A/N You guys are so great, thank you for loving this couple as much as I do. Remember I'm no medical expert, so please just go with it. A lot is going on in this chapter, so get the popcorn, or in my case, wine.

Merle didn't want to let on to her but he was so worried that he just couldn't help himself. He wanted her to be alright, no matter what else happened Beth had to be alright.

Before he left for work he took her in his arms, "Just take it easy taday Darlin' and I mean it. I've told ya that before and ya still think ya gotta be cookin' n cleanin' all the time and I'm tellin' ya not to. I'm yer husband and I'm puttin' my foot down, don't go against me Beth. And don't be cookin' we'll go out ta dinner when I get home," he had his hands on her shoulders as he leaned back and looked in her eyes, "Please Darlin', just do like I say. I love ya." And he hugged her to him.

"I love you too Merle, and I'm sure everything's going to be just fine. I'm going to make myself eat more today, I promise, and I promise I won't do any heavy housework. I'll be good Merle," and she leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips.

He gave a quick nod of his head. He tousled Tommy's hair and simply said, "I'll see ya tanight son, you be good for Mama, hear?"

"K Daddy, bye bye," the little boy smiled and waved his hand. At least that made Merle smile.

When he got to the shop he called the agency and told the manager he needed a good woman who could come two mornings a week to do housecleaning, laundry and ironing. He wanted to interview the applicants first and choose the ones he thought suitable, then his wife could talk to them and make the final decision.

The manager said he had four good women he could send over this afternoon. Merle agreed.

Merle chose two women for Beth to speak to. The first, Edith, was a 30 year old woman of color, she had a happy personality and a big pleasant smile, but her manner was quiet. Merle thought Beth would like her.

The second woman was Ida. Ida was an older white woman, she had a stern look to her, and definitely seemed like she could handle the work, but he wasn't sure Beth would get on with her.

He asked Ida if she could come to the house in the morning at 8:30, and asked Edith to come at 9:00.

He let Axel and Tara know he wouldn't be in before 10 in the morning.

He felt good, he felt like he was taking care of his wife like a husband is supposed to, making it so she didn't have to work so hard. He was sure she'd be happy and grateful.

He was wrong.

He got home a little earlier than usual so he could talk with her before they went to dinner.

Tommy was out playing with his trucks in the backyard.

He hugged her and asked how her day was, and she asked about his, then he said, "I made a big decision taday, I think yer gonna be real happy Darlin'."

"What Merle, tell me," she was excited and smiling.

He grinned and said, "I decided you needed help with the house. I interviewed two gals taday, they're comin' over in the mornin' so you can talk to 'em and decide which one you wanna hire."

She started to cry and he was completely confounded.

"What's the matter Darlin', why ya cryin'? Ya know I can't hardly stand that," and he made to hug her and she pulled away. Now he was perplexed and a little angry.

"Don't ya do that Beth, you tell me what's wrong, don't ya just pull away from yer husband, it ain't right."

She tried to compose herself, but she was having trouble speaking, finally she began in a whisper, "I didn't know I wasn't keeping a good home for you Merle, I thought you were happy with my homemaking. I tried to be a good wife to you," and she started crying even harder.

And he couldn't fuckin' believe it. Merle hadn't ever seen the like a her. She was a sensitive little thing, sure not like any of the woman he'd ever been tangled up with, and definitely not like anything he'd grown up with, sensitivity was not allowed in their shack. But this woman, his sweet wife, everything seemed to go straight to her heart, and a mighty tender heart it was.

So he put it plain, "Beth, Darlin' the very first thing we're gonna talk about here is the reason I married you. Yer the only woman I ever loved Beth, the only woman I ever wanted ta spend all my time with, yer the sweetest person I've ever known, and in case ya ain't noticed, I treasure you. And I also gotta say, yer the most beautiful woman I ever saw. I sure as hell didn't marry you cuz I was lookin' for a housekeeper and a cook."

"Now that I made that clear to ya I'll tell ya true, yer the best wife any man could dare hope for, and ya keep a beautiful home. And I ain't never ate any better cookin', ever. In fact I don't think there could be better cookin'. This was just a house 'fore you moved in, now it's our home. It's just I don't want ya workin' so hard. I don't want ya doin' all that hard work that might hurt ya, might hurt our baby, the scrubbin' on yer hands n knees and the waxin' and the ironing. You got yer sewing, I'd rather think of ya spending that time you'd be doin' that rough work, doin' work ya like, makin' baby clothes, makin' Tommy's play clothes, and making yerself pretty things, whatever things like that ya might enjoy."

And this time when he reached for her, she let him. She was still crying, but it was softer. "Ya okay Darlin'? I can't stand it when yer sad, can't stand ta think I hurt ya, I just want ya ta get better, stronger and our baby too. I think I'm doin' the right thing here Beth, I truly do."

She looked at him and said, "You're so good to me Merle, I'm sorry I pulled away from you, I won't do that again, ever. I want to be healthy too and I surely want our baby to be healthy. Thank you for being such a good husband to me and taking such good care of me."

And Tommy came in the screen door and screeched, "Daddy home!" and he was jumping up and down and he ran to Merle and hugged his legs.

Merle picked him up and asked, "How's my boy? Was ya good for Mama taday?"

And the little boy smiled and nodded his head, "Yes Daddy."

And Merle smiled big and said, "Who's hungry? Daddy's cookin' pancakes for supper!"

And the little boy giggled and said, "Me! Me!"

And Beth chimed in with a smile, "Only if you let me cook the bacon."

The next morning Merle sat quietly next to her while she chatted with Ida and then Edith. She was still unsure about this housekeeper idea but she wasn't going to go against him, she knew he was only looking out for her.

He'd told her he would take care of the business side, and he'd already explained to the women that his wife was gonna have a child and she wasn't real healthy right now, whoever was hired would be doing all the heavy housework, also doing the ironing and whatever else his wife needed.

As he had thought she would, she told him she preferred Edith, and he told her he'd take care of it, she'd be startin' next week, workin' Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:00 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. with two 15 minute breaks. She could work more hours if they needed her.

xxxx

Neither Beth nor Merle slept well Wednesday night. Neither wanted the other to know how fearful they were of what the doctor might tell them. So he just held her and they both tried to rest.

They dropped Tommy off with Lori and arrived at the doctor's office 10 minutes early. The nurse called them in and they were shown to the doctors private office, where he sat at his desk.

The doctor stood and greeted them, "Mrs. Dixon, and you must be Mr. Dixon," he reached his hand out and he and Merle shook.

The doctor was a little surprised by her husband. He was obviously far older than her, and he had a rough look about him, the doctor felt some concern for her. But then he got to know a little about Merle Dixon.

"Please be seated Mr. and Mrs. Dixon," the doctor began, "I have the results of your blood tests back Mrs Dixon, and it's as I suspected, it seems you have serious anemia. Based on what you've told me about your health and dietary history prior to meeting Mr. Dixon, I suspect you may have been anemic for years. To compound the problem, with pregnancy most women develop anemia. I suspect because you were suffering from this condition already, your case has advanced."

And Merle asked, "S'cuse me here doc, but what exactly is anemia?"

"I'm sorry, I probably should have discussed that with you first," the doctor started, "Anemia is a condition that develops when blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. There are several symptoms related to anemia, and pregnancy makes these much more pronounced, they include: Easy fatigue and loss of energy; an unusually rapid heartbeat; shortness of breath and headache; difficulty concentrating; dizziness; pale skin; leg cramps; and insomnia."

He continued, "With the pregnancy we have to think about how serious the impact could be on both Mrs. Dixon and your unborn child. Certain deficiencies can directly contribute to certain types of birth defects, and low birth weight. We also have to be concerned about preterm delivery. And we have to worry about Mrs. Dixon, we want her to come through this pregnancy and delivery safely."

And Merle looked concerned as he asked, "Well I know my wife ain't been feelin' good, she tried ta hide that from me at first, but I could tell she wasn't eatin' enough and she was lookin' so dang pale. So now, you tell me, what're we gonna do ta beat this thing?"

"Well we're going to start with supplements, Mrs. Dixon you'll be taking three pills a day. The other important thing is proper diet. You'll want to eat plenty of foods high in Iron, like meat, if you'll eat liver it's the highest in Iron, it's your best choice, but most every meat is a good source of Iron. Do you like meat?" He looked to her.

She looked quite nervous, almost scared. Merle reached over and took her hand, squeezed it gently and smiled at her. She relaxed a little and said, "Well Merle likes to have meat or fish every night for his supper, but I don't always eat mine. I guess I'm just not used to it."

"I understand, but if these foods are readily available to you, you need to eat them," the doctor said kindly.

Merle said, "Well my wife she don't eat much, we got plenty, but she don't seem ta have much appetite."

"I see, how about you try eating a little more throughout the day Mrs. Dixon, instead of trying to eat three big meals. If you feel like you're too full for a big snack, have a little spinach or some green beans. That's not too filling and they're full of Iron. I want you to remember, you really are eating for two. You need this Iron rich food and so does your baby."

The words came rushing out of her, "But I could still do all my own work if I eat right and take medicine, is that true? Because Merle wants me to quit working so hard around the house, he's hired a lady to come in twice a week and help me, but I think I can do it all myself, I think that's okay don't you doctor?"

And that made the doctor smile, "Well I think you're a lucky woman. Do you know how many women wish their husband would just appreciate all the work they do? Your husband not only knows how hard you work, he wants you to have help. I think that's wonderful. You take that time you'll and rest, and maybe pursue other interests."

Merle smiled that big old smile she loved and said, "See there Lil Darlin', like yer husband told ya."

And the doctor felt like she was in good hands.

"Now I don't want you two to worry too much, it's just going to take some effort on your part Mrs. Dixon, you need to eat right and be sure you take those supplements. I feel confident Mr. Dixon is going to make sure you do," he looked to each of them and smiled.

"Ya got that right doctor, it ain't easy gettin' this woman ta do like I say, but I'ma keep after her," and he pursed his lips.

xxxx

Merle wanted to stop and fuel up the wagon before they picked up Tommy, and he thought he should show Beth what type of gas to ask for, and what to have the attendant do and do to the car . He figured he'd be taking care of anything to do with the car, but just in case she needed to, he wanted her prepared.

He was shocked when they pulled into the station and that asshole Dave was workin', man he didn't like that guy. But when Dave approached him he seemed polite and well behaved. "Hey Merle, how're ya doin', what can I get for ya today?"

"Just a fill up with Ethel Dave, and don't bother checkin' under the hood, I got that, just the gas and the windows taday, thanks," Merle responded.

Merle looked to Beth and smiled, "See there, it's easy. Now I got a check in my pocket ta settle up last month's bill, gotta go in the office and see Jim for just a minute ta do that. I'll be right back Darlin'," and he and patted the top of her hand.

"Okay Merle," she smiled back.

The minute Merle was in the small building Dave approached her window and began to speak, "So, yer the hot young tail Dixon got hold of. Why he's a lucky man, what's a pretty girl like you want with an ol' piece a shit like him?" He reached out his hand and touched her hair and she tried to pull away, but he grabbed hold, "Don't be afraid, all I wanna do is show you a real good time. I could screw ya all night long. You just come on by when that old bastard's gone ta work and you and me gonna have us some fun," and he laughed, let go of her hair, hurried and finished his task before Merle returned.

Beth was frozen in place. She could feel her face was on fire, and she was fighting tears. She was hoping Merle wouldn't notice but as soon as he got back to the car he could tell something had happened, and knowing that bastard Dave, he figured it had something to do with him.

He drove over by the park and pulled into the small parking area.

"Why are we stopping Merle," she asked timidly.

"We're stoppin' cuz yer gonna tell me what just happened back there. And we ain't leavin' here 'til ya do, you tell it all to yer husband Beth, all of it," His eyes were steeled and his jaw was set.

And she was shakin' like she used to do, and she had those big ol' tears in her eyes, and in a shaky voice just above whisper she told him what Dave had said and what he'd done.

Merle maintained his calm, only because he didn't want to upset her any more than she was, it had already been a tough day. "Is that everythin' Beth, you ain't keepin' nuthin' from me now are ya?"

"No, I promise, that's everything.," her voice was so low he could barely hear her.

"I love ya Beth, ain't yer fault he talked to ya like that, he's an asshole, s'cuse me for saying that, but it's the truth," he gave her a hard hug and a kiss to the top of her head.

"Okay, let's go get our boy and I'll get you two on home. I gotta get ta work," and it seemed to her that he was satisfied and that was that.

That wasn't quite the case.

As soon as he got them in the door he went in their bedroom and put his work clothes on, he came back in the kitchen where she was fixing Tommy a snack. "You get yerself a snack too, Darlin', just like the doctor said. I gotta get on ta work now, I'll see ya for supper." He kissed her and Tommy both goodbye, got in his truck and left for the shop.

As soon as he got in his office he called the service station and talked to the owner, Jim, "Hey yeah, don't tell Dave but I was gonna surprise him with a cold beer when he gets off work, what time will that be? 4:30? Perfect. Yeah, thanks Jim."

And Merle was gonna straighten that sumbitch out if it was the last thing he ever did.

He told Axel and Tara he had to leave work early and run a couple of errands, they were in charge and be sure and lock up tight.

It was 4:00 and he headed to the roadhouse. What he knew about Dave was, he was a no good bastard and a creature of habit, the guy had a routine and it was to be at the roadhouse unless he was workin' or sleepin'. Merle waited for him at the side of the building where he wouldn't be noticed.

As soon as he saw him park and get outta his old jalopy he went right up to him and threw a haymaker. Dave was laying on the ground rubbing his jaw, when Merle said, "Listen here Dave, nuthin' I want more right now than ta kill yer sorry ass, but I got a wife and kids I don't want them ta suffer while I'm in prison, so what I'ma do instead is beat the fuck right outta ya, yer gonna wish ta fuckin' christ almighty I'da killed ya."

And that's just what Merle did. Oh Dave fought back, but he wasn't full of enough fury and adrenaline to be a match for Merle.

When Merle was done, and Dave lay in a bloody heap in the gravel of the driveway, Merle leaned over, spit and told him, "Next time you disrespect my wife I will kill yer sorry ass. I gotta pretty good little spot I know out in them woods where I can just leave yer body for the wolves. Think hard on that Dave."

And Merle got in his truck and drove home to his wife and son.

He nodded his head toward her when he walked in the door, then he went to his cupboard above the refrigerator and poured himself a big glass of the whiskey.

She knew by the marks on his face and the blood on his hands what he'd done. She wasn't going say anything about it unless he did.

And then he spoke, "I ain't gonna let no one disrespect ya Darlin'. I'll get washed up for supper now."

And he headed in the bathroom, and she was so happy that she'd made one of his favorite dinners because, well, he was her hero.

A/N That Merle, he's the man. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for reading, please review xo