A/N Thank you all so much. I love reading your comments about our couple who just can't seem to get together. Let's see if they can make a little progress on their fishing trip :)

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"What time should we be ready?"

He was kind of reluctant to tell her, it was Carl who came right out with it, "We always leave by 6:30. Dad says we need to be there when the fish wake up."

Rick was sure that was way too early for Beth and the little girl, "It'll be okay, we can go later. What time would work best for you?"

"It's fine, we can be ready by 6:30. We're always up by six anyway. Should I bring a picnic?"

He'd known she was different, but she was really different. This was nothing like it used to be with Lori. His former wife had no desire to fish with him and Carl, and certainly no desire to get up early to do it. And a picnic lunch? "Gee, I'm sorry. I guess I hadn't thought about lunch. I was just gonna take a couple bologna sandwiches for me and Carl. But I'll think of something."

She smiled at that, "Well why don't I make some sandwiches? You're taking us, so I think it's the least Janie an I can do."

"Are you sure? That seems like a lot of work."

"Making sandwiches? It's no trouble at all. I'm excited. I've love fishing and I haven't been in such a long time. I'm pretty good too. In fact, Carl I'm going to bet you an ice cream cone that I out fish you tomorrow."

Rick saw the boy's face light up, "You're on Miss Beth!"

Janie wasn't sure exactly what was going on she just knew everyone was happy and that was all it took for her to start clapping her hands and giggling.


She had lots of ham, Daddy had cured several and just the day before he and mama had insisted she bring one home. She'd been wondering what in the world to do with it all. Now she knew. And just that morning she'd made bread, she'd be putting it to good use too. She was sure a growing boy like Carl had a hardy appetite.

After dinner she smiled at Janie and asked, "How about we make some cookies real quick? Something fast and easy like chocolate chip. Would you like that?"

"Yep Mama."

Then she thought about the watermelon she had, that she should cut some of that up too. Then she admitted to herself exactly what she was doing. She was trying to make an impression on the sheriff. Then she admitted to herself exactly why that was.

She'd been trying to deny it to herself since the day she moved in, but it was true and there was really no sense in not being honest with herself. She had a crush on the sheriff. She wanted to at least get to know him and see if maybe there was a chance they could get close.

Things had been so strained with him. At first it felt like he did everything he could to avoid even looking at her and Janie. Then they'd shared that brief but oh so warm romantic moment. Then just as quickly as it happened it was over, and an icy cold set in.

She'd tried so hard to dislike him. To not even think about him. To ignore him. The problem was she couldn't. She believed that was because of the times he showed what she sure was his true self. The times like the day he apologized. He'd taken the time to cut the flowers and make a bouquet for her. He'd even thought to make one for Janie. She'd seen the look in his eyes, and she'd heard the tone in his voice when he told her how sorry he was. She knew he really did feel bad, and she felt he truly meant the things he said. But she hadn't been ready or willing to accept his apology.

Yesterday and today she was sure she saw again who Rick Grimes really was. Around those two children his guard came down. The way he was with them was loving and playful. His eyes and his smile told her he had a warmth and kindness to him. He had a good heart. He was just doing a real good job trying to bury it down deep. He was trying to hide it from the world and deny it to himself. That's what she thought now.

Today he'd been especially unsuccessful. He wasn't able to keep that cold persona up around her, and certainly not the children. And she'd seen how embarrassed he'd become about the picnic, it was sweet really. After all, it wasn't like she didn't know he was a man. Wasn't that just how they were? They may bring home the money to feed the family, but they didn't think about things like getting the food on the table. Oops, wait, she couldn't let those kinds of thoughts in her mind. They were most definitely NOT a family.

Besides, she didn't want to get her hopes up about her feelings being reciprocated. It was too soon. This wasn't high school. Didn't adult relationships take months of dating? Wasn't it weeks of going out before couples even had a first kiss? She didn't know for sure but she'd always thought people held back and didn't give in to their feelings right away.

Not like the way she and Rick had behaved in the kitchen. They hadn't even been on one single date when that kiss happened. She blushed just thinking about how his arms had slipped around her, and how her body seemed to react immediately to his tender touch. Obviously, he'd realized right away it was wrong. And it was clear he hadn't really wanted that. At least he didn't seem to want it with her.

But then he'd asked for another chance when he brought her flowers and made his apology. Why in the world would he want another chance if he wasn't interested?

She'd been hurt and she'd been prideful, but she'd also been hesitant because of his past behavior. But now she told herself there was only one way to know if this thing they kind of, sort of, had between them could take flight. She had to give it wings.

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He'd fought his attraction to her just as hard as he knew how. He'd done everything he could do to try and convince himself he wasn't interested. Then he'd blown it in a major way when he weakened, took her in his arms and kissed her. Not that part, that part was perfect. It was the way he'd behaved, running out on her like he didn't care. Like it hadn't been wonderful and like he didn't want more. He'd been an asshole. It was that simple.

Then he'd decided she was a cheater, just because a man had come to call on her. He was ashamed of himself for having those thoughts. She was such a sweet and good person, that was obvious, and he'd judged her so unfairly.

He regretted it deeply. He'd had to hear the truth from the neighborhood gossip before he finally made an effort to do what was right and apologize. He'd admitted to himself he'd like a chance with her. He'd tried to express those feelings. But it was way too little and way too late. She'd been smart to tell him no. He didn't deserve someone like her. That didn't mean he didn't want her, he just knew he didn't deserve her. And he was genuinely worried. Not just about not being good enough for a woman like her, but about getting his heart broken, and there was Carl and Janie to think about too.

He felt it so strongly though, despite all those things he wanted to give it a try. He wanted something, some kind of relationship with the woman, any bit of herself she was willing to give him. But she'd made it clear with one word, "No."

Now though, because kids act and speak long before they think or bother to ask, he might, just maybe, get another chance. Thank God for kids.

He was determined he was going to do this right, he was going to do everything in his power to make their day of fishing fun, maybe even special.

When they left her place, he and Carl hurried out for a quick burger at the diner, then made their way to the grocery before it closed. She'd said she was making sandwiches so he got things to go with them. Potato chips and corn chips, and he bought drinks in cans. Orange and grape Nehi and Hawaiian punch. He bought the biggest package of chocolate chip cookies he could find.

He and Carl got home and cleaned up the cooler and then started working on the tackle. He had poles and lures, bobbers and plenty of worms for everyone. He got Carl's old life vest from a box of things he had stored in the rafters. It ought to be just right for Janie. Suddenly, like he was just remembering they were girls, he thought there should be something clean for them to sit on. He climbed back up and got down the box of old bedding and got a couple of blankets.

He put a hand on Carl's shoulder, "I think we're ready son."

"Gee Dad, you sure do worry a lot about having everything just right for Miss Beth," Then he squinted his eyes at his Dad and asked, "Do you like her? Is that it?" His son had a big grin and Rick answered truthfully.

"I do son. I've been trying not to admit it to anyone, even myself, but yeah, I do."

"Cool. She's really, really nice, and Janie is so funny, and man, she can run."

Well, at least he had Carl's approval. Now if he could just get Beth to forgive him. If she'd agree to try. If together they could give whatever this attraction was between them one more chance, maybe just maybe it could all happen for them.

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He and Carl were at her door promptly at 6:30 and she and Janie were ready. They were a sight and Rick couldn't help the huge smile that spread across his face. They both had on overalls, but these didn't look like the kind some old farmer would be wearing. These had a definite feminine cut to them and they did a nice job of showing off Beth's trim figure.

What really got to him were the legs. She'd cut the legs off them and rolled them up for shorts. With sweet little Janie all that meant was a look at her knobby knees. But her Mama, that was something else altogether. He legs were lean and muscled and oh so shapely. He had to force himself to look away as he reminded himself, this was a fishing trip, complete with kids.

"Good morning Rick, Carl," She was all sunshine and smiles and he couldn't quite get over it. It was like he could feel it happening to him, being around her upbeat attitude lightened his own mood. He loved fishing, especially with Carl. But the fact of it was, he'd never felt quite so excited about any fishing trip.

She hesitated though when she saw the boat. "I didn't know we were going out on the lake. I thought we'd be fishing from the bank. Janie can't really swim and gosh, I'm not sure."

His brow furrowed and his hand wrapped softly around her upper arm. His tried to keep his voice soothing as he assured her, "I thought you knew, but I guess you'd never seen the boat. I keep it in the garage. Please don't worry Beth. I have Carl's old life vest for Janie. The water will be as smooth as glass today and I never take chances. We'll be going nice and slow. Just drifting along. But I don't want you or Janie to be uncomfortable, if you'd prefer we'll leave the boat home."

She thought about it for a minute. He was the sheriff after all, surely he would never put any of them in the least bit of danger; and he had a life vest for Janie. She shouldn't let her overly protective nature spoil their day.

"Um, well we'll give it a try. As long as I know you'll bring us back to shore if it seems like the better idea. That doesn't mean you and Carl couldn't use the boat though, even if Janie and I don't."

His hand was still on her arm and she liked the feel of it there, he did too. "Okay, we'll give it a try. I don't want either of you ladies uncomfortable."


They laid the blankets out under some trees not too far from the water's edge. He laughed at all the stuff they had, "Let's see, we have blankets, we have your cooler, my cooler, your bag of extra things for Janie. My grocery bag of chips and cookies and a boat full of tackle. I'm pretty sure I've never taken this much on a camping trip, much less one little fishing trip." She could see by that big warm smile on his face he wasn't complaining. She was pretty sure the sheriff was enjoying every minute of this day.

The boat was a small inboard, just big enough for the four of them, their tackle boxes and the poles. "I'm so glad you had everything Rick. I didn't even think about it, I guess I always depended on my Daddy or Jimmy to have the tackle."

He was watching her, it was the first time he'd heard her mention Janie's Dad. He didn't see any trace of sadness though. It made him feel better. Not because he was jealous of the young soldier, but because he had wondered if she was ready to move on with her life.

"You don't have to worry when you go with me and Carl, we have plenty of fishing stuff, more than any two people would ever need."

Janie was willing to touch a worm, but only with the very tip of her finger, then her little shoulders shook, she wrinkled her nose and said, "Ew."

Beth laughed, "Janie you've touched worse things on the farm."

The little girl just smiled and pointed a finger at Carl, "You."

"Oh you think I won't? I'll show you little girl." He chose the biggest worm he could find in the dirt-filled container, held it between his thumb and forefinger and dangled it in front of her. Then he slipped it on the hook. Janie clapped in approval and he threw the line in the lake.

The innocent children didn't even realize how much their interactions, and the fun they seemed to have together, made their parents feel both happy and relieved.

Rick started off that morning with no idea how the fishing would go, and half expecting the worst. But they all had great fun. There was plenty of laughter and some serious fishing. It didn't bother his male ego a bit, in fact he loved it, when Beth really did out fish him and Carl.

He heard himself say it, "Well since we lost, I guess Carl and I will be cooking these up for you girls tonight."

"Really?" She almost took his breath away with her smile when she questioned him.

"Yes, really," And he was all smiles.

"Okay, but we're bringing the cornbread and green beans."

He brought the boat back to shore when Janie's tummy growled, and they all settled down on the blankets for their picnic. He knew his thoughts were dangerous, but he couldn't help it. Everything was so perfect. This was what family life should be.

It was a little while later that it hit him in a big way, and he knew for sure just how much he cared for Beth. There was no turning back, it was too late, he was too far gone. She had him wrapped around her finger.

Carl had wandered off to go exploring, "Okay, but not far, alright son?"

"Yeah, Dad, geez, what do you think's gonna get me out here?"

"I have no idea so just be careful." Rick's warning was good-natured and Beth had enjoyed watching him and his son together that morning. She knew now it was true. She'd suspected he had a good heart and he did. He was warm and he was loving and he'd been infinitely patient with all three of them.

She warned herself not to get too far ahead of things. All it had been so far was a fishing trip, but it had all been so wonderful. It was the way family life should be. Again she scolded herself for having such thoughts so soon.

It would happen in just a few minutes, the moment when she knew for sure. That's when it would be too late for her, she'd be too far gone. He had her in the palm of his hand.

Carl was off wandering somewhere, Janie was picking flowers just ten feet away, and Beth and Rick were sitting on the blanket chatting. "I don't think I'll ever be able to eat a store bought cookie again Beth. Not after tasting yours. These are delicious. I'll have to take the package I bought to work and leave them in the break room. Those guys will eat anything."

He'd smiled at her, she'd smiled back, and from the corner of their eyes they both saw it. It was Janie, a butterfly had flown by her and she gave chase, paying no attention at all where she was going. She was too determined.

It was like Rick and Beth rose off the blanket in unison and they both called out, "Janie, stop!" as they hurried toward her. It was too late though, she was running as fast as she could and she ran right into the water.

Just two feet or so passed the bank was where the ground dropped off and the water got much deeper. The little girl splashed in and went under.

Rick and Beth weren't far behind but Beth's foot hit the silty mud and she flew forward into the deeper water. Rick kept his concentration on Janie. He dived in the deep water and pulled the child out.

Holding her close to his chest he kept his voice calm, not wanting to make her more scared than she already was, "Are you okay Honey? Talk to me now."

Beth had gotten herself up and gotten to where he stood holding her child when the little girl burst into tears. Janie had her arms wrapped around his neck and she was hanging on tight. Almost as tight as he was holding onto her. "It's okay Honey. I've got you now, it's okay." And then one of his arms moved from around the child to around Beth's shoulders. He pulled her close to him.

Beth wrapped one arm around his waist and one arm around her little girl and the three of them just stood there, holding each other tight and trying to calm themselves down.

He moved his arm from around Beth's shoulder to grasp her hand as he lead her out of the chilly water.

It wasn't until they were back on shore and everyone had calmed down that Beth realized. She was covered head to toe in mud from her fall. She surprised him when, instead of being upset or embarrassed she laughed at herself, "Oh I must look like I've been in the pen playing with the pigs."

He smiled and his hand cupped her face and the words were out before he even thought about them, "You look beautiful Beth. You always look beautiful." It was the truth of how he felt and he was glad to have told her.

The day had turned so scary and emotional, and then he said those words to her and she felt the tears come, and quickly. They were quiet tears, silently sliding down her cheeks as she said, "Thank you Rick, thank you for Janie."

"Beth, I…I would never let anything happen to her or to you."

Carl came wandering back and brought the levity with him, "What did you guys do? Have a water fight without me?"

Beth had clean clothes for Janie. She'd been a mom long enough to know to always bring extras. But she and Rick were wet and dirty. They all decided it was probably best to call it a day.

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Rick and Carl had cooked up the fish, she and Janie had brought the cornbread and green beans, and Rick fried some potatoes. They all sat together on his back deck and ate at the picnic table, enjoying the catch of the day while they laughed and talked and teased. Again Rick and Beth tried hard not to think too much about the fact, but they felt it, they were like a happy family. It was hard not to have those thoughts when everything seemed so right.

Beth smiled sweetly at him and Carl, "I definitely plan to out-fish you two every time we go. I've never had men cook for me and you guys do a great job."

Rick was a little surprised, "You'd go again, and take Janie too?"

"Well yes, what happened was an accident Rick. But I do think I'd better check at the county pool and see if they have swimming lessons." Then she caught herself, "Well I mean, we'd go again if you invited us."

He smiled broadly, "You're always invited." Carl looked back and forth between the two adults and just shook his head. Because Carl did , Janie did it too. Beth blushed, Rick smiled and life felt so good.


After dinner Carl was trying his best to teach Janie how to play a serious game of Go Fish in the living room, while Beth and Rick were in the kitchen. Beth's back was to him as she stood at the sink rinsing plates. He stopped what he was doing and just watched her for a moment. He didn't even think about trying to stop himself. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She felt it happening again. Her body leaned into his and it felt so warm and so right. She slowly turned in his arms as his hands moved up to caress her face and his fingers slipped into her hair. He leaned into her, kissing her deeply and with the kind of need she recognized. She felt it too.

He drew his face back just a little, and he looked so deeply into her eyes she thought for sure he could see right into her heart. "I'll never run from you again Beth. There's nowhere else I want to be than wherever you are."

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A/N Remember back in the beginning when I warned you it was fluffy stuff? See? I'm very truthful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read along. I'd appreciate you leaving a comment / review. The chapter photo is posted to my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please check it out. I hope to see you all back here next Sunday for more of Two Doors Down. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee