A/N Thank you everyone! Onward we go to explore this new domestic life of Bethyl, and we'll catch up with some other characters as well.
We pick up where we left off, the lunchtime kitchen disaster.
Enjoy!
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He certainly doesn't put a sandwich together like she would, but she's not complaining, she's not even thinking about anything like that. She's so grateful her husband showed up when he did. Oh sure, she feels terrible she didn't have a clean kitchen and a nice family lunch waiting for him, but my gosh, the man sure proved he knows how to clean up after a little boy. She almost laughs out loud at that thought, of course he does, he's been doing it for a while now. But yes, honestly, she was not ready to face that alone.
The little family sits to have their lunch together, but there's not much time to visit or enjoy each other's company. The baking cleanup took a while and Daryl's got to get back to work. Darn. Well, now that she knows what she's up against, she won't let things get away from her this way again. Hopefully.
Before he leaves he kisses her goodbye and she makes her promise, "I'll plan better from now on, your lunch will be ready when you get here."
He shakes his head, "I told ya ta stop that Beth. I seen what happened an I know, Teddy had a ball today, n I got some cherry pie that was damn good." He kisses her again, "Teach him ta make chocolate puddin' next, k? I'll clean the kitchen." One more quick kiss and then, "I'll see ya in a little while. Love ya baby."
All she can think is how lucky she is.
She has it all figured out now too. This will work. As soon as she puts Teddy down for his nap she'll get her baking done for Jim. She should have planned to do it that way all along. What in the world was she thinking? It's one thing to bake a batch of cookies with a child, but who in their right mind thinks they can bake pies, rolls, biscuits and bread, while keeping a four-year-old busy making his own pies? She was living in a dream world. That's okay though, she's got a couple of hours this afternoon while Teddy naps to get all caught up, and although the baked goods may not all get in the oven by then, they will all be prepped and ready.
Beth lays down with Teddy for a minute, promising she'll stay with him until he falls asleep. The trouble is, she's as exhausted as he is from their busy morning, and she falls asleep too. Oh no! When she wakes up and checks her watch it's 3:30, and now Teddy's waking up too.
He's still sleepy and a little cranky, and he needs a drink and a snack. His needs are more important than hers and she gets him what he wants, and then he wants to cuddle. She wants to cuddle him too, and so they sit in the chair in the living room and she loves this time with him, but by the time he's ready to get down from her lap and play outside, it's just after four.
She helps him get his toys out, brings him a cup of water and makes sure all is well, and then it's back to the kitchen for her. Oh my goodness, she's got to get dinner started. There's no way it's going to be done by the time Daryl gets home. She pauses, breathes in, breathes out. All she can do is, do what she can do. Besides, Daryl is not a demanding person, she saw that clearly at lunchtime today. He was wonderful about everything. So, she gets the meatloaf made and in the oven, the potatoes peeled and boiling, and tonight's vegetables are going to have to come from the freezer compartment. She did manage to get one batch of rolls baked this morning and there's a quart of ice cream in the freezer for dessert, so yes, dinner will be fine.
The table is set, and the food is cooking when her husband walks through the kitchen door. She goes to him but he warns her off, "Nah, wait. I had a fight with an old Dodge today n I'm a greasy mess."
She smiles, indeed, "Oh, well, I had my share of troubles today too, and I'm sorry, but dinner's not ready. It's going to be another forty minutes or so."
He doesn't seem at all put out, in fact, he says, "Good, I don't need ta eat the minute I walk in the door Beth, it does smell good though. Anyway, I wanna wash up. I'm a mess, and even I can smell me. Me n Teddy'll go ahead n have a shower now. Where is he, backyard?"
"Thank you, and yes. He's out playing with trucks and army men."
After they sit for dinner, and after Daryl says grace and they pass the meatloaf, the green beans, and the mashed potatoes back and forth, he asks, "So, how'd the bakin' go? Ya get it all done? I can run it over ta Jim if ya want me to."
For some reason she gets emotional, "I didn't get any of it done. I'll have to do it after dinner. The whole day has just gotten away from me and, and, well, I'll do it after dinner."
He reaches over and takes her hand, "Hey, relax a minute. I can't help ya with the bakin', but I can get the dinner mess cleared up n I can sure keep Teddy outta your hair." He smiles adding, "It'll be fine, we're gonna get in a routine, it's just gonna take us a while to figure everythin' out." He gently squeezes her hand when he reminds her, "If ya decide it's too much, then ya know you can quit."
She looks at him and means every word when she says, "I don't know how you did everything you do and raised a little boy all by yourself, you're amazing Daryl. And thank you. I'd like to try and do the baking, but if it gets to be too much, I'll back away. You and Teddy come first."
He knows she doesn't want to back away, and he won't ask her to, he only replies, "Well I ain't been doin' this all alone Beth. I had Erma n Dale ta help, an I also didn't try'n do no bakin' or fix any big dinners like this. Me n Teddy were beanie and weenie men."
Teddy's shoveling in a bite of mashed potato when he chimes in, "I like beanies an I like tatoes too."
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It takes a few weeks or so, but Beth finally discovers a routine she can live with, and it seems to be working. She gets up early while Daryl and Teddy are still sleeping and gets dough made and rising for the rolls and bread she'll bake later. When she has her pie crusts rolled out and then placed in the pans, she gets out everything she'll need to prepare their breakfast, but she doesn't start on that right away.
She walks silently down the hall and into the bedroom she shares with her husband, quietly shutting and locking the door behind her. She slips between the sheets and moves close to him. Most mornings he's awake and waiting for her, and most mornings they make a quiet and easy kind of love that they both think is the best way to start their day.
They do what they have to do in the bathroom, and while she goes to the kitchen and begins making breakfast for her family, Daryl gets himself ready for work, and then gets Teddy up and dressed. The three of them eat together, and there's always plenty of time to chat about the dreams they had and the day ahead. She loves the togetherness; she cherishes this part of the day. They all do.
Once Daryl leaves in the mornings Beth and Teddy do their chores, a little cleaning, and some days more serious cleaning. Wednesday mornings they leave right after the breakfast dishes are done and take the automobile to run the family errands. Those mostly consist of going to the grocery store to do the shopping for the week ahead. Beth always has a pocketbook full of coupons in her purse and a prepared list the includes everything she'll need for the week's meals. Some days they also include a stop at the dime store, the post office or the bank.
Depending on how busy they've been and how much time she and Teddy have in the mornings, they may bake a batch of cookies, sometimes even a pie. Other days it might be Jell-o or chocolate or banana pudding. Some days they walk to the park. Some days they go visit Carol at her shop. Some days they go to the library, and some days they stay right at home and play a board game or build a fort.
These days, when Daryl comes home for lunch it's always ready for him. It's seldom sandwiches like he used to make for himself and Teddy. Beth has this part well figured out. She purposely makes extra for dinners so there will be leftovers for the next day's lunch. That makes Daryl very happy, he loves leftovers, and her life is a little easier.
Beth gets up so early in the mornings that when Teddy lays down for his nap, she lays down with him. She sleeps for an hour or so, then gets up and finishes what's left of her baking. She may put a pot roast or a chicken in the oven, she may put together a stew, but when Teddy wakes her attention is all for him. The work is done for the time being. She has a little snack prepared for her son and then they cuddle in the chair, and she isn't worried about other things she has to do. She calls this time her "Teddy Time."
If they have a half hour or so to spare, Beth will put the baked goods in the big red wagon, cover it with a clean towel and she and Teddy will walk down to the Solo Café and deliver it all to Jim. Beth visits with Jim and Amy for a few minutes, and Teddy gets to sit at the counter sipping a glass of juice. This particular Tuesday Amy fills her in on two important bits of news. The first story has to do with Enid, and Amy can't help smiling, "Poor Jim, it happens with every girl he hires. Enid has a beau, and it's serious."
Beth's eyes light up and her smile spreads too, "A beau, who is he Amy? Tell me everything."
Amy suppresses a giggle, "The sheriff's son, Carl Grimes. He never even used to come in this place, now he's here every morning having breakfast on Enid's shift. Even poor Jim had to admit, they make an awfully cute pair. At least Jim won't have to worry about Carl stealing her away too soon."
Beth can't stop smiling, and asks, "Why is that?"
"He got his draft notice last week. He leaves in two more weeks for boot camp, then God only knows where they'll send him. They don't tell you much beyond the fact your time to serve has come."
"Oh my, well how's Enid taking that?"
"It seems like she's doing really well with it. I guess they have it all worked out. He's going to complete his service, then enroll at the law enforcement academy and follow in his Dad's footsteps. He wants to be a sheriff's deputy right here in Smithton."
"That sounds perfect, she'll just have to be patient about waiting for him I guess."
"You haven't heard the best part Beth."
"There's more, and what's that?"
"Enid and Carl had a little talk with Jim and Jim agreed that if they were married, Carl could move in upstairs with Enid."
"Married?! When?"
"Well nothing's official yet, but the plan is they'll do it when he comes home from basic training."
"Oh my gosh, this is so exciting. I wonder if they've told their folks yet."
"No, they have not, it's a big fat secret. They're going to tell them this weekend."
Amy hurries to get water and a setup for a customer, calls in his order and then she's back to whispering with Beth, "That isn't all the news."
"I don't know how much more news I can take in one day Amy," then Beth giggles and says, "Oh go on, spill it. I just bet it has something to do with you and Merle."
"Shh, not too loud. Merle doesn't want anyone to know until he talks to Daryl. I think that will happen tonight. He's coming to town, in fact he might already be here, to finalize a few things at the bank."
"The bank? What things?"
"Oh Beth, I can't believe it, but he sold his construction business in Atlanta and bought a roofing business from a fellow here who's retiring. Anyway, you know, things have been going pretty good between us, and we've gotten serious about each other so, anyway, we're going to see how things go and maybe we'll be getting married sometime soon."
"Oh Amy! This is so exciting, and what a surprise. I mean, I knew you were crazy about him and that you wanted this, but I just couldn't imagine Merle pulling up stakes and moving to Smithton. I was dreading the day you'd be telling me you were moving to Atlanta. It must be true love Amy, and I'm so happy for both of you. Oh my gosh, I can't imagine how Daryl's going to react, but I know he always wants the best for you." She looks up at the clock and says, "Oh shoot, speaking of Daryl, I better go. Why don't you come over tomorrow morning and have tea with me. Maybe nine or so? Teddy's usually in the backyard playing around that time."
"I'll be there."
Daryl arrives home from work and like always, there are plenty of hugs and kisses the minute he walks through the kitchen door. He's all smiles, he likes this life, but still he jokes, "I can't imagine why the two a you are so happy ta see me."
Teddy's arms are wrapped tightly around his Daddy's leg and he says, "Cuz I love you."
Beth's heart melts right along with Daryl's as her husband reaches down, picks the little boy up and holds him close, "I love you too buddy." He smiles at Teddy and asks, "Were ya a good boy for Mama today?"
The little boy glances over at Beth and she's smiling. He's hoping maybe she forgot he spilled his glass of grape juice on the kitchen floor, or that he had an accident in his bed at nap time, "I think I was, was I Mama?"
She knows what he's worried about and smiles, "Yes Teddy, you were very good. Accidents are accidents, they don't mean you're naughty." Daryl looks at her but doesn't question, he knows she'll tell him later.
While Beth's making gravy and getting the table set, Daryl and Teddy wash up and get a little start on something else. They lay out Teddy's pj's, his clothes for tomorrow, and pick a book to read later tonight. Then they hear her sweet voice call, "Dinner."
They sit and Daryl says grace, and then cuts and serves the roast. The little family chats about their day while they enjoy their meal and each other, and they no sooner finish up than there's a knock on the door. Daryl stands, "I'll get it."
He opens it to see his brother standing there and wonders, "Since when do ya come ta the front door n knock? And what're ya doin' in town on Tuesday?"
"I'm in town on business, and I got some business with you too. First, I thought maybe I'd say hello ta my sister n nephew, then maybe you n me could go out back n talk a while."
Huh. "Yeah, okay. C'mon in the kitchen, we just finished eatin'. There's plenty left if ya want sumthin'." Shit, if Merle wants to go outside to talk, this must be some kind of big deal.
"Nah, I don't need dinner, but thanks. I would have a beer though. Ya got a beer?"
"Yeah, I got beer. Am I gonna need one too?"
"Ya might."
Shit. They walk in the kitchen and it's all sweet and happy greetings, but Beth's heart is pounding. Oh my gosh, what will Daryl say, shoot, she can tell just by looking at him right now, he's uncomfortable, concerned. Her husband says, "Um, Merle wants ta talk a minute, I can help ya with this stuff later."
"No, that's okay, you two go talk, Teddy will help. Won't you Teddy?"
His little face looks very unhappy, but Daddy's standing right there and so he agrees, "Yes Mama." Honestly, she's glad to have the mess to clean, otherwise she'd just be pacing the floor while she worries and wonders. This way at least something is getting done while she worries and wonders.
She can't hear what they're saying out there, but when she hears their voices getting louder and louder she turns the radio on. Teddy doesn't need to know his Daddy and his uncle are arguing. She wonders though, why would Daryl argue with Merle? If the man's in love let him be in love. Of course, she also realizes she doesn't know Merle's past like Daryl does.
Daryl's voice is loud when he confronts his brother, "You tellin' me you're sure you're gonna be able ta keep offa them drugs? Ya said that shit before, then ya went ta prison. Ya couldn't stay straight for me, but ya think you can do it for Amy? What's so different now?"
Merle stays as calm as he can, yelling won't help his case. "I couldn't do it for you, n I'm sorry about that. I'm always gonna be sorry about that, but kid, I can't do it for Amy either. I been to enough a them meetins and talked to enough guys, guys just like me, ta know, the only person I can stay straight for is me. I believe I can, n I will. I ain't ever been in love with a woman, but I'm in love with one now and I want the whole fuckin' deal with her. The everyday life, the routine, the comin' home on time, the wakin' up in the mornin' with the same woman every day. Kids, bills, hard work, shit, I even been goin' ta church on the regular. You straightened your ass out for Teddy, then even more with Beth, why're ya always so sure I can't get my shit straight?"
"Sumthin' else you should know, I been honest with Amy brother. Ya might find this hard ta believe, but she knows as much about me and the shit I been up to in my life as you do. Can ya imagine that? She knows what a worthless piece a shit I can be, but she still wants my ass. She's willin' ta take a chance. If she can be willin', why can't you?"
Shit, he's right. Daryl nods, "You deserve ta be happy. I guess it ain't up ta me anyway, n I want ya ta know, I remember. You were there for me with Janie, when it really counted. You were the only family we had n ya stepped up. I ain't gonna fight ya on this now. I'ma wish you n Amy both all the luck, you're right, if she can trust ya then so can I."
"Thanks brother," Beth happens to glance outside right at that moment and sees her husband and his brother share the shortest, fastest embrace she's ever seen, and then they're walking back toward the house. Merle leaves shortly after, "I got plans ta stop n see Amy."
Teddy doesn't realize his Mama and Daddy put him to bed an hour early. They need time to talk without his little ears present. They crawl into bed together, the door locked and the room dark, and Beth asks, "So…"
Her husband tells her everything, and most of it she already knew. The plan anyway, what she didn't know was what the brothers said to each other. Now she knows and she holds her husband close and says, "Daryl, sometimes you just have to have faith. Believe in Merle, believe in Amy, and believe in love."
Amy arrives promptly at nine a.m. ready to talk. Beth's so grateful that Teddy's in the backyard so they can have a real talk. They sit on the couch and Beth pours tea, and there's a plate of cookies on the table in front of them. Amy smiles, "The house looks so nice Beth, I love the drapes you made. I can't even believe you could do that. The pillows, the afghan throw, everything is so pretty and cozy, and I love the little chair you got for yourself. It's so similar to the one you had in your apartment, the floral pattern is really pretty."
"Thank you, Amy, I'm still working on the place, but I love it and Daryl never complains about any of the things I do or the stuff I change, not even the floral chair. I found it at the thrift shop, all it needed was a good shampooing." She smiles, "My favorite thing though is the picture from our wedding, just the three of us. It took me two months worth of baking money to get it enlarged and professionally framed, but it was worth every penny." The women both smile over at the portrait hanging on the wall of Daryl, Beth and Teddy by the pond at the farm, and then Beth says, "Now, enough about me and this house, what about you?"
Amy's anxious to tell her friend everything, "At first, when I had a little attraction to Merle and he asked me to go out with him, I was intrigued. I thought it would be a daring adventure to date a man like him. I didn't think it could ever be anything permanent, I imagined we would just keep company for a while, then move along. He didn't seem like my type, not really, and I'm well aware he's a lot older than I am, but gosh, it just happened Beth. We fell in love. I didn't want to leave Smithton and move to Atlanta, I'd be leaving my Mom here alone. Merle thought he'd like to be here, close to Daryl and you guys. So, we started talking about some pretty serious changes, and now we've decided to take a huge leap of faith."
"Oh my Amy, this is so wonderful. I'm sure it's meant to be. Poor Jim though, I suppose you'll be leaving him soon."
"No, not too soon. Merle and I are going to wait until after Enid and Carl marry. I don't want it to look like I'm trying to beat her to the altar. Even after we do get married, I told Merle I want to work until we're ready to have a baby, and I told him I thought I would like to do that about a year after we marry, so, Jim will have Enid and I both for a while longer."
That's got Beth wondering when Daryl will ever stop using those things so the two of them can have a baby. She's going to ask him about that this weekend.
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A/N So much romance in the air in Smithton, Georgia. Please leave a comment. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick, I hope you'll have a look. I'll be back next week with more of Love at the Solo Café, and apparently, there's going to be baby talk. I wonder how that will go. Until then, thanks so much, and remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee