Chapter Thirty

Daryl blew out a plume of smoke and then stubbed out his cigarette beneath his boot as he frowned at the message he'd written on the windshield of the old '69 Ford Mustang. On the hood, he'd piled a box of saltines, a jar of peanut butter and a box of granola bars along with four bottles of water. By some miracle Sophia did find her way back to the highway, she wouldn't miss it, and knowing her, she'd sit tight until they checked back. But damnit, he hated the idea of leaving. He had a feeling his woman wasn't going to like the idea either.

Satisfied – if not entirely happy – with his work, he moved back to the Hyundai Shane had been piddling with the day before. There wasn't much wrong with it, and it would provide them with a spare vehicle. No sense in leaving it behind. If the deputy recovered from his gunshot wound, it would be his. Maybe he'd take it and leave the group. Things had to be strained between him and Lori now that Rick was back. Fuckin' soap opera bullshit! He knew Carol and Lori were thick as thieves with their friendship, but his woman wouldn't budge when it came to keeping Lori's secrets. She wouldn't even share with him, and she told him everything.

He closed the hood, the small SUV now roadworthy, and cleaned his hands on the shop rag he kept in his back pocket. He eyed the back of the vehicle and then glanced over his shoulder at the water truck they'd happened upon the previous day when they'd been scavenging. He should be able to fit several five-gallon containers in there, right? He waved at Dale – who was keeping watch atop the RV – and went around to pop the hatch before going over to the truck. He was nearly there to grab the first container when Carol's scream rent the air.

Daryl felt his heart plummet straight down into the soles of his boots as he ran towards the camper. He waved Dale off as the man started climbing down the ladder. "I got it!" They didn't need the old man intruding on what was sure to be a stressful moment, and someone had to keep watch with it just being the three of them. The entire RV shook under his pounding steps as he burst through the door and made his way back to the small bedroom where Carol thrashed about, completely enslaved by her nightmare.

"Daryl!"

He didn't hesitate, her heart wrenching sobs tearing him apart. He dropped down onto the mattress and reached for her flailing arms, capturing her wrists in a firm but gentle grip. "Carol … Carol, wake up," he said, pinning her to his chest to keep her from hurting herself. "C'mon, woman. I'm here … it's just a nightmare."

Daryl knew the moment she woke, the second the nightmare released her, because the tears came in a deluge of pain. Every last one of the hot salty drops cut him. He could feel her pain as if it were his own and he felt helpless to fight off her sorrow. His only recourse to comfort her was to let her cling to him and soak his shirt, to offer her the refuge of his arms where she knew she was safe.

"It wasn't just a nightmare," she sobbed. "Sophia is really gone … lost … alone … and I can't stand it."

And he couldn't stand the sight of her grief. He carefully cradled her face in his warm palms and made her look at him. "So, what're y' gonna do about it? Y' want our girl t' come home?"

Her eyes blazed with inner fire. "How can you ask me that?! Of course, I want her to come home to us!"

"Then y' have t' be strong, Carol. I'm not tellin' y' how t' feel; I know it's killin' y', but y' need t' lock that fear up inside an' focus on us findin' her. I will bring her home t' y'," he vowed.

She softened and wrapped her arms around his waist, burrowing her face against his chest. "I know you will."

He pulled her the rest of the way onto his lap and held her tighter, offering all the support she so desperately needed. "Sophia is a Dixon, Carol … jus' as much as y' are. She's strong, an' far more intelligent than some adults I know. Look at how she got away from Ed at th' quarry, or how quick-thinkin' she was at th' CDC. Hell, woman, she saved all our asses. Y' think she cain't survive a few days in th' woods on 'er own?"

Carol dried her tears on her sleeve and blinked up at him. "Merle taught her well," she whispered.

"Damn straight." He pressed a quick kiss to her brow and offered her a rare smile. "Now put yer boots on. We're gonna go meet up with th' others at this farm where Rick is holed up an' then we're gonna go out an' look for our girl."

"And you're going to find her, Daryl. I know you are."

*.*.*

Carol followed behind Daryl on his bike, Dale bringing up the rear in the RV. Andrea had already taken the truck while Glenn had driven the Cherokee the night before. Her protector hadn't been thrilled about her driving the Hyundai, but they hadn't had a choice in the matter. He'd wanted to send one of the others back for it, but she'd argued about the waste of fuel when she could easily drive the vehicle. After what had happened to Sophia, she could understand his reluctance to let her out of his sight, but fuel was a precious commodity, and she wasn't going to let him leave it behind because of his anxious nature. They would be fine, she'd mused, and as they pulled down the long driveway to the picturesque farm in the distance, she felt a bit smug that she'd been right.

She pulled in next to Daryl and quickly cut the engine as he opened the door and took her hand. She instantly felt some of her tension drain away, his cool touch soothing to her frazzled nerves. Her worry for Sophia was like a living entity of its own, and coupled with the thought of meeting new people, she was worn thin.

Lori bolted down the front steps where she'd been sitting with Rick and Carl, dragging Carol into a fierce embrace. "I'm so glad you're here."

Carol returned it and pulled back a bit to take in her friend's ragged appearance. "How's Shane? Is he –"

The brunette swiped at a few tears and took a deep breath as she wrapped her arms about her thin frame. "Rick and Otis went on a run last night for medical supplies, and Hershel was able to perform surgery to remove the bullet fragments, but …"

Rick moved over to them and gave his wife's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "It's still touch and go. We're just going to have to wait it out for now."

Daryl's narrowed eyes fell on their leader. "So, there's still a chance he might not make it," he said, not mincing words. He wanted facts and didn't really give a damn if he was being insensitive.

His gaze was drawn to an older man as he came down the steps. "I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure he pulls through."

"Daryl, this is Hershel. This is his farm." He nodded up at the girl who'd taken Lori from them in the woods yesterday, who was sitting on the railing surrounding the porch. "That's Maggie, his daughter." Two more came out of the house, having heard the vehicles driving in. "That's Otis, and his wife Patricia. Everyone, this is Carol and Daryl Dixon … and this is Dale Hovarth."

Hershel held out a hand to Daryl, which he finally took after a nudge in the ribs from Carol. Damn pointy elbows, he growled inwardly. His gaze wandered back to Rick. "What's the plan?"

Rick shook his head. Leave it to the straightforward redneck to come right to the point. "Hershel has agreed to let us stay for a bit. Shane is going to have to mend enough for travel, and Sophia is going to have to be found before we can leave."

Carol looked around. "Where's Theodore? Has his arm been seen to?" she asked worriedly. "Daryl said he'd given him some antibiotics, but the wound still needed to be cleaned."

Hershel was quick to reassure her. "Your friend is going to be fine. Patricia cleaned and stitched it for him last night. He should be good as new in no time."

Carol shot him a relieved smile. "Thank you, sir, for your hospitality."

Dale was rather relieved himself with the turn of events. "We should get our camp set up soon, so we can organize the search for Sophia."

*.*.*

Daryl had their tent set up in the shade of the oaks, not far from the house, within twenty minutes. Ten minutes later, Carol had their packs and bedding spread within and she was ready to follow Daryl into the woods. He squinted at her in the afternoon sun, a frown etched between his tawny brows. "Where y' think y' goin'?"

"With you," she stated, as if it should be obvious.

"Y' don't wanna stay here an' lend Lori some moral support?" he bit out, unable to hide the note of sarcasm in his voice.

"Don't be mean," she admonished, falling into step beside him as they headed to where Rick and some of the others were gathered by the hood of the Cherokee. "Lori is not in a good place emotionally right now, but she'd be the first to tell me she didn't need me to stay with her when she knows I need to help look for my daughter."

He glanced down at her skeptically. "She got herself into this jam, an' it's gonna have t' be her who gets herself outta it." He ducked his head and fiddled with the strap of his bow. "Jus' thought you'd wanna be there t' hold 'er hand. Y' know what with all th' motherin' y' like t' do."

Carol stopped and looked up at him. "Is that really such a bad thing? I was never allowed to have friends before, Daryl. I never had someone to show how much I cared."

Now he felt like an ass. "Course not," he mumbled. "Jus' don't want y' t' feel like y' gotta come out with me. It wouldn't hurt y' t' stay back this afternoon t' rest up a bit after y' collapsed yesterday."

She squared her shoulders, digging deep for the strength he believed her to harbor. "I'm fine … and I'm going."

She turned on her heel to join the others, but he reached out to grab her hand, a gleam of concern in the depths of his eyes. "Carol … y' know I wasn't tryin' to hurt y' this mornin', right? When I said –"

"Daryl, I know you'd never do anything … say anything … to intentionally hurt me. This morning, you said what I needed to hear. I can't let my fear hold me back. I can't start thinking Sophia won't be found and let it take over my life. I have to be strong … for her." She rested her hand against the curve of his jaw, and smiled as he leaned into her touch. "I needed you to remind me of that."

Daryl linked his fingers with hers and got her moving again. "Y' are strong, woman. Y' need to remember that." He had faith in her.

*.*.*

Daryl chuckled and snatched the travel mug still half full of coffee from Carol's hands. Maggie had kindly offered it to her before they'd set out to resume their search and Carol had been steadily chatting since they'd trekked off the farm and into the woods. "No more coffee for you," he scoffed, downing the remainder of the lukewarm brew. "Y' ain't shut up since we left. How am I supposed t' concentrate with all that yammerin'?"

Carol snorted. "Well if you'd answer my questions, then we could share the conversation and it wouldn't be so one-sided. Therefore, you wouldn't have to listen to me 'yammerin'," she snarked, making air quotes over his choice of word and then arching one perfectly sculpted brow in his direction.

He grunted and tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her along. Hershel had offered up a map of the area, and he had a clear grid of where he needed to look for Sophia. He was more than fine with the others staying behind. The rest of the camp needed to be assembled if they were going to remain there for any length of time, which Rick needed to oversee. He knew the man didn't want to be far if there was some change in Shane's condition. Andrea and Dale were setting up watch. T-Dog was under strict orders to rest and regain his strength, and Glenn was busy sniffing after the farmer's daughter. It seemed to him the group would always find something more important than finding Sophia.

"Y' not pissed at all yer high-faluting friends for not helpin' us search?" he asked, giving her a sideways glance from the corner of his eye.

Her faint smile dipped into a frown. "They have other matters to attend to."

"It's bullshit."

"Daryl, I can't expect them to ignore their own chores to come out here with us. What they're doing is important too." She looked at him until he met her gaze. "At least I have you to look for her. You're her best hope."

He huffed grudgingly under her praise.

She was silent for a time as they followed the grid, sometimes having to backtrack when the trees became too dense and nearly impassable. "So how did you learn to hunt and track?"

Daryl rolled his eyes and grunted. "Again, with th' questions. Always th' questions."

Carol grinned, hearing the lightness in his tone he usually reserved only for her and Sophia. "It's only because I want to know you, Daryl. It's a given you won't open up to me if I don't ask. Think of how much I've told you about myself. It's only fair."

He shot her an irritated look as he held a large branch out of the way for her to pass. When she was clear, she smirked at him. "If you tell me what I wish to know, I'll give you something in return …"

He seemed to perk up at that. "Like what?"

"I don't know … what do you want?" she asked coyly.

The hunter's eyes narrowed, his gaze dropping momentarily to her lips. If they didn't find the girl that afternoon, there was no way he would be bringing her out with him again. She was far too distracting. Granted, her focus was off since they hadn't quite reached the area he was determined to search, but that was beside the point. He couldn't allow himself to let his guard down when he needed to protect them both from the dangers around them. Yet, he couldn't stop the words which forced themselves past the tip of his tongue. "A kiss?"

Carol blushed to the roots of her hair, and bit her lip uncertainly. "You'll tell me?" she asked hopefully, wanting his reassurance he wouldn't back out.

He nodded. "I'll answer your questions, woman, and then tonight before we bed down for th' night I'll be expectin' my payment," he growled suggestively.

Her blush deepened, and warmth spread through her limbs. She knew he wanted her. How could she not know with the heated glances he'd been sending her way since their little argument at the bunker, yet he never pressured her to give him more than she was willing to give. She still didn't know if she'd ever be able to have sex again after the horrible way Ed had treated her for so many years. But Daryl's tenderness, his sweet gentle touch and the fire he lit in her belly made her believe she could take the chance.

Carol shifted the pack on her back and linked her fingers with his once more as they started off through the trees. She didn't think he'd actually go through with answering her questions … until he finally spoke.

"I was eight or maybe nine when I ran away th' first time and got lost in th' woods. My pa was off on a bender with some waitress an' Merle was doin' another stint in juvie. Spent a week stuck out there, eatin' what I could catch an' wipin' my ass with poison oak. When I got back, Uncle Drew was waitin' on me. Fed me up an' made me tell 'im where I'd been. Pa was still gone, so at least I ain't had t' deal with him."

Carol looked devastated when he chanced a glance to gauge her reaction. "Your father never knew you were gone? He didn't come looking for you?"

"Nope," he said, his lips popping on the 'p'. "But that's a good thing. Saved me a beatin' at least. Drew made me come home with him. Started teachin' me how to hunt an' track. Merle picked up where he left off once th' old man fetched us home."

She gave his hand a squeeze in silent understanding. It was all she could do to swallow around the lump of emotion clogging her throat as she thought about his younger self lost and alone in the woods with no one searching for him. Even if he hadn't cared so much for Sophia, he still would've looked for her … because he knew what it felt like when no one cared. She could feel herself falling just a little more as she lost another piece of her heart to him.

Daryl halted her at the edge of the tree line as they came to a clearing, and for a moment, Carol thought they'd come full circle and were back at the farm, but the house she could glimpse across the wide lawn was different than that at the Greene farm. He dropped her hand and raised a finger to his lips as he raised his crossbow, motioning her to silence. She drew the .45 from her hip and took a steady step after him. They both knew the dangers of being out in the open, and kept a wary eye out for walkers as they approached the house. It was evident the structure had been abandoned long before the world had come crashing down around them.

Carol admired the easy grace with which he moved as she followed him up the dilapidated steps and through the front door. She moved cautiously to the right through a parlor with its dated furniture as Daryl moved left into what appeared to be a dining room. They met up in the kitchen and he motioned her to stillness while he checked through the pantry. She felt a spark of hope when she noticed a nest of blankets at the bottom of the tiny cupboard.

"Do you think Sophia might've been here?" she whispered, unable to disguise the rising hope coursing through her.

"I wouldn't put it past her." He searched through the rubbish bin nearly overflowing next to one of the counters and came up with a treat wrapper. "I'd say she's been here," he said, holding it up for her to see.

"Will she come back d'you think?"

Daryl shook his head. "Not if she's still tryin' t' find her way back t' th' highway. She's gonna want t' keep movin'." He jerked his head in the direction of the stairs they'd passed. "C'mon … we'll do a sweep of the top floor an' then head back out t' th' woods."

The upstairs of the small farmhouse yielded nothing and soon Carol was back outside with Daryl at her side, breathing in the warm late summer air. He relaxed, linking his fingers with hers once more as she re-holstered her sidearm. The smile which overtook his features stole her breath with its beauty. She was helpless not to follow as he pulled her over to the flowering bushes on the side yard.

Daryl knelt in the grass, tugging her down to his side, his hand already reaching for one of the brilliant white blooms with its delicate yellow center. "Cherokee roses," he murmured, trailing the flower over the smooth curve of her jaw. She shivered as much from the cool touch of the petals as from the husky timbre of his voice. "Do you know th' story?"

"I do. I heard it, but it was a long time ago," she replied, losing herself in his smoky blue gaze. "Will you tell me?"

He nodded slowly, his gaze seemingly enraptured by the way the petals ghosted over her skin. "The story is when th' American soldiers were movin' Indians off their land on th' trail of tears, the Cherokee mothers were greivin' an' cryin' so much 'cause they were losin' their little ones along the way from exposure, disease an' starvation. A lot of them just disappeared."

He paused, his eyes transfixed as he brought the flower to rest in the hollow at the base of her throat, wondering how it would feel to dip his tongue into that little indention of flesh. When she shivered, he brought his gaze back to hers, pink tinting his cheeks as he continued his story. "So th' elders said a prayer; askin' for a sign t' uplift th' mother's spirits, give 'em strength … and hope. Th' next day, this rose started t' grow right where th' mother's tears fell."

Carol didn't try to hold back her own tears which fell unheeded from her lashes as she let him pull her into him. She wept silently and took comfort from his embrace, her head tucked beneath his chin as they sat there in the grass, the hot Georgia sun warming their backs. "I'm not fool enough t' think there's any flowers bloomin' for m' brother, Carol. But I do believe this one here bloomed for our girl."

Her watery eyes lifted to meet his, a beatific smile upon her lips. "It's a sign of hope … just like you said."

*.*.*

Daryl shot her a squinty-eyed glare as Carol watched him polish off a bag of Funyuns he'd found in her pack. She was hungry too, but it was close to dinnertime and she wanted real food if at all possible. With Lori occupied, Dale would probably have taken over the chore of preparing dinner. She just hoped spam was nowhere on the menu that evening. "Whatcha grinnin' about over there, woman?"

Carol's smile widened. "Nothing."

"Bullshit. Y' look like y' jus' took first prize in th' pie eatin' contest at th' county fair."

She snorted and tucked the empty bag back in her pack to dispose of later. "I was just wondering to myself how you manage to get so filthy just walking in the woods."

Daryl gaped at her and fiddled with the strap of his bow, nudging her shoulder playfully. "Better question is how y' manage t' stay so clean."

"I am not clean by a long shot. I need a bath," she chuckled.

"Well I wouldn't need one if I hadn't tripped over y' big feet an' landed in th' mud. An' y' better not be tellin' nobody either," he growled in warning. It was ruined by the teasing smirk he wore, however.

"I don't have big feet!"

"Is that right?" he teased. They continued down the drive to their makeshift camp in companionable silence until he nudged her again. "It's good t' hear y' laugh again."

"Why shouldn't I?" she asked, slowing her steps a bit so they could finish their conversation before they reached their camp. "I know you're going to bring Sophia home to me." She looked down at their clasped hands, biting her lip as she contemplated telling him what was in her heart. "You always make me smile because … because I know you'll always be there for me, Daryl. No matter what happens we have each other, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. I know I'm being silly and emotional, but … I just wanted you to kno-"

He dragged her forward into his arms, enveloping her in his warm embrace. "Y' not bein' silly, and y' ain't gotta worry about none o' that. I ain't goin' nowhere. For as long as y' want me … I'll be here." He blushed scarlet, and could hear Merle chastising him for his tender declaration, but he meant every word. They stood there for an endless time simply basking in the other's comfort before he nodded out towards the pond in the distance. "Y' think Hershel would mind us takin' a dip in th' pond after dinner?"

He'd be the first to admit his bathing habits had improved since he'd started sharing her bedroll. Now he couldn't imagine crawling into their tent to sleep covered in creek mud.

"I don't see why he'd object," she said with a shrug.

Daryl turned around in time to see Rick and Dale walking down the drive to meet them. "Did you find anything?" Dale asked, slightly out of breath.

The hunter rubbed tiredly at the back of his neck and squinted against the dying sun. "Yeah, we found an abandoned farmhouse a couple miles west. We think she mighta holed up there for a night, but she was long gone by th' time we got there."

"Maybe she's still trying to find her way back to the highway, you think?" Rick asked. "If it was even her. It could've been anyone, really."

Carol stiffened. "It was her, Rick."

"I'm just trying to be realistic, Carol. She's been out there over forty-eight hours already."

Daryl puffed up like a wet cat and pushed Carol behind him as he got in Rick's face. "So whatcha sayin', Grimes? Y' callin' off th' search because o' your police statistics? That's bullshit!"

"No, I'm not,' Rick argued, opting for a calm tone in the face of the redneck's ire. "I'm just trying to think about this rationally. I'm not going to give false hope to her," he nodded at Carol. "But I have gone over the map Hershel gave us and we're all going to be searching tomorrow. It's time we brought that little girl home."

Daryl gave him a stiff nod and backed off.

"Ok," Dale offered, clapping his hands together once as he looked between the two bull-headed males. "Let's get you and Carol something to eat. I made chili."

Carol smiled, feeling her stomach rumble at the prospect of something hearty to fill it. She linked her arm through Dale's and set off towards camp, leaving Daryl and Rick to follow. "That sounds wonderful, Dale."

*.*.*

Carol shook her head at Daryl as he rubbed at his chest with a pained expression. It was nearly dusk as they made their way to the dock on the edge of the pond, a change of clothes for each of them and a small bag of toiletries tucked under her arm. She tsked at him. "I told you not to eat so fast. Now you're going to be suffering with indigestion all night. I may go bunk with Lori."

"Like hell y' will!" he growled, tugging on her hand to hurry her steps. "Dale cain't cook for shit."

Carol laughed softly and set their things down on the wooden planks of the small pier. "He does just fine. You're just spoiled." She sat down, but was in no hurry to undress. "So … you want to go first?"

Daryl arched a brow at her, a shy smile on his lips. "We're losin' th' light. We need t' hurry, so we'll bathe together."

"Together?" she squeaked.

"Ain't like we ain't been naked in th' shower before. This ain't no different," he argued, pulling the sleeveless flannel over his head without unbuttoning it and dropping it at his feet.

Carol couldn't hold his gaze, instead dropping it to her fidgeting hands folded in her lap. Already she could feel a nervous fluttering in her belly. Her heart thundered against her ribs, and her breath hitched, but she couldn't explain why she was suddenly so weak. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, or make her do anything she didn't want to do. She swallowed down some of her anxiety and forced herself to speak, but inwardly cringed when everything she felt was so evident in her voice. "I don't know if that's such a g-good idea. We both got kinda carried away last time. If Sophia –" She clasped a hand firmly over her mouth. "Oh god! What the hell am I even doing? My baby is lost in the woods and here I am just going about our normal routine … what kind of mother am I?!"

Daryl dropped down on the dock and pulled her onto his lap, rocking her gently as she wept. "G'on, woman, get it out," he murmured, his lips dropping a tender kiss to the crown of her head. "But y' ain't done nothin' wrong. You're a wonderful mother, an' I ain't gonna have y' blamin' yourself. Y' think she'd want y' runnin' around dirty when she knows y' hate it?"

Carol shook her head and burrowed more against his chest. "No."

He stroked a hand over her back from nape to hip, trying to offer whatever comfort he could. It was so foreign to him, never having had anyone who needed him like she did. He'd never even known he wanted to be needed like that, not until his Carol. His arms tightened about her as warmth flooded his chest, and he knew it didn't have a damn thing to do with the sexual attraction which flowed between them. This was deeper and though it scared him witless, it was something he never wanted to let go.

Finally, her tears ebbed, and she forced a tremulous smile. "I'm sorry. I seem to make it a habit of weeping all over you."

"Pfft," he scoffed. "Ain't nothin'. Now c'mon and let's get clean so we can get some sleep, yeah?"

She nodded and climbed to her feet, turning her back on him so she could rid herself of her clothes. She was down to her jeans and underwear when she heard the splash behind her and a hiss as Daryl hit the water. He came up cursing, his shaggy mane sending water droplets in every direction. "Cold?" she inquired, a faint smile playing about her mouth.

He crossed his arms over his chest and peered up at her through the waning light. "Jus' a bit. Y' comin'?" He licked his lips as she kicked her jeans away and stood before him in nothing but her lacy underwear, the navy color a lovely contrast against her ivory skin. He found himself thankful for the cold temperatures below his waist. "Y' uh … y' can leave your drawers on, woman, if y' don't trust me t' behave."

Carol gave him a soft look. "I trust you, Dixon. Don't ever doubt it."

To further her trust, he turned his back. It nearly killed him to do so, but he did. She was already far out of her comfort zone; she didn't need him ogling her unabashedly. He tried to keep an iron grip on his libido as he heard the last of her clothing whisper down to the dock. He let his mind wander to unpleasant things, moldy cheese Merle had a bad habit of leaving in the refrigerator, the time the roof leaked and flooded his bedroom, walkers, and any number of things to stop himself from imagining Carol's milky flesh glowing softly in the rising moonlight.

She whimpered as she lowered herself into the water, followed by a sharp intake of breath as it rushed over her ribs. "Shit! I didn't think it would be this cold!"

Daryl's brows shot upwards. She never cursed, and it sent all of his good intentions – along with every drop of blood in his body – fleeing south. Oh damn, I'm in trouble! He drew in several deep breaths and reached up onto the pier to grab the bar of soap she'd brought out there for them to use. He held her gaze as he took the cloth from her hands, knowing it would be a mistake to let himself look down, and built up a decent lather. "Y' want me t' …"

Carol nodded and stepped closer, releasing the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding as he brought it to her skin and washed the day's grime from her skin. When they were both clean and his hair was still dripping lazily onto his shoulders, she stepped into his arms without hesitation, banishing the awkwardness which lingered about them.

"Thank you, Daryl. I do feel better," she whispered, the sound of her voice mingling with the song of the crickets and cicadas on the night air.

He shivered and drew her tightly against his body, reveling in the way she felt in his arms, as if she had always been meant to be there. He cleared his throat, his tongue darting over his bottom lip. "I knew y' would."

Carol's hands trailed along his arms from wrist to shoulder, causing his eyes to slam shut against the onslaught of sensation she awakened within him. Had anything ever felt more perfect? One hand cupped the side of his neck, the other she brought to his stubbled jaw, her thumb ghosting tenderly over his lower lip. "Open your eyes, Daryl … look at me." Daryl forced himself to obey her gentle command, slowly prying his eyes open to meet her gaze. "I believe I owe you a kiss."

He shook his head. "Not if y' don't want t'."

She pulled him down, her lips a scant inch from his own. "Oh, but I do want to." Her eyes drifted closed, and a soft moan escaped her as her lips closed over his. He felt rigid in her arms, as if he were afraid to move. She trailed her hands over his shoulders, kneading the tense muscles there as she sipped from his soft lips, willing him to relax. She could feel the evidence of his desire pressing against her belly, but it didn't bring the fear she'd always felt before with Ed. No, now it brought long dormant desire rushing through her veins. How long had it been since she'd felt these feelings for a man? Yet, she knew she'd still have to proceed cautiously.

Daryl's hands curled over the swell of her hips as the kiss deepened. Her lips parted, inviting him in, and he delved forward into the honeyed recesses of her mouth, his tongue sliding in a sinuous dance with hers. His head swam, his heart pounded, and he didn't know where he found the strength to share just a simple kiss with her when he wanted so much more.

Only the need for air made them part, and he panted as he rested his brow against hers. She clung to him, and he could see she was equally affected by his touch as he was from hers. "Y' ok?" he asked, tentatively raising his gaze to hers.

"Mhmm," she hummed contentedly. "But I'm freezing."

He grinned unrepentantly. What was a little cold when she was more relaxed than he'd seen her in days? "G'on, woman. Get dry an' wait for me on th' dock."

Carol was reluctant to let go of him, but she didn't protest as he hefted her up onto the end of the pier. "What about you?"

Daryl snorted. "Um … I'ma need a few more minutes." And with that he swam off into deeper water, willing his body to cool before joining her.

A/N: Next time: Daryl asks Carol to stay behind while he continues to search for Sophia.