A/N Thank you so much! This is a big, fun and romantic chapter. I hope you enjoy!

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Daryl's off the couch and on his feet, "Merle, what the f…hell are you talkin' about!?"

The smile has disappeared from Merle's face, replaced by a scowl, "Hey now brother, don't rain on my parade, you think you're the only Dixon that's allowed ta fall in love?"

"What about Amy? Have ya thought ta tell her what she's gettin' herself into?"

Beth softly pleads, "Daryl, please…" she doesn't understand why he's so angry, or why he's being so harsh. Is his brother really such a terrible person? Should she have warned Amy to stay away from him?

Her whispered plea doesn't calm him, and now the brothers are carrying on like she's not even there, "Why ya gotta be such a dick little brother. Why is it ya think you can change n be a better man, but ya decided I'ma always be a worthless piece a shit who don't deserve a nice woman."

"I guess my memories of all them years a you doin' dope and guzzlin' booze, remember all that? And remember all them different broads? It seemed ta me there was a new one every night. That shit there? That stuck with me brother."

"Hey now, hold on a minute. Gimme some credit. I warned Amy. I told her I'm the world's biggest n nastiest asshole, she decided ta give me a chance anyway. And don't you worry your pretty little head Daryl, she didn't give nuthin' up. I barely got a peck on the cheek."

Beth can't take another minute of their behavior, "I need to get home. Merle, could you please watch Teddy while Daryl gives me a ride?"

"I sure will Sugar. You have a nice night n I'll see ya at church tomorrow."

Daryl's eyebrows are raised, and Beth sounds a little incredulous, "You will?"

"Yep. Amy give me a challenge. She said, 'You say you'd change for me Merle Dixon, so prove it. Accompany me to church in the morning' so that's what I'ma do. I'll see ya there."

Beth can't help herself. Daryl's brother seems larger than the room. He's loud and crass, and his history makes Daryl's seem like he was a lifelong choir boy, but there's a charm to this man all the same. "Thank you, Merle. I hope you and Amy are both happy."

"Me too, Sugar, me too."

Daryl puts an arm around Beth and begins to lead her passed his brother and out the door, but turns his head and warns, "We'll talk about this when I get home."

"Oh is that right? Well I can't wait."

Once they're in the car Beth suggests, "Do you think you were a little mean to your brother? He was so happy when he walked in."

"Yeah well, he's happy a lot when he's doin' things he shouldn't be doin'." He glances over and adds, "I'm just try'n ta keep him from hurtin' your friend is all."

"First of all, Amy's your friend too, right? And second of all, he said he told Amy all about his past, isn't it up to her to decide if she still wants to see him?"

He's quiet a minute, then glances over at her again and responds, "Is that your sweet way a tellin' me ta mind my own business?"

Her cheeks turn pink, but she's smiling when she admits, "Yes, I guess that's exactly what I meant."

He's just pulling up in the alley when he concedes, "Yeah, you're probably right. I guess we don't like it much when other people mind our business, do we?"

"No, we don't."

They hurry up the stairs, her apartment door closes behind them and she's in his arms. He smiles down at her and asks, "Are ya thinkin' that when we get married you're gonna be the boss a me?"

If he wasn't smiling the question it might make her angry, but she smiles too and answers, "Only when I think I need to be."

He laughs, "Your Daddy's a smart man, he already warned me about this stuff. For right now, how 'bout we pick up where we left off when my brother showed up."

She's still softly giggling when she agrees, "All right, that sounds fun." The giggling stops as their eyes close, their lips come together, and they begin to kiss like they will never be able to get enough of each other."

He forces himself to draw away, thinking more of her than himself, "I better go. I know ya gotta get downstairs early and get some baking done before church. I'll be by ta get ya, k?"

"Yes, okay, but gosh, I think I'm going to miss you when you go."

"Yeah? Well, I don't even wanna leave."

They share one long last kiss and when he leaves, she locks the door behind him, then hurries over to the window so she can watch as he drives away.

She's so excited about everything, especially the thought that in just one week, Daryl will be her husband. Oh my, she'll be Mrs. Daryl Dixon. It's hard to believe this day could have been any more wonderful.

There's so much to think about though, and so much to plan. Beth's sure she won't sleep a wink. She takes a fast bath, slips into her nightie and crawls in bed, certain she'll lay wide awake all night long, while making plans in her head. It's not five minutes later when she's sound asleep. It's for the best. She'll be up at five to get to the café and begin baking.

When Daryl gets back to his place, Merle's waiting for him and on the fight. He no sooner gets in the door than Merle's on his feet, "You got ya some kinda balls little brother, tellin' me how ta live my life. Ya had your own slip ups."

"You're right Merle, yours have just always seemed bigger cuz ya brag about em." That statement makes them both bust out laughing, then Daryl tries to make things right, "Hey, I got no business tellin' ya what ta do or who ya can see, or who ta fall in love with, or whatever the fuck you think you're doin'."

"Well now brother. I'll tell ya what I'm doin'. I'm lookin' for what you got. I took Amy out Friday night when she got off work. We went for a little dinner n a walk around the park, we even held hands like a couple a kids. I's honest with her. I told her how bad I've messed up my whole fuckin' life, and I told her I was lookin' ta change all that. We spent all day and evening together today too, and I gotta tell ya, my lovelight is burnin'. It ain't cuz I'm lookin' for a little lovin' either, shit, if that was all it was I'd just head down ta Stoney's bar and find me a woman warm n willin'. I sure ain't gettin' that from Amy anytime soon. She ain't givin' me any kinda reason ta hang on if I wasn't in it for the real deal."

Daryl snickers, "I guess ya just keep bein' a good man Merle, keep your nose clean and stay away from all them other temptations, like that gal ya got next door in Atlanta."

Merle shrugs and says, "Nuthin' ta worry about there brother. I moved outta her bed and she already moved a new man in."

Daryl, Beth and Teddy hadn't even gotten out of the driveway when Mama was on the phone. Her first call was to her elder daughter, Maggie. She was a little firm with the young woman, "Maggie, I'm sure you are having the time of your life over there in Columbus, but you need to get on the bus and come home for a few days."

Maggie has concern in her voice, "Why Mama, is someone sick?"

"Is that the only reason to come home, because someone's sick? No. No one is sick. Your sister is getting married next Saturday, here at the farm, and I need your help cleaning the entire house and with the party."

"Are you kidding Mama? What in the world…"

"I'm not going to explain all the details when we're on a long distance call. You get home and I'll tell you everything. One thing I will say is, she wants you to stand up with her, so, I need to rework that prom dress I made you into a nice bridesmaid dress."

"Oh my gosh Mama, I can't wear that thing. It went out of style ten years ago."

"Well of course it did, that's why I'm going to rework it. Now get home young lady." Being Mama and all, she added, "Be safe, I love you."

Then she calls her son, "Can you get here by late morning Saturday?"

"I'm working until 8 o'clock Friday night, but I can grab a few hours of sleep and be there by 10am. Why Mama, is everything okay? Do you and Daddy need me to do something for you?"

She tells him the same thing she told Maggie, he'll hear all the details when he arrives, and "Be safe, I love you."

Her next call is to Olivia, inviting her and her husband to come for the wedding, "Oh this will be lovely, Annette. I always believed Daryl Dixon was a good man. Of course, Eastman and I will be there. What can I bring?"

"No now, Olivia, I don't want you doing a thing. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be celebrating such a wonderful day."

The next person she wants to chat with doesn't have a telephone. That's okay, Mama will see Enid at church tomorrow.

Beth walks through the café's back door at 5:30am Sunday morning. Jim takes one look at her and smiles, "Tell me everything."

"You and Carol are invited to a wedding next Saturday, I mean, if you can get away from the café."

"Are ya kiddin' me? I'm gonna put a sign in the window right now ta let folks we'll be closed this comin' Saturday. Now, tell me, where will I be attending this wedding, and just who might the happy young couple be?"

Beth giggles, "Well, it's Daryl and me and it's going to be at Mama and Daddy's farm. We decided to have the ceremony at 11:30, and lunch right after. Of course, I really want you and Carol to be there."

"Sounds like sumthin' I don't wanna miss. I'll say yes, but I don't speak for Carol, however, my guess would be, she'll be there."

Beth gets the dough rising for rolls and bread, biscuits rolled out and cut, and four pies baked, lemon, chocolate, peach and pecan. She barely has time to wrap everything up, she needs to get ready for church. Jim offers, "Don't worry about the mess, I'll clean up. You go on and say a prayer for me."

"I always do Jim, and I'll make this up to you. When I get back this afternoon I'll make cinnamon rolls, lots of them. I bet we sell out fast."

Jim smiles, "I get the first one."

Beth makes a quick stop at Carol's apartment, knocking softly on the door. Carol smiles her greeting, "Beth, I see you've been baking, and you smell delicious. Come in."

Beth's smiling right along with her friend, "Thanks Carol, but gosh, I can't stay. I just have a minute, I've got to get ready for church, but I have news and an invitation. Daryl and me are getting married this Saturday and we want you to please come. It will be at my folks' place."

Carol takes her in a hug before speaking, "I knew it would happen, I just didn't know when. I'm very happy for you Beth, I think you two are the perfect pair. Of course, I'll be there, how could I stay away?"

"Oh good, I'm so happy, but for right now, I'd better get ready."

"All right, we'll talk more later, and thank you for including me on your guest list!"

Even with Jim doing the cleanup, Beth has to rush to get ready for church. She's just straightening her skirt when she hears the big entry door open downstairs and a smile crosses her lips, Daryl. It's only been since last night, yet she's missed him so much. She opens the door before he even has a chance to knock and they're both all smiles as he takes her in a hug and says, "Mornin' Baby."

"Good morning Mister Dixon."

He kisses her deeply, then draws away and smiles, "I can't be startin' all that right now, we gotta get ta church." Dale, Erma and Teddy are waiting in the car, and Daryl and Beth do their best to act like nothing's going on as he helps her in the big sedan.

Before anyone else has a chance to say 'hello' Teddy smiles, "G'mornin' Miz Bet. Can I sit next to ya at churched?"

"Good morning to you Teddy, you look very handsome today, and yes, I was hoping you'd want to sit with me."

They no sooner pull up to the church and exit the car than Merle and Amy show up. He helps her from the car, takes her hand and they come walking over. Daryl has to admit to himself, his brother does seem genuinely smitten, and shit, so does Amy. They're both smiling broadly, and Merle keeps glancing down at her while she keeps glancing up at him. It's so cute it's kind of disgusting.

Beth is all smiles too, gosh, Amy and Merle, she still can't quite believe it, but who is she to say who can fall in love with who.

Dale immediately offers his hand to Merle, they shake, and the older man says, "Merle, Amy, it's wonderful to see the two of you here again this week. Please, join us in our pew."

Erma smiles and insists, "And, of course, we'd love to have you join us after services for Sunday dinner."

Amy's hesitant, "That's so kind of you, but my gosh Ma'am, we haven't even returned the favor of last week's meal, and I'm empty handed."

"Now, now, don't you worry about that, I don't keep track of that nonsense. I'm inviting you because I want you there with us, so, make me happy and say 'yes.'"

Merle replies, "I'm still smiling about how good last Sunday's dinner was, so I'ma say yes."

Erma's happy now, "Good man Merle, c'mon now, we'd all better get inside before we're late.

Beth didn't expect to feel nervous about telling Dale and Erma, but during the service she can feel the tension rise. She can't seem to concentrate on what the preacher's saying, or what the choir's singing, her mind is occupied with every possible scenario. Now she understands a little better how Daryl felt talking to her folks. The only thing giving her a little peace is Teddy holding her right hand, and Daryl's thigh pressed against her left leg.

As with every Sunday, the food on the table is more of a feast than just a meal, and everyone's anxious to dish up a plate. Dale leads the prayer and then the food is passed around. Teddy looks at his Daddy and asks, "Now Daddy? Can I telled a securt now?"

His Daddy nods, "I think ya better, ya might burst if ya try n hold it in any longer."

He practiced with his Daddy this morning, and the little boy is ready, "Aunt Erm, Uncle Dale, my Daddy axed Miss Bet ta married him n she sayed yes n she's gonna be my Mama."

Erma and Amy both squeal with delight, and Erma begins talking excitedly, "Oh my, this is wonderful, I need all the details!"

Dale's sitting next to Daryl and claps him on the shoulder, "This is the best news I've heard since you called and told us about Teddy. Beth's a real catch and you showed just how smart you are asking her to marry you. Congratulations son, and best wishes to you Beth. Now, yes, please fill all of us in on the wedding details."

Teddy smiles, "I'n gettin' a new bow tied."

Daryl and Beth squeeze hands under the table, and she lets him do most of the talking, and Daryl tells everyone the plans that they've made. Erma's wheels are spinning, "I'll have to give your Mother a call later this afternoon Beth, I'm sure there are a few things I could do to help."

Dale's got an idea, "We've still got two bottles of wine from last Christmas, what do you say we open those and have a toast."

Daryl told her when they came for breakfast, he and Teddy wouldn't be by at lunchtime, "I got some stuff ta do at noon, it's a busy Monday. I'll come by here after work n we can all have dinner together, how's that?"

She's disappointed, but gosh, it's just one time, "I'll miss your smiling faces, but at least I know you'll be coming for dinner." She also wraps them up some cinnamon rolls for themselves, and Dale and Erma, to take with them.

Erma and Dale tell him they'll be more than happy to keep Teddy for lunch and a little play time, especially when Daryl tells them what he plans to do. As soon as he locks up the shop for the lunch hour, he's in the car and on his way straight to JC Penney's.

He does the easy stuff first. He gets himself and Teddy each a new pair of slacks, new white dress shirts, new ties, new socks, and himself a jacket. It didn't take him long to choose because everything but the shirts are black. It does take some time for the tailor to pin the slacks and the jacket for alterations. He gets a little shock when he pays the bill, he's never spent so much on clothes, but then again, he's never married Beth before. This is a big deal for both of them, and he wants to look nice for her. Besides, he still has plenty of gambling money stashed away.

He realized it last night, shit, he's getting married in a week and he doesn't have a ring for his bride, so, as soon as he's done in the men's and boy's departments, he hurries over to the jewelry counter. He spots it right away, like the damn thing is calling to him. Shit, it can't be this easy. Weren't these kinds of things supposed to kick a guy's ass? But damn, the ring looks just like something Beth should have.

It's got a thin gold band with what looks like little flecks of diamonds sprinkled all over it, and in the center there's a pretty little round diamond. Not too big, not too small. Yeah, it seems like Beth. He tells the woman he'll take it and the band that goes with it. There's something else too, something he wants her to have. The jeweler puts the rings in a black velvet box, and the heart shaped locket in a pink box with pink satin lining, and the woman seems genuinely surprised when Daryl pays cash.

He's happy and proud he could do this, but shit, it's five minutes to one and he still has to pick up Teddy and get back to the garage. It's supposed to open in five minutes. He hurries to the payphone by the entry door, drops his nickel in and calls the Horvath's. Erma assures him, "Don't you worry Daryl, Teddy and Uncle Dale played cars after lunch, and it must have tuckered him out, he dozed right off. Dale will walk him over when he wakes up, in fact, I'll come too. I want to hear all about your shopping trip."

Daryl feels himself smiling, "Yes Ma'am, I think I done pretty good."

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Daryl's not sure how he feels about it, but shit, everyone else seems to think it's a top-notch idea. So, Friday evening Beth rides up to her Mama and Daddy's place with Merle and Amy. He gets it, her Mama has to see to the dress fitting right, and Merle can help with the heavy lifting and whatever else they need from him, while Amy helps with the last-minute cooking and decorating. Shit, well, like Beth said, after Saturday they'll be together forever. They're making a promise that that's how it will be.

He's got things to do tonight anyway. His bride will be moving in tomorrow evening. He starts with throwing the sheets in the washer, and then he and Teddy have a quick and simple dinner of beanies and wienies. "We got a lot ta do tonight son. We gotta have this place all clean n shiney for Beth. She'll be movin' in this weekend."

Teddy's talking through a mouth full of beans, "I'n helped Da…dee."

"That's the spirit."

Mostly Teddy's job is to stay out of the way while his Daddy gets the dishes done, wipes down the counters, and sweeps and mops the kitchen floor. Then it's on to the bathroom, and he smiles as he wonders how different it will be when it's full of the kinds of things women like. Lotions, powders, bubble bath and makeup. He doesn't think he'll mind any of that. What really has him thinking about changes is his stark bedroom. Yep, this will be the last night it looks like this.

By the time he's given the place a pretty good lick, it's getting late. He and Teddy take their shower, read a book, and Teddy's out.

Daryl doesn't want to mess up the clean sheets and freshly made bed, so he just gets a pillow off it and a spare blanket from the closet, turns the TV on low and lays on the sofa. He doesn't think he'll sleep. But it's been a long and busy week and he's out like a light in ten minutes.

Things are bustling at the farm Saturday morning. Maggie, Merle and Daddy are putting the finishing touches on the little spot by the pond. Mama made a carpet of white felt for an aisle, and there's another big square of it for Daddy, Daryl, Merle, Teddy, Beth and Maggie to stand on while Daddy officiates the ceremony. There are baskets filled with the prettiest flowers from Mama's garden all around, and it all looks so sweet and lovely, just like Beth wanted. Nothing is extravagant, just simple, and simply beautiful.

Meanwhile, inside, the dining room table has been extended with card tables, Mama and Beth both want all the guests to be able to sit together. The entire table is covered with a big white tablecloth and lace overlay, and set with Beth's grandmother's china and silver. There are fancy salt and pepper shakers and beautiful lace trimmed napkins, and the serving pieces that will be used are all family heirlooms. Amy and Enid made a string of small bouquets of flowers extending all the way down the center of the table, and Maggie made big paper bells that are hanging from the lamp, and a matching, smaller set are hanging above the front door. There's a garland of white and pink crepe paper streamers down the stair rail.

With the help of Amy and Maggie, Mama has the food prepared. At Beth's request there will be roast chicken and dressing, and for Daryl roast beef. There are fancy scalloped potatoes, a rice casserole, a lime Jell-O, green beans, squash, rolls, home canned pickles, a relish tray, olives, and hidden in the pantry is the wedding cake. The cake itself is chocolate fudge, the icing is white and it's decorated with pink roses from Mama's garden, and a pink ribbon is tied around it. The same ribbon that is used for the sash on Beth's dress. The big surprise is for Teddy, the layers are separated by a filling of cherry chip frosting. Beth smiled when she saw it, "Teddy and I are both going to be so happy with that cake Mama."

He's been told not to be too early, but Daryl couldn't help himself, he doesn't want to be late. He and Teddy stop at the last service station to use the restroom, and then drive around for forty-five minutes before they finally pull in the driveway. The watch on his arm says it's 11 o'clock.

Merle walks him down to the pond and asks, "So, ya ready little brother?"

"Ya know Merle, I really am. Shit, I'm nervous though, but I'm glad it's happening. I want this, I us ta be a family."

Teddy's pulling on Merle's sleeve, ""Miz Bet is gon be my Mama."

Merle smiles, "That's right Ted, and ya know, I think you're both gettin' a real good deal."

Finally, the time has come. Shawn and his Mama are standing right up front, Mama's arm wrapped through her son's. The other guests are standing close too, and every face has a smile. Daryl, Merle, and Teddy are standing on the white felt square as they all wait in anticipation for her Daddy to escort the bride to her waiting groom. Here they come.

Beth sees her husband to be, and her little son to be, and all her jitters leave. They both look so handsome, and she feels so happy and blessed to be here now. They're going to be a family.

If Daryl was feeling any nerves at all, they leave the minute he sees her. She looks so pretty in the creamy white gown with the pink sash around her waist. She's wearing white shoes, and her hair is up, and there are flowers in it. He knows she'll always be the most beautiful thing he has ever seen.

He knows how this is supposed to go, but he forgets himself when she reaches him. His hands clasp her waist and he pulls her to him, kissing her deeply, and she kisses him back. Merle laughs, "All right you two, enough a that, ya gotta wait til Daddy Greene here makes it legal." That has everyone in attendance giggling, even Daddy.

At the couple's request the ceremony is short, traditional, and when Herschel asks, "Do you have the ring?" Merle hands Daryl the black velvet box.

Daryl looks at Beth, then her Daddy, and says, "Yessir, I got two of em," and then smiles as he slips the band and the little diamond ring on his bride's slim finger, noting, "a little big for ya, we'll get that fixed next week."

Hershel's about to speak, but before he can, Daryl says, "Gimme that other box Merle," and now everyone wonders what could be next as Merle reaches in his pocket and hands his brother the pink box. Daryl smiles and hands the box to Beth, "it's a weddin' present."

"Really, oh my," she opens the box and says, "Daryl it's beautiful," and when she opens the small heartshaped locket she see the picture of Daryl and Teddy.

He explains, "Erma helped me with the picture, now we gotta get a picture of the three of us for the other side." He helps her put the necklace on and as she looks down at it, holding the little heart in her hand. When it's clasped it just comes so naturally. They kiss.

That's when Daddy says, "Will you people let me finish my work here, please." Everyone chuckles again and Hershel smiles, "I now pronounce you man and wife, Daryl, you may kiss your bride."

This time the kiss is sweet and tender as Daddy announces, "Ladies and gentleman, allow me to introduce you to Mister and Missus Daryl Dixon."

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A/N As Merle would say, it's legal! Please leave a comment. The chapter photo of the happy couple is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrcik. Please have a look. I hope to see you back next week for more of Love at the Solo Cafe. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee