A/N Hello Again and Happy Holidays to All! In this chapter we'll have a special little Christmas with Daryl and Beth.

It's all about the love and the fluff and in response to a prompt for Bethyl Holiday Fest 2020, Stockings.

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Christmas is just under a week away and she's filled with anticipation, a lot of it being nervous anticipation. Celebrating Christmas is all new to Daryl and it almost makes her start crying again just to think about that.

He told her the story when they spent that first long weekend together, Thanksgiving weekend. That Friday morning they'd gotten up early, had their breakfast and hurried out to take care of business. The only reason they were in a hurry was so they could have most of the day to ride his bike.

They stopped at her apartment first where the landlord went on and on about how bad he felt about the fire, and about her being displaced. He must have said a hundred times how happy he was that she was all right. He refunded her rent and the deposit money and told her the building's owner was so upset about her losing her things, he'd added an extra five hundred dollars.

She left there thinking there were still good people, then Daryl burst her bubble when he said, "I doubt it was about being nice, he's probably hoping if he gives you a little money you won't sue him."

She looked concerned, "That's plain sad Daryl. Don't you think it's possible for people to just be good and kind?"

"Not really. Most folks are only out for themselves, except for you. You're good people."

This was the first time she'd seen this side of him and it gave her concern, "That seems like such a negative way to think Daryl." Then she had another thought, "I know what you need to cure it."

"Oh yeah, you know huh? So what is it you think I need?"

She beamed that smile at him when she answered, "Christmas spirit."

He looked at her like she was nuts when he responded, "Yeah, well that ain't likely."

He seemed so crabby and negative she was actually starting to worry about what she'd gotten herself into, "Really Daryl? Do you hate Christmas?"

He shrugged his shoulders and answered truthfully, "I guess I don't hate it. I just never have celebrated it. We didn't have it at home when I was growing up. No presents from Santa, no Christmas songs, no happy family. None of that stuff like folks do." He shrugged again and she could see it. He may have tried to act like he didn't care but she saw there was sadness under the surface, then he added, "I been livin' on my own since I left home so I never saw the point in worrying about Christmas."

She wanted to believe he could start seeing things another way. Maybe he just needed a nudge, "Oh. Okay. Just so you know though, it so happens that I love Christmas. Everything about it. The smell of the tree, putting up the decorations, hanging the Christmas stockings and all the twinkling lights. I love baking cookies and all the other Christmas treats. I love the music, and I love the idea of Santa Claus."

He was fighting a smile by then, just looking at the twinkle in her eye and knowing how excited she getting simply thinking about it all, "Yeah? I bet when you was a little girl you even got a pony for Christmas."

She was holding back the laughter when she admitted, "No, it wasn't a pony. It was a very ornery filly named Nellie."

He'd about caved, he was full-on smiling at her by then, "Yeah? And I bet you broke her just like you're tryin' to break me. I also got a feeling all this talk is your way of telling me we're having Christmas whether I like it or not."

She didn't want to laugh, she did her best not to, she just smiled coyly and replied, "Well let's put it this way Daryl. I plan to celebrate Christmas and if you want to celebrate with me I would be so happy."

All their joking aside it was a huge deal for him. He wanted her to be happy, but Christmas? Well he just wasn't sure. He's was chewing on his lip, studying her. She could almost hear his wheels turning as he was considering it all.

She stayed quiet, she gave him his time and finally he said, "A'ight. If it's important to you then it's important to me, but I don't know anything about it so don't expect me to know what to do, k? This is your deal and I'm just going along."

She was all happy smiles and gratitude, she knew he was stepping way out of his comfort zone, "I'd love to Daryl and we can start today. After we swing by the uniform outlet we can go look at Christmas decorations."

He wondered, shit, did everything just change? "I thought we was going on a bike ride."

She realized in her excitement she'd made a big mistake. They did have plans and she knew he was looking forward to them. She just got so caught up in the moment. "That's right, you're right. Gosh I can't believe I forgot. I was just so excited. Let's do that bike ride today and if it's alright, maybe tomorrow we'll have time to look for decorations."

He could see this Christmas thing meant a lot to her and he wanted her to be happy, shit, he wanted them both to be happy. He'd wanted her for so long, and now here she was. He was willing to try everything he knew to make that happen, "Tell ya what. How about we get your uniforms, that shouldn't take long. Then we go for a bike ride, maybe later we eat some leftovers and then we can go look for your decorations. The stores are all open late."

She was smiling from ear to ear when she answered, "Oh that does sound perfect, but Daryl, they won't just be my decorations. They're going to be our decorations. We're celebrating your first Christmas ever and our first Christmas together." She leaned over, gave him a sweet kiss and said, "And I can't wait!"

He couldn't believe how she almost had him excited about the whole Christmas thing, but he was nervous too. It had that element to it, the element of him somehow screwing the whole thing up. He damn sure didn't want to ruin her fun.

Another issue reared its head that day. It taught them no matter how deep their feelings for each other were, they still had so much to learn about one another.

When the time came for the bike ride her apprehension became obvious. It wasn't something she'd ever done and not something she'd ever planned to do. She'd done a real good job of hiding her unease but the truth was it all seemed just plain scary and life threatening to her. It all came out when, as they were getting ready to climb on that great big Triumph her fear got the best of her and she broke down and admitted it to him.

She expected him to be mad, she was even concerned he might yell at her and ask why she let him spend a hundred and fifty bucks on a helmet for her if she had no intention of riding the damn thing. She wouldn't blame him if he threw a fit. She'd understand completely.

That wasn't how he reacted at all. Instead of having a fit he took her in his arms. He pulled her close and for a moment he just held her tight. Then, with his cheek pressed close to hers he quietly told her, "Ya know Baby, back in the day I was so full of anger, I was pissed off all the time. It made me stupid and reckless. I'd get on the bike and scream down the highway and I admit, some of those times I'd had too many beers. I took stupid chances no one oughta take. It's only my own dumb luck that I didn't kill myself or someone else."

The he drew back from her just far enough to place his hands on her cheeks and continued, "I'm not that dumb ass kid anymore. I have respect for the machine, for the rules and for the people I'm out there on the street with. Shit, and with you Baby, I'd never think of risking anything happening to you."

His forearms were resting on her shoulders when he shrugged and added, "But hey, I get it. A motorcycle is a big bad ass machine and they scare a lot of people. If you don't wanna go riding I ain't gonna try'n force you. We just won't go. We'll go see about those decorations instead."

She didn't think it was possible for her to love him any more than she already did, but in that moment she fell for him so much harder. She knew what his bike meant to him and how much he was looking forward to their ride. The thing was, she wanted to go. She was just afraid. But she trusted him and she wanted to make him as happy as he wanted to make her.

She asked, "I want to go Daryl, I really do. I'm just scared. Do you think it would be okay if we took it kind of slow at first? Maybe I can get used to it and stuff?"

"Baby we can do it any way you want. And yeah, sure, we'll just go on a nice slow ride around the neighborhood, no racing down the highway. We'll keep it mellow. If you want me to stop, we'll stop. If you decide you're okay with it we'll go out on the rural route and pick up the pace a little, have some fun. I promise I ain't gonna race and I would never put you in danger."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaned up on her toes to kiss him and said, "Thank you Daryl, and have I mentioned that I love you?" Oh my gosh, she said it to him, and she's the one who said it first!

Even though it's a feeling they'd both been feeling, neither has said the words out loud. He returned her kiss with a longer, deeper and more heated kiss. When he drew back he smiled and told her, "I love you too Baby. I have since way back at Dub's."

He kissed her again, and said, "We better get on that bike before I have to have a nap."

She laughed with him at the suggestion and ventured an idea of her own, "I'm sure we'll be exhausted after the ride, maybe we could have a nap then."

He had no argument with that plan, "Deal."

In an effort to alleviate her fear, he told her as much as he could think to tell her about the bike, everything from how to get on and off it to what to expect the ride might feel like. Then he told her something he never expected to tell anyone, "Just wrap your arms around me and hang on tight."

She was terrified at first but after a few minutes she began to feel herself smiling. It was fun and exhilarating, not to mention how wonderful it felt holding him so close and trusting him so completely. It was all so good. It was hard to know which of them was more thrilled and more relieved that she loved riding on the bike as much as she did.

The way they'd worked it all out, the moments of give and take and the words of love they'd shared all contributed to making their nap even more enjoyable.

Later that night they braved the crowd at a big box store. When they'd loaded up decorations until the cart was overflowing he was sure they had more than they'd ever need, he found out he was wrong. She informed him, "We need to get outdoor lights too."

He didn't think, he just asked, "You're gonna hang lights up outside?"

She smiled when she told him, "No Honey, you are."

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The time seems to have flown by and here they are. It's the Saturday morning before Christmas. Daryl's working but just for the morning. He told her there wasn't much left to do on the job, maybe three hours or so and then he'll be home.

Of course she misses him, she always misses him when they're not together, but she could use the time. She's just finishing up their Christmas stockings. She could have simply bought stockings, but that seemed impersonal and not quite special enough for Daryl's first Christmas. Besides, she has to put her new sewing machine to good use.

She bought it with all the money she received back from her rent and deposit, plus the money the building owner gave her. Daryl took her to the big appliance store and the timing was perfect, they were having a closeout on a floor model. It's an awesome machine and certainly a lot fancier than any machine she'd ever used. She wanted it badly.

Even with the deep discount the price was sky high, but she justified the expense. She was going to need a lot of clothes to make up for everything she'd lost.

Daryl wanted to buy it for her but she wouldn't hear of it, "Daryl, you always want to pay for everything and that's not right. I have the money and this is something I want to do." Then she smiled and punched at his arm, "You go buy yourself some kind of new toy, another bow or something."

She smiles remembering it and she's so happy to have the stockings done before he gets home. She hangs them from the mantle and she thinks they're perfect, but will Daryl even notice?

When he arrives home he doesn't come in the front door. He pulls the work truck in the garage, takes his work boots off, and when he walks in the kitchen door she's waiting for him. He smiles at the sight of her in that cute Christmas apron, "Hey Baby, I missed ya."

"I missed you too. I made lunch whenever you're ready."

"Really? Thanks, I'm starving. I should have eaten a couple more of those pancakes this morning. I'ma just shower up real quick."

He starts to walk through the living room but he has to stop, he's mesmerized again. He can't believe this is his house, well their house now. Never in his craziest dreams did he ever imagine anything like this.

A Christmas tree. Him with a Christmas tree. He's willing to admit, the size of it is his own doing. It's just that when he saw it on the lot it looked so perfect. It's just like the tree he used to imagine when he was a kid, back when he was little enough to still believe their could be a miracle and Christmas would come to their house.

All these years later, thanks to Beth's insistence, his wish has finally come true.

He stands starring at the tree covered in pretty blinking lights and hung with all the ornaments they chose, plus a bunch that she made since, and it is a beautiful sight. She made it that way. Even the fireplace mantle is decorated, and then he sees her latest addition.

He can feel her, she's standing right behind him and looking where he's looking, "Hey Baby, what're those?"

She should have known he'd spot them right away, not much gets passed Daryl. "They're our Christmas stockings. I just finished making them this morning. Now all we have to do is hope Santa Claus puts something in them for us."

"Yeah, like what?" He has no idea and the thing is it's important to him that he get this Christmas stuff right.

"Oh, I don't know. I'm sure every home is different. When I was growing up Santa always put fun little things in my stocking. Clips for my hair, a bottle of bubble bath, and usually some piece of costume jewelry. There was always an apple and some candies and cookies."

Hmm, he's going to have to think about this. Does it really mean he'd better put something in her stocking? Santa, huh? Is that him?

Then she says, "Really though, don't worry about it Daryl. I'm not expecting anything. I just thought it would be fun if we had our own stockings."

Uh oh. Even though she's playing it off like it's no big deal, something in her tone tells him it means something to her. He's got a strong feeling that if there's not a little something in her stocking Christmas morning, it will be because he's a shithead. "Well they're real nice Baby, I like how ya got our names on em and everything. The whole place looks great." And he's not just saying that, he means it.

He likes this house, he did the minute he saw it. It's well laid out with a nice yard and in a good neighborhood. Since the day he bought it he's felt proud to own something of his own. He didn't go on the cheap at the furniture store either.

The house is the same as it's been and so is the furniture. But it's all gotten a whole new feel since Beth moved in. It's the little things she does that make it that way. The candles and the pictures, the cheery colored kitchen linens and the throw rugs in the bathroom. The brightly colored patchwork quilt on their bed and the new curtains she made for their window. Even the cozy blanket laying over the back of the sofa.

The presence of her and her sunny smile, the sweet fragrance of her everywhere and the way she always looks so happy to see him. It's not just a house anymore, she makes it feel like home.

He takes a fast shower, he's hungry for lunch and he's hungry to sit down with her and visit about the morning they've each had. The simple things they do have become some of his favorite things.

They decide to eat in the living room so they can enjoy all the decorations while they have their lunch and visit. It's then, while they're sipping soup from mugs and eating their sandwiches the realization comes to him, and when it does, it leaves no room for doubt. For a guy who has spent his whole life worrying about one thing or the another and dreading what might happen next, he can't believe how sure he is about this. He knows exactly what to put in her stocking.

After their lunch and the little bit of cleanup there is to do, he asks, "Baby, do you mind at all if I go out for a while? I got a few things I need to take care of."

"No, not at all, I've got plenty to keep me busy right here, including making Christmas cookies."

"That sounds like the perfect dinner." He leans in kissing her cheek and promises, "I won't be long. Two or three hours tops."

He has two stops on his shopping trip. Both are custom shops that he didn't expect to see so busy, but he reminds himself he's never been out Christmas shopping. Everyone looks a little frantic to get done what they need to get done. He wants to ask, where the hell's the joy?

Still it's a breeze at his first stop, the rod shop. He knew what he had in mind before he left the house. It's not something for her stocking, but it's something he hopes she'll like because he's sure he's going to like seeing her in it. There's a bonus too. The owner Dwight, well it seems his wife Sherry has set herself up a little side hustle. She's offering gift wrapping for just five bucks a present. Daryl is quick to take advantage.

He's sure the next stop will take him quite a bit longer. He knows the owner a little. Her name's Sasha and her husband Abe does drywall. Daryl and him have worked at the same job sites a number of times. That's how he knows about this place.

This may be the most important purchase of his life and he wants to get it right. He can't believe it when he spots the perfect one within two minutes of walking in the joint. Sasha's helpful and all smiles and kindness. She gets what a big deal it is. He describes Beth to her and she agrees, "I think this one is perfect. Can I wrap it up for you?"

"Yes please."

Everything's done in just over an hour, and it's not because he picked out just any old thing for her. It's almost like the right things just said to him, "Here we are, we've been waiting for you."

He smiles when he sees the shop on the corner, it's some kind of bath store. Yeah, he'll stop there too. He gets a bottle of bubble bath and some kind of after bath spray, a small candle and one of those bath scrubby things. That ought to do fill up the rest of her stocking.

In two hours he's spent more money than what two house payments and a trip to New Orleans cost, and as hard as it is for him to believe, he's happy he did. When he gets home he stashes everything in the gun safe in the garage. No one can get into that thing and it would take five men to move it.

After dinner she wants to drive around and look at Christmas lights, and he wants to do what makes her happy. He teases, "Are ya hoping I get some ideas for next year's decorations?"

She just smiles at him and he knows, next Christmas he's going to have to go bigger and brighter.

Sunday morning she's up and making gingerbread men. She loves to bake and make candy and other treats, and every day as he's happily eating those treats he teases her, "I didn't know Christmas was gonna be about you fattening me up."

She just smiles and says, "I don't see any fat, all I've noticed is more muscle."

She's all smiles and Christmas cheer and he digs it, a lot. But not everything is happy. He knows her heart's been heavy. It's not that she hates her job, not completely. But parts of it are getting to her. Having to put down dogs and cats, she's having a lot of trouble dealing with it.

He's caught her crying a couple of times and he just can't stand that. He suggested she just quit, "I make more than enough to take care of us 'til you find something else Beth, or just don't work at all. I don't mind."

That sounds lovely but she doesn't want to just live off of him and besides, she likes to have a little money of her own. So she tells herself and him that she'll figure something out after the holiday. Maybe she just needs to grow a thicker skin.

He worries it over in his mind for the next two days, and then he realizes the answer has been staring him in the face.

It's Thursday morning, tomorrow's Christmas Day and they're planning to make a big holiday dinner even though there's just the two of them. Daryl's cooking a prime rib on the outdoor rotisserie, Beth's making some fancy twice baked potatoes, there will be roast vegetables and homemade crescent rolls, plus two kinds of pie.

That's why they decided to keep it simple on Christmas Eve, but that doesn't make it any less festive.

They're just talking, sharing stories as they sit on the floor in front of the fire, a big plate of snacks between them. They kept dinner light but they're making up for it now. The plate is covered with sugar cookies and fudge, cranberry orange bread and gingerbread men, even some salty snacks for in between bites. They're enjoying it all while sipping on hot buttered rum.

Something's bothering her though, something he's desperate to fix. In spite of the smiles and the fun chatter, he's aware she's had that underlying sadness since yesterday, and he understands why. It was a brutal day at the vet's office.

He picks this moment to talk to her about something that's been on his mind the past two days, "You know those bids I been working on for that big new restaurant and the hotel lobby remodel? The one where they wanted all that intricate mosaic work done?"

"Yes, I've been waiting to hear if you got them."

"Well I did. Both of them."

"That's wonderful Daryl, I'm so happy for you."

His hand cups her cheek and he smiles too, "Yeah? So am I. And you know, that restaurant it's gonna be the whole place and just the floors alone are a big job. Anyway, I was wondering, I was thinking I'm gonna be swamped. I'm not gonna have time to breathe much less get prices to quote other jobs down the pipeline, pick up materials and do my office work. I was gonna hire someone…"

He's regretting it now. Why the hell would she want a job doing his grunt work when she went to college to learn how to do what she's doing now? Shit, what an idiot. But his foot's in it now so he just keeps talking, "What would ya think about quitting your job and workin' with me? Not for me, with me. You get a cut of the profits."

The smile on her face tells him she isn't insulted, still she talks like they're negotiating a deal and he's not sure what to think when she says, "So, you want me to quit my job, go to work with you doing your office work and picking up supplies and helping with quotes? Is that right?"

"Yeah, I get it, ya probably think I'm stupid for even asking."

Her wheels are spinning but it doesn't take her long to decide, "No, not at all. I'd love to work with you, but I have one condition."

It's his turn to smile, shit she's onboard and how big of an ask could she have? "Lay it on me Baby."

"I want to rescue a dog. Not a puppy, everyone wants a puppy. I was thinking maybe a dog who's got a couple of years on him."

"You're kiddin', right?"

"No, I'm not kidding at all."

"Hell yeah then, I'd dig that too."

That's when they decide to turn in early, they have so much to celebrate.


His eyes open at five Christmas morning and he's already smiling, why wouldn't he be? He's lying on his back and she's snuggled up close to him. Her leg is wrapped over his and her head is resting on his chest. How can he help but smile?

She must sense he's awake because her head pops up and she's smiling too, "You're awake! Let's go see if Santa brought anything!"

He as anxious as she is but he suggests, "Maybe we oughta put some pants on first. What if Santa's still out there? We don't wanna scare him off."

They both slip into flannel sleep pants and t-shirts, the difference is hers have a much tighter fit. They turn on the tree lights and he gets the fire going, and then they go to the kitchen and pour some champagne.

There's not a million packages to open, they agreed on buying each other just one nice gift. They cheerfully argue about who opens theirs first. Finally Beth caves, "Okay, I'll open mine first, but you have to do your stocking first."

He nods, so damn happy he filled her stocking, "Okay, it's a deal Mrs. Claus."

She takes her time opening the package and the longer it takes her the more nervous he gets. Finally she pulls it out of the box and she laughs and says, "It's perfect, perfect!" Then stands to try it on. She turns around like she's modeling in for him ad asks, "What do you think?"

His eyes are glued to her. The black leather jacket fits her just like it's supposed to, like a second skin. It hits at her waist and closes with a chrome buckle that matches the snap front and the zippered cuffs. "Baby you look so hot you're gonna be burning up the road."

She drops to her knees next to him and puts her arms around his shoulders when she tells him, "I love it Daryl. Now I feel like a real biker chick. Thank you so much." He doesn't know yet why she's laughing when she says, "Open yours now."

He's smiling at her suspiciously as he begins to tear the paper, "Nothing's gonna jump out at me, is it?"

"Oh my gosh, I hope not!"

"Alright then," He opens the box and takes out his gift, the gift that looks just like the one he got her, except for it being the male version. It's his turn to take her in his arms, kiss her and say, "I love it Baby, thank you."

They take the time to drink their champagne and he teases, "Are we gonna look like them old couples who wear matching Hawaiian shirts?"

"Exactly."

"Cool."

She gets his stocking from the mantle and says, "You go first. Merry Christmas!"

He's laughing and smiling as one by one he removes the little gifts. There's a bar of shaving soap and he teases, "Is this a hint?"

"Not at all, you know I love those whiskers, it's just for trimming."

There's a pair of work gloves and a pair of black leather riding gloves, and a pricey pair of sunglasses, along with a candy cane an orange and a little bag of cookies. He acts a little upset, "I love it all Beth, but shit, you said it was just supposed to be little stuff. I know them leather gloves and those sunglasses cost plenty. Now I'm gonna look like a cheapskate."

"No Daryl, no, please don't worry about it. This is already the best Christmas ever."

He feels guilty making her feel bad, he just couldn't help himself. He suggests, "Lemme get us another glass of champagne," and once they each have a drink in hand, he takes her stocking down and gives it to her, "Well, anyway, here's yours."

She sips her champagne and then tries to get his spirits up by teasing, just like he always does. After she's taken out the first three gifts, bubble bath, after bath spray and a scrubby she says, "Are you trying to tell me I stink?"

"Yeah Baby, ya stink real good."

She laughs, "You know me so well, l I love this stuff," and then pulls out the candle. "Oh good!" It's then she feels it, a little box deep in the toe of the stocking.

His stomach is suddenly in his throat, shit, what if she thinks he's just plain nuts? She pulls the box out and looks at him suspiciously, "What's this?"

He takes a gulp of champagne shrugs and says, "Best open it and see."

She gasps when she sees it, the delicately woven gold band with the square cut diamond in the center, she can hardly speak, but she tries, "Daryl…"

"I though if we're gonna be business partners, then shouldn't we be life partners too? I know it's soon but I don't give a fuck, I love ya Baby, will you marry me?"

"Yes!"

They clink their glasses, finish their champagne and go back to bed. All that present opening has exhausted them. They need a nap.

Merry Christmas to All!

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A/N This chapter concludes our story. Thanks for sharing a little Christmas fun with me and Bethyl and please leave a comment :) I hope that no matter what and where you celebrate your holidays will be peaceful and loving. Thanks for reading my stories and for all the love throughout the year. I love ya large! xo gneebee