A/N: This is the final chapter for One Day At a Time. There may be a sequel later.

PLease review and let me know what you liked best about the story overall. I have loved this story. It felt very real to me.

CHAPTER Don't Call Me Zoe

The next day, Lavon brought eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy.

Zoe picked through it and probably ate five or six bites.

"Zoe, you have to eat. You can't get better if you don't eat."

She snapped. "Quit calling me Zoe."

"What?"

"You heard me. Are you trying to act like you are just any other person that calls me Zoe? Cause you are not. You are my boyfriend."

"Am I? You are leaving in a little under four weeks." I knew I should not have blurted that out. I am supposed to be making her feel less anxious.

She clutched my hand. For someone that hasn't eaten much and been in bed, she had a fierce grip on me, demanding my attention.

"Zoe, is when you are worried or when you want to show me how much I mean to you. Now you have reduced it to whether I want soup or salad. It always meant so much to me. I can tell how you are feeling basically by what you call me. Now you are confusing me."

"Zoe, I love taking care of you but I also I have to take care of me. I guess it was subconsciously. Maybe, my way of getting through you leaving me. I have to let the most intimate things go or I won't make it." I burst into tears. My face covered by my hands.

She started sweating and trembling again. Her eyes went cloudy.

"Zoe, I am sorry. We can talk about it later. I want to be together. I would love nothing more than to be together with you for as long as you want me. Zoe, please. Doc, please" and she fainted.

I held her, rocking back and forth, come on Doc, I love you. I love you. The top of her hair soaked with salty tears. She finally moved her head.

"Baby, I love you. I won't say another word until you want me to. Until you are ready. Please don't scare me like that. You are the love of my life, I am so sorry. Forgive me."

Earl was standing at the door.

"Son, can I have moment with the pretty little doctor?"

What have I done? Why am I being so selfish? I thought to myself.

"Yeah, but nothing to upset her. I have done enough of that."

He nodded. I moved out to the patio. My heart felt like someone had taken a chainsaw to it. The pain was excruciating. I had to have air. I still couldn't understand why she couldn't choose me. Her dreams were so much bigger than me. That hurt too. But yet, I felt the need to be here with her every second, because I love her and I can't let her go through this alone.

I walked back in and they were in a deep conversation and hugs. The respect that Zoe showed my father was unlike any I had seen since I was a young boy.

"I need you Earl and you need me. I just don't know how to be everything I want to be and to everyone else. I love your son so much.

A love that I could not have imagined even in the deepest depths of my brain. The kind, you had. Wade and I have that same kind of love. You knew it from the first time we were all together."

"when he drove over me with the boat trailer?"

"Yeah, and then the armadillo." They both laughed under their breath. "Earl, you are like the father I haven't had since I was ten"

"Nothing would make me happier than to be your father, when you and Wade tie the knot someday. But Zoe, I have to be here for him too. I told you before, he is mush on the inside. I am sure this crushed him. Things had finally started going right for him and he gave, no he gives you everything he has."

"What can I do?"

I shouldn't have been listening, but their relationship gave me hope. She loved my drunk dad although he was sober tonight. It made me wonder why he said he wanted to speak with Zoe when I went by. Did she talk to him about it, already?

"You know I think you will find a way. I think you are both stubborn and headstrong. He doesn't want you to have regrets. You don't want to take him from his home. When this started a few nights ago, you weren't honest with him. You have to accept responsibility just like I have had to. It's not easy admitting your failures or shortcomings." He grabbed her hand and held it tight.

"You both escalated he situation. I am sure he yelled and walked off and you tried to be all prideful and act like you had done nothing wrong. I know this because you are just like my Jackie. Zoe, my son is the strongest man I know, but he can only take so much. As strong as he is, he is also the most tenderhearted person in the world. And soon that heart is going to break to a place where it can't be glued back together."

She was crying but I didn't see any signs of stress the way I had in the last two days.

"Earl, will you stay at the carriage house? I need your compass. For some reason, it always guides me in the right direction. I love you"

"I love you too. I know you will be my daughter some day." Relationships have hurdles.' They were hugging once again.

"Hey, is it okay if I come in?"

"Yeah, please. Can you let Earl into my house?"

"That would be great, come on Dad. It's very late and Doc, needs her sleep."

"I'll see ya tomorrow little lady."

"Thanks Earl"

I came back and she was asleep.

I got in with her and things felt normal with her skin next to mine. But I knew it was anything but normal. I think my Dad had calmed us both down. At least the anxious feeling in my stomach, the constant need to throw up was gone for now.

XXXXX

"Doc, I know what you did last night?"

For the first time in a while, I saw a sparkle in her eye, even if it was fleeting.

"What?"

"With dad, you are keeping him here, so he won't drink. You know if he thinks you need him that he will stay sober."

"I do need him and yes I do know that he will stay sober for me. Wade, no one else can know about this. If this gets out, no one will want me as their doctor."

'Baby, it is just me, Lavon, AB, Earl Brick and Addy. Brick and Addy have to stay quiet and the rest of us, well we have your back in a knife remember."

My phone was buzzing. You seem to be getting a lot of calls. It is Lavon wanting to know if he can bring our breakfast down.

"Yeah, I think I would like to eat"

"Lavon, thank you. I owe you an apology." Zoe said as soon as he walked in the door.

"Big Z, it is alright. You were going through stuff. I feel bad that you didn't feel like you could talk about it to me or Wade."

"Doc, I don't think we should talk about this. It is a trigger for you."

"Let me just say, I didn't know I was taking the fellowship. I was processing it in my mind. I should have talked about it with Wade first and then both of us come to you since you are the level headed one of the three of us."

"He loves you, Big Z and you love him, right now that is all that matters."

"Alright Lavon, no more talk about me and Zoe. I have to insist. It felt like I was losing her last night. I can't take that chance."

"Z, If you need anything, have Wade call me."

He kissed her on the cheek and said, "I love ya too, you know"

I got her out of bed and we went to the bathroom, today she took a bath. I washed her hair with her guava and damn, it did take me back to the first time we made out on Miller Rd. We put her clean pajamas on. The fuzzy ones with the rabbits. We sat on the couch and watched Friends reruns. She laid down on the couch with her head on my lap.

I just played with her hair.

Dad came down with lunch he had put together up at Lavon's.

"She asleep again?"

"Yeah"

"Son, I am really proud of you. Takin such good care of her?"

"Dad I am close to falling apart. I haven't felt this much pain since mom, I love her so damn much. I have to hold it together for her."

He walked over and laid his hand on my shoulder. "I know son. One day at a time."

I nodded. "I am trying."

"I will bring dinner by around sixish. Wade, you can talk to me, anytime."

"Thanks Dad"

Late in the afternoon, I took her for walk, it was short but it did her some good. I made sure she was steady and kept hold of her. She had probably eaten the equivalent of one normal meal at the Rammer Jammer in four days now. One day at a time Wade. Just think 3 days ago she couldn't stay awake. We saw Dad coming out of her house with trash.

"Dad, what are you doin?"

"Finishing the fine doctors paintin project."

"Thanks Earl."

"You're welcome"

My phone buzzed again. "Who it is now?"

"My, my Doc, you really do want me all to yourself. You gonna keep me locked up and be your mystery lover?"

"Very funny. I don't think it is a mystery that we love each other. We have been on the blog more times than even George and Lemon."

"Well, there is something I haven't told you and I don't know if you remember. Shelley overheard you say you were leaving. After that, is when you had an attack in the bathroom. There were people in the RJ,"

"So do people think I have left? And they think you are pining for me at home?"

"Honestly Doc, I do not know. I haven't done anything but take care of you for four days. I left once to go get some of your favorites while Lavon sat with you. But back to the question. That was Shelley. I showed her the text.

S- Are you okay? Wade she loves you. She will be back.

"Should I reply, Doc"

"Tell her, no I will tell her. Hand me your phone. I will snip this rose.'

"Doc, the sayin' is "I will nip this in the bud'.

We both laughed slightly.

W- Shelley this is Zoe. Sorry I freaked out the other day. It was an emotional day. I had gotten a letter of acceptance to a fellowship in New York. Wade and I had barely spoken about it. I am still here so keep all the girls wanting to "be there" for Wade, away. I trust you Shel."

S- No problem. I have been rooting for you two the whole time, at least since the second or third week you were here.

No sooner did she hand me my phone that it buzzed again.

It was Jonah.

J- Wade if she wants an interview, she's got it. It is late in the season so they want to interview her in 3 days.

W- Send me details, I will talk to her.

J- Goodluck

"What do you feel like doing? Do you need to eat or lay down?"

"Can we sit on the couch and read again?"

"We are getting close to the end but yeah let's finish it up."

"Maybe we could go to the library tomorrow and check a new book out"

"Sounds like a good plan, Doc. We will see how you feel tomorrow.

I think you have to eat more tonight, if we are gonna make it to the library."

"Yes, sargent sir!" she smiled but I could tell it took all of her energy.

I started reading. Dad came down with dinner and we all ate on the patio. Zoe still in her pajamas.

"Doc, I am going to go to your house and get some clothes for the library tomorrow. What do you want me to wear? You will be wearing your chucks so what do you want to go with them."

"Just jeans and a white tee. I will wear one of your shirts."

I went in her underwear drawer, retrieved fresh under garments, found her v-neck white tee shirt. As I was looking in her closet for jeans. I couldn't help but smell her clothes. The scent of her perfume lingering in the closet. I grabbed her some earrings, and a necklace and last but not least the perfume. I was going to see if she could even get all of the way ready by herself. I had to see before I could approach her with the interview offer.

Dad left when I got back, and I showed her what I had picked out for our big date.

"Date?"

"Yeah baby, I am not giving up. We are going to the library."

"Dash is going to want this on his blog 'Wade Kinsella takes a date to the library, Is the world coming to an end?"

"If it does, at least we will be together."

"You have had a big day and I am proud of you. You have eaten, walked, gotten some fresh air. You will be back to your old self in no time. Can we sleep together now? I want to have you in my arms."

When I said it, I wondered which Zoe Hart I would get. New York Zoe, or My Zoe. She snuggled into my chest facing me. I checked my phone once she was asleep and read all of the details that Jonah sent me. I had to tell her about this tomorrow, or she would lose the chance and I would more than likely lose her.

Lavon and Earl came down for breakfast. Zoe was definitely doing better but we also had not spoken of her leaving or Annabelle. The Earl situation was under control for now.

"Fellas, Doc and I have a date today if she is feeling up to it so we ae gonna have to cut this short?'

"Yes, I can't wait."

"Well let's go get showered and we will head that way."

'Bye guys thanks for everything"

I stood beside her in the shower and she did need me for balance now and again but a huge improvement. I blew out her hair and put into a ponytail. She dressed and put her big gold dangling earrings in. She asked for my plaid shirt, the one with light green, light peach and white.

"Zoe you look amazin."

"I do?"

"Yes, are you up to this? I am taking a backpack with some snacks and water in case you need it."

As went into the library, we saw Tom Long and Crickett. This was good, everyone would think we are together and fine. And maybe we are I don't know. I hope so.

She searched for a book but really didn't know what she wanted. I picked out another one called The Thorn Birds.

"Is this okay Doc? I remember my mom watching the movie and talking about it. I really haven't read or seen it so we can read it first together.

"Sure, whatever you want. I am just happy to be out of the house."

"You want to sit out on the grass and have our snacks?"

"I don't want to push it Wade."

"Me either"

The Gatehouse was spotless when we walked in. AB and Lavon had been there, cleaned, changed the sheets, placed fresh flowers by the bed, it smelled so good. There was a lavender scented candle burning. They left a note.

We will get through this, all together. We love you both.

Lavon and AB

"Zoe let's sit on the couch. I have something to talk to you about. If you feel yourself starting get a wave of panic just hold up your hand like this if you can't talk. I will stop."

"You are scaring me Wade"

"This shouldn't scare you but I don't know it might. Zoe, I love you and I want to be with you. I have been trying to find a way that we can stay together. God, I have never loved anyone so much."

I saw her take a deep breath.

"Too much?"

She nodded for me to go on.

"I called Brick and Jonah and asked them for help."

"About me and my condition?"

"No about a surgical fellowship somewhere closer. I felt like it wouldn't hurt if you had options. Anyway, Jonah reached out to me last night and said he has an interview for you with that big hospital in Mobile. We have to let them know today and the interview would be tomorrow afternoon."

"What? You did that for me?"

"Well, I did it for us? I wanted to give us a chance. I asked you the other day if you wanted to be a surgeon or if you wanted to be a surgeon in New York. You said surgeon so I had the idea." All I want is for you to be able to achieve your dreams. I just hope I can fit into those dreams too."

Before I knew it, she had jumped in my lap. The most energy I had seen from her in many days. She pressed her lips to mine. It felt so good to be kissing her. At first, were kissing hard like we had to have each other but then she straddled my lap and we were face to face. She slowed down. She licked her lips and then licked mine and kissed me so gently but with the need for more.

"I love you Wade Kinsella."

"Are you going to accept the interview?"

"Yes" as she nibbled my ear.

"Zoe , we can't. Not yet"

"Please Wade, nothing would make me feel better than being with you."

"I am sorry Mrs. Hart, doctors orders. We can however make out. After you call and confirm the interview. Here is the info from Jonah."

She called. "Yes, this is Dr. Zoe Hart. I would like to confirm my interview for tomorrow at 3pm? Yes, ma'am, thank you I will be there."

We kissed a million different ways until our lips literally hurt. We fed each other strawberries and just played around. I loved how she giggled.

"Who is Jonah by the way?"

"Jonah Breeland, Brick's nephew. Girls think he is hot so I really didn't want you to meet him. He is totally the old ,Zoe Hart type, he would have given Golden boy a run for the money"

"Oh he is, is he?"

"Yes ma'am. I will owe him big and he won't let me forget it."

"He doesn't know about my panic attacks?"

"No and Brick won't say anything."

"Let's get some shut eye so you can nail this interview tomorrow, if you really want it. Don't do it for me. Do it because you want a life with me and Dad. What do you want? I hope you want the same thing as me because my heart has been in a million tiny pieces and they seem to be in my throat."

"I want you Wade. I admire your strength and your ingenuity. I want a life with the Kinsella's. I will try my best tomorrow, for us."

"Thanks babe. I just need you. I can't let you go. Brick also said there was a possibility of a fellowship in Pensacola also. So, I guess we have two chances."

"I definitely am not good enough for you. I hope you realize that."

XXXXX

I feel so good. I look good. The man I love has his arms around me and is kissing my neck. Earl wished us goodluck. Jonah and Brick texted goodluck. Now it was showtime.

Wade waited in the car. It was supposed to be a two hour interview with a three doctor panel.

They asked me about the reason I came to Bluebell to be a general practitioner. I began by saying, I am not sur if you will believe this but my whole life until a year ago, I thought Ethan Hart was my father. My real father was a GP in Bluebell but he died before I met him and took his half of the practice. I admitted that I wouldn't have come had I gotten the fellowship at NYP last year. I told them life lead me in this direction. I feel like I have grown in this year.

I told them about Annabelle. They asked how that affected me. In all honesty, it scared me. It scared me that I could care so much. I didn't grow up with loving parents. They loved me but I basically dressed and fed myself because of their jobs. I told them that I would love to stay on Annabelle's team even if I got the fellowship.

They asked about my personal life. I told them I was in a serious relationship and I would love to stay close to Bluebell where I could commute.

They asked about my assisting in Mr. Tucker's heart surgery.

They thanked me for my time and said I would know within a week as their surgical fellowship starts in 2 two weeks.

Wade was pacing as I snuck up on him. I jumped up on his back with excitement.

"Hey"

"How did it go?"

"I thought it went really good. I am so hungry. Do you think we could head to the Sunset Diner?"

"You got it Doc."

On the way home, Brick, Jonah and Lavon called. Zoe told them all the same story and that she would hear within a week.

We crashed on the bed when we walked through the door. We laid on our back sideways on the bed, with knees at the fold of the bed. The

"Thank you Wade. Thank you for fighting for us when I couldn't or didn't know how."

"Always, baby"

"You know I am still a person that likes to put things neatly in boxes. I never even thought about a fellowship somewhere else. You know, New York Presbyterian was the reason I came here so I was so focused on that. Wade, when I applied, I didn't have you. I was wandering aimlessly through my life. I was searching for meaning, where there was none, like with George and Judson. I just like to fit things neatly into boxes, like my New York life, My professional life. I just thought it was my path. Thank you for creating this opportunity for us out of thin air. You can do anything you put your mind to."

"It's ok Doc, people think we are so different, and we are in some ways, but there is the part where one of us balances the other."

"Wade I want you to know, I fought for us today. I am fighting for us and from now o, we will fight together. I really want this."

"I know baby, and you don't know how much I appreciate it. It gives me hope."

XXXXX

It had been a couple of days since Zoe's interview. Zoe had gotten stronger and was eating close to normal again. We were at the beach on my grandparent's land. Today she was energetic and cheerful as a dog fetching a bone. She was a walking the beach while I was setting up our camp. When I looked down there, I saw her doing cartwheels. My girl, was back. I hoped this wasn't a momentary phase. We could be right back where we were several days ago if she didn't get this fellowship.

My plan was to be back to work at the Rammer Jammer tomorrow, but I asked Wally for a just a couple of more days. In case Zoe didn't get the fellowship,

Zoe's phone buzzed and buzzed. I couldn't get to it quick enough. Voicemail button flashes. I wanted to listen so bad.

"Zoe, you just got a message. Do you want to listen to it now?"

She took a deep breath and hit the voicemail button. She listened and the message said to call. She called. "Yes, this is Dr. Zoe Hart. Yes. Yes doctor. Really? Yes, thank you thank you. I will be there."

"Wade they accepted me! You did it!"

"Zoe Hart, we did it together. No one should bet against us."

"You are definitely not Judson. I still can't believe you bet on us breaking up."

Doc, I knew how you felt deep down. There was no way I could be having these feelings if you wasn't getting my feelings returned on some way."

I was twirling her around and around, totally off the ground and in my arms. I wasted no time in kissing her. Our bodies were renewed, rejuvenated and perfectly simpatico. It must have been adrenaline but she was hungry for me and she gave as much as she got. We loved every part of each other. Whenever I felt like she was losing her breath, we slowed down.

Turns out that sex on the beach isn't just a drink. And 'staying together sex' is better than any other.