A/N Thank you all so much. I'm happy you're enjoying the movie date and there's more to come this chapter. We'll also see Daryl fall into his self-doubt trap, and Beth...Beth...well you'll see. Enjoy!

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It felt warm and loving when he touched her cheek so tenderly and looked in her eyes the way he did. No one had ever looked at her quite like Daryl. She thought for sure he was going to kiss her, but as soon as the thought occurred to her Mick called to them from downstairs.

Even though they'd done nothing wrong, it was all completely innocent, she felt a little guilty and embarrassed. When he smiled awkwardly, drew his hand from her cheek and indicated she should take the stairs ahead of him, she wasted no time hurrying down.

They walked through the kitchen toward the backdoor and she took in everything she could about the room. It was small, and like the living room every inch of space was being utilized. There was a big freestanding gas range with a shelf above it that held salt, pepper, a windup timer, a can for grease and a small crock filled with a variety of kitchen utensils. The refrigerator stood a few inches to the side and it seemed huge. She could see the freezer compartment was on top and she liked that, it was easier for defrosting.

In the center of the room was a small square dining table of painted wood with an oiled cheesecloth table cover. There were two normal size chairs, also of painted wood, and one taller wooden chair. It was painted yellow and the height and color told her it was Mick's.

The thing that most grabbed her attention was the big old fashion green porcelain sink on metal legs. There was a half shelf below it that held the dish soap, dishpan and a stack of towels, and next to the shelf was a wastebasket. A pretty little window above the sink looked out to trees, and next to the window hung a clock and towel ring.

There was a metal cabinet next to the sink, it was old but in excellent condition, from a time before folks started having their cupboards built-in. The freestanding cabinet had drawers and shelves below, an open counter, and additional cabinets above. To the other side of the sink was something that looked more like a big work table than a kitchen counter.

A rack of carving knives, including a cleaver, hung above it along with a dispenser for rolls of wax paper, butcher paper and aluminum foil. Below was a shelf that held pots and pans, a good size meat mallet and a couple of cutting boards. It reminded her of a butcher's table and she wondered if he cut and wrapped his own meat.

There was a pair of big crocks on the floor next to it. They looked to be at least a hundred years old. The larger one held potatoes and the smaller one white onions.

At a time when everyone seemed so interested in hiding their kitchen wares behind cupboard doors, his things were all right out in the open. It was obvious Daryl cared less about home fashion. But everything was clean and tidy, and the thing that surprised her was how much she liked it all. It just seemed to make sense. She wouldn't mind spending her time cooking in a kitchen like his.

She caught herself then, already imagining herself in his kitchen. She scolded, Beth, you're thinking way too far ahead.

He touched her shoulder for what seemed only a second as he reached in front of her to open the backdoor. "I left the drinks out here."

They stepped out to the back porch that ran the width of the house, but was unusually deep making it seem extra large for such a small house. Half of it had been turned into a mud and storage room, with the door open she saw inside the room. She also saw "it" hanging on the wall, a huge weapon. It was not a conventional bow, it was some kind of modern version of a medieval crossbow. She didn't mean to, but she let out a gasp at the sight of it.

He must have read her mind, "It's for huntin'. Mostly I like ta get my own meat, deer, elk, smaller animals too. Does that bother ya?"

She breathed in and said, "No, it's just I never knew anyone to hunt with something that looks so, well so deadly."

That made him laugh, "Sorry. I know ya didn't mean ta be funny, but ain't that the point a huntin'? Ta kill sumthin' so ya can bring home food for the family?"

Then she was laughing too, and she told him, "Yes it sure does." And for some reason she also added, "I like venison much better than beef."

"Really?"

"Yes, my Daddy always got a deer or two and I preferred it."

Not that he expected they'd be enjoying a deer steak together anytime soon, but he was happy to hear she liked it. In case…well just in case.

She also saw a washing machine in the small room, a large tricycle for Mick, a tall but quite slim metal gun safe, and mounted on the wall was a rack of pole holders that held four fishing poles. She smiled, "And I see you like to fish."

"Yeah I do. I like just about anythin' a person can do outside. Me n my brother are takin' Mick out fishin' tomorrow mornin'. You'll see us at the diner real early, when it opens. Mick can't go nowhere on Sunday til she has her weekly pancake."

"She only gets pancakes on Sunday?"

"Yeah well, sometimes we have em for dinner when I end up with a long day. Trouble is, that's all she'd ever eat if I let her. Most a the time for breakfast she gets grits and some stewed fruit. She don't love it, but she eats it." Then he smiled, "'Cept when I feel like bein' mean, then I make her eat an egg." Beth had no trouble believing the little girl and her Daddy had their share of stubborn standoffs.

The porch was obviously used year-round, there were real windows and on this still warm summer afternoon, twin ceiling fans were slowly turning overhead. She appreciated the bit of cooling breeze they provided. She also spotted the kerosene heater in the corner, ready for when winter came.

Through the big open windows she saw Mick was already out back. The little girl was on a tire swing that hung from the big tree branch, and Mick smiled and waved at them as she built up momentum.

Beth couldn't help but feel it was all so idyllic, exactly how life was supposed to be. It was about family, warm and simple and loving. She caught herself again, stop that Beth. You don't live here.

He was watching her and wishing it could have happened. He'd come so close. He wanted to kiss her and he just about had himself talked into taking the chance. Then Mick called from downstairs. That girl he thought, first she gets me a date and then she messes up my chance at a kiss.

There was more to think about, Beth was in his house. She'd been invited and she agreed to come. She could have backed out. She could have said she had plans, but she didn't.

As happy as that made him he was also a wreck. He was worried over everything. Had she just come to make Mick happy? What did she think of the place? It had always been okay for him and his daughter, but he knew by most folk's standards it wasn't much.

He tried reminding himself of what the place used to be. He'd damn near rebuilt the thing, and he'd done it right. Him and Mick had always been happy in the little house, and he thought he did a good job of keeping it clean and such.

He'd watched her and he knew she checked out the kitchen, just like he'd seen her check out the living room. He knew none of it was modern, and it damn sure wasn't fancy, but he wondered if she'd at least think it was alright. He hadn't noticed her frowning or anything. Yeah but then, that wouldn't be her way. Like Mick kept saying, Beth was nice.

Still his head kept telling him the same thing, it wasn't quite good enough. Beth was special, the kind of woman who deserved so much better.

His mug of beer and her glass of water sat atop the wood picnic table, he looked at her and invited, "Go on an sit Beth. Mick's got herself entertained for a while." He pulled out the bench a little and she slid in, hoping he planned to sit next to her.

She was disappointed when instead he sat across from her, but then again, she did get to look at his handsome face without having it seem like she was staring.

His hands were folded and resting on the table, he sounded a little apologetic when he asked her, "I don't s'pose goin' ta see a buncha cartoons is exactly your idea of a big time, is it now?"

She smiled and even laughed a little, "Are you kidding me? I haven't had this much fun on a Saturday or any other day since…well I honestly can't remember when. It wasn't just watching the cartoons and enjoying them myself, it was watching Mick. The way she laughed and clapped and got so excited, that just made it even more fun and more special. She's quite the little girl."

She looked out toward the big backyard where the child was still happily swinging and said, "You have a lovely yard, and so big. I can't believe you fenced it all in."

"I didn't, not really. I mean I fixed a lot of the fencin', but it was already in when I took the place. It was a mess, bad. The house, the yard, the fence. All of it needed fixin'. I woulda tore the fence down, that was my plan, but when Mick came along I figured it might be a good idea ta keep a fence around the place."

Beth nodded her heard, "Yes I guess it's a good way to keep anyone from coming in the yard."

He smiled, "That ain't what I's worried about, it was keepin' her in. This place is so well hidden, most folks wouldn't know it's here."

"With all the trees and tall bushes I wouldn't have ever known it was here, is there a reason?"

"Yeah, but it ain't my reason. I do like the privacy though. It was like that before I got it, cuz a what this place used ta be. When I started cleanin' it up I knew right away, it reminded me of my Dad's old place. No mistakin', somebody'd been hidin' out here makin' shine."

"Seriously? Moonshine?" And his Dad? His Dad was a moonshiner?

"Yep. There's always been money ta be made in shine, and a lotta times not much money ta be made doin' anythin' else," he shrugged.

Again she glanced over at Mick and she bit her tongue. She wasn't going to ask him now, maybe another time. She only replied, "Well whatever used to go on here, it's a big wonderful private yard for an active little girl."

He got so serious then, "You're good with her. She trusts ya. She don't usually warm up ta folks, and she don't ever tell em her secrets. There's sumthin' about ya Beth, she sees the good in ya." He looked down then, chewed on his lip a moment and said, "I ain't ever heard her talk bout her Mama with anyone but me or Merle. Not even Merle's woman Karen, and Mick's known Karen her whole life."

He'd brought it up and Beth took advantage of the opening, "It must have been very hard for you when your wife passed. For a man to be left alone with a little girl, that's a harsh thing. I'm sure you both miss her."

He set his palms flat on the table, pushed himself up and said, "Yeah, well, it wasn't quite that way, but yeah, it's always been just me an Mick." It was clear he was upset or uncomfortable. Beth wasn't sure what, but something was wrong. He suddenly seemed so distant as he nodded and said, "I best get that supper goin'. I know you're hungry."

It was like he just wanted to be alone. Still she offered, "I'm more than happy to help, it's the least I can do after you've treated me to such a nice day."

When he answered his words were clipped, not so much angry, but again, like he just needed to get away somewhere. "Nah, nah, ya sit, relax. It won't take me long."

It didn't feel like his change in mood was about her but still it hurt. They were just starting to talk, really talk. She suspected there was something about Mick's Mama, something he didn't want to say. She just didn't know what or why. Was it too hurtful? Too tragic?

He paced the kitchen for a few minutes asking himself, what if Beth knew what had happened? What would she think of him? Would she think he made a habit of picking up women in bars, taking what he wanted, and then what? Leaving them with his babies to raise? Shit.

It had only been that one time, just that once that he'd been so careless. But like he'd heard so many times in his life, it just takes one time.

What about Mick? Only four people knew the real story, himself, Merle, Karen and the county attorney. Would Beth think less of Mick if she knew the truth? He didn't think he could take the chance of finding out.

As far as what had happened with Mick's Mama, these days he had trouble feeling too terrible about it. He had his guilt, but how could he regret it having happened when something so good came of it? He had Mick. His little girl could often try his patience, and in so many ways she made life more challenging. But it was only because of her that he'd found some measure of happiness and a purpose in his life.

It became crystal clear when he'd seen and heard Beth and his girl together. He didn't mean to eavesdrop; he'd only gone up to Mick's room because it seemed like they'd been up there so long. And yeah it was true, he'd stood there quietly in the doorway and he'd watched and listened.

He heard his girl tell Beth how she crawled in with him when she got scared. He'd seen and heard the way Beth responded. She didn't tease his girl, she was kind and she admitted to the same. When Mick told Beth her Mama was a beautiful angel Beth didn't start asking questions or wanting details. She just gave his little girl a hug and a kiss and agreed, and Daryl felt the warmth of emotion surge through his body knowing then, Beth really was the good person he and Mick believed her to be.

Too good.

When dinner was ready he insisted she sit at the table with Mick rather than help him get the food on. She knew enough to know he had his way of doing things, so she did as he asked. She and Mick talked and giggled about the cartoons they'd seen, how clever Bugs Bunny was, and how silly Mister Magoo was.

When he served their plates Beth thanked him. She didn't comment about the fact he'd dished up all their plates himself, right from the stove. No one had dished up her plate since she was Mick's age. He'd given the little girl a small helping of the spaghetti, and he'd cut the long noodles into bite sized pieces. The portion he'd set in front of Beth was quite a bit larger, and his own seemed huge.

It was clear he'd done this same thing many times, that he had a routine. He set a plate stacked high with Wonder Bread and a dish of butter at the center of the table, a glass of milk in front of Mick and one of water in front of her. Then plopped himself down. He looked at Beth and said, "If you're still hungry when ya eat that, there's more in the pot. If it ain't ta your likin', we got other food."

Beth smiled politely and told him, "It looks and smells wonderful. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy it."

He nodded, then he looked at the little girl and sternly said, "I didn't give ya much and I expect ya ta eat every bite. If ya don't, the other half a them Necco Wafers that's in my pocket? I'ma be eatin' those myself."

Mick looked at him and agreed, "I know Daddy, an I'ma eat it all. You'll see I do."

The meal was simple, hearty, maybe the table manners were a little less than she was used to, but it was good. In spite of whatever was bothering Daryl, it felt warm and it felt like family.

Uh oh, she caught herself again. No Beth. No. That's not what this is. Not yet.

She insisted on helping with the dishes, and not just that, she said Mick could help clean too. Mick looked at her Daddy and her Daddy looked at Beth, and their guest said, "Mick's a big girl. Big enough to bring plates to the sink, why I'd bet she's big enough to wipe the table." When the words were out of her mouth she was instantly filled with regret, she'd overstepped. It wasn't her place to tell him his daughter should be helping.

He didn't seem at all angry though, he just looked at her and asked, "Yeah?"

She smiled back and shrugged, "Yeah."

And Mick said, "See Daddy, I told ya, I'm a big girl. I'ma do a good job too. You'll see I do."

When the kitchen was clean Mick wanted to play a game of Candyland, and Beth would have been happy to do that, but Daryl said, "Sorry Mick, not tonight. Tomorrow's fishin' an we gotta be up early. Beth does too. She's got work."

Apparently that was that. He drove her home with Mick sitting between them, and by the time they got to Beth's apartment the little girl was sound asleep. Her Daddy looked at his daughter, then at Beth as he explained, "Mick's only got two speeds, full speed or idle.

Beth smiled, it did seem true, and she didn't want to disturb the little girl. She made a move to open the door and get out, but he stopped her. "Hey, no. I got it."

They were stopped right in front of Beth's apartment, just four steps up to the door. She already had her key out, he took it from her and unlocked the door, and he spoke first, "Thanks for comin' an all Beth. It was nice."

She smiled as she thanked him, already anticipating a goodnight kiss, "I had a wonderful day, thank you so much."

There was no kiss, he simply said, "K well, see ya in the mornin'." Turned and went back to his pickup.

She went inside, locked the door and leaned against it. She closed her eyes and asked herself, what happened? What went wrong? She was wracking her brain trying to think of what she could have said or done that upset him.

He felt like shit. Dammit. He'd never wanted to kiss a woman the way he wanted to kiss Beth, but it would be wrong. This was the one and only date they'd ever have. She was too good to be stuck with him, with raising a child that wasn't hers. She deserved so much more, and he already cared too much to keep her from having it.

He'd think of a way to explain it all to Mick when they got home from fishing the next afternoon. Some way Mick would understand, some way maybe even he'd understand.

Beth was exhausted, it had been such a long day and it had also been so special, at least for most of it. Then something went wrong and she didn't know what. It hurt and she couldn't sleep. Her eyes wouldn't even stay closed.

She was still tormenting herself, asking herself what happened. His demeanor had changed. Everything was still friendly enough, but there were no more special looks or touches like on the landing. When he brought her home, it wasn't like she expected one of those romance novel kisses, but she'd expected at least a little kiss on the cheek. Was it because she interfered with Mick? That didn't seem like enough to make a man lose complete interest, but maybe in his case it was.

Then the answer occurred to her. He didn't see her in that way, like she could be his sweetheart. Maybe he tried to but she just wasn't his type. Yes, that must be it, he didn't think of her the way she thought of him.

She tossed and turned all night thinking and wondering and hardly sleeping.

He wished he could have something with her. He wasn't sure exactly what, but if he was ever going to have a woman, if he was ever going to let someone in his own life and in Mick's life, it felt like Beth was the one.

But dammit, that would be too selfish on his part. Just like kissing her goodnight would have been. No matter how badly he wanted to, it wouldn't be right. Better to stop before it ever got started.

He carefully got a still sleeping Mick out of her clothes and into her pajamas. Tucked her tightly into bed, and then put himself to bed. Not that it did any good. He barely got a moment of rest. All he could think about was Beth, and wonder what he was going to tell Mick about why the pretty blonde wasn't ever going to be a part of their lives.

It would be easiest to just never see her again. He wouldn't even be going to the Castle Diner the next morning if Merle wasn't meeting them there.

He was sure he was doing the right thing. Then again, if it was so right why did he feel like such a miserable asshole?

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He had the fishing gear in the back of his pickup and a few snacks for Mick up front in the cab. His little girl still looked half asleep and he was exhausted himself, but they were going fishing and maybe that would take his mind off all this bullshit.

He usually parked down the street but with all the gear in the bed of the pickup he wanted to keep an eye on things. This early Sunday morning he pulled up right in front of the diner. He'd barely shut the engine down when Merle pulled in behind him. Daryl was grateful that for once his brother was on time. Between Mick and Merle there was no chance of any private time with Beth.

He soon discovered it wouldn't have mattered, Beth wasn't there.

They sat at their usual table and Jim hurried over with three glasses of water and apologizing, "Hey guys, Mick, sorry. I don't know where my waitress is. She's always at least 15 minutes early but I haven't seen or heard from her. I got coffee just about done. I'll get ya a cup as soon as it is."

Mick came to life, "Daddy?"

Daryl told the man, "Yeah, fine, and a chocolate milk for Mick please."

It could be that she was just avoiding him but Daryl didn't really think that was it. There was a dark feeling nagging at him, something wasn't right.

In the meantime, Merle was busy being Merle, "What did you two do ta our waitress yesterday? Wear her out so bad on them cartoons she couldn't make it ta work?"

Daryl was upset and he didn't think about his words when he responded, "Shut up Merle."

Mick patted his hand and reminded him, "Daddy, ya said we can't say shut up, it's bad, 'member?"

It was one of the hardest things about being a Dad, always trying to be a good example. As much as he hated it, he looked at Merle and said, "Sorry for sayin' that."

Any other day and time Merle would have jumped on the opportunity to pounce on that, teasing his brother mercilessly. Not this day. Merle may not have been as intuitive a person as his brother, but he saw the mix of sadness and concern in his Daryl's eyes. He sounded almost kind when he said, "Hey brother, I'm sure she just overslept or sumthin'. That sorta thing happens all the time."

Jim came by their table again just as other diners began trickling in. He was obviously flustered and asked, "Hey, would you fellas mind just gettin' your own coffees and Mick's milk? I'ma get these other folks setup and call the afternoon girl. See if she can come in. Ya want the usual for breakfast?"

They'd been going to the Castle for years, they knew it almost as well as Jim did. Merle nodded, got up, got the coffees and even made chocolate milk. He smiled at Mick when he came back to the table, "I mighta accidentally added a extra squirt a that chocolate syrup."

Mick was too scared to be excited. The little girl had caught on that something wasn't right. Her voice was full of worry when she asked, "Where's Beth?"

Merle could see his brother practically chewing his thumb off, he took over, "Ah now Mick, don't ya go worryin' bout Beth. I think maybe she was just so sleepy from havin' so much fun with ya yesterday, she couldn't get outta bed this mornin'. She'll be here soon."

Jim brought their order and told them, "Thank the Lord I got aholda Jessie, she's comin' in. This is too bad, I liked Beth. She's a good girl, but I gotta have workers I can depend on."

The food came and Merle dove into his, Mick scrunched her nose, closed her eyes and took a bite of the egg, Daryl mostly moved his food around on the plate. Every minute that passed had him more agitated. And every time the little bell jingled above the door he looked up to see if it was her.

By the time him and his family stood up to leave his stomach was in knots. He was staring at the door, willing her to show up when like magic it opened and there she was, Beth.

She was covered in cuts and scrapes on her legs, arms and even her face. She was hurt, bloodied and he could see she'd been crying. She still had tears rolling down her face. He hollered to his brother, "Get Mick," but Merle was already grabbing the little girl up in his arms.

Daryl hurried to Beth, his hands gingerly holdin' her face when he said, "Beth, what the hell happened Darlin'?"

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A/N All was going so well, then Daryl did what Daryl does. Now something's happened to Beth. Please leave a comment / review. There's a chapter photo, complete with the green kitchen sink, on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick. Please check it out. I hope to see you back next Friday for more of It Matters to Me. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee