Chapter Text
Beth loved watching her boys. Yeah, she called them hers even though they belonged more to each other than her. Things had changed between them, Beth could see that. Hell, anyone with eyes could see. She first thought it would bother her, after all her and Daryl had been a 'couple' for a good few months. She thought she would despise the idea of her man and Rick together.
But she was wrong.
The more she watched them together, the more she realized they belonged. They were perfect. Where Daryl was all rough and hard, Rick brought the soft tenderness to their relationship. Cause that is what they were in now. A relationship. Beth shook her head, a smile playing on her lips.
A part of her always wished Daryl would fall for her but she knew that wouldn't happen. Not after the way his eyes trailed after the former Sheriff's Deputy with pure love and devotion written clearly on his face.
Beth didn't love Daryl. Sure she cared for him a great deal and yeah, the sex was amazing, but it wasn't love. She wasn't as naive as people thought, she knew what it was when it started. Just a way to relieve the tension and stress of the messed up world they now lived in.
She was currently sitting on one of the old picnic tables in the courtyard with Judith on her lap. She loved the little girl, acting like a surrogate mother to her. Beth looked up from the baby, who was crewing on the ear of a teddy Daryl had picked up on the last run, to watch Rick working in the field.
He was planting some new beans that had also been picked up the last run. Daryl always picked something up for Rick or his 'Lil' Ass Kicker'. It was little things like that, that Beth loved about their relationship. She continued to watch the leader come farmer as he worked until it was getting dark and Judith getting whiny in her arms.
Beth stood, holding the little one close as she made her way down to Rick's little farm. He was proud of what he had accomplished and so was everyone else. Farming was like a second nature to him now. Rick smiled at her as she approached, dropping his shovel and removing his gloves.
“There's my little sweetheart.” He held his arms out, Beth shifting from Judy from her arms to his. He held her up to his face, giving her a little Eskimo kiss which caused her to give a cute little giggle.
“Thanks for having her again Beth, means a lot. Tomorrow I'll have her the whole day so you can have some time to yourself.” Rick didn't avert his eyes from his daughter as he spoke, instead enjoying the smiles he was getting from her. Beth didn't mind though, she herself was watching Judith with a fond smile placed on her own face.
Rick truly was an amazing father. Everyone would stop the older man with his child, it was a sight to behold. Her attention shifted as she felt a presence come up beside them as they walked. She turned to the new arrival to find it was Daryl. He moved to stand next to Rick, giving Beth a shy grin before his attention was also stolen by the giggling babe.
Beth took a step back, using the excuse she forgot something back at the table. She watched with a smile as Rick handed of his child to Daryl, who held her protectively against his chest, giving her forehead a kiss. They looked so good like this. Like a proper family. Rick hand now wrapped his arm loosely around the archer, pulling his side flush to his own.
Daryl had turned his head to face the older man, giving Rick the opportunity to capture his lips with his own. Daryl's spare hand came up to rest on Rick's jaw, his thumb caressing the stubble just below Rick's ear. Beth turned away to give them privacy, busying herself but collecting Judith's belongings.
Oh how she would love to see them kiss over and over but thought it was best they have some time to themselves. Being in such a confined space with so many people meant precious times like this were few and far between.
Beth loved watching her boys, the way they spoke to each other, the way they hugged and the way they kissed. But most of all, Beth adored their love for each other, for there was nothing more important in this world now, than love.