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Zombielibrarian – thank you so much for all of your reviews, they mean so much to me

Chapter 38

It had been three months since Beth had buried her father. At first, she'd worried about Maggie and how she would deal with her grief, but when she'd entered the house following Hershel's burial Beth knew they would get through it together.

Karen, Bob's sister had presented them both with a memory cushion, made from Hershel's shirts. They had been surprised at the gift from someone they barely knew but the moment each of them had lifted the cushion they had caught the faint whiff of their father. Since that day each cushion took pride of place in their homes.

Feeling a familiar comforting breeze, Beth sat upright before leaning backwards to ease the ache at her lower back. Being almost seven months pregnant, her bump was now clearly visible, but it didn't stop her from doing the things that needed to be done.

Looking at the ground in front of her, Beth smiled with pride as she took in the rows of seeds that she had been planting. Spring was upon them and within a few months fresh vegetables would be growing steady.

"Hey Sunshine" Merle greeted as he came from the direction of the kitchen, "Should ya be diggin' like this in your condition?"

Beth smiled as she shook her head, she'd heard the same thing from Daryl every time she tried to do something. She was sure if the Dixon men had their way she would be locked up in some room until the baby arrived.

Daryl and Merle had been busy extending the kitchen. It wasn't something Daryl had ever thought of before, but now their family was growing by the day and they were often visited by their friends he had decided that the extra space would be helpful in the future.

As if he knew she'd been thinking of him, Daryl stepped out from behind his brother and headed her way. When he stood over her, he simply grimaced at the work she'd been doing before reaching out his hands to help her off the floor.

"I'm pregnant Merle" she explained as she rolled her eyes at the brothers "plenty of women had babies before me and plenty will have them after, it doesn't mean I need t' stop workin. We've all got jobs to do."

As Merle stood frowning at her words, she swore she heard Daryl grumble and mutter under his breath but said nothing. It was an argument they had regularly, although it was always the one thing he always gave into. Stepping up on her toes, she gripped Daryl's arm as she pulled him towards her so she could lay a simple kiss on his cheek.

"If it gets too much, I promise I'll stop" she offered and watched as slumped in agreement.

Before she could bend to collect her small shovel and fork, Daryl crouched and scooped them up before handing them to her. She smiled at him in gratitude before turning back to face the house, "you about finished in there for the day?"

For the first time since he'd popped outside, Daryl smiled and nodded, "got all the boardin' up and the floor. Jus' be careful on the join as y' go through"

The brothers had been working so hard lately to get the house back into shape before the baby arrived and she couldn't wait to see the finished project. Stepping forward she halted as Daryl's familiar arms wound around her from behind, his large palms circling her bump as their baby kicked beneath his touch. Sighing, Beth leaned back against his embrace.

Ever since her bump became more pronounced, Daryl was always finding ways to touch it; in bed, in the kitchen, as they walked. It was as if he was bonding with it before it even arrived. Beth didn't mind one bit, in fact she often felt lonely when his hand wasn't there.

"I should go and get the food ready" Beth offered as she tapped Daryl's hands and kissed his lips that lingered next to her cheek "Rick will be down with the kids soon"

Remembering that Rick would be joining them so that they could celebrate Carl's fourteenth birthday had Daryl pulling back. There were still a few bits to tidy up and he wanted it done before they arrived. Now that Judith was walking, he didn't want to leave anything to chance in case she could hurt herself.

"You stayin' for supper Merle?" she asked his brother as she stepped up the stairs to the kitchen.

Merle smiled fondly but was already shaking his head in answer, "not tonight lil' one, Carol and Lizzie were cookin' up a storm when I left this mornin' and Mika wants me to hang her a swing"

Beth smiled, Merle acted like it was a hinderance, but the truth was he loved those girls with everything he had and if Mika wanted a swing, she got a swing. Leaning in she hugged him briefly before moving to prepare their supper.

…

"Beth, this is amazin'" Carl gushed when he saw all of his favourite foods lining their table.

Rick stepped up behind his son and rested a hand on his shoulder as he looked over his head to see the spread that Beth had laid on for Carl's birthday. Frowning slightly, he looked the woman over, "y' shouldn't have done all this" he told her.

Beth's shoulders slumped and the smile fell from her face. Seeing her becoming upset Rick rushed to add, "I jus' don't want you tirin' yourself out is all"

Michonne had stood silently to one side with Judith squirming in her arms to be set down. Seeing her friend upset had Michonne moving to her side, "well, I think it's amazing" Beth smiled at her words, "and is that peach pie?" she questioned as Beth nodded. Looking to Rick, Michonne raised her eyebrow questioningly.

"Sorry Beth" he started as he ran a nervous hand through his hair, "we really appreciate all this" he waved a hand over the food "we jus' worry about you and the baby"

Beth stepped forward and kissed his cheek gently before rubbing Carl's hair affectionately, "I know, but as I keep tellin' Daryl I'm fine"

Rick looked over Beth's shoulder to where Daryl stood, the man simply shrugged at him and Rick knew this was a conversation they'd obviously had more than once. Resigning himself the same way as Daryl to Beth's words, Rick nodded and pulled Beth into his arms, "I'm sorry and thank you" he offered in apology.

Wanting to break the tension, Michonne placed Judith on the floor and watched as she made a beeline straight for Daryl who had already pushed himself off the counter he'd been leaning on to crouch down so the child could walk into his arms. Turning back to Beth as she removed her shawl, Michonne asked, "is there anything I can help with?"

Immediately Beth turned from Rick's grasp and smiled gratefully, "y' can whip the cream for the chocolate pie" she replied before looking over at Daryl, "why don't ya take Rick and Carl outside so y' can give him his present?"

Daryl nodded as he stood taking Judith with him. Carl beamed as he stepped to the back door, "you didn't have ta get me nothin'" he told them "you guys have done enough with the food"

Daryl scoffed before pushing the door open, "like we wouldn't get ya nothin'" he started as he stepped back ushering the father and son outside. Turning back to Beth, he winked over his shoulder before heading outside himself.

…

"You got me a bow?" Carl marvelled at the contraption Daryl handed him, "Dad, look at this. Can you believe it? My own bow!"

Daryl smiled at the boy and was grateful Beth had suggested it several weeks ago. Once the idea had been discussed he had gone to the blacksmith to speak with Sasha and low and behold, Carl now had a miniature version of Daryl's bow.

"Go on" Daryl urged as he pointed to the targets himself and Merle had set up earlier, "go hit yourself some points". Needing no further encouragement, Carl took off running as he hollered "thank you" over his shoulder.

Daryl chuckled at his enthusiasm as he began to walk over in the same direction. Judith sucked on her fist before rubbing it up and down his front as she babbled; she was obviously filling him in on her day. He was so lost in Judith he jumped slightly when Rick nudged his shoulder with his arm, "y' didn't have ta do that" Rick explained as he inclined his head in Carl's direction.

"Course we did" Daryl frowned "boys been on at me for years about getting' his own bow and at least this way he don't have ta use mine no more"

Rick chuckled before looking down at the ground.

"This ain't just about the bow is it?" Daryl questioned as he put Judith down on the ground. Immediately her little legs began moving as she stepped on to the grass before sitting in the mud pile that Beth had formed from digging her rows for the vegetable garden.

Pulling his gaze from the little girl, Daryl looked at Rick who looked torn. The man stepped to the porch and sat on the step with a slump. Daryl sighed and moved to sit beside him, "this have anythin' t' do with Michonne?"

Rick's head snapped up as he looked at Daryl with surprise. He had tried to be so careful not to show his emotion on his face when he was around Michonne, he guessed it was some unknown sense that Daryl had guessed it on his first try. Rubbing a hand down his face, he nodded in confirmation.

Daryl frowned at his friend's reaction. Surely this was a good thing, hell Rick had seemed happier lately than he had done in months, "I don't really see why that would have ya all torn up like this" Daryl stated as he waved a hand in Rick's direction.

Feeling his emotions erupt, Rick stood abruptly and began to pace, "I don't even know why I feel like this"

"Why not? She's a good lookin' woman, she's funny and she's smart" Daryl stated.

Rick looked at him sharply, "y' think I don't know that? That I haven't seen everythin' you have?" Daryl shrugged as Rick pinched the bridge of his nose before looking over at his daughter who was now scrunching mud between her small fists.

"Everytime she's near all I wanna do is grab her and kiss her" he admitted.

Daryl pushed himself off the step and walked closer to his friend, "so why don't ya?"

Rick shook his head, "because every time I let myself be happy, I see Lori and I feel like I'm betrayin' her memory" Stepping forward, he crouched in front of his daughter and ran a hand down her soft cheek, "she hasn't even been dead two years Daryl, what would people think of me? What would Carl and Judith think of me?"

"You don't get t' choose who ya fall in love with Rick, it jus' happens and when it does ya gotta grab onto it with both hands"

Rick looked at his friend in shock before letting out a small laugh, "When did you become the relationship expert?"

Daryl chuckled as well before looking over his shoulder towards the house, "since I met Beth" he confirmed, Rick nodded; Beth had changed all of their lives in so many ways.

Turning back to Rick, Daryl shrugged, "who cares what anyone else thinks any how" Rick looked at him "I mean c'mon Rick, you're a widow before the age of thirty and you have two kids" Daryl leant forward and swiped a clump of mud out of Judith's hands before she could stuff it in her mouth, "two kids that need a mother" he added.

"I wish it were that easy" Rick sighed as Michonne stepped out on to the porch to call them all in for supper.

…

"Happy Birthday to you" they sang as Michonne stepped out with the birthday cake that Beth had been busy baking.

Whilst the men were outside showing Carl his birthday present, Beth had confided in Michonne that she did indeed feel exhausted, but she was reluctant to tell the men in case they put her on bed rest for the next two months. Michonne had simply laughed before pushing her friend into the chair behind her before taking over the rest of the preparations.

Daryl watched from his seat at the table as his friend looked at Michonne with a twinkle in his eye that he had only ever seen when Rick looked at Lori. He couldn't help but feel for his friend, for his brother, but he had to let them work this out on their own. Looking back at Michonne as she placed a slice of cake in front of Rick, he couldn't help but see a similar look of longing on her own face.

"So, what did y' wish for?" Beth quizzed as she rested her chin on her hand.

Immediately Daryl snapped back to everyone else around the table and focused on Carl, who was now blushing.

Rick laughed at the same time as Michonne, "was it about a certain young girl that lives in town?" Rick questioned.

Everyone watched as Carl turned an even deeper shade of red, before Michonne leant down and whispered in the boy's ear. Smiling from ear to ear, Carl nodded at whatever she'd said before taking a large bite of the cake that Beth had placed on his plate.

A surprised look crossed Rick's face that his son was sharing secrets with the very woman that he was sure he was beginning to fall in love with, and he agreed that whilst he was a good father, the children definitely needed a mother. As if Daryl could read his thoughts, he smirked before popping a cherry into his mouth. Rick shook his head, his own blush sweeping over his cheeks.

It was almost dark when they ventured out to the wagon to head home. Whilst Michonne was saying goodbye to Beth, Rick jumped when Carl tugged on his shirt.

Turning slightly he frowned at his son in concern, "I heard you and Daryl" Carl explained before looking up into his fathers face. He could see his dad was about to interrupt so he hurried to add, "I like her dad and I know you feel guilty about mom, because sometimes I do too. But, Michonne makes me happy, she makes Judith happy" Carl gestured to where Michonne was waving Judith's hand to say goodbye to Beth as the baby laughed, "and she makes you happy"

Rick rested a hand on his son's shoulder and squeezed it tenderly, "I think you should tell her how you feel. You may just be surprised, because I get the feeling, she likes you too" Carl finished.

Rick bent over and grabbed Carl closer to him, although Carl had just turned fourteen, he was not too old for a hug from his old man, "when did you get so smart?" Rick whispered before laying a kiss in his son's hair.

…

A few days later Beth and Daryl travelled into town for Bob to check Beth over at the clinic. Now that she was a few months off delivery, Bob had advised them that he wanted to keep an eye on how she progressed.

"Everything looks good" Bob explained as he moved away from Beth, allowing her to do up her dress.

Beth beamed at Daryl who returned his own grin at the Doctor's words. He couldn't help but worry something was going to go wrong after so many months of having good luck. But with the reassuring smile from Bob, he felt himself relax.

Once Beth was dressed, they stepped into the waiting room, "Daryl, could I borrow you for a sec?" Bob questioned.

Daryl looked to Beth, "why don't ya head on over to see Maggie" he advised. Beth nodded and headed to the door, leaving the men to speak.

"What's up doc? Daryl asked in concern. Bob waved him off, "it's nothing like you're thinking" immediately Daryl relaxed, "I just wanted to speak with you about staying up at the farm around Beth's due date"

Daryl nodded, it was a thought that had occurred to himself as well. Although they lived fairly close to town, he didn't like the thought of leaving Beth whilst she was in labour to ride to town to fetch the doctor.

"When were you thinkin?" Daryl questioned.

Bob smiled, "I was going to say around a week before" he explained "I imagine she'll go slightly early as most women do with their first"

Daryl held out his hand as if in agreement and Bob took it in his own firm grip. If there was anyone Daryl trusted with his wife and family, it was the very man that stood in front of him.

…

"How are the wedding plans goin?" Beth gushed as she sat down at one of the small tables in the general store.

As the morning rush had ended, Maggie joined Sasha, Karen and Beth at the table and brought over the leftovers for them to nibble.

Sasha smiled and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear as she thought of her wedding, before filling the women in on the simple service at the church that Irma and Dale had been helping them plan.

"And what about your dress?" Karen asked as the three of them watched as Sasha's smile slipped slightly.

"I'm just gonna wear my Sunday dress" Sasha advised "we don't really have the funds to stretch to a new dress I'll only wear once"

Beth frowned at the same time as Karen and Maggie but kept quiet, "besides" Sasha added, "as long as Bob's waiting for me at the alter I don't need to be all dressed up"

The women giggled as the bell tinkled above the door. Each of them turned in the direction as Daryl and Bob stepped through the door.

"You ready?" Bob asked as Sasha stood up nodding, "sorry" Sasha offered to her friends as she moved to leave "we're meeting with the preacher"

Maggie, Karen and Beth waved the couple off before turning to one another.

"We should do something" Karen stated "I have some money saved, but I don't think I have enough to buy a wedding dress" she drifted off before she looked at the table.

"Beth" Maggie exclaimed causing both women to look up at her, "do you think you could make her one?" seeing the look on Karen's face Maggie clarified, "Beth can sew just about anything"

Beth was already nodding in agreement as Daryl sat in Sasha's vacated chair before snagging a pastry from the table, "Bob said y' need to take it easy" he advised.

Karen lent forward, "I can sew, maybe we could make it together" Daryl seemed placated by the offer, "as long as Beth rests, I can't see why not" he offered. Beth smiled and leaned against him before snapping back to look at the women that sat with them.

"But what about material?" she quizzed.

Maggie rose from the table and smiled before leaning on her palms, "I've got some bolts in the back that would be perfect" she offered before walking to grab them, "Glenn brought them back from the market yesterday"

…

Three weeks later, Beth and Karen stood in Irma's small parlour to help Sasha get ready. The sun was shining, and the heat was warm but not too hot. Irma had already informed them that she would be putting on a spread outside for them all to enjoy and had left to allow the girls to assist Sasha.

"Could you pass me my dress?" Sasha requested as she finished drying herself off from the hot bath that Irma had had waiting.

Beth looked at Karen, both of them smirking "what?" Sasha asked "what is it?"

"I know y' said you were gonna wear your Sunday dress but well.." Beth started as she reached for the dress herself and Karen had made over the last few weeks. It was covered by a sheet and Sasha looked at them confused.

"We sort of made you a wedding dress" Karen finished.

Sasha stood blinking at the women in front of her as tears filled her eyes. She couldn't believe the kindness from her friends. She watched as Karen took the hanger from Beth's hand before Beth stepped to remove the sheet. All she could do was gasp at the dress they had made.

It was a simple lace dress with delicate beading. Her head flicked between them both as she took in their creation, "you made this?" she squeaked and was met by the vigorous nods of their heads.

Within a few moments, Sasha stood in front of the tall mirror in the corner of the room. Her hands automatically moving to smooth down the flowing skirt. She couldn't believe it was actually her staring back at herself and was so busy taking in every bead and stitch that she didn't notice Karen or Beth leave the room.

"You look beautiful" her brother's voice whispered pulling her from the mirror as she turned to face him; a smile on both their faces.

Feeling the emotions rush over her, she stepped forward and into Tyreese's waiting arms, "mom and dad would've been so proud of you" he admitted as he kissed her forehead. Eyes glistening, she nodded at his words unable to speak.

…

"You may now kiss the bride" were the last words both Bob and Sasha heard before cementing their marriage with their first kiss as a married couple. A chorus of cheers flew up around them from their friends that had joined them to witness such a special event.

Sasha floated around the Horvath's garden as she thanked everyone for joining them before marvelling at the wedding cake that Glenn and Maggie had made. For the first time in her life, she didn't think she'd ever been happier.

As night began to settle, Dale took out his guitar to play a few folk songs so that the happy couple could have their first dance. Shortly after they began to sway, Carl approached Lizzie. He had been watching her all day and had finally plucked up the courage after hours of going over and over it in his head.

Everyone seemed to pause as they watched him make his way in Lizzie's direction.

"Would y' like to dance with me?" he asked holding his hand out in invitation. Instantly a smile lit up her face before she nodded. Standing up she looked over her shoulder to Merle and Carol, who she had recently begun to call mom and dad, before taking the boy's outstretched hand.

Merle watched Carl lead Lizzie out to where Sasha and Bob danced in one another's arms. Seeing Carl slip one arm around Lizzie's waist, he moved to go over but stopped when he felt a hand on his chest. Glancing down he looked at Carol with a frown before she shook her head with a small smile on her face "dance with me?" she questioned. Instead of replying he simply took her hand and led her to where others were also beginning to congregate.

Shane and Andrea moved next before being joined by Glenn and Maggie. All of the children seemed entranced at watching the adults dance and Irma had Judith in her arms, swaying slightly as she stood next to her husband as he played song after song.

Daryl was stood next to Rick as they watched their family and friends couple up. Slapping a hand on his friends back, Daryl stepped forward to retrieve his own wife, "y' should ask her t' dance" he called over his shoulder before heading in Beth's direction.

Rick shook his head before walking over to where Michonne stood smiling. The truth was they had finally declared their feelings for one another the day after Carl's birthday and whilst they'd kept it to themselves, with exception of Carl and Judith, he knew it was time for everyone to know.

Taking Michonne's hand, he pulled her behind him before swinging her around and into his arms. She looked up at him in slight confusion but was met by his kind smile as he raised a hand to her cheek before lowering his lips to her own.

Pulling back, he noticed Daryl smirking at him and he raised an eyebrow in return before pulling Michonne closer against him as they swayed to the music.

"Y' knew didn't you?" Beth whispered as she laid her head on his chest as best she could with their baby between them. He looked down at her as her head titled up, "Rick and Michonne" she added and he smiled before bending to claim her lips.

Irma and Dale looked over at the people that filled their garden. Tears filled Irma's eyes as she bounced Judith on her hip. Taking one hand from the baby, she placed it on her husband's back before leaning in to kiss his cheek. He looked at her surprised but continued to strum on the guitar in his hands.

"We did good Dale" she whispered as she inclined her head to the people dancing, "our family's growing up" her last words broke on a sob.

Dale looked up into his wife's eyes, although they had never had children of their own, they liked to believe that they had become parents to each and every person that was here with them today.