A Place Called Heavenly Chapter 27, a walking dead fanfic

A/N I'm so grateful to all of you. Thank you so much for the love you show this story.

And "guest" KS, wherever you may be, thank you for always reading and commenting on my stories - for years :)

We'll be busy as usual this chapter so let's get started!

It so happened the land office was quite similar to the clerk's office, in that it consisted simply of a desk and two tall wooden file cabinets. However, it was not located in the sheriff's office, it was housed within the Western Union office. As such, like the telegraph office it was manned by Eugene Porter. The minute the clock struck eight, Daryl Dixon was there to speak with the man and obtain the necessary paperwork to file both his and his wife's homestead claims.

It was an indisputable fact and all the folks in Heavenly were aware of it, Eugene Porter was a man who enjoyed sharing his knowledge with all who would listen. And it happened that Eugene Porter knew quite a lot about the nature of the land the Dixon's were interested in claiming. He spared no detail as he talked of the water table and how deep the blacksmith would likely have to dig his well to ensure he hit clean and abundant drinking water. The man also had a wealth of information regarding running irrigation systems straight from the river, how they work and what would work best considering the terrain and the weather conditions. That information was of great interest to Daryl. Harnessing river water to irrigate their land was exactly what he wished to accomplish.

Although to Daryl's way of thinking Eugene was a strange one, the blacksmith did not discount the other man's intelligence in these matters, rather he paid close attention and even took notes.

Before leaving with paperwork in hand, the blacksmith did caution the man, "I expect this ta stay confidential Eugene. My wife and me gotta talk ta family before word's out about our plans. Ya understand my meanin'?"

The man had no desire to upset Daryl Dixon or any other Dixon, "Oh yes, I understand completely. No one will hear anything about this from me."

The blacksmith hurried back to the shop knowing the governor and his staff, as well as the judge and his staff would soon be arriving. He made it just in time. The politicians were there just moments after he returned, right along with a fellow taking down notes for a newspaper story and the photographer who was anxious to get pictures of the governor and his entourage.

In no time Daryl and Virgil were busy unhitching horses, cooling them down and giving them just a little water and grain before all were brushed and set loose in the corral. Once all were cooled and groomed they were given additional water and feed.

While the blacksmith and his apprentice were busy seeing to the tack, the coaches and the carriages, the governor and his staff, along with the judge and his staff, all met to discuss the upcoming court proceedings with the sheriff. The meeting was held in the only place in town big enough for such a gathering, the very same site which would serve as the trial location, the saloon.

Because of the important meeting among the dignitaries the saloon was officially closed to customers during that time. As always, Caesar manned the door and Dwight the bar, and both men were dressed for the occasion. They wore starched white shirts, silk ties and waistcoats, while Andrea, acting as the "hostess" was dressed in the style of a society woman from back east. Even the working girls were more discreetly attired than was usual, and they did not approach the men. They sat quietly at a table in the back, hoping they'd be chosen after the meeting. The ladies were certain such fancy out-of-towners would be generous with their tips.

Although Andrea took the drink orders and delivered the beer and the whiskey to the meeting attendees, she would not be partaking in any other sorts of business dealings with these men. No matter what the offer may be. She and Caesar had come to the agreement, now that they were sharing a bed they would hold only each other in that familiar way.

Virgil arrived for her just after noon, and about that same time Tyrese showed up with the cow. Beth was so excited she was nearly beside herself when Tyrese smiled, "Smithy got ya a four-legged present, don't go playin' with it yet though, wait on your man ta get here." He then handed her two more items, "The Missus Morgan thought ya might could use these. She says ta tell ya they were hers when milkin' was one a her chores." Beth was thrilled and asked the man to kindly convey her most sincere gratitude to Deanna for the gift of a milking stool and small butter churn.

She still couldn't quite believe it all, he'd done it, her husband really had gotten her a cow. She wondered if there was anything he couldn't manage. She didn't think there was and that made her even more confident about the dream they would be following together.

As happy as she felt there was also a heaviness in her heart. She had to take responsibility for something. She had to tell Olivia of her desire to leave her position as marm. She would ask for forgiveness and pray for understanding. There would be no need to pretend she was contrite; indeed she was contrite. She and her husband had also agreed that if need be she would stay in her position until the end of the school year as originally planned. She could not possibly put the good woman or the schoolchildren in a situation where there would be no teacher.

Virgil helped her into the wagon saying, "Be careful now Aunt Beth, ya let me help ya." It made her smile thinking he was so much like his Uncle. He told her he'd wait at the parsonage while she spoke with Miss Olivia after which he would take her for a visit with her husband and then back home.

"Oh no Virgil, I may be a while. I can't ask you to wait. I'll walk to the shop when I'm done here, it's not far."

"I can't let ya walk Auntie. Uncle Daryl says it's dangerous, there's too many strangers in town. You take the time ya need, I'll be waitin' right here." She knew there was no use to argue, her husband had made up his mind and Virgil would not test his uncle.

With nerves on edge and a pounding heart she lightly knocked on the parsonage door. She didn't have long to stand and agonize, Olivia immediately opened the door, almost as if she'd been waiting for her, "Come in Beth it's so nice to see you."

The woman being so sweet to her when she was about to impart bad news had Beth feeling even more guilty and quite emotional. "Olivia I have to tell you something. I have to ask you something really. I feel so ashamed and I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you…"

That was as far as she got. Olivia could see the other woman's distress and she took her hand, "Whatever it is Beth, please, take a deep breath. Let me get you a cup of tea and we'll talk."

Beth began by telling the woman now that she was married the idea of leaving her home every day did not feel right or proper. Especially not when caring for her home and her husband was what she most wished to do. "I won't simply abandon you Olivia, I could never do that. And if it's not possible to hire a new marm, I would stay on. I don't want the children to go without a teacher when they've already missed so much school this year." The ladies each took a sip of their tea and Beth added, "If a new marm is found I would still like to continue coming two mornings a week to instruct the children in music and art. I would not expect to be paid."

Olivia looked serious but not angry when she responded, "First, let me share some news with you Beth. When I saw all those strangers in town today, and I know they may be lawmen and dignitaries, yet still I knew I didn't want the children exposed to so many strangers, nor all the other goings on presently taking place in our town. I've decided to keep school closed through the Neudermeyer trial. We won't reopen until Tuesday."

She pursed her lips and shaking her head just a little she went on, "I hate to have the children miss more of their studies but it seems necessary to keep them safe. In the meantime, I've been trying to develop a plan so the children can catch up some of this time they've missed. Perhaps I'll have them come an hour early in the mornings or stay an hour later in the afternoons, but just for a week or two. Most of them need to help at home so I have to think of that as well. I also thought of personal instruction for any student who may be struggling in a particular subject until they're caught up. Maybe that's where you could be a help to me Beth."

She took another sip of tea and continued, "We could easily accommodate more than one instructor now that, thanks to the ladies of the sewing circle and the sheriff, we have two lovely schoolrooms available. How would you take to the idea of teaching an hour of music or art those mornings, and then spending another hour or two of your time on academic instruction? As I say, they've missed so much and with winter coming, some days it will be impossible for many of our children to even get to town for school."

"Of course I would be agreeable to that Olivia. I don't want the children to have difficulties with their studies."

That brought a smile to Olivia for more reason than one, "I guess we should be grateful so many of their Mothers are former marms, that will be a big help." Then she became quite serious as she set her hand atop the younger woman's and said, "And Beth, I don't want you to feel the burden of guilt. I believe in a woman caring for her home and family first. I also must confess to you, I have already undertaken the task of bringing a new marm to Heavenly. I planned to speak with you about it after church this Sunday. I was not going to replace you, but I knew I had to give this woman an opportunity and I hoped perhaps we could find a way you could both work."

Olivia stood then and retrieved a letter from the desk. "I received this from a widow woman in Laurel and I know I can trust you to keep the sordid details confidential. Beth, this unfortunate woman has borne a heavy burden." Olivia drew in a breath, again shaking her head side to side just a bit, "The most delicate way I can say this is, her husband was a very cruel disciplinarian. The last time he struck her was in the public street. Several townspeople witnessed the brutality and one man was so angered he shot the woman's husband dead, right at her feet." Beth felt shock and she also felt her heart break for this woman she did not know.

"When I received the letter I prayed for guidance all that day and night and I sought Eastman's counsel as well. The very next day I sent the woman a telegram and also, on behalf of the school board, I purchased her and her daughter fare on the coach. They'll be arriving in Heavenly Monday. Her name is Mrs. Carol Peletier and her daughter is Sophia, age eleven. Something in my heart Beth told me this was the course I needed to take."

Beth took in a breath and now it was she who placed her hand over Olivia's, "You're such a good soul Olivia and I am so happy this woman and her daughter will be coming to Heavenly. I know the people here will make her and Sophia feel welcome. But where will they stay?"

"I spoke with Lori and Rick and they've agreed to take the deputy into their home and care for him there, in fact Rick will be here with help this afternoon to move him. Eastman and I agreed it would be best for Carol and Sophia to stay here with us, but only temporarily. I plan to take advantage of Shelly Neudermeyer's home when the town takes possession of it to satisfy her debt to the schoolboard. I'm certain Rick will consent. It seems it would make the perfect home for Heavenly's new school marm."

She had a peaceful smile when she added, "I also feel confident Shane will do quite well with Rick and Lori. I know he'll receive the best of care."

It was agreed, to help Carol Peletier get settled in, Beth would work alongside the new marm Tuesday through Friday of the following week. After that she would begin teaching Tuesdays and Thursdays from eight in the morning to eleven, but only until the end of the current school year.

She and Virgil arrived back at the shop and her husband hurried to remove his heavy apron and help her down from the wagon. She did not miss the questioning look on his face and she quickly shared, "It's all turned out quite wonderfully." She then explained to both her husband and her nephew the news that a new marm would soon arrive in Heavenly, and what had been decided about her own new work schedule. She saw her husband's brow furrow when she mentioned that the deputy would be staying with Rick and Lori, but she never thought to ask him why.

The blacksmith shook a dark thought from his mind, this didn't have to do with anyone else, this was about her and him. He turned his thoughts only to her as he took his wife in his arms, then he seemed to remember they were not alone. He looked to Virgil who smiled as he walked away, saying, "Yeah, I better just go out ta the corral and check on all them horses."

Her husband had a hand resting on her cheek and his eyes locked on hers when he said, "I'm real glad ta hear all that Beth. I know you was nervous about talkin' ta Olivia. The way it all turned out just makes me more sure all the time, these plans we have are meant ta be."

He kissed her chastely, even though his nephew's back was turned it was still a public place and they'd been so busy with work he had concerns of people walking in. Still that concern did not stop him from holding her close for a long moment as he whispered, "We'll talk more tonight, I got all kinds a information today and I got them forms too. I can hardly wait Beth."

"I'm feeling just the same Daryl." Then she remembered, "Oh, my sweet husband, I love my gift!" He gave her a quizzical look and her smile widened, "My cow Daryl, thank you for my cow. Now I just have to think of the perfect name for her."

Laughing softly he teased, "When ya got ya a hundred head of beef cattle are ya gonna have a name for every one of em?"

"Yes, probably."

He laughed a little harder agreeing, "Yeah, probably."

He got serious then as apologetically he told her, "I'm afraid me an Virg might have ta work a little later than usual the next few days. All these horses and all this tack and equipment is a lot when we still got our regular customers ta think about."

She set her hand on his arm and smiled, "Whenever you get there I'll be there waiting for you."

Meanwhile at the saloon all had agreed, the trial would begin Friday morning at 8:00 sharp. The sheriff would choose twelve good citizens of Heavenly, men who'd had no direct dealings with the claimers, to serve as the jury.

He and the Governor along with the governor's secretary left the saloon together. The sheriff to inform the jurors and the witnesses, and the governor to partake of a nap at the hotel. The other men remained to enjoy all the diversions the saloon had to offer.

Beth was in the wagon and just about to leave the shop with Virgil when the sheriff arrived. He tipped his hat in greeting and said, "I apologize, but if you could step back down for a moment Beth, I need to speak with both of you."

Daryl helped his wife down from the wagon and then the sheriff explained, "Just like we all figured it would, the trial's gonna start Friday mornin'. I've come to inform you you're both gonna have to testify. All you've gotta do is say what happened and answer any questions the judge might have. They all seem of a mind to keep the trial short so you shouldn't be on the stand for long."

His eyes turned to the blacksmith, "Daryl, I'll send someone over here to get you when it's your turn to testify. Beth, I asked the judge to schedule you to go on the stand first thing in the morning. That made the most sense because you had first contact with the outlaws. That means you'll be giving your testimony just after eight and then you're free to go."

Her heart was in her throat and she was sure her whole body was shaking. Never had it occurred to her she would have to tell her story in front of what would surely be a large group of men, many of whom she did not know.

She looked to her husband with pleading eyes but the best he could do was say to the sheriff, "I know it's necessary but I got some thoughts on this Rick. That's puttin' my wife in a spot she don't wanna be in. I know witnesses ain't s'posed ta be listenin' ta other witnesses testify, but I'll be there in the courtroom when my wife testifies. She ain't goin' in there on her own. The judge can call me as soon as she's done, then I'll take her home."

The sheriff did not fail to notice the set of the blacksmith's jaw nor the steely look in his eye. He was of no mind to argue with the man, "That sounds real fine and I'm sure the judge will agree. I'll speak to him myself and I'll see you both first thing Friday mornin'."

He looked at his bride and she appeared even more pale than usual. She had a worried brow and she was wringing her hands and the blacksmith was no longer concerned about being seen. Before he helped her back in the wagon he took her in his arms, "It's gonna be fine, I'll be right there with ya and it'll all be over soon. We'll be movin' on ta better things Beth." He kissed her lips and told her, "I'll be home to ya as fast as I can get there."

She didn't want to cry in front of Virgil so she didn't take a chance on speaking, she simply looked at her husband and tried her best to smile.

When they arrived back at the house it struck her again, in so many ways Virgil really was a younger version of Daryl. He took his boots off, followed her in the house and stoked the fire in the hearth then added wood to the firebox in the cookstove. "Get's cold fast when no one's home ta keep addin' wood to the hearth."

"Thank you Virgil, it's very kind of you to help. Can I get you anything? Something to eat or drink?"

"No thank you Auntie, I gotta get back to work. Before I go though, I'm gonna get your cow in the barn and give her some hay."

She didn't argue because as she so often felt with him and his uncle, there was simply no point. When their minds were set they were set.

It was already well into the afternoon and she began to busy herself with dinner preparations. She was trying hard to keep her mind on her work and not on the testimony she would have to give. Her mind and her hands were both busy and the knock on the door gave her a start. She smiled when she saw it was Virgil and that he carried a bucket. "I went on ahead and milked her, she was full."

He set the bucket on the counter and Beth almost squealed with delight. "Here now Virgil, let me fill two quart jars for you to take home."

He smiled widely and with the way he was looking at the fresh warm milk she thought to ask, "Would you like to try a cup before you go?"

"Yes, ma'am if it's alright I sure would. Thank you."

It was well passed dark when she heard Blackie's familiar snort and she smiled knowing her husband was home. She also knew he'd be a few minutes while he put the horses in the barn and cared for them. She took that time to hurry in the bathroom, run a damp cloth over her face and try to do something about the curls that always seemed to come loose. She forgot all that when she heard his boots hit the porch.

She hurried to the door, smoothed down her apron and as the handle moved all she could do was smile.

There was so much on his mind and his serious look confirmed that, and then as he slipped the boots off he looked at her. That moment when his eyes landed on his wife it was instantaneous, his expression softened as he remarked, "I sure do have a pretty woman waitin' here for me. How the hell…I mean how the heck, did I get so lucky?"

Her smile grew wider and her eyes took on a sparkle as she watched her husband hurry to hang his coat, hat, scarf and gloves, and she answered, "I'm certain it's I who is the lucky one."

His embrace was warm and tender and after such a long and eventful day it was a comfort and a pleasure for the newlyweds to simply hold each other close.

They held hands while he said the blessing and they sat for their dinner. There was ham and potatoes, but the potatoes were different, they were creamed. "Already puttin' that cow ta work, huh?"

She smiled back, "You tease but I have a feeling you're going to enjoy my country gravy on your morning biscuits and the cream you'll have for your coffee."

He took her hand and nodded in agreement, "I will. Ya had a good idea. Virgil was all manner of excited ta get that milk home ta his Mama." He took a bite of his food, nodded to himself, and then said, "I'll get three milk cans and three cream cans from the store tomorrow. We'll keep one of each in our cellar, and Merle can have one each for his, we'll use the others for transporting it."

He'd worked hard and in spite of the big lunch she'd prepared him he ate like a man who'd been starved. When he finally began to slow down he mentioned, "I'ma be workin' a little later Saturday on account of the hangin' and havin' ta have all the horses and equipment ready for the governor when it's over. I know Merle will be there watchin' and I'ma tell him you and me need ta come have a talk with him and Karen later that afternoon. We can tell em about this plan and see if they wanna be part of it."

Her ears seemed to focus on only part of what he said, "You're going to watch them hang a man?"

He knew her and her way and he treaded lightly, "Beth, it ain't like I wanna see a man lose his life, but I gotta be right there workin'. It'd be real hard ta miss. I know it hurts ya somehow, but maybe ya gotta think a all the bad them fellas have done. It ain't like the man don't have it comin'. When it's all over he'll get his chance ta try and square himself with his maker."

She simply nodded but the thoughts of the hanging upset her. It was these times when he recalled that first time he'd seen her. He knew then she was delicate and he'd been so sure she would not last in this country. She'd proved him wrong, she'd showed how tough she could be. But he was aware there are some things that are just part of a person's nature and they cannot be changed.

So it was with his wife, she had such a sweet way and she was as tender as ever. He did not see it as a fault in her, some flaw that needed correcting. He saw it as a rare trait, a pureness of heart. He did his best to provide comfort, "I'm sorry Sweetheart, all I have ta say ta try and hearten ya is it'll soon be over."

Suddenly the tears and the words began to spill from her, "I'm so frightened about Friday Daryl. How can I speak in front of so many men about what that man did to me?" Now her shoulders began to shake and her words were barely audible, "How can I tell of him tearing my clothes and trying to touch me in the way that he did? And, how, how can I talk about stabbing a man? Just to think of it makes my stomach hurt and my head ache. Please Daryl, do I have to do this?"

He was worried for her and he reached his hand over, clasping hers as he kept his voice low and calm while he did his best to sooth her, "Hey now, I'ma be right there. I'ma be sittin' right in front of ya. You pretend it's just me and you. Ya ain't gonna look at no one but me and I ain't gonna look at no one but you." He moved his hand around to rub her back as he leaned in and kissed her tearstained cheek, promising, "I wish ya didn't have to but we all gotta do it. You'll see, it'll be alright, and if ya say ta me later it ain't, I'ma figure out how I make it alright for ya."

It was then, as she looked at this big rough-seeming man that she turned her thoughts to her husband. This selfless man who was always putting her and her comfort first, and she realized she had not been considerate. He'd had a long hard day of work and he'd taken care of so much business for them.

She managed to get her emotions under control and she rose from the table. She stood straight as she walked behind him and set her hands on his shoulders, and then began to massage the tight muscles, "I'm sorry for acting the spoiled child Daryl. You work so hard, thank you for taking such good care of me."

His neck and his shoulders had been tight from the work and he found her touch soothing as he felt himself relax. He spoke softly as he told her, "It ain't just me, ya give me so much. Every time I tell ya I'm a lucky man I mean it. You're everythin', and damn…darn, what you're doin' there, that feels good. I's wound up tight."

She leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "Maybe a nice hot bath would help ease some of that."

He didn't answer at first. He just smiled to himself and then he stood. He turned to her, hands on her shoulders and that little grin on his lips, "That would be real good, real special if I was ta have some company."

And his sweet, innocent bride managed to catch him unaware again, "I had every intention of joining you there."

They lay together in the big copper tub, her back against his chest and slim arms laying across his thighs. The fingers of one of his hands absentmindedly played with her blonde curls while the other hand rubbed her shoulder. He spoke to her of his day and what he'd learned at the land office, "I got the forms an all, one for each of us. I'll try'n work on em tomorrow night, but I hate them kinds of things. Forms and paperwork. It just ain't sumthin' I care ta do."

She was careful with her words, not wishing to insinuate she may know better than him or to offend her husband in some way. "I'm going to be home tomorrow and I wouldn't mind looking the papers over. Perhaps I'd be able to fill out at least some part of them. After all Daryl, we are in this together."

She felt him exhale and he said, "Um yeah, if ya get time you could look em over, maybe fill out some of it if ya want. Otherwise don't worry, I'll get it done." And they both knew then, in this seemingly casual exchange it had been decided. When these matters such as paperwork, forms and documents needed to be addressed, she would be the one who attended to them.

The bath had served to relax them both while also fueling their already deep desire for one another. As he seemed want to do, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to their bed.

Their love was relaxed and comforting as they took their time with each other. They caressed and fondled, letting fingers and hands run slowly and lightly over each other's bodies. Bodies which the more they explored the more they enjoyed, and the more ways they discovered to bring pleasure to themselves and each other.

He kissed his way along the line of her slim neck and then seemed to bury himself in the soft curve where it met her shoulder. He whispered, "I want ya so much," and she was a warm and willing partner as his body entered hers.

They were smiling into each other's eyes and those eyes revealed the depths of the love they felt for one another. They moved together at a slow and easy pace, determined to make the loving last. His hand moved to her hair and he gently let his fingers twine in the soft curls while his lips went to hers. His kiss conveyed the heat of his passion as well as the power of all the feelings his heart held for her. He drew his lips away only long enough to whisper those words that were for her the most cherished, "I love ya my Sweetheart."

The man in the long black coat had been riding hard since Denver. Twice along the way he'd had to trade horses, once with a blacksmith and once at a pony express stop. It didn't matter to him what he had to do. He would make it there by early Saturday morning. The people of Heavenly would know his name and they would hear his words before the hanging.

A/N I promise to do my best to get this damn trial behind us next chapter as we move our story forward. Thank you all so much for reading along and please leave a comment / review. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee, bethylmethbrick and this story blog, A Place Called Heavenly. I hope to see you all back next Friday for more Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large and appreciate you greatly! xo gneebee