To all my guest reviewers, thank you so much they really mean a lot and I am so glad you are enjoying the story.

Rhiannon, omg your review bowled me over, thank you so much you made my day.

We are nearing the end people….two more chapters after this one.

As always read and review and hope you enjoy.

Chapter 37

Michonne had been awake all-night thinking of the events that unfolded the previous day. No matter how she tossed and turned, her thoughts constantly returned to Beth and the way she had put herself between Michonne and those men in the store.

Slipping from the bed, Michonne dressed in the darkness before taking residence at the front of the house so she could look down the street towards to the small clinic as she waited for the sun to rise.

"Hi Daryl" Michonne offered as she stepped up the few steps to the clinic.

She had seen the very moment Daryl had stepped out on the small veranda that ran the length of the building from the window she had been staring out of since before dawn.

"Is Beth awake?" she enquired before reaching the door.

Daryl nodded in confirmation as he pulled on his cigarette. Nodding her own head in appreciation she headed inside just as he exhaled a plume of smoke into the air.

Peering round the door as it creaked open, Michonne watched as Beth's face lit up before the woman tapped the seat next to the bed. Making her way over, Michonne slowly sat in the chair and looked over Beth as she lay in the small cot.

"Everythin' okay?" Beth quizzed gently.

Michonne couldn't help but grimace, Beth was here because of her, because those men were stupid and blinded by the colour of her skin. She knew Beth had a good heart but she couldn't help but wonder what could have happened if Beth had lost the baby.

"Beth" Michonne began, "you shouldn't have done what you did. It was stupid and you could've gotten hurt" Michonne looked down at her hand that rested on the bed as she finished.

Reaching over, Beth took Michonne's hand in her own and gave it a small squeeze "When you care about people hurt is kind of part of the package" Beth replied, causing Michonne's head to snap up and look at her.

In all her years, Michonne had never had anyone really express that they cared about her. She had been a slave for so many years and whilst she worked along side others, no-one cared for her the way the people of Westray did in such a short time of knowing her.

Beth could see tired circles under the woman's eyes and knew she hadn't slept with worry. The last thing Beth wanted was to cause worry to those around her, but when those men had acted so unkindly to her new friend all she had felt was anger and before she knew it she was unleashing the pent up emotions that had been swimming around her body for a while.

Truth be told, Beth had been awake since the early hours thinking about Michonne and the story behind the woman's past. Shifting slightly so she faced her friend, Beth opened her mouth to ask the question that had been swimming in her mind for several hours.

"What did he mean by callin' you a slave?" Beth asked and saw the hurt cover the woman's face "you don't have t' tell me, but I am here if y' ever need to talk"

A tear slipped down Michonne's cheek. She hated to cry but lately had begun to let her guard down. Standing from the chair, she allowed Beth's hand to fall back on to the thin mattress as she walked towards the only window in the room. Although it was hazed glass, she peered through it as if she could see the visions of her past.

"He was right, I was a slave once" she confirmed "once a slave, always a slave my parents used to say but they didn't know any better. Me, I was a dreamer and I dreamt of freedom"

Turning Michonne saw that Beth listened with rapt attention so she retook her seat, "I was born into a life of slavery and would have always been that if..if.."

"If what?" Beth questioned bringing Michonne back to the present.

Michonne hadn't spoken about her past with anyone, not even Andrea, but for some reason she felt the need to explain everything to the young woman in front of her.

"the fire" she replied simply, "I was seventeen when a fire broke out in our quarters. No-one knew how it started, just that it did. I'd never seen flames so high; they seemed to reach right up to the sky" Michonne shuddered at the memory before continuing, "my son had been born just a few months before.."

Michonne felt Beth's hand squeeze her own in reassurance but couldn't remember when she had retaken it. Beth felt something break inside of her for the woman that sat next to her bed. Seventeen was no age to become a mother, but she knew many did; especially those that lived in less than acceptable conditions.

"He was such a small thing, but I loved him terribly" Michonne explained and Beth caught a small smile grace the woman's face, "no-one really knows what happened that night, all we knew is that when we fell asleep everything was fine but when we woke up, the room was pitch black with smoke and people were screaming" Michonne closed her eyes and winced as the sounds of screams permeated her hearing and for a moment she was right back there in the dorm where they all slept.

"At night they usually locked us in" Beth gasped but remained quiet, "didn't want any slaves to escape during the night" Michonne confirmed "after they finally managed to get the chains off, half the building was already gone. By the time I made it outside my son was already dead" the tears fell more steadily and Michonne started swiping at her cheeks to hide them.

"What was his name?" Beth enquired gently. Michonne looked at her quizzingly as if confused by the question. No one had asked her the name of her son, not even after he passed. Taking a deep breath she uttered the word "Andre" for the first time since he had been born.

Beth smiled, she could see that Michonne would have been a wonderful mother; she had just been dealt a hard life but hopefully with the love and support of her new friends she could build a new life.

"After the fire, our master was arrested. For those of us that survived, we were gifted our freedom" Michonne looked back to the window where the sun was shining through in pillars of light, "out of one hundred and sixty four slaves only thirteen of us survived"

Beth gasped and sat up before pulling Michonne stiffly into her embrace. Within a few moments Beth felt the woman relax under her touch as she laid sobbing for the lives that were lost before their time.

…

"How's she doin?" Rick asked as he approached Daryl who stood on the veranda outside of the small clinic.

Daryl smiled as he reached to take a struggling Judith from Rick's arms "she's okay and the baby's fine"

Rick smiled in relief before looking down the street towards Andrea's house, where Michonne was staying. Daryl followed his gaze before confirming, "Michonne's in with Beth" Rick raised an eyebrow "she came by to visit with her a lil' while ago" Daryl explained.

Looking to Carl, who smiled at the statement, Rick had to agree that he was glad that Michonne was visiting Beth. He knew she was likely having a tough time adjusting to a new town and new people, so if she wanted to visit with someone that had her back just the day before, who was he to judge.

Turning Daryl, moved to head back inside. Bob had already removed the small bell so that it didn't disturb Beth in the night if he needed to pop in and check her over. Neither man said anything as they stepped over the threshold, however it was Michonne's words "I was a slave one" that had them stopping still. Each looked at one another as if they were being caught doing something they shouldn't. Knowing they needed to allow Michonne her privacy, they tiptoed to the door before sitting down on the small bench next to the door to wait.

It was almost an hour later when the door opened and Michonne stepped out. Instantly Rick could see she'd been crying and all he wanted to do was comfort her, however he remained still.

"Everythin' alright?" Daryl asked in concern as he stood.

Michonne forced a smile to her face and nodded before taking Judith, who was now reaching for her. As if she hadn't been spilling her heart, Michonne inclined her head to Carl, "we making that chocolate cake today?" she questioned and watched as the boy smiled and nodded before jumping up to head to the wagon he'd rode to town in. And just like that her memories were once again hidden and tucked away.

…

Maggie had been up at the crack of dawn preparing the breakfast items before the first rush. She hadn't been up long when Karen had joined her to offer her assistance. Between them, they had the store set up and everything ready with a few minutes to spare.

"So Bob comes in most mornings?" Karen asked as Maggie walked over and flipped the sign from closed to open.

"Yep, ever since the first morning we opened. He usually comes in Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays" Maggie confirmed before moving the baskets slightly to one side before standing to face the woman, "why don't you go on in the back and I'll give you the signal when he comes by"

Karen smiled and nodded. Initially she was just going to go to the clinic to surprise him, but then Glenn had suggested surprising him when he came by for breakfast. Moving to walk back to the back room, Karen took a deep breath and smoothed down her skirts; it had been many years since she had seen her brother and she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. What if he had moved on with his life and she played no part in it?

She didn't have to wait long, when the bell tinkled to signal a customer, "Hi Bob" she heard Maggie loudly proclaim; giving her warning that it was indeed her brother.

Karen didn't hear anything else, only the short mumblings of greetings and his order through the wall. It was only when Maggie exclaimed, "I'll need to get that from the back" that Karen stepped forward.

Bob turned to look out of the door of the store to where he could see the clinic across the street. He had just confirmed Beth could once again return home and had come across the street for his usual breakfast just as Daryl and Beth's wagon pulled away from where it had been parked.

"Bob?" a familiar voice chimed from behind him. Spinning around he couldn't help the shocked look that filled his face, "Karen?" he questioned in equal surprise. She nodded once before running into his open arms.

Tyreese was walking down the street with Sasha's horse trailing behind him. He had not long changed the horse's shoes and needed to check the fit. He was just passing the general store when he noticed a familiar body hugging a woman that was most definitely not his sister.

Stopping short, he watched as the young woman smiled affectionately into Bob's eyes and he couldn't help but feel a deep rage building inside him that Bob would do something like this behind his sister's back. Pulling harshly on the reins, he tethered the horse to the post outside before stomping up the steps.

Rick stepped out of the Sheriff's office at the same time Sasha walked down the steps that led from her home above the Blacksmith's to the street. Each waved at one another before falling into step. Looking up Sasha watched with confusion as her brother pushed the store door open with so much force that she heard the bang of it reverberating down the street to where she stood with Rick. Glancing at one another in shock they both rushed to see what was happening.

"How could yer man?" Tyreese boomed causing Bob and Karen to jump and spring apart.

Bob held his hands to his chest and chuckled, "damn Ty, you about gave me a heart attack". His chuckle died on his lips as he took in the man's cross face and heavy stance stood in front of him.

Eyebrows pulling together in confusion Bob turned back to look at Karen, who wore a concerned look on her face before looking back to Tyreese with a sudden realization of how the situation looked.

"It's not what it looks like" Bob started but Tyreese cut him off as he stepped forward menacingly "not what it looks like? You expect me to believe that?"

"It's true" Bob stepped back as Tyreese advanced "if you'll just let me explain…"

"Save it" Tyreese interrupted as he lunged at the man.

"BOB" Karen cried as she raced forward to intervene just as Rick and Sasha burst through the door. Immediately Rick rushed to Tyreese and linked his arms through the man's elbows from behind to place him in a hold.

Sasha moved to check Bob when she noticed blood dripping from his lip and nose but stopped when a strange woman approached him with a familiarity that made her feel sick.

"Bob?" She questioned timidly causing everyone to freeze before looking in her direction.

Bob struggled to move from Karen's arms to step towards Sasha, who held a hand up in warning for him to stay where he was. Her eyebrows creased as her heartbeat rapidly at the scene in front of her. Looking to her brother, she saw the anger in his eyes as he scowled in Bob's direction.

"Please, just let me explain" Bob rushed as he strode forward and gripped the tops of her arms. Sasha shrugged off his hands as tears pooled in her eyes.

"It's not what it looks like I swear" he started "Karen" he inclined his head behind him in the woman's direction, "is my sister"

Sasha glanced at her brother as he scoffed at the man's proclamation. Maggie having heard the scuffle moved into the room, Hershel in her arms, before looking around at the group, "he's telling the truth" she confirmed.

Tyreese sagged in Rick's grasp causing, the man to release him at Maggie's words. Sasha's head flicked between each person that stood around before coming back to rest on Maggie, "honestly, Daryl and Glenn brought her back from with them last night"

Sasha looked to Bob and felt her tear overspill on to her cheek before she stepped into Bob's arms. She had been too quick to judge, much like her brother.

"I'm sorry" Karen offered as she stepped forward "I wanted to surprise him" she explained as she acknowledged her brother, "but then this happened…" everyone looked around the room, "I'm Karen" Sasha looked at the hand the woman offered before smiling slightly and taking it, "I've heard a lot about you" Sasha looked confused so Karen clarified "Daryl and Glenn"

Bob stepped forward into Sasha's view, "remember I told you about my childhood and that orphanage back in Hilltop" Sasha nodded "well this is Karen or spud, as I used to call her" he chuckled in memory.

Tyreese felt awful, he should have heard the man out instead of wading in all fists blazing. He had almost cost his sister her happiness and he hated himself for it. Feeling once again like an outsider, he turned on his heel and headed back out to his tethered horse unwilling to listen to the calls from his friends and family behind him.

…

Sasha moved to go after her brother but halted when she felt a soft hand on her arm. Following the hand to the owner, she looked curiously into Karen's eyes that offered an apologetic smile, "let me" she offered, to which Sasha nodded.

Karen wasted no time and left the store to follow in the direction Tyreese had left. She found him a few short minutes later at the blacksmith in which he owned. He didn't hear her enter over the noise of metal clanging as he threw his tools around the room in frustration.

Biding her time, she watched the hulking man and felt her heart flutter when he finally noticed her presence. His whole body froze as he turned and saw her staring at him.

"I'm sorry" he rushed in apology but stopped when she shook her head.

"You don't have to be sorry" she started, "in fact I think it's really nice that you care so much for your sister"

Tyreese hung his head but offered one curt nod in recognition that he truly did care for Sasha.

"Let's start over shall we" Karen stated as she stepped into the small space with a hand outstretched.

Tyreese looked at the hand before peering into her face. It was the first time he truly looked at her for more than a brief minute and he was stunned into silence at her beauty. She had dark brown hair with even darker brown eyes and her skin was not pale, but disclosed a simple natural tan colouring. He knew he had been staring when she coughed and he couldn't help the small smile that pulled at the corner of his mouth.

Taking her small hand in his own, he jumped slightly at the jolt he felt flow through his arm. Each of them stared as if no words needed to be spoken until Tyreese finally remember why they were holding one another's hands, "I'm Tyreese" he offered as she replied "Karen". With that one word, Tyreese knew his life was about to change.

…

"Home sweet home" Beth sang as Daryl ushered her in the house. Although she had only stayed with Maggie for two weeks, she felt that she had been away from the farm for months.

Smiling at her husband as he carried in their bags, she headed straight for the kitchen but stopped when she heard an odd scratching. Searching the room, she headed to the back door where she found Dog laying on its side.

"Daryl?" she called in concern when the animal didn't move.

Daryl stepped up beside her before crouching down in concern. Dog was normally very energetic. Gently pushing his hands under the animal he picked it up before moving to the small dog bed they had in the corner of the room.

As soon as Dog was laid on its bed, Beth knelt and began stroking the dogs fur. It was then that she noticed something she had not seen at first. Squinting and turning her head, she gently placed her hands on the swollen stomach of the animal in front of her before gasping as it rolled beneath her touch.

"What? What is it?" Daryl questioned from beside her.

Beth turned and looked at his with a mixture of confusion and elation on her face, "I' don't think Dog is a boy" she stated.

"Of course he is" Daryl claimed as he stroked the dog's head "ain't ya boy?"

The dog whined a high-pitched squeal and Beth giggled as Daryl pulled his hand back, "he is a she Daryl, and she is about to have a litter"

Daryl looked bewildered as Beth moved off to boil some water and fetch some old sheets. She was back by his side within moments and laid a warm blanket over the animal that whimpered as if in gratitude.

Within a few hours, Beth's exclamation provided correct, when Dog delivered six healthy pups. Beth washed and handed each one back to its mother so they could bond, a smile on her face at the gift of motherhood.

"I think this is why she roams so much" Beth declared. Daryl turned to look at her, "what'd ya mean?" he questioned.

Beth sighed and shook her head, sometimes men were so clueless, "she obviously has her other half out there somewhere" she explained as she glanced off, imagining dog roaming the earth with its soulmate, "everyone and everything is made to fit perfectly with another and I think Dog has found her 'other'" Daryl sat silent, "don't y' think that's beautiful?" Beth asked and he couldn't help but wonder if everything she had said was true. She'd found him after all and he was certain they were made for one another.

…

After Beth cleaned Dog and the puppies, she allowed them to rest and fixed herself and Daryl a quick lunch before he left to find Merle and complete his chores.

It was a few hours later when he ventured back to the house and asked Beth to follow him. She had grabbed her shawl in confusion before following him out of the door. Daryl began walking in the direction of the lower field and she slipped her hand into his as she approached his side.

"Where we goin?" she questioned with a smile on her face, but only received a small smirk and a "you'll see" before he tugged her hand gently, urging her to keep walking.

As they entered the bottom field, Beth's eyes flew to the large oak tree that herself and Daryl had sat under several months ago when they barely knew one another. Only now she noticed a large pile of earth where they had once sat. Squinting, she lifted a hand to shield her eyes from the sun as they ventured closer.

It was only when they were almost upon it that Beth realized it was a hole. Eyebrows pulling together, she looked up at Daryl.

"Me and Glenn" he started, "we went down to Hilltop to collect your daddy" Beth gasped at his words, they had never told her or Maggie where they were going, just that they had business to attend to, "His body's down at the Sheriff's station. Thought we could bury him here" he gestured towards the ground in front of them and the hole he'd dug.

Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude she felt herself fly forward before the thought occurred in her mind. Her arms wound round his neck and she pulled him close. She felt him stiffen slightly under her arms before relaxing in her embrace.

"Thank you Daryl" she whispered "this means so much to me"

Daryl pulled back and looked at his wife. He could see tears swimming in her eyes and knew he'd make the journey ten times over if it meant Beth had her father back, "wanted to bring him back to his girls" he explained in his low throaty voice.

Reaching up on tiptoes, Beth touched her lips to his as his arms wrapped around her and the feeling of being home filled her completely.

…

It was Sunday and the day they would bury her father. Beth spent longer than usual picking out her best Sunday dress and doing her hair. They had already agreed with Glenn and Maggie that as Sunday was the lord's day, it would be what their father would have wanted.

"Beth?" Daryl called as he popped his head round the door. Beth looked over her shoulder as she stood in front of the mirror and offered him a small smile.

Immediately Daryl strode over and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She allowed herself to sink back against him, absorbing his strength that she knew she'd need.

"We need t' get goin'" he told her as he laid a soft kiss to her head, "Maggie and Glenn jus' pulled up"

Beth nodded and turned in his arms to place a kiss to his lips before allowing him to lead her from the room.

Beth gripped Maggie's arm as much as Maggie gripped hers as they walked down to the lower field. The sun was shining and there was finally a warm wind beginning to blow. Although the trees were still almost bare, the leaves that we still hanging on blew on the breeze.

A small giggle had the sisters turning to Hershel as Daryl hoisted the boy onto his shoulders.

As they neared the fence that spilt the land, Beth stopped as she noticed all of their friends waiting. Glancing at Daryl in surprise, she felt a tear slip out when he offered a curt nod in confirmation. Their friends, their family had turned out to help them bury her father; a man they didn't even know.

Tapping Maggie's hand gently, the sisters walked forward to where everyone was gathered. Beth noticed Merle with Carol, Lizzie and Mika stood to one side. Rick, Michonne, Judith and Carl stood with Shane and Andrea. Bob, Sasha, Tyreese and Karen, who Beth now knew was Bob's sister, stood on the opposite side. Even Irma and Dale Horvath had turned up.

Walking to the graveside, both Beth and Maggie stroked their hand along the wooden coffin in which their father laid. Beth already felt her throat tighten as the first tears fell and she could only imagine Maggie feeling the same.

Feeling a strong hand on her back, Beth turned to look over her shoulder at her husband who watched her with concern.

The sisters took their places, their husbands standing next to them for strength before Daryl stepped forward. Beth looked at him in confusion but he shook his head slightly before pulling a piece of paper from his pocket. Although he never met the man, he liked to think that Hershel would have liked him to speak at his funeral. Daryl had gone through the man's things on their journey back from Hilltop and found something that told people who Hershel Greene really was.

Daryl cleared his throat as everyone looked at him "Hershel Greene was not just a husband, but he was also a father. He was once a doctor but also a man of god. No one has to be just one thing and this man, well he was many things" glancing at Beth he saw her smile gratefully, "I never got the chance to meet Beth and Maggie's father, but I feel like I know him anyway" Glenn nodded as if agreeing, as he picked his son up, "everyone here will eventually know Hershel Greene and his memory will live on through his family, through his daughters" Maggie glanced at Beth who looked back at her and smiled, "and through his grandchildren" everyone looked over at Hershel who ducked his head into his father's chest shyly.

"Hershel wrote to me one, the same time I received Beth's letter actually" he stated as he wafted the letter in the air "he told me how precious and rare she was and that he knew, without even meeting me, that we would be good for one another. That was the type of man he was! He saw the good, he saw love and he had faith"

Daryl unfolded the second piece of paper before addressing everyone around them, "I found this in Hershel's things and it seemed fittin' to read it out to y'all" clearing his throat, Daryl began to read "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God: believe in me also. My father's house has many rooms: if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may also be where I am"

As he finished speaking, Glenn, Merle, Shane and Rick stepped forward before reaching for the straps to lower Hershel's casket into the ground. Stepping forward Daryl reached for the last one as they worked together to give this great man a proper burial.

Once the casket laid in place, each man stood and saw Maggie and Beth holding onto one another as if they were drowning in grief. Luckily Sasha had hold of Hershel's small hand as Maggie fell to the floor sobbing.

Slowly, each member of their group dispersed until just the four of them remained. Carol ushered everyone back to the house, where Beth and Maggie had prepared food for them all.

Glenn sat on the floor holding his wife as she sobbed quietly as Beth crouched nearby, picking some wild flowers to place on the ground that Merle and Daryl would fill in later.

Crouching down, Daryl reached into his coat pocket and retrieved the letters that were addressed to Maggie. Initially he had given them to Glenn, but shortly after they arrived back town, Glenn had asked Daryl to hold on to them not knowing how his wife would react.

Seeing her brother-in-law hold out the envelopes towards her had Maggie looking up in surprise before focusing on her father's handwriting that adorned the white paper.

"We found them in your fathers things" Glenn offered as Maggie looked between himself and Daryl in confusion.

Seeing that her older sister had some things to sort through with her grief had Beth lean down to touch Daryl's shoulder, "c'mon, we should head back and make sure everyone is okay" she explained before looking to see if her sister would be alright. Maggie's face provided a small smile in gratitude before she leaned back against her husband, leaving Beth and Daryl to head back to the house.

As they neared the top of the field, Beth glanced back to her sister. The sun must be playing tricks she thought, because she could have sworn she saw her father standing on the other side of the tree. Shaking her head, she gripped Daryl's hand before turning back to walk home.

…

"Glenn" Maggie looked to her husband "would y' mind givin' me some time alone"

Glenn felt torn and she could clearly see it on his face "I'm okay" she offered as she squeezed his hand "I jus' need to do this alone"

Glancing down at the letters in her hand he knew he needed to give her this time. Leaning forward he kissed her lips gently before moving to place a final one on her forehead. Standing he turned and headed back to the house in the same direction Beth and Daryl were walking.

As Glenn walked off, Maggie glanced down and slid a finger under the seam of the top letter; the tearing of paper the only sound around her other than the birds in the tree above her.

Dearest Daughter,

I hope that wherever you are, you are happy and well.

Last night I dreamt of you. You were standing near the ocean with the wind on your back, your hair blowing on the breeze as it whipped around your face. A smile I remember seeing when you were just a child lit up your face and when I woke, I hoped it wasn't a dream but a glimpse into your life, showing me that you were happy.

I know you likely think back to the night when you left, but I need you to know that I understand why you left like you did. I wasn't the same man I once was, but I changed. I climbed back to the bright light of life, my only regret is that you were not there to see it or experience it, and I hate myself every day that I couldn't stay strong enough for you or for Beth.

I write to you often, but the letters go unread in my bible. It makes me feel better and gives me hope that I am close to you even if I cannot be with you in person. There are days when I catch someone that reminds me of you and for a moment my heart soar's that you have come home to me. However, when I truly look at them, I can see that they do not hold your passion for life.

Live your life Maggie and let yourself feel me on the wind when I cannot be there with you. Cherish every moment with your family. My only hope is that one day I will see you again and you will forgive me for being such an old fool.

With all my heart, I give you my everything.

Your loving father

Maggie could feel the tears running down her cheeks as the letter crumbled in her grasp, "I'm sorry daddy" she whispered as the wind blew around her. For a moment she could have sworn she heard his voice behind her. Standing up she scanned the area, ridiculously looking for the very man they had just buried. Remembering his words from the letter she had just read "and let yourself feel me on the wind when I cannot be there with you" she tilted her head back as the wind blew from all directions.

"I love you daddy" she cried before feeling a warmth on her cheek. Closing her eyes she could imagine her father stood in front of her, cradling her cheek as he had once done when she was just a child. "I love you too Maggie" her fathers voice whispered in her ear.

Immediately her eyes shot open and the feeling she'd just had on her face disappeared. In that split second she knew her father had been with her, how she didn't know and frankly she didn't care; all she knew is that he had been with her and he still loved her.

Tucking the rest of the letters into her skirt pocket, Maggie dropped a small flower on to her father's casket that laid in the ground before turning and heading towards her family.