AN: Guys, I'm SO sorry for the inconsistent updates. As some of you may know, I'm in Grade 11 and it's basically hell with homework. I'm trying, but this isn't the only book I'm updating. I'm sorry if the updates don't come out as fast as usual, but I've got a life to live outside of here.

Also, I apologize for the half-baked chapter that will follow this author's note. Toodles!

It comes at around 7:00 am, or at least I think it is. I wake up to the feeling of something warm soaking my pyjamas, a discomforted groan leaving my lips.

Daryl rolls over, grunting a little as his eyes open. I sit up, placing a hand over my stomach as I squeeze my eyes shut.

"Daryl..." I whimper. "My...my water broke..."

He lurches upwards, his eyes wide and his shaggy hair incredibly messy. He scoots closer to me, his expression scared, which is something I don't think I've ever seen on his face.

"Does...does that mean..." he mutters. "...the baby..."

I nod. "Just...labour...labour is starting. I'll have the baby sometime today."

He pushes himself to his knees, his face and position like that of a worried kindergartener on their first day of school. He gently grasps my hands, rubbing circles on my palm.

"Well, then I ain't goin' out on that run. I told Rick I wasn't gonna, now-" he starts.

I shake my head, gently placing a finger over his lips. "They need you out there. Besides, I'll probably just be laying around moaning for a while. Labour doesn't happen quickly." I force a laugh. "But...I do need to change my clothes now."

Daryl nods, helping me out of bed. He refuses to take his hands away from me, being more protective of me than he's been during the entire pregnancy. I change into new underwear and loose pyjama pants, sighing as I feel the cramping of labour squeezing at my lower abdomen.

Realization seems to break over me, my eyes widening as I look to my husband.

"Daryl...I'm having a baby," I whisper, feeling as though the idea of it is finally settling in.

He nods, enveloping me in a hug as his lips brush my forehead. "Yeah, you are." He shuts his eyes, his mouth staying pressed against my forehead. "If I'm goin', I want you to go and be at Carol's house or with Elliot. Anyone who can help you."

"Okay, I will. I promise," I murmur.

"Come on, angel. Try to get some more sleep. I'll wake you when I leave," he offers, gently lifting me into his arms.

"Daryl...the sheets are still wet," I say, feeling embarrassed.

He looks to the spot, then at me. That smirk that I've always loved fixes itself on his lips as he spins around and heads for a different room.

"Perks of livin' in a big house, right?" he says.

"True," I agree, a yawn forcing its way out of my mouth.

He enters out guest bedroom, settling down on the bed and tucking me in. I sigh, letting him baby me, and he kisses my forehead once more before crawling back into bed.

"G'night Hope," he mumbles.

I shut my eyes, his hand resting over my stomach as he drifts off to sleep.

"Goodnight," I whisper.

---------------

Daryl wakes me after what feels like only a few minutes, already dressed and ready to go. His sparkling blue eyes remain worried as he looks down at me.

"Are you sure I-" he starts.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," I return, pushing myself up with an uncomfortable squeak. "Just stay safe out there."

He leans down and pecks my lips gently. "I love you."

"Love you too," I return. He turns away, but I reach out and brush his wrist gently. "Daryl?"

"Yeah?"

"Sorry I was so prissy about your cleanliness," I apologize. "We've both been a lot dirtier than that and I've dealt with it."

He laughs. "It's a'ight. Just don't get all hormonal on me if I tease you about havin' prickly legs." He pecks my forehead once more and heads to the door. "I'll be home as fast as I can, I promise."

I push myself to my feet and take a deep breath. "Okay. Be safe."

He smirks. "I always am."

He disappears, and I take a deep breath, preparing for what I know is coming.