A/N Thank you all so much. I love my Meth lovers! We've all had a week to catch our breath after Annette's revelations. Shall we see the aftermath?

Her husband sat down heavily on the bed and hung his head. She sat beside him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, "Are ya bothered bad by the story yer Mama told?"

He raised his head and gave her a small smile, "No Heather Rose it's not that I'm bothered, I'm just still trying to believe it. I never would have thought Mama ever knew a man, you know that way, except Daddy. When she said she got in a family way, I thought for sure she was going to say I was Caleb's son. I can't even imagine how I would feel about that. I love my Mama, she's a good woman and a wonderful Mother. It's hard to imagine she had this whole life none of us knew not one thing about. If you weren't so close to delivering I'd go with Mama and Merle up that mountain day after tomorrow, just to be near her and to see Daddy. But I don't want to take a chance of missing our baby get born."

"I'm sorry Shawn." And he saw her eyes were moist.

"Sorry? Heather Rose you're having our baby, that's nothing to be sorry about. I've never been more happy and excited about anything in my life. I love you sweet girl and I love our baby."

Pete kissed her deeply, pulled back and smiled, "Now I know where you get your feisty and indomitable nature Miss Maggie. You're quite the woman, just like your Mama."

"I wish I could talk to my Mama more about her story, but I respect that she's done talking about it. I just can't hardly imagine Mama as a wild young girl chasing around that mountain with a boy." She was shaking her head side to side, but she had a smile on her lips.

"I didn't think it sounded particularly like her and her sister were wild girls, sounded more like she said, young and in love."

"You're right, Mama is a sweet woman and such a good Mother. I'm sure her sister is the same."

He pulled her into him and they resumed their kissing.

xxxx

His wife had cried so hard, wanting to go with her husband and Mama to see her Daddy. She wanted to spend time with her Mama on the long ride there and back and to meet her family up there on the mountain. But Merle had to take a firm stand against it. As much as he wanted to make her happy, he couldn't risk her and their baby on this trip.

"I know you're right Merle, but I just so wish I could see Mama with her sister." He could not bear her sadness.

He'd held her tightly. "I know ya do Honey, and I'ma make it up to ya, ya know I will." He promised he'd take her after the baby was born, as soon as he felt they were strong enough to make the trip.

Daryl would be going with him and Mama, and he'd asked his brother and Billie Jo to spend the night with them. He felt more comfortable with the idea of their women having each other there for company while he and his brother were gone.

While they were away Dickie Lee would be around throughout the day and evening, just keeping an eye on things until Merle, Daryl and Mama returned.

He knocked lightly on her door, "Ya ready Mama." The door opened and she stepped out.

"Yes I'm ready son." She'd taken to calling him son since she'd moved in and he favored it.

It was 4:00am when they got in the car to leave for Sam's and then the Hennessy place. Mama was in good spirits, excited to see her husband, excited to see her sister, all of her small mountain family.

They drove to Sam's and he had the horses saddled and ready. Supplies were tied to a mule, including more milk, coffee, bacon, ham and beans. Mama had gone shopping the day before and purchased fabric and sewing supplies for her sister and Maribel. For Mason and Maribel's children there were candies, crayons and paper. There were also shoes for the children and Jolee and Maribel. She knew Malcolm and Mason would be too proud to accept a pair.

When they'd gotten to the edge of the property it was Mama who gave the whistle, it was different than Sam or Merle had used and almost instantly he heard a woman yell "Annie come, come!" And it was the first time Jolee, Maribel and the children had showed themselves while Merle was there. And the first time he'd heard Mama called Annie.

The sisters hugged tightly and he saw the tears in both their eyes. Malcolm stood near and watched, no expression to his face. When the women moved apart, Mama and Malcolm shared a quick embrace and he muttered, "Real good ta see ya Annie girl."

While Mama continued her hugging and the greetings, the men unloaded the mule and cooled down the horses.

Merle didn't think anyone could get as happy as Daryl did about candy, until he saw the looks on the little ones' faces when Mama handed them each their small sack of candy.

Mama finished with the presenting of the small gifts of fabric and shoes, crayons and paper, and you would have thought these folks just received the world's riches.

Jolee offered up what they had for a refreshment, a glass of water or a cup of coffee, and then Mama said, "I want to go to my husband." Malcolm nodded, reached a hand in his pocket, drew out a key for her, and lead her to the tool shed.

Mama smiled up at her brother in law, "Your first home, what an honor for Hershel."

Merle saw something he hadn't seen before, Malcolm smiled and a quiet laugh could be heard, "Nuthin' but the finest for your man Annie."

She tried not to let the shock show on her face when she saw her husband. He was thin, weak and tired looking. His eyes held a sadness and it seemed it was hard for him to look at her. She said not a word and neither did he. She quickly removed the handcuff and they quietly embraced.

"Before anything else is said, I owe you an apology Annette. I have great sorrow and shame about the way I've behaved. Please, you must know how much I love you, and that I never wanted anything more than to be a good husband to you. I have failed on the promise I made to you so long ago on your Auntie's porch, but if you'll let me, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make that up to you.

I was jealous of our daughter's husband because I was jealous of the past. I have no excuse for my behavior because there is no excuse. I was prideful and behaved like a fool."

"I didn't hold true to my promises either. I went against your wishes and I hope you can understand I only tried to do what was best. I know these changes with Beth have been hard on you, I know they stirred old memories. I should have tried harder to be understanding, sympathetic to your feelings. Maybe we could have settled things before they got so out of hand. You have been the best of husbands to me. It was you who got me through those early years, your patience, love and devotion that saved me. I love you Hershel, we'll get through these days and better days will come.

"I loved Caleb Parker, but Hershel you must know that you are in my heart now, that I love you my husband."

She told him that she'd shared the story with their children. "I hope you won't be angry with me for telling them, I just wanted them to understand how it was things got so churned up."

"I'm not angry Annette, it's your story to tell and they're old enough to hear it. I trust they accepted it and now we don't have to worry they'll somehow hear something from someone else."

She stayed with her husband in that little shed long enough that Jolee brought food for them and made certain all was well. When she finally came from the tool shed she handed Merle the keys and the cuffs. "He won't be needing these, he's planning to stay until he's sure he can keep himself right." She went in to visit with her sister and the young ones, and Merle went to Hershel.

"You doin' better are ya?"

"Yes son, and I appreciate you trying to save me from myself, you did a good thing. I'm afraid I've set a terrible example of what a man, a husband, a father should be. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you and my daughter. You've been good to her Merle and I know you love her. I accept that and I hope we can work out our differences, be the family we should be."

"Well now Hershel don't go on apologizin' too much. You were right ta worry about a man like me. I don't think I'd allow a daughter a mine anywhere near a man like me. We both of us know I come up in a real rough way. We both know I been involved in a lotta things that may be on the wrong side a the law. But yer right, I do love your daughter and she holds the power over me, I could never be anythin' but good ta her. And be assured, should sumthin' happen ta me along the way, I left plenty a money tucked away ta take care a her and our baby. On that ya got my word."

They had to leave before darkness set in, and Merle didn't miss the tears among the women and the children. "I'll bring ya back with me every week if that's what ya want Mama, and yer man will be comin' home 'fore ya know it.

It was near nine o'clock when they finally got to the house and Dickie Lee stepped out of the shadows. "It seems everythin' gone real good here while you was gone.

Now over there at Shawn and Heather Rose's place, she insisted he get her up the mountain ta her Mama. She feels sure that baby's comin' in a day or two and she's bound and determined her babies will be born on the mountain." And that made Dickie Lee smile.

"We'll get Mrs. Annette up there tomorrow ta check on everyone. Thank you Dickie Lee. I'll see ya at the still tomorrow mornin'."

He opened the front door, and Billie Jo and Beth were nervously waiting in that entryway. Merle gave his wife a warm hug but quickly stepped aside to let Mama hug her daughter. It didn't appear Daryl was stepping aside to let anyone hug Billie Jo. It seemed the boy had missed her.

She knew her husband was exhausted so tonight when she crawled in next to him she simply laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arm around his chest. He pulled his arm in tighter, bringing her closer. She wanted to know everything that had happened and he told her everything he knew. He didn't hold anything back, not even what he'd said to her Daddy.

"Merle Dixon you are the most wonderful husband there ever was. I wish you wouldn't say those things about yourself, they're just not true."

He smiled to himself. She was so sweet, still so innocent to so much. "Well I thank you for saying that Honey, I always do try to be a good man to you."

Come morning he could tell Mama was exhausted yet still she wanted to see Heather Rose, see if her time was close. "Alright Mama, whenever ya get ready I'll take ya to her. You can visit while I'm doin' business with Dickie Lee and a couple other fellas, then I'll come for ya."

No sooner were the words from his mouth when his pretty little wife stated, "That's wonderful Husband, and I know you meant to say you were taking me and Billie Jo too. We're not so far along we can't take a car ride up the mountain a little ways."

He'd disappointed her enough this week, and he liked that little fire she got in her eye and so he said, "Well if you're going you gals better be gettin' yourselves ready."

Now Daryl he was smiling. Half the state was in fear of Merle Dixon, they didn't know his wife was in charge of him.

They got up to Clyde and Mabel Brady's home and were given a warm welcome. Of course Billie Jo was close kin, and they were honored to have Merle Dixon and his wife visit their home. Now they didn't know too much about Shawn's Mama, but Heather Rose seemed to think the world of Annette Greene and that was good enough for them.

Merle he spoke to Clyde, he told him he had to take care of some other business there on the mountain, and he'd be back for the women in a few hours.

Since they were coming to call unexpectedly, and surely didn't expect another woman to have food ready to feed them, they didn't come empty handed. They'd brought with them a large jar of lemonade, sliced country ham and canned peaches and green beans, plus a loaf of Mama's home baked bread.

When it came time for everyone to sit and enjoy the noon meal, Heather Rose didn't want to eat it. She was a might uncomfortable feeling and nervous as a cat, just pacing around in that yard. Her Mama was sure then that her girl was right, that baby was coming sooner rather than later.

And sure enough, not too long after the lunch dishes were cleared, the dam broke. Heather Rose was embarrassed by the mess she'd made of her clothes but her Mama assured her, it was normal. "Yer baby can't get outta ya 'til that water breaks daughter."

Clyde he jumped in that rickety old pick-up and he drove to get the mid-wife, Sybil Ross.

In the meantime Mabel and the other ladies helped Heather Rose get cleaned up a bit and get that loose nightgown on. She wouldn't lie down quite yet, she couldn't relax enough to stop her pacing. Her Mama said she was that very same way when she birthed Heather Rose.

As soon as her Daddy got the mid-wife back there, he rushed on into town to get Shawn from the garage.

The young man, why he was more than excited, and every bit as nervous as he was excited. He wouldn't quit talking the entire way back and old Clyde, a quiet man himself, like to go insane. But still he smiled, at one time he'd been a young man going through this very thing.

Now Billie Jo she'd seen a lot of babies come into the world but Beth had never seen such a thing as labor and delivery. It scared her and fascinated her all at once. She was hoping she'd be able to do this right when her own time came.

By the time Clyde returned with Shawn, Merle was back from conducting his business. The women were all fluttering around, excited for the arrival of a new little life. Merle and Clyde they stayed out on that front porch, but Shawn he went in and visited his wife for a few minutes, kissed her on the forehead, squeezed her hand and told her he loved her and was real, real excited about their baby coming.

Then he went out to the porch to wait with the other men.

What was going on in there, why that was women's business and men did not belong.

It was quite late in the afternoon when Mama and Beth brought the men out sandwiches and coffee. Mama told them she didn't expect it to be much longer, and they all just nodded. There wasn't a thing for them to do but eat their supper and wait.

When the men heard the screaming they knew the time was real, real close. Shawn he nearly jumped up and went to his wife, but Clyde put a hand to his arm, "Ya can't be goin' in there now son, the women know what they're doin', they'll be takin' real good care a Heather Rose. They'll come get ya when the baby's all cleaned up, they come out quite a mess."

Just about the time Daryl pulled up the screaming stopped, and soon after they heard a little cry. Shawn he was just a shakin' wanting so bad to get in there to his wife and baby. It wasn't too long before Mama come to the porch with a big smile on her face, and she said to her son, "Shawn come and meet your beautiful new daughter." She didn't have to tell her boy twice.

The other men followed him in and Mabel lay that sweet little girl in his arms, making sure he knew the right way to hold her. He carried that baby over to where his wife was lying in the bed. All evidence of baby birthing had been cleaned up from that room.

Everyone stepped out to give the new family a little time alone.

He smiled at his sleepy wife and she weakly smiled back. "You did real good Heather Rose, she's a beauty, just like her Mama. Can we talk a little about her name?" He told her what he knew and she smiled in agreement. "Yes husband, that will be a beautiful name for our daughter, and an honor to our Mothers."

Now Mabel, Heather Rose's Mama, had the middle name of Mae, and Heather Rose she lifted a hand up to that baby blanket and she said, "Annie Mae."

When Mama heard she just smiled happily. Merle was nervous, afraid Mama would be angry with him for telling, ah but you know she wasn't. Her first grandchild named for her, there was nothing to be mad about.

Merle went to his vehicle and he got out the peach shine for the ladies, and the regular for the men. Mama, Mabel and Sybil Ross toasted with a glass of that peach shine, and the men all had a swallow from the other jar.

It had been a good day on the mountain.

They were home in their bed and he was giving her his loving attention when suddenly she pulled back. "What's wrong Honey, did I hurt ya somehow?"

"No Husband, I'm just scared. I didn't realize what all goes on when a woman has a baby. I can't get it off my mind."

"Well now I ain't never been in the room when it happens myself, course I heard stories over the years. But now Honey, I don't want ya ta be scared, yer a strong woman, like your Mama is. You're gonna do just fine."

"But will you stay with me Merle? I want you there." Now what was going on here was, the man wanted to get back to that loving he had in mind, why she'd caught him in a weak moment.

He gave her a sweet kiss, keeping that hand on her breast, and he told her, "Blue Eyes ya know if that's what ya want that's what I'ma do, be right there with you."

Now later, he might come to regret saying that, but for now it did it's magic and his wife relaxed and was ready for all that love he had to give her.

A/N A reunion, reconciliation and a new little life. It seems Merle has made a promise he hadn't planned to make, the heat of passion and all. I hope you enjoyed and I always appreciate your reviews/comments. Thank you! xo