Hello everyone!
So I came up with this story after watching episode 3x16 again. The story is inspired by the song "compass" by Lady Antebellum.
This is my take on what happened after. I changed a little (a lot) of what happened during the episode itself and we will just go on from there.
for all of you Joel and Vivian Haters – don't worry I'm a hardcore Zade fan.
The first episode is shorter but the next ones will be longer for sure!
Important things you need to know:
1. English is not my native language so I'm sorry for my mistakes!
2. I know where I want to take this story but if you have any ideas I'd love to hear them
3. I'll try to update as often as possible. University is taking the life of me
4. Reviews make me happy. Like, REALLY HAPPY.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
The last six weeks have been difficult for her. With Joel in L.A, their house renovation and working at the practice she barely had time to breathe. But up until now she didn't realize how this situation actually saved her. Saved her from her own thoughts. It was 2am and she was tossing and turning in bed. Joel should be back tomorrow for the weekend. It could have been comforting if she wouldn't know that once this weekend is over he would be back in L.A and then London. She got out of bed and went over Lavon's house. As she approached the door, she heard noises inside. When she opened it she saw Lavon, Wade and Vivian watching something on TV.
"Big Z! What are you doing here at this hour?"
"Zoe! I didn't know you're awake or else I would have told you to join us! "Vivian got up from the couch and moved towards the kitchen
"Yes, we got back from the Rammer Jammer and we weren't tired so we decided to watch a movie" Lavon added.
"It's okay, guys. I just couldn't sleep so I thought I'd get a snack or something ..." She poured herself a glass of milk.
"everything's all right, Doc?" Wade joined the conversation.
"Yes, why?" She folded her hands
"I don't know, Shakespeare's back tomorrow. You're supposed to be all perky and talk endlessly" Vivian hit his arm.
"It's just been a long day and I'm tired ..." She stood up, "I'll see you tomorrow, guys"
Xxxxxxx
"Ladies and gentlemen, this year's man of the year is, uh, a true inspiration. His dedication to his career has inspired us all to make our own work a little bit better. It took us a while to get used to…his ways, but, um… he slowly wormed his way into our hearts with his kindness, his humor and his sheer will. And we also love the way he loved our own Dr. Hart.
Our man of the year… Mr. Joel Stevens." Dash announced and everyone at the Rammer Jammer applauded. Joel kissed Zoe and took the stage to speak.
"Wow, I am shocked and I do not know how to thank you. You have no idea what it means to me. The beginning has not been easy, but you have let me in and now I feel part of this place. The first time I came here I thought it was just for a couple of days and see where I am today; I have friends and have my own house here. My biggest thanks of course goes to you, my love, Zoe Hart, I owe you a lot. Thank you for bringing me here. I guess that by now all of you have already heard about my trip to London. "There were noises heard in the crowd. Wade, Lavon, Brick and Vivian all looked at each other "I will miss this place, but I promise to return. Thank you all!" And everyone applauded again.
"Did you guys know?" Wade asked them
"No" they all answered together.
"Poor Zoe" Vivian looked at her from distance.
"Yeah..." Lavon and Wade looked at each other with worried faces.
The party at the Rammer Jammer continued as usual. Everyone wanted to get a chance to say goodbye to Joel. He made sure to talk to everyone but at the same time he was looking for Zoe. She had just left the bathroom and he took the opportunity that Tom Long was not paying attention for a moment and slipped away
"Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" He whispered to her
"Yes, of course. You're All right?"
"Yes, yes. Let's go outside."
"Okay ..." She was confused
They stood outside the bar but were still close enough to see what was going on inside.
"So ...?" She turned toward him. He took her hand in his.
"I wanted to thank you personally for everything ..."
She smiled
"And to tell you I want you to come with me ..."
"Joel ..."
"And I want you to marry me"
She froze and stared with wide eyes
"What?"
"Marry me. Come with me to London. Then we get back here, I promise"
She didn't know what to say. She could see Wade and Vivian over Joel's shoulder. Vivian leaned on him and his hand circled her waist. She whispered something in his ear and he laughed.
"Yes!"
"Yes?" His eyes twinkled
"Yes!" She hugged him tightly.
They went inside; Joel cleared his throat and asked for everyone's attention.
"Guys, before I leave, we have something to tell all of you..." Zoe and Joel looked at each other
"We are engaged," he declared happily
Zoe and Wade locked eyes for what seemed to feel eternity, while the rest of the townspeople, jumped up to greet the couple.
Two hours later the place began to empty. Wade was behind the bar, cleaning glasses, he saw Vivian, Zoe and Joel talking and laughing. Soon after, Joel and Zoe left.
"Hey, is something wrong? You're quiet"
"Yeah, great"
"It's strange, isn't it?" She put her elbows on the bar and watched him
"What is strange?" He mumbled
"Zoe and Joel. I know I didn't know her before him. And Joel is a great guy. But it's like ... marrying yourself? Does that make sense?"
"Well, you can't help who you fall in love with" he muttered but Vivian noticed a strange tone in his voice, but she ignored it.
"I suppose ... So we are going to continue our party alone?" she teased
"Um, I think I will stay here and help Wanda close. It's a mess in here"
"Oh, okay. So I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah" She stood on her toes, kissed him and left.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Oh no, I forgot my purse there." Zoe and Joel were almost home when she remembered
"We can go back for it"
"No, that's fine; Wanda is supposed to be there. I'll go and meanwhile you can prepare everything for tomorrow"
She made her way back to the Rammer Jammer.
She was about to enter the door when she ran into Wade who was standing in the doorway locking the place.
"Oh. I thought it was Wanda's turn to close today ... I just... I forgot my purse inside," she was nervous and she didn't know why
"I know, I was planning to drop it to you later"
"Thank you" she gave a half-smile
"You're headed to the plantation?"
"Yes, Joel is waiting ..." she almost whispered
"Come on, I'll take you. I'm going home"
They moved quietly into his car.
"Didn't you and Vivian have plans for tonight?" She looked at him
"Ah, yes, but I was needed here, and we were tired anyway"
She nodded. The continued quietly.
"So ... are you leaving tomorrow?"
"Joel is. I will join later, it wasn't really planned ..."
"Yes, I see you don't have a ring," he murmured
She bit her lip, "Yes ..."
"I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that"
"It's okay." She rubbed her finger where the ring is supposed to be.
"We're here." They both went out and looked at each other
"Good night Zoe"
She nodded
"Good night Wade" He nodded back and was about to get into the gatehouse
"Hey, Wade?"
He stopped and turned his head
"Thank you."
"There's nothing to thank for, doc"