This chapter was written. Then rewritten to de-angst (is that a word) it. In my mind, Zoe and Wade are interesting characters because they are fun and irreverent and fighters. They don't do angst a lot or for long. Now, we get to see Lemon. She's just behind Wade and Lavon as my favorite character on HOD.

No claims on HOD or characters ...

Chapter 4: Lemon

What a fucking night!

He'd finally gotten Zoe Hart out of his hair. Not ideally, all that kissin' and her crawlin' all over him meant he was in serious need of some release, and that wasn't happening with her sleepin' in the next room. Maybe if he went out on the back porch. Still a little weird with her in his house 'cause he knew who he'd be thinkin' about while he was at it. Naw, he couldn't, tempting as it was.

He'd had enough of the cryin' and drama and talkin' about his damn feelings for one day. Sure he liked Zoe, well more than liked her. Sure it sucked that she wanted George Tucker, and it really sucked that George called off his wedding, but he was the one with a date with Zoe tomorrow, not golden boy. Though, much more of this feelings talk and he'd just give the whole damn thing up. What more could he tell the girl? He liked her, had for a while and wanted to take her out. Should be simple, right. Not with the doc. He'd found out early on that nothin' was simple or straightforward in the doc's world. She just thought about stuff too damn much! Now, she had George callin' off the wedding to over think.

He'd told her a hell of a lot more than he wanted to, and all she'd told him was she didn't feel the same way. Well, that and she wanted to get him naked. He'd be up for that, usually, but if he was being honest he wanted more with Zoe Hart than just gettin' naked. He wanted her all to himself, not her thinkin' about Tucker. Even though she'd turned Tucker away tonight. She still might run to George in the cold light of day. She felt how she felt about Tucker. Nothing he could do about that, but he knew there was something drawin' her to him, as well. That'd give her plenty to think about for a while.

Now he was sittin' here tryin' to not think about her hands moving over his body, her kisses and her on top of him asking for more. Now, he was horny as hell again with nothing to do about it. He seriously needed to rethink his decision not to go there with Zoe tonight. It had seemed like the right thing at the time, but now he was here all horny and frustrated. That wasn't gonna last long though. He could take care of himself for the time being, once the doc was gone, but if she decided to be with George, all bets were off, and he could do whatever, or whoever he wanted. If she didn't want to be with him, he'd work her out of his system one way or another. It would take some time, a lot of beer, and more than a few women, but he'd be alright. He always was.

He'd just sit here and play some and let his mind go blank so he could get some sleep. Someone was at his door, again. Shit! Maybe just Lavon. He got up to answer the door after the second knock because at least this person wasn't gonna barge on in. He was floored when he opened the door to Lemon Breeland. What in the hell could she want? She looked absolutely distraught, so he led her in and sat her on the couch. He was surprised she didn't go into hysterics right off the bat.

"I was looking for Zoe Hart. George left me, called off our wedding, so he could be with her." And there it was, she was gonna cry, but it was just one tear. "Guess they've already run off together. She's not at home, and neither is George."

"Lemon, George shouldn't have done that to you. You deserved for him to treat you better than that, but he and Zoe didn't run off together.

"Wade, I know you have feelings for our Dr. Hart, but why else are they both not at home."

Damn, Lemon knew he liked Zoe? Who in this town didn't know? Just shit!

"I don't know where George is, but he's not with Zoe. George came here earlier to tell her about callin' off the wedding, but he didn't leave with her."

"Well, well, well, George sure didn't waste any time. Wade, how do you explain her not being at home, though."

"Lemon, right now she's asleep in my bedroom."

"Wade! You're incorrigible!"

"Not like that, Lemon. She was here because of the storm and the wedding, but nothin' happened between us tonight." It was a bit of a lie, but she didn't have to know every damn thing. "She wasn't too happy with Tucker when he showed up. She let him have it, but you should have heard him trying to get her to be with him. It was pretty weak stuff about chances and her not leavin' Bluebell. I mean I had better game than that with girls when I was in middle school."

"But I don't understand, Wade. She's been after George since she got here. Why wouldn't she go with him tonight?"

"If I had a clue how that girl's mind worked, I might be able to help you with that. Somethin' changed or she didn't want to hear it tonight, but she made him leave and he didn't take it well."

"I don't know why I came here looking for Zoe Hart. I don't know what I thought I was gonna do if I found her. I just had to get away from all the sympathy. I couldn't take anymore of people tryin' to say the right thing and be all supportive. I faked being tired and then snuck out my window." She gave a little laugh.

"Like you used to do when we'd go to a party or Mobile in high school? Damn, Lemon, I'da paid money to see you climbin' down that tree again." Wade had to laugh.

"Guess I'm lucky I saw your lights on and decided to knock on your door."

"How's that Lemon?"

"Well, you won't try to be all sympathetic and comforting."

Hey, I can be comfortin' too, ya know." Damn, was there a competition between George and Lemon to see who could insult him the most?

"I know, Wade, but you won't be all 'poor Lemon, isn't it so sad.' You'll let me be how I need to be." What was it with girls and all this being crap. He'd personally like them to "be" somewhere else right about now. "If anything, you'll give me the kind of comfort I need."

"Like a drink." God knew he could use one.

"Exactly ... you got any beer?"

"Sure." He got them a couple beers. "Cheers, Lemon."

"Cheers, Wade."

They sat sipping their beers in silence for a few minutes then Wade spoke up, "Fuck George Tucker!"

"You're right, screw him."

"Yep, screw him for not appreciatin' ya and treatin' ya better.."

"See, that's what I need. Someone who'll tell it like it is." She thought for a minute. "You know it wasn't all his fault. I made major mistakes with Lavon and not tellin' George. Truth is, most of our problems, the main reason he doesn't love me enough to marry me is all my fault."

"Lemon, this ain't all your fault. George played his part in this too. Besides part of lovin' somebody is bein' able to forgive 'em when they make a mistake, no matter how big. It's bein' able to accept that they aren't perfect, but lovin' 'em just the same. George shoulda been able to do that, but he was too proud."

"Wade Kinsella, you're the most surprising man I've ever met bein' all poetic about love."

Poetic? Really? He was just puntin' at this point. He wasn't equipped for all this girl drama. He was just doin' his best to say something true that seemed like the right thing. So far, it was workin' with Lemon. "Well, tell me it ain't true."

"I can't say you're wrong, Wade, but I guess I do understand where I messed up and why he might turn to Zoe Hart. She's so smart and sophisticated and reminds him of New York. He was always attracted to her. I'm no stupid. I could see how much they flirted with each other. I thought he'd get over it in the end."

"Come on, Lemon. If it wasn't Zoe, he'd have found another excuse to call of the wedding 'cause he couldn't put his pride aside and forgive you. With all the stringing along and changin' his mind George has done lately, I'm kinda surprised either of you still want him. I mean I'm supposed to be the town heartbreaker, but even I don't get with two women at once - well, ya know, unless they're willin'."

"Wade. You are scandalous!" Lemon was laughing though, which was a whole hell of a lot better than her cryin'. He'd seen that, and it wasn't pretty."

"I know I'm not perfect Lemon, and what people in town think about me, but with all the hurt he's caused lately, neither is our own George Tucker. It's just that he thinks everyone should be perfect and never make a mistake. Lord knows you've tried to be perfect, Lemon, but people are just people. They don't do everything right all the time."

"Maybe so, Wade, and that helps more than you can know. I just don't know what to do with myself now. What am I supposed to do? Who am I, if I'm not Mrs. George Tucker. I can't figure that out." Aaaand ... she was crying! Great. Wade was pissed at George. Now he had another weeping female on his hands because of that SOB. Why did he have to play clean up man to all the mess fuckin' golden boy created?

Wade's body felt so good as he climbed on top of her. His hands roaming up her thighs felt electric, and his skin felt so hot and smooth to her touch. His kisses were like flames on her neck sending shudders through her. She was so ready for this. She was dying for him ... but someone was talking. All that murmuring was too distracting. Wade pulled away and was gone.

She was having a sex dream about Wade. Damn. Why couldn't she finish her dream. She groaned in frustration and smelled Wade all around her. She must be in his bed, but she didn't know how she got here. His scent was on the sheets and impregnated in the pillow where her head rested. There were those voices again. One was Wade's. She couldn't tell who the other voice belonged to, but it was definitely a female voice. Who could Wade be talking to? It sure as hell better not be one of his girlfriends!

Wade was trying his best to think of what to say to Lemon. He wasn't freakin' Dr. Phil here, and didn't have much practice at this girl talk stuff. Well, until tonight. After this fuckin' night he'd be able to write a book about the crazy inner workings of the female brain and why they had to talk everything to damn death.

He didn't know what to say that would be best, but he couldn't help thinking Lemon was better off free of George. "Look, Lemon, I don't have all the answers here, but I know you and you are stronger than you know. You'll make it through this in time."

Zoe got up to see who was here - see who Wade was talking to. She stopped dead in her tracks when she heard Lemon Breeland saying, "Wade, I don' t feel strong, not strong enough for this."

"Lemon, you and I both know you can get through anything. You've made it through far worse already. So what if you ain't Mrs. George Tucker? You're somethin' finer. You're Lemon freakin' Breeland, and you'll walk down the streets of Bluebell head held high 'cause you're a fine, strong, southern woman who can make it through anything that comes your way. You'll figure out what to do next, where to go from here. It doesn't have to be tonight, but you'll figure it out, and what it is will be amazing. You'll see. Never doubt who you are, or think you're not someone special because you're not Mrs. George Tucker."

Zoe was astounded. Wade had found the perfect thing to say to Lemon. How did he do that? He always seemed to surprise her.

"Thanks, Wade. You always know the right thing to say. I really do appreciate you even though I haven't been a constant friend to you." She hugged him with true affection.

"We grew up together. 'Course we'll always be there for each other, Lemon."

"I know. I knew when I knocked on your door that you wouldn't turn me away. I knew you'd take me in and say what I needed to hear. You could always do that for me." She paused then continued, "I'm wondering how Zoe Hart ended up in your bed tonight and not George's."

"Get your mind out of the gutter, girl. She's just sleeping there, is all. I already told 'ya we didn't have sex or anything. You're such a pervert, Lemon." They both cracked up.

"Learned from the best, Wade." They laughed together again. This playful, fun side of Lemon was something Wade missed. The easy way they could be around each other.

"Lemon, I don't know why Zoe didn't go with George when he came here. I thought he was the man of her dreams, that she'd do anything to be with him. She didn't seem interested tonight, but maybe she'll change her mind and want George in the end. I don't know, but she really was mad at him. I just ... I ..."

"I know, Wade, I know how much you feel for that girl. I can see it every time you look at her. All you can see is her. Do you love her?"

Wade was silent. Zoe could hardly hear them now. Their voices were too hushed, but she heard that last question, and she did not want to know the answer. She ran back to the bed and put the pillow over her head and smelled Wade all around her again. She didn't know what she felt, what to think, what to do. She didn't think the conversation would turn in that direction and could not handle knowing all that Wade felt for her not after all the hurt she had caused him. She would be more careful with Wade, more thoughtful and considerate of his feelings, but she couldn't deal with what he might say in response to Lemon. If he loved her, what would she do? If he didn't, how did that make her feel?

"Sorry, Wade, I shouldn't have asked."

"'S'alright Lemon. I don't know if I love her, but it's likely as close to it as I've ever got. She's different. Not like any other girl I've ever met."

"And you're hurt and confused right now because George wants her."

"Yeah. A bit of both I suppose. And damn you for being able to read me so well. I never did figure out how to hide anything from you." Wade was quiet, "Even so, she might decide she wants to be with George. I don't know, but I'm pretty sure she still has feelings for him. If she'll be happiest with George then that's what I want for her. I mean, I don't want that, but ..."

"Damn, Wade. You do love her. You can't let George take her away from you."

"Lemon, she's not mine. How do I compete with Golden Boy? Huh? I'm just the town drunk's rabble rousing son - bartender, town bad boy and heart breaker. Why would she want to be with me when she could have George?"

"Stop it, Wade! You're more than that. Besides you don't break the hearts of the girls you bring home. You're careful with their feelings - upfront and honest with them, which is more than you can say for George Tucker. And you quietly help pretty much everyone in this town at some point. Even when they never know it's you. You don't help people to get praise or so people with think better about you like George does. Zoe Hart would be a fool not to see what a fine person you are no matter what you do for a living or who your daddy is." Lemon was giving him advice? What the hell was this night about, and when the hell would it end! He'd been suckered into more talk about his damn feelings. Just shit! He needed to change the subject and quick!

Zoe had to get out of that bed! She couldn't take the smell of Wade anymore. It was making her brain go crazy. Did he always smell that good? It was was so masculine, and she hadn't had that smell in her bed in so long she was going crazy. She got up and heard more of Lemon and Wade's conversation.

"You know, I get the whole George thing, but I could never understand why you and Zoe weren't at least friendly."

"What? Wade, have you had a brain injury or somethin'? You have got to be kidding - me and Zoe Hart could never be friends."

"I'm not kidding 'sides I didn't say friends. I said friendly. You know, not so antagonistic. You two are so similar. You're both strong determined women, capable and smart. You're both fiery and passionate. Maybe on the outside you don't seem the same, but on the inside you two are cut from the same cloth - strong, fine women who can accomplish anything you put your minds to."

"Well, I never knew you thought that about me. Guess I'll have to think hard about all these words of wisdom you're giving me tonight." Zoe was truly thrown by Wade's words. Was that how he saw her? Wow! She didn't see that in herself, but Wade thought that? She thought it might be a good time to try to talk with Lemon, get the first ugly confrontation out of the way, and Wade had given her a perfect intro. She opened the bedroom door and stepped into the living room. Lemon's reaction was what she expected. She instantly straightened and gave a little huff, but Zoe was going to try to talk to her.

What the hell was this girl thinkin' All he needed to have to deal with to top off this night was a cat fight. He was just too tired for that shit!

"Hi, Lemon. How are you doing?"

"Well, Zoe Hart, how do you think I'm doing?" She huffed again.

"Lemon, can we talk for a minute?" Another huff made Zoe think this might be a big mistake, but she saw Wade reach out and squeeze Lemon's hand briefly. Lemon's posture softened as Wade said, "I'm gonna head out back and play some guitar for a bit while ya'll have a little chat." Let them do girl talk crap. He'd keep an eye out for any cat fight, but he was done with talkin' for one damn night.

"Lemon, I'm pretty sure I'm the last person you want to see tonight. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the part I played in breaking up your wedding. I'm so sorry for chasing after George and making him doubt his commitment to you. I know you're hurting right now, and I'm so sorry that I caused you so much pain."

"Well," Lemon didn't know what to say ... she looked at Zoe and saw how sincere she was. She could call Zoe a husband stealer and cheater and a few other things, but she couldn't lay all the blame on Zoe Hart. "Well, Zoe, you're right, you're not my favorite person at the moment, but this is not all your fault. I appreciate your apology and know you are sincere. I may be able to forgive and forget in time, but right now the hurt is too fresh, and I can't give you more than that."

"I think that's fair, Lemon, more than fair."

"I have a question for you, Zoe. Why didn't you go with George when he came here tonight? Wade told me he was here, so why after all that chasin' after him did you decide not to run into his arms? What stopped you?"

"Lemon, I don't know what to say!"

"I think the truth might be good. I think you could give me that."

"You're right. I don't know why I didn't go to George. I gave up on that fantasy when George told me he loved you and was going to marry you. I was, or am, trying to get over that hurt. Then George came here and interrupted me and Wade at a really, really bad time..."

"I knew there was more than Wade was telling me. You didn't have sex with him did you?"

"No, Lemon, but we were ... well ... we were making out and things were headed in that direction, but then George came in and his interruption just made me very mad. What he said didn't match the fantasy I had built up around him and me. I'd hurt people who care about me, hurt others like you and likely turned most of Bluebell against me by pursuing George - for someone who might love someone else. It just made me so angry. I'm going to have to work so hard to fix the damage I've caused, just for a chance to be with someone who almost married someone else. I couldn't believe he would come here tonight. He was so condescending and rude to Wade that I completely lost it and sent him away. Does that answer your question?"

"In part, but I have another question. Why are you here with Wade?"

Damnit! Lemon didn't play when she wanted to know something. She'd hoped Lemon wouldn't ask her about Wade. She'd already said more about them that she wanted to. She didn't know what to say about him. She needed time to think about what she felt and what happened between them tonight. She breathed in trying to collect her thoughts. "Lemon, I don't know how to answer that. Wade and me, well it's complex with us - always has been . There has always been an attraction a palpable chemistry between us, but we're always fighting and hurting each other. We click and we clash, but I came here tonight because I didn't want to be alone, and I knew Wade would let me be around him. And ... there was all the talk in the barn today and the kiss then him in a suit and dinner ... and him being caring and looking so damn sexy ... and then the kissing and his touch then George and the storm and all that. And he makes me calm and makes me feel safe and he's so hot and he asked me on a date and ...

"Stop babbling Zoe." Damn she had it bad for Wade, and she didn't even know it. "I didn't follow all of that, but I guess it made some kind of sense to you. I'm gonna tell you something I think you need to hear. That boy is crazy about you. Do you understand that? Just crazy about you. He is ... um ... unconventional, but he is one of the best people I've ever known. A truly good man. He has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met. You be careful, Zoe Hart, be careful with him. If you hurt him even a little you will answer to me. Do you understand me? You be sure how you feel because I will bring a world of hurt down on you if you toy with that man!"

Zoe was dumbstruck. "Now it seems to me from all that babblin' you did just now about sexy and kissin' and a date that you're feeling more than a little chemistry or attraction. You're likely feelin' more than you know for him. Just be careful with him, or I'll take you down!"

All she could say was "Okay." She'd been put on notice.

"Lemon."

"Yes?"

"Thanks for sticking up for Wade. Not many people in this town see him as anything but Crazy Earl's son."

Lemon looked surprised. "He's a whole lot more than that, but I'm guessin' you're finding that out."

Zoe went to the back to get Wade. "Hi," she said suddenly shy around him, "think you could walk me home now?"

"Sure ... sure thing, Zoe." Chills went up her spine! Damn, so hot!

"I think Lemon might like to stay here for tonight, Wade. Do you think that's possible?"

Lemon was surprised again and realized that's just what she wanted.

And that is the last chapter for the night of the wedding. Coming up, Zoe/George scenes, more Zoe/Lemon and Lemon/Wade scenes. One more chapter to go before the first date. Finally, figured out what they will be doing on the date ... and no ... it's not what you're thinking! Geez. Get your minds out of the gutter! Soon, maybe or later. We'll see.

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