A/N Thank you all so much! Daryl seems ready to make a very big move, asking Beth's Daddy for his daughter's hand. Holy mole, let's see what happens.
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His heart is thumping as he walks toward the porch with the flowers in his hand, but he doesn't give them to his Sweetheart, not yet. He desperately wants to get this right and he's pretty sure he should speak to her Daddy first.
He sets the two jars on the porch railing, removes his cap and extends his hand to the man he's pretty sure is her Daddy, while saying the words he practiced for the entire drive, "Sir, my name's Daryl Dixon. I've been callin' on your daughter for a while. I woulda come to ya for permission first, but since you weren't there with her I received that permission from Mr. and Miz Horvath."
He reaches in his shirt pocket, retrieves the envelop and hands it to his Sweetheart's Daddy, "I have a letter of introduction they wrote to ya."
It's then he turns to her, tips his head and hands her a jar of flowers as he says, "It's nice to see ya Miss Beth. I apologize for arrivin' here without an appointment," He looks between her and her Daddy adding, "and I hope I'm not interruptin' anythin'. I just had ta see for myself that you're alright."
She's all smiles and twinkling eyes when she turns to her Father and says, "Daddy, this is the gentleman I mentioned to you," then looks to Daryl and introduces him, "Mister Dixon, this is my father, Hershel Greene."
She smiles just a little wider when she says to her Sweetheart, "The flowers are so pretty and it was very thoughtful of you to bring them Mister Dixon. As for my health, I'm doing well, thank you."
Everything seems so formal it's almost unbearable for him. His arms ache to hold her and he's sure he could kiss her for the rest of the day without ever coming up for air. But he's made up his mind, he's going to do this right. Whatever it takes.
He turns back to her Daddy and says, "Sir, with your approval I'd like ta sit and visit with your daughter for a while."
Her Daddy looks a little out of sorts but begrudgingly agrees, "Alright I'll take this letter in the house and read it. You mind your P's and Q's Son, you understand?"
There are more than a few things Daryl would like to say in response to the old curmudgeon, but he answers respectfully, "Yessir I will."
Now her Daddy looks between them and mutters, "Alright, the both of you behave," before walking in the house.
As soon as Hershel Greene is through the door and out of sight, Daryl sits in the chair beside hers. As he eases down into the seat he lets the tips of his fingers softly skim the back of her hand and with their eyes fixed on one another he whispers, "It sure is good ta see you Sweetheart."
Her whispered words are more urgent, she desperately wants him to understand, "I didn't want to leave Daryl. I wanted to stay close to you, but I knew I was a terrible burden on everyone."
His voice is still low but it's taken on a sharper tone, "Don't say that Beth, it ain't true. You ain't a burden ta me, ya never could be." That's when he spots the little tear in the corner of her eye and quickly tells her, "Don't cry. Please."
He's chewing his lip and nodding his head like he's thinking deep thoughts, and he is. He can't quite believe what he's about to ask, and if she agrees it will change their lives forever. Never did he think he'd make a promise that was meant to last a lifetime.
He takes a deep breath and the words come out, but not quite like he rehearsed them. He stutters and fumbles with them but he still makes his position and his intentions clear, "Beth, I…I don't wanna be away from you, ever. I…I'm almost done with the house, I will be real soon. I moved outta Horvath's this mornin' and I'ma be workin' on my place every night. I want…well I'm hopin' that you'll like it and that you'd think about…I sure would like if you was to agree that maybe you might wanna live there with me."
There. No wait, he realizes he forgot the most important part, "What I mean is, if you think you might wanna get married ta me. If you was to say you would, well then I'd go in there right now and ask your Daddy for your hand. Do ya think you'd want that?"
Just like her Sweetheart, Beth's having a little trouble getting the words that are in her heart to come out of her mouth, and there are a different kind of tears in her eyes now. But he's no longer worried she's sad because she's smiling at him.
He waits, he's willing to wait however long he needs to while she thinks about what he asked. In the meantime his insides are churning and his head is spinning, he's so anxious and hopeful as to what her answer will be.
It's as if the shyness she had the first time they spoke has returned. Beth casts her eyes down, then finally looks up at him and says, "I want to marry you more than anything Daryl, but I don't want to be a worry to you, what if I'm never able walk right again?"
He no longer cares who might be watching or who might step out on the porch, he clasps her hand and gently squeezing it he answers without hesitation, "I'll carry you."
She can't help giggling and the laughter does a lot to ease the tension when she teasingly warns him, "I'm heavier than I look."
He answers back, "I'm stronger than I look."
She shakes her head "no" while telling him, "I don't think it's possible for you to look any stronger or more masculine.
He takes a more serious tone when he reminds her, "I really would pack ya around if that's what I had ta do Beth, but I don't think I'll have to. I think you can beat this. It's like I told ya before, you just gotta make yourself move. You gotta try a little harder. I know it hurts ta move your fingers or ta work that ankle, but you gotta. Otherwise they're gonna stiffen up so much ya won't be able ta move em ever."
He's very aware of something that's contributed to her unwillingness to try, he was a part of the problem himself those first couple days. Everyone is doing everything for her, and that's real nice, except it's not helping her get better.
Before Beth can respond a woman appears on the porch. He remembers his manners and is instantly on his feet, tipping his head when he hands her the second jar of flowers and says, "Ma'am, my name's Daryl Dixon, I've come ta see Miss Beth."
"Yes, I heard you were here. My name is Olivia Johnson."
He quickly reaches in his pocket and retrieves the letter, "Nice ta meet ya Ma'am, Mr. and Mrs. Horvath wrote this letter to you, my letter of introduction."
She accepts it from his hand and looks from one to the other of them, "Thank you, I'll read it here shortly." She explains, "We thought it best to keep Beth home this morning so we weren't able to attend Sunday services, however my husband will be returning from the church in just a few minutes and we'll have our dinner." Daryl's sure she's about to give him the boot but she surprises him when she extends an invitation, "We'd like you to join us."
She's inviting him to stay for the Sunday meal? He can't believe it, maybe there won't be as much resistance as he feared there would be, "Thank you Ma'am, it's very generous of you to offer and I'd like that. Thank you."
"Good then, it's settled. I'm going to read my letter now and as I said, the preacher will be home soon. I'm sure he'll be chatting more with you then." She takes a step and smiles, "And thank you for the flowers, that was a very thoughtful gesture."
"Yes Ma'am, you're welcome." Phew
Once back in her home she sits across from Hershel Greene as she opens the letter and quickly scans it. She knows the reason for the letter, just like Beth's Daddy knew the reason for his letter. They're sure the young man is there for reasons other than just visiting with Beth.
The truth of the matter is, the arrival of Daryl Dixon is not unexpected.
They learned of him just last night. Her Daddy was waiting when the preacher and Miss Olivia returned home with his daughter. As they all sat down to visit Beth suddenly burst into tears. She was simply inconsolable until finally Olivia got her to admit what was causing her such terrible unhappiness.
Once she began the story she was unable to stop, she told them nearly everything. She told them of the man, a man she loves who loves her too. She confessed they'd been Sweethearts for some time now. She told them of how he's helped care for her while she's been going through these difficult days, and that he only leaves her side to sleep and to work.
At first they were stunned. Imagine Sweet Beth having such a serious suitor, but then again why wouldn't she? What young man wouldn't consider himself lucky to be spending time with a young woman like her?
So no, the arrival of Daryl Dixon on this Sunday was not completely unexpected.
Olivia sits in the parlor across from Hershel Greene and quickly scans her letter before telling the man, "Well my letter is as flattering to him as the letter they wrote you. He sounds like a fine person Hershel Greene, exactly the sort of fellow you've always said you hoped Beth would marry. An honorable man and a hard worker."
All Hershel can see is that he's losing his little girl for good, the knowledge has him searching to find fault. His arms are folded across his chest and his manner is gruff when he states, "Beth is an innocent young woman, sweet and kind. Did you look at him? He's the kind of fellow that no matter how much you dress him up, you can still see what he is. He's coarse, and did you listen to him speak? And he looks rough. How do you know he wouldn't be rough with her?"
She keeps a smile in her voice while admonishing him, "Hershel Greene, are you sitting in judgement of the man based on his use of English? Or for goodness sake, on your perception of him based on his outward appearance? I'm certain Beth is way too smart to let herself get involved with a ruffian, and besides, a big strong man will keep her safe."
Hershel harrumphs, still managing to find his reasons, "Well he's way too old for her. I bet he's at least 10 years older."
Olivia gently reminds him, "Hershel Greene, surely you haven't forgotten you were twenty years older than Beth's Mother."
"That was different."
She shakes her head, "No, you were just as cranky then and yet Sweet Annette put up with your nonsense."
He does his best not to smile at the thought of his Dear wife, he needs to try and come up with some good reasons why the young man sitting on Olivia's front porch, this Daryl Dixon fellow, isn't good enough for his daughter. "He's not a farmer. I always wanted Beth to marry a man who knows how to work the soil and isn't afraid of hard work."
"Now Hershel, be realistic. Look what's happening to farms here in Georgia, and my goodness all across the great plains and the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma. It's tragic. What was once good soil is turning to nothing but dust. Why in the world would you want your child to endure what those poor folks are going through?"
She doesn't mention how Hershel lost his own farm, a farm that had been in his family for generations. She doesn't bring up how he was forced to move his family to the home of his brother or the impoverished life they've lived since. There's no need to bring up all those painful wounds, they both know the hard truth.
Olivia is also aware that Hershel has no real objection to the young man, he's simply hanging onto some long-held belief that no man will ever be good enough for his daughter. Olivia though has her way of gently working on him until he comes around.
She smiles and notes, "And talk about a man who knows how to live off the land, my goodness, all the mention of the beautiful meat and fish he provided for the boarding house. No matter what else happens Hershel, I don't think you'll have to worry about your girl going hungry."
He shifts around in his seat, uncomfortable at having all of his objections quashed, "We'll see what he has to say after dinner. Maybe he won't even have the nerve to ask me." At least that's what Hershel Greene is hoping.
Miss Olivia just smiles at his words. She saw the way the young man looked at Beth and the way Beth looked at him. To her there's no doubt, Daryl Dixon will absolutely be talking to Hershel Greene after dinner.
Meanwhile out on the porch Daryl's asking Beth, "I s'pose they're gonna be rakin' me over the coals at dinner, huh?"
She smiles and attempts to assure him, "No, I don't think so. I think the preacher will have a lot of questions about your job and that they'll be out of genuine curiosity, not judgement. Miss Olivia will ask about your family and my Daddy, I think he'll ask what you know about working the land and if you drink alcohol. Daddy has no tolerance for strong drink and doesn't encourage it in others."
He's sure it's not going to be a cakewalk but he can work around most of those questions. Then she says, "And I'll be sitting right across from you and thinking all good thoughts about the wonderful man I know you are."
He goes a little crazy on that, like he forgot just where the heck he is. He leans in to quickly kiss her sweet lips, and just as their lips part they hear the Model-T pull in the driveway. She tells her Sweetheart, "Oh thank goodness we stopped. That's him. That's the preacher," and she waves toward the approaching vehicle.
Dinner is served in a formal dining room. It's a lot fancier than anything Daryl's used to. Heck, it's fancier than anything he's ever seen. The table is all set with a lacey table covering and matching napkins, delicate looking floral dishes and heavy silver flatware. As elaborate as everything is, the food is traditional Sunday fare. There's been no cooking in this house today.
There's cold fried chicken and sliced country ham, succotash, potato salad and Jell-o salad, a pan of cornbread and a basket of rolls. There's a pitcher of water and one of tea and a fancy looking chocolate cake sits waiting on the sideboard.
Poor Daryl has had a rushed morning and not a bite to eat yet, it all looks delicious to him. He thought he might be too nervous to eat, but with the way his stomach is rumbling he's changed his mind. Whether he's being questioned or not, he'll manage to eat his share. Besides, if he doesn't eat enthusiastically he'll insult the lady of the house.
They sit and the first thing that happens is a prayer. It's not unexpected, he is after all in the home of a preacher. Besides, he's seen it done a lot. It was common with a lot of guys in the army, and his former roommate always said a silent blessing before a meal. There are a couple of fellows at Horvath's who pray before a meal, and he knows his Sweetheart always says a little prayer of thanks before she'll taste of her food.
So, he's not at all surprised the preacher is going to say a blessing. What he didn't expect was to be included in the prayer, but the man says, "…and we thank you for bringing a visitor to our home this day, and we ask that you give us open hearts and minds as we come to know this young man."
The food is passed and they're all making small talk when just as Beth said he would, the preacher asks him about his work and seems genuinely curious to know. That's a sort of icebreaker before the real questions begin and the preacher asks, "So Daryl, how is it that you and Beth happened to meet?"
Daryl's sure the preacher and everyone else at the table already know the answer, but he goes along. He quickly swallows the bite of chicken, hoping he doesn't choke when he states, "Well Sir, I moved into Horvath's boardin' house a few weeks after Beth started workin' there." Then he gets a little more honest than he expected to, "It'd be fair ta say I was taken by her right from the start."
The preacher can't help smiling at the simple and truthful answer, "How nice. Are you still residing at Horvath's?"
"No Sir, in fact I just moved out. I have my own place. I been working on it for over five years, I try'n get as much as I can done when I'm not at the job." He's well aware he's got to show them he can provide for Beth and keep her in comfort, so he sells himself as best he can, "It's just outside the city limits, a five-acre parcel with a good house I built myself. It's got a spring-fed well and I got electricity and indoor plumbing too. There's a pond for fishing and all the wild game a person could want for eatin'."
The Preacher apparently plans to get every detail, and asks, "That sounds very nice, but if you've had this nice place why were you living at Horvath's?"
Daryl knows all eyes and ears are on him as he swallows his cornbread and answers, "Well Sir, it needed a lot of work ta finish it up. So while I was livin' at Horvaths I was workin' on it. I had ta get the plumbin' in and hooked up and the electrical. I been workin' on it every Saturday all day, and part of Sunday."
His answer has Hershel Greene asking, "You worked on Sunday? The Lord's day? What about church services?"
Uh oh, but he's done his share of thinking on the fly and he's ready to answer, "Well Sir, I admit I did work on Sunday and that I missed church. I wasn't raised ta give a lot of thought ta goin' to church and such. I didn't learn that until I's in the army. I did attend regular services then. I guess I just slipped away after that, but when I started seein' Miss Beth she set me straight. She told me I's gonna have ta start goin' to church if I wanted ta keep seein' her."
She uses her good leg to give his ankle a little kick under the table. He looks at her and gives a guilty shrug and she knows she won't stay mad at him for telling the little fib.
Hershel Greene reaches over and pats his daughter's hand, "Good girl Bethie."
Phew, he appears to have gotten through that part of the questioning, then Miss Olivia asks, "So do your parents live there in Atlanta?"
"No Ma'am, my Mama and Daddy have both passed. My older brother and his wife and daughter live in Atlanta though. Ya met my brother's wife, Carol. She's been helpin' out Miz Horvath since Beth got hurt."
Now Miss Olivia is all smiles, "Oh my goodness Carol is your sister in law? How nice. She's a wonderful woman, so helpful and she was so kind and loving with Beth."
"Yes Ma'am."
They continue their questioning throughout the meal but he finds he doesn't mind as much as he thought he would. Maybe some other day and situation he'd scowl and snarl something like, "it's none of your damn business," but not this day. He has a good reason to sit and politely answer whatever they ask, she's sitting across the table from him and smiling that sweet angelic smile. So, he'll do his best to answer whatever they ask. Anyway, at least they manage to keep the tone conversational so it doesn't feel so much like an inquisition.
As everyone ias enjoying their last bite of chocolate cake he expresses his gratitude to Miss Olivia, "Thank you Ma'am, everythin' was delicious."
"You're very welcome."
Now the time has come, the moment of truth is here and he musters up all of his nerve, looks at Hershel Greene and asks, "Sir, I wonder if I could talk to ya in private?"
The older man starts to say, "I don't know Son…"
But the preacher interrupts, "Hershel, please remember what we prayed about and be gracious." He looks from one to the other and offers, "Why don't you gentlemen go ahead and use my office, it's comfortable and quiet."
The preacher's office is impressive with a big mahogany desk, bookcase and file cabinets. There's an oriental carpet and the curtains are a heavy brocade fabric. Daryl's been so busy worrying about his own situation it took until now for him to realize, the preacher and Miss Olivia must come from money. Country preachers don't bring in the kind of cash it takes to afford all the niceties this house has.
For now there are other things to think about. He waits for the older man to take a seat and then sits in the chair opposite. When her Daddy doesn't seem inclined to be the first to speak, Daryl musters up whatever it takes and forges on.
It doesn't come out quite like he planned, in fact it's not at all like he planned. And it comes quick as if once he starts talking he can't get through it fast enough. He may not even be breathing. The important thing is the question gets asked, "Sir, I think ya might have figured out what I wanna ask. I'm here ta plead my case for your daughter's hand."
He's afraid if he stops talking now he may not be able to start up again, and so he continues, "I can promise you I love her and that I'll take care of her and her needs. She won't hafta go ta work. I own my land and house free and clear. It might not be all fancy like this place, but it's got all the comforts and if there was sumthin' more that she might want, I'd do my best ta get it for her. I ain't ever gonna hurt her and I'll always be true to her."
That's everything he can think to say and there's not anything Hershel Greene can find fault with. The man should be delighted, especially during these tough and uncertain times. The young fellow seems sincere, he has excellent recommendations from God fearing folks that are to be trusted. He has a good job. Beth will be taken care of and the cold truth is, Hershel is in no position to do anything for her. In fact, to his embarrassment it's his daughter who has been helping him out with money.
He does have one more question, "What about her injuries son? What if she never fully recovers? Then what?"
Daryl doesn't need to think about his answer, "I'll take care of her. Whatever I gotta do that's what I'll do. If I can't do it all myself, I'll hire help. Sir, I love her no matter what. That's that."
"When were you planning to have this wedding?"
"As soon as possible, Sir."
Hershel Greene just can't seem to give in completely. He tells Daryl, "It all sounds good Son but I'm withholding my final consent for now. First I want to see this home you say you have for Beth."
Dammit. Daryl hadn't expected this. It's not that he minds her Daddy seeing his place, it doesn't seem like too much to ask. What he doesn't like is the way her Daddy sounded almost insulting, or the way he seems to be toying with him. Making any demand he can think of and finding trouble where none has presented itself. If it were any man besides Beth's Daddy, and a man not quite so old, Daryl would be jumping down his throat by now.
But as bitterly disappointed as he is, and in spite of feeling he's being led around by the nose, he takes it. He takes it because he wants her. There wouldn't be any other reason in the world good enough, "Alright, I can come for you and Beth next Saturday mornin'."
He only gets a few minutes alone with Beth before he leaves. He tells her briefly what was said and she's as disappointed as he is. He wants what he wants and she wants it too. If Hershel Greene won't see the light and go along, then Daryl's prepared to take matters into his own hands and make Beth his wife without the old man's blessing.
What he tells her is, "You're gonna be my wife Beth, I know that for for a fact cuz no matter what else happens I'll see to it. In the meantime, I'm doin' this your Daddy's way one last time. I'll be out here next Saturday mornin' ta get you n him." His fingers lightly skim along her arm and he adds, "You think about whether you're willin' ta go against your Daddy if that still ain't enough."
She's scared, she doesn't want to think about trouble. She doesn't exactly address the matter at hand, she only tells him, "Oh Daryl, I can't wait to see you again and I can't wait to see our home. I love you so much."
"Not as much as I love you cuz that ain't possible."
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When Miss Olivia brings her breakfast Monday morning Beth is still asleep, and it's no wonder. She was up half the night with a mind far too busy to let her sleep. She can't believe what's happening. She knows her Daddy can be a stubborn old coot and she's grateful Daryl's so determined, but she doesn't want trouble between her Daddy and the man she hopes will be her husband.
Aside from all that worrisome business with her Daddy, and wanting to be allowed to freely marry the man who has her heart, she has other concerns. She's not worried Daryl's house won't be nice enough, she isn't worried about their love and commitment. Right now one of her biggest concerns is regaining full use of her hand and the ability to walk on her own.
She can manage one or two steps if someone is holding onto her, but that's not enough. She can't even get around a room on her own. She still has that lingering fear and dread of being a burden to Daryl. She remembers his words encouraging her to try harder, and she thinks, "Well maybe I'll try tomorrow."
After breakfast Miss Olivia helps her dress and combs her hair and then it's off to the porch. It seems she and the preacher are both firm believers that fresh air is a cure for all that ails a person. Beth has no objection either. Although it's a bit chilly the sun is shining and the crisp air is sweetly fragrant.
They help her to the chair and prop her foot, and Miss Olivia covers her lap and legs with a nice warm blanket. Her book and a cup of warm tea are sitting on the small table next to her and Miss Olivia smiles and says, "I'll be back to check on you soon," and she's off to see to household chores.
There's someone whose been watching it all as he goes about his work. It's a man Beth has known her entire life. There's no one anywhere around these parts who doesn't know Morgan Jones. He's done some kind of work or other for everyone in the area.
Today he's working on the preacher's white picket fence, specifically the gate and latch. When that work is complete there are a few squeaky porch boards causing Miss Olivia some unhappiness, and the back porch steps are starting to warp from years of weather and hard use.
What he feels he's got to do now is address the situation he sees unfolding. Maybe he's out of line but he's not overly concerned about that. It has to be done. Someone once had to give him a kick in the pants and now he's going to give her one. He walks toward the porch but keeps a respectful distance and stays on the other side of the porch rail from the young woman. He removes his work cap and greets her, "Mornin' Miss Beth, how ya gettin' by today?"
"Good morning Mister Jones, I'm doing better I guess, and how are you?"
"Why I'm just fine, thanks for askin'." He purses his lips before questioning, "Can I speak plain to ya?"
She has no idea what this man could possibly have to say to her beyond a few pleasantries, but she's not particularly concerned. She can't remember a time in her life when she didn't know him and she sees no good reason to deny his request, so she answers, "Yes of course."
He nods his head and tells her what he sees, "I've known ya since you was a baby. You was always so strong and determined, plenty stubborn too. I remember a time or two you gave your Mama quite a fit with your stubbornness."
He smiles and continues, "I remember when you wasn't more than seven years old. I had ta climb up in that big oak that stood by the driveway cuz ya got yourself up there and wouldn't come down. You said you was gonna live there from then on, and there ya sat all sassy-like on a limb eatin' a peach."
She can't help laughing as the long ago memory comes rushing back, "Oh my gosh Mister Jones, I'd forgotten all about that. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry Miss, I had a good laugh over it myself, as soon as I was outta your Mama's sight." He looks down and shakes his head before telling her, "I remember another time I was out at your Daddy's farm working with him on the well pump. We looked up and there ya was, no older'n eight or nine, barefooted and you were walkin' along the fence rail. It was six feet up there! You was pretendin' you were a tightrope walker in the circus, holding your arms out ta the side and acting all proud of yourself. If you'da fallen, boy whatta mess that woulda been."
She giggles, "Oh my I remember too. Mama pulled me off of there and I knew I was in big trouble. I got my bottom smacked good too. Shame on me."
"Yep, that's the feisty little girl I remember and that's why I'm mighty disappointed ta see what you're lettin' yourself become. You're lettin' folks spoil and coddle ya and do everythin' for you. You know what'll happen don't ya?"
She's taken aback by his words, how dare he speak to her that way. It's cruel and uncalled for. But she's curious too and she asks, "No what?"
"Muscles were meant ta be used. Yours are all just gonna shrivel up and die. "
"But how can I use them when it hurts so much every time I try?"
"Oh it's gonna hurt, that's why ya gotta be strong, determined and stubborn, just like you used to be. It's gonna keep hurtin' til ya get em trained again and they yfinish healin'. That's never gonna happen when every day all ya do is sit here doin' nuthin. Your muscles are shriveling up more by the minute." He shrugs and says, "Ain't really my business, but I thought someone needed ta tell ya."
She's angry at him for speaking to her in this way, but in her heart she knows he's right. It's the same thing Daryl told her, but Daryl was a little more loving about it all. And anyway, how come she's letting all of these people run her life and decide what's best for her? She needs to stand up for herself, "Thank you Mister Jones, you're right. I'm tired of all this sitting around being useless. Thank you for spurring me along."
"No need ta thank me, it's all up to you. Take care now Miss."
"You too Mister Jones."
She sets the book back on the table, slides the blanket from her lap and lifts the one leg off the stool. She sets her good foot firmly on the porch and uses the chair for balance as she gets up and out of the seat. She pauses a moment taking in a few deep breaths and praying for strength as she looks over at the porch rail carefully gauging the distance. She's pretty sure she can make it in one long stride. She closes her eyes, takes one last deep breath and with her good foot in front of her she takes the long step. She practically falls forward into the rail but it's okay, she made it and she's hanging on.
Sometime later, when Miss Olivia comes back to the porch to check on her young house guest, what she sees makes her gasp in disbelief. Beth is up on her feet as hand-over-hand she clutches tightly onto the porch rail, and moving slowly, one foot in front of the other she makes her way along the porch.
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A/N I hope you enjoyed it and that you'll please leave a comment. If you'd like to see our couple there's a chapter photo on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick. I'll be back next Friday with a new chapter of The Stranger Upstairs for a tour of Daryl's place and so much more, I hope to see you here. Until then stay safe and remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee