A/N: This chapter is 100% fluff and I regret nothing. After all, I'm writing this story to be a slow burn, fluff-fest and I'm loving it so far! Sorry it took me so long to get this posted but I like the way it turned out (after much debate, rewriting, and procrastinating) so I hope it's worth the wait! Again, thank you to everyone for reading/reviewing/following/favoriting! The support this story has received so far is overwhelming and amazing and I wish I could hug you all! You're the best!

After picking up the keys to the house and signing the papers, Beth made a bee line for Maggie's, looking to celebrate with her big sister. Her father had decided to throw an impromptu welcome home and congratulations dinner for Beth later that night but Beth really wanted to just take some time with her best friend and sister to let it all soak in. As she pulled up in front of Maggie's house she saw Jo sitting on a blanket in the front yard chattering happily to a circle of stuffed animals while Maggie worked on her front flower bed. Maggie loved gardening and the front yard was always trimmed, weeded, and gorgeous. Beth waved as she turned off the engine, hearing Jo's excited squeal as she stepped from the car. She jogged quickly around the car to wrap her niece in a hug, wondering how she ever went so long in Atlanta without the regular presence of her family. Maggie approached after a moment, wrapping her in a hug over Jo's head, being careful to keep her soil covered gloves off Beth's clothes.

As she stepped away, Maggie asked, "Bethy, what're you doing here? I thought we'd see you tonight at Daddy's."

Beth reached into her pocket and retrieved the set of keys she'd recently taken ownership of and dangled them excitedly. Maggie's face was a mixture of excitement and surprise and she pulled Beth into a hug again, "Oh my goodness, I'm so happy for you! Your first house!"

"Yeah, I'm sort of in shock right now, and overwhelmed," Beth admitted as Maggie pulled away with a huge smile still lighting up her face.

Maggie nodded in understanding, "I remember when Glenn and I signed the papers for this place. I thought we'd just gone and made the worst mistake of our lives! Shaun was just a toddler and we had just found out that Jo was on the way." Maggie shook her head, remembering, and then smiled at her sister, "But it was amazing at the same time."

Beth returned her smile, glad she had someone in her life that she could lean on for the big moments like this one.

"So when do I get to see it?" Maggie asked excitedly and Beth laughed, pleased at her eagerness.

"Want to go now?" Beth asked, face hopeful. She really wanted to share this with Maggie, wanted her to see the house and be proud of her little sister.

Maggie beamed, "Absolutely! Glenn and Shaun are spending the day with Glenn's dad so it'll be just us girls! Let me just grab my purse. Jo, you want to go see Aunt Bethy's house?" Maggie called as she went up the front walk. Jo squealed excitedly and Beth helped her put her toys inside, after selecting one to bring in the car of course. She settled the little girl in her car seat in Maggie's car as Maggie closed up the house.

Finally they were on their way, Maggie driving while Beth gave her directions and Jo babbled in the backseat. The whole journey took less than twenty minutes, their speed only hindered by a few stop lights in town. Beth loved how open everything felt here. After living in Atlanta in an apartment, dealing with traffic and noisy neighbors, she loved being able to get from point A to point B in under twenty minutes. She directed Maggie down the dirt road that led to the house, the shabby white siding coming into view as they rounded a curve in the road. Maggie pulled the car up in front of the house, sitting for a minute looking at it. Finally she glanced at Beth with a small smile and said, "It's lovely, Bethy. I'm sure with a little work it'll be the perfect place for you." She paused a moment then asked hesitantly, "Daddy said it was okay?"

Beth laughed, climbing out of the car as she reassured her sister, "Yes, Mags. There's a lot of touch-ups to do but the core parts of the house are strong. The foundation is solid and the roof is actually in good shape. It will only need a few patches and it'll be as good as new. Trust me, Daddy went over everything with a fine tooth comb." She walked up to the house, no her house she thought happily, and beamed at it like it was an old friend. She glanced over her shoulder and called, "You coming in?"

Maggie freed Jo from her car seat, letting the little girl run around the yard with wild abandon. She followed Beth inside, stepping gingerly across the worn porch and following Beth's lead as they walked from room to room. The floors creaked and there was some water damage in places, but Beth could tell Maggie was pleasantly surprised overall. As they stood in the kitchen, looking out the window over the sink towards empty fields and woods beyond the land that was now Beth's, Maggie looked over at her sister and bumped her gently in the shoulder, "You did good. I'm proud of you."

Beth bumped her back with a smile, enjoying the praise, "Thanks."

After that they leaned against the trunk of Maggie's car as they looked up at the house, talking about what color to paint the kitchen and what flowers to plant in the borders around the walkway and porch. Beth shared her vision and Maggie offered suggestions, things she'd learned from fixing up her own home. Jo started to fuss so they headed back to Maggie's house, where Beth picked up her car to head back to the motel to get changed for dinner.

She was happy Maggie approved of the house and could envision it the way Beth did, painted white with green or blue shutters, all clean and new again. As she thought over all the work still to be done she thought of Daryl, her new handyman, and wondered if he'd be at the dinner. Seemed like her father was trying to take the younger man under his wing so she thought it likely he would be there. She hoped he would be so maybe they could discuss taking the first steps towards fixing up the house, now that it was officially hers. She braided her hair as she thought, wrapping it intricately at the back of her head, before adding simple make-up touches to her face and donning a casual, blue printed dress with flats and a light sweater. She studied her reflection for a moment, satisfied that she looked dinner appropriate, then left the motel to head for the farm.

The white farmhouse stood like a lighthouse in the distance as the skies grew dark, the interior lights illuminating an otherwise completely dark bit of land. She pulled up next to Maggie's car, noting numerous other vehicles had already arrived for the party. She swallowed nervously, wondering exactly who all her father invited. She had fallen out of touch with a lot of their family friends since moving to Atlanta and while she looked forward to reconnecting she really just wanted to enjoy this moment with her family and closest friends.

As she went up the steps she heard a woman call from one of the wicker rockers on the porch, "Beth? Is that you?"

Beth turned towards the voice and saw Carol Peletier, one of her mother's best friends, rising from one of the chairs to wrap Beth in a hug, which she gladly returned. Carol was like chocolate chip cookies and milk when you're sad. She made everything feel okay, and she was warm and comforting, something Beth had taken solace in after her mom had passed away. After a moment, Carol pulled back slightly to look Beth over and grinned, "My, how you've grown up!" She brushed a few stray hairs away from Beth's face and have her a comforting smile, "Your mama would've been so proud of you."

Beth returned her smile, "Thanks. It's so good to see you. Is Sophia here too?" Beth had spent quite a few nights and weekends of her teenage years watching Sophia for Carol after she'd left her abusive husband and had found a job a Wal-Mart two towns away. Beth had never minded watching the shy, sweet Sophia. The little girl had become like a second sister to here, part of the family and someone Beth would've given her life for if the need ever arose. She was all gentleness and goodness and it baffled Beth that anyone could've hurt the little girl. Apparently Carol's husband, Ed, had beaten his daughter severely one night while Carol was out and that had been the final straw, giving Carol enough determination and willpower to finally leave. Beth admired her in so many ways and it meant so much for her to be here now to celebrate this next chapter in her life.

Carol smiled and gestured inside, "Yes, she's here. You probably won't recognize her, though. I swear that girl grows 6 inches every time I turn around!" Carol joked. "She's passed up poor Carl Grimes now, poor thing. I think he's sweet on her but too shy to say anything because she's a good foot taller than him!"

Beth laughed with her as Carol led her inside, all anxiety leaving her as she remembered how much these people meant to her. If there was anyone to share this with it'd be the people who'd watched her grow up and made her who she was today. "So who all came out tonight?" Beth asked as they stepped through the screen door, which screeched painfully. She could hear laughter coming from the dining room around the corner and once again wondered how big the party was.

Carol wrapped an arm around her, giving her a squeeze as she lead her through the house, smiling, "The Grimes', your sister and her family of course, Tyreese Williams and his sister, Sasha, Dale, Andrea and Amy, Dave Chambler and his daughters, Tara and Lily, as well as Lily's daughter Meghan. I'm sure I'm forgetting people but it's a big group! Lot of people love you, Beth, and wanted to say congrats."

Beth gave her a smile, "It's a little…overwhelming."

Carol nodded in mock seriousness, "I suppose but just remember, they mean well." She gave Beth a wink and released her with a tiny shove into the dining room where the majority of the party mingled. They exploded into happy cheers of greeting and Beth did her best to smile and just relax, taking it all in.

A large banner was hung above the entry into the kitchen, blaring in bold letters, "Congrats Beth and Welcome Home!" The dining room table had been extended on each end to allow for more chairs and was decorating with a yellow table cloth and matching yellow and white flowers. Tiny tea lights glittered along the surface and on every available side table and shelf. It took her breath away, the simple warm beauty of it all. She felt tears in her eyes as she realized it was all for her and soon felt Maggie's comforting arms around her.

"Oh, Bethy, it's alright. I cried too when I saw what a good job I did," Maggie joked as Beth laughed into her shoulder.

When Beth regained her composure a little she said, "It's beautiful." Maggie visibly preened with a grin and Beth rolled her eyes a little at her sister, feeling better as she started to take in the guests.

Lori Grimes approached with her husband Rick in tow, wrapping Beth up into a hug, "It's so good to have you back, Beth!" She stepped back and Rick gave her a hug too, a big smile on his face.

Beth smiled at them, "It's good to be back. Rick, you have a beard now!" She said jokingly, noticing Rick's expanse of facial hair.

Lori rolled her eyes and replied, with all the patience of a long suffering wife with a stubborn husband, "I've given up trying to get him to shave it. Will you please tell him how much he looks like Bigfoot?"

Beth laughed and held up her hands, "I'm not getting in the middle of this!"

Rick straightened proudly and gave Lori a smug look, "Told you she'd like it."

Lori poked him, wagging a finger, "Uh uh, she didn't say that!"

Beth continued to laugh, promising to catch up with them later as she moved on to say hello to Tyreese and Sasha. Tyreese ran the local hardware store and Sasha worked as a volunteer firefighter and mechanic. Beth had known them both growing up and Sasha was a close friend of Maggie's. Tyreese wrapped her in a bear hug, pushing the air from her lungs as she grinned, hugging him back.

"Hi there, papa bear!" She beamed once her released her, remembering an old nickname she'd had for him as a kid.

"Little Beth Greene," Tyreese grinned, laughing at the name as he looked her over, "You're all grown up!"

"Everyone keeps saying that," Beth laughed, "It hasn't been that long, has it?"

Sasha cut in then, reaching for a hug of her own, "Only a few years but it feels longer! You do look more mature. I think that's what everyone's thinking." She gave Beth a smile and Beth remembered instantly how much she liked her.

The greetings went on as Beth said hello to long lost friends and met new ones. Dave Chambler was a new friend, having befriended her Dad in the last few years. He was battling lung cancer and had met Hershel at a cancer support group. Hershel still attended to support others through their fight, even though he'd lost Beth's mother years ago. Dave was a cheerful man and clearly an excellent father. Lily and Tara both doted on him and his granddaughter Meghan adored him. She played with the other children outside but came in frequently to check in with grandpa and give him a kiss on the cheek. Beth fell in love with the family instantly, making easy conversation with Tara, who was about her age and very spunky in a way Beth admired.

Andrea, Amy, and Dale found her next and Beth was surprised most of all to see Andrea. She's been a few years ahead of Maggie in school and had left the small town as soon as possible after graduating, heading to the big city for a shot at a position in a prestigious law firm. She'd come home for the weekend to help Dale with some legal paperwork for his car shop and had decided to come to the party to see Beth. Amy was Beth's age and the two embraced, giggling loudly. They'd kept in touch over the years, having been best friends all throughout their childhood. They'd often been confused for twins, both having blonde hair and light blue eyes, although now Amy was tall and curvy whereas Beth remained petite and slim. Dale was like a father to Amy and Andrea, taking them in after they'd lost their parents. Beth and Amy had bonded even more after that, since they'd both lost their mothers. He teased Beth about getting older and more beautiful without telling him and what would her father say? Beth and Amy rolled their eyes at each other and Dale just smiled, clearly delighted with his little joke.

After a little while, Beth finally got a break from all the welcomes and stepped out on the back porch to breathe in the cooling night air and relax for a minute. She was overwhelmed with all the people who'd taken the time to come to the party and she just needed a moment to take it all in. She leaned against the railing and sighed, listening to cicadas buzzing, signaling the arrival of warmer weather.

Suddenly she heard someone clear their throat off to her left and she jumped slightly in surprise, glancing over to see someone sitting in one of the wicker chairs, a cigarette glowing amber in the dimness. She squinted as the figure stood and approached then smiled when she saw it was Daryl. "Hey," She said quietly, genuinely happy to find out that her father had roped the quiet man into another family gathering.

"Hey," Daryl replied with a nod, taking a last drag on the cigarette before snuffing it out in a little ashtray that balanced on the porch railing.

"You hiding from everyone too?" Beth asked, trying to make conversation.

"Ain't hidin'," Daryl mumbled, "Came out for a smoke."

Beth's smile faded a little, feeling a little stupid, "Oh."

Daryl leaned against the railing next to her and asked, "You hidin'?"

Beth shrugged, studying the smooth, old wood beneath her hands, "No, not really. Just…needed a break. It's a little overwhelming and…loud."

Daryl sniffed at that and Beth glanced at him, noting a slight upturn to his lips. She gave him a smile and he nodded, "Know what you mean. That many people, even good people like them, sure can make a racket."

Beth laughed, nodding. They stood in silence for a moment before she added, "Glad you could come."

Daryl glanced at her then looked away quickly, shrugging, "Your Dad asked me to."

"I'm glad," Beth replied seriously. She gave him a smile and added, "He's really enjoyed having you around the farm."

Daryl stared at his feet stretched out in front of him as he responded, "He's a good man, your Dad."

Beth nodded, "Yes, he is. Sometimes I wish I were more like him."

Daryl looked over at her and she met his eyes for a beat before he looked away again saying, "Me too. I mean, for me. Wish I could be like him too."

Beth chuckled a little as he back pedaled in a panic and replied reassuringly, "It's okay, I knew what you meant."

Daryl lowered his head to stare down at his feet again, grunting a little as he laughed at himself.

They stood side by side in silence for some time but it didn't feel uncomfortable to Beth. She didn't feel the need to talk around Daryl. He seemed happy to just stand next to her and listen to the cicadas and the laughter coming from inside the house. She felt peaceful around him, relaxed, and she marveled at the feeling. It felt good to be able to just be herself around someone, not have to fill the silence or chatter about nothing. She relaxed against the railing, feeling the night air brush against her face as happiness washed over her.

After a while, Beth remembered she wanted to talk to Daryl about the house so she broke the silence, mentioning quietly, "So I picked up the keys today. The house is officially mine."

Daryl nodded, giving her a sidelong look, "Good. You want to start working on it soon then?"

Beth smiled, "You read my mind. When do you want to start?"

Daryl thought for a moment, eyes shadowed beneath his hair. Finally he glanced at her, "I got tomorrow off. You wanna meet me over there in the morning?"

Beth felt a surge of excitement and had to fight hard to keep from squealing and pulling the poor man into a hug. After a moment she smiled and replied in what she hoped was a calm, mature voice, "Sounds great."

He nodded and just then the back door screeched as Maggie came outside. Her sharp green eyes took in the pair, seemingly so relaxed around each other and she smiled knowingly for a moment before saying, "Bethy, Daryl, dinner's ready. Y'all want to come inside and eat?"

Beth glanced at Daryl, sighing dramatically, and was rewarded with that ever so faint smile. She beamed and turned back to her sister, who gave her a smirk. Beth rolled her eyes and replied, "Sure, we're coming Mags."

She followed Maggie inside and was soon bombarded again by well meaning friends and family. Whenever she could come up for air she looked for the quiet handyman, her little island of silence in this tumultuous sea of loud people, but she couldn't find him in the crowd. As they sat down to dinner, she was surprised and excited to find that Maggie had placed Daryl right next to her, on her right. She smiled at him as they sat down, laughing a little when he met her eyes for a moment and looked to the ceiling in mock relief, and caught Maggie's eye across the table. Maggie winked and Beth smiled at her, grateful just this once for her sister's meddling.