Side-by-Side

Chapter 14

"I'm sorry that it wasn't special. I know most girls want it to be." Daryl said as he nuzzled his face into my neck. He left sweet and gentle kisses.

"It was special. In its own way." I smiled at him. "I didn't want anything extravagant. You didn't even have to get me a ring." I giggled as Daryl purposely rubbed his scruff again my neck.

"I wanted too. I'm just happy that it fits." He said. I look at the ring shining on my finger. It was melted into a heart, and little jewels were placed on the rim.

"Me too." I said as I held his face in my hands. I lifted him up to be levelled with my lips and closed my eyes as them met.

"When are we announcing it?" He asked.

I was shocked. Never have I ever heard Daryl want to announce something so soon and mentioned it so bluntly. I was happy that he wanted to proclaim the marriage. "Right now."

I stood up and tugged him up with me. I opened the door and began to walk down the stairs. Everyone was in the living room, a bowl in most of their hands. Dad was feeding Judith, and Carl along side with him.

"So, we have somethin' to say." Daryl raised his voice causing everyone to shut up.

"Carly, are you pregnant?" Maggie asked with a giggle. I shook my head no.

"But I'm married." I smiled and everyone snapped their heads towards up.

"Well, it's about time baby brother." Merle said from across the room. He was the first to walk up to us and congratulate. He came to me first, bringing his arms around my waist and whispered his words.

"It's about time he did it. It's about time he made you a Dixon." I smiled at Merle's words before he took a step back and side stepped to Daryl. They gave each other a bro hug, before an actual hug. Merle also whispering something to Daryl.

One by one everyone was coming to us. Hugging us. Congratulating us. I couldn't stop smiling. But when dad took a step towards us, my smile dropped.

"I'm happy for you." He smiled through his tears.

I hugged him tightly. We may have known each other for years, but I have never seen him cry tears of joy. I was happy that he was happy and that he accepted Daryl and I.

Daryl may not be the type of person that most daddy's want their daughters to date, to marry, to live their lives with, but Daryl is the one I want to marry. Daryl's the one I want to have a life and start a family with.

Dad released me, and he went to Daryl. Carl came up to me with Judith in his arms. He handed me Judith, befriend wrapping his arms around my waist and buried his face into my chest.

"Just because I'm married doesn't mean I will love you any less youngster." I smiled.

"I love you Trouble maker." He smiled.

Using our nick names we gave each other in the beginning of this hell hole, it have me the feeling that nothing has changed that we are still a family and nothing will be different.

That night, we celebrated. Dad and Daryl found some wine in my basement, and I made a nice and proper meal. We celebrated the marriage. They acted like we actually had a wedding. Every time they made he knife hit the glass, Daryl and I would share a kiss. Sometimes just to tease each other and most of the time it lasted more that a few seconds. Minutes even.

When Daryl and I got into bed, he rolled over so he was over me. He smiled at me and he pushed a strained of hair behind my ear before pressing his lips lightly against mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and buckled my hips against his.

"We are taking it slow tonight." He whispered in my ear and placed small and light kisses along my jaw and down my neck.

"I like slow." I said and pressed my lips against his again.