A/N Thank you all for taking the time to read this story and for your kind words. I'm all about the Christmas love this week!

One Month Later

Rick

Once Carl and Beth had met it just opened up so many more opportunities for me to spend time with her. When I was keeping the relationship a secret from Carl it was almost like we were teenagers trying to sneak out.

Now I see clearly it's those simple everyday things in life that really do make a difference, like she started to attend Carl's athletic events with me. I enjoy having her there so much, cheering along with me and seeing how much she cares about Carl. After all, I guess he and I are what some folks call a package deal. That doesn't seem to bother her at all.

We all have dinner together at least once a week at my place, and all three of us cook it. That was Beth's idea. At first I wasn't sure how that was going to work out but it's been great. All three of us have a lot of fun just being together, talking about our day and goofing around. And she doesn't get all pissed off and stressed out when Carl or I screw something up, she just smiles at me and says, "You're the one who'll have to try and fix that." Last week Carl messed up so bad I had to call and order a pizza. In his defense, powdered sugar and flour do look a lot alike.

Anyway, all these little things, it's what being a family should be like I suppose. It's not how it was with me and Lori, this is much more like people caring and sharing. And as much as the idea of trying to be a family with someone used to scare me, I'm finding myself embracing it. Well if that family is Beth, Carl and me.

But shit, who knows how tomorrow will go? Carl and I will be making our first trip to the farm. Something tells me the old man isn't going to go easy on me. She's told me he's a little apprehensive about the fact I have a 10 year old son. I don't blame him, shit she's 22. But dammit, I'm willing to fight for this. Fight for her.

Christmas is only a month away and if things continue to go as well as they have been, and I get her father's blessing, I plan to give her a ring on Christmas and ask her to marry me. I never thought I'd ever say those words, but I know I love her and I know I want her in my life, and in Carl's life. All I can do is hope things go well.

xxxx

He and Carl decided if they were going to the farm for Sunday dinner, to be eaten at 1:00, they'd have their pancakes before church and even then go easy. And they were taking Beth with them, a first. What pleased Rick so much was that Carl had been the one to suggest they ask her.

They arrived at the farm at 11:30, Rick couldn't deny his stomach had a couple of knots. Carl on the other hand was having a very tough time containing his excitement.

Beth had told him Maggie and Glenn would be there, and he'd been real damn happy about that. Not only was he happy not everyone would be a stranger, but he liked them both and maybe they'd be a buffer.

Beth introduced him and Carl to her parents, her brother Shawn and Shawn's wife Amy. Everyone seemed happy and friendly and then her Daddy said, "Shawn why don't you and Beth show Carl around the farm. Rick and I are going to have a little chat, get to know each other." Well shit, that didn't take long. He took a quick glance at Beth, she looked nervous and those pretty little cheeks were bright pink.

Her Daddy was very cordial, inviting Rick to step in his office and asking if he'd like coffee or ice tea, which Rick declined.

The older man got right down to business, "Rick I'm sure my daughter has probably told you I have some reservations about this relationship you have with her. I'd like to share my concerns with you man to man, so you know exactly what those hesitations are."

"Certainly Mr. Greene, I respect the fact that as Beth's father you may have doubts or objections. I'm happy to respond to any of your questions or concerns." He was sure he sounded just like he did when he had to testify in court.

"Please call me Hershel. Now Rick, tell me how old are you?"

Well shit, Rick knew that was coming, "Well sir, sorry, Hershel, I'm 12 years older than Beth, 34. I realize that's a substantial age difference and I worried about it myself in the beginning."

"I'm not that concerned with the age difference, I'm nearly 20 years older than Beth's Mother. What concerns me more is that you have 10 year old son and Beth is only 22. How do you feel about that?"

"I had some concerns when Beth and I first started dating, both for Beth and my son. I didn't introduce Beth and Carl until she and I had been dating for just over two months. When I felt that your daughter and I were developing serious feelings for each other, I wanted them to meet. I'm happy to say they get along great."

"And that all sounds nice Rick but where my concern comes in is, my daughter is 22 that's awfully young to be tasked with raising someone elses' 10 year old child."

That hit a nerve. Rick was trying to control his temper, he told himself to just calmly state his intent. But feelings are feelings and they won't be denied. Still, this was so important. A lot was riding on her Daddy's acceptance of his relationship with her. "With all due respect Hershel I'm going to be real honest with you and tell you I resent the hell out of that. I've been raising Carl for 10 years, the last three years I've done it alone and I was fully prepared to, and in fact planned on, continuing to raise Carl alone. I'm not looking for someone else to raise my son. I certainly wouldn't ask Beth to take on any of the responsibilities of parenting unless we get married, and then it's still her choice. And if we do marry and she makes that choice, then of course I would expect Carl to show her the same deference I expect him to show me. It doesn't mean I'd expect her to raise him. I'm sure as hell not the kind of person who'd enter into a relationship so I could shirk my responsibilities."

"I'm sorry if I offended you Rick but as the involved father you are, I'm sure you understand that my first responsibility is to protect my child. What you've said makes me feel much better about the situation. Do you think we could start again? Maybe you can tell me about yourself and Carl."

"That sounds real good to me Hershel, I'm happy to tell you anything you'd like to know."

As it turned out he and Hershel had a good talk, and dinner was delicious and filled with lively conversation, thanks mainly to Maggie and Shawn's constant banter.

Finally the three of them got to spend time alone together.

They'd saddled up the horses and gone for a ride around the farm, down by the river. It was beautiful and she looked radiant in the setting. He fell even harder for his country girl.

Now that he'd finally met her family and things had turned out far better than he'd hoped, he felt ready. Logically he'd say they hadn't been together long enough, hadn't even known each other long enough. But what the hell did logic have to do with love? He wanted her, there wasn't a bit of doubt in his mind. His son was crazy about her, so he had no guilt about Carl.

Now he just had to hope her feelings for him were as serious as his were for her. He was pretty sure they were, but damn he still had that little seed of doubt.

He made a decision.

He talked to Dale and Erma and made arrangements for Carl to spend the night with them Saturday. Then He called her and asked her if she'd have dinner with him Saturday at his place and she'd accepted. If things went how he hoped they would, he'd put his plan into motion.

Beth

It's been so wonderful getting to know Carl. He's such a good boy, but besides that he's fun and funny just full of personality and great to be around. Rick's done a wonderful job of raising him. You just have to see the two of them together to see what a special relationship they have.

It makes me feel even more strongly about Rick, it's a testament to what a good man he is. I'd started to think there weren't any good men, in fact I'd simply given up on the idea of men altogether. I'm so happy Rick's addicted to blueberry muffins so I got the chance to see, there's definitely at least one good man left in the world. I'd like to think he's mine, but he hasn't quite said those three words yet, well I haven't either. I'm hoping he'll say them first because the minute he does, he's going to know exactly how I feel.

Things seemed to go really well at Mama and Daddy's. I'd been so worried and nervous about that. I knew Daddy was going to ask him about Carl. But as it turned out it seemed Daddy liked Carl a lot, he even made plans to take him fishing. And I was very relieved at dinner to see Daddy treating Rick with kindness and respect.

My favorite part of the day was saddling up the horses and taking Rick and Carl for a ride along the river. It was the perfect day for it, a bit chilly but the sun was out, the wind was calm and it felt so good to be just the three of us sharing an experience.

I was so happy when we were leaving the farm and Mama and Daddy said they'd really like for Rick and Carl to come to Sunday dinner every week. Carl was practically jumping up and down and Rick, always so good with words, smiled and said, "We'd be honored, thank you for including us." I nearly sighed.

I know it's soon and for a girl who'd decided to forgo the whole "man thing," it seems crazy. But there's just no denying where my heart is, it's with Rick and Carl.

Saturday Night

He got to Dale and Erma's at three. He wanted to visit with them before picking up Beth. He asked to speak with Dale for just a few minutes and Erma just smiled and said, "Carl will you come with me? I need a strong young man to help me get the chicken in the oven and peel some carrots."

"So what's on your mind Sheriff, wait, wait, let me guess, could it be a pretty young blond?" Dale winked.

"You know it. She's on my mind all the time. I'm going to tell her I love her tonight and if she feels the same about me, and if she's willing to take on a man and his son, I'm planning to give her a ring and ask her to marry me Christmas morning. "

"I hope it all works out the way you want it to Rick. I've known since the day after that disastrous first date, when you came to ask my advice, you're smitten son. Carl has mentioned Beth to Erma and I quite a few times, I'm starting to think he's smitten too." The older man chuckled.

"I've thought the very same thing, I've got competition. On a serious note I'd like your opinion on a couple of things. First of all I'm worried maybe I'm moving too fast, it hasn't been that long but damn, I've never been so sure about my feelings for anyone. I just have an overpowering sense that she's the one. I know it sounds corny but it's like we were meant to be."

"Well that does sound corny and it also happens to be the way I feel about Erma. I'd known her a month when I proposed. She looked at me and said, 'You're crazy we barely know each other, but yes.' So apparently son, we're the kind of fellas, and Erma's the kind of gal, who throw caution to the wind and just follow our hearts."

Rick smiled, "Dale I had no idea you were such a wild man. I've never been the type of person to throw caution to the wind, shit I'm just the opposite of that. I'm always methodical in everything I do. If anything I err on the side of overthinking. But with Beth, it's like I've lost all my discipline and logic, I'm just going for it."

"But I do have that other question, or concern I guess is more accurate. What about Carl? Do you think I ought to talk to him beforehand or let it be a surprise to him too? I've lost a little sleep over that one."

"You can think about it all you want but I know what I'd do. I'd take the boy in my confidence ask him how he feels about things, let him be a part of this. His life is going to be greatly impacted when he suddenly has a stepmom. She won't be living in some other place; just visiting once in a while, she'll be part of his everyday life. I'd discuss that with him. I think he'll be far more accepting of everything if he feels like he was part of the decision. Does that make sense?"

"Yeah that makes perfect sense. Thanks my friend. I'm starting to feel pretty good about everything. I can't wait to see her tonight."

He picked her up promptly at five. Every time he saw her she took his breath away. It wasn't just how pretty she was it was more like her sweet spirit just glowed. "Hey Sweetie are you ready?"

Those cheeks just pinked right up, "Yes I'm excited to see what you've cooked." And there was that beautiful smile.

He'd outdone himself, salad, lasagna, garlic bread and a nice red wine. He knew she hadn't fully developed a taste for wine, so he always added just a little 7-Up to hers. "Rick this is delicious, I can't tell you how impressed I am. Thank you for going to all of this trouble."

She insisted on helping with the dishes, and when they did the job together it somehow managed to seem less like work and more like the social hour.

They started toward the living room, but he stopped abruptly and took her in his arms, he looked in her eyes, moved a hand to the back of her head and brought her in for a deep and passionate kiss. He just couldn't wait any longer, he had to tell her. "I love you Beth, I've known it for a while now. You're my everything."

She had tears in her eyes as she put her arms around his waist and held him tightly, "Oh Rick I love you too."

As soon as they arrived at the farm the next morning, he asked to speak to her father in private. "Hershel I'm in love with your daughter, she means the world to me. She's told me she loves me too. I know a man with a child wouldn't be your first choice for your daughter, but I promise you I will always have Beth's best interests at heart. With your blessing I'd like to ask her to marry me."

Hershel looked at him thoughtfully, "I appreciate you coming to me Rick, I don't imagine most fellas ask for the Daddy's blessing these days. I did have concerns but after our talk, and then the hell I got from my wife, I've seen the light. I think Carl's a fine young man, and watching him and Beth together I could see they had great rapport. If my daughter wants this I'm not going to stand in the way. You have my blessing."

They shook hands and Rick was beaming, "Thank you sir. I promise I'll do right by her. I'm going to ask her Christmas morning, so please don't spill the beans."

That afternoon, after they'd dropped Beth off at home, he told Carl his plans and he was thrilled to see how happy Carl was.

Monday morning after his blueberry muffin and coffee, he called the office and let them know he'd be in a little late, that he had some personal business he needed to tend to. He headed to the little jewelry store on Main St.

He found the perfect ring for her. It was Victorian styling in white gold with a simple matching wedding band. A beautiful old fashion ring for a beautiful old fashion girl.

Christmas

They'd stopped by Dale and Erma's place early on Christmas Eve, and enjoyed the company along with one too many Christmas cookies and a cup of Egg Nog.

From there they'd gone to the farm to spend some time with her Mama and Daddy. Her Daddy almost made him laugh out loud as they were leaving. He'd shaken Rick's hand smiled and said, "Good luck son."

When they got to the car Beth couldn't help but ask what that was all about. Rick knew how to cover, "Oh he knows I'm a little nervous you may not like the gift I got you."

"That's silly, I'm sure I'm going to love anything you give me."

Carl was in the backseat staring out the side window and hoping she did.

She'd agreed to spend the night so they could all be together Christmas morning. He'd be bunking in Carl's room, and she'd be taking the master. "Can I use that beautiful bathtub Rick?"

He'd given her that smile and cocked his head, "Of course you can Sweetie, enjoy it." Great, now he had to try and sleep thinking about her in that bathtub, without him.

She woke just before six, that was sleeping in for a baker. She smelled the coffee and followed her nose to the kitchen. He was sitting at the table with his coffee, and he stood and smiled as she walked in the room, "Merry Christmas Sweetie, how'd you sleep?" He had his hands at her waist.

"Merry Christmas to you Rick, I slept great. That's a very comfortable bed. I hope you slept okay in Carl's room." Ah, there was the shy smile, he loved that one.

"Oh it was just fine, no problem at all." He had a kink in his back and he was certain Carl had kicked him no less than 30 times. But he didn't care, it was Christmas morning and it might be the start of a whole new life for all three of them.

He couldn't resist giving her a morning kiss and he smiled broadly when she said, "That's our first Christmas kiss Rick, I'm going to remember it always."

He poured her a cup of coffee and they went to the living room to wait for Carl. They didn't wait long.

Rick had gotten Carl a new baseball mitt and a pair of cleats. He also got a new video game cartridge and football jersey.

Beth gave him three tickets to an Atlanta Braves baseball game, opening day. "Wow Beth thanks so much I've never been to opening day, I hope it's a school day." Rick was smiling at her wondering how she would think of that.

"It's really quite a selfish present Carl. I've never been to a baseball game and I was hoping you and your Dad would take me." They all had a good laugh on that.

Carl gave her a little dish he'd made in his art class and she got tears in her eyes. "This is so special Carl, something you made just for me. Thank you so much, I love it."

She'd been baffled as to what to get Rick. She'd finally decided on two things. She had a photo of them Maggie had taken, and she had it mounted on an 8X10 canvas and framed. He said he loved it, and she was pretty sure he did. She also gave him a fancy buckle for his duty belt that said, "Sheriff King County, GA."

Finally it was time. She was sitting on the couch and he had the ring in his pocket. Carl was sitting cross legged on the floor by the tree watching in anticipation. Rick got down on one knee in front of her, "Beth Greene I love you so much. I want to prove my love to you every day, care for you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He took the small box from his pocket, took out the ring and held it up to her, "Will you marry me Beth?"

Her heart was pounding and she felt the tears in her eyes. She wasn't sure she'd be able to speak, she smiled and managed to get out a, "Yes!"

A/N I told you, I'm all about the Christmas love this week. I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. Thank you for reading, please review xo