I really want to thank everyone for your support of this story. It means a lot to me, so thank you.

I would be lying if I said this chapter has not kept me up until three in the morning, but I am simply obssessed with this story, so it was all worth it. This one is longer than usual, since I could not stop writing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I hope you like it. I was also thinking about writing a chapter from Daryl's POV. Is that something you would like to read? Let me know.

Daryl stops his bike up the road, away from the farm, so that its roar doesn't wake the whole house in the middle of the night. Beth gets off and tries to think of something to say before leaving, but he surprises her and gets off too.

'I'll walk you to the front door,' he says.

'You're so romantic, Daryl Dixon,' Beth teases him with a bright smile. Her voice is husky because of how many times Daryl has made her cry out in pleasure earlier that night.

He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, and Beth takes his hand, starting to pull on him back to the dirt road. It is so dark and silent around that she knows it would creep her out if Daryl wasn't with her.

'Maggie's going to go crazy if she finds out,' Beth says in a whisper and giggles.

'We best be careful then,' Daryl says, and even in the dark, Beth can see him smile at her softly. The euphoric state she is in right now is indescribable. It seems like her and Daryl are capable of anything.

'I just wish I could stay 'til morning,' Beth whines but keeps smiling. 'But Maggie would definitely notice then.'

'Yeah.'

They remain quiet for some time, and the silence between them feels comfortable. Beth feels silly but she can't stop thinking of it as an adventure. Adrenaline hitting her makes her want to jump, run around, and do something crazy. She doesn't tell Daryl that though. She is afraid he will say that she is crazy just for wanting to spend time with him, like he always used to say when they were together. Beth hopes Daryl understands now that they can't leave one another. They are too unhappy when they are apart.

As they approach the front porch, Beth stops and turns around.

'I'll go on my own from here,' she says in a soft whisper. 'The steps are creaky,' she feels the need to add.

''kay,' he says simply without arguing.

'Remember to pick me up in town after work tomorrow, okay? I'll have to come up with some excuse to disappear again so that I can bring the truck back,' she tells him, with her eyes glued to his eyes. Daryl nods and doesn't say anything. 'Get home safe,' Beth says, as if out of the pair of them, he is the one who needs constant protection.

Daryl doesn't seem amused at that, he just gives her another nod.

'I will,' he promises seriously.

Beth leans in, and her lips meet his. She shivers at the recent memories that pop into her head and she wraps her arms around his neck. He is the one to break the kiss, and Beth can understand it. A little longer, and it will be too hard to stop.

'I love you,' she tells him and takes a step back, instantly turning around and running lightly up to the porch. She then watches him disappear into the dark and, unable to stop smiling, finds the key to open the front door.

The heels on her shoes are small but they still make clicking sound as she steps, so she takes them off. She creeps into the house, trying shut the door behind herself as quiet as possible.

'What are you doing?' she hears familiar voice say rather loudly.

Beth turns abruptly, her hand flying to her chest as she jumps in fear.

'Jimmy!' she exclaims in a whisper. 'You scared life out of me.'

'What are you doing?' he repeats his question, quieter this time, and folds his arms in an aggressive movement.

'What does it look like?' she can't help but snap. Who is he to interrogate her? 'When did you even come back?'

'Last night,' he says. 'Been stayin' in the guest room for tonight an' I heard you open the door.'

'I didn't know you were back,' Beth states the obvious.

'Of course you didn't. You were too busy sneaking 'round and screwing the guy who broke your heart more than once,' he says.

Beth feels anger boil in her chest and she can't help herself. Her hand flies up and slaps him across the face. She is too angry to regret it though so she just keeps staring at him as he moves his jaw dumbfounded.

'You have no right to lecture me! You are not my father!' she declares and walks past him, markedly keeping her head up.

'You're right, I'm not,' he says, turning around to face her, and Beth sees a big red mark starting to appear on his cheek. 'But Hershel has a right to know his daughter is not as innocent as she seems, don't you think? I'm sure he'd love to hear what I have to say.'

Beth freezes to the spot when she hears him say that. She can't believe it has come to this. One of her best friends is threatening her.

'What is your problem?' she asks after turning around to look at him.

'Oh, you see, the problem is you. First you mislead me with all you promising looks and smiles, and then you tell me there is only one man you'll ever love, which is the one who fucks you over time after time, and you fall to his feet like a pathetic little schoolgirl. Someone's messed with your head, and if I can't stop it, I'll make sure someone else does,' he finishes his tirade with a smile that makes Beth's heart clench with pain. She can't believe this is really happening. She can't believe her childhood friend is deliberately trying to hurt her.

'I want my father to find out about this relationship on my terms. You want to tell daddy? Feel free to do that, I won't try and stop you. Just know, that I will never forgive you if you do,' Beth promises. She knows it is terrible of her to say that, and that he is probably just hurt and is trying to come back at her for rejecting him, but she is too angry and she only sees red. The frustration is clouding her mind, and right now, it seems like their friendship is gone forever. If she has to choose between Daryl and Jimmy, she doesn't even need to think what her answer will be.

'I think I can live with that,' Jimmy answers impulsively, and Beth freezes again as it strikes her.

'Fine. Do it then,' she says and turns abruptly. She rushes up the stairs and comes into her bedroom, having to stop herself from slamming the door in frustration. She just stands there for a few seconds, pressing her back against the door and trying to calm down. She can't believe that Jimmy who has always supported her and has been there for her just said that. She can't believe he wants to ruin her relationship with Daryl – the person who makes her feel alive again and again, who makes her feel things she has never felt before. The person she loves.

When tears start spilling onto her cheeks, she unbuttons her dress with her fingers shaking and puts on the first pajamas she manages to find in the dark. Beth knows she will not be able to sleep right now and she hates herself for needing someone's comfort, but she can't help it. She opens the door and slips out of her room quietly. She quickly makes it down the corridor and, trying to be as silent as possible, she comes into Maggie's bedroom, flopping onto the bed next to her sister. She is sobbing by now, and that wakes Maggie.

'Daryl again?' she asks, and her voice sounds worn out. Beth can't help but think that she is a constant trouble for her family, and that thought makes her sobs more intense.

'No. Jimmy,' Beth whispers and shuffles closer to Maggie, not giving her any more details.

'You're going to be fine,' her sister reassures her sleepily, and Beth desperately wants to believe her.

Beth decides not to tell Daryl for now and deal with something on her own for once. She genuinely hopes that Jimmy's words were just an empty threat, but something tells her he is not going to let this one go. Her guess is confirmed when Shawn appears in the barn where she is feeding the chickens and tells her that daddy wants to have a talk with her. The first thing she feels is a passionate desire to kick Jimmy out of their farm but she knows she has no right to do that. He is more than just her friend, he is part of their family by now.

She gives Shawn a nod and asks him to tell daddy she'll be there once she is done with this. She knows though that she is just trying to win some time, but something in the look of Shawn's face tells her it's pointless.

Beth heads to the house in less than five minutes, noticing Maggie stepping down from the porch and heading in her direction. Beth rushes towards her as if her life depends on it.

'Does daddy-' she begins to ask, but is quickly cut off.

'Yeah. I eavesdropped on his conversation with Jimmy, and the situation doesn't seem good.'

'You are not going to come with me, are you?' Beth asks, knowing the answer already.

'Are you kidding me?' Maggie snorts. 'I'm going to stay as far away as possible. Good luck,' she wishes, and Beth gives her a sarcastic smile while she feels a huge knot twisting in her stomach. Maggie walks off, leaving Beth standing on the porch.

She tells herself that it is ridiculous to be afraid of her own father. He is the kindest and the most understanding person she ever met, and surely, he is not going to be too mad at her for having a secret relationship. And sneaking out of her window in the middle of the night. On multiple occasions. And lying to the whole family. For years. Of God, she really is screwed.

Beth takes a deep breath and decides to go through with it already. She can do it.

As she comes into the living room, where her daddy is sitting on the sofa, a book next to him, she instantly notices Jimmy, whose back is facing Hershel, and he is looking out the window. Just the sight of him makes anger boil inside her, and it takes her a lot of strength to stop herself from turning on her heel and rushing out of the room.

'Bethy, I'm glad you came. Sit down, please,' daddy says with a soft smile, and Beth thinks that maybe it won't be that bad. 'Could you give us some privacy, Jimmy?' he asks in a calm and respectful tone, and Jimmy turns to face the man.

'Of course, Hershel.'

He doesn't even look at Beth as he walks past her, and after a few seconds pass, Beth hears the front door bang shut. That finally makes her move her limbs, and she takes a seat in an armchair opposite the sofa, trying to look as calm as possible.

This is her daddy, and she is his doodlebug, always will be. Her happiness is in his best interest. Right?

'How much of what Jimmy told me is true?' Hershel asks, and the fact that he is critical of the information received from Jimmy makes her heart beat a little slower with relief.

'What exactly did he say to you?' Beth asks carefully.

'Well, there was a lot. But mainly, he said you've had a secret relationship with someone for years, and that man broke your heart on multiple occasions, and you just let him do that to yourself. He made it seem like your judgement is clouded, so that you don't know how bad that man is for you. Is that true?'

Beth doesn't know what to do in a situation like this, so she decides to go for the truth.

'Partly, yeah,' she says. 'I did have a secret relationship for a year before I left for LA, and now I've started seeing… him again.'

'Who is he?'

Beth takes a deep breath, not knowing how he is going to react to this. She hopes her father sticks to his frequent advice to never judge the book by its cover. She knows the reputation his family has in town, but what people don't know is that he is nothing like his relatives. Maybe if her daddy gives him a chance, he will be able to see it too.

'Daryl Dixon.'

The expression on Hershel's face doesn't change, and Beth understands that he wants to know the whole story before coming to any conclusions.

'He did break my heart,' Beth stares at the carpet, not being able to look into her father's eyes right now. 'But daddy, he didn't mean to. He cares about me, a lot. And… I love him.'

Hershel remains silent for some time, and Beth's head whips up at him. She doesn't know what to think and just hopes daddy will understand.

'I see,' he says in the same soft tone that fills Beth's heart with hope. 'Does he love you?'

Beth finds herself thinking about how to answer that question for a few moments longer than she should. She doesn't want to lie and tell her father that Daryl does love her, but she is worried about a reaction an honest answer might cause. Thinking that she has already lied enough, she decides to be sincere and hope for the best.

'I don't know. He never told me that specifically, but I know I mean a lot to him,' she says.

Oddly enough, that seems to satisfy Hershel. As much as it can in a situation as awkward as this.

'I see,' he says again and doesn't add anything to it.

Beth knows what he expects her to say.

'I'm sorry for lying to you, daddy. But I'm not sorry for being with him.'

'Why didn't you just tell me, Bethy?' daddy asks in a quiet voice that makes Beth feel like she is the worst daughter on earth.

'I wanted to tell you, daddy, I just didn't want you to worry about it. You've been through so much.'

She looks down again, holding a breath and waiting for anything else he has to say.

Hershel doesn't seem to want to take that any further, and Beth thanks heaven for that.

'I would like to meet him,' he says suddenly, and Beth freezes to the spot. She knows what it means. Her daddy wants to give Daryl a chance, and just that realisation makes Beth break into a bright smile, almost a grin.

'I'll invite him over for dinner tonight,' she promises, already knowing the scheme of things. It was like that when Maggie told him about Glenn.

'Good. We'll see what happens from there,' he gives Beth a smile that tells her she is almost forgiven. Well, that was… easy. 'Now, why don't we go to the kitchen, where can tell me what happened between you and Jimmy while I eat my breakfast?'

Beth grins up at Hershel as she helps him get up from the sofa and get to the kitchen.

'Glenn will drop Maggie off at yours in an hour or so. She'll get the truck. I'm not allowed to see you until tonight,' she sighs. 'I'm sorry it has to be like this.'

'Well, ain't like it's your fault.'

'Yeah, but…' Beth doesn't continue because she simply doesn't know what to say. She doesn't like the situation they are forced into. She wants this to be Daryl's choice, not an obligation.

She starts staring at her nails, trying to put her gaze somewhere, even though Daryl is on the phone with her and there is no way he can see the extent to which she is actually worried. She can tell he is in a slight state of shock, and can't help but think that maybe she is rushing things. Meeting your significant other's parent is a stressful moment, to say the least.

'If this is too soon… I mean… I'll understand if you say no,' Beth tells him quietly and starts teetering, even though she was occupying the swing and not moving a muscle for last five minutes. She just feels like she needs to do something while she is pressing her phone to her ear and waiting for Daryl's response.

'Are you kidding me, girl? Do three years not seem enough for you?'

And when she hears him chuckle lightly on the other end she can't stop her lips from spreading into a big smile. The relief that hits her is extremely overwhelming.

'I best start cooking then. Maybe if daddy is too busy with the food, he'll spend less time picking on you,' she giggles into the phone. 'Oh, and Shawn.'

'Is he going to give me the kind of "hurt her and I'll kill you" big-brother-talk?' Daryl asks, and the fact that his voice sounds amused makes Beth sigh with relief again.

'Probably,' Beth shrugs as if he can see her. 'Make sure you're here by six, alright?'

'You got it.'

His tone sounds somewhat brave, and that fills Beth with confidence. Maybe everything is going to be fine, after all.

She gets up and heads inside, trying to decide on what she will be cooking for tonight and contemplating asking Maggie for help. As she shuts the front door behind her, she bumps into Shawn, who is chewing on a sandwich in his hand.

'Shawn,' she huffs in annoyance. 'I just cleaned the house yesterday. Could you not leave breadcrumbs everywhere?'

Her brother takes another large bite and, chewing, shakes his head.

'Everyone is too busy dealing with your secret boyfriend drama and no one was bothered to cook anything, and since it's almost three o'clock I thought I best take care of myself.'

Beth tries her best not to roll her eyes at his comment but fails, although she can't help but smile at the fact that he is obviously not mad at her for lying him too.

'You're such a baby,' she says and jerks her head towards kitchen. 'Come on, I'll fix you something to eat.'

As she walks towards the fridge, while Shawn plops down onto a chair at the table, she smiles at a memory of her mother saying that her daddy might be great at running a farm, but he is simply useless in the kitchen. Shawn is not much different, really. She finds herself wondering how her brother survived college.

'Did Jenny cook for you at college?' she asks, setting a plate with mashed potatoes and meat leftovers in the microwave.

'Yeah,' Shawn nods, popping the last chunk of his sandwich in the mouth. 'Otherwise I would've starved to death,' he adds.

'I figured,' Beth chuckles and opens the freezer to find out what meat they have. When the food is heated, she gets the plate out of the microwave. She sets it on the table in front of her brother and then hands him a fork and a knife.

'Thanks, sis,' he smiles smugly and digs in.

Beth simply raises her eyebrows at that, but doesn't comment and puts a frozen chicken into the microwave, setting it for the defrost. As she moves around kitchen, occupied with the process of cooking, she almost forgets about Shawn sitting there. He reminds her about himself when he speaks up.

'Who is this guy, anyway?' he asks, and Beth freezes for a moment, hoping he would not start being overprotective like he usually did back in high school.

'I don't think you know him.'

'It's a small town.'

Beth knows it was not a good excuse anyway. She doesn't know how to tell him. It's not like she is ashamed of loving Daryl, it's more of a concern of Shawn's opinions of him being clouded by other people's judgement. People who have no idea what kind of person Daryl is. But she knows if she doesn't tell him, it will seem like a big deal, and she wants her brother to take her and Daryl seriously.

'Daryl Dixon,' she says and gives him a soft smile, trying to show Shawn it's his chance to be open-minded.

'Oh, Dixon…' he whistles and shakes his head, and that makes Beth fold her arms defensively. 'I'm not judging, Bethy,' he says after seeing a change in Beth's posture, 'I just hope you know what you're doing.'

'I do and I'd appreciate it if you gave him a chance,' she retorts with fire in her eyes.

'We'll see how it goes tonight,' he smiles and gets up, and Beth relaxes a little. 'You best make sure that chicken is perfect if you decide to bribe me,' he says, heading out.

'You're an ass, Shawn!' Beth exclaims and throws a kitchen towel at him (she misses, of course). She can't help but smile though as she starts peeling sweet potatoes.

As Maggie helps her set everything on the table, Beth can't stop biting on her nails. Shawn is here, so is daddy, and Glenn, and Jenny, and Otis, and Patricia, and even Jimmy (unfortunately), but not Daryl. She is trying not to doubt him, but the thought that maybe he just bailed on her keeps creeping into her mind.

Maggie turns around and slaps her hand lightly.

'Stop it,' she says. 'He'll be here.'

'You think?'

'Of course. Who knows, maybe something happened? Maybe he broke a leg or something?' she shrugs with a smirk.

'Not helping,' Beth gives her a glare but stops biting on her nails and grabs a set of plates from the cupboard above the sink. 'By the way, I do appreciate you giving him a second chance.'

'Well, if daddy did, I figured I just have to,' she smirks again, and Beth feels warmth spreading in her chest. She loves her family so much.

It's then that she hears a familiar roar of the bike.

'Told ya-' Maggie begins to say, but Beth doesn't listen to her finishing the sentence, because at this point, nothing can stop her from sprinting to the front door and out of the house. She rushes towards him just as he puts his bike to stop, and he doesn't even get the chance to get off before she flies at him and throws her arms around his neck.

'You came.'

Daryl doesn't stiffen at her impulsive display of affection, but hesitates for a moment, before hugging her back. She realises that everyone is probably watching them out of the window.

'I promised.'

Beth pulls away and grins at him.

'Come on,' she takes his hand with both of hers and starts pulling on him back to the house. 'They can't wait to meet you.'

She pretends she doesn't hear him snort sarcastically, and as they come in, everyone is standing in the hallway. Beth doesn't let go of his left hand as she introduces him to Hershel, making sure that his right hand is free for a handshake.

'Nice to meet you, sir,' Daryl says, and Beth realises how nervous he really is.

'Please, call me Hershel,' daddy replies, and something tells her it's a good sign.

Beth goes on, introducing Daryl to Shawn, Glenn, Jenny, Patricia, Otis, and even Jimmy. She does hope that Jimmy will stay civil because, no matter what, he is important to her family, but when she introduces Daryl to him, he just walks off, heading to the kitchen with an obvious I've had enough sort of attitude. Everyone else stays nice though, and Maggie even gives Daryl a small smile, which means a lot to Beth.

During the dinner, Daryl doesn't talk much, only answering the question others ask him directly. He keeps to himself, and Beth gives his hand an encouraging squeeze under that table from time to time. Everyone compliments Beth's cooking, and daddy doesn't seem to push Daryl into any conversations too much. He does tell him they need to talk privately after everyone is done with the food. It takes Beth an incredible amount of strength (and Maggie's threatening glare) to stop her from eavesdropping on what her father has to say.

Daddy walks out with a confident smile, and afterwards, Beth will realise that everything went surprisingly fine.

'What did he say to you?' Beth asks, when Daryl and she walk out onto the porch and head to his bike.

'Asked what my intentions are.'

'And what did you say?'

'You don't expect me to tell you everything, do ya?' Daryl smirks, turning to face her as they reach his bike.

'Oh, come on,' Beth rolls her eyes in discontent. 'The curiosity will kill me.'

'Well, that's too bad,' he says with a light chuckle, and Beth grins up at him.

'Thank you for doing this.'

Daryl shrugs and looks away.

'Ain't nothing.'

Beth decides to put it aside for now, knowing that Daryl doesn't like when people are grateful. That's one of the things about she will never understand but has already learned to accept.

'You wanna do something tomorrow?' he asks, and Beth smiles again.

'You mean a date?'

He shrugs one more time.

'Figured we don't have to be sneaking around anymore.'

'I'd love that,' she says, standing on tiptoes and giving him a quick peck on the lips.

Daryl gives her a small smile too and gets on his bike.

'I'll pick you up at seven,' he says.

'Deal,' she says with a grin.

As Beth watches him drive off and disappear in the dark, she wonders when her life has become so great. She doesn't question it too much though.

I wish you all happy holidays, and please remember that reviews, follows, and favourites are welcome and greatly appreciated! :)