I don't own the Walking Dead or anyone or anything having to do with the Walking Dead. Thank you to everyone who has followed, favorited, and reviewed your feedback is appreciated very much and serves as a tremendous motivator. Drum roll please…here it is the long awaited reunion. I have been planning this for so long it is so exciting to finally have the first chapter out. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Chapter 38

Beth glanced towards the sullen teenager sitting between her and Daryl as their Humvee rolled to a stop in front of the Alexandria settlement. Taking in the massive walls and chain link gate Beth found herself somewhat impressed.

"This it," Daryl grunted at the girl only to receive a grimace in return. A part of Beth wanted to warn Enid that Daryl could out sullen her any day but, she decided that her humor would fall flat to both man and child.

As if sensing her thoughts the hunter turned towards her with a little smirk, an expression which made Beth's heart melt every time she saw it. She had no idea how one little smile could turn a fierce man into a smirking little boy but, it did.

"Are you okay," she mouthed over Enid's head while nodding to the hunters arm.

His tight nod let her know that all was well.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a young man with dreadlocks approaching their vehicle. Peering at them cautiously he stopped in front of Brian to demand," Are you military?"

"Yup," Brian answered with his ever present lopsided grin, "seems we found one a yours being chased by a horde over by our armory bout ten miles away. We decided it might be best to return her to you guys. Since it's getting so late we were also hoping for a place to stay tonight if that might be possible."

Peering more intently inside the vehicle Beth saw the moment the man recognized the teenager, "Enid," he sighed with what appeared to be bone weariness," what were you doing outside the walls again? I know Deanna has talked to you about this."

The sullen child just glared at the man and finally he turned back to Brian and announced, "I am Heath. Thanks for bringing Enid back. If you guys go ahead inside I'll meet you after I close the gates."

Heath stepped away to pull back the gates and Brian drove through followed by Mike in the second Humvee. As they came to a stop everyone piled out and Enid was quickly pushing past Daryl to take off stalking down the street.

"Ungrateful brat," the archer muttered under his breath as he moved to Beth and Judy. Plucking the toddler from her he settled her on his own hip as Mark approached them.

"I had her Daryl," Beth groused good naturedly, glaring at the hunter a bit.

"I know," he grinned back at her," but I love holdin her and she's gettin too heavy for ya." Shaking her head in frustration, she wasn't going to break just because she was pregnant, she watched as Daryl murmured quietly to the baby before dropping a kiss on the top of her head. Perfectly content in her father's arms Jude clutched the front of his tight black fitted t-shirt as she leaned back to survey her surroundings.

Watching the man and baby Beth took a second to appreciate the view. There was nothing sexier than a self-assured man holding a beautiful baby. With Daryl in his black combat boots, ACU pants, thigh holster, tight black tee, and Oakleys and Jude in her frilly pink top and cream colored leggings they created quite the attractive picture. Daryl's arms bulged from holding the toddler and Beth itched to run her hand down the appendages.

Mark had reached them and was reaching for Jude," Come to Uncle Mark baby girl," he crooned moving to take her from Daryl as Heath approached them.

"She's beautiful," the Alexandrian praised directing his focus to Daryl," we don't see many babies anymore. Congratulations."

"Thanks," the hunter rasped as Jude tired of being in Mark's arms reached for Daryl with a demanding, "Da."

Daryl easily scooped her back into his embrace as Heath questioned," Do you all want to see Deanna the leader here or just," he paused to gesture at their group," whoever your leader is? We can do it either way whatever you prefer."

Stepping up Daryl responded, "Waters and I are in charge so we'll go meet with this Deanna and everyone else will stay put til we hash out the details a us stayin for the night."

Heath nodded at them as Daryl turned back to the group," Ya all stay put til Waters and I get back." With a pointed look at Beth," Don't get in any trouble."

"No problem Chief," Reed answered with a crooked grin as he moved to wrap his arm around Beth," we'll just stay here and twiddle our thumbs."

Daryl just snorted at the younger man as he and Mark turned to follow Heath who was happily chatting about Deanna and their walled in city.

Before they reached their destination Mark spoke up, " I came by here about a year ago and met with Deanna and her husband. Can't remember what his name was. Offered them the option of moving to Andrews but, they declined. Hoping they'll both remember me."

The Alexandrian ducked his head before muttering, "Her husband's name was Reggie but, he's gone now." Coming to a stop in front of a large white house he continued, "This is it just follow me up."

Traversing the walkway to the front door Mark muttered, " I am sorry for your loss," as the Alexandrian knocked on the door. Daryl shifted from foot to foot rocking Jude and making faces at her as they waited for the leader of the town. The toddler had just clapped her hands against Daryl's chest giggling when the door opened to reveal a thin older looking woman with shoulder length hair.

"Yes Heath, " she questioned while taking Mark and Daryl in warily.

"Hey Deanna," the younger man greeted," I am sorry to bother you but, these folks showed up at our gates with the rest of their people about fifteen minutes ago. They had Enid with them. Apparently she went outside the walls again and got into trouble. They brought her back for us but , it's getting late, and they were wondering about a place to stay tonight."

Her eyes flicking back to them Deanna graciously thanked Heath before commanding, " Why don't you head back to the gates now Health, I can handle the interview. If you have any trouble while you're down there you know who to call."

"Yes ma'am," the gate keeper agreed readily before taking off to return to his post.

Turning back to them Deanna invited with a parody of a warm smile ,"Come in gentleman."

The two men followed the Alexandrian leader into her living room and took seats across from her as she settled herself on a settee and began, " I am sure Heath's told you both about me but still why don't we start with introductions. I am Deanna and I am the leader here at Alexandria. I have a right hand man that I rely on for assistance but, in the end I am the final decision maker."

"Chief Daryl Dixon," the hunter murmured nodding at Deanna before gesturing to Mark," and this is Sergeant Mark Waters. The rest of our unit is still down by the gates with our vehicles and supplies."

Mark was quick to interject," I was here about a year ago with my unit ma'am. We met with both you and your husband and offered you the chance to come back to Andrews with us. You declined at the time but, the offer still stands if you're interested."

Deanna was grinning then as she agreed," I remember you now Sergeant Waters. It's nice to see you again and thank you for your offer but, we are still doing just fine here and this is home. We aren't ready to leave it yet."

"Of course ma'am," Waters acknowledged with a dip of his head.

Shifting Jude on his lap Daryl brought the conversation back around to the main point," We brought one a yours back home today after she was nearly devoured by a hoard, she's just a kid. We simply happened ta be in the right place at the right time or she wouldn't be here right now. Ya ought a keep a better eye on the girl."

Sighing Deanna's smile faltered some as she admitted," We try Chief Dixon but, the sad fact is that Enid came to us an orphan, and she's really seemed to struggle since she's been here. She's gone over the wall repeatedly even though we've asked her not to."

"She needs a stronger hand than," the hunter murmured gruffly, " it ain't safe for her ta be doin what she's doin."

"I'll talk to her again," Deanna agreed wearily," and maybe I can talk one of the families into taking her under their wing. Maybe one of the folks from the new group could do it. They seem strong and I bet Enid could relate to them. Plus one of the newer families in particular seems to have taken a real interest in the girl."

"You have a new group," Mark asked his interest piqued by the news.

Eyes twinkling the leader divulged," Not so new now, they've been here about three months already and in today's day and age that feels like a lifetime."

When Mark just nodded at her Deanna continued with business like focus, " Now about tonight are you all just planning to stay one night or longer?"

"We just need a place for tonight," Daryl replied, "got ta be gettin back ta the post tomorrow. They know we ran into some trouble but, the brass won't like us stayin outside the wire unplanned for more than a day or so. We got some precious cargo with us cuz we figured it was gonna be a quick in and out trip to the armory."

Nodding Deanna offered," We have a completely empty house on the main street here. Would that meet your needs Chief Dixon?"

Looking to Mark and reading the agreement on his face Daryl answered," Yeah that sounds real good thanks."

Everyone rose then as Deanna fetched the key, told them the house number and general location, and then offered to show them the house. Pausing on her way to the front door she turned back with a genuine smile," Your precious cargo is adorable. Is she yours?"

"Mhmm," Daryl murmured, " her mama is waitin for us outside."

"I can't wait to meet her," Deanna offered. Then looking more contemplative and a little sad she continued, "My right hand man lost a baby girl on the way here. Sounds like she would've been about your daughter's age. He still hasn't really gotten over it. I hope you never have to experience that Chief Dixon."

Something about Deanna's statement caught Daryl's attention. It wasn't more than an inkling, a tiny shred of insight or premonition but, still he asked, " This right hand man a yours, he got a name?"

Still smiling completely unaware of the chaos her statement was about to unleash Deanna answered, "Rick. Rick Grimes."

Daryl froze for one long moment before panic slammed into him. He had left Beth alone out on the street with the rest of the unit. What were the chances that someone would see her? He had to hope they were exceptionally slim but, still in the lottery of life they hadn't really struck it so lucky in situations similar to this one.

"Fuck," the hunter cursed rushing past Deanna and Mark and out the front door. Then he was bounding down the stairs with both the Alexandrian leader and the sergeant trailing after him calling his name. He didn't hear them though not with his single minded determination to get back to Beth as quickly as possible. They hadn't talked about it in a long time, not since the farmhouse but, Daryl couldn't imagine that Beth had pushed past her anger at their family. She hadn't mentioned them much not even after finding Judith. He wasn't even sure himself how he felt about it, finding them, since he had also been abandoned and left for dead. Biting the inside of his cheek as he strode through the town, deaf to the shouts coming from behind him to hold up, Daryl ruminated on how this was going to go down. Somehow he didn't think Maggie was going to greet him with open arms in order to welcome him to the family.

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After Mark and Daryl left with Heath to meet with the town's leader the rest of the group fanned out to idle away the time until they would have a place to rest for the night. Mike and Artie were tinkering with the engine in their Humvee and Lucy was throwing a ball for Scout who in true Labrador fashion had learned to retrieve the toy. Sweaty and tired Beth glanced up at the late day summer sky hoping that it might rain thereby relieving the stifling humidity even if just for a short time. Pulling at her black fitted tee, trying to create some airflow, she soon gave up rubbing her sweaty palms on the sides of her dark green kakis, leaving distinctive sweat marks behind once she removed them. Sighing wishing for a shower more than anything else right now she was completely startled when Brian grabbed her under the arms and swung her up onto the hood of the Humvee. Laughing she settled back, her booted feet kicking against the tire, as she unconsciously raised a hand to rub her swollen belly.

Without much thought she left her hand where it rested as she chastised," Brian what are you doing?"

"Making sure you're comfortable of course princess," the young solider joked," trying to earn brownie points with the chief."

"I don't think scaring me to death would really curry his favor," Beth quipped dryly.

"Probably not," Brian joked feigning mock horror," but hey some days he might actually thank me."

Beth's mouth dropped open in mock outrage as she leaned forward to smack the soldier on his uniformed shoulder and exclaim rather loudly," You ass," before breaking into laughter.

They were both so caught up in messing around that neither of them noticed the two women, one blonde and one brunette, approaching them. It was clear the pair were headed somewhere, walking with purpose down the immaculately maintained street, and they had a young blonde boy in tow who was remarkably quiet as he followed behind them.

As they were walking by Beth's tinkling laughter suddenly caught the brunette's attention and whipping her head around she froze as she took in the young blonde sitting on the hood of the military issue vehicle joking with the young man standing in front of her. A sudden breeze broke the stifling stillness of the afternoon whipping Beth's hair off her forehead making her three scars very visible for the small moment in time. The scars alerted the brunette to the fact that the image before her was not some perfect hallucination conjured up from the recesses of her mind. It was Beth, scarred and worn, and very much alive and real, sitting just feet from her completely unaware of her presence.

"Hey Maggie are you okay," the brunette's worried companion questioned as her friend froze.

But instead of answering her Maggie began to woodenly walk towards the scene before her gaping at the young woman." Beth," she choked as she tried to force the name through her leaden lips. It came out as a tiny squeak of noise. At first neither of the pair heard her but, then more strongly she gasped, "Beth."

Beth was still trying to catch her breath when she heard her name being called. With a big grin plastered across her features she turned to the sound freezing when she took in the woman standing just feet from her, the smile evaporating to be replaced with an expression of steel. The women stared at each other for a moment frozen in shock before Beth lithely slid down from the hood of the vehicle.

Eyes locked on her sister she forced," Hey Mags," through her numb lips as Brian sensing the tension came to stand protectively next to her.

"Oh my God," Maggie exclaimed in shock a hand coming up to cover her mouth as she just stared at the impossible image before her. Beth was dead. They had all seen her body before fate had intervened and forced them to run. Maggie's last image of her sister was her crumpled limp body being cradled in the arms of a grieving Daryl Dixon. Then just like that they were both gone, more ghosts to haunt them, with thoughts of what if and shattered dreams and promises, as they traversed the broken roads of this hellish existence. Yet here she now stood whole and healthy and utterly changed with long ago healed scars to testify to the trials she had overcome.

Maggie's eyes were still roving over Beth when her blonde companion Jessie questioned, "Beth. Like Beth your little sister Beth?" Then grabbing her sons hand Jessie backed away intent on going to find the others. It wasn't everyday after all that a family member came back from the dead.

Then Maggie was rushing forward to envelope Beth in a hug and the blonde was trapped with no way to avoid it. Beth's immediate instinct had been to step back and away but, the vehicle behind her prevented her from doing that, essentially trapping her in her sister's embrace. She froze as Maggie wrapped her arms around her sobbing and mumbling nonsensical words. It took Beth a few seconds to gain enough composure to place her hands on her sister's arms in order to pry her off of her.

"How did you find us," Maggie was sobbing, "we thought you were dead. How did you find us."

Beth stared at her hysterical sister for a moment before deciding to tell the truth rather unemotionally, " I wasn't trying to find you. We ended up here by accident after we rescued a girl this afternoon. As for being dead I guess it takes more than a bullet to kill a Greene cuz I am clearly standing here alive and breathing."

With a protective hand on her shoulder Brian questioned Beth, "Do you know this woman princess?"

Turning to her friend a rigid expression on her face she answered stiffly," Yeah I do." Pausing to suck in a deep breath she muttered rather disgustedly, "Brian meet my sister Maggie," she gestured between the two, "Maggie Brian."

Stepping back some with tears sparkling in her eyes Maggie gestured towards Beth's obvious belly with a small grin, " Bethy a baby? I can't believe this. You come back to us and you're having a baby."

Beth immediately wanted to contradict her sister. She hadn't come back to her or anyone for that matter. She hadn't been lost to begin with which is exactly what Maggie was insinuating. She had been perfectly accounted for with the one person from her family who actually mattered. However, before she could think of a suitable retort Maggie was turning to Brian with a happy smile," Congratulations. I can't wait to get to know you and find out how you and Bethy met."

Brian was only shocked into silence for a moment before he started to laugh uproariously, "Um ma'am I think you have this all wrong," the soldier began smirking, " I am the protection not the baby daddy." Then reaching to message Beth's shoulder gently while throwing her a quick smile he continued, " I'd be pleased as punch if you wouldn't go around telling people I am that baby's daddy. The chief is a rather possessive guy and honestly I don't feel like getting an ass whooping today. Sunshine here and the little princess are his. Between you and me I am hoping if I play my cards right I might get to be the uncle," the soldier concluded with a wink towards Maggie.

A shocked Maggie was glancing between both Beth and Brian when a frantically bellowed," Beth," caught the blonde's attention. Looking up the street she saw Daryl striding towards her, Jude secured on his hip, with almost frantic intent an older woman she didn't recognize and Mark almost running behind him to keep up. His long strides were eating up the ground between them, his thigh holster slapping lightly against his leg, with each step. Even with his oakleys shielding his eyes Beth could read the tension written across Daryl's face. She didn't even think before she was breaking away from Brian and Maggie and jogging towards Daryl, towards safety and security, towards home.

He had his arm open before she had even reached him and as she crashed into his side he wrapped the appendage around her, securely pulling her into him, before dropping a quick fierce kiss on the top of her head. Unaware of the calamity about to unfold Brian sauntered over to the couple to slap Daryl on the back before pronouncing, "Hey chief how'd the meeting go? We spending the night or heading out?"

Her mouth hanging open Maggie looked between Beth and Daryl for a moment before she exclaimed with obvious disbelief, "Daryl?"

Holding Beth close the archer offered the brunette a tight smile and a clipped greeting, "Maggie."

The brunette's expression turned from disbelief to anger as she processed Reed's greeting, "You're the chief? Does that mean that Beth's baby is yours," she paused in her tirade to roughly push a hand through her hair, "we thought you were both dead. How the hell did you end up here and," a long pause," Daryl are you in the Army?"

Mark sauntered over to the group then as Deanna stood on the outskirts of the fray taking it all in, "Hey Mags long time no see," the solider greeted cheekily.

Whipping around her focus momentarily drawn away from Beth and Daryl Maggie stared at Mark. When the soldier just quirked an eyebrow at the older Greene sister and opened his arms she wasted no time in throwing herself at him.

"God Mark we thought you were dead," she exclaimed," Did you find Beth? Were you the one to find her?"

Pulling back Mark shook his head before clapping Daryl on the arm," No actually they found one of my guys," the soldier paused to nod in Reed's direction," about to become zombie dinner and they saved him. Seems since then," Mark smirked," that they've become pretty fond of him. The three of them found us a few weeks later. You can't imagine how surprised I was. It's good to see you Maggie Beth wasn't sure what had happened to you and I really wanted to believe that more than one Greene had made it."

Mark knew the whole story of how Beth and Daryl had been separated from their family of course. Bits and pieces from Beth when she was willing to talk about it and the rest from Daryl, so the soldier understood why Beth was burrowed into Daryl's side with an indifferent expression painted across her face.

Maggie's attention shifted once more to the toddler Daryl had perched on his hip as she exclaimed," You guys found Judith," then as she looked around excitedly as if expecting to see someone else, "where's Tye Sasha will be so excited. She's been so worried."

"Tye's gone," Daryl rasped quickly cutting off Maggie before she could say anything else," when Beth and Reed and I found him he'd already been bit and was almost gone. Told us he'd been separated from the rest a ya."

"Oh," the brunette's features fell," I just thought that maybe with you guys coming back to us maybe…..," she paused," well anyway this is going to mean so much to Rick. He's been missing Judith so badly. He's gonna be so excited to see his daughter."

It was Mark and Brian who caught the almost panicked expressions on Beth and Daryl's faces at Maggie's statement, the brunette appeared oblivious. Immediately Beth reached for the toddler and Daryl handed her over before wrapping his arm around them and pulling them both against him in a protective and possessive gesture. Sensing two of their units uneasiness the soldiers moved to flank them as many more people flooded the scene and all hell broke loose.

After Jessie had recognized what was going on she had walked away to find the rest of the group. Now they were coming from all directions with equal expressions of disbelief, hope, and excitement. Within a matter of minutes Rick, Carl, Michonne, Glenn, Tara, Rosita, Abe, Eugene, and Carol arrived and there was chaos as everyone tried to talk over each other.

Finally having enough of the chaos which was giving him a headache Daryl moved to contain it. Roaring," Enough," he turned towards the rest of the unit who were all hanging back with equal parts wonder and confusion. Addressing them as silence descended Daryl ordered," Deanna the leader here's been kind enough ta let us stay the night for we head back ta Andrews. The house number is 504 and it's right here on the main street." Turning to place a key in Reed's hand he continued," I want ya all ta take the vehicles and head down there and get settled."

Reed hesitated for a moment but, when Daryl nodded to him he turned to follow orders clearly not liking it but obeying anyway. At that moment Scout came scampering up weaving through the crowd of people to happily bump his not so little head against Beth's hand. The puppy was a solid fifty pounds now and slowly growing into himself. Reaching down to stroke the pup and then grabbing him by the collar Daryl called," Hey Reed. Howard," when the two soldiers turned back to him he gestured towards the pup, "take the scamp with ya please."

Nodding her red head Lucy jogged back through the crowd to fetch the puppy. "Come on buddy," she prompted," Mom and Dad will be coming soon."

Scout hesitated for a moment, clearly sensing his owner's anxiety and wanting to be with them, before following after the two soldiers. After watching them go Daryl turned to Mark," Ya stayin?"

"Did you think for a moment I wouldn't be," the other man questioned with a supportive nod of his head.

"Nah," Daryl grunted supremely grateful that this man had become a good friend and ally. Their relationship had definitely started out contentious but, now it was one of mutual respect and admiration which, was the only way they could lead the unit together. Daryl knew the turning point had been when Beth had been bitten. Mark had stood by his side and offered Daryl support and understanding. The man had admitted then that while he didn't understand Beth and Daryl's relationship he could see how much they cared about one another and that all he had ever wanted was to see his family happy. Seeing as how Daryl seemed to make Beth happy Mark was willing to overlook any concerns that he'd had. Now Mark was standing behind his right shoulder offering support and the hunter couldn't be more grateful. The words of the song Beth and Mark had sung the night before filtered briefly through Daryl's mind and the man reflected that he was about to find out who his real brothers were.

Daryl could feel Beth shaking beside him and he wasn't naïve enough to think it was fear. They had been together, just the two of them, for too long now for him to mistake her emotional response for anything but, anger. Beth was furious, had been since she learned the whole story, back at the farmhouse and now they were once more face to face with their family. Daryl could admit that he was fairly angry himself. These people, his family, had left him for dead. Had left both him and Beth for dead and now they were greeting them like the long lost prodigals of the group. Beth was no longer the innocent, mild, meek, little girl from the prison. She was a formidable woman who was harboring some serious resentment and anger. The hunter wasn't sure if it would be best to send her with the rest of the unit or not. He knew he could control his anger but, he wasn't sure what his little firecracker was going to do and this was a delicate situation that needed to be handled just so. He wasn't sure that Beth could handle it in her current emotional state.

He was saved from having to make a decision when Rick stepped forward to eagerly clap him on the back," My God man we thought you were dead. It's so good to see you brother."

Before he even realized it Beth was out of his embrace and stepping towards Rick with Jude clutched in her arms, "You thought he was dead because you abandoned him to a herd of walkers Rick," the blonde spit," you abandoned him. How could you….. after everything he'd ever done for you…for this group."

His head snapping toward the blonde Rick looked at her, really looked at her, for what appeared to be the first time. In shock he answered," Beth we didn't have a choice. The herd was too large. Daryl refused to run. These things happen."

"No they don't," Beth ground out with steel in her voice," you don't leave family behind. You don't. You left Daryl because he wouldn't leave me."

"Darlin," Daryl murmured stepping towards her in an effort to deescalate the situation.

Whatever, the hunter had been about to say went by the wayside as Maggie spat out," Don't you darling my little sister Daryl Dixon. I don't know what the hell you told her, what stories you concocted to convince her to let you into her bed but, I think you've done enough damage. She's pregnant in the middle of the end of the world. I think we all know how well that turned out last time."

A general hiss raced through the crowd as everyone understood from Maggie's statement what she was implying. It was clear Beth was pregnant and if anyone had had any questions about the baby's paternity they were cleared up now.

"Daryl," Rick questioned with disappointment in his eyes and for a minute the hunter accepted the feeling. Then shaking it off he reminded himself that he wasn't that person anymore. He wasn't the guy who accepted everyone else's judgments as truth. Beth had helped him to see that he was a good man, one worthy of love and acceptance, and she was his. He wasn't going to abandon her or allow either of them to be shamed. She was his and he would fight for them.

"Ya got somethin ta say ta me Rick," Daryl demanded firmly but, without anger, not backing down to the sheriff as he once might have.

"Is Maggie right? Are you the father of Beth's baby? She's just a young woman Daryl what the hell were you thinking," Rick demanded.

Floored by the level of censure that was being directed at him the archer did not respond for a moment as the sheriff continued as if he hadn't made his previous statement, "Thank you, both of you, for bringing Judith back to me. Where's Tye? We got separated by a herd on the trip up here and no matter how hard we searched we couldn't find them. Without a tracker, without you Daryl," Rick clarified, " we didn't stand a chance in finding them."

Turning to Beth the sheriff reached out for the toddler who was contentedly watching the melee in Beth's arms, " Can I hold her," he asked.

Beth's already hard features turned to stone and she gripped the baby a little more firmly at the request. Sensing her reluctance Daryl placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and prompted," Go on darlin he's her daddy."

Moving to stiffly transfer the baby from her arms to Ricks Beth answered the sheriff's original question," Tye is gone," she turned to seek Sasha out in the crowd and shot the woman a sad smile," he got bit trying to protect Jude and when we found him he was almost gone. We waited until it was over and then did what needed doing before buryin him."

As Rick tried to settle Jude in his embrace Beth stepped back into Daryl's watching as the child turned towards her worriedly before settling to look up at the man holding her uneasily. Rick had never been very involved with Jude and the baby was clearly unsettled by the arms she found herself in. Uncomfortably she shifted trying to turn around to keep Beth and Daryl in her line of sight.

Beth's heart broke for the little girl even though she knew Rick was her biological father and she shouldn't feel the way she did. She couldn't erase her feelings though because for months she and Daryl had been caring for the baby as if she were theirs. The attachment was deep and abiding between the three of them. It had been since the day Judith had been born and it had only been reinforced over the last months.

As she stepped back Beth instinctively sought Daryl for comfort so she placed herself in front of him and leaned back into his chest. He placed a hand on her shoulder and she could feel his tension as he watched the little girl squirm in her father's arms.

Gazing around at the group who were mostly watching Rick and Jude Beth saw that Sasha was openly crying and that she was being consoled by Carol and a curvy brunette. Glenn was whispering fiercely to Maggie but, whatever he said was lost on her as her sister marched up to Beth and grabbed her by the wrist.

" Bethy your coming with me," Maggie demanded trying to pull her away from the group.

"Maggie what the hell, " Beth snapped quickly twisting her wrist and effectively yanking it out of her sisters grasp, " I am not a child. You can't drag me off to chastise me."

Whirling back to face Beth Maggie cried," Do you see yourself right now Beth? What would daddy think? Your shacked up with a man twice your age whose probably using you and pregnant. That doesn't indicate to me that you have great judgment in either choosing men or engaging in relationships responsibly. You aren't a child…..seriously….because from where I am standing you certainly look like one. One who's being taken advantage of by a desperate old man."

Beth didn't even flinch as Maggie's accusations landed but, she felt as Daryl did. She knew how much Daryl had admired her father. How her daddy's approval had always meant something to him. Maggie's barb would wound the hunter deeply. Even though she knew her daddy wouldn't care, would be proud to call Daryl a son even, the hunter would never believe that. She had been angry before but, her anger was quickly morphing into fury.

Reaching back she grabbed Daryl's hand in support as she railed at her sister, "You're a bitch Maggie." There was suddenly shocked silence as all murmured side conversations ceased at Beth's emotional loud angry retort," Where the hell were you when the prison fell, afterwards when we were running and surviving, when I was trapped at Grady, after I was shot? Where were you huh? You think I don't know? You think Daryl never told me? We don't keep secrets from one another my dear sister. I know. I know you were either running after Glenn or running after some damn cure that never existed anyway. But ya know what you weren't doing. You weren't looking for your sister, your only surviving blood relative. The only one who gave a damn about me was Daryl. I am not some little girl victim. I am a woman, a survivor, a mother, and I am not going to stand here and listen to your shit." Beth paused to suck in a much needed breath angry tears streaming down her face as she continued, "If you didn't give a damn about me when it mattered, when I might have needed my sister, then I don't need to hear what you think now. I don't need you anymore. I figured out how to survive on my own with Daryl's help and I am not going to stand here and listen to you tear down the man that built me into the woman that I am today. I don't have to listen to this from any of you and frankly neither does Daryl. We made our own way in this world no thanks to any of you and none of you know shit about us anymore. You gave up the right to care when you left us both for dead. All of you."

Turning to Daryl shaking because she was so angry she wiped at her face ineffectually as the hunter put his hands on her shoulders.

"Sprite," he murmured reaching out to stroke her hair behind her ear before placing his hand back on her shoulder," Ya gotta calm down darlin. Hysterics ain't good for the baby."

" I can't help it," she sobbed scrubbing at her face. Then more than a little desperately," I can't do this Daryl. I can't….these people they aren't our family anymore. Their just people, people who left us and, probably never gave us a second thought."

Pulling her into a hug the hunter allowed her to soak his chest for a minute before turning to lock eyes with Mark who was glaring silently at Maggie. When the soldier stepped forward Daryl pushed Beth back gently away from his chest as he raised a hand to wipe her tears away," Mark's gonna take ya ta the house baby girl. Help ya get settled."

"No," she started to protest," I don't wanna leave without you."

"Go on," he urged gently pushing her into Water's embrace," I'll be right behind ya I promise."

When she just nodded and turned to lean into Mark Daryl said to his partner," Keep them safe man?"

"Always," Mark replied. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "You want me to leave her with Reed? I can come back."

"Nah," Daryl declined," I promise I am gonna be right behind ya both. We need ta get some rest and we're leavin here tomorrow at first light."

"Got it man," Mark said with a tight nod as he turned to usher Beth down the street.

Beth and Mark were barely a few paces from the group when Glenn questioned," Daryl what were you thinking back in Atlanta man. We didn't want to leave you but, you didn't run. Carol damn near killed herself trying to get back to you until Rick convinced her you couldn't have survived that herd. Why did you do it?"

Meeting the younger man's gaze the hunter grunted," I wasn't leavin Beth. Would you leave Maggie?"

"Maggie's my wife," Glenn shot back.

"And Beth is my life," Daryl snarled," I wasn't leavin her when I thought she was gone and I certainly wasn't gonna leave her when I realized she wasn't, that she needed medical help right away. Beth's right I don't gotta answer ta any a you. We were on a mission today and we saved a little girl. That's the only reason we're even here. If I thought we could get back to Andrews safely without restin then we would be leavin now. Only reason we ain't is cuz everyone, specially Beth, needs ta rest."

Judith had been growing more and more restless as the angry conversations around her continued. The normally even tempered baby was uncharacteristically anxious, feeding off the emotions of her main caregivers, and the minute Daryl stopped talking she burst into hysterical tears. Struggling wildly in Ricks arms she wailed ,"Da…da," over and over as she frantically stretched her chubby little arms towards the hunter. When Rick froze Daryl couldn't take it anymore. Reaching for the red faced baby he effortlessly plucked her from her biological father's arms. Immediately she threw herself into him wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his neck as she continued to sob albeit less violently. Rubbing a large hand up and down the toddlers back he soothed calmly," Shhh baby girl. I got ya darlin. I got ya shhh," until the pitiful wails subsided.

When Judith finally stopped crying she leaned back in Daryl's arms in order to place one chubby little hand on each of his cheeks. Looking deeply into the hunters eyes, with big fat tears still tracking down her wet ruddy cheeks, she demanded very seriously," Ma. Da Mama. Mama Da," making it very clear to the hunter what she was asking. She wanted Beth. She wanted her mother and Daryl was over the conversation anyway. Looking around he saw the shocked looks on everyone's faces and the pained one on Rick's. The man, his brother, had just watched his daughter call another man daddy and a woman who was not her mother mommy. Had just had his own flesh and blood struggle to get away from him to be held by another man. While Daryl could feel for the man his allegiance belonged to Jude at the moment. The baby had been short changed most of her life. Beth was the only person who had ever proven to be a constant as far as caregivers went. Rick had spent most of the toddler's life foisting her off on other people and she had gone round and round when Beth was no longer available to care for her.

Could Daryl feel for the man, of course, he couldn't imagine his child calling another man daddy but, he wouldn't watch Jude suffer because of a grown man's ego. Especially not when the situation was one of his own making.

Shifting the child into her now familiar positon on his hip he stroked a hand over her downy head as he soothed, " We're gonna go see Mama now baby girl," before turning back to the group at large," I got a unit to manage, a pregnant woman ta soothe, and a baby ta put down for a nap. I don't got time for this bullshit conversation," and with that he turned and strode down the street. Pausing where Deanna stood, still off to the side and removed from the conversation, looking quite shocked, he murmured," Wanna thank ya ma'am for given us a place to stay tonight. I can promise ya we'll be gone by first light. If ya ever need anythin please remember that Andrews is an option for ya."

Then he turned and continued down the street Judith clutching him like an insecure little monkey and his boots making a rhythmic tap tap against the pristine asphalt of the walled in city.

Okay finally here is the first installment of the reunion with team family. Daryl thinks they are leaving at first light. Will it happen? I can promise that there are going to be several one on one conversations in the next chapter and that they will include a multitude of characters. There are a lot of hurt feelings to deal with and quite a few angry people. As always thanks to everyone who has favorited, followed, and reviewed. Your continued support serves as a tremendous inspiration and your feedback is very much appreciated.