Holy Moly I have totally slacked on Cupcakes. I apologize. This fic is winding down, just an fyi. It isn't going to be as big as Backroads. Anyways. Hopefully I still got Jameson and Daryl down.

I don't own the walking dead etc etc. OC is mine.

Thanks again for reading and being patient with me. ENJOY!

Jameson sat at Lori's desk in the office adding and re-adding the numbers for the week. Growling as she failed yet again to balance the books. 'Jesus James. You're a fuckin' idiot.' She berated herself, leaning back in the desk chair. Scrubbing her face roughly she started over and double-checked every entry until everything evened out. Jameson picked up her cellphone and saw three missed text messages and a voicemail.

"Shit. Shit. Shit." she hissed pulling up the worried messages from Daryl. A knock on the front door made her jump in her seat. With a rapid beating heart she peered through the front of the bakery to see a very familiar profile. Jameson unlocked the door giving Daryl a very remorseful set of eyes. "I'm sorry!" She blurted out after relocking the bolt. Daryl pulled her into his arms and cupped her cheek growling, "Bes' be woman. Worry 'bout ya when you're over an hour late."

Jameson bit her lip nervously and stood on her toes to kiss his jaw. "M'sorry." She apologized while nuzzling into his neck, her lips grazing the edge of his jaw.

Daryl grunted, "Stop tryin' t'butter me up." Jameson laughed quietly, running her hands up his shirt and over his ribs. Moaning against her hair Daryl asked, "Are ya done 'cuz imma throw ya over my shoulder soon."

Pulling back she nodded, "Just finished."

"What was holdin Ya up?"

"Me being an idiot." She muttered pulling her purse and jacket off the coat rack. Daryl frowned at her and scolded, "Hey ya ain't an idiot."

"Daryl it took me fucking hours to do what Lori does in thirty minutes." Jameson exclaimed and then sighed loudly, "I gonna fuck this up, then Lori's gonna be mad or fire me or go outta business."

Daryl smirked and shook his head, "You're doin' fine. Lori ain't gonna be mad or fuckin' fire ya. M'pretty sure adding somethin' wrong ain't gonna make her go outta business. What other things ya workin ya'self up about?"

Jameson frowned and muttered, "I could accidentally burn it down."

Daryl snorted and drawled, "Darlin' come home. Ain't nothin terrible gonna happen. Lori's lucky t'have ya."

Sighing Jameson rested her head on the center of his chest, his hands rubbing her back. "Sorry. Just stressing out."

"I know." Daryl spoke against the crown of her head. "C'mon. I'll draw ya a bath."

"Daryl Dixon you're my hero." She murmured into his chest.

Daryl rolled out from underneath the raised police cruiser while wiping his hands on his red rag. "A'right. Try not to run over anymore barbwire." He joked giving Rick a cocky grin. Rick huffed out indignant breath, "Well tell that to the a-hole who dropped their improperly tied down load. In fact let me tell them while I give them a fricken moving violation for bein' a dumbass."

Daryl watched Rick rant, his hands sitting heavily on his hips. He was scruffier than usual and his normally pressed uniform was rumpled and stained. Rick crossed his arms and drawled, "Sorry. Got a lot on my mind."

"Little Ass Kicker doin' a'right?" Daryl asked leaning against the fender of the cruiser. Rick laughed dryly and rasped, "Don't let Lori hear you call the baby that."

"Well its true. Little kids kickin' its mama's ass. Don' get bed rest for two damn months if your kid ain't a strong sucker." Daryl drawled with a grin, "Tha' kids gonna be jus' fine man." Daryl and Rick had become friends after Jameson's attack. He'd never had many friends other than Merle's lowlife users and dealers. It was nice having someone like Rick as friend, someone stable and of sound mind. He never thought he'd ever have that, especially not with an officer of the law. Dixon's weren't known for being too friendly with law enforcement. Daryl was pretty sure his pa was rolling over in his grave every time he went over to the Grimes's for dinner or helped Rick fix the gutters on his roof.

Rick sighed and scrubbed his face roughly. When he looked up at Daryl he could see the man's red weary eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thanks Daryl…. Needed that." Rick choked out looking away from him. "Been hard with all the tests and appointments. Lori's afraid to move and Carl's scared 'cause he don't know what's happenin'. I gotta keep my head on straight for both of 'em when all I wanna do is freak the hell out."

Daryl grunted, "S'nuthin. Y'all tell us if ya need anythin'. Y'all helped when James was hurt."

Rick smiled sadly and nodded, "Actually... would you wanna take Carl hunting some weekend? He's been talkin' about it and I just don't have the time or know how."

Daryl chewed his lip anxiously thinking about taking a kid out in the woods with him. He hadn't spent any time alone with kids before but Carl seemed to be bright, annoyingly inquisitive but a good kid.

"Yeah man. I can do tha'. Was goin' with Merle to look for a buck to fill the freezer." Daryl trailed off before adding, "Be ok if Merle's there?"

The younger Dixon knew most people didn't trust Merle and even more didn't like him but he had turned over a new leaf. Having been out of prison for a couple months Merle had kept a steady job, started dating Carol and was clean. He spent most of his time working, with Carol and her daughter Sophia or in the woods hunting with Daryl. It had become like old times now that Merle wasn't using. They got along better and hardly ever came fisticuffs over anything.

"Yeah I s'pose." Rick drawled looking hesitant. Daryl chewed his lip feeling torn between irritation for Rick's doubts but resignation for understanding where he was coming from.

"He's clean and been helping with Carol's daughter Sophia. He's round kids more than me even." He spoke while writing up the receipt for work completed. Rick nodded scrubbing his beard and apologized, "Sorry man. I didn't mean to sound like an asshole."

"S'fine. Ain't like he's been some good citizen til now." Daryl rasped handing over the paperwork, "We're leavin' at 6 on Saturday. Your kid be ok with that?"

"Yeah. I work early, I'll get him up." Rick assured him while opening the cruiser's door, a foot rest inside while looking over the roof at Daryl he added, "I'll see ya then. Tell James 'hi' for me. Thank her for taking care of the bakery."

Daryl laughed dryly and drawled, "She's been stressed out. Thinks she's gonna fuck up and Lori's gonna fire her."

Rick chuckled, "Tell her she's doin' fine. Lori's loves her and would never let her go."

Daryl watched the police cruiser drive away before he hollered to Jim to send the next customer over. While cleaning his tool chest Daryl heard his phone beep. Looking at the tiny screen he saw a text message from Merle.

'Grillin' tonight. Bring Steaks.'~Merle

Rolling his eyes at his brother's idea of inviting him for dinner yet requesting he bring the ingredients. Typing out a quick message before he started on his next vehicle.

'Spam it is.'~Daryl

'Dick'~Merle

'Asshole' ~Daryl

It was snowing when Jameson stepped out back behind the bakery for the evening. Daryl was standing next to the truck he recently bought. With Merle taking his back, Daryl needed something other than his bike for winter weather. He leaned against the old Chevy, it's faded blue paint chipped and rusted, looking like a handsomer James Dean with rougher edges. His shoulders were raised and hands dug deep into his leather jackets pockets while a cigarette hung lazily between his lips. He had snow scattered in his hair which hung in his eyes and tiny white flakes on his clothing.

"Gonna catch a cold sweetheart." Jameson scolded playfully, smirking at his pink cheeks and tiny grin.

"Couldn't resist. Ain't seen snow 'n a long time." He responded taking a final drag before flicking the butt away. Reaching out for her wrist, Daryl pulled her close and tipped her face up, his still warm palm cupping her chilled cheek. Her breath caught like always, his striking blue eyes conveying his heart without words. Slower than she would've liked Daryl lowered his soft mouth to hers, his lips fitting perfectly as he teased and stroked her own. Jameson moaned, her fists curling into the leather wrapping his sides as she pressed into his broad chest.

Pulling back he rasped, "Never kissed a girl in the snow before."

Jameson quipped, "Me neither."

Daryl chuckled and hugged her closer, his warm arms circling her shoulders. "Missed ya darlin'" he drawled, his voice thick and rough, "never see enough of ya."

Smirking she bounced up on her toes giving him another peck and murmured, "Missed you too, my sweet man."

Daryl rolled his eyes and muttered 'shuddup' before informing, "We're goin' to Carol's for dinner, that ok?"

Smiling Jameson nodded and asked, "Can we stop at home first? I spilled raspberry filling all over myself earlier?"

Daryl snorted and tipped his head to the truck, "Le's go. M'hungry and I got steaks in the truck. Merle invited us 'n then told me to bring the food."

Jameson chuckled while Daryl opened the passenger door for her, making her smile. 'Such a damn gentleman,' she thought but didn't say it knowing he'd brush her off and roll his eyes again. "Classic Merle," She quipped with a grin. Daryl smiled and closed the door after making sure she was settled and rounded the truck's front to climb inside himself.

They drove home for Jameson to change before heading over to Carol's house. She lived in a little rancher near the edge of town backing up to the dense woods surrounding town. It had been amazing how much Merle had turned himself around after being released and Jameson was ecstatic for not only him but Daryl and Carol. It had renewed the brother's relationship to a time when Merle was clean and Jameson had never seen Carol so happy. Sophia had even begun to open up and be less introverted. The man had grown to love the little girl like a daughter and spent time teaching her to fish and camp in the woods. He'd reversed the damaged done by her biological father Ed in a matter of months.

They pulled up to the tiny white house with green shutters to find Merle hauling in some woods for the fireplace.

"So whose grilling in the snow, you or him?"

"Knowing Merle, Imma freeze my balls off or maybe Carol will cook em inside now that it's snowin'." Daryl hoped out loud.

The couple walked up the snowy driveway and followed Merle inside. Daryl grunted as Merle smacked him on the back giving him a bear hug. "Good t'see ya baby brother." He drawled with a chuckle. "Ya bring my steaks."

"Told ya Merle I was bringin' Spam." Daryl joked while holding up a grocery bag. Rolling his eyes Merle snatched the bag and headed into the kitchen saying, "Was gonna grill but Carol will cook 'em up since its snowin'. Ain't freezing my nuts off to cook ya'll dinner." Jameson cocked an eyebrow at Daryl pointing out the fact he wasn't forcing Daryl to cook.

The five sat eating the spread of steak, potatoes and green beans while chatting about the newest project in motorcycle shop Merle worked at and Sophia's winter choir recital. Carol asked about Jameson's new position as bakery manager. Daryl watched her blush while trying to avoid speaking about it. She was still struggling with the stress of it but had gotten more acclimated to the job.

"It's good. I brought dessert. I made an extra carrot cake this morning." She diverted the conversation while hopping up to help Carol serve. Merle moaned while eating it and ended up taking seconds.

"This is delicious James." Carol complimented finish her piece. Jameson smiled and replied, "It was a wedding cake order. I always make an extra layer in case I have structural issues."

"Are you guys getting married?" Sophia asked while licking icing off her fork. Daryl coughed on cake making Merle chortle. Jameson face was beet red as Carol scolded Sophia for asking.

"Oh come on Doll, she was just asking what everybody's thinkin'. When ya gonna make an honest woman outta Sweetcheeks lil' brother?" Merle teased with a shit eating grin, leaning back in his chair watching the show.

"Shuddup Merle." Daryl grumbled his eyes cutting to Jameson's nervously. He wasn't sure what the future held for them but he'd be a liar if he didn't admit marriage had occurred to him. Daryl could see the appeal of being able to call her his wife. It made a deep low burning fire ignite in his chest not to mention the throb in his groin. He loved coming home to her, waking up next to her. Daryl would love to do it for the rest of his life. He'd die a happy man.

"Ok, ok. Lets leave 'em alone." Carol scolded while clearing the dishes. Thankfully the conversation moved on and the evening passed without awkwardness but Daryl's mind didn't stray. All he could think about was what Jameson's tiny hand would look like with the glint of a ring on it. His pulse raced at asking her and how he would do it. Daryl caught Merle looking at him with a knowing look and coy smirk.

When they left for the evening Merle hugged him and rasped quietly, "Bes' find a nice ring lil brother. Girl deserves it for puttin' up the likes of us Dixon's."

"You too smartass." Daryl jeered before joining Jameson inside the truck.

Jameson's head lay heavily on Daryl's bare chest, his hands smoothing up and down her naked back. Humming with contentment Jameson nuzzled into Daryl's warm skin and murmured, "Feel like jello."

A gruff laugh made her head bounce and her lips curl. She adored the man and felt lucky to have him. When Sophia and Merle began teasing them about getting married Jameson couldn't help but feel a jolt of anticipation. She couldn't see being without Daryl and the thought of him referring to her as his wife made her stomach clench. The damn suggestion had her ripping his clothes before they barely got inside their apartment. It turned her on to think of him as her husband.

It wasn't something she had ever expected to desire in her life but now that it was brought up, it was all she could think of. Her head swirled with images of the future she never knew she could have. Strange domestic events like owning a home and adopting a dog. She pictured warm nights by the fire and crisp mornings drinking coffee on the porch.

'Jesus James calm down. What's next babies?' she teased herself but that thought alone made her breathing hitch slightly. 'Did she want kids?' she asked herself. That was something she never dreamed of happening. She wondered if Daryl ever thought about them and if he'd want them in the future. The idea of being responsible for another human's life was daunting but then there was a little spark of something similar to excitement. The thought of making a baby with Daryl or watching him hold their child made her chest clench with yearning. She pictured what he'd look like placing a large palm on her growing stomach to feel those first kicks or how he'd hold her hand while she struggled to bring their son or daughter into the world.

Her head spun with those thoughts and dreams. It made her heart race and palms sweat.

'My god Jameson, get a hold of yourself. He hasn't even proposed and you're picking out baby names.' She scolded inwardly.

Daryl sat next to the stone campfire pit showing Carl how to start a fire with a flint stone. The boy was wide eyed and eager to learn. Despite the early hours he was all talk when they picked him up, chattering about all the things he wanted to know about living in the woods. Daryl thought Merle was going to blow his lid when kid wouldn't shut up. He seemed to have gotten used to adolescents though because he dealt with the constant yammering better than Daryl.

"A'right. Ya gotta use good dry kindlin', I pull the back of the bark off." Daryl instructed showing the kid the loose strands pulling from the bark. "It's dry 'n will get ya goin' fast."

Carl nodded along his eyes watching every movement. Daryl could tell he was absorbing everything he was saying and would be able to repeat it if asked. Merle was setting up to skin the rabbits they'd caught and called, "C'mere kid. Le's get those hands dirty."

Daryl watched Carl perch next to Merle as the older Dixon showed him how to skin, gut and prepare a rabbit for the fire. Carl took over where Merle left off. He watched as Merle's giant hands helped the boy hold the rabbit when he couldn't get the angle right. He spoke easily and without any sharpness. Daryl was surprised at how good his older brother was with the boy. They didn't exactly grow up with model parents so it was good to see Merle being capable of treating the boy well.

"A'right. Now go get me some good ol' branches, 'bout yea thick." Merle instructed showing him the size he needed to grill the meat. The kid wandered off into the brush looking for the needed implements. Merle was cleaning up the leftover innards and wiping his hands off.

"You're good with 'im." Daryl remarked chewing on his thumb while looking at the low burning fire. Merle grunted, "S'not hard. Just gotta do everythin' opposite of what Pa did."

Daryl snorted and looked up at his brother, "Ya think... Nevermind."

"What's on ya mind Darylina?" Merle teased his eyebrows raised and eyes amused. Daryl rolled his in return. Of course Merle knew what line of thought he had, he always knew what Daryl was thinking.

"Just... Ya think it's possible? To not be like Pa?" Daryl asked after hesitating. He never admitted it but the idea of ever having kids scared him for a multitude of reasons, the main one being a fear of turning into his father, that mean old man with a red face and heavy fists. A father who only knew how to beat down and destroy as a form of parenting.

"Baby brother, ya ain't nothin' and mean nothin' like our ol man." Merle spoke with such conviction that Daryl raised his eyes to meet his. The older Dixon spoke softly, "Ya always been the sweet one Daryl. Ain't sayin ya no pussy but ya got a heart. Ain't no fuckin' way on earth that ya'd be anythin' but a good father."

Daryl swallowed through the giant lump in his throat and looked away to keep himself from crying like a little bitch. It was probably the nicest thing Merle had ever said to him. The sound of crunching from the forest had Daryl standing up, a hand laying on his knife. Carl stumbled through the tree line holding a giant pile of sticks.

"I didn't know if I was gettin' the right size and then I didn't know how many so I brought a bunch." The kid explained while hefting up the dozens of sticks. Merle chuckled and pointed to the fire, "Put 'em there kid. Whatever we don't use we can burn."

Daryl smirked as Carl dropped the pile of wood and smiled widely asking, "Ok, what next?!"

Thanks for reading and reviewing!