A/N A great big thank you to you all! We had a busy chapter last week and this week is no different. Daryl has a visitor, he makes a trip to Billings, all kinds of things are going on in town, and then there's the big hunting trip. I hope you enjoy!
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He showed up out of nowhere just a day or two after her brother left. Daryl was busy working at the shop when he walked in and went right over to the blacksmith. He simply stood there, looking the man in the eye as if to say, "I'm here."
It was plain to see he'd been traveling. His hair was matted, he looked too thin, and when Daryl checked his paws he could see the pads were sore and worn down. He fed him the lunch Beth packed for him, he was sure she'd understand why, and spent a good hour combing the mats from his hair. When he'd combed out what he could and cut off what he couldn't, the blacksmith gave him a good bath. He rubbed a liniment on the dog's paws, covered them with cloth and told him, "Now ya go on and lay down. I got work ta do here." As if he understood, the dog did what he was told. But he stayed very close to the man.
That afternoon the dog went to work with him on the claim, and then he went home with the blacksmith. Daryl thought a dog would be a good thing to have, and it seemed he'd made the blacksmith his own. Who could guess where this boy might have come from? Dogs weren't easy to come by in this country. It didn't matter, he was here now and Daryl was glad to have him. The animal would be another set of senses to help keep watch, a trusted companion and most of all, added protection for his wife and their baby to come.
The only difficulty was, he wasn't sure how Beth would feel about having a dog. He hoped she'd want to keep him. He soon found out he needn't have worried. The front door opened and she squealed with delight, "Daryl! A dog! You got us a dog?!" He knew then, they were keeping the boy. Within five minutes she'd given him a name. "We should call him 'Happy,' for the way he won't stop wagging his tail, and I know he'll be happy to have a good home."
Daryl shrugged, gave her a little grin and answered, "Alright, if that's what ya want. I's just gonna call him Dog."
At first the dog stayed home with her. Daryl wanted him to get used to the place, to the other animals and to get protective of her and all they owned. Plus, he was sure the dog had traveled far and he wanted his paws to heal.
It soon became obvious that although the dog loved the man and saw him as the leader of their small pack, he was devoted to her. He would go to work with the blacksmith, he'd go out to the claim with him, but whenever Beth was around he kept close to her. It was like he knew he was supposed to be there for her. She and her husband both took a measure of comfort in that.
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Time came to go to Billings and he asked her if she'd want to go, hoping that she would decline the invitation. It wasn't that he didn't want her with him, he wanted her with him more than anything. But he was worried about her and the baby traveling on the rough roads. He was relieved when she expressed concern about those same things.
When he and Merle went to Billings they simply slept with the wagon, but her husband promised her, "Next year I'll take you and our baby both. We'll stay in the hotel and eat dinner in a restaurant." Staying in a hotel and eating in a restaurant was something neither of them had ever done, it sounded like quite the exciting adventure and his wife happily agreed.
This trip was different than any he'd ever taken. For one thing Abraham accompanied him and Merle. All three men were anxious to get there, get what they needed, and return home to their wives.
Although Daryl would never think not to get fruits and vegetables for Eastman and Olivia, this year Beth, Karen and Maggie would be doing all the canning for the Dixon and Ford homes. He told Olivia she and Eastman did enough for the community, it was the least he could do for them. Daryl thought it was settled, but a few weeks later he would be generously repaid for his kindness with baby clothes and a quilt the woman made for their child.
He took some comfort that Maggie would be staying with Beth while they were gone. She was a good hand with both a pistol and a shotgun, and he was sure between her and the dog, Beth would be well guarded.
So with all three men having a common goal, to get to Billings, get what they needed and promptly head back home, they left Heavenly. They departed long before daybreak on a Saturday. They made no stops and they were in Billings in time to trade for all the goods they'd come for, buy their wives a small gift and get back on the road. They hoped to make it home by late that night. They had the light of the full moon, their lanterns and determination to lead the way.
As they set out for home Merle looked at his brother and laughed, "I remember the days little brother, a trip ta Billins meant you'd be in the saloon drinkin' whiskey and sewin' your wild oats."
"Fuck you Merle. Things were different then."
Abraham snorted a laugh, "I used to be in them places too, spending my money and sharing my love. Nowadays it's all I can do ta take care of that little firecracker I got at home." The men laughed in the way men do when they tease about such things. The chatter helped to pass the time until they would once again be home with their families.
It was late but they made it. Abraham collected Maggie at the blacksmith's home, and as soon as they'd left Daryl had his wife in his arms, "Missed ya so bad Beth, it feels like I's gone a month."
"It did. I had great fun visiting with my sister, but I'm so happy to have you back home with me."
He gave her the package wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string, "I found a little sumthin' I thought ya might like."
"Daryl…" She smiled as she opened it, and got tears when she saw them. It was a new pair of lady's high top shoes. Heavier and warmer than her old church shoes, far more suited to life in the high country, and yet still quite fashionable. "Oh my, I love them. Thank you so much for thinking of me Daryl. What a beautiful gift."
He smiled, feeling proud that he'd pleased her, but he also teased, "Ain't it part a my job ta keep my wife in shoes?"
Aside from the produce, household supplies and some things for their claim, he had the flannel fabric for diapers and baby clothes, and she was excited to get started making those things. "You did so well choosing these fabrics Daryl. I like them all, they feel so soft and warm."
"As much as I hate to, I gotta give some credit ta Merle. He's had plenty of experience buyin' stuff for babies."
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By early fall Lori's health had taken a turn for the better. She was now sitting up, eating with her family, fixing her own hair and best of all, she was able to hold her baby. The ladies of Heavenly were all still pitching in to help, but all were hopeful her health and her strength would continue to improve. None more so than her husband and her son.
She finally spoke the words to Rick, words that had been in her heart and on her mind for so long, "I can't imagine anyone else that would have cared for me and stuck by me the way you have. I can't forgive myself for the things I did, but I hope you can believe it when I tell you I love you. I always have Rick, and I always will."
He held his wife's frail body close to him when he replied, "That's all in the past Lori, and if we want things to be good for our family, we have to leave it there. As far as I'm concerned we have a new life, a fresh start. I love you and I thank God every day for giving us a son and a daughter, and another chance to do things right."
The mining company didn't have to worry about finding Amber a permanent residence after all. The first Saturday in September, Eastman performed the service uniting Milton and Amber in Holy Matrimony. Although the men of Heavenly would never understand the pairing, and the women were a little confused as well, the people turned out to celebrate the occasion as they were like to do. There was a gathering right after the banker and the librarian took their vows. A festive meal, complete with homemade foods the people brought, and there was even a fiddle player to entertain the crowd.
The men from the mine had worked many hard hours, taking advantage of summer's long days and mild temperatures. Their diligence paid off when, in mid-September, The Heavenly Lending Library opened its doors for the first time.
There was a group waiting when Amber opened the front door that first morning, and Beth Dixon was the first in line.
The new librarian held instruction that morning, and later that afternoon for the schoolchildren, on how to use the Dewey Decimal Classification System to find the books they sought on the subject of their interest. It was still new enough, having been in use only a decade, that most of the people of Heavenly had no familiarity with the system. There were other learning needs in Heavenly as well, and Amber also conducted an adult reading course every Saturday morning.
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He remembered the feeling well. It had been so hard to leave her when he'd gone on his hunting trip the previous fall. He remembered how he struggled with going at all, and finally, that early morning as he headed out of town, he'd been just brash enough to stop by the schoolhouse and hug her goodbye. He would never forget it. It was the first time he'd hugged her.
He wouldn't have believed it could be, but this year was far worse. He'd even considered that rather than go hunting, he'd sacrifice some of the money planned for their homestead and buy a beef. She was firm when she told him no. "Daryl I am perfectly capable of surviving for a week. The weather has been mild, I know how to care for the animals. Maggie, Karen, Merna even the sheriff will be out here checking on me, and then there's Happy. Why I'll be lucky if I get to have a single minute to myself." She kissed him and reminded him, "And besides, you've promised this to Virgil for years. He's looking forward to taking this trip with you."
His shoulders shrugged and his brow furrowed and she knew he was worried, he told her, "I still think ya oughta just stay with Karen and Merle, or even Maggie and Abraham. I don't like the thought of ya here alone."
She'd taken on a stubborn look and tone, "Well I'm not exactly joyous about it myself, but that's only because I'll miss you, not because I'm afraid. I can take care of myself you know."
He smiled, "Yeah I know. Ya don't need me anymore."
She shook her head, "That will never be true and you know it Daryl. You're the one who taught me to survive, and you know very well I'm always going to need you. You're the reason I keep breathing." She rubbed her tummy then and added, "Well you and this little one who can't seem to calm down for a minute."
He had her in his arms and he promised, "I'll get after him, or her, just as soon as it's born." He stepped back, lay his hand on her tummy and said, "Settle down now little baby, let your Mama get some rest."
The horses were packed and this year he was taking them all except Ginger and the little colt. Virgil would meet him at the fork in the road and he'd have his horse plus a pack horse borrowed from Abraham. He'd almost managed to get off the property, but he couldn't, not yet. He pulled up on the reins, climbed down from the horse and told Blackie, "Wait just a minute boy, I'll be back."
She was still standing on the porch watching him ride off, and when she saw him jump off the horse and start running toward her, she thought something must be terribly wrong. As soon as he got close she began to ask, "Daryl what…" that was all she managed to say before his arms were around her, holding her tight and he was kissing her so tenderly.
"I almost forgot ta give ya this," He smiled as he reached in the pocket of his wool waistcoat and took out the small brown bag, "Here now, don't eat em all at once."
"Peppermints?"
"Root beer barrels."
"Oh my favorite. Thank you Daryl."
"I love ya so much Beth."
"I love you, now go and stay safe. I'll be fine." All the while the dog stood at her side and Daryl knew, the dog would protect her.
He bent down, scratched the dog's neck and told him, "Ya take good care of her now, I know ya will." The dog woofed in reply and looked at the blacksmith as if he understood just what the man said.
Oh how she hated to see him go, but she knew it was right. She tried hard not to let him see her sadness. He had to do this, it was how he showed himself, the man that he was. He took care of his family and the things they needed. Not just for her and him, for all of them.
It was just that it was so hard for her to think of spending this time without him. Not knowing that he was alright. She was happy he would have Virgil with him, at least she wouldn't have to think of him up on the mountain alone. She was also grateful he had taken her there. Now, in her mind she would be able to picture him in the camp. She smiled imagining him sitting by the fire and eating his dinner, but she couldn't help longing to be there with him. And how would she sleep at night? It seemed impossible that she'd be able to rest at all without the feeling of his arms around her.
Virgil was waiting for him and they rode side by side. The blacksmith took his opportunity to have another little talk with his nephew, "So I seen ya again the other day Virg. Ya know you and that little gal are gonna get caught sneakin' around like ya are, don't ya?"
Virgil looked at him and then ahead when he answered, "Uncle, it ain't like we done anything wrong. We just talk and we kiss a little. I can't help if I like her and she likes me back. Ain't it what people do?"
"It is and I ain't sayin' ya oughta help it. I'm just sayin' you're gonna get caught and ya better get ready for whatever happens after that." He bit his lip, wondering if he should say it, and thought maybe he'd better. "I know you're gettin' older and I know ya got feelin's. I just hope like hell ya keep it ta just kissin' for now. Once ya take a step beyond that, well it can be hard ta stop. You're way too young ta be a Daddy."
"Shit Uncle Daryl, what're ya talking about? I ain't doin' that stuff with Sophia!"
"I didn't think ya were. I'm just tellin' ya, it's best not ta start yet. Ya oughta wait is all."
"We are, til we get married and we already got plans for that. We're gonna as soon as I turn 15."
"15 huh? Shit, I guess I got a real slow start on it. I's 25 when I married your Auntie. I s'pose all ya gotta worry about now is whether her Mama and your folks agree ta let ya."
"We got a plan for that too. If they don't agree we're gonna run off ta Billings and do it there, on our own."
"Listen ta me now Virg, before ya ever go runnin' off anywhere ya come talk ta me. Alright? Promise me."
"You'll just tell Daddy if I do."
"I ain't told him nuthin' yet and I seen plenty a kissin' goin' on. Besides, if ya think you're Daddy ain't one ta figure out all this shit on his own, ya ain't been payin' attention all these years. He probably already knows more about what's goin' on with you and Sophia than you do."
They didn't discuss it further. Daryl said all he had to say on the subject. He figured it would be a damn miracle if nothing happened between the two before they reached the ripe old age of 15, and he prayed it wouldn't. In the meantime he concentrated on the task at hand, there was food to put on the table.
Virgil had lots of hunting experience. He'd been deer and rabbit hunting with his Dad and Uncle plenty of times, but those were days trips. This trip was different. He'd be gone from home and far from his family for as long as a week. But at least he was with one member of his family, and together, him and his Uncle would do everything they could to make sure there was enough meat to get their family, and Eastman and Olivia, through the next year or so.
Just two weeks before their trip his uncle had shown up at the shop and informed his nephew, "You'll be fixin' us a real nice dutch oven dinner when we're up in them mountains."
Virgil stated the truth, "I don't know nuthin' about cookin' Uncle."
"That's why I'ma teach ya. 'Sides, it's part of a man knowin' how ta take care of himself." He got the cast iron pot down from where it hung on a rack near the hearth, and the meat and vegetables from his pack and said, "Ya watch me this mornin', this is dinner I'ma bring home ta my wife. Tomorrow you bring in the food you're gonna make for your family's dinner."
Virgil watched closely as his uncle prepared the meat and vegetables and then arranged them in the pot, and he continued watching as the blacksmith dug the small pit. He then lined the bottom of the pit with hot coals, set the pot in, added more coals all around, and then covered all with dirt, until the cast iron pot was buried. As he patted the earth down around it, his uncle smiled at the young man, "That's gonna be one fine meal right there."
He explained to Virgil just how it would all go, "That first night we'll try ta catch a couple fish and fry em up, but the next mornin', before we head out huntin', you're gonna get our dinner in the ground. We'll be hungry when we get back and we'll be real glad we had a meal ready for us. Ya cook what ya want, but I'm countin' on you ta feed us good. Alright?"
"Yeah, I will Uncle Daryl, you'll see it'll be real good."
That first day out hunting was a good one. They both bagged a nice size buck, did some tracking and got a good feel for where a herd of elk might be. They made it back to camp in plenty of time to care for their kill and do some fishing. "We'll cook those deer hearts in the oven tomorrow, maybe fry up the livers. We'll have food for at least two more days."
"We're really gonna eat the hearts and livers? I always thought you were kiddin' about that." Virgil looked a little concerned.
"It's good meat, you'll see." Then his Uncle softened, he even smiled a little, "If ya hate it then we'll get ya sumthin' else, but ya gotta try it. We don't wanna be killin' an animal only ta waste good food."
The young man shrugged, "Alright, well I guess if you eat it I can at least try it. Just don't tell Daddy if I upchuck, he'll never stop teasin' me."
"Shit Virg, if ya upchuck it'll be me who never stops teasin' ya," He roughed the boy's hair like he'd been doing Virgil's whole life, and even though Virgil thought he was too grown up for that stuff, they both laughed.
His Uncle explained to him how it was done, then stood back and let the boy try and hang the deer himself. Virgil mastered the first one on his second attempt. The second one on his first attempt. It would be hard to know who felt more proud, the uncle or his nephew.
That first morning after he left she tidied the house and then began making the diapers for their baby. She first cut the flannel into individual squares and sewed the edges to prevent the fabric from fraying. She cut secondary pieces which she would place in what was to be the center of the diaper. This thick panel would be sewn in, making the center of the diaper thicker. It was a little trick her sister in law used and it proved quite functional in preventing leaks.
When her hands began to hurt and feel dry from handling the cloth she switched tasks, going back to work knitting a blanket for the baby's bed. There was much to be done but she was happy for all she'd already accomplished. Since her husband had returned from Billings with the fabric, she'd made four sleeping gowns and four swaddling blankets. She felt she had a good start. The baby being due sometime in February she was confident she would have sufficient clothing for the little boy or girl.
As she worked the dog never left her. He lay by her chair and waited to see what she would do next, if she moved he would follow.
She'd just completed the blanket when suddenly the dog's ears were up and he began to growl, and the hair on his back now stood straight up. The dog's behavior caused Beth's whole body to tense, knowing Happy heard or sensed something. She quickly glanced over, and yes, the gun was by the door. She rubbed his head, "What is it boy?" He calmed and she relaxed, whatever he heard he must have decided wasn't a threat.
She heard it then, it was a wagon approaching. Looking up at the clock she was stunned to see it was already four. Her brother in law Abraham was right on time.
She smiled as she set down her work and went to the door. She'd been quite nervous around Abraham Ford at first, but she would also admit to having a little soft spot for the man. Beth would always remember how when she'd first come to Heavenly, and Spencer Monroe tried to block her from passing on the sidewalk, it was a big redheaded stranger who came to her rescue.
It was just that he seemed so big and so loud, it was intimidating to her, and he said some of the strangest and most unmannerly things. She'd never been quite sure what to make of him, and she'd never been quite sure what to make of the situation between him and Rosita.
When it became apparent that he and her sister had a flirtation she was so worried, but Abraham proved himself to her. He was quite devoted to Maggie, and Maggie, one who could be a little hard to handle herself, was devoted to him.
She opened the door and he petted Happy as he asked, "Hey little lady, your sisters got a real nice dinner waitin' for us."
"Can I bring the dog?" She asked.
"Sure, here, lemme just help ya up in the wagon." While he assisted her the dog jumped in the back. When they were seated Abraham clicked his tongue and said, "Giddyap." and the horses headed back to the Ford's pig farm.
"How ya feelin' little sister? Everythin' good with the pup?"
"Happy? He's fine."
He laughed, "No I mean the pup in your belly."
She wasn't sure why but she felt her face turn red, "Oh, well yes. Everything seems just fine, thank you."
"Yeah? Good. I gotta get a pup in your sister before too much longer. I can't have her little sister beatin' her at this Mama stuff."
Beth was sure she may very well die from embarrassment. Abraham just didn't seem to worry about the things he said, or how he said them. At least now that she knew the man a little better, she understood. He simply spoke his mind and it never seemed to occur to him that those things on his mind might be a bit inappropriate.
They walked in the door and Maggie hugged and kissed her as they said their hellos. Beth smiled at the look of her, but it didn't come as a surprise to see her sister dressed in this manner. Ever since Maggie married Abraham and moved out to the farm, she'd taken to wearing men's clothes as her regular attire. Anymore, the only time Beth saw her sister in a dress was at church or when she went to town.
Judging by the way her sister's husband couldn't seem to keep his hand off her bottom, the manly clothes didn't dampen his interests one bit.
She felt this life suited Maggie. It was as though she had finally found her place in the world. Her home. Pig farming was certainly not pretty, or sweet smelling. It was especially tricky at the high altitude and with the cold temperatures of Heavenly. Still both her sister and the pigs seemed to be thriving in this environment.
Maggie had prepared a nice dinner of pork roast and potatoes, and Beth smiled at the way her sister's husband shared the leftovers of the meal with Happy. As he fed him he said, "He's a real good fella. I wish I'd get lucky enough ta have one just like him wander in the sheriff's office."
Beth had a wonderful time with them. She was so grateful to have her sister in Heavenly. Abraham brought her home, and thoroughly checked the house and property for anything amiss, and when he was sure all was well, he said his goodbye.
She went in the bathroom, turned on the spigot and prepared for her bath. She slipped in the tub, alone and lonely. That's when it hit her hard, her husband was not there with her. He wasn't there to wash her hair, or wash her body, or hold her pressed close to his chest while they softly talked about their day and their plans.
The pregnancy had made her more emotional, and now as she washed herself she began to cry. Happy must have been laying right outside the door because he stuck his paw beneath it, scratching on the floor and whining. She called to him, "I'm sorry boy. I'm alright. I'll be just a minute longer."
She got herself ready for bed, but when she climbed in the bed felt so big, and so lonely. She did something Daryl would not approve of. Happy had his own bed, his own place to sleep. But Daryl wasn't there with her and she was so lonely. She patted her hand on the foot of the bed and whispered, "Happy, c'mon boy." The dog jumped up and curled himself at her feet. It seemed to make things a little better.
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Everything was going so smooth it almost worried him. Day two of the hunt Daryl bagged a good-size bull elk and Virgil another buck deer. "We're gettin' there Virg. If we can get us a moose tomorrow we'll be on our way back home the next day."
With Virgil there to help pack the meat back to camp, it didn't feel like they were overdoing or that he was pushing too hard. He teased his nephew, "Shit Virg, if I'da known how much easier I's gonna have it with you helpin', I'da started bringin' ya a long time ago."
Virgil didn't complain about any of it. Not only was he young and full of energy, he was having the time of his life. It didn't feel hurried to him. They were having fun tracking and hunting together during the day, and fishing every afternoon. Hell, he'd even managed to keep down a meal of roast deer heart, and to his amazement he found he kind of liked it.
He did get a little pissed off at his Uncle that first night in the dugout. They were settled in for the night and Daryl had just turned the lantern off, then his Uncle whispered, "Don't try and cuddle up ta me now Virg, I ain't Sophia."
"Dammit Uncle Daryl, you ain't funny ya know."
But as hard as he tried to stay mad, Virgil couldn't get it done, especially not when Daryl started poking his ribs, "Ya mad? Don't be mad? C'mon now you're not really mad at me are ya?" The men they saw themselves as quickly gave way to the boys they would always be. They laughed, wrestled and roughhoused until finally his Uncle said, "Alright now Virg, we got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Settle down and get ta sleep."
Virgil got in the last word, "You started it."
Daryl smiled and let him have that last word. Then he lay there, arm slung over his forehead and unable to sleep for thinking of his wife, home alone in their bed. He knew he'd miss her while he was gone, but he never realized how bad it would be.
Five days after they left, they returned. They had two bull elk and five deer. They'd have a deer for each of their families, one for Eastman and Olivia, and two to trade with Abraham for a pig.
She'd heard them coming and when she started rushing toward him, as much as he wanted to hold her he held out his hand, "Better wait. I'm covered with dirt and blood and I ain't smellin' pretty at all."
Virgil smiled and agreed, "That's the damn, I mean the darn truth, and I've had ta live with him."
His Uncle looked at the boy and teased right back, "Oh yeah, and I s'pose ya think ya smell like a meadow flower, huh? Ya better help me get his meat hung so ya can get your own ass home and wash it." Then he turned to Beth, "Sorry, I meant his bottom."
All of it stunk, the men, the dead animals, the horses, but still she laughed, "I know exactly what you meant Daryl Dixon, and you too Virgil Dixon. You'd both do well to remember when you're cleaning up, wash your mouths out too."
The meat was hung, the horses brushed, watered and fed and he'd sent Virgil home. Before going in he striped down to his long johns and got in the freezing water of the trough, washing off at least a layer or two of dirt, blood and sweat.
Daryl shook himself off like a wet dog and ran to the porch. He glanced around, there was no one in sight, and he quickly stripped the long johns off. He hurried into the house and the bathroom, and gave himself another good washing at the sink. Finally he turned on the spigot at the tub. He stepped in the warm water, leaned back and closed his eyes, at least for a moment he did.
He felt her presence near him. He looked up to see his wife standing next to the tub and he smiled at the sight of her. He reached out his hands and she took them as he helped her in. She snuggled back into his chest and he circled his arms around her, laying open palms on her rounded belly. He buried his nose in her blonde curls as he breathed in the fragrance of his sweet wife. "Things ain't felt quite right for days Beth, but now, here with you everything feels perfect."
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A/N Thank you all so much for reading along. Please leave a comment or review, and you must see the chapter photo. It's a very awesome gift to me from dirtyblondedixon. I love it and I think you will too. It's on my tumblr blogs gneebee, bethylmethbrick and of course, A Place Called Heavenly. I'm still gone, and I still hope to stay on schedule and see you all back next Friday for more of A Place Called Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large and appreciate you greatly! xo gneebee