A/N Thank you everyone. Let's get off that cliff and see what happens next! I hope you enjoy.

00

Mama doesn't want trouble, and she can see by the look on her husband's face, there's trouble on the way. She does what she can to avert it, "I don't know about the rest of you, but it's been a long time since breakfast and I'm just famished." She turns to her daughter, "Beth, let's get the food on the dining room table, we can all visit over a meal."

She looks to Daryl, smiles and says, "I've always believed the world's troubles could be solved if folks would just sit, have a nice meal together, and speak to each other in a kind, respectful manner."

She hopes both her husband and this young man get the message.

Daryl's happy to do anything besides standing there waiting for the axe to fall, "Thanks Ma'am, I ain't gonna argue with your thinkin', and I'm hungry myself."

Beth's tummy is in such a turmoil the last thing she wants to think about is eating, but she's grateful Mama suggested it because it seems like Daddy's always at his happiest when he's eating Mama's cooking. It's as that thought crosses Beth's mind that Daddy mumbles, "It's about time, for a while there I thought you were never going to feed me again Annette."

That remark reminds Daryl how old-fashioned these people are. He'd bet the old man has never lifted a finger in the kitchen, might not even know where the damn thing is, but Daryl offers, "I can help carry some stuff for ya," and Mama and Beth take him up on the offer.

In spite of his hair, and the facial hair, and those tattoos on his hand, Mama can't help being impressed by his willingness to help, and his kind and polite demeanor. He continues making points with Annette Greene when he remains standing until she's finally ready to sit at the dining table, and then pulls her chair out for her, "Ma'am." He's never done that kind of stuff, but he's seen it in old movies and right now seems like the perfect time for that type of old school manners.

Although Daddy gives him a disgruntled look, Mama's is all smiles when she says, "I hope you like cold fried chicken, it's a favorite around here."

"Yes Ma'am, and it looks n smells real good. I can't wait ta taste it."

Beth warned him about a few things, so he's not filling his plate just yet. He knows it's no free for all at the Greene table. They politely pass the food around the table, and something else Beth told him about, her Daddy will be saying grace.

Daryl doesn't mind if they want to pray, but what he didn't expect was that they'd all hold hands to pray, and as he clasps the old man's hand in his, Daryl looks up to heaven and silently expresses his gratitude to whoever might be listening, that Merle isn't here to see what's going on.

For now though, whatever floats the old man's boat is what's going to happen. Today Daryl's just trying to do his best to go along and get along.

It's finally time to eat and her Daddy takes a big bite out of a chicken leg, and after swallowing says, "So, I guess we're pretty lucky you were in the bar on Christmas Eve." Although it's a pleasant enough statement, the delivery sounds a little snarky.

Daryl shrugs, okay, just a normal question, besides, he made up his mind before he ever got here, he'd keep his cool. As far as he's concerned, this day isn't about him and her Daddy, this day is about Beth. It's about making her happy. Fuck this guy, "Yessir, I'm real glad I was still there. I'd closed up a few minutes before and I was just gettin' ready ta get my bookwork done. I like ta take care a that right away and get things locked up in the safe before I go home."

"I can't say as I blame you. You can't trust that those barflies won't show back up and try to rob the place."

There it is. An invitation to argue that's veiled in a seemingly innocent remark. Daryl's not taking the bait. He knew he was probably going to have to let some shit roll off his back today, so he grins and nods when he responds, "I think I'd be lockin' them receipts up right away whether I was runnin' a bar, or an ice cream store. When people know there's money around, they start itching ta take it. That's too bad, but it's the way it is."

He takes a swallow of tea and his tone is thoughtful and serious. It's almost as if he's thinking out loud, "I don't wanna think about what coulda happened if I wasn't there. Beth was in real bad shape. She was covered in blood and I could see alotta cuts n scrapes, and worse. She couldn't even stand on her own feet. I had ta carry her, but as tore up as she was, I probably woulda done that anyway."

Herschel Greene nods and says, "Seems to me like maybe you should have called 9-1-1 and let the professionals handle it."

Beth immediately responds to that statement, "Daddy!"

Daryl holds up a hand, "Naw, it's okay, Baby," and eyebrows shoot up all around the table. Baby? Oops, shit, well fuck it, "maybe you're right Mister Greene, maybe I shoulda thought ta call, but Beth needed help bad, there was blood everywhere n she was damn near frozen solid," oh shit, "ta make matters worse, it was snowin' like a son of a…son of a gun. I was right there, just her n me, and I've doctored some wounds so I did what I thought was the best thing I could do, I took care of her."

Beth isn't about to let him go this alone, "You'll be happy to know Daddy, Daryl took excellent care of me," she glances at her Mother and says, "No one has ever taken such good care of me besides you Mama. I thought about that a few times when I was at Daryl's house, how when I was a little girl and so sick with the flu, remember Mama? I don't think you ever left my side unless it was to get me something, water, or juice or soup, that's how Daryl was with me," and now seems like the perfect time to point out, "I know he doesn't look like it, maybe he seems a little rough and unpolished," she looks over at Daryl with a smile and a shrug as she admits, "and I guess he is, but there's a lot to Daryl you don't see. He's a worrywart and with a soft heart. He was far more concerned about me than I was."

Daddy just huffs, swallows another bite of chicken and says, "Well it seems like you could have gotten Amy over there sooner, and why didn't anyone call me and your mother? Shouldn't somebody have called us?"

Beth shrugs, "I didn't want to ruin your time with Maggie and Glenn just because I did something stupid…"

Daryl cuts her off, "Don't say that about yourself Beth, I told ya that. You just made a little mistake, had a little trouble. That don't make ya stupid, that makes ya human."

Mama nods in agreement as she lays her hand over her daughter's, "Daryl's right Beth, it was just a terrible accident. Oh my gosh, what a frightening ordeal you went through," she looks across the table at Herschel and continues, "I'm so grateful that Daryl was there and he took such good care of our daughter. Praise Jesus."

All that might be true, but Daddy's not done being mad and cranky, "Well it's not right for a young woman to spend all that time in a house alone with a strange man. What would people say?"

Daryl doesn't think things through, he simply expresses his opinion on the matter, "Well I don't understand why people would have anything ta say about it at all. Why would they care? It ain't anyone's business but hers n mine. Beth's a grown up woman and I'm a 35 year old man. It's between us, and if them people were talkin' about us before, I guess they'll really get ta talkin' now that she's moved in and livin' with me full time."

Mama's tea glass hits the floor and Daddy's on his feet demanding, "What's that you say? You'd better explain yourself young man."

Beth already ran off to get rags and she's back cleaning up Mama's spill. "Daddy…"

Daryl's standing now too. Fuck him, he spilled the beans and now he's going to have to try and get this situation reigned in, "That's okay Baby, you help your Mama," he looks at Annette Greene and apologizes, "Sorry if I startled ya Ma'am, but I'm not sorry ta say, I love your daughter. I want her with me and she agreed. We went ta her place, got her stuff and told the landlord sayonara. She's all moved in and we're good, we're solid. You ain't got a thing ta worry about."

Mama can't get a word to come out, Beth has the woman's hand and tries to console her, "I'm sorry you found out this way. I should have told you sooner, but it wasn't like we planned for it to happen, it just did Mama. Daryl and I fell in love and we just wanted to be together all the time, as much as we possibly could."

That's when Daddy says the words that no one in that room will ever be able to un-hear, "Is that what you've become Elizabeth? All some man has to do is say he loves you and you happily give yourself to him? What became of your morals? I'm ashamed to call you my daughter."

That hits too close for Daryl. He was shamed his whole childhood and he won't stand by and let anyone do that to Beth. Before Hershel's done with his remarks, Daryl is on his feet and taking Beth by the arm, "C'mon Baby, that's our cue ta go, or shit's gonna get real," but he pauses, looks at her Mama sitting there in shock and says, "I'm real sorry Ma'am, for everythin', includin' my language. I appreciate the food, and I promise I'll take good care of Beth."

It's only seconds before the screen door slams and Mama and Daddy hear the roar of a motorcycle speeding away.

Daryl waits until there a good way off the property to pull the bike over. They get off and the first thing he does is take her in his arms, and as he holds her close, he can feel her body trembling and he knows she's crying. He softly rubs her back, fuck, this is all his damn fault. He should have let Beth tell them, he should have kept his big mouth shut, shit, and then he practically grabbed her and forced her to leave. Fuck him, what an asshole.

He quietly tells her, "I'm sorry Baby, I'm pretty sure this is my fault. Ya want me ta take ya back there so you can make things right with your folks? C'mon, I can take ya back."

She lifts her head off his chest so she can look in his eyes when she answers, "Heck no. I told you Daryl Dixon, I love you," her crying becomes more intense but she still makes herself clear, "and I want to live with you, I never want to be without you. I guess if Daddy can't accept that and if he's so ashamed he doesn't want me to be part of his life, then, well, I don't know. His loss I guess."

He holds her close, wanting more than anything to believe that this will all work out just fine. No fucking way. Sweet Beth might have just walked away from her folks, she might say she's done, but no. This is temporary. Once she gets home and has a chance to think things through she'll realize what she's done. She'll call them up, her Daddy will come get her, they'll kiss and make up, and they'll all tell him to go piss up a rope.

"Daryl, can you get my stuff out of the saddlebag please? I just want to change and go home."

"Yeah Baby sure."

His head is spinning the whole ride home, fuck, but Beth's holding on tight and her arms around him feel so good, so he's trying hard not to think about everything he's sure is about to go wrong. Instead he just tries keeping his mind and his heart on how good he's got it right this minute.

Beth holds on to him like her life depends on it, maybe it does. How could Daddy say those things? How could he be so mean to her? She understands he disapproves, she expected that, but she thought they'd talk about the situation like reasonable people. She'd tell them how she felt and maybe they'd understand. Maybe they wouldn't but does that have to mean they can't still be a family? Does that mean that Daddy has to act so hateful? He's a man of God for goodness sake, he should show a little grace, shouldn't he?

They get home and his stomach is growling, and Beth realizes hers is too. Daryl barely had two bites of dinner at the farm, and she only had a bite herself. She suggests, "We have everything we need for a delicious Sunday dinner of tomato soup and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches."

"Yeah, that sounds good."

"Tomorrow I'll go to the store and get groceries, our cupboards have gotten a little bare."

With the two of them working together it just takes a few minutes to make the meal. They sit at the kitchen table and after a few bites he offers, "Ya know, I mean, Baby, they're your folks. If ya wanna go back, I get it. I ain't gonna stop ya."

She's agitated now, "Oh yeah? Well I'm going to stop you Daryl Dixon. You quit it right now. Sheesh, it's like you're trying to get rid of me or something. Will you just accept the fact I'm here, I'm with you. This is where I want to be. Now be quiet and finish your dinner."

He can't help himself, he digs it when she gets all feisty with him, "Yes Boss."

She can't help the giggle that escapes, "That's right, I am the boss, please try to remember that."

"I will, I promise."

"All right. Then I'll just go ahead and say it, after dinner I need to have one of those famous Daryl Dixon naps. You know the ones, the kind where I never get any rest because you're making love to me."

"Yes Ma'am, I could go for a nap myself."

"I prefer it if you don't call me Ma'am, I'm too young for that."

"Okay Miss." They're both laughing, but also hurrying through their meal so they can get to that nap. Surely that closeness will help make things better.


Meanwhile back at the farm Daddy's been getting an earful. Annette Greene has been very vocal about her anger and she issues a warning to her husband, "You had better figure out how to make this right Herschel Greene."

He's known for his stubbornness and it's on full display, "Like heck I will, I was speaking the truth when I said what I said. The trouble isn't me. The trouble is no one likes to hear the truth."

"I'm going to tell you one more time Herschel, and I hope for your sake you're listening. Beth is my daughter and I am not going to let our relationship just come to an end because she fell in love with a man and wants to have her own life."

"Is that right Annette? So are you saying you approve of this situation? Your daughter shacking up with some biker?"

"Don't you see how badly you're behaving Hershel? I think we can agree, Daryl is not just some biker, he is the man who saved our daughter's life. He also happens to be a gentleman, and I believe him completely when he says he loves Beth. Am I happy about our daughter moving in with him and setting up housekeeping? I absolutely am not, but I would have listened to Beth's reasoning. I would have liked to hear more from Daryl on the subject. We should have all discussed this situation. For all we know they have a plan to get married, but we never even got the chance to hear about it because you lost your temper and turned mean. You're too old for that nonsense."

"I stand by what I said Annette."

"Then you stand alone Hershel."

00

They work all day every day on the new bar kitchen and dining area, right up until it's time for Daryl to shower, eat a fast meal and go to work at the bar. While he's working nights Beth is taking care of their home. There's cleaning and the laundry, the grocery shopping, and doing meal prep so they don't have to stop what they're doing during the day to cook. There are sandwiches in the fridge ready to eat, and meals ready to pop in the microwave. It's not ideal, not how they'd like it to be, but they know it's temporary, and they're so excited about the progress they're making and how good everything looks. They don't mind at all how things are now, they're getting closer and closer to their goal.

They're also in a constant state of exhaustion. They can't wait to crawl in bed and catch some sleep whenever they get the chance, it's not just about the sleep though. Ever since the blow up with her Dad Beth seems to need him more, and Daryl gets it. There's a lot of comfort in being physical with someone who loves you, someone who's only interested in making you happy. That's how their lovemaking has been during this time, slow, easy, and loving. Things are changing too. They both feel it happening, the feelings and devotion they have for each other grow deeper every day.

Although Daryl knows Beth's heart is hurting, she never mentions the things her Daddy said so Daryl doesn't mention anything either. What has happened though is, her Mama has started calling her. The first time was just two days after the blowup.

It was six thirty in the morning, Daryl and Beth had just finished breakfast and were ready to go work at the bar when Beth's phone began to ring. She looked at the screen, looked at Daryl and whispered the word, "Mama."

He nodded, "See ya there, no rush," he bent and kissed her hair, then he thought to add, "Call if ya need me ta come home." Shit, who knows what this could be about? But her Mama seemed like such a sweet lady.

Mama explained to Beth that Herschel was doing repairs on the barn and she didn't expect him back to the house until noon, "I would have called you sooner, but he seemed to be underfoot every minute and I wanted to have a little privacy so we could really talk Bethie."

"I want that too Mama, gosh, I've missed talking to you so much."

"Well let's talk now. Tell me all about Daryl," there's a smile in her voice when she adds, "how did a sweet, young and very innocent woman like my Beth, fall for a rough and tumble biker man?"

Beth tells her honestly, "At first I was a little scared of him Mama, I mean, you've seen him. Who wouldn't be a little scared?" The two women laugh, and Beth adds, "but I bet you also noticed how handsome he is, that can't be missed. Besides the good looks though Mama, honestly, it's just him and who he is. Daryl's such a good man and he treats me so well Mama, and, well it's hard to put into words, but when I'm around him I just feel so loved and protected and like no matter what happens everything is going to be all right because he'll make sure it is."

"Well that's lovely, but my gosh, moving in with a man, that's something, well…that's something. How did that come about?"

Beth tells her Mama the whole story, the story of her love for Daryl, and the situation with Spencer. "Amy's sister put me in touch with an attorney who specializes in these things. I just spoke to her yesterday and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to sue him Mama. What he did was illegal, but it's not just me who's going to take action. Michonne, that's my attorney, she says the state will go after him too."

"Oh dear, dear, what an awful man. That's good though, he should be punished. What he did was wrong."

"It really was Mama, anyway, you can imagine how upset I was, sad, angry, worried, you name it and I felt it. I have a little savings but not enough to get by for long. Anyway, Daryl offered to move me in here with him. He has a very nice home, kind of rural but also close to everything, and, well, gosh Mama, I love him and the idea of living with him sounded pretty wonderful and so I said yes, and Mama, the next day I was all moved in."

"Oh my."

"Yes Mama, I understand, it was very soon, very sudden and…I know it's wrong in your eyes that we're living like this and we're not married, heck, this kind of thing used to be wrong in my eyes too, and honestly, I guess it still seems wrong in some ways. But we're so happy Mama."

"Do you think it will lead to marriage?"

"I just don't know Mama. Daryl's different than you and me, and really? I don't think the thought ever crosses his mind. I think he's perfectly happy with everything just how it is, but I also think if I asked him to marry me, he would. Maybe I'll do that some time."

"I certainly would like to get to know him better, I just don't know how I'm going to arrange that. Your father can be a stubborn old goat Beth, but I hope you know he loves you with all his heart. I'm not making excuses for him, but he's hurt, angry, he doesn't feel in control of this situation at all and that's his comfort zone, being in control of you kids."

"I know Mama, I know. I'm grateful that Daryl and I are so busy right now so I don't have time to sit around and dwell on my sadness."

"Oh? What are you and Daryl so busy doing?"

That's when Beth tells her Mama all about the dream Daryl had for his business and how he shared it with her, and how they're working now on making that dream become reality. "It's so exciting Mama."

"It sounds exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing it Bethie, I really am. We're going to figure this out, I promise. If it's the last thing I ever do, I will get this family back together."


It's been two hours since Daryl left for the bar when Beth finally walks in, "Shit Baby, I's about ta send a search party out lookin' for ya."

"You silly."

"Everythin' okay? Ya had a nice talk with you Mama?"

"I feel like it is okay Daryl, and I have a little hope it will get better. I know Mama doesn't exactly approve of our current living arrangement, but she's accepted it and she said she'd like to get to know you better. I'd say that's a giant step. I also told her everything about Spencer, the bar and what we're doing here, and I told her several times how much I love you." It surprises her how that statement seems to make the color come up on his neck, and she kind of loves it when this big, powerful man gets embarrassed.

It becomes a routine, her Mama calls her twice a week, but the conversations don't last nearly as long as that first one. Now they just chat about what's going on with the bar construction and what's happening on the farm, and Mama did say once, "I think it's only a matter of time before your Daddy gets tired of getting nothing but my cold shoulder when he crawls in our bed at night. He'll come around."

It's all Beth can do not to tell her Mother, "No. Oh please Mama, I don't want to think about you and Daddy in bed."


The appliances and other kitchen equipment are delivered right on schedule, and although the kitchen isn't 100% completed, it's ready for the install. All hands are on deck that Saturday, including Merle. He'll be the one who hooks everything to power, to gas lines, to water and sewer, and Daryl's working with him, while Abe and Jesus are staying busy and staying out of the way, working on the dining area. Daryl can hardly keep from smiling, man, it's all coming together and looking even better than he hoped it would, he credits Beth for so much of that.

Thursday the things she ordered for the bar arrived, and Beth's got Aaron helping her hang the cool new décor. It's a series of large, vintage, black and white photographs of motorcycles, motorcycle rallies, biker clubs and biker bars, and even motorcycle ads, all of them from the 1940's, 50's and 60's. The regulars are really digging them. They'll stand staring at one, beer in their hand, while they talk about the old skool days, as if they were there.

Merle and Daryl are making good headway, but it's a little uncomfortable. The AC isn't hooked up in the kitchen yet and it's hotter than blazes. There's no one around but the brothers and they figure, what the hell? Daryl peels off his shirt, and Merle's down to his undershirt.

It's about that time that an older couple pull into the bar parking lot. You just have to take one look at them to know they don't belong in a place like Dirty Dixon's. The woman is wearing a conservative navy blue dress that buttons up to her throat and hangs down to mid calf. She's got on sensible black pumps, and she's carrying a black handbag. The man is older, he's wearing khaki trousers, a white dress shirt, and a tweed sportscoat. Not exactly biker bar attire.

They're tentative as they approach the front door and Beth happens to glance over and see them, "Oh my gosh, you're here!" She hurries toward the door to greet them. "Mama, Daddy, I'm so happy to see you. Come in, come in."

Jerry's all smiles as he calls out from behind the bar, "Can I get you folks a beverage? I've got ginger ale, coke, Sprite, I even have iced tea in a can and plenty of water."

Daddy nods toward him and says, "Thank you, I think we're fine for now." Then he looks to his daughter and says, "I'd like to see this kitchen I've heard so much about." There's no apology yet, but Beth knows her Daddy and she can tell by his demeanor, an apology and a good talk are coming.

Beth smiles at her Mama and says, "Of course, of course. Come this way, Daryl and his brother are in installing all the new appliances today."

The brothers have their backs to the visitors, unaware of their presence, and as the Beth's folks walk through the doorway they're seeing something they never would have imagined. Merle's on a ladder reaching for a tool Daryl's handing up to him, and it's impossible to miss the broad shoulders and muscled bodies, but that's not all Herschel and Annette Greene see. The scars on Daryl's back, and the ones peeking out from under Merle's sleeveless shirt have Mama letting out a gasp. That draws the attention of the brothers and Daryl quickly apologizes as he grabs for the shirt hanging from a nail, and pulls it over his head, "Sorry Ma'am. I didn't know you was comin'."

Merle's down off the ladder and buttoning up a denim work shirt as he nods to her, "Sorry Ma'am, sorry Sir."

Daryl makes a somewhat flustered introduction, "Miz Greene, Mister Greene, this here is my brother, Merle Dixon. Merle, these are Beth's folks."

Merle knows his manners, the same as Daryl. When they were growing up every once in a while they had a TV and when they did, they were able to get one channel in that broken down old cabin where they lived. The brothers were hungry for escape and entertainment and they watched whatever was playing, including plenty of old movies. That's where they learned their manners, "Ma'am, Sir, very nice ta meet ya. You got a real special girl in Beth. We all think the world a her."

Herschel's mind has been working overtime since he saw the terrible scars, he's pretty sure he just figured out who these men are. "You fellas wouldn't happen to be Will Dixon's boys, would you?"

Merle's very matter of fact when he replies, "Sad ta say we are Sir. I hope ya didn't know the rotten bastard," oops, "Sorry for the language Ma'am."

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A/N There was plenty going on here, I'd appreciate if you left a comment. The chapter photo, scars and all, is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick. Please check it out. I'll be back next week with more of The Accidental Christmas, and I hope you'll be here too. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee