These Awkward Moments

Chapter 39 Back to Hilltop

7 Weeks Later
Delilah's POV
Daryl and Roe had so far kept the promise Daryl made to stay close to home. They went about their regular duties, but didn't attempt any big road trips. Daryl and I were planning a trip back to the Hilltop for a prenatal visit with Dr. Carson. I had begun to feel small fluttering movements just over a week ago, but they weren't strong enough yet for Daryl to feel. He was also very concerned because even though my jeans were getting slightly snug, I still wasn't really starting to show yet.

We loaded up the pick-up truck with our belongings as well as gifts for baby Hershel from Maggie's friends here in Alexandria. We left at sunrise and made better time than we ever had before. The regular patrols were paying off with fewer and fewer walker sitings. We arrived well before lunch time and were met at the gate by Jesus. He jogged over to the truck to greet us. He waved to Roe, Max and even Daryl. As I stood up from the truck he wrapped his arms around me and squeezed. "It's so good to see you again!" He murmured in my ear.

I hugged him back. "It's good to see you too! What have you been up to? Tell me all the latest gossip!"

He moved an arm around my shoulders and started walking me towards Barrington House as he leaned over and whispered into my ear. "Well... if you really wanna know..."

I held up a finger. "Hold on. The bags. I need ta help carry things in." I turned and saw Max with Mercy on his shoulders piggybacking her in, with a bag over one shoulder. Daryl and Roe had the majority of our belongings except for a few small items.

Daryl looked at Jesus. "Hey man. Could ya let go a my ol' lady for a couple minutes and help with the bags? If you don't, the pregnant lady will be tryin' a carry things in herself."

Jesus chuckled and grabbed the remaining items in the truck. He leaned towards me. "Oh well... just means I get to snuggle with you later to make up for having my hands full now. It doesn't bother you at all? When he calls you his 'ol' lady'?"

I laughed. "Nah. Where I come from its kinda a good thing when a man calls a woman that. It's almost better'n 'wife'. And when it comes down to it... it don't matter to me if he calls me his ol' lady, his wife, his woman... as long as I'm 'his', ya know?"

He smiled a slightly sad smile and sighed. "Oh God Delilah! What I would give for a love like you two have! That was so sweet!"

I giggled at him. "Hang in there sweetie. You never know what life's gonna bring your way. I sure as hell never anticipated that it was gonna bring me Daryl Dixon!" I winked at Jesus.

He laughed. "Yeah. I guess you're right! Wait till you see Hershel. He's getting so big already!"

We stored our bags in the guest trailer and all headed over to the infirmary. Dr. Carson was happy to see us walk in the door, but was a bit taken aback that it was such a crowd. Daryl and I entered first, followed by Roe and Max who was holding Mercy. "Wow! The whole family came along, huh?"

I chuckled. "No, actually... if we brought the whole family you'd have to do this appointment in the community area in Alexandria and project the image on the wall for everyone ta see. We decided ta keep it a bit more intimate this time."

Dr. Carson laughed. "Yes, its great that the people in these communities have become so supportive of each other. I can't thank you all enough for being so helpful during Maggie's delivery. You made my job much easier, and made her labor much more bearable for her. How are you feeling Delilah? Feeling that baby moving around? No problems at all?"

I nodded and smiled. "Yup! Started feelin' little flutters about ten days ago. No problems, unless you consider typical pregnancy hormones a problem. I'm past most of the fatigue I was havin'."