A/N Thank you all again! Beth couldn't wait around another minute for Daryl to make a move, and she didn't want him leaving without her. Go Beth!

There is so much happening this chapter. Enjoy!

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She had to make the first move because he's a dumb ass who couldn't man up enough to let her know he cares. Although he's mad at himself for not taking a chance, he's so damn glad to have her laying here next to him that he just can't worry about all that shit right now.

He's got to be careful though, he doesn't want to blow this. He's sure a woman like her didn't just show up for something quick and dirty. That's not Beth. This is about a lot more than that. Tonight is only the start.

His head is spinning as he tries to process exactly what's happening, and how the hell it's going to work. He still can't quite believe she's willing to do this, drop everything and come with him. She'll be leaving her home, her Daddy and her sister to take off with him into an unknown and very frightening world, in search of his brother. A guy she doesn't even know.

There's more to think about too. Shit, this will be it. This will mean her and him are together, officially. Daryl realizes that partnering up with her in this way, becoming a couple...shit, he's never been part of a couple, this is a huge step for both of them. They should probably talk about some things and when all that's done, that's when it will be time for the more physical stuff. Not just rolling around in the sack, there's going to be so much more than that. This is the real deal.

For Daryl, once he takes that step with Beth, that's it. There will never be any turning back, and there will never be anyone else for him, ever.

That doesn't mean he's not tempted to get closer with her right now. If he's honest with himself, and that's what he's trying to be, he's wanted that with her since that first day back in Atlanta. He's had to work hard not to act on those desires, especially late at night when she's laying so near and he's unable to sleep. It can drive him kind of crazy listening to her soft steady breathing, knowing she's close enough to touch.

For now they snuggle close, kiss and rub each other's back, and after a while he smiles and suggests, "I think we're gonna need a bigger bed. I got an idea or two how I could make that work, and I bet I can everythin' I need ta do it in your Daddy's barn."

What they have now seems perfect enough to her, laying here like this so close to him. She's realistic though, at some point they're going to want to actually sleep, and there's really not enough room. "Whatever you think Mister Dixon, I just know you're the person I want to lay here with."

Shit, her talking that way makes it all that much more difficult to hold back.

They're quiet for a while, then she says, "I heard something interesting from Amy after you left tonight."

"Oh yeah, like what?"

"You now that guy Glenn?"

"The Chinese guy?"

"He's Korean, anyway, I guess he's been sneaking in the house every night after Daddy goes to bed, and he's been staying in Maggie's room."

"No shit? Your Daddy don't know?"

"Well I guess he does now, after we left this morning Glenn told Daddy he's in love with Maggie, I hear he really spilled his guts. Amy said Daddy was cranky, not happy at all about the news but he finally just had to accept it. I mean, Maggie's always been a free spirit who does pretty much whatever the heck she wants. I guess Daddy's given up fighting that."

"Yeah well shit, she's like 26 or 27 ain't she? That oughta be old enough ta make your own mistakes."

Beth laughs softly and agrees, "True. Anyway, that's not even the biggest news, shoot, we're gone for one day and all kinds of things come bubbling up to the surface."

"Like what else?"

"Amy walked over to the the quarry camp after we left this morning. She thought maybe she could help find Sophia, you know, look for a hint or a clue, anything that might tell her where Sophia went. So, she's looking around and so are Glenn, Carol and Dale and a couple of other people. About that time Rick starts making his way back to camp, he'd been out setting rabbit snares, and I guess he walked right up on Lori and Shane together."

Daryl's up on one elbow, "Oh shit, I knew that was bound ta happen, what I can believe is they're both still alive. I didn't expect that part. I was sure when the sheriff found out what was goin' on between his wife and that asshole there'd be bloodshed."

Beth nods in agreement as she continues the story, "Amy said no one at camp realized what was going on, they just heard this terrible yelling and hurried to see if someone needed help. Amy said it sounded like someone was being attacked. Of course, that wasn't what was happening at all." Daryl can't help snorting a laugh.

Beth's laughing too but she gently scolds him anyway, "Stop it Daryl, it's not funny. Gosh, Amy said the two guys have known each other since high school, they were partners at work and supposedly best friends. Anyway, when Rick walked up on the two of them there was a lot of yelling and pushing between him and Shane, and a lot of crying and carrying on coming from Lori. It all ended when the sheriff just walked away. Amy said it was really sad, like he was crushed and just had to get out of there."

Daryl nods, "Yeah well, shit, walkin' up on sumthin' like that would knock a man to his knees." He shakes his head, "This ain't over. I want you n me outta here when it really blows up. That Shane guy is trouble waitin' ta happen." He softly runs the backs of his fingers down her cheek and asks, "How soon can ya leave?"

They're both chewing a lip as she considers her answer. It's going to be so hard to say goodbye to Daddy, Maggie and the farm. This place has been her home for most of her life, but it would be harder to say goodbye to Daryl. Her reasons for going are good, she's sure this is the right decision.

Although she and Daryl haven't said the words, she knows she loves the man. She's sure he loves her too. After turning it all over in her mind she asks, "Can you give me two days, you know, to tell him and then try to smooth things over?"

Shit he'd like to leave right this minute, if it was up to him they would. But it isn't just him who's going, "Sure. I can talk to him too, let him know that I'ma keep ya safe."

"Really? You'd do that? It might help. And when things calm down and the world gets a little safer, I hope we can come back and see him."

That would be too big a promise to make when he can't be certain what's going to happen from one minute to the next, "Yeah. Hard ta say, but yeah, if we can we will."

They agree they'll set a firm plan to leave once she's broken the news to her Daddy.

She doesn't stay with him much longer, and man he hates to see her go, but he tries to convince himself it's probably good. Temptation will be gone. He walks her to the farmhouse door, kisses her one more time and asks, "So, if I'm up early is it okay if I go in the barn and see about some stuff for the bed? I'll pay your Daddy for what I take, ya know, trade labor or whatever. I got my own tools so I won't be botherin' his."

"I'm sure Daddy won't mind. He'll be asleep now but I'll let him know in the morning."

"Okay, well sleep tight then…" just one more last goodnight kiss.

Back at the van and laying in his bed alone he starts to wonder if he'll ever get a good night's sleep again. Since she came into his life he seems to be doing an awful lot of late night thinking instead of late night sleeping.

Right now he's thinking how damn glad he is she came to him tonight, and he's thankful he didn't let his dumb ass send her away. For once in his life he went for what he wants, and he's so happy it's what she wants too. Man, he still can't quite wrap his head around the fact that Beth wants to go with him. He's worried about putting her in danger though, but hell, he'd be more worried about her if he took off and left her here.

Beth's smart, she's aware, and she's so much tougher than he ever would have guessed, and there's something he's learned since he's been with her, they're better and safer together. There's a bonus too, he's a whole lot happier when she's with him.

Morning comes and he's up and about early and his spirits are high as he begins this day. The sun hasn't even thought about showing itself yet as he sips his morning coffee, and as soon as the first hint of daylight appears he's on his way to the barn. If he can find what he needs this idea he's got for the bed should work out real slick.

He hears it start just as he's flipping the latch on the barn door, the guttural growling sound of the dead. It's not loud, it sounds like there might only be one, but still he's cautious. His bow is locked and loaded and when he pushes the door open, he's ready to do whatever needs to be done.

He spots the walker right away and he has a clear, easy shot, but he hesitates. It's a female and it appears someone's keeping her as a pet or something. Her arms are tied behind her and her legs are tied at the ankle. He can see she's been being fed too, there are the remains of a chicken on a wooden board to her side.

Based on her age, and the conservative house dress and sensible shoes she's wearing, he thinks he might know who this walker is. So now what does he do? That's a decision he's trying to make when he hears Beth and her Daddy approaching.

Beth's calling out to Herschel, "Daddy, Daddy what in the world are you so upset about? Daryl's just looking for some scrap wood, you probably have a whole pile you'll never use."

Her father retorts, "He has no business in my barn and you had no right to tell him he could go in there."

"Well excuse me, I didn't know it was exclusively your barn."

Daryl stays right where he's been, waiting for them when they enter. They're still bickering and her Daddy's voice is cracking under the weight of emotion, and then Beth sees the walker and screams, "Oh my God, Mama! You're keeping Mama in here? Why Daddy? Why?"

Tears fill the old man's eyes when he answers, "Because I'm going to find a cure, I'm going to bring her back to us."

There are a million ways Daryl could argue that with him, but he stays quiet. It's her Daddy and he's going to let Beth handle it, unless he feels he has to jump in.

Beth has seen plenty of the walking dead since this disease appeared, she knows there's no hope her father can bring her mother back, and Beth won't leave her Mother in this state. Her own tears are falling as she begs her father, "Daddy, I know how much you love and miss Mama, I love and miss her too, but look at her, look at her! That thing is not Mama, she'll never be Mama again. Mama's soul is in heaven and you need to let her rest in peace Daddy. Please, for all of our sake, but especially hers. Do you really think she'd want to be left in this condition?"

Her Daddy begins crying harder, tormented by grief and loss of hope, "I don't know. I just don't know what…I don't think I can do it. How can I let her go?"

That's when Daryl steps in, "Why don't ya go on back ta the house with Beth, I can take care a things here. I promise ta be real careful with Miz Greene."

Her Daddy protests, "Then what? I know what you're going to do, and then what happens to my wife?"

Daryl thinks fast, "I'll dig a grave for her sir, we'll give her a proper burial right here on the farm."

Beth looks at Daryl with love and gratitude in her eyes as she mouths the words, "Thank you."

With his shoulders shaking from the tears, Daddy keeps his eyes on the ground and makes a last request, "Alright, but please, make it as fast and as painless as possible. Please."

Daryl's sure these things don't feel pain, but he answers, "I will sir, ya got my word."

As soon as Beth leads her Daddy away Daryl pulls his knife from the sheath, says, "I'm real sorry ma'am," and quickly does what needs to be done.

There are all kinds of implements hanging from a homemade rack on the wall and he grabs the closest shovel, walks several yards to the right of the barn and begins digging what will be Annette Greene's grave.

As he digs shovelfuls of dirt he wishes this physical work kept his mind as busy as it keeps his body, but his mind is fully occupied by Beth and their future. Now that her Daddy's heart has been broken all over again, will she decide she should stay here with him?

The quarry camp is still early morning quiet, but it's not long before the sheriff comes by looking restless. He's pacing like a nervous animal as he sips from a coffee mug and asks, "Whaddya up to Daryl?"

Daryl can think of three or four smartass replies, but this guy's been through enough, "Nuthin' good. It's a grave for Missus Greene. She turned a while back, but she wasn't down. She is now."

Rick Grimes understands exactly what Daryl's not saying, "Oh shit, well let me help. I need something to keep me busy."

"Glad for the help, there's another shovel in the barn."

Meanwhile Herschel Greene is an emotional mess as his daughters walk him back to the farmhouse, and Beth's mind is racing. How can she leave home now? How can she leave her Daddy here so grief-stricken and broken?

When they get to the farmhouse door she glances back toward the barn and sees Daryl there, shovel in hand as he digs her Mama's grave. That's when she knows, there will never be a better man and no matter what else may happen, where he goes, she goes.

It's a relief for Daryl to have Rick Grimes working with him. Not because he needs Rick's help, but because Rick's a talker. Like most cops he has a lot of questions. The questions aren't intrusive and they're not accusatory. Daryl gets it, it's just a way of making conversation and getting to know each other. They're simple questions, where were you when it started? What did you do before this? How did you wind up on this farm?

They share their stories and Daryl doesn't mind. At least it's got him thinking about something besides the idea that Beth might decide not to leave the farm. That thought makes his heart ache.

Then Rick asks, "So I hear you're leaving soon. Gonna go look for Merle. Is that right?"

Daryl nods, "Yeah, that's the plan."

Rick nods, "I think I should leave too. My wife...shit maybe I should say my ex-wife...seems to have moved on and Carl is almost fully recovered. I'm thinking I'll take him and leave her. Maybe me and my boy can find a new life out there."

Daryl can see the guy is hurt and didn't make the remark in fun, but it's hard not to comment with something like, "Yeah, that's what I'd do." So he just quietly nods and continues to hope that, when things between these two cops blow up, and there is no doubt in Daryl's mind things will blow up, he and Beth are long gone.

Daryl and Rick are just about done digging Annette Green's grave when Beth comes walking toward them carrying a big folded quilt. "I thought we could wrap Mama in this, it was always her favorite."

Daryl doesn't know what the fuck he should say. All he knows for sure is Beth's hurting and when she's hurting that hurts him, "You bet, that's real nice."

The body's in the ground when Beth and Maggie escort their Daddy from the house, each holding an arm wrapped in theirs. Herschel looks pale and has the red, swollen eyes of someone grieving. Glenn and Amy follow quietly behind.

With a voice that cracks and breaks from the weight of his grief, Hershel recites a bible verse. Beth does as well. Rick recites the Lord's Prayer because it's the only prayer he knows by heart, and Daryl does his best to simply look respectful while he's hoping this all ends quickly.

The handfuls of dirt go in, then shovels of dirt follow and are piled high. Beth lays a handful of flowers on her Mother's grave, and Daryl pounds a wooden cross into the ground. Annette Greene is finally at rest.

The family walks back to the house, but Daryl heads back in the barn. He's got to keep working or he'll go crazy worrying about whether she's going to change her mind.

He finds a couple of old pallets, the wood has been spared from the weather and it's in excellent shape, strong and just the kind of pieces he needs. He needs some rails too, and as luck would have it, there's an old bed frame. The metal on it will work just right. He starts from scratch, building their new bed. Two equal pieces will slide together, making a bed the size of the one he has now. The difference will be, at night he'll just slide the second piece out and it becomes a full size bed. Hell, he has the mattress he took from the old farmhouse so they're set.

Daryl gets Rick to help him carry the new bed frame over to the van and removes the mattress from the original bed. Then, just like he envisioned it working, him and Rick lift the new bed frame and slide it down over the built-in drawers. When he and Beth aren't using the bed it will function like a couch. When they want to use the bed, they'll simply slide the frame out, add the second mattress from the farmhouse, and boom, the twin sized bed becomes a full-sized bed.

Daryl thanks Rick for his help and Rick smiles, "This van is giving me ideas, maybe I need to find a nice little setup like this for me and Carl."

Daryl's giving the frame one more test run, sliding the pieces together when Beth shows up, "Oh wow Daryl, we've got a whole new bed." Her cheeks are pink and she's smiling and he's happy he did what he did. Her fingers skim his hand when she says, "Dinner's ready now. Come eat."

"Ya sure your Dad's up for company?"

"You're not company Daryl, you're family. I talked to Daddy and I told him I'm going with you. I wish he would have gotten mad and tried to tell me I can't go. I could have fought with that, but he's just plain sad and I feel horrible."

Daryl's hand reaches to cradle the back of her head, drawing her close so her head rests on his chest. He leans to kiss her hair, his powerful arm wraps around her and he whispers, "I'm sorry girl, I know this can't be easy." And although it's the last thing in the world he wants to do, he offers, "C'mon, I'll talk to him."

She's physically and emotionally exhausted as she hugs him hard and says, "Thank you Daryl."

He begins to slide the van door open, pauses and asks, "Wait though, when did ya tell him we're goin'?"

"Tomorrow, if that's okay with you. I've picked out a couple of things I want to take and I'm ready. Maggie was even nice about it, she said she didn't blame me, that I had to follow my heart. She told me she's going to leave whenever Glenn does."

Shit, this is really happening. "Okay, I'ma try'n make it a fast dinner then, I got some stuff ta get done."

"Did you want to wait? We can wait Daryl."

"No, I don't wanna wait. I'm ready."

Dinner's just as rough as Daryl thought it would be. He tries to be both reasonable and reassuring with the man, "I know she's your baby girl n I know these days are hard, but I promise ya sir, I'ma always take good care of Beth. I told her if we can, we're comin' back ta see ya after we find my brother."

The old man won't be comforted. He's angry, cranky and unwilling to talk about Beth's decision, except to say over and over, "Damn you for taking my little girl from me Daryl Dixon."

Daryl wouldn't stand for any other man talking to him that way, but he gets it. This is her Daddy. The old man is hurt and angry, he imagines he would be too.

They leave the house as soon as they can and Daryl carries the fresh sheets, a quilt and pillows Beth wanted to bring. She carries a small bag of personal things. There's no room for everything she'd like to bring so she's settled for two clean t-shirts, a couple pair of panties, extra socks, some hair ties and two favorite CDs to go with the ones they scavenged at the library in Smithton.

He's awkwardly chewing his lip while she stows her things, when out of the blue he hears it coming. He'd recognize the sound of that engine anywhere. He shakes his head and mumbles, "I can't believe that sumbitch found me."

Beth looks up, "What? Who?"

He shrugs, "Merle's here."

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A/N Merle! Now what? Please leave a comment with your thoughts. There's a chapter photo on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. I'll be back next week with more of Love's Long Road and I hope you'll be here too. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee