Disclaimer: As always, I don't own the world of TWD, just borrowing its characters for my story.

Thank you to all of you who review and to all my readers; I'm still getting followers and favorites on my story, which is very humbling indeed. I would however like to ask those of you who review not to post any spoilers for the upcoming episodes, as I'm one episode behind. I live in Sweden and here the second part of season five began last Sunday (February 15th). This means that so far I've only seen episode nine and I'd rather not hear about what's happened in the upcoming episodes, as I'd like to see them myself first.

I know I haven't been as speedy with my update as I hoped I would be; this due to being swamped at work and my grandmother being ill. It's hard for me sometimes to find the time to write, but I will not abandon this story, I promise.

Alright, let's see what'll happen with baby Dixon, shall we?

9. Giving a chance

Panic is flooding all of Carol's senses, as she touches her pants and finds her fingers stained with blood. It's real, she thinks. Oh no, this can't be happening, not now. No, no, no, no! Tears are clouding her sight and she feels herself having trouble breathing. She hears someone saying something and it takes her a moment to realize that it's she herself that's speaking.

"No, no, no, no! Not this baby to, no!"

Daryl grabs her hands and she looks up into his face, fear etched on his features as well.

"Carol, listen to me, it's gonna be okay. We just have to get out of here, and you'll be fine!"

"I'm sorry, Daryl" Carol manage to choke out. "I didn't think… wasn't in any pain, still isn't, I thought I was fine after the fall".

"I know, sweetheart, I know". Carol can hear that Daryl's trying to keep his voice calm, but his worry is seeping through despite his efforts.

"I hate to say this" Noah says, and both Carol and Daryl jump a little, having forgotten about the teenager for a moment, "but I think Grady is your best chance if you don't want to lose the baby".

Carol stares at Daryl, tears falling freely down her cheeks. Looking into her eyes, Daryl's heart almost breaks. She looks so scared. He's not seen that look on her face since she lost Sophia.

"Daryl…" Her voice is pleading and deep down Daryl knows the kid is right, but to go straight into the lion's den like that is risky.

"Please, I can't lose this baby to. I know I thought I didn't want this, but I do. Please…"

Daryl nods and relents. It's the only way. "Alright. Kid, can ya take us there".

Noah nods but doesn't move, looking a bit hesitant.

"What? What's wrong?" Daryl asks. "We're losing time here!"

"I can take you" Noah says, trepidation in his voice, "but I don't think they'll take the both of you".

"What do ya mean?"

"When they found my dad and me, they said they could only save one. They left my dad for dead. And I think they'd see you as a threat" nodding at Daryl. "You might be alive and healthy, but I wouldn't put it past them to kill you anyway. They only help those who are weak, they'd never let someone into the hospital if they were strong".

"Ya telling me I can't go with her? Well fuck that!" Daryl yelled. Noah was startled but didn't look away from Daryl.

"I left her once and I ain't leaving her again! We do things together or not at all" he yelled, echoing Carol's words from earlier. Suddenly Carol clutched at her stomach, as pain ripped through her and she nearly double over. Daryl caught her in time and held her up, fear pulsing through him yet again.

"Look at me woman, I'm here. Ain't going nowhere!"

"Daryl… I think you need to listen to Noah"

Daryl couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was the one who told him that they wouldn't split up and now she went and changed the rules all over again.

"No, we stay together. Ya said so yourself!"

"I know what I said, but we're running out of time! I need to get to the hospital if we're going to save our baby. If Noah thinks it best I go in alone, then I will".

"No!" Daryl screamed and grabbed Noah by the scruff of his neck and pushed him up against the wall. "Why don't ya want me to go with her? You a spy or something? Ya lying to us?!"

"No!" Noah spluttered, pushing back against Daryl, trying to keep him from grabbing his neck. "I really think they will kill you if you go with her. I've seen what they can do to people they think are a threat! Letting her go alone is her best chance. They will be here soon. If she just goes downstairs, their people will see her and pick her up. They'll try to save her, I promise!"

Another cramp went through Carol and she cried out. Daryl let go of Noah and turned back to her. Carol gasped, trying to breathe right and almost whimpered as she pleaded with Daryl once again.

"Please Daryl. Let me go to the hospital. Beth's there, she'll help me. It will be fine. You take Noah and go back to Rick. Get our people and then you can come back for me and Beth. Please. Trust me. Give our baby a chance".

Daryl stared into her eyes and he saw all of her pain and fear. He saw all the love she held for him, love he never thought anyone could ever feel for him. Making a decision, he nodded and a small smile cracked Carol's lips.

"Come on then" Daryl said gently and lifted his woman up in his arms. He carried her down the stairs, Noah limping behind him. When he reached the downstairs foyer, he set her down. She turned and Daryl leaned his forehead against hers. Carol touched her lips to his and he could feel wetness on his cheek. He wasn't at all surprise to realize it was his own tears. Leaning back he held the back of her head and looked into Carol's eyes.

"Ya go save our child. Stay safe woman. I love ya"

"Nine lives, remember? Love you to, Daryl. Go get Rick and then come back for me and Beth".

"I will, I promise. Go on now". Daryl nudged her and Carol limped out towards the street. Daryl and Noah hid in the shadows and watched as Carol stumbled forwards, clutching her stomach. They could hear a car approaching and soon enough one of the cross cars drove into sight and screeched to a halt as Carol waved her hand at them. Two policemen stepped out of the car and helped Carol get in. Then they were speeding away.

Noah led Daryl to a back alley, where a white van was holed up. He told him that he'd seen it yesterday, but hadn't felt okay enough to drive it, what with his leg being busted up. Daryl searched it for keys and almost let out a sound of glee when he found them hiding in the glove compartment. Smirking as the engine roared to life, he drove away out of the city, heading back to Rick and the others. As they were driving, Noah chanced a look at Daryl and seemed to want to say something. Daryl glared at him, as if daring him to speak. Finding his courage, Noah spoke:

"We can get her back. We can get Carol back and Beth to. Both of them".

"What's it gonna take?"

"A lot. They've got guns, people".

"So do we" Daryl says gruffly.

Silence settles between them as they're driving and Noah takes to looking out the window. Daryl keeps his eyes on the road and there's only one thought running through his mind. "Hold on woman. I'm coming for ya".

Next up, Carol's in Grady. Will the good doctor there be able to save the baby? Stay tuned for the next chapter. Reviews are gold (and remember, no spoilers!).