A Redneck's Wicked Game (A Daryl Dixon Story)

Daryl's Decision

Chapter 52—Daryl's Decision

The next day- Just past Daybreak

Rowan's POV

I've been awake for a while, just doing various things like packing Daryl's stuff. My heart is heavy with the thought of him leaving but I won't demand that he stay. This group is his family and I refuse to put a wedge in between him and them. I can stay here at the Mill and be relatively safe, even if I'm alone. Maybe I'm being foolish but I can't shake the feelings leftover from my dream and if I go to D.C. I'll never feel safe.

I walk downstairs and out of the Mill, pretty much avoiding everyone. I figure by now Daryl has told them I refuse to go and I don't need people trying to change my mind. I slip past Eugene and Sasha who are by the bus and walk to the woods. I need space from people and the forest has always been my refuge. I walk deeper into the trees, relaxing at the sounds of birds and small forest critters. I keep walking to a small clearing between a couple stands of Pine trees and sit down in the soft pine needles, the sun peeking through the tree tops. I lean my back on an old stump and attempt to clear my mind.

I'm just basking in the warm spring sun when Daryl says, "Ya know I hate it when ya wander off Rowan." I look over at Daryl, still standing in the tree line and sigh, "Sorry I just wanted to clear my head." He walks over to me and sits down to my right, "I still worry 'bout ya." I nod in acknowledgement but don't answer. He looks me over before asking, "How ya feeling?" I fiddle with the chain on my neck as I tell him, "My stomach is all over the place as usual and I feel like I could sleep for days but other than that I'm okay." He grunts, "Did ya eat anything this morning?" "Yes DAD. I had oatmeal, stop worrying 'bout me" I grumble. He grasps my hand, "I ain't gonna stop worrying 'bout ya; ya got that?" I look over at him whispering, "I know."

He's silent for a while and then admits, "We had a meeting first thing this morning and I told everyone ya ain't going to D.C." I groan, "I'm sure that went over well." He shrugs a little, "Well after I explained why, it was better." I groan again, "Great they all think I'm fuckin' nuts." He chuckles, "I don't think so. Yeah I told them 'bout your nightmare and how much it scared you. I also told them that with you being pregnant, the road is the last place you should be. Stress isn't good for ya and the more ya worry, the worse it will be for my baby." I let out a deep breath, "So?" He squeezes my hand, "Rick agreed that you shouldn't be going to D.C., even if ya never had that dream. He said if it was him he would have never let his wife go when there's a safe place like this she could be at instead. Glenn and Maggie agreed as well." I breathe a sigh of relief, "So everyone else is okay with me staying behind?" He says, "We talked 'bout it and you're staying here, others will be going on to D.C." I look over at him and timidly ask, "And you?" He gives me a look like I'm crazy and says, "Ya think I'd walk away from ya? Go to D.C. without ya? Are ya that touched in the head Rowan?" I shrug and mumble, "They're your family Daryl; they've always needed ya and now ain't no different. I don't want to come in between you and them; I would never ask ya to choose."

He sighs and pulls me onto his lap, burying his face in my neck as he admits, "They are my family but you're my wife and having my child. This wasn't something I had to think 'bout Rowan; I belong with you." I feel a couple of tears slip down my cheeks as I try to hold them back. Daryl hugs me tighter, "I ain't going nowhere; I love ya princess." I smile for the first time today, "I love ya too Dare, I guess it's just you and me for a few months." He clears his throat, "Umm, well not exactly." I pull back to look at him, "What are talking about?" He grins, "Trey and Carol are staying with us." I'm surprised, "What? Why?" He laughs at my reaction, "Cause Trey says he's family and family sticks together. Carol agrees and she ain't leaving Trey, says I'm her family so she's staying; besides we'll need her when the baby comes." I feel relief wash over me, I was prepared to deliver this child myself but having the three of them stay means the world to me. Daryl kisses my cheek, "Ya wanna go back and say goodbye to the rest of the group? They plan to come back once they scout out D.C. but they will be gone for a while." I get up off his lap, offering my hand to him. He grabs it, pulling himself up off the soft pine needles and admits, "Honestly I'm glad ya don't wanna go, I feel better 'bout ya staying here." I roll my eyes and give him a little smirk, "You're always gonna be up my ass worrying ain't ya?" He puts his arm around my shoulders and huskily says into my ear, "Yeah I am, git used to it princess."