Carol put on her "good face" she wore it well through out dinner. Sophia passed out and Daryl was carrying her home. They hadn't said a word since Herschel brought up marriage and Beth flipped out. She screamed she's already married and the fact that she's fucking Daryl doesn't mean they should get married. Beth went up to her room after that and it was awkward silence after. Daryl was Beth's best friend and she didn't want to lose him to 2 kids and a wife. Carol understood. She was going to sneak out tonight.
"I don't want you to leave if that is what your thinkin about doin. I will track you down and bring you home if you do."Daryl said Carol didn't say a word. "I don't know much about Ed, but what I do know is that I love you and Sophia more then he does. I already love that baby and it doesn't even have a head yet." Daryl basically begging Carol.
The reached the house and Daryl put Soph in her bed. He came out grabbed Carol by her hand and led her back outside to the yard. There was a hammock that he'd bought and a a bag with books in it. He helped Carol in and then got in himself.
"Your mama said that she didn't want me doing to you what Lori did to Shane." Carol said after about hour. Daryl was quiet and they just watched the stars.
"Lori and Shane's relationship started back in high school. Lori was sleepin with him when he left for California to chase a girl. It broke Lori's heart and so she settled for Rick. Then when Shane came back, he saw how bad Lori was being treated and he cheated on her. So Shane saved Lori just like I'm saving you. Mama didn't like it when Lori and Shane did it but got over it when she found out she was pregnant with Judith. I don't want you to leave Carol. This is your home now. Your's Soph's and baby doe." Daryl smiled looking at her. He knew she loved him.
"Okay. I'll stay but, if in 6 months or 9 months she still doesn't like me I'm gonna go live with someone else." Carol chuckled.
They layed out there looking at the stars and talking about names until about 3 in the morning. Carol forgot all about Pat and Beth and Maggie and Herschel and Ed in those hours it was just her and Daryl and the baby.
"Goodnight Carol." Daryl said to her turning to walk to the couch and Carol caught him by the hand and smiled. She lead him to the bedroom.
"Mommy's and daddy's sleep in the same bed." Carol said. Laughing.