"Thank you Beth, I appreciate you helping me straighten up." Lori said pressing a hand to her back.

"Are you alright, Mrs Grimes?" Beth asked hurrying over to help Lori into a chair.

"I'm fine it's just a little backache. I had them all the time with Carl." Lori said. "Go on back to your Father and let him know I'm fine."

"He'll be coming by later to check on you." Beth said as she headed outside. Lori watched out the window as Beth stopped to talk to Daryl. Lori was surprised to see Beth throw her arms around Daryl before running off to the office where Hershel was setting up a makeshift delivery room.

Daryl turned to watch the girl, smiling as she made her way to the building and went inside.

"A little young for you isn't she Daryl?" Lori snidely asked through the open window.

"Ain't you supposed to be restin? Well get to restin and stop playing neighborhood busybody stickin your nose where it ain't wanted Olive Oyl." Daryl replied walking past without even looking in Lori's direction.

Lori couldn't believe the redneck had the nerve to tell her to mind her own business much less not even acknowledge her. Daryl was going to pay for that, and Beth had given her an idea.


"Hey Girlie, you don't need ta be carryin that heavy basket." Merle said as he took the basket of wet laundry from Carol. "You just tell me where you want it."

"Merle, you have to stop. People are going to talk." Carol said looking around to see if anyone had seen.

"Let em. Ain't much else to do round here." Merle said with a grin. "Sides some people is already talking. But we ain't given much ta talk about. What you say we change that?"

"Merle!" Carol said exasperated. "They have plenty to talk about, and I'm not that kind of girl anyway!"

"Don't worry girlie, you will be. Sooner or later the Dixon charm will get to you and then ya ain't gonna want ta be nothin but Merle's girl."

"Stop it Merle." Carol said her cheeks bright red. Merle sat the basket on the ground.

"Ya know, blushin becomes ya, darlin." Merle stepped closer. "Aw hell. Maybe Darylina is right for once." Merle said as he grabbed Carol and plastered his mouth to hers.

When he finally let her come up for air, Carol drew a deep breath and bonelessly collapsed against him. All she could say was "Oh my."

"Later on I'm gonna do that the right way. Look Carol I'd like ta spend weeks pursuing ya and lettin ya come to me, but it occurs to me that time ain't a luxury anymore so ya just have to grab on ta what ya want. Well girlie I'm grabbin onto ya." Merle said as he kissed her again.


"I feel fine Hershel, just a little tired." Lori said as the old man felt her stomach.

"Well you need to take it easy let Rick take care of you. There's really no way to know when your due, but the baby hasn't turned yet so we've got a bit longer to wait." Hershel said, smiling when he felt the baby kick. "At least we know it's active." Hershel went to the little bathroom and washed his hands. When he came back intot the room Lori was giving him a strange look.

"Hershel, do you have a minute? I'd like to talk to you." Lori started.

"Of course." Hershel said pulling a chair up to the bed. "If you're worried about the birth..."

"No, I know We're both in very good hands." She hesitated for a moment. "Maybe this is just being a hormonal because of the pregnancy but..."

"It's alright you can talk to me about anything." Hershel assured her.

"Well it's just that earlier I saw something and well maybe it's nothing, but I saw Daryl and Beth and... Oh never mind. I mean Daryl wouldn't. Beth isn't even 16 yet. But I remember being that age and if an older man had shown me some attention, well It probably would have turned my head."

"Are you implying that there's something improper going on between Daryl and Beth?" Hershel asked.

"Like I said Hershel it's probably just being pregnant. I mean Daryl is Rick's best friend and we all look up to him. It's not like he would abuse our trust and take advantage of a young girl." Lori gave Hershel a bright smile. Forget I even mentioned it."

"Lori..."

"Please Hershel. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I caused strife around here over nothing. It was perfectly innocent, I'm sure." Lori said appearing to be anxious.

"Okay Lori. Just calm down. I won't say anything." Hershel assured her.

"Thank you I wouldn't want anyone getting upset or jumping to the wrong conclusions. I promise I'll sent Rick if I need you." Lori smiled.

Hershel stood up and gathered the few medical items he had brought along with him. Walking to the door he opened it and said "You get some rest now Lori."

As soon as the door closed Lori smiled. You are going to get yours Daryl Dixon she thought.


"Hey Andrea, I'll take your turn on watch." Daryl said. "I know you told Beth that's why you couldn't go to the creek with her. So now it's not a problem."

"You don't have to do that Daryl. We can go another time." She said.

"Look, it's a nice day and the fish are probably just beggin for a hook in the water. Besides it would be a nice break from Deer and Boar. I think Carol's probably gone through every damned recipe in that book she uses."

"Are you sure Daryl?" Andrea asked.

"Course I am, wouldn't have offered if I won't. Now get outta here."

"Thanks Daryl, I owe you one." Andrea said giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Damn what is it with you women today? Can't keep you hands offa me what with Beth huggin on me and you kissin on me." Daryl grumbled.

"Oh stop bullshitting Daryl, You love the attention or you would keep doing nice things like this." Andrea said over her shoulder