Chapter 14

The weeks leading up to the wedding had been a blur for Zoe. She wanted time to slow down, and it was just the opposite. Lemon was on top of all the planning and Zoe was thankful for all her help but planning a wedding in such a short time frame was a lot of work. When Jonah and Zoe weren't working, they were testing different cake samples, picking center pieces, planning menus, the list just kept going. The couple didn't have time for themselves, let alone each other. But on the other hand, Zoe was relieved to have her mind otherwise occupied. She had put her wedding dress shopping experience out of her head. Every time she caught a glimpse of Wade though, damn this small town, she was brought back to that moment of her standing in the bridal shop imagining marrying him. The image had made her cry and Zoe knew that meant something. But she wasn't willing to go any deeper than that. She had made a commitment to Jonah. He had been such a godsend to her during the summer, the best kind of friend. She owed him and she was determined to be more present and put their upcoming wedding first.

Wade had been keeping himself busy at the Rammer Jammer since his breakup with Ashlyn. Understandably, she had put in her two weeks' notice the day of their breakup. He was sad to see her go and disappointed in himself for not treating her the way she deserved. He could only hope that she would find a man that did and make her happy. With Ashlyn gone and Lemon being busy with planning Zoe's wedding, Wade had his hands full at the bar. He didn't complain though. He knew he owed Lemon and even to a smaller extent, the town. He had been a jerk to so many these past few months. As busy as he was, he couldn't help but notice the date on the calendar and with every passing day he got more anxious about Zoe. He knew that they were meant to be together. He had tried to convince of her that fact too. And he also knew they were running out of time. When would she finally put a stop to all this nonsense and come back to him? On Christmas morning, he felt like he had turned a corner. He was ready to move on. What an idiot he was. All it took was for him to say it out loud to realize he meant none of it. It would never be enough. But the man wasn't stupid enough to think that pushing Zoe to realize what he and everyone else already knew was a good idea. In fact, he knew it would do the opposite. It would send her running down that aisle to the wrong man. God knows his woman was stubborn. He loved that about Zoe, he loved everything about her, but her stubbornness might now cost them their future. Wade needed to talk to someone and as if on cue, in walked Lavon.

-Hey Wade

-Lavon, I need your help

-Sure, with what?

-With Zoe

-Nah, nah, nah. I want nothin' to do with that. I am officiatin' her weddin' to Jonah in a couple of weeks and I need to be in the zone to crush it. Lavon Hayes is determined to be the best officiant this town has ever seen.

-Lavon, you know she's marryin' the wrong man.

-I know no such thing.

Wade gave his friend a dubious look

-Okay, fine, do I think Zoe is making a mistake, yes

Wade was ready to interrupt, when Lavon cut him off

-But she is my friend, and I want to support her.

-Even when she makes dumb decisions?

-Listen Wade, I've tried. I've tried so many times my head hurts. Lemon has tried, AB has tried, George and Tansy have tried, hell the whole town has tried. The more we try, the more she digs in her heels. You know that.

-Yeah, I do know that. But am I really supposed to let this happen?

-I don't know what other option you have.

Wade put his head down on the bar, suddenly unable to carry what felt like the weight of the world on his shoulders.

-She's infuriatin'

-And yet, you love her.

Wade looked up at Lavon and shrugged. His friend said it all. He loved her.

-Why are we spending the night apart again?

-Because Lemon says it's bad luck for us to spend the night before our wedding together.

-Since when do you believe in superstition Hart?

-I don't, but I believe in keeping that woman happy. Besides it might make the wedding night all the more...

-Okay, say no more, I am convinced. I like where you're going with that thought.

-I was going to say special

-Oh yeah, that too.

Zoe threw a bed pillow in Jonah's direction. She was helping him pack his overnight bag. Zoe would be spending the night with Lemon, AB, Rose, and Magnolia. They had plans to do their nails, gossip, and enjoy Zoe's last night as a single girl. Brick had invited his nephew to his cabin for some male bonding. George, Lavon, and Jonah's buddy from the hospital were also invited.

-I'll call you

-Are you crazy?! Lemon will be here.

Jonah rolled his eyes and kissed his fiancé goodbye. He didn't like this idea of spending the night apart. He had spent so little time with Zoe because of his work schedule. He had felt a distance growing between them and he didn't like the feeling. He was hoping to feel more connected to her especially since they'd be getting married tomorrow. He didn't express his feelings to Zoe. Something about her was off and he didn't want to rock the boat so to speak. He kept telling himself they were both nervous and that was normal. Marriage was a big step. Were they rushing into it? Jonah pushed all of his doubts out of his mind. He knew his role was to be the strong, steadfast one. He didn't want to acknowledge any cracks in their foundation.

Wade wasn't invited to Brick's cabin and he didn't mind one bit. It was the last place he wanted to be. But it seems like the whole town was getting ready for the big day and the Rammer Jammer was empty. He was hoping work would be able to distract him. His friend Meatball kept calling, but he kept sending it straight to voicemail. He knew his buddy had good intentions, but Wade decided it was best for him to just go home. He was ready to do just that when Lavon walked into the bar.

-Lavon, I thought you'd be up at the cabin by now.

-Ah, well I had some finishing touches to put on my officiatin' duties tomorrow and so I bowed out.

-So Lemon asked you to check up on me.

-Pretty much.

Wade should have been annoyed with Lemon's constant meddling. But, in reality, he was grateful to have her and even more thankful that Lavon stayed. He needed someone. Lavon and Wade closed down the Rammer Jammer. Lavon even got a little drunk. Wade liked drunk Lavon. He walked his friend to the main house and settled him in. As he was walking back to his own place, he looked over at the carriage house. He knew Zoe was having a girl's night and could hear the music and giggles coming from across the pond. He was happy she was happy. Walking into his place, he grabbed a beer and sat on his porch staring at Zoe's house. Something in the bushes caught him off guard.

-Woah, it's just me son.

-Dad? What are you doing here?

-I'm here to be with my son.

-You don't have to..

-Son, I know all too well what a life looks like without the woman you love in it.

Earl sat down next to his son and both men sat in silence. Wade appreciated that his dad was here to support him. Earl was worried about Wade, but saw the maturity in Wade's behavior. He was relieved his son wasn't going to do anything stupid. He had spent so much of his life grieving Wade's mom that he had missed out on so many good things. He didn't want the same thing for his son. He wanted to share all of that with Wade, but opted to just sit in silence. The message was still getting through somehow. A little while later, Earl left. Wade continued to sit and stare.

The women were getting a little rowdy and Zoe thought it would be a good idea to play Never Have I Ever. Not with alcohol, of course. Zoe was well aware that she had minors in her presence.

-I think Lavon has some sparkling cider, I'll just go and grab some.

Zoe ran out of the carriage house and made a beeline to the main house.

Wade caught a glimpse of her, but thought better than to go chase after her. He went inside to distract himself with some video games.

Zoe was surprised to find Lavon in the kitchen.

-What are you doing here?

-I live here.

-No, I mean, aren't you supposed to be up at the cabin?

-I was, but I had some last-minute touches to put on my speech for tomorrow.

Zoe was touched that Lavon cared so much about her and his role, but she couldn't help feeling there was more to the story.

-I'm looking for some sparkling cider, do you have any?

-I think so, take a look.

While Zoe was rummaging through the fridge, she had to move a large pot of something that was taking up ¾ of the space.

-What the hell is in this thing?

-Oh that's gumbo.

Zoe didn't realize how hungry she was until the word gumbo was uttered.

-Can I have some?

-Of course, I was just about to make myself a bowl. I need something hearty to soak up some of this alcohol.

-Lavon are you drunk?

-Not anymore, but I want to feel good for tomorrow.

-I didn't know gumbo was a hangover cure.

Lavon prepared two bowls of gumbo.

-Damn that's good.

-Yup, uncle Moe knows his way around gumbo

Zoe dropped her spoon and did a spit take. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Lavon gave her a confused look.

-What?

Zoe recognized this particular gumbo recipe.

-Zoe, I'm confused, what's going on?

All Zoe could think about was Wade telling her about his uncle Moe's pretty kickass gumbo recipe and she ran out of the kitchen. Lavon was left alone at the counter with two bowls of gumbo and no clue what had just happened.

Even though Zoe was a short little thing, she sprinted to Wade's gate house in no time. She pushed through his door, winded from her run.

-Did you make my gumbo?

Wade looked up and couldn't believe his eyes...or his ears.

-Did I what?

-You heard me.

Wade knew exactly what she was talking about. Brick was being his usual jerk and Wade wanted to help Zoe compete in the gumbo competition. He knew it was important to her. She was too stubborn to accept his help so he had spent the whole night making that gumbo for her. He didn't tell a soul what he had done, but he knew Lavon had caught on to him. But why was this coming out now? And why was she so worked up about it?

-Zoe what does it matter now?

-It matters to me. Did you make my gumbo?

-Yes, I made your gumbo.

Zoe raced and jumped into Wade's arms. She initiated what could only be described as the most life changing kiss anyone has ever had. They held on to each other for dear life. Neither one wanting to break the kiss or let the other go. When they finally separated, Wade put her down and held his breath. He didn't dare say anything that could ruin the moment or make her want to take it back. Zoe stepped back to look up at Wade.

-I'm sorry Wade. I'm sorry for everything.

Wade couldn't bring himself to say anything. What was she sorry for? The kiss? Zoe began to cry and he wanted to scoop her up in his arms, but he knew better. He knew he had to listen to her. She had to explain now. He was owed that much.

-I love you. Wade, I love you so much it makes my head spin. I spent last summer so mad at you. I was so mad. How could you cheat on me?

-Zoe..

-Let me finish.

Wade had no idea where this was going, but Zoe was on a mission.

-I came home to Bluebell so excited to see you and then all the memories came flooding back. None of the good ones, just us breaking up and all the heartbreak. I never ever wanted to experience that again. So I ran. I ran from you. I didn't think I'd be strong enough to survive that kind of pain again. It was so much easier for me to walk away. I was a coward and everyone knew it. I was so focused on the bad, that I didn't pay attention to the good. And there is so much good. You made my gumbo.

If Wade had known that letting Zoe in on the fact that he had made his uncle's recipe for her would finally make her see the truth about them, he would have told her months ago. Wade allowed himself to hope, for the first time in a long time, he felt happy.

-So what happens now?

-I don't know.

-Zoe, you can't marry him. You know that right?

Zoe was struggling. She had put them all in this mess. Her selfishness, her fear, her stubbornness had caused a lot of pain. The last thing she wanted to do was add to it. And that's when Jonah came to the forefront of her mind.

-Wade, I don't know what to do.

Wade was getting angry.

-I'll tell you what to do. Cancel the wedding. You can't marry him.

-Wade, it's not that simple.

-Of course it is, you love me, I love you. Cancel it, now!

-He moved here to be with me. He supported me through some really rough times. I can't just hurt him like that.

Wade couldn't believe what he was hearing.

-But you can hurt me? You can come here tonight and tell me you love me and kiss me like that and then turn around and marry another man. What the hell Zoe?

-I'm sorry

And with those final words, Zoe left the gate house. Wade was left stunned.