A Place Called Heavenly Chapter 24, a walking dead fanfic

A/N As always, thank you so much! I love reading your comments and I appreciate the continued well-wishes. We had some sweetness last chapter followed by a big showdown. This chapter moves us forward through the aftermath of that showdown. Virgil makes an important announcement, and his Uncle Daryl struggles with a decision.

She woke to the warmth of her husband's body close to hers and she felt herself snuggle deeper into him. His nose was nuzzling her ear and she could feel his warm breath on her cheek, while his hand cupped her breast and the hardness of his manhood pressed against her bottom. All the ways in which their bodies touched were so comforting and so intimate. She turned in his arms, her fingers now slowly weaving through his hair. That sweet shy smile was on his lips when he asked, "Can we? We don't gotta if you're gettin' tired of it."

She nearly laughed as her fingers combed the hair back from his forehead and she whispered, "I'm not tired of it and I'll never tire of you. I just need to use the bathroom first."

He saw his chance to finally ask her as he nodded and ventured, "Is it sumthin' ta do with that jar? I found it on the vanity last night. What is it Beth?"

She realized then she had not returned the jar to the back of the drawer, she'd been careless. Then she questioned herself, why would she keep such a thing from her husband? Her face turned red but she answered, "My body, well that part of my body…um…it's not use to so much…um…attention." She went on to nervously tell him about Andrea giving her the jar and what the woman said.

She was surprised when her husband softly laughed and nodded, "Well I s'pose she'd be the woman ta know about such things."

She returned to their bed and her husband's waiting arms, and their morning love was slow and relaxed as they took their time to savor every moment of the intimate start to their day.

They felt happy and warmed by the love they shared as they helped each other dress for the day ahead. They walked in the kitchen together and she hurried to the window taking in the beautiful sight. The ground was covered in a blanket of fresh snow and more of the big flakes were slowly drifting down. It looked so peaceful and so pretty, it was hard for her to imagine a time she would not look forward to seeing it.

Her husband interrupted her musings when in a very serious and authoritative manner he stated, "I'ma have ta get ta town soon and I aim take ya with me. I ain't leavin' ya here alone, not til Rick hears from the Governor's office an we know for sure all them claimers are either killed or captured. I ain't riskin' there's one still on the loose."

Although his words came out sounding almost like a harsh command she did not protest or object to that tone. She knew he wasn't acting out of meanness, her husband's only concern was her safety. She also knew by his manner he would not change his mind. When she simply smiled and gladly agreed, "Alright, if that's what you think is best," she could see the look of relief on his face.

Besides, a trip to town may be in order.

She'd thought quite a bit about the things he'd told her. About how, come winter, a person would need things to do to keep themselves occupied. She had a bit of money, not much but she thought she'd buy what she could. He was her husband though, the money that was once hers had now become his, and so she asked his permission, "I'm mindful of what you said about keeping myself busy this winter. I want to be prepared to do that. I have a bit of money set aside and I would like to buy some yarn and some fabric, perhaps even some paper and ink. May I have your consent?"

He nodded as he went to the kitchen and took a long flat screwdriver from the drawer. He pried a floorboard loose near the front door and reaching down he retrieved a sturdy-looking metal box. He carried it to the table and when he opened it she was shocked by what she saw. There was an impressive amount of paper money and also two ten dollar coins and two twenty dollar gold coins.

He handed her a stack of the paper money and asked, "Is that gonna be enough?"

She stared at the money in her hand, flabbergasted and sure her mouth must be hanging open, "Daryl, are you certain? This seems like too much money."

He shrugged his shoulders when he answered, "I got no idea on earth what that stuff costs, I just know it's a long winter and if my bride wanted ta make me some, I sure could use a couple pair a socks." He placed a hand on her cheek and told her, "As much as I'm partial ta them pretty undergarments a yours, ya need ta buy yourself a set a long underwear, you're gonna need em. And I need ta pay a call on Jim anyway, see how he's doin'. I'll keep him company in the back while you an Merna work these things out."

It seemed the more he talked the more things came to his mind, "And check if they have some shoes for ya that are suited ta winter, sturdy and high topped. If not, Merna might still be able ta order ya in a pair. If we can't get em there we'll have ta see if Virgil might have an old pair that would fit ya. Them dainty shoes are real pretty Sweetheart, but they ain't gonna do in the snow. Anyway, ya get what ya need."

He thought a minute and took more money from the box, "Check the spices and such too, see if ya think ya got everythin'. You'll need enough ta last til about May. I don't use much a that kind a stuff, it could be runnin' low. It's best ta get it now before winter really sets in. Jim an Merna will start runnin' out of some goods by the end a January, things will get scarce. I promised you and I promised your brother I'd take care of ya, that's what I mean ta do. If it turns out that ain't enough money, I got more buried at the shop."

She touched his arm and told him, "You take very good care of me Daryl. Thank you." Her curiosity was piqued though, she had to ask, "Why don't you keep your money in the bank?"

"I do keep an account there, but it pays ta have money tucked away no one knows about, in case ya have ta fall back on it. What if we didn't stop them outlaws? Think of all that money that woulda been lost. Only three people know about this money here, you, me and Merle." His smile was melancholy as he added, "My Daddy kept homemade wine hidden under the floorboards, I keep hard earned cash hidden."

It was nearly eight and they'd just finished breakfast when there was a knock on the door. He answered and there stood his nephew. "Hey Virg, c'mon in. Everythin' alright?"

"Mornin' Uncle Daryl, Aunt Beth. Everythin' is real fine." As he spoke the young man stuck first one heel, and then the other in the bootjack, removing his boots before entering. He hung his coat from a hook by the door and set the shotgun he was carrying on the gunrack.

His Aunt asked, "Can I get you something to eat or a cup of coffee Virgil?"

"No thanks Aunt Beth, I already had my breakfast and two cups a coffee. I just come to talk to Uncle Daryl bout business."

His Uncle nodded, "Alright, let's sit by the fire."

While they talked Beth took a quick inventory of the spices, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch and molasses, jotting down what she needed. As she did she couldn't help but overhear Virgil and her husband as they spoke, "I'ma be twelve years old week after next. I ain't a child Uncle Daryl, 'specially not after what happened yesterday. Last night I talked it over with Mama and Daddy. Daddy understood and he agreed right away. Mama took a lot more convincing, but she finally agreed too. I ain't gonna be fittin' in quite right at school. I'm a man now and they're all still children. I ain't goin' back. If you'll have me I'm ready and I'm real anxious to be your apprentice."

His Uncle nodded in agreement, "You're right Virg, ya are a man. For a mighty long time now I been thinkin' just that, and I'll be proud ta have such a capable man workin' with me." Then the boy's Uncle got a little laugh in his voice when he asked, "I bet your Mama don't plan ta just let ya quit the schoolin' altogether though, does she now?"

Virgil shook his head, "No I ain't gettin' out of it that easy. She'll have me readin' and doin' my figures every night."

Daryl still couldn't keep from smiling as he assured his nephew, "That's good though Virg, she was the same with me. I tried ta fight it but I'm glad your Mama won. You're gonna see you'll be usin' those figures a lot in the work we do." He clapped him on the back and ask, "Now for today, are ya ridin' Buck?"

"Yeah I am."

"Alright then, might as well get started on your new job. Here's the key. Why don't ya head on in and get the fire goin' in the hearth, I'll be there directly. I got the sled in that far stall and I need ta make sure them skis are in good shape for winter. I got a feelin' this snow we're gettin' today ain't gonna melt off, it's the start of the real winter. After we make sure the sled is in good shape, I'ma get ya started on your ferrier apprenticeship. At first I want ya workin' with the horses ya know and that know you, so today you'll be hot shoddin' Buck, Blackie an Ginger. Course I'll be right there with ya, whaddya think?"

"I'm ready ta learn it Uncle Daryl. I been wantin' this since I's four year's old. I promise I'll be a good hand and mind what ya tell me."

And like the men that they were his Uncle shook his hand, "I got no worries about ya Virgil, I know you'll always do your best."

She had so many questions to ask about what had just transpired, what it all would mean and why a young boy would be quitting school. But now was not the time, that would come later. For now she excitedly asked her husband, "A sled Daryl? To slide down hills?"

He shook his head "no" but smiled at her, "I wish I could say it's for your fun, well I guess truth is it can be kinda fun, but what it is, is a way for us ta get around in the snow a little better. I got myself a wagon a couple years back that's a little smaller and lighter weight than most. I redone the axles on it, took off the wheels an such. I forged two long metal skis, one for each side. I put them in place a the wheels. It won't turn a tight corner, but it slides across the snow an that makes it a lot easier for the horses ta pull. It also don't get stuck near as often as a regular wagon."

"I'm so anxious to see it and have a ride."

He smiled, "Oh yeah? That's good cuz you'll be ridin' in it plenty this winter." He took her hand and said, "C'mon, for today we'll have Blackie and Ginger take us in the buckboard." He shrugged as he added, "Blackie don't need the help but I don't want that little filly cryin' cuz she can't be with her fella."

He made her smile, but she smiled more when her husband helped her in the wagon and then tucked the lap blanket in around her. She would never stop being amazed by how this rough-seeming man could be so tender.

It was the first thing they saw as they rode into town. The coffins were propped up against the side of the undertaker's building. There were no lids on them, the bodies of the dead outlaws were on full display. Several townspeople were gathered about, and the same photographer who'd taken the picture at their wedding now took pictures of the dead men, arms crossed against their chests and pennies on their eyes.

Beth gasped at the sight, "Oh my, why are those men being made a spectacle?!"

He held her hand more tightly as he explained, "It's the way it's done. It's a warnin' ta any other troublemakers that might be headin' this way thinkin' we're easy pickins. This here will show em how we handle outlaws. That photographer fella, he'll sell that picture for a pretty penny, in turn that picture will help sell newspapers and Dime Novels for years ta come." He smiled and teased, "Folks back east love readin' about our uncivilized ways out here in the west."

She could find no humor in what she'd seen or what he said, "You make it sound as if it means nothing, like their lives didn't matter."

"Sweetheart, they coulda had good lives that did matter, same as you an me. If that's what they wanted. What them fellas wanted was ta steal an cheat, and don't forget what they wanted with women and children."

She'd nearly been a victim of something awful herself, but exhibiting the bodies of the dead just didn't seem right, "But still, Daryl, they were people."

All he could do was shake his head and tell her once again, "It's the way it's done Beth. Maybe it'll change someday." He didn't tell her that as far as he was concerned even giving them a pine box was showing too much kindness. If it were up to him he'd let the buzzards take them. His sweet wife's heart was simply too tender, but then that tenderness was one of the many things he loved about her. He brought her hand to his lips, kissed it softly and with as much sincerity as he could muster he told her, "I'm sorry Sweetheart."

As they approached the shop they could see Virgil had a fire burning in the hearth, the ferrier tools set out and he was keeping himself busy chopping wood. The blacksmith nodded at his wife, "He's gonna be a good hand."

"I'm sure he will be, but he seems so young Daryl."

"He is young, so was I, and he's ready. That boy was born ta be a workin' man, he thrives on it." He looked at her so seriously then and she couldn't argue with what he said, "'Sides, he's right, he'll never fit in at school again, not after all that happened." He took her hand and again lifted it to his lips, softly kissing the back of it, "It just means him comin' ta work for me happened a little sooner than what we planned. He'll do far better here with me than at school, and I could use the help."

He climbed down from the wagon and as he was helping Beth, Virgil was already to them and full of enthusiasm, "I can unhitch Blackie and Ginger for ya. I'll get em in the corral with Buck. I wasn't sure what you wanted me ta do with the other horses so they're still in the stalls."

Her husband quickly became all business, "Ya go ahead and get em all in the corral. Them horses are gonna be your number one job Virg. Right now I want ya ta give em all a good brushin' and get them stalls mucked out good, then put clean straw in em. Ya get all the animals fed an give em fresh water." Virgil nodded and set about getting the horses in the corral, while Daryl turned to Beth, "You keep yourself warm by the fire. I'ma just get that sled out and bring it round, then I'll take ya over ta the store."

He had such a strong manly presence. It surprised her how seeing her husband act with such authority gave her that warm feeling. And although he was issuing orders she noted that he sounded neither harsh nor unkind.

She did as he asked, and as she sat on the stool she retrieved the list she'd made from her bag. She took the pencil that lay on his work bench and began to figure how many hanks of yarn she would need to complete all the projects she had in mind for the long winter months. She also hoped he would agree to let her buy fabric to make curtains for the kitchen and bathroom windows and new dishcloths. Then she thought about perhaps purchasing some tatting if he would consent. She only wanted enough to make lace trim for their bed pillows and doilies for the vanity and dresser. She smiled to herself, she'd already come to know her husband well enough that she couldn't imagine him saying no to such small requests.

He'd hitched Blackie up to the sled and the big stallion walked it over to the shop door, Ginger not far behind. She smiled at her horse, the little filly was as lovestruck over Blackie as she was over Daryl, and in each case she knew the love went both ways.

That was what made her life with Daryl so special, it was the strength of his love. It was tangible, she could feel it. Even though they hadn't really been together long, she did not doubt for a moment that his love for her ran deep and true, and she knew her love for him was just as true. He would always own her heart.

When he'd completed his task, Beth asked him about the extra yard goods and the tatting. He furrowed his brow, acting as if he might disapprove, then teased, "Why ya wanna do all that? You're gonna make the place look like a woman lives there."

For the first time since he'd purchased the business from Dale Horvath, the blacksmith felt at ease about being gone from the shop for an hour or two. Virgil was there now and he knew he could depend on his nephew. The young man was working, and he was more than capable of taking in orders should someone come by. Daryl explained, "Me and your Aunt got an errand ta run and I need ta call on a couple people. We'll be back within two hours, then we'll get them horses shod."

The newlyweds walked in the store and there was no one about, but Merna responded to the sound of the small door chime jingling and called from the back, "I'll be right with you."

He answered, "It's just Daryl and Beth out here Merna, ya take your time. What about Jim, is he feelin' up ta some company?"

She walked through the doorway and with a smile went right to Beth. The women hugged and then Merna turned to Daryl. "Yes please Daryl. I'm certain he'd love some masculine conversation. I think both Daddy Jim and Baby Jim are growing bored with just my company."

The blacksmith smiled, "I'm sure that ain't right, but I'll go see if I can entertain those boys with a huntin' story or two. If ya please, would ya fix Beth up with whatever she might need?"

Merna and Beth were busy filling the list, stacking the spices and other small items near the register, and setting bolts of fabric near the yard goods table to be measured and cut. Beth was glad the men were in the other room, but even though she was sure Jim wouldn't hear, she whispered when she asked about the long underwear.

Merna patted her arm, "They're not the prettiest thing you'll ever wear, and they only make them styled for men, but there will be many days you'll be happy you have them." She tried to find something, anything to like about the pair Merna found for her. At least they weren't a one-piece style. They were cut like Daryl's, a shirt and pants but sized for a young boy. She couldn't imagine that she would be wearing undergarments of the same fashion as her husband.

The boots were something a working man would wear, and nothing that she would ever have dreamed of being seen in. They were brown leather with no decorative touches at all, and rather than pointed the toe was round. The reached all the way to her mid-calf, but they didn't button. They laced up the front and the laces were not pretty, they weren't silken or of a lovely color. They were like cords. And the heel, it wasn't the dainty heel of a woman's shoe, not at all. It was barely three quarters of an inch high and simply matched the form of the shoe itself. With a look of distress on her face she said to Merna, "Oh my, I'll have to learn to walk all over again."

"I know they lack style Beth," her friend consoled, "But just like the underwear, you'll be so happy to have them. And you can still wear your nice shoes in the house, just don't think to wear them outside." Then Merna gave her a hug and reminded her, "You're blessed Beth. I always knew if Smithy could find a woman he cared for he'd be a thoughtful and loving husband. He's trying to see to your comfort, and he certainly doesn't want you to lack for anything."

For some reason the words made Beth blush and she glanced down, nodding agreement, "You're right. He's a wonderful man and I do count my blessings to have found him."

"Well the true blessing of it all is, he feels the same about you. No one needs to tell me, I can see it in the way he looks at you, it's as plain as day."

Jim had begun to slump a little and Daryl could see the man was having trouble keeping his eyes open. He said his goodbye and made his way back in the store. "If you ladies have everythin' figured here I think we best be on our way, we need ta call on Zach and Amy. Merna, if it's alright with you I can bring the wagon around after work, pick everythin' up an settle the bill."

It was strange to her and the situation left her with a bit of an uncomfortable feeling. She had never visited a man in his bedroom, only her Daddy when he'd taken ill. But under Doctor's orders Zach could not be moved from his bed, not yet. Zach was their friend, and he had done so much. She knew she had to do this.

In the interest of propriety, Amy had pulled the quilt up to just under her husband's chin and she accompanied Daryl and Beth into the bedroom. Beth stayed only long enough to thank him for helping protect everyone, wish him a hasty recovery and to let him know she'd be saying her prayers for him.

She and Amy left Daryl to visit with the wounded man while they made their way to the living room, joining Andrea. As they sat Amy shared, "I suppose things will get back to normal very quickly here in Heavenly. Caesar and Dwight are cleaning up the saloon right now to reopen this evening. And I'm full of gratitude when I tell you, Doctor Carlson believes Zach will make a full recovery. I've never been more thankful." She patted her tummy adding, "Especially with a little one coming. I don't know what I would have done."

In her plainspoken manner her sister responded, "You would have survived Amy, it's what women do. We see what has to be done and we do it." Then she softly chuckled adding, "Besides, women don't stay unattended long in a town like Heavenly." She turned her eyes to Beth and patting the new bride's hand said, "Your first two days of married life have certainly been exciting." Beth was nodding agreement when the woman added, "I hope your time in the bedroom has been just as exciting."

Amy tried to scold, "Andrea!"

But her sister simply laughed as she continued, "Well they are married and it's just us ladies here. Anyway, I always have thought Smithy would be a man whose fire burned hot, and you sweet girl, you have a little fire in your eye too."

Beth was sure she would die right there on Amy's settee. Her friend stood, shaking her head, again she reprimanded her sister, "Andrea you can be so terrible. I think I should get us all some tea and then we'll discuss some other topic."

Beth offered hopefully, "Will you let me help get the tea?" But Amy replied there was no need.

Now she was alone with Amy's sister, and she was never quite sure what to say to Andrea. It was also true though, that despite the fact they were very different women, Andrea was always kind to her. She would also forever remember that, together with herself and Lozen, Amy's sister had save Daryl's life.

There was something else. She had to acknowledge the gift Andrea had given her. As hard as it was to get the words out she looked to the woman and said, "Thank you for the jar of cream. It's been good to have it."

Again Andrea patted her hand, "If you ever need more you just come see me, I'm happy to help you." Then she added, "When you do, you'd better come by here for morning tea. I'm sure Smithy wouldn't approve of you visiting me at the saloon."

He didn't stay with Zach long because, just like with Jim, the blacksmith was sure the young man needed rest more than he needed company. The words were no sooner out of Andrea's mouth than Beth's husband came from the bedroom announcing he would be on his way. He was not apprehensive about leaving his wife at Amy's home to visit with her friends. He was confident she'd be safe. Andrea had both her knife and a pistol Caesar had given her and Daryl knew, she would not hesitate to use them. He said his goodbyes and left to pay a call on the sheriff.

When the blacksmith walked in the sheriff's office poor Rick was still filling out paperwork. There were official documents reporting the deaths of the outlaws, official documents recording the injuries of the town folks involved, an official document regarding the theft from and then return of the money to the bank. There were also the documents to be filled out concerning the various bounties that included giving all details regarding who was responsible for taking down who, as well as all information pertaining to the capture of the outlaw named Harley.

The sheriff was happy to have a visitor and take a short break. The men shook hands and Daryl sat opposite Rick at his desk. "So we're sure we got em all?"

Rick nodded, "Yes, we're sure. I got a wire from Helena this morning, the governor's offices of three territories and the State of Colorado are all in agreement."

"Alright then, I wasn't plannin' on lettin' Beth far outta my sight till I knew for sure. Ya got any idea when school's gonna pick back up?"

The sheriff updated him, "Eastman was by earlier and he says Olivia is thinkin' maybe Thursday. The governor and his team oughta be arriving sometime Wednesday."

The blacksmith had a decidedly unhappy look about him as he told the sheriff, "I think I made a wrong decision. I told Beth she could keep her teaching job til the end a the school year, but between you and me, I got a mind ta go back on that."

Rick let out a quiet laugh, "To be honest Smithy, I was damn surprised when you told her she could stay workin'. It doesn't seem like you and you know, a man's wife out workin', well things don't run as smooth at home."

"Yeah we'll see. I can talk ta her about it at least. Maybe she'll be agreeable."

"Well I have some news I can share with you, maybe it'll help. Eastman mentioned that Olivia received a letter from a widow woman over in Laurel. She was inquiring whether Heavenly might have a teaching position open. She said if there was, she and her daughter would travel here immediately."

Daryl's mind was working that over, maybe he could talk Beth into quitting. She wouldn't have to worry she'd be leaving the children without a teacher, or that Olivia was being forced to take on the job. The blacksmith was conflicted, he wanted a home life with her, but he knew she loved working with the children. He was sure that whatever he decided she would accept that decision. But he still felt strongly that he didn't want to take something from her she loved, and he didn't want to be mean to her. All he wanted was to have her home, in their home. It seemed right, better, safer and the way married folks should do. He'd have to try and think of just the right way to ask her to consider a change in their plan.

The sheriff continued, "There was more news in the wire, the governor himself, Benjamin F. Potts, is comin' to Heavenly to witness the trial and inevitable execution of the last of the claimers. There's gonna be a bunch of em. The governor and his staff, the circuit judge and his team. Heavenly's gonna be a busy place."

Rick had more to tell, "Anyway, it looks like between the two of you, you and Beth are going to come into some bounty money."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yep, that fella that broke into the school and assaulted Beth had a bounty on his head from both the Wyoming Territory and the State of Colorado. Then that fella you, Merle and Virgil killed, well it seems he was a real nasty piece of work. He had bounties from the Territories of Montana, Wyoming and New Mexico."

"The way I see it, Beth, Lozen and Andrea will split the bounty on the guy who tried to kill you, let's see," He looked down at his notes and said, "That one was named Billy. He had bounties placed on him by New Mexico Territory and Wyoming Territory."

"Lozen and Tyrese killed one of the worst, that fella was named was Dan. As if murder and stealing weren't bad enough, he had a sick habit of assaulting little boys. Caesar's got bounty money comin' too. He got the big guy named Tony and he and Dwight brought in the fella that's locked up now, Harley." He smiled then, "Hell even I get a share, I killed their leader, Joe."

Daryl nodded, "That's real good for everyone, but mostly I'm just glad they're gone. I'm sure that fella ya got locked up don't have a chance a ever seein' the light a day again."

Rick shook his head, "Nope. The way I see it happening, the Governor and the rest ought to get here Wednesday. I'll call a jury on Thursday, the trial will be Friday, and he'll hang on Saturday."

Daryl had been chewing his bottom lip as he listened and when the sheriff concluded he nodded, "Frontier justice, nuthin' moves faster."

Rick laughed, "Yeah, winter's comin' we don't have time to draw this out. I think the Governor will leave right after the hanging but the judge will stay for the second trial. I expect Shelly Nuedermeyer will be tried Monday. She has quite the list of crimes herself, starting with striking a child, fraud, embezzlement and there's more. I don't expect that trial ta take more than a couple hours. By Tuesday morning I'll be having Tyrese escort her to the territorial prison in Deer Lodge. That ought to make a nice cozy home for her."

"Better'n what she deserves."

"Well there's some news there you might be interested in. There was a bounty on her from both Wyoming and Colorado. I credited Karen with that capture, so she'll be getting some reward money. Then, on behalf of the town of Heavenly as compensation for her crimes, I'll be confiscating all Nuedermeyer's property including her house, just as soon as she's found guilty. Wednesday next week we'll hold an auction. What you might be interested in is, I hear from Olivia that Nuedermeyer has a very nice piano in her parlor. I think you know a woman who enjoys playing piano."

That brought a smile to the Smithy's face, "I'll be there biddin'. But don't tell Beth. If I get it I want it ta be a surprise, and keep that idea a me askin' her ta quit her job to yourself too, please."

Daryl made one more brief stop. He arrived at the bank, shook Milton's hand and told him, "I's impressed with everythin' ya done from the start. Ya spotted that guy in the saloon, reported it ta Rick and that lead ta the gang fallin' apart. If they'da stuck together they coulda ambushed us, we might not a been so lucky in bringin' em down. I hope the bankin' company and the company that owns the mine remember how loyal ya were ta them too."

He picked Beth up at Amy's and they hurried back to the shop. Virgil had completed his jobs and was busy stacking the wood he'd chopped, "Hey Uncle Daryl, Aunt Beth. I got some orders for ya boss, three of em."

He handed the papers to Daryl then added, "And Tyrese came by. He said Mr. Monroe is comin' to talk to ya in the mornin', he wants some sleds like ya made."

The blacksmith shook his head but he was smiling, "I knew when I made that sled someone would come along and want me ta make them one."

Virgil corrected him, "Tyrese says Mr. Monroe wants four."

"We're gonna be busy Virg, and not just with Reg's orders. We got the governor and a bunch a other folks from Helena headed this way. Rick thinks they'll be gettin' here Wednesday. That's gonna mean a lotta extra work. We'll be boardin' horses, probably puttin' new shoes on a few of em, an we might even have ta do some wagon repairs and such. So, ya get your rest an ya pack hearty meals for yourself."

He usually enjoyed stopping for dinner at his brother's, but all he wanted to do this night was get his wife home. He wanted to hold her and he wanted to make love to her, and there were so many things he wanted and needed to talk to her about. Not just her job, there were other decisions to be made. Big decisions that would impact the rest of their lives.

They were about halfway to Merle's when he stopped the wagon. No one was around and he didn't hesitate to gently take her face in his hands. He kissed her deeply and whispered, "I got so much I wanna say, so much I wanna ask. I wish we was goin' straight home. I just want it ta be you and me alone right now."

He kissed her again and when they drew apart she told him, "That's what I want to. Us, in our home alone together."

"Tomorrow night and most every night after, that's the way it's gonna be Beth."

A/N Thank you all for reading along. Please leave a comment / review. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee, bethylmethbrick and A Place Called Heavenly. I hope to see you all back here next Friday for more of A Place Called Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large and appreciate you big time! xo gneebee