Author's Note: Hey. Sorry for the wait. Writers block again.

Thank you all so much for your reviews.

Janiee, Thank you for pointing that out to me. That was a mistake on my part. I don't always write the scenes in the order the show up in, so I guess I forgot that. I apologize. I agree, it is the same thing. She's trying to be sensitive to both of them. The only difference is her and George can, and have, talked about his feelings for her, so things are a little more complicated in that way. Never apologize for a long review. I love long reviews; the longer the better

Thank you to the guest who said he/she is so into this.

To the guest who said its time for Wade to be honest, we will see, but remember, the sooner that happens, the sooner the story ends, and personally, I am squeezing this thing for all the juice and pulp I can possibly get out of it, because I love this story and will miss it when it is over.

Because it took me so long to update, I cannot remember who I responded to, or if I even did, so if I did not respond to you, and you would like me to, just let me know and I will. I am going to look through them and see if I can figure it out. I really appreciate all the reviews.

I know this chapter is a little shorter, but I wanted to update for you guys, and I felt like this stood better on its own.

Longer Author's Note at the end.

Chapter Nineteen

After Rose left, Wade waited. Zoe said she was coming, and after talking with Rose, he was a little anxious. Was Rose right? Had fate finally decided to cut him a break and give him a second chance at happiness? Should he say something to Zoe? Would it make him an ass because of George?

He had thought it would, but maybe not. Maybe, like Rose, Zoe had just been waiting for him to speak up. No, that was crazy. You didn't get engaged if you were waiting on somebody else. Date or be in a relationship, sure, but engaged, no. Zoe's feelings for George were real. Wade knew that. He had been painfully aware of the how Zoe and George had felt about each other since shortly after meeting her. In a way, a small part of him had almost been relieved when they got together; at least now he could stop wondering, stop watching Zoe mope a moon over him, stop watching the inappropriate flirting. It was not worth what he knew he would now have to watch, but he had been trying to find a silver lining.

He did not know what he would say when Zoe came; he figured he'd just wing it. He had not decided if he should listen to Rose yet. Maybe talking to Zoe would help him figure it out. The idea was slightly laughable, because Wade knew that he was never able to think clearly when she was around.

He heard the clicking of heels, and for a second he thought maybe it was Zoe, but no. This visitor was taller, paler, blonder, and crazier (if that was possible). Of course, he was thrilled to see Lemon. He had not seen her since what happened with her mom, and he wanted a chance to be there for her. This was that chance, and he was glad for it. She looked good, considering everything she had gone through. He wanted her to be happy. Plus, she was his friend, and it was always good to see a friend, especially when you've been stuck in a stupid hospital for what feels like decades. It was just that he had hoped it would be Zoe coming to see him.

"Hey." He said gently.

"Hello." Lemon said sitting down in one of the chairs. Of course, first, she took out a handkerchief and placed it on the seat, causing Wade to smirk. Lemon was so prim and proper sometimes. Being with Lavon had mellowed her out a little, but she was still Lemon Breeland underneath it all. Adding the Hayes to the end could not change her inner nature. "How are you feelin'?"

"I feel like I should be askin' you that." Wade said, offering her a weak smile, "I heard about … how you holdin' up?"

"Oh, just doin' my best to keep my head on straight. Findin' a distraction anywhere I can." Wade snorted, "Hey, now, I got a right to distract myself if that is what I choose to do. Besides, everythin' goin' on in my life and the lives of those around me, it ain't that hard to find a distraction. What with Lily and Magnolia, you bein' here, and Zoe, my plate is plenty full."

"Zoe?" Wade asked. Lemon looked at him confused, "You said Zoe."

Lemon's eyes widened slightly, but then they returned to normal, "Yes." She said slowly, "Yes, I did."

"Why is she, that is, is everything okay?" He knew why Magnolia and Lily would be keeping Lemon busy, and him being in the hospital was pretty self-explanatory, but Zoe? He tried not to freak out. It was probably nothing, just some dumb girl stuff. It was just, with the luck they had all been having lately…

"Oh, well, I just meant, you know, the amnesia and everythin'. That's all." Wade sighed in relief.

Still, he could not help but feel that something was off. Lemon's tone had been strange, and she was looking at him weird too, like she was studying him or something, "What?"

A lot of people who had been caught staring would look away, but that wasn't Lemon's style. She kept looking at him, "You were really worried about her, weren't you?"

Wade shrugged, "Why wouldn't I be. We're friends … most of the time."

"Yeah, but I barely implied somethin' might be wrong. You were pretty quick to jump on it with so little to go on."

"Well, the girl ain't exactly had the best luck lately, what with the amnesia and the fire."

"Right. Right." Lemon nodded.

"Why'd you say that twice?"

"Say what twice?"

"Never mind."

"So, when did you last hear from Zoe?"

"I, uh, I talked to her this mornin'." Wade said. This conversation was starting to make him a little uncomfortable.

"And she seemed fine?" Wade nodded, "Then why'd you freak out so easy?"

Wade shook his head, "I didn't freak out." Lemon gave him one of those I-don't-believe-you-but-I'll-pretend-I-do looks, "Look, I actually kinda need to rest, so, maybe we could catch up later."

"Oh." Lemon said, standing. She sounded a little hurt, "Of course."

"Hey." Wade said, reaching out to grab her hand, "I'm just gonna shut my eyes, all right? Don't mean you have to leave."

"Are you sure?"

Wade nodded, "Yeah. You can even keep talkin' if you want. I might not respond, but, you know, go to town. I'm right here."

Lemon smiled a little tearily, "Thanks Wade."

Zoe felt nervous. She knew that was right; she knew you were supposed to feel nervous on a first date, but the circumstances were a little more complicated than that. She had to figure out who she felt what for, and this was the only way she could think to do it. So she had brought take out, and was now sitting on his couch waiting for him to get back from the kitchen with plates and silverware. She didn't really know what to do with herself, so she just looked around, took his place in.

George came back into the room and Zoe unconsciously straitened her hair out a little. It was a familiar motion, straitening herself up because George Tucker was looking and she did not want to make an idiot of herself. She could tell it was something she had done many times before.

He smiled and she felt her knees go a little weak again. She was sort of getting used to it.

He placed two glasses on the table, a long with a couple plates and some silverware.

"I, uh, those are water, 'cause, ya know, that's usually a pretty safe choice, but if you want somethin' else-"

"No, no. Water's fine."

"Good."

He sat down next to her on the couch. She smiled awkwardly.

"So…" she said, hoping he would to the reigns.

"So …"

After a minute, Zoe stood up, "Food!"

"What?" George asked, started. He had stood too, though she didn't know why.

"We should, we have food, we should serve it. Well, I mean, I should serve it. Unless of course you want to serve it." she giggled awkwardly, "Someone should serve it." she winced a little. Why was this so awkward?

George nodded, "Yeah. That's a good idea."

They opened up the bags and busied themselves arranging them on the coffee table in front of the couch.

"Well, that's it." Zoe said, motioning to the food.

"It looks delicious." George said.

They both remained standing.

Finally, George spoke, "Okay, I've got to say somethin' here." Zoe nodded for him to go on, "I know I'm not acting … well, that I'm acting kind of strange, but the thing is, well, I am nervous as hell right now."

Zoe let out a breath she had not known she was holding, "You're nervous?" he nodded, "I'm nervous." She pointed to herself.

George sighed too, "Yeah?"

"Are you kidding? It's like a block of ice is in my chest blocking all the oxygen from getting to my brain."

George chuckled a little, relieved. They both sat back down, "I just, I really want this to go well, and I don't know how I might mess it up, or if-"

"At least you have experience with this kind of stuff. Think how I feel; for as far as my memory goes back, this is technically my first date ever. Most people have their first date in their teens, not their early thirties."

George chuckled, "Well, it's not like you got anythin' to prove. I'm already crazy about you. You, on the other hand, may not have made your mind up about me one way or the other, and I sort of have a preference. I got no clue what you think of me right now … though you showin' up here is a good sign."

Zoe smiled, "Well, I heard you had a nice TV, so…" George laughed. "Listen, George, I," she brushed her hair behind her ears as she tried to think of the proper phrasing, "I don't exactly know how I'm feeling right now, who I'm feeling for. It's all very confusing, and while a lot of stuff has come back, there is a lot that still hasn't and I just … you are a great guy George, and no matter what, I will always care for you. I want you in my life. But I'm confused, about a lot of things, some involving you, some, not involving you. I don't want to make any promises to you that I don't know if I'll be able to keep. I know I like you, and that I want to see what this is between us, but …" she paused, unsure.

"But, we need to go at your pace." George finished for her. She thought for a second, then nodded. It wasn't exactly where she was going, but if she was being honest, she had sort of lost track of it herself. And what he said seemed to fit with what she was trying to tell him.

"I just don't want anybody to get hurt."

"I don't want that either. Look, Zoe, I care about you. I've cared about you for a long time, even when I wasn't supposed to. Once, a long time ago, you told me that you would wait for me, and I'm going to tell you the same thing. We can go as slow as you want, and whenever you're ready, I'll be right here."

Zoe smiled, "That was … the perfect thing to say." George smiled. Zoe and George started to serve themselves, but they kept the conversation going, "So, tell me about New Orleans."

"What?" George asked, confused.

"I remembered something in a dream," she speared some broccoli with a fork, "That happens a lot, having memories resurface in dreams. Anyway, it was very brief. We were in New Orleans, and we were dancing." George smiled, dropping his head a little. A warm, nostalgic look overcoming his face, "I take it you remember what I am talking about?"

George nodded, "Absolutely. It was … a memorable night."

Zoe smiled, "Because it was our first kiss?" George looked at her questioningly, "Yeah, I kind of picked that up. What I didn't pick up is why we were in New Orleans in the first place."

"Well, that's a long story. It sort of goes back to the whole love rhombus we had goin', you know, me, you, Lemon, Lavon."

"I got the feeling they were involved."

"You realize talkin' about this breaks a cardinal rule of a first date, right?" Zoe looked at him questioningly, "Never talk about an ex."

Zoe laughed, "Well, I think given the circumstances, exceptions can be made. Pass the potatoes."

He handed them over to her, "Okay, well, I guess it all started with me goin' to New York. Lemon and I had been together since we were fifteen, planned our lives together, but I wanted to see the world, and she was content to stay here. So, I took a job at a law office in New York, and she stayed behind. We were doin' long distance, but I guess she got lonely, and she was goin' through some family drama and really needed somebody … I don't really like to analyze all the why's. The point is, she and Lavon had an affair."

"Wow."

"Yeah. So, when I got back, I asked Lemon to marry me, and she said yes, leaving out the tiny detail of her six month indiscretion." Zoe nodded, "when you moved to town, I liked you right away, but I was with Lemon, and I would never be unfaithful to her. Then, I found out about her and Lavon. We got in a huge fight and I called off the wedding. That's when I went to New Orleans."

"And you invited me."

"There was no reason I couldn't now. I was single, and I was going through somethin'. A part of me invited you because I needed a friend around, you know, to deal, but I think I knew … that we both knew, that wasn't the real reason."

"And what was the real reason?"

"The real reason was that I had had feelings for you for a while, and I had tried to ignore them because I was committed to Lemon, but now …"

"Now you could do something about it."

George nodded. Zoe was quiet, "So, what are you thinkin'. Romantic? That I was a jerk? Somewhere in-between?"

Zoe chuckled, "Actually I was thinking it sounds an awful lot like a soap opera."

George chuckled too, "Yeah. Yeah, I guess it does."

"Thank you."

"What for?"

"For telling me. It means a lot."

George nodded, "So, what else has been goin' on with you, other than … the obvious."

Zoe smiled, "We don't have to completely ignore the missing elephant in the room. But I do appreciate that you're going for another topic. I don't want it to be the only thing I talk about with people, I just don't want to pretend it didn't happen either."

George nodded understandingly. Zoe took a moment to think. What was going on with her that did not have to do with the years she could not remember? There was the Wade stuff, but clearly she could not talk to George about that. There was her desire to learn to cook, but that kind of involved Wade too. There was what was going on with Lemon, but George already knew about that. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that most of what she did related in one way or another to her amnesia. She was trying to remember how she felt about people, and who she was so hard that she had not really gotten outside of it at all. She had not really done anything (unless you counted her failed attempt at pancakes.)

"Honestly, nothing. And that really needs to be corrected. Something needs to be going on with me. I need to be focusing on more than amnesia and bullet wounds and dead mothers."

George smiled, "Well, you are a doctor, so that stuff is sort of your bread an' butter, but I get what you're sayin'. How about this, you close your eyes, and concentrate real hard. Picture yourself doin' somethin', anythin' that makes you happy. It can be bizarre, or silly, or out there, just so long as it's somethin' you want to do." George waited.

"Oh, you mean now?" George chuckled, and nodded. So, Zoe closed her eyes and tried to think. What did she want to do right now? Where did she want to be? What would make her happy?

"I hate this." I said. I was pouting, and I knew it. I was being childish and selfish, but I didn't care. George smiled. For some reason, he always found it cute hen I got pouty and selfish. How did I get so lucky, to find a guy who finds all my annoying flaws adorable? The thought just made me angrier.

"I could come with you."

"What, so you spend time bored in a hotel room by yourself and I feel guilty for dragging you there, and I still never see you?" George sighed, and I groaned a little, "This sucks. You finally get back from your business trip, and then I get called to this stupid mandatory doctors thing in Montgomery."

George came over to me and took me in his arms. I love being in his arms. I miss being in his arms. It seems like we're both working more now than we ever have, and are breaks never seem to coincide, "Listen, you are an amazing, driven person and I love you for that. And I think we both know, even if this thing were not mandatory, you'd want to go." I knew he was right. But I would want it to fall at a different time.

"I want to be with you." I whispered.

He kissed my forehead, "I want to be with you too. It's been a crazy month. But things will calm down. They have to. And when they do, you and I are going to go away."

"Where?"

"Wherever you want." He mumbled soothingly into my hair.

"Paris?" I asked, partly because I had always wanted to go, and partly because I was testing him.

"Sure."

"Really? I mean, it's not like it's a cheap trip. It's Paris."

George chuckled, "I know, but if that's what you want-" I cut him off, crashing my lips onto his, kissing him with everything I had. I loved kissing him, and I loved that I could do it whenever I wanted. And I loved that someday soon, I would be doing it in a town with authentic croissants and French poodles.

"You're amazing." I said, when we broke apart, "I don't know what I did to deserve you."

"I wonder the same thing about you every day."

The dumbest thought popped into my head just then. I would never tell George, because it would totally freak him out, but I was just thinking that maybe, someday, if George and I ever decided to get married, maybe we could dance our first dance to "Something Good" from The Sound of Music.

"So, what would we do in Paris?"

George thought for a minute, "Never leave our hotel room." I slapped him playfully.

Zoe opened her eyes, "I want to learn French." George looked a little surprised, but he did not seem too thrown off. Zoe was. The memory just made her blurt it out, "Unless, do I already speak French?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Do you?"

"Not fluently."

Zoe nodded, "So, should I think of something else, or-"

George shook his head, "If this is what you want, this is what we're goin' to do." Zoe couldn't help but smile.

"How?"

"We'll sign up for a course at the nearest college. Give us somethin' to look forward to every week, a goal to strive for, plus, this way I know I get to see you at least once a week."

Zoe giggled, "If you want to see me, you can just see me. You don't need an excuse."

"I just don't want to freak you out."

"You're not." Their eyes locked for a minute and Zoe's breath caught. This definitely qualified as a moment, "Do you, um, do you have The Sound of Music?" she stuttered out.

"What?"

"The Sound of Music. I thought it might be fun to watch it."

George nodded, "Yeah, I got it."

As George went to get the movie, Zoe tried to steady her breathing. George really was unbelievable. He was willing to drop everything to go to Paris with her, he didn't think she was weird for wanting to learn French; he always tried so hard to make her happy. He clearly loved her; she could feel it. The way he looked at her with those beautiful, amazing eyes … she felt like a teenager, all giddy and lightheaded. It all felt so familiar, her and George. It felt so right. As familiar as it was though, and as much as she could tell George cared for her, her heart was still hammering in her chest. It was all still so new to her, and she did not know how to act or what to say. No matter how bizarre she got, George just seemed to find it endearing, but she was still terrified of doing something that would change his mind.

She readjusted the pillow behind her. It smelled just like him, or rather, like his cologne. She remembered loving that smell. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and took in the scent.

"Got it." George set as he came back in. Zoe's eyes snapped open and she blushed. She felt like she had been caught doing something stupid and wrong, but George did not seem to have noticed.

He started the movie up and sat back down next to her. Zoe inched a little closer to him, feeling bold and terrified at the same time. She leaned forward a little ad shifted to the side, so when she sat back, instead of the back of the couch, she was leaning against George's chest. He seemed surprised, but not unhappy. He smiled and put his arm around her, pulling her a little closer. It felt nice. He was warm and he smelt like George. They sat like that for a while, watching the movie, and somewhere between the blue strawberries and The Baroness calling off the wedding Zoe drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

Wade glanced at the clock again. It was late. It was getting dark, and visiting hours were almost over. He kept hoping she would walk through that door with some dumb excuse that he would forgive immediately. She had said she would come today. She had come everyday before today.

Maybe he was being silly and needy. She had a life. He could not expert her to come everyday. None of the others had. He got constant visits from Lavon, Rose, George, even Magnolia, but only Zoe had been a daily visitor. Maybe she needed a break, or maybe she had already broken their deal and was still blaming herself for what had happened.

He thought back to after she had gotten out of the hospital, how he had avoided her, and how Lavon had called and said that Zoe had been asking about him, missing him. Was this how she had felt? But, no, she would come. He was being silly. She said she would come, so she would come.

He waited, not letting himself look over at the clock again. He turned on the television and the end of a game on ESPN. When he finally looked at the clock again, it read 10:00 p.m. Visiting hours were officially over. And Zoe had not come.

Author's Note: DON'T HATE ME DON'T HATE ME DON'T HATE ME. I know a lot of you are probably upset with me right now. First off, I did not plan this. It just sort of happened, but I think it works, and I stick by it, even if you are all picturing quartering me right now.

A lot of this chapter is about Zoe remembering her relationship with and feelings for George. The bit about her not visiting Wade came later in fleshing out the chapter.

I don't know if Zoe's always wanted to go to Paris, but it is a romantic place and it seems to fit. I feel like she might want to go there with her boyfriend.

I know the thing where Zoe says she would wait for George was doing the Bluebell Battle, and I know that in this altered timeline of mine, I already established that George entered with Wade and Zoe had not been in the race, but I feel like she still might have told him that when he was trying to figure things out, even if it was in a different setting.

I hope you at least liked the chapter a little. Let me know what you think. Have a good day.