A/N Thank you all so much. Doctor Carson has given them the happy news. Now what?

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Daryl's been so concerned about Beth and so excited about their big news he almost forgot to breathe himself, but he's listening attentively as Doctor Carson begins to tell them what they can expect during the pregnancy. He explains the ways Beth needs to care for herself and her baby, "Mrs. Dixon, I'll want to see you on a regular basis throughout your pregnancy, and when we get to the last two months the frequency of your visits will increase. The nurse is going to make up a schedule for you, will this time of day, Tuesdays at 10:00am, be a good time?"

Beth's head is still spinning from the news, but she manages to answer, "Yes, that will be fine."

The doctor tells Daryl, "Mister Dixon, there's no need for you to be here for every visit, I assure you, it's all routine. I simply want to make sure Beth and the baby are doing well and everything is progressing as it should."

Daryl nods in agreement, but says, "Yeah, well I'll be here every time Beth's here." His tone makes the doctor smile, he's very aware that Daryl Dixon is a protective husband.

Doctor Carson continues, "I'm going to start you on a pre-natal vitamin regimen Missus Dixon. I'll write down the information for you and the vitamins themselves are readily available from the pharmacist. I also have a pamphlet with dietary advice. I'm sure you eat a healthy diet, but I'll want you to have more foods that are high in iron and folic acid, some of those foods are listed. You might want to try to drink a little more milk as well."

"All right, of course I'll want to eat what's best for my baby." My baby. She can't believe she just said those words, my gosh, it's really true. She's going to have a baby.

Of course, Doctor Carson is aware of Daryl's fears, and he knows about everything that went wrong with his first wife's pregnancy. Although he wants the Dixons to be reasonably careful and thoughtful during this pregnancy, he doesn't want either one of them to be overly restrictive or afraid. He advises, "You can do just about everything you've been doing Beth. I encourage you to take walks, they're great exercise and will help when it's time to deliver. You can still participate in most of your regular activities, just be thoughtful. What I don't want you to do is lift anything too heavy, your husband here looks perfectly capable of taking care of that kind of thing for you…"

Daryl interrupts, "That's what I tell her all the time. Lemme do the heavy liftin'."

The doctor has no doubt that's true, and he smiles, "Well I'm going to encourage your wife to allow you to," and then adds, "Missus Dixon, please follow my orders on this, I don't want you, under any circumstance, to climb up on chairs, counters, stepladders, or the like, to reach for things. Again, call on your husband for that. If he's not available, live without whatever it is until he's home."

Beth's nodding, "Yes, all right." She already knows she'll hear all of this again from Daryl, probably many times throughout the pregnancy. She doesn't mind really. She knows how her husband worries, and she does appreciate his concern and the way she knows he'll want to be there every step of the way with her during this time, making sure she and the baby are safe.

Her mind is on her husband and the way he is when the doctor says something that has both the Dixon's turning red with embarrassment, "Finally, I want to talk to you about physical intimacy during this pregnancy. Obviously the two of you are intimate, and I want you to know it's perfectly alright for you to continue to have that kind of relationship, right up until we get a little closer to the birth of your baby."

Neither says a word, nor asks a question, Daryl simply nods his head and the doctor shows mercy and moves on to another topic.

Despite being a little embarrassed a time or two, Daryl's glad to have been here for this because now he knows what to expect and what to watch for, and he's been reassured Beth is healthy and that all is as it should be. He'll be watching though, always paying close attention.

He and Beth stand at the receptionist's counter to get her appointment schedule and pay the bill, and the woman tells him what the total will be for Beth's care right through the pregnancy and delivery. He asks, "K, can I bring the money to ya when we come for the next visit?"

"Yes, yes of course, but you don't have to pay all at once. You can make monthly payments if that's easier for you."

"Nah. I got the money, but thanks," he's not bragging, he's matter-of-fact about it, and he does have the money. He won't have to borrow from the bank or spend their savings because there's still gambling winnings stashed in a metal box and safely sealed behind a wall in his garage. He'll be using that cash to pay the doctor, the hospital, and to buy a crib and baby things. Whatever Beth says she wants, he can't think of anything he'd rather spend his money on.

Him and Beth are having a baby. He never really thought it would happen, and he never imagined himself being this happy if it did. As soon as they walk out the office door and they're alone in the hallway, he has her in his arms, "It's real Beth, ain't it? You n me, we're havin' a baby."

She's suddenly teary-eyed, and at the same time she's smiling from ear to ear, "Yes Daryl, I can't believe it either. We're having a baby." He pulls her close as they share their joy, until someone comes walking down the hall and they quickly straighten up. Daryl takes her hand and they walk toward the parking lot.

As he's helping her into the vehicle he mentions, "We'll stop n get ya them vitamins on our way ta pickup Teddy."

"There's no need Daryl. Teddy and I can walk over to the drug store after his nap."

"Nah, we're gettin' em now."

She knows it's pointless to argue with him, and she smiles because she's happy her husband is the way he is. She wouldn't change him if she could. It's a warm and comforting feeling to know how deeply he cares and how completely he loves, and she knows he will always take care of her and their children. "I love you Daryl."

He turns, glancing at her just long enough to say, "I love ya too Beth." Then it hits him, "Shit, was I bein' bossy again?"

"No, you were just being you, and like I said, I love you."

He softly chuckles, "Yeah? I'm a lucky S.O.B., ain't I?"

They get the vitamins but Daryl doesn't drive to Erma and Dale's to get Teddy, not yet. As they pull in their driveway Beth thinks she knows what's on her husband's mind. She smiles to herself, she's sure they're about to have their own little celebration. When he cuts the engine he looks at her and says, "It's already 11:30, I'ma just call Merle n tell him he can go ahead n lock up for lunch. I best call Dale and Erma too, tell em I'll be there soon ta get Teddy."

She can't stop herself, Beth smiles and says, "Well let's not make it too quick."

He knows now she knows what's on his mind, and he laughs, "Don't I always make sure you're satisfied?"

They're both red cheeked but smiling when she answers, "Yes you do Mister Dixon, always."

He's nervous at first and as he's unbuttoning her dress he suggests, "Maybe we shouldn't be doin' this, maybe it ain't good for you or the baby. Shit, Beth, I dunno."

She places her hands on his cheeks, looking lovingly into his eyes when she tells him, "My gosh Daryl, we made love yesterday morning and everything was fine, wasn't it? I was as pregnant then as I am today, it won't be any different. Making love is natural, normal." They've both heard that from the doctor, but Daryl's heard it from Merle too, and Beth has heard it from Amy. Still, he's tentative at first, but as she responds to his touch and reaches out for him his inhibitions fall by the wayside. He makes love to his wife with all the passion he feels for her.

As he's lacing his boots he questions, "I wonder how Teddy's gonna feel about you havin' a baby. He's been the only one for a long time, and not just for you n me. Now he'll have a pain in his ass little brother or sister gettin' attention from Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Dale and Aunt Erma. Shit, he might hate that baby. "

Beth shakes her head and softly scolds, "Daryl, shame on you. I don't think Teddy's even capable of hating, especially not a baby, besides, Teddy won't be around as much by the time the baby comes. He'll be starting kindergarten in just a few months. When that happens he'll be in school all morning making friends with other children and becoming interested in all sorts of new things. He'll have his own little life separate from us, then he'll come home for lunch and a nap." There's a hint of sadness in her voice when she states, "Everything is going to be so different. I'll miss having him around all day and giving him my attention."

Daryl's on his feet helping her with the top two buttons on her dress, and then he turns her to face him. He takes her in his arms and holds her close, "Life is changin', but it's gonna be good Beth, " then an entirely new thought comes to him, "What about the bakin'? Do ya think you're gonna have time for all that?"

Beth started thinking about that before she even missed her first cycle, "No, I want to try and devote this time to Teddy, to you and to myself, while we're waiting for the baby to come. I think I have an answer for Jim though. If Erma and Dale agree to watch Teddy in the mornings for a week, I could be at the café each morning showing Enid everything I know. She's already a pretty good baker and I think she's perfectly capable of taking over the baking for the cafe. If it all works out I won't feel guilty about quitting Jim."

He tries not to let on how relieved he is to hear her words, "Yeah, well Enid's never gonna be the baker you are, but she'll do just fine. Jim's been lucky ya hung on as long as ya did, an I know he knows that."

Over lunch they both have a hard time taking their eyes off Teddy as they wonder how he'll take it when the new baby arrives. He's going to have so many changes in his life during the next few night, when the house is quiet and Teddy's sound asleep in his room, Daryl and Beth lay in each other's arms talking about the way their own lives have been and the way everything will change. They share their happiness and their concerns and Beth questions, "Will you still love me when I'm as big as a house and I waddle when I walk?"

He chuckles, "Shit, I can't wait ta see that baby, I'm try'n ta picture it right now." But he realizes that even though it seems silly to him for her to worry about it at all, she is worried. He kisses her pretty blond hair and assures, "I love ya for alotta reasons Beth, bigger reasons than that pretty little body a yours an the certain sway in your hips when ya walk. I'ma always love ya Baby, no matter what."

She knows he means it, and she's not really that worried, it's just that Amy, oh my gosh, poor Amy. She's only seven and a half months along and she's already having troubles. Her tummy seems a lot bigger than it should be, Merle jokes all the time that she's gonna give him a full grown linebacker. But Beth knows Merle has his own concerns about Amy's discomfort. She has terrible pain in her low back, her ankles swell, and Merle spends his evenings rubbing her back and feet. Amy just admitted to Beth the other day she's outgrown most of her maternity clothes and she can't even tie her own shoes. Merle has to tie them for her.

Beth and Daryl have another worry. Who do they tell first? They don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Will her Mama and Daddy be hurt if they tell Merle and Amy before they can get to the farm to tell her folks? What about Erma and Dale, the two people who have been Daryl and Teddy's family since Teddy was born, will they be hurt if they're not told first? And Merle, shit, Merle's a wild card. He might be pissed if he's not the first to know, or maybe he won't expect to be. It doesn't seem like sharing good news should be so concerning.

The very next morning something happens that could solve the whole dilemma. Maybe they'll be able to just tell everyone at the same time. Mama calls first thing and Beth listens as she explains, "Daddy and I were just having our coffee and we've taken a little notion. We thought it would be nice to drive down on Saturday and visit with you, Daryl and Teddy. We thought we'd stay the night, and we could all go to church on Sunday and have dinner together. I've already spoken to Erma and she and Dale said they'd just love it if Daddy and I were to come. She's planning to include Merle and Amy and Jim and Carol too. What do you think?"

"Well of course I think it's wonderful! I can't wait to see you and Daddy. Are you staying here with Daryl and I?"

"Well, no. There's more room at the Horvath's and if I'm there I can help Erma with the Sunday dinner. Daddy's going to harvest some nice plump fryers early Saturday morning and we'll have some very fresh fried chicken for our Sunday dinner."

"I can't wait to see you Mama, and that sounds delicious."

Beth tells her husband all about the conversation while their little family is having breakfast, and she and Daryl just look at each other and nod, they've got some things to discuss, but not in front of Teddy. In the meantime, Teddy's practically jumping up and down in his seat, "Gramma n grandpa are comin' ta see me!"

They've come up with a plan. Spring is upon them and the weather is perfect for enjoying a late afternoon meal outside. Daryl and Beth have a guest list of the people they want to tell first and they've invited them all for a casual backyard dinner on Saturday. Erma and Dale, Hershel and Annette, Merle and Amy, Enid, and Jim and Carol. Carl's off in the Army and everyone tries making it a point to include Enid in their social plans.

Daryl has made it clear to Beth, he doesn't want her trying to do anything too fancy and standing on her feet all day. She doesn't bother to tell him she already stands on her feet all day when she does Jim's baking, or that, gee, she's just barely two months along. She simply agrees and asks, "Okay, then what shall we have?"

He thinks a minute and suggest, "I might be the world's worst cook, but I ain't too bad at grillin' up some venison steaks. How bout that?"

"That sounds good and it will sure save me the mess of frying them inside."

Before she can say more he says, "We can just have some baked potatoes and maybe open some corn or sumthin'. That's enough and it should be easy enough on ya."

She nods in agreement but doesn't quite promise to make it as easy as Daryl says. She just promises she has a very simple meal planned, and for her, it is a simple meal. Yes there will be potatoes. Scalloped potatoes. She'll make cornbread in her big cast iron skillet, the way her Daddy likes it. A succotash will be perfect for a spring meal, and a jello salad too, strawberry and banana sounds delicious. That's already plenty and she knows every one of the ladies invited will bring a dish to share. Dessert is the most important menu item, it's what Teddy looks forward to, and Daryl likes it too. So, although she feels like she serves it all the time, there will be cherry pie for Teddy. She'll make a chocolate one too because that's one of her husband's favorite.

What Daryl and Beth have to decide now is, do they make the announcement Saturday at their place, or wait for Sunday dinner at Erma and Dale's. They talk about the ways they could do this and agree on Saturday. They like the idea of doing it at their own home, and besides, once they have everyone together they don't think they'll be able to keep their secret.

Saturday morning they let Teddy get a few bites of his breakfast in, then his Daddy asks him, "Have ya ever thought about havin' a brother or a sister?"

Teddy perks up and asks, "Can we get one Daddy?"

Daryl chooses his words carefully, "Well, ya can't just go get one. Ya gotta start with a baby n then the baby keeps growin' up n pretty soon, they're big like you."

"Can we get the baby?"

Daryl looks to Beth with a big "please help me" in his eyes and she takes over. She places her hand on Teddy's and says, "Well guess what?"

"What?"

"I have a baby growing inside me right now."

His eyes get wide and he asks, "Does it hurt?"

"No, not at all. It's just really, really tiny right now, but when it gets big enough it will be born and we'll have our own little baby."

"Will it be a boy baby or a girl baby?"

"That's a very good question Teddy but we don't know the answer. We won't find out until the baby is born."

The little guy's got a lot to think about. They all talk about it some more, and although he doesn't quite understand everything, Teddy does know that soon there will be a baby in the house who will live with them all the time, a little brother or sister for him. He's also been given a very important job. A job he takes seriously, "K Daddy, I'ma do it. K Mama."

The guests arrive and the mood is fun and casual. There's beer, tea and lemonade to drink, and a little snack of cheese and crackers. There's one guest who is reluctant to sit in one of the lawn chairs, but Merle and Daryl solve the problem quickly. They bring Beth's chair from the living room out to the porch and Merle helps Amy ease into it.

The group has grown so close, they all consider themselves family, and they're anxious to hear about what's been going on in each other's lives. The first thing someone asks is, "Enid, what do you hear from Carl, how's he doing?"

If it's possible, Enid seems both happy and sad, "I got a letter from him yesterday, and then he called me at the café. His training is going really well and he says he likes it a lot, except of course, he misses me," her cheeks are a little pink when she says, "I think we're going to have a wedding when he comes home. It will be a few more weeks."

"Oh that's wonderful!" They spend a few minutes talking about that, and of course everyone wants to know how Amy's feeling, but no one says what they've noticed. The woman has gotten huge.

Carol says, "Well Jim and I have some news, you tell them Jim."

He smiles, "Sure thing. Carol's decided she's gonna close up shop and we're gonna expand the restaurant into her space. She'll be my partner in the Solo Café, and my partner in life too. It took me five years ta talk her into it, but we're gettin' married."

There's more excitement and questions and congratulations among the family, and Beth admits, "I'm going to miss your shop so much Carol."

Carol smiles and says, "I know, I will too, but it just doesn't bring in enough money for me to survive. Jim and I are talking about maybe keeping a couple of racks for greeting cards and postcards in the back corner of the café, we'll see."

Jim turns to Merle and says, "We'll be callin' on you Merle. We're gonna need a real construction outfit ta turn those two shops into one restaurant."

Merle beams, "I'd be honored, an I'll give ya the best price I can."

Everyone expresses their joy for Enid and for Jim and Carol, and then Mama asks Amy, "Are you ready for the baby?"

Amy says, "Oh my gosh yes Miz Greene. I don't know how much longer I can carry this little person around. Merle's been so good and he already has the nursery ready. It's painted a real soft green and he put the crib together, and we have a matching dresser with a little pad on top so it can be a changing table too. We've stocked plenty of diapers and rubber pants, and tiny sheets and blankets for the crib, oh and those cute little nighties they call sleepers. I can't wait. I have just over seven weeks to go."

Everyone talks about the excitement of a baby coming and whether it will be a boy or a girl, while Daryl gets busy grilling the steaks. When he announces they're about ready, Beth, Enid, Erma and Mama make quick work of bringing all the other dishes out to the picnic table. Daryl brings over the big platter of meat and says, "Here we go, let's hope I done it right. I got hot dogs in the fridge in case of emergency."

They all chuckle and Beth assures him, "I know it's going to be delicious."

Teddy's so excited about his job of sharing the big news that he makes a little mistake. He was supposed to wait until everyone was having their dessert to make the announcement, but he doesn't even make it to the point where everyone is seated at the table. Daddy's helping Mama, Dale's helping Erma, and Merle has just gotten Amy out of the chair and on her feet when Teddy proudly declares, "I'ma have a baby, Mama's growin' it in her tummy right now."

No one has a chance to react because the words are no sooner out of Teddy's mouth than Amy shrieks, "Oh no!" And they're all looking her way as a huge gush of water comes rushing out of Amy.

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A/N Whoops! Please leave a comment. There's a chapter photo on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, I hope you'll have a look. I'll be back next week with another chapter of Love at the Solo Café and I hope you'll be here too. In the meantime remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee