A/N Thank you all so much! Are you ready for a cartoon movie date? I am. We're going to see a little tension between our couple in the beginning, then a little growing closeness, and Mick will do what she does. Yep, there's an extension to this invitation and we will get out first glimpse of Daryl and Mick's home :) I hope you enjoy!

00

This time Beth was quick to let him off the hook. "That's so nice of you to say Mick. I was just thinking how pretty you look, and happy. I'm excited to watch cartoons with you and your Daddy."

She was so genuine, so sweet and kind. He knew what she was doing, trying to get him off the hook. He wanted to let her know how he felt, but those things just seemed to come so hard for him. Still, Daryl set his mind to it and managed to tell her, "Ya look real nice Beth. Ya ready?"

"Yes, let me just get my handbag."

It was like him to take in his surroundings but instead he watched her. Thinking as he did, she got prettier every time he saw her. It all seemed to come so natural to Beth. She wasn't all done up like one of those Hollywood types. She wore a little makeup but not too much. Some color on her lips and a little something to darken her lashes.

His favorite was the way she wore her hair in that ponytail, especially when stray curls escaped the band and framed her pretty face.

She wore the same pink pants he'd seen her in at the library, but today she didn't have on the white blouse. It was white, but this one had little pink polka dots on it. She wore the slip-on white leather shoes, and she picked up a thin white sweater from the back of the sofa, laying it across her arm. She smiled and shrugged, "Sometimes it's a little chilly in the movie house."

If he was more like his brother he would have taken that chance to promise her he'd keep her warm. But he wasn't Merle, not even close. Still, keeping her warm was something he'd like to do.

They walked down the three steps to the sidewalk where she took one look at the black 1948 Ford pickup parked at the curb, and exclaimed, "Oh my is that yours?"

He took that to mean she didn't like it. He felt a little angry and disappointed, but he tried to tamp that down. He didn't want to screw this up with her, and besides, Mick was there. He bit his tongue and only said, "Sorry, it's all I got. It's my work truck."

He was glad he hadn't said more when she smiled, "Don't be sorry. My goodness, it's so shiny. We always had a truck or two on the farm, but none of them ever shined that way. It's quite beautiful really."

Before he could respond Mick asked, "Do ya have a farm Beth?"

"No, my Daddy did. He's gone now and so's the farm. But I lived there most of my life, until just over a year ago."

Daryl thought that if he ever got to spend more time with her, he'd like to hear more about her life growing up on a farm. For now he knew something else, her Daddy was gone. He wondered if she had a man, a brother or someone else looking out for her.

He lifted Mick up on the seat of the tall pickup and gave Beth a hand getting in before walking around to the driver's side. She smiled when she saw the interior was every bit as shiny as the exterior, it was obvious he cared for his things. She knew he cared for his people too, she witnessed that every time she saw him with Mick.

He cranked the ignition, reached for the big wood knob on the gear shift, and when he looked over at her and gave her that tiny smile she was sure she felt her heart beat a little faster. He looked away and down at Mick when he said, "Alright cartoons, ya better get ready cuz here comes Mick!" And the little girl giggled so happily.

They got to the Bijou and when he came around to help her from the truck she got a little thrill. He put his big strong hands around her waist and rather than just help her down, he lifted her down. Beth was still standing there grinning as she watched him help his daughter down.

He reached to take Mick's hand and the little girl took hold of his. Then, with her free hand she reached for Beth's. It was a pleasant surprise and Beth was touched. The little girl stood between the two adults, smiling first at her Daddy, then at Beth.

The three made their way to the theater with Mick skipping happily between her Daddy and the pretty blonde, and Daryl and Beth's reactions seemed to be synchronized. They both looked down at the smiling child, then over her and at each other, smiled shyly and quickly turned their eyes away.

Beth still didn't think of it as a real date. It was more of an accident the way it all happened. That's the reason why, when they got to the ticket window she quickly reached in her handbag for her coin purse, took out a quarter and handed it to him. She smiled when she said, "Here Daryl, this is for my ticket."

He was frowning when he shook his head no. He looked at the young man in the booth and said, "One child, two adults please," and paid the sixty-five cents.

She wasn't aware she'd offended him, and again she offered to pay for something, "Okay, I can buy the popcorn."

He didn't want to be mean and he didn't want to upset her or Mick, but he had something he needed to clear up. When they'd walked away from the ticket booth he stopped and looked at her, willing his tone to be calm, "We invited ya ta come along, that means I pay. I ain't broke or nuthin'. I got money."

She would never intentionally insult him but now she realized that was just what she'd done. She wasn't sure how to make things right and she certainly didn't want to make the situation any worse. Especially not with Mick standing right there between them. "Oh, it's not that I ever doubted you had the money. I was just trying to be fair and split the cost with you."

He nodded, "Yeah? Well I don't know 'bout other guys, but when you're with me, I pay."

She felt like she should have known he was that kind of guy, a little prideful, but not in such a bad way. For now she was simply relieved they'd made it through the 'who does and doesn't pay discussion' without any big falling out. Everything seemed just fine when he turned to Mick and asked, "Ya ready ta get your treats?"

The little girl had been watching them, aware something wasn't quite right but with no idea what it could be. She was also five years old and mostly thinking about candy and cartoons. She quickly got back in that mode. "Yes Daddy. Can I have popcorn n lemonade, pretty please with a cherry on top?" And as soon as her Daddy said yes, she added, "And some a them Necco Wafers too?"

He looked at his daughter and shook his head, "Ya think cuz we brung a guest you can try'n push it, huh?"

Mick grinned up at him and shrugged her little shoulders.

"Alright, but ya can't eat all the candy, no more'n half the roll. K?"

"Yes Daddy, I'ma only eat half, you'll see I do."

He turned to her then and asked, "What would ya like Beth? Ya just say whatever it is."

She didn't want to offend him again and the fact was, she was starving. She didn't hold back, "I think I'd like just what Mick ordered except, instead of Necco Wafers can I have a Peppermint Patty please?"

"Yeah, whatever ya want. If the two of ya wanna wait here, I'll go ta the concession counter." He started to turn, then turned back, "Just keep ahold a Mick's hand while I'm gone, k?"

"Yes, of course." She was aware then just how protective he was of the little girl. She also realized he was putting his trust in her to care for Mick. Even though it was only for a minute, Beth knew it was something big.

While they waited for him Mick was chattering away about all the cartoons they were going to see, and her excitement was contagious. Beth found herself becoming almost as excited as the little girl. She realized it had been a long time since she spent a day just having fun.

She also found herself wondering just what kind of movie treats a man like Daryl would choose for himself, and as she did here he came.

He had two cardboard boxes full of goodies, one in each hand. He said to Beth, "If you can keep ahold a Mick's hand for me, I'll carry these and follow behind ya."

"Of course," and she looked at the little girl and said what was in her heart, "I love to hold your hand Mick."

Mick smiled and said, "You're a nice girl Beth. I love ta hold yer hand too."

The brief exchange between the pretty blonde and his little girl had Daryl feeling something he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was kind of like his heart had swelled up a little.

She stopped at a row of seats in the middle of the theater, turned to him and asked, "Is this alright?"

He nodded, "Yeah, perfect, I like ta sit on the end, k?"

"Sure." She moved in three seats and sat down, Mick bouncing happily into her seat between them while her Daddy eased into his.

He reached across Mick, handing Beth one of the boxes, "That one's all the snacks. I'll keep hold a the drinks till ya get settled."

She glanced at the contents, three small boxes of popcorn, her Peppermint Patty, Mick's Necco Wafers, a box of Milk Duds, one of Junior Mints and a Hershey Bar. She tried to suppress her grin, Mick wasn't the only one in the family with a sweet tooth.

When all the goodies had been distributed he looked at her and then Mick, and Beth saw that faint smile when he asked, "Everyone ready for some fun?"

Mick was practically jumping up and down in her seat, "Yes Daddy, thanks for bringin' me, yer the best Daddy in the whole world."

For the first time Beth saw a truly big smile spread across his face when he told Mick, "That's cuz yer the best girl in the whole world."

The little exchange almost made Beth emotional, and he hadn't forgotten her, "What about you Beth, ya excited for cartoons?"

She thought maybe he didn't think she really was, so she tried to sound as enthusiastic as she could without sounding just plain silly, "I really am Daryl. Thank you for asking me to come along Mick, and thank you for agreeing Daryl."

Shit, she still thought he only wanted her there because of Mick? He didn't want her thinking that, he had to let her know better. He swallowed his nerves and said, "Wasn't just Mick. I wanted ya here too Beth."

Just as they were sharing a look the theater lights came down.

The atmosphere was fun and festive with children and adults all laughing as they watched cartoon after cartoon and snacked on treats.

At intermission Mick announced, "I needa go ta the bathroom Daddy."

"K, c'mon I'll take ya."

Beth stepped in, "I'd be happy to take her to the ladies room Daryl."

He was grateful, he hated taking his daughter in the men's room but that was always his only choice. He damn sure wasn't about to let her go alone. "Um yeah, if you're sure."

"Yes, it's no problem."

He nodded but looked at Mick and instructed, "Ya be good and do like Beth says k?"

"Yes Daddy."

After they'd done what they came to do, Beth hooked Mick's overall straps and they began washing their hands. Mick looked up at her with a child's innocence and asked, "Do you love my Daddy, Beth?"

Beth was at a loss for words. Oh my gosh. The truth was, she was pretty crazy about Daryl, but she didn't think she loved him. Not yet. Even if she did, she'd want him to say those words to her first. If he did, then she'd want to say it back to him before she ever told anyone else her feelings.

She didn't go into all that with Mick. She simply smiled and told the little girl, "I think your Daddy is a wonderful man." That seemed to satisfy the child. Beth took her hand and they walked back to the theater.

Daryl was watching for them and as they approached, he stood and stepped out of the aisle to let them in their seats. No sooner had they sat down than Mick patted her Daddy's hand and said, "Beth thinks you're a wunnerful man Daddy. I do too."

Beth was sure she was going to die right there on the spot. Her face was so hot it hurt and she wished she hadn't drunk all her lemonade. She could sure use a swallow of it. She didn't want to look at him, but it was like her eyes were just drawn that way. He was smiling but he looked embarrassed, just like her.

The words were more than he'd ever really dared to hope for, it's just that the timing was off. He'd hoped he would be the one to tell her something sweet first. Then to hear it from Mick, that was just plain strange. The more he thought about it though, the more he convinced himself, the way he wished it was probably wasn't the way Beth meant it at all.

Yeah, that had to be it. Mick put some kind of words in her mouth. His girl seemed determined the three of them should spend time together, she probably just misunderstood something or got something wrong. Yeah, that must be it.

Still he looked at the pretty blonde and he did his best to smile. She looked so embarrassed and he wanted to say something, but he had no idea what. Then the lights came down and he felt like he'd been saved.

It was just a few minutes later that Mick slipped out of her seat and stood in front of him rubbing her eyes. Beth heard him whisper, "Ya sleepy?" The little girl nodded and he reached under her arms, pulling her into his lap.

He had his daughter cradled in the nook of his right arm when he looked at the empty seat next to him, then at Beth. It felt wrong. He titled his head to the right, indicating she should move over. She couldn't believe he wanted her to, but she didn't hesitate. She moved into what had been Mick's seat.

She was thrilled he'd want her there, but she tried not to think of it as being anything too significant. Especially since, once she moved he mostly seemed focused on cartoons and running a hand softly over his little girl's head.

That was the way it was until almost the end of the show. Then it seemed to come out of nowhere, and it was over as suddenly as it had begun. He reached his hand over, took hold of hers and gave it a little squeeze, smiled at her, let go of her hand and quickly turned away.

As the credits played and the audience applauded Mick came back to life. She rubbed her face on her Daddy's shoulder then got practically nose to nose with him as she patted her small hands on his checks. He smiled and she kissed him on the lips and said, "Hi Daddy."

He pulled her close and said, "Hey little girl, ya ready ta get home now?"

As they walked from the theater it happened naturally. He and Beth both reached for Mick's hands. Mick was now wide awake and she skipped happily between them. They walked across the lot toward the big pickup and it was then Beth's tummy let out what she was sure was the loudest growl in all of history.

For what seemed like the millionth time that day she just wanted to die.

Certain she was embarrassed yet again, Daryl was doing his best to pretend he didn't hear it. But Mick wasn't letting it go quite that easy. "Are ya hungry Beth?" She asked.

Her Daddy began to correct her, "Mick…"

Beth had resigned herself to it, she interrupted him, "It's fine Daryl. Yes Mick, I guess I am."

"Daddy made sketti last night and tonight we getta have it again. You should come over n have some too."

The only thing running through Beth's head was, "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, now what?"

He was tired of seeing her embarrassed, he had to step up and save them all, so he asked her himself, "We got plenty for everyone. You're welcome ta share with us Beth." Then he caught himself, there was a better way, "I'd like ta have ya if you'd come."

It wasn't exactly a romantic invitation; on the other hand she was sure it was a very big deal for him to ask at all. There was also the fact she really wanted to spend more time with him and with Mick. She wanted to learn as much about them as she could. What better way than to see how they lived.

Besides, she was starving and spaghetti seemed so exotic. It wasn't something they ever ate on the farm, "Thank you, it sounds delicious." Then she added a little something extra, a little bit of truth, "I'd like to spend more time with both of you."

All the way home his head was spinning. Shit, what would she think when she saw where their house was? What about when she saw inside? It was clean and they had all the stuff folks need to have, but he was fully aware, it was what most people would call a very humble home. He was pretty sure she'd probably never been in one more modest.

Maybe it was for the best though. She'd see the truth about who he was and what little he had, and before they got too far along in whatever these feelings between them were, she could back out.

As they pulled off the highway and behind the service station he was already apologizing, "Sorry, it ain't a real neighborhood or nuthin'. The house is around back here."

It seemed strange to her that although they'd just left the highway the house seemed like it was remote, as if it were miles from town or anywhere else. It was also like someone had deliberately tried to hide the fact there was a house there at all. It was surrounded by tall bushes and there were trees she was sure had been there for decades.

She was taking it all in as they pulled up in front. The house itself was old, she'd guess it had been built around the turn of the century. Age didn't really matter though, Beth thought it was charming.

The cottage style home was like something from a picture book. It was small with a pitched roof and a dormer window. She'd bet the dormer was added because the attic had been converted to a bedroom. It wasn't uncommon in small older homes.

The house was painted a sunshiney yellow with white and gray trim. There were gray window shudders and a small front porch Beth was sure could hold no more than two chairs.

He must have noticed how she was staring at it, and he seemed a little apologetic when he said, "I's gonna paint the place white but Mick wanted yellow. I lost a bet with her and she got her way."

Beth smiled at him and then spoke to the little girl, "I like the yellow too Mick. What did you bet your Daddy?"

The child was so proud of herself and talking a mile a minute when she answered, "We watched a Popeye cartoon at Uncle Merle's, and Daddy said he bet I couldn't eat a whole can a spinach like Popeye did. I said what's a bet? He s'plained it to me. He said if I won he'd paint the house yellow like I wanted. Then him and Uncle Merle just laughed. I showed em though, I ate that whole can. I hated every bite too. I even throwed it up when I's done. But I won the bet."

Daryl looked at Beth, shrugged and said, "I got no idea where she gets that stubborn streak."

Beth was sure she knew; she could tell by the look on his face. She just couldn't help herself, she was laughing out loud when she said to the little girl, "I hate spinach too."

By now Daryl was laughing along with them, "Yeah? I don't like it much either, but it's good for kids, ain't it?"

"I suppose it is, but I know I cried a few times when Mama made me eat it. Maybe if we could have bet on it I wouldn't have fought so hard. The farmhouse would have been painted pink."

The talk and the laughter had eased a lot of nerves and tension. Things seemed so much more relaxed this time when he helped her from the truck. His strong hands grasped her waist and it seemed he hesitated for just a moment. Then he lifted her down and paused long enough for them to look in each other's eyes, and smile just a little.

He opened the front door and they stepped right into the living area. The room was small and what he owned filled it all. She looked around, anxious to see how the pair lived. His furniture was from an earlier time, big and heavy looking. The backs and arms of the sofa were wide and rounded, and the upholstery reminded her of an old tapestry. It was a bit faded and it showed a little wear, but there were no tears or fraying, and it looked clean and comfortable.

There was one chair that matched the sofa and had a footstool, and an old leather chair. Just like the sofa both were well-worn but still in good shape. There were two lamp tables, and then she saw her favorite piece. It was what she was sure was Mick's chair. It was smaller, wooden and there was a little yellow seat cushion.

There was a potbelly stove in one corner, a bookcase along the wall and an old upright piano on the far wall. Daryl got busy apologizing for it all, "I know it ain't much."

"What? That's not true. It's very nice and it feels so cozy, like a home should feel. I love it."

As nice as that sounded to him he couldn't believe it was true. She was just being nice because she was a good person.

He was wrong, she already thought it was the perfect little home.

Mick was tugging at her hand as she pointed to the small wood chair, "This is my chair Beth, ain't it a good one? Daddy made it just for me."

"It's the prettiest chair I've ever seen, you're such a lucky girl Mick."

He looked a little uncomfortable again when he said, "You can go on an sit down if ya want. Or we can go sit in back and have sumthin' ta drink. We got the usual drinks, water, coffee, sweet tea and beer."

She wanted to laugh, beer was definitely not the usual on her Daddy's farm. No alcohol allowed. "I think I've had enough of sweet drinks for today, but water sounds really good. I can help."

"Nah, that's okay. Ya mind if I drink a beer?"

"No, not at all."

Mick still had a hold of Beth's hand when she excitedly asked, "Can I show Beth my room Daddy? Please? Then we can go outside? Please Daddy? Please?"

"Michele Marie, I swear there's no end to ya. Beth don't wanna see your room."

Michele Marie. She wasn't just "Mick" and Beth adored her name. She smiled at Daryl and promised, "It's fine, I'd love to see Mick's room, really."

Mick was hopping up and down as she said, "C'mon, I'll show ya. You're gonna like it. I know ya will."

As they climbed the narrow wood staircase Beth knew, it was Mick's room that had been built in the attic. There was a little landing at the top of the stairs and a white door that lead to Mick's room. It was small with flooring and walls of wood tongue and groove. The floor was painted white, but the walls were painted yellow. It was just a little paler shade than the house.

There was also an old metal ceiling fan slowly spinning to help circulate the air, and the dormer let in lots of sunlight. It was open to allow fresh air in on this warm day and Beth noticed the safety bars. Mister Dixon was a cautious man when it came to his daughter.

The pitch of the roof, the braided area rug and the small rocking chair all added to the room's cozy country feel.

Mick's bed was Beth's favorite thing in the room. It was small, intended for a child. The bed frame was iron, painted white and the bed was covered in a beautiful old quilt. A second quilt lay folded at the foot of the bed and there were comfortable looking bed pillows and a little stuffed teddy bear.

Mick sat herself on the edge, bouncing up and down a little as she rubbed her hand along the quilt and told Beth, "My Daddy got this just for me, ain't it pretty? He says it's ta keep me warm all night long."

"It's beautiful Mick. You have two beautiful quilts and I bet you're nice and warm in the winter."

The little girl patted a spot next to her and loudly whispered, "If ya sit down I'll tell ya a secret."

Beth sat close and Mick confessed, "Sometimes if I get a bad dream, or when it's stormin' n there's that thunder n lightenin', I sneak downstairs and crawl in bed with my Daddy."

Beth whispered back just as loudly, "Guess what Mick? I used to do the same thing when I was little. When I got scared I'd sneak in bed with my Mama and Daddy."

"Really?"

"Really. I felt much safer."

Then the little girl said, "I don't got a Mama. Daddy said she's a beautiful angel who lives in heaven now."

Beth had wondered where Mick's Mama was. The little girl's words answered her question and made her feel so sad. She wrapped her arms around Mick, kissed the top of her head and told the little girl, "I'm sure your Mama's a very beautiful angel Mick. My Mama's an angel now too."

That's when Beth felt it, there were eyes on her. She turned her head and sure enough, there was Daryl leaning against the doorjamb, lips pursed as he chewed on his lower lip, watching them. He straightened up, cleared his throat and said, "I thought the two a ya were lost or sumthin'. Ya comin' back down at all?"

Mick started giggling, "Yer so silly Daddy."

The little girl jumped up and scampered down the stairs, but her Daddy waited on the small landing for Beth. She stopped in the doorway and they shared a tender look as, without thinking, Daryl raised up a hand to gently touch the side of her face, feeling the silkiness of a curl that had come lose from the band. He smiled shyly but didn't turn away as his hand moved to softly caress her cheek.

The spell was broken when Mick called up, "Ya comin' or what?"

He smiled and held his open hand out, indicating Beth should go ahead of him.

00

A/N Phew! So far so good. Our couple is growing closer, and now we know Mick is Michele Marie. I hope you'll leave a comment / review. The chap photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, and you'll get to see the house and Mick's room. Next Friday we're picking right up where we left off and I hope to see you back. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee