A/N Thank you all so much, and Merry Christmas Eve!

00

Daryl's cradling her in his arms, balancing some of her weight on his leg for a minute while he makes sure the towel is covering her, and grabbing the flannel shirt as he mumbles, "I'ma need more hands."

Beth's head is resting against his chest, her eyes are closed and her voice so weak he can barely hear the word, "Sorry."

"I told ya before, don't be." He carries her to his room and stands her next to the bed, bracing her against him while telling her, "Ya can't be gettin' in bed in a wet towel, let's get the shirt on ya," and because he's certain it's important to her, he promises, "I ain't some creep. I ain't gonna look. I'ma just try'n help ya. Ya okay? Can ya do it?"

"Yes," Her voice is still barely there and he knows she could tip over at any time, so he keeps an arm circled around her waist and holds the shirt up with his other hand while she slips one arm in and then the other. "Here, c'mon, get in the bed. Ya need rest." He's done his best not to look, but he couldn't help seeing the pale white skin, the slim curve of her waist and the small perfect breasts.

He tries not to think about all that as he helps her in the bed, quickly buttons up the shirt and pulls the covers up, trying to avoid too much weight against her knees, that's tricky. She looks like she's asleep, he thinks she is, but then she insists, "I'm not weak you know, it just really hurts and it's so late and I'm so tired, and I know I drank that whiskey way too fast."

He takes the blame, "That's on me, I shouldn't have givin' it to ya."

"Daryl, I'm not a baby. I should have been smarter. Everything I've done tonight has been really, really stupid. I know I've ruined your Christmas. I ruined mine too," and just like that she starts crying hard, her slim shoulders shaking and the tears rolling, and there's a huge sob as she blurts out, "and you've seen me…naked."

He doesn't know what the fuck he's supposed to do or say to all that, but he's probably supposed to say something to make her feel better. Yeah, comfort her. He comes up with, "Hey now, don't be doin' that. Ya didn't do nothin' ta me, you sure as hell didn't ruin my Christmas. As for not havin' any clothes on, shit Baby, I's too busy gettin' your little butt in here and covered up ta notice anythin'." He doesn't make a habit of telling lies, but shit, if he's gonna start then this seems like the right time to do it.

He kneels next to the bed and sets an open hand on her damp hair, assuring her, "I know you're strong cuz I know how bad it hurts ta clean all that dirt and gravel outta them deep cuts, and you done it all yourself. I heard ya cryin' in there, but I never thought it was cuz you're weak. When sumthin' hurts, it just fuckin' hurts. Now, let's get it over with, whaddya say? I'ma go out ta the kitchen, get the first aid stuff n come back in here an tend ta them fuckin' cuts and that road rash once n for all. K?"

All that and all she can come up with in reply is, "You cuss a lot Daryl."

Now he's irritated, "Oh bullshit," he shakes his head and says, "and sumthin' else, I'ma bring ya more water ta drink n you're gonna drink it so ya don't get dehydrated, and then you're gonna tell me just what the fuck happened ta you tonight."

Oh shit, he's being a bully again, "Sorry, but damn girl, ya got me goin. Listen, I'm just try'n ta help ya out here, and for your information, I don't give two shits about Christmas. Christmas never did one thing for me but cause me pain." What the fuck is wrong with him? He tries humor again, "All I planned ta do tonight was, well I thought I might put my feet up, watch a movie and eat some chili, maybe throw back a couple beers. You saved me from all that misery, except for the bowl a chili. I did eat that."

She smiles, "You're funny, and the chili smells good."

"That's cuz it is good, and if we ever get them fuckin' wounds taken care of I'ma make ya eat a bowl. For now, just close them eyes and rest. I'll be right back."

She looks into his eyes and wonders, who is this man? This rough, tough biker guy with lots of scars, tattoos, terrible language, and a voice that sounds like tractor tires on a gravel road. She tries adding a little humor to the situation, "I'm sorry, and thank you Mister Not-So-Dirty Dixon."

He gives her that tiny smile and says, "I took a shower, I'm fresh as a damn daisy right now."

She wakes to the feel of him cautiously dabbing something cold on her face. He sees her eyes barely open and he tells her, "Ya did a good job scrubbin' these up. I'ma just make sure with a little peroxide, and then I got some antibiotic ointment, it's real good stuff too, prescription."

"Okay."

"Why don't ya close your eyes n rest and when I'm done, ya get ta eat chili and drink water. It's like that around here Beth, we get pretty fuckin' crazy at Christmas."

Her eyes have already closed again, but there's a smile on her face when she answers, "We sure do Daryl, Merry Christmas to us."

"That's the spirit right there. Now rest n lemme do my work."

"Yessir."

Things change dramatically when he starts on her knees, they're in much worse shape. She's trying so hard to be brave, to show him she's strong, but she can't help it, she's crying. These are sad, quiet tears, the only sound coming from her is a mournful repeating of, "it hurts so bad Daryl, it hurts."

"I know it does Baby, I wish it could be me takin' it for ya, but I'm try'n ta move as fast as I can so we can get this over with."

"Maybe I should have a little more of the whiskey."

He can't help smiling at that as he straightens up and agrees, "I dunno why not, you ain't drivin' anywhere n you ain't takin' another bath, shit, I guess neither am I. I'll go get us both some."

He returns with the glasses, hers with Southern Comfort, his with Maker's. He sets them both on the night table, and then he has an idea. Maybe it will help, shit, it couldn't make things any worse, so he suggests, "While I'm workin', why don't ya tell me the story about how all this happened."

She takes a sip of the Comfort and begins, "Oh gosh, it already seems like so long ago." She shakes her head and begins, "My friend Amy, she's been my best friend forever, we used to do stuff together all the time until about six months ago when she moved down to Peterson. I live in Smithton. Anyway, my Mama and Daddy went to Michigan for Christmas to see my sister and her family, and my brother is stationed over in Germany so he isn't coming home, and I was going to be alone for the holidays."

She finally stops to take a breath, and a small sip of whiskey, and he takes a swallow himself.

"Amy knew I've been kind of…well no…I've been really dreading being alone for Christmas, even though I've tried very hard to tell myself how fun it would be and how much I'd enjoy a day just to myself. So anyway, Amy came up with a really fun plan for us to spend Christmas Eve day together, well don't get me wrong, her Mama is a really sweet lady and she invited me for Christmas day at her home but I made up a story about why I couldn't go because, well you know, I didn't want to intrude on their family time. Is that weird?"

"Nope. I get it, I done that kind a thing once or twice myself." He's getting a kick out of listening to her talk, and it's helping them both think about something else while he tends to her knees. Fuck, she should probably have some stitches. He notices her wincing and he knows how bad it hurts, but he has to do it or things will get worse. "I know how you were feeling, but I bet they really did want ya there." He gives her the smallest of smiles and says, "here, lemme see them hands."

She holds out her hands, palm up, and he takes one in his, while she answers, "I don't know, but so anyway, Amy and I had this big plan to bake Christmas cookies in the morning, then watch a Christmas movie and drink hot chocolate, and then make ourselves a big pizza." She manages to smile when she says, "Gosh, we had so much fun."

He gives her a dead eye stare, says, "Yeah, okay," thinking to himself, shit ladies, don't get so fucking outta control, "So then what?"

She takes another little sip and so does he, "That was the beginning of all my mistakes. I should have gone home right after the pizza, but then Amy asked if I wanted to watch one more Christmas movie, and I don't have the Hallmark Channel, so I thought, why not? I said okay."

In his wildest dreams he never imagined there were really people like her in the world, so pure and wholesome. Shit, cookies, hot chocolate and Christmas movies.

"So gosh, by the time I left Amy's apartment it was super dark. I was fooling around with the radio, trying to find a station playing Christmas music, and the defroster didn't seem to be working right, so I had to fiddle with it too. Besides that stuff, I needed more heat because it was getting so cold. I guess while I was doing all those things I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going."

He snorts, "I can't imagine why not."

"Stop." She takes another little sip and says, "I got lost, well I made a wrong turn or something somewhere and I got on this road and I didn't know where I was…"

Daryl cringes when she gets to the part about leaving the car. He doesn't say anything now, but before she leaves his house he will tell her, you never leave the vehicle. Shit, she could have frozen to death, she damn near did. The car has a heater, she could have at least stayed warm until morning, then flagged down a passerby.

"So, anyway, I knocked you opened the door and cussed at me, and then you saved my life Daryl. You've saved it at least twice so far."

"Yeah, well…whatever. So this best friend a yours with the Christmas movies, she lives in Peterson, right?"

"Yes."

"Then I got good news. My brother lives in Peterson and he's comin' over later with Christmas dinner. He could grab your phone on his way."

"That would be so great. If you let me use your phone I could call Amy right now and let her know."

"Yeah, sure, you can use my phone, but not now. It's two in the mornin'."

"Are you serious? I can't believe it, I've never stayed up this late."

He can't believe that. First he snorts out a laugh and then asks, "You're kiddin' me, right? What's your usual bedtime?"

"I try to be in bed no later than nine."

Nine. The roadhouse just gets cooking about nine. He doesn't tease her about it though, instead he suggests, "How bout you call Amy in the morning and if she says it's all right for Merle ta stop by and get your phone, then I'll call him n let him know. For now though, guess what? We're done. I'll go get you that bowl of chili."

"Would it be okay if I ate it out there? Maybe you could turn on the Christmas tree lights."

He's confused, "There ain't no tree."

"No tree?"

He shrugs, "Did ya see one?"

Her eyes caste down and she sounds timid when she responds, "Well, no but I was…um pretty out of it. I thought I just missed it I guess."

She looks so sad and he's pretty sure he was an asshole again. He shouldn't snap at her that way, "If I knew you'd be here for Christmas Beth, I'da gone out an found a big one, cut it down and drug it back here." His smile is tight, small, when he asks again, "So do ya wanna eat here in bed, or out in the front room?"

She sighs, "The front room I think, there's a fire and it's cozy."

She gets a few bites of the chili down and then says, "I'm too tired to finish, I just want to sleep. Is that okay?"

"Well yeah, that's the best thing for ya right now."

"I wish I had a toothbrush."

"I got a spare. Just bought a two-pack of em the other day."

"Oh my gosh, that's great," then it occurs to her, "Where am I going to sleep?"

He answers, "You're sleepin' in my bed," and her heart feels like it seized up, oh no, he expects something from her for all this kindness, but then he adds, "I'll sleep in the spare room."

She shouldn't always assume the worst about him, he's the nicest man she's ever met, "Are you sure that's okay?"

"I'm sure, c'mon, I could use some sleep myself."

He insists on carrying her to the bathroom, "Let's give them knees a rest. They'll be better after you've had some sleep." Or, they could be more sore as the skin tightens up, but there's no need to mention that right now.

She's out like a light as soon as her head hits the pillow. That's when Daryl slips on his boots and his jacket and leaves. He's pretty sure he's lost his fucking mind. The thing is though, fuck him, he saw how sad she looked when he snarled about the tree. The poor chick has had a helluva fuckin' day and all she wanted was a dumb damn tree. He's gotta do this for her. Shit, Merle's gonna be calling him a pussy for the next 10 years. So be it.

He gets to the bar, gets a couple of empty boxes from the storeroom and heads right for the back bar. He pulls the cash drawer and sets it on the bottom of one box, then sets the little tree on top of it. He takes down all the lights and the garland and all those other Christmas doodahs Rosita has around the back bar and puts all of it in the other box. Then he remembers one more thing. He goes back to the storeroom and gets into Rosita's candy stash. That girl's been on a candy cane binge since Thanksgiving. She buys the good ones too, the great big ones. He slips once in the breast pocket of his vest.

He puts everything in the cab of his pickup and when he gets back to his place he's relieved to find it as he left it, Beth is still sound asleep.

Daryl sets the little tree on top of the entertainment center and strings the lights around his front window. He looks at the garland, wonders what the hell to do with that, and decides to put it around the entertainment center, and then he sets all those doodahs on top too, along with the tree. As long as none of it covers up the TV screen it'll be just fine.

He sits on the couch with a last short pour of Maker's, and finds himself hoping when Beth sees all this stuff she'll be happy. Maybe it will make her smile.

Daryl checks in on her one more time before he hits the sack. He pulls the covers up over her shoulders, whispers, "Sleep tight Baby," and goes in and brushes his teeth. To just keep walking right by the bed takes strong resolve, man he'd like to crawl in next to her and get real close. He softly scoffs at himself, shit, nothing like that is ever going to happen between her and him. He heads to the spare room.

She hears his whispered words and silently wishes he'd crawl in this big bed with her. She could use some hugs and she's sure Daryl Dixon gives good, comforting ones.

00

He's up first, turning on all those lights and getting a pot of coffee going. While the coffee's brewing he takes her his phone, then leaves the room to give her a little privacy while she calls her friend Amy. Beth gives Amy just the barest of details and promises, "Once I'm home, with my phone I'll call and tell you everything, and Amy, could you do me one more favor?"

"Anything Beth."

"Could you put some sweats in a bag, maybe some panties too? My clothes are a mess. I'll return everything to you as soon as I get my car back."

"Yes, of course, and I'm not worried Beth. Sheesh, what kind of a friend do you think I am? I'll come visit you in a couple of days with something yummy to eat, and I can get them then."

"You're a lifesaver."

There's one more problem, that little conversation with Amy reminded Beth, her car is in a ditch and who knows if it will even run.

She calls out his name, "Daryl."

He's there in seconds, "Yeah, did ya talk to your friend?"

"Yes, and she said of course your brother can come by."

"You told her what I said?"

"Yes, I warned her he's a very rough seeming fellow but she shouldn't worry." He almost laughs, she put it a whole lot nice than he did. "But gosh, I have a big problem."

"What?"

"My car's up the road in a ditch and I couldn't get it out."

He says, "It should be okay. Merle's got an auto garage down there in Peterson. I'll tell him ta drive his tow truck up and me n him will get the car outta the ditch and back here."

"Oh my gosh, really? That would be so wonderful," then her face drops, "Wait though, tow trucks cost money, I only have twenty dollars left until payday."

He shrugs, "I'm sure Merle will front ya." He doesn't tell she wouldn't be the first pretty girl Merle didn't charge. "Right now, coffee's ready. C'mon, I'll help ya out there."

"I need to use the rest room."

"Yeah, lemme help ya up and get ya as far as the door."

She insists she can walk and he agrees to let her give it a try, but he bends and wraps her arm around his shoulder, still half carrying her that way, and then she sees the lights and the little tree. She shrieks, "Oh my gosh Daryl, you decorated! I love it!" She's giggling and so fucking happy it makes him glad he's a pussy.

"A'ight, you set here in the chair and relax a minute while I call Merle, then I'll get us some food goin'."

"Daryl?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you, and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas Baby," he smiles the words as he hands her the candy cane. If he was ever going to kiss her, now would be the time. Nah. Never happen. She isn't the woman for him. He can see it all now, he gives her a kiss, she gives him a right hook.

There was a second there when she thought he might kiss her, and she kind of wished he would. No, that won't happen. He's being very kind to her, he's gone way above and beyond even what most friends would do, but that's just because he has a good heart. Besides, she's seen herself in the mirror and it's scary.

He's in the kitchen making his call, but she can hear everything he's saying, "Yeah brother, just givin' ya a heads up, it ain't gonna be just you n me today. I got a girl here," he pauses for a minute or two, no doubt listening to whatever his brother is saying, and then responds, "No dumbass, it ain't fuckin' like that. She's hurt. Her car went off the road about a mile n a half up the highway last night. She showed up at the bar after I already closed and she was all banged up from a bad fall n about half frozen," he pauses again, "Yeah, I got her thawed, don't be an asshole. Listen Merle, I need ya to go to her friend's place there in Peterson n pick up her phone on your way here. If she'd a had that thing last night it woulda saved a lotta grief. Oh, n when ya come drive your tow truck, her car's in the ditch and we'll have ta get it back ta my place" Another pause and then he says, "Yeah, don't worry, that won't take long, we'll still have all day ta drink n watch football."

She's stunned, she can't in her wildest dreams imagine her and Maggie calling each other names like that and certainly never having a conversation like that, and Maggie is about the wildest person she knows. Well, she was. Until now.

He comes in from the kitchen and says, "Merle'll be here in a couple hours. Right now, I's gonna cook up some ham n eggs, that sound good to you?"

"Yes, I'm starving, and I can help."

"Yeah, you can help by sittin' there n keeping them legs up." Then he smiles, "I's thinkin' about your story and shit, I got the big bundle TV package deal from the cable company for the bar. Then Merle worked a little questionable magic n I get it all here at the house too. I might even have whatever that Hallmark Channel is ya like," he hands her the controller and says, "Have at it, I'll cook breakfast." Then he remembers something, "I got coffee, but no tea, or hot chocolate, nuthin' like that."

"I like coffee if it has a lot of milk and sugar."

"Comin' right up."

"Thank you, Daryl."

Oh my goodness, he does have the Hallmark Channel. She's sipping coffee and watching a silly romance and she realizes this Christmas morning is much better than she ever imagined it could be.

It's not long before he's walking back in the front room with a big plate in each hand, "Here ya go."

"It looks and smells delicious Daryl, but my gosh, that's a lot of food."

"Don't worry, I'll finish up what you don't eat."

She smiles, "Okay."

As he's shoveling in a bite of fried potatoes he asks, "What's this we're watchin'?"

She grabs the remote and hits pause. "It's just a Christmas romance movie. I'm sure it wouldn't suit your taste."

"Romance, huh? Ya got a boyfriend do ya?"

"No, but, I don't know, I'm hooked on these movies. Everything always turns out happy and everyone's in love and I guess I just like that."

"I guess there ain't nuthin' wrong with that and you'll have plenty a time ta watch after ya eat. I got a kitchen ta clean up and some bookkeeping ta do. I didn't get a chance ta tally up last night."

"I'm so sorry, I could do your bookwork for you, that's what I do. I work at an accounting firm."

"Nah, you're in charge of romance, I'll do the books." She turns all pink and he likes that look on her.

She's even hungrier than she thought, and the food is delicious. She tells him that, "Gosh Daryl, you're a really good cook. The chili was great and this is delicious too."

"I got about five things I know how ta cook, ham n eggs and chili are two of em."

"What else?"

He shrugs, "Uh, let's see, chicken fried steak, stew, any kind of stew, beef, rabbit, venison, chicken. I got that stew shit down to a fine science, and a pot a beans. I make a pretty damn good pot of beans." He looks over at her and asks, "And whaddya you like ta cook?"

"I love to bake, pies, cookies, cake, breads, all that stuff, but I'm also pretty good with breakfast, lunch and dinner. You've got me beat on fried potatoes though, that's for sure. They're so good."

Everything is pleasant. Friends. They're just talking like friends, while both of them are kind of wishing could be a little more. No. No way on earth, they don;t have one thing in common. Night and day.

00

It happens at 11am, the front door swings open and a big man, with a smile that spreads from one side of his face to the other, announces, "I have a arrived, let the games begin."

Daryl walks in from the den where he's been doing his book work and cautions, "Don't scare her, and shut the fuckin' door it's colder'n hell out there."

"A'ight, a'ight little brother, calm down," as the man speaks he's walking toward her and Beth feels her tummy tighten, then he hands her an oversized Christmas wrapping bag and smiles, "You must be Beth, my name's Merle. Your friend Amy said you'd like ta have this." He reaches in his pocket, hands her the phone and says, "Oh yeah, an I got this for ya too."

She's so happy and relieved, "Thank you so much."

Daryl nods, "Yeah, thanks brother."

"K brother, let's get that food carried in for it gets cold."

Beth says, "Daryl, Amy sent me some clothes. I'd like to change."

"Yeah, yeah, lemme help ya get back there." He doesn't just help her though, he scoops her up out of the chair and carries her to his bathroom. He doesn't say it in a suggestive or teasing way, he's very matter-of-fact, "I noticed ya left some things in here ya might want."

Oh no, that's right, she left her panties and bra hanging over the side of the tub. How embarrassing, but then again, she knows this man saw her naked. Is it even possible to be more embarrassed?

"Holler for me when you're ready."

"Thanks, I will."

Oh my gosh, Amy is the best. There are clean panties, a really cute set that has straight leg sweat pants that won't rub her knees, a t-shirt and zip front hoodie, and she sent an extra crew collar sweatshirt. That's not all either, she packed a toiletry bag with all the essentials. Amy's the best.

It's more of a struggle than she expected, but she gets herself dressed, combs her hair and puts it in a ponytail, so glad to finally get it out of her face, and speaking of her face, she gently washes it and uses some of the moisturizer Amy sent.

Daryl's got her keys in his hand and they're about to leave, and he promises, "Just sit right here watchin' your movies n Merle n me will be back in no time with your car, k? Then we can all watch football and have some Christmas dinner."

"Yes, okay, that sounds wonderful, and thank you both."

This Christmas isn't like any Christmas she's ever had, she's certainly never had one where she felt so much gratitude. How could everything have gone so wrong, and now all of this feels so right.

00

A/N Merry Christmas! Please leave a comment. There's a chapter photo of our couple on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. I'll be back New Years Eve with the third and final part of our story, I hope you'll be here too. Until then remember, I love ya large and ho ho ho! xo gneebee