Chapter 11 BIrthday Surprise

The semester went by fast. Brick would text once a week just to let know that he was ready whenever she was. Zoe was happy with her life right now and she just wasn't ready emotionally.

It was the end of April, with only finals week left of her sophomore year. She and Wade had spent Spring Break together but that was the last time they had seen each other. It has been 6 weeks.

He hasn't even mentioned his summer plans. He hasn't mentioned my birthday, nothing. Wade is losing interest in me. Of course he would get tired of me, he is Wade Kinsella! More than likely Alabama's starting quarterback next year.

Wade was hatching a plan. Zoe's birthday was Friday , the last day after finals but she finished her last exam on Thursday.

The day before her birthday, he sent her flowers. The card said, Pack your bags

Its time to go home

Good times ahead

Shalom!

What is old is new

What is new is old

In the brightest lights

A site to behold

-Your 1st string

Zoe loved her bright coral gerber daisies with yellow day lilies mixed in. She called him and he didn't answer. What was he up to? What should I pack to go home? Where is home? I have nothing in New York. Bluebell?

Friday morning, a delivery man arrived at Zoe's apartment with

Her favorite flavor of coffee, creme brulee and the New York Times.

How nice of my mom. She is trying to remind me of home.

She opens the paper and an envelope falls out. The note is written on gray linen stationery. Stealing some phrases from a song that he and Zoe danced to in Florida and changing them a little.

You are my Cinderella

Hope that much is true

Let me be your prince charming

I will always come for you

Be outside your dorm at 11:30, your carriage awaits.

XO,

Prince Charming

Zoe walks to see a limo and chauffeur waiting. She takes a deep breath. She can't believe that Wade did all of this. The chauffeur opens the door and Zoe slides in. Another note….

You deserve it all.

Happy Birthday Baby!

When the limousine reached the airport, Zoe was practically giddy. The emotions that were all pent up inside her, were thought she may explode at any moment.

The chauffeur rolled down the window that separated them, and said,"Ms. Hart, your prince charming, to your right."

"What?"

Her door opens and she sees Wade.

"Wade! You are the most extraordinary boyfriend!"

"I will move mountains for my girl, now come 'ere and let me kiss my Cinderella! He is already leaning in before he finishes the thought.

The chauffeur is getting the bags and thinks to himself, 'young love, nothing like it'.

Zoe is crying happy tears and just wants to keep kissing Wade. As much has Wade would like to make out in front of the skycab, he says

"Alright, little lady, we gotta plane to catch."

"Where to?"

"What do ya mean, where to? Your home, New York"

"Yeah I have been thinking about that. I am not really sure it is my home anymore. My mom is never there, my dad, well… I grew up here but I have seen a 'home' and I have actually never had one. You are so lucky Wade, you have always had a home, even if it wasn't or isn't perfect."

He couldn't argue with that. He loved his family and that love was always reciprocated. His mom passed away but the years were wonderful and filled with so many memories. He doesn't have any memories of being alone, lonely sometimes, but never alone.

Wade raised her head, placed his pointer finger under chin, it was slightly curved so that his thumb could caress her lips and whispered,

"When we are together , we are both home." then placed a small kiss on her lips and then her forehead. Hey boarded the plane.

They reached New York and she thought that surprises were over but when they checked into their room at the Doubletree Hotel, There was a plate of black and white cookies.

"Wade, how did you even know?

"I listen Zoe, I may not always look like it but I usually am. I overheard you talking to my dad about them."

"Oh yeah, he told me that your mom was an excellent baker. I asked if she had ever made black and white cookies and explained what they were. He said she frosted cookies but never that exact combination.'

"Umm, i love that you have real conversations with my dad. Is there anything you would like to do tonight for your birthday?"

"Is my mom in town?"

"No, I called her and she said she was in LA"

"You have never been here , right?" He nodded ." Well, how about we go sightseeing."

"Sure thing, but first, I think you have some thanking me to do, ummm? Umm?" with a naughty grin and sparkling mischievous eyes.

"Yes I do,Mr. 1st string." as she takes the initiative.

XXXXXXXX

Wade left Saturday morning to get Zoe some bagels. It was just 2 doors down from the hotel. Zoe loved her New York they finished their breakfast and coffee, Wade sprang the last surprise, knowing that she may need time.

"Zoe, I have one more surprise for you. You will need to dress semi fancy. Do you have anything with you? I mean you have 2 suitcases for 2 nights so…"

"Wade there are different kinds of semi fancy. Are you taking me to dinner? Just tell me where so I can dress appropriately. Or is it a party, just tell me."

"Zoe, you could be wearing a burlap sack and I would think you are the most beautiful girl in the world. But probably some of those fancy schmancy heels you like and may be a dress or skirt or somethin'. I promise you will have a good time tonight."

Zoe turned around and Wade's mouth was physically open and watering.

There could not be a girl that was more elegant, She was like an exquisite diamond, cut just right, here eyes shined, her skin glowed.

How did I get so lucky?

"You could not be any more perfect than you look right now. I am happy to be your escort this evenin'."

"Thank you Wade Kinsella, you are looking sharp and sexy in that suit too! I like how it is form fitting it is." as she winked.

"Please tell me where we are going?"

"We are almost here. It is your last surprise so just have patience baby."

The cab pulled up to a marquee that said

"WELCOME TO THE NFL DRAFT"

"Whaaat? Wade?"

Wade held out his hand to help her out of the cab. They walked into the hotel where some very special guests were waiting.

"Lavon! Lemon! What, Oh wow! "

" Happy Birthday Zoe, we have a table inside. My mom, Dad,Coach are in there already." said Lavon as he picked her up off the ground

"Lavon, This is incredible. Wow, thank you for letting Wade and I share this experience with you."

"Wouldn't have it any other way Big Z"

The excitement in the room was off the chains. Everyone walking around the room, everyone in good spirits as everyone that was there was getting ready to have a life changing moment. Dinner was served first before the draft would officially start.

Lavon started getting nervous. He had an agent who told him that he would go in the top 20. They got to number 12 and you could see Lavon's body tense up, rubbing his hands together over and over. Thn 13, 14 , 15 and 16 came and went. Then the commissioner called out, "In the 1st round of the NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers take Lavon Hayes!" Lavon, covered his eyes with his massive hands and when he took them down, there were tears and a smile that couldn't compare to the brightest lights in Manhattan. Lavon hugged his mom and dad, then Lemon,then Wade and Zoe and then his coach at Bama. Coach looked at Wade and said 'This could be you" Wade just smiled to himself, then said " This is the big man's night"

Afterwards, a celebration was in order. The Hayes said Wade knew where the after party was and to meet them there. Lavon had a few interviews to do but would all be there shortly. Wade said" We will wait for Lavon and Lemon"

When the car pulled up at the building, they got out and Zoe said" Um this is my building. What are we doing here?"

"Hello Miss Zoe" said Marcus.

"Marcus" as she squeezed him tightly. He had been her doorman since she was a little girl." How are you? I have missed you.

"You too, now get on up there for the party"

"Wade, Lavon, Lemon, why is Lavon having his party in my building? Asks ZOe.

"Patience, baby, patience"

The penthouse door is open. Carolina blue and black balloons and centerpieces in all of the exact right places, as she walked in further, a large banner that said Congratulations Lavon Hayes, NFL 1st Round pick.

" Your mom said we could have Lavon's party here, Are you ok? Wade asked, looking a little frustrated seeing Zoe's reaction. What is wrong?"

"Nothing, its nothing. Let's don't ruin Lavons party. So my mom isnt here?"

"Damnit Zoe! No she isn't. Can we go to the patio?" Wade raised his voice. Something Zoe was not used to.

They walked to the patio and Wade had a little table for two set up with a small raspberry chocolate cake and some champagne. (Neither of then were 21 but this was not an issue for Zoe's mom) There were cables floating in the infinity pool.

"Wade everything is exquisite."

"Thanks but I don't deserve all the credit. But before I get into that. I don't understand what has gotten into you since we walked in the door? Do you not want to celebrate Lavon and his accomplishments?

Did you think it was going to say Happy birthday 20 yr old Zoe Hart, when one of our best friends just got selected in the 1st round of the NFL draft? I do all of these things for you and it isn't enough!' The longer he went on the more upset he became. " Please tell me what more can I do to make you happy?"

"Wade, how did you pay for all of this?"

" Don't change the subject"

"I just kind of thought my mom would be here that she was going to be my big surprise and then she wasn't' or that she was trying to buy me."

" First of all, I paidfor everything with my own money that was for you. Lavons agent paid for this party.

Big surprise, your mom ? really? All of the things i did and those weren't big enough? And I told your last surprise was the NFL draft. We told you we were going to Lavons after party. You know I have never known anyone who was so self absorbed. We all have problems Zoe. My mom is dead Zoe, dead. Do you get that? You have a mom, an ex step dad and biological dad that are alive. It is your choice whether to have a relationship with them. I just can't do this anymore. I can't be with someone that never thinks of anyone but themself. Enjoy the champagne! I am going to celebrate someone that always and I mean always thinks of others and how they impact others."

"Wade please don't walk away" she almost falls grabbing the tail of his suit coat." please please. I know I am a mess. You think I am self absorbed?"

"Well let's review Zoe

Flowers for your bday

Coffee, NYT delivered and a happy bday note

A limo

Me waiting for you with airplane tickets to NY

Bagels

An exclusive NFL event

And a romantic little alcove set up just for you to have your bday celebration amidst Lavons party because I WANTED to be there for you and Lavon.

And none of this is enough, Instead you are upset that your mom isn't here or that Lavon is having a bigger party than you. Yeah, I would say self absorbed sums it up. Now if you don't mind, I guess I am going to celebrate Lavon. I think he has finally arrived."

Wade walks back into the party and finds Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. He told them how proud he was of Lavon, not just for this big accomplishment but for the kind of person he was and how much Lavon had helped mold him as well. The Hayes' were like family. They loved this little sandy haired boy with the gentlest soul and sometimes rascally behavior. Mrs. Hayes asked Wade what was bothering him but he didn't want to go into it saying it would all work out.

Lavon wandered out to the patio where he saw Zoe sitting on one of the chairs just looking at the cake.

"Big Z"

"Hey Lavon, congrats again. You deserve this. I know how hard you have worked."

"Thanks, now tell me what is really going on?"

It was hard for Zoe to recount the conversation with Wade because somewhere inside her she knew what he said was true.

"Listen Big Z, I know you are happy for me. I also know you don't realize how your tornado type personality affects your friends. People can only get swirled around in your drama so long before the wind spits them out. It's nature. Wade just needs time to calm down. He went waaaay out there for you and for me this weekend. He called your mom hoping that she would be in town for you. He asked if we could have this party here for me. He doesn't even know the woman. What he knows, he doesn't like because of how she lied to you."

Inside, Lemon had found Wade and a similar conversation was taking place. "Wade, she has been through alot. Please remember how long it took the two of us to get right once your mom died and my mom left.

I mean she won't talk to my dad but yet she talks to her mom who did way worse. I remember when a girl would try to get close to you, you would find a way to sabotage it. That is why you stayed with me and I stayed with you. We both knew it was a relationship of having a wall half built. We would keep that wall halfway up so we wouldn't get hurt by one of us leaving. That is exactly why we never took things further than some light making out. Neither of us wanted to lose the other but if we did, we had only done so much to each or with each other. Now, you march out to that patio and talk to the only girl that has ever meant anything to you, other than me of course."

Wade chuckled, and shook his head a little, knowing that Lemon was right.

"Zoe, I am sorry."

"For what? It is all my fault"

"No Zoe, I don't want you to feel like I think everything is your fault. I just tried so hard to show you what you mean to me and it's like you didn't care about any of it more than a hour after each surprise, like it all went away just because Lavon was having a party at your house."

"Wade, right after you walked out, Lavon came out here. You were right, Lavon always puts others before himself. He left his guests, important guests to come see if he could help me."

"Yeah"he said softly, "that's what men do, that had mommas that raised 'em right."

'It's not just Lavon, you do the same thing. I swear you have a heart 10X bigger than the average. I am sorry that I was being selfish. Thinking about it , I was. I wasn't raised like you all. Believe me I wish I was , now that I know the difference. The only thing my mom ever cared about was parties, being seen, the couture clothes, so in turn I loved all things superficial. It wasn't until I went to Bluebell to stay with you that I realized how different we really were."

"Different yes but I think underneath that hard exterior of yours , is a softy. Lemon reminded me of how she and I built those same walls around us so we couldn't get hurt anymore. But Zoe, let's be honest, is a life without love worth living? You wanna be happy? Change your picture , Change your life"

They sat in silence for several minutes when Wade grabbed both of her hands , both thumbs lightly rubbing the backs of her hands, going back and forth. "Zoe, Those four sentences changed my life. I am not perfect by anyone's definition. But I am happy most of the time. I don't worry about tomorrow too much because I know it can be taken away.

Can you just live in the moment? At least tonight? Lets celebrate your bday and Lavons big day?"

"Depends, are you still mad at me? And if you believe all of those things you said, why do you love me?"

" Not mad. Just want you to realize when you are being neurotic and putting yourself first. Secondly,I never had a choice. The heart wants what the heart wants."

Everyone celebrated and partied until the wee hours of Sunday morning. Luckily Zoe and Wade stayed at the penthouse so they could just crash when everyone finally left.

Zoe woke up with the light crashing in though the window. She was comforted by the fact that Wade's athletic arms and his ripped torso was holding her. He was facing her , she brushed his hair off of his forehead and let her arms roam up and down his back and butt, even it was muscular. Everything about this mans body was flawless. He took care of himself but not in an overblown sort of way. He was a jock without being self centered. He was everything she could ever want in a man. He could handle her, no one has ever been able to handle her and still make her happy.

"Good morning"

" Hey sunshine"

" I think I should thank you for everything you did for my birthday."

"Zoe, that's the point, you don't have to repay me, you just have to appreciate it. " He was thinking oh no, here we go again.

"Wade , shut up and listen. I am trying to tell you something and then make love to you if that is okay with you."

" I have thought about what you said last night. I want to change my picture.

"What do you mean? How?" asked Wade as he kissed her cute little button nose.

" Can I move to Bluebell with you for the summer?"

That was not what Wade was expecting. "What?"

"I have never , ever had a positive, functional relationship with anyone except you, romantic or family or anything. I want to earn your trust. I want to get to know Brick. But I can't move in with him and Lemon.

I need role models Wade, real role models and I felt like I had that before. But most of all I need you. It may take you a little while, but you always manage to tell me what I need to hear. I need you and want you in my life. Now can I thank you in the way you really want to be thanked?"

She mouthed a pathway of wet kisses down his chest.