Storms rolled in forcing the family to shack up in the first cover they could find — a one-room cabin — for a couple of days before moving on. It was a miserable experience for all involved. Going out for a breath of fresh air or taking watch meant facing wet and muddy conditions. The only upside was the Walkers seemed deterred by the weather.

Carol took the first shift that night. Try as he might, Daryl couldn't sleep knowing she was on the porch alone in the cold. He sighed and grabbed his blanket on his way out the door. She smiled at him, touched by his gesture.

He sat down on hardwood planks, knees up, his back against the wall by the door, and motioned she join him. She positioned herself between his legs, her back to his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her, bringing the blanket around them so she could still access her weapon if needed.

"I'd volunteer every night if I knew I'd be treated this," Carol kidded as Daryl rested his head against the wall and closed his eyes.

"Whatever," he mumbled. She snuggled in his embrace as he tightened his hold on her.

"Clear!" Rick called out to the family as they moved through a farmhouse not unlike the Greene's place. Daryl had speared a half dozen Walkers in and around the home.

Maggie and Beth shared a look as they strolled from room to room observing photos on the walls and knickknacks on shelves; it reminded them of the house they left behind and it made them sad for a fleeting moment.

"Strong choice," Hershel mentioned to Rick as they dragged belongings. "Secure and easy view on all sides. Maybe we can stay here for a little while longer than the others."

"Let's hope so," Rick replied, glancing at his wife who seemed to be tiring more and more these days. She was showing now.

Winter was setting in and the thought of trudging through snow weighed heavy on him.

Carol was savoring a bite from a can of peaches she had found in the cupboard when Daryl entered the kitchen. He paused and watched her; her eyelids fluttered as relished the fruit.

Sweet treats were far and few between in their runs. She always made due with what was brought her and whipped up meals everyone could appreciate.

Maybe he was bias, but hell, everything she made was delicious, Daryl thought. She was delicious, too, he thought, licking his lips as his heartbeat sped up.

Carol became aware she wasn't alone. Upon opening her eyes, she noticed Daryl darkly staring at her as if she was his next prey. Her face flushed as she lowered her spoon.

He stealthily inched toward her and her breath hitched. He took the spoon from her hand and tossed it in the sink. She had barely dropped the can on the counter when his mouth swooped down on hers.

Daryl could taste the syrup on her tongue and tried not to moan at the sweetness. He caged her between his body and the counter, his mouth ravaging hers. Carol clung to him.

Someone from behind them cleared their throat. Daryl broke the kiss, breathing hard, his forehead on hers. Carol saw in the depths those blue eyes that he acknowledged she had dinner duty right now but this by no means was over. She sucked in a breath at the silent promise.

Glenn twitched as Daryl brushed past him.