A/N I'll happily say it again, thank you all so much! As you read this chapter you may have to keep reminding yourself it's 1881, and Daryl and Beth are very much people of their time.

There's so much going on this chapter. We'd better get started!

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He arrived promptly at 4:30 looking tired but happy as he made a move to hug her, but he stopped himself, "I'm dirty." She let him know, "I don't mind." He nodded but still he was reluctant and simply reached for her hand and kissed it. She caught him and herself by surprise when she leaned up on her toes and kissed his cheek. When she did his arms did as they pleased, and they wrapped themselves around her. He drew her body close to his and they silently held their embrace as they took pleasure in the feel of their bodies pressed so tightly together, and pleasure too in the emotion that seemed to be passing between them.

When he finally drew back he kissed her cheek and when she smiled so demurely he tenderly kissed her lips. They embraced again before he pulled his face away just far enough to ask, "Ya ready ta go ta my brother's?"

She answered truthfully, "I am, but I'm a bit uneasy. What if they're not pleased with the news?"

His arms held her more tightly, "Beth, they know you're my Sweetheart an they're gonna be so happy ta have ya in the family."

He helped her with her coat and when they stepped outside she was a little disappointed to see he had the buckboard. She'd grown quite fond of Ginger and she'd been hoping to ride the little filly again. She thought she should let him know and when she told him he smiled, "I'll take ya ridin' whenever ya wanna go, an not just ta get from here ta there, we can ride just ta enjoy it. I love it too."

And with that she was reminded that he had not yet spoken those words to her, he had not yet said, "I love you." She thought he must because, after all he'd asked her to be his wife. She was sure she loved him, it's why she was making this commitment to him and to making Heavenly her home. Of course, she would not tell him those words, not until he spoke them to her first, that's how it was supposed to be.

They arrived at the home of his family and when he saw the look in Merle and Karen's eyes he knew they suspected something. It was his brother who spoke, "Nice ta see the two of ya and I know my Dear One will be happy ta set a place for ya at our table. Is there some particular reason, other than dinner and ta see my shinin' face, that ya might be here?"

Beth saw the back of Daryl's neck flush and she felt her own checks turn pink, and then he took her hand in his and said, "We got news ta share." He drew in a deep breath, gently squeezed her hand and told his brother and sister, "I asked Beth ta marry me an she said yes. I'm plannin' ta see if Eastman will do it Saturday after next."

His words started quite the commotion. There was hugging and congratulations, well wishes and questions and Mary Ellen couldn't seem to stop jumping up and down. She finally calmed enough to ask Beth, "Are you gonna be my sister now?"

Beth smiled as she ran an open hand over the little girl's hair, "Not quite your sister Mary Ellen, I'm going to be your Mama's sister and your Auntie."

The little girl was all smiles as she responded excitedly, "I never had an Auntie before!"

Daryl took over then, "Well ya just wait about a week an a half little girl an you're gonna get the best one."

Karen smiled when she asked, "Just a week and a half? That's all the time we have to plan?"

Daryl was reminded again just how little he understood about the wedding part of marriage. He was sure it was best to leave the women in charge. "Well I'ma do whatever Beth wants. We agreed on a week from Saturday an like I said, I plan ta talk ta Eastman tomorrow mornin'."

After the evening meal Virgil and Cyrus were tasked with doing the dishes while Merle and Daryl went out to have a smoke. Karen, Beth and Mary Ellen went to work planning the special day. Mary Ellen wrapped her small arm through Beth's and asked, "Who gets to come to your wedding Auntie?"

Beth's heart melted at the little girl's use of the term, "We're not going to have many guests, just a few people who are important to us, like you and your family. We would also like to ask Merna and Jim, Lori and Rick and Amy and Zach. Your Uncle Daryl wants to invite some people who are important to his business, the Monroe's and Abe and Rosita Ford. Of course, Eastman and Olivia will be there." Beth paused a moment and turned to Karen, "That's something to think about too, Daryl hasn't spoken to Eastman yet. Until we're sure Eastman is agreeable I don't suppose we should make too many plans."

Karen smiled shaking her head side to side, "Eastman will be of a mind to do it, Olivia will see to that. She's been praying you and Daryl would marry since the first Sunday he came to church to hear you sing." The words brought a smile to Beth's lips and a blush to her cheeks.

Karen continued, "It's our way here that your guests will bring gifts of food and after the service there will be a celebration meal. Olivia will expect to host the meal at the parsonage, unless you prefer something else?"

"That sounds so wonderful, what a lovely tradition."

Karen smiled and took Beth's hand, "If you're in agreement Mary Ellen and I would love to bake your celebration cake."

"That's very kind and so thoughtful of you. If you're sure it's not too much bother then, yes please, and thank you so much Karen and you too Mary Ellen."

Out near the shed the men smoked their cigarettes and Merle asked his brother, "So you're sure this is what ya want, huh? You ain't just after someone ta warm your bed at night. You're willin' ta take care a that young woman for the rest a your life no matter what else happens. Is that so?"

Daryl felt some anger that his brother would think to ask such a question, but he knew Merle was only trying to look out for him and for Beth too. "I gave it a lotta thought an I can't think a anythin' I could ever want more than ta take care a Beth an make my life with her."

Merle clapped him on the back, "That's good then, she's a fine woman and I'm sure she'll make ya a good wife an I know you'll make her a good husband little brother." Merle took a long drag and asked, "What about children?"

"We ain't really talked about it but I wanna have children. Maybe not right at first, maybe after a year or so."

"Ya know how ta see to it ya don't have them babies?"

"Shit Merle, do we gotta talk about this? Yeah I know."

Merle couldn't help but laugh and say the words aloud, "Just pull n pray."

"Quit it, ya asshole."

Daryl's neck had reddened, and his brother could see he was getting irritated, but Merle had more to say, "Just tryin' ta look out for you an her too. That's why I'ma be serious an tell ya, when ya get her in your bed don't ya get all eager an forget yourself. She ain't one a them gals ya messed around with down in Billins. Ya need ta take your time with a woman like her, an be gentle."

Daryl had endured all the brotherly advice he could tolerate, "Fuck you Merle."

Merle nodded, "C'mon now little brother. I ain't meanin' no disrespect, just givin' a reminder. She's gonna be my little sister an I gotta watch over her same as I do you."

This was a happy time and he wanted to keep it that way, so Daryl took a deep breath, nodded his head and told his brother, "I know what you're doin' Merle an you know I don't like talkin' about that shit."

Merle smiled, wrapped an arm around his brother's shoulder and answered, "Yeah I know, but I needed ta say it."

The first thing he did when they walked in her little room was add wood to both fires, then he went to her and wrapped her in his arms. He smiled that kind of small shy smile he sometimes had as his eyes locked on hers and his fingers played with her stray curls. He tucked the hair behind her ear and asked, "So ya got your job back an now ya gotta quit. Is that gonna make ya feel sad again?"

She wondered why she hadn't thought about it. Of course he would expect her to give up her teaching position and devote her time to making a home for them, and to being a proper wife to him.

He sensed it right away, something wasn't right. Her look had suddenly turned so sad and it occurred to him, "You was plannin' ta quit, weren't ya?"

"I suppose I hadn't given it the thought I should have. There have been so many things that seem to be happening all at once and everything is changing so quickly. In the excitement I just…well I don't know. But of course, I'll quit. I would never expect you to allow me to keep my position." That's what she said but he could see in her eyes and hear in her voice she was unhappy.

He drew her in closer, "Beth, it ain't my aim ta be mean or ta make ya sad. I just, well I never thought about it either I s'pose. It's the way it's s'posed ta be though. It ain't right a man's wife should work when there ain't no need for it. I can support my family an I don't care for the idea of ya workin'." Those were his honest feelings, still at the heart of him he knew he couldn't just take something from her she loved so much. He didn't want to be the one to make her sad. He shrugged a little and added, "But I got dreams an I guess it's only right I should remember you got dreams too. If teachin' is your dream I ain't such a mean son of a…gun that I'ma take that away from ya."

She wrapped her arms more tightly around his waist and they remained quiet for a moment, then she spoke, "Could we compromise? I would like to finish what I started. I'd like to see the children through to the end of the school year. If you would allow me to do that, when the end of the school year comes I'll give up my position with no sadness or regret."

She saw his neck flush as he began to answer and when he was done speaking she knew she was far more red than he, "I will allow it for now. But if it should happen that you…that you should be in the family way then I will expect ya ta quit."

"Yes of course I would. And Daryl, if it should happen you don't feel I'm able to be a good wife to you because of my work, I won't question your decision and I promise I won't cry. I'll give up my position immediately."

He held her so close and the feeling of his strong warm body was causing her to yearn for him in some way that was new to her. Still, although it was a new feeling she recognized what the yearning was. She felt her cheeks warm at the thought she would have that kind of desire for him.

She wished she knew more about the intimate moments a husband and wife share, she wished her sister lived close-by so she could ask her about such things. But maybe not, she didn't think she could bring herself to talk to anyone about those matters.

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Knowing her friend was an early riser Beth was at her home by eight the next morning and Amy was all smiles when she opened the door, "Beth I'm so happy to see you. Please come in, come in, I'll make us tea."

They sat in the parlor side by side on the settee and Amy was grinning, "I just know you came to share some news with me, I can see it in your smiling eyes. What is it Beth?"

Beth couldn't help her nervous giggle when she answered, "It's Daryl, he's asked me to marry him and I have accepted."

Amy smiled with delight, "Oh my goodness, that is such wonderful and exciting news. Have you told his brother and sister?"

"Yes and they're pleased and happy for us. Karen has already helped me a little with the plans."

"Please, will you share those plans with me?"

Beth confessed, "Yes, of course I will, that's why I'm here and so early, I could hardly wait to tell you." The young women sat holding hands and sipping their tea while Beth told Amy of the plans they had made, a wedding at the church, the few guests they would invite and lunch afterward. "And Karen has offered to bake the celebration cake."

Amy gave Beth's hand a little squeeze and offered, "Well I don't want to impose, but I would also like to offer something for your special day. Perhaps you would want to make use of my wedding dress."

Beth let out a gasp, "Oh my Amy, that's much too kind. I couldn't accept such generosity."

"Beth, please don't be shy about accepting. My Mama and I sewed on that dress for three months and it's only been worn one time. It seems like a sin it should just hang in the wardrobe unused. I know it will be a bit too large for you but I'm quite an accomplished seamstress. I could take it in so that it will fit and flatter you perfectly." She stood and still holding Beth's hand said, "I can't wait to see you in it, I know it will be just beautiful. Come, let's have you try it on!" Amy's excitement was contagious and Beth was now eager to try the dress.

They went to the guest room and Amy helped Beth into the gown. They both let out an excited squeak as they stood looking at the reflection of the bride-to-be in the mirror. Beth was all smiles, "The first time I visited your home I noticed the portrait of you and Zach above your mantle. I thought to myself then, that is the most beautiful wedding dress I've ever seen. Are you sure Amy? It's your special dress."

"It is my special dress and it will be even more special now." Just as the words were out of her mouth there was a knock on the door. "That must be my sister, she often comes by for tea in the mornings, she hates spending her entire day in the saloon."

It was indeed Andrea and although she wore her saloon attire she also wore both a shawl and a coat. As she stepped in the house she looked at both Amy and Beth, smiled and asked, "My goodness what are you young ladies up to this morning? Playing dress up?"

Beth smiled nervously and her cheeks were pink as Amy answered her sister, "Don't tease now Andrea. We have joyful news, Beth and Daryl are betrothed! I've offered her the use of my dress for the ceremony."

Beth didn't know what she'd expected from Andrea but she was pleasantly surprised. The woman's voice was kind and sincere as her hand went to Beth's elbow and she said, "That's lovely, I couldn't be happier for you Dear. Smithy is a good man, he'll make a fine husband and I'm sure you'll be a sweet wife to him."

Beth was touched by the woman's words, "Thank you very much for your good wishes."

The three women went to the guest room where Andrea hung her coat but kept the shawl on for modesty. She helped her sister pin the gown for alterations and Beth couldn't seem to thank them enough, "You've been very kind and generous. Thank you both so much."

When the task was complete Beth dressed and the ladies went back to the parlor for tea. As Amy filled their cups her sister asked about the wedding plans and Beth happily shared again, until she realized Andrea was not on the guest list. She was embarrassed and Amy's sister seemed to sense it, "Don't you fret now, I understand Beth. It wouldn't do to have the town whore at your wedding."

The moment was awkward and Beth felt so awful and it seemed unfair, but she didn't know what more to say. Then Andrea reached for her hand and asked, "It's a lot of excitement and there are going to be a lot of changes in your life. Are you feeling anxious at all?"

Indeed, there was that one thing she was very anxious about. Something she'd been so sure she couldn't talk about, she couldn't even quite bring herself to look in the other woman's eyes. She felt her face heat up and she was chewing at her bottom lip. How could she even think to discuss the matter with this woman? She didn't know but she felt some desperation, and Andrea was a woman who would know about such matters. She herself had just the barest of ideas about what 'the act' involved. She'd seen animals on the farm but people weren't animals and could it really be that way? All she'd ever heard about people and the act was, a wife was to be submissive to her husband, and that the things he would do would be painful for her. She wanted and needed information before her wedding night. Her throat felt dry and her voice was so quiet it was barely a whisper when she admitted, "I feel anxious about my wifely duty."

Amy's sister smiled as she held Beth's hand a little tighter, "Smithy looks rough and I know that he can indeed be rough, I have witnessed him in a brawl or two. But I've also seen that there's a kindness and a gentleness to him. That tender side of him will serve you well in the bedroom." On those words Beth thought maybe her heart had stopped and that maybe the air had gone out of her lungs.

Andrea went on, "Don't agonize Dear. Laying with a man you love in his bed, it should not cause you to worry. Not with the right man. The right man won't force himself on you or hurt you. The right man will want to share a closeness with you. That closeness can bring just as much pleasure to the woman as it brings to the man. That is, if the man you're with is of a mind to be loving and patient and see to your needs as well as to his own. I believe you'll have that with Smithy. I believe you'll find your pleasure with him."

The woman's words brought Beth some measure of comfort, they even made her think ahead to her wedding night with something other than fear, but she was mortified to be having the conversation. And then Andrea added, "If you don't want to find yourself in the same delicate condition as my sister now finds herself, you just tell Smithy not to leave his seed in you."

Beth was certain her face was scarlet and she half-expected to drop in a faint, then Amy reached for her hand, "Beth, my sister can be plainspoken but what she says is true. Your husband will teach you and you'll learn. You'll see, with a good man it's not simply the woman giving and the man taking. The act can bring even greater love and closeness to your marriage."

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The blacksmith was in his shop at six a.m. stoking his hearth and getting his tools assembled for the day. He had harnesses to work on for the Monroes that morning, but before he got started on that job he tended the rental horses. Abraham would be by at six thirty to pick up two. The horses would be working at his place the next couple of days as part of the hog trade. He needed stout ones and Daryl was sending Buck and Irish with him.

Abe arrived like he always did, he was loud and blustery but mostly good-natured. He and the blacksmith got along in the way men do. A handshake and a slap on the back, a word or two about work and the weather and how life was treating them, and Daryl almost mentioned the wedding to the other man. Something stopped him though, he would wait and talk to Eastman first. If all was well when he picked up his horses and the hog Friday evening, he'd extend his invitation.

When the big redhead left Daryl hung his sign on the door and made his way to the parsonage. Although it was early Eastman and Olivia were awake, dressed and reading the bible together at their kitchen table. They welcomed the blacksmith and Olivia poured him coffee.

Daryl nodded a thank you and took a sip from the cup. Knowing the Smithy would not have stopped by just to visit and drink coffee, Eastman asked him what was on his mind.

He pursed his lips, chewed a bit on the bottom one and answered, "I asked Beth Greene ta be my wife and she said she would. I's wonderin' if you'd do the service a week from Saturday."

Eastman looked thoughtful while Olivia looked like she might jump from her seat in delight, but she waited for her husband to speak. "Have you given this due thought Daryl?"

Daryl had thought the question would be asked and he was ready with his answer, "Yes, I thought about it quite a while an I'm sure I wanna take her for my wife."

What came from the preacher next caught Daryl by surprise. He hadn't anticipated being questioned in such a way. He had only expected to be asked if he was sure and to confirm a date and time. Eastman's words were direct, "I understand you have feelings of affection, but do you understand all that you are promising? In Colossians 3:18 it's written 'Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord' but you must remember there is also your responsibility that comes with that. You cannot simply care for your wife's needs in material and physical ways, your far greater responsibility is being the spiritual leader in your home. You've come to worship with us on Sundays because of her, will you continue to worship once she's your wife?"

On that Daryl took a good swallow from his cup, wishing he were just about anywhere else having a conversation about anything else. But he had his answer, he knew he would always care for Beth just like he knew the only reason he'd been so regular about church was because of her. He answered honestly, "Yes, if it's important ta her it's important ta me. I'll see to it she gets here an I'll accompany her if that's what she wants."

Eastman smiled responding, "Corinthians 1, 'For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife.' Alright, a week from Saturday it is. Olivia and I will meet with you both this Sunday after services to further discuss the wedding and your roles as husband and wife." He looked to Olivia then, "Shall we have the ceremony at eleven and the celebration meal here right after?"

Olivia smiled, weddings were always at eleven Saturday morning and the celebrations were always at the parsonage afterwards, but she answered her husband, "Yes I think that sounds perfect." Then she turned to Daryl, "If Beth has anything she'd like to ask me privately, please tell her to feel free to call on me. And Daryl, I don't think you could have found a finer woman to ask and I'm confident you'll be a good husband to her."

Friday afternoon he had a hog to pick up from Abraham so he closed the shop an hour early. He wouldn't be working Saturday morning, he'd be butchering a hog. He added that to the note on the door, "Come by my place if it's an emergency."

He intended to take Beth to his brother's home where she would stay with Karen and the children while he and Merle went after the hog. More and more he was finding he did not like her living in that schoolhouse alone.

He knocked and she answered right away, he stepped in and they hugged. The longing for her was always with him and this time he didn't deny himself, he leaned in and kissed her lips and when he did he opened his own lips a bit. She was startled when he took her lower lip between his and began sucking on it ever so lightly. She found she didn't mind. What she also found was lately when he held her and when he kissed her she didn't want him to stop, she wanted something more.

But for now there could be no more, it wouldn't be proper and there was also work to be done.

They sat side by side in the wagon, he held the reins in one strong hand and her hand in his other. She was nervous and unsure but she asked him, "Daryl, would you consider writing a short letter to my brother?"

His brow furrowed, "Letter? What sort of letter?"

"Um, well, until such time as you and I marry, and I become part of your family, my brother is still the head of my family. Since we were not near enough to him for you to ask him for my hand, I hoped perhaps you'd be willing to write him a letter about our betrothal and the promise you are making to care for me."

Another something he hadn't thought of, and again he saw that getting married was far more complicated than he'd imagined. He thought he would ask her, he hoped she would say yes and then they and his family would simply stand before Eastman and Eastman would say the words that joined them together as husband and wife. But no, none of it was quite so simple. Still if this was what she wanted then this was what he would do. "If it's your custom an that's what ya want, then yes, I'll write the letter. I ain't no letter writer though so it's gonna be a short one. Is that alright?"

She loved him for the man he was and she knew it was true, he was no letter writer and he was only doing this to please her, "A short letter will be just perfect."

When Saturday morning came he did not send Virgil to pick her up, he arrived himself at just after five in the morning. Her eyes were sleepy and the look made him want to lay her down right then, but never would he be so forward with her. He would wait the week until she was his bride. She was dressed and mostly ready except to lace her shoes. "Here, lemme do that for ya."

She giggled, "Daryl, I'm old enough to dress myself."

"Yeah, an I'm old enough ta dress ya too." His response had them both blushing and thinking of the closeness they would soon share.

The day was busy. Beth had never seen a hog butchered and it seemed more work to prepare the animal than it had the game meat. There was the scraping of the skin to remove the coarse hairs and then the actual skinning of the animal.

She learned then from Karen how to make the cracklins Merle had ask for. The big black outdoor kettle hung from three chains above a wood fire, not far from the barn. They stoked the fire and filled the pot to halfway with fat. When the temperature was right, they carefully added pieces of the pig skin that had just a small about of meat still attached.

Beth knew of cracklins but never had she thought about the making of them, and never had she eaten one. She couldn't help but find it all quite disgusting. Although, they did smell delicious as they cooked but she couldn't imagine anyone wanting to eat of the skin of a hog. Later though, when the cracklins were cooled enough to cut into pieces she agreed to try the smallest bite of one. Much to her surprise she found it to be quite tasty.

Later, when the fat in the cookpot had cooled, Virgil got an oversized wooden bucket and lay a piece of cheesecloth over the top, securing the cloth with a metal band. Daryl and Merle together lifted the heavy cook pot and slowly and carefully poured the still warm fat through the cheesecloth and into the bucket. Nothing went to waste; the rendered fat would soon serve some other purpose.

Daryl had built a large smoker and once the hog was butchered more work began. It was a long day spent smoking some of the meat cuts and curing others. As she watched him work she was more convinced than ever, there was nothing the man she would soon marry could not do.

It was so dark and so cold when at just after six that night he returned her to the schoolhouse. He held the lamp while she found her key and unlocked the door. He stepped inside with her, got her lamps lit and checked her fires, stoking both.

He took her in his arms and he told her of his concern, "I don't feel right leavin' ya here alone Beth. I don't. I wish there was some other way. Merle an Karen got no room for their own family or I'd have ya stayin' with them. I know it ain't right you should stay with me but I wish ya could. I'd feel better knowin' for sure you're safe. I'm half tempted ta ask Zach ta let ya stay there til we're married." The more he spoke the more frustrated he became, "I don't know but I need ta figure sumthin' cuz I ain't happy."

She hated being there alone just as much as he hated leaving her, but she tried to ease his mind. Her arms went around his waist and held him tightly, "Its fine Daryl, I'll be just fine and it's only one more week. Please don't worry yourself. It won't be long and I'll be with you all the time."

He wasn't convinced but he didn't want to worry her, "Yeah, you're probably right an it won't be long, it just can't come soon enough for me." He held her as tightly as he thought he could without hurting her, then he drew his cheek away from hers and gave her a very different kind of kiss. This kiss held a passion and a need she hadn't felt before yet she immediately recognized it for what it was. Desire. His mouth was open just a bit and his tongue moved along her lips ever so lightly before slipping into her mouth, where it teased and played with hers. She should have been shocked, maybe even disgusted, but it felt so good and so warm and she found it made her feel that feeling again, the feeling that she wanted more with him.

Again his leaving was reluctant but he could not stay there and she could not stay with him. He gave her one last kiss goodbye and reminded her, "As soon as I shut the door ya lock it. I'll be back for ya just after eight in the mornin'."

Late that afternoon the head of the Claimers band, Joe, had left their camp and made his way to Heavenly. It was only to be him, but one of his men did not obey the rules. A tall rangy fellow named Len, a man with a particularly sour disposition and a penchant for fighting, sneaked away from the outlaw camp and also made his way to town.

Len was lurking in the shadows, slipping between buildings and searching for whatever he may decide to claim as his own. That's when he saw her, a small blonde woman. He watched as a big fellow helped her down from a wagon and took her into the schoolhouse. Ah he thought, the local marm. When shortly the fellow left the schoolhouse and rode off in the wagon, Len sneered and made his move.

As soon as her intended rode off Beth retrieved her sewing kit and Sunday dress from the wardrobe. The hem had come loose and she wanted to repair it, then have a bath. She could not go to church without bathing. Not after they'd butchered and smoked meat.

She had just sat herself at the small table, scissors in one hand and spool of thread in the other when the knock came to her door. She smiled, Daryl must have forgotten something, perhaps he needed one more kiss.

She set the thread down but for some reason she kept the scissors in her hand. She opened the door with a smile, but before she knew what was happening a hand went over her mouth while an arm wrapped around her waist. The tall foul-smelling man forcibly picked her up and carried her to her bed, throwing her down on it. He had a leering grin as he threatened, "Well, well, aren't you the pretty little one. You an me are gonna have us a whole lotta fun tonight."

The blacksmith hadn't gone but a quarter mile when he gave a slight movement of the reins, clicked his tongue and he and Blackie turned and began to make their way back to the schoolhouse. He did not have a firm plan, he only knew his Sweetheart would not spend this night alone.

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A/N Our couple each got some wedding advice - wanted or not. They seem to be getting closer and closer and there are some lovely wedding plans in place. On a nasty note, the Claimers, at least two of them, have come to Heavenly. Yike! Please leave a comment / review. There's a chapter photo on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick please check that out. I hope to see you all back here next Friday for more of A Place Called Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee