Author's Note: Thank you so much to everyone who has followed, favorited, reviewed, or simply read this story. It means a lot. Here is the new chapter. There will, of course, be another author's note at the end. I know, I'm predictable.

To Those Who Reviewed: Usually, when people just review as guest, I identify them in my responses by when they reviewed. However, as some people reviewed the same chapter on the same day, I'm not really sure how. I'm going to respond to the reviews in the order that they were written, so if you need to check to see if it's you, just go look at the reviews. I am sorry for this. It really is more convenient if you leave a name, even if it's a fake one.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter One on Jan 31

I'm glad you thought Chapter One was good, and that you were happy about not having to wait for an update. I like to make my readers happy. Yeah, they might have. It's such a shame. Now they're sticking him with Annabeth, and that relationship is all kinds of wrong. I mean, it's a step up from Lynly, but I still don't support it. It really is a shame we never got to see Zoe and George as a couple. Even if they didn't work out, and she ended up with Wade, I still would have enjoyed seeing what they were like together. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter Two on Jan 31

Thank you. Here is the update. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter Two on Jan 31

I'm glad you loved it and are loving it. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter One on Jan 31

What can I say? Sometimes I cannot stop writing. I am glad it was a treat. It won't be quick, but then, where's the fun in that. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter One on Feb 1

Thank you. I am glad you are loving it. I like the banter too, and I'm glad you think I wrote it well. You are welcome for writing. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter One on Feb 1

Thank you. I'm glad you find it original, and that you are interested/curious. I think it will, though I'm not sure exactly how yet, but you'll see a little in this chapter. I'm not sure about that yet either. I usually make these things up as I go. Something could happen with him and Lemon, or I may put him with Tansy, or an original character, or leave him on his own. I am NOT putting him with Annabeth though. I am totally against that relationship. It will be a while before it becomes an issue though. If you've read my other stories, you know I am a fan of the slow burn style. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter Two on Feb 1

Thank you. I'm glad you love it. Harley will definitely play a role. No, it's not mean to say, though I must warn you, I am not one for quick resolutions. I like to draw things out because that's half the fun. Zoe's probably going to be with George for a while, but if you stay with the story, I think you'll be happy with how it turns out. Thank you for reviewing.

Kiara

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it so far.

I don't know if she'll stay. She might. Only time will tell.

Her and Wade will take some time, but you're definitely right; the spark is always there.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter Two on Feb 4

Thank you. I'm glad you gave it a chance and that you are enjoying it. Well, despite his flaws, we know Wade is a good guy, and friendship loyalty is hard to break, especially with someone you've known since kindergarten.

I try to make the chapters long. I'm not always successful, but I try.

As for your suggestion, I appreciate the input, but I really try to keep the characters how they are in the show. George is not perfect in the show, and he's not perfect in this story either, but he still is a genuinely good guy with a good heart. I know not everyone would agree with that statement, but it's how I see his character. I know some people like to make one point in a love triangle a jerk so that it's easier to root for the other couple, but that's just not how I write. One of the things I enjoyed about the Wade/Zoe/George triangle in the beginning of the show was that there was no obvious choice. Both were good guys who had genuine feelings for Zoe, and who Zoe had genuine feelings for. Both relationships had potential and chemistry. For me, that's what makes a good love triangle. If the choice is too obvious, sometimes it's just plain boring. If Zoe's with a jerk, and there's another option there who is clearly so much better, then she's just an idiot and the readers/audience are screaming 'what is wrong with this girl?' Also, Wade's loyalty to George might seem less founded if George was a jerk. Wade and George's relationship in this story is as important as the romantic relationships. I hope this does not make you stop reading, or enjoy the story less.

As for your question, I really enjoy slow burn relationship stories, so it may take some time. After all, let's face it, once Wade and Zoe are a couple, and George and Zoe are over, so is the story. That's the happy ending, and I like to milk stories for all I can get out of them. I always felt like the writers got Wade and Zoe together to fast in the show. There is so much you can do with two people who have chemistry and won't admit it. I think they missed out on a lot of storyline opportunities by getting them together when they did. And Zoe isn't in love with Wade yet. She's attracted to him, but that's not the same. She does not really know him very well. She has to get to know him in order to fall in love with him, and out of love with George. Sorry for the rant, and again, I hope you are not offended by my response and continue to read the story. I appreciate honest, detailed reviews, even if I don't agree with them. Thank you for reviewing.

Nicole (Chapter One Review)

Thank you. I'm glad you like it. I feel like they are close in the show, but I agree, they could have been closer. Their bromance scenes in the show are awesome. Yeah, that's pretty much the premise. It's like that song Jesse's Girl. Maybe I should have called the story George's Girl. Oh well, it's too late now. Anyway, I'm glad you like the premise. I hope my execution of it lives up to expectations.

I know. I really miss their season one personalities. I mean, I'm proud of them and how much they've grown, especially Wade, but I really liked them in season one. It's fun when there's all this room for growth and anything can happen. At this point, their relationship is fairly predictable, which mean the show will probably be canceled. It's a shame, but I digress.

Yeah, since Wade and Zoe both have a loyalty to George, they're trying harder to be friends, instead of at each other's throats, which should make for an interesting dynamic.

Thank you for reviewing.

Nicole (Chapter Two Review)

I'm glad you like it. Yes, it will definitely be explored. You'll see some of it in this chapter. I'm not sure when exactly the parentage will come out, but it definitely will.

Yeah, both friendships are awesome. I didn't really want him to choose, and I didn't figure he'd have to. Yes, you were. It is hard for him though, because he is clearly attracted to her, and of course, her being off limits makes him want her more. Plus, you know, she's Zoe and he's Wade, so, yeah, there's that.

I feel bad for him too. This happened to him in one of my other stories too. He has really bad luck in love, both in fanfiction, and in the show. I've never really thought about that. I guess that's just how I see him. Plus, I know Zade fans are ready to pounce on any indication of him being a jerk, and I really do like George. I don't think he's a jerk. In the show was a little too understanding for his own good as well. That's why he stayed with Lemon for so long. He's always putting other people first, and sometimes, it screws him over a bit. I think Lemon said it well in Suspicious Minds in season two "You know sometimes I think that God gave you such a big heart that he left no room for plain sense." I checked HartofDixiewikia for the exact quote. Anyway, I think it's kind of true. Sorry for ranting, and feel free to let me know if you disagree.

I'm sure Earl will show up. I'm not sure how yet, but I'm sure he will. You can't keep Earl away from Zade.

They will definitely share their pasts, but it might take some time.

As for Dearly Beloved, I have been working on it, and I do want to review. I'm just hitting a few roadblocks. I'll get there. I'm glad you like it so much.

Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter One on Feb 6

Here is the update. I'm glad you love it. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter Two on Feb 9

Here is the update. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter Two on Feb 10

I'm glad you absolutely love it so much already. Here is the more. Thank you for reviewing.

Chapter Three

Zoe made her way to the medical practice. It couldn't be that hard to find. Her thoughts were still on what had happened at The Rammer Jammer though. She didn't know why she didn't want Wade covering her bill. Maybe she was concerned about feeling indebted to him, and all that that would entail. But that was stupid. He had made it clear that his friendship with George came first. He was not going to jeopardize that by going after her. She needed to stop being paranoid.

"Hey, you lost?" She looked up, seeing a girl of about twelve or thirteen looking at her through a semi-flattering pair of glasses.

"Is that the catchphrase here or something?"

The girl shrugged, "Well, we get a lot of tourists, but they're usually in a group. You a tourist?"

"Sort of. I guess. I'm visiting with my boyfriend. He grew up here." What was it about this place that made her spill every detail about her personal life so easily? "I'm Zoe." She said.

"OMG! You're George Tucker's girlfriend."

"Yeah. How did you-?"

"Well, everybody knew he was comin' back with a girlfriend, and then about an hour ago, Dash posted on his blog that you were named Zoe and posted a picture of your altercation with Lemon Breeland at the Rammer Jammer. See." She held up her phone, showing a blog page. There was a picture of Zoe and George talking to Lemon. The caption said "Prepare For Claws."

"Who? What? I …" Zoe stuttered, "It was not an altercation. And why would somebody post this?"

"News travels fast in this town." Rose said with a shrug, "Anyway, I think you're way cooler than Lemon. She's such a Belle, all prissy and proper, and don't even get me started on her sister. Plus, you're from New York, the coolest place on the planet. That automatically makes you awesome in my book. I mean, New York has everything, and I know- I read the Daily Intel and own all the SatC DVDs. I bet you're a Carrie. I'm a Charlotte, but I wish I was a Carrie."

Zoe laughed, "I appreciate the enthusiasm, all though I don't know if you can get a full feel for the city from television. And for the record, I'm a Miranda who also wishes she was a Carrie." Rose smiled, "Tell you what, if you ever come to New York, I will give you a tour. But, in exchange, you have to help me find the local medical practice."

Rose beamed, "Of course. My Aunt Emmeline works there, so I'm there all the time. Why do you need to find it?"

"I'm meeting George there."

"Can't say I get what's romantic about a medical practice, but, hey." Rose shrugged, "So, tell me about New York. What's it like?"

"She can't really do that, can she? I mean, there's got to be some way to …" Harley sighed. "You've gotta help me George."

George felt for the man. Harley was in a tough spot. Apparently, a long time ago, he fell in love with some woman, who got involved with him briefly, then left, breaking his heart. It was sad, but it was a long time ago, and Harley had gotten over it for the most part. However, while away on a medical conference, he had run into this woman, and somehow, she had let it slip that she had a child. She had not confirmed that the child was his, but the squirrely way she was acting had led him to believe it was. She had told him that her daughter had a father, even if it wasn't biological, and she had no desire for him to get involved in her life. Harley wanted to know his daughter, but his ex wouldn't have it. She wouldn't even give him a name, for risk of him tracking the girl down himself. He knew he had to have rights, but this woman was crafty and stubborn. Besides, he was pretty sure that his name wouldn't be on the birth certificate, and if she wouldn't admit that he had any relation…

"Do you have any way to get in touch with her so we can work this out?"

Harley sighed, "I don't think she gave me her real name, at least, not her real last name. For all I know, her first name was a lie too, but even if it hadn't been, but her name would be different now anyway. She got married, so-"

"If you had her maiden name, it would be registered. There are marriage records, and we could find out her married name from that."

"Like I said, I don't think the name she gave me was real. She wasn't exactly upfront with me. I mean, she didn't tell me she was engaged either."

George sighed, shaking his head in frustration, "Harley, you know I wanna help you. Really, I do. You're just not givin' me a lot to go on."

Harley nodded, "I know, but it's all I have. Well, that, and this." He took out an old black and white picture. It was of him and a woman, presumably the mysterious woman who may or may not be the mother of his child. As George scanned the picture, he couldn't help but think that something about the woman looked familiar. Whatever it was, he couldn't place it.

"George?" Both men looked up at the voice coming from the reception area.

George put the picture back down, "Excuse me a second." He said, heading out. Harley followed him, "Hey." He said seeing Zoe. She smiled at him, and he gave her a quick kiss. For some reason, she seemed unsatisfied, and pulled him back to her, turning it into a make-out session. Not that he was complaining. Nobody kissed like Zoe. Even if she had been a horrible person, he still probably would have been unable to resist falling for her the second she kissed him. Luckily, she wasn't a horrible person. She was as amazing a person as she was a kisser.

"Eh-hem." They pulled apart, looking over at Harley.

"Sorry Dr. Wilkes." George said, even if he wasn't as sorry as he probably should have been.

"Now that was a Carrie-Big Moment." He heard someone say.

"Hey Rose." He said, acknowledging the girl, "You've grown quite a bit I see."

Rose smiled, "Hi George. I was just gettin' to know your girlfriend. Way better than Lemon."

"Now Rosie." Emmeline Hattenbarger, Rose's Aunt, admonished from the reception desk, "Do we say things like that about people?"

Rose just rolled her eyes, "So how long are ya'll in town for?"

George glanced at Harley, "I'm not sure exactly."

"Well, I gotta get goin'. I got homework, but I'll be at The Rammer Jammer tomorrow after school. We should hang out."

"Absolutely." Zoe said, sweetly. "Thanks for helping me find the place."

Rose nodded and headed out, "Nice to see you makin' friends." George said.

"She's adorable."

"Yeah. Maybe this place isn't as bad as you thought." Zoe's eyes bugged, motioning to the two locals he had just said that in front of. George laughed, "Relax. I'm teasin'. Um, Mrs. Hattenbarger, Dr. Wilkes, this is Zoe Hart."

"Nice to meet you." They each said kindly.

"So, Zoe's actually a doctor too. She's finishin' up her residency." George said proudly.

"What kind of Doctor do you want to be?" Dr. Wilkes asked kindly.

"Um cardiothoracic surgeon." She said awkwardly. Normally, she was more than happy to go on and on about her career, but for some reason, she felt nervous.

"Well, that's a very impressive goal."

"Yeah. I know it's competitive-"

"I'm sure you'll get it." He said.

"You don't even know me."

Dr. Wilkes nodded, "No, but I trust George's judgment, and I trust my gut. Years of medical experience, I've learned to recognize who has what it takes. Seems to me like you do."

Zoe blushed

"High praise." George said, "Um, Zoe, Dr. Wilkes and I still have a few things to work out-"

"I'll be fine." She said, "I'll just, um, chat with Mrs. Hattenbarger here." Small talk and idle chitchat were not Zoe's favorite pastimes, but she had to do something, and she didn't want George to feel guilty.

"Well, that was awkward." Lemon said. She and Lavon had been quiet the whole way back to the plantation, but now that they had returned, Lemon decided to break the ice. Lavon didn't say anything. He just nodded, "You aren't going to say anything?" she asked.

"What do you want me to say?" Lavon asked, looking up at her, "You already said it was awkward. What is there to add?"

"I don't know. But some kind of response would be nice." She put her hand on his, "How are you feeling?"

"Like I'm in a therapist's office." He said with a chuckle. Lemon squinted, clearly not amused, "I don't know, Lemon. How do you want me to feel?" Lemon didn't answer, "It was awkward, so I feel awkward. You're the one who used to be in love with the guy, not me." She shot him a hurt look, and he instantly regretted his words, "I just meant … I wasn't the one runnin' into an ex. There are no old feelings. Just some awkwardness, and maybe some guilt, for stealin' his girl." He smiled at her, "Though it's a little hard to feel too guilty about that." He leaned in to kiss her. She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes, "Lemon, do you want to talk about how you're feeling?"

She looked down, "I don't know how I'm feeling. George was such a big part of my life once. He was this big, shinning possibility, and now, he's moved on to some tiny little New Yorker who dresses in even tinier clothes. He has this whole different life and I'm just the ex from a world he used to belong to."

Lavon nodded, "It's hard to feel like you've been replaced. But Sweetie, he didn't replace you. He just moved on. I know there's a lot of history, but, you're both happy, right?"

Lemon nodded, "I am so happy with you Lavon. I don't want you ever to think otherwise. It's just …"

"I know. I get it."

Lemon smiled gratefully. Lavon really was the best guy she could ever ask for.

"Hey Wade." Shelley said, walking past her coworker. Wade just snorted. "What?" he didn't respond, "Don't tell me you're upset about the other day. It ain't like that's the first time I been pissy. At least the other day I had a good reason."

Wade nodded. He wasn't really mad at Shelley; he was just in a mood and she was there. Did he wish she hadn't made him sound so bad to Zoe? Sure. But, in retrospect, it was probably for the best. Otherwise, George might have come in to see the two of them flirting, which would have been way worse.

"So, how'd it go?" Wade asked, lowering his voice..

Shelley smiled, "I am not pregnant." She said proudly.

"I'm happy for you Shell." He said.

"We should celebrate. Let's do shots tonight. You can invite that cute brunette you were talkin' to the other day, and I can apologize for bein' such a bitch to 'er."

Wade rolled his eyes, "I think she was more upset with me 'an you. Anyway, nothin's gonna happen there, trust me."

"Why's that? Ya'll looked mighty cozy to-"

"She's Tucker's girlfriend."

Shelley's mouth formed into an 'O' shape. "Well, you can invite someone else then. Just so long as you keep an eye on me some of the night. You know how I get when I do shots and the last thing I need is another pregnancy scare."

Wade smiled, "I'll keep an eye on you if you promise to keep your hands to yourself where I'm concerned. Because yes, I do know how you get when you do shots."

Shelley chuckled, "In your dreams Kinsella."

Mrs. Hattenbarger was nice. Zoe didn't love small talk, but the woman was a kind, motherly sort of figure, and she was sort of fun to talk to. Still, she was relieved when George came out of the office.

"Hey." He said, kissing her cheek, "Sorry for takin' so long."

"It's fine." She said with a shrug. "So, what now?"

George smiled, "Well, Dr. Wilkes has a patient comin' in soon, so I'm all yours." Zoe smiled. "So, what do you want to do?"

"I don't really know. I mean, I don't know this town so well."

George nodded, "Okay. How about this? I go pick up some Chinese, you head out to the video store. Pick up whatever movie you like, and we'll meet back at my place."

Zoe nodded, "Sounds good." She gave him a peck and headed out the door, only to return two seconds later, "Um, where's the video store?" George chuckled.

"She is so smart. I mean, she's a doctor, so of course she would have to be, but from talkin' to her, you can just tell." Rose gushed.

"Did you hear how they met? I bet it was like in a movie. Maybe he got some injury, and she was his doctor." Tanya speculated.

"Or maybe it was a malpractice suit. Maybe he was helpin' someone sue her, and then they fell in love. That would be so romantic." Gillian said, sighing.

"You're all idiots. They met in New York, not some RomCom."

"They're still in love." Gillian said.

Magnolia scoffed at that, "George is way too southern to be serious about a New Yorker."

"You're just bitter because of your sister." Tanya pointed out.

Magnolia rolled her eyes, "I just don't think you should be imaginin' that those kinds of love's happen in real life. This doctor and George Tucker didn't fall in love by callin' for the same cab in the rain."

"Ooh, that sounds so romantic." Gillian cooed.

Magnolia placed her milkshake down on the table, "I'm gettin' out of here before I throw up. But before I go, let me leave you with this. A good relationship isn't some long drawn out love story. It's hot, and fun, and then it's over. Stop lookin' for Prince Charming and just enjoy the ride." On her way out, magnolia ran into Fredrick Dean, her boyfriend. She glanced back to the girls, and decided to make her point by engaging in a hot make-out session with him. He of course, was all too happy to oblige.

Rose looked down at her fries. She happened to have a thing for Fredrick Dean, but she knew he'd never notice a brainy girl with glasses when girls like Magnolia were around.

"Excuse me. Hate to interrupt to lovebirds, but Magnolia, if you're leavin' you need to cover your milkshake."

Rose smirked into her fries.

"Sorry Wade." Magnolia said in her fake way. She took out her purse and gave Wade the money she owed, along with a generous tip. "For your trouble." She said flirtatiously, making Rose role her eyes.

Magnolia headed out with Fredrick Dean in tow, and Wade headed over to Rose's table.

"Anyone need a refill?" He asked.

Rose nodded, and Wade grabbed their cups.

"What're you girls talkin' about today?" He asked, not really caring. The last thing he wanted to hear was teenage girl gossip. However, gossip was the opiate of Bluebell, and Rose looked like she could use a fix. He could always tune out whatever they said.

"George Tucker's new girlfriend." Tanya said. "Rose met her, so she knows more than the rest of us, and was fillin' us in."

Rose smiled proudly, "It's not much really. We didn't talk long. I just helped her find The Medical Practice 'cause she had to meet George there. They are so cute together though. That kiss she gave him when he came out to greet her gave me goose bumps. Who knew George Tucker could be so passionate."

Wade grimaced, "Will there be anything else?" He asked.

"Hey, you were here when she and Lemon met, weren't you? The picture on Dash's Blog made the whole thing look pretty nasty." Wade rolled his eyes. This town, "So, how bad was it?" Tanya pushed.

Wade shrugged, "Not bad at all. They were perfectly civil. You kids shouldn't believe everythin' you read on Dash's Blog." He headed back to the counter, avoiding any more questions about Zoe. He knew he needed to get her out of his mind. Maybe shots with Shelley and some random girl tonight would be just what the doctor ordered. So long as that doctor wasn't Zoe Hart.

Zoe was scanning through the videos. The truth of the matter was, this place did not have a lot of options. It wasn't really a surprise. This was Bluebell Alabama after all. Still, Zoe was determined to find something for her and George to cuddle up on the couch to.

"So, what'do'ya say?" She heard a familiar voice say. She didn't see Wade. He must be in another isle. She should just keep browsing. She was not going to eavesdrop. Still, his voice was close by, so if she overheard something, that wasn't her fault.

"I don't know Wade. Last time I did shots, I got a little crazy." She heard some girl saying, "I mean, I think I tried to marry my dog." The girl giggled flirtatiously, causing Zoe to role her eyes.

"All right. Guess I'll see you around then." She heard Wade's footsteps.

"Wait!" The girl called, "I guess, I mean, if I had you to look out for me." Zoe heard the girl say. She wanted to gag. How desperate was this girl?

"I'll make sure you're taken care of. Even put you to bed if you like." Zoe could practically hear his smirk. The girl chortled. Ew. The whole thing was a disgusting display of overconfidence from Wade, and desperation from the girl. Zoe wished she hadn't overheard to exchange. She went back to browsing through the videos.

"Zoe?" She heard Wade asked, and turned to look at him.

"Oh, hey Wade." She said casually, "I didn't know you were here."

Wade smiled, "What'cha got there."

Zoe shrugged, "A whole lot of nothing. When was the last time you guys got new movies in this place, 1960?"

Wade laughed, "Well, what're you looking for exactly?"

"Don't tell me you work here too?"

He shook his head, "Just know the place."

Zoe smiled, "Well, George and I are having movie night." She noticed Wade's friendly smile drop slightly, but she'd probably imagined it, "I was looking for something … I don't know. Maybe a Woody Allen film?"

Wade laughed, "We don't get so many Woody Allen fans in this town."

"Yeah. I kind got that."

"Look, why don't you just pick somethin' random. I mean, it's movie night with your boyfriend, so it's not like you'll actually be watchin' the movie, right?"

Zoe rolled her eyes at the insinuation, "I've been kind of stressed since I got here. I just want to relax on a couch with the man I love, and watch something that doesn't make me feel so lost." She didn't mean to say the last part, but she couldn't take it back. Wade didn't look at her weird or anything though. He just smiled and headed into the stacks. He picked out a movie, handing to her.

"It's not new, but it is about New York, or at least, it takes place there, and it's about that mushy love stuff. I figure it's probably your kind of movie."

Zoe looked at the title he chose, surprised, "I love this movie." She said, "I, uh, I wouldn't think this is the sort of movie you'd be into."

Wade smiled, "I'm not really. I've just seen it, you know." He didn't tell her just how many times he'd seen it. She didn't need to know.

"Thanks Wade."

"Sure, enjoy your movie night." He said, turning to go.

"Enjoy your shots." She called after him.

He turned and looked at her, surprised, "Uh, my what?"

Zoe went pink, "Goodnight." She sputtered before rushing out of the video store.

Author's Note: So, what did you think? I hope you liked it. Obviously, some of Rose and Zoe's initial exchange is taken right out of the show, and I credit HartofDixieWikia for getting the quote right. Seriously, that website is a lifesaver.

They've never really told us how Harley found out about Zoe. Did Candice tell him when she found out, or when Ethan found out, or some time after that? Anyway, I had to come up with something, and I hope this is believable. Also, I don't know if Candice used a fake name on the cruise, but it would be too easy if Harley knew her real name, and knowing what we know about Candice, I can totally see her using a fake name. I mean, she was having an affair. I don't know much about legal stuff, so if anything rings untrue, please let me know, and I'll do my best to fix it.

As for the movie Wade recommended for Zoe, that will come up again later, though some of you can probably guess what it was.

I hope you liked this chapter. Be Kind, Review.