Thanks to the reviews and follows for last chapter.
If anybody wants to know why I seem to be skipping over parts, is because I wanted this story to be short and only deal with what was necessary. I admit, I probably could have went into more detail in some areas and I'll keep that noted on my next story that I'm writing currently. As much as I enjoy this story, I feel like it could have been better, so my next one will definitely deliver on that.
It was a regular Saturday night. Beth was working late and Daryl had just put Chase to bed for the night. He came back into the living room and sat back on the couch, with Merle sitting on the recliner beside him. They were both watching some UFC fight on the tv and nursing beers.
It was early November and ever since Merle had officially met Beth and Chase, he seemed to be coming over a lot more to spend time with his brother and his new family. Daryl was glad that Beth was accepting of him and lil Chase would never let either one of the Dixon brothers out of his life. He had them both wrapped around his pinky finger, and he was never letting go.
Beth was so trusting, that she allowed Merle to come over and watch Chase some evenings, which would allow Daryl and Beth more date nights. They loved to ride around on his bike, while the weather was still warm. Now, they would go to movies or go out to dinner and just spend some quality time together.
Daryl was remembering their date night from Wednesday, where Merle came over and they went out to eat.
"I saw this cute house for sale in the newspaper the other day. It was just inside the city lines, but still kinda out in the woods. Lots of acreage too," Beth said, taking a bite of her pizza.
"We got a house already," Daryl said confused.
"Yeah, but it's only a three bedroom. Plus you and Chase love being outside, so it's like having the woods in your backyard."
She may have meant nothing by it, but it got Daryl to thinking. It was only three bedroom. Wasn't that enough for what they needed? Was she trying to tell him something?
"Think Beth wants to move," Daryl said.
"So move," responded Merle, not taking his eyes of the screen.
"Why move when she's already got a house bought and paid for?" Daryl asked confused.
"How is it that a young thing like her, had enough money to pay for this in cash?"
"After her folks and brother died, she sold the house and property, plus the insurance she split with her sister. Was enough to buy this house and take care of Chase for a few years."
"And where's the kid's dad?" Merle asked with a pensive look.
"Somewhere. She hasn't spoken to Zach since they broke up."
"She never tried to tell him?"
"I dunno. She doesn't like talking about it,"
"Is Zach the father of that kid?"
"Of course he is. Beth ain't like that," Daryl responded angrily.
"Well, hey. The girl was left broken hearted after the break up, maybe she slipped into bed with some other man and ended up in the family way," Merle was just trying to check every angle of the situation.
"He cheated on her for more than a year. She wasn't in the mood to be around other men," Daryl explained. He was growing angry but knew that his brother was just being his usual self.
"So if you married her and wanted to adopt the kid, wouldn't you need to find him first?" Merle asked. Daryl paused. Would they have to tell Zach?
This just upset Daryl even more. What if Zach was pissed that Beth kept him from his son all these years? What if he wanted to be part of Chase's life now, or worse, wanted to take custody from Beth?
"Think I should look into this," Daryl mumbled.
"Well don't yet. Wait till you're married before you start getting lawyers involved," Merle chuckled.
"Still need to start looking into it. If she has to hunt down Zach, it might take awhile," Daryl accepted. It wouldn't hurt to see what needed to be done.
"I could look for the kid's dad. I got connections and shit," Merle offered. Daryl laughed.
"Connections? What do you know?"
"I know people. Can look around a bit. I bet you I could find that kid's dad no problem."
"Whatever, don't get into trouble."
"You got a pic of this Zach kid?"
"Yeah, I think there's a box of stuff in the closet," Daryl said, getting up from the couch. He went to the closet and looked around on the top shelf for the box he had seen before.
It was filled with old photos from growing up and included those of her parents and brother, as well as her ex boyfriend. Once he found the box, he placed it on the bed to rummage through.
"This kid," Daryl said, passing the photo to Merle. Merle looked at the photo and grimaced.
"You sure this is the dad?" Daryl frowned and glared at his brother for again insinuating that Beth was nothing but perfect. "Okay, okay. Whatever you say,"
Merle placed the photo in his pocket and they went back to their fight on the tv.
It was getting close to Christmas, and Beth and Daryl were currently at the mall, getting through their short shopping lists. They decided not to get anything for each other, as they were just happy to spend their first Christmas together. They did decide to go overboard with Chase and get him a new Archery set they could set up in the backyard during the warmer months.
They were sitting down to eat, and Beth kept taking glances at her cellphone.
"You need to stop looking at it. They're both fine," Daryl explained, trying to get her focused on their shopping task.
"I know they're both fine; I just wonder what on earth Merle could be doing with him," Beth groaned.
"He wanted to take him out hunting. You trust me to take him."
"I know you," Beth exclaimed quietly.
"He's my brother, I wouldn't let just anyone take Chase out," Daryl said, beginning to get offended.
"That's not what I meant. I just find it odd that your brother, who just comes and goes as he pleases is taking so much time with Chase. What about when Merle decides to run off again and Chase is wondering why?"
"Then we'll explain it to him. He's gotten better. He's been working a new job and seems to like it. He's got the trailer to stay in, and I can keep an eye on him there."
Beth sighed. "I do trust Merle, and he's been nothing but nice since he came back. I just worry."
"That's normal for any parent," Daryl smirked, calming her instantly. She smiled back at him and returned to eating. "Speaking of Merle, what should we get him for Christmas?"
"He's your brother. I've known him less than four months. You've got thirty six years of knowledge," she giggled. He rolled his eyes at her comment.
"Don't think we've ever spent a Christmas together. By the time I came around, he was off doing God knows what most of the time,"
"Well this year, we're gonna have a real Christmas. Like normal families," Beth slid her hand over the table and covered his hand with hers. He looked her in the eyes and saw just how much she meant it.
He's waited his entire life to have a normal family, and here she was, right in front of him, willing to give him that. He turned his hand to take her hand in his.
"I love you Beth," he spoke softly, only wanting her to hear his confession.
"Love you too Daryl," she smiled back. They had spoken those words to each other many months ago, but every time still felt like the first.
Christmas morning was nothing short of crazy as Beth and Daryl were snuggled up in their bed together, and Chase came running in, exclaiming what they already knew.
"It's Christmas, and Santa came last night!" He jumped over the bed, being careful to miss the adults legs. Beth just burrowed under the covers more, while Daryl looked up at the kid with a grimace.
"It's not even seven a.m. boy," Daryl grumbled out, laying back down against the pillow.
"But it's Christmas!" He shouted again. He smiled so wide that Daryl figured his face was gonna get stuck like that.
"Give us like ten minutes to wake up and get out there. You should go and brush your teeth and hair," Beth mumbled from her side. Daryl chuckled, knowing that she was tired from the night before.
Chase was being a little hellion, unable to sleep from the excitement of the holiday. He kept coming up with excuses to stay up or what he needed to get to sleep. Of course, Beth and Daryl needed to stay up until he fell asleep, so they could set up his presents from Santa. Even after that, Beth was feeling a little lovey and wanted to make sure that her and Daryl would have some alone time, since they both knew that Chase would be a ball of energy the next day.
Chase left the room, closing the door behind him, and they could hear him starting the faucet in the bathroom. Beth came out from under the covers and looked beside her to Daryl.
"Merry Christmas," she spoke softly, her voice still a little groggy. Rather than say it back, Daryl leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips, and then the nose. She smiled lazily to him and snuggled up close to his body.
"Need to get up. He's learned how to tell time, and he's probably counting the seconds before he can come rushing back in here," Daryl stated. Beth sighed knowing he was right.
"Okay, you go use the bathroom, and I'll get our pajamas out," she replied.
During their shopping trip, Beth had exclaimed the tradition of Christmas morning with Daryl and how they opened presents in their plaid pajamas, while sipping hot chocolate and taking pictures. Daryl wasn't really one for wearing sleep pants, he usually just wore boxers to bed, but he figured this was his first official Christmas with the two of them, so he would participate.
When they were both refreshed and dressed, they opened their bedroom door and made their way to the living room. Chase was sitting on the couch, waiting patiently with his feet dangling. As soon as he noticed the two of them, he jumped off and headed towards the kitchen.
"I already got the mugs out mom, and I added the water to the kettle," Chase said proudly.
"Well, thanks for being such a great helper," she replied, kissing him on the head, and moving the kettle to the stove where she could heat the water.
"Daryl, can I start picking out the presents I wanna open first?" Chase asked, running back to the living area.
"Sure, but you gotta wait for your mom before you open them." Chase grabbed the largest present and set it up in the middle of the floor. He dug around under the tree and saw a few smaller ones, which he placed next to the larger one.
Beth came over with the hot mugs, and set them down on the side tables next to the couch, where her and Daryl were sitting. Chase looked over to them and smiled. "Can you guys open these first?"
They were slightly taken back, as they had no idea that he had gotten gifts for them. He handed them each a box, which was wrapped a little haphazardly. He must have wanted to do it himself, although Beth figured, that Merle probably wasn't a great gift wrapper either.
Beth opened hers first and found a hand painted wooden frame. It was pink and purple and had wooden lettering glued on that spelled FAMILY. It also had some glitter and sparkles along the sides.
"Oh Chase, this is beautiful. Thank you so much!" she replied, setting it down and hugging him. Daryl opened up his and found the same type of frame, only his was brown and green and had some small branches glued along the outside. Daryl smiled over at Chase and brought him into his own hug and thanked him.
"Uncle Merle helped me with these. Said we could take some pictures of the three of us today and we can put them inside," he admitted. Daryl was shocked that his brother would be so considerate as to help out this kid with some Christmas gifts. He knew he probably bought the frames for him and the paint, since Chase didn't have money and he never asked either one of them.
"For sure we'll take some pictures of us today," Beth agreed.
"Of all three of us together?" Chase bit his lip in anticipation. Beth knew he was nervous but understood was he was asking.
"Absolutely sweetheart," she said back with a grin. He beamed and hugged her again. "Why don't you open your gifts and let's see what Santa brought you."
The rest of the day was spent in complete happiness. Beth made a huge breakfast of bacon, eggs and french toast for them. They took pictures and selfies on their cameras, and picked which ones they wanted to get printed for the photo frames.
Chase begged Daryl to take the new archery set outside and show him how to shoot some more. Beth was busy, working on their dinner so the boys got bundled up and set up the targets and practiced.
Dinner was full of thanks and gratitude and dessert was just the icing on the cake, literally. In the evening, they sat down to watch a movie together, and Chase passed out by the mid way point. Daryl carried him off to bed and came back to the couch to finish the movie with Beth.
They heard a knock on the door, towards the ending and both looked at each confused. Daryl got up and made his way to the front entrance. Opening the door, he saw Merle, standing on the other side.
"Whatcha doin here Merle?" Daryl asked, slightly worried about why his brother showed up here unannounced.
"Can't a brother visit on Christmas?" he asked sarcastically.
"You said you was busy today?" Daryl moved to the side to let his brother in.
"I was," Merle said, making his way into the house. He saw Beth get up from the couch on the living room and gave a small wave. "But I had a little something I wanted to give to you today. Figured it was a good time,"
"Chase just fell asleep if you were wanting to see him," Beth explained.
"Probably better he's asleep. Think we need to have some grown up time." With that, Merle pulled a small bottle of whiskey from his pocket. Daryl and Beth eyed each other wearily but seemed to accept his offering. Beth went to grab some small glasses from the cupboard and place them on the table.
"You came here to have a drink?" Daryl asked, not quite sure what his brother was up to.
"Well that, and I had somethin to give ya. Figured the drink might be needed after." Merle chuckled, pouring two fingers worth of alcohol in each glass. Daryl was looking at his brother, trying to get a read on what exactly was going on. "Found Chase's dad," Merle said pulling a ripped envelope from his back pocket.
Beth's eyes grew wide and she stared down Merle. Daryl was in shock that his brother would bring this up in front of Beth, when he hadn't approached the subject with her yet.
"Why were you looking for Chase's father?" Beth demanded, anger radiating off of her. Merle pushed the glass towards her, urging her to take a drink.
"Cause you two are getting serious and if Daryl's gonna be his new daddy someday, then we gotta make sure no one's gonna stand in the way of that."
"Did you ask him to do this?" Beth asked, staring at Daryl. He looked over at her and saw nothing but hurt and anger in her eyes.
"I did, but I wasn't expecting him to do this," Daryl explained. He felt absolutely terrible that Beth was blindsided by this and it was all his fault.
"I can't believe you two," Beth said before getting up from her chair, ready to run to her room.
"I think you should hold up Angelface. Think you wanna see what's in that envelope." Merle said, tossing the papers towards her.
She was seething at this point, and really just wanted to leave this room, but figured, why not see what trouble he went to. She took out the papers and opened them up and saw a DNA testing lab logo on the top. She cinched her eyebrows in confusion and was trying to decipher what this was telling her.
She read through the letter and almost passed out when she read the information.
The chance of you being the father is unlikely, but this test does determine that you are a close relative of the father in question.
"I don't understand. How can you be a relative of the father?" Beth asked dazed.
Merle just smirked at her question, already anticipating it. "Cause Daryl is Chase's dad."
This was planned from the very beginning and there will be a full explanation in the next chapter. I'm a little mean I gotta make you wait till Saturday. LOL
Thanks for reading and be kind in your reviews...:)