5 days later
"Good morning, baby," Nikki gently nudged Daryl. He moaned and mumbled a bit and snored once before settling back to sleep again.
"I made breakfast for you."
That woke him up. Daryl cracked a suspicious eye at his girl.
"I thought you loved me," Daryl whined.
Nikki busted up laughing. The last few days had been all about learning and healing. Mama Grimes nearly threw in the towel, but she managed to finally teach her daughter how to cook a few things without burning down the house or killing anyone with food poisoning.
"Don't worry. It's just bacon, eggs, and toast. And, yes, some of mama's strawberry preserves on the side, just for you."
Daryl couldn't help the great big smile on his face. Nikki was the best in every way. She fussed over him, bathed him, helped him to get dressed, push him when he needed it, and loved him through it all. And, just when he thought he couldn't love her more, he did.
"Thank you, sweetheart. You didn't have to bring me breakfast in bed, but I sure am glad you did."
"Pete really put you through it yesterday, babe. I knew you'd be really sore, so I thought we'd ease into the day."
"I love you, Nicola Grace Grimes."
The way Daryl said those precious words took her breath away. He looked at her with such adoration and it made the world stop spinning.
"I love you, too, baby."
Nikki placed the tray on his lap and came around to sit next to him. He watched with amusement as Nikki buttered the toast and spread homemade preserves on each triangular piece.
"I know you can do it yourself..." Nikki started.
"I didn't say anything, sweetheart," Daryl laughed. "I am so lucky that you love me so much that you do little things like this to take care of me. I never want you to feel like I don't appreciate it because I do."
After breakfast, Nikki suggested a hot bath to help ease Daryl's sore muscles. Pete had him doing some pretty strenuous exercises to improve the strength in his back and legs, as well as help with his coordination.
"This right here is what I was talking about earlier, Nik. You're always thinking about my needs and how I might be feeling. You're spoiling me, woman."
Nikki was between his legs with her back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Feeling her in his arms is what centered him. It's what chased away the remnants of the bad dreams that plagued him.
"Are you up for having the kids over later?" Nikki kissed the scars that litter his forearms. They were slowly fading, but they still hurt her heart.
"Hell yeah I am! We promised to have them over once a week and I mean to keep that promise."
"Pizza or tacos for dinner?"
"How about ice cream sundaes?" Daryl teased.
"No. You don't know when to stop! You're worse than the kids!"
"Well I need to be looked after vulnerable remember" Daryl teased
Nikki rolled her eyes at him , she knew he used humour to keep him centred , it was good though that he didn't dwell on what had happened to him .
Dr jones explained to them at there last visit healing was gonna take time , Daryl's co-ordination was still not 100% and he would have to use the wheelchair a lil longer , Nikki expected him to breakdown over that , but Daryl's response surprised her .
"Well it is what it is Nik If I'm not physically ready then I'm not physically ready , means ya have to look after me a lil longer I'm quite enjoying it"
"Your so darn cheeky" Nikki told him playfully shoving him
Nikki got settled into his arms the water enveloping them
"So you feeling ok" Nikki asked him
"Still slightly dizzy but no way near as bad, as when I was on those darn pills , I had a thought ya know the kids are coming we should go out go to the beach"
"You sure your up for that"
"You can push ma chariot , we can take the kids to the arcade get some cotton candy , tybee island would be perfect"
"As you wish sir I'll call Rick see if the kids would like to join us .
Four hours later , Nikki was getting , RJ , Judith and Daryl settled in the car with carls help , dog was Also getting settled in the back .
"Good thing uncle Daryl has a big car" , Carl joked as they got everything settled in the car .
"Are you saying my mini isn't big enough"
"Yea it's easier for uncle Daryl to get into but could you really get me , the kids and dog in there"
"You could sit on the roof" Nikki joked back playfully shoving him
"Yea, yea" Carl grinned
Whilst Nikki and Carl were getting things packed up , Daryl and the kids were waiting .
Judith tapped Daryl's right shoulder
"Can you hear me uncle Daryl" Judith shouted
"Think everyone heard ya what's up lil ass-kicker"
"Hey I thought you couldn't hear properly why I shouted , anyhow you sure your ok to do this it's just you seem really tired"
Daryl grabbed her hand and gently squeezed it
"My hearing is getting better still a lil muffled , but much better than it was , and yea I'm tired but I don't want ya to worry we're gonna have a good day, I'll be in ma wheelchair so can relax we're gonna have fun today , the last few months have been hard for all of us , but today is all about fun ok"
Ok" Judith smiled
"Can I push your wheelchair" RJ added
"I'm a lil heavy for ya bud , but ya can sit in ma Lap if ya want , make Carl and auntie Nikki do all the work"
"That would be awesome" RJ yelled back
About an hour later Nikki pulled the car into the parking lot
She turned and faced Daryl who was fast asleep
"We're here baby" she whispered
Daryl opened his eyes and smiled at her
"Let's go and have some fun we deserve it"
