- 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑩𝒆𝒆 -

Chapter 3: I just call you Mine

For most of his life, it was touch and go. Working to make enough money to survive and half normally went to his brother in a town some miles away. Merle wasn't the nicest of people but he was family and every Dixon understood that no matter what, family came first. Being the older brother and the one to take care of them both after his ma and pa died, Merle made sure to teach him everything he knew. From Hunting to working hard to make ends meet. He took it all in like a sponge and used it whenever Merle got himself into trouble or left him alone for sometime.

Now at the age of 30, he worked for Mister Parker in the shop and did runs to peoples homes to fix whatever they needed. He hunted daily and lived in his pa's hunting cabin out in the woods. It was quiet and comfortable for someone like himself. He never passed high school since he had to help bring home money with Merle but he wasn't stupid like most city people thought of him.

But his life took a drastic turn when he got a run to the old Greene farm and found his ray of sunshine. She was pretty as a picture and tiny to boot, her smile though was what made him want to see it all the time.Than her daughter came in and made his heart sink, he had to stay back and watch what might be someone elses family grow. Until she asked him out by his truck, her cheeks pink in embarrassment and nervousness.He agreed whole heartily, wanting whatever that little family could give him.He wanted that, to have that beautiful woman and adorable daughter as his own to care for and help raise. He had baggage though and he hoped Beth understood at least.

~*~

That night he cleaned himself up, dressed in nice wranglers and a button up shirt in blue and boots. He cut his hair slightly and took care of his scruff, making him seem younger. He had drove to a flower shop before he took off for her home, buying her some Cherokee Roses. His mama loved them and he hoped she did too.

He got there on time surprisingly. He walked up to the porch and knocked, fixing himself a little before he heard her open the door. When she did, his eyes almost fell out of his head. She was gorgeous, the country girl look fit her very well.

"Hey there."He said in a soft baritone voice.His eyes trained on her blushing face.

She smiled back,"Hi, come in and make yourself comfortable."

He did just that, handing her the flowers that he picked out and watching her was one of his favorite parts of this. How her eyes light up like the stars in the sky of Georgia. It made his heart pound harder against his chest.

"I got these fer ya, I'd hope you'd like them."He smiled a gentle smile.

She took them and sniffed them, her eyes lighting up and her smile like a hundred Watt light bulb. She held them softly to her chest and touched the petel's very lightly.

"Cherokee Rose, their actually my favorite flower."She blushed a little and walked her way into the kitchen.

He grinned when she left him alone in the living room, making the right choices in flowers made his pride shot up to the roof. He followed after her once he calmed down, watching her by the door frame as she fixed the pretty flowers in a vase with water. Sniffing them softly with a smile on her face once more.She stood back and left them on her counter and smiled at him when she saw him.

"Ready to eat?"She had her hands folded in front of her delicately.

He nodded and smirked,"Sure, show the way girl."

She smiled and waved him to follow her to the nice country dining room. Only the end by the fireplace was set and the fireplace had some fire going in it. It was warm and nice and the food she had on the plates looked real good. He let her sit first and then sat himself down, pouring her some wine and himself and then nodded.

"Looks good hon, smells even better."She blushed at his words. It made him smirk deeper.

"Thank you. Well dig in!"She started in on her food as he followed after her. Taking his time watching her and commenting on her cooking, chuckling every time he saw her blush.

~*~

Once they finished, she led him over to the living room to relax and talk. They talked about everything but keeping certain things in the background. He spoke about where he was from and his family, not mentioning how bad it was growing up the way he did. He listened how she grew up here on the farm and was a girl of good breed and church ways. He took it all in as he watched her relax around him. It made him feel better that she did want him around.

Though that night he left at 12:00, he could tell she wanted to have more with him but he would give her the respect she deserved. He kissed her at her door and left with good intentions to see her the next day for lunch,His heart was pure for her even though his jeans became tighter the more he thought of her. He wanted her more than ever now.