Author's Note: Hi. I know it's been a long time and I am sorry for that. I could bore you with excuses, but I'm just going to apologize and hope the new chapter makes up for it. I hope you like it, and I hope you review. Longer author's note at the end.

To Those Who Reviewed:

Barbara,

Hello. Thank you for reviewing. Here is the next chapter. I appreciate your enthusiasm. Thank you. I hope to get more reviews from you by the time you reach this chapter. I am glad you like it, and always flattered when someone says one of my stories is one of their favorites, so thank you for that.

Nicole,

Thank you for reviewing. I appreciate when people keep their promises. I also appreciate you giving this story another try. I don't think Zoe was aware of her feelings for Wade in the beginning. She was mostly focused on George. Wade had to make an effort to get Zoe to see him, and in this world, he was just too scared of rejection to do that. I think there is some inkling of Zoe having feelings for Wade in the flashbacks, like how hurt she is by him not coming to her engagement party, or the when she's trying to get him to give that speech on the first of the month. I just wanted to make it clear that she does love George, or at least she did before she lost her memories. A lot of stories do not want to show that because they want her with Wade and do not believe, or do not want to believe, that her feelings for George were genuine. Not only do I believe they were genuine, but it is important to this particular story that the reader believes it too, which is what I was trying to show. I realize there are some people who will never believe it, but I have to follow my conscience and write what I believe to be true to the character.

The relationship is new. Yes, Zoe had some feelings for Wade in the past, but she was mostly focused on George. What happened to her has given her a chance to see Wade in a new way that she didn't before when George was the guy she was in love with. I am not trying to argue with you. I appreciate your input, and I love detailed reviews. This is just my thoughts on your thoughts. I hope you continue to review my stories and are not offended by what I write.

Thank you. I'll try. That's okay. I can live with a 95, that's an A I think. Thank you. That is good to know. And thank you for reviewing. I am anxious to read what you think of the new chapter.

Janie,

Hello. Yes, it's been a while. Thank you. That is good to know and I appreciate it. I am glad you are happy with it. Yes, finally in deed. But that's the fun right, the will they won't they, and the feeling of "Oh My God" when they finally do. If that came out sounding sexual, it was unintentional. Yes, I have plans for when George gets back. I hope you like what happens with Zoe and Wade in this chapter. That is exactly the point. Despite the past that Zoe may or may not end up remembering, these things are happening now, and they are real. I am glad you got that. Its kind of one of the big point of the story. It was adorable, wasn't it? I'm glad you loved it. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest,

Here you go. That is kind of you. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest/Dela,

Wow. That is very flattering. Thank you. Yes, I agree. It is frustrating. That is why when I started this account, I made a promise to myself to never leave a story unfinished. It does take me a while sometimes though. There are some stories I haven't updated in over a year. Still, I refuse to abandon them. As long as I'm alive, I will keep them going until they're done. If I get hit by an anvil and die, well, nothing can be done about that, can it?

Here is the continuation. It is not the last chapter, but I know where I am going with this story and there are only a few chapters left, so you will find out how it ends.

Thank you. That is very kind. Yes, my spelling and grammar are a little lacking sometimes, and I don't have a Beta. I try to edit, but I'm a rather impatient person, plus, it's often hard to catch your own mistakes, which is why writers have editors.

Awe. That is so sweet. Thank you. And you're welcome.

Your spoilers warning is cute.

Thank you. Character accuracy is most important to me. I work hard on plotlines too, but I love the characters and feel I owe it to them to portray them accurately, so it means a lot to me to get them right. Wade had grown up a bit. The funny thing is, we are coming up on 2015 now, so the timing of the show will catch up with this story. So much has changed in the show since I started.

I love the Zoe/Lemon dynamic too.

That is, in my opinion, the definition of a good love triangle. It is too boring if there is an obvious choice. That was one of the things that drew me to the show in the first place. I neither knew who Zoe would end up with, nor who I wanted her to end up with. They were both great guys who had great chemistry with her, and both relationships had a lot of potential. I am still disappointed that we never got to see Zoe and George as a couple. It appears the writers have officially closed that door. Then again, that's what we thought about George and Lemon, so who knows. Personally, I would like Zoe to have the chance to be with both guys before she makes the final decision, which is one thing I like about my story.

You are welcome. It warms my heart to know you like it so much.

Thank you for reviewing.

Chapter Twenty-Four

George sighed as he waited for Lemon and Magnolia to arrive so they could talk strategy. He knew Lemon wanted to knee the guy in the balls, so he'd probably have to talk her off a cliff a couple times, but he was used to that. He was more concerned about Magnolia. The situation was delicate. In the past, she had not been the most honest person, but she seemed to have grown up some while at college. Besides, Lemon believed her, and Lemon was nobody's fool. That was enough for George. It would not, however, be enough for the college. Yes, Magnolia's accusation would be taken seriously; sexual harassment is always serious. The school would open up an investigation into this guy. However, without any proof, the case would be dismissed, and unless George misunderstood when Lemon recounted the event, there was no proof. It had been a single incident. There was no paper trail, no emails of texts or anything in writing. The Professor had made physical advances, but not the kind that left behind any traces. George was grateful for that for Magnolia's sake, but it did make proving her story much more difficult. Their best bet at the moment was really to try and find another student who had received similar treatment from this teacher. That might be enough to corroborate Magnolia's story. Lemon would not be happy. She had probably hoped George could do more, but he could only work within the law. He would outline this as their best option and hope it would be enough. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else that could be done.

It had been a nice day. Both Wade and Zoe had had a good time. That much was clear. But there was still so much in the air right now. Zoe was still so confused about how she felt and who she felt what for, and Wade kept thinking about the role Zoe's memories would play in all of this. Would she ever get them back? Would she still want to be with him if she did? And if she didn't get them back, and did choose to be with him, would it really count? Would he want her when he knew that somewhere in memories she couldn't access she was still in love with George Tucker, waiting to walk down the aisle with him as they had planned? Was it fair to either of them if he settled for that? Both of their minds were occupied with these questions, unsure of how to act of what to think. Zoe dialed George's number on her cell at least four times but she kept hanging up on the first ring. Wade took out his guitar and tried to think.

"It's pretty." Tansy said as she sat listening to me strum. She was in town for a few days and couldn't afford a hotel so I told her she could crash here, so long as it was just a friend-friend thing. I think Tansy's over me. I really do. We considered revisiting us for a little bit, but, it just wouldn't work. We don't work. She's a good friend though, always has been, when we aren't trying to kill each other.

"It's all right." I say, shrugging off the compliment. I was never any good at taking those.

"It's about Zoe, right?" I look at her, curious, "Come on, Wade, the lyrics are pretty obvious. And so are you. Besides, who else do you know from New York?" I just shrug, "You still haven't told her you like her, have you?"

I shrug again, "She's with George. 'Sides, aren't you the one who said I didn't have a shot."

Tansy nodded, "I am, and maybe I was right, but you've known the girl over a year now, and you still aren't over her. Maybe getting officially shot down would give you some sort of closure and you could actually move on. Anyway, I could be wrong. Maybe I didn't give the girl enough credit; maybe she'll see what a catch you are."

I chuckle dryly, "Not compared to Tucker."

"Well, I can't speak for the New York Nightmare, but personally, between you and George, I think it's no contest, and I don't mean in his favor."

I give her a grateful smile, though I'm not sure I believe her. Still, I appreciate the sentiment. For a second, I consider kissing her, and I can tell by the look on her face she's considering it too, but we both shrug it off at pretty much the same moment. It would be a bad idea, for a lot of reasons. We don't work; we both know that. Besides, I don't love her, never did. I don't care about her like she deserves. The only girl I ever really cared about is across the pond with Tucker, probably having a gay old time, and I'm here, stringing out a pathetic love song for a girl I'll never have the guts to play it for.

Slowly, Wade sits up and heads over to Zoe's, bringing his guitar. He's put a lot on the line these past few days. George is only away for a little, and Zoe's memories could come back any moment. He only has so long to fight for her. He should not waste a second. When Zoe answers the door, she's surprised to see him, but she smiles and lets him in.

"Hey. I know we spent the day together, so maybe this is me bein' around too much and I shouldn't push it, but I was thinkin', and well, I wrote you this song a while back, and …" he trailed off, not really okay with saying the words, but hoping him saying what he said, guitar in tow, would be enough for her to get it.

"I didn't know you played."

"Yeah. I was always into music when I was younger, and then I figured it would be a cool way to pick up chicks, ya' know. Kind juvenile, but, what can I say, I was in high school. 'Sides, it worked. Guy in a band, works every time."

Zoe smiled, "What makes you think they wouldn't have liked you anyway?"

"Well, I was still kinda scrawny 'til I hit sixteen, bein' the poor kid with the dead mom and the drunk dad doesn't tend to do much for your self-esteem." Wade couldn't help but smile. It wasn't the sort of thing he normally shared, and telling Zoe felt special somehow. It was also because he knew he wasn't just that kid anymore, the kid who was no more than a musician with a good body. Even at nearly thirty, he knew he had still been that kid, but he had learned to be more, for Zoe, and for himself. He was proud of that.

Zoe smiled too, "Okay, well, I'm listening."

It took Wade a minute, but then he remembered and started up. He stumbled a couple times. Other then that once with Tansy, he had never played this song for anyone. It was too embarrassing, too revealing, and, as Tansy had pointed out, incredibly obvious when it came to it's subject. Especially to Zoe. Well, not now, because she didn't have her memories, but if she did, she would have recognized his vague reference to that first night in his car and the generic-beer-breath. As it was, she was probably a little confused. Still, the message was clear, he was sure of that. When he finished, he looked at her expectantly, but she said nothing. "So?" he prompted.

"Oh, well, it's a little insulting," she said, but she was smiling, "I mean, some of that stuff, not the most flattering of descriptions, and I can't say I get how the cowboy thing fits in, but … it was nice. I liked it."

Wade smiled, "You called me a cowboy once. I don't think you meant it as a compliment, but I chose to take it that way."

"Sure, sure." Zoe said, nodding, "So, have I heard this before?"

Wade chuckled, "Yeah, right. You were with Tucker; I'm not a moron."

"Something about the generic-beer thing seems familiar."

"I'm not sure if that's good or bad but, hey, I'll take it."

Zoe walked over to him and kissed him. It wasn't as passionate as the other night, but more so than at the picnic. It was definitely enjoyable at any rate, "So, did you really want me out of your life?" Zoe asked.

Wade shook his head, "It wasn't like that. It's just … it's not so easy thinkin' about a girl all the time when you know you don't have a shot with her."

"Well, maybe if you would have taken a shot-"

"I'm takin' in now." Zoe nodded, "Hey, what are you doin' tomorrow?"

"Nothing. Well, that's not true, Rose is desperate to hear about what happened with us today, so we're going to hang out again, but she has a lunch date with Fredrick Dean so we're just going to grab a bite somewhere for breakfast and maybe talk here until, like eleven, because then she has to go get ready. Why?"

"Well, I've been thinkin', and I think there's somethin' you should see. Maybe in the afternoon we could go. I mean, if you're up for it."

Zoe nodded, "Yeah, I'm up for it. If it's anything like today, I'm definitely up for it. I don't know if I mentioned but, I had a great time."

"You did, but the echo is both noted and appreciated."

Zoe nodded, "So, tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow." Wade said, leaning down and kissing her. The kiss started to heat up and Wade reached out to wrap his arms around her. His crutches fell and he stumbled a little bit, knocking foreheads with Zoe.

"Are you okay?" Zoe asked, concerned.

Wade nodded, chuckling a little, and Zoe couldn't help but chuckle a little too.

"Night Doc."

"So, you're sayin' we have no case!"

"I didn't say that. Any sort of case needs some sort of proof. That's how the legal system works in this country. Innocent until proven guilty."

"But we know he's guilty."

"Yes we do, now we just have to convince-"

"Maybe we should just forget it."

"Don't even think that, sweetheart. That bastard is going to pay for what he did to you."

"Lemon-"

"No, George, I do not care about your legal system. He does not get to do something like that and just get away with it. I refuse to accept that. We are not leavin' until justice has been served."

George shook his head, frustrated. "I'm not sayin' we give up. I would never … we just have to be smart." He turned to Magnolia, hoping he would have more luck with the younger Breeland. "Magnolia, do you know any other girls who he might have given … special attention to? Classmates maybe, or siblings of classmates, alumna?"

"I thought its alumni?"

"No, alumni's plural, alumna is singular feminine."

"Well, in any case, I don't know anyone."

"The man's a slime ball. If he did this with Magnolia there's no reason he wouldn't have done it before." Lemon said, the indignation clear in her voice.

"Well, then I think we need to start digging."

"I told you!" Rose said excitedly. "I told you it was Wade!"

Zoe chuckled. She half expected Rose to start jumping up and down, "I didn't say it was Wade."

"But Zoe-"

"We had a great time. Amazing, actually. But I still have a lot to figure out."

"But Zoe, it has to be Wade!"

Zoe shook her head. How could she explain this to Rose? A month ago, Wade was the only guy she wanted, but a month ago, she didn't know who she was. George was a part of the life she had before she lost her memory. He was a part of the person she was trying to remember how to be. And he loved her. There was history there; she could see it in his eyes, how much he wanted to be with her. Being with Wade was amazing. When they were together, it was like everything clicked. However, things clicked with George too, just in a different way. It was hard to know what to do, who to pick. George being away had given her an opportunity to really get to know Wade and see what they could be like together. She liked it. When George got back though, everything would get complicated again. For now, she just wanted to focus on Wade, because he was here, and George wasn't, and that made everything easier. Zoe just wished it could stay that way.

Lemon saw Magnolia, George, and the other girl walk towards her. She had wanted to go in with them, but George had thought it best that she wait outside for them to finish. At first, she had protested, but Magnolia had asked her to listen to George, and she had complied.

She had to hand it to George; tracking that girl down in such a short amount of time took skills. Then again, he wasn't practically undefeated in court just because he had a pretty face. Lemon thanked god that she and George had found a way to be friends after everything that happened with them. He was useful to have around in situations like this. She felt guilty for not telling him what Zoe had confided to her. In a way, she owed him an engagement that actually led to a marriage considering she had ruined it for him the first time. She had known George longer than she'd known Zoe, and there was so much history. Still, Zoe was her best friend, and the way she had helped with the Lily situation, never asking a thing in return … besides, if Zoe did want to be with Wade, it would be unfair to George for her to go through with the wedding.

"How did it go?" she asked nervously.

"I think he believed us." Magnolia said. Her voice was a little shaking, but she forced a small smile for her sister's sake, "There's going to be an investigation, but both of us coming forward … George said our odds are good."

George nodded beside her, and Lemon reached out, pulling Magnolia into a hug.

"Well, my parents are waiting." The other girl said. She waved and headed off toured a couple waving at her from a minivan.

Lemon barely noticed. She just continued to hold her baby sister so hard the air was probably leaving her lungs. Still, Magnolia didn't ask her to stop.

Rose skipped home, whistling. Things were finally working out her way. Her and Zoe were getting back to normal and she was dating the cutest boy in Alabama. Her parents were out, and she was meeting Fredrick Dean soon, so she headed decided to just check her email before heading out to meet him. She pulled up her homepage and checked her inbox. Then, she saw it. Suddenly, she couldn't breathe. Nervously, she clicked on the email, and she nearly flew out of her seat and hit the ceiling. All working out indeed.

Zoe wasn't sure where Wade was taking her. She wasn't nervous though. She felt safe with Wade. He would protect her; she knew that.

Okay, so, when they pulled up at a graveyard, it did freak her out a little.

"Is this the part where you show me the grave you dug me and come at me with an axe?"

Wade laughed, "Doc, the only axe I use plugs into an amp." Zoe chuckled, relaxing slightly, "No, there's just someone I think you should meet it all."

She looks up at him curiously, "Your mom?"

Wade shakes his head, "I would like that, someday. She was a great woman, and I know she would have loved you. But that's not for today. Today's for you, something I think maybe you need."

He leads her over to a headstone, and she reads it:

Harley Wilkes

Beloved

1942-2011

She has to search her brain for a minute, and then the name clicks in her head, "My father?" Wade nods, "Why-?"

"Because it was one of the first things you did after you found out that he was your dad. You may never've gotten the chance to know him, but he loved you, and I know he meant somethin' to you too. I know you regret never gettin' to know him. Even if you get your memories back, you'll never really know who he was. And I know that has to hurt. I also know if it weren't for him, you never would have come to Bluebell, and we never would have met. I can't even imagine that life.

I am grateful everyday that Harley and your mom hooked up, that he sought you out and that he finally got you to come here. I'm even a little grateful that you didn't know he was your dad until you were all grown up, because if you had known, you might not have grown up in New York with your parents, and if you hadn't grown up in New York with your parents, you wouldn't be you. Still, if your mom had left Ethan Hart for Harley, and you'd grown up in Bluebell, I reckon I would've loved you anyway. There's no power on this earth that could make me not love you." Wade shook his head, "But this isn't about me. This is about you an' Harley. I never told you this, but I was there that day. I came by to visit my mama's headstone, and I heard you talkin' to Harley. Word hadn't gotten around yet about you bein' his daughter, so I was mighty shocked to hear you call him your real father. And maybe I shouldn't've eavesdropped, but I was curious, and, well, I never was great about boundaries. I only caught the tail end of the conversation, but you told him how he was the only person who ever really believed in you, and try walkin' in his footsteps and see if you could find yourself. And you did. You found yourself. You found home.

Harley, he gave you an amazing gift. And maybe, back then, he was the only person to believe in you like that, but that's not true anymore. There are so many people who believe in you Zoe, so many lives you've touched, so much good you've done, so much love you've earned so you came here. You've more than found yourself in Bluebell. You've grown into this amazing woman. I know you've been through a lot recently, the accident, the amnesia, the fire, the shooting, me, George, all of it. I know it's gotta be weighin' on you somethin' fierce, and your confused, and lost, and might overwhelmed. I'd imagined you haven't felt that lost an' outta place since you cam to Bluebell, and this is where you came. So this I where I brought you. Maybe it was a dumb idea, I don't know but … I think it'll help." Zoe looked up at him, tears in her eyes. Then, she turned her eyes back to the headstone. "I'll give you a minute."

He started for his crutched, but Zoe grabbed his arm, stilling him. She was looking up at him with those beautiful, big, sad eyes of hers. "Tell me about him." she pleaded. Wade nodded and settled down beside her.

"Harley was my family doctor," he started, "So I knew him pretty much my whole life. And, as I'm sure you can imagine, I was a reckless kid an' had to see the doctor often." Zoe chuckled through her tears, "My first real memory of him is from when I was five and I had to get a shot …"

"You'll never believe what happened!"

"Well, hello to you too." Fredrick Dean said with chuckle. He was only teasing of course. He loved how exuberant and enthusiastic his girlfriend was. Girlfriend. It was a nice word, and he was so glad he could finally use it to describe Rose Hattenbarger. His Rose.

"Sorry," she said, sheepishly, "I'm just so excited I can barely sit still. It's like everything is coming up Rose, ya know?"

He chuckled again and leaned over to greet her with a kiss. Kissing her was the best thing in the world. Life couldn't get better than this. It just wasn't possible.

He pulled out her chair, which made her chuckle. They sat and started examining their menus, though, of course, they had both memorized the contents long ago.

After they ordered (Two burgers, fries, and a strawberry milkshake with two straws) Fredrick Dean asked Rose, "So, what's this big new that has you so excited?"

"Well, I mean, I had totally forgotten that I applied, because it was a while ago, before everything happened with Zoe and the amnesia, and everything, so I hadn't really thought about it, and I didn't really think I had a shot or anything, it was just a long shot, I never expected them to actually pick me, put they did, they have. I just got the email, and they picked me."

"Wow, that's … I'm sorry, who picked you?"

"Oh, right, sorry. It's this internship with The New Yorker. Isn't that amazing. I'm going to be working at The New Yorker. Well, interning, but that's how it all starts, you know?"

He nodded, "And The New Yorker, that's … in New York?"

"Duh. I've always wanted to go to New York, and now I'm gonna be livin' there, taking the first step towards my dream job, my dream life."

For a while, Fredrick Dean just stared at his burger. Then, he looked up, "Have you given any thought to who is in this dream life of yours?"

"What'd'ya mean?"

"Well, you're leavin', aren't you? For New York. That's a far cry from Bluebell."

"You're upset?"

"Of course I'm upset! We just got together, and now you're goin' halfway across the country."

"It's my dream to live in New York and work as a journalist. It always has been. You knew that!"

"I was hardly expecting you to just up and leave! You didn't even tell me you applied for this internship!"

"I didn't think I'd get it. Besides, we weren't dating back then."

"We were friends. Friends tell each other things like that."

"I wasn't aware I had to run my life choices by you! I'm sorry if that's what you want, but I'm not some Belle who is gonna make her decisions based on you and build a life around yours. I am an independent modern woman who is going to do everything she can to reach for her dreams."

"I don't want you to be a Belle. I just want to be with you. How are we supposed to be together if you're in New York and I'm here?"

"You could come with me."

"I can't just-"

"Oh, so it's okay for me to stay for you, but not for you to go for me. I see."

"That's not what I meant. You have a life here. You have a family, and school. What would I have in New York?"

"You'd have me."

Zoe and Wade stayed at the cemetery for a long time. He told her about what kind of man Harley was, and what kind of doctor. She also got to hear some cute little Wade stories, which was nice. By the time they returned to the carriage house the sun was almost down. Zoe turned to Wade.

"Thank you, for today. It … meant a lot."

Wade nodded. He bent down and placed a soft, sweet kiss to her lips, "Night Doc. Sleep tight."

Zoe fell asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Author's Note: So, what do you think? I hope you liked it. I know the stuff with Magnolia's teacher seemed a little rushed, but I needed to wrap that up in order for George to return when I need him to return, and I saw no reason that luck couldn't be on their side this once when trying to track down a fellow victim, because apparently, you do need that. I guess it makes sense, because if somebody was falsely accused, it could really ruin their reputation. Still, sexual harassment is hard to prove. I feel like there should be a better way, but I didn't go to law school, so.

As for the song, I actually did have lyrics in mind. It's kind of a funny story. A couple years ago, when The Race and The Relationship first aired, I was in a bad mood for like a week. I know it's strange to get that upset about television, but nearly every character got their heart broken in that episode. Tansy's got broken by Wade, Wade's got broken by Zoe, Zoe's got broken by George, Lavon was still upset about Lemon, Lemon and George reconciled, but they weren't exactly happy, and then Rose's appendix exploded. It just made me so sad, and it nothing seemed like nothing could get me out of my funk. I tried writing fanfiction, but even that didn't work, so then, I decided to write a song, and the words just started coming. It isn't based in that episode, exactly. It's sort of about just how Wade was feeling for most of season one. It's called New York Nightmare. I considered putting the lyrics up, but it just wouldn't work without the tune, and I can hardly record it and put the link. I don't know if it's any good, but I like it, and it's comforting when Wade and Zoe hit a rough patch in the show. If I knew any professional country singers, I'd give them the lyrics and ask if they could do something with it, but I don't, so I cant. Oh well, c'est la vie.

What do we think of what happened with Rose and Fredrick Dean? Who sides with him? Who sides with her? What do we think will happen with them now?

Thank you to HartofDixiewikia for the photo of Harley's headstone where I got the information written there. I also checked the transcript to The Pilot on that site for what Zoe said to Harley. I considered having Wade quote it, but I think it reads better this way. Besides, what are the odds he'd remember what she said word for word.

I know he probably wasn't eavesdropping in the show, but it's possible, and I thought it would be nice. There are only a few chapters left. I hope you enjoyed this one and I am anxious to read your reviews. Have a good day.