A/N Thank you for dropping in to check out my New Daryl and Connie one shot.

I just knew we needed some Donnie Fluff, so, Happy Valentine's Day! Galentine's Day! Or just Happy Day!

I hope you enjoy!

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18 Months Ago, Smithton, Georgia

At the time he was renting a place in a big converted southern mansion. The owner of the old house had divided it up into five separate living quarters, three small studio apartments and two, one-bedroom units. Daryl was renting one of the studios and trying to live on the cheap. Not because he didn't make good money, but because he was saving.

He was trying to buy his brother Merle's house and Merle was giving him a break. His brother was holding off on listing the place for six months, giving Daryl that much time to come up with the down payment.

It helped Daryl's cause that Merle wasn't exactly anxious to give up his home. His brother loved that damn house. To some it may seem like nothing more than a two-bedroom craftsman style place, nothing fancy. But it was in real good shape and mostly original, and it had something else that appealed to Daryl. It happened to sit on a three-quarter acre piece of ground just outside the city limits. There was a nice one car detached garage, plenty of room for Daryl's toys, and with that much land he had thoughts of someday putting up a shop.

As for Merle, there was only one reason he was giving up his home. A woman. He was in love and planning to marry his girlfriend, Carol. Carol happened to have a young daughter, Sophia. Carol didn't want the girl to have to change schools and so she and Merle agreed, once the knot was tied Merle would be moving into her place.

If only Daryl had known that someday Merle would want to sell, he could have saved the down payment money a couple of times over. He had a well-paying construction job operating a hydraulic hammer and other big equipment. But, he was also a single guy answering to no one, so he'd spent his money pretty freely. He'd lived in a rental house with a garage and he bought himself a whole lot of big boy toys. He had a big pickup truck and a motorcycle, plenty of hunting and fishing gear, including a nice little boat and a camper that fit in the bed of his pickup truck.

Now he was living in a studio apartment and his toys were stored at Merle's house, the very house Daryl hoped would soon be his.

He'd been in the studio for just about two weeks when the couple next door moved out. It didn't take the landlord long, just three days to get a new tenant for the one-bedroom unit.

It was a Saturday morning and Daryl was walking out his front door with a plan to hit the grocery store, put gas in his pickup, and then head to the woods to see if he could snare a couple of rabbits.

He spotted them just as he was locking his door, a couple of women trying to carry a big and cumbersome looking dresser into the apartment next to his. It was obvious they were having trouble and he hurried over to give them a hand.

"Here, lemme help ya with that."

The younger of the two women said, "Hey, thanks." But the other one just looked at him with a small smile and nodded in appreciation.

It wasn't until they got inside and were setting the dresser up that he realized the older of the two women was deaf. She had a little spiral notepad in her pocket that she pulled out and wrote on, "Thanks. I was afraid we would drop it."

He reached for the paper so he could write something back, but the younger woman explained, "If you look at her when you speak she can read your lips."

He smiled, nodded, and said, "No problem. That thing is heavy, you women are strong." And when the quiet woman smiled and flexed her bicep, Daryl smiled back at her.

He ended up helping them get everything moved into the apartment, and in the time it took he learned they were sisters. The older one was named Connie, and she'd be the one living there. Connie worked from home as a freelance writer for some Washington DC political organization.

The younger sister, Kelly, was losing her hearing as well, but hearing aids were still working for her.

Connie was the one who had his full attention. She was a natural beauty, she didn't need makeup. Her skin had a warm amber tone and it looked so soft and silky. Her eyes were the perfect accompaniment, they were a deep coffee brown and seemed to glisten whenever she was engaged in conversation.

She was a tiny thing, lean and muscular. He'd seen those small arms in action lifting and carrying. And her hair, it was all he could do to keep himself from reaching over and playing with her pretty, dark corkscrew curls.

After that Saturday he seemed to run into Connie every day, and he liked that. They'd smile and exchange a few words and he wished he could speak a little bit of her language.

It was a Friday night, two weeks after Connie moved in. Daryl had stopped on his way home and picked his boat up at Merle's place. There were some fish up at the lake that he was sure he needed to catch, and he planned to make a trip up that way before daylight Saturday.

He'd just pulled up to the curb in front of his place when Connie pulled up behind him in that little red car she drove. They smiled at each other and exchanged a few words, and then she reached in her oversized bag and pulled out a paperback book. She handed it to him and his smile grew when he saw the title, "Principles of American Sign Language."

He felt a little overwhelmed. He wasn't a man accustomed to receiving gifts from a woman, or anyone else for that matter. It meant even more that it was a gift from her, and a clear message that she wanted him to learn her language. Maybe she was interested in him the same way he was interested in her. Maybe.

He had managed to pick up few signs on his own, and he used one then when he smiled and told her, "Thank you."

He wasn't aware yet how intuitive Connie was, he didn't realize how well she already understood him. Someday they'd laugh about how she could tell he was no ladies' man, and that she felt if anything was ever going to happen between them she would have to be the one who made the first move.

She pointed at the boat and gave him a questioning shrug.

He understood what she was asking and told her, "I'm going fishing in the morning."

She smiled and wrote on her pad, "You should invite me to go with you."

Although he was caught by complete surprise he had no objection to her idea. It might be kind of fun, and besides, he sure would like to spend some time with her and get to know her better, "Yeah, sure, you wanna come fishing with me Connie? I was gonna leave early, about five, but I can go later if you want."

That was one of the many things Connie liked about the man. He wasn't full of himself. Daryl was handsome, strong, and manly with a powerful build and riveting blue eyes. His hair was a little long and shaggy, but the long dark hair looked good on him. She was sure he could have his pick of women, but she was almost positive he didn't realize that. He wasn't cocky.

She smiled when she wrote, "I can leave at five in the morning, if we can stop for coffee on our way."

"Yeah, sure we can. There's a bakery I stop at all the time, we'll get coffee and something to eat."

Once they got on the lake he quickly learned she didn't know the first thing about fishing. She'd never dropped a line in in her life. That was okay with him. He also found he didn't mind teaching her, it was fun and she caught on quick.

They spent a quiet day out fishing. Even talking with her was quiet. He kept his voice low and no matter what seemed to be happening, no sound came from her. She didn't need sound; her facial expressions often spoke volumes.

That evening they sipped on wine at her place while she fixed him a fish dinner. He wanted to help but she told him she just wanted him to sit and visit. She smiled and said he could cook for her another time. He agreed and was happy to think there would be another time.

After dinner they sat on her sofa and watched a movie. She probably didn't realize the audio was muted. She didn't need it and the subtitles were turned on. That worked for him, he enjoyed the quiet time he spent with her. She sat close but he didn't make a move, but it wasn't that he didn't want to. He liked spending time with her, and maybe someday it could be something more than just a friendship. He wouldn't mind that at all. He just wasn't sure how he was going to make that happen.

She let things go on like that for about a month or so, then one Friday morning over coffee she asked him to come to her house that night for spaghetti. At first he begged off, "I'm goin' hunting in the morning, I gotta be out of here by about 3am to get where I'm going by 5:30. I should make it an early night."

She tilted her head to the side, shrugged and spoke to him in the language he was learning, "Come right after your work. It will be early."

That sounded good to him. He liked spending all time with her he could. Dinner was just a bonus.

When he got home Friday he took a fast shower, quickly dressed and walked next door to her place. It was fall and already dusky out. Her place was always so quiet but that night she also had it a little dark in there. It looked nice though, inviting. There were candles glowing and fresh flowers here and there, it all looked real pretty, but nothing looked prettier or smelled better than Connie.

She had on a simple filmy looking dress and her hair was up on her head, and that smile, shit, who needs lights with a smile like that. As soon as the front door shut behind him she extended her arm, her palm facing him, indicating he should stop where he was. He did.

She got within a couple inches of him, hands on her hips and a look in her eye like she was about to issue a command, and in a way she did. Her brow furrowed and her fingers flew when she told him, "You should kiss me Daryl. Now."

He was startled but smiling too, and he couldn't think of any reason why he shouldn't do exactly what he was told.

He took her in his arms and it felt so good holding her small body close to his. His hands moved to gently cradle her face and he smiled when he looked in her eyes and mouthed the words, "Whatever you say," then his lips went to hers.

The kiss was deep and full of passion, and there was no way he could stop at one. Her mouth was warm and welcoming and all that desire he'd held inside for so long was now ready to make itself felt. It wasn't long before his hands had moved to clasp her bottom while his mouth began to nuzzle into the gentle curve of her neck. She wasn't resisting, in fact, Connie seemed to be issuing an invitation when she slipped the strap of her dress off her shoulder. Daryl took her up on the invitation, kissing along the soft warm skin.

She was light and he was strong and as he began to lift her she worked with him, placing her hands on his shoulders as he raised her up and her legs wrapped around his waist. Now it was her looking down into his eyes as she tenderly clasped his face and then placed her lips on his.

He began a slow walk to her bedroom, and she drew her lips away from his just long enough for them to share a knowing smile.

He set her on the bed and knelt between her knees, slipping her shoes off one at a time while they looked in each other's eyes and her fingers combed through his hair. He smiled at her just before bending to kiss the inside of each of her thighs, then reached up inside her dress. As his hands rested on her hips he gave her a questioning look, seeking her okay. When she nodded yes, he slowly, teasingly pulled her panties down.

He stood then, pulling his boots and socks off and setting them aside, and again they smiled at one another as his hands went to his belt buckle. When he'd loosened the belt she reached up, and with hands clutching the waistband of his jeans she pulled them down, and he kicked them off and out of the way.

He reached for the hem of the Henley he was wearing, pulling it up and off and then her smiling face grew dark. His beautiful body was covered with scars. She made the sign asking "who" and he responded with the sign for "Father." She shook her head in disapproval as she stood and rubbed her hands across his arms and chest.

He knew what was on her mind by the way she looked at him. Were there more?

At one time he might have been embarrassed by his ravaged skin, but if him and Connie were going to be intimate he wanted it all. He wanted to see all of her beauty and all of her imperfections, and he was willing to share everything he was with her.

He turned and showed her his back and Connie didn't hesitate, she ran an open palm across the damaged flesh and nudged him to turn back to her. He'd been hoping to God she wouldn't see his body and be turned off, and his relief was immense when her reaction was to reach for the waistband of his boxers and tug them down.

She smiled as she took him in her hand, and he smiled back as he reached for the hem of her dress and pulled it over her head and off her. She wore no bra so her body was now fully exposed to him. He couldn't find a thing about it that didn't please him.

His mouth went to her breast and he felt her body shiver slightly as she slowly stroked him, while he softly nibbled and sucked on her perfect breasts.

He drew away, took her head in his hands and kissed her forehead, then turned the covers down on her bed. He picked her up in his arms, gently laid her down and as they smiled in anticipation, he laid down with her.

Many things were said that night as they made love to each other, but not a word was spoken. It was a quiet love they made as they let their hands, their eyes, their mouths, fingers, lips and tongues convey their feelings.

Their bodies, their hearts and their minds were all in sync.

He began staying at her house on weekends, she often stayed with him during the week. They had coffee together in the mornings before he left for work, and dinner together when he got home at night.

When the sixth month hit he had the down payment saved and she was so happy for him. They celebrated with champagne for her and imported beer for him.

The loan went through and he began to pack up his few positions to make the move to his new house, and while he was busy packing boxes, Connie showed up at his place. He could tell by the air in the room he'd done something wrong, and he made the sign for "what?"

She told him "What," when she asked, "Why haven't you asked me to come with you? Have I been just a convenience and now you're leaving me behind?"

Shit! He hurried to her, lightly held her upper arms and said, "No, no Connie. I want you there with me. I just didn't think you'd want to move. Will you? Please? Come with me Connie."

She shook her head and told him, "Your head is so hard Daryl. Don't you know I love you?"

"Really? I…well I love you too. I just…I don't know why I didn't tell you before."

00

Valentine's Day

He's never done anything even remotely like this. It's not in his nature, it's not his way, but ever since she walked into his life everything's been different.

Valentine's Day, he's never given it a thought. It's just some dumb holiday run by flower shops, jewelry stores and candymakers. This Valentine's Day is different though. He and Connie have been living together for a few months and this is the day he hopes to show her just how much she means to him.

She's always been the one to make the first move. She asked him to take her fishing, she asked him to have dinner with her, she asked him to kiss her, and she asked him to take her with him when he moved. Today is going to be different. He's going to be the one to make the first move.

He pulls into their driveway and hurries over to the garage, slips in, opens his toolbox and pulls out the little velvet box, stashing it in his pocket.

He walks back to the pickup, gets the heart-shaped box of chocolate and walks in the kitchen door. Everything seems kind of fancy and he's surprised. She's wearing a red dress and the table's set with flowers and wine glasses and he's so damn glad he didn't come home empty-handed.

They kiss and he hands her the box of candy, says, "Happy Valentine's Day," and they share a sweet kiss.

They clink wine glasses, but he notices she's not really drinking her wine. Maybe with dinner. They have a nice meal and after they've eaten, before she can get up from the table he hurries to get down on one knee in front of her. He takes the little box from his pocket, flips it open and says, "I love you Connie, marry me. Please."

She smiles at the heart shaped diamond set in white gold. It's so delicate, so lovely and she's so impressed he would pick out something so perfect for her, and she didn't even have to ask.

She beams and moves her fist up and down telling him, "Yes! Yes!"

He stands, reaches out a hand and helps her up. They kiss, but when his hand moves to her breast, she backs away, telling him, "Wait."

He wonders if he did something wrong, Connie has never denied him. But now she holds up one finger, "wait," and hurries out of the room.

She's not gone more than a minute and when she returns she tells him, "Sit, I have something for you."

He can't imagine what's going on, but he sits.

She sets something on the table and he looks down at it. It takes him a minute to realize what it is, once he does it's like the plus sign jumps right out at him. He looks at Connie and asks, "We're having a baby?"

She smiles when she signs, "Happy Valentine's Day."

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A/N I hope you enjoyed the story and that you'll leave a comment. There's a chapter photo on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and fortheloveofdonnie, please check it out. I'll be back soon with another Daryl and Connie Story, and I hope you'll be back too! Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee