A/N Thank you! You guys are the best. We're finally going to deal with Mrs. Nuedermeyer, we'll get more news about the sheriff and Lori, the Dixons will make their claim, we all meet the new marm, and there's some sweet Bethyl love. enjoy!

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She didn't expect to react this way, not this time. But now that the moment had come she was so nervous, she dreaded having to testify again. She'd worked herself into a bit of a state and was having trouble eating even a bite of her breakfast. Her husband tried to help when he reminded her, "Ya been through the worst one Beth. Ya had that claimer sittin' right there and I's so proud a how good ya done." He gave her hand a squeeze and spoke of what it meant, "This woman hurt ya and a whole lotta your friends. I might brag on Virgil and say that he's a man, but I know he's still a boy and that...woman hit him. No one should ever hit a child that way. I want her ta have ta answer for them things Beth and I know you do too." He brought her hand to his lips, tenderly kissing the back of it, "I'll be right there at court. Your eyes on my eyes, right?"

"Yes, I know you're right Daryl, and I know it will be fine. I just can't help dreading going through it all again. Even the thought of seeing her makes my stomach turn."

He squeezed her hand a little tighter, "Your eyes on my eyes, just remember that."

She tried her best to smile for him when she answered, "Yes."

He gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile as he ran a finger slowly along her jawline saying, "Alright then, eat your breakfast so we can get this over with and get on with our life."

Karen was the first to testify. Milton followed corroborating her story about having discovered fraud in the records and thievery in the funding accounts. The testimony was upsetting to the trial goers. Disgruntled mumbling could be heard from the crowd, and it had the judge hitting his gavel on the table in an attempt to quiet the unhappy citizens of Heavenly. Folks whose tax money had been embezzled.

The third witness to be called was Lori Grimes and the deputy was already on his way to the Grime's home to escort her.

Abraham knocked on the door and advised the sheriff it was time. But it was not the deputy who escorted Lori Grimes to the saloon, it was her husband. There was a stir among the crowd as the couple walked in and Beth couldn't help looking their way. She had never seen the sheriff's face as dark and stern looking as it was that day. His jaw was set and his eyes were unblinking and focused straight ahead, and as he led his wife to the stand he kept his fingers firmly wrapped around her upper arm.

Beth felt herself becoming emotional. It was troubling to see her friend look so miserable. Lori's eyes were red and swollen, making it known to all she'd done a lot of crying. Even her nose and cheeks looked raw. Beth was discomforted as she found herself wondering if Rick Grimes was the type of man who would be harsh in disciplining his wife. She scolded herself for even thinking it. Although he was certainly within his rights to punish her as he wished, Beth couldn't believe cruelty would be in Rick's nature. She prayed it was not.

There was only one thing Beth felt absolutely certain of, whatever had happened between Lori and Deputy Walsh, and whatever means the sheriff had chosen to reprimand his wife, no one else would ever know. This would be the one time Lori Grimes would not be sharing news with her friends.

Beth was the fourth witness on the stand and she testified as to her experiences with Mrs. Neudermeyer, the threats, the accusations and the terrible words the woman had spoken to her. While she gave that testimony she never took her eyes off the eyes of her husband, and he never looked away from her.

Immediately after Beth, Virgil took the stand. He sat up straight, tall and proud as he told of how the Neudermeyer woman came storming in the classroom that day. How she yelled at the teacher in front of the schoolchildren, frightening them and saying things children should not hear. He spoke of how her tirade had brought many of the younger ones to tears. Then he told of trying to protect his brother and sister from the wrath of Shelly Neudermeyer, and how the woman had struck him hard across the face. Although most in attendance knew the story, hearing a child tell the tale and talk of being hit in this way, and by a woman so vile, caused the crowd to react with loud gasps and even louder and very cross grumblings.

Once again the judge pounded the gavel on the table and reminded those in the room, "This is a court of law. You are to remain silent unless called upon to testify or you will be removed." Then, one by one all of the former marms were called.

Even with so many witnesses testifying it all went quite quickly. As with the claimer the jury did not deliberate for long. The judge sentenced Shelly Neudermeyer to seven years in the Montana Territorial Prison at Deer Lodge. In addition to that, he ordered that her home be surrendered and deeded over to the town. Her bank account was confiscated as well. This was how she would make restitution for the money she'd embezzled.

She stood and screamed at the judge, "You crooked bastard, I'll die there!"

The judge hit his gavel on the table once more, "Woman, that is no way to speak to the judge. We'll make that eight years."

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Beth and Virgil had completed their testimonies and were done in court by 9:30 that morning. Virgil went straight to the shop while her husband took Beth to the land office. They spoke briefly to Eugene who, although he was such an odd fellow, was quite helpful and accommodating as he shared more information and advice. He reached in his file retrieving a fresh form for Merle's claim, and as he presented it to them he said, "To my way of thinking you are about to embark on proving up some of the finest land not only in the Montana Territory, but in all the Western Territories."

From there the blacksmith returned his wife to their home. He was in a hurry to get back to the shop. He and Virgil had missed so much work already that Monday morning, but his hurried state did not stop him from doing the things for her he always did. He helped her with her coat and went to the hearth and stoked the fire, then to the cookstove to add wood to the firebox.

Before leaving he set his hands gently on her shoulders and as he leaned in to kiss her goodbye her tears began to fall. She buried her face in his chest and he could feel her small body shake as her tears flowed.

Instinctively, protectively, his arms went around his wife. He didn't know what could possibly have happened to provoke such crying and he was rightly concerned. He knew she needed comfort and he drew her body close to his as he stroked her hair, asking, "What's wrong Beth? What happened? Was it sumthin' at court? Tell me. Please."

She was sniffling and the tears were still coming when she answered, "No, it's not something wrong exactly. It's just that I love you so much and I can't imagine ever doing anything but loving you. I most surely can't imagine ever breaking your trust or my vows."

He knew then. What happened with Rick and Lori was weighing heavy on his wife's tender heart. "I know Sweetheart and I ain't never gonna have eyes for any woman but you. I love ya too and I hope ya know how much." He held her and kissed her and tried to sooth her, "It hurts me too. Rick's a good friend ta me and I always liked Lori just fine. It won't be easy on em but they got a lot a years together and a young boy. I'd like ta think they'll figure a way through all this."

When her husband had gone she did her best to concentrate on other matters. She made dough for two loves of bread, placed it in the big ceramic bowl and covered it with a cloth before setting it on the shelf above the stove to rise. Then she sat at the desk and completed her brother in law's form for his land claim. Earlier she'd worried that perhaps she might feel bad about the claim now being Merle's instead of her own. But the more she thought the more she realized the property would not just be Merle's claim, just as Daryl's would not be only his. Ultimately the land would be all of theirs together.

When the paperwork was completed she returned to the kitchen. She smiled as she thought of the words her husband had spoken to her when he told her what she meant to him, and how he appreciated the things she did for him. Knowing those things made her take even greater pleasure in the kneading of the dough and preparing the rabbit for the pot.

She smiled again as, when once her kitchen duties had been attended to, she sat by the fire and resumed knitting her husband's new socks.

It was her husband, not Virgil, who came for her that afternoon. He seemed a bit embarrassed as he admitted, "Must have too much on my mind. Here I am thinkin' I'ma put in a land claim and I forgot ta get my money." He did manage a small laugh as he pulled up the board and retrieved the metal box, "I been gettin' in and outta here so much lately I'ma need ta replace the floorboard."

With the board back in place and the cash in hand he stood and circled his arms around her waist. After giving his bride a long awaited kiss he told her, "It smells so good I can't wait ta get back later and eat whatever it is my pretty wife is cookin'." And the words he spoke made her smile.

While Beth, Merle and Daryl were submitting the claims to Eugene at the land office, and Virgil was busy mucking out stalls, the stagecoach arrived in Heavenly. The Dixons missed the arrival of the new residents, but there to greet them were Olivia and Merna. They introduced themselves to the new marm, Carol Peletier and her daughter Sophia, then walked them over to the parsonage where they could rest and make ready for the busy week ahead.

Although Olivia and Merna acted as if they didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, they were quite taken aback by the woman's appearance. It was not the custom for a woman to cut her hair, not ever. Yet Carol Peletier's hair was cropped so short as to barely cover her scalp. Far shorter than any man they knew.

Both women were smart enough to know there must be a story behind it all, and both were wise enough to know that eventually these things come to light. In the meantime they would simply accept Carol Peletier for the woman she was.

From the land office Merle took Beth home while Daryl went back to the shop. She hurried to make the dough into loaves and get them in the oven for her husband. While she was thinking of her husband, she was on his mind as well. He never liked to think she was hurt or sad and she'd been so sad about the trial and Rick and Lori.

He just had the one idea of what might help cheer her up a little. He hurried to the general store and bought a nickel's worth of gum drops.

Tuesday was a day she'd both looked forward to and dreaded. How would she manage both work and a home? She was up early and although she tried very hard not to, this time when she slipped from the bed she woke him. "Why ya up so early Beth? We still got time ta rest. C'mon back ta bed."

"I want to but I can't Daryl. There's so much to do, how am I going to do it all?"

He reached up and clasped her wrist and his voice was stern but not mean when he told her, "Get back in bed."

She had no wish to begin her day by upsetting her husband and so she didn't argue with him. He scooted over and she crawled in next to him. He wrapped his strong arms around her pulling her close to his chest and she couldn't help but to snuggle in. He crooked his finger, using it to tip her chin up as he looked in her eyes. His brow furrowed and his forehead creased when he asked, "Who says ya gotta try'n do everythin'? I didn't say it, I don't expect it and I don't want it. It's four days Beth. I think we can do this together. It ain't been that long ago that we both done it all alone. Together's easier, ain't it?"

Her hand went to his hair and she combed it back with her fingers, "You're so good Daryl and I'm so blessed."

As they ate their breakfast he ventured, "Maybe ya wanna come ta the shop today and have your lunch with me and Virgil."

"Yes, of course I'll be by. And Daryl, thank you again for the gumdrops. I might just eat those on the way to school."

She wanted to be at school early and have things ready for the arrival of the new marm. She scurried around making certain everything was just right, and it was only ten minutes until Carol Peletier and her daughter arrived. Olivia introduced the two women and before going she promised Carol, "I'm leaving you in good hands. Beth is a wonderful teacher. The children love her and she loves them. I feel confident it will be the same for you."

Beth like Olivia and Merna before her, was shocked to see the woman's close-cropped hair. She didn't let on though, she only smiled and said, "I'm so happy to have you here Carol. I just know you and Sophia are going to be a wonderful addition to our school and to Heavenly."

While Sophia entertained herself in the new reading and music room, Beth and Carol sat at desks in the schoolroom. Beth explained the routine they followed and how the different grade levels were all managed at once. She told her of the children most willing and anxious to learn, and those who may need a little extra attention and motivation.

"Most of our students have Mothers who are former marms and that's very helpful to us."

Carol was surprised, "Really? Why would that be?"

Beth told her the story of Shelly Neudermeyer and her history as the school board president. She patted Carol's hand and said, "You won't have to worry about such things. She's left for good and it's all different now. I should tell you, there are far more men than women in Heavenly. A pretty woman like you can expect to have many gentleman callers."

Carol surprised Beth when, sounding firm yet not sour, she plainly stated, "I have no intention of ever letting a man into my life again."

Beth was saved from having to make a response when Mister Ezekiel King walked in the room. The man smiled so broadly and happily as he approached them, "Ladies, good morning. I hope I'm not interrupting. I've just come to remind you the mining company is anxious to present the town of Heavenly with a gift, something that all will find useful and enjoyable. As the teachers of Heavenly's youngsters I'm certain you have some wonderful ideas. I've set up a small office at the bank and you're always welcome and encouraged to come by and share those ideas or your petition with me."

Carol Peletier may have no interest in men, but Beth clearly saw the interest Ezekiel King had in her.

When lunch time came she invited the new marm and her daughter to come with her, "I'd like you to meet my husband Daryl and our nephew Virgil. Virgil is the older brother to Cyrus and Mary Ellen. It's a nice little stroll through town as well."

Carol happily agreed. A walk sounded good and she also wished to have a little break from the classroom, and the opportunity to see her new home town.

When Daryl and Virgil saw them approaching they acted almost in unison. Both tilted their chins up in greeting and smiled toward the women. As the smithies removed their aprons Beth did the honors, "Carol and Sophia Peletier I'd like you to meet my husband Daryl Dixon, the town's blacksmith. This young man is his apprentice, our nephew Virgil Dixon."

Daryl wished his wife were alone so he could have a moment to hold her, maybe even sneak a kiss. Even though he was disappointed he used his manners, "Very nice ta meet ya both. I hope ya enjoy the new job and livin' here in Heavenly."

Virgil knew his manners as well. He nodded his head first to the marm and then to her daughter. "It's real nice to meet you both. Welcome to Heavenly."

It was short and pleasant and then the three were off to say hello to Merna at the general store. Daryl did not miss the way his nephew's eyes trailed the young girl Sophia. He teased him asking, "Ya sweet on the new girl Virg?"

He was a little shocked when his nephew did not hesitate to respond, "I ain't quite old enough ta start up with a girl, but as soon as I am she's the one I'm callin' on."

His uncle did not argue. After all, it had only taken him one look at Beth Greene to know she had his heart.

When they walked in the door he rushed to stoke the fires, then he did what he'd longed to do all day. He took his wife in his arms and he held her close as he whispered, "I missed ya so much. It seems strange that I would. Ya ain't been far from me all day and I knew right where ya were. It ain't even been long since I seen ya, but it feels like forever and I can't wait ta hold ya to me."

She held him more tightly as she whispered back, "I'm the same with you my husband. It never feels quite right when we're not together, like a part of me is missing."

He went out to tend the horses and the cow while she prepared their evening meal. They'd agreed they would keep it to something simple. She got the leftover gravy and the moose roast and got them warming. She sliced two thick pieces of bread for her husband and a smaller one for herself, then placed them on their dinner plates.

She opened a jar of green beans and got them heating as well, and just as all was ready her husband walked in the door. She could see by the redness on his cheeks how cold it was and she told him, "Daryl, warm yourself by the fire while I get the food on the table."

"Nah, I'll help."

She laid the sliced warm roast on the bread and covered it all with gravy and he took the plates to their table while she carried the beans. He said the blessing and he couldn't help but add, "Thanks for sendin' the new marm so my sweet wife don't feel the need ta work."

Over dinner he told her of his conversation with Virgil and she commented, "He seems so young to be having such thoughts."

Her husband shrugged then as he rested his hand on hers and smiling he told her, "When a man knows he knows."

His words made the smile come to her lips as her cheeks pinked up and in a quiet voice she said, "When a woman knows she knows."

She wanted to clean the kitchen while he relaxed but he insisted on helping. When the work was done they sat on the sofa and spoke of their day, and in minutes his wife had drifted off.

He was as careful and quiet as he was able to be when he got up. He walked silently to the floorboard, slowly pried it open and retrieved a handful of cash. He had a piano he hoped to buy her at the auction the next morning. He went to the hook by the door where his coat hung and slipped the money in the inside pocket. He went back to the sofa, lay his hand on her shoulder and gently woke her saying, "Sweetheart, it's time ta get ta bed. C'mon now."

He held her hand as she walked sleepily to the bathroom. She let her hair down and they brushed their teeth. He helped her with her blouse and she unbuttoned his shirt. She washed her face and under her arms as did her husband. He turned his back while she used the toilet, and she turned hers when he did.

They made their way to their room and he smiled as he helped her remove her clothes, and smiled even more when she helped him remove his. She was about to slip her gown on when he said, "Don't bother with that just yet." He smiled as once again the pink came to her cheeks. He turned down the covers of their bed and they crawled in.

"It's cold," she whispered.

"I'll warm ya," he promised.

His big hand engulfed her breast as his lips met hers and his tongue slipped in her mouth. She'd been so sleepy but now every part of her seemed to be awakening. His lips found the delicate skin of her throat and he sucked and licked it tenderly while his fingers pinched and played with her tight little nipples.

It was almost immediate and it amazed her how her husband's slightest attention to her body could so quickly have her wanting more of him. She slowly stroked her hand over his muscled arms and then his chest, along his side and the deep curve of his waist. She clasped onto his bottom and attempted to pull him closer. He leaned up on an elbow while smiling down at her he whispered, "I want more of ya too." As he said the words his hand grasped her mound and he pushed down on it slightly as his finger slipped inside her.

She moaned and just the sound of the desire she was feeling increased his own, making his manhood swell even more. His mouth soon covered her small sweet breast, while his thumb found the tiny bump he knew brought her such pleasure.

Her low body was seeking out more of him and he knew she was close. He pushed down a bit harder on her mound as he slipped a second finger inside her and bit softly at the tender tissue of her breast. All the while his thumb continued to circle and rub the tiny bump and she began to squirm while her moans grew louder. He found himself encouraging her, "C'mon Sweetheart. I wanna feel ya get your pleasure."

Her small body seemed to become nearly rigid and then it began to quiver as she made a sound like a cry and all of her shook hard, then relaxed completely. Her breathing was fast and his own was coming almost as rapidly as he pulled her body even closer to his own. In a husky tone he told her, "When that happens for ya it makes me happy, and makes me want ya even more."

She stunned him in a most sensual and delightful way when her hands clutched the sides of his face and she told him, "Then take me my Husband."

His strong hand gently coaxed her legs apart and he slipped his body between them. He slid down until he could lick the inside of her thigh and then he tasted the sweetness of her pleasure. His tongue licked at the tiny bump before he moved his body up. He wanted her, he was sure he needed her and he took himself in his hand, and he smiled when she wrapped her hand around his. Together they guided him into that warm wet place. As he began to move inside her he let her know, "Ain't no better feelin' than this with my sweet wife."

The feel of him inside her and the words he spoke combined with the deep love she felt for him, and all of it added to her excitement. She wrapped her legs around his hips and his mouth went back to her breasts, giving his attention to one and then the other. Her hands grabbed at the skin of his back and her touching him there did not cause him to flinch or shy from her. This was Beth and she'd made it clear from the start, she saw no ugliness when she looked at him.

As their need increased he pumped harder and with more urgency, and her body matched his movements as they both began to groan. They'd become familiar with each other and their ways, and as her body began to stiffen she felt his body do the same. They were both so close and when she quivered and he felt that tremble it made his own body shudder. He let out a sound like a growl and she answered with a pleasure-filled cry as together they found their bliss.

They'd been so tired when they went to bed and now they were sated and completely exhausted. She didn't get up to put on her gown, he only got up to quickly grab a cloth and remove the proof of his pleasure from her pale skin. He was too tired to care as he simply tossed the rag aside and she was too tired to notice. He pulled her close to him and they were out until the rooster crowed at five the next morning.

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A/N I'd say the chapter ended well, at least for Bethyl :) Please leave a comment / review. The chap photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, as well as the story blog A Place Called Heavenly. Next week will bring new experiences and an important letter. I hope to see you back here then. In the meantime remember, I love ya large and appreciate you greatly! xo gneebee