My Exception (sequel to No Exceptions)

Twelve

Daryl drove whilst stewing in his own cranky juices, making it clear to me that he was unhappy with this trip.

Luckily this didn't effect the mood of the back row; an intense round of eye spy in progress as Glenn initiated his turn, "eye spy with my little eye..."

Daryl grumbled something under his breath and I squeezed his thigh. "Thank you for letting us do this. It means a lot to me."

He cracked his jaw before speaking, "yer makin' it hard te protect ye, ye know tha' righ'?"

I leaned over and pecked him on the cheek in attempts of easing his worry. "I know you're up for the task my big poppa bear! And besides, remember how barren it was yesterday? We'll be in and out, I promise!"

He smiled at his new nickname, but remembered himself as his face set back to its previously irritated state. Our new additions made him unwilling to compromise when it came to my safety.

We all got out after he parked out the front of the shopfront; Daryl insisting that he remain in the back while Glenn lead. I stood just in front of him, giggling at his overprotective manner, muttering under his breath, "sittin' ducks... 2 friggin' pregnant ladies... who's idea was this?"

We walked through the door and I placed my middle finger and thumb to my lips, letting out a whistle. We waited a moment and nothing came out. Everyone took a sigh of relief and much to Daryl's distress we separated to different aisles.

I squeezed his tense arm, "it's alright my love! Just relax!"

He grabbed my waist and pulled me close, kissing my forehead, "ye killin' me woman!" He then released me as Skye and myself perused for various baby items. A beautiful frilly pink romper caught my eye as I picked it up off the rack, eyes glistening.

"Awww that's beautiful!" Skye and I said together which caused us to giggle like little school girls.

I presented it to Daddy, causing him to raise his brow, "now wha' makes ye think there's girls in there?"

Skye smiles, but doesn't look him in the eye.

Probably still embarrassed from this morning!

"Pink used to be a boy colour! It wasn't until 1927 Time magazine created a chart for appropriate colours for boys and girls that turned that on its head."

I laughed at Skye's random factoid as Daryl snickered, "yeah righ' girl! Keep dreamin'!"

Before I could ask anything about it the whistle of a large caliber round rung through the space. The constant hum of an engine became louder, as it drew closer and closer towards the shop. We dropped to the floor as Daryl shoved at me, indicating he wanted us to travel to the back of the building. He stayed put, silently loading a bolt into his crossbow.

Maggie joined us at the back of the aisle as Glenn crouched beside Daryl; hushed whispers between them ensued.

I held my hand out to Skye as Maggie and I lead her to the stock room. Maggie pulled her pistol from the back of her jeans as I regretted the fact that I had  only my small fishing knife as means of protection.

Luck favours the prepared Rackel! How could I be so reckless?

I held my ear to the wall as I recognised the click of the door opening. Two sets of footsteps entering the store shortly followed.