Daryl's POV

I shut off my motorcycle, pocketing my sunglasses and ruffling my hair. Aaron climbs out behind me, letting out a long whistle.

"Still nothing," he comments.

"Yup," I agree.

"Daryl!"

I turn to see Hope striding towards me, Elliot and Lightning behind her. She smiles brightly, her eyes crinkling at the edges and twinkling when she sees me. Her curls bounce with every step, one hand waving to me while the other rests on her stomach.

I swear, I fall in love all over again every time I see her.

"Hello darlin'," I greet, hugging her gently.

She returns it, her stomach keeping some distance between us. She laughs, rubbing the mound.

"Even the baby joins in on our hugs nowadays," she comments.

I peck her forehead. "Why ain't you restin'?"

"I slept in this morning. Besides, Lightning needed a walk."

The black lab barks and sniffs my hands, licking them. I scratch her ears.

"Hey Daryl," Elliot greets.

"Hey Doc. Busy day?"

"Not really. No one's gotten sick or injured in a while." He chuckles and scratches the back of his neck. "Well, Sam had a bit of a sore throat. I gave him a cough drop."

"And you went to how many years of school for this?"

Hope laughs. Elliot smirks and shakes his head.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Hope perks up. "Morgan and Rick were talking to Deanna. They want to have a town meeting soon."

"I hate those thin's," I grumble.

She pouts out her bottom lip. "It's just to talk over reinforcing the wall, what to do should the Wolves return, that sort of thing."

"I'd advise that you come along," Elliot sides with her. "But, on another note, did you get any supplies?"

"More pills and vitamins. Aaron brought them to the clinic," I say.

"Oh good." He smiles, looking around. "Hope, did you see Sasha this morning?"

"She was on wall duty. Should be done by now," she answers.

"Thanks. I'll go find her." He grins and dashes off with his dog at his heels.

I wrap my arm around my wife's shoulder, starting to walk. She loops her arm around my waist as we go.

"What's up with him and Sasha anyways?" I inquire.

She smirks. "Well, he thought that, as a doctor, he could try being a sort of therapist. Gabriel's alright and everything, but he wanted to help. They talk to each other about life."

"Cute."

"Isn't it though?" She sighs dreamily.

I shake my head, a small smile on my face. "There you go with your head in the clouds again."

He dreamy smile falls briefly. "Well...it keeps my mind off of other stuff." Before I can ask what she means, she perks up and looks content again. "How about soup tonight? I got rationed some that I think would be amazing with noodles."

"Good thing I found that damn pasta maker."

She laughs. "Indeed."

Carl and Enid stroll by, chatting a little. They wave, Carl smiling while Enid's mouth only turns up a little at the sides. Hope returns the bright grin while I sort of shake my fingers in a half-wave gesture.

"You need to shower again," Hope comments as we reach our porch.

I roll my eyes. "Really?"

She crosses her arms. "I'm getting kind of tired of having this argument. You either shower or move downstairs to the couch."

She pushes the door open and walks inside. I weigh the options, heaving a sigh.

"I'll clean up."

"Thanks, honey."

"Only for you, babe." I give her a small kiss, my hand falling to her belly.

There's a soft kick, and that only makes my smile grow, knowing that my little Dixon is on the way.