A/N Thanks so much! In this chapter we're going to move ahead three years but we'll reach back and see how things progressed to this point. This chapter is another packed one. As you're reading keep in mind, most everything happens for a reason.
Three Years Later
Fall and winter was their favorite time. Daryl wasn't working so many hours, he seldom had overtime during the week and the crew almost never worked a Saturday. The couple had a normal schedule. She'd long ago quit her extra job at the cleaners, it had just been too much with everything else they had going on. And during these times when his workload lightened they wanted to have the same days off.
So many things had happened, had changed, had moved forward.
Amy was still her best friend and happily Amy and Caesar had been stationed at Fort Benning. She and Daryl had been down there a few times to spend the weekend with their friends. Even though she'd like to visit more often and just hang out with Amy, Beth didn't go to Amy and Caesar's without Daryl. She knew he didn't want her there without him and she knew why.
Whys name was Abraham Ford.
It wasn't that the big man had tried anything, or even suggested anything, or ever done anything out of line. It was just that with all his strategical command training and his face that could go expressionless, there wasn't anyone who'd seen him around Beth that didn't know the man was completely and hopelessly taken with her.
The first time, and every time, she and Daryl had traveled to Benning the man had rolled out the red carpet. He'd been cordial, respectful and even friendly with Daryl, there was no question about that. But Daryl knew the big man wanted what Daryl had. He could practically feel the other man's want for Beth coming off of him.
That first visit Abraham had taken both of the young couples on a full "insiders" tour of the huge military base. It had been an incredible look at how the Army itself operated, and how the Army did business in Georgia. It was a world unto itself. They'd appreciated it, but Daryl was uneasy having Beth around Ford.
The next time they were down for a visit he'd had everyone over for a cook-out, and he hadn't gone on the cheap. He'd grilled them rib eye steaks served with all the trimmings, including imported micro-brews and high end wine. His home was very nice, definitely much nicer living quarters than what Caesar and Amy had. Of course Abraham was a ranking officer.
Again, he'd been friendly and cordial with Daryl, and he hadn't done or said one thing even remotely out of line. But they all knew. It made Daryl uncomfortable and Beth was completely understanding of that. Had some woman so obviously had feelings for Daryl she would not have wanted to hang around with them either.
She and Daryl were both grateful that Amy and Caesar came home at least once a month to see their folks. They could still spend time with them but in a more comfortable environment.
And there was another huge change. It started on a Saturday afternoon, it was about three months after Amy and Caesar's wedding. Daryl and Rick had been in the woods, close to town near the high school. Rick had set some rabbit snares and they were checking to see if he'd gotten lucky. And then they stumbled on it, Shane with his head right up some girl's skirt. She just laughed when she saw Daryl and Rick approach. Nice girl.
Rick called Shane out just like he said he would, "Hey asshole does Lori know you're fucking around with someone else?"
And the fight was on. It seemed pretty even so Daryl stayed out of it. He'd jump in if he felt Rick needed backup, but otherwise this was Rick's fight and Daryl knew he wanted it, he'd been wanting to beat on Shane ever since the wedding. And shit, Shane had it coming.
In the end it really was a pretty even match up, except Shane ended up with two black eyes while Rick was just sporting the one.
That night when Daryl and Beth had their date he told her all about it, and of course she texted Amy, and of course Amy called Lori. Lori called Rick and begged him to take her back. Rick had no intention of ever taking her back but that didn't mean he wouldn't screw her. After all, he was every bit as pissed off at her as he had been with Shane, yeah probably more.
Lori got pregnant. Rick's Dad insisted on a paternity test. The test showed the child was indeed Rick's. Lori told him not to worry, she didn't want the baby anyway she'd just give it up for adoption. Rick talked to his Mom and Dad, he didn't want to give up his child and it turned out his parents didn't want that either. The plan went into motion. Rick's parents would take care of the child while Rick worked. He was just about to start as the rookie in the sheriff's department, working midnights.
Rick was the first in their group of friends to become a parent and Carl was a very popular addition to the gang.
xxxx
Beth still lived with her Mama and Daddy but things had changed in her relationship with them. They knew at 21 years old she was an adult. They no longer forced her to keep a curfew, and she suspected they suspected she and Daryl had an intimate relationship. Still it wasn't something either she or Daryl wanted to throw in their faces, so they continued to keep reasonable hours and respect her Mama and Daddy's slightly different beliefs and ways of doing things.
Daryl was still living with Merle, Carol and little Jonah. He was crazy about the little guy and the feeling was mutual, often he and Beth would babysit so Merle and Carol could get out for a couple of hours, go to dinner or just take a ride on the Bike.
Merle and Carol didn't impose rules on him, and he did his part around the place. Keeping his room picked up, not leaving messes, doing his share of dishes, watching Jonah and helping out in the yard. He knew how damn lucky he was, Carol absolutely refused rent and they included him in their meals. That saved him a lot of cash every month.
He was now a journeyman roofer and making good money. He had more than enough set aside for the down payment on a nice place. He and Beth were debating whether to buy a move-in-ready home or build their own.
Although she didn't make near the money he did, she was frugal with no big expenses and had plenty stashed away for furnishings and incidentals.
He hadn't said a thing to her but Daryl had a plan. They'd gone to Savannah one weekend and she'd seen a vintage wedding / engagement ring set in a little shop. He could see how much she loved it. While she tried on sundresses in another store, he'd rushed back and bought it. He had it stashed away on the top shelf of his closet.
And then there was that day Daryl kind of came apart.
Merle was sitting in his chair reading the paper, Daryl was on the couch half watching a hunting program before leaving to see Beth. Carol was tending to Jonah. She was wearing one of those box cut t-shirts, the kind that sits just below the waist. She bent over to pick Jonah up from his playpen, Daryl glanced over at her, Carol's shirt had risen up just enough that he saw the scarring.
He jumped from the couch, "What the fuck Merle?!" He charged towards his brother with blood in his eye. "What did ya do ta her?!"
Merle followed his instincts, not sure at first what was going on but ready to defend himself, he jumped from the chair and grabbed at his charging brother. Carol shrieked, Jonah started to cry. "What the fuck ya doin' Merle, beatin' on your wife?!" Daryl was blindly throwing punches.
Carol called out, "No Daryl please!" Merle held him off, grabbed him from behind and locked his arms around Daryl's arms. "Calm down kid, let us talk to ya about it. Take a breath for Christ sake."
Carol put the baby back down in the playpen and tentatively walked toward Daryl, "It wasn't Merle, Daryl, it wasn't him I promise. Try to calm down and I'll explain."
He was shaking, pumped full of adrenaline. Merle loosened his hold, but still kept his arms firmly locked around his brother because it seemed he might shake apart.
Carol told him about her ex, some asshole named Ed. He'd beat her on the regular over the five years they'd been together. But the worst was when she'd been pregnant. He'd beaten her so badly she lost the baby. He was in prison now. While she spoke Merle continued to keep hold of his brother.
Daryl had barely heard her words and he was still shaking. He'd seen those scars and he'd had a flashback to one of his own beatings. He'd dropped a plate and it shattered, his Dad had called him a clumsy, destructive, worthless little asshole. He'd taken his belt off and taken it to Daryl's back. He could still feel the pain, he could see himself there crying, and his Dad beat him harder because he cried, telling him he was a pussy and he'd better toughen his sissy ass up. He was six years old.
Merle just kept telling him over and over, "Its' okay Little Brother, it's okay." He finally seemed to be back with them, to be calming down, but he was emotional. Merle loosened his hold more and when he did, Daryl's shoulders slumped, and then tears started falling. Carol brushed his hair back, placed a hand on his cheek, she kissed his forehead, "It's okay Daryl."
But Merle was worried for his brother. He didn't think it was okay, hell he wasn't sure it was ever going to be okay. "Ya stay in tonight, don't want you n Blondie out on that Bike. We'll have her here, order up a pizza or sumthin', but yeah kid ya ain't leavin' here like this."
Daryl just nodded and went to his room. Merle looked to Carol, then stepped out on the back porch and called Beth. He didn't gloss it over, didn't try to make it sound like no big deal. The girl was in love with Little Brother, they'd probably end up married sometime soon. She needed to know.
When she hung up the phone she cried, worried for Daryl, heartbroken for him. And she wanted to do her crying now, because she needed to be there for him, be strong.
She got to Carol and Merle's and Merle told her, "He's in his room, been in there since things calmed down."
She just nodded and walked to his door, knocked once and went in. He was laying on the bed and his back was to her. She quietly shut the door, went to the bed and lay down next to him. She didn't say anything, she just put her arm around him and laid her head up against his back. He didn't speak either he just took her hand and held it tightly to his chest.
Things seemed to have gotten better almost as quickly as they'd gone bad, but the next day Merle had talked to his brother. "Kid I think ya need ta maybe think about talkin' ta someone, some kinda professional. I don't like ta see ya goin' through this. Maybe ya need just a little help dealin'."
Daryl hadn't reacted well to the suggestion, "Fuck you Merle, I can take care a myself, I don't need nobody."
"Yeah well Kid your history says different. Keep an open mind about gettin' help, that's all I'ma say."
xxxx
He had the ring, he had the money for the house, and he knew that he loved her with every part of himself. The time had come.
Rick told him he should talk to her Daddy first, get his blessing. Daryl was always glad to have Rick's counsel on these things because he had no idea what in the hell was the proper way to do stuff.
So after Sunday dinner he asked her Daddy if he could speak to him privately. Mama and Daddy exchanged a knowing glance and Daddy said, "Sure Son let's step in my office."
He'd known the man almost his entire life but he couldn't recall ever having been this nervous around him. Not even after that time Beth had lost her shirt. He just dove right in, "Hershel ya know I love Beth, an I know ya know I been wantin' ta marry her since we was just kids. I got a good job now an a good bit a money saved ta put on a house, an I wanna ask her if she'll marry me. I promise ya I'ma always love her an I ain't ever gonna hurt her. I'm askin' for your blessin'."
The older man nodded and put his hand out to shake, "Son I've been expecting this since you two were in kindergarten. You've grown from a good boy into a good man and I know my daughter loves you, and I know you love her. You have my blessing."
"Okay, thanks. If ya don't mind I'd like ta take her for a ride now an ask her while I still got my courage goin'."
"That sounds like a very good idea Daryl." And Hershel Greene did something he'd never done, he gave Daryl a quick hug.
She was helping her Mama clean up the dishes from Sunday dinner when he walked in the kitchen. "Beth um, when you're done I'd like ta take ya for a ride, I need ta show ya sumthin'."
Mama quickly said, "Go on ahead Bethie, this is all but done anyway. You two have a nice time."
He drove her to their spot by the creek. She was smiling when she asked him, "What are we doing here on a Sunday afternoon?"
"I got sumthin' I wanna talk to ya about Beth. C'mon I got the blanket, let's sit down by the creek."
She was dying to know just what this something was he wanted to talk about.
He laid the blanket out on the ground, but he stopped her as she made to sit down on it, "Wait. Just stand there a minute." Now she was really puzzled.
He put his hand in his pocket, dropped to his right knee, and took a small box from that pocket. Now she was 99% sure she knew what he wanted to talk about and she was already on the verge of tears, but with a huge smile on her face.
"I been in love with ya since kindergarten Beth, an I started ta realize by second grade I wanted ta marry ya just as soon as I could. I'ma always love ya Beth, always gonna want ya with me. I promise ya I ain't ever gonna hurt ya, and I ain't ever gonna love no one else. Will ya marry me?" He held out the engagement ring.
She'd started crying those happy tears by then, "Yes Daryl, oh my God yes and I can't believe it, you got the ring I loved!" He slipped the ring on her finger and then she was on her knees, her arms wrapped around his neck. And they both had tears.
"Damn Baby I can't believe it, finally. We're finally gonna do this."
xxxx
They wasted no time setting the date, just three months away. Beth was ready and anxious to start the planning. He had his arm around her shoulders, "Baby ya know I don't know shit about any a this stuff I just want whatever ya want. Only thing is, do ya think your folks will let us have beer an stuff? Our friends are gonna wanna have a beer. "
"Yes I'll talk to them, I'm sure they'll be okay with it, Daddy's drinking days are long behind him."
For the real planning and real help with ideas she consulted Mama and Amy. Amy came to town and stayed for two weeks. Caesar was deployed and she was happy to be busy, especially doing something fun like helping to plan her best friends' wedding.
Beth wanted to have the ceremony itself at her church, she'd been going there her whole life, she knew the preacher and she couldn't think of a more perfect setting. And speaking of perfect settings, the farm would be the perfect venue for the reception. It had the big grassy yard area, beautiful flowers and shade trees, and the charm of the big white house and porch in the background.
Mama and Daddy said yes immediately and Daddy even agreed to the alcohol. His only request was they serve beer and wine only, no hard liquor. He wanted Merle and Rick to haul off whatever was left over first thing the morning after the wedding. It was agreed.
She and Amy had so much fun deciding on decorations. Beth knew the colors she wanted, she'd known for years. She loved lavender just like Amy, but she wanted pink along with it and just a touch of yellow. Except for tablecloths and napkins, those must be white.
She and Amy were going to put the centerpieces together themselves, flameless white candles surrounded by rings of lavender and pink flowers. They'd use artificial flowers for those so they could have them done way in advance.
Besides family Beth just wanted hers and Daryl's closest friends, Rick and a date if he wanted, and Amy and Caesar. Lori had left town and someone said she'd moved somewhere either in or near Columbus, close to Fort Benning. But it seemed she wanted to lose contact with everyone because no one had heard from her and no one knew exactly where she was.
Mama and Daddy had several neighbors and friends from church they planned to invite, and of course Maggie would be there with her husband Glenn, and Shawn was coming with his fiancé Linda.
The couple had talked about it and decided they weren't going to have a flower girl, they didn't even know a little girl the right age, and they weren't going to have a ring bearer, Jonah and Carl were both too little anyway, and they'd each have just one attendant, a maid of honor and a best man. Daryl knew his would be Merle.
Caesar's brother Javier had done such a great job at Caesar and Amy's wedding, they asked him if he'd D.J. for them and he agreed. All he wanted was two cases of beer for payment.
Maggie's husband had been doing photography for years and he'd be taking the pictures. Perfect.
Mama's best friend Patricia, and Amy's Mom had volunteered to prepare the food. They were again sticking to the simple things. Country ham, beans, greens, and a variety of salads, rolls and cornbread.
Mama insisted no one was making the wedding cake but her, and no one argued.
They'd found a house they were set on, it was perfect, secluded but close in. The people that owned it didn't want to hassle with the sale until after their son left for college, which wasn't until six weeks after the wedding. They'd decided it was worth waiting for and they'd just bite the bullet, stay with her Mama and Daddy for as long as it took.
The second Saturday after the proposal Mama, Beth and Amy drove to Atlanta. They had a lot of shopping to do and they wanted to get there as soon as the stores opened.
It didn't take Beth long to spot it, the perfect dress. She loved it and she knew Daryl would too. It was a simple ankle length style, soft and feminine. The scoop neckline left everything to the imagination and she knew Daryl didn't care for her wearing anything "revealing." The capped sleeves would accent her toned arms. The dress fit snug at the waist but had a soft drape. No big skirt, no train, it would just move along with her. It was beautiful in it's simplicity and everything she wanted. She didn't want a veil, just some flowers in her hair.
She got low-heeled white sandals to go with her dress, something she'd be able to dance in and not worry about falling on her butt at her own wedding.
"Oh Mama, Amy it's perfect I'm so happy!"
She had talked to Maggie early on, and since her sister was now living in Michigan with her husband, she had no problem at all with Amy being Beth's maid of honor. "Please ask her Beth, it would be perfect. With Glenn's business we're not going to be able to get there until late Thursday night, there won't be time for shopping and fittings. And I'm always going to be your sister that's enough of an honor for me."
Now to shop for Amy's dress, Beth was hoping to find something in the right colors, and again they lucked out. A pretty sundress that hit just below the knee, and the best part was it was floral pattern of lavender and pink on a white background.
Mama chose a pale pink dress with a matching jacket and she told her daughter, "I can pin a lavender and white corsage on the jacket, it will be perfect."
Amy and Mama went for simple shoes just as Beth had, spiked heels were not designed for walking around on the farm.
From there it was off to the huge craft warehouse where they got the candles, artificial flowers, ribbon, little dishes for putting out nuts and candies on the tables, paper bells, and a little bride and groom for the cake. "I wish they had a groom in a black leather jacket then I'd have my perfect tiny Daryl." And the three women all laughed at the image.
Mama dropped Amy off at her folks' on the way home, and she and Beth didn't get home until almost 6:30. Daryl would be by at seven.
Beth rushed in with her things, changed into jeans and boots and grabbed her helmet. She was so ready to ride on the back of that Bike, arms wrapped around her soon-to-be husband.
The bell rang promptly at seven, she could never remember him ever being even a few minutes late. She rushed to open the door, "Hey Baby ya look real pretty tonight, did ya have a good day?"
Every time she saw him she swore she loved him more, and him leaning there against the door jamb dressed in his leather jacket, snug jeans and motorcycle boots, he was the definition of hot. "Yes and I can't wait to tell you all about!" She called a "goodbye" to Mama and Daddy, they got on that Bike and rode.
They loved to just ride around kind of aimlessly, feeling the wind on them and enjoying the sense of freedom that a person always got on a motorcycle. They stayed on that rural two lane for nearly an hour and then he headed toward their spot. He got as close as he could, as far as where the blacktop ended, and they walked the short distance to the creek.
He had the blanket rolled and under his arm and he spread it out when they got next to the creek.
"So tell me what ya did today Baby." He knew she'd be dying to tell him all about it, and he also knew there were a lot of details she wouldn't be sharing, like what her dress looked like. The thing about him and Beth though was they knew each other, they got each other, she'd know what kind of dress he would or wouldn't like. And besides, he was looking forward to being her husband so much he didn't care if she showed up in coveralls.
"Sounds like a big day Beth, an it sounds like ya got a lot done an I know ya had fun, I can tell by how damn giddy ya are."
She laughed at that, "You're right I am feeling pretty darn giddy Mister Dixon. So what did you do today?"
"Me an Rick went huntin' this mornin', just for rabbit an squirrel, mostly it was good just gettin' out an walkin' 'round in the woods. He got a couple rabbits an I got a couple an I also got a couple squirrels. Carol's gonna cook 'em up Monday. Yer invited if ya wanna come."
"Oh I'd love to!"
And they were soon kissing and talking more about their plans. Things were coming together and they were filled with excitement and anticipation.
They'd missed each other this past week, missed each others bodies, they made love on that blanket out under the stars.
Everything was so perfect, their lives were on track and they were looking forward to being married and starting their lives together.
xxxx
They didn't see each other the Friday night before the Saturday wedding. She was having dinner with her family, her parents, Maggie and Glenn, and Shawn and Linda. He'd told her he had someone he had to go see.
The wedding was set for noon and she was so excited. She, Amy, Maggie and Linda had gone to the church early and decorated with flowers and ribbons, an aisle runner, and set up a little table for people to sign the guest book. Linda would be in charge of that. Everything looked wonderful, just like she'd had it in her mind's eye.
They went back to the farm and Amy and Maggie helped her with her hair and makeup, and she felt beautiful in her dress. The old farm house was filled with the excitement of the day.
She couldn't wait to see her handsome groom. She'd gone simple with his and Merle's attire, she couldn't envision Merle in a tux, and her dress was not that fancy, she didn't want them more dressed up than her.
They'd both wear black pants and black vests, Merle would wear a black shirt and a black tie, and Daryl a white shirt and a black tie. They both seemed pleased and relieved with her choice. She got to the church and slipped into the little room off the vestibule, it had been built to accommodate brides-to-be. She and Amy were in there just talking and giggling, and every time Beth would start to feel nervous Amy would remind her of how much she loved Daryl and how much Daryl loved her.
Shawn, Caesar and Rick helped the guests find seats and Linda was getting the names. When Merle, Carol and Jonah arrived Rick thought Merle seemed uncharacteristically nervous. Hell he'd probably never been in a church before.
Rick showed him where he and Daryl could wait, and where they'd stand for the ceremony. Merle went in that little room and he was sweating bullets, you'd think it wasn't air conditioned.
It was just before noon and the church was full. Everything was perfect. The ceremony was to start in just ten minutes.
The only thing missing was the groom.
By two o'clock the last of the guests had left the church, as Daddy and Merle stood by the door and apologized to everyone for the inconvenience.
The bride-to-be stayed in the little room with her Mama, Maggie and Amy. Devastated, confused and inconsolable.
A/N I'm just going to leave this here and hope you don't hate me. I do thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed MOST of it. Please leave a comment / review xo
To see the chapter photo visit my tumblr at bethylmethbrick Thank you again and I'll see you next Thursday xo