A/N: This is the final installment in this story. I have thoroughly writing this story and reimagining Wade and Zoe and sprinkling in the other characters. I love Jesse and Lemon , so there may be a story for them down the road. George is highlighted in the chapter in a special way. Friendships are important . I would appreciate any reviews, comments or ideas for future stories. Love you all for supporting me. If you are a guest sign and leave feedback.

CHAPTER 13 Voice from Within

"Wade, I can't believe you finished the Carriage House and the Gatehouse in two months."

"Yeah, well, I want to get settled. Make sure you know this house is your house too."

"So what is your favorite part of our new house?"

"I love that the bedroom has walls and a door so no one can just walk in on us. Cause I plan on using that bedroom for A LOT."

"I love that too. I love the porch Wade. The covered area with the swing and the pillows, I bought to make it look so homey. I can't wait to curl up on it with you, swinging and you can sing to me or play for me."

"As far as outside goes, I love that you step down to the painted tile. And the outdoor kitchen."

"Oh I know, I love the pizza oven. Wade, you are an incredible man. You have given me everything. I ask for a pizza oven and you give it to me. I mention a soaking tub and you surprise me with it. Thank you for giving me a home and someone to share it with."

"Your welcome baby. I am the lucky one. Now, we have another month until the concert hall opens."

"How you have worked and renovated three places at once as well as had the contractor start on the hall is beyond me. Plus you have kept me very happy." I said as I walked my fingers up his tee. I unbuttoned his pants and walked my fingers back down.

"Whoa. Whoa Doc, I have to be at the concert hall to meet the contractors."

"You own the place, you can be late."

"I love you and I appreciate the thought. We can pick it up tonight. Do you wanna go to town with me."

"No, I am going to call Lemon and ask her and Jesse for dinner tomorrow. We can make a pizza, have wine, a salad. I will make a tiramisu no that we have an oven."

"A tiramisu huh? I can't wait for that." He did that thing where he raises his eyebrows and gives me that crooked grin. "Alright baby, I gotta go."

XXXXXXX

Jesse and I met with the electrical contractors. This place has to be wired correctly. I can do residential electrical but nothing of this magnitude. There would be different kinds of bands and shows that would play here so we needed to have enough electrical to handle it.

"Wade, I think we should put in a driveway for tour buses. I think a vehicle that size would block the entire square or take up the entire rammer jammer parking lot."

"Good thinkin' Jess. Good thing we have come in under budget so far. Man, you did a great job on the Rammer Jammer and especially the function room. It's already bringing in the dough with school groups and business meetings."

"Well, you needed to bartend some and with all of the houses you are remodeling for Zoe, it was the last I could do."

"Zoe wants to have you and Lemon for dinner tomorrow on our new porch. Do you know who is on schedule tomorrow, me or you?"

"You know, it's a weeknight so I think Wanda can handle it. There aren't any sporting events."

'Then it's a plan. Let's go over the timeline for this thing to open."

Jesse handed me the list

Electrical the rest of this week

Drywall next week

Seating, lighting week after

Then opening day

"I will call a cement company and have them come next week."

"Thanks Jess, I am going to get back inside the bar. I have some band managers to call and try to get booked."

XXXXXXXX

I came home to my girlfriend. Man, that still sounds so good. She was waiting on me with a beer. She was sitting on her new oversized daybed porch swing. She was curled up with a magazine and glass of wine.

"Hey cowboy. I am so happy you are home."

It was dark out but as I got closer to her, I could see that she was draped in a blanket. She patted the seat cushion for me to sit down. She handed me the beer. I took a swig.

"Did you have a good day babe?"

"Yeah, just busy. I am beat."

"Too beat for this?"

She unwound herself from the blanket revealing her naked skin. The lighting from the deck cast a soft glimmering glow. Her hair up in a messy bun with a few strands of soft waves framing her face.

"I didn't think it was possible for you to be more stunning."

I put my beer down and took the wine glass from her hand. I was beginning to love this swing as much as Zoe. Room for both of us to lay down. I intended on laying her down.

I started kissing her stomach.

"God I love you."

My hands followed her curves, touching and covering every area of her body. My mouth and tongue lingered on her curls. Her moans were increasing. The gentle rocking of the swing provided an extra layer of sensuality. My tongue doing the rest of the work. She was flowing with gratitude and I could taste everything I loved about Zoe Hart. She was bending and pulling me into her. I left a trail of wet kisses all the way up to her mouth.

"Wade, I can't think."

"Then don't baby. Just let me make you happy."

"You are… have … do. Oh god, your tongue, oh, oh,umm. Ummm."

"Come 'ere" I swooped her up into my arms and carried her into our new bedroom.

"Wade, I can't get enough of you."

She yanked off my shirt and practically ripped my pants off. It was a good thing I didn't have a belt on. She was on fire. She was so ravenous. She didn't want romance tonight. She wanted as much as she could get and as fast as she could get it.

"I can't go easy Wade, you have me so worked up. I am craving you."

I pushed her up against the wall gently but we were going to have raw uninhibited sex. I love being romantic with her. I also love that she just ripped my clothes off and is overwhelmed with desire wanting me inside of her. She had some new things to try out. I tried to be easy with her and let her take the lead. She was like an untamed lion. Our skin, hot to touch, our bodies scented with the others smells. We rested a few minutes, before I knew it she was on top of me moving like the best classical music, hitting lows, rolling along and then quickly reaching the crescendo.

"Zoe Hart, that was crazy great. I wasn't sure if you ever wanted it that way."

"I have been having dreams of us being hard core. I just want you to know every part of me. It has always been inside of me, but I couldn't show it because I knew it would send me retreating into that dark place. I feel safe with you. Safe to let it out with you, Wade. I am so embarrassed."

"No Zoe, we can do anything with each other as long as you are comfortable. I want all sides of Zoe Hart, the sweet, the innocent, the cougar, the romantic. I will have sex with you any way you want as long as you know it is all comes place from love. I was always scared to go wild with you, afraid it may bring some bad memories to the surface."

"Wade, I know that you love me so I can't imagine ever using the code word, but I will if I need to, I promise. I want it every way you can give it to me. Oh, and our swing, is going to come in handy, umm the way you do things Wade Kinsella."

"You make me feel on top of the world too, Doc."

XXXXX

It's Grand Opening Day of the concert hall.

We sent an invitation to my mom. This was invite only tonight so we were expecting about 500 people. Jesse said we should test drive a smaller number of people and work out the kinks. Tonight we would make money off of drinks only, no cover charge.

Starting next week, they would be able to charge a cover based on the band so anywhere from $20- $100. The Rammer Jammer would still host small local bands once a week on concert hall off nights.

Wade and Jesse were fairly calm but everything seems to be working.

We decided to make tonight fancy, a real event thanks to Lemon. We were having a red carpet. Lemon would get Dash to cover it and out on The Blawker and of course we would all put on our insta, FB, snap chat etc.

We walked in before getting dressed in our formals, just the five of us, our little family.

Jesse, Wade and Earl looked up at the ceiling. Covered in acoustic foam and equipment. Then did a 360 around the room, taking it all in. Wade didn't want this to be like an arena. This was cozy, He had used as much walnut, a rich brown wood throughout the room. Every other wall was covered in foam but he had a local artist, paint silhouettes of famous musicians on the ones in between. There were sconces on the wall providing ambient lighting. The producers box up top was where you controlled spotlights and the stadium type lighting.

I would compare the seating to a huge Las Vegas showroom. In front were tables with leather chairs that sat about 200. These seats would obviously go for more. They could also be removed if for some reason you wanted a dance floor or a magic act. Wade just wanted this to be an all-purpose facility so that it could be used for kids to, maybe even for the town plays. The next section of seating started the incline. These were chairback stadium seats. The highest section was rounded leather booths.

Seating capacity was 995 people.

They hired Shelley to manage the bars at the concert hall. There were three bars strategically place in a triangle. Dark rich walnut bar top with carved edges by Wade himself. Sparkling glass mirrors and bourbon bottles heavily sprinkled on the shelves gave an amber glow to the bar.

Lemon said, "Wade, Jesse, this is classy with a C. You all did it."

Tonight, they would use many of the employees from the Rammer Jammer. Wade and Jesse hoped they would be able to pull a lot of people from at least an hour away in each direction so eventually they would hire more people. Wade and Jesse will work tonight but not really. Jesse would make sure everything goes smoothly and Wade would play and sing but neither would be mixing drinks or serving them.

Earl weeped, there was no other word. We all gathered around. Family love.

"Chop chop everyone, let's get dressed and walk that red carpet., It so excitin." Lemon was in her element.

My mom showed up at our house.

"Mom, you came."

"Of course Zoe, I heard what you said, what Wade said. I am here for you know. I can't change the past, but I can be here for you now. What I don't understand is how Wade had the money to invest in this. Is it his brother's money?"

Wade lowered his head but raised his eyebrows. I wasn't sure if he wanted me to tell or not.

"Mom, do you accept that Wade and I are in love and we are forever?"

"Zoe, if Wade is who you love, I am happy. He was there for you when I wasn't. Yes honey, I am happy for you both."

"Well Mom, my bartender turned restauranteur, and concert hall owner is a multi- millionaire. People don't know the extent so please keep this to yourself."

"Did you win the lottery or something and cash it in another town?"

"Ma'am, I most definitely did not hit the lottery. It started out as money my mom left me twenty years ago. So no, no lottery. The exact opposite. I would gladly trade every dime to have had her another year, another day."

I went to him and squeezed him as tight as I could. "Wade she is smiling at what you have done. You were responsible, never used your money one time. You let it make you money and when you realized what your dream was, the money was there for you to make them come true."

"Wade, I am so sorry. She would be proud."

"It's alright Candice, now let's get down there."

XXXXX

Most everyone that hangs at the Rammer Jammer were walking the red carpet. We were scheduled for 8:15 according to Lemon.

Wade was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt, 2 buttons unbuttoned. He was one gorgeous man. I was in a royal blue, one shoulder, silk dress. There were paparazzi everywhere, ok, ok they were the high school photography students but still. It made it feel so Hollywood. There were 3 or 4 legitimate journalists there to cover it from Mobile.

Wade slipped his arms around me. He looked up at the marquee "The Jackie Kinsella Concert Hall, this is for you mom." My hand draped in front of my stomach stretched to grab his hand and squeeze it.

Lemon and Jesse arrived looking absolutely smashing. Jesse wore a really dark gray suit and Lemon wore a pink strapless dress with a chiffon bottom in a lighter color pink. If there was a picture of the word glamorous in the dictionary, it would be a picture of Lemon Breeland. Her poise and grace. You would think she had walked hundreds of red carpets.

Earl and Mom got out of the jeep that Wade finally let him drive because he has been sober for so long. Earl looked completely different. Black suit, white shirt and black tie. He was clean shaven and his hair was perfectly coiffed. My mom looked stunning. Her arm intertwined in Earl's. She wore basic black formal sheath dress with a draped neckline and huge sapphire and diamond earrings for a pop of color. Mom was a pro at this. She knew exactly when to turn and then she got us all together for a family pic of the opening and she would do her public relations magic with it.

We entered the building. Wade and Jesse seemed to have their nerves under control. Wade asked Shelly for a bourbon. 'Wade, just one okay? You want to remember every single moment."

"I know baby, if I look like I am drinking, others will come over and get something. You know, make them feel comfortable and all. I promise there is only one thing that could mess up this night." He winked and walked away.

Good idea, I ordered a chardonnay. The hall was filling up, well halfway because that is how many were invited. We took our seats dead center in front of the stage at our table.

It was go time. Jesse and Wade walked up on the stage.

"Wade and I would like to thank everyone here for coming and supporting us. Wade and I hope this will be a place for much more than music. We hope it is a place that attracts out of towners and helps our community economically. We hope it is a place that can employ you and your kids when you need it. Most of all, we hope you enjoy it. Wade has worked his ass off lining up bands and a few surprises for the first three months.

Wade, would you like to say something?"

"Yeah, thanks Jess. My dream was always to own the Rammer Jammer and make it my own. It wasn't until I met Dr. Zoe Hart that I really started thinking about my dreams and what I really wanted. I will say more on that later. Anyway, my mom, always loved music. My whole family does, but Mom and I both sing, she played piano and she taught me, then I decided guitar was more my speed. Luckily I know just enough to be dangerous." Chuckles came from the crowd. I want to thank Jesse for moving back and partnering with me. My dad for giving me the courage I needed to do many things over the last six months."

He looked over to George and motioned for him to come up.

"Alright everyone, George and I wanted to be the first play in here. Welcome to the Jackie Kinsella Concert Hall"

Everyone on their feet clapping. The room was filled with pride, that their 'little boy', the one they helped raise was reaching and achieving his dreams.

"1-2-3" Wade began to play. George was humming and getting into rhythm. They began with Ramblin' Man, George had sung that before at The Rammer Jammer. George and Wade both took off their jackets after the third or fourth song. They were playing a lot of fun-loving songs. About forty-five minutes in, Wade took a break while George sang a couple of more. He walked over and kissed me and then went back to get some water for him and George.

George spoke into the microphone. "Is everyone having a good time?" There were lots of hollers and cheers. "That is good because I can't imagine a person that deserves this more than Wade Kinsella. Ya know we have been friends since I can remember and although there have been a few times, that we haven't seen eye to eye, he is a person I can count on, someone we all have counted on. Wade, I want to sig one song for you. You all may have heard this one from the movie Toy Story. "You've Got a Friend in Me" Please feel free to join in because I know you all feel the same way as I do. Wade is a terrific friend.

You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

You got troubles, I've got 'em too

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you

We stick together and see it through

'Cause you've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

The audience started singing the ending with George.

And as the years go by

Our friendship will never die

You're gonna see it's our destiny

You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in ME

Wade stepped back up on stage. I could hear him. He took George's hand and brought him I for a hug. "Thanks man, you don't know what that means to me. Feelings mutual. Love ya Tucker."

The whole town was clapping and in tears. My mom, leaned over to me and said "I knew I liked him."

"Yeah Mom, I told you he was the best man I had ever met and I wasn't kidding."

"George, friends, thanks for that. It is great to have so much encouragement. I am glad you all are my friends too and well, if you need me, you know where to find me. I am going to let Tucker take a break and we will get back together at the end."

Wade moved to the piano, which I have never heard him play and didn't know until his intro that he even played. He took a deep breath

You are so beautiful

To me

You are so beautiful

To me

Can't you see

You're everything I hoped for

You're everything I need

You are so beautiful

To me

Most people didn't see Wade's soft side unless he was singing. He had them all mesmerized, especially me.

"Thanks to Joe Crocker for that one." Wade looked at me while he was rolling up his sleeves and mouthed, I love you. And I blew him a kiss.

"I have a little video to go along with this song. You know, just making sure everything works before the real bands start playing here." George came back up on stage. Wade said something to him in his ear.

Wade began playing his guitar, no words were being sung, George was humming. I was trying to search my mind for the song but then video started playing on the huge 50 foot screen behind the stage. My senses were a little overwhelmed. I heard Wade singing, George still humming.

Our love is unconditional

We knew it from the start

I see it in your eyes

You can feel it from my heart

From here on after

Let's stay the way we are right now

And share all the love and laughter

That a lifetime will allow

I cross my heart

And promise to

Give all I've got to give

To make all your dreams come true

In all the world

You'll never find

A love as true as mine

You will always be the miracle

That makes my life complete

And as long as there's a breath in me

I'll make yours just as sweet

As we look into the future

It's as far as we can see

So let's make each tomorrow

Be the best that it can be

I cross my heart

And promise to

Give all I've got to give

To make all your dreams come true

In all the world

You'll never find

A love as true as mine

Pictures of Wade and I filled the giant screen. Wade was walking towards me, that smile lighting a fire in me, his eyes sincere. I was looking at him when I heard the crowd gasp and George was still humming.

"Zoe Hart, will you marry me?"

He was down on one knee, he had a royal blue velvet box. His eyes never left mine as he grabbed my hand. I looked up at the big board and it was showing us. My head spun round, my mom and Lemon had their hands covering their mouth in surprise.

I cupped my hands under his jawline and raised him to my level.

"Wade Kinsella, you are the love of my life. Yes, I can't wait to marry you."

I vaguely hear cheers, roars, awws and clapping from the crowd but I was lost in his lips.

He pulled back and put the ring on my finger. Truly, I hadn't even looked at it until after he finished kissing me. It was beautiful, am emerald cut sapphire surrounded by diamonds. It was the perfect size for my hands then I heard George say, "Looks like we are going to have a Bluebell wedding."

Wade walked back up. "Well, I am glad she said yes. That could have been embarrassing. Anyway,"

His hand floated behind his head as he searched for his words.

"I wanted to ask Doc to marry me tonight because I knew my mom would be watching, I know she is here with us. I also know she wants to thank each and every single one of you for helping all three Kinsella men through the years. Oh, also I want to thank Tom Long for making the video for me and not letting the cat out of the bag. This town isn't good at secrets. Hey George, of we have one more song for our friends?"

"Sure do, let's get rev things up a bit. 1 -2-3. It's an oldie but a goody.

Song, song of the south

Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth

"Jesse, come on up here"

"Wade and I want to thank everyone for sharing this special night with us. Next week we will start our concert series on Saturday night. Bands will be posted tomorrow."

Then our family and friends bombarded the Kinsella's on stage. My mom admired my ring.

"Honey, he really is perfect for you. I think when we first met, you both had up a lot of walls and now I know why. I am genuinely elated for you that you have found something that I never did."

"I love you mom. We all deserve grace. We never know what people are actually carrying inside. Now there are 500 people here that want to see this ring."

XXXXXX

"I feel like I have been hit by a semi truck. I want to make love to you but honestly every teeny tiny muscle hurts right now."

"Wade, the weight you have been carrying for the past few months. I don't know how you handled it.

Renovating, two houses, adding on to the Rammer Jammer and building a concert hall. How did you manage to even think about asking me to marry you?"

"Of all those things you mentioned the one and only truly important thing was me asking me to marry you. Without you the rest would mean nothing."

"Wade, I will never quit falling for you. Every day since we began our journey my heart has grown stronger for you, my love deeper for you. We broke down our walls and we built new ones that were made of glass so we could let each other in to see the pain and out of that came a beautiful love, one I think you used to see with your mom and Dad."

"Zoe, my mom would have loved you. She gave me a sign you know. The night of the heat wave, you said you were coming by. I went home and prayed to my mom. 'She's different mom. I mean she is a pain in the ass but I just feel something. I want to be with her and be here for her in every way."

Suddenly you knocked on the door, we stared into each other's eyes. We leaned into each other with so much anticipation. I hesitated and normally I wouldn't have. My mom made it rain. She knew you weren't ready for me. As soon as it started falling, my heart pounded and I swear I heard her say, 'Sweetie, give her time, she has pain that you don't know about. Be there for her, in time it will be you that has her heart."

You walked away and it took everything in me not to reach for your hand. I wanted your heart and your lips so bad, but I had to trust my mom's words that were in my head. It is the only time I have heard her voice in my head that wasn't related to a memory until tonight.

Tonight, she said, "You have your own family now and your baby will make you as happy as you made me."

"What?"

"Zoe are your pregnant?"

"Wow, umm, I honestly don't know."

"Do you have a pregnancy test in your medical bag?"

"Let me check." Pause "I do"

"Alright doc, lets' go pee on a stick."

"Wade, do you think?"

We went to the bathroom and Zoe performed the test. Ten very long minutes later, the test was positive.

I threw my arms around her. "I love you Zoe Hart"

"We are having a baby, Wade. Your mom is here with you all of the time. This proves it."

"Zoe, this truly is the happiest night of my life. Opening the concert venue in my mom's name, you agreeing to marry me and finding out there is going to be a baby Kinsella toddling around here next year. Somehow, someway, I have found a reserve of energy. We need to celebrate, come 'ere, pretty mama."