed closely behind them, leaving Jesus to catch up to Daryl and Carl.
"I'm sorry about Jesus," Maggie told her in a conspired whisper, her eyes following the other man when he walked beside Daryl. "I know you noticed him eyeing up Daryl...and right in front of you!"
"I know," Carol smiled as she shifted Olivia onto her hip.
"And it doesn't bother you?" Maggie asked in disbelief as they approached the church steps.
"I know how Daryl feels about us, and I know without a doubt that any man, or woman, will never be able to take him from me or Olivia. He loves us, and that's all anyone needs to know."
Maggie's eyes clouded over as she thought of how much she wished Glenn was still with them. He would have doted on his son just as much as Daryl did on his little girl...and Glenn would have been so happy to see just how far their two friends had come. He would have been leading their cheering squad with all the whistles and banners he could find...Sighing heavily she smiled across at the woman walking beside her. "You're an amazing woman, Carol."
Before Carol could respond, Maggie had moved up the steps and was already walking into the church. Carol slowed her pace a little. Her eyes were suddenly pooling with tears so she stopped to compose herself, blinking furiously while she nuzzled her daughter's soft hair. The little girl in her arms bounced in protest when she babbled a string of daddas, causing Carol to break into a bright smile.
"See, I knew you would be a daddy's girl the moment he picked you up," Carol grinned as she lifted Olivia up in front of her to cover her little face in kisses before she made her way slowly up the steps only to hover just outside the door. She didn't want to take any attention away from Maggie and Hershel, so she hung back for a few moments, knowing that Daryl would come and find her when he realised she wasn't behind him.
The church was full when Daryl and Maggie walked inside, and for a moment Daryl stopped beside Carl, standing still as not to disturb the ongoing meeting, but the sudden burst of bellowing congratulations took him by surprise. Rick moved forward, his eyes bright when he embraced his brother warmly before moving towards Maggie, slipping his arm around her shoulders as he dipped his head to kiss the baby's forehead. He lingered there for a few moments before he moved to Maggie, pressing his lips to her temple. The rest of their family flocked around Maggie, fussing over her and the baby with kisses and congratulations.
Daryl looked behind him, expecting to see Carol there, but when he couldn't see her he turned towards the door and went to find her. His eyes met hers worriedly when she seemed to be just standing on the steps, holding onto their daughter close to her chest like some kind of lifeline.
"Hey," his voice lowered when he reached out to cup her cheek in his hand, smoothing his thumb over her skin. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she told him softly as she leaned into his palm. "I wanted Maggie and Hershel to have their moment before we came in and ruined it."
"Don't know what yer on about woman," he groused, even though his eyes were glinting with pride. He knew she had made a point of keeping their marriage from Maggie until Hershel had received all of his gushing visitors. She had always been so selfless, and that was one of the reasons he'd fallen for her in the first place. Lowering his hand, he leaned in to kiss her before he paid their little girl the attention she was demanding from him when he'd come to find them.
"Okay, okay," Carol laughed when Olivia reached for her daddy with happy squeals when he lifted her in his arms.
"Hey baby," he grinned, kissing her cheek before he turned her little body around so that she was facing forward with her back against his chest. He smiled at his wife, reaching out to take her hand in his, threading their fingers. "Come on…"
Glancing behind him, Rick looked around for Carol but when he couldn't see her, he started towards the door but slowed when he saw Daryl standing on the steps just outside the door...and within seconds all the breath left Rick's lungs when the couple reappeared in the doorway, but they weren't alone.
Daryl held his daughter against his chest with one arm wrapped around her and his large hand securing her against him. Her back was flush against his chest so that she could see all of the new faces without straining her neck to see what was going on. The glint of Daryl's wedding band brought a surge of pride to Rick's eyes; these two people had beaten the odds on so many occasions, and here they were now looking so happy. Daryl held onto Carol's hand, the two of them grinning at him, waiting for him to ask the inevitable question.
"Who…"
The little girl looked up at Rick curiously, her eyes as wide as her smile. She kicked her legs and jabbered excitedly as she held out a chubby hand towards Rick. Olivia's loud squeals brought everyone's attention onto her, and Maggie couldn't have been happier. She knew that Carol always held herself back, especially now that Hershel had arrived. She'd insisted that all of the attention should be showered over Maggie and not her, and as much as she appreciated the attention, Maggie didn't think it really mattered anymore. These two babies were the start of something beautiful; a symbol that life could be good again, and she wanted Carol to share the attention with her. Michonne stood beside Maggie, gazing down at the baby in her arms. She had stolen Hershel from her, cuddling the baby against her chest, oblivious to all of the bustle going on around her, but when she lifted her eyes from Hershel's face and saw Maggie's bright smile, she looked across to see what all the fuss was about. Michonne's mouth dropped open when she saw the other baby secured in Daryl's arms, and slow recognition formed in her eyes.
"Livie, ya gonna say hello to all a yer aunts and uncles, sweetheart?" Daryl cooed into her ear as he released Carol's hand to pass Olivia to her. He knew she was much better at all of this mingling stuff than he was. So he slid the changing bag from her shoulder to slip it over his own as he grinned at his daughter's infectious smile.
"Oh my god…" Rick's mouth opened wide as he looked at Olivia before he held his arms out for the infant, his shock turning to joy when Carol passed her across to him. The little girl was looking up at him with wide, curious eyes, stealing her uncle's heart in two seconds flat. He grinned down at her, his eyes growing brighter. "Hey...look at you honey...aren't you a surprise…"
"Rick...everyone, we'd like you to meet our daughter, Olivia," Carol beamed proudly as she smoothed her hand over her daughter's hair. "She's six months old."
Tara gasped when she moved towards them, shaking her head in amusement. "Typical of you two to spoil the surprise, by giving us an even bigger one!"
"Surprise?" Daryl asked, a little dubious when he suddenly noticed the church was decorated with flowers.
"Yeah, about that…" Rick grinned as he bounced Olivia in his arms and kissed her forehead before he handed her back to her mother. Stepping backwards he motioned for everyone to give the couple and Maggie some room so they could see how many of their family had gathered to welcome them home.
"We were decorating for your wedding," Michonne told them happily as she rocked baby Hershel in her arms. "But we didn't know we were going to have a wedding and naming two babies on the same day...I only decorated with blue bows…" she looked towards Tara, addressing the younger woman seriously. "We'll need to find something pink!"
Tara nodded, bouncing on her heels. "On it!"
Carol's eyes grew a little wider as she looked at each of their family in turn, "Rick...this is…"
"What?" Rick laughed. "You thought we weren't going to celebrate you two getting married? And now with Hershel's and Olivia's arrival, we've got to celebrate the two newest members of our family."
"Rick…" Daryl looked around at their family, suddenly losing all of his words. He glanced across to Carol who was smiling at him, and he could already feel his anxiety lifting a little when she came to stand by his side with their daughter nestled against her chest.
"Thank you," she spoke for both of them, her voice cracking slightly as she nuzzled her daughter's hair. "All of you…"
Daryl slipped his hand over the small of her back and nodded his thanks, but when Olivia chose that moment to squeal loudly with a string of dadda's, she was greeted with chuckles and words like adorable and awww from her many aunts and uncles that had gathered around them. She was tugging at her mother's buttons on her jacket when Hershel's soft mewls turned into a hungry wail, signalling the end of their reunion.
"I should feed him," Maggie smiled apologetically when Michonne reluctantly handed the baby back to her. "Where are we staying?"
"Oh...Maggie you're in the back bedroom of our house, we put a travel cot in there for Hershel if he needs to nap," Rick told her softly when everyone started to filter out of the church.
Carol met Michonne's smile with a knowing one of her own. Lifting Olivia up a little, Carol kissed her cheek before she handed her over to Michonne's waiting arms and followed her out of the church to wait outside in the warm sunshine.
"Where's Judith?" Carol asked curiously as she looked around to try and spot the little girl, but when she couldn't see her, she was about to ask again when she heard her daughter's delighted squeals when Tara was jumping out behind Michonne's shoulder, making the baby laugh louder every time.
"She's with the Pedrills," Michonne told her as she held Olivia on her hip when Tara caused her to laugh again. "They run a pre-school for all the kids here. It's only got six kids in it so far, but Judy loves going."
"That's amazing," Carol nodded, her mind already sparking with ideas for a pre-school at Hilltop. "We're going to need something like that back home soon."
When Rick and Daryl emerged from the church, Carol reached out to run her fingers over Olivia's hair before Michonne reassured her that the baby would be fine with her. Carol offered her a smile in thanks and walked towards the two men and leaned into Daryl's side.
"I think we've lost our daughter," she told him jokingly when all three of them looked across to see Michonne dancing around with Olivia.
"She's gonna be grumbling for her dinner soon enough. That'll bring Chonne running back with her," Daryl smirked. "Did ya remember to bring that apple stuff she likes so much?"
"Yes Pookie," Carol scoffed, her lips breaking into a wide grin as she nudged his arm. "I also remembered her formula, spare clothes, diapers and her teddy bear."
"Pfft," he chuckled, nudging her shoulder in return. "Ya think ya funny don't ya?"
"Nope," she told him sweetly as she kissed his cheek, only to pull back when Rick was grinning at the two of them incredulously.
"When you two are ready…" he told them, happiness in his voice. "You're in Carol's old room...we haven't got another cot...but…"
"We've brought ours," Daryl told him, nodding his head in the general direction of their car before he turned to his wife. "Livie's gonna be hungry soon. You wanna change her and I'll get our stuff from the car?"
"Okay, and don't forget ours and Maggie's bags," Carol nodded as she took the changing bag from his shoulder and placed it over hers. She squeezed his fingers briefly before she turned and followed Michonne, Maggie and Hershel towards their old house.
000
"How did you find her?" Michonne asked softly when they sat at the dining table while Carol dipped a spoon into a small bowl of food.
Carol smiled at her daughter who was sitting on her lap, when she smacked her lips together, opening her mouth again for another mouthful of stewed apple.
"She came into the infirmary while I was working," Carol told her as she scraped the last of the apple onto the small plastic spoon and held it to Olivia's waiting mouth. "An old couple took her in when her mother was bit...she was so dehydrated and undernourished. We thought she was only a couple of months old until the old man woke up and told us she was closer to six."
"And you two took over her care?"
"Well, not until she was well enough to leave the infirmary, but we took it in turns to feed her. The doctor there wasn't happy with her slow weight gain so he suggested we try a little solid food once a day at first, and the only one she really seems to like is apple, so as soon as she started to get better we talked about adopting her and she just loved Daryl...so…"
"Just Daryl huh?" Michonne grinned knowingly. "He's really good with her."
"She's ours in every way that matters," Carol smiled. "Daryl's a natural father. I think he always has been."
Michonne's lips lifted into a smile as she watched Carol with her daughter, noting the love that was already between the mother and child. She opened her mouth to tell her how beautiful the little girl was when she heard Carol's soft gasp.
"What's wrong?"
"You said a wedding," Carol's voice stuttered a little as she washed Olivia's face before she lifted her onto Michonne's lap. "I don't have anything to wear!"
"Is that all?" Michonne laughed, shaking her head incredulously when Carol started to clean the bowl in the sink. Lifting Olivia to stand her little feet on her knees, Michonne grinned at the baby as she made kissy faces at her. "Your mommy's a worrier, yes she is…"
"Chonne," Carol gasped out, her eyes wide with apprehension.
"It's all taken care of, don't worry...you're going to look stunning in the dress we found you. Daryl's gonna flip when he see's you."
"But, what about flowers…"
"All done."
"What about Olivia? I don't have anything for her…" Carol was beginning to panic slightly when she thought of everything that could go wrong with their families plans.
"Will you stop worrying," Michonne grinned as she delighted in the soft giggles from Olivia when she blew raspberry kisses onto her cheek. "Now I'll entertain this little cutie while you go and try on your dress."
"But…"
"Go!" Michonne told her with a wide grin. "We'll come up and see you in ten minutes. We can't have the groom getting a look at you and spoil the surprise."
Sighing in resignation, Carol turned towards the stairs, keeping her eye on her daughter for a few more seconds before she climbed the staircase.
000
"So, you're a daddy?" Rick grinned when he helped Daryl lift the travel cot out of the trunk. "It looks good on you brother."
Daryl blushed slightly when he pulled the bags out of the trunk before slamming it closed again. "She was so small when I found em, ya know...at first we didn't think she'd make it, but Carol stayed with her day and night...and I helped with the feedin' as much as I could."
"What happened to her parents?"
"Her ma got bit and that's all we really know," Daryl told him as they began to walk back towards the houses. "She came in with a coupla old folks who were takin' care 'a her, both 'a them weren't too good either, so when Livie started getting better we talked about keepin' her. We couldn't a left her there and come home without her. She was already feelin' like our kid ya know?"
"Yeah," Rick nodded. "I understand that feeling."
"How're things goin' with everyone here? Any trouble with Tobin after we left?"
"Tobin?" Rick chuckled, shaking his head. "He took up with one of those women from oceanside. I think she's keeping him pretty busy."
"Yeah well at least it's her and not Carol," Daryl groused. "Asshole always did piss me off everytime he went near her."
"Nope, he won't be bothering either of you again," Rick grinned. "And anyway, you've got a wedding to get ready for and I've got my orders, and you're going to do all of them, or Chonne will kill both of us!"
"She's got ya whipped!" Daryl laughed, even though he knew that he would do the same if it were the other way around.
"Come on," Rick chuckled as he nudged his brothers arm. "We'd better get back before they come looking for us."
"Ya sure yer not the one gettin' married?" Daryl asked, his mouth slipping upwards into a half grin. "Sure sounds like ya woman is the boss!"
"And you're telling me yours isn't?" Rick glanced back at the shocked look in Daryl's eyes and laughed out loud, knowing that both of their women were the ones in charge of things around here. "C'mon."
"I'm a comin', stop ya bitchin'," Daryl quipped, shaking his head incredulously as they made their way towards the house, laughing at each other as they walked.
000
Two days later, Carol stood in front of the mirror and smoothed her hands down the front of the ivory wedding dress. Turning to the side, her eyes followed the lines of silk and the soft curves of her body. Never in her life had she worn something so delicate, or so beautiful. The lace back covered her scars, hiding the cruelty she'd endured from her previous husband. She hadn't even had a choice of a wedding dress when she married Ed. They were short of money anyway and she had to wear a second hand wedding dress that his aunt had given her. It didn't fit right and the bust was too small, and she'd spent most of her wedding day pulling the bodice up to keep her breasts from spilling out of it...but this dress, it fit perfectly. Michonne had been so mindful of her when she chose it, knowing that the scars on her back would have been visible with a strapless dress, but this...Carol drank in the lace that covered her shoulders and cleavage, the delicate pattern following through to the sleeves that stopped just below her elbows. The bodice pulled at her waist, accentuating her figure and the silk skirt fell in delicate folds, hitting the floor.
A soft knock on her door startled her slightly, but she called out to tell whoever it was to come in. When the door opened and Michonne appeared with Olivia all dressed in a white lace dress, Carol couldn't stop the tears that suddenly pooled in her eyes.
"Olivia, oh sweetheart, you look beautiful."
"Carol," Michonne gasped as she took in Carol's appearance. "You look...stunning...I knew that dress was the one for you."
Carol blushed slightly as she turned back to glance at herself in the mirror. "I love it Chonne, it's so beautiful...I've never worn anything like this before."
"Well you deserve it, Carol. You and Daryl deserve to have a day that's yours...so tonight, this little cutiepie is staying with me and Rick. We're only in the room down the hall so you know you're not far away from her," Michonne's eyes glistened when she moved closer to her friend, handing her the little girl who was desperate for her mother. "I can't wait to see Daryl's face when he gets a look at his two girls."
"So, what's happening with the kids? Are we naming them right after the wedding?" Carol asked a little nervously. "I feel like I'm on a whirlwind here."
"Yep, straight after and then there's a big party for everyone in the community house where we had our last shindig."
"Okay," Carol nodded as she tried to swallow the tingle of nervousness in her body. Nuzzling her daughter's hair, she breathed in her scent and kissed her temple before she turned completely to face Michonne. "We're ready."
"Not quite," Michonne grinned when another tap sounded on the bedroom door to reveal Tara holding a small bouquet of flowers and a sparkling tiara in her hand.
"Wow, Carol," Tara gasped, looking her up and down appreciatively. "You look stunning girl."
Carol's cheeks flushed pink and she lowered her lips to Olivia's head, kissing her softly before reluctantly letting Michonne take her from her arms. Olivia protested for a few seconds until Michonne distracted her with her teddy bear, squishing it against her little chest as she enticed the tell tale giggles from her. "Say goodbye to mommy, sweetie. We're going to see your aunt Maggie and Hershel…"
"Bye baby," Carol smiled, waving at her daughter as Michonne carried her out of the room, her eyes on the door even after it closed until Tara touched her shoulder.
"We just need to finish the look," she smiled brightly when moved the chair from the corner of the room and urged Carol to sit. She turned her to face the mirror and pushed the grip into Carol's hair, the glint of the diamonds sparkling against her grey strands. "We found this when we went to look for your dress."
"It's beautiful," Carol gasped when she looked at herself in the mirror, not recognising the woman who stared back at her. "I've never worn anything like this."
"I guess wedding dresses aren't something people need in an apocalypse," Tara told her with a smile. "And we thought you should have the most expensive looking headwear we could find. Chonne and me went back yesterday to find a dress for Olivia and I saw the perfect veil to go with your dress...you do want a veil don't you?"
Carol was suddenly overwhelmed. No one had ever done anything like this for her before. Her first wedding had been rushed and lacking everything she'd dreamed of, but sitting here now...swallowing at the well of emotion that had balled in her throat, Carol looked at hers and Tara's reflection in the mirror and nodded slowly. "I've never…"
"I know," Tara squeezed her shoulder affectionately, smiling into the mirror. "You really do look beautiful Carol. I mean that."
"So," Carol blushed, clearing her throat. "Getting married in an apocalypse seems the way to go these days!"
"Oh yeah," Tara grinned happily. "Even Michonne found her dress!"
"What?" Carol gasped. "Are they…?"
"Nah," Tara quipped, her bright smile becoming infectious. "It's for just in case!"
"Good plan," Carol snickered softly. "I hope we'll get to come back for their wedding next time."
"Oh I'm working on em, don't you worry," Tara beamed as she lifted the lace veil from the box and secured it behind the diamond tiara in Carol's hair. Motioning for her to stand again, Tara moved back so she could spread the lace and smoothed it over the back of the dress until it settled just below Carol's hips. "There...perfect."
Carol turned to the side and took in her appearance, her eyes flowing over her own image with disbelief. She actually felt beautiful for the first time in her life. She swallowed against the lump in her throat and fought against the tears that threatened to spill over onto her cheeks. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the ivory shoes and suddenly found herself laughing nervously when she realised just how ridiculous this all was. Here she was now, dressed in a two thousand dollar dress and on her way to her wedding while the world decayed and died around them. Smiling, she turned to look at the younger woman and smiled brightly, taking the bouquet of flowers from her hands.
"Okay, I'm ready."
"There's just one more thing missing," Tara grinned as she went to the bedroom door, pulling it open and smiling to the person outside. "She's ready."
Carol looked at her questioningly until Carl came into the room, dressed in a full suit looking so grown up and handsome as he stood there, gaping at her in shock.
"Carl?" Carol asked as she moved towards him. "What…?"
"Carol, you look…wow..." shaking his head, he stepped towards her and smiled brightly. "You've always been a mom to me, even before I lost mine...and I'm gonna walk you down the aisle, if that's okay."
"Carl," Carol gasped, pulling him into a hug as she tried not to hit him with her bouquet. "Of course it's okay sweetheart...I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have there with me."
Tara stood in the doorway and waited for them to pull apart before she pointed a polaroid camera at them. "Okay, we've got five cartridges for this thing, and I've been ordered to get photos. And Rosita found an old printer at the sanctuary with enough ink in it to copy a few of the good ones...so smile people…"
Carol grinned as she threaded her hand through Carl's arm, her eyes bright as she smiled. The flash sounded and the film clicked as the blank picture whirled out of the camera. Tara took it out and waved it in the air impatiently until she was rewarded with an image forming on the paper. She smiled brightly down at the photograph, satisfied with the results before she popped it into the bag over her shoulder. Nodding to the two of them she walked out into the hall and made her way down the stairs.
"Okay, are you ready?" Carl asked her softly as he placed his hand over hers on his arm.
"Yes," she nodded, her bright smile causing her eyes to sparkle. "Let's do this."
000
Daryl stood at the front of the church fiddling with his shirt collar. He'd never worn a tie in his life and he knew he looked ridiculous. He felt uncomfortable and restricted in the fancy clothes, but he promised Carol he would wear the suit that Rick had picked out for him...it was just for one day, and he could ditch the damn thing as soon as the wedding was over.
"How you holding up brother?" Rick asked as he stood by his side, their wedding rings nestled in his palm. He'd been honoured when Daryl had asked him to be his best man, even though he hadn't asked in the usual way, but Rick guessed being asked to help him keep his shit together was as good a way as any.
"When's this thing gonna get started?" Daryl asked nervously, not used to being the centre of attention. "What's taking so long?"
Rick was about to answer when Gabriel came to stand in front of them, back in his familiar black attire. He held an open bible in his hands and looked behind them, his eyes growing brighter when he saw Michonne carrying Olivia, followed by Tara, Judith and Enid.
"Please be upstanding for the bride," he smiled, nodding to Daryl that it was time.
Daryl turned, desperate to see his family, and when he saw his daughter squeal at him excitedly, he held out his arms for her to hold her against him for a brief hug before Michonne sat down with her just behind him. Daryl was so caught up in his daughter that when the gasp from Rick drew his eyes away, he followed his gaze and felt his whole body begin to tremble. He couldn't tear his eyes away as Carol moved closer. She looked stunning, and so incredibly beautiful he had to force himself not to run to her and lift her off her feet.
"Wow," Rick whispered to him. "You're a lucky man, brother."
All Daryl could do was nod numbly as she drew even closer, reaching his hand out to her when she got close enough for him to touch. When she came to stand beside him, she slipped her hand from Carl's arm, and wrapped her finger around Daryl's waiting hand. They looked at each other, their eyes saying everything to each other in that one moment, and for a second they forgot that they were surrounded by their family.
"We have come together today to witness the marriage of Daryl and Carol, and in this new world of ours, celebrating the love these two people have found with one another is a true blessing…" he looked to Carl who stood by Carol's side. "Carl, do you give your blessing for Carol to marry Daryl?"
"Yeah, too right I do," he gushed before remembering himself and cleared his throat. Taking the bouquet from Carol's hand he placed it onto the pew behind him and nodded to Gabriel. "Uh...yes, yes I do."
"And Rick, as best man and brother of the groom," Gabriel spoke, his eyes fixed on the former sheriff. "Do you give your blessing for Daryl to marry Carol?"
Rick's eyes were welling with emotion but he blinked the wetness away as he swallowed at the lump in his throat. "Yes, yes I really, really do."
Gabriel chuckled softly when he looked to the other members of their family who occupied the small church and addressed them all. "And does anyone here give their blessings for these two people to be joined in marriage?"
Nods and laughter filtered throughout the church when Olivia chose that moment to squeal out and giggle as she flapped her arms around in excitement when her parents turned to smile at her.
"Well I think that's a unanimous yes from the most important person here," Gabriel chortled as he cleared his throat to look at Rick. "Do you have the rings?"
Rick stepped forward and placed the wedding rings that the couple had been wearing for months onto the open bible, then stepped back to stand by Daryl's side.
"Daryl," Gabriel addressed him warmly. "Do you take this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to love her and honour her until death parts you?"
Daryl swallowed hard as he gazed into her eyes. "I do."
"Carol," Gabriel asked as he turned to her. "Do you take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love and honour him until death parts you?"
Carol's eyes glistened with tears and she offered him a watery smile. "I do."
"Daryl, when you place the ring on Carol's finger, please say the vows you prepared earlier," lowering the bible for Daryl to take the gold band he watched as he took it in between trembling fingers.
Daryl took Carol's left hand and slipped the gold band over her ring finger before he looked into her eyes. "I never thought I'd ever find anyone in this life...not even before the world went to shit. But then, I met you and ya showed me how to love. Ya gave me everythin' I never had before and however long we got together, I'm gonna love ya and our baby girl until my last breath…" nodding his head, Daryl looked up at Gabriel and nodded. "Tha's all I got."
"And it was perfect," Gabriel told him with a wide smile before he looked to Carol and motioned for her to take the remaining ring.
Carol reached out to take the gold band and placed the ring over Daryl's ring finger, stroking the underside of his hand as she tried to keep her voice even as she spoke. "I never thought I deserved to be this happy...I never thought I could. But you showed me how to be strong and how to survive in a world that took my daughter and too many people we both loved away. You have shown me how loving someone is meant to feel, and I count my blessings every single day since you came into my life. I will love you until the day I die, and even beyond that. You are everything to me, you and our daughter...everything…"
Sniffing back the emotion welling inside him, Gabriel thumbed the beginning of a tear away from the corner of his eye. "Carol and Daryl, you have declared your love before God and before your family here. It gives me the greatest pleasure to now pronounce you, husband and wife."
Daryl grinned beautifully as he leaned into her, meeting her lips in a soft kiss that lingered between them for a few precious moments before they both withdrew to hear the claps and cheers that erupted around them. They posed for Tara as she snapped a photo of the two of them and waited for the picture paper to slide out before taking another of them with Carl and Rick. When the chatter had died down again, Gabriel cleared his throat and called for Maggie to bring Hershel forward.
"We are also gathered here today to name the two newest children to arrive in our growing family. Maggie, would you bring your son forward with your chosen godparents please."
Maggie smiled and looked down at her sleeping son, and came to stand before Gabriel while Carol and Daryl stood to by her side.
"What is the name you have chosen for your son?" Gabriel asked.
"Hershel Glenn Rhee," Maggie told him proudly as she held the baby close to her chest.
"And who have you chosen to be Hershel's godparents?"
Maggie smiled at the couple beside her before she spoke up. "I have chosen Carol and Daryl to be Hershel's godparents and guardians. If anything happens to me, I know they will love my son like he is their own."
"Thank you," Gabriel nodded, then turned to the newlyweds. "Carol, Daryl, as your roles of guardians and godparents, do you promise to care for Hershel, keep him safe and love him for the rest of his life."
"We do," they both said together as Carol bent over to kiss the little boy's head, her lips lingering over his soft skin before she pulled away to lean into her husband's side.
"Hershel Glenn Rhee," Gabriel looked at the baby and smiled as he spoke. "May your life be full of love and joy always."
Another round of applause and congratulations followed as Maggie posed for a photo with Carol, Daryl and Hershel before it was Olivia's turn. Daryl moved across to Michonne and scooped his daughter up into his arms, her excited giggles turning into squeals when he kissed her cheek.
"C'mon baby girl," he grinned, bringing the wriggling infant into his chest so he could kiss her again. "Momma's waitin' on us."
Moving towards Carol, she leaned into his side and kissed their little girl, as he held her in his arms so that she was between himself and Carol. Gabriel stood before them, smiling at the little girl who sucked on her hand and found himself fighting the ever present tears. These people were his family; every single one of them. They had made this hellish world better, filling his heart with the belief that he could survive and be happy again.
"Daryl, Carol what is the name you have chosen for your daughter?" he asked, his smile widening when Daryl spoke.
"Olivia Meryl Sophia Dixon," he said, looking between his wife and daughter proudly.
"And have you chosen Godparents and guardians for your child?" Gabriel asked.
"Yes we have," Carol told him, looking to her family as she spoke. "We have chosen Rick, Michonne, Carl and Maggie to be Olivia's godparents and guardians."
A gasp came from Rick, when he looked to Michonne who was already near to tears. Maggie sniffed as she handed Hershel to Enid before she went to Carol's side, squeezing her arm instead of trying to speak. This whole day had been an emotional one already, for so many reasons. So, taking a breath, Maggie clutched Carol's free hand, holding onto her fingers for a few moments before letting her go. Michonne came to stand beside Maggie, swiping at a lone tear that slipped over her cheeks, her face one big smile. To Daryl's right, Rick came to stand by his side, clasping his brother's shoulder as he fought back his own emotions, nodding in acceptance, pride shining so clearly in his eyes. Carl stood by his father's side and glanced across to his family and smiled proudly. So many years had passed since they had all met, and they had lost so many along the way...but as he stood here now, watching his family standing guard over Olivia, he wished that his mother had been here to see just how far they had all come since the farm.
"Rick, Michonne, Maggie and Carl," Gabriel smiled as he looked at his friends. "As your roles of guardians and godparents, do you promise to care for Olivia, keep her safe and love her for the rest of her life."
"We do," they all said together, speaking in unison.
"Olivia Meryl Sophia Dixon," Gabriel looked at the baby and smiled as he spoke. "May your life be full of love and joy always."
Applause and congratulations filled the church as the ceremonies came to an end. Gabriel stepped forward to pull Carol into a warm hug, his whispered words of congratulations causing tears to spring to her eyes. She nodded her thanks, squeezing his fingers before he moved on to Maggie, pulling her into a hug before he stepped away. Carol leaned against Daryl's shoulder and smiled at their daughter who was batting Daryl's chest before she rubbed at her eyes and yawned loudly.
Rick bent down to kiss her forehead before pulling back to smile down at her. "You are going to be so loved, honey."
Olivia yawned again, her head bobbing against her father's chest as her lifted a hand over her back, lulling her into slumber as he unconsciously rocked his body from side to side. When Carol smoothed her hand over his arm, he looked to her and lost himself in her eyes as he thanked whoever was listening for giving him everything he never knew he wanted. Leaning into her side, he pressed his lips against her temple and smiled into her hair. Love and fatherhood had sought him out in this messed up world...and he embraced it with everything he had. The Dixon curse had been broken and it had taken this beautiful woman beside him to do it...so, placing another soft kiss into his wife's hair, he smiled down at her and she smoothed her hand over their daughter's soft hair before she took his hand and lead him towards the front of the church where warm sunshine flooded through the open doorway...both of them ready for whatever life had in store for them now...the new family Dixon were ready...
The End
Thank you for reading.