A/N Thank you! Thank you! Well Daryl got grilled but he didn't give up. Beth got a good push from Daryl and a really good push from Morgan. We're going to start off this chapter with Daryl's return home from the preacher's and his Monday. We'll wrap it all up with Beth and Hershel taking the grand tour of Daryl's home, oh and a few other things :) Enjoy!
00
The entire drive home his mind is racing. First and foremost are his concerns about her Daddy. He's decided that if Hershel Green won't give his consent after seeing the house and land, it means he never plans to. Daddy doesn't want to let his girl go, he's dug in and it's a waste of time for Daryl to keep beating his head against the wall.
The simple fact of the matter is, the county doesn't care if they have Hershel Greene's approval or not. All the county cares about is that they're old enough and they have the fee for a license. That's that. Daryl's just going to have to explain to Beth that enough is enough and if she wants to get married then that's what they have to do.
The trouble is he knows it's a risky move. Just like everyone has told him, he knows she's old fashion and her Daddy's the boss man. She may not be inclined to go against him. So, it's going to come down to how much she wants this marriage. Whether she'll go against her Daddy to be with Daryl, or reject his proposal.
Does she love him enough to choose him?
Daryl hopes it won't get to the point where he has to ask, but he's prepared to if it comes to that.
He's concerned about his place too. He wanted to have it painted and at least have a little bit more furniture in it before he showed it to Beth, and now her Daddy's coming too. Shit, he doesn't even have a place where everyone can sit.
He tells himself he's just going to have to try and get done what he can and hope for the best. What more can he do? It's just that he sure did want to have it perfect for her. He's been busting his hump and he's so close. Hopefully she'll understand.
As he's approaching his turn off a thought comes to mind. He checks his watch, it's 6:00. Not too late to pay a call so he doesn't turn off the highway, he keeps driving toward his buddy's place instead.
They seem happy enough to see him and he's glad to see them. Their baby's just three weeks old now, a little baby girl named Edith. They ask him if he'd like to hold her for a minute or two, and although he's pretty nervous the idea does appeal to him. He's never held a tiny baby, he just knows they must be delicate, "Yeah, lemme washup first."
He sits and the baby's Mama places Edith in his arms. Daryl's all smiles and his buddy only half-jokingly says, "I never woulda guessed it, but I think it comes natural to ya Daryl."
Daryl doesn't argue that point. He likes cradling the tiny life in his arms. What's strange to him is, for some reason holding baby Edith has him thinking of Beth again. That makes him wonder if maybe some day her and him will have a baby.
He's never given any thought to the idea of being a father but now that he's found Beth and they're talking marriage; he can imagine it might be possible. The idea of having his own children is overwhelming, but then again, to think of having them with Beth fills him with a kind of longing.
Baby Edith starts to squirm a little and Daryl smiles, "What's wrong? Ya hungry girl?"
The baby's Mama teases, "I see you know a little something about babies Daryl," and she takes the child to the other room to feed her. He never thought he knew much about babies, but now he thinks he'd like to learn more.
His thoughts are interrupted when his buddy puts it plain, "Alright Daryl, I know ya didn't come over here on a Sunday evenin' just ta look at me and hold my baby. Is everythin' okay? Ya need help with sumthin'?"
Daryl tells him the whole story of what's happened with Beth and her accident. He tells his friend how she was whisked away while he was working and how he made up his mind shortly after, he was going to ask her to marry.
His buddy just nods and keeps listening as Daryl continues, "So this morning I drove out that way ta see her and talk to her Dad," and he tells the story finishing with, "now they're comin Saturday and my place ain't done. What I mean ta say is, it's built, everythin' works, but I ain't done with all the paintin' and I ain't got furniture, just my bedroom stuff and what I bought from your cousin."
His friend corrects him, "Well now that ain't quite true. You got a real nice bedroom of furniture, real nice. And that kitchen has come along good. Ya got the icebox and the wood cooker shinin' like new. I bet a wood stove was all Beth ever cooked on before she came ta the city. She's gonna like it just fine."
"Ya got that butcher block and it's a beauty. It'll serve ya for as long as ya care ta keep it. You got a table n chairs ta eat at, and that big ol' kitchen cabinet. That's a real nice piece a furniture and it'll hold all the dishes Beth might wanna put in." He gives Daryl a soft punch to the arm and asks, "So remember what ya started with and how far you've come, what more do ya really need? What more do ya think she expects?"
"You're right and I ain't complainin'. It's just that I'd like ta have sumthin' comfortable for them all ta sit on, ya know, a couch or a couple easy chairs, parlor type stuff. I got a money problem though. I still got a little put back but not like I did. It's cost me plenty for materials ta finish up what I done, and for the things I already bought from your cousin. So that's what I's just wonderin', if ya knew whether he might have a couch or a couple chairs or sumthin' he wants ta sell. Maybe I could afford em."
They're the next closest thing to brothers and his friend wants to help, but sometimes you can't, "I'm sorry Daryl, when the bank came and they had to leave the farm he was so mad he was gonna take everythin' that was left ta the dump. His wife wouldn't let him though, she made him take it to the church for whoever could use it. Anyway, there ain't nuthin' left."
Daryl's shoulders slump. He's at a loss and almost resigned to the fact they're going to just have to sit on kitchen chairs and he'll stand. It's not a minute later his buddy's wife is back from the bedroom, the baby sleeping soundly in her crib.
She shares an idea, "I wasn't eavesdropping, but I couldn't help hearing the conversation. Daryl I know of a possibility, a place you might get something nice that's not too much money. My friend Lilly was by to visit the other day and she told me she went to that big furniture emporium, the one on the corner of Peach and Smith. Anyway, in the back they have a big roomful of used furniture."
"It's kind of sad because most of it was repossessed when folks couldn't make their payments, but some people just turn back on their old things when they get new. Anyway, there aren't too many folks who are buyin' these days, so you could end up with a good deal."
"Thanks, I never thought a that. I'm workin' real close ta that neighborhood tomorrow. Maybe I can even make it over there on my lunch hour."
His buddy offers, "Ya know it's all gonna turn out just fine Daryl. And hey, if ya find sumthin' and ya need help movin' it, just let me know. I'm glad ta help."
He's often shocked at how kind folks are to him. It's not something he experienced growing up and sometimes it's almost overwhelming to think that people care about him. He tries hard to be that good person in return, "Thanks a lot, both of ya. And lemme just say, your baby girl is about the prettiest n sweetest thing I ever saw."
By the time he's back at his place he's feeling quite a bit better, a visit with friends helped his mood and he's actually hopeful about how it might go when Beth and her Daddy visit Saturday.
Still with everything that's happened this weekend his nerves are a little shot. He's certain about his intentions and he has no doubt that his love for Beth is true. He meant it when he said he'd always take care of her and always be true. And the fact of the matter is, he can't wait to start.
This business with her Dad though, his honor has been put in question. His honesty and his character are being doubted. It's got his head feeling like it's in a vice and his gut in a ringer. He doesn't know any other man who has gone through this level of bullshit to marry the woman he loves. But he's going through it because he knows it's important for her to have her Daddy's blessing.
For now he needs a little something to take the edge off. He doesn't typically have a snort on a Sunday evening but this Sunday has been like no other. He goes to his drawer and gets out the jar. A swallow or two of the clear liquid has the calming affect he was hoping for and he gets in a good night's sleep.
Monday morning he makes himself some breakfast, a couple of potted meat sandwiches for lunch and he's out the door. It's going to be a busy day. He plans to gulp those sandwiches down on his way to the furniture emporium at noon.
That's just what he does and he discovers that what his buddy's wife said is true. The entire back room is filled with home furnishings of every kind. Slightly used and well-used couches and chairs, dining room sets and breakfronts, China closets and fancy tables, even dishes, carpets, lamps and decorations. Whatever you could want, they got it all and they're letting it go at a real good price.
He checks it out, even sitting on a few of the couches to test them for comfort. There's a set he likes, a couch and a chair. It's not upholstered in all that flowery fabric or the pink velveteen stuff. It's a deep green, comfortable and the price is fair. He thinks Beth would like it just fine, but if she doesn't he'll buy her something new later down the line.
It makes the most sense to buy the set and get a couple of tables to go with them and he could get it all for $45.00. But he doesn't want to act in haste, he'll take the night and think it over some. If he decides to do it, he's sure the pieces will still be here after work tomorrow.
He heads toward the door not expecting the salesman to practically run him over before he can leave. In an excited voice the man tells him, "If you've got cash money to buy that set, I could let you have all four items for forty dollars even."
Daryl realizes it more every day, times are desperate for everyone. This store is just as hard up as folks losing their things. And damn, that's a deal. "You sure? $40.00 is your best price?"
The fellow is exasperated. Daryl's just asking a question but the salesman thinks he's trying to talk him down more, "Okay, okay, I'll give you everything for $38.00 and I'll throw in that carpet. That's my final offer."
"Okay then, sold. I'll give ya five bucks now ta hold everythin' and I'll be by tomorrow after work to give ya the rest and take the stuff."
The money changes hands, the receipt is written and the salesman tells him, "We'll be open until six."
He plans to go right to Merle's after work and ask for his help moving the furniture, but there's something else on his mind too. He decides to make a quick stop at the boarding house. He promised to let Miss Erma know how Beth was doing and besides, he never got to say so long to the guys. It'll be a chance to do that.
He goes in through the same door he always took and finds Miss Erma and Mister Dale in the kitchen just getting ready to load the serving cart for dinner. It's Monday and they're back to chipped beef. They share a warm greeting and Daryl smiles and says, "I guess I'ma have ta get ya some fresh meat. I might be able to do that on Sunday. If I have luck I'll bring it by."
They insist he follow them, sit with the men and have some dinner, "Naw, that wouldn't be right, I ain't paid rent ta eat."
Dale claps him on the back reminding him, "You just promised me fresh meat. C'mon Son, no one turns down a free meal these days."
Miss Erma smiles, "Daryl, you've become like family the same as Beth. Let me fix your plate real quick, something told me you might stop by and bring me news
The men are loud and smiling as they greet him and surprising to all, Mister Dale pulls two chairs close to the table and he and Miss Erma take a seat. Everyone is anxious to hear the news of his visit with Beth. He knows they genuinely care about her and him and he finds he doesn't hold back.
When he gets to the part about the furniture Abraham immediately offers, "I can lend a hand with that," and Aaron chimes in offering to help as well.
Daryl doesn't always feel comfortable asking for help and politely declines their offer, "I appreciate it and all, a lot, but I got my brother and he'll help."
Before anyone can say another word Miss Erma says, "Well now if you gentleman have a mind to help, Mister Horvath and I have an item you could move out to Daryl's for us. We've been wondering how we'd manage it."
Daryl has no idea what they're talking about and his brow furrows in confusion. Abraham just comes right out and asks, "Oh yeah, what's that?"
Mister Dale has a mischievous grin on his face when he says, "You may be sorry you offered to help, I'm not even sure you can get it done. Erma and I talked a lot about it and agreed she'll never play that piano again. We want someone to enjoy it so we're making a gift of it to Beth."
Daryl feels his jaw drop and when he regains a little composure he says, "We ain't for sure yet…I mean maybe we won't…her Daddy and all…"
Miss Erma scoffs, "That cranky old man will soon learn he can't stand in the way of love. You'll be married." Seeing Miss Erma get sassy brings quite a few chuckles from the men at the table.
Mister Dale does have concerns, "That's a mighty heavy piece of equipment, do you think you'll be able to get it moved Abraham?"
"You bet, I got real good help sittin' right here. Let's see," he looks around the table as he points, "You, and you," to Aaron and Dr. Eugene. "You get to help and a couple of you other fellas can help load it up. Daryl, you and your brother will be at your place when we get there, right? We oughta have a big enough crew to get it done easy enough."
Daryl tries to object again but the Horvath's aren't hearing it and neither is anyone else. He leaves the boarding house still feeling a little embarrassed and a lot overwhelmed, and with a heart full of gratitude.
From Horvath's he drives to his brother's home and for what seems like the millionth time he tells the story. Merle's a little agitated, "It ain't right the way he treated you little brother. You got family too, and me and mine will be there at your place on Saturday when ya get home with em."
Now he's got a whole new set of worries, "Naw, ya ain't gotta. I can handle it."
It's Carol who pipes up next, "We'll be there Daryl. It's the right thing. Your family belongs with you the same as Beth's is there for her. Besides, you'll have to serve them a meal. Sophia and I will have that ready when you all arrive. And don't worry about Merle, I'll have him in his best suit of clothes and he'll be on his good behavior."
Daryl's about to speak but his brother heads it off, advising, "I find it best not ta argue with Carol when her mind is set."
On the drive home he experiences so many feelings. He's grateful to the Horvath's for giving Beth a piano. That's something he's sure he could never afford to buy her. But such an expensive gift…it just seems like almost too much to accept.
He's grateful to the fellas for being willing to help move it and to Merle for helping with the furniture and the piano. He's grateful to his buddy's wife for telling him about the back room at the furniture store.
The thing Daryl is feeling most grateful for is the sense of family he now feels. It's something new for him and it's a powerful thing to know that his family wants to be there for him, speaking up for him, supporting him.
Life looks so much different than it did just a few short months ago.
00
Beth's become nearly possessed by the idea of getting her physical strength and capabilities back. The preacher and Miss Olivia have even joined the battle with her.
In an attempt to get her fingers working right again they've developed a new pastime. They all sit around the kitchen table and Miss Olivia and the preacher take turns presenting her with new challenges, like picking up marbles or pencils, buttons and jacks, using only her hurt fingers.
By the end of the week she's gone from failing and crying about both the failure and the pain, to being able to master all but the smallest buttons and coins.
They take several short walks each day, the preacher on one side of her and Miss Olivia on the other. They keep a light touch on her arms, just in case, but they try not to help her. By Wednesday her improvement is remarkable. She can't go far and she still has a limp, but she can balance herself and walk on her own.
There's still bruising and pain, and every evening Miss Olivia insists she soak her foot and ankle in Epsom Salts, and then the woman massages them. At first Beth tried to protest, "You shouldn't have to do that for me Miss Olivia, I'm not your responsibility."
Miss Olivia disagreed, "I beg your pardon young lady, you are most definitely my responsibility. I long ago promised your Mama I would look out for you, and I don't break my promises. Now, I have something to ask you."
"Yes Ma'am."
"I'll never be your Mama, Beth, but I can act on her behalf. The preacher and I would like to accompany you on Saturday. We can take our car and follow behind. It's not that we're trying to snoop Dear, although I am quite curious to see this home Daryl has built." She softly laughs and adds, "And I'll do my best to keep your cantankerous Daddy from misbehaving."
"Oh Miss Olivia, that would be so wonderful. I'd like so much to have another woman there, and especially you."
"It's settled then and I have another surprise for you."
Beth's eyes light up with excitement, "A surprise, what kind of a surprise?"
"We're going to bring it with us on Saturday, that's how certain I am that your Daddy will relent and you will become Mrs. Daryl Dixon. It's some things your Mama entrusted to me years ago, before your family left the farm. She feared these things would be sold, lost or left behind." She clasps Beth's hand and smiles, "It's your Mother's dishes and flatware, table linens and tea towels."
Beth's other hand is covering her mouth and tears have begun to roll quietly down her cheeks, "Oh my goodness. I always wondered what became of Mama's things. I thought Daddy sold them. But what about Maggie? Shouldn't she get them, she's older."
"Don't worry about Maggie, she got her share of your Mother's things. She got her grandmother's broach, her watch, her cameo necklace and pearl earrings. Your Mother thought you were more the kind of girl who would make a home. Oh, and she wanted you to have her bible. It will be your family bible now."
Tears are coming faster, Beth is so filled with happiness and gratitude, and a touch of sadness because she wants to hug her Mama, thank her and tell her how much she loves her.
Miss Olivia says to her, "I want you to know that I quite like Mister Daryl Dixon. He seems like a fine man and I can see that he has great love for you. A lessor man would not have put up with your Daddy as graciously as he did."
There's one more item Miss Olivia has, but she's keeping it a secret for now.
00
His house has been busy all week. Miss Erma, Mister Dale, Carol and Sophia all decided to follow along on Tuesday evening, see how Daryl's house is coming along and see what might be needed to host a meal for Beth's family.
It's all got Daryl's head spinning but he's grateful too. The ladies seem to know right where the furniture and new piano should be placed, and then they get busy making other plans.
The men are checking out what's done and what isn't. Abraham offers, "Between you, me and Aaron we could knock out the living room, kitchen and that sitting room afterwork this week. We got three nights. All we need is a good strong outdoor light in here. I can borrow one of those from the school.
"Nah, I couldn't ask you all to work after you been workin' all day."
"Maybe we'd like ta do that for ya, consider it your weddin' present."
While they've been talking Dr. Eugene has been messing with Daryl's radio. In his own style, where mostly everyone listening to him looks confused, he explains how he can get reception and make it work. Daryl shrugs and says, "If you can figure that out I'd be real grateful. It'd be nice ta have radio again."
After some back and forth Daryl gives in and agrees to accept everyone's help, but he has an idea about how to pay them back, "A'ight, but after the family weddin' and party, I'm havin' you fellas out here for a real party. We'll roast a deer in the spit, I'll have a few gallons of beer made up, maybe even some hooch. We'll crank up the radio, bring your girls or whatever, we'll have us a good time. Y'all just bring a bedroll, gonna probably be too drunk ta drive."
Abraham asks a question Daryl hadn't expected, "You remember that day ya saw me? The woman?"
"Yeah, sure."
"This party you're havin', since it's out here with no snooping eyes around, would you be offended if I was ta bring her?"
"Nah, I ain't like that. She's welcome. What's her name?"
"Sasha, if we could, we'd be married by now."
Daryl nods, then looks at Aaron and says, "When you're out here you're allowed ta love whoever it is ya wanna love."
Friday night Merle shows up with Mister Dale, Miss Erma, Carol and Sophia. They've got Miss Erma's kitchen table and some chairs, a box of dishes and one of glasses, and table linens. They set the table in the empty sitting room, bring Daryl's table from the kitchen and join the two together into one long table, then cover all with a pretty cloth.
Again he feels overwhelmed and overcome with gratitude. These are good people and he's so glad to know them.
He leaves home Saturday morning at 6:30 am. It will take him just about two and a half hours to get to the preacher's house. Another half hour will probably be spent to properly greet everyone and get Beth and her Daddy in the car, then another two and a half hours back. It'll be time for the noon meal by then.
He knocks on the door and it's the preacher who answers, "Daryl, welcome. It's nice to see you, come in please. He sees Beth sitting in the parlor chair and his first instinct is to run to her, but he's still trying to do everything right. She looks so beautiful all dressed up in that pretty yellow dress, even though it seems a bit chilly for such light attire.
He forces himself to pull his eyes away from her as he turns to the woman of the house, removes his hat from his head and nods in greeting, "Miss Olivia, it's very nice ta see ya again."
She smiles, returns the greeting and gives him the big news. He's actually quite happy to hear her and the preacher are coming too. They're a little more reasonable than Beth's Daddy, whom he greets next, "Sir, nice ta see ya again." It's then he discovers just how good it feels to be able to say, "My family's lookin' forward ta meetin' ya today."
Beth gets to her feet and Daryl can't understand why no one is rushing to help her. He's trying to hold back from running to her himself when she begins to walk toward him. She has a limp in her gate but it doesn't matter, she's doing it, and doing just fine. Slow but sure, and then Daryl hears himself say, "I knew you could do it Sweetheart, you're stronger than ya know."
He said it, shit, he called her Sweetheart. He notices the preacher and Miss Olivia trying their best not to smile, while Hershel Greene scowls and says, "Watch yourself young man."
Daryl doesn't care, the smile on her face and the fact that she's walking toward him on her own is all he cares about right now. She wraps her arm through Miss Olivia's for support and Daryl greets her, "Miss Beth, it's sure good ta see you again. I hope you're lookin' forward to this day as much as I am."
He opens the passenger door of his truck and Hershel starts to climb in, "I'll sit between you two."
It's the preacher that won't allow it, "No. Now Hershel, you let Beth get in first, then you. In fact, why don't you ride with Olivia and I."
"I'll do no such thing. I'm staying with my daughter."
"Alright then, but let her sit next to her Sweetheart." And now the preacher has acknowledged what everyone knows.
The ride seems tense. Her Daddy's so gruff and half crabby. They ride mostly in silence. If he and Beth were alone and she was sitting as close as she is, he'd take a chance. He'd put his hand on her knee. With her Daddy there he's simply enduring the trip.
He's seldom been happier to turn off the highway and onto his road. The fellas, his brother, Carol and even sweet little Sophia, they've been talking his place up to him all week. They told him how nice it is and how proud he should be, and how any parent should feel happy to have their daughter wanting to marry a man with a place like his place, and a job like his job. And Carol added, "And a good man. I've known what a bad one is like. Beth is blessed, you are too."
They've managed to get him feeling pretty good about showing the place off, and maybe even a little proud of himself.
As they pull up right in front of the house he smiles at Beth and says, "This is the place, I sure do hope ya like it."
"Well I love this beautiful property. If the inside of the house is even half as pretty as the outside, I know it's going to be wonderful."
And her Daddy grunts, "We'll see about that."
Daryl tries to keep in mind the old man is just crabby. Even Mister Dale told him, "He's threatened by you son. You're young and strong and you can do a lot of things he can't do, including support his daughter. That's got to crush a man, not being able to take care of his own. So, try to remember that stuff and don't let what he says bother you too much, but also don't let him give you too much crap."
Daryl just smiled and promised, "Yessir."
He helps her Daddy down from the truck, then just as he's helping Beth, the preacher and Miss Olivia are stepping out of their vehicle.
The front door opens and out come Merle, Carol, Sophia and the Horvaths. Sophia runs to Beth wrapping her arms around her waist, "Miss Beth, golly I've missed you! I'm so happy you're here."
Beth is all smiles rubbing her hand over the little girl's head and matching her enthusiasm, "I'm so happy to be here Sophia, I've missed you too."
"Are ya better?"
"I'm much better thank you for asking me."
About that time Daryl says, "C'mon now, let's get these folks inside Sophia. They'd probably like ta freshen up and I'll introduce everyone."
"Okay Uncle Daryl, I'll hold Beth's hand."
He waits and let's the others step in front of him as they all enter the living room. Things have changed just a little since this morning. There's a big vase of flowers on the table that sits between the couch and chair, and on the coffee table there's a pitcher of tea and several glasses. It's not Daryl's pitcher and they aren't Daryl's glasses, he recognizes whose they are. Miss Erma's.
There's also a tray with some kind of fancy snacks and delicate looking little napkins and plates. Never in a million years could he have imagined he'd see anything like it in his house.
Daryl hasn't gotten a chance to speak or introduce anyone yet, when Merle takes control. He extends his hand to Beth's Daddy telling the man, "You must be Hershel Greene. My name's Merle Dixon. I'm Daryl's older brother and this pretty lady is my wife Carol. That little bundle of energy is our girl, Sophia. We appreciate ya makin' the trip over here so that our families could meet up and start gettin' ta know each other."
Daryl can't take his eyes off his brother, Merle did real good. Maybe Carol coached him along. There's also the fact that Merle is Merle, he can be a bit of an intimidating figure, even all slick up in his best clothes and putting on his best manners.
The symbolism of the two men meeting doesn't escape Daryl either, the head of each family coming together. The best of it all is Daryl's no long just a lone stranger trying to get her Daddy's approval, he has people too and the playing field has become more even.
From there Daryl takes over, introducing everyone as he takes coats and such. And he watches Carol being the perfect hostess as she offers the beverages and passes the tray of snacks. He excuses himself while he takes the coats to his room and carefully lays them on the bed. He closes his eyes, draws in a deep breath and gives his body a shake to relieve the tension. He nods his head, opens his eyes and goes back to face them all again.
He asks Beth and her Daddy, "Would ya like ta see the rest of the house?" And of course they would, and so would Miss Olivia and the preacher.
There's the living room with the lovely furniture and carpet, along with the two pieces that really bring it all together, the cozy woodburning stove and the beautiful piano. Miss Olivia remarks, "Everything is just lovely Daryl, you've done such a nice job."
"Thank you, Ma'am, I had some good helpers. The sittin' room and the kitchen are just this way," they follow him and he sees the ladies have been busy, the sitting room looks like a fancy dining room. There's flowers in the center of the table, and Miss Erma is busily setting the two extra placee with dishes that aren't his. He's for sure getting Miss Erma a fat deer come morning.
There's a mud room off the kitchen with a wringer washer, and the room leads out to a small covered porch. They move back around and he leads them to the hall. There's the bathroom with the yellow fixtures and Beth gasps when she sees it, "Oh my goodness Daryl. I've never seen such a beautiful bathroom. It looks like one they'd have in a fancy hotel."
Later when they're alone he'll tell her those fixtures did indeed come from a fancy hotel, for now he continues the tour, "This here is the spare bedroom," it's just an empty room for now, and something comes out of his mouth he never expected to say, "I s'pose it'll be the baby's room someday."
He sees the color come up in Beth's cheeks, just like he feels the heat coming up on the back of his neck. Then her Daddy says, "Don't be getting ahead of yourself son."
That little moment when Beth was feeling excited that the man she loves is thinking about babies, has been spoiled by her Daddy's words. She just not having anymore of it, "Daddy will you please just stop being so cranky? This is a beautiful home and you know it. Why do you want to spoil everything?"
The man is taken aback, never has his youngest daughter spoken to him in a harsh way. He's about to scold her when the preacher steps in again, "Hershel, you may want to pray for grace and an accepting heart."
Daryl's surprised by her behavior, but in the best of ways. He likes to see her standing up for herself, and for him.
They enter his room and Beth gets tears in her eyes when she sees the yellow walls, the white trim, the white lace curtains and the white bedspread. It's not the quilt she had in mind, but she knows he did this for her and that's really all that matters to her. "It's beautiful Mister Daryl, everything I could ever want."
He wants to hold her and tell her he loves her and that he'd have painted it any damn color she wanted, but he can't. He can only say, "I'm really happy ya like it Miss Beth."
Miss Olivia and the preacher are all smiles, while it's obvious Hershel Greene has had a little of the wind knocked out of his sails.
They walk back in the living room where everyone else is chatting cordially and Merle walks right up to Beth's Daddy, claps him on the back and says, "See there Hershel, ya ain't got a thing ta worry about do ya? My brother has built a real nice home here for Beth and himself."
Dale Horvath chimes in, "And what a wonderful piece of property it sits on. I took a walk around it with Daryl the other day. It's got the nicest pond, and I know that pond is full of delicious fish. I've been lucky enough to receive some of those. And the wildlife, when we drove in this morning I saw two deer just minding their own business munching away on the wild grasses."
They sit for the meal and unlike the one he experienced the week before, this meal is all happy chatter and stories back and forth. It seems friendly and relaxed and the food the ladies made is delicious. The only thing he can possibly complain about is Beth's Daddy has seated her at the opposite end of the table from him. They spend the meal staring longingly at each other.
It's over dessert of apple cobbler that Merle puts it right to Hershel Greene, "Well Hershel, I can't think of one reasonable thing you could possibly object to about Daryl or this nice home he's built. He's a good man and he has a good job. You couldn't ask for a fella with a kinder or truer heart, so whaddya think? When we gonna have this weddin'?"
A heavy silence falls over the room as all eyes turn to Hershel Greene. The preacher advises only one thing, "You choose your words thoughtfully Hershel."
He's in a corner, there really isn't anything he can object to. Beth will have a much better life with Daryl as her husband than he could ever give her as her father. That's a truth that cuts deep. He feels the pressure more because he knows it's the right thing to do, and he does it, "The marriage has my consent. As for when and where, I'd say that's Beth's choice. She's the bride."
The table erupts with applause, laughter and congratulations and best wishes. Merle's on a roll now and he likes it, "Say, ya know, these kids would probably appreciate some time alone ta talk about all this. Daryl, why don't ya take Beth for a little walk up ta the pond?"
He's never been happier to leave a room. He can't wait to get Beth out of there and all to himself. First he insists she put on a warm coat, "It's chillier up here than down on the flatland." No one misses the way he fusses over her and helps her with her coat.
The others return to their chattering while Daryl and Beth go on their way, and as soon as they're out of sight of the house he stops and takes her in his arms. It seems like years since they've shared a kiss, and this one expresses all the longing and hunger they've felt.
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A/N Aw, Daddy caved. Please leave a comment with your thoughts. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick, I hope you check it out :) I'll be back next Friday with a new chapter of The Stranger Upstairs and I hope to see you here too. Until then stay safe and remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee