So…this is officially the last chapter (Sob, Sob) I have enjoyed writing this sooo much and am so grateful to all of you that have read, reviewed and added alerts over the last several weeks.

As a thank you to you all, I have decided to write an epilogue so we can see how our couple are doing along with the rest of their family and friends. This will also round the chapters to a nice even number (40).

I will post the epilogue tomorrow….

For tonight, enjoy and review, review, review

Chapter 39

Beth felt awful! From the time she'd got up that morning her back ached and she felt generally uncomfortable. Wishing she could stay in bed, she sighed before dragging herself to her feet to get dressed.

Slowly manoeuvring down the stairs, she grimaced each time she jostled; the dull ache throbbing the more she walked. Finally pushing the door open she stepped into the kitchen before placing a hand on her back and leaning slightly to try and relieve the pressure she felt.

Bob looked at her expectantly from where he sat at the table with his breakfast. It was the one thing Beth learned about the man the day after he'd arrived at the farm whilst he waited for Beth to go into labour; he was an early riser. He often rose before even Daryl left the house to complete his morning chores so it was no surprise that he was sitting at the table waiting for her to enter.

"How're you feeling?" he questioned as he looked at her with concern.

Feeling the pain start to fade, Beth faced him and plastered the best smile she could muster on her face before waving him off, "I'm fine" she told him, although she felt anything but fine.

She knew the moment she admitted to not feeling her best that Daryl would panic and she didn't need him worrying over her any more than he already did. Since she hit the eight month mark, he hovered over her, as if waiting for her to suddenly pop. She didn't mind it as much as she let on, she knew he worried for both hers and the baby's safety, but she couldn't help but feel annoyed that she couldn't even take a bath or toilet break without coming out of the room to find him standing outside of the door.

Heading over to the stove, Beth began cutting strips of bacon before laying them in the skillet that was still warm from Bob's breakfast. Shortly after the eggs were done, Daryl entered the kitchen through the back door and dumped a bucket of milk on the side before moving to her side.

She leaned into him, concealing a whimper when the pain started up again. She felt him pull back slightly to look her over but leant up as much as she could to kiss his lips to distract him. However, as soon as she pulled back and their kiss was over, his eyes roamed over her face to see if he could see any signs of pain.

Sighing, she pulled away from him and returned to the side where she was already beginning to prep their lunch; chicken stew and dumplings. Daryl looked over to Bob, who shrugged slightly. Approaching the table, Daryl sat and ate the food Beth had prepared, but noticed that whilst he wolfed his down that Beth barely ate. Again he looked to Bob who simply raised his eyebrow.

Needing the toilet again, Beth pushed back her chair and left the room. Bob lent forward as soon as he heard her footsteps on the stairs, "I think you should stay close by the house" Bob explained.

Immediately Daryl stood up and went to go after Beth, but Bob caught his arm "I can't be sure" Bob warned, "we just need to see how she progresses"

Daryl nodded and Bob released his arm allowing him to go to his wife. He heard the indoor plumbing churn as he approached the bathroom door before it opened and Beth stepped out with a look of pain on her face.

She stopped when she noticed him before rushing forwards and into his arms. Her small arms wrapped around him as tightly as her bump would allow as he folded his own around her as if he were a protective net. Feeling her body shake, he lifted one hand to her chin and titled her face to meet his own.

Tears swam down her cheeks as another pain stabbed at her, "Daryl" she whispered before gripping the lapels of his vest so tightly in her grip that her knuckles turned white.

"BOB" he yelled as he bent at the knee to scoop Beth into his arms.

She cried out in pain as he kicked their bedroom door open to lay her on the bed that she had only recently vacated. As he went to stand, he realised that she hadn't released her grip on him and that her face was still contorted in pain. After a few moments, he felt her hands relax and saw her body loosen as she relaxed back onto the bed.

Reaching out, he brushed her hair from her face and tucked a stray curl behind her ear before moving his thumbs to brush at the tears on her cheeks. As he bent to kiss her Bob entered the room with his bag and set to ordering Daryl to help Beth undress.

Bob left the room after setting up his instruments, just in case, so that Daryl and Beth could have some privacy whilst Beth changed into something easier to deliver the baby. When he re-entered the room he noticed that Beth was wearing a man's red check shirt that dwarfed her and smiled to himself as she burrowed down inside it.

"Let's take a look, shall we?" he offered gently knowing Beth was likely scared.

Daryl was unsure whether he should leave the room or not, but when Beth held her hand out to him he knew he wouldn't be going anywhere else. Pulling the ottoman that sat next to the chest of drawers, he sat down on it and threaded his fingers with her own. He saw her look to him with worry in her eyes, "hey" he cooed in his raspy voice, "ya gonna be fine. Doc Bob will be wit' you every step of the way"

Beth looked down towards where Bob waited between her legs and bit her lip before nodding.

Offering one curt nod back, Bob removed her undergarments before checking her over. It was only a few moments and as he finished he watched Beth tense through yet another pain. Grimacing slightly, he looked at the couple "it's going to be a while yet" he explained.

Daryl sat over the next couple of hours brushing Beth's hair back off her face, rubbing her back and dabbing a cool cloth on her brow after wave after wave of pain took over her small body. He felt useless but no matter how much pain she was in, Beth constantly reassured him that he was helping.

Around mid-afternoon Bob checked Beth over and grimaced once again before facing the expectant couple. Shaking his head he watched as Beth slumped in tiredness. Although she had the pain of someone further along, she was only dilating at small increments.

"Daryl? Beth?" came Carl's voice from downstairs.

"Go" Bob offered as Daryl moved to stand, "I'll keep an eye on her" he finished.

Daryl raised his and Beth's interlinked hands and laid a gentle kiss on her knuckles before relinquishing her care to Bob. Leaving the room he took the stairs two at a time and found Carl in the kitchen picking at the leftover breakfast that was still on the table.

"Carl?" he questioned as the boy turned to face him.

Popping the last piece of bacon in his mouth Carl explained, "Michonne asked me to ride into town to get some supplies from the store and told me to see if you guys needed anything on my way down"

"Shoot" Michonne cursed as she raided their cupboards.

Carl frowned as he stepped closer "what y' looking for?" he questioned causing Michonne to snap her head up from where it had been buried in a bottom cupboard.

"Well, I was going to make some chocolate pudding" she explained as she raised from her crouched position and wiped her hands on her apron, "but we don't have any chocolate powder"

Carl's smile dropped at the statement. If there was anything he loved more than chocolate pie, it was chocolate pudding.

Michonne lent her hip against the counter and looked at the boy in front of her. She had had a conversation with Rick the night before about how he was growing and needed more responsibility. Surprisingly Rick had agreed. Seeing Carl stood in the kitchen now, she knew she'd been right. He was no longer a boy, but well on the way to becoming a man.

Sensing her watching him, Carl smiled in confusion at the odd look that graced her face "what?" he questioned before wiping his hand across his face in case he had any breakfast still lingering around his mouth.

"Why don't you go saddle up Henry" she offered surprising him.

His eyebrows rose at her words so she hastened to add "I need you to run to the store and grab a few things, if that's okay?"

She knew he wouldn't miss a chance at riding to town on his own but felt the need to still ask, after all she wasn't his mother.

He was already nodding his head enthusiastically as he headed to the door, "you can check in with Daryl and Beth on your way too, in case they need anything" she added.

Without thinking, Carl rolled his eyes and called out "yes mom" over his shoulder.

He stopped in the hallway at the same time he heard the plate drop to the floor in the kitchen. He hoped he hadn't offended her, it had just come out naturally. But, when he turned and re-entered the kitchen he found her simply staring at him with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.

He didn't think twice, he needed her to know how much he cared for her. So he simply rushed forward and threw his arms around her before turning on his heel within a split second and bolted from the house.

Hearing Beth whimper and the floor creak above their heads had both Daryl and Carl staring at the ceiling, "is the baby coming?" Carl rushed eyes wide as he snapped his head to look at Daryl.

Daryl nodded, "do ya think y' could ask Maggie t' come on out?"

"Yeah, I'll head out now" Carl rushed as he ran towards the door.

As the front door slammed, Daryl headed back upstairs to his wife.

…

"Maggie" Carl called as he rushed into the store.

Instantly Maggie rounded the corner from the back room and took in Carl's flushed face, "Carl?"

"It's Beth" he wheezed, as if it had been him running into town rather than his horse, "the baby's coming"

Maggie's eyes widened at the boys words the same moment she hollered for Glenn.

"Beth's in labour" she explained when Glenn came into the room with Hershel on his hip.

Andrea had been in the store buying a few bits and pieces for hers and Shane's supper when she overhead the commotion. Heading to the counter she heard Maggie confirm that Beth was in labour. Hefting her basket on to the counter she turned to the couple, "go to her" she told Maggie before reaching out for Hershel, who came willingly into her arms, "we've got the store" she advised as she tickled Hershel under the chin.

Maggie smiled gratefully as Glenn headed out to hitch up the wagon. Within a few minutes they were racing to the farm as fast as the wagon wheels would allow.

…

"Daryl?" Maggie called as she entered the house.

His broad body appeared at the top of the stairs, his longer, shaggy hair falling into his eyes as he leaned over the railing. Quickly she shed her shawl before stepping up to see her sister.

When she stepped into the bedroom she saw Beth panting as she stood gripping the bed post. Looking to Bob, Maggie frowned, "shouldn't she be in bed?"

Bob shook his head, "she's not progressing as quickly as I'd like and has been at this for hours now. Whilst she's having all the pains that you usually get at the end of labour, she just isn't moving far enough along"

Hearing Beth whimper had Maggie moving over to her side and immediately rubbing small circles on her sisters lower back. Now that she was closer she could see just how tired her sister was.

Beth smiled as best she could as another wave of pain swam over her but just as she opened her mouth to speak she felt a small relief as a gush of warm liquid ran down her legs.

Feeling mortified that she had potentially wet herself, Beth blushed as tears flowed down her cheeks. Hearing the pitter of water hitting the floor had both Bob and Maggie glancing between Beth's bare feet where the tell tale sign of Beth's waters breaking now covered the hardwood.

Looking at Beth, Maggie could see she was upset, "hey" she crooned, "it's jus' your waters" Beth looked at her before realisation came to her.

"C'mon" Bob offered as he took Beth's arm "let's get you back on the bed"

Beth nodded and allowed him to lead her to the bed, where he helped her lay back down. Maggie grabbed some towels that were on the end of a chest of drawers before mopping up the liquid on the floor. Only moving back to her sisters side once it was cleaned up.

…

Daryl paced the kitchen and ran his hands through his hair for what felt like the millionth time. He knew fathers were not usually allowed in the room for the birth of their baby, but he couldn't help but feel a longing within him that he should be with his wife.

"Is there anything I can get you man" Glenn offered from where he stood cleaning up the table.

Daryl smiled at the man he had grown close to since Glenn and Maggie had arrived in town but shook his head as his gaze turned back to the ceiling when he heard Beth call out.

"I remember when Maggie had Hershel" Glenn reminisced causing Daryl to look at him "she was in labour most of the night and I was shut downstairs just like you are now"

Daryl moved to the side and poured each of them a cup of coffee before carrying them to the table where he gestured for Glenn to sit with him. Glenn sat and wrapped his hands around the cup as another cry floated above their heads. Each of them winced at the sound before Glenn continued.

"With each cry of pain I felt like I was dying" Daryl nodded feeling exactly the same "like my heart was literally breaking. I felt so useless you know, there I was pacing a room whilst Maggie was in so much pain. But then, I heard the sweetest sound man"

Glenn looked to Daryl and smiled widely, "I heard my son cry and then I realised I didn't hear Maggie crying in pain anymore"

Both men sat quietly when Glenn slapped Daryl's shoulder as he rose to take his cup to the sink, "it'll be worth it, you'll see"

…

"I don't know how much more of this she can take" Maggie stated as she rinsed out the cloth she'd been using to cool Beth's forehead.

Bob grimaced and agreed. After speaking with Beth, she had finally admitted that she'd had the odd back pain on and off for around three days which suggested that she may have been in slow labour all that time.

Hearing Beth cry out before folding in on herself had Maggie and Bob rushing back to her side. Tears streamed down her face as she panted through the pain before it subsided and she sank back into the bed. Seeing how dangerous things were becoming had Bob crouching at the end of the bed.

Checking Beth, Bob realised that she was finally ready to start pushing but when he glanced up towards her face he knew she no longer had the energy.

"What is it?" Maggie questioned on a whisper as Bob pulled his gaze to Beth's older sister.

"She's fully dilated" he advised, a look of concern on his face.

Beth began to stir as another pain took hold. Rushing to her side Bob encouraged her to push but she slapped lazily at his hands, "I'm too tired" she told him sluggishly as she turned to close her eyes.

Snapping his head in Maggie's direction, "get Daryl" he ordered.

Maggie looked at him in surprise, men were not usually permitted to be present during the birth, with the exception of a doctor that was.

Bob noticed Maggie still stood at the foot of the bed, "what are you waiting for?"

"I don't think…" she started but Bob cut her off as he stood abruptly, "she needs Daryl" he gestured to where Beth lay almost lifeless "haven't you seen the two of them?" he questioned, "she is his strength as much as he is hers and she needs him in here with her right now"

Nodding, Maggie rushed out the bedroom, her feet slapping on the stairs as she ran towards the kitchen.

Both men stared at her in concern as she burst into the room. She had only just formed Daryl's name on her lips when he flew from his seat and past her towards his bedroom upstairs.

"Beth" he whispered as he walked in the room and saw his wife barely awake. Briefly her eyes fluttered open before closing again as her face contorted in pain.

Bob moved towards him and began pulling him forwards. "Maggie" Bob called to where Maggie stood behind Daryl "get on the other side of the bed and help me move Beth forward" he instructed before turning to Daryl, "I need you to get on the bed behind her and let her use you as her body instructs"

Daryl simply nodded and allowed himself to be pushed and pulled before he settled in behind Beth. He heard her mumble under her breath as she leaned against him.

"Beth" Bob called and was met with a "mmmm"

Frowning he looked at Daryl, "I need her to push or we may lose them both"

Daryl felt his heart break at the man's words and he leaned forward to grasp Beth's hands; entwining their fingers until they were palm to palm. His cheek pressed against her own, "Beth" he tried, "I need y' to wake up. I need y' to come back to me" he tried.

Maggie looked to Bob with tears glistening in her eyes, she couldn't lose her sister.

"Daryl?" Beth questioned gently as she nuzzled her face against his own. Her eyes opened slowly and she blinked to remove the haze that had settled in her vision. She felt like she was dreaming but then felt the distinct squeeze of her hand that told her she was awake and Daryl was with her.

"We need ya to push Beth" he encouraged.

Feeling another wave of pain, Beth instinctively pushed backwards into Daryl's chest and squeezed his hands as Bob hovered between her legs.

Maggie moved to stand behind Bob and was looking over his shoulders as he worked. Looking up Bob smiled at the couple for the first time in over two hours. For a moment he'd been worried that Beth would be taken by childbirth but seeing her now, he could see that he'd been right and she was indeed taking the strength she needed from her husband.

"Good Beth" he encouraged as the contraction eased. Beth sank back against Daryl and felt him kiss the side of her head.

"Right, on the next one I'm going to need you to push as hard as you can, okay?" Bob told her.

Beth nodded but wasn't sure she had the strength, "We've got this" Daryl whispered in her ear before helping her to move into position.

Bracing herself, Beth sucked in a breath as a pain took over. Doing as instructed she bared down and pushed with everything she had.

"Good Beth" Bob stated, "keep pushing and don't stop until I say"

"Push Bethy, you can do this" Maggie encouraged.

"That's it" Bob cried, "I can see the head! Keep pushing Beth"

Beth gritted her teeth at the burning sensation between her legs. She knew childbirth would hurt but hadn't imagined it would feel quite so intense. Just when she didn't think she could take anymore Bob told her to stop, allowing her to sink back against Daryl who held her steady.

"Okay, on the next one I need you to push as hard as you can and don't stop until I say" Bob advised.

Beth looked to the side with tears swimming in her eyes as she took in the concerned gaze on Daryl's face, "I love you" she whispered.

Over the noise in the room, Daryl heard the three words that always made his heart speed up and he smiled as best he could given the circumstances before kissing her nose, "I love you too" he replied.

Pain laced her stomach as she turned back to face Bob and her sister. She could feel her body building up as she once again started to push.

"Almost there" Bob bellowed, as a scream, that would put any warrior to shame, burst from Beth's lips.

"It's a boy" both Maggie and Bob cried at the same time before Bob held up a small, bloodied baby for them to see.

Beth slumped against Daryl as the pain seemed to lift from her body at the very same moment their son took his first breath; his small cries filling the room.

Bob turned and handed the baby to Maggie who wiped him slightly before placing him into Beth's outstretched arms.

"He's beautiful Bethy" Maggie cooed as she took in the sight of her nephew, who sported a full head of dark hair the same colour as Daryl's.

Beth looked down at the baby in her arms and felt the tears running down her face at how much love she felt for him already. Looking to Daryl over her shoulder, she could see the same look of love on his face that mirrored her own.

She was vaguely aware of Bob still between her legs, tidying her up, when Daryl lifted a hand and ran it over his son's soft cheek.

Since Beth had announced she was pregnant, Daryl had worried he would never be the father she hoped he would be, however now that he was looking into his son's face, he knew he was nothing like his own old man and he would love this baby with everything he had.

Bob and Maggie tidied up the bedroom before leaving the couple to have some time alone with their son. When Maggie entered the kitchen she stared in surprise at Glenn who was just putting away the last of the dishes.

"Beth okay?" he questioned as he walked over and wrapped his arms around Maggie's waist.

Maggie nodded, "she's tired, but Bob said she'll be fine"

"And the baby?" Glenn smiled.

Maggie sighed, a smile on her own face, "it's a boy and he's beautiful"

…

After Beth was fully cleaned up and the sheets had been changed Bob, Maggie and Glenn headed back to town to spread the news of the newest member of their family.

Bob had given Beth strict instructions to rest before confirming he would pop back the next day to check things over, before congratulating the new parents.

Daryl looked at Beth as their son began to stir, in his basket that he'd made during Beth's pregnancy. Noticing that Beth was sleeping soundly and not wanting to wake her just quite yet given the day she'd had, had him slipping off the bed to lift his son from where he laid.

He saw his small face scrunch up as if to cry but as soon as he nestled in the crook of Daryl's arm his face smoothed before his blue eyes fluttered open.

Initially, Daryl had been scared that he wouldn't know how to hold his son, but it was coming naturally to him; something that shocked him given he never considered having children before Beth came into his life. Lifting the baby slightly he laid a soft kiss to his forehead and internally promised to be the best daddy that the boy could ever wish for.

Catching movement from the corner of his eye, he watched as Beth turned in her sleep. Wanting to give her a little more time to rest had Daryl grabbing the baby blanket from the basket before slipping from the room.

"And when ya old enough I'll take y' huntin' in them woods over there" he whispered to the boy in his arms.

They stood on the porch looking over the land that Daryl owned before Daryl moved to sit in the rocking chair that sat to one side. Rocking backwards and forwards he glanced down at his son who was watching him quietly.

"Hey" Beth whispered as she stepped out of the back door "what're y' doin' out here?"

Daryl moved to get up but Beth shifted forward slowly before lowering herself on to his lap. He shifted his arm that held their son slightly as Beth moved to get comfortable. Fighting a wince, she laid back against his chest as she curled into him. Her hand reached out for their son to wrap a small fist around her finger.

"Should y' be out of bed?" Daryl whispered.

Beth looked up at him with a small smile on her face, "Bob said I could if I feel up to it" she confirmed as she kissed his cheek before sinking back against his chest so that her head fit under his chin, "and besides, there ain't no place I'd rather be" she added.

Kissing the top of her head, he pulled their son closer as he wrapped his other arm more tightly around her shoulders.

"Thank you" Daryl said breaking the silence a few minutes later.

Pulling back Beth looked at him in confusion, "for what?"

Daryl shook his head, this girl was clueless, "for this" he gestured to them as a family.

Beth giggled and he had to admit after the day they'd had it was a beautiful sound. Even their son made a snuffling noise almost in agreement before his mouth began to search for his next feed.

Running a hand over his small soft cheek, Beth smiled, "Daddy's silly huh Davis?"

Daryl frowned as Beth turned back to look at him, "you don't need t' thank me Daryl" she clarified, "I love you, and this" she gestured just as he'd done to their family, "is all you" he moved to shake his head in protest but she held him back with her hand, "no, it is. You have saved me over and over, so if anyone needs t' say thank you, it's me"

Leaning forward, Daryl kissed his wife under the stars that twinkled in the sky, hoping that it conveyed everything she meant to him.

The baby cried out in his arms, forcing him and Beth to break apart. On shaky legs, Beth rose from his lap before she reached to take their son from his arm. Standing from the chair he moved to their side before looking out towards the bottom field where Hershel's grave could be seen and he hoped he'd made the old man proud.

"C'mon Davis Robert Dixon, lets get you fed" Beth cooed before she stepped from his embrace to take their son indoors. Turning to follow, he paused when a gust of wind flapped around him. Looking over his shoulder he saw the familiar figure of Hershel Greene stood under the tree where he was buried as the words the man spoke reached his ears.

"You did good son"