Chapter 13

Zoe's relationship with Lemon had been complicated from the start, but no one could deny that their friendship had grown over the past couple of months. Lemon had been a fierce supporter of Zoe when the town was ready to turn their backs on her. And if Zoe was honest with herself, Lemon and she had more in common than differences. So when it came time to choose her bridesmaids, Zoe only hesitated to ask Lemon because of her own insecurities and fear of rejection. But Zoe should not have spent any time worrying Lemon would say no because the tall, blonde force of nature not only screamed of joy when she was asked, but quickly took on the role that Zoe so desperately needed, a wedding planner. AB was also thrilled to be asked and so today the 3 women got together to start putting together the event of the year, Zoe Hart's wedding to Jonah Breeland.

-What theme are you thinkin'?

-Theme?

-Yes, like colors for example.

-Um, I don't know. I never really pictured myself getting married.

-Really? I've had mine planned since I was 6.

When Zoe looked at AB in horror, Lemon steered the conversation right back to where it needed to be.

-It's a southern thing Zoe. We southern women have been groomed to plan and have the most beautiful weddin' day anyone could dream of. Now, you have certainly made things a little more difficult with the announcement of the date.

-Oh, I'm sorry, I was afraid of that

-No worries, lucky for you Zoe Hart, you have an expert in your bridal party.

Zoe didn't doubt it. She felt bad about the short notice, but she just wanted to marry Jonah and get it over with. Was that a bad thing? She'd heard wedding horror stories, not to mention Lemon's disastrous attempt to marry George. No, they weren't meant to be, but no one in town will forget the mess of that day. Zoe didn't want that. She wanted to marry Jonah and quickly have the attention move on to someone else. If it were up to her, she would elope. But somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew this was not just Zoe and Jonah's wedding. In a strange way, it was the town's too. She had to mix in with the community as Lavon so often told her. She also knew her fiancé wanted his special day too. She wouldn't deny him that. But she couldn't fake knowing one thing about planning a wedding and so she just turned to Lemon and said,

-Lemon, I trust you. I've picked the man, the date, and my bridesmaids. Can I not leave the rest up to you?

-Of course you can Zoe. I won't let you down. There's just one more thing you will have to take care of before I take over and plan the most beautiful weddin' Bluebell has ever seen.

-What's that?

-Why your dress silly.

-You must have at least dreamed of your perfect weddin' dress, right Zoe?

AB had such a hopeful look in her eyes when she asked that question, that Zoe didn't want to let her down.

-The dress, of course, I can't wait to go dress shopping.

Lemon started making a list of all the bridal shops they would have to visit.

-Now we don't have many options here in Bluebell, but I can start making appointments in Mobile. I just need your work schedule Zoe and we can go as early as next week.

-I have a better idea.

Zoe was starting to feel that both AB and Lemon were taken aback by Zoe's lack of knowledge or worse that they could sense her lack of enthusiasm. She wanted to turn this meeting around so she came up with what she thought would fix both problems in one fell swoop.

-We could take a weekend trip to New York.

-New York?!

Both women exclaimed and were obviously huge fans of the idea.

-Yeah, I mean, I used to walk by Kleinfeld's on my way home from the hospital and I have to admit that I've always been curious to go inside.

The women looked at their calendars and because Zoe was getting married in May, they decided Valentine's Day weekend would be the best time to go.

-I'll call my mom and set it up.

-I'll call Lavon and let him know that we'll have to do Valentine's Day another time.

-Oh AB, no, I don't want to come between yours and Lavon's first Valentine's Day together.

-Zoe, believe me when I say I am just so thrilled to be goin' dress shoppin' with you and bein' your bridesmaid. Who cares about that commercial holiday anyway?

And with that the meeting was adjourned.

It had been weeks since Jonah and Zoe had the night off together. They were finally catching up on some wedding details and Zoe was filling him in on her plans to go dress shopping with the girls in New York on Valentine's Day. Zoe was worried Jonah would be disappointed, but he seemed more pleased that the plans were coming together. He encouraged her to have a good time with the girls.

-Don't worry about Zoe. We'll have a lifetime of Valentine's Days together. Besides, I'm pretty sure I'm working.

-As long as you're sure.

-I am 1000% sure.

-So is there anything else we need to discuss?

-Lemon said we need to decide on a venue soon. She sent us both an email with ideas. I thought we could pick one tonight because she is really on my case about it.

-Got it. Let's do it.

Jonah was more than happy to finalize all these plans. He had been working so many extra shifts at the hospital. While Zoe and Lemon were planning the wedding, he was focusing on their future. He had been saving money to buy a house and had started looking at options on where they could live. Maybe somewhere between Bluebell and Mobile? It occurred to him that Zoe may not be too keen on the idea of moving away from Lavon and the plantation, but Jonah knew that he did not want Zoe and him to begin their married lives living across the pond from Wade. And that's when the idea hit him.

-Don't need the laptop.

-Oh sweetheart, I have no idea what venue options Lemon sent. I didn't have time to take a look.

-No, I mean, I know where we can get married.

-Where?

-Here.

-Here?

-Yeah, here at the plantation. You love this place right?

-You know I do.

-So let's do it here. I know Lavon would be happy to host.

Zoe didn't know why she was hesitant to say yes. This was her home and the perfect place to celebrate what would be one of the most important days of her life. It's also a place that holds a lot of memories. Memories that she didn't necessarily want to think about when she was marrying Jonah. Zoe didn't know how to explain this to him.

-Let's just look at a couple of ideas Lemon sent and then we can make our final decision.

-Sure, whatever you want.

Jonah was certain Zoe would jump at the chance to get married at the plantation. Her hesitation threw him for a loop. Maybe she was ready to move on from this place. If that was the case, maybe it wouldn't be so difficult to get her to agree to move.

Zoe and Jonah looked at the places Lemon had sent them. Nothing seemed right. She was getting a little discouraged and decided to go to the main house for a little late-night snack.

-Do you want anything?

-No, I'm okay.

-I'll be back soon.

As Zoe walked to the main house, she looked around. This really would be the most perfect place to get married. But when she closed her eyes to picture it, one face kept popping up and it wasn't Jonah's. Zoe tried to convince herself that this was because so much of this place was tied to Wade. Their whole history, everything they had gone through, good and bad had started and ended here. Zoe was surprised to find Lavon sitting in his kitchen alone.

-Oh no, are you bummed because I'm spending Valentine's Day with your girlfriend in another city?

-What? No. I'm happy by best friend and my girl are so close that they're going on a girl's getaway.

-So what's up? Why are you sitting here alone?

-I don't know. Thinkin'

-Oh yeah, about what?

-Engagements, love and all that.

-Are you thinking about getting engaged?

-No, not yet. But I'm hoping I will someday.

-Don't rush it, Lavon.

-Says the woman who is getting married in 3 months.

-Ugh don't remind me.

Lavon gave Zoe a concerned look while she yanked the box of donuts sitting in front of him and placed the assortment of goodies in front of her. She grabbed the most decadent one and popped a gooey section in her mouth.

-MMMM, sinful.

-So what's up with you Big Z?

-Wedding planning is hard.

-I thought Lemon was doin' most of the heavy liftin'.

-Oh she is, but there's just so much to do. Even with Lemon's help, it's a headache. I guess I just never pictured myself actually having a wedding.

-But Zoe

-I know, I know... I owe it to Bluebell and Jonah.

-That's not what I was going to say.

-Well whatever you were going to say wasn't going to help me find a venue. And that's all I need right now.

Lavon decided to hold his tongue. He knew when Zoe needed to be pushed and when she didn't. This was one of those moments when he just needed to be there for her.

-How about here? Why don't you get married here?

-We thought of that.

-And?

-And I don't know.

-Zoe, this is your home. You are my best friend. What better venue could there be? It would make me so happy to see you get married here.

-Zoe smiled at Lavon. He made her feel safe and happy. She decided that yes, there would be no better place for her to get married than here at Lavon's.

-Would you officiate?

-Zoe, I'd be honored.

Zoe walked back to the carriage house, donut box in tow. She felt happy to have made her decision about the venue. She just needed that little push from Lavon. Still, walking back, she couldn't help but look over at Wade's place. All the lights were turned off. He must be working late at the Rammer Jammer. When was she ever going to stop thinking about him?

Walking into a bridal shop did not give Zoe the butterflies she was expecting, but AB's and Lemon's enthusiasm was infectious. They were offered champagne flutes and toasted to a good 'hunt.' Things didn't start off smoothly, the consultant was visibly annoyed when asking Zoe how she pictured herself looking on her wedding day and Zoe didn't have a clue. So she was prompted, sexy? Elegant? Unique? A princess? Lemon quickly nixed the idea of a ballgown due to Zoe being vertically challenged.

-It will swallow you up whole.

They also clashed over fabric. There were so many options, and it was overwhelming. The consultant decided to pick different styles, hoping to narrow it down. They tried 3 different shops and Zoe tried on at least 20 different dresses. She was so defeated leaving the last store. Lemon and AB were disappointed that they couldn't help their friend. But honestly, nothing seemed right.

-Honey, you'll know it's the right one as soon as you put it on. We just have to keep looking.

-Thanks AB. I just wanted this to be a fun trip.

-It is Zoe. I'm having a great time. I mean the 5 champagne glasses might have something to do with it, but a great time nonetheless.

To turn their moods around, the ladies decided to go to a new trendy restaurant Zoe's mom had reserved for them. AB and Lemon were so out of place and Zoe couldn't help but get a kick out of it. Finally, she wasn't the fish out of water. The ladies had the best night fueled by a lot of drinks and laughs.

The next morning, Zoe's phone rang. Zoe looked at the caller ID and groaned when she saw MOM pop up.

-Zoe, honey?

-Hey mom.

-Oh boy, you sound like you're in pain.

-Nothing a little water and Tylenol won't fix. Can't say the same for AB and Lemon though. They're still passed out cold.

-Honey, before you leave, I made a few appointments with some designers.

-What?

-Since you didn't find a dress yesterday, I thought you and I could do a little mother daughter bonding and go shopping together. You may have better luck.

Zoe didn't want her mother having any say in what she picked. This idea had disaster written all over it. But to be fair, her mom had been supportive and liked Jonah. And there was also the not so insignificant fact that Zoe needed a dress. AB and Lemon looked like they were going to be unavailable this morning so she accepted. She was determined to find her dress.

Zoe's first instinct had been correct. She had sent the girls off to her favorite bagel place and then joined her mom for what could only be described as mother daughter torture. The designers were snooty and rude. Zoe couldn't help being short. Her mom criticized every part of her body and every time she looked at herself in the mirror, her mom would always ask,

-Can you picture yourself marrying Jonah in this one?

Zoe would close her eyes and try to picture it, but the answer was always the same.

-No.

Zoe had had enough and decided to go join AB and Lemon and take them sightseeing. The New York getaway wasn't an entire bust. No, she didn't find her dress, but she did get closer to AB and Lemon. They had shared so many laughs and made wonderful memories. Zoe was grateful to both women for keeping her spirits up.

Zoe threw herself back into the practice once she returned to Bluebell. Jonah was working ridiculously long hours and she felt that being with her patients is exactly where she needed to be. She didn't think about the wedding, or what not finding a dress meant, or more importantly, Wade. Zoe had worked such a long week that she decided to treat herself to some shopping in Mobile before meeting Jonah for dinner. She came upon a quaint bridal shop and decided to go in. She was alone and didn't expect to find anything special. She was relaxed and when the store owner asked if she could help, Zoe said no, she was just looking. The owner didn't press, and Zoe appreciated that. She was left to just look at the options. As she was walking towards the back of the shop, a dress caught her eye. It was a simple white silk dress. Zoe knew it was special and asked the owner if she could try it on. When Zoe stepped out of the dressing room, the store owner gasped.

-That dress was made for you.

Zoe would normally chalk that up to someone trying to sell a dress, but she could tell by the woman's face that she meant what she said. She encouraged Zoe to step up on the platform so she could look at herself in the 3-way mirror. Zoe was in shock at her own reflection. The store owner was right, it was as if this dress was meant just for her. It hugged all the right curves and showed off her best features. It wasn't gaudy or showy. It was beautiful and just the right amount of sexy.

-Can you picture yourself marrying him in this dress?

Zoe closed her eyes and when she opened them, she was stunned to see tears rolling down her cheeks.

-Yes, yes I can.

Zoe purchased the dress and left the store. She met Jonah at his hospital, and they decided to grab a quick bite to eat at the restaurant next door.

-I found my dress today.

-Zoe, that's great. I know how disappointed you were when you came home from New York. Tell me about it.

-I can't.

-You're right. I can't wait to see you in it though.

Zoe smiled up at Jonah as they walked arm in arm to dinner. But what Jonah didn't know is that smile was hiding some intense anxiety on Zoe's part. Because what no one else knew was that when the store owner asked if she could see herself marrying 'him' in that dress, the 'him' Zoe was picturing was Wade.