A/N Thank you everyone! Wow, Amy just...
Let's see what happens...
00
The commotion begins, everyone seems to be talking at once and the voices are loud and with an urgency in the tone, and poor little Teddy has no idea what in the world is going on. He's confused and fearful and tears begin to fall as he cries out, "Mama, Mama what's wrong Mama?"
Beth has never heard him screech in this way and his fear has her full attention. She grabs for him, picking him up in her arms, holding him close and rubbing his little back as she tries to comfort him, "It's all right Teddy. Amy just had a little accident and everyone is trying to help at once. It's going to be fine, honey, everything is good."
By the time those words are out of her mouth, Daryl is by her side and reaching for Teddy, "Here, lemme take him. Ya ain't s'posed ta be liftin' anythin' heavy."
Her husband already has Teddy in his arms but still Beth protests, "Teddy's not heavy."
It's Daryl who's rubbing Teddy's back now and assuring the little boy, "Everythin's okay son, everyone's gonna be just fine," and he hopes to God he's right. He turns to Beth and says, "He weighs 37 pounds, I just weighed him on the shop scale the other day. That's alotta weight for you. Doc had your weight at 111." He doesn't want to scold, he's just worried. He gets closer to her, wraps one arm around her shoulder and pulls her close, "Let's just all hold onto each other," and Teddy stretches as far as he can to wrap his little arm around her neck.
Annette was on her way over to comfort her grandson, and oh my, she's just dying to ask her daughter about the baby Teddy mentioned, but one look at the little family hugging each other and she just can't intrude on that. She smiles as she thinks to herself, "They're doing just fine," and turns her attention to Amy.
Merle has lifted his wife up and into his arms and Annette can't help but be impressed, everyone present is. Merle Dixon is a powerful man. He's speaking to everyone when he says, "I gotta get my wife ta the hospital right now. I'll be in touch."
As he turns to go, Daryl calls out, "I'm right behind ya brother," then says to Beth, "I gotta be there with him," he's doing his best to be careful, he doesn't want to scare Teddy all over again, "just…well ya know…"
She responds, "Yes, yes go Daryl, we'll be just fine, won't we Teddy?" She's smiling big at the little guy in hopes it helps to reassure him. Then she has an even better idea, "You know what Teddy, this is such a crazy, upside down day, I think we'd better do something extra crazy. How about if we have dessert before dinner? Do you think you could eat a piece of cherry pie right now?"
He's rubbing his eyes with a tiny balled up fist, but her words have him smiling, "Cherdee pie? Yes, Mama, I love cherdee pie."
She giggles, "So do I, and I think I could use a piece of it myself." Then she turns to her husband and says, "be careful Daryl, and please give us a call as soon as you hear anything. Anything at all."
He sees the fear and worry in her eyes. Shit, Amy's her best friend and Beth has been worried about her for a while. He worries too. Of course he loves Amy like the sister she is, and although he and his brother seldom speak of things like love, he does love Merle. He's scared for his brother, scared for Amy, and scared for their baby. This isn't good. Two months early, shit, it's too soon. For now though, he smiles at his wife and promises, "I will Baby," he leans in, gives her a kiss on the lips, roughs Teddy's hair and kisses his forehead, tells the group, "I'll call when I find sumthin' out," and he's gone.
Daddy suggests, "Let's all gather together and say a prayer for Amy, Merle and the little one." That sounds like a good idea, there's not much more they can do but pray.
The last thing Beth wants to do is to cry in front of Teddy, but gosh it's hard to hold back her tears. She's so worried for her friend, it's way too soon for this baby to come. She wishes she could be at the hospital too, but her place is here with Teddy and with the rest of the family. With that thought comes the realization, "Oh my goodness, I'd better call Amy's Mother. Please everyone, sit and eat. It won't help Amy to let this food go to waste. I'm just going to run in the kitchen and call Miz Harrison, I'll be right back. Oh, and Mama, would you please cut Teddy and I each a slice of cherry pie. We need a little dessert before our dinner."
Mama smiles, "I think that's a good idea, I might have a slice myself."
"Thank you, Mama."
Just as Beth was sure she would be, Amy's mother is distraught. She's worried about all the same things Beth is. They agree to call each other if either of them hears a thing from Merle or Daryl, and Beth shares with the woman, "We're all over here praying just as hard as we know how to pray that everything will be just fine for Amy and the baby."
Things at the hospital feel chaotic, people dashing around, bright lights, loud noises and everyone looking like everything is an emergency. The thing is, Daryl knows that whatever is going on with Amy is an emergency, but from his experience with Janie he knows something else. These people know what they're doing. He takes some comfort in that.
His job right now is to be strong for Merle. It's seems like for the past year or two he's been the one leaning on his brother, and Merle's come through. Now he needs to be the strong one. He rests a hand on his brother's shoulder and says, "I know this shit is scary Merle, but Amy's young n healthy. She ain't had any kinda problems other than bein' real uncomfortable, has she?"
"Nah, not a bit. She's been miserable from the weight, and man, her back, shit, her belly's just too big for her back ta support it."
Daryl remembers what Beth asked him about getting big and now he questions Merle, "Ya ain't said nuthin' like that to her, have ya?"
"Oh hell no, I ain't a complete fool. Shit man, gimme some credit."
"I wasn't try'n ta insult ya, it's just I know women get all sensitive about that shit."
Merle looks at him and for the first time in an hour, he smiles, "Well just look at you little brother. All the sudden you're an expert on women an their feelins. That's wonderful kid, truly wonderful." He even manages a small laugh, then he shifts to, "What's this that Teddy was sayin' Daryl? Is it true? Ya gonna be a Daddy?"
Daryl's ginning now too, "That's what the doc says. Beth's a little over two months along."
Merle grabs him in a fast bear hug and says, "I'm happy for ya brother, I really am. Glad ya gave in and let little sister have her way." On those words everything seems to hit Merle even harder and he collapses into one of the waiting room chairs. With his elbows resting on his knees and his face buried in his hands, the big man begins to sob.
Daryl doesn't know what to do, he just knows he has to do something. He sits down next to Merle, lays an arm across his shoulders and says, "I'm right here with ya brother and we're gonna get through this."
No sooner are those words out of his mouth than Amy's mother arrives. Merle immediately shakes it all off, doing an impressive job of quickly returning to the strong, confident man he let's folks see, as he stands and says, "Hey now Mama H," he gives his mother in law a quick hug and continues, "We ain't heard a thing yet, just waitin' n hopin' n prayin'."
"I'll join you in that." She turns and adds, "Daryl, it's good to see you again, Beth told me I could expect to see you here."
"Beth?"
"Yes, she was the one who thought to call me. I guess she knew you big bruisers would forget Amy has a mother," but she doesn't look angry, she looks small and scared and like she might faint.
Daryl takes her arm and says, "I'm real sorry Miz Harrison, I shoulda thought ta call ya. Here, come sit down. There's no use ta stand. Can I get ya sumthin? They got a cafeteria. I could get ya juice or coffee or sumthin."
"Would you? A cup of tea would be lovely."
Merle teases, "I could go for a cuppa whiskey myself, but I'll settle for coffee I s'pose, if ya would Daryl."
"Yeah sure, be happy to and I'll be right back." The truth is he's relieved for a little break. This is tough. He doesn't know what to do in these kinds of situations, then thinking about that he realizes, he's doing it, trying to be nice and thoughtful and all those things. Yeah, maybe he does know what to do.
The young woman working in the cafeteria fixes up a tray with the tea, the coffee, a cream pitcher and a sugar bowl, and a bottle of coke for Daryl. He knows that isn't how it's supposed to be done, they use paper and such, disposable things, but he gets what's going on when she hands him the tray and says, "If you smile for me just once, you can have my telephone number too."
He still can't figure out why this shit happens to him, but she seems like a nice girl and he isn't going to be rude. He just makes it clear, "Hey, thanks, this is nice, and thanks for the offer, but I'm a married man."
She shrugs and questions, "Happily married?"
He has a slight grin now, "Yeah, real happily."
Back in the waiting room the beverages are a nice distraction, at least for a moment. Amy's Mama is trying to comfort Merle, telling him how strong Amy is and how she's sure her daughter will pull through just fine. Daryl feels guilty his mind isn't fully here on his brother, on Amy, on their baby, but he just can't help it. He can't stop thinking about Beth and this kind of shit. He can't do it again, he never wanted her to have to do it. It's just too much.
At least he manages to sound like he's present, "Miz Harrison is right Merle, Amy's a strong girl, she'll do just fine." What he's having trouble grasping is how shattered his brother looks. Merle's always the cool and confident one, but right now he looks weak, vulnerable, and afraid. Well shit, why wouldn't he be? Daryl doesn't have any poetic words of wisdom to share, all he can do is say, "C'mon man, it's gonna be okay."
"I wish I knew that for sure brother."
Daryl's honest now, "Yeah, me too."
No sooner have they spoken those words and cast their eyes back down, than the doctor appears, walking through the big swinging doors from the maternity ward.
Everyone's on their feet as the man approaches, it's Doctor Carson, but not Beth's doctor. This man is his brother. He nods, "Merle and…"
Daryl reaches out a hand to shake and makes the introduction, "This lady is Amy's mama, Miz Harrison. I'm Merle's brother, Daryl Dixon."
"Very nice to meet you both." The doctor takes a breath and says, "I have some news. Amy just delivered twin girls and she's doing as well as anyone could expect." Daryl sees his brother sway and wraps an arm around his waist to keep him on his feet. "We had to give her some blood and some fluids and she's a little weak and tired, but her vitals are good and with a few days rest I'm certain she's going to be just fine."
Daryl and Merle both let out a deep sigh of relief and Amy's Mama whispers, "Praise Jesus."
Merle's got another concern, a huge concern. This all happened way too soon, "What about my babies?" He's afraid to ask but he has to know, "Are they gonna make it?"
The doctor takes in a deep breath and explains, "I don't have to tell you they're early, but that's not unusual with twins. I would feel better if they hadn't delivered for another month or so, but they're here now and we're doing everything humanly possible to keep them here."
"The issues we face are with incomplete development of organs, like their lungs, and premature infants have trouble keeping their bodies warm enough, so we'll keep them warm. They'll get 24 hour a day care, but I won't sugar coat this Mister Dixon, it's touch and go. I welcome you to be here as much as you're able to be. Spend time with them, enjoy being with these tiny girls as much as you're able. Mrs. Harrison, grandmas are welcome too. This is a family undertaking. Although you may not be able to provide medical care, I know you can provide plenty of love and that's just as important for the babies and for Amy."
For once in his life Merle Dixon is speechless. He's full of feelings he never even knew he could have and he has no idea how to express them. There's something he needs though, something that won't wait. He needs to see Amy, "I gotta see my wife. I need ta see her with my own eyes n make sure she's doin' okay."
The doctor nods and agrees, "Of course Mister Dixon, she's been asking to see you too. Let me make sure they've got her in her room, when she's ready the nurse will come for you."
The doctor walks back through the swinging doors and Merle collapses into the chair again, clearly shaken. Daryl sits next to him and reminds his brother, "Merle, Amy's gonna be just fine, the doc said so, but she's gonna be scared n worried about them little girls, n ya know what she's gonna need? She's gonna need you ta be that guy she married, that tough guy who could walk through fire an come out the other side blowin' smoke rings. That's You Merle, that's the kind of tough sumbitch you are. She needs ta lean on that guy right now brother. Just remember, when ya can't be tough for another fuckin' minute, you come n lean on me."
Miz Harrison isn't used to that sort of language but she agrees with what's being said, "Daryl's right Merle, you do what you do best, you let Amy know how much you love her and that you're sure everything will be okay."
He nods once, stands and says, "I had the wind knocked outta me for a minute there, but I'm fine now."
No sooner does he say the words than the nurse is walking through the swinging doors and smiling, "Mister Dixon? I can take you to see your wife now."
"Yes Ma'am." And Daryl knows his brother will pull this off, Merle has that way.
As soon as Merle disappears through the doors Daryl says, "Excuse me Miz Harrison. I'ma go ahead n take the tray back down ta the cafeteria. They got a phone there n I need ta call Beth."
"Oh yes, of course. As soon as they chase Merle back out this way and he tells me my Amy is doing okay, I'm going home. I don't think they'll let anyone else in to see her tonight. You should do the same Daryl, go home and rest, there's nothing you can do here."
"Yes Ma'am." That's what he says, but he's not going anywhere anytime soon. Merle wouldn't leave him here, and as much as Daryl wants to be home with his wife and son, he won't leave Merle.
He returns the tray, happy to see it's an older lady working behind the counter now and not the young woman who offered her phone number. From there he walks to the payphone and drops his nickel in. Beth answers on the second ring, "Daryl?"
"Yeah, hi Baby, it's me…" he tells her everything he knows. Twin baby girls, Amy's doing fine, but the twins are too early, it's going to be touch and go with them for a while. The doctors and nurses are doing everything they know how to do.
Beth feels her heart break for her friend, for Merle and for the babies, "Oh dear, we'll pray they're strong," then she tries to make a little light of it all, "how can they be anything but tough Daryl, look who their Daddy is."
He snorts the softest of laughs, "Yeah, well Daddy's havin' a hard time, but he's gonna stay strong for them babies n their Mama."
Beth's aware of how close to home this must be hitting Daryl, and she says, "I know you understand exactly what your brother's going through. He's lucky to have you, Daryl."
"Yeah, well…um thanks. He's handling it like a champ."
00
Two Months Later
Beth is absentmindedly rubbing small circles on her small, rounded belly as she stands at the range cooking breakfast for her family. It's Teddy's second day of school and things haven't gone quite as smoothly as his Mama and Daddy thought they would. Yesterday morning there were lots of tears as he begged them not to leave him, and they nearly gave in. They surely would have if his very sweet and kind kindergarten teacher, Miss Lydia, hadn't assured them, "I think he'll be fine. He just needs a few days to adjust." Then she promises, "If it doesn't get better in a week or so, you can withdraw him if you like. Not all children are ready for school at five years' old."
Beth's relieved when the boy and his Daddy walk in the kitchen and take their places at the table, there are no tears yet. She's fixed Teddy's favorite breakfast and they all sit and eat together. She waits until he's almost finished with his pancakes to ask, "Are you excited for school today Teddy?"
Tears fill the little boy's eyes and he says, "No Mama, peez, no. No school."
Daryl's beside himself. Shit, he never expected his boy was going to get so shook up about going to school. He's tried to remember something about his own experience with kindergarten, but all he can recall is how relieved he was to get the hell out of his house and go someplace where no one was going to slap him around. He asks, "Well what is it ya don't like about the place, was someone mean to ya?"
"No, I just don't like it. I miss Mama too much." Well shit.
Beth is about to speak, but Daryl takes a cue from Miss Lydia, "Okay, well, I can't blame ya for that. I miss Mama when I go ta work. It's just plain hard ta be away from her, ain't it? I tell ya what, I'll make ya a deal. You try school every day for next four days, ya already went one day, so that'll be a whole week. If ya still don't like it an ya don't wanna go, I'll let ya wait an go when you're six. Mama already taught ya your numbers and letters, you can just pass up kindergarten and head straight ta first grade, but before you can quit, ya gotta give it a fair shake. K?"
Beth's shocked, she never expected Daryl to just let Teddy quit this way, but maybe it's good. Maybe the little guy isn't ready. She just doesn't know quite what to think. Meanwhile Teddy's chewing on his bacon and thinking hard before he says, "Okay Daddy, I'n still gonna cry though." Well shit.
They walk their little boy together. His Daddy holding one hand and his Mama holding his other. As soon as the school comes into view Teddy bursts into tears, "No! No school, Mama peez. Daddy peez." Well shit.
"Just one week Ted, just one week."
Beth is very unsure about this plan. Is it really a good idea to just let Teddy quit? Shouldn't they make him go? Surely he'll get over this eventually. That afternoon while the little boy is napping Beth calls her Mama and asks just that.
She can hear the smile in her Mama's voice when she responds, "Oh dear Bethie, that is just so sweet and sad. It's exactly what I went through with your brother Shawn. It was so bad; I just couldn't take it. I let him wait another year and by then he was so ready to get out of the house and be with little friends, why he barely had the time to hug me goodbye before he ran to the schoolhouse door."
Having heard that, Beth will go along with whatever decision Daryl makes. That night as they lay in bed he tells her, "I ain't makin' him go Beth. He barely made the birthday cut anyway, n it just don't seem like he's ready. He will be next year."
She's not disappointed at all, it's just been two days but she was already missing him so much, "All right Daryl, if that's what you think is best."
Beth snuggles in closer and switches the subject, "Tomorrow's the big day, Amelia and Alice are finally coming home from the hospital. I'm so happy for Merle and Amy."
"Yeah, me too. I never knew I's such a sucker for kids til Teddy came along, n them two tiny girls, they're the sweetest little things. I'm so damn glad we didn't lose em. I dunno what Merle woulda done. Hell, I dunno what any of us woulda done."
"He would have done what you and Merle always do, act tough while you're falling apart inside."
He snorts, "Yeah, I guess you're right about that. Anyway, I'm glad they're all gonna be home together."
"Yes, and they're lucky Amy's Mama is going to stay with them for a few couple of weeks. Taking care of two babies is going to be a lot of work."
He smiles to himself thinking, yeah it is, and he's grateful Beth still seems so small, she couldn't possibly be carrying twins. He's not so sure he's tough enough for two babies at a time.
It's the first fall in years that Daryl hasn't gone out hunting for a weekend, and Beth knows why. There's no way he's leaving her overnight while he goes anywhere. She and Teddy could have gone to the farm, or they could have stayed with Amy and Merle, or Dale and Erma. No. Daryl wouldn't hear of it. He's still going hunting, but he'll be leaving home at 4am and he'll be back at dark, deer or no deer.
Before he leaves he cautions her again about all those things he wants her to be careful about, and she hands him a brown paper sack full of sandwiches and agrees, "I promise Daryl. I have a big plan to sew today. I have lots of diapers to make and little blankets too. No heavy lifting, no hours spent on my feet, I'm looking forward to it."
It's not just the hunting trip, it's everything. He keeps such a close eye on her she can barely reach down and pick a fallen leaf up off the ground and he's there, "Lemme get that Beth." He insists they do the grocery shopping together. He doesn't want her carrying grocery bags, and every night after dinner, the three of them take a walk together.
She doesn't mind his caution and protectiveness; she knows why he's the way he is, and she appreciates his concern. From time to time, she finds herself thinking, when I'm pregnant with our second baby he will have settled in, and that makes her smile. She's pretty sure that's the last thing Daryl's thinking about.
One place Daryl hasn't been overly cautious is in the bedroom. She's so grateful the doctor assured him intimacy was safe because my gosh, something is crazy with her, she just can't seem to get enough of her husband. She's heard stories from Amy about how desirous she was during her entire pregnancy, even when she felt so awful, but Beth is too shy to admit these things about herself. Except to Daryl. He knows it all and he just smiles and does his best to keep her satisfied.
00
The feeling wakes her from a sound sleep, a strange tightness like a huge cramp is engulfing her entire abdomen. It's happening, this has to be it and she knows it's just the beginning. She slips from the bed, grabs her things that she keeps on the chair and makes her way to the bathroom. She washes up, brushes her teeth, puts her hair in a ponytail, and another pain hits. She grips the sink and waits for it to pass, then puts on the loose-fitting maternity dress, mumbling to herself, "I won't miss wearing a tent," then she pottys one more time. Gosh, it's like she's had to go every two minutes for the past five hours.
She takes a deep breath as a third pain hits her, and once again grips the bathroom sink for support while she waits for it to pass. When it's done she reaches for the door handle and as she opens the door she startles. Her husband is standing there and he asks, "Ya okay Beth? Is it time?" She can tell by his voice he's full of worry, but he's doing his Dixon best to sound completely unconcerned.
"Yes, they're coming kind of close, I mean they just started but it seems like they're very close, and strong. Really strong."
He's acting calm, he knows what he needs to do, but his reality is he's scared out of his fucking mind. This is it; Beth has got to hang on, please God, don't let her suffer, don't let anything bad happen. Please God, please, "All right now Baby, I'ma call Dale real quick ta get over here an stay with Teddy. As soon as he gets here, we go."
"All right Daryl, but we should call the doctor too." She's starting to feel a little panicky but she tells herself that of course she would be, she's never had a baby before. Breathe Beth. Breathe.
The pains are coming so close, it's going so fast, this is completely unexpected with a first baby, but she doesn't say anything to Daryl. She doesn't want him to worry. Dale's here, thank goodness they can go. Beth makes it out to the car and they're off, but they only get a block when her water breaks and Daryl reaches over, grabs her hand and encourages, "Hang on Baby, hang on."
"You'd better tell the baby to hang on Daryl, I don't think it's going to, I think you need to pull over," and she stops talking long enough to wince in pain and squeal out, "Oh my gawd, it hurts Daryl, it hurts!"
He pulls over, jumps out and hurries to her side of the car. He throws the door open and crouches down next to her, "Are ya gonna make it Beth? We got a mile."
"I don't think so, ow, oh my gawd, oh my gawd, Daryl, Daryl, it's coming, DARYL!"
"Here, here, turn a little, lay down now, here, lemme get your unders down."
"Do you know what you're doing Daryl?"
"I know how ta get your unders down, for the rest, I'm just goin' on instinct, but don't worry. I seen plenty a babies born." He doesn't mention they were all animals and that he has no fucking idea what he's supposed to do.
"Ahh, oh my gawd Daryl, ouch oh, stop, make it stop Daryl!"
She pushes and the baby's head is right there, "One more like that Beth, one more," and she arrives, their baby. "It's a girl baby, ya got your little Sadie ya wanted." He's already tying off the cord with his shoelace, then quickly wraps the baby in his jacket. "Gonna hafta sit up a little Beth, just enough so I can shut the door, then I'll get you n Sadie ta the hospital."
His legs are so wobbly and his nerves so shaken he's not sure he can make it to the driver's side of the car, but he does and he appears to be completely in control as he gets her to the hospital in record time. Once she's cleaned up, and the baby's cleaned up, they let him go in the room with her and their baby. He rubs his hand softly over her hair and smiles, "Ya done good Beth."
"You did good Doctor Dixon, my gosh, what the heck happened. We should have had plenty of time."
"I dunno Baby, but after that I can tell ya for sure, I'll never be afraid a nuthin' again. That scared the shit outta me."
Four Years Later
Christmas is a very exciting time at the Dixon home. Daryl and Beth are hosting everyone for dinner and it's a tight fit, but no one cares as long as they're together. Besides, even with just their little family they ran out of room a long time ago. They have a crib in their bedroom for their little boy Timmy, and Sadie and Teddy share Teddy's room, and they have no idea where they're going to put the new baby when he or she arrives in just a couple of months. But they're not worrying about that today.
Merle, Amy, their twin girls and their two year old son Jack are here. Mama and Daddy Greene and Dale and Erma. Carol and Jim. Enid, Carl and their daughter Karla, Amy's Mama, and Beth and Daryl and their three children. It's a tight fit.
Card tables extend end to end across the living room to form one big family table. It's covered in bright red and white tablecloths and decorated with fluffy snowman centerpieces and tiny Christmas trees Beth, Teddy and Sadie crafted. Everyone is gathered around and a silence falls over the group as Herschel Greene says the blessing.
Before anyone can begin to pass the food around Dale asks for the groups attention. He and Erma have an announcement. There's a hush over the family as they turn their attention to Dale, and the man begins to speak, "The two greatest days of my life were the day I married Erma, and the day Daryl Dixon showed up at our door with Teddy. That's when we became a real family. Erma and I are getting older now and our big house is starting to be a problem for us. We thought about selling the place and getting one of those new little suburban one story places, then Erma came up with a better idea."
He smiles at his wife and continues, "She suggested we simply make a trade. Our house is perfect for Daryl and Beth and the kids, and this house is perfect for Erma and I. So, Beth and Daryl, we have decided to give you our home as a Christmas gift, and we hope you'll return the gift and give us your home."
The group is stunned and Daryl starts to protest, "Ya can't do that, that's too much and it's your place."
Then Dale stuns the room again, "You're the only family we have and we already have it named as yours in our will. Why should we wait until we die to give it to you? This just speeds up the process."
That's when Erma addresses another reality, "Daryl, Beth, what Dale doesn't want to tell you, because he's trying to save me embarrassment, I can't walk up and down those stairs anymore. I've had to take to sleeping on the couch, and my husband has been sleeping on an old army cot next to me. That's no good at all. I'd be much happier living here in this one story house with my husband in my bed. Besides, we told you long ago that when we bought our place we dreamed of filling up all those bedrooms with children. The two of you will make our dream for that house come true."
Two more minutes of discussion and it's settled, the Dixons and the Horvaths are trading residences.
Three Months Later
The baby's coming, oh my gosh, this birth is going even faster than the first two. Doctor Carson told her after Sadie was born, "You're a natural Beth, you make giving birth seem easy" and this morning he's telling her, "C'mon now Beth, just one more push."
Easy for him maybe, but painful for her, although Beth would be the first to say the pain comes with a big reward. She's been praying for a healthy baby, while also secretly hoping it's a girl. That would be just perfect. She and Daryl have agreed, this will be their last baby and it would be so nice to have two boys and two girls. She has a girls name already picked out. Daryl was a little worried when she first told him, he kept asking "are you sure", but Beth has no doubts at all. She feels like she owes the woman everything and that it's the perfect way to honor her. She gives one last push and Doctor Carson beams a smile, "Beth, you have a brand new baby girl. Have you got a name for her?"
Tears of joy flood her eyes at the sight of her baby girl, "Her name is Janie."
And Everyone Lived Happily Ever After
A/N Oh my. I hope you enjoyed the way it all wrapped up and that you'll leave a comment. I'll be back in two or three weeks with a new multi chapter story, and in the meantime, I'll have a couple of short stories for you. There's a chapter photo on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look.
Thank you so much for reading this story, and remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee