A/N Thank you everyone. Merle came through and got Andrea out of the picture. Although Beth may still have some doubts and concerns, she did accept Daryl's invitation. Let's see how it goes.

Enjoy!

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Daryl appears to be in a daze when he mumbles, "Oh man, what did I just do?"

Merle smiles, "Well brother, if young Teddy weren't standin' right here, I'd tell ya just what creek you're up."

"Not funny, brother. What am I gonna do now?"

Teddy's a little confused, "Is Bet comin' for dinner?"

His Daddy answers yes, and the little boy smiles and asks, "Beanies n weenies?"

Merle's smile just keeps growing as he strokes the little boys curls, "Well now, that is your Daddy's special dish son."

While Teddy's not looking, Daryl mouths a "fuck you" to his brother, but concern is written all over his face, "I got a deer steak thawed."

Merle takes pity. He claps Daryl on the back and asks, "Ya got taters?"

"Yeah."

"Ya got a can a corn, or peas, or green beans?"

"Yeah."

"Okay then, ya got dinner kid. Fried deer steak, mashed taters n gravy, and some veg, gals love them vegetables. I don't get it myself, but it seems important to em."

Teddy throws in his two cents, "I can't chew steak. It's too hard Daddy."

Now Teddy's Daddy is rubbing the boy's head, "Yeah, well it shouldn't be. It's the way your Daddy fixes it, and I know nuthin' about makin' gravy, good, bad or any other way," then he makes a weak joke, "I do all right with a can of corn though."

His brother takes pity, "Lookie here, Beth ain't comin' for dinner cuz she thinks you're one a them French chefs. She's comin' ta spend time with you n Teddy. Before ya go get her, get them taters peeled and in a pot of ice cold water with a little salt. They'll stay just fine til you're ready ta cook em. I got a feelin' once that little gal is in your kitchen, she's gonna show ya how ta cook a steak so Teddy can chew it. All you gotta do is be your sweet self brother."

It's time for his nap and Teddy yawns, leaning his head against his Daddy's leg, "Sweet Daddy."

Merle smiles, "That's right son, your Daddy is like that. C'mon now. Uncle Merle'll tuck ya in for your nap." He sweeps the boy up in his arms and when Teddy lays his head on his uncle's shoulder, Merle smiles at his brother and says, "Ya got yourself somethin' real good here kid. I was wrong back then, you done the right thing ta hang onto him."

Merle carries the little boy to his Daddy's office, tucks him in and smiles, "I gotta get home n take care a some stuff Teddy, but I'll be back soon."

"No, don't go, peez."

"I don't wanna. I wanna stay right here with you, but I gotta work. I got a business just like your Daddy has a business. I'll be back though, I ain't gonna be stayin' away so long like I have been. K?"

"Otay Uncle Merdle."

Merle rubs a hand over the boys curls one more time and smiles, "Thatta boy."

It's a good thing she's made pies and rolled out biscuit dough hundreds of times, because although that's what's she doing, Beth certainly doesn't have her mind on the task. She's just going through the motions, her brain is 100 percent consumed with thoughts of Daryl and what will happen tonight. Will there be a future?

Gosh, she has to be careful, they have to talk. Darn it, it's not that she doubts her feelings for him, she knows she loves him. What she's worried about is whether or not they're well-suited. He's so different. Is love going to be enough? Maybe she shouldn't have accepted his dinner invitation so quickly. The women's magazines all say you should make a man wonder, but then, Daryl already knows how she feels. She told him last night.

Oh my goodness, and she doesn't want to argue with him, she wants him to hold her like he did last night. She wants him to kiss her and tell her he loves her, just like he did this morning. It's just that, gee, before any of those things happen, she has to know if Daryl's done doing those things he did last weekend. She doesn't know if she could live with that, no matter how much she loves him. This is good, she'll have this meal with him and Teddy and see how things go. Hopefully they'll talk everything through.

Since she'll be having dinner with Daryl, she doesn't plan to stay for her shift meal, but Jim insists, "I know you're gonna eat at Daryl's, but ya need ta eat a little sumthin' now ta tide ya over."

Amy offers, "I'm a little hungry. I didn't eat lunch today because I was too busy shopping. How about Beth and I share a grilled cheese?"

Jim is shaking his head and mumbling, "You girls eat nuthin'," but he's already getting the sandwich ready to grill. While he's cooking and Amy's delivering a cop of coffee to one of the patrons, Beth packs up six of the fresh biscuits and one of the cherry pies. At least she knows one person at the dinner table who's going to be happy this evening.

Amy is leaning over the counter as she and Beth share the sandwich, and some whispered conversation, when Merle Dixon comes strolling through the door. He's all smiles when he greets them, "Well if it ain't the two prettiest ladies in all of Georgia." He doesn't miss Jim glaring at him from the kitchen, "I just stopped in hopin' I'd see ya. I wanted ta tell ya goodbye before I go."

Beth notices Amy looks genuinely disappointed when she asks, "You're leaving?"

"Yeah, sad ta say, duty calls. I gotta get back ta work. I got a business ta run or I'd stay a few more days." He looks right in Amy's eyes when he states, "I could come back ta Smithton Friday afternoon though. I could stop by here and see ya then. How would that be?"

Amy smiles shyly, "That would be nice."

Beth is trying not to smile, my gosh, Merle and Amy? They don't seem like a matched pair at all, but the way they're looking at each other, gee, who knows what might happen. For now, she has her own evening to think about and excuses herself, "I have to get upstairs and change, I'll see all of you soon, and Merle, you be safe on that motorcycle."

He chuckles while giving her a one-armed hug, "Don't you worry sis, safety is my middle name. Ya have fun tonight, and I'll see ya real soon."

Then out of the blue, Merle leans across the counter and gives Amy a quick kiss on the cheek, "See ya Friday, Sugar."

Jim is really giving him the stink eye now, but Merle just smiles over at him promising, "I'm bad, but I ain't all bad Jim. I guarantee it."

Beth sets her things down on the table and hurries to draw herself a bath. It's a dinner invitation to someone's home, normally that would mean she'd pick her best dress to wear. This is a little different though. She's sure Daryl and Teddy will be far more casual. Hmm...she finally decides on her pink capris and a gingham blouse, and by the time she has her items chosen the tub is filled.

She slips in the warm soapy water and that's when she realizes how tired she is. Gosh, she hopes she won't be sleepy all evening, then her mind begins to wander to those same old things. She thinks about how different they are, the things he's done in his life and the reasons he did them. Yes, her and him are so different. Beth lets out a soft sigh and asks herself if that matters to her as much as she thinks it's supposed to, because there's a truth that simply won't be denied. Whatever Daryl's done in the past, whatever he's doing now, and whatever he may do in the future, she loves him.

Facing that reality, and accepting it will never change, actually brings her a sense of relief. Now she can move on with their relationship without expectations of him changing who is, to suit her ideas of what he should be.

She gets out of the tub, applies her prettiest smelling lotion and body powder, then just a touch of makeup. There's no hope her hair will dry before he arrives. She simply combs the snarls out and puts it in a ponytail. He seems to like it that way.

She's just fastening the last button on her blouse when there's a knock on the door. She opens it with a smile and there they are. It looks so sweet the way Teddy holds onto his Daddy's hand. Daryl and Teddy are almost twins, both wearing clean dungarees and shirts that desperately need to be pressed. Like her, they must be fresh out of the bath because they both have damp hair, and she can tell Daryl has done his best to tame it. He just wasn't very successful.

The sight of them makes her smile even wider, and her heart seems to overflow with emotion. They're perfect in their own way, and the truth is she loves them both just the way they are.

She looks so pretty, and although that may be what he first noticed about her, it's not the thing that keeps him wanting more. There are plenty of pretty girls around if that's all a guy was interested in. What's so special about Beth is, she's even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside. She's kind, and good, and loving. He's never been so drawn to a woman. He's wanted her, craved to be around her, but he's been scared of this too. He has no good history with relationships of any kind, much less an intimate one with a woman.

Daryl never thought a loving relationship with a woman was in the cards for him, but looking at her now he feels like it could happen. He's ready to take a big chance, and he's willing to do whatever he has to do.

The way she looks though, there's no denying that gets to him too. Her standing there in the doorway looking so cute with her smiling face, those big blue eyes and a few crazy curls she can't seem to keep combed back. That's what's got him grinning when he says, "Hey Beth."

Before she can respond Teddy has hurried over to her and his little arms wrap around her legs, hugging her tightly as he says, "Hi Miz Bet. I miss you."

She can't resist, she bends to get a hold of him and lifts him up in her arms, smiling, "Hi Teddy, honey. I missed you too, and my goodness, you look so handsome tonight."

He's smiling proudly, "You look bootiful."

Daryl's even more sure of his feelings now. Teddy loves Beth and Beth loves Teddy. What more could he want? How could he get any luckier? For now he only says, "Ya shouldn't do that Beth, he's too heavy."

Teddy looks at her nodding and says, "I'n a big boy."

"You are a big boy, my gosh, I think you've grown just since I met you."

Daryl lifts the boy from her arms and sets him down, tousling his hair as he teases, "Ain't no one gonna carry a big boy like you down them stairs, c'mon, let's take Beth home." The word holds so much meaning for all three of them. They're going home.

She dares to think she might really be home when, instead of going through the front door, he escorts her in the house through the kitchen door. Oh she likes it right away. It's got old-fashioned appliances, the kind she's used to at the farm. There's a big farmhouse style sink, and the table sits by the window. Perfect. She's pulled from those thoughts when Daryl nervously explains to her, "I got a round steak thawed, it's venison, and I got taters peeled and in the pot. I's thinkin' about steak and potatoes and gravy."

She nods, "That sounds delicious, and I brought biscuits, they'll be really good with gravy."

He nods too, but says, "Yeah, delicious an all, but I can't cook a steak that ain't tough and I got no idea how ta make gravy." He sighs, "I shoulda took us all out somewhere."

She lays her hand on his arm, "How about we do this together, all three of us. It'll be fun."

"Me too Bet?"

"Of course you too Teddy, I'm going to give you the most important jobs." The little boy is all proud smiles, then she looks at his Daddy and says, "I have a very important job or two for you too Daryl. Do you have a meat mallet and a carving board?"

"Yeah, I got a big carving board right here," he reaches into a slim space between two cabinets and pulls out the big wood board, setting it on the counter top. "Let's see, the folks I bought the place from left behind a lotta kitchen stuff, I remember seein' the mallet." He opens a drawer, grabs it in his hand and smiles over at her, "Is this what ya need?"

"No, that's what you need."

"Yes ma'am, tell me what ta do."

She gets Daryl busy pounding the steak then cutting it into strips, explaining to them both, "Round steak can be a little tough no matter who cooks it, that's why we're pounding it a little, to tenderize it. Then we're going to make some finger steaks. You'll like them Teddy, we can eat them with our fingers."

While Teddy helps her season the flour and pour the milk in a bowl. She explains to the little boy, "You're going to dredge each piece in the flour, that just means get the flour all over it, then dip the piece in the milk, then dredge it in the four again."

"Otay, I do it."

She pats the little boys back while she checks in with Daddy, "Do you have those strips ready for Teddy?"

"Yes, ma'am I do. He brings the plate over to Teddy and teases, "Get ta work son, I can't be doin' everythin'."

The grease has been heating in the big cast iron pan and she has Daryl place the strips of coated steak in the hot grease. In the meantime, the potatoes are just about done, and Teddy's run out of work. "Okay Teddy, let's get that goop washed off your fingers, then I'll show you how to mash potatoes."

The meat is cooked, the mashed potatoes are sitting covered on the back of the range, staying warm, the corn is on the small burner with the flame down low, and Beth pats Daryl's shoulder, "Now you can make the gravy."

"Me?" He looks so scared she almost laughs.

"Yes, you Daryl. It'll be easy, I promise." Thanks to Beth's guidance, he gets through the task, and like Teddy, he's quite proud of himself.

They sit at the table Teddy helped set and smiles, "It just makes it all seem a little nicer when the table is set, doesn't it?"

Teddy's so proud, "Yes, n I done a lot. I did good."

"You did really good. What a great helper you are Teddy."

The prayer is said, the food is dished up, and they begin to eat. Daryl swallows his first bite and declares, "Best meal we ever had in this house, and it was the most fun we ever had cookin' too."

Beth grins, "You and Teddy did it all. I just watched."

He gives her a look that says, "Oh c'mon," but he's not going to ruin it for Teddy, "yeah, it's about time me n Teddy learned ta cook."

That's when Beth smiles at Teddy and says, "Guess what honey?"

"I dunno, what Bet?"

"When we eat our dinner we get to have cherry pie for dessert."

He squeals in delight before saying, "I love you Miz Bet."

"And I love you Teddy, a lot." Teddy's Daddy feels the emotion well up inside him as he wonders if he could really be this lucky.

They're all hungry, all happily munching on their dinner when Teddy asks, "Daddy, can we playt carts after I'n done?"

Beth feels her heart head to her throat at the little boy's question. His Daddy responds, "We'll have ta check if Beth wants to, if she does, then we might have time for one game before ya gotta get ta bed."

Before Daddy can ask, Teddy does, "Miz Bet, ya wanna playt carts?"

Oh no, poker? Teddy plays poker? She doesn't know what to say so she's a little non-committal, "If I know the game, what are you going to play?"

"Daddy teached me how ta playt go fitch."

"Go fish? Oh I love that game. Sure, I'd like to play a hand." Shame on her for expecting the worst.

Daryl looks at the boy and says, "We gotta finish our meal and clean up first, k?"

"Yes Daddy."

Then Daryl reaches over and covers her hand with his. He's observant, he knows her and knows her nature. This is his opportunity to put it out there to her, "I want you to know, I played poker for the last time this past weekend. I ain't goin' back ta that life." Beth's so relieved, and so grateful that she did not have to ask him about it.

They clean the kitchen together and Beth likes seeing Teddy do his part. He's in charge of picking up napkins and bringing the dirty flatware the sink, and when they have the table cleared, Daddy hands him the cloth to wipe down the tabletop. Beth glances up at him and Daryl whispers, "He tries. I'll catch it again later tonight. He'll never know."

She loves him more with every passing minute, "You're a wonderful Daddy, Daryl."

She can see she's embarrassed him, "I dunno about that, but thanks Beth."

They all sit in the living room to play Go Fish, and it gives Beth a chance to look around the front room. She loves the built in, and she sees by the photos on the shelf that although Daryl may not seem like a sentimental man at first glance, he is just that. Other than that one small area, the room is quite simple. Maybe just a bit too simple. It could use more of a personal touch. She's already thinking of ideas, before scolding herself. It's not your home. But maybe someday? Oh Beth, stop it.

Teddy's so excited, he won the game, but as Daddy begins picking up the cards he reminds the little boy, "Yeah, you're the winner, but ya still gotta get in there and get ready for bed. Tomorrow's another big day son."

With Daddy's help, and Beth quietly observing their routine, Teddy is soon ready for bed. His Daddy tucks him in and Teddy asks, "Story Daddy?" Daryl looks toward Beth and she smiles and nods, yes. She sits on the bed, next to Daryl, and as he reads, she listens and looks at the pictures, right along with Teddy. Together her and Daryl tuck the little boy in, each giving him a goodnight kiss.

Back in the living room he puts his arms around her and they begin to kiss. It's warm and tender, and when he slowly draws his lips from hers, he tells her, "This has been the best night we had around her ever, Beth. I never knew cooking dinner could be so fun. I never seen Teddy any happier, and I know I ain't ever felt happier. Thanks for everything."

"Thank you Daryl, I don't think I've ever been happier either, I love you, and I love Teddy."

"Ya sure? No doubts?"

"If I ever had any doubts they're gone. I'm sure."

It should be a romantic moment, but suddenly his brow creases and he looks angry, "Shit, I just realized, I'ma have ta get you home, that means I gotta get Teddy oughta bed. I can't leave him alone."

She hasn't done anything wrong, but she feels a little guilty and quickly comes up with an alternative, "Oh dear, well wait, if you have Carol's number, maybe I could call and ask her if she or Jim could come get me."

"That's crazy, ain't it? I mean, I dunno, but what are we doin'?" He's tired, he's had very little sleep for the past three days and it's made him more agitated.

"I don't know Daryl. I'd just stay here on the sofa and go home in the morning, but I don't want anyone to see me sneaking in my house at five a.m., and you know someone will. That would just give the gossips more to talk about. I'm sorry, I don't want to wake poor Teddy up and drag him out either. I'll just walk, it's not that far. I'll be fine."

There's no thinking before he speaks, there's no plan that's been carefully formulated. The thought simply hits him and the words spill out, "If we were married there wouldn't be any talk and no reason for ya ta ever leave. We could just go ta the courthouse tomorrow."

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A/N What? Please leave a comment. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. I'll be back next Thursday with more of Love at the Solo Café, I hope you'll be here too. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee