All I Ever Will Be
Epilogue
The sun was hot as Beth worked in the garden, plucking a ripe tomato to place in one of the baskets she'd woven. Judith tottered behind her - three years old now, give or take.
"Tomato," the child said smartly, her wide eyes looking up at Beth.
Beth nodded. "That's right," she said with a smile. "Want to try one?"
Judith nodded eagerly, so Beth picked another, smaller one, off the vine and held it out to the toddler with outstretched arms. She bit into the squishy vegetable, releasing fresh juices that squirted to the sides and down her chin. When Beth took the tomato away, her bite mark was perfectly round. Beth herself took a bite, the flavor exploding on her tongue. She savored it.
Fresh tomatoes. She couldn't get enough of them, especially right now.
Her cravings were getting to her. Only a few weeks left now until the baby came. They'd all been prepared for weeks. Well, everyone except Daryl. Beth wasn't sure how he was going to handle things when she went into labor. The man who was once afraid of nothing, was now definitely afraid of something.
She smiled to herself as she saw him come around the garden - tall, strong and burly, still somehow looking sweaty and dirty. He never seemed to be able to wash that layer of dirt off. And Beth didn't mind it in the least.
"Beth," he said sternly. "Shouldn't be out here in the hot sun. C'mon inside. Carl can come out and collect the tomatoes."
Beth frowned. She was uncomfortable. She felt large and bloated and the baby's elbow was in her bladder, but she wouldn't tell Daryl that. He'd sweep her right up and plop her into bed and she definitely didn't want that. "I don't mind," she said. "Few more weeks and I won't even be able to walk straight. Might as well enjoy it while I can."
Daryl stared at her, his mouth twitching, like he wanted to say something, but didn't. He only nodded, agreeing with her, his pregnant wife. "Least let me help you lovely ladies," he said, coming around to scoop Judith into his arms. She squealed with pleasure as threw her gently into the air, catching her with strong hands.
"You're gonna be such a great Daddy," Beth said, watching the two of them and Daryl swept down to kiss her then - a simple, gentle kiss, but always filled with longing for Beth. They'd created a life here, with Rick, Michonne, Carl and Judith and it was more than any of them could ever have dreamt of.
Safety was never a guarantee, but they had planned for all types of circumstances, made a thriving garden, stockpiled food and ammo and medical supplies. They took shifts of securing the perimeter, going on runs and although Beth often thought of her older sister and Glenn, the pain had since settled and she had accepted it, like she had accepted so many other things in this life.
Things were good. They were living a life. They had each other, and soon, a new life. And that was more than enough for Beth.
Author's Note: If you've made it to the end - thank you for reading! Unfortunately my muse ran off into a complete other direction and decided to abandon me at the end, for which I apologize! I was determined to finish though, and I'm really proud that I did! I can't appreciate the favorites, follows and reviews enough. This story was the beginning of my journey back into writing and I'm so thrilled to be jumping into the amazing TWD fandom. Thanks for having me - for reading, for showing your support. You guys are wonderful and lovely.