Walker (Cordell Walker x Female!Reader)

Epilogue: Till We Ride Again

During the summer road-trip, Cordell, (Name), and the kids found themselves in Atlanta, Georgia where (Name) expresses wanting to see the botanical garden. Cordell agrees to go with her while Stella and August take a tour of filming locations for The Walking Dead.

Before meeting up with (Name) down in the lobby, Cordell walk around the hotel room, patting his pockets out of habit, the movement becoming almost ritualistic as he checks to ensure he has his essentials.

He checks and checks again, each time patting his pockets for the reassuring feel of his wallet, keys, and phone. Until his heart thumps a little harder when his hand brushes against the ring box tucked away in the corner of his pocket.

A mix of anticipation and nerves washes over him as he takes the box out and gently rubs the velvet surface with his thumb. His hands tremble ever so slightly as he carefully lifts the lid to reveal the sparkling diamond ring nestled within.

His gaze is fixed on the jewelry, the intricate design of the band and the shimmering gemstone reflecting the room's overhead lights.

A wave of emotion washes over him as he looks at the ring... a mixture of excitement, anxiousness, and a profound love. He takes a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest, knowing this ring holds the promise of a future with (Name).

"Hey Dad, have you seen my..."

August's voice startles Cordell out of his momentary trance and his head snaps up to see his son standing in the doorway connecting to the adjoining room. Cordell's eyes widen and he quickly closes the ring box, hiding it behind his back. "Jesus, August! Ever heard of knocking?" He asked, his voice a mix of surprise and annoyance.

"I-I-I-I'm sorry! I was just looking for my extra roll of film." August stammered, feeling both terrible for walking in on him like this and shocked by what he saw.

Cordell takes a deep breath, his heart still pounding as he rubs a hand down his face. "It's alright, just... knock next time, okay?" He said, his other hand still clutching the ring box tightly behind his back.

August nodded, his lips rubbing together out of nervous habit. "Was... was that an... engagement ring?" He asked, unable to help himself. Cordell sighs deeply, realizing that there's no point trying to hide it now. "Yeah, it is. I'm planning on proposing to (Name) during our trip."

August nodded, lowering his gaze for a moment. Obviously he wants to his dad to be happy. But it's hard to imagine someone else taking up the position that once belonged to his mother, even if he likes (Name) a whole lot.

But he's 18 now and it isn't about what he wants. Cordell is his own person and if he wants to remarry someone else than he should support it. "Well you can't beat a better place to do it than the botanical garden." August said, lifting his head to give his father an encouraging smile.

Cordell's expression softens, appreciating his son's attempt to be supportive despite the difficulties emotions swirling within him. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. It's a pretty romantic place with all the flowers and butterflies. It's perfect." He said, offering a small, grateful smile.

August gives a toothy grin back. "She's gonna love it." He replied and Cordell lets out a nervous chuckle. "I hope so." He said, ruffling his son's hair affectionately. "I really hope so." He repeats in a quiet nervous tone.

"Hey, just promise you'll hire me to be your wedding photographer." August joked and Cordell laughs. "Oh, believe me, you'll be the first person I call for the job."

(Name) sat in the lobby of the hotel, staring at her phone as she waited for Cordell. Hearing footsteps approaching her, she looks up and smiles when she sees he's finally come to join her.