Not my characters, I just play in the sandbox a bit!

After leaving Rick to make his way into the boarding house, Beth and Noah hurried back through the deepening night, anxious to get back to the meeting. Knowing that in just a short time they would be face to face with people that they hadn't seen in years, particularly her sister, made Beth more nervous by the moment, and she all she wanted was Daryl's solid presence to make her feel safe. Ever since Rick Grimes had walked into her dining room that afternoon, Beth's gut had churned harder and harder as memories of the last time she had seen these people crept into her thoughts. The memories still gave her nightmares when Daryl wasn't home, and now she had to face them in the flesh. Beth jerked a harsh breath and tried to fight the anxiety that was starting to worm its way under her skin and into her mind. Noah heard the sharp inhale from Beth, and felt her squeeze his fingers tighter. He knew that there was something wrong with her, so he did the only thing he could. He grabbed her hand more firmly and took off at a jog. Beth nodded to Noah slightly, thankful for a friend who recognized when she was struggling.

He squeezed her hand tight, and whispered, "I'll get you back safe to Mr. Dixon. Can't be falling down on any job he gives me.

I might not make it back from our next hunting trip!"

His silly grin was infectious, and Beth found herself letting go of her worries at least a little. She shoulder bumped Noah, and the two sped up, intent on hearing the end of the meeting.

However, when Beth and Noah got back to the church, they found the meeting had already broken up, and there were only a few people remaining. Beth was a bit disappointed that she had missed the vote, but she didn't doubt that a word from her husband and father had ensured a yes vote all around. They, at least, seemed to be ok with Rick and the rest being in the Cove.

Noah let go of Beth's hand as Daryl broke away from the group he was talking with to join her. "Got her back safe and sound, Mr. Dixon."

Daryl nodded his thanks and handed Noah a small piece of paper. Beth looked up at him puzzled and he eased his arm around her shoulders. "They can stay." He said lowly. "Never really was any doubt." Daryl looked searchingly into Beth's eyes. "Somethin' wrong, Li'l B? Ya gonna be a'ight?"

Beth nodded and smiled sadly. "I just don't know if this is going to be a happy occasion. Well, it will be for Daddy, and I am sure Carol, and even you. Those people were your friends before you ever met me." She sighed. "I really am glad that my sister is ok... that she's alive, but I haven't forgotten that she was the reason that I got separated from everyone. For what happened that night." She bowed her head, and took a deep breath, "if it hadn't been for you, I'd be as dead as she thinks I am, or worse. So would Daddy and Carol, most likely."

Daryl just shrugged. "Was m'job to look after ya, Girl. I promised you and Hershel, and I don't break my promises., not if I can help it."

"I know, but it still means the world to me that you even came looking for me. You could have just left, no one would have known or even blamed you. That night was such a horrible nightmare. And then those men were going to..." Beth shuddered and leaned closer into her husband's embrace.

"I coulda never walked away. I'da hated m'self, Beth. And I think you know, I'da damned sure blamed m'self if anythin' had happened to ya." Daryl whispered, tightening his hold on his wife. "Don't worry none, all that's over and done with. We're safe here. I protected ya that night, I'll always protect ya."

"I know, Daryl, and I love you for it. But how will you protect me from Maggie? She's my sister, and I don't know if I can welcome her back into my life just like that. I just have a bad feeling about seeing her. What if she's still like she was on the farm, or worse, what if she thinks everything's ok?"

Daryl sighed heavily. "I don't know Li'l B, but, you can't let this drag you down. I almost lost ya once, and I ain't doin' it again." He kissed her temple, then looked in her eyes. "I'll protect ya the same way I did at the farm and every place else between there and here. Just don't let it get to ya. Ya gotta be strong like I know ya are."

Beth nodded slowly as Daryl ducked his head in order to rest it against the side of her's. As she relaxed into his embrace, he started to say something else when their whispered conversation was interrupted by Hershel and Carol, and the council members that were anxious to meet the newcomers. All told, the group had about a dozen people, and everyone was ready to get to this meeting, and then home. After asking if everyone was ready to go, Hershel closed up the church and led the way to Dottie's boarding house. There was not much in the way of conversation as the small group made its way up Main Street to the other end where the Victorian manor sat. The six councilmen and mayor led their families up onto the porch, and Daryl knocked on the door. After a few minutes, and what sounded like a muted rant by Dottie, the door opened. Almost immediately, Rick was at the door needing an answer. Daryl stuck his hand out, and Rick breathed a sigh of relief.

"Come on in," Dottie greeted from behind Rick where she was glaring at the back of that man's head. She was about ready to smack him for disrupting her orderly way of doing things. But she pasted a sweet smile on her face and pushed Rick to the side so the rest of her guests could come in off the porch. Rick moved over but didn't let go of Daryl's hand.

"Can we... "

Daryl didn't answer immediately, but Hershel didn't hesitate, just nodded his head, and Rick broke down. His choked sobs attracted the attention of some of the rest of his group, who made their way into the front hall. Dottie bustled in and herded her guests back into the large parlor over their protests.

"There isn't room in my foyer for you all to stand around and be nosy," She directed at the people milling in the doorway. She then turned to her visitors. "I have the dessert and coffee in the dining room. If everyone will take a seat in the parlor, I will bring it in. That way, you can go ahead and get acquainted or reacquainted as the case may be."

"Thank you, Dottie." Hershel smiled at their hostess. "I'm quite sure that will be acceptable, considering the circumstances."

Before anyone could move there was a scream from the parlor doorway. "Daddy? Daddy, is that you?"

Maggie ran into the foyer plowing directly into Hershel, almost knocking him over. "Careful, Maggie, I'm still getting used to this new leg I have."

Maggie didn't answer, she ignored the reference to Hershel's leg, and she didn't pay attention to Beth standing a little behind Hershel. She just stood there, staring at the man she never thought to see again, oblivious to everyone and everything else.

"I thought you were dead, you went running towards the house and you wouldn't listen to me when I screamed for you to come with me and Glenn," Maggie exclaimed before she broke down crying. "You jerked my hand off your arm so you could go after Beth. I begged you to stay with me, and you didn't! You left me for her, you were my dad first!" She quit yelling and just started sobbing louder, shaking her head as if in disbelief before grabbing her father as tight as she could. She wouldn't let him go, and to keep his already shaky balance, finally, Hershel stepped back, holding her at arm's length.

"Maggie, stop. You're hysterical."

He shook her a little, and Maggie started babbling that she was sorry over and over. Suddenly, she just collapsed, and only the quick reactions of Rick and Daryl saved Hershel and Maggie from hitting the floor. Rick bent down and took Maggie more securely in his arms, turned to Dottie, and asked where to take her.

Dottie led Rick up the stairs to Maggie's room. Enid and Carol had trailed behind, and while the younger girl had checked on the still sleeping baby, Carol and Dottie got Maggie settled into her bed. Rick stared for a long moment watching the familiar movements of Carol tucking someone into bed, then he apologized to her.

"I am so damn sorry, Carol. I'm ashamed to say that when we all met up on the highway, we just figured we were the only ones who made it off the farm. We waited 'til daybreak and then moved out because of a herd that was coming down the road. And honestly, we were just desperate to find somewhere secure to rest. We were all so damn tired and beat. Just didn't ever go back to check if anyone else had come through."

Carol drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. "For a long time, we were all really hurt and bitter. But we got stronger, and after everything we went through, we made it here and we are living, not surviving."

Rick nodded in acknowledgment. "Living is an understatement." We waved his arm around. "We did ok at some other places, but we had solar panels in Alexandria. Hot water, lights, electric stoves, you name it, we had it. And it all disappeared in a heartbeat. We fooled ourselves into thinking we were safe. We let the people there convince us that things were good. That it could be like it was before the turn." Rick looked at Carol. "We might have done so much better if Daryl had been there to hunt and track for us. There were kids there too. You might have enjoyed working with them."

Rick kept talking, on a roll now. "We had started a couple of gardens, but it would have been nice to have Hershel's help. And Beth, well she could have done... I don't know, but Carl had friends and went to school... " He started again. "Maybe we wouldn't have even been in Virginia, we might not have lost the prison if..." Rick stopped here, glancing at Carol when she huffed out an irritated breath.

Shaking her head sadly, Carol stopped Rick's musings. "Rick, you are all welcome here, but know this, Walela is OUR home. We've worked hard for what we have, and we won't be pushed back into what y'all think you remember of us. You know about Beth and Daryl, what you don't know is that Hershel is my husband. I saw the look on Maggie's face when she saw her dad, and I also saw Beth's when Maggie didn't see her. I won't tolerate her or any of you hurting them. Don't try to make us feel guilty for not being with you. It isn't fair. Daryl has a place here that he built from scratch, don't undermine him. And you need to remember, Beth is a young woman, older than Carl, and she doesn't need anyone coming in treating her like a child. She married and has held her own for a long time now."

"I understand, I swear I do. We aren't looking to take over, or even ignore your positions, just give us a chance to get to know you all over again." Rick side-eyed Carol realizing he had overstepped his bounds. "I think there are some stories to be told!"

Carol laughed softly and motioned over to Enid where she was hovering in the doorway. "Y'all head on downstairs. Maggie looks like she is exhausted, and she may not wake up anytime soon. I'll stay with her in case she or the baby wakes up, and Dottie can check in every so often and keep y'all posted."

Rick just nodded and motioned Enid to precede him out of the door. "Thank you, Carol."

"You're very welcome, Rick, just remember what I said. I'll be watching."

Rick stared thoughtfully at Carol, processing her statement, then he nodded and followed Enid out of the room.

They started back to the parlor and could hear the voices before they were even halfway down the stairs. Looking at each other worriedly, they hurried to the parlor door not knowing what to expect. Luckily, it wasn't arguing, just everyone trying to talk over everyone else. Spotting Rick's return, Daryl let out a piercing whistle that startled everyone silent.

"Thanks, man. All that noise made me think we were gonna walk into a bloodbath in here." Rick smiled and turned to Hershel. "Maggie's fine, she's sleepin' deep and Carol said she would stay with her until she woke up."

"Thank you, Rick, I appreciate you taking care of her."

Before either one could say anything else, Dottie came in from the dining room. She was carrying a large tray. Beth was right behind her with her own tray. They placed them on a tall table that sat between the two windows in the room. Beth patted Dottie's arm and moved to take a place on the loveseat, squeezing in between her dad and husband. Dottie smiled her thanks then turned to everyone crowding into the parlor.

"Help yourself," Dottie said. "There's fresh pound cake and a warm blackberry cobbler. There's also a dish of whipped cream and one of chocolate sauce. I hope it's good, it's the first time I've ever made it." She moved to the tray with the cups. "Here's coffee, and there's cream and sugar for it if anyone wants it fixed up."

The reactions of Rick's group to the dessert and coffee would have been funny if it hadn't been so very sad. The others in the room were used to having things like coffee occasionally, and sweets, but it was plain that the newcomers were not. When Jesus and Aaron started asking about where they were getting things, and how, Hershel raised his hand and asked for a moment to speak.

"I know today has been a bit of a shock for y'all. Let's just visit right now, get reacquainted. Tomorrow, we will show everyone around and you can see our home. We can also introduce you around. We'll let you rest up for a few days, then you can decide what you want to do."

There were murmurs of agreement and thanks and the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably. After everyone had been served their choice of dessert and had fixed their coffee to their liking, they sat around the parlor, dining chairs having been brought in for extra seating. It was quiet except for the clink of forks and murmuring between bites of dessert and sips of coffee. Finally, Rosita had had enough of the silence. She glanced at Abe who shrugged at her and took another bite of cake.

"So, you're Maggie's dad?" She asked Hershel.

"I am." He answered. He opened his mouth to say more when Andrea interrupted.

"So how did y'all get off the farm? We saw you get shot, Carol was with me until that herd surrounded us and she and I got separated, and Maggie said Beth was killed. We all figured that Daryl just took off."

Rick snorted. "No, we ALL didn't think Daryl just took off. And I won't tolerate any bad-mouthin', you hear? Maggie is the only one with a problem with Daryl. The rest of us like him just fine or don't know him."

Beth had paled when she heard Andrea say that Maggie had told them she was dead. She had not realized how painful hearing that would be, even though she had known it likely her sister had told that story. Daryl put his arm around her, squeezing her to him gently.

"Y'a'ight? We need to go home? You can always come back tomorrow."

Hershel peered closely at Beth, taking the dishes she and Daryl were holding and setting them on the small table beside them. "You do look a bit peaked, Bethy. You and Daryl can go on home if you would rather."

"No, I'm ok. Just think I was shocked to hear that Maggie told everyone I was dead. I figured that would be the case, just caught me off guard to hear it, is all." She leaned into Daryl's chest and took the support he offered. "I really am fine."

Hershel nodded at his daughter and patted her leg before turning back to the group at large. Daryl kissed the top of her head and settled them both back into the velvet cushions of the love seat. Andrea was watching the pair as they got comfortable and then it was like a light came on in her head.

"Good God! You and Beth are the ones that got married?" She almost shrieked. "Aren't you a little old for her, Daryl? How in the hell did you end up together, anyway? Or was that what you were doing when you were sneaking off on the farm that last couple of weeks?"

The old Daryl would have bristled at the accusation in Andrea's voice, then he would have lashed out aiming to hurt, and hurt badly. This Daryl also bristled but was able to control the temper that was heating his blood to a boil. Beth could feel the tension in her husband as he stared at Andrea and her sneering face. She put her hand on Daryl's leg and traced small strokes above his knee designed to calm him down. After Daryl relaxed some, she spoke.

"You don't know me or Daryl, you never have. Your opinions of us don't mean anything anymore. And as a matter of fact, Daryl IS my husband, and it is certainly none of your business."

Andrea started to snap back when Michonne spoke up. "Beth? Is that right?"

Beth nodded yes and Michonne continued, determined to head off what promised to be an ugly argument. "I'm Michonne, you know Rick, Carl, and Andrea, and this is Rosita, Abraham, Aaron, Jesus, Enid, Gabriel, and Morgan." As they were named, each person said hello.

Beth smiled and offered her own introductions. "This is my dad, Hershel, Carol is his wife, and this is Daryl, my husband. The rest of the council are George, James, Martha, Grace, and Elyse. Noah is James' son, Martha and Elyse are sisters, and these are their husbands Mark and David."

More hellos were given, and this time Rick spoke. "So, how did you get here? Have you been here ever since the farm? And I'm sorry Daryl, but I'm sure everyone wants to know how in the world you ended up married to Beth?"

Hershel answered quickly before Daryl could even get offended at the offhand comment. He knew then that there were going to be some major growing pains before their old group settled into life in Walela if they did at all.

"Maybe I should tell this part of the story. And just to give context to the ones who don't know us, I better start with that day Daryl came to talk to me. You know, about a week after the barn incident with Shane. That was the day that really set things in motion. Beth and I would surely be dead if Daryl hadn't come to see me that day." He grinned at his son-in-law. "You were as nervous as Nelly facing off a rattlesnake! But boy you knew exactly how to make an old man mad."

The few in the group that had been on the at the Greene's place laughed at the comparison, remembering Daryl and his experience with Hershel's horse. Then Hershel started talking about a very tense time, and the past came rushing back.