A/N Thanks so much everyone. Wow, what Daryl? Just like that, huh?
Let's see...
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It certainly wasn't the proposal Beth had always dreamed of, the one where her handsome suitor got down on one knee, made an eloquent speech about his deep and abiding love for her, and then presented her with a pretty little ring.
No, it wasn't like that at all.
Was it even a real proposal? Or just some off the cuff remark?
It was abrupt, and she realizes probably spurred on by Daryl's frustration and lack of sleep. She's stunned, nervous and unsure what to do next. And excited, and happy to know such a thing would even cross his mind. She has to ask, "Do you mean that Daryl?" Well gee, she isn't any more clever or eloquent than Daryl when it comes to these romantic moments.
His brow is still creased and he looks so serious as he paces the floor. Shit, he didn't mean to say that. It just popped in his head and came straight out of his mouth. He usually keeps his thoughts to himself a little better than that. It's just that, shit, something about being around Beth...
Why the fuck stop now. He looks at her and she'd swear those steel blue eyes can see right through to her heart, "Yeah, I'm serious. Why not? Ya said ya love me, I said I love you. Ya say ya love Teddy, Teddy loves you. We got this house, there's plenty a room for all of us. Tell me a good reason ta wait, and we'll wait."
Daryl certainly does break love and romance down to their most simple elements, and although this isn't anything like she imagined a declaration of love might be, she does see the logic in his thinking. Still she's flustered and feeling like she's on the spot, "I don't know Daryl, do you think we should get to know each other better first?"
For some reason he feels stubborn about this. Determined. "I think I told ya everythin', have ya told me everythin'?"
She smiles and a little humor lightens the moment, "I don't think I have quite as colorful a past as you Daryl. Except for that stupid incident with Randall, and the even stupider thing I did after. Other than those things, my life has been pretty boring."
"Then, I dunno, wanna do this tomorrow?"
"Daryl, I can't just go to the courthouse and get married on a whim. I have to talk to my folks first, and you have to talk to my Dad."
"Why do I gotta talk to your Dad? I ain't marryin' him."
She chuckles, "No you're not, but my parents will expect you to go to my father to ask his permission. He'll also expect you to tell him how you'll support me and take care of me."
He frown's, "Huh, it seems like if I promise you I will, that ougthta be good enough. But if you say that's what I gotta do, then I guess I can go do that Saturday."
She takes a deep breath, "That's not everything Daryl. Mama will want there to be a wedding. She'll want a preacher, not some judge to preside, and she'll want the family there." She finally admits, "I want that too."
Shit, how did something he thought would be so quick and easy get so complicated so fast, "Okay, so umm, give me the whole rundown. Everythin' you think is supposed ta happen."
Now she's on the spot again, and it occurs to her, gosh, she hasn't even said "yes" to him.
"It's not exactly a rundown Daryl, and I don't know everything that's supposed to happen…it's not that I want something grand at a big hotel in Atlanta. I just always thought I'd get married somewhere near the pond at our farm. I don't want a lot of guests, but I do want my parents and my brother and sister there. I'd like to ask Amy and Jim and Carol, and my young friend Enid. Maybe even Olivia. If not for her, we never would have met. Surely you want Merle, and Dale and Erma to be there. And gee, well I wasn't thinking of anything especially fancy, maybe I could wear my Mama's wedding dress and we'd all have a nice lunch together after."
He sees it, the sadness that had disappeared from those pretty blue eyes is back. Shit, it's his fault. Fuck him, even he realizes he's taken all the romance out of this moment. This isn't the same kind of deal his first marriage was. That was strictly for practical reasons and so he could take care of Janie. This is Beth, this is love. So, if he loves her then why wouldn't he want to make her happy by doin' this her way? Fuck him.
His arms wrap around her and he whispers, "I'm sorry for bein' an asshole. We'll do whatever ya want Beth." He thinks a second and adds, "cuz that's what I want too."
A thought crosses her mind and panic hits her heart, "You don't want to get married just because things would be more convenient do you? Or because you want people to quit gossiping?"
His first inclination is to anger and to ask her, "is that what ya think of me?" But instead, he bites his tongue so hard he nearly draws blood. "Beth, I said I's an asshole, I didn't say I's the world's biggest asshole. Shit, I wouldn't do that to you, to Teddy or to myself. I love ya, and before tonight, I already started ta think maybe some day we could make it permanent. Then tonight I asked myself, why're we waitin'? I lost a Mom, lost lots of buddies in the war, they were kids like I was. I lost Teddy's Mom. Shit Baby, life is short. Why not be happy while we can?" He doesn't even sound like him to him, but everything he said is true. It all makes sense.
His strong arms wrap her up a little tighter, and his soft words warm her heart and calm her anxiety, "Yes. I want to marry you Beth. Yes, I'll talk to your Dad. We can go see your folks Saturday, if that's what ya want."
It's her turn to whisper in his ear, "Yes Daryl, I want to marry you. Yes."
In the morning, before he wakes Teddy, Daryl makes a call. Merle answers gruffly, "What the hell ya callin' so early for brother? Is there sumthin' on fire?"
"No, but I'm about ta tell ya sumthin' that might surprise you."
Without missing a beat Merle answers, "What? Did ya marry that sweet little blond?"
"Shit Merle, you asshole, you ruined my surprise. Nah, we ain't married. Not yet. But I asked her if she wanted to. This weekend we're goin' ta the farm and I'ma talk to her Daddy. We're hopin' to do the marryin' part the next Saturday."
"Man, little brother, you go without a woman for damn near five years, then all the sudden you meet a sweet little blond, and boom. It ain't been but a month or so and you're gettin' married. I never thought you was the impulsive type."
Daryl's dead serious when he responds, "I ain't. I love her and I want her ta live with me. Now, are ya gonna quit bein' so growly and say you'll stand up with me, or should I look for someone else?"
"It's too damn early in the day for you ta be gettin' so nasty with me Daryl, a course I'ma stand up with ya. I'm also gonna tell ya I think the two of ya make a good pair." Then Merle thinks to ask, "Can I stay at your place this weekend?"
"You're comin' back this weekend, already?"
"Yeah, I promised Amy I'd come see her."
"Merle I swear ta God…"
"Yeah, yeah I know, if I hurt her there's gonna be a line a people five miles long waitin' ta kill me."
It's just before six in the morning and Hershel and Annette Greene are enjoying one last cup of coffee before leaving the table. When the telephone begins to ring it startles them both. They don't usually receive a call so early. Something must be wrong. Beth can hear the nervousness in her Daddy's voice when he answers with a simple, "Yes?"
She tries to sound as cheerful as she can so he'll know everything is okay, "Hi Daddy, it's Beth, Everything's good here, I just wanted to give you a quick call before the morning rush starts."
Hershel lets out that breath he's been holding, "Good morning, Daughter. Your Mama and I were just finishing up our coffee. Everything's good here too."
"I'm happy to hear that Daddy. Daryl and I were talking about bringing Teddy and coming for a visit on Saturday, would that be okay?"
That's when the operator's voice comes on the line, "Please deposit twenty-five cents for the next three minutes."
Beth drops the coins in the slot and her Daddy says, "Of course it's okay, this is your home, and I'll be happy to show that little boy a thing or two about farming." No mention of showing Daryl anything, but that's okay.
"All right, I better go before this thing wants more money, we'll see you late Saturday morning. I love you Daddy." Jim's busy pouring pancake batter on the grill and smiling as he thinks about the reason Daryl would pay a call on Beth's folks.
Daddy tells Mama the news, "Beth, Daryl and the little fella are coming for a visit on Saturday. Beth says they'll be here late morning."
Mama's eyes grow big and she asks, "Oh my gosh Hershel, you don't suppose…" then she stops as her forehead wrinkles in thought.
"Suppose what? What is it Annette?"
Should she say, of course she should, "You don't think Daryl's going to ask you for our daughter's hand, do you?"
Daddy shakes his head, "No, be serious Annette. I see the attraction between them, just like you and everyone else does, but my golly, they've just met. They barely know each other. And frankly Annette, I know she's attracted to him now, but I think it's nothing more than a temporary fascination. He's not her type."
"Oh, I see. What type is that Hershel?"
"A clean-cut farmer type, that's what type."
"Well if that's what you're hoping for, you'd better prepare yourself husband, I think your daughter may very well have a type neither you nor I ever even considered."
Daryl and Teddy come strolling in the Solo right on time, and when Jim sees the small smile on the man's face he's sure his suspicions are correct. Romance is in the air. It seems kind of fast, but then, he's been through a lot of waitresses and they all ended up leaving him for love.
This isn't even the fastest romance he's seen. Why, during the war, it wasn't uncommon for a gal and a guy who'd only been dating a short time, or even those that had just met and never even been on a date, to hurry and marry before the fella was shipped off to Europe, or the Pacific, to fight. He's not worried about these two, shit, he knew from the moment he saw them looking at each other the way they did that first morning, it was going to happen. Daryl Dixon was going to cease being Smithton's mysterious single father.
Beth greets them like she always does, "Good morning gentlemen, can I get you coffee and milk this morning?"
"Hi Miz Bet, can I had apple peez?"
She looks to Daryl and asks, "Is apple juice okay?"
He wants to tell her, "You're gonna be his Mama, ya don't need ta ask me." But he doesn't say that, not here, not now. He just nods and answers, "Since he said please, I'ma say yes."
Beth smiles at the little boy, "Apple juice it is, Teddy."
Daryl and Beth have already decided that Teddy will be the last to know what they're planning. They don't want the little boy hurt or disappointed if it turns out they hit some unforeseen bump in the road.
Beth can hardly sleep Friday night. She's worried that maybe they're rushing into this, and she worries that's exactly what Mama and Daddy will say.
She doesn't doubt the feelings of love she has for Daryl, but are these feelings strong enough to endure the test of time, especially when they haven't even really gotten to know each other. Not really. They know things about each other, but isn't that different than really knowing someone deep down in their soul?
What will Daryl say to her Dad, and what will Daddy say back. Will there be an argument? Will her father and her future husband end up hating each other? How will that affect her relationship with each of them?
She finally gets to the biggest question, if Daddy says "no," will she go against his wishes and marry Daryl anyway?
When her answer is a whispered "yes," she's no longer worried that maybe they're rushing into this. Yes, she would marry him no matter what. That's how true her feelings for him are. They'll get to know each other more every day, and over the years they'll grow and change together.
Daryl's doing a little tossing and turning too, but it's not because he's worried he may not know Beth well enough to make a lifelong commitment. He knew the minute he looked in her eyes the kind of person Beth Greene is. She makes him happy, he loves her, Teddy loves her. Daryl wants them to be a family. This is right.
He is worried about what to say to her Daddy though. He stews on that as he tosses and turns, and finally he has his answer. He's just going to be honest. On that, he finally sleeps.
Daryl and Teddy are at her door at 8:30 the next morning, and she can barely say "good morning" before Teddy's arms are wrapped around her legs and holding on tight. She told Daryl to dress for the outdoors, that Daddy would be showing Teddy all sorts of things on the farm. He did as she asked, they're wearing their dungarees, but she notices their shirts are freshly pressed. Hmmm was it Daryl or the laundry that got those creases so perfect?
She rubs a hand over Teddy's hair, smiling, "Good morning Teddy, I'm happy to see you too. Are you ready for a trip to the farm?"
"Yes! I wanna seed the chicken, I wanna seed that cows too." He giggles, "And I'na find a egg and eat it!"
"Well we have a lot to do then, we should go," She gets a bag off the table and says to Daryl, "I have some fruit and a thermos of lemonade in case anyone gets hungry or thirsty along the way."
"Thanks Beth, that's great. Here, lemme carry that stuff." Shit, he's never been on a road trip with anyone who thought to bring a snack and a drink, well except Merle. That doesn't count though, it was a six pack and some slim jims.
The drive is mostly quiet and uneventful. They can't talk about what this big day is going to bring about, or how it might go. Not with Teddy in the car. So, Beth passes the time telling Teddy stories about her childhood days living on the farm, and an hour or so before they arrive the little boy doses off, Daryl and Beth are both happy to see that. Teddy needs his naps and they want him to be in a good humor and have fun while they're all at the farm.
The only thing Beth asks is, "Are you nervous?"
Daryl snickers, "I never knew what nervous really was til today."
Mama gave Daddy a stern lecture over breakfast, "You be nice to that young man Hershel Greene, and if he talks to you about what I think he's going to talk to you about, don't you bite his head off. He will only be asking if it's what Beth wants too. After everything that's happened in her life, if you take our daughter's happiness away now, I promise, your life will be nothing but misery."
"Are you threatening me Annette?"
"Yes, I believe I am."
Mama and Daddy are standing on the front porch waving to them as Daryl pulls in the driveway. He gets out of the vehicle, gives a tilt of his chin and calls "Sir, Ma'am," as he hurries to open Beth's door and help her out.
Mama whispers to Daddy, "See? Manners."
Beth is giving her Mama and Daddy hugs while Daryl lifts the sleepy little boy from the back seat and carries him toward the house. Beth is all smiles, "Teddy fell asleep on the drive, but he's so excited about spending the day here."
Mama reaches a hand out and rubs the little boys back, talking softly when she tells him, "I'm so happy you came to see me today. I think we're going to have a lot of fun." Then she looks to the young couple and says, "Lunch is ready. Shall we eat first? Then we'll have the rest of the day for exploring?"
Beth answers, "That sounds good Mama, I'm starving. Let me help you put the food out."
Daryl offers, "I'll help ya in just a minute, I think I best take Teddy to the restroom first."
Mama smiles, "Hershel can show you where the bathroom is, and don't worry about helping Daryl. The table has been set and the food is ready in the kitchen. It won't take long for Beth and I to get it to the table."
By the time the food is served Teddy is fully awake, and he begins peppering Hershel with question after question about the farm, the animals, the eggs and how things grow. Hershel is having a hard time getting a bite of food, and finally Daryl says, "Quiet down now Teddy, you can ask more later. Right now, everyone's hungry. You eat up."
The little guy looks terribly disappointed, but says, "Yes Daddy," and puts a big bite of dumpling in his mouth.
Hershel would like to be annoyed, but he can't be. It's pretty nice having someone around who is interested in the work he does and how he does it. He hasn't had a little fella around asking so many questions for a long time. He tells Teddy, "Don't you worry son, I'm going to show you everything on this farm. We might not get to it all today, but you just keep coming back until we do. All right?"
"Yessir Mister Hurtshil, I will."
Mama has a surprise for dessert, "I hope you're not getting tired of cherry pie Teddy, because that's what I've made for dessert."
The little boy smiles, "I love cherdee pie."
"Oh good, well, it might not be as good as Miss Beth's, but I hope you'll like it."
The pie is a success, and when the meal is done and the table has been cleared, Daryl draws in a deep breath and asks, "Mister Greene, Hershel, sir, I'm wondering if I could talk to ya. Alone."
Mama's been waiting for this moment and quickly suggests, "Beth, I'll get these dishes started and why don't you take Teddy out to the coop so he can find us some eggs. I didn't gather this morning so there will be plenty."
Beth smiles, "No Mama, you go with Teddy. You two will have fun and you can show him like you showed me. I'll do the dishes."
Hershel's looking hard in Daryl's eyes, and Daryl's looking right back, and Hershel says, "Let's go in my office son."
Mama takes the little boy's hand, they grab the basket from the back porch and off they go. She's glad to have the distraction of the little boy, while she says a silent prayer for everything to go well today, and for God to let whatever is best be what happens for Beth, for Teddy and for Daryl too.
Beth is as nervous as a cat as she's filling the sink with sudsy water, Dear God she prays, please let Daddy be understanding and agreeable. Please.
Daddy invites Daryl to sit in the chair across from his desk. He knows now what's coming and he has mixed feelings. He's happy to see Beth so happy, but he's concerned about the short time the couple have known each other, and the fact that Daryl is a single father. Beth will be stepping into marriage having a four year old child to raise.
"Yes son, what can I help you with?"
Daryl's back on his feet, he's not pacing, but he's not exactly standing still either. Much like his proposal, the speech is not eloquent. It's not scripted, it's not perfect, it is simply about Daryl's feelings. The words come out all at once, "Sir, I want your okay, or, I guess I mean your blessing, ta marry Beth. I love her, I'ma treat her good, pay for whatever she needs. I got a house, a car, and a old pickup, and money in the bank. I know firsthand, life is short. I want me and Beth and Teddy ta be able to spend whatever time we got together."
Hershel is impressed by the purity of it, its not a polished, well-rehearsed speech, but it obviously comes from the heart. He nods, "I'm not exactly opposed Daryl, but I do have my concerns. Now, don't get me wrong, that little boy of yours is a wonderful child. I like everything about him. But what about Beth? She'd be agreeing to marriage, and she'd have a child to take care of right away."
Daryl doesn't disagree, he just keeps saying what's true, "I said that same thing to her sir, and she said she wants that. Let me tell ya, and this ain't sumthin' I ever talk about, and I won't ever talk about it again, but I want you to know. I ain't looking for someone ta raise my boy. If that's what I wanted, I coulda chose that when Teddy's Mama died bringing him into this world. The people at the hospital tried to talk me into givin' him up because they didn't think a single man had any business raising a child on his own. I didn't give him up then, and I ain't givin' him up now. Teddy's my boy. I love him and I know he's my responsibility. The only responsibility Beth will have is ta love him. I plan ta take care of them both."
Hershel is running out of reasons to object, "When and where are you thinking about having this wedding?"
Daryl relaxes a little and says, "Beth says she wants ta have it here, and we both agreed we wanna do it next Saturday."
Hershel leans back in his chair, eyebrows raised and looking a bit stunned, "That's awfully fast, isn't it son?"
"Not really. If it was up ta me we'd already be married."
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A/N That went better than it could have. Please leave a comment. Thank you all for reading along, and please check out the chapter photo on my tumblr pages gneebee and bethylmethbrick. I hope to see you back next Thursday for more of Love at the Solo Café. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee