Sometimes when you woke up after a night of heavy drinking you felt wonderful. There was no raging headache or debilitating nausea. There was only a feeling of euphoria. What you don't immediately realize was there's a catch. There's always a catch.

There was a reason you felt amazing, and that reason was because you were still drunk. The hangover that was likely going to kill you was simply toying with you, lulling you into a false sense of security, waiting for the right time to strike.

This was not one of those times.

Prying my face off the floor was no small task. My body ached, and my mouth felt like it was stuffed full of cotton balls. If I could move my arms I'd cradle my pounding head. It felt like an elephant was doing the merengue directly on my cerebellum while singing a show tune at the top of their lungs. To add insult to what felt like very serious injury the sunlight streaming through the blinds was searing my corneas causing what was left of my brain to bleed out through my ears. I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my blurry, watery eyes. My stomach swam, bile bubbling in my parched throat, but I swallowed it down with a pain filled groan.

Deadpool was on the floor to my right, sprawled on her back, a cup still perched upright in her hand. Carol was passed out on the couch, half her body hanging over the edge, knuckles dragging on the floor. Maggie was curled up on the window seat, face plastered against the glass, drool slowly dripping down the pane, her heavy panting fogging up the glass. Francine was somehow curled up on the coffee table that was much too small for such an accomplishment, snoring so loud it was likely to shatter the window Maggie was using as a pillow. Tara and Denise were curled around each other in front of the fireplace, both covered in mud, dirt, and...glitter? Sasha was sitting at the kitchen island, face down, arms limp at her side, surrounded by a beer can pyramid. Apocalypse Barbie was in the hallway bathroom, body curled around the toilet. She was naked save her pale, pink bra and panties. Beth was on my other side, still blissfully unconscious, a homemade, bedazzled, glittery tiara sitting perched atop her blonde head.

What in the actual fuck?

The living room reminded me of the morning after in the movie The Hangover. There were bottles quite literally everywhere. I even spotted one perched on the fancy chandelier hanging overhead. There were empty cans of food covering the coffee table, and for some inexplicable reason there were feathers all over the floor.

The furniture had clearly been rearranged, a couch blocking the stairs, and all the kitchen chairs save the one Sasha was sleeping in stacked up like a fort, but I was at a loss as to why. There were three knives embedded in the wall beside the fireplace, a crude circle drawn in marker around the weapons complete with almost illegible numbers.

All we were missing was a jungle cat in the bathroom.

Bits and pieces of last night floated through my stuffy mind. Beth's was getting married, tonight. We'd decided to send her into married life with a proper bachelorette party. I'd promised Rick a relatively low-key night free from debauchery. Something told me bullet holes in the sofa wasn't low-key.

"Morning."

I grabbed my head in my hands, letting my forehead rest against the cool, wood floor. I took a slow, deep breath, eyes squeezed shut as I tried to ride out the urge to puke on Rick's high heels. Why was the room spinning and how did I get off the ride?

"Sorry." He didn't sound sorry, not even a little. He knelt next to me, Nugget in his arms, grinning from ear-to-ear. "Not feeling so good?"

I ignored the question because the answer was obvious. "How bad?"

Rick clucked his tongue, adjusting the little girl that was reaching for my hair. "We decided to step in when you started playing darts." Darts? That didn't sound so bad. Darts was definitely low-key. "With knives."

Well, that explained the knives in the wall.

"Did I win?"

He snorted, "No, your aim is shit when you're drunk. You threw one through the window, and hit the house next door."

Go big or go home.

Carol stirred, or more accurately jolted suddenly, and fell off the edge of the couch. She groaned when she hit the floor, but didn't attempt to get up. The noise roused Maggie who went from dead asleep to wide awake and on her feet in under a second flat. What worried me was her face. It was a disturbing shade of green. I needed the cure. Maggie needed a preggie pop, or a time machine to take her seven months into the future.

"Rick, can you mix vodka, tomato juice, and a little bit of Tabasco sauce in a cup," I murmured.

Maggie's eyes bulged and she slapped a hand over her mouth, running for the bathroom. She stepped on Tara and Denise in her haste, all but throwing Apocalypse Barbie into the bathtub before shoving her head in the toilet, and hurling her guts out. She was getting the crap end of the deal. Since she was pregnant she couldn't enjoy the euphoria of being drunk, but still got the downside, puking in the morning.

"Yeah, it's not for everyone," I admitted, rolling onto my back.

The basement door opened, Merle and Daryl walking into the living room, amusement dancing in their identical blue eyes.

"Rise n' shine ladies!" Merle shouted.

I covered my ears with two pillows, continuing with my post-hangover breathing exercises. Francine moaned then threw an empty can of beans at his head in retaliation. She was going to fit in just fine in this family.

I felt the distinctive clomp of Daryl's boots vibrating on the wood floor. He stopped next to me, and I looked up at him. He had his hands on his hips, and a smirk on his gorgeous face.

"Honey, I'm home," I said, trying to smile without vomiting.

He shook his head. "Yeah, ya woke us up in the middle of the night to tell us."

That sounded like something I'd do.

"What else happened?"

Ariel opened the front door, making a point to slam it shut so hard it sent Tara and Denise scurrying to the bathroom. Since Maggie was giving herself a swirlie they were forced to puke in the tub, much to Apocalypse Barbie's vocal protests.

"I'll say one thing my homicidal friend, your strip tease is up there with the best of them."

I dropped the pillows, frowning. Strip tease? What the hell was he talking about?

It was right about then I realized I wasn't wearing pants. It was also right about then that Daryl threw a blanket over me. He scowled at Ariel, muttering something about looking away or else which only made the hulking red-head laugh harder.

"Tell me I didn't...." I didn't have the dignity to finish that sentence.

"Hell yeah ya did Firecracker. Went after Darlina like a rabid animal. Had yur pants off b'fore anyone could stop ya."

I pulled the blanket over my head. "Oh my god."

"Will you all shut the fuck up," Deadpool moaned, not moving an inch. Up until this point I was convinced she was dead.

There was a light knock on the door, and Noah stuck his head through the crack. "Is it safe?"

"Depends on yur definition of safe," Merle cackled causing Sasha to sit up abruptly, knocking the beer can pyramid to the floor.

"What? How? Where?" she stuttered, eyes foggy, face slack. I was pretty sure she was still asleep and drunk.

Ariel took pity on her, guiding her out of the kitchen. If he was a real gentleman he'd kill her and end her misery. Beth was the only person still out cold, the bride to be showing no signs of waking anytime this century. We may have to delay the wedding a day...or 12.

Noah leaned over his bride, even poking her a few times, but she didn't stir. He tilted his head to the side, scratching his head. "Is she wearing a tiara?"

"Alex and Michonne made it," Carol answered, still lying on the floor beside to the couch. "Be glad it isn't in the shape of a penis."

Who was wearing a dick shaped tiara?

I glanced at Deadpool who looked about as good as I felt. Her eyes drifted to the top of my head, and she pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. She thought that was hilarious until I did the same. Her hand flew to her head, fingers tracing the outline of a crudely shaped penis made out of a coat hanger.

"Wanna go shower?" Daryl asked.

No, not really. I wanted to curl up and sleep for 48-hours. I agreed solely because the floor was killing my back, and I needed pants, eventually. Daryl helped me up, making a point to keep the blanket firmly wrapped around my lower body.

The walk to our room felt like a death march. My head was expanding past the limits of my skull, and I was almost positive something died in my mouth. Daryl led me directly into the bathroom, stripping off what was left of my clothes while I stood still and tried not to die.

The hot shower felt divine though standing was far too difficult. Instead I sat on the floor, soap, shampoo and conditioner, razor, shaving cream, and anything else I needed within arm's reach. I'd been done for roughly 10-minutes when Daryl opened the shower door, peering down at me.

"Gonna stay in there all day?"

"Maybe." Probably.

His lips twitched. "Gotta get movin' Red. Lots to do b'fore tonight."

He was right, of course. We all had to get our final fitting for our dress courtesy of Goggles, hair done courtesy of Francine, and even our makeup courtesy of Apocalypse Barbie. The mere thought of such primping was almost too much to comprehend. I never thought I'd get dressed up ever again.

My husband took the liberty of turning off the water, waiting for me to stand on my own. When I didn't he lifted me up, wrapping me in a towel, and depositing me on the bed.

"I'm never drinking again," I promised, resting my head on his shoulder.

He rubbed my back. "Ya party like a rock star, but sure as hell don't recover like one."

The best cure for a hangover was being under the age of 25-years-old.

"There's a solid chunk of time I can't account for."

"Do ya 'member tryin' to climb on the roof?" No. "Tara and Denise havin' a mud wrestlin' contest?" Nuh-uh. "What 'bout tryin' to teach 'em how to make a bomb outta household goods?" Nope.

"The last thing I remember is giving Beth her tiara."

He looked genuinely concerned. "That was in the beginnin' of the night."

Thought so.

By the time we got upstairs Rick and Carl had a hangover breakfast buffet laid out on the island. Daryl poured me a cup of coffee before sitting down and inhaling a plate of eggs. The eggs made me cringe so I settled for nibbling on a piece of dry toast, and praying it didn't make a second appearance.

"Here."

Rick doled out Tylenol to everyone. I accepted the two white pills, swallowing them down with a slurp of piping hot coffee. I felt somewhat more human when I finished the toast and coffee, but it was going to be a long freakin' day.

"Can you stand up straight?" I scowled at Goggles, dragging my teeth across my lips, and telling myself not to stab her. "Please."

I complied because the sooner we got this over with the better. Goggles worked diligently to finish adjusting the black sequin dress. Though I'd never admit it I loved it. It had an old Hollywood feel to it with a cowl back and detailed high neckline. The matte sequins glittered in the light, and the cap sleeves offered the perfect finishing touch to the classic floor-length gown.

When the community heard about Noah and Beth's wedding they were overjoyed. We needed something good to focus on. It was pure luck one of the houses in the community belonged to a seamstress once upon a time. It was jammed packed full of tuxedos, suits, evening gowns, and even a wedding dress.

Finding the rest of what we needed to pull off the wedding was relatively easy. We were using Gabby's place for the ceremony, and subsequent reception. The kids at the school made decorations, and we had plenty of flowers at our disposal inside the walls. Aaron and Eric were handling the catering, and Merle, god help us, was in charge of music.

With my turn thankfully over I watched Beth standing there in her wedding gown, a bright smile on her face. Maggie stood at her side, dabbing at the tears in her eyes. In that moment the world felt a little less tragic. If we could have days like today then maybe, just maybe, we could re-build this world.

Deadpool swiped at her eyes and I turned to look at her, eyebrows raised. "Are you crying?"

"I got something in my eye," she countered, angling her face away from me.

"I didn't know you had tear ducts."

She shoved my shoulder, half-laughing, half-crying. "Shut up."

We spent the rest of the day primping. My hair was pulled, fluffed, and spritzed to within an inch of its life, or more appropriately within an inch of Francine's life. I fell asleep while Apocalypse Barbie was applying my makeup much to her vocal disapproval. The sun was setting when I finally made it back to our room to get dressed.

I quickly changed into my dress, grumbling to myself the entire time. The outfit didn't allow for such trivial things like a bra and underwear. This put a whole new spin on going commando. I finished the look by slipping into a pair of three-inch heels, and studied myself in the bathroom mirror. I looked like the Cinemax version of myself.

My hair was twisted and pinned, sitting low at the base of my neck with strands deliberately hanging loose around my face. Apocalypse Barbie applied my makeup with a fairly heavy hand, but looking at the finished product it was light and flawless. My eyes stood out, dramatic eyeliner, mascara, and sparkling eye shadow making my green eyes stand out. My cheeks were dusted in rouge, and my lips were shiny and understated in a pale, pink lipstick. I put on the fake diamond earrings and bracelet Maggie gave me earlier to complete the look.

I felt nervous as I climbed the stairs to the main level. It'd been a long time since I'd gotten dressed up, and honestly, all those other times weren't for pleasure. They were work. I sincerely hoped tonight didn't end like those nights. Killing people in heels wasn't easy.

I stepped into the living room, fiddling with the black clutch Tara was making me carry even though there wasn't anything in it except knives and spare ammo. A chair scraped across the floor, and I glanced up. My mouth dropped open, a zing of awareness hitting me in my no-no spot. I wasn't ashamed to admit I almost passed out.

Daryl was standing outside the kitchen, hand on his chest, mouth slightly open, eyes huge as he stared at me. I knew he planned to wear a suit, all the men did, but seeing it in real life was turning out to be a very pleasurable experience.

It was all black, the pants, the shirt, even the tie, but on him it worked. Oh man, did it work. His hair was freshly washed, and even combed, the strands obediently framing his gorgeous face for once. He hadn't shaved, but the short, rough stubble covering his jawline gave the polished look just the right amount of edginess to make me weak in the knees. He looked so damn hot it made me dizzy. It also made me want to skip the wedding, and head back downstairs. I knew other people were in the room, but I only had eyes for my husband.

He took a step forward, eyes never straying from my face. I stood frozen, watching him approach. The blood in my veins was sizzling. It felt like someone cranked the heater in the house, but the heat I felt building had nothing to do with central heating. It was the smokin' hot redneck that was standing in front of me. His eyes finally strayed from my face, quickly surveying my body down to my black, strappy heels. He swallowed hard, Adam's apple bobbing up-and-down as he drug his gaze back to my face.

"Red..." He stumbled over his words, shaking his head and rubbing a hand roughly over his jaw. "Yur..."

I took his hand in mine, smiling. "You too Katniss."

His shoulders relaxed, and he stepped closer, a hand drifting to the base of my neck. "Yur so damn beautiful it hurts."

Before I could respond he brushed his lips tenderly across mine. It was over just as soon as it started, just a promise of things to come. I felt my stomach clench in anticipation, and bit my lip, looking up at him through my lashes.

"If ya two are done gettin' to first base can we get this show on the road?" Merle drawled lazily from somewhere in the kitchen.

Daryl stepped to my side, his hand never leaving mine. Rick and Deadpool were already walking out the door, the former guiding the samurai out of the house with his hand at the small of her back. I smothered a smirk, hoping those two figured things out, tonight, twice.

Merle was making googly eyes at Francine who was blushing so badly it didn't look healthy. My brother-in-law was also dressed in a suit, and clean shaven. It was obvious Francine found the bi-product of these ministrations appealing though the mere notion made the nausea I'd been ignoring all day rear its ugly head with a vengeance.

"Can we leave before they start swapping spit, my stomach can't handle it?"

Daryl chuckled. "Come on."

We stepped outside, and I bristled at the cold. Daryl immediately took off his jacket, placing it on my shoulders. I'd fought with Denise for two days about not wearing my sling to the wedding. No one, and I do mean no one, could pull of evening wear while sporting sling. In the end it wasn't me that convinced her. I had no idea what Tara did, but she did it with flare. Denise was flushed and barely functioning when she finally gave me approval to leave the fashion crime at home for the night.

"I'm good," I insisted.

He said nothing, pulling the lapels tighter before taking my hand again. The walk to Gabby's church was thankfully short. A few minutes in and my feet were already killing me. The moment we entered the small chapel we were greeted by everyone. Daryl nodded awkwardly, one hand shoved in his pocket, the other gripping mine progressively harder the longer the pleasantries drug on. Carl took mercy on us, escorting us to the front row next to Nugget and Deadpool. I kissed Nugget's cheek, handing Daryl his jacket back while smiling when the little girl squealed in excitement at seeing us.

Noah stood next to Gabby with Glenn to his left. Beth was his sister-in-law, Maggie his wife, who better to be Noah's best man than him. The groom looked nervous, really nervous. In fact, he looked like he might bolt at any moment though I knew it wasn't because he didn't want to marry Beth. Having everyone sitting here gawking at you must be a special kind of torture. Nevertheless, Glenn stood beside the man vigilant, ready to restrain him if necessary. One thing was abundantly clear; Noah was getting married tonight come hell or high water.

Merle and Francine took their seats behind us, and I turned around, eyeing my brother-in-law. "Are you ready?"

Francine looked between us, confused, but Merle waved off her question. "Course."

I winked at him, turning around.

"Ready for what?"

I grinned at my other half, not giving anything away. I refused to ruin the surprise. "You'll see."

"Does it involve dick tiaras?"

I snorted, looking apologetically at an elderly couple who were shocked by the talk of phallic symbols. "You wish Legolas."

"Everyone please be seated," Gabby announced.

The murmurs of the crowd ceased, music replacing it. Maggie entered the makeshift church, a bouquet of flowers in her hand. She was wearing a floor-length gown the color of champagne, her hair twisted into an elegant bun. She looked stunning. Glenn's eyes locked on his wife. From where I was sitting it didn't look like he was breathing. She slowly walked down the aisle before taking her place opposite Glenn.

The music changed to the wedding march, and we all stood, turning to face the entrance. Beth stood in the doorway next to Rick, her hand tucked in the crook of his arm. The bride was a sight to behold, her organza and lace gown breathtaking. The body was a strapless corset with detailed beading and Venice lace appliques that gave way to a dramatic ruffled skirt and chapel train. Her long, blonde hair was flowing down her back, a ring of flowers braided into the crown of her head. She looked like she'd walked straight off the pages of a fairytale.

I glanced at Noah and felt myself tear up. He was stunned at the sight of his future wife, utterly mesmerized as she floated towards him. Whatever nervousness he displayed a few minutes ago was long gone.

Rick and Beth stopped in front of Gabby who smiled and asked, "Who gives this woman to this man?"

"On behalf of her father, Hershel, I do," Rick answered, voice cracking slightly. His eyes looked misty as he lightly kissed Beth's cheek, placing her hand in Noah's and stepping back.

The couple stood hand-in-hand as Gabby presided over their union in a traditional Christian ceremony save the vows they wrote themselves.

"Beth, when I met you I was drifting through life just waiting to die. I had no hope, no hope for anything. You changed that. You changed me." A single tear fell down his cheek. "You taught me how to fight, how to survive, and most importantly...how to love. You are my life, and I will love you for the rest of mine."

Gabby inclined his head to Beth who took a deep breath, looking Noah in the eyes.

"Noah, you're proof that something wonderful can come from something terrible. I never thought I'd get to experience this." Her lips quivered, and so did mine. By "experience this" she meant live long enough to fall in love. "My Daddy always told me that if I found the man I was meant to spend my life with I'd know. He was right. I knew the moment I met you that I'd love you. For the first time since the world ended I'm excited about what the future holds, and that's all because of you. I love you."

Gabby waited a beat before addressing the couple.

"Noah Tyler do you take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife," he asked, a Bible open in his hands, "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until dead do you part?"

"I do," he whispered, sliding the wedding band onto her slim finger.

"Beth Greene do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until dead do you part?"

"I do."

Her hands shook slightly as she slid the wedding band on his finger.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Noah stepped forward, taking Beth in his arms and kissing her hard. A resounding cheer exploded from the crowd. "You may kiss the bride."

Daryl put two fingers in his mouth, whistling loud. I laughed, dabbing at my eyes.

"Are you crying?"

I waved my hand at Deadpool. "I'm not crying. I'm releasing suppressed emotional energy."

She laughed, adjusting Nugget to her other hip. Beth and Noah walked down the aisle hand-in-hand, everyone throwing rice at them as they went. We followed down the aisle behind Glenn and Maggie, making our way to the reception which was set-up in the back area of the building, spilling into the streets.

It'd taken a few weeks to gather all the supplies necessary to pull off the reception, but it looked good. There were tables spread around a dance floor with a grand piano sitting front and center on the stage. Eric had been cooking and baking for the better part of two days, the fruits of his labor currently sitting in stainless steel steam serving pans. It took all my willpower not to beeline straight for the blueberry scones.

Daryl led us to a table near the front where the bride and groom were already seated. My husband shook Noah's hand, and kissed Beth on the cheek offering his congratulations. I wasn't nearly as composed, grabbing both of them and hugging them awkwardly before sinking into the chair my husband graciously pulled out for me. Who said chivalry was dead?

"Uh, excuse me," Aaron said, and I cringed the feedback making my skin crawl. He adjusted something on a unit beside him, and thankfully the next time he spoke it wasn't at a pitch only dog's enjoyed. "Sorry about that. First and foremost I wanted to say congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler." Everyone cheered making Beth duck her head while Noah's arm went around her, face proud. "We've got a great evening planned for you, but before we begin we have a surprise for the newlyweds."

A hushed murmur reverberated through the crowd, everyone looking around trying to figure out what was happening. When I pushed my chair back my husband's head snapped to the side, and I winked at him. Someone else stood, and Daryl's eyes traveled from me to his brother. If we was surprised before he was downright astonished now.

Merle and I met in the middle of the dance floor, and I tried really hard not to feel self-conscious with every set of eyes in the place on us. Merle kept his head high, ushering me to the front of the stage. The walk to Aaron felt like a mile when in fact it was mere feet. I snuck a peek at Merle, and got a little worried. He was sweating, a lot. It also looked like he was shaking.

"Are you alright?" I whispered, smiling at the crowd.

Merle pulled at the tie around his neck. "I just...this is more people than I thought."

More people than he thought? What part of everyone will be there was unclear?

"You need to pull yourself together man."

Aaron nodded at us, motioning for us to take up our position on either side of the piano. Eric was already seated, waiting for his cue to start. It was obvious Merle was freaked the fuck out so I raised a single finger, asking for a minute before quickly dashing to his spot. I stood in front of him, trying to block out as much of the crowd as I could.

"You can do this."

He swallowed hard. "I ain't never done this b'fore."

He wasn't going to do it. He was going to back out at the last second, and leave me standing up here like a total asshole.

"Listen to me, you can do this." He shook his head, ready to bolt. "Don't worry about everyone else. Just..." My eyes darted around the room until they landed on Francine who was sitting on the edge of her seat with a concerned expression. "Pretend like it's just you and Francine."

He nodded in agreement, eyes traveling the room until he found his girlfriend. "I can do that."

"Of course you can." He better. There was no backing out now. If he ran I'd have to hurt him, and then Daryl would get upset. "I'll just be...right over there." I pointed at my spot on the other side of the piano.

Once I was settled I gave Aaron a slight nod, and he continued. "Ladies and gentleman, Alex and Merle Dixon."

Everyone clapped, and I smiled, my nerves making my mouth dry. Unlike my brother-in-law I was able to push it away. I was a master of compartmentalization. You didn't survive in my former occupation if couldn't handle a little mental discomfort.

When I'd come up with this idea a few days ago it seemed like a great idea. Now, it felt like that dream where you showed up at school naked. I glanced down to make sure I was fully clothed, fidgeting with a strand of loose hair. I was about to give Eric the signal to start when Merle started talking.

"I ain't never claimed to be nothin' 'cept what I am, but I made a promise to a man." For the first time his eyes slid away from Francine, and he nodded at Glenn. "I promised that I'd do everythin' in my power to right my wrongs." He was talking about Woodbury, what happened to us there, specifically Maggie. "I ain't come close, not by a long shot, but...well...maybe this is a start." He looked at Beth and Noah. "I wish y'all the best."

He inclined his head to newlyweds, and Eric started playing. The keys of the old piano were in tune after Goggles spent the better part of an afternoon messing with it. The soft key strokes filled the otherwise quiet reception room. Merle kept his eyes locked on Francine though I noticed a bead of sweat trickling down the side of his head, a testament to his nerves. He inhaled deep and I found myself copying the action. This was it.

"Chances are you'll find me somewhere on the road tonight. Seems I always end up drivin' by."

He sounded just like he did the first time I heard him sing in the rundown shack we took refuge in after the prison, beautiful. I glanced at Daryl and found him gaping at his older brother. He was absolutely shocked to hear his soulful, gravely, deep voice, as was everyone else in the room. I was willing to bet he'd never heard him sing. Merle didn't appear to notice, eyes never straying from his girlfriend.

"Ever since I've known you it just seems you're on my way. All the rules of logic don't apply." He took a deep breath, making a fist to conceal his shaking hand. "I long to see you in the ni-ight. Be with you till mornin' li-ight."

He exhaled harshly when he finished his first verse, and I felt myself relax. My eyes drifted to my husband who was already staring at me.

"I remember clearly how you looked the night we met. I recall your laughter and your smile. I remember how you made me feel so at ease. I remember all your grace...your style." It looked like Daryl was holding his breath while I sang. "And now you're all I long to see. You've come to mean so much to me-ee-ee."

For the first time since we started I looked away from Daryl, facing Merle. He was grinning and so was I. We both took a deep inhale, belting out the next verse in perfect unison.

"Chances are I'll see you somewhere in my dreams tonight. You'll be smilin' like the night we met. Chances are I'll hold you and I'll offer all I have. You're the only one I can't forget."

I felt tears pool in my eyes when I saw Noah twirling Beth around the dance floor. I sniffled, hastily dabbing my eyes while Merle sang solo.

"Baby you're the best I've ever met."

I joined him again, our tempo building in tune with Eric as he played the piano like a pro.

"And I'll be dreamin' of the future. And hopin' you'll be by my side."

Merle's eyes moved back to Francine, a devilish smirk on his face as he sung. "And in the mornin' I'll be longing..."

Gross. I inhaled deep, getting ready for our toughest duet. We'd struggled to stay in key while practicing, the harmony hard to carry due to the notes being so high for me and low for him. It was a difficult balancing act. One we'd yet to pull off. Here's to hoping we nailed the live version.

"Fo-or the night. Fo-or the ni-ii-ight. And chances are I'll see you somewhere in my dreams tonight. You'll be smilin' like the night we met."

I closed my eyes, tipping my head back as I sang, "Ooh-ooh-ooh"

"Chances are I'll hold you and I'll offer all I have. You're the only one I can't forget." Merle tilted his head to the side, eyebrows raised as he asked if I was ready for the big finale. I smirked in response. I was always ready. "Baby you're the best I've ever met."

"Oooh," he crooned.

"Oo-ooo-oooh," I finished, the music ending a second later.

The room erupted into applause, everyone standing and cheering so loud it was deafening. I ducked my head, fidgeting awkwardly as we walked back to our tables. Beth and Noah intercepted us, both hugging us so fiercely it was a miracle they didn't break bone.

Daryl was waiting for me when I got to the table. I blushed for reasons I couldn't explain. It looked like he wanted to say something, but he opened and closed his mouth several times, nothing happening. He settled for pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. I smiled in return, sitting down as he pushed the chair in and sat beside me. I clumsily accepted the praise at our table, thankful for the distraction the food offered.

Daryl leaned over so close his breath tickled my ear. "Got any other surprises planned Red?"

I shivered, "Not here, but once we get back to the room all bets are off Merida."

He snorted, interlacing our fingers underneath the table as we talked and laughed with everyone. It was so nice to enjoy each other's company, and not worry about the state of the world. We laughed when Nugget flung a tomato across the room, the little girl refusing to eat anything except butter. We listened to Noah gush over his new bride, and his first thoughts when he saw her walking down the aisle.

"No, no, no, keep drinking," Daryl drawled, his accent more pronounced. He pointed at Glenn, a devious grin on his striking face. "I wanna see how red yur face gets."

Glenn tipped his head back, laughing so hard wine almost came out his nose. Rick and Carol joined in, the four of them sharing an inside joke.

Rick leaned back, yelling. "Booyah!"

"Booyah!" the three of them echoed, glasses held high before downing the contents.

Maggie leaned over to me. "What's booyah?"

I shrugged, chugging my own glass. I had no idea, but I wasn't wasting an opportunity to drink.

With dinner concluding Aaron turned on the music, the dance floor slowly filling with couples. I sat back, watching the couples sway back-and-forth.

"Do you mind?" Rick asked Carol, gesturing to Nugget. She accepted the baby willingly, standing up and propping her on a hip before heading to the dance floor. "Uh, Michonne, do you...uh...want to dance?"

I put a finger over my mouth, trying to conceal my smile as Deadpool's tried to play it cool, but we all knew she wasn't passing up this opportunity. She practically hurled her napkin onto the table, standing up so fast she was difficult to track.

"Yes," she said a little too loud to be casual. "I mean, sure."

I snorted, watching the scene unfold. Rick pulled at the collar of his shirt, adjusting his tie like it was choking him before taking her hand and leading her onto the floor. Maggie and Glenn were already gone, leaving just Daryl and I at the table.

"Would ya dance with me Red?" I turned swiftly, shocked to see my husband standing with his hand out.

"Of course."

I took his hand, standing and letting him lead me onto the floor. We were safely tucked in the middle of the masses when he turned, pulling me closer. He curled his hand around mine, his other sliding around my waist until it rested on my lower back.

"Why ya look like a monkey humpin' a football?"

I leaned back so I could see his face. "Monkey's hump footballs?"

He snorted, shaking his head and pulling me closer, swaying to the beat.

"I didn't know you could dance."

"Why ya sound so surprised?"

He effortlessly guided us around the dance floor. Honestly, I had no idea why it shocked me. Daryl could do anything, and I do mean anything. I'd never seen him fail, not once. It made sense this would be no different. I suppose I'd never considered the redneck learning something so...useless. I'd learned much later in life, and it wasn't for recreation.

"My grandma taught me when I was 'lil," he admitted, "Said a man needed to know how to dance with a lady."

I closed my eyes, inhaling his clean, masculine scent. I rested my head against his, enjoying the way his thumb rubbed circles on the back of my hand unconsciously. Daryl danced like he moved, gracefully, effortlessly. The music flowed through us, between us, creating a bond stronger than the walls of Alexandria. I could have danced with him forever.

"Did ya want this?"

I kept my head against his, wrapping my arm around his shoulder so I could pull him closer. I didn't want any distance between us. "Want what?"

"A wedding." He sounded hesitant, almost unsure. "A real wedding with our family, a dress, a real preacher. Not the two of us in the middle of nowhere standin' in the pourin' rain."

I stopped dancing, and so did he. I stepped back so I could look him in the eye.

"I wouldn't change one second of our life together," I stated, taking his face in my hands. "The only thing I'll ever need is you."

His nostrils flared and my heart skipped a beat. A second later his lips covered mine. The heat from his body set mine on fire, the kiss passionate and demanding. His mouth was angled ever so slightly, his tongue soft as it slipped between my lips. He placed his large hand along my jaw, his thumb resting at the corner of my mouth while his fingertips played with the loose hair at the nape of my neck.

"Alex..." he whispered slowly, drawling out my name as if he meant to savor it.

Never before had my name felt so wonderful to my ears. This was love. A story you never wanted to end. A person who transformed your life to the point you didn't know how you survived without them. I never knew how much I longed for this until I found him. He was the one thing in this world that made me feel complete. It was as if my universe began and ended with him.

I traced his lip lightly with the tip of my finger. "I fall in love with you a little more every day. I don't know how that's possible because I love you so much it feels like I might burst, but, it is...because I feel it growing..." My voice cracked, and his eyes blazed with heat that promised our night was far from over. "Whether my heart beats another day or another hundred years...it'll always be yours."

"I ain't no good with words," he swallowed hard, "Yur the best thing that ever happened to me. I would give up anythin' in this world for ya. I'd do anythin' to protect ya. It's me and ya Red. It always has been. Always will be."

I blinked back tears. "This side or the other."

"Damn straight."

~ ~ ~

It felt like I owed you guys a wedding so I gave you a wedding.  It wouldn't be Red, and it definitely wouldn't be Alex, if there wasn't a little mayhem and laughter first.  I hope you enjoyed the brief reprieve (and found it funny cause...). 

As we all know, the world is about to get a whole lot bigger.

FYI, the song Alex and Merle are singing is Chances are by Bob Seger and Martina McBride.

Until next time ;)