A Place Called Heavenly Chapter 9, a walking dead fanfic

A/N Thank you all for reading, for commenting, for the faves, the follows and the kudos. I appreciate all of it so, so much. Lots of interaction with our couple this chapter and we're also going to get a lot of information about Daryl's hunting trip. Oh, and the first day of school :)

On a side note: I know not everyone is, but I'm very excited about the S9 premier Sunday.

The words had just passed her lips when Merle called from the house, "Dinner's gonna be on the table in 10 minutes."

She looked guilty, "I should have been in there helping."

Their time alone was short and things were changing, and he knew damn good and well he was not the only man in Heavenly with an interest in Beth Greene. The moment was upon him to make his position clear or risk losing her to a man who was more bold. And so he let her know. "My brother and his wife, they wanted ta give us a little time together. They know I got feelins for ya Beth. I think you know that too."

Her eyes were cast down again and he'd never seen her cheeks more flushed, but he was happy to see the little smile on her lips. She was so nervous her voice quivered a little but she wanted him to know what was in her heart. She looked up in his eyes and acknowledged, "Yes, I suspected that you might and I have feelings for you too Daryl." And on her words he held her hand a little more tightly. Then she spoke the truth that he didn't want to hear, "But Daryl, I can't take a chance on losing my job. I owe the schoolboard for my travel expenses."

"I know and I understand but Beth, I ain't willin' ta step away from you cuz a some rules. Are you willin' ta step away from me? I wouldn't like it, but if you was ta tell me that's the way ya want it to be, then like it or not I'd abide by your wishes."

"No I don't want you to step away Daryl but how can this possibly work? I just don't know what can be done. How can we continue spending time together?"

"I dunno either Beth but I aim ta figure it out." For some reason she believed if anyone could it was him and the thought made her smile.

He released her hand but cupped her elbow as he led her into his brother's home. Mary Ellen was right there waiting. "What in the world are you two always talkin' about?"

Her Daddy put an end to that before it went further, "That ain't your business Daughter and it's rude ta ask folks such a question. What-say ya?"

"Sorry Miss Beth, sorry Uncle Daryl."

Beth could remember being the smallest one, it wasn't always easy. She smiled at the little girl and then made one last effort at being of some help. "Karen isn't there anything I can do?"

The woman smiled, "Beth you've done enough. You made such lovely cookies and the children are so excited. It's a very simple dinner tonight. It's that nice ham Daryl sent over and there are biscuits, white beans and peas."

"That sounds delicious and not at all easy."

The routine was the same as it had been on Sunday. Merle set the food on the table and this time it was Virgil who said the blessing. When they all sat Merle spoke to Karen as he had the week before, thanking her for being his Dear One and for taking such good care of him and their children. Again, everyone at the table thanked her. Beth thought it was a wonderful tradition, what woman would not like hearing the things she did for her family were appreciated?

Merle took Karen's plate and Daryl took Beth's. She still couldn't quite believe this strong man who gave the appearance of being somewhat rough and unpolished, would be so careful and seem so happy to be filling her plate and serving her in this way.

"Thank you, Daryl. And Karen, it looks so delicious. I'm very grateful to be sharing another meal with all of you."

Everyone was enjoying their food when Merle asked his brother the question on his mind. "Now Brother, I wanna hear about this huntin' trip. I wanna know what ya got planned and what me and my family can do ta help out."

She saw how serious Daryl became as he answered, it wasn't just his look but his tone and his posture. And she saw that everyone at the table gave him their full attention. It was obvious this hunting trip he would take was of great importance not just to him but to all of them. "I been tellin' my regulars for a month now to expect the shop ta be closed up for a week come mid-September. That oughta be the best time for me ta go. Higher up the mountain the weather'll be much colder and huntin' should be real good. I'm hopin' ta get two or three deer and I'd be satisfied ta get another elk, but what I'd really like ta get is a moose."

"I'm figuring we need three deer, one for your family, one for me and one for the preacher. Just like always I'll split that elk or moose with ya and give Eastman and Olivia some of my share. It'd be sumthin' if I could get both a moose and an elk, but the horses can only pack so much weight and I ain't gonna ask too much of em. It's just gonna be whatever I spot first."

"I'll be ridin' Blackie and I'm takin' four a them other horses too, the strongest of em. That way if I do get a moose or elk I can quarter it and split the weight between the four of em. Blackie can carry me and a deer. I'd quarter any other deer and split that weight too."

Merle nodded and asked, "Could ya build one a them Indian style drag sleds? Me and my boys would help ya."

"A travois, yeah I could but that'll slow me down on the way. If I have to, if I'm lucky enough ta get so much meat and I think I need it I'll build one. Blackie or Buck would be the horses that wouldn't get riled up about havin' ta pull it, but I ain't lettin' Blackie. He'd do it and I know he could, but he'll be workin' hard enough carryin' me, saddlebags and a deer. Anyway, I'm takin' some leather straps and plenty of rope for whatever I need ta do."

Merle smiled at him, "Brother I don't think there's a horse in the world that wouldn't do what ya asked of it, ya got a way with em. Anyways, you get that much meat little brother and we'll all be busy."

"That's what I'm hopin'. That ain't all either. I's talkin' ta Abraham after services last week. He says he's got a couple a them big hogs ready ta butcher. We made a deal and I'm gonna be tradin' him some work for one a them hogs. We'll have plenty a good ham, bacon and sausage."

Merle was shaking his head, "I still can't believe the man can raise hogs in this high country. And you listen ta me now, if there's any a that work me and the boys can do ya let us."

Daryl shrugged and smiled, "Well ya know, Abraham he's like a big ol bull and he's just contrary enough that if anyone could, he'd be the man ta do it. Seems ta be goin' good for him." He took a moment, nodded and continued. "As for the traded work, it's mostly smithy stuff but Virg might be able ta help me out. He's become a real good hand." He caught himself, "And you're a real good hand too Cyrus, when ya grow a bit stronger you'll be helpin' more too."

He went back to the matter at hand, "I'm thinkin' we do like always, hang some fresh meat in the cellar and it'll keep a long time. I thought we might jerk some, not a lot but some. I'll smoke some of it and the rest of it we'll have ta salt down and put in the barrels. It'll take all of us a solid day, probably longer, just ta butcher and prepare. If it's a moose I'm guessin' at least two days. We can use my big work shed like we done last year. I got everythin' we need in there. Saws, knives, them big workbenches and hooks. Virg and Cyrus done a fine job cleanin' barrels and that smoker I built is right outside there."

Beth was fascinated by the talk of the two men and she could see she wasn't alone. The boys never moved their eyes off their uncle as he spoke.

"I's talkin' ta the preacher's wife and she said she'd can some too. I think I like that idea. Whaddya think Karen?" The women had officially been invited into the serious discussion.

"I'll talk to Olivia tomorrow and find out the best way to go about it. We could sure give it a try and if we don't like it much then into the stew pot it goes. Or hash, we could make hash."

Beth didn't think about it she just spoke, "I love to can and I've canned both meat and fish. I could help. I would like very much to help with all of it."

She was immediately discomfited by their reaction. They seemed a little stunned. She wondered if perhaps she had overstepped. Had she put her nose in their business? Then Daryl, right in front of his family, lay his hand over hers and he kept it there as he asked, "Ya like ta do that, cannin'? And the butcherin' and the preparin'? It's a lotta work Beth."

"I grew up on a farm and it seems I've been canning my whole life, and although I have never butchered meat I'm sure I could learn. Listening to all of you talk about everything, well it sounds like something I'd like to be part of, I mean if you'll have me." Then she looked in Daryl's eyes, smiled just a little and said, "Canning doesn't seem like nearly as much work as chopping wood or hunting." They both blushed at her remark and they were so engrossed in each other they didn't see Merle glance over and wink at Karen, while she tried not to giggle.

The talk of the hunting trip resumed and Daryl went on to say, "If I get lucky straight away then I might just get back here with the meat and we can hang it in my work shed, it'll keep fine for a couple days and I can go right back out. If I went down ta the flatlands I could get an antelope."

Merle jumped on that, "Naw brother, that's too much on you and they ain't that good a eatin'. Another deer would be better and I plan on takin' my boys out deer huntin' a couple Saturdays too. There's a lotta deer right close. We're bound ta get a buncha rabbits too and they're better eatin' than an antelope. The boys and me will be settin' plenty of snares. "

Never had her father or her brother set out alone on a week-long hunting trip and Beth had so many questions. One she asked, "Where will you stay when you're hunting?"

He shrugged and answered as if it were common, "When I get ta where I wanna make camp I'll make myself a dugout."

There was no mistaking her confusion when she asked, "A dugout?"

"I got a short-handled shovel I made and I always keep it with me. I dig out a spot in the hillside just big enough for me and my bedroll and then I just lay some pine boughs down for bedding. I pile a bunch more in front a the openin' ta keep the wind out and it stays warm, dry and comfortable."

It didn't sound like any of those things to her. She was amazed and even more certain now, this man could survive anything.

She had another question she had to ask. She couldn't imagine four big horses having trouble packing out the meat, "Just how much do those animals weigh?"

Daryl was still so serious and she understood why, the hunting trip wasn't for his enjoyment. The meat was a means of survival for all of them, "It just depends but a nice bull moose is gonna weigh at least a thousand pounds, a cow would be more of about six or seven hundred. A big bull elk would be around six to seven hundred too, and the cow elk about four or five hundred. A mule deer buck is about 120 pounds. But they won't be weighin' that much when I pack em out cuz I field dress em right away, then, like I said, I'll quarter em."

"That seems like such a lot of meat."

Finally he smiled, "It does, but there's us and there's Eastman and Olivia and ya gotta think about what you can eat on an animal and what ya can't. A 120 pound deer yields only about 53 pounds a meat. There's eight people we gotta feed for about a year and there's always a risk a spoilage. Gonna take all we get plus the rabbits and the chickens."

Before Merle and the boys took her home the blacksmith wanted to spend a few more minutes alone with Beth. He helped her with her coat and they stepped out in the cool night air. He saw her shiver and without giving it thought he removed his own coat and draped it over her shoulders. "That the warmest coat ya got Beth?"

"It's my only coat, it was always warm enough in Georgia."

"Yeah I remember some things about Georgia weather. I remember it was hotter than blazes in August and the air felt like it was wet. But here, well it's just the end of August and you can feel it, the weather's already turnin'. Leaves are gettin' yellow, orange and red. It's all real pretty but it's also a warnin' of what's comin' soon."

"Everyone keeps talking about how cold it gets and all the snow. Is it really that bad Daryl?"

He wanted to wrap his arms around her, hold her close and tell her he would keep her warm. He knew though, that would be way overstepping and he'd expect nothing less that a slap, maybe a kick and she'd probably want nothing more to do with him. He also knew he had to be honest with her. There was no sense not to tell her what to expect, but he worried when she heard the truth she'd want to go back to her home in Georgia.

He chewed the side of his thumb a minute before giving her what he hoped was an encouraging smile. "It can get bitter cold come winter, early spring can be worse. I seen it snow as late as July and as early as the end of August. It'll all be alright though, you'll see that. And Beth, it ain't all bad and I hope you'll see that too. We got more bright sunny days than cloudy ones, and there's a special kind of peacefulness the cold and the snow bring. My favorite is when late spring comes. There's a certain kind of beauty in watching everythin' come back ta life. It's like the whole world just woke up and everythin' is startin' fresh. I hope you can grow ta appreciate the wonder of it and the way high country folks pull together when things get a little rough. You'll see, we check up on each other and make sure there ain't no one goin' without heat or food. It ain't always easy Beth but if a person makes up their mind to stay here, Heavenly is a good place ta live a good life."

Although she was getting nervous about the cold and the snow, there was something in the way he spoke that made her smile with him. She'd heard so much talk about the harshness of the weather, but the way he spoke of winter and spring and the people of Heavenly warmed her heart, it seemed almost poetic. And looking at him she couldn't stop her mind from thinking, with Daryl Dixon by her side it really could be wonderful.

He had his worries. Over the years that he'd been living in Heavenly he'd seen lots of folks come to the high country during the pleasant weather of July. They appreciated the mild daytime temperatures and the brisk night air and they'd decide to settle there. After their first winter in the high country most of those folks left, heading south and west to warmer climates. He didn't want Beth Greene to make the choice to leave, but since the first time he'd seen her it had been of concern to him.

For now though he had other concerns, like when he would see her again. "I just can't come ta services tomorrow Beth, I'm sorry. I do wanna see ya there and hear ya sing but I got so much work ta get done before I go."

He was sure that was a look of disappointment on her face and he felt the nick the words made in his own heart. "I understand Daryl. You work so hard. I wish you didn't have to and I wish that I could help you. I'll pray for you."

"I appreciate it, and ya know now, I think you're real special Beth and I do wanna be there." He looked down and then back up in her eyes and shrugged, "Maybe ya might wanna come by and see Blackie sometime this week."

"Perhaps I would. Maybe if you get that work done you might want to attend the church picnic after services next Sunday."

"I don't usually go ta that stuff but if I thought you was gonna be there I would."

"Then I'll be there and just maybe I'll make cookies." She thought she shouldn't be so forward but she wanted him to know she was as interested in him as he was in her.

He got up Sunday morning and started right in on chores, fully intending to spend his day working. But as he sat eating his breakfast and looking at the empty chair across from him he knew, he couldn't stay away. He wanted to see her pretty face and hear that pretty voice.

He hurried and got himself cleaned up, dressed in his church clothes and headed that way. He was burning time but he still managed to get there a few minutes before services started.

She saw him approaching, sitting so straight and looking so manly astride the big black horse. In an effort to hide her excitement from snooping eyes she hurried to place a gloved hand over her happy smile.

He dismounted, wrapped the reins loosely around the fence rail and walked over to greet Eastman, herself and Olivia. It was if they'd both frozen in place, his eyes on hers and hers on his. It was Olivia who gently distracted them when she reached a hand up and placed it lightly on his arm. "Daryl, you best get inside now so you're able to get a seat with your brother's family."

They both realized then that they'd exposed themselves. It was obvious Olivia had seen their attraction. Although Daryl had some embarrassment he was quite certain Olivia would not spread stories. It was the others, he hoped for Beth's sake that no one else had noticed.

It was after services, after he said a reluctant goodbye to her, after he'd almost hesitated before mounting Blackie and after she'd watched him ride off. That's when Mrs. Neudermeyer clasped her forearm in a decidedly unfriendly manner and warned, "You'd better watch yourself young lady. If you know what's good for you you'll steer clear of the blacksmith."

Beth was afraid she would faint on the spot but Olivia had already slipped an arm through hers and turned to the rude woman. In a stern voice the usually gentle Olivia admonished, "Why Shelly Neudermeyer that is no way to speak to someone who has done you no harm, and especially not here at church." She turned to Beth and smiled, "Come on now Beth, did you forget you're having dinner with Eastman and I?"

In that moment Beth knew she had a good friend in Olivia. "No, and thank you. I'm looking forward to it."

By the time they'd entered the small parsonage Olivia was softly laughing and Eastman was reminding her, "Missus you'd better ask for forgiveness for that little fib," but he was smiling right along with her.

Olivia apologized, "I'm sorry Beth, Eastman and I do observe Sunday as our day of rest so I haven't prepared a warm meal. We usually just nibble on tidbits and enjoy a cup of tea."

"That sounds wonderful but really, you needn't feed me. I appreciate what you did, it was so kind. I can just go home now. Thank you."

"I won't hear of any such thing. Sit at our table please."

Olivia got an extra plate from the hutch and a fork and knife for Beth, and when they sat Eastman said a blessing. The meal was indeed tidbits of this and that. There were small bowls containing fruits, pickles and what looked to be a type of chow chow. There was butter and a plate of sourdough bread and one with a steamed brown bread, and one with cheese. There was one dish Beth didn't recognize and Olivia explained, "It's a pate I made from elk Daryl got last year. I had canned some of the meat and I used some yesterday to make this old recipe of my Grandmother's. It's nice treat on cracker bread."

Olivia spread some on the cracker, handed it to her and Beth tasted of it. She smiled, "Oh my that's delicious. You're going to have to share your recipe with me."

It was so unexpected when Olivia placed her hand over Beth's, smiled and said something Beth could not have anticipated, "Daryl Dixon is a good man Beth, an honorable man."

Eastman smiled over at her agreeing, "He is that Beth, and if he had the right woman by his side she might even get him to church every Sunday. There's a young woman among us now who's already managed to get him to services these past three Sundays."

Olivia could see the deep blush and the embarrassment on Beth's face and she patted her hand. "Things have a way of working themselves out just right."

It was early Monday morning, her first day of teaching the children of Heavenly. At a few minutes before seven she heard the sounds outside her door and she opened it to see who might be there. It was Virgil chopping wood and stacking it by her door. He'd switched to a more formal tone as he smiled, "Good mornin' Miss Greene. I'm just getting some wood chopped for ya. If it'd be alright ta come in I could stack some by your cookstove and the stove in the schoolroom."

"How nice and yes of course you're welcome to come in. Thank you, Virgil."

Then Beth saw her, it was Amy quickly walking her way and looking happy and as if she were bursting with something to say, "Good morning Beth, good morning Virgil. I have such good news and I knew you'd want to hear right away. Merna had her little one this morning. The tiny fella came early, about three a.m. I hear he's a handsome lad and squalling like his lungs are good and strong."

"That such wonderful news! Thank you so much for coming by to share it Amy. I'll pay a call on her after school today."

"Why don't you come to our home after your visit with Merna? Please say yes to taking dinner with Zach and me. We'd love to have you."

"It's so kind of you to offer Amy, but are you sure? You and Zach shouldn't have to keep feeding me."

"Don't be silly, I want to have your company. And don't forget Beth, I know what this is about. I've been stuck in this little room alone myself. It's nice to have somewhere else to go."

Beth tried to sound firm but she was smiling when she answered, "Well that's lovely but only if you promise to let me do the dishes."

"I promise to let you help. Bye for now and goodbye to you too Virgil. Please say hello to your Mama for me."

"Yes ma'am I will and thank you ma'am."

Beth was amazed by the boy, he chopped wood like a grown man and never a complaint from him. By the time she rang the warning bell he had a nice stack next to her cookstove and one by the stove in the schoolhouse. "Miss Greene, after school I'd be happy ta show ya how to get a good fire goin' in this old schoolroom stove. It can be a little tricky."

"That's very thoughtful, thank you Virgil."

Her first day was going well. She'd introduced herself to the children and in turn they'd each introduced themselves to her. She was excited to meet them all and they seemed just as happy to meet her. To help herself better understand what level each child was on, and to help her get to know each of them a little, she asked that they write a short essay. She told them to write about their most favorite and their least favorite thing about summer, and why it was so.

She played a soft tune for them on the piano as they wrote, but she felt guilty when her thoughts strayed from the classroom to the blacksmith. She wondered what he was doing, she wondered if he'd been to the store and she wondered if he knew about the baby. Mostly she wondered if later, when she went to visit Merna and the baby she might see him.

He had shovel orders. It happened every year when the morning air got crisp. Folks would begin to think about the snow that was coming soon and worrying they may not be prepared. It was the wide and almost flat shovels they sought. The ones that were good for clearing the snow off the porches and the walkways. He'd been ready for the buyers. Every chance he got all year long he made those shovels, knowing there would be a big demand when the weather began to turn. Still he had more to forge.

It was afternoon, just about the time he knew school would be out and the children would be on their way home. He was wondering what she might be doing. He shook his head as if to clear it, it seemed she was always on his mind and he wondered if she ever thought of him when he wasn't with her.

Then two things happened at once, Andrea Harrison arrived at his shop and he saw Beth walking down the sidewalk toward the store. Andrea still looked a bit bruised but she was healing up, "Afternoon smithy, I need you to make something for me."

"If I can I will, what is it ya need?" He turned from her just long enough to tilt his chin to Beth and smile in greeting.

Andrea didn't miss the look in his eye and she teased him, "She's a pretty one the new little marm. You best be careful smithy, she's just the kind of sweet girl to steal the heart of man like you. Before you even know how it happened you'll be paying that mean old Neudermeyer back for Beth Greene's travel expenses."

A/N I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you'll leave a comment or review. I always love reading your thoughts. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick. I thank you again for reading along and hope to see you back here next Friday for more of A Place Called Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee