A Place Called Heavenly Chapter 19, a walking dead fanfic

A/N Thank you all again for taking the time to read this story. I appreciate it and hope you continue to enjoy.

After the terrible events of the past several hours they craved the warmth and closeness of a tender embrace. For a few moments they simply enjoyed the new, deeper intimacy developing between them as they held tightly to one another and reveled in the declaration of the love they felt.

He'd been concerned that after what she'd been through with that son of a bitch she may shy away from any man's touch. He'd heard of such things. But she had been open to his caress and he hoped that meant she felt the love and comfort he sought to convey.

It was when they finally and reluctantly drew apart that, although she was embarrassed to do so, Beth told him, "I feel so dirty. I feel dirty from the work we did yesterday, but I feel dirtier from what happened last night. I just want to wash it all away, especially the bad memories. I think I need to go back to my room. I should clean up the mess there and then I can have my bath."

He never wanted her to go back there. He would keep his promise and allow her to teach if that's what she chose to do. For now though, he would not permit her to return to that room. Not with the blood and the mess from the attack. He did not hesitate to respond and his tone was stern and unyielding, "No. I can't allow that Beth. I ain't lettin' ya clean up that place now or ever. It ain't your responsibility and it ain't right. I'll take ya ta my house. You have your bath there. I need one too."

She wondered if it was right to do as he suggested, it didn't seem so. It didn't seem at all appropriate but she had no reason to question Daryl's honor. She felt shyness and her eyes couldn't quite look into his eyes, yet she felt no qualms when she replied, "If you're certain it's all right, then yes. Please."

"I know it's alight. I'll get your case."

Before they left he placed a note on the table for his brother. It said they would be gone to his place and they would return in the late afternoon or early evening.

She liked the way he always took her hand as they rode, there was a strength and a goodness in the way he wrapped his fingers through hers. She especially liked how every few moments he'd glance over and smile at her while he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. It made the otherwise rough and bumpy wagon ride enjoyable.

They arrived at his home and as he got the fires stoked and burning hot, she simply stood in place as her eyes took it all in. It was then the realization came to her fully. This house would soon go from being his home to being their home, together. In the past she'd had some doubts, she wondered if she could really live her life in this place high in the mountains. Those doubts were now gone for good. She was confident she would indeed live a good and happy life in the log cabin with Daryl.

Her husband-to-be took her hand and startled her from her thoughts and back to the moment. He was smiling, "Ya daydreamin' girl? I's just sayin' we oughta give the fire some time ta get the water heated. Maybe ya just sit close ta the hearth an keep warm. I need ta see ta the horses an chickens an such. I won't be long an by the time I'm back that water's gonna be nice an warm for ya."

"I'd prefer to come with you. I'd like to help."

"Nah, ya don't need to. I don't need help."

She surprised him when she squeezed his hand and spoke up to him, "I'm quite sure you don't need my help with anything Daryl Dixon. That does not alter the fact that I want to help you and I intend to help you in any way I can. For the rest of our lives."

Now he was smiling. Once again she'd surprised him and he liked that she was not afraid to speak her mind with him. He squeezed her hand in return, teasing her just a little, "Well ya better c'mon then, can't be just standin' around in here. There's work ta be done Beth Greene." He helped her in her sweater, insisted she also needed her coat, and when he was satisfied he had her properly bundled up he handed her the basket, "You're in charge a the eggs."

Despite the cold she was happy to be outside, breathing the fresh air and taking in the beauty of the property. The first stop was the chicken coop where he fed the birds, broke up the ice that had formed in their water bucket and added fresh water. He gathered eggs, carefully placing them in her basket and she teased, "I see now the way you do things. You do all the work and I simply stand and hold the basket. Is that correct?"

"Yes ma'am, that's how it works."

She wasn't sure what came over her, but again she got spirited with him, "It works that way for now perhaps, but when we're married the chickens are going to be my job. I'll be minding them."

He feigned a concerned and serious look, "Is that how it's gonna be? Ya gonna be one a them bossy wives?"

"If I feel I need to be, then yes." But she couldn't keep from giggling just a little as she added, "I don't think there's anyone in the world who could boss you around Daryl."

"Yeah? I think there's one who could, she's a little blonde stick a dynamite."

Their teasing seemed to have lightened the heavy mood of the day and they felt a happiness at just being together. He took her hand as they walked back to the house, setting the egg basket inside. He smiled at her, reached for her hand once more and they made their way to the horse barn.

This time she would not stand idle while he worked. While he did a fair job of mucking the three stalls that had been in use, she pumped fresh water in the trough and brushed Ginger. He watched the way she smiled as she doted on the animal and he could hear her softly speaking to the little filly. He knew then what to do.

He finished his work and grabbed a brush. He stood close to her as he began to brush Blackie. Looking over his shoulder he remarked, "Ya like that little girl a lot, don't ya?"

"Oh yes. I love Ginger. She's beautiful and she has such a sweet and gentle nature."

His neck flushed just a little when he replied, "Sounds like you're describin' yourself. That's why I think ya need ta have her. When we marry she'll be your horse Beth."

The look in her eyes made him happy he'd said it, "Oh my, you're sure Daryl, really? My horse?" She turned to the filly and whispered, "You're mine Ginger and I'm yours." As if the horse understood she nuzzled Beth, nickering softly to show her affection.

Blackie snorted and Daryl smiled as he rubbed a hand along the big stallion's neck, "Don't ya be jealous boy."

It was such a forward way to behave but Beth was too full of emotion to stop herself. She went to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head on his back, "Thank you, she's the most special gift I've ever received. I promise I'll take good care of her."

Her small hand rested on his stomach and he covered it with his. He was uncomfortable, not with her holding him, he could stand all day and bask in the feeling of her arms around him. It was her repeated thanks and her talk of his kindness that made him feel awkward. "Ya ain't gotta thank me Beth, ya deserve ta be happy. I'ma always try ta see that ya are."

The last stop they made was the root cellar. She was glad he held her hand as he led the way. She'd never been in one that went so deep underground and it was so cold and so dark. Until he lit the lamp it was impossible to see. The light was dim but she saw how serious he looked as he gathered what they would have for dinner, roast from an elk, onion and potatoes.

When they returned to the cabin he prepared the meat and vegetables in a heavy cast roasting pan, added some lard, salt and pepper and then covered the pan with the heavy lid. Placing all in the oven. He smiled, "The longer n slower it cooks the better it gets."

Again she told him, "I would have done that, at the very least I could have helped."

She took her fresh clothes, her hairbrush and comb to the bathroom. He explained to her how everything worked, turned the spigot for the tub and tested the temperature of the water. "There's a fresh towel there. Ya take as long as ya want, I'll be right here in the house."

He got a pot of coffee going on the stove and swept the kitchen, trying to keep himself busy while she bathed. It wasn't an easy task. Thoughts of his Sweetheart laying in the big copper tub filled him with imaginings of how things might be when they were married. He made his own neck flush with the idea that sometime she might let him join her in that tub.

But there was trouble on his mind too. He felt unsettled, he was still worried about her. He was concerned she had not let herself have a good cry, nor had she really talked about the terrible things that had happened. She'd talked about the actions but not her feelings and her fears. He was no talker himself, he understood that sometimes it seems easier to hold it all in. But for her he couldn't help thinking, it wasn't a good idea to keep these feelings locked up inside.

He moved the quilt rack from the bedroom and placed it in front of the hearth. His aim was to warm the blanket, he worried she'd be cold after her bath. It had been a rough night and neither of them had much sleep, he hoped she'd agree to lay down under the cover and rest.

He couldn't help but hear the splashing sounds of the bathwater, and then he heard something else. It was the profound crying of one whose heart has been broken. He hated to hear her so sad and he had to fight a powerful urge to open the door, go to her and tell her she didn't need to be so sad, everything would be alright. But he knew he couldn't. He knew it would be the wrong thing to do. As terrible as it was to hear her so sorrowful, he thought it was a good thing. She needed to let the pain out.

He sat in the chair nearest the bathroom and waited. As soon as he heard the latch begin to turn he was on his feet. She opened the door and he saw her tears were dry. She looked so pretty with her pale skin flushed pink from the warm water, while damp curls fell loosely around her face. He didn't fight the urge to touch her as he reached up a hand and softly caressed her cheek. Then it happened, as if what he'd done had caused it, the flood gates opened and once again her crying was intense.

He was dirty and he was sure he smelled badly, but what he did came so naturally to him. He had to try and console her. He wrapped her in his arms and he held her close while repeatedly he whispered, "I'm so sorry Beth, so sorry. I love ya, always gonna love ya."

Eventually her tears quieted and he told her, "Come rest please. You can lay back on the bed. I got a blanket warmed for ya an a little rest might help your spirits." He saw her eyes were big and then he realized, "I'ma be in the bath, ain't no one gonna bother ya. You can be in there with the door closed."

Now it was she who wrapped her arms around him, "Daryl, I trust you completely. I was just surprised. But yes, I think I need to lie down." She lay on the bed and he covered her in the warm quilt, and oh how he wished he could lie there with her. But she trusted him and he honored her and so he simply bent and kissed her cheek. "I'ma just get my clean clothes, then I'll leave ya ta rest. Ya come knock on the door if ya need anythin'." He got his things, took one more look at his bride-to-be lying on his bed and reluctantly closed the door behind him.

He'd been out of the tub and dressed for more than an hour and she was still resting. He'd taken a little time himself, at least as much as he was able. He sat in his chair, leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He didn't sleep, instead he thought of the letter she had asked him to write. He dreaded the undertaking, but he knew he needed to do as she'd asked. She was right, he should assure the man at the head of her family that the new man in her life would protect and care for her always.

He went to the small desk and took a sheet of linen paper from the drawer. He opened his ink bottle, took his pen and dipped it in the ink. His hand was poised over the paper as he thought of what to say. He'd never known a man named Shawn and had no idea how the name might be spelled, then decided it was probably best to be more formal.

He added the date at the upper right, breathed in deeply and began the brief letter:

Dear Mister Greene;

My name is Daryl Dixon. I am a healthy 25 year old man of the Christian persuasion. I am a blacksmith in the town of Heavenly, Montana Territory. I own my business, eleven acres of good land, a sturdy, well-built house and six horses. I owe no man and no man owes me.

I have an aim to put in a claim on another 160 acres adjoining my land. I mean to prove it up with corrals, a barn, fencing and a small house. It's there I intend to raise horses for sale, rent and trade.

I have asked your sister, Elizabeth Greene, to be my wife and she has agreed. We are to be married in a Christian service come Saturday. I will care for her, provide for her needs and protect her. I will never look upon another, and I will never raise a hand to her in anger. That is my promise to her and to you.

With respect,

Daryl Dixon

He read it over, felt certain it said all that he needed to say. Blotted his signature and folded it for mailing. He would give it to his bride-to-be to send with her own letter. As much as he'd dreaded it, he was glad to have the task done and glad in knowing he'd done the right thing.

Then a knock came to the door.

He assumed it was Merle or Virgil. Upon opening it he was quite surprised to see it was Eastman and Olivia. "Come in, good ta see ya both." They entered and he offered, "I got coffee on the stove but it's strong, or I can offer ya tomato juice or water."

Olivia smiled, "I'd love a bit of water, thank you Daryl." Eastman asked for the same and as he poured them each a cupful he worried, what would they think if they knew Beth was there? He soon found out.

She came walking in from the bedroom just as he handed the cups to their guests. There was no mistaking she'd been in bed. Her hair was mussed, and her clothing was mussed and her pretty blue eyes had a still sleepy look.

He was going to offer an explanation but before he could get a word out Olivia had gone to his Sweetheart. With hands caressing her face the preacher's wife spoke softly, "You sweet girl, I'm so sorry for what's happened. Thank the Good Lord that you and Daryl were able to fight the man off." On her words Beth began to cry again and Daryl had no idea what he should do.

It was Eastman that quickly stood and said, "Get your coat Daryl. I heard a story from Jim that Blackie knows some impressive tricks. I'd like to see those now." Daryl was confused for just a moment and then he understood, the women needed this time alone to talk.

They settled on the settee and Beth immediately started to explain herself, "It's not as it appears, we weren't…we didn't. I was only resting."

Olivia smiled and patted her hand, "Beth, I'm not here to admonish you or to judge you. I know the kind of young woman you are and I know Daryl. Yes he's a man for certain, but he's an honorable man. I know he wouldn't take advantage. I'm here to talk with you about what's happened, if you'd like, and I'm here to share with you my own experience with such difficult matters."

She warmly clasped Beth's hand as she continued, "I want you to know, it's possible for you to put what has happened behind you. Not that you'll forget it, I know it can't be forgotten. But you don't have to let the memory of what happened spoil the rest of your life. That man tried to steal your innocence, you can't let him steal your happiness."

"I'm going to share something with you Beth. The only people in Heavenly who know this story are Eastman and me. It's something that happened long ago, before I'd even met my husband. Back then I was an innocent woman in so many ways. Then a man came to town, a frightening man with a cruel manner and a sarcastic tongue. He threatened and intimidated me, not just with sexual innuendo but with blatant sexual talk. He had me in a state of fear, convinced at any moment he would hurt me in the way bad men hurt women."

She went on to tell Beth the rest of her story, ending with, "I was blessed that before he could put all of his threats into action, he was arrested on other charges and incarcerated. His name was Negan and I'll never be able to quite put the picture of him out of my mind." She smiled at Beth then and added, "He didn't succeed in ruining my life. Two years later I met a young preacher and just three months later we married and moved west. Negan took something from me, but he couldn't take my happiness. My heart tells me you will have your happiness with Daryl."

The women continued their conversation and when the men returned Daryl was relieved to see Beth looking relaxed. She even had a sweet smile for him.

Before the visitors left Olivia shared important news with the Sweethearts, "I announced at services this morning, school will not be in session the next three days. I've hired Tyrese to give both the schoolroom and the accommodation a thorough cleaning and a coat of fresh paint. Never will another marm live alone in that little room. I thought we'd turn it into a music room and also a nice indoor place for the children to have their lunch. How do you feel about that Beth?"

"That's such good news. It was so frightening and lonely staying in that little room. I'm happy no one will have to do it again. And I think a lunch and music room sounds lovely." She got pink-faced as she added, "I would make another suggestion. If we had some nice shelves perhaps we could add books, like a children's library. We could ask for donations."

"That's a wonderful idea. Thank you, Beth. With the closure you'll have more time for your wedding plans, and you come see me if you need any help, or if you'd like to talk."

Eastman and Olivia hadn't stayed long but their time there and their words had brought the Sweethearts a measure of comfort, especially Beth.

It was then he remembered the letter. He took it from the desk and giving it to her said, "I think I done alright with it. I hope I did."

"I'm sure you did." She smiled and taking the letter she placed it in her case to be mailed the next day. As much as she wanted to read the words he'd written to her brother she was determined she would not snoop.

He asked her if she was hungry and she replied, "Yes and what you're cooking smells delicious. Let me get it on the table."

He sounded firm, just as he had when she'd mentioned going back to her room, "No, I got it. Just gonna heat up some green beans. Ya go ahead an sit, I'll have it on the table in a few minutes."

She did as he asked, all the while biting her tongue. She waited until he said, "Alright, we can sit now."

She got up from the settee and went to the table. They held hands and he said a very brief blessing before they sat. He dished up her food and then his own and that's when she covered his hand with hers. "You're the most wonderful man I know Daryl Dixon, and I love you. But this simply won't do." His brow was furrowed, and she thought perhaps she detected a little anger mixed with his confusion, but she went on, "If I am to be your wife then you have to allow me to be your wife. Is it that you think I'm so delicate I cannot care for my husband? Certainly you don't intend to wait on me the rest of our lives."

His eyes seemed to have turned such a steely blue and he was chewing his bottom lip, but before he could speak she told him more of what she felt. "If I did not love you I wouldn't speak up, I'd allow you do all the work. But I do love you so much and so, it's natural I would want to care for you in all the ways a woman cares for a man."

He pushed his chair back from the table, stood and walked to her. He bent and kissed the top of her head. "I know you're strong, I seen proof a that Beth. I guess it's just I been worried over ya and then, ya know, I been takin' care a myself a long while now. I guess I'ma have ta learn a new way." He kissed her head again and told her, "Maybe we care for each other, maybe that's the way."

"Thank you for worrying over me Daryl, and I think you're right. Caring for each other is a good way."

They had no sooner finished their meal, and had just put the last of the cleaned dishes away when another knock came to the door. He looked at her and shrugged, "I ain't ever had so many callers. It must be someone for you."

She stood behind him as he opened the door and there stood Zach and Amy. Her friend rushed to her and held her near, "Oh Beth, I'm so sorry, but I'm also so grateful. I have thanked God so many times this day, he kept my dear friend and my sister both safe from evil men."

Zach smiled at Daryl and extending a hand he told him, "I'm reasonably confident she is not including you and I among the evil men."

They took seats in the living area and Beth asked, "We haven't heard, did something happen to Andrea? Is she alright?"

Amy let Zach tell the terrible story and Beth and Daryl both offered their sincerest gratitude that Andrea was safe. They added good thoughts that she would recover from the viciousness of what she had been through.

"I can't quite believe it, but rather than come home to Zach and me she has every intention of staying there at the saloon. She seems certain she has a legal claim of ownership. I am only grateful she's not alone." They all nodded in agreement.

Zach glanced between Daryl and Beth both but when he spoke he addressed Daryl. "I know you are in a situation where Beth has no home, and I understand you cannot have her stay here. I'm also aware your brother is blessed to have a house filled with children. We have room and we'd like to offer Beth a place to stay with us until the wedding."

Daryl looked to Beth and she simply looked back to him. He knew then he truly had become the head of her family, she was trusting him to make their decisions. Daryl was honest, "That's real kind of ya, but I ain't of a mind ta leave her. I don't think I can."

Zach agreed, "I'm sure I wouldn't feel right leaving my Dearest One either. Of course you're welcome to stay with us as well Daryl. We don't have another bed, but we have a good carpet in the parlor and we could make a comfortable palette in front of the fire."

He chewed at his lower lip a moment as he considered. Merle was his brother and he didn't wish to offend him or Karen. He met the situation halfway. "Your offer is generous an I don't take it lightly. I know ya understand when I tell ya, I think my brother an his wife might be hurt, possibly offended, if their family chose ta stay elsewhere."

Zach nodded, "I do understand, and I think I can say I know your brother well enough to know you're right. He wouldn't be happy with his family scattered, but as your friends we felt we should offer."

"I appreciate the kindness an I ask that ya allow Beth ta spend her days at your home with Amy until school starts back up. In that way she would be close ta my work. I could keep a watchful on both the women."

"Agreed."

When their friends had left he asked her, "Ya disappointed we ain't gonna stay at Amy n Zach's place?"

"No, I think you made a sound decision. It's best we stay with family and I'll have my days with Amy." She paused and then continued, "I'd seek your permission on another matter."

"I ain't gonna be one ta deny ya what ya want. What is it ya have in mind?"

"May I ask Andrea if she would care to attend our wedding?"

He chewed on the side of his thumb, thinking of the best way he could tell her these things. "If ya want her there then I don't mind ya askin' her. You should know though, women in her line a work don't usually come ta church. There's sumthin' else too, she lied about Spencer. Put a black mark on his name. I ain't sure how the Monroes are gonna feel about her but it seems we'll see. Myself, I was of a mind ta ask Tyrese an Lozen. Trouble is, I know there ain't no way Lozen is walkin' in a white man's church, same as she would never send her children ta the white man's school. She don't always think highly of our ways. But askin' is always a nice thing ta do I s'pose, ain't it?"

They didn't arrive back at the home of his brother until nearly six and they saw there had been quite the change. One of the feather mattresses from upstairs had been moved to in front of the fire. Daryl asked, "Whaddya doin' brother, rearrangin' the furniture?"

"Yeah it become necessary on accounta we acquired two more children just yesterday. We was decidin' how ta make room an I think we mighta got it figured. We was thinkin' that til just last year Cyrus an Virgil shared a bed, they're gonna go back ta that arrangement for a few days."

"We was also considerin' that there are three people small enough ta sleep in Mary Ellen's bed, her, Cyrus and Beth." He turned to her with a smile and asked, "Whaddya think Beth, ya think ya can fit in Mary Ellen's little bed?"

Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment, but she giggled, "Yes, I'm sure it would work, but where will Mary Ellen sleep?"

"The way it works is, every night about two that little gal crawls up in the bed with her Mama n me, squishes her way right in between us. We decided for the rest a the week we're just gonna let her start out there too."

"Ya sure about that brother?" Daryl knew from living with them for years, his brother and sister in law made good use of that bed for other than sleeping.

Merle winked at him and Karen slapped her husband's arm when he answered, "It's just a few nights, I'll make it up ta my bride later." He leaned in and kissed his wife in a most romantic way, before turning his attention back to his brother, "You're gonna be sleepin' there in Virgil's bed little brother. If ya want I could send Mary Ellen down there with ya. She don't take up much room but she kicks like a mule."

By the time the men and Karen too, were done with their talking and joking Beth was sure her face would stay red for the rest of her life.

The very next morning Beth told Amy what she'd like to ask her sister. Amy smiled, "That's very sweet Beth, and I know she'll be delighted you asked, but I'm not certain she'd feel comfortable being in the church."

It was only an hour or so later when Andrea arrived to have tea with her sister. Beth extended her invitation and although Amy's sister did seem pleased to be asked, she also looked concerned. "You've spoken of this to Smithy? He gave his consent for you to invite me?"

"Yes, of course."

Beth had never seen the other woman look so happy or smile so broadly, "That's so kind of you Beth. I'd be honored to attend but I think it's best I don't. Perhaps I could come to the lunch after for a few minutes, just long enough to wish you and Smithy all the happiness in the world."

Daryl had barely gotten his fire going when Reg Monroe arrived with two wheels for him to repair. While they waited for the fire to get hotter Reg offered, "Deana and I were both very sorry to hear what happened to Beth. We're happy to know you thwarted the man's attempts and she was unhurt."

Daryl pursed his lips and nodded, "Yeah, thanks Reg. It was a rough weekend but we done okay. She's doin' good." He smiled nervously, "I got a invitation for ya, me an Beth are gettin' married this Saturday an we'd be honored if you an Deanna attended."

Reg offered his hand, "That's wonderful news, congratulations Daryl. We'd be honored to be there."

Daryl added, "There might be a situation. My bride-to-be is good friends with Amy Mitchell, Andrea Harrison's sister. Beth wanted ta ask Andrea to attend an I ain't sure how you're gonna feel about it if she's there."

The rancher nodded, "She and the sheriff rode out to the ranch yesterday. She admitted to us the lies she told about Spencer. We were angry and at first unwilling to listen to the whole story. When the sheriff convinced us we should, and Andrea explained herself, we were still angry but we had a better understanding of why she handled things the way she did. Obviously she was justified in her concern the man would hurt her further."

He took a breath and went on, "We're still not happy with her but Heavenly is a small town, it's important we all try to get along and help each other. Andrea's offered to make amends to us in any way she can, and we're going to take her up on that. I'm sure the day will come we'll put it all behind us, but it's going to take some time for that day to get here. In the meantime, her attendance at your wedding will not keep us away."

Tyrese showed up an hour or so later and Daryl extended the invitation to him and his family as well. Tyrese got a great big grin and asked, "Can ya just see it Smithy? Lozen wearin' her finest deer skin dress, fifty elk teeth hangin' from it, walkin' in your place of worship with our black-skinned children? That would cause quite the stir."

Both men laughed and Daryl nodded, "I'd give a week's pay ta see it myself."

"I'll ask her Smithy, but ya know how my woman feels about the white man's church. She likes ya though an she likes your pretty yellow-haired woman. We'll hafta see."

Beth spent the next three days making wedding favors and decorations and getting her dress fitted. She had fun crafting with Amy, Karen and Mary Ellen, Merna, Lori and Olivia and hearing all about the joys and the challenges of sharing life with a man.

She'd had such a good time with her lady friends and sister-to-be that week. She was sure her wedding day would be the most special day of her life. It wasn't going to be the fancy and elaborate wedding she'd always dreamed of, it was going to mean so much more than that. Every decoration, the food and the drink, everything made with love and just for them. The most important thing of all was, she would be marrying Daryl Dixon, the man she knew she would love forever.

She'd been afraid about returning to the schoolhouse that Thursday, but it turned out to be just fine. The new paint job and the fact Tyrese had rearranged both the classroom and what was now the reading, music and lunch room made it both look and feel like a different place. As the children arrived and excitedly greeted and hugged her she knew everything would all be alright.

He had a secret job of his own he worked on that Monday afternoon and when it was completed he felt happy with the results. That week he took his suit and shirt to the Chinese laundry to be cleaned, and his dress hat to be cleaned and blocked. He put a fresh polish on his boots and he let Karen trim his hair. He'd done all he knew how to do to get ready.

Since the day she stepped off the stage not once had he doubted she was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. He loved her and he wanted her always. He was ready and so anxious to make Beth Greene his wife. Now that the time was now upon them he felt a happiness he had never known, they would make their promise to each other soon.

A/N Thank you all so much for reading along. I hope you enjoyed, and yes, next week we will have both a wedding and a wedding night. In the meantime I hope you'll leave a comment / review. There's a chapter photo, including a picture of that big copper tub, on my tumblr blogs, gneebee, bethylmethbrick and A Place Called Heavenly. I hope to see you all back here next week for the wedding. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee