A/N Thank you all so much. It's Sunday Dinner with Mama and Daddy Greene and the whole darn gang. Let's see what happens next.

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What was a peaceful, mostly quiet Sunday dinner got a little chaotic when the Dixon Brothers walked through the door.

Dale is doing his best to be a good host, he's sure the kiss between Daryl and Beth has left the Greenes stunned, and probably angry. He looks over at Herschel and the man does indeed look steamed. Dale does what he can to turn everyone's attention elsewhere when he stands and says, "Daryl, Merle, we just sat down to dinner, please, join us and let me introduce you to our guests."

Daryl and Merle both have great respect for the Horavths and respond almost simultaneously, "Yessir." As they begin to walk that way, Merle's tickling Teddy under the chin and teasing, "Dang boy, how'd ya get so big so fast? You're about the same size as your Daddy."

In the meantime, Beth's Daddy is not happy at all. Who is this rough, unkempt looking fellow who thinks he can manhandle Beth? Good Lord above, he kissed her right in front of her Mother and himself. This Daryl fellow is rude and crass and Herschel Greene will not have it. Beth's Daddy is about to rise from his chair and say what's on his mind, until Mama lays a gentle hand on his and they share a look, just before Annette Greene leans in and whispers to her husband, "Do you see what I see Herschel? Look at our girl. I've never seen her smile the way she's smiling at him."

His wife is right, and for now at least, Herschel settles back in his seat. He's still in no mood to accept Dixon's behavior, and the young man will answer for being so bold with Beth, but perhaps it's best to address that privately. Yes, after dinner would be better, and it would certainly be more courteous to their hosts.

Amy is almost giddy about the kiss between Daryl and Beth, but she senses the unease in the air and she's wondering if it was a good idea for her to come today. Things could turn bad at any minute, no, she shouldn't think that way. Right now Beth looks so happy, and that makes Amy happy.

Jim hasn't made a move or said a word, he's waiting to see how everything plays out before he does or says anything. Suddenly Carol's getting up from the table. She walks to Merle and they smile at each other as she wraps her arms around his waist and says, "I owe you everything Merle, you made it possible for me to have a real life, and it's a good life."

Merle kisses her hair and says, "Ya don't owe me a thing sweetheart. It was my pleasure."

He looks over at his brother, nephew and the young woman, nods his head and asks, "So this must be the pretty little gal with the big blue eyes who's got you twitterpated, is that right little brother?"

Daryl turns to Beth and tells her, "This is my loudmouth brother, Merle Dixon. Merle, this is Beth Greene." Shit, his brother can't ever just be quiet. That may be true, but he admits to himself, he's the one who kissed Beth right in front of all these folks, like they were alone. He couldn't seem to stop himself, and he's probably going to get some shit about it. That's okay, he's not sorry for what he did.

Daryl is completely oblivious to the fact that the unfamiliar couple at the table are Beth's parents. Dale is still on his feet and he begins to speak to Daryl, "Daryl Dixon, I think you know everyone at the table," then his hand sweeps in the direction of the older couple and he says, "except for these good folks here. They happen to be Beth's parents, Annette, and Hershel Greene."

Oh fuck. Daryl swallows hard and tries to keep his cool, "Nice ta meet you folks." He looks to Beth's Mother and says, "Ma'am, I'm sorry about…well, I…I didn't mean any disrespect to you or your daughter. It's just that I been gone a couple a days down ta Atlanta, and I sure did miss Beth and my son. Sorry if I upset ya."

Annette Greene's cheeks are pink as she replies, "I see, well, um. Welcome home." Oh my goodness, couldn't she come up with something besides that? All this just has her feeling so flustered.

Daddy plans to get to the bottom of any shenanigans, but in due time. He doesn't want to turn a polite introduction into something hostile, especially because Annette's right, he can't remember when he's seen his little girl look as happy as she looks holding this man's hand. So, he extends his own hand in greeting, his look full of both concern and curiosity as he and the young man shake.

Herschel questions, "Excuse me for getting right to the point, but just who are you to Beth? We haven't heard a thing about you until just now."

Merle gives his brother time to think about his answer when he says, "I'ma grab a couple chairs. I'm starvin' and it sure does look delicious."

Teddy smiles over at him, "it's licisous Uncle Merdle, and Bet made cherdee pie."

"Cherry pie ya say? Well I better hurry with them chairs then."

Now Erma stands, "I'm so happy you could join us Merle, we don't see you often enough. I'll get you and Daryl a plate and some silver, we'll all just have to squeeze in a little tighter, it's be cozy."

Mama Greene whispers more to herself than anyone else, "I'm so confused."

Amy's sitting next to Annette and she feels sorry for the poor woman. Why wouldn't she be confused? This has to be overwhelming. She reaches for Annette's hand, "I think it's all going to be just fine Ma'am. Daryl's a wonderful man and Beth seems so happy."

"Well thank you for the kind words dear." Amy's right, the smile hasn't left her daughter's face since the unkempt young man walked through the door, but still, Daryl Dixon could be trouble and Beth doesn't need any more trouble in her life.

Daryl's mindful of the company he's in, and when he's filled his plate he bows his head in a silent blessing. Daddy has to admit to himself, he's both surprised and impressed. Daryl's brother, on the other hand, smiles and says, "Be sure n say a prayer for me too little brother," as he shovels in a big bite of potato salad. Everyone resumes eating their meal, and although things seem a bit awkward at first, it's not nearly as tense as some of them worried it would be.

Daddy manages to get in a couple of questions without appearing impolite, first asking, "So, how is it you know my daughter, Daryl?"

That's easy enough, Daryl manages a smile and answers, "Well sir, on my workin' days, Monday through Friday, me and Teddy have our breakfast together at the Solo Café. One day when we walked in the regular waitress, Olivia, was gone and Beth was there."

Teddy smiles, "I bringed her a flower too. Ladies like flowers."

Dale smiles at the boy's remark, while poor Beth has been more nervous than she can ever remember being, but the little boy's words bring a smile to her face and she tells him, "That's right Teddy, and I treasured it. It was such a nice thing for you to do. Thank you again."

Even Herschel Greene can't help smiling, the response also opens the door for him to ask, "What is it you do for work Daryl?"

Merle's smiling to himself, this is what you get when you mess with a sweet girl who has a watchful Daddy. Daryl swallows his bite of food and replies, "I own an auto shop, Dixon's Tire and Auto."

That's Erma's cue to speak up for the young man who's like a son to her, "Dale and I are so proud of Daryl, he built that business all by himself and it's the only place in town most folks would dream of taking their automobile. Daryl's trustworthy and he does excellent work."

Daryl's face is turning a little reddish and Merle throws in, "Yeah, if it's got a motor little brother can fix it. He's been doing that kinda work since he was a kid."

Teddy's so serious when he looks at his uncle and says, "Daddy changes the tireds too."

Merle smiles "Yep, you're right about that Teddy, he does that too."

Ever since everyone finally sat down together Beth's been smiling, nodding and acting like she's enjoying the conversation. The truth is, her head is spinning and she's been fighting the urge to get up and run. What was she thinking, no, why wasn't she thinking. What in the world would possess her to get up from the dining table, march herself right up to Daryl and practically throw herself at him. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, it wasn't just that he kissed her in front of her parents, that would have been bad enough. No, she made it much worse when she kissed him back, and it was no little peck. My God, she…well it must have looked awful to Mama and Daddy because she was overcome with romantic feelings for him when she did it.

Her fork is in her hand and she's moving food around on her plate like she's eating, but she doesn't dare to put a bite of anything in her mouth. Her tummy is doing flips and her whole body feels tense as she worries about what might happen next, then Daddy says, "Dale, I'm wondering if it would be possible, after dinner of course, if I could have a private word with Daryl and Beth…"

That's as far as he gets with that when Mama chirps in, "I believe I'll be a part of that conversation as well."

What a Sunday this has turned out to be. Erma is quietly praying for God's grace on all of them, while Dale smiles and answers, "Well yes, of course. You're welcome to use my den."

Daryl makes a feeble attempt at avoiding whatever is coming, "I've got Teddy to look after."

Dale's not letting him get out of it that easy, whatever is going to come of this needs to get settled. The sooner the better. He responds, "That's okay, I've been promisig Teddy I'd teach him to play checkers, after dinner I plan to make good on that promise."

Erma speaks then, "Well, now that it's all settled, let's get these plates cleared and have some dessert."

Teddy's smile is a mile wide when he asks, "Cherdee pie?"

Beth's smile is nearly as big and it's genuine for Teddy, "If no one else got a piece, I would make sure you did Teddy. I promised, and besides, just look at that plate, you ate your dinner like a big boy." Thank goodness her own still-full plate is already out of sight.

Just like her daughter observed last Sunday, Annette is surprised to see Daryl get up and help the women clear the table. Boy oh boy, these other men could take a lesson from him.

Once the dinner dishes are cleared, dessert is served. In addition to the cherry pie there's a pineapple upside down cake and a banana pudding. Amy quips, "If I don't push myself away from this table I'm going to gain another five pounds. I'll be downright roly poly."

Without missing a beat Merle smiles over at her and responds, "I wouldn't worry about it Sugar, ya look just right ta me."

Eyebrows go up around the table while Amy's cheeks turn bright pink, but the truth is she liked what he just said, and she liked the way he said it.

There's no putting it off any longer, after dessert Dale rises from the table and says, "Let me show you to the den," and the way the older man looks at Daryl gives him silent encouragement. Yeah, this is the right thing to do, this is what makes a man a man, you face what you have to face. Hopefully, after the talk they can all get along.

Daryl stands, holds a hand out to Beth and smiles, "Let's go talk." She isn't sure she would have been able to stand on her own. How can Daryl seem so calm and like this isn't a big deal. A really big deal, Daddy has ideas about how things are supposed to be between men and women.

Beth takes a quick look around the den. The room is nice, there's an order to it, and yet it seems so warm and welcoming. There's a desk, two easy chairs and a small sofa. Beth's favorite part is the built in bookshelves. The walls are lined with all kinds of books. What a joy it would be to simply sit in this room and read. There's a fancy globe on a stand too, it kind of shines. If the time spent in this room wasn't about having a talk with her Daddy, she'd like to be over there looking at all the places there are in the world.

It is about talking with her Daddy though, and he says, "Let's all sit." He takes an easy chair, while Mama sits on the sofa, pats the spot next to her and says, "Bethie," and Beth sits next to her mother. Daryl seats himself in the other easy chair.

Daddy starts with, "That was quite a display you and my daughter put on earlier."

Daryl doesn't deny that "It was, and like I said, I'm sorry. I missed Beth a lot and I guess I got carried away."

Daddy begins to rebuke, "Well a real man…"

Beth speaks up, it's not her usual way, but she won't have her Daddy implying Daryl's not a real man, "Daddy, please don't be rude. That won't solve anything and Daryl is a man, and a very responsible one. Besides, I kissed him too, it wasn't just him."

Mama's mouth has dropped open just a bit and Daddy's a little stunned too, it's not like his younger daughter to speak up to him in that way, but she's right. "I apologize Daryl, but you did take her Mother and I completely by surprise," then he turns to his daughter, "and so did you young lady. That was a sight I was not prepared to see."

"I'm sorry Daddy, I…I guess I wasn't thinking at all. Daryl walked in and I was so happy and relieved to see him, I forgot myself." As hard as that was to do, Beth feels a little better for having the gumption to say what she's feeling. The knot in her tummy has loosened up. That's not all, Daryl's smiling over at her and that makes her happy and gives her strength.

Mama is quietly taking everything in. This man, this Daryl Dixon, he does not look like the man she would have chosen for her daughter. That man would not be so scruffy, he certainly would not have that long hair, nor would his facial hair be showing three days of growth, and more. Yet she has to admit, only to herself though, she'd never tell another living soul she thought such a thing, but the man is very handsome and appealing.

There are so many questions though, the main one having to do with the child. He's an adorable little boy, and very sweet. He has lovely manners for one so young, but what in the world is going on? Where's the child's mother? Annette has so many concerns that now it's she who acts without thinking when she comes right out and asks, "Where's Teddy's mother, Daryl?"

Beth's eyes go wide, and Herschel turns his full attention on Daryl as they wait for his reply.

He sighs before calmly and quietly replying, "She passed while she was havin' Teddy."

Those words hurt Beth and she feels the tears start to well in her eyes. No, no she tells herself, this is not the time for that. Later, when they're alone, she and Daryl can talk more about this. For now, Mama says, "Oh my goodness, that's tragic Daryl. I'm so sorry to hear of it, and I apologize for asking so rudely."

He shrugs, "I think most people around here have wondered the same thing since me n Teddy showed up in town. A course Erma and Dale know, they're family, but no one else here knows, no one ever asked and I guess I ain't one ta just sit around talkin' about myself, or Teddy either."

Since they've hit on what was the biggest question, Daddy doesn't hesitate to dig right in with a whole host of other questions. Normally Daryl wouldn't just sit here and let someone give him the third degree, but Beth is here and he's sure she has all the same questions her Daddy has. They might as well get everything out in the open, as long as they don't want to talk about Teddy's Mama any more. He won't be talking to them or anyone else about her.

He feels a sense of relief, the questions aren't overly personal, just usual stuff like where he grew up, where he went to school, how he ended up in Smithton. He talks about his lifelong dream of opening his own auto shop, and he tells them about his army career, but he doesn't mention the gambling. They don't need to know about that. Just like Teddy's Mama, that stuff is private. He does go ahead and sell himself a little, after all, these are her parents, "I don't owe on the shop or any of my tools, and my house will be paid for in just under a year."

Her Daddy doesn't ask any more questions about Teddy's Mama and that's a good thing. Daryl does plan to tell Beth if she wants to know, even though he has some fear that when she hears the story she'll tell him to beat it. He has to take that chance, they really can't have something strong together with him having some big secret from the past. For right now there are only four people who know, Merle, Dale and Erma, and himself.

Then her Daddy asks a question without asking a question, but Daryl knows what he's getting at when he states, "So, you were down in Atlanta all weekend, huh?"

"Yeah I was," Fuck this, he's tired of talking, tired of answering questions. If it wasn't for the pretty blond sitting across the room from him he would have bolted long ago. They wanna know, he's going to tell them. Sort of.

"Ever since I first saw Beth I saw the sadness in her eyes. I didn't know why it was there, but I knew she was troubled by sumthin'. I didn't ask though and she didn't volunteer, at least not til one night last week. She told me the story about your money and the guy who took it, and what she tried ta do to herself." Mama let's out a gasp, Daryl nods her way and continues, "She said she was gonna try n save all her money so she could pay ya back, hell, I mean heck, that would take years."

He breathes in deeply, "So anyway, I asked her for some information about the guy, then I went down ta Atlanta this weekend lookin' for him. I didn't expect ta find him, I just thought I'd put my brother Merle on the case with me. No matter what else ya wanna say about Merle, he can find anybody." He doesn't clarify that statement by adding, "anyone who's a lowlife."

He stands then, paces for a minute and says, "We did find the guy, it ended up bein' real easy. Turns out he's doin' time in the Fulton County jail. They got visiting hours every Sunday so we paid a call on him this mornin'. I asked him about that money." This is where the storytelling part of the story starts. Not lying exactly, Daryl doesn't want to lie to these folks, the story's full of elements of the truth, and careful wording. "Every thief has a place they hide the goods, and Randall did. I explained a thing or two about life ta him, Merle explained another thing or two, and after we made all that clear, he admitted everythin'."

He'd been planing to give Beth the money and let her give it to her Daddy, but everything changed. He pulls a fat envelope from his inside jacket pocket, hands it over to Herschel Green and says, "There's twenty-two hundred dollars in there, that's what he claims he took. There's also a letter from him apologizin' ta Beth and ta you."

The women both gasp and say, "Oh my," but Herschel, well he may be a God-fearing man, a righteous man, but he knows a thing or two about life. Something's fishy, he just doesn't know what in the world that could be. Now though is not the time to dwell there. Now is the time to be grateful, "This is unbelievable son. Are you sure?"

"Oh yeah, I'm sure," he's come this far and he just doesn't give a fuck because right now, all he wants to do is hold Beth. He walks to where she's sitting, extends his hand and she takes it and rises to her feet. He wraps her up tight in his arms and asks, "Is it over now Baby? Can ya be done with bein' so sad?"

That's when Herschel Greene acknowledges something to himself. This young man had one purpose and that purpose was to make his daughter happy. How can he dislike such a man? How can he want more for his daughter than that?

By the time they leave the den Jim, Carol and Amy have finished cleaning the kitchen, Merle's got the extra chairs and tables put away, and they, along with Erma, are all seated in the front room watching a very serious game of checkers being played out between Teddy and Dale.

Herschel announces, "This has been quite the day. Thank you for including us Erma and Dale. We hope you'll visit us on the farm sometime soon so we can return the hospitality."

Jim stands and says, "Me n Carol should get home too, I still got things to do at the café. We'll go ahead and give you folks a ride back ta Beth's, that's right where I'm headed."

Amy stands, straightens her skirt and asks, "Could I ride with you Jim?"

"Of course, I planned on it."

Merle's been on his feet. He's restless and fidgety, he's not used to being in polite company for such a long stretch of time. He didn't mind it at all, it's just not what he's accustomed to. "I think I'll bunk at your place tonight little brother and leave here first thing in the mornin'."

Daryl nods but he's not really listening. He's too busy looking longingly at Beth, and she's looking at him the same way. They haven't had a minute alone and they're aching to hold each other and share another kiss. For now he has to settle for lightly caressing her upper arm and whispering, "See ya in the morning'." And she simply nods. What more can she do when she feels like all eyes are on her?

Suddenly Teddy is dashing over to her, his little arms wrapping around her legs, "I'na see ya in the mornin' Miz Bet, k?"

She runs her hand over his soft curls and smiles, "I can't wait to see you for breakfast Teddy, you have a good evening now."

Everyone is out the door at once, saying one more goodbye on the front porch before heading to their vehicles.

That's when Amy sees Merle wasn't driving a car, he has one of those fancy motorcycles. She follows him over to it saying, "I've never seen one of these things up close, my gosh, it's quite the machine, isn't it?"

Merle smiles as he swings a leg over and seats the bike. His words come soft and low, keeping things between just the two of them, "You're mighty pretty Amy."

She smiles back at him, whispering, "You're kinda handsome Merle."

"Maybe I'll get back up this way soon, we could go for a ride."

She shrugs demurely, "Maybe.

Herschel and Annette spend a few more minutes with Beth in her apartment before they go. They're not anxious to leave their girl. They both warn her about being careful with men. "My goodness Mama, Daddy, you've been giving me that same talk since I was thirteen years old. I know how to handle myself, and besides, I would think you could see, Daryl is not the kind of man who would just force himself on me."

Mama doesn't disagree, "We just hate to leave you here alone is all, and of course we worry, you're our baby Beth. As for Daryl, he seems like a very nice man, but, well, just be careful."

"I will Mama. I will."

It's a teary goodbye, and when they're gone Beth sits at her little table by the window and simply stares out, reflecting on everything that happened this day and all the feelings she has.

Eventually she gets herself up from the chair, bathes and dresses for bed, even though it's only five-thirty. She gets her uniform ready for morning and then realizes she's starving. She never did manage to eat much. Thank goodness Miss Erma sent her home with leftovers. She sits back down at the little table eating a piece of Mama's fried chicken, hot or cold it's delicious, and so is the potato salad.

Beth tidies up after herself, then sits in the little chair with her journal, she has so many things to write about. The long day has had it's effect though, and soon her eyes are drifting closed and she's sound asleep curled up in the little chair.

She's sleeping peacefully when the knock on the door startles her awake. She jumps to her feet, hurries over by the door and with her hand on the knob calls out, "Who is it?"

He answers, "It's me, Daryl."

She opens the door and neither speaks a word, they simply wrap their arms around each other and hang on tight.

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A/N That didn't go too bad. Please leave a comment. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. I'll be back next week with more of Love at the Solo Café, and yes, we will finally hear Daryl's story. Thank you all so much. Until next week remember, I love ya large! gneebee