(Author's note: Sorry its a little late guys, but finally here it is! Hope you guys like! Working on the next edit now! and writing some more! :) as always, tell what ya think or your ideas! :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing but Mads, Eddie, Gracie, Noah and Brittany! But more to come! :) Enjoy! )

Chapter 29

Madison was still at the hospital while they continued to run their tests and what not, but Daryl had to go back and deal with the dogs that were inside and needed to go outside. Let alone a hot shower would be fuckin' wonderful. So when they brought Noah home, Daryl could take care of him and Mads could take a long ass bath after the ordeal they had to deal with Brittany and her loathsome mother. He shook his head as he exited the shower, water droplets flying everywhere. Taking a deep breath he grabbed a towel and ruffled his hair half dry then wrapped it around his waist.

Steam escaped as he opened the door and crossed the hallway to enter the bedroom. He grabbed his pants he had previously worn and was about to toss them in the dirty clothes hamper when he felt something stiff in the back pocket. His brows furrowing in confusion, his hand dipped inside to pull out a business card that Mads had handed him the other day. He looked at it and his heart leapt. He was just really worrying about money in the damn shower. Biting his lip, he picked up his cell phone and sat down on the bed to make the call. It rang twice, and then a gruff voice answered, "Ace Construction."

"Uhh, Hello . . . This is Daryl Dixon. I was told to call." He said softly.

"Ahh! Mr. Dixon!" A robust and pleased voice sounded in his ear. "I'm glad to hear from ya. I'm glad on what ya did for my grandchildren. I can't thank ya enough! I hope your day is going well?"

Daryl grimaced as he had thought about his day and couldn't lie. "I'm glad I could help them. It was my niece Gracie that alerted me what was going on that night. So if it wasn't for her . . ." He ended it there. "But as of my day . . ." He sighed heavily. "Ain't going so well to be honest."

"Ah yes. My little Annie told me about that neighbor girl of hers, still very set on playing with her. Hopefully there could be a day that the two girls could meet up once the low weather breaks. " The silence for a second as there was a ruffling of some papers and a squeak of a chair as the older gruff man would stand onto his legs. "Oh I guess this would be of importance. The names Henry, but like to be called Ace." He chuckled into the phone, cradling it between his shoulder and ear to pull open his door, turning the background noise into the faint sound of a radio station with the sound of tools being used around him. "M'sorry to hear about that. Anything that we could be of help? After all, my daughter and grandchildren might not have made it back to me if it wasn't for your help."

"Yeah, Gracie may be a reserved little girl, but she's amazing." A small smile split up his lips then. "And I don't think ya can help me sir . . . My son's in the hospital with the flu. Was burning up so bad we had to take him last night." He swallowed. "And . . . just bills stacking up ain't helping either . . ." He said honestly. He couldn't tell Wren, even though he knew she knew as well and worried too. But if he wasn't as confident, it would make her realize how bad they were off. But to a complete stranger, when they had not a clue about his past, hers and such . . . It was alot easier to talk to. He shook his head. "I'm sorry . . . Just . . . worried about a lot of things. But I'm glad I could help them out. But I'll let ya go sir . . ."

"Don't go just yet, I wanted that young lady to give you my number for an reason." He interjected before Daryl could even end the call on him. "I maybe of some help, depending on how your schedule is. My construction crew lost a few employees over our little hiatus break, since during these months we barely get any calls for work given the weather. But its gonna be picking up fairly soon, and I need the extra man power and labor to go on these jobs with me. Now my company doesn't just work in this area and state alone as I have license to contract and dig up dirt anywhere I please. So this job would be a traveling job, where you'll be away from home for at least a week, or two weeks depending the job." He paused for a moment. "I wanted to offer you a placement on our top crew, that is . . . If you like to do the type of hard labor construction brings."

He didn't hang up yet out of courtesy and curiosity. But as soon as he heard the job offer, his heart started to pound in excitement and his eyes were wide with surprise. He was speechless for a moment. This would really help with their money troubles. He licked his lips, needing to wet them as his hand moved over the one side of his face. His thoughts began to race then. What about Hershel, Mads and Noah? He swallowed, not completely sure now. He'd have to talk to them. "May I ask how much it pays sir?" Was the only thing he could say, even though he knew he needed the money, he had to consider all the other factors and crap.

"Will be honest that pay isn't going to be the greatest if ya start soon. But I'll have work for ya as soon as the company trucks and vans need to be worked on and made sure they're ready for traveling. But once work does pick up, the pay depends on the jobs and the farther the job is away will make the pay better in the end, so I can't give you a honest answer. Though I can tell you that I take care of my guys, because I treat my crew like a family. And I'll make sure to land you in jobs that will help yourself and that little family of yours."

"Alright . . . Let me discuss this with my girl and I'll get right back to you later today if that's okay? But I am interested." He smiled nervously at this. It was something and it was probably better than the farm. His hand twitched at the towel that covered his lower half. He was excited, and well kinda scared. He didn't wanna leave Mads and Noah for that long of a time, but he'd be bringing money home.

The man gave a nod,"Take your time with it. It's a big step and I know your still in school; I'll try my best to get you on weekend crews for now so that you can finish . . . But that isn't something I can overly promise you. Just know that this offer is always open to you. I hope your boy is on the mend and stays there. Surely with that little woman of yours, he will." Ace gave a chuckle, remembering meeting the spunky redhead a few days ago. "Have a good day now."

"Thank you sir. So much." Daryl couldn't help the wide smile that split his lips then. "Yeah Madison is great. And you to sir!" Grinning, he ended the call and stood up, the towel wanting to drop, showing off his hips but he caught it before it could completely fall. His mind in a whirl, he began to grab clean clothes. He yanked on a pair of boxers, clean jeans, socks and a Nine Inch Nails shirt. He tossed the damp towel into the hamper and strode out of the room, eager to get back to the hospital, to Mads to tell her what just happened. Once he had his coat and boots on, he opened the door, letting the two bouncing pups back in. Nova was tugging on Kitchi's ear growling playfully as he stepped back out into the freezing cold and into his truck. With his excitement, it didn't seem to take long to get to the hospital.

*Days Later*

Thankfully Noah was allowed to come home a day after his seizure as he was quickly recovering and starting to look like the happy healthy baby once more; asides from the tiny fever and bit of a runny nose left. Noah's normal doctor was very happy with how well Daryl and Madison was doing with Noah, the biggest shock was that while he was small, Noah was a bit over weight for his age! It was no shocker that he quickly signed for him to go back home, since Noah would be under the watchful eye of a pair of young but well parents.

Daryl also opened up to Madison about his job offer from Henry and Madison wasn't to happy about the idea of Daryl being away from Noah . . . Or herself. But it was a very loud fact that they would need money, since they had just used a large chunk of it to start the adoption process as well as the recent ER visit for both Noah and herself; thanks to Brittany. As much as Madison loved to work under Hershel and help in the barn, she even thought about picking up some work being a waitress or something where she could make a bit more money for the team. As Madison didn't want Daryl to feel like he had to do this all on his own, not wanting to stress him out over something as simple as money. Though Madison told him to take the job as when he spoke about the type of work, she thought it just fit him well. Daryl was a man that needed to be working with his hands, and building things was something he did perfectly well. While the traveling made Madison scared and worried about how they would handle it, she also felt like it would be good for their relationship to be apart during moments.

Madison glanced out the window of the house, impatiently waiting for Daryl's truck to roll back into its parking place. He had left that morning to go meet Herny and find out more on the job; as well as do the forms and get his uniform. The idea of Daryl having to wear a uniform made Madison even more excited for his new job, and maybe put some dirty unneeded thoughts into her head. "What's taking him so long?" Madison growled, tapping her foot against the floor. "He just called and said he was on his way home."

Daryl couldn't help but feel proud as he rode away from Ace Construction. He felt proud of himself, that he was getting accomplished and well . . . now a career. Even if he hadn't graduated from High school yet. But somehow he was actually doing good in school, so maybe he could work and get this schooling crap done once and for all. But he felt like he was really moving on with his life. Let alone, he was doing what he was supposed to do.

When he pulled into his driveway he was grinning from ear to ear. Things were looking up. Things were going great with him and Mads, Mads was adopting Noah, so his son was gonna have a real mom that he deserved and cared for him. And the money problems would slowly but surely go away. Smiling, he got out of the truck and began to whistle and even swirled the keys around his index finger. He opened the door, wondering what Noah and Mads were up to today.

The second the door was open, his redhead was already upon him. "How was it? Did you like it? Did you take the job?" She fumbled out, quickly leaning up to give him a soft peck on the lips. "Don't take your coat and boots off . . . They wanted to see Noah up at the farm house so I let Beth take him up there till you got home." She grinned a little bit, knowing there was a bit more to the story, but he didn't need to know the truth just yet.

His brows widened as she was on him, but his smile remained. "It went good . . . I got the job!" He grinned and kissed her back. His brow went up at that, wondering what she was up too. He knew his redhead and she wasn't normally . . . like this. "What's up there right now?" He asked softly and tapped her temple. But he did as she asked and didn't take his stuff off, but merely pushed the screen door open so they could walk across to the other house.

"Baby, I knew you would get the job. Cause anything you want, you achieve and do it." Madison grinned, pecking his lips once more. "But I'm proud of you and happy for you. As much as I'll miss working with you." With that, a small pout pushed onto her lips as she really did hate the idea of him leaving her at the farm with Merle. "And nothing. Just really excited for you." She gave a little smile, linking arms with him as they would get across the yard.

Daryl smiled and wrapped his arm around hers as they walked. "Thank you and I'll miss it at the farm too. But think, when I do have days off, I can come help. Especially in the barn." He grinned and nibbled her ear real quick before they opened the door to the big house, feeling her quick shiver, and followed by a knowing look with a smile. His brow went up when they entered, hearing how quiet it was. He turned to her when she said about it and shrugged, even though she began leading him deeper in.

When they got into the bigger farm house, it was awkardly quiet even with Noah on the inside. And normally Madison would get a bad feeling over it; the bigger farm house was always a loud and very lived in place between all the Greenes. "Hmm . . . That's odd . . ." She mumbled under her breath, pushing her lips together. "Maybe they have him down for a nap . . . Or maybe Beth went out, I always hear her going on or singing something up here." Madison lead Daryl down the hallway and into the dark front room till . . .

"SURPRISE!" Echoed from almost everyone that Daryl knew, all the way from Gracie's mom and dad, down to Brena. Well all but Merle, for some reason Madison hadn't been able to get a hold of him the past few days. But no need to worry Daryl yet. Above the fire place was a cheap plastic banner that said, 'Congratulations' on it. Even Noah yelled out from where he was cradled up with his Aunt Brena.

He jumped with surprise and confusion when the lights suddenly turned on and the loud noise of everyone yelling, startled him. Grinning, he shook his head and looked at her. "I knew something was up . . ." He chuckled softly and pulled her close so he could kiss her soundly on the lips. "I'm gonna get ya back for this . . ." He rumbled when Eddie stepped away with a grin and a bottle in hand. He also had his pocket knife in the other. And with a quick jerk of the knife, the top was off the bottle with a loud POP! and foam arced high and the others reached out with their glasses to fill them with the champagne.

Madison blushed a little bit at his comment and happily gave him a kiss on the lips once more before ducking away from him to grab him a glass and her own. Mean while Eddie was pouring a bit for everyone, and when it came to her, she stopped him short as he tried to give her a full glass. Champagne and Madison never went well together. "I called Merle to come as well but I guess he is busy or something." Madison made a shrug as she handed him his glass as Gracie came running over and squeezed herself against Daryl's legs.

"And for my pretty lady." Eddie grinned, handing out a glass towards Brena's able hand. "And sorry kiddo . . . Maybe when you're 21." He mumbled with a small smile, then frowned at Noah whom was trying to grab at Brena's drink himself. "Though we'll see about sixteen, just don't tell anyone." He whispered lowly with a playful wink.

She smiled at Eddie, her blue green eyes sparkling with mirth as she took it. She held it away from Noah and shook her head at Eddie. She took a sip and leaned in to kiss Eddie's cheek. "Maybe eighteen . . . not sixteen." She chimed with a grin.

Daryl took his glass from her and chuckled. "It's okay, he'd probably is . . ." He was about to take a swig of the bubbly alcohol when Gracie hugged his legs. Grinning, he bent and hugged her. And with a small squeal from her, he had picked her up with one arm, making her giggle softly as she finally gave him a proper hug. "Hey Gracie-bug!"

Madison smiled at Daryl and Gracie's interaction as he pulled her up into his arms. She even had her own glass of bubbly drink which was some grape sparkling water so she could fit in with the bigger kids. "This stuff is gross." She spoke, making an icky face. "Does yours taste gross too, Daryl?" She asked him, tilting her head. "And what did you do to get a party Daryl? Are you marrying Madison or something?!" The girl asked excitedly. "Please tell me you are? Pwlease!"

Madison blushed with a tiny chuckle but awkwardly shifted on her feet. "Hey Gracie, why don't you come help me cut up some of the cake I made for everyone?" She asked her, wanting to keep away from the whole . . . Conversation that could happen following those questions.

He chuckled softly and made a small face. "Yeah, it does taste a little funny." And at her probing questions, his cheeks grew hot. "Uhh . . ." It was at this time that the love of his life saved him from answering the little girl. Gracie smiled real big and squirmed to get down and he dropped her easily down. She landed on her feet with a smile and went with Mads, eager for some cake.

"Hey! This kid has me and Merle for a uncle. And I didn't have my first drink at eighteen. I know that his Dad didn't either . . . No way, no how." Eddie defended, taking a long drink of his champagne. Edwin's arm found it's way around her lower back, pulling her closer to him. While he felt good to be at the party and letting loose with his family and girlfriend . . . He had such an awful twist in his stomach that made him feel like something was about to go wrong.

Brena closed her eyes, knowing she was barking up the wrong tree at the wrong time. "Yeah yeah yeah . . . That's what I'm worried about . . ." She said with a smirk. Her cheeks began to glow as she felt his arm steal around her waist. She may have been only going out with Eddie for about a month now, but she was perceptive. "What's up?"

Eddie gave a small shrug, quickly gulping down the rest of his glass, leaning to sit it back onto the table. "Don't know . . . Don't really know if it's the twin thing and something's wrong with Madison; never can tell with her anymore. I mean, she looks okay, but don't mean she is okay at the moment." Eddie glanced over at his sister as she was slicing up some pieces of her peanut butter cake to sit on plates for everyone while Gracie delivered them. "Just got a funny feelin' I guess." Eddie frowned with a shrug before quickly giving her a soft kiss. "I'm going for a smoke real fast, maybe calm me down or something."

She glanced over at Mads, then Gracie briefly only to look back at him, concern filling her eyes. She felt his lips pressing into hers and she smiled. "Alright . . ." Her hand rose up to squeeze his shoulder, wishing she could do more, but didn't know what. She let her hand drop when he finally moved away, worry marring her brow. It was at this time that Daryl glanced over and saw. Curious and wanting to see his boy, he walked over.

"Everything okay?" He asked softly as he took Noah, so she could finally have a drink of the champagne.

"Eddie said he felt something. Like a funny feelin' . . . I don't know . . . Said he was gonna go out for a smoke to calm his nerves." She answered and took a drink from her glass. She looked to the doorway he left in.

"I'll go see what's up." Brena smiled up at him, even if she said, he didn't have too. "It's okay . . . I got this . . ." He felt like he was on top of the world, nothing could bring him down. This could be his good deed of the day. He followed after Eddie with a nod and smile to her. He found him on the porch steps, smoking like Brena said he was going to. He dropped down to sit next to him, keeping the smoke out of Noah's way.

"What's going on? Not enjoying my party?" He grinned at this, teasing him.

Eddie glanced behind him as he heard the screen door open with the sound of heavy boots falling onto the porch. "Yeah . . . Cause it ain't one of my parties." Eddie teased slightly with a chuckle, taking a strong hit off his cigarette before flicking some of the ash away. "Sure ya wanna have him out here while I smoke? Surely that little mother hen in there would peck your fingers off if she knew." Ignoring his question like Edwin did best, he felt a bit . . . Awkward opening up to another guy about things, twice that when it was your baby sister's boyfriend. "Everything going okay with Madison? Nothing going on I don't already know about?" He paused, taking another hit with his head turned so the smoke wouldn't hit Noah directly.

Daryl smirked as he teased back, glad it wasn't to bad then. Eddie was always a wise ass and a smart aleck. "Ehh . . . It's okay, the smokes not really hittin' him . . ." Let alone he knew they wouldn't be out here for very long. It was a bit chilly and he had pulled Noah into his coat he still wore, so he stayed nice and toasty. "From what I know, yeah . . . And Eddie . . . You're family now . . ." At least in Daryl's head, Eddie was.

A overly loud and annoying tone charmed in his pocket, making the three of them startle slightly. "Oh what the fuck could she want now? I tell ya Redneck . . . These baby momma's are somethin' . . . Don't think I ever wanna be in this damn position again." He grumbled, holding smoke between his lips as he dug his phone out from his pocket. "Yours is messed up in the head, and mine still thinks I'm hers . . ." Eddie went quiet as he read over the message, and swiftly was standing up completely straight as his smoke fell from his mouth, and face went colorless. He just stood there like that for a good two minutes before finding movement in his feet, even if he scrambled and almost fell on his face six times while trying to get in the door; as well as smacking himself in the face with the door too. "I NEED MY KEYS!" He shouted as he launched himself down the hallway to get his jacket from the hook, almost ripping the coat rack down. Completely forgetting the fact that he brought Brena here as he went to run back down the hall only to trip himself on the rug.

"If she thinks she still has you . . . What about Brena? Does she even know about Brena?" He asked with a small smile. "Yeah, I hear ya there man . . ." He didn't want a baby mama for the rest of his damn life. His brows went up when Eddie suddenly straightened. But it was the color of his face that made Daryl worry. "Eddie? What's wrong?" He asked and stood. He blinked and was shocked when he didn't answer him when he took off to try to get inside the house. He had no idea what was up, and was very concerned. And then his mind clicked. The baby. His heart thudded hard in his chest and he went inside quickly. He saw that everyone had stopped and stood frozen, wondering what was wrong with Eddie.

"The baby's coming, isn't she?" Daryl held his hand out to Eddie who just tripped over the rug.

Edwin just gave a little nod, running his hands over his face a few times trying to rub the heavy feel of emotions running over himself at the moment. Feeling a little embarrassed as everyone came to see what the ruckess is about. "She's uh . . . Already there I guess. Friend of hers texted me . . . I didn't even know about it til now, cause I don't got that stupid facebook crap." Eddie's heart was completely in his stomach now as it was churning and whirling around greatly; scared that he missed out on his daughter being born . . . As gross as the thought and image was gonna be. Eddie wanted to be there for Aubrey.

"Daryl how about you drive him?" Madison piped up, stepping in to take Noah from him. Madison gave Daryl a small look. Only Daryl could be the most relevant person to understand Eddie at the moment. After all Daryl did the same thing nearly three months ago. "I'll come in our truck behind you guys, he isn't really in the mind to drive himself." The younger sibling watched as Daryl helped Eddie up off the floor, a look of worry on her face. "I don't want him driving himself."

Daryl nodded as Madison brought the idea up. He didn't like the thought of Eddie driving like this either. Hell, he was probably lucky that Noah was born at the end of Oct where the roads were good. "You be careful in that truck." He rumbled to her as he pointed to her. He looked over at Eddie as he spoke about Brena joining them.

"Wait . . . I want Brena with me too." Eddie spoke up, looking at his sister then over at Brena. "I want her apart of this with me. I don't care if Redneck drives me as long as you bring her with you." Eddie stepped away from Daryl and over towards his girlfriend. "If that's okay?" He whispered softly to her.

Brena's sea green eyes were wide at the news, let alone what he was asking her. Her heart was hammering so hard in her chest at his question. She swallowed a to big of a lump in her throat and nodded, not trusting her voice. She licked her lips and she heard herself ask, "Are you sure?" God, she was pathetic. She wanted to be there for him, but . . . this was his ex.

Eddie nodded quickly at her question. "Positive." He answered with his eyes holding the same need. Eddie didn't just want her to be there, the man needed her there with him. "I gotta go okay . . . See you when you girls get there." He gave a extra hard hug to Brena, followed by a fast peck onto the lips before beating ass out the door with Daryl handing over his keys.

She smiled, her hand squeezing his. "Alright . . ." She nodded, tears pricking the corner of her eyes at this offer. This opportunity. She hugged him tightly back, a just as fast kiss on his lips and he was out the door with Daryl. She smiled and looked over at Mads. She was nervous, but excited as well for him.

Daryl took the keys and followed swiftly after him. He got in Eddie's truck, stabbed the key in the ignition, put it in gear and they were off. Eddie's mind worrying about his daughter, and Daryl's on Eddie, Mads and Brena driving in the truck.