Chapter 34

The ride to town was better than Beth hoped. The sun was finally shining and although winter was still in effect, the sun felt warm on her face. Daryl watched as Beth turned her head up to the sky, taking in the sun as the scenery passed them by. He couldn't help the pull of his lips as he watched her familiar smile light up her face.

Daryl pulled the wagon to a stop outside of the small cottage that sat at the far end of town; it was the house that his brother now called home. When Carol and Merle offered to take in the two Samuels sisters, Daryl had agreed that Merle would be better off getting the girls settled in rather than helping out on the farm as he had been previously.

The plan was that himself and Beth would ride out to check in on them once a few days had passed, however Daryl now realised that with everything going on, it was nearing a week.

Jumping down, he turned to help Beth before grabbing whatever baskets she had told him to pack in the back of the wagon. They hadn't even approached the front door when it was pulled open and Lizzie came running out to meet them.

"Beth! Daryl!" Lizzie cried as she embraced them both one after the other before relieving Daryl of one of the baskets.

If it was possible, Daryl watched as the smile on Beth's face grew as she took in how much better Lizzie seemed since the last time they had seen her. Seeing movement, Daryl looked up and saw Carol waiting in the doorway; a smile gracing her own face as she ran a tea towel through her hands, looking every bit of a mother.

"How are the girls getting on?" Beth questioned as soon as the women moved towards the kitchen.

Carol lifted the cloth that covered the basket Lizzie had brought in and turned to Beth with an appreciative smile, "I think they're doin' as well as they can" she explained before noticing Daryl hovering in the background, "Merle's out back" she confirmed as she gestured with her head towards the door that led outside.

Taking that as his cue, Daryl slipped out to find his brother. Although the cottage was small it had a nice piece of land attached that the girls could make use of, depending what happened with their father.

"Need a hand?" Daryl quizzed as he bent to pick up a hammer from where it laid in the grass.

Merle's head popped up, closely followed by Mika, from where they were working on wooden boards.

"Good ta see ya brother" Merle greeted before nodding next to Daryl's feet, "hand me that board would ya".

Mika scurried to where Daryl stood and helped lift the plank that Merle had been referring to. Although he could have managed to lift it with one hand he allowed the small girl to believe she was helping.

"What is this?" Daryl questioned as Merle took the board from his hands. It was Mika that spoke, "Merle's building me a playhouse"

Daryl rose an eyebrow at his brother in question but didn't press the matter. Seeing the large smile on the young girls face Daryl took off his jacket, dropping it in a pile on the floor, before grabbing the next plank of wood to help.

…

"Have y' heard anythin' yet?" Beth asked as she peeled the carrots Carol had given her.

Carol turned to look at Beth over her shoulder before cleaning her hands so she could sit down for a few minutes. Taking them both a cup of tea, Carol sat and glanced out of the window to where she could see the brothers building the playhouse Merle had promised Mika.

"Rick came by this mornin" Carol confirmed before turning back to Beth who sat with an expectant face, "he's signed over all rights…the girls are ours now" Tears swam in Carol's vision as she finally said the words out loud. Neither herself or Merle had ever dreamed of having more children, not since Sophia had died so many years ago. It wasn't through lack of trying though! Carol had seen a doctor a few years ago and was told they would likely never be able have children of their own. They had accepted the words but the thoughts had never really left either of them and although Merle had such an awful childhood, she knew he would make one hell of a father.

As soon as Rick had confirmed that Mr Samuel's had agreed to sign over all of his rights as the girl's father, Merle had marched straight outside to start building Mika the playhouse she had told them about shortly after moving in.

Merle had visited Mr Samuel's in his cell the day after the man had been arrested. Although he wanted to repeatedly punch the man until his dying breath, Merle remained calm and engaged the man in conversation. It had soon become clear that the man had struggled since losing his wife and like so many others reverted to the bottom of a bottle. Whilst Merle had tried to tell the man that he needed to be there for his girl's, the man had simply explained that they reminded him too much of his late wife. He had apologised for hurting his daughters and explained he hadn't meant to hurt them; he just couldn't bear to be around them.

Although Merle and his brother did not speak of their past, Merle had felt that the man needed to see what could and would happen if he carried on the way he was, so he had informed him of a few things he had endured as a child. By the end of their conversation, the man wept and questioned whether Merle and his wife would be willing to take on the girl's. Merle had confirmed they would without missing a heartbeat, knowing that Carol felt the same.

Since then Rick had arranged the correct paperwork and Mr Samuel's had promised to leave town on the next train; he didn't even want to see the girl's before he left.

"Oh Carol" Beth cried as tears pooled in her own eyes, "I'm so happy for y' both"

Carol nodded at her words, unable to speak due to the tight ball that was lodged in her throat.

…

"Well, what d' ya think?" Merle questioned as he looked sideways at Mika, whose head lolled to one side as she looked at her new playhouse.

Now that Merle and Daryl stood back, they could see that the house was far from perfect. It seemed to list slightly to one side, the window was a little crooked and the door was on upside down. Frowning at the sight Merle moved to step forward to start again but stopped when he felt a small tug on his shirt.

"It's perfect" Mika whispered as she looked at the wooden structure in awe.

Daryl smirked as he watched Merle's chest puff out slightly at the young girls compliment. "I got some white paint back at the farm" Daryl offered as he stepped beside them, "y' can have it if ya want?"

"Really?" Mika gushed as Daryl nodded in confirmation. Above her head the brothers smiled at one another before turning to the house as Carol called them in for lunch.

"Beth invited ya t' girls night yet?" Daryl questioned as he loaded up his plate.

Carol shook her head as she ladled some vegetables on to the girls plates, "girls night?"

"mmhmm" Beth began "I jus' thought with Andrea back, and yourself, Maggie and Michonne being new t' town that it would be good for us all t' get together. Was gonna invite Sasha too"

"Sounds good with me" Carol confirmed as she looked to Merle.

"Rick was gonna have the guys round for cards at his place at the same time" Daryl offered to his brother, who smiled wide knowing he was the best at poker.

Before everyone could start to make plans, Carol frowned before looking at the girls that sat at the table smiling, "what about the children?" she asked. Having been so used to it being just herself and Merle over the years, she had forgotten about the likes of babysitters.

Merle leaned over and ruffled Mika's hair eliciting a giggle as Daryl took a sip of his water, "Rick's already checked with Dale and Irma. They've offered to watch Judith and Carl as well as the girls, and little Hershel" he confirmed.

"Then I guess that's sorted then" Merle announced before Beth and Carol began to discuss what food to prepare.

…

"Did Merle tell ya the good news?" Beth questioned as they walked down the street towards the centre of town.

Daryl nodded before threading his fingers with hers, "I'm glad things worked out for 'em. Been waitin' a long time for a happy endin"

Beth smiled at his words and agreed that the girls seemed so much happier in such a short time, she could only imagine how they would continue to thrive over the years having Merle and Carol as their parents.

"Why is it every time you're around I get hit in the head?" a voice shouted as they neared the sheriff's office. Immediately Daryl stepped in front of Beth as if to shield her from danger.

Approaching slowly they watched as Andrea flew out of the door, anger clearly written all over her face before she turned and spun back to look at whoever was in the doorway, "maybe if you didn't act like such an asshole I wouldn't need to hit you in the damn head" she hollered before noticing Daryl and Beth stood watching.

Immediately her face dropped from a scowl to a smile before she stepped towards where they stood.

"Act like an asshole? You were the one that practically climbed on top of me back ther-" Shane ranted as he strode out of the building before stopping abruptly.

Beth's head whipped between the two people in front of them as she watched them bicker back and forth.

"Climbed on you? Oh my god, you have got to be kidding me!" Andrea returned with her hands on her hips.

"Well, what would you call it then huh?" Shane questioned somewhat quieter as he jogged down the few steps to the street where they all stood.

"I would call it that I tripped over your shit" Andrea quipped and watched as Shane moved to interrupt, "you left your pants along with your boots in the middle of the damn floor"

At her words, Daryl and Beth's gaze immediately looked at Shane's lower half and noticed his trousers were indeed undone and inside out as well as his boots unlaced. Beth blushed at the predicament but Daryl merely smirked at his friend.

"Oh" Shane replied unsure of what to say to the blonde woman's words.

Pulling a stupid face and changing her voice, Andrea repeated, "Yeah, Oh" before turning back to the couple that had been watching the interaction. "Listen Beth, I gotta get back to Michonne and the kids but why don't you guys pop by before you head back to the farm?"

Beth nodded before watching as Andrea turned to leave, but not before scowling in Shane's direction. Beth could have sworn she also heard Andrea mutter "asshole" under her breath at the same time Shane muttered "bitch" under his, but wasn't sure if it was just the breeze that blew by.

When she turned back to face Shane, she noticed he was staring at her with a strange look on his face. Feeling self conscious, Beth moved some loose strands of hair behind her ear before looking to Daryl who stood next to her.

Feeling his hand at the small of her back, Beth looked back to Shane who stood watching her as if afraid she was about to disappear. Taking a deep breath, Beth stepped forward and embraced the man, instantly feeling him turn to stone underneath her small body. Stepping back she pecked his cheek and whispered "thank you" before retreating to Daryl's side.

From what Daryl had told her, Shane was struggling with the similarities in her abduction and his sisters death. She didn't blame him, she could just imagine what she had looked like when they had first come across her on the cold, frozen ground up at the cabin.

Shane couldn't move, for a moment he had seen his sisters face stood in front of him instead of Beth. It was only when she approached him that her image seemed to morph into the correct person. For a moment he wondered if he was still drunk but quickly shook off that notion. Since Andrea had knocked him unconscious two days ago, he hadn't touched a drop.

"I'm sorry I ain't been by" he offered as he nodded to Daryl.

"You don't gotta be apologisin" Daryl explained "guessed ya had some things ta work through"

Shane smiled gratefully at being given the time and space to cope with his demons by the people who had become close friends.

"Rick mention card night to ya yet?" Daryl questioned as Beth turned to her left.

As Daryl began speaking to Shane about the upcoming 'boys night' Beth noticed Sasha leaving the clinic. Hoping nothing was wrong, Beth tapped Daryl before heading in Sasha's direction; she needed to extend the invite for girls night anyway.

"How's she doin?" Shane questioned as they watched Beth walk across the street.

Daryl watched as his wife embraced Sasha before they started speaking animatedly. Looking back at Shane, he could see the man was still waiting for an answer "she's doin' good. Better than we thought…" he confirmed before trailing off.

"She looks well" Shane observed, noticing that her wounds were healing well and the bruising was almost fully gone.

"Doc Bob gave her the all clear few weeks ago" Daryl confirmed as Shane nodded at his words.

Wanting to change the subject, Daryl smirked at the man next to him, "so you and Andrea huh?"

Shane chuckled and rubbed his chin in thought as his gaze moved to the path the woman had taken. Daryl didn't need Shane to speak the words of confirmation, he could clearly see in the look that was written on Shane's face that there was something there or at least something the man wanted to be there.

…

Beth carried the last of the dishes into the parlour. It was officially girls night. It had been three days since they had been in town and Beth invited her guests.

Maggie had ridden out just after lunch to help Beth set up, with Daryl leaving shortly after to head over to Rick's. Beth giggled to herself as she watched his eyes widen at the food she'd prepared for him to take with him.

"You think we got enough?" Beth questioned as herself and Maggie took in the food.

Maggie bumped her sisters shoulder gently before laughing "we ain't feedin' the five thousand Bethy"

Having a little time, the sisters enjoyed one another's company until the door knocked. Jumping up Beth straightened her skirts before smiling excitedly at Maggie.

Carol and Sasha were the first to arrive, having travelled in Carol's wagon together. "How many are you expecting?" Sasha asked in shock when she saw the table. Maggie laughed loudly at the question making Beth blush deeply.

Shortly after getting Sasha and Carol settled, Andrea and Michonne arrived. At first no one really knew what to say. No one really knew a great deal about Michonne, and it seemed rude to come outright and ask, but then Maggie had begun to quiz Sasha on Bob.

Immediately the conversation began to flow as the women relaxed to enjoy their evening. Each of them ooing and ahhing when Sasha explained what Bob had done for her at Christmas.

…

"God, it feels so long since I just hung with the guys" Glenn explained as he grabbed another piece of fried chicken that Daryl had brought over courtesy of Beth.

"Know what you mean" Merle agreed as he stood to retrieve a few more bottles of beer he had arrived with, "don't get me wrong I love my woman, but a man needs this now and then".

Merle offered a bottle to Shane, and Rick watched as the man waved the bottle away before reaching for the glass of water in front of him. Smiling slightly, Rick hoped that his friend was finally turning a corner.

Rick accepted the bottle Merle held out to himself before flinging his cards down on to the table top, "I'm out" he declared before watching Daryl, Bob and Tyreese to see if he could make out which ones were bluffing.

Within minutes, Daryl also folded before being followed by Tyreese; it seemed the good doc had a hell of a bluff.

"So I hear you and Sasha…" Rick started and watched as Bob averted his gaze.

"Really?" Daryl questioned. He hadn't really noticed anything before, but then again him and Beth hadn't really ventured of the farm since her ordeal.

Bob looked to the group before settling on Tyreese, who shrugged at him

Nodding he smiled wide "think I'm gonna ask her to marry me" he confirmed to the group, where he then received claps on the back and hoots of congratulations before Merle declared they needed something stronger than beer to toast.

"Is that moonshine?" Daryl questioned although he would know that smell anywhere.

Merle nodded a wicked grin on his face as he filled everyone's glasses before they raised their hands to the air; glasses clinking. "To marriage" they chanted before knocking back the strongest drink they would probably ever taste.

…

"How about we get this girls night started" Carol announced as she pulled a mason jar from the bag at her feet.

"Is that moonshine?" Sasha whispered before she glanced around at the other women in the room. Women didn't drink such things unless they worked the taverns, did they?

"Mmhmm" Carol confirmed, "might'a took a jar or two from Merle's saddle bag before he left for Rick's"

Andrea stood up and stepped forward, tilting her glass towards Carol who was already unscrewing the lid.

Maggie frowned, "Daddy said bad moonshine could make ya go blind"

Andrea turned to the woman before knocking back the clear liquid, "so can looking at some men" she laughed to which several of them joined in.

"Oh, what the heck" Maggie proclaimed before offering her glass to Carol as well.

Eventually all of the women, bar Beth, were enjoying the effects the moonshine had on them. Most of them sat smiling and chuckling before Andrea moved to fill up hers and Michonne's glass once again.

"How come you aren't drinking Beth?" Michonne asked gently from Beth's side.

"Oh" Beth started, although their closest family knew of her condition she was unsure whether to let on. It was only when she met Maggie's encouraging nod that she smiled before turning back to Michonne, "I'm pregnant" she explained.

Michonne smiled at the young woman who was positively glowing before Andrea spoke from her other side, "bet he can't keep his hands of you can he?"

Beth frowned before looking around the room at the expectant faces that stared back at her. Seeing her sister's face, Maggie instantly moved to Beth's side, "what is it Beth?" she quizzed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you" Andrea started but Beth waved her off, "it's okay Andrea, you didn't know"

"Know what Beth?" Maggie urged as she took her sisters hand.

"Ever since…you know" Beth explained, referring to the Governor, "Daryl hasn't touched me" looking around, each woman had grown quiet, "like, at all" she added.

"Oh Beth" Carol said as she offered a regretful smile at the young girl.

"At first he said it was because he didn't want to hurt me, y' know because of my injuries" Beth offered and watched as they all nodded, "but then Bob gave me the all clear and he still wouldn't" Beth looked at Sasha as she mentioned Bob and saw her smile.

"Sometimes I wonder if its because he's scared to hurt me or if its because I'm tainted somehow".

Maggie looked around at her sister's friends and saw that they all wore the same look, "You ain't tainted Beth" Maggie confirmed knowing that Bob had performed checks on her sister when she had been unconscious.

"Maggie's right" Carol explained, "he's probably just worried your not ready yet"

"But its been just months" Beth sighed as tears began to form in her vision, "and believe me, I am more than ready" she added causing the women to chuckle.

"I think I have an idea that could help" Michonne offered surprising the group.

Looking at Carol , Michonne declared "but I think we're all going to need another drink before I fill you in" before shaking her empty glass.

Needing no further encouragement, Carol filled everyone's glass before passing Beth a glass of orange juice. Michonne took a sip of her drink before realising that everyone was looking at her with anticipation.

"Okay" she began before clearing her throat to tell them a trade secret that would have any man putty in their hand. When she was finished she downed the rest of her drink as she took in the shocked faces that stared back at her.

"Do women really do that?" Maggie questioned as her eyebrows drew together.

Michonne nodded as she settled her gaze on Carol who looked like she was trying to piece together a puzzle she couldn't solve.

"And you're supposed to use your teeth, but only a little bit?" Carol finally asked.

"But what do you do with the rest of it?" Andrea quizzed before Michonne had a chance to respond to Carol's question. Sasha snorted at Andrea's question but covered her mouth when Andrea turned to face her.

Shaking her head, Michonne smiled to herself, "Yes Carol, use your teeth but don't bite" Carol shook her head as if confirming she wouldn't bite, "and by the rest of it" Michonne raised an eyebrow as she addressed Andrea, "well you can always play with those at the same time"

"But what about when they're ready to…" Sasha wondered and judging by her wide eyes realised she had spoken the question out loud.

"Well" Michonne smiled coyly, "that depends on the woman Sasha" this time Andrea belly laughed at the look on the woman's face.

Beth could feel her blush still hovering over her skin, it had flared the moment Michonne had started to share her 'idea' and hadn't dissipated yet. However, the more the women discussed it, the more Beth seemed to wonder if Michonne had a point.

Several hours and two mason jars of moonshine later, each woman was swaying as their men arrived to chaperone them back to their homes.

"What's this?" Daryl quizzed as he watched Michonne and Andrea whisper something to Sasha as she moved to climb into the wagon next to Bob, before breaking out in raucous laughter.

Beth smiled but held up the empty jars to answer his question. Frowning, Daryl looked towards where Merle and Carol stood before moving to Glenn and Maggie. Each couple seemed to sway under the darkening sky as if dancing, even though no music played.

Beth giggled from beside him as she watched Merle scoop Carol up before swinging her over his shoulder and almost running to his horse.

"What about your wagon?" Maggie called after them.

Merle waved a hand before hollering into the night, "horse is quicker, I'll be by tomorrow to pick it up"

Maggie shook her head before looking back to her husband, "how tired are you?" she questioned and received a look of disbelief cover her husbands face. This was the first time in three years they had a night to themselves and they were going to put it to good use.

Laughing loudly at how Glenn spun her around so fast, she thought her head would fall right off, Maggie climbed as best she could in her abbreviated state into their wagon before he nudged the horses into a fast trot. She barely had time to wave to her sister and brother-in-law, who stood with a look of confusion on his face, as their wagon peeled off their land.

Shaking his head, Daryl looked to the sky for some sort of answer before Beth clinked the jars together as she gathered them in the crook of her arm to open the door to let them back into the house.

Moving to the parlour Daryl immediately went to pick up some of the dishes and glasses the women had used but stopped when he felt a hand on his arm, "leave it 'til the mornin" she told him, "I'm tired"

Immediately he replaced the items back to the tabletop and flicked off the light before moving them both to the stairs so he could get Beth to bed where she could rest.

Recalling Michonne's idea had Beth filled with both nerves and anticipation. From how she had seen her friends acting she knew some of them would be following Michonne's instructions to the letter and she couldn't help but wonder if there was something in it after all. Decision made, Beth followed her husband up the stairs with a new determination in her step.