Chapter Seven

A week had passed since Earl's health scare and he was doing better than was expected. Wade kept a close eye on him, afraid his dad would begin drinking again, but was happily surprised by Earl's will power to stay away from alcohol. Wade was sure it helped that Zoe paid his dad a visit every day to check on him.

Wade was at Earl's house to drop off lunch when he heard a knock on the front door. Before Wade could see who was there he heard Zoe call out, "Earl? It's Zoe, you better be decent cause I'm coming in," she said with a laugh.

"What's your definition of decent Doc?" Wade asked with a crooked grin.

Rolling her eyes, Zoe couldn't help but smile. "The opposite of you," she told him with a laugh so he knew she was kidding. "How's Earl today?" she asked remembering her reason for her daily visit.

"He's fine but since I'm sure he heard you ya better go see him. It seems he's growing rather attached to your visits," Wade said looking towards the bedroom his father was in.

With a smile Zoe nodded at Wade and headed the short distance to Earl's room. She knocked on the door frame before entering. She was greeted with a wide smile from Earl as he sat up leaning against a stack of pillows.

"Hey there pretty doctor," he said as she sat on the edge of his bed like she had done everyday for the past week.

"Hello Earl, how are you feeling today?" she asked with a smile.

"I feel fine, better than fine. I'm ready to get out of this damn bed."

Zoe bit back a smile, she knew how frustrated he was and she knew what she was about to tell him should make him feel better. "Well, I guess it's good that you're not on bed rest anymore then. However, don't get too excited because you still have to take it easy."

"It's about damn time," Wade said from the door way laughing. He knew how miserable his father was staying in bed for so long on top of fighting his addiction to alcohol.

"This is cause to celebrate. You should take the pretty doctor out to dinner tonight," Earl suggested with a smile.

Wade opened his mouth to reject his father's proposal, he didn't want to pressure Zoe. She had said she wanted to have dinner with him but she never specified how soon. Before he could voice his opinion on the matter Zoe said, "Dinner sounds great. Pick me up at 7 Wade?"

"Uh, yea, I'll pick ya up at 7," Wade replied, a nervous feeling taking hold is the pit of his stomach.

"Remember to take it easy Earl, and if you have any problems or concerns call me no matter what time it is. Wade I will see you later, I have to get back to work," Zoe said with a small smile at him as she walked out.

Zoe was in full blown panic mode. It was 6:45 and she was just getting home. Today, of all days, Brick decided to leave early leaving her with all the patients. She had only three scheduled patients but everyone in Bluebell was either sick or hurt as soon as Brick left it seemed. It was just her luck.

She had planned on coming home and taking a long hot bath to relax. She wanted to take her time with her hair and her make up, then carefully pick out her outfit. She wasn't sure where Wade was taking her, and she was fine with where ever he picked, but she needed time to decided on clothes. Now she had fifteen minutes to shower, dry and do her hair, do her make up, and get dressed.

She didn't want Wade to think she was blowing him off or not taking their date seriously, if it even was a date. She knew tonight was important and she wanted her appearance to clearly reflect how seriously she was taking all of this.

With her mind in a frenzy she rushed around trying to get ready as fast as she could. After taking a quick shower she wrapped a towel around her self and did her hair and makeup. As she was walking in to her bedroom to pick a dress from her closet she heard a knock on the door.

With butterflies fluttering around in her belly she opened the door to Wade, who was dressed in a suit and tie. He looked amazing and for a moment Zoe forgot how to talk. She had seen him dressed up a few times but she didn't think it was something she'd ever be able to get used to.

"Well Doc, that isn't what I was picturing you wearin' but it'll do," Wade said with his cocky grin.

"I'm sorry, I'm almost ready. I got held up at work I just need five minutes and we can go," she told him with a blush not even mentioning on his comment.

"Take your time, no hurry. Our reservation is for 8:30," he said rubbing the back of his neck.

Zoe caught the gesture and was glad to see he was nervous too. Tonight was either the end of their future or the beginning. She hoped for the latter but wasn't going to get her hopes up too high.