A/N Thank you, thank you! They said it! Yay! Now what? Let's find out...

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He wasn't thinking about anything more than what she'd said and what he wanted. He was consumed by his emotions and the intense desire he felt for her. He kissed her with the kind of raw passion and deep yearning he could have never imagined feeling for any woman. He was lost in her and lost in the moment, unable to get enough of the taste, the smell or the feel of her.

It meant everything to him that she seemed as caught up as him.

He didn't give it any more thought than that, he was running on instinct as his hand slowly and gently slid down her body. When his hand had reached a place just passed her bottom he carefully pulled up on the nightie. Just far enough so that he could run his hand along the delicately soft skin of her thigh.

She didn't ask him to stop, he would have if she'd asked.

It felt so good and she felt so good and all he was thinking was he wanted so much more. He needed her. He wanted her body closer to his. He slipped his hand inside the nightie, cupped her bottom and begin to pull her small body closer to his.

He stopped abruptly when she let out a yelp followed by a whispered, "Sorry."

He reached his arm over switching on the lamp that sat atop the bedside table. He turned to her and laying his hand softly on her cheek he apologized, "No. I'm sorry. I didn't mean ta take it so far."

"It's not that Daryl, I…it just hurt a little is all. My…my bottom has a lot of bruising."

He was angry but not with her. It was his own damn fault. He should have stopped himself, what the fuck was he thinking? He apologized again, "Shit, I shoulda thought a that. All I was thinkin' of was…I'm sorry."

"Daryl. It's okay."

"No it ain't okay…I hurt ya Beth."

"Daryl, don;t. You didn't know. I've never worried that you would do anything to hurt me." Then she called up every ounce of courage she had, lay her small hand on his chest and told him the truth, "I was enjoying it as much as you were."

He'd felt it from her when they kissed but it had even more meaning when she said the words. It stunned and excited him, but he wasn't going to act on that, not now. He wouldn't take a chance on hurting her. Instead he would settle for simply laying there with her.

He found he couldn't. She'd awakened a need in him. "Um, I just gotta get ta the bathroom a minute. Be right back."

He took care of what needed to be taken care of and after, as he stood at the sink washing his hands he looked in the mirror and quietly asked himself, "Now what? Shit. Now what?"

He slipped back under the covers with her and lay on his back, stretching his arm out to the side and inviting her, "Scoot closer."

She did as he asked, laying her head on his chest while his arm wrapped tightly around her. She whispered her question, "You're not upset are you Daryl?"

"Upset? No. I ain't upset." He knew he needed to clear the air with her, the last thing he wanted was for her to ever think she'd disappointed him. "Beth…shit I ain't pushin' it. Yeah I umm, yeah I want sumthin' with ya, but I know the time ain't right. Not yet. Now go ta sleep." Afraid he sounded harsh, he kissed the top of her head and whispered those words again, "I love ya."

For her it was like magic when he spoke those words. All worry immediately left her and she whispered back, "I love you too Daryl."

She was asleep within a minute or two, but not him. He lay there wide awake and staring at the ceiling.

What now? What now? He didn't want her to leave but it seemed inevitable that she would. He could ask her to stay but there were two reasons that might be a bad idea. She was a good girl, he knew that. He couldn't expect her to just suddenly change her ways and move in with him, not when they both knew exactly what this bedtime stuff was leading up to.

And there was Mick to consider. He was trying to raise her to be a good girl. He hoped she'd grow up to be a woman like Beth and he knew that meant setting a good example. It seemed so obvious, there was only one answer. They could marry.

Nah, nah it was way too soon to ask her that question. Then his mind did what it always did, it went to those dark thoughts. He wasn't good enough to marry her. She deserved so much more than he had to give. Didn't she see that?

He couldn't help being selfish though, and he knew he'd hang on for as long as she wanted him. He'd risk the pain of facing a day when she finally came to her senses, looked at him and said, "No more. I'm moving on to something better."

There was something else troubling him. In just a few days, when the inevitable happened and she did move out, he didn't want her moving back in her old place. But where would she go? He had to think fast.

Morning came and things were different, but not at all in a bad way. This was in a way he liked. He was laying on his side and she was spooning him. Her slim arm lay across his mid-section and her head rested against his back. It brought a sleepy smile to his face as he raised her hand to his lips. He tenderly kissed her palm while quietly whispering, "Mornin' Darlin'."

She managed to scoot even closer as she began rubbing her hand lightly along his chest. She smiled at the manliness and warmth of his life-worn skin and whispered back, "Good morning to you Daryl."

He softly whispered, "I wouldn't mind layin' here with ya all day."

She whispered back, "I think I'd like that."

He couldn't. If he enjoyed much more of this with her he was going to be in the bathroom again, and not to pee.

Then they heard the telltale creaking of the floor upstairs. He quickly rolled over, cupped her sweet face in his hands and kissing her forehead he smiled, "I gotta go."

They worked the day out over breakfast. She wanted to stay at the house and she'd promised him, "I already have the fabric cut for one of Mick's dresses. I'm not going to be up and moving around, I promise. I'm going to be sitting right in that chair and sewing." She lay her hand on his arm as she promised again, "I love sewing and honestly Daryl, it relaxes me."

He wasn't particularly happy about the idea but then again he didn't think he'd be able to tell her no. "Alright but promise ya won't push it. If ya get tired ya lay down. Promise Beth."

"I promise."

She wanted him to leave Mick with her but that was where he drew the line, "Nah, ya won't be able ta keep yourself from doin' everythin' for her." He saw the disappointment not only in her face but in Mick's. He gave in just a little, "Maybe when we come back for lunch. We'll see how you're doing then."

Mick watched her Daddy as he rolled up the heavy shop door and she looked so serious when she said, "I think ya need a cup a tea before ya start workin' hard Daddy."

"I think you're right Mick. I'ma have a big day, a cuppa tea will help me get through it."

He sat with his daughter in the tiny chair at the tiny table sipping nothing at all but air from a small porcelain cup. She was so serious and he played along, and he knew it was part of the proof that he'd do anything for his girl.

Then Merle walked in.

Daryl wasn't worried his brother was about to give him a hard time. Merle could be an even bigger sucker for Mick than her own Daddy. "G'mornin' ladies and gents. I see its teatime. Ya got a cup for me Mick?" Merle could just imagine what his old shipmates would think if they could see him now. Well fuck them, he'd said it before and he'd say it again, teatime with Mick was a damn fine way to start the day out.

It was after tea and after Merle had waited on several customers. He came back to talk to his younger brother. He kept voice low so as not to be overheard by little ears when he asked, "What's eatin' at ya kid?"

There was no point in trying to pretend it was nothing, Merle could read him. Just like he could read Merle. "I got a feelin' when I take Beth ta the doctor on Friday he's gonna release her back ta work. I'm glad she's better, but shit, the minute the guy says she can work she'll be movin' back home."

"Why don't ya just ask her ta stay?"

"I would but…" and Daryl explained to his brother why he didn't think she would or should. Then he added, "I hate the idea a her goin' back ta that place Brother. It don't seem like a good idea and I know she don't really wanna stay there.'

Merle didn't even pause to consider it, "Why don't ya have her stay at my place? I ain't slept in my apartment for close ta six years. And shit, me n Karen'll be right across that little courtyard if she needs us."

Daryl nodded. He had to ask though, just like he always did, "Why the hell ya even keep that place Merle?"

"I told ya before, I gotta have some place ta live when Karen finally gets sick a my ass and tells me ta shove off."

Daryl was shaking his head, "Yeah? I think if she was gonna do that she'd a done it by now. She's seen your bad side and she's heard worse about ya. Shit brother maybe ya need to accept the facts, the woman loves your ornery ass."

Merle was smiling and he admitted, "Kinda thinkin' I better hurry an ask her ta marry me, ya know, before she smartens up."

"No shit?"

"No shit." He shrugged adding, "I ain't gettin' no younger, Karen ain't gettin' no younger, and we'd both kinda like ta have a Mick of our own."

Daryl was floored. He'd never thought it could happen. Merle getting married. But it was good, "I think you're thinkin' right. It's time ya finally let yourself be happy brother and Karen makes ya happy." Then he asked to be sure, "So you're serious? Ya don't mind if Beth stays at your place a while?"

"I told ya it's fine. It'd be nice ta have her around and she can stay as long as she needs. I got the lease paid up til the end a the year." Then Merle got that serious look on his face, the one that showed caring and concern. He laid his hand on Daryl's shoulder telling him, "Ya need ta think about sumthin' too little brother. Maybe you oughta let yourself be happy."

He should have been thrilled knowing he could get her out of her old place, and Merle's place was perfect. It was off the street and there was a locked entry gate that lead to the courtyard and apartments. It was safer and Merle would be right there. Shit, Karen would be right there too. Yet none of it sat right with him. He hated the thought of her leaving home. His home. Their home.

Except for a forty-five minute nap she'd been busy sewing all morning. When she started feeling sleepy she could have sworn she heard Daryl's voice whispering, "Ya need your rest Beth."

Since she'd gotten up from the nap and began sewing again, all she could think about was how the life she'd been enjoying with Daryl and Mick was all going to end soon. She'd be back at work and back to living alone. It wasn't so bad when she lived alone before, but now she'd had a taste of living with Daryl and Mick and she never wanted to live without them again.

She'd had to stop and dry her eyes more than once as she was sewing the little dress. She didn't want to go. She wished she didn't have to.

She was just putting the finishing touches on the dress when the little girl and her Daddy walked in the front door. Just the sight of them made her feel better, and Mick running over to give her a hug brought a smile to Beth's lips.

"Hi Mick, guess what."

"What?"

"Your dress is all done. Let me just say Hi to Daddy and then I'll help you try it on."

He hadn't taken his eyes off her since he walked in the door. He wanted to hug her so much he could swear his arms ached. But he knew he couldn't give her the kind of hug and kiss he wanted to, not here in the front room with Mick looking on. He settled for resting his hands on her shoulders, leaning in and kissing her cheek. "Hey Beth, ya have a good mornin'?"

She wished he would have held her longer and tighter and that they could have shared the kind of kiss they'd shared the night before, but she knew why that couldn't happen. She smiled and settled for what she could have. "I had a wonderful morning thank you. I feel so much better now that I have at least one dress done."

Then her hands were on his shoulders as she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, "And you'll be very happy to know I took a nap this morning."

"Good. You're finally listenin'."

He'd seen the look in her eyes and the longing they held, but there was nothing to be done about it. What could he say? What could he do?

He tried to think of other things. He needed to change the subject, "It smells like you're cookin'."

"I promise I didn't Daryl. I just put last night's dinner in the oven to heat. I hope you don't mind leftovers for lunch."

"Kiddin'? You'll never catch me complainin' about eatin' good food twice."

They might be talking about food but she knew that wasn't really what was on his mind. What gave him away was how he was looking in her eyes. She knew he was wanting so much more than just quick kisses on the cheek.

He settled for telling her, "Alright, I'll go see about lunch if you wanna help Mick."

He picked the little girl up, gave her a quick kiss and as he set her down he told her, "I can't wait ta see ya in your new dress."

Mick had been studying their every move. Why didn't they just get married? Everyone would be so much happier if they did. Especially her.

"Me too Daddy!"

He was dishing up the plates when Mick and Beth walked in the kitchen and Mick was wearing her new school dress. He looked at his little girl and her happiness instantly rubbed off on him. There was a proud smile on his face when he remarked, "Michele Marie you're just as pretty as a picture."

"I love my new dress Daddy! I can't wait ta wear it ta school!"

He shrugged, "Maybe if Beth says it's okay we can all go shoppin' one night after work. You're gonna need them new shoes n such ta go with it."

Beth was beaming, "Oh let's! That would be so fun and I could use a new pair of shoes myself."

Daryl didn't even pause, "I'll get ya both a new pair an we can have dinner out."

Mick was jumping up and down as she silently clapped her hands together, "It's gonna be so much fun!"

He'd planned to bring up the idea of Merle's place over lunch, but everything was going too well. They were all happy as they enjoyed the meal together. Why fuck everything up?

He'd talk to Beth later that night, after Mick went to bed.

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That evening when he carried a sleeping Mick to her room, pulled the covers up over her and bent to kiss her cheek he stopped. He stood a moment watching as his daughter slept. Before leaving her he absentmindedly twirled a strand of her hair and whispered, "Ya got no idea little girl. Life gets so damn complicated."

He walked in his room and there she was, just like the night before she was sitting up waiting for him. He sat down on the edge of the bed and it now came so natural for him to take her hand in his, "Beth, I…ya know I don't want ya movin' back in your place, and I know ya don't want to…"

For a moment she was hopeful. Would he ask her to stay? Would he ask her to marry him? Then he went on, "I was talkin' ta Merle and he don't really use his place, he stays with Karen. He says if ya want you're welcome ta move in his apartment."

"Oh." He saw the tears glistening in her eyes and he wasn't sure what caused them, he only knew he wanted to take it all back. He wanted to ask her to stay. Before he could she had composed herself, "Yes, I think I'd prefer that. I've been a little scared to go back to my old place."

He chewed the side of his thumb and he wondered who he was selling this idea to, her or himself, "It's real nice, you'll like it. Merle keeps it up but no one's even lived in it for six years."

"Okay, whatever you think is best Daryl."

What he was thinking was that he had no fucking idea what was best.

The conversation had come to an end, neither of them knew what to say next so they didn't say anything. He slipped into bed, took her in his arms and kissed her, but he was careful. So careful. The kiss was tender and he hoped it showed her how much he cared, but it was not the same kind of passionate kiss he'd given her just the night before.

He longed to kiss her that way and he wanted so desperately to touch her sweet body. Instead he used every ounce of willpower he could muster not to touch her in any way but the most innocent of ways.

That's how it went every night that week and they were both feeling frustrated and on edge. Wanting each other so much and resisting the urges, and neither of them saying to the other that they didn't want her to go.

By Thursday he knew there had to be a change no matter how small. He closed up a little early and the three of them went out and did their shopping.

He was grateful to have Beth there to help, and he smiled at how happy Mick was as she and Beth looked at the dainty little sweaters and girl's winter coats. The sorts of girly things he never even tried to buy. He just had no idea about that stuff, but Beth knew.

He simply tried to stay out of the way as Beth helped Mick, but he watched and he enjoyed not just the fact that his daughter was so happy, but that he had the means to buy her the things she needed. It's what he worked for, he wanted her young life to be so much better than his own had been.

He supposed it was what a shopper would call a successful trip. Besides two new sweaters and a new winter coat, Mick got new socks and underwear, her school shoes, a bookbag and even a lunchbox that came with a Thermos bottle and had a picture of Mickey and Minnie Mouse on it.

They put the finishing touches on the big evening with a stop at the Castle Diner for cheeseburgers and French fries, and although it was only a shopping trip for necessities, it somehow seemed like more than that. They were all in such a happy frame of mind. To add to the fun Daryl ordered them all milkshakes.

Things weren't so fun the next day.

Mick stayed with her Uncle Merle while Daryl drove Beth to the doctor and this time everything was different. He didn't know what the hell had come over him, or maybe he did, but when she lay on the exam table in nothing but her underwear he fought the urge to lay next to her.

The doctor gave them what on one hand was the best news, and on the other hand was the worst news. The man looked pleased when he stated, "There's quite a change from last week Beth. I'd say it's close to remarkable. I'm going to go ahead and clear you for work, but I want you to promise me you'll be careful."

He smiled as he set his hand on her shoulder and cautioned, "You're going to feel tired at first, that's to be expected. But if you feel weak or disoriented, or so exhausted you can't see to hold your head up, you call your husband to come for you and take you home. You don't want to have a set back because you're trying to be brave or prove that you're strong. Understand?"

"Yes doctor, I promise."

He looked at Daryl and added, "You just keep a good eye on her in the evenings. You know the signs. If you think something's not right, don't hesitate to call me."

"Yeah Doc I will. I ain't gonna let her overdo."

They were quiet on the drive home. They knew, this was it. The time had come and neither of them felt sure what to do next.

He walked her in the house and the urge to hold her was too powerful to fight, he didn't. He wrapped her in his arms but they still didn't speak. They simply stood there holding one another tight, each trying to draw strength from the other.

He knew he had to and finally he pulled back, but he didn't let go of her. Not yet. He couldn't. He kissed her cheek and then broke the heavy silence, "I'll talk ta Merle when I get back ta the shop. We'll make a plan ta move ya after work tomorrow. K?"

She was trying so hard to sound strong and composed, "Alright. Maybe I'll get a few things ready this afternoon."

He was surprised at how her words seemed to stab at his heart. He was afraid his voice might crack when he told her, "Rest first. There ain't no rush Beth. We got all weekend."

She was almost afraid to speak at all, certain her emotions would come flooding out with her words. She kept it to a simple, "Alright."

That evening after dinner they told Mick the news, the next day her Daddy and her Uncle Merle would be moving Beth into her own apartment, the apartment right across from Karen's. The little girl began to cry as she hurried to Beth and wrapped her small arms around her leg, "I don't want ya ta go Beth. I want ya ta live here with me n Daddy. Why can't ya stay?"

Beth had no idea what the right answer was, she only looked at Daryl and waited for him to speak. Beth could see in it in his face and in the way his body seemed to be slumping, he was struggling to come up with an answer. How do you explain these things to a five year old? He stopped chewing his thumb long enough to say, "Can't do it right now Mick. Maybe some day, but for now Beth's gotta go home. Don't cry, you're gonna see her all the time. I promise. Ya know I'ma wanna see her as much as you do. I promise we will."

He'd been agonizing over it all week, trying to find the courage just to say what was in his heart. It finally happened that night. As he sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand he managed to say the words, and the words came quickly. He needed to talk fast before he chickened out again, "Please don't go Beth, please. Just stay here with me and Mick. We'll work it all out. Don't ya think that would be best? Don't ya know we'd all be happier if ya just stay?"

She was biting her upper lip, fighting emotion and fighting tears and she was oh so tired of fighting both. "It's not that I don't want to, and it's not that I don't love you. You know I do. But I can't stay here Daryl. I…you know what would happen between us and…I can't…I…I can't just live with a man."

He was nodding his head in agreement. He knew exactly what she was getting at and he didn't disagree with her reasons. It was the person she was and the person she was happened to be the person he loved.

They sat in silence with hands griped tightly together as she bit her upper lip and he chewed on his lower lip. Neither of them said a word until he whispered, "We'll figure it out soon Beth, k?"

Again, the only word she dared to say was, "Alright."

He flipped off the light and crawled into bed with her, taking her in his arms and holding her close.

He could feel her small body trembling and he knew she was crying, he wanted to cry too. He drew her closer, smoothed his hand over her hair and just kept repeating, "Shh it'll be alright Darlin'. We'll figure it out." He hoped his words could convince her, and himself.

He was still fighting his own tears, but before he fell asleep he had to tell her one more time, "I love ya Beth."

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A/N Oh Dear. This is rough. Will they get it worked out so they can all be happy? We'll know soon. In the meantime, please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. As always, the chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick. I hope to see you all back next Friday for more of It Matters to Me. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee