Disclaimer: I own nothing.

––

Five Years Later

"Aren't you just a little sour grape today?" Amy picked up the fussy two year old from the crib and began to gently bounce back and forth on her her heels. "I know it's a been a long night. A long, sleepless night, but it's morning now. That means Mommy's coming to get you."

Austen looked up at her with his big blue eyes, seemingly perking up at the mention of his mom. He began to settle down, and she took him downstairs.

"So, may I stay home today?" Paige asked, making coffee for them. "I'm so tired I have to work to lift my arms."

"Yes." Amy met her eyes. "But you're having tea, young lady. You and coffee have never mixed well."

"But I need it," Paige told her, grabbing with her hands.

"No." She handed her Austen. "Be careful, please."

"I dropped him once, and that was because I didn't have coffee. Please, just half a cup?"

"The only coffee you're going to get is coffee ice cream." She grabbed his breakfast and took him from Paige. "As soon as I've fed him and had a cup of coffee, I will make breakfast."

"Pancakes and eggs? Or bacon and eggs?"

"Pancakes and bacon."

"Good, because I don't like eggs in the morning. They make my mouth taste gross, and you didn't buy toothpaste at the store yesterday, so I can't brush my teeth until tonight." She crossed her arms. "We have that dinner with Aunt Andrea, and we're bringing the drinks, so we have to go shopping."

"Who is the mother here?" Amy teased.

"On the week days, me." She pulled down a mug. "By the way, Ty called."

"Oh? Did he leave a message?"

"Yeah, he just said that he couldn't make lunch tomorrow." She leaned on the counter, arms crossed.

"Well, that's fine. We have plans tomorrow anyway." She continued to fed Austen. "What should we do today?"

"Uhh, well we to finish painting the spare bedroom," Paige pointed out. "And we need to go jogging some time today then go pick out some art supplies."

"Right, art supplies. For that contest." Amy smiled. "What are you going to do?"

"I—I dunno." She shrugged a shoulder. "Something nice. I know I won't win, but it'll be fun to try."

"Paige, you might win."

"Maybe, but I won't if we don't get supplies." She looked at Austen. "Maybe I should paint this cutie."

"Would you like that?" Amy asked the toddler. "Would you like to be painted? Huh?" Austen just looked at them, and Paige laughed at the look he got. "Yeah, that's a no."

Paige walked over to him. "Reject me with your voice next time, okay?" She kissed his forehead and then walked back to pour her mom a cup of coffee. "Maybe I'll do something abstract."

"Well, whatever you decide, let me see it before the contest, and I want full bragging rights that I was the one who talked you in to doing this."

"Talked me into this. I don't think yelling at me for painting all over my mirror at four o' clock in the morning is considered "talking in to", but all right." Maybe giving her something to paint for and on was "talking in to" for Mom

"The mirror looks nice."

"Yeah, yeah." She set the cup down on the table. "I am going to shower, and I expect breakfast when I get out, please."

"Fine, breakfast. I'm getting on it as soon as he's finished."

"Eat faster, little man. Besides, your mommy will be here soon."

"Mama," Austen said.

"Yeah, Mama." Paige smiled. "He's so cute. Can we keep him?"

"No, I think Mama would actually turn into Mama if we tried to keep him."

"Oh, c'mon, she would never haunt us, push you down the stairs and in to a coma while I stayed and tried to keep little Austen safe. One of us would die with her, because Austen doesn't have a sister, and the older one survives, so...that sucks."

"Well, it'd have to be edited, of course." Amy then paused. "Why would I be the one who was pushed down the stairs and in to a coma?"

"'Cause you're the only old one here. Duh."

"Go shower, child of mine who might not get art supplies."

"Not old, just...the only adult," Paige corrected.

"But still go and shower, you smell like a gym sock."

"Well, this gym sock is going to roll all over your bed." She ran up the stairs.

"Go ahead, I have to wash my sheets anyway!" Amy called.

"Mama," Austen murmured.

"I know, baby boy. She will be here soon." Amy kissed the top of his head. "Time for our breakfast. Let's go put on some cartoons." Amy wiped his chin then carried him into the living room and turned on the TV. She flipped through the channels, but didn't find anything that she even could tolerate to hear, so she put on a recorded episode of Steven Universe. She looked over the bright colored gems as she put Austen in his pen and remembered the last time she watched something like this with a toddler. Well, Paige was a bit older than Austen, but that wasn't really the issue.

– – –

Amy held Paige in her arms, rocking back and forth in the armchair, watching an animated movie that she had found really cheap. Paige seemed to like it, and Amy was trying to distract herself with it. She had been doing well for so long. She couldn't just give in because the world was even shittier than she remembered. She was going to be a good mother, and her past was going to fade into the background where it belonged. Maybe given enough time, that part of her will seem like a dream. It had to seem like a dream, and she wouldn't allow herself to give in to a dream. It was over. She was clean. She couldn't throw that away.

"Mommy?" Paige was looking at her with those big, green-blue eyes that always reminded her of Merle, of the life she had with Merle. Oh, for fuck's sake, stop it, Amy!

"Mommy?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm hungry."

"Oh, well let's go fix that." She stood up and carried her into the kitchen. "What sounds good?"

She shrugged. "Food."

Amy set her down on a chair. "That's not helpful, baby. What kind of food? We can make spaghetti. Or hamburgers and French fries. Or grilled cheese and French fries. Do any of those sound good?"

She shrugged again. "I guess."

"Okay, well I'm going to make spaghetti. I can probably make some garlic bread too. Do you want to help me make cookies for dessert?"

"Yeah." Paige nodded.

"Yeah." Amy smiled. "Let's make them first." She lifted Paige up onto the counter and collected the ingredients. They had some options on chocolate from Jeanette, who have given Amy some leftovers from something they did in class. The days were blurring together. "So, white chocolate chip or milk chocolate chip?"

"White."

"I was thinking that too." She smiled at her. "Do you want to help me crack the eggs?"

"Yeah."

"W—"

A knock on the door cut her off, and she frowned, wondering who would be knocking on her door. It wasn't late. In fact, it was kind of early, which was why she decided that baking cookies would allow time to pass so it'd be dinnertime. So who was at the door at this hour? Most of the people here were too "busy" to even give her the time of day. Maybe it was Joe.

"I'll be right back. Stay right there." She stepped into the living room, grabbing the metal baseball bat Tiny had kindly given to her. She wasn't big, but she could put force behind this, and she would if she had to. She gripped it tightly and opened the door, leaving the chain still latched. She met the eyes of Merle Dixon. "What the hell do you want?" she hissed.

"Just wanted to come by and see you." He was drunk, very drunk, and he was slurring. Sadly, she was used to this and knew exactly what he was saying. She also knew exactly what he wanted.

"Merle, now is not a good time for you to come by. I'm about to make dinner, and we talked about this."

"Whatcha makin'?"

"Nothing for you." She set the bat down. "Go home."

"Lemme in."

"No." Her eyes flickered back to the kitchen momentarily, but he saw.

He moved his face right up against the space between the frame and the door. "You got company?"

"What?" She crossed her arms. "No. No, it's just me."

"Then lemme in."

"Merle, we talked about this. I know you probably don't remember, but I do, so just get out of here and find somebody else."

"I want you."

"Oh, for fuck's sake." She let out an exasperated sigh, but before she could speak, Paige called to her.

"I dropped an egg!"

Merle's eyes zeroed in on the kitchen. "Who the fuck was that? You said you was alone."

She unlatched the door and shoved him back, stepping outside. "I am alone. That's a friend of mine."

"A friend?"

"Yes, she's helping me make cookies. I had a craving."

"So do I." He leaned toward her.

"Then go find someone to help you with your "craving". I have other things to do tonight, and none of those things involve you, so leave, Merle." She pointed down the hall. "Go."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small baggie of pills. "Sure, this ain't your cravin'?"

Her throat dried up, and she looked at the pills that were only inches from her face. She clenched her jaw and crossed her hands, trying to still a tremble that was spreading through her fingers. "N—no. I—I don't want those."

"You sure?" He brushed his thumb against her cheek, the pills rested on her shoulder just in between this index and middle finger, and he chuckled. "We both know what you want, sugar." He leaned down, his lips only a breath away from hers, waiting perhaps. Maybe he was just soaking in her—how she held her breath, how her eyes were down, how her lips were parting.

Amy reached up with a shaky hand and closed her fingers around the pills, her forehead resting against his, and she was about to take the pills when a voice rang in her head. It was soft and sweet, but it might as well have chopped her in half. 'I dropped an egg,' her daughter's voice rang out, and Amy closed her eyes tightly. Paige was waiting for her. Clear headed, sober her. No, she couldn't do this. She couldn't.

She released the pills and stepped back. "No, we don't." She shook her head. "Go home, Merle." She opened the door and entered her house, closing the door and locking it. She fell back against the sturdy wood and squeezed her eyes shut. Shit. Shit. Fuck. Shit. Fuck! She wracked her hands through her hair and breathed roughly. Fuck him, that bastard! He knew. He knew she was clean now, so why the fuck did he come here? Damn him!

"Mommy?" Paige called, worry in her voice.

"J—just one second." Amy inhaled deeply and slammed a fist into the door, shaking off the pain as she walked back in to the kitchen. "Hey."

"Who was there?"

"The super." She shrugged. "He wanted to make sure we were okay. So, I heard you dropped an egg?" She grabbed a dishtowel.

"There."

Amy cleaned up the mess and washed her hands. "So, cookies."

"Cookies."

"Yeah." She nodded and smiled at her daughter, grabbing the measuring cup and flour. She hoped Merle never came back here again. She also hoped he would get so drunk that he forgot this entire night. He would. He always did. That was the one thing Merle was good for. She didn't have anything to worry about. He wouldn't remember. He wouldn't.

"Are you okay, Mommy?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." She looked at her daughter. "Why are you asking?"

She looked at her mom's hands, and so did Amy. "Are you cold?"

"A little bit, but I'm fine." She set her hand on Paige's cheek. "I'm just fine." She kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. "God, I love you." She felt tears in the back of her eyes.

"I love you too."

Amy held her for a second more then let her go. "We'll finish these then go and finish the movie, and we'll have grilled cheese instead of spaghetti."

"With French fries?"

"With French fries, but tomorrow, we're having something healthy. I just don't know what. We'll have to go shopping." She hated shopping. It reminded her how poor they were. Ugh. "Maybe this batch should be just for me."

"Nu-uh!"

Amy snickered at the look on her face. "Fine, but the next batch is mine."

"That's not fair!"

"Neither are prices, but we can't help that." Maybe she could just eat the milk chocolate chips, but that might lead to cavities. Both actually could. Fuck, she couldn't afford to go to the dentist. This sucked, but at least she wasn't alone in this suckines.

– – –

"I'll wash the dishes." Paige picked up her mom's plate. "You cooked, so I'll clean up."

"Thanks. I'll get dressed, and we can go as soon as Mama comes."

"Well, Paige stay."

There was a knock on the door, Amy hopped up and answered it, smiling at Beth. She let her inside and began to gather Austen's belongings while Beth picked up her no-so-fussy baby boy.

"How was he?" Beth asked Amy.

"A little fussy, but mostly he just wanted you. He slept almost all through the night, and he just had his breakfast." She looked at Beth. When he left his house, he was her problem. He was cute, but he was a handful. She did not miss babies, well not babies of her own. "You look exhausted."

She shrugged a shoulder and smiled. "Long night at the hospital. It's what I want, though." She took his bag. "Thank you for doing this so last minute. I really appreciate it."

"Don't thank me. It was nice to have him around, and I offered."

"Thank you anyway. If you ever need anything, let me know."

"Why don't I get you some coffee?"

"I have some in the car, don't worry about me. Zach does that enough."

"How is Zach?"

"Full of energy. I don't know how he has so much energy, but I'm glad one of us does. When I get my schedule fixed, I will look and feel so much better."

"If you need a babysitter, let me know."

"I will." Beth hugged her. "Have a good day. I'll see you later. Bye, Paige."

Paige waved, and Amy walked Beth to the door. She watched her leave, waving at Zach, and Beth waved back before getting into the backseat with her son.

"You two buckled in?" Zach asked.

"Yeah." She tucked loose hair behind her ear. "Amy said he was a little fussy, but he was good."

"He probably misses you."

"She said that too." She pursed her lips. "Am I a bad mother?"

"What? No. No, you could never be a bad mother. You just...work. A lot."

"And that means I'm not around, and that I'm a bad mother."

"Beth, you're not a bad mom. You're just trying to make sure he wants for nothing, and I adore that. If you want to talk some time off to be with him, do it. I can take care of us."

"I know." She looked at her son. "Maybe a little time off wouldn't be so bad."

He glanced back at her through the rearview mirror. "Just a little time."

She smirked. "Eyes on the road."

He chuckled. "Will do."

Beth turned in her seat and couldn't help but smile at her child. He was so beautiful and so happy. He was truly a miracle. She didn't even know she had a chance at having kids, let alone ten percent. She thanked God every single day for this little miracle.

– – –

For weeks, Beth had felt like utter and hammered shit. She hadn't got her period, and she was so emotional and crazy. She was worried it was early menopause, or something worse, so she went to see Dr. Stookey. He was their family doctor since his father retired however many years ago, and she trusted him to tell her the truth. They were practically friends, so he would tell her the truth without treating her like a child.

He did a thorough examination of her, taking some blood and such. She waited for what felt like hours in his office, and when he finally came back, he had Zach with him. She felt her stomach drop, and she tried not to let her mind run wild as fear twisted into a ball inside her. Was it worse than she thought? She was dying? No, that was ridiculous. She was being ridiculous. She wasn't dying. Was she? Oh, God.

"Hey." Zach smiled a little at her. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming to see Dr. Bob?"

She could only shrug a shoulder.

"Why don't you two have a seat." Bob gestured to the seats in front of him and his desk.

Beth grasped his hand tightly in hers, and she met Dr. Stookey's eyes, feeling her palms moistening, feeling a tightening in her chest. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what was wrong anymore, but she had to know. If it was bad, she had to know. She pressed her lips together and put on a brave face. "So?"

"Well, it's...very life-changing," Bob said slowly. "Beth, you're pregnant."

"W—Excuse me?" She stared at him, mouth open slightly. "Pr—pregnant?"

"Yes, pregnant. You're about five weeks."

"How?" She shook her head. "I know how, but how? I—I can't have children. I was told that I couldn't have children by your dad, I think. He even wrote—"

"Beth, you had a ten percent chance."

"He never told me that. You never told me that." She didn't understand. She was perfectly all right with never having children. Well, not perfectly, but she wasn't prepared for this to be dropped on her. She was prepared to adopt one day when she was older and more mature, but this? Oh, God, this was a lot.

"He did, and I believe I did as well."

"I don't remember anyone ever tellin' me that."

"Well, we did tell you. You may not remember, but we did tell you."

"So...I'm just pregnant?"

"Just pregnant? That's what you want to call it?" Zach mused.

"Well, I thought it was somethin' else, somethin' even worse." She met his eyes and searched them, his smiling mirroring her own. She began to soak in what Bob had just told her about the life growing inside her and not the percent. She was pregnant. She was carrying a child of her very own. Tears of happiness flooded her blue eyes, and she let out a soft but happy whimper. "I'm pregnant. We're havin' a baby."

"We're having a baby." He leaned over and hugged her tightly.

Bob smiled and let them have a minute alone.

She was going to have a baby with the man she loved. It was a child of their own, and it may be the only child she might ever have, and she would protect him or her to her last breath, and she would love him or her wholeheartedly, no matter what.

– – –

"If I'm stayin' home with him then we need to go grocery shoppin'."

"All right, we'll go shopping then, but I need coffee. More coffee anyway."

"The Greene Leaf is open, let's get some from there."

"You just want to see Sammy."

"That is not true."

"Yes, it is."

"Maybe a little." She held up to fingers that were close together.

He drove them to the Greene Leaf, Beth carried Austen inside and Zach ordered the usual. Carol wasn't working today, sadly. She was probably at home with Daryl and Sophia, most likely. Well, no, Sophia would be at school by now. Why wasn't Carol here today? She had Jacqui working, and someone who Beth didn't know, but she was polite. Once they had their coffee, they left and drove to the store, where they ran into Maggie and Glenn.

"Hi." Maggie smiled and hugged her sister. "Can I?"

"Yeah." Beth gently handed Austen over to his aunt. "How are you?"

"We're good. We got a puppy." Maggie glanced back at Glenn who was talking to Zach. "She isn't fond of Glenn just yet, but we're workin' on it."

"Do you have a picture?"

"Yeah." She dug her phone out of her pocket and held it out. "He's gettin' so big. I feel like I haven't seen him in forever." She smiled at her nephew. "Hi, sweetie."

"Me too." Beth scrolled through the photos.

"What's wrong?"

"I just—work. I've been workin' so much lately, and I just haven't been around." She glanced at Maggie and Austen. "I'm gonna take some time off, just a little. I need a break anyway."

"Yes, you do. You're so pale, even for you. I didn't want to bring it up first." She frowned a little. "Are you gettin' enough sleep? Are you eatin' right?"

"Yes, I am."

"How much sleep?"

"Eight hours." She bit her lip. "Four on a good night."

"Beth!"

"Don't, I already have Zach doin' that to me. I'll be fine."

"If you want to stay with me and Glenn, just ask, okay? We have room, and I don't like the idea of you two stayin' in that house alone."

"Well, I ain't alone. I have an alarm system and a cat."

"A cat that can't even sit up on its own."

"She likes food."

"Just come and stay with us one night, please." She turned to her nephew. "Say, one night. One night."

"'Kay," was what Austen said instead then laughed.

"See, he wants to stay."

"Fine, and your puppy is precious." She turned the phone around to the picture of the puppy and smiled widely. "I gotta come over for her."

"Yes!" Maggie took her phone back and slid it inside the pocket of her jeans. "All right, let's go get some fruit." She turned. "Glenn, we're goin' to get the apples."

"Okay." He nodded. "We'll get the meat then."

"Don't get any beef," Beth called to Zach. "Chicken, please."

"I know. Trust me, I know."

"What do you have against beef?" Maggie adjusted Austen.

"Oh, nothin'. I just really want chicken for dinner." She took the cart from Glenn, and followed Maggie. "So, how's work?"

"Well, I'm gettin' promoted."

"Really?" Beth grinned.

"Yeah. Detective Greene."

"That's awesome, Maggie. We have to have a celebratory dinner when we come over. I'll make your favorite dinner."

"All right, but just the four of us. Or five, if Zach's available."

"I promise."

Maggie glanced back before Glenn and Zach fell out of sight. They were having dinner tonight with Carol and Daryl, and they were going to tell them the news of her promotion. She and Tara were going to be partners. It was perfect, because they had built a bond over the past few years, and they had each others' backs. Tara was her best friend, and she was one of her bride's maids at her wedding two years ago. She was the one who gave Glenn and Maggie their puppy. She was reluctant to give up one of her puppies, but she did it anyway. She and Glenn were like brother and sister, always teasing each other but fiercely protective of each other as well. She was in their family, which was growing so fast their Thanksgiving dinners had sections.

"So, have you two talked about it at all?" Maggie asked, grabbing some bananas.

"Maggie." Beth rolled her eyes.

"What? You said we would talk about it."

"Yeah, when I'm ready to talk about it."

"If we had to wait for you to be ready, the world would end. Twice."

"No, we haven't talked about it."

"Does he want to get married?"

"I dunno. It ain't like we have time to talk about it. Between work and Austen, we rarely talk about anythin' important."

"Maybe you both should take time off, spend it together and let me babysit this little guy."

"We do—Look, I don't want to talk about this, especially not here, so let's just get the food and meet them. We have to get goin' soon, and I need a nap, so what else do you need?"

"Beth, you don't have to snap at me. I'm just tryin' to help."

"I didn't ask for it."

"All right, fine. Let's go. Down this way."

Maggie glanced at her little sister, remembering the last time they had been distant like this. Maggie like felt shit all over again for even thinking about it. It was a couple years ago, before Beth was blessed with little Austen, and Maggie and Glenn had come back from their honeymoon. Glenn went to work to make sure the place was still standing—he had no choice but to leave it in the care of his irresponsible sister—and luckily it was still in one piece. Maggie was unpacking their belongings in their house that had gotten a few months before their small wedding, and Carol and Shawn had kindly and surprisingly paid for their entire honeymoon. Maggie felt bad, but Shawn annoyed her in to feeling a lot better, and Carol told her not to worry about it. It was sweet of them, and they did enjoy themselves.

As Maggie unpacked, she found some of the souvenirs Glenn had bought for everyone. She also found the disposable cameras with the date of their wedding on them for some reason in marker. Glenn probably meant to leave these or have them developed. Shawn had taken all the pictures, and he was bringing them over tonight, so they would worry about these at a later date. And then she realized she hadn't gotten her period. She was almost seven days over. She wanted to talk about it with her sisters, and she wasn't thinking. She panicked and said a lot of stupid shit that she didn't mean. She pissed Beth right off, even though Beth didn't say anything. Even after Maggie got her period the next day, Beth stayed away, and they grew really distant, almost exactly like when their mother died. Beth just didn't try and talk to Maggie, and Carol tried to set up a dinner for all three of them, a girls' night of a sorts, but Beth bailed at the last minute. It was horrible, and it broke Maggie's heart. She didn't want that to happen to them again. Beth was always open, but lately there something strange going on with her. Maggie wasn't going to let her pull away again, even if Beth got pissed and just went off on her, she would endure it. She would be there for her.

"You can talk to me," Maggie told Beth before they met up with the boys.

Beth paused then met her eyes. "I know. I just need some time." She smiled a little. "Time to breathe and figure out what I really want."

"Let me know when you're ready to talk, okay? I'll be there."

"I will." Beth held her hands out, and Maggie handed over Austen. "We'll have lunch, and we'll invite Carol."

"That sounds good. I'll see you then." She stepped back toward Glenn. "Bye."

"Bye."

Glenn smiled at Maggie. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah." She looked back at her sister. "Yeah, everythin' is okay."

He reached down and laced his fingers through hers, and she returned his smile. "Let's go. We have a puppy to feed."

"A puppy who really needs a name."

"Evil?"

"No."

"Spike?"

"No."

"Fluffy?"

"It's official: I'm namin' the puppy." She pulled him toward the check out counter.

– – –

"Sophia, if you don't stop, we won't go."

"I'm not doing anything," Sophia argued.

"Sophia."

"I'm sorry." She sat down. "I'm just scared. What if I mess up? What if I'm the reason we lose? I don't want to make us lose the game."

"Sophia." Carol bent down in front of her. "You'll do fine. You've practiced and practiced. You've been living at the park for almost four months now. You will do great, and you'll have me and Dad to cheer you on. And Amy and Shawn too."

She frowned. "But Sammy, Mom."

"No buts. Sammy will be with Grandpa. It's all worked out, and we will be there. I'll be the one with the camera, embarassing you with a Number 47 is my daughter t-shirt." She grinned, and Sophia returned it. "Now, eat or you won't go at all."

"I'm not hungry. I'm too nervous to eat."

"Eat."

"Fine."

Carol stood up and returned to the balancing the books for the Greene Leaf. She left Shawn in charge for one week, and everything went to shit. She could fix this though, and she would never let him anywhere near her shop again If Jacqui didn't have to take care of T, she would have asked her to do it. Oh well, it was done, and she would make this work. She had to, really.

Daryl walked in with Sammy on his heels. "How's it goin'?"

"Somewhere incredibly boring." She smiled up at him. "And you?"

"Not much better." He leaned down and kissed her.

"Well, what little appetite I had is now gone." Sophia dropped a grape onto her plate. "May I please be excused?"

"No." Carol set her pen down and picked her son, smiling at him and placing a kiss to his forehead. "Half of that needs to be gone the next time I look up, and don't give any to your brother."

She slouched. "I'm just gonna get sick."

"No, you won't." Carol was getting frustrated. Sophia was second guessing herself in the worse way, and no matter what Carol said, she deflected it. It was breaking her heart to see her like this, and she didn't understand why Sophia was feeling this way. "Just eat, please."

Daryl looked from Carol to Sophia. "What's goin' on? You won't eat?"

"No," Sophia mumbled at the same time Carol said, "Yes."

"Why ain't you eatin'?" He frowned.

"I feel sick, and I'm not hungry." She sent a slight glare to her mother. "I can eat when I get back. I'll be hungry then."

"You'll be tired then too," Carol retorted.

Daryl sat down beside her. "What's wrong, runt?"

"Nothing," she mumbled, poking her sandwich with a chip. "I'm just... I don't want it." Her eyes moved to her mom and little brother then back down to her plate, and she almost looked at her dad, but almost wasn't did.

Daryl smiled a little. "C'mere." He stood up, setting a hand on her shoulder before walking out the side door to the back porch, and he waited a minute before she followed him. "Sit."

"What's up?" She plopped down on to the bench.

"We never really asked how you felt, 'bout missin' those games and that bake sale. And I know we've been tendin' to Sam more recently." She started to shake her head, but he didn't stop. "It's all right, Sophia. I get it."

"No, you don't. I don't...hate Sam. I love Sam, and I love being a big sister." She opened her mouth to continue and stammered, dropping her eyes to her hands. "I just... I don't know."

"You do know. Talk to me."

"He's really little, and I understand that he needs more attention than me. He needs more help learning things sometimes, and I understand that. I really do, but..." She gulped, tears building in her eyes, and she met his eyes. "I just feel like everything I do is an inconvenience to you and to Mom."

"What?" His voice was soft, a laughing disbelief.

"I dunno. I just feel like you guys don't really want come to my games or schools events, that you'd rather be somewhere else."

"Sophia—"

"I understand Sam needs more attention and help. He's barely five, and he's so helpless and clumsy." Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she felt horrible. She didn't want them to know she felt this way. It just always drove her up the wall whenever she tried to tell them something, but Sam did or said something that stole their attention, and by the time they remembered her, it didn't matter anymore. They weren't awful parents. They just had a lot on their plates with the Greene Leaf and the auto shop and Sammy.

Daryl moved onto the bench beside her and put his arm around her. He wiped at her tears. "Sam does need us, but so do you." He rubbed her back. "I know it's been crazy the last couple of days, and I'm sorry we missed your first few games, but we ain't gonna miss no more. Trust me, you'll wish we weren't there with all your mom's gonna do."

"I do want you guys there." It always made her jealous that Amy made it to ever soccer game they had to cheer Paige on, and even though Mom and Dad came to pick her up, they were late or she was tired and didn't want to talk about it. Their team was doing really well, and their couch was awesome, but she couldn't really enjoy it like Paige or the other girls could, because they were the only people she could talk to about it that seemed to care.

"Well, we're gonna be there."

Carol stepped out of the house, holding Sam, having heard everything, and she sat down beside Sophia. "Hey, it's a big game tonight. Are you nervous?"

Sophia wiped her cheeks. "Not really."

"Well, Sammy drew you this as a good luck charm for tonight."

Sophia looked at the paper that her brother was holding out, and she took it, unfolding it to see a picture of her at the park and a soccer ball and Paige. He had also drawn in Mom and Dad. She smiled. "Thank you, Sam."

"Good luck, Sissy." He smiled back.

Carol reached over and ran her hand through Sophia's hair. "Why don't you go put away your lunch, and I'll braid your hair."

"Okay."

"Take your brother."

She stood up and took Sam's hand, guiding him into the house.

"We got a problem," Daryl started as soon as the kids were out of sight.

"I heard." She ran a hand through her hair. "All right, we're shit parents, but I refuse to stay in that category."

"What do you wanna do?"

"I have a surprise for Sophia that was going to wait until her birthday, but I'm too excited to wait, and it seems like a perfect time. So, win or lose, she's getting a congratulations gift at dinner tonight."

"What gift?"

"Nothing." She stood up. "We'll talk about it later."

"Carol, if it's what we already talked 'bout, she's too young."

"Daryl, trust me."

"I would if you'd tell me what it was."

She smiled teasingly. "Trust. Me."

"Woman." He got up and caught her before she could disappeared into the house, and she giggled. "What is it?"

She held her tongue.

"Carol—"

"Mom! Dad!" Sophia shouted.

Daryl let her go, and they hurried into the house, their hearts in their throats at the way Sophia had called to them.

"What happened?" Carol put her arms around her daughter. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Where's Sam?"

"In the kitchen. Look, we're fine." She turned her eyes to the front door. "Look who's here."

Daryl walked over to the door that was ajar and pulled it open, his eyes locking on the person on the other side and silence hung in the air.

– – –

"So, what're we gonna call him?" Daryl asked, sitting beside Carol on the hospital bed with Sophia out cold by their legs. "You got an ideas?"

"One." She met his eyes and smiled. "Samuel."

"Samuel?"

"Yeah. I think it fits him."

He smirked. "It does." He kissed her, smoothing her hair down, and he rested his head on her forehead. "I got a surprised for you."

"Oh, yeah? And what's that?" She smiled sweetly and curiously at him.

"You'll see. Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" She arched a brow. "What are you planning, Dixon?"

"Somethin' you like, somethin' you asked for."

"I've asked for a lot of things—a better hair dryer, a cat that can be taught not attack me in the shower, for Sophia to pick up her toys so I don't fall down the stairs." She smirked. "The list goes on."

"You'll find out in the mornin'."

"I hate suspense, but all right." She leaned back into his arms. "Thank you for not calling everybody. I just...didn't want them to crowd us yet." To be honest, she was scared. For two days, the baby didn't kick, and she was worried about him. She had an appointment scheduled for ten in the morning, but at five in the morning, she woke up to contractions. Everything went very well, and they had a beautiful baby boy with the same eyes as his mother and the same gentle features, but Daryl was cropping up here and there, especially around his nose and his fingers. He was amazing. Sophia was amazing. She didn't want her family to come mostly because she was scared, and even in labor, she was scared, but everything was fine. They would call everyone in the morning, and Beth would probably make breakfast and never let Sammy go when she got to hold him. Carol was looking forward to that part.

"It was also five in the mornin', my only worry was Sophia was in the back and that I didn't crash."

She smiled. "Well, thank you for that then."

He gave a nod. "Get some sleep."

"I will." She just wanted to hold him for a bit longer.

"And while you're sleepin', I'll think of a middle name for our son."

"Okay."

He took Sammy from her arms when she started to drift off, and he held the babe in his arms, and he made a promise to Sam, to Sophia, in the darkness of the hospital room. He wouldn't break it. They were too important to him for him to break this promise. He made a different promise to Carol, who he hoped would marry him before Sophia was in college, but she kept putting it off. "I'll like to fit into my wedding dress", "June weddings seem to end in divorce", "I'd like a fall wedding", "It'd be so cute, with the leaves and all", and his personal favorite, "Let's just wait until we're ready. There's no need to rush in to anything. We've been married before, and it didn't end well. I don't want to repeat our past mistakes. Let's just wait". He understood why she wanted to wait, but if he had to listen to Shawn and his dumbass jokes about how they were living in sin, he was going to break Shawn's teeth. And he felt that not being married gave her a chance to... He didn't know. He wasn't sure he wanted to know. He trusted her, but he was worried that she might do something crazy. The day they graduated from high school, she went nuts, and he'd rather not relive that moment. It was not her finest hour.

He adjusted his son gently, not wanting to wake him, and he cleared his mind. He needed to call Hershel and T in the morning. He already told them about the baby, and it took everybody in the world and twenty pounds of tape to keep Beth at bay. He wanted them to prepare the new house—the house he had bought in secret with his lifesavings. He wanted to surprise Carol, but Dr. Stookey and he agreed that moving when she was pregnant might be too stressful, and Carol was stressing enough without him adding to it. He asked Amy to look for houses that fit what Carol wanted, and she found one. They had to meet at the shop in the back room and whisper, because T would tell Carol—the man couldn't keep a secret—and anywhere else they might run into somebody.

For weeks, he had been boxing things up and putting them in the would-be nursery. He locked it and told Carol he was building something for the baby, and he wanted it to be a surprise. He had Sophia's entire room boxed up last night, and with some bribing, he got Amy and Beth to pack up their room. He had hired movers, so all they had to do was unpack enough for them to be able to sleep that night. He knew Beth would claim the nursery, so Sam would have his entire room done, and Amy would do Sophia's room just enough for her to find her clothes and have her bed already made. He might have to unpack their room, but he would if he had to.

Their old house had so many good memories, but far too many bad. The past hung on the walls, everything visible to them, and that was no way to make a fresh start. No, this new house would be great. There was a backyard, a fence, and it wasn't too far from Sophia's school. Three bedrooms, one and a half bath, a kitchen that Carol hopefully really liked, a fireplace, a basement and garage, and an attic. It was a good place to start over, and they needed to start over. Their past was full of pain and betrayal and loss and hate, and that was going to stay in the old house. This new house would be great, if Carol didn't hate it. He had Maggie and Beth and Karen go with him to check it out, and while he already thought Carol would like it, they added to his confidence. If they were all wrong, Carol was lying to everybody about what she liked.

He was getting tired, so he decided to just forget about it, and he would think about it in the morning.

––

"I'm hungry," Sophia said for the fifth time since waking up.

"We're goin' to get somethin' to eat." He bent down. "I asked you if you wanted a snack, you said no."

"That was then."

"And now we're goin' to grab breakfast."

"With Mom and Sam?"

"Nah, just the two of us. She needs her sleep, and that boy sleeps like a rock." He took her hand. "C'mon."

Sophia glanced back at her mom. "Bye, Mommy."

"We'll be right back."

They went to the Greene Leaf for breakfast. The shop wasn't open, but Daryl had a key, and he made breakfast for all of them, including Carol. He made some waffles and eggs and bacon, and he cut up some fruit for Sophia. They ate at the shop, Sophia talked about wanting to learn a sport, and Daryl wanted to teach her how to track and how to hunt, but Carol would kill him. She didn't want Sophia around weapons until she could was taller than them. He would wait, and now he could teach Sam too.

"Daddy?"

"Hmm?" He swallowed coffee. "Yeah?"

"I'm a big sister now." He nodded. "Can I take care of Sam?"

"Of course you can take care of Sam."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Sophia."

She nodded then met his eyes, very serious."But not all the time, okay? He's still your kid."

He held back a laugh. "Y—yeah, 'course."

They finished eating, Daryl grabbed the food he had made and kept warm for Carol, and they went back to the hospital. He texted Maggie on the way inside, and she told him the house was ready. He turned his phone off and returned to Carol's room. She was already wake, and Sophia was curled up beside her, and Sam was sleeping beside them.

"Food." Carol smiled happily. "And not from the hospital, thank you so much."

"Figured you'd want somethin' homemade." He handed over the container, and he pulled up a chair to her bed side, taking a seat. "When you're done, I got somethin' I wanna show you."

"Sounds like you've been keeping a secret." She arched a brow, smirking and eating a slice of strawberry. "Want to share?"

"Yeah, later."

"Later." She made a face. "I still hate suspense."

"Well, I hate not tellin' your folks, but I'm managin'."

Once Carol had finished her breakfast and changed, they got ready to leave. Daryl took care of the hospital stuff, and Carol took care of the baby stuff. He found them in her car, and he told them he had a phone call to make. He called Maggie, she told him they were ready—with balloons and a banter by Beth no doubt—and he thanked her. He would take them all in person, but he really wanted to thank Maggie now. She had done so much to help with the move, and she kept saying, "This is what family's for. This and blackmailin' you". He wasn't used to having such a large family, let alone three sisters, two brothers, a father, a niece and nephew, and a goddaughter. He had more family than he knew what to do with. He was never going to be alone again. He was never going to have any privacy, and Maggie could actually blackmail him being an detective now. Damn. Maybe he should take Shawn up on his offer to go to the bar.

He slipped his phone in his pocket and climbed in to the car. He started for the new house, Carol kept looking back at Sophia and Sam, and he saw how her eyes lingered on Ethan. Sophia carried that bear everywhere, and while there were only two kids in the backseat, there were three. Two in the back—one who hugged a toy to her chest and one who Carol kept her eyes on—and one in their hearts. One who was watching over his younger siblings. They would never forget Ethan. Without losing him, Sophia and Sam would just be a dream. They may never have had them, but...they did, and everything worked out the way it was supposed to.

Pulling up at the new house, Carol's face scrunched, brows furrowed in confusion, and she turned to Daryl. "What are we doing here?" It didn't look like Amy's new house, so what the hell were they doing at some stranger's house? Karen had move into her summerhouse, and if she had moved, Carol would have been the first person to know, as her best friend and godmother to her daughter.

"C'mon," was all he said as he opened his door and stepped out. He got Sam, and Carol got Sophia and held her hand as they walked toward the door of the strange—but beautiful—house. He pulled out the keys from his pocket, Carol looked down at Sophia, and Sophia pressed her lips together. They followed him into the house, and Carol nearly jumped out of her skin at the sight of her family with balloons and their furnishings inside. "Surprise," Daryl smiled.

"S—surprise?" She gaped at him. "Th—this was your surprise? A house? You bought us a house?"

"Yeah."

"Are you insane? How can we afford this?"

"When you left me, I had a lot of free time on my hands, and I made some money. I used some of your inheritance money too."

"Daryl, we agreed that was for college and emergency uses only."

"I'm kiddin'."

"Welcome home!" Beth slid off the couch and hugged them both. "We unpack everythin', so don't worry about that."

"Well, thank you so much." Carol released Sophia's hand. "Um, well this is awkward."

"No, it's not. Daryl told us about Sam." Maggie was on her knees with Beth by the newborn. "We just did this instead of goin' to the hospital."

"I did most of the work," Shawn informed her. "Beth told us what to do while doing nothing, and Maggie and Glenn fooled around."

"You're such a lair," Sasha shook her head. "I did most of the work. Beth was helping with the twins, and Maggie and Glenn...fooled around."

"I didn't say I was gonna help," Maggie reminded them. "I just came by with pizza."

"Uhh, where is Glenn?" Carol asked, seeing only her sisters and Shawn.

Shawn smiled slowly. "I—I dunno." He cleared his throat. "I'm gonna check on the twins."

"Shawn Tanner Greene."

"What? I did nothing." He hurried from the room.

"I should give him a hand." Sasha followed, poker face perfect.

"Guys, what did you do to poor Glenn?"

Beth stood up. "Glenn's asleep. He passed out after workin' so hard. Now, forget Glenn and come see the nursery! I worked all night, and if you don't like it, we're gonna fight."

Carol smiled. "Lead the way."

"We'll just take him." Maggie took Sam tenderly from Daryl. "C'mon, Sophia, I'll show you your room."

"Okay." She caught up to them on the stairs.

Daryl stood in the living room and shook his head. Oh, well. He pretty much figured Glenn was trapped in the long box that was pushed behind the couch. He thought about it for a second then headed to the garage to see his new work space. Glenn would manage. He probably wasn't even awake yet. He hoped they put breathing holes in that box.

– – –

"Come and check it out," Shawn told Paige and Sophia, practically bouncing up and down, more excited than they were.

"Calm down, Uncle Shawn." Sophia tugging her ponytail to tighten it. "You're embarassing."

"I just spent seven hours of my life on something for you and your soccer team, so I get to gloat and be excited!"

"All right, all right." Paige held her hands out. "Calm down, let's just see. I'm excited too!"

"Yes, high five!" Shawn high-fived her.

"Oh, God." Sophia buried her face in her hands. "I don't know you two. We don't share blood."

"C'mon." Paige gripped Sophia's arm and followed Shawn.

He led them to his office, which was a mess from the paint and the pictures that were tossed around for inspiration, and he would clean it all up before his wife came home and tripped over a picture again. "All right." He flicked the light on and stood in front of it. "Now, it took me seven hours to do this, which is surprising that I could focus my attention on something for that long, so if you don't like it, tough." He moved aside.

"Oh, my gosh." Sophia gasped. "Uncle Shawn!" She jumped up and hugged him. "It's perfect! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!"

He laughed. "You're welcome, munchkin." He somehow was roped in to helping Sophia and Paige's soccer team's bake sale to help raise money for new uniforms. His job as a freelance photographer gave him time, so he decided to spend it doing this. He had to tend the twins on his breaks, but it was still fun. The twins even liked it. He almost died when they started playing in the paint, and they were going toward it, so he bribed them and made them swear to tell no one. He would get chewed out by Sasha later tonight. They tell her everything.

"Paige, what do you think?" Shawn asked.

"It's...uh, really good." She smiled. "I'm sure the team will love it."

"I didn't ask if the team loved it." He looked at Sophia. "Go check on your cousins for me. They're bound to be doing something bad. I'd blame myself, but that would require me taking responsibility for my actions."

Sophia glanced at Paige then her uncle. "Um, sure." She left the room and checked on Lydia and Elijah.

Shawn bent down. "You okay, kiddo?"

"Why wouldn't I be okay?" She crossed her arms over her chest tightly, something Shawn was used to seeing, and he knew what this was. "It's nice. I'm glad you did this for Sophia and the team."

"Your team. I made it for you and your team."

"I know."

"Honey, what's wrong?"

She hung her head. "Nothing," she murmured.

"Something is wrong, and you can either tell me about it, or we can stare at each until I give you advise that makes no sense because you won't talk about what's really wrong. Your choice."

She bit her bottom lip. "I don't know," she whispered.

"Well, what don't you know?"

"I hate myself."

"What?" He frowned. "Paige, why?"

"Because I'm horrible and stupid and jealous."

"You are not horrible or stupid," he promised. "What's making you jealous?"

"It's the worst."

"Tell me anyway."

"Sophia."

"Why?"

"Because."

"You have to give me more to go with than because, sweetheart. What did she do? What did she get that you didn't?"

"It's not—it's not like that."

"Then tell me."

"I spent the weekend at Sophia's. We were playing, and she had an idea to sled down the stairs."

"Oh, bad idea."

"It was. We ended up crashed on our butts at the bottom of the stairs, and Daryl rushed in to see what happened." She slumped her shoulders, trying to make herself smaller, and Shawn hated it. "It's so stupid, but... I got really jealous when Daryl moved over me to get Sophia. She's his daughter, I know, but...I couldn't help it." She felt like she might be missing out on something, and she hated it. Her mom was more than enough, but still she felt this way. It sucked.

"You feel left out? Because Merle's not in your life?"

"No! I don't want him in my life!"

"I'm right here, honey, you don't have to yell." He grasped her hands. "It's all right to be jealous, and it's not stupid. I get it. I used to feel that way when I had a father. Uh, a biological father."

"What'd you mean?"

"Well, my dad was a good father, and I love him, but...I always felt that he favored Carol. It wasn't anything big, just the little stuff, and for a long time as a kid, I kinda hated her for it. It wasn't her fault, and he didn't have favorites, but I was still jealous. I grew out of it, but it really sucked, because I had no one to talk to about it." He searched her eyes. "So talk to me about it, day or night, talk to me."

She lips twitched into a big smile, and she hugged him appreciatively. "Thank you."

"It's all right, kiddo. You'll be fine, I promise." He let her go. "So tell me what you think about my art."

She took a long, studying look at the poster. "I think it's perfect."

"I think you're perfect."

"What?"

"What?"

"Shawn!" She pushed him, and he laughed.

"C'mon, let's go help Sophia with my kids." He hopped up. "If Sasha thinks I'm letting someone else take care of the twins, I'll never hear the end of it."

"But you always ma—"

"Do you want the poster?"

"Yes."

"Then no."

"What?"

"Exactly."

– – –

"Do we really need all of these?" Shawn pointed to the bags of chocolate and the plastic eggs. "Beth said she was gonna provide the goodies."

"I'm not leaving it all to Beth. We do that every year. We're helping her, so why don't you take some bags and start putting two pieces of candy into each egg."

"When you told me to come home and help with chocolate, I had...other plans in mind."

"Well, we'll probably have a bag or two leftover," she scratched her nose, and he met her eyes, "so we can give them to Patricia."

"You're just evil." He tossed a bite-sized Kit-Kat at her, and she laughed.

"Speaking of evil, you're the bunny."

"Oh, hell no!"

"Shawn!" She cut a look to the twins, who were in the living room, playing. "And oh, yes. You were supposed to do it last year—"

"I was sick! I was literally throwing up every half hour! I was almost hospitalized!"

"You were not!"

"That's why I said almost!"

"Look, just do it this year, and we'll make Daryl do it next year."

"No, because there's no power on this earth that will make Daryl dress up as the Easter Bunny, not even Carol."

"So what power on this earth will make you dress up as the Easter Bunny?" She gazed at him through her eyelashes.

"I dunno, but don't try it."

"Shawn, please." She slid out of her chair and straddled his lap, slipping her arms around his neck. "Just do this for the twins and your nephew."

"I'm an incredibly selfish person, so those three won't work."

"Either do this, or explain to the twins how you killed the Easter Bunny."

"What? That's horrible. Don't tell them that!"

"Then wear the suit."

"I am not dressing up as a pink bunny."

"It's white!"

"Beth bought a new suit?"

"Yes."

"Well that changes things a bit, but you still owe me."

"So I'll owe you." She leaned back, elbows on the table behind her. "Mom and Dad are taking the twins tomorrow morning for Easter pictures, so we'll have the morning free." He grasped her hips, and she smiled. "We can work out something then, don't you think?"

He pulled her to him. "I think we can." He kissed her.

"Now is not tomorrow morning." She reached over and grabbed a plastic purple egg. "Start filling eggs."

"How many kids are going to be there?" He grasped the egg she held.

"How many kids?" She stood up and sat in the seat beside him. "Elijah and Lydia, Sam, Austen, Judith, Lucas, Miles, Andre, Sophia, Paige, Carl, Noah, Patrick, Molly—"

"Everybody's kids then?"

"Which is why we need a lot of eggs."

"Sophia and the others are a bit old to be hunting eggs, so let's just not include them."

"Shawn, you participate in the egg hunt."

"Yes, but I am a child at heart."

"Sophia and the others are children in age, so they beat you."

"I'm going to need a more comfortable chair for this." He rose. "And a drink. Do you want anything?"

"I have water."

He fetched the ottomans from the living room, minding the toys that spilled over the carpet and the twins, and he grabbed a can of pop from the fridge. He propped his legs up on the second ottoman, using a dining chair to hold a bowl of empty eggs, a bag of chocolate and another chair to hold the bag with full eggs.

"Shawn?" Sasha said after some time had passed.

"Yeah?" He was fighting to close an egg. Damn thing. The others closed just fine, you piece of shit!

"May I see your phone?"

"Sure." He paused his struggle, dug out his phone and tossed it onto a bag of M&Ms then returned to his struggle. When he was finally victorious, he drink from his pop and asked, "What for?"

"Dentist appointments. I needed to see when you're free next."

"For the twins, right?"

"For you."

"I went just last week."

"No, you said you were going last week, but Dr. Porter called. You didn't show up."

Damn you, Eugene! "Traffic was really slow, so I figured why show up at all? I was just about reschedule the appointment."

"Your lie is showing." She smirked. "I'm taking you on Thursday."

"I'm not a kid. I can do myself."

"Evidently not."

He groaned. "Fine."

"Look, it won't be so bad. I'll be right there with you, and—"

"You're not going in with me!" he cut her off.

"Yes, I am."

"No, you're not. I'll feel even more like a child. I don't need an escort."

"I'm your wife, not an escort. I go in with the twins—"

"Exactly why I don't need you to come in with me."

"—and they feel better when I'm there, and so will you."

"Do you want to drive too?"

"Yeah, I do actually."

He grumbled.

"What was that?"

He tried not to, but he laughed, and so did she. "Shut up, Sasha."

She tossed Starbursts at him. "You first."

He helped him to the Starbursts. "Want the cherry? I only like the lemon and strawberry."

"I only like orange and cherry."

"That's why I married you." He tossed the cherry at her.

She caught it and opened it. "I thought you only married me, because I was five months pregnant with your kids?"

"So, those are my kids."

"Shawn!"

"Shit!" He ducked the eggs she threw at him and crawled under the table.

"You are not getting off that easy!" She went after him.

"Can I eat this lemon first?"

– – –

"Hey, Paige, c'mere." Felix changed the song and held his hands out; Paige set her book down and hopped up, taking his hands. "Just like we practiced."

"When I ever gonna need to know this?"

"Probably never, but it's still fun."

She laughed, following his lead.

Amy padded down the stairs with Lucas on her hip. "Watch the vase. It's crystal, and I think Andrea would have a heart attack if it broke. I think it's my grandma's."

"Yes, ma'am," Felix replied.

"Don't 'ma'am' me, Fee."

"Yes, dear."

"Bite me."

"Give me two minutes."

Paige laughed. "He's serious, you know."

"I do know." She sat down on the couch, her back resting on the arm of the couch, and she placed Lucas on her legs. "Maybe music will inspire him to talk."

"Still trying to teach him to speak, are you?" Fee spun Paige.

"It's kind of my job."

"So is teaching dance to kids and coaching the high school dance team and being the town babysitter."

"You forgot cheering my daughter on at her matches."

"How could I forget that one? Our little soccer star."

Paige smiled. "That's Sophia. I'm barely decent, Fee."

"I will tape you to a wall, if I hear negativity come out of that mouth again."

"We already used all the tape on Beth," Amy reminded him. "The town's out of tape."

"Then I'll use staples. I'll staple her to the basement wall."

"What? No!" Her eyes grew wide as Felix grabbed her and tossed her over his shoulder. "Mom!"

"I love you." Amy waved.

"Mom!"

Fee snorted and laughed. "I'm kidding. Lighten up."

"You're such a jerk!"

"But I'm a jerk who loves you."

"Then put me down."

"Oh, I love this song."

She groaned.

There was a knock on the door, Amy glanced at her watch and wondered who it was then slid off the couch. "Felix, put her down."

"Where's the couch? Tell me when I'm close." He started backing up.

Amy opened the door, smiling at how silly they were being, and her eyes locked with the person who had knocked, a shudder passing through her.

Merle Dixon stood on her doorstep, his eyes in hers for a moment then shifted over to Felix and Paige and then to Lucas, and while they lingered on the toddler, they returned to her eyes once more. "Hey."

"Hell." Felix set Paige down on her feet and held her shoulders.

Paige glared at her father, and only Felix's tight grip on her shoulders kept her from charging at him. "What's he doing here?" Her tone was bitter and dripping with venom.

"Let's go upstairs, Paige."

"No, what's he doing here?"

Amy turned to them. "Please, Paige, just go with Felix." She walked over to him and handed him Lucas. "Keep an eye on her."

He nodded. "C'mon, sweetie." He led her upstairs.

Amy inhaled deeply before she faced Merle. He was wearing new clothes, and they fit him well. He looked healthy, and well, he looked great. She hated that. "Come inside. Shut the door behind you."

He did, and he looked over her new place. It wasn't as grand as Andrea's, but it was a home. It was nice, and by the pictures that hung on the walls and rested on end tables, he knew the house certainly was lived in.

She folded her arms protectively over her chest. "So...how are you?"

"I'm good. I'm real good. How 'bout you?"

She studied him, eyes narrow, suspicion clouding those narrow eyes. He looked happy, almost excited. Why? To be back in town? To see her? Did he just see Daryl? What? "What are you doing here, Merle? After all this time?"

"I—I can explain."

"Good, because we're not going to talk like old friends when you up and left us in the middle of the night!"

He sucked in a breath. "I should have called—"

"Yes, you should have!"

"I wanted to. Every day, I wanted to call and let y'all know where I was, what I was doin'. Shit, I even wanted to write, but I didn't." He met her eyes. "I couldn't. I love you, girl. I fuckin' love you, but I knew if I told you where I was, you'd have come and tried to help me through it. I couldn't have you there. I had to do this. I had to do this myself."

"Do what, Merle?" She dropped her arms to the side. "What the hell did you do?"

"I'm sober, Am."

That word echoed off the walls around them, she stared at him with disbelieving eyes, and he moved closer. The world seemed to be shrinking down to just the two of them with each step he took toward her, and she wanted to move away, keep the distance between them, but she couldn't. She was curious. She wanted to know what happened, why he made this decision, and if he stuck to it. From how he looked—so proud, almost smug—she knew it was true, but that scared her. It scared her to death.

"Five years." He pulled out what appeared to a coin. "An asshole I met there gave me this." He gently grasped her arm and set the coin in her palm, closing her fingers around it. "His name was Abraham. He was there for his wife and kids."

She dropped her eyes to her hand and opened her fingers slowly, almost afraid to see what the coin was. It wasn't a coin. It was a token with some words engraved on it and the Roman numerals five in the center. It was old, so that Abraham was over five years. He was probably a sponser or something. She didn't exactly know what went on at AA, but this was real. He was really telling the truth. "Why?" Tears were burning in the back of her eyes, and she lifted her head. "Why did you do this?"

"For her. When she called me dad, I realized what I associated dad with wasn't what she associated dad with. I had to change. I ain't gonna be him. I'll never be him, but I had to make sure, so I did this. For her, for me even."

"You left her," her voice was so soft, "and you hurt her. The daughter you wanted to change for...you hurt her, and she hates you for that."

"I know."

"It wasn't just her you hurt. It wasn't just her you left."

"I know that too." He didn't touch her, even though he wanted to. "My apology won't mean shit to you, but I am sorry." She slumped on to the couch behind her. "I wanted to come back sooner, but I didn't want to screw it all up."

She ran a hand through her hair. "Merle, you already screwed it all up."

He lowered himself down onto his knees in front of her. "I know."

"You missed so much, and you can't make up for that." She met his eyes. "Explain it to me, make me understand how it was worth it, because I don't understand. You were doing fine before, and I thought...we were happy."

"We were, and I was, but..." He exhaled. "You saw how I was the night of your performance, and I saw you. You were terrified, terrified of me. I couldn't stop myself that night, not from gettin' a bottle or from seein' you. Hell, I don't even know what woulda happened if your friend didn't show up."

"You wouldn't have hurt me."

"But I didn't know that." A muscle in his jaw jumped, and he shook his head. "I kept thinkin' 'bout it, always wonderin' what woulda happened, and I wouldn't let that happen, not ever, again. I was becomin' that son of a bitch—you knew it too." He dropped his eyes to her jeans. "I had to leave. I couldn't be in town, not with you and Paige around."

"Why not with us around?"

"The reason I drank so much that night was 'cause of Felix. I was jealous, pissed, and I did what I always did. I couldn't risk that happenin' again, that's why I left."

"Merle..."

He gazed up at her. "I got a job, a friend of mine helped me find a place, and I went to meetings regularly." She closed her eyes. "I had to sell my bike to get the place, but I got it back."

"I...am happy for you." Her eyes opened and fell in his. "I'm proud that you made it five years, and I hope you continue to ten, twenty, thirty years sober." She handed him the token back. "It just won't be with us."

"Amy."

"Please, leave now." She rose and walked away, her back to him, her arms the only thing holding her together.

He pushed himself up and went over to the door. "I'm stayin' with Daryl, if you wanna talk later." With one last look over his shoulder at her, he departed and smiled a little to himself. It went better than he thought.

She inhaled to steady herself and wiped under her eyes then heard a loud bump from upstairs. "Paige? Felix?" She hurried up the stairs and ran down the hall to Paige's bedroom, finding Felix and her wrestling on the floor. "What's going on?"

"She wants—to speak—to—Merle," he managed.

"Let go of me!"

"Felix, let her go." Amy bent down and grabbed Paige when he did. "Stop it! Stop it right now!"

"Is he still here?" she huffed.

"No, he's not."

"Why was he here?"

"He just got back into town."

"Is he coming back?"

"I don't know. I don't control Merle." She removed her hands from her daughter's shoulders.

"I don't want him to come back!"

"What do you want me to do about it?"

She thought for a second. "I don't know, but I don't want him back here."

"Look, he's staying with Daryl and Carol, so I'll go talk to him and make sure he stays away. For now, I have to get Luke ready to go home. Do you want to come with me? Or wrestle Fee some more?"

"What? No! That's not an option." Felix sat back. "I think she dislocated one of my lungs." He groaned.

"You just bruise like a peach, but we'll get you some ice if you want."

"Yeah, please, and add in Scotch. That'll help."

"Okay." Amy looked at Paige. "Are you okay?"

"No. Yeah. I dunno."

"If you don't want me to talk to him," she brushed hair out of Paige's face, "I won't. I can call him."

"No, tell him to his face. It's more polite to tell him to his face." She tucked hair behind her ear. "I don't want to go, but I do want to write him a note."

"Hurry up with the note, because Andrea's getting off work in less than an hour, and she has plans."

Paige walked over to her desk and grabbed a pen and notebook. She wasn't sure what to write. She didn't want to say "Keep away from us, I hate you", because it was childish. No one really listens to kids, so she had to sound mature. She had to make him see she didn't want or need him. She wouldn't speak for her mom, because she didn't even know what her mom thought. She hoped her mom didn't want to get back with him, not after all he'd done to them.

She bit her lip. What if her mom did want to get back with Merle? What would she do then? She gulped. She didn't want to stand in the way of her mom's happiness, but she didn't want Merle in their lives. He always left or hurt her mom. She didn't want to see that happen again, but what if he didn't leave? What if he made her mom happy? Mom always said to give people second chances, so if he has changed and doesn't leave, she would give him a chance. She didn't have to like him to give him a second chance. She just had to trust her mom, and if she couldn't trust her mom, she was going to punch him in the mouth somehow. She wasn't tall enough to do it, so she would need help. Maybe Shawn could help.

She balled up the paper. She would just tell him in person the next time she saw him, whenever that was.

––

Andrea and Phillip had become friends after what happened with Ed and his wife. Amy told her not to be friends with a man she was interested in, but Andrea didn't listen to her. She and Phillip didn't date, but one night they did go out drinking. Amy told her—again—not to go out with him, because drinks and mourning didn't go well together, but Andrea—again—didn't listen to her. She never told Amy what happened until Andrea didn't get her period for a month. They went to the doctor's together, and she was pregnant. Phillip wasn't ready for a baby or a relationship, so Amy and Andrea raised the baby boy together practically, but Phillip was getting there. He saw Luke for the first time last week, and he was even bringing Penny to their Easter Egg hunt tomorrow. It was looking good, but Amy still wasn't sure. After his last relationship, she felt Phillip needed more time. He was his own person though, so she would leave it to them.

She pulled at the Dixon household, seeing Daryl had left for work, but Carol and Merle were there. She climbed out and traipsed over to the front door, knocking, and a second later, Carol opened the door. Behind her, Sophia was laughing and running around in her soccer uniform, and Merle had Sam on his shoulders. Amy's throat dried up at the sight of his smile and how happy Sam looked. Holy. Fuck. How was she supposed to do this?

"Hi, Amy. Come in."

"Thanks." She stepped inside. "Hi, Sophia."

"Aunt Amy!" She ran over and hugged her. "Thank you so much for the help at practice last week!"

"Oh, you're welcome, sweetie." She rubbed her back. "You did so well. I'm sure you'll guys win tonight."

"Thanks!"

"I need to speak with Merle," Amy whispered to Carol. "Privately, please."

"My room's upstairs," Merle told her, setting Sam on the floor. "Go play with your sister."

"Let's go to the backyard." Carol herded them out the back door.

"This way." He led the way to his room and closed the door behind them. "Surprised to see you so soon."

"I'm a little surprised myself." She sat on the bed since there was no where else to sit. "Your first time meeting Sam?"

"Yeah. He's just like Daryl." He tested the waters and sat down beside her. "Only more inclined to pull my hair."

She smiled. "Yeah, he's a hair puller. I have to pull my hair back before I pick him up. He doesn't bother Carol's, but he'll just yank mine. I think he doesn't like the smell of my shampoo and conditioner, but I'm not changing it."

His eyes lingered on her face, how it lit up when she smiled, and he didn't want to see that smile fade. It'd been too long since he'd seen it last. "You look good. I don't know if I told you that."

"No, no you didn't. Thank you." She tucked hair behind her ear. "You look good too."

"What can I do for you?"

"Keep your distance."

"You're the one who came to see me."

"I know, and it's not me who's saying it. It's Paige." She peeked at his face. "She's—she doesn't know what to make of you. She wants to understand, but she's so young, and she doesn't know everything. Give her time, and she might want a relationship. I don't know for sure, but she might want to try one day."

He nodded. "It's all I can do." She was about to stand up when he asked, "Is the boy yours?"

"The boy? Oh, you mean Lucas."

"Lucas? That's his name?"

"Lucas Allen Horvath. It's a good name."

"Sure."

"It is."

"You're avoidin' my question. Is he yours?"

"Mine or ours?"

He stared, holding his breath.

She smirked. "He's Andrea's."

"You're damn evil." He glared. "Christ."

She laughed. "It was worth it."

"So...are you seein' anybody then? Just—I wanna know, 'cause of Paige."

"Because of Paige?" She arched a brow.

"Yeah, don't want any unsavory men around my kid."

"Oh, now it's men? I'm dating multiple men now."

"You know what I meant."

"I do, and I was dating, kinda of dating." She shrugged. "Mostly sex."

He rolled his eyes. "Not what I wanted to know."

"I'm kidding. I did date, though, and he is good guy. He's actually the best guy, and Paige really likes him. Spencer."

"Who?"

"You don't know him, I don't think. He works at T's shop now. He invited over for New Years two years ago. We started dating that March."

"You dated for two years?"

She shook her head. "We dated for two months. I—I'm not good at dating, and I didn't want to ruin his relationship with Paige, because she needs at least one good man in her life that's not family."

"So, you ain't seein' nobody?"

"No, but my mom's trying to set me up with some doctor."

"What doctor?"

"Oh, she hasn't found one yet, but she's looking. She's really looking." She cleared her throat. "I should go. Paige has a game in a few hours, and I had so many things to do before then."

"A game? She's plays soccer, right?"

"Yep." She stood by the door, ready to leave. "Sophia tell you that?"

"Yeah. She invited me to her game. I—I told her I'd go."

"Well, don't worry about it. I doubt Paige will even notice you." She opened the door. "I'll see you around."

"Amy."

She bit her bottom lip and hesitated. "Yeah?"

"If you ever need help...or anythin', I'm here."

She turned. "I know."

He gave a nod.

"Same goes for you. I teach dance at the high school and my studio, so you can find me there."

"I'll be at T's shop."

"Great. Let me know when you find a place, I can make you a casserole. Jacqui's been teaching me how to cook, so I can guarantee it'll be good." She backed up. "I guess I'll see you at the game."

"Yeah."

"Bye." She quickly left, feeling so uncomfortable that she began to blush at how awkward she had been at the close of the conversation. Hopefully, if—when they spoke again, she wouldn't feel like this. Before she was angry, and now she was uncomfortable. She didn't want to waste time going off on him. She had moved on, but to see him again after all that time, just pissed her off all over again. If Paige did want him in her life, he and Amy had a lot to work out.

– – –

Shawn groaned at the sound of his cell phone ringing, and he grabbed it off the nightstand, answering it. "What?"

"Wake. Up!" Beth shouted. "Get over here. Your kids are here, but you two aren't. We need help!"

"What time is it?"

"Noon!"

"Oh, shit!" He shot up. "I am so sorry. My alarm didn't go off. We'll be there soon."

"Okay, thanks." Her tone changed, like she wasn't expecting him to have accidentally slept in. "See you soon."

"Yeah." He hung up. "Sasha? Sasha, wake up."

"I woke up when you screamed shit." She opened her eyes. "Good afternoon."

"Afternoon." He kissed her. "Let's go. If we shower fast enough, we can spare ourselves lecturing."

They showered, dressed and gathered the bags of eggs. They had to hurry so they could hide the eggs before the kids came. They were coming at three, and it took at least half an hour to get to the Greene's farm, and then Sasha would have to talk Shawn into putting on the Easter Bunny custom.

––

"Sophia, watch your brother." Carol walked through the river of kids and found Beth. "Hey." She hugged her. "Sorry, we're late."

"It's all right. I'm just glad someone else is here." She smiled. "Shawn's on his way, but I really need help with food."

"I can try and make something."

"You can just order pizza, Carol."

"Maybe I want to cook."

"Be my guest. You know where everythin' is."

"Watch my children."

"Of course." She bent down. "Hi, Sammy, Sophia."

Carol headed to the kitchen, finding Zach and her two-year-old nephew, who was all smiley. That baby was an angel who looked exactly like his dad but with Beth's bright blue eyes and that sweet smile.

"You're here. Thank God." He gave her a half hug. "You can save me from the hordes of mothers."

"I have to cook, so...not today."

"I can totally help you cook."

"Yeah, do you remember Thanksgiving last year?"

He paused. "We said we wouldn't talk about it."

"Then go take that little cutie to the hordes of mothers."

"I'll remember this."

"I thought we weren't talking about it."

"Who invited you again?"

"Hey, Jeanette, have you seen Austen yet?" Carol called. "He's in here with Zach!"

"What? No! Carol!"

She laughed. "Calm down, she's not even here."

"You and your sister will be death of me."

"Aww, thank you, Zach. My life is now complete." She leaned against the counter. "So, all jokes aside, how are things?"

"Things?"

"Between you and my little sister, who gave birth to the child you are currently holding."

"Ah, those things." He adjusted Austen. "I honestly don't know."

"Have you two talked?"

"Well...no."

"Zach, you need to talk to her."

"I tried! She deflects me!"

"She's a woman, not a brain operation! Just keep pushing. She can't avoid the subject forever."

"I try and talk to her, but something always comes up."

"Do you want me to talk to her? Not about your relationship, but—"

"No, I don't need you to talk to her. I'll talk to her."

"Zach."

"I will. You know, I hate when you act like a mom."

"I am a mom."

"My mom."

"Get out of my kitchen."

"Yes, Mom."

"I will make you the Easter Bunny."

He all but ran out of the kitchen, and she started to see what they could serve. Beth tended to the people who were already there, glad the show that was on captured the kids' attention, and she pulled Sophia aside to talk to her.

"How are you?"

"I'm fine." Sophia smiled. "Do you need help with something?"

"Yes, when Shawn and Sasha get here, they're bringin' a lot of...eggs, and I need help hidin' them. I have to make sure the kids stay in the house, and Carol's gonna be cookin', so will you help them?"

"Yeah, sure. I know a lot of good hiding places on the farm."

"Thanks so much. They should be here real soon."

"I'll keep an eye out for them."

"You don't have to."

"I want to."

"Let me know when they're here then."

She nodded.

About ten minutes later, they arrived. Luckily, Otis and Hershel were able to help with the eggs. Sasha, Shawn, Zach, Sophia, Otis, Hershel and Daryl were all running around, hiding eggs and trying not to hide too many in the same spot while at the same time not spread them out too much. They didn't want the kids looking for eggs and make their way to the dock or into the duck pond or anything like that. That happened three years ago, but thankfully, Daryl had been the Easter Bunny, and he was taking a smoke break—and hiding—and he caught the little roamer. He was chewed out by Carol later when she saw the burn mark on the suit. She didn't want him smoking, not even every once in a while. She wanted him around for a long time, and he stopped. He now vigorously chewed gum whenever he was stuck in the suit or a stressful situation.

"Dad, I already hid a bunch of eggs in there." Sophia pointed to the one egg in sight.

"I ain't hidin' eggs. I'm takin' a break."

"We can't afford to take breaks. C'mon." She held her hand out, and he took it.

"You done?"

"I need to go reload. We have a ton left." She made a face. "I need water."

"C'mon." He crouched down.

"I'm a little too old for a piggyback ride."

"All right."

"Kidding!" She jumped onto his back and wrapped her arms around his neck, taking his basket. "We can just toss these into the bushes."

"Good thinkin'." He carried her to the house.

"I did it with mine. There's a bush full of eggs over there." She tossed four down as gently as possible. "Who decided to plant a million bushes on the farm anyway?"

"I dunno. Probably Beth."

"Maybe they were supposed to be rose bushes or something," she peered at his face. "but she got the wrong kind."

He snorted. "She would do that."

"Do you remember last Christmas? She was supposed to bake that pumpkin thing."

He chuckled. "And we made Shawn and Zach eat it on a dare."

She laughed. "It was so gross how sick Zach got."

"Shawn and Zach like to turn everything into a competition." He stopped by the house, and she got off his back. "We need more eggs." He gestured to the empty baskets.

Patricia took them and filled them back up as Sophia asked, "I wonder who will get more eggs this year."

"I dunno, but you best not go and find all the eggs cause you know where they're hidden."

"I would never do that." She smiled sweetly.

"You would too."

"Then I am my father's daughter." She accepted the full basket and ran off.

"Need water my ass." He went after her. "Sophia!"

Sasha glanced out the window as Sophia ran by with Daryl chasing her, and she shook her head. "Do you think the kids will look here?"

"We have older kids, like Sophia and Andre, coming. They need a challenge." Shawn tied his basket to a rope. "And I need a laugh."

"You're horrible."

"Yeah, I know."

She adjusted the hay so the eggs were still visible. "If you fall and break your neck, I told you so."

"Thank you, honey."

"Be careful."

"I will be." He kissed her. "Go and help Otis. He's the worst at hiding eggs, because he feels bad for the kids that can't find them easily."

"Okay." She paused. "Shawn?"

"Yeah?"

"There's a spider in your basket." She headed down the ladder.

"Ha ha—Holy shit!"

She held back her laughs until she was out of the barn. She made her way over to Otis, passing Hershel and Zach, who seemed to be having a deep conversation. She wondered when Maggie and Glenn were going to get here. She hoped they brought their puppy, because she and Shawn had brought theirs. When Tara's dog had her pups, Shawn bought one as a gift to Sasha. They named him Harold—after the dog in Bunnicula—and he was always lonely without the twins nearby or the nameless puppy Maggie and Glenn had. They could play while the kids looked for eggs. It had to be better than just sitting in the pen in the backyard.

––

Amy opened the door and Paige climbed out of the back, going to help her mom with the candy-filled Easter eggs. They were a little behind, but that didn't matter. There weren't a lot of kids were just yet, or perhaps Beth was entertaining them inside the house. Amy handed her two baskets and closed the trunk, seeing that Carol and Daryl were already here, and Shawn and Sasha.

"All right, why don't I find Beth and then we'll see where we're hiding these?" Amy lifted her sunglasses up and into her hair.

"Okay."

Sophia stepped out of the house and smiled at them. "Mom, Amy's here!" She jogged over to them. "Hey!"

"Hi." Amy smiled.

"You brought more eggs? We have a lot of them, but Shawn will probably eat some of the already hidden eggs while he's hiding in the Easter Bunny custom. We can put these around the house." She took one of Paige's baskets. "Let's go hide these quick. The kids will revolt soon."

Amy watched them leave before going into the house. She found all of the kids in the living room with Beth and Patricia. She continued to the kitchen where Carol and Daryl and Sasha and Shawn were either hiding or actually preparing drinks and snacks.

"Yes, Amy's here." Shawn straightened up. "Can she take my place? She can make the whole thing work better than I can."

"No," Sasha and Carol hissed, sick of him trying to weasel his way out of being the Easter Bunny when it was his turn.

"But it's ridiculously hot in there," he complained, "and it smells like some old lady's purse. Can you do that your brother and father of your children?"

"I'll do it now if you don't zip it," Sasha replied.

He sighed then grabbed her by the waist and pulled her onto his lap. "Fine, I submit."

"Thank you." She smiled and kissed him.

Carol turned to Amy. "Hey." She hugged her. "I'm so glad you're here. Sammy wants me and Daryl to help him find eggs, and with Shawn in the suit, we need someone to take pictures. Would you do it?" She smiled pleadingly.

"I'll take them. It's fine."

"Thank you."

"What's Sophia doing?" She set the basket she was holding down on the table.

"She's going with Elijah."

"And I'm going Lydia." Sasha pinched Shawn's wandering hand.

"Andrea will be here in half an hour," Shawn told Amy, "and she offered to take pictures too."

"But what about Lucas?" She helped herself to a cup of lemon-lime soda and punch.

"Phillip."

"Oh, right." She shook her head and sipped her drink.

"After the egg hunt," Daryl said, "Zach has the projector hooked up in the barn, and they're gonna watch some cartoon thing. I dunno, but we need to get the kids in there."

"That'll be fun."

"Oh, screw it! I'm just ordering pizza." Carol grabbed a notepad. "I have to see what they like first. Excuse me." She headed into the living room.

"So, who's all coming?" Amy asked, leaning against the counter, one arm crossed. "That isn't here yet, I mean."

"Well, Jacqui and T are coming," Shawn answered. "Uhh, Andrea and Phillip and Penny and Lucas. Maggie and Glenn and their puppy. Michonne, Andrea, Rick, Carl." He hoped Shane and Rick keep their cool, because he don't want to break up that fight. They seemed to tolerate each other, so that was comforting. He thought a second about who else was coming. "I think that's all we're missing right now. I called Rick and Andrea; they'll be here in three, four minutes."

"Well, and Merle," Daryl murmured.

"I'm going to check on the twins." Sasha stood up. "Shawn?"

"What? I'm good—Ah!"

She proceeded to drag Shawn out by his t-shirt.

"Merle's coming?" Amy set her cup down beside her. "Why?"

"He wants to spend time with Sophia and Sam, and he didn't have any plans today." He met her eyes. "I'm sorry. I couldn't tell him no. He's had a rough couple months. I didn't wanna him get depressed and start drinkin' and waste five years of soberity."

She pushed off the counter and hugged him. "I don't care that he's coming, baby bird, just keep him away from Paige."

"You ain't ever gonna stop usin' that nickname, are you?"

"Nope." She kissed his forehead. "I'm going to help the kids. Good luck, baby bird."

"Get off!"

She laughed and stepped back. "Have fun with Sammy." She grabbed her cup and made her way back to the living room. This was going to be a long day, wasn't it?

– – –

Amy took another picture of Sasha, Elijah and Lydia, smiling at how cute they were without even trying to be. She kept waiting for Shawn to show himself, but either Beth couldn't decide on the pink or white suit, or he was hiding. At least the kids hadn't found all of the eggs, but if he didn't hurry up and come out, she was going after him.

She snapped a picture of Sophia and Paige. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, as they tossed the empty eggs at Carl and Andre, who were trying to avoid them and listen to music. Sophia had tried to take Elijah hunting for eggs, but he wanted his mom. She and Paige went and grabbed one of the bags full of eggs, and they decided to just chill in the barn until the kids were done.

Amy snapped a picture of Judy and Shane and looked over when she saw movement. It was—shocker—Merle. She sighed, but Daryl was busy chasing down Sam to try and get his brother, and Carol was...trying to order pizza. Oh, well. It couldn't be avoided. She took a picture of Michonne and Lori.

"She's happy."

She lowered the camera and looked at her daughter. "Very, and I think she has a crush on Carl."

"What?"

"She's ten. It's not like it'll become anything. Well, at least not until she's sixteen." She got picture of Sam and Daryl. "What do you want?"

"To talk."

"We already talked, Merle." She met his eyes, squinting as the sun caught her eyes. "I don't want to talk anymore."

"Look, I know it's been complicated," he chuckled at the world, but humorlessly, "between us, and we didn't always do the right thing, but...I dunno, maybe we can start again, you know? Try to build...somethin' together." He shrugged a shoulder. "After all the shit we've been through, who knows, maybe we can make it work."

"Maybe we can try and be friends for Paige's sake, but... I can't right now. I know how it'll end, and until I know that can change, I can't." She gripped the camera lightly and smiled a little. "I have to go." She pointed. "Over there. Sun's in my eyes."

She walked away from Merle and seemingly his offer, and she got closer to Beth and Austen, who just came out of the house, and she bent down to get a better angle.

Merle let out another humorless chuckle and shook his head. He looked at his daughter and his niece. He would stay for her, even if she never wanted to talk to him or see him. He would be there for her. He wouldn't abandon her anymore. He was better, and he would stay better for her. And for Daryl. He looked like he needed a hand anyhow.

Shawn came out, and Amy got a picture of him before Sophia and Paige tackled him. It was horrible, but hilarious. They sat on him and posed for pictures while he just laid there, defeated. Then Elijah and Lydia joined in. It was perfect.

"All right, go on." Sasha shooed them away, and Paige and Sophia took Elijah and Lydia to find more eggs. She lowered herself down on her knees beside her husband who still hadn't moved, and she removed the head of the suit. "You okay?"

"Well, I'm lying in dirt and my throat is so dry that I'm worried I'm having a reaction to the detergent used on this."

"Well, make it last for a bit longer." She kissed him. "I'll get you some water, but go hop over there." She tucked his head back on then strolled to the house to get him some water. She ran into Carol. "How'd it go?"

"Slowly, but at least we have food." She held out a bottle of water. Glenn's sister was a sweetie, but she was kind of lazy. Oh, well, she was family, and that made the food free, so that was a plus. "For his "reaction"."

"Thank you."

They joined the others, Carol spotted Daryl, Merle and Sam, and she decided to help Sophia with Lydia, who was giving her a hard time.

"Need a hand?"

"Yes, please." Sophia's eyes were wide.

"Hey, Lydia." Carol smiled. "Have I told you about the golden egg?"

Lydia looked at her aunt. "No. What is it?"

"Well, it's an egg filled with not only candy, but some money and some toys. Nobody has found it yet. Let's go see if we can find it, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Golden egg?" Sophia asked as they began their search.

"If Shawn didn't eat that, it's out here somewhere." She looped her arm through her daughter's. "Let the hunt begin."

"Yay."

"I'll pay you to be more enthused."

"Thirty bucks?"

"Ten."

"Fifteen?"

"And a case for your new phone." Daryl didn't approve, and they had talked about waiting, but Sophia loved it, and Carol couldn't keep it hidden until her birthday. He would get over it.

"Yes!" She hugged her mom. "C'mon, Lydia! I'll find it before you if you don't hurry!" She ran by Rick and Shane and Judith, pumping up Lydia.

"Here, Judy." Rick set the blue egg that she kept dropping in her basket, and he smiled at her.

"Thanks, man." Shane gave him a nod.

"Yeah." Rick smiled and turned his attention back to Judith. "I—I found a bush full of eggs, just over there. Why don't we go check that out?"

Lori looked out at Rick and Shane, who were both helping Judith find eggs. They weren't best friends anymore, but they were friends. Carl needed Judith in his life, and Shane and Lori came with Judith, so Rick and Shane agreed that the kids were more important. They made it work, and Rick even sometimes spoke to Lori. It was awkward at first, strained, but they were making progress. They were laughing with each other again, and maybe even finding a way to be friends. Lori was grateful. Carl didn't have to choose between them. He could have all of them.

She still was working on her relationship with Carol. It was improving, especially since Judith and Sam were almost the same age and might be in the same classes when they were older. They might play the same sport or instrument or anything. Carl and Sophia were already good friends, so Sam and Judy might be good friends too one day. They wanted to be friendly for the kids, and they were becoming friends again. They weren't as close as they were before, but it was better than the distance that was between them a few years ago. It was nice. She had all she wanted, and her children were happy. She was happy.

Karen helped Lauren gather eggs, and as much fun as they were having, a part of her still felt sad. Milton would have adored her. He would have spoiled her and overwhelmed her with all the little facts he knew. He would be so proud of her. She looked just like him, and she was so sweet and so giving. She was perfect and so happy here, and that Karen was glad she moved here. It was hard being around his family, knowing they all expected so much of her, and she couldn't handle that while raising a child and grieving and working. She needed space, and she had a house here already.

She moved back a few months after Lauren was born, and she had made friends with Tyreese and Jeanette, and Carol's family. She had gotten to know Daryl more, and she made him and Carol Lauren's godparents. They were perfect for the job, and they loved her like she was their own. She and Sammy were born a few days apart, and she and Carol raised them together. They even had matching Halloween customs a few times. It was really nice to be so close to Carol again, and even though everything was different, and they were different, they were still best friends.

"Need some help?" Tyreese asked, seeing Lauren putting eggs back on the ground instead of in her basket.

"She's trying to keep them from running out, I think." Karen really wasn't sure.

"Huh." He picked up the eggs Lauren had put back and put them in her basket.

"No, no, stop." Lauren shook her head.

"Oh, I can't stop. See, these are your eggs. You can't just put them back. They'll miss you and your cozy basket. By picking up the eggs, you give them a home in your cozy basket. You don't want to throw them out again, do you?"

"No." She closed her hand around an egg, feeling bad. "No, I don't."

"Then let's go and find as many as we can so they all have a home!"

Karen laughed at the enthusam Lauren had, and she mouthed thank you to Tyreese. He was a good man, and he reminded her of Milton sometimes. She fell into step beside Lauren and Tyreese, helping gather the homeless eggs. They passed Paige, who was not in a good mood from the sound of her voice.

"If you come near with me a water balloon, I will kill you," Paige threatened Andre and Carl, taking a drink of water. "Seriously, I will kill you."

"These aren't for you," Carl assured her. "They're for Noah and Patrick. Wanna help?"

"Oh." She grinned. "Yeah!"

Before she could stand up, Merle walked over to her, and she heaved a sigh, giving them a head shake, and they left. She couldn't just walk away again. She did that at the game after telling him off, and she felt bad. She hated that she felt bad. He was the bad guy. He was the one who left. Why did she feel bad? Mom said it was because she was a good person. Being good sucked.

"I just wanna talk to you before I leave."

"Town?"

"No, the farm." He sat down beside her. "You ain't huntin' eggs?"

"Sophia and I found some already, and it's mostly for the little kids." She shifted on the bale of hay she sat on. "What'd you want to talk about?"

"Us."

"There is no us."

"I figured, but...I want you to know that I'll be there if you need me."

"I won't." She didn't look at him. "I don't need you now or even in the future."

"I'll still be there."

"Why?" Her eyes sliced into his. "Why do you care? Why do you want to be in my life? You left us. You left, not us! How can I trust you to be there for me? Ever?"

"Did your mom tell you why I left?"

"Because you're a jerk! And I don't even know why I'm listening to anything you say!" She shot up and started to leave.

"Paige." He was at her side. "I left, because I had to."

"No, you didn't have to leave!" She spun around. "Nobody just has to leave!"

Amy heard Paige's voice and looked over, seeing her and Merle. "Oh, no." She removed the camera. "Here, Lori, take this." She hurried over to them, dodging kids and parents.

"I don't want to hear your crap! Just go away!"

"Paige!" Amy pulled her into her arms. "What the hell is going on?"

"Nothing." She wiped at the angry tears in her eyes. "I wanna go home."

Amy hugged Paige, but her eyes moved to Merle's. "What's going on? This isn't nothing. What happened?"

"I just wanted to talk to her, let her know I was here."

"Then why were you screaming?" Amy asked Paige.

"I—I just don't want to hear it. I don't want him in my life. I don't need him either."

Amy frowned. "Give us a minute. Come with me, honey." She pulled Paige into the barn, and she bent down to be at eye level. She wiped away her tears gently. "We need to talk, sweetheart."

"About what?"

"About Merle, baby." She told her why Merle left. She was going to tell her when she was older and then she assumed Merle wasn't going to come back. She didn't see the point in telling her. She thought it would be fine. She thought Felix being in her life would fill that gap. Daryl and Shawn as well, but they weren't Merle, and she knew that. It was time to stop babying her. She needed to know the truth.

Paige was frowning, baffled that she was the one who was wrong. "But—but that means he left to—"

"Yeah." She studied her daughter's face. "He left to change himself, to be better for us, and I am so sorry I didn't tell you that."

"It's okay. I guess. Are you going to get back with him?"

"I don't know, but you need to give him a chance."

"What? Why? You won't even give him a chance." She tried to move back, but Amy grabbed her hands and held her in place. "What?"

"I know what you're feeling, and it's not going to just go away. You can be as mad as you want right now, but that anger will leave and all you'll have is regret." She searched her daughter's eyes, seeing herself at sixteen, and it frightened her. "It might not be today or tomorrow, but in five, ten year the regret will come."

"Let go."

"No, because you need to hear this."

"No, I don't!"

"Damn it, Paige, stop trying to run!" Amy stood up and gripped her shoulders. "I felt the same way you feel right now about Merle about my own father. I made up things to fuel my anger, and it was wrong. I suffered, he suffered, and it kills me to know that all of that suffering could have been avoided. I've done so much for you, to make sure you didn't do what I did, make the same mistakes, and you're still going down the same path. You need to talk to him, get it all out, because when you think you're ready in the future, Merle might be dead, or you won't be able to reach him. This can't wait until you're not angry, not confused."

She swallowed, but she didn't say anything.

"I know that it seems unfair, because I won't speak to him, but I want you to go and talk to him. He's a part of you, whether you like it or not."

She blew out air. "And say what?"

"Talk about soccer, about school and your friends. Talk to him about the same things we talk about."

She lowered her eyes and was silent for a long time then said, "Only if you talk to him too."

"Okay, I can do that." Amy tickled her to lighten the mood, and she squirmed away. "You first."

"Wait. I have a question."

"Yes?"

"Do you still love him?"

"Do I still love Merle?" She thought about it. "I don't know. Why? Do you want us to date and be a real, normal family?"

"No, but I want you to be happy. If he makes you happy, and if he loves you then...I'll be okay with it."

"Paige, Merle and I have a lot to work through, so all you need to do is talk to him. You're the only thing we have in common anyway."

"Then why were you together before he left?"

Amy didn't have an answer. "Go talk to your father. I have pictures to take."

"Fine, but we're not done talking about this." She trudged out of the barn.

"Who's the mom here?" Amy called.

"It's a week day!"

She smiled and thought about that comment for a while, making her way back to the porch, and she glanced over her shoulder at Merle and Paige. There were so many questions and so many problems, but she was going to get answers and work the problems out by keeping distance between them. Even if Paige didn't want him in her life after this, Amy would have to talk to him. He was a big part of her past, and her future, because he gave her Paige. He was in Paige, and she might need help dealing with some of those Dixon genes. She needed to let the old wounds heal before any real relationship could happen, be it friendship or romantic. She needed to talk to him, but not here, not now. Soon, though.

– – –

"Hey." Beth stood in the doorway to the kitchen where Zach was grabbing napkins, hands folded in front of her. "The kids are ready for the movie."

"Oh, I'll be right there."

"Zach." She closed the space between them. "I need to talk to you."

"What about?"

"I know I've been distant, and we haven't had much time to talk." Her lips pulled back, but didn't reach a smile. "I... I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, just...give me an explaination."

"I love you, Zach Cole, but I don't want to get married yet. I know we got Austen, and we already live together, but I don't think that should mean we have to get married."

"It doesn't, but I would like to know where this relationship is going."

"Forward. I wanna take a trip next week, just you and me and Austen. It's for three days. What do you think?"

"I think...I'll load up the station wagon."

She smiled happily and hugged him. "I was thinkin' we'd use the RV, but okay." He chucked, kissed her cheek, and she released him. "You need to play the movie before the kids revolt."

"Popular word today, but you're right." He hurried to the barn, holding her hand.

Once the movie was in, they all took a seat. Shawn and Sasha were holding their twins, Maggie and Glenn were playing with the puppies, Jacqui and T were with Patrica, Otis and Hershel, Lori and Shane were cuddling up with Judith; Rick and Carl were fighting over who got the last piece of cheese pizza while Michonne and Andre slipped the box slowly toward them to split it between the two of them, and Andrea held Lucas and talked to Phillip from time to time and Penny picked the vegetables off her pizza. Karen and Tyreese were with Lauren, sharing a pizza and trying to tell Lauren the candy wasn't the eggs guts, but she was stubborn and wouldn't believe them. She got wide eyes and her jaw dropped when Tyreese ate a baggie of egg-shapped jelly jeans from an egg, and Karen laughed outright. Paige and Sophia were taking the cheese stuffed crust off their pizza and eating that first, Daryl and Carol were wondering what to do with all of the plastic eggs Sam and Sophia would bring home as they ate with Sam across their laps; and Merle sat on the second level, eating a pizza by himself and groaning at the taste of the tea Carol and Jacqui had made.

Maggie smiled at Beth, who came to sit by her. "Hey."

"Hey." She smiled back. "I have so much to tell you." She reached over and scratched Harold's stomach. "First, I love your that you're growing your hair out. It's so pretty." She went from there and began to work her way up to talking about Zach and their trip. She needed her sisters, and the gap that was forming between them was unnecessary, so she would talk to Carol later. She seemed pretty busy with her husband and son anyway.

Beth stopped talking and looked up. "Oh, I'm sorry." Beth moved out of Amy's way.

"You're fine." Amy made her way upstairs to where Merle was, and she plopped down beside him on the floor, groaning slightly and realizing she'd sat on an egg. Who the hell put eggs up here? Damn. She rubbed her ass cheek and asked, "Enjoying the movie?"

"No. You?"

"No." She brushed the broken egg to the side, glad he didn't notice. "Did you and Paige have a nice talk? She seemed...less angry when you were done."

"Yeah." He nodded. "It...was a real good talk." He made her laugh, and he got a few eye rolls out of her, but it was real. They talked about a lot of things, and there was so much more they could talk about it. She seemed to actually want to talk to him, maybe even liked talking to him, and he felt good about their conversation. It wasn't like that before, and he knew he had made the right choice by leaving. He would work it out with her and eventually Amy, but this was how it was supposed to play out. He knew that now, and because of that, Paige invited him to her next game. It was real progress, and he was...good. He felt really good.

"I'm happy for you."

"I have you to thank. Thank you, Am."

"Don't thank me in words, just actions. Good, fatherly actions. She'll need you in her life, and I want you to be there for her, so if you screw up again—"

"I won't," he interrupted her. "I ain't gonna screw up. Unless the kid want advice then it's her own fault."

She laughed, and he smiled.

"So," Amy spoke after a moment, "we need to talk."

"Ain't nobody else up here."

"Not now. Why don't we meet for lunch tomorrow? Will you be free then?"

"Yeah."

"Good." Her eyes lingered on his face.

"What?" He eyed her.

She leaned over and kissed him, he was taken by surprise, but she pulled back before he could respond. She pursed her lips as she climbed to her feet. "Yeah, we need to talk tomorrow." She made her way back down to the others, smiling to Carol and Daryl before she passed them.

"Twenty bucks, Mr. Dixon." Carol wiggled her fingers greedily at him. "Fork it over."

"Tsh, that ain't a win."

"Yeah, it is."

He rolled his eyes. "We'll see at Christmas."

"Christmas? Seriously?"

"Yeah."

"Fine, but that doesn't count as my gift."

"Then here." He reached toward his pocket.

"Daryl." She smacked his chest lightly, and he laughed. "You're horrible, you know that?"

"You married me."

"Yes, do remind me." She smirked.

He leaned down to kiss her, but Sam pressed his hands into his face and pushed Daryl away. "What?"

"No." He looked determined.

"No?"

Carol snickered.

"No," he repeated firmly.

"All right, I'm sick of fightin' you today, lil' man." He cut a look to Sophia. "Sophia's got more eggs in her purse." He pointed to it, and Sam went after it.

"Daryl, that was mean."

"What? That's her brother. She'll find somethin' to give him. Or she'll get annoyed with him. One of the two, but they're brother and sister, they're supposed to fight."

"That doesn't make you any less horrible. And we'll have to deal with it when we get home too, and by we, I mean you since it's your fault."

"I'll tell 'em to take it to you."

"Will you, Daryl? Will you?" she teased, smirking at him again.

"You'll see."

She shook her head and rested her head on his shoulder. "This movie's putting me to sleep."

"Same here." He checked out the area, seeing no one by the door. "Shed's probably empty. Wanna go screw around?"

"Daryl." She shook her head. "You're so—" She shot up and took off toward the exit.

"—predictiable," he finished before he chased after her and caught her halfway to the shed. "You ain't leavin' me behind, Mrs. Dixon."

"It's a good thing I have no intentions of leaving you behind, Mr. Dixon." She turned in his arms and kissed him.