A/N I keep trying but I just can't seem to thank all of you enough. Let's see, Beth wants a drink and Daryl needs a shower. We'll see about those things and so much more. I hope you enjoy! xo
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He stops himself. He has something he needs to tell her before they get in the shower, "I'm sorry. I know I messed up. I shoulda talked to ya more before we had everyone here. I shoulda told ya about how things might go, warned ya how people can act when they're drinkin' and cuttin' up. Sometimes I forget ya ain't ever been around a buncha drunken idiots, includin' your husband when he's soused." Then he gets honest, "Or maybe I's worried if ya knew ya wouldn't want em over."
Although she won't quite hug him his hands are resting on her shoulders when he adds, "I know you know as good as anyone, these times are hard. Sometimes folks just need ta forget all that's gone wrong in the world and have some fun. Don't be mad at them guys and gals, please."
She reaches to lay her hand over his and says, "Daryl Dixon, I am sick and tired of telling you I'm not mad, in fact, if I have to tell you again then I will be mad."
She gets honest too, "Some of what I say was surprising to me but I don't think less of any of them. The truth is, it made me a little envious and a little curious. I've never had a drink and now I want to see what it's like to just let myself go the way all of you did." She smiles adding, "But I only want to act that way with you."
He's smiling too and not just because he's relieved, he likes the things she said, "If I didn't stink so bad I'd hug ya right now." Then he chuckles, "I better hurry n shower. I don't know how much longer I can hold out."
The shower does its magic and the pounding in his head has begun to subside, even his roiling stomach seems to be settling down. There's something else that has him feeling better. The touch of his sweet wife's hands as she washes his back has turned his thoughts to something he knows would cure him completely.
As they're drying each other off he takes his chances. He pulls her close, kisses her deeply and begins to fondle her breast, whispering in her ear, "Whaddya think about goin' back ta bed so I can show ya how much I love ya?"
She shakes her head like he's being bad but she's smiling so sweetly when she answers, "That does sound pretty good. I could use a little more rest, I didn't sleep very well last night,."
They prove their love and leave no doubt about their lust, then settle in for a good long nap. By Sunday afternoon everything in their world is just right, except they're ravenous. They eat leftovers and take a walk and before long they're right back in the routine where they feel most comfortable.
That day they could never have imagined all the ways their lives would change during the next few months. For now the week is busy but it's good and it goes by so quickly. Saturday morning he's up early and tucking covers in around his wife as he kisses her cheek and promises, "I'll be back soon."
Her eyes are barely open when she sleepily replies, "I'll miss you," and falls back into a deep slumber.
By the time her husband returns mid-morning she's up, dressed and she has everything waiting. The coffee is made, the potatoes are fried and staying warm in the oven, the biscuits baked and the eggs are ready for the pan.
The both smile as he proudly presents the fish, cleaned and ready to be cooked. She dredges the catch in a mix of flour and cornmeal before carefully placing them in the waiting cast iron skillet. Soon they're sitting together over a hearty meal that will serve as their breakfast and lunch. These shared moments with her are some of his favorite times, but there's something gnawing at the back of his mind. He's been a little worried and he asks, "Ya sure ya wanna drink tonight?"
The hooch is no problem, he's got three jars of it in his dresser drawer. What's bothering him is he has no idea what might happen, yet he can't very well tell her she can't have a drink. He's done more than his share of drinking and she knows it.
"Yes, I'm sure. I think it's time I find out why folks like it so much. Everyone gets so silly and some of them act quite crazy, including you Mister Dixon. It makes me wonder if I will."
He suspects crazy isn't exactly in her nature. He just hopes to God she's a happy drunk and not an angry one, or worse, a crying one.
Early in the evening they make their way out to the porch. He's got a small campfire going just far enough from the porch so as not to be dangerous. He pours a small amount of the hooch in a water glass and hands it to his wife, then watches as she takes her first sip.
It's a tiny sip. He doubts he'd even feel such a small amount pass his lips. His wife though, she's no drinker. Her eyes fill with water and she coughs a little, and he's genuinely concerned when he asks, "Ya okay Beth?"
She takes another sip, far bigger than her first, looks up at him and grins, "Yes, the second one's better."
He gets to his feet and says, "I'll be right back." He returns with a large glass of water and handing it to her instructs, "Drink plenty of this with that hooch."
He sits cross-legged across from her and they don't speak much at first. He drinks from the jar and she drinks from her glass, but as time passes the alcohol does to them what alcohol does. Their inhibitions begin to fade away and soon they're discussing topics of a personal nature.
She's noticed how he sometimes acts unsure about Merle and whether his brother will follow through on promises and agreements. Merle's always been good to them and she wonders why Daryl would have these feelings. She's never asked him because she worried he would think she was prying, but now she asks.
He has no qualms about sharing his feelings with her, he's already told her about Merle's trouble with the weed and the opium. Now he gives her another example of how that's affected his own life. He tells her a story from long ago about being with Merle and one of his buddies, and how he almost got shot. Then he does his best to explain to her why and how an addict will turn on their own to get money for dope.
He finishes with more honesty, "Merle can be a dick, but I can be one too. He's been good since Carol and Sophia came into his life. Now I need ta let him off the hook for whatever happened before." He realizes what he said and quickly adds, "Sorry for the language."
She understands and in turn she's honest with him. She discloses the troubles her own Father had with alcohol admitting, "Alcohol nearly cost Daddy his marriage, and I can already tell how much I like the way it makes me feel. I don't think I'll be drinking again after tonight."
At this point she becomes more somber and he knows there's something heavy weighing on her mind. She tells him about her concerns regarding her Daddy and her Uncle. She wonders out loud about how they're going to be able to keep getting by, especially now that she's no longer sending money home. She ends with, "It's not a good life for them Daryl. I lived it with them and I know that."
He's not sure what he's supposed to do or say but he's feeling some pressure. Shit, is she going to ask if her Daddy and her Uncle can move in with them? He doesn't want that. They're just getting started and he wants to be selfish and be able to have his days and nights with her alone. Still, the man is her Daddy and Daryl respects that, and he knows he'll do anything to make her happy.
For now he doesn't offer, he asks, "Do ya have sumthin' in mind?"
She hates to ask and the truth is she wishes she and her husband could just be here alone, but she can't very well turn her back on her Daddy and her Uncle. She ventures, "Well, I don't know. We have a lot of land, do you think maybe we could build them a little place here? I could help."
He almost laughs at the notion, "I ain't makin' you help me build a house." Then he's the one to become somber, "I learned a lot buildin' this place so I know what it would take in terms of money and time." He takes her hand and gives it a squeeze, "Give me a week or two ta think about it all, draw up some kind of plan and see what I can figure."
She leans up and wrapping her arms around his neck tells him, "Thank you so much Daryl. I couldn't ask for a better husband. I'm so blessed."
He's feeling overwhelmed but the truth is he loves her, so he hugs her back and says, "Ya kiddin'? I'm the luckiest guy in the world."
She thought drinking would be so much fun but now there's a heaviness to the air. She tries to lighten the mood by asking, "Shouldn't we be having more fun? Everyone seemed to be having an awful lot of fun last Saturday. Do you know any good drinking games we could play?"
She's so damn cute he almost forgets everything they just talked about. Maybe the evening can still be saved. He takes a healthy swallow from the jar and asks, "Ya ever played strip poker?" He'd bet a million bucks he already knows the answer.
"Strip poker? I've never played poker of any kind, and do you mean we'd be playing cards and taking our clothes off?"
"Ya only gotta take your clothes off if ya lose Sweetheart. Only if ya lose." He doesn't care who wins or who loses, if he has anything to say about it they'll both be naked before long.
On the fourth Saturday after their wedding and as previously arranged, they take a drive to the home of the preacher and Miss Olivia. Her Daddy will be there and they'll visit and share a meal with everyone. They haven't seen or spoken to any of these folks since their wedding day.
The couple have already discussed Daryl's plan for building a small house, and decided that after dinner her husband will ask to speak to her Father privately. At that time he'll tell Hershel everything, and although Daryl's not at all excited about the prospect, he'll do his best to pretend he is.
They arrive at the preacher's home to the usual greetings and warm and friendly conversation. Everything is quite pleasant and yet Daryl feels certain there's something being kept from him and Beth. He senses it, yeah, something is going on.
He's worried now and hopeful no one is sick or hurt. He doesn't ask. It's not his place to just jump in with a lot of questions. These folks will share when they're ready to share.
They sit down to a nice meal of chicken and dumplings, which happens to be just what Beth prepared last evening. Of course, neither of them mentions that. Daryl also doesn't mention Beth's chicken and dumplings are the best he's ever tasted.
They've said grace and passed the bowls and platters of food around the table, and that's when her Daddy finally shares his news. He's all smiles when he tells them, "I have something to tell you." He looks at his daughter and says, "Now Bethie, don't you get yourself all teared up."
That's already got her nervous as her Daddy continues, "A year and a half ago I received an offer from Shawn. He asked me to come stay with him and his family down in Sonora. He promised plenty of warm, dry air and the sounds of children laughing." He smiles saying, "You brother said those things would be good for me."
Beth and Daryl share a look and she's about to mention their plan, but her Daddy goes on to say, "I told him I couldn't come because I had to look out for you, and I couldn't abandon my brother either. But if I'm telling the truth, I sure did think I'd like to go."
"It'd suit me real good to get back working a piece of land, my brother too. Shawn and them, they've got a big place with cattle, horses, chickens and goats. Not to mention my three little grandchildren who I have yet to meet." He pulls an envelope from his pocket and says, "Two days ago I got this from Shawn. He says in his letter he received word from you Bethie. He says you told him you were getting married. He wrote that now that you don't need me here to take care of you, I oughta reconsider and stay with them. He went so far as to send train tickets for me and your Uncle. That train leaves from Atlanta next Saturday afternoon and I plan to be on it."
She feels her heart as it breaks and she knows that if she cried enough her Daddy would agree to stay, and then what? Her already overworked husband has to build another house? How long will that take? And what kind of toll would it take on them all? She knows it would be selfish to ask her Daddy to stay.
Besides, the opportunity to live in peace on a working ranch is a Godsend for her Daddy. He and his brother could leave behind the poverty and substandard living conditions they've endured, and Daddy would finally see his grandchildren. She always imagined him as a grandpa playing with little ones and having summer picnics. That dream she had will come true for him on her brother's land.
Still she has to ask, "Are you sure that's what you want Daddy? You know you could stay with me and Daryl, why this very day he was going to offer to build a place for you on our land."
Hershel Greene shakes his head "no" and tells his daughter, "I'm not going to burden you and Daryl with so much, not when Shawn already has a place ready. He tells me it's real nice, the original caretaker's casita." He smiles proudly and says, "That means little house in Spanish. See? I'm already learning the language. Don't you worry now, it's the best thing for me and your Uncle."
Daryl is holding tight to her hand while the preacher and Miss Olivia agree with everything her Daddy has said. How can she argue? She agrees, "Alright Daddy, if that's what you think is best."
On their way home her husband has to pull off on the side of the road. She's crying hard and the deep sobbing sounds hurt his heart. He cuts the ignition and takes her in his arms, "Sweetheart, I know you're sad but we just gotta try'n think about what's best for your Daddy." Using his forefinger he tilts her chin so she's looking at him and like he always does, he tells her the truth of how he feels, "It's better for him and it's better for us, at least for now. Maybe someday he'll come home here, but for now? I'd like ya to myself for a couple years."
Daryl's borrowed Aaron's sedan, it will make a more comfortable ride for a group of four, and the following Saturday he and Beth pull up to the old shack that at one time was his wife's home. Her Daddy and his brother are standing at the ready, anxious to begin their journey. Each has nothing more than a small worn carpet bag. All of their worldly possessions are contained in those bags.
There's not a lot of chatter on the ride to the train station. No one wants to risk saying anything that will cause any emotions to rise up. They keep it to the mundane, the weather, the crops the local gossip.
They pull into the big terminal and Daryl carries the bags as they locate the correct train. It's going to be a long journey but the older men are looking forward to it as though they were embarking on an exotic adventure. Beth has packed them each a sack containing sandwiches, apples, cookies and a jar of tea, and before she knows what's happening the trainman is calling, "All aboard!"
She hugs her Daddy tightly for what she fears may be the last time, then she smiles and tells him words reminiscent of those he once spoke to her, "You remember you're a good man Daddy and you read the bible every day." Then she kisses her Father's cheek and says a last, "I love you Daddy."
She hugs her Uncle, Daryl shakes the hand of both men and when her Daddy says, "You take good care of my baby girl Daryl Dixon," he promises to always do just that.
By the time they return Aaron's car, pick up the panel truck and get home they're spent. Exhausted physically, but even more so emotionally. And they're hungry. She suggests, "We still have some deer roast from last night. Would sandwiches be okay?"
His wife has had a hard day and he really doesn't want her doing anything at all, and then an idea comes to him. He smiles and answers, "Whatever ya throw together is fine with me, don't go ta no trouble. A can of beans would do." He puts his arm around her waist when he asks, "How 'bout I build us a campfire? You can bundle up and we'll sit outside there and eat. Anytime I'm breathing outside air I feel better."
He always seems to know what she needs. She reaches up on tiptoes to kiss his cheek when she answers, "Thank you Daryl."
00
They've been married nearly a year now and they've received a bit of an unusual invitation. Dale and Erma Horvath have asked them to come by for tea and a late afternoon snack on Sunday. The time is set for 3pm, after the men of the house have eaten their meal.
Beth knows Erma's routine well. Sunday afternoons are her favorite time to sit in their private parlor, sip hot tea and read poetry. She doesn't question though, the invitation is thoughtful and it will be nice to visit with friends.
They can't help having some concerns though and on the drive to their former home Daryl and Beth discuss those concerns. Could something be wrong? Erma has had health issues but certainly nothing that seemed in any way life-threatening. Dale may not be as strong as he was at 30, but he's still getting along just fine.
As Daryl pulls the panel truck into the parking area two things immediately catch his eye, his brother's automobile and a brand new custom built Covered Wagon Camper Trailer. The Covered Wagon happens to be hitched to Dale Horvath's automobile.
Daryl's itching to hear the story behind this and soon after they enter the boarding house they're escorted to Horvath's private parlor. Merle stands to greet his brother and sister in law, and Beth has to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Never has she seen anything that compares to the sight of Merle Dixon balancing a delicate cup and saucer in his big calloused hands.
Beth offers to help serve but Erma insists on pouring the tea. The coffee table holds a platter of dainty tea sandwiches, another of sliced fresh fruit and cheese, and a third with fancy cookies. Something is most definitely afoot.
It's as they sip their tea that Daryl and Beth learn of the talking and planning that has been occurring behind their backs. It's Dale Horvath who begins the conversation, "Ever since Erma and I got our first automobile we've dreamed of taking a drive across this great country of ours. About two months ago when I woke up complaining of a catch in my low back and Erma was suffering from swollen and arthritic hands, I looked at my Dear One and said, 'It's now or never. If we wait, we're going to be too old."
He looks happy and satisfied with himself as he continues his story, "We had a talk and we agreed the time had come, but we also agreed we weren't ready to give up and sell the boarding house. We got busy on plan. I ordered the Covered Wagon and we talked to Merle and Carol. We asked them to consider giving up their apartment, moving themselves and Sophia here and running the house for us while we're gone."
"No…kiddin'?" Daryl caught himself just in time, just before "no shit" came out, right in front of the ladies.
"Nope, no kidding to it. They've been trying to save for a house and living here will make that all the more possible. No rent, no groceries, no power bills. All they have to do is do what we've always done. Carol will even have young Sophia to help and that little lady is quite the hand."
Merle jumps in to explain further, "We'll keep the living quarters a lot more private with my daughter here. I'll be closing off where you enter from the back hallway and into your old room Beth, and from the kitchen to the living quarters. Everything will lock up tight. I ain't worried about anyone here now, but ya never know what's coming down the line."
Daryl nods in agreement, if anyone would know who and what to lookout for it would be his brother.
Daryl and Beth are stunned by all the news but not at all unhappy. Of course they'll miss Dale and Erma but what a wonderful opportunity for the couple to live their dream, and what a stroke of luck for Merle and Carol. Merle will be able to sock away every dime he would have paid in rent and groceries for a year. That will make a hefty down payment.
They all go out to the parking lot and admire the new Covered Wagon. Daryl's seen a couple of Model T's customized into small campers but never have any of them seen the likes of this fancy home on wheels. There's a bed and cabinets, a kitchen table and even a small ice box and an alcohol stove.
Beth hugs Erma and remarks, "You have all the comforts of home, it will be such an enjoyable way to travel." Then asks, "When do you plan to set out?"
The answer is sooner than she was ready to hear. Erma replies, "Next week. Dale's been bent over the map for the last month planning our route"
What she says next surprises and delights Beth, "And my sweet Girl, I have a gift for you."
"Miss Erma no, you shouldn't be giving me gifts."
Erma corrects her, "I certainly should if I want to, and what I want is for you to have and enjoy my sewing machine. Just like with the piano, I've come to terms with the cruel fact I will never be putting it to good use again. I know you will and that's what I want. I also have a big box of fabric and another of sewing notions for you."
The couple is still stunned when they arrive home. Daryl carries the machine in and sets it on their dresser, then the boxes of fabric and notions. He promises, "Next week I 'll get ya a table built for that. "
Beth knew there was no way tea sandwiches stood a chance of satisfying her husband's hunger and she's prepared. There's cold fried chicken, potato salad and Jell-o with fruit waiting for them. As soon as he says the blessing Daryl asks her, "So I guess ya changed your mind about tellin' everyone today, huh?"
Beth smiles and shrugs, "It just didn't feel right. This was a big day for Erma and Dale and I wanted it to be theirs. Now they can go off on their trip and enjoy themselves. I'll send a general delivery letter in care of the post office in Jackson, Mississippi. When they get there, our news will be waiting."
"Whatever you think is best Sweetheart."
As he relishes his food he watches her and thinks of the day she told him the news. It was a Friday night and the end of a real tough work week. They were sitting outside by the campfire. He was enjoying a beer while she sipped at a pink lemonade and her head rested on his shoulder.
They were quiet, just staring into the flames and enjoying each other's company when she softly said, "Daryl?"
"Yeah Sweetheart?"
Then she lifted her head and they looked in each other's eyes and he knew what she was going to tell him. He smiled, "You're gonna have a baby?"
Her mouth dropped open and she socked him softly in the shoulder when she quizzed, "I haven't told a soul, how in the world did you guess?"
He kissed her forehead, shrugged and answered, "You're my wife Beth. We live in the same house, sleep in the same bed and we make love regular. I probably know your cycle better'n you do." He hugs her close and adds, "I been waitin' for ya ta say sumthin' for couple weeks. I figured ya would when you was sure." He kisses her again and smiles, "When ya lost your breakfast this mornin' I lost any doubt I had."
Now over their fried chicken dinner they get excited all over again, and they talk about the same plans they've talked about nearly every day since they've known.
What they know is, they don't want their baby sleeping all alone in the spare room. Daryl's already drawn a rough plan and he'll be building the little one a bed. Their baby is going to be sleeping in their room for quite some time to come.
He says he doesn't care if it's a boy or a girl as long as the baby is strong and healthy, she agrees. They discuss names. For boys he likes simple names, Bart, Ted. Martin, Don. Beth likes biblical names, John, James, Paul, Matthew.
For girl's names he wants Elizabeth or any of the associated versions, Beth, Betsey, Betty, Liz. She doesn't want her name, she prefers Ruth, Lenore, Katherine, Mary.
What they finally decide is if it's a boy Daryl will name him, if it's a girl Beth will name her.
Throughout the pregnancy her husband watches over her like a hawk. He makes sure she eats right, drinks her milk and doesn't work too hard. Never does he leave for work in the morning without kissing her and saying, "I love ya, take a nap after lunch." And except for some morning sickness during the first few weeks her pregnancy is an easy one.
A week before the baby's due Miss Olivia comes to stay. Daryl's grateful she'll be there to help Beth with childbirth, but he's anxious about having someone in their home. He's still selfish of his time with his wife.
Still the spare room is ready and he's not going to complain. These are good people and they're blessed to have them in their lives. Miss Olivia does everything for them and he finds it a bit embarrassing having a woman besides his wife greeting him with coffee in the morning and packing his lunch, but he couldn't be more grateful.
It happens on a Monday an hour before he's due to arrive home from work. Beth's sitting in her chair sewing tiny bows on tiny sleepers. She's been uncomfortable all day and when she stands to walk to the bathroom, for what she is certain is the millionth time that day, it happens. Her water breaks.
By the time Daryl walks in the door both the mess and Beth are cleaned up, and his wife is now in their bed. He stays with her as long as Miss Olivia will allow, even refusing to go to the kitchen and eat his dinner. Finally at midnight the woman tells him, "You leave the room now Daryl. It's going to be very soon."
He stays right there, just outside the bedroom door. He paces and he prays and he imagines every terrible thing that could go wrong. Then he hears a tiny squal and his shoulders slump in relief. He can't wait another minute. He opens the door and Miss Olivia scolds, "No, not yet Daryl. Go on out while I clean Beth up."
"Nah, I ain't leavin' her and our baby no more tonight. I'll help ya clean Beth up," the woman is taken aback as he does what she never thought she'd see any man do.
There's something else on Miss Olivia's mind and she can't let it go another minute. The man hasn't eaten and that's just not right. She tucks the baby in the crook of it's Mama's arm and says, "Daryl Dixon you are a stubborn man." Then she smiles and says, "And a very good man. I guess you'll eat in here tonight. I'll go get you a big bowl of stew and some biscuits. You just stay where you are."
For once he agrees, "Yes Ma'am, and thanks for everythin'."
As soon as the woman is through the door he's leaning in and kissing his wife. She's so tired and he tells her, "Sleep Beth, while the baby's sleeping you should sleep too."
"You still have to give him his name Daryl."
He smiles, "Alright, I think it's a good one you and me are both gonna like, John Lee Dixon."
She smiles and looks at their little boy, "Johnny Dixon. That's a wonderful name."
Five Years Later
It's a warm summer day and they're at the pond. Their little two-year old girl, Mary-Beth, is laying on a blanket in the grass, sound asleep. Her Mama's old umbrella shading her from the sun. Daryl has just finished helping Johnny rig his new fishing pole and he tells the boy, "You're gettin' real good at this stuff son. Now ya wait here while I take care of Mama, then I'ma help with that castin'. You're gettin, real good at that too. Pretty soon ya won't need Daddy's help no more."
"You can help Mary-Beth Daddy, she'll still need ya," and his Daddy smiles in agreement.
Daryl turns to his wife and he's still smiling. She's wearing that old yellow dress he loves so much. Her rounding tummy is straining against the buttons at the waist a little. It's a look he loves. It means their baby's growing. He places his open hand softly on her tummy, smiles and tells her how pretty she looks, just like he tells her every day.
She thinks he's the one who looks good. He's wearing his overalls and a dark shirt, but one hot day he cut the sleeves off that shirt and the sight of his bare arms still takes her breath away.
She smiles at him and tells him she doesn't want to touch the worm, it's so slimy. She asks him if he'll bait the hook for her. Although he teases her he smiles while he does as she asks, telling her, "Sweetheart, I hope ta be baitin' your hooks for the rest of my life."
The End
A/N Thank you so much to everyone who read the story and a special shout out to those who commented - I see you whether those reviews are signed or from my special guests. I appreciate the follows and the favors, the kudos and the bookmarks. You guys are the reason I keep writing. The final chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please check it out. Give me two or three weeks to regroup and I'll be back with a new Bethyl multi chap story. Until then please stay safe and remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee