This is kind of silly. I had a request for a one shot from my 100th reviewer for my story "Burden and Bury", Emma Kellog. She asked for something fluffy, since BnB gets pretty dark. I thought, yeah okay, I can probably crank out a few pages. 13 pages later...
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this, and I would love your thoughts.
Beth was extremely nervous, but nothing compared to the fidgeting man beside her. Rick was dressed in a full suit, which was wildly unnecessary, and made him look handsome, but completely uncomfortable. He was shifting in his seat, compulsively rubbing his neck, and clearing his throat. Beth giggled.
"Do you need me to drive?" She asked, causing Rick to glare at her out of the corner of his eye.
"Tell me again why I agreed to this?" Rick groaned, to which Beth laughed.
"You didn't." she smiled, poking his arm with her finger, "it was YOUR idea!"
Rick grinned slightly, and cocked his head towards her, "… That doesn't sound like me." Their eyes connected for a moment, blue on blue, and Beth couldn't contain the smile that spread across her features before Rick turned his attention back to the road.
Beth sighed happily. Rick meeting her family… this was a big deal. They'd been dating for a year, but somehow had avoided this. Beth rested her head back on the seat rest behind her, and pulled her legs up under her, before reaching over for Rick's hand. He brought her fingers up to his lips and kissed them lightly.
"I like the yellow nails." Rick said absentmindedly.
Rick always did that. It was the first thing he had said to her when they met.
"I like your blue nail polish."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, matches the uniform."
Beth grinned to herself at the memory. They had met while Beth was attending Emory in Atlanta, getting her nursing degree. She had been doing clinicals at a hospital when Rick came in to talk to a drunk driving accident victim. Beth had been embarrassed as hell at the time. She was wearing blue scrubs, no makeup, and her hair had been thrown up in a haphazard ponytail. But apparently Rick hadn't minded.
They both had work to do, but when Beth's shift had ended, Rick was waiting just outside the double doors with two cups of coffee.
"Do I look that tired?" Beth had sighed, taking the warm, aromatic liquid from him, inhaling it deeply.
"You look that beautiful." Rick had responded, causing her to blush.
Beth squeezed Rick's hand at the memory. Beth had graduated last month, but Rick had to work during the ceremony. That was the downside of him being a cop. The upside was handcuffs. Beth's father had been mad that he wasn't there, he wanted to meet him. Beth had not told Rick that. She knew Rick had really wanted to be there, but some things can't be helped. When she took her family back to her apartment, there had been two dozen yellow tulips waiting for her, and a note of congratulations. Maggie had elbowed her in the ribs.
Maggie had been pretty envious when Beth told her about the age difference. Beth was 22, Rick was 42.
"Older men, Beth, that's the way to do it. They know what they're doing."
Beth had blushed, and slapped her sister in horror, but she knew Maggie was completely correct. All of the boys she had dated in high school and college, had been just that, compared to Rick- boys. Rick was special anyway, Beth knew that much, but he was also much more… knowledgeable.
Beth blushed in the car at the thought, bringing her back into the present.
"About 18 more miles out to the farm." She informed Rick.
He nodded before clearing his throat. "Listen, Beth… How worried should I be, here?"
Beth fiddled with the hem of her skirt. "I'm not sure what you mean." She replied, not making eye contact.
Rick sighed dramatically, and gripped the top of the steering wheel. "I mean is there a chance your dad or sister is going to tell me they don't approve and make me stop dating you?"
Beth sat straight up at that. "Would that work?" her worried eyes searched Rick's.
Rick grinned back at her, putting his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in to kiss her head. "No, baby."
"Good." Beth smiled, before pursing her lips in thought. "I wouldn't worry a ton, but I can't pretend it will be easy. Mom is up visiting Shawn and his family in Macon for Easter, so it will just be Daddy and Maggie. Maggie will tease you, but love you. Daddy…" she paused, considering. "Daddy will be a little tougher."
Rick winced and rubbed his neck. "Swell."
"Hey, I got us out of goin' to church. Least you can do is make it through dinner." Beth teased Rick, squeezing his hand again.
"Anything for you, Beth."
/
They turned off onto a dirt road, and Beth jumped out to open the gate for them to drive up to the farm house. Rick swallowed hard as he watched her. She was wearing a white strapless dress, covered in blue and yellow flowers, with her standard brown cowboy boots. Her hair was loose and flowing over her shoulders in soft waves.
Rick wondered frequently how he had gotten so lucky. The day he had met her was one of the best days of his life. He hated going to that goddamn hospital. When he was 27, he had lost his pregnant wife in that same place, and every time he had to go in there, it was like she was haunting him. Then over a decade he walked in, and instead of seeing a ghost, he saw an angel. It felt like a miracle.
Beth ran back over, and jumped into his truck. She smiled brilliantly at him. "You ready baby?"
Rick swallowed. "Now or never, I guess." Beth wrapped her arms around his, and leaned up to kiss his cheek.
"Oh darn, I got lip gloss on you. Better not let daddy see that." Beth reached up to wipe the sticky pink substance from his cheek while Rick said a quick prayer in his mind.
They drove past a large barn, and Beth started twitching a little bit in her seat. She suddenly pushed across him, pointing to the barn and screeching. "THERE'S NELLIE!" she yelled. Sure enough, a large brown horse was eating grass on the east side of the barn. Rick chuckled to himself- of course Beth had a pony. She really was a Disney princess come to life.
Rick pulled off to the side of the main house and Beth flew out of the truck before it even came to a complete stop. She ran up the stairs into the open arms of a tall brunette girl. The two were talking over each other, giggling, and crying before Rick had even shut the engine off.
When he closed the door of his truck, the girl whipped her head around and put her hands on her hips and froze Rick with a glare. She stomped right up to him, and poked him in the chest.
"You Rick?" she asked, narrowing her green eyes up at him.
Rick started laughing.
"Why are you laughing?!" The girl took off her cowboy hat, and started hitting him on the arm with it, which only made Rick laugh harder.
"I think he's lost it Bethie." The girl yelled over her shoulder, as his blonde Beth came running up to stop her from hitting him.
"What's so funny, Rick?" Beth asked softly, patting his hand where the girl before her had been whaling on him.
Rick took a deep breath and tried to collect himself. "'S just that… she looked just like you when you try to look all formidable." He squeaked out before he started laughing again. In response Beth gasped, and slapped his arm.
"I do NOT try to look formidable!" she snapped, before Rick pulled her into a hug.
"You do, and I love it." He said, kissing her on the tip of her ear. "You must be Maggie." He said, extending his hand around Beth to the brunette.
She scoffed, and knocked his hand away. "In this family we hug, Rick." She said before wrapping her arms around both Beth and Rick. He exhaled in relief, and happily hugged Maggie back.
"Listen," she said, as she broke the hug, "I need to tell you somethin' before we go in." Rick noticed Beth wince out of the corner of his eye.
"What is it Maggie?" Beth asked softly. Rick swooned a little at that. He loved everything about this girl, and knowing she was the exact same caring soul around her family as she was with him was no surprise, but a great relief.
Maggie grabbed both of their hands, and pulled them close to her before whispering. "You have to be cool, okay Beth?" Beth nodded in response before Maggie continued. "Thing is, I'm pregnant. Again." Maggie's hand flew up to Beth's mouth, muffling the shriek of delight that came flying out. "Is that being cool, Beth?" Maggie laughed, exasperated.
"'M sorry, but that's wonderful! Finally Hershel Jr. will have a little brother or sister!" Beth screeched, pulling her sister into yet another hug. "But why the secrecy? Isn't it Glenn's?"
Maggie smacked her sister on the arm. "Of course its Glenn's you little twerp!" she laughed. "I just found out a couple days ago, and I didn't want to steal ol' Officer Friendly here's thunder." She said tilting her head towards Rick.
"Maggie, that's awful kind, but you should share the good news with your dad. He'd want to know." Rick answered, patting her gently on the back. "And congratulations! You and Glenn have been married 3 years, right?"
"4, actually," Maggie grinned, before nudging Rick, and smiling. "But 'A' for effort." Rick blushed when Maggie winked at him, causing her to giggle even more.
"He's super cute, Beth, where did you find him?" Maggie asked, as Rick turned a deep maroon.
Beth rolled her eyes. "Stop teasing him Maggie. Besides, it's not like I pulled in the pizza delivery guy while I was drunk, like I was straight out of a porno."
Maggie stomped the dirt and gasped, offended. "I was NOT drunk. He was super cute you little jerk!"
"Yeah, whatever. I just hope he makes good pizza now that he's knocked you up again!" Beth laughed, and Maggie pushed her shoulder in offense. The two were talking over each other now, and pushing and slapping each other in jest.
He didn't make the pizza he just delivered it!
Oh yeah, that was my point. Good job, Maggie.
He doesn't even do that anymore, he hasn't in years!
Because an architect is sooooooo interesting!
Why you little…
Rick backed away as the two playfully fought. He had been an only child, but even he knew not to get involved in sibling stuff.
"Oh crap, are they fighting already?" A smiling young Asian man with a young child on his hip stuck his head through the front door. "Sweet ride dude, what is it?" the man sauntered towards Rick, clapping him on the back.
Rick smiled. He was already at ease with this guy. If he liked his truck, he knew they'd get along fine. "It's just a Nissan Titan. You're Glenn I guess?" Rick reached out and put a tentative hand on the baby's back. He hadn't been near a child since he'd lost his own. "And this is Hershel Jr.?"
"Yeah. Why are they fighting this time?" Glenn probed, watching the two girls bicker.
Rick shrugged, and Glenn laughed. "Oh well. You like roast? We're having roast. HEY!" he turned to the girls who were still wrangling, "DINNER'S DONE. YOU TWO HUNGRY?" The two girls stopped and walked over, giving their two respective paramours kisses.
Beth reached for her nephew, and he reached back quickly. The two snuggled and Beth talked baby talk to him before turning back to Rick.
"I see you met Glenn and this little guy." Beth smiled at an overwhelmed Rick, who nodded in return. "Let's go meet Daddy."
Rick gulped.
/
Beth couldn't keep from smiling. On one arm she had her sister that she loved more than life, who was pregnant. She was going to be an aunt again! She missed Maggie, and she hated the idea of missing Hershel Jr. grow up. Beth wondered if there would be opportunity to see about moving closer home. She wondered if Rick could be talked into that.
Rick… he was on her other arm. He looked beyond gorgeous in his navy suit. He was nervous, and fidgety, but that was to be expected. Maggie had already whispered in her ear that she loved him, that he was handsome and sweet, and the way he looked at Beth gave him an automatic pass from her. Now, as they walked through the door into their childhood home, she could only hope Daddy would be the same.
Beth sighed happily. Home. It looked the exact same, save for several baby toys strewn about the place. It was nice to know some things never changed. The sun was pouring in through the windows, illuminating the sitting room with a warm glow. The smell of the roast and potatoes hung in the air, making her hungry and happy.
"Is that my Bethie?" she heard her father call from the door to the kitchen.
"Daddy!" she screamed, running over to him, nearly knocking him down with a hug. She clung tightly to her father for a few moments, forgetting the rest of what was going on around her. She didn't see her father nearly enough, and he was getting older. She missed him dearly.
She felt her father's chuckle reverberate against her, as he returned her hug. "Bethie, aren't you going to introduce me?"
"Oh! Shoot, yes!" she grinned, before finally releasing her father from the hug. Beth ran back over and grabbed Rick's hand, pulling him forward to where he was face to face with her father. She wrapped herself around his arm. "Daddy, this is Rick Grimes. Rick, my daddy, Hershel Greene."
Rick extended his free hand formally, and shook Hershel's own. "Nice to meet you, Dr. Greene. Thank you for inviting me into your home."
Hershel chuckled quietly again, shaking Rick's hand. "Hershel will do, son. We're glad to have you. I hope you're not on a diet, Maggie has outdone herself today. And Annette left behind a chocolate pie."
Rick exhaled visibly, and smiled at Hershel. "No, no diet. Dinner sounds delicious. Thank you… Hershel." Beth giggled in spite of herself.
"Daddy, do we have a few minutes before dinner? I wanted to show Rick around the house real quick." She asked, smiling innocently.
Hershel nodded, looking at Glenn. "Glenn, can you pour drinks? That should give them a couple of minutes. Sweet tea okay with you two?" They both nodded their consent, and Beth dragged Rick up the stairs.
"This is my room." Beth smiled, all but pushing Rick inside, before slamming the door behind him, and turning the lock. She jumped towards Rick and kissed him hard on the mouth. Rick's protests were muffled by Beth, but he still gently pushed her back.
"What the hell, Beth?" he whispered sternly, causing her to blanch.
"We've got a few minutes," she stuttered, moving back closer to him. "and the door does have a lock." Beth smiled as she saw the wheels turning in Rick's mind.
"Your dad's right downstairs, though, Beth." Rick balked, rubbing his neck.
"Doesn't mean he has a key." Beth countered. Rick stood quietly considering, until Beth interrupted his thoughts. "You're wasting ti-"
Beth was cut off by Rick's mouth. She smiled against him before melting into a deep kiss. Kissing Rick was unlike any other experience Beth had ever had. His kisses were soft, but at the same time demanding and they lit a fire deep inside of her. She couldn't seem to ever get enough. Sure enough, her legs went weak against him, and he dipped her gently onto her bed.
Rick's mouth moved over to Beth's neck, where he peppered gentle kisses as he pulled down her dress, revealing her breasts. Beth moaned when Rick took one pink nipple into his mouth, before snaking his hand up her dress, between her thighs.
Rick teased Beth's wetness over her underwear, making Beth twitch. Rick returned to her neck, gently nipping and sucking on her soft skin.
"Rick…" Beth moaned, as he continued to tease her clit. She needed him inside of her, in any capacity.
Rick breathed into her ear, making her shudder. "What's the magic word, Beth?"
Beth groaned, and pushed down against Rick's fingers. "Pleeeeease, Rick. I need you."
"If you say so, ma'am." With that, Rick moved aside Beth's underwear and slid a finger inside of her. Beth gasped at the sudden invasion before adjusting and savoring Rick's touch. She fisted her hand into Rick's curls, encouraging his mouth onto hers. Rick slid another finger in and quickened his pace, while he muffled Beth's moans with his ceaseless kisses. He pressed his body into Beth, and she felt his hard length grind against her.
Rick suddenly withdrew his fingers, causing Beth to squeak in complaint at the loss. He kissed her again before moving down to the floor, and sliding down Beth's underwear. Rick breathed gently against her wetness, and Beth bucked instinctively. Looking down at Rick between her legs was the most erotic thing to Beth. Rick looked up at her, his normally icy blue eyes now a deep navy, and smirked.
Rick dove in with his tongue, resulting in Beth arching her back, and closing her eyes. The feel of Rick's stubble against her opening drove her insane. Rick explored Beth's clit with his tongue before hitting that certain spot that Beth needed.
"Don't… stop…" Beth begged. She was so close. She reached over to the head of the bed and grabbed a pillow. Rick continued his attentions, and again slipped a finger inside of her, sending her over the edge. She moaned her release into the pillow, calling out Rick's name.
Rick gently slipped out of her, and hovered over her. He picked up the pillow kindly, and tossed it to the side. "I love when you call out my name." He said, smiling down on her.
Beth sat up on her elbows. "I love YOU." She grinned, earning her a deep kiss from the man in front of her.
They were interrupted by a loud knock at the door.
"HEY! Better tell Rick to put his pants back on, dinner's on the table!" Maggie yelled, before chuckling mischievously.
/
Rick was freaking out a little. "I can't believe I let you talk me into that." he hissed, as he dragged Beth down the stairs towards the dining room.
She jumped down the final stair, before turning to kiss him on the cheek. "You loved it. Live a little, Grimes." she winked at him, and practically skipped into the kitchen, leaving Rick to gape in her wake. Beth was so young in some ways. But she was kind, and gentle, this much Rick knew, and she acted as a balm to anyone she came in contact with.
It was part of what made her such a good nurse. She was smart, and able to make quick decisions, yes, but she was also incredibly empathetic. She was a natural healer. It was what she'd done for him when they first met. For over a decade, Rick had just moved from one thing to another, just living day to day. Then he met Beth, and not only did she find a way to heal him, but she injected him with vitality, and joie de vivre. Suddenly, with Beth, Rick found life was worth living again. He loved Beth for that. He would always love Beth, that much had become clear to him.
Rick walked into the dining room, and smiled at the sight before him. Hershel, Maggie, Glenn, their son, and Beth were all talking and laughing, seated around the full table. The table itself held enough food for 15, not just the five if them, plus Hershel Jr. who was too young for anything but the mashed potatoes. Rick had missed this. He was an only child, and his mom had died when he was 13. His dad has raised him, given him everything, and had died of a heart attack when Rick was only 24. He lost Lori, and their unborn child only 3 years later. He had forgotten what family looked like, and he had chosen to forget how much he missed the feeling of camaraderie and love that radiated from these moments.
"Get in here already, damn. Standing there watching us... Creeper." Glenn intoned, putting the drinks around the table.
"Glenn, language, if you don't mind, son." Hershel said severely, but a smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. "But he's right, come have a seat Rick." he added, gesturing to the empty chair next to him.
Rick took his seat next to the head of the table where Hershel sat. Beth was on his left, and Maggie was across from him, next to Hershel Jr.'s high chair, while Glenn sat at the bottom of the table, and wiggled uncomfortably.
"You okay, Glenn?" Beth asked, as she grabbed Rick's hand under the table.
Glenn shifted again. "Yeah, normally Mags and I sit on that side of table," he said, pointing to where Rick and Beth were sitting.
"You're such a baby Glenn!" Beth laughed at him, before everyone joined in.
Hershel interrupted with a cough. "Alright, let's say a prayer, before the food gets cold, what do you all say?" Hershel extended his hands, and seeing Maggie grab on to one, Rick followed suit. Beth squeezed Rick's other hand, and then reached out for Glenn's. They were all connected now, and bowed their heads as Hershel began his prayer.
"Our father who art in heaven, thank you so much for this beautiful day you've given us. On this special day, on which we remember your sacrifice of your son, and his resurrection, it is even more special that you have brought my girl Bethie and her friend Rick home safely."
Beth squeezed Rick's hand again, and Rick wondered how seriously he should take Hershel's use of the word 'friend.'
"We want to thank you for the bountiful care which you have provided us, and the wonderful hands of Maggie that prepared the meal before us. Please forgive us for all our sins, we know we are not worthy of your grace. In your son's name- Amen."
Maggie, Glenn, and Beth echoed their father's 'Amen' and Rick followed with a belated one himself. Beth leaned over and gave Rick and gentle kiss on his cheek. The display of affection filled him with a surge of love, and he turned and placed a chaste kiss on her lips with a smile.
Suddenly aware of himself, he took survey of the rest of the Greene family. Maggie stifled a giggle, while Glenn rolled his eyes, and Hershel stared solemnly down at his empty plate. Rick winced.
"It's a shame your mom couldn't be here." Rick offered slowly, attempting to insert himself into the situation subtly.
Hershel nodded slowly. "Yes, she's up with Shawn for Easter. We miss her, and I know she can't wait to meet you." Hershel looked up, his eyes connecting with Rick's. Rick swallowed and turned away, before accepting the mashed potatoes from Beth.
"Shawn and his wife Andrea have two kids, Janie and Peter, and one more on the way!" Beth interjected, much to Rick's relief. "That's why mom went up this weekend, Andrea is 7 months along, and its hard for her to do much."
Rick nodded, and an uncomfortable silence settled around the table as they passed the food around. Rick was over-thinking everything, he knew. He had stared at the rolls in his hands for at least two minutes, worried that Hershel would think he was greedy if he took two. As it stood, he ended up with one piece of roast, one scoop of potatoes, one roll, and one scoop of peas. It wasn't as much as he wanted, but he didn't want to give Hershel any more ammo than he already had.
"So!" Maggie interjected into the silence. "I know how you two met, but tell us about your first date Rick." she smiled, trying to help him along.
"I love this story." Beth intoned while taking a bite of potatoes.
Rick grinned. That evening had turned out pretty well. But Beth hadn't been privy to the hours of worry and research Rick had put in to trying to make their first date special. He hadn't wanted to be boring, so dinner or a movie was out. He had thought about taking her to a concert, but he really, really wanted to avoid the dad vibe that their relationship could fall prey to, and a concert was a good place for that.
"Let's hear it, hot stuff." Glenn wiggled his eyebrows at Rick, who laughed in return.
"Alright. Well, I picked Beth up and took her to this outdoor art festival, where people dressed up as the paintings. But it started to rain, so we ran back to the car and got hot chocolate." Rick swallowed, and blushed, as all eyes focused on him.
Beth reached out and swatted his arm. "Its no fun if you tell it like that! The members of the show all had paint running down their faces, and we had to run to the car, and they were all screaming." she paused to giggle, "and Rick held his coat over my head so I wouldn't get wet. And he kissed me by the car..." Beth started to look off and get this moony look in her eyes. Rick grinned and reached out for her hand. It was moments like these he could see that she loved him just as much as he loved her, which simultaneously confused and exhilarated him.
"...and he took me to this tiny little coffee spot, that was literally below ground. He ordered us hot chocolate, and paid the barista to put extra whipped cream on mine. And we talked for four hours, and I was late back for curfew." she laughed again. Rick exhaled in relief that Beth had elected to leave out that at least one of those hours was spent making out in his truck.
Maggie rolled her eyes. "Late for curfew. Man, those were the days. If I had a nickle for every time that Glenn and I were out late having s-" she glanced at a stern looking Hershel, "seconds on our dinner."
Glenn coughed raucously."Tea. Wrong Pipe." he choked, and Rick fought back a laugh.
Rick wanted to tell them that while that first date was perfect in a lot of ways, it could never compare to all the little moments he had with Beth. Watching that AMC show on Sunday nights when she would cuddle up next to him, and hide her face in his chest every time something scary happened. Or Sunday mornings when they went grocery shopping, and he would always sneak a Butterfinger- her favorite- into the shopping cart without her noticing, even though he did it every single week.
But unbeknownst to the majority of Greene's, Beth had moved in with Rick soon after she had graduated. The rest of her family was under the impression she was still living with her college roommate. Beth hadn't exactly lied to them, but she hadn't corrected their assumptions either. Either way, Rick wouldn't change it. Waking up next to Beth Greene was the best thing he could ever imagine.
"Remind me where you're working, Rick?" Glenn asked, clearly trying to change the subject.
Rick smiled wanly. He had actually quit his job at the Atlanta PD last week, unbeknownst to Beth. He had saved up enough to be financially sound for several months, but he wouldn't need it.
"Atlanta PD." he answered, shoving a bite of peas into his mouth. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Beth beginning to chew on her pinkie nail. The longer they'd been together, the more Beth worried about Rick's job. Every day it seemed he was taking down a drug dealer or something just as dangerous, and it felt like it was getting worse. Its why he had quit, he hated the sad kiss she gave him every morning when he left. He didn't want to worry her anymore. He caught her eye, and gave her a sad smile.
Hershel noticed. "Is it a dangerous job?" he asked, though he probably knew the answer, Rick noted.
"It can be." he answered succinctly, not wanting to pursue the topic, and hoping they would all catch the hint.
Hershel nodded solemnly, and continued eating without pushing the issue. Rick sighed, but was grateful that he wasn't being interrogated and the dining room table. The conversation lulled as they all finished eating silently.
"This one time I took Maggie to a drive in to see Gremlins and she got so scared she threw popcorn at the screen."
"GLENN!" Maggie screeched, before throwing a pea at him.
Hershel sighed. "Margaret, we don't throw peas at the table, ESPECIALLY when we have guests." he said wearily.
Maggie crossed her arms across her chest and pouted. "He started it. And for the record, it wasn't the movie that scared me. Glenn screamed when a Gremlin popped out and that scared me." she finished with a triumphant flare. Glenn opened his mouth to argue, but Hershel interrupted.
"Alright, Maggie and Glenn, since you clearly have so much to talk about, why don't you two clear the table. Beth you can help them. Rick can help me go milk the cows before we have that chocolate pie."
Rick gulped.
/
Glenn had flipped on the radio, and was singing Maroon 5 into a mop to amuse Hershel Jr. as Maggie and Beth giggled at him over the sink.
"So." Maggie side-eyed Beth, as she handed her a clean dish to dry.
"So." Beth smiled back, taking a rag to the plate to dry it.
Maggie grabbed a cup and began scrubbing it roughly. "How serious are things with you and Officer Grimes?"
Beth stopped what she was doing and turned to face her sister. Maggie didn't make eye-contact, but Beth wasn't sure why. "Maggie." she said, trying to catch her sister's eye. Maggie turned reluctantly to face her. "I love him, Maggie."
Maggie sighed, and returned her attention to the cup in front of her, shaking her head. "I like him Beth, I do, but you're so young. Do you know what love is?"
Beth grabbed her sister's hand to stop her scrubbing. "You can't put love into words, Maggie. But I know what love is. I see how you look at Glenn. And I have wanted that since I first saw you together. You'd kill for him, and he'd, god, he'd search through the Georgia forests for weeks looking for you if he had to." Beth watched as Maggie looked over her sister's shoulder at her dancing husband and smiled. "That. That right there is what I'm talking about." Beth giggled pointing at the dopey grin on her sister's face. "And that's what I feel for Rick. Every day."
Maggie sighed, and turned back to the dishes. "Relationships have to be more than that feeling, though, Beth. They're hard work sometimes. And Rick... I like him, don't hear me say otherwise, but he's older, he's been through a lot more than you. He's world weary, its etched all over his face. What do you have in common with someone like that?"
Beth rolled her eyes. "What did you have in common with a Chinese-"
"KOREAN" Glenn yelled, as Beth grinned and mouthed whatever.
"-pizza delivery boy? It's not about what we have in common, though its a lot, by the way. It's about how we help each other. He grounds me. He protects me. More than anything, he loves me. It radiates from him in everything he does, and I want that. I want it for the rest of my life."
Maggie smiled, and Beth could have sworn she saw a tear form in the corner of her eye. "Then you're both very lucky." Maggie finished, wiping her wet hands on her jeans, and pulled Beth into a hug, before kissing the mess of blonde hair. "Alright, now tell me, is he good in the sack?"
Beth smacked her sister's arm, causing them both to laugh. "I am not going to answer that!" she laughed. But Beth cast a look over her shoulder at Glenn to make sure he was turned away before whispering, "But oh. my. god."
/
Rick trailed after Hershel on the way to the barn. He couldn't help but feel like a lamb to the slaughter. Hershel seemed kind enough, to be sure, but when it came to his youngest daughter... Well. Rick was glad they were going to milk a cow, not go hunting anyway. He was concerned that hadn't tried to make chit chat on the way to the barn. He had been quiet, and stoic the entire short walk.
Hershel pushed open the heavy door, revealing several horses and a cow. Hershel guided the cow out into the open area, and took a seat, patting her on her haunches. Rick watched awkwardly, overdressed, and completely unsure of cow milking etiquette.
"So," Hershel began, bringing Rick out of his reverie, "how long have you been in love with my daughter?"
Rick swallowed, and looked down at his shoes, but grinned despite himself. "Would you believe me if I said since the moment I laid eyes on her?"
Hershel chuckled, and nodded slowly. "Yes, son, I would." his smile faded quickly however, and he turned from the chore in front of him to look Rick in the eye. "Why are you here?"
Rick swallowed. He was actually kind of grateful that Hershel saw through all pretense, and gave him a lead in to what came next. He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small blue velvet box. He heard Hershel's breathing catch and saw his motions still, when he opened it to reveal a delicate ring. A thin gold ban, with a square solitaire diamond. Rick had stared at this ring thousands of times, and it took his breath away. Not because it was anything fancy, necessarily, but because it was just so Beth. It looked like light, and sunshine, and it sparkled brilliantly. Just like his girl.
Hershel exhaled heavily. "I thought so." he said, a hint of sadness in his voice. He looked up at Rick, "She is very young." he said.
"And I'm not." Rick finished the sentiment for him, closing the box and putting it back in his pocket. "But I'll take care of her. I bought... I bought some land, not far from here. I know she misses you guys. I've already gotten on with the county sheriff's department. She won't have to work, unless she wants to. I have a buddy on the force there, and old friend from school, and he got me set up. And I bought her a horse. I know she already has a horse, but I thought she could have a horse at our place, and maybe we'll get a cow too, or well, I don't really know anything about cows, but you do, maybe you could teach me about cows. Or chickens. Who doesn't like chicken? I mean-"
"Son, your babbling." Hershel interrupted, a hint of joviality in his voice. "I guess you're asking permission?" Rick nodded as Hershel stood up with a groan. He walked towards Rick and eyed him carefully. "I am trying to think of all the ways you could hurt her. And I just can't see you doing any of them." he admitted, looking the younger man in the eye. "You have my blessing."
Rick exhaled in relief, and his entire body relaxed. "I love her so much." he said, nearly laughing, excited about what the future held for the two of them.
Hershel laughed, and patted his future son in law on the back. "That's kind of the point."
/
Hershel and Rick walked back towards the farmhouse, only to be greeted on the porch by Maggie, Glenn, Hershel Jr., and a smiling Beth. Rick couldn't help but return her infectious smile.
"We thought we could have the pie on the porch, and watch the sun set." she kissed him tenderly on the cheek, and handed him a plate of the the chocolate pie on a little white dish. Hershel scooped up his name sake from Glenn, and they all headed to the porch. Hershel sat in a rocking chair with the baby, while Glenn and Maggie leaned on the banister, holding hands, and feeding each other bites of pie.
Rick situated himself in the remaining chair, and Beth sat gingerly across his legs, stealing bites of his pie. The sun had indeed started to set in the distance, causing an array of oranges and purples to illuminate the sky. Rick couldn't contain his happiness.
"It's so beautiful out here." he smiled, looking at first into the distance, but then at Beth, his future, his hope, as she smiled down at him, all beauty and hope, before popping a bite of the dessert into his mouth, and holding him close.
"Perfect for a wedding." Hershel added, causing Rick to choke on the chocolate pie.
I'm so interested in feedback on this, because there are so many things I'm not sure about, and would love to see what worked and what didn't. If this is liked enough, I do have a thought in my head about making this part one in a trilogy of one shots. So please, let me have your thoughts.
