Addison woke up and slowly opened her eyes. She glanced around her room as she sat up in her bed. Then she heard it again, the sound that had caused her to leave her dreams behind in the first place.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Mom? Dad?" She raised her voice. She knew what day it was, but she didn't know why they would be so eager to wake her up on her special day.
"Not Mom and Dad." A familiar voice called through the door.
Upon hearing him, she jumped out of bed to open the door, revealing a beaming Zed standing right in front of her. "Happy Birthday Addison!" He cheered, and then surprised her even more by tossing some confetti in front of her face.
She laughed, pulled him into her room, and then jumped into his arms. "Thank you Zed, but what are you doing here?"
"You really think I wouldn't return the favor tenfold from my birthday? "Zed asked her playfully. "I know without a doubt that the best gift I can give you is me, so I'm not leaving your side unless I have to."
"You know me so well, that's exactly what I want." Addison agreed, and then connected with his lips, and like usual, nothing was a better wakeup call than feeling his lips on hers, and his strong, yet gentle body holding her close, until she could feel like their heartbeats were connected as one.
They broke apart for just a moment for Zed to kick the door closed behind him and then drop Addison down on her bed.
"What are you thinking Zed?" Addison smiled up at him through her lashes.
"I'm thinking I'm going to show you how much I love you while I have an excuse to be alone with you up here. We've got about ten minutes before your mom will have breakfast ready."
"Ten minutes huh? I better get a lot more than ten minutes of you today."
"If I have anything to say about it we will, even though we do have a busy day, I wouldn't miss any of it for the world." He gently caressed her cheek.
"Come here, Handsome." Addison drew him in closer with her finger, while moving back on her bed, so her head was resting against her pillow, "Show me how much you love me."
"Always," Zed promised, he hovered over her, knees bent and in line with her hips on her bed. He leaned down, one hand holding himself up, while the other brushed a strand of her still bed-messy hair out of her eye, before caressing her cheek and once again locking his lips with hers. It was a good thing Addison was already laying down because this kiss made her melt from head to toe, and it only got better once she tasted his tongue against hers. She was hungry for breakfast, but she was hungry for something else too.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, until Addison reached her arms up to pull herself closer to Zed. In response, he grinned against her lips and then rolled himself over so now he was on his back, and Addison was lying on top of him. "How's this?" He asked, now snaking his hands around her in a hug.
Addison responded with an even more fervent kiss pressed against his lips. Just because today was her big day, didn't mean she would ever forget to show him how much she loved him too.
After a little bit longer, Zed's new watch started vibrating, making them stop while Addison glanced at him in confusion.
"What's that for?"
"That is to remind us we have a time limit, even though I wish we didn't. Plus I haven't eaten yet, so I wouldn't dare miss your mom's breakfast."
"Right. So, do we have to go down now?" Addison pouted.
"I think we do," Zed nodded, "I think I do have to share you at least a little bit today."
"I know you're right, but I'm always all yours." She kissed him lovingly one last time before sliding off the bed and onto her carpeted floor. Following her lead, they padded downstairs together hand in hand.
When they made it down to the kitchen, both Missy and Dale pulled Addison away from Zed for a moment to surround her with their own hugs.
"Happy Birthday Addison!" Both of them cheered in excitement while she was wrapped up in their giant hug. Zed just smiled in happiness seeing all of them together.
"Thanks Mom, thanks Dad."
"Oh, sixteen years, I still remember you when brought you home from the hospital." Her dad hugged her even tighter for a moment.
"Oh Dale, remember her first birthday when we gave her her first teeny-tiny pom-poms?" Missy asked, tears of happiness starting to sparkle in her eyes.
"Hey, no crying on my birthday," Addison ordered, "because then I'll start crying, and we'll be stuck like that all day."
"I know, we just love you so much, you'll always be our baby." Missy hugged her tighter once again.
"And you keep growing into a beautiful, driven young woman, just like your mother."
"Oh Dale."
Addison attempted to change the subject before any more waterworks appeared, "So, Zed mentioned something about breakfast?"
"Right of course. Happy Birthday again Addison." Her mom and dad finally broke apart so Missy could bring a plate full of freshly baked cinnamon rolls to the table.
"Thank you so much Mom these look so great!" Addison smiled.
"I knew there was a reason I liked coming over." Zed joked as he and Addison sat down side by side and each took a plate and a cinnamon roll.
"Right, I'm sure my cooking is the only thing bringing you here." Missy laughed while she and Dale sat down on the opposite side of the table and each took a roll for themselves.
"Addison, Bucky, and his parents will be joining us for lunch today, and Zed you are more than welcome to join us, but what do you two have planned for today?" Missy informed them.
"Well, now that zombies and werewolves can get their driver's license's now, we were all planning to get them today, well everyone but Bree, but everyone else is," Addison explained.
"Think you're ready?" Dale asked Zed.
"Yep, I'm all studied up, Pops and I have been studying together, and he's already passed with flying colors, so I should be good to go. Bonzo's a little worried though, he thinks it'll probably take him at least three tries to pass."
"I'm sure Bonzo will be fine," Missy smiled at them, "but if you two would like I can drive you over to City Hall when you're ready to go."
"Thanks Mom. Speaking of, Zed, what time were we planning to meet everyone again?"
"Um…" Zed checked his phone, "in about a half hour."
"OK, I'll just go freshen up and change out of my PJs quick and then we can go."
Addison jumped up from her seat, gave Zed a sticky, cinnamon-coated kiss on the cheek, and then ran back upstairs to get changed.
Zed just relaxed and continued chatting with Missy and Dale for a few minutes until Addison came down with her hair done up in her usual style and wearing a light pink shirt and a skirt.
"Ready to go?"
"You bet. Seabrook better look out soon."
"I'll have you know I'm an excellent driver." Addison protested.
"Oh I know, I was talking about Eliza, once she gets behind the wheel, I bet we're all doomed." Zed joked as they hopped in the back of Missy's light pink car.
"Has your dad found a car yet?" Addison asked.
"He says he's been looking but he says he hasn't found anything yet. You know, even with a license I'm probably not going get very much practice to actually use it anytime soon."
"Well, I'm sure I'll be able to borrow Mom's car if we ever need it, right Mom?"
"Oh, of course you can dear." Missy smiled at them both in the mirror, but they missed the knowing twinkle in her eye.
When they got to City Hall and walked up to the DMV area they were surprised to see they were already a line. But they all smiled since it was all their friends.
"Happy birthday Addison!" Bree ran over from Bonzo's side to wrap her up in a tight hug. Everyone else shouted a chorus of happy birthdays too.
"Thank you Bree." Addison hugged her back tightly. Then she looked around the room, "Where's Wynter?"
"She couldn't wait for you two, she was so excited. So she's taking her test right now." Willa laughed. "So she gets to be the first wolf ever allowed to drive. I already took the written test though and I passed with flying colors. Eliza's taking the written one right now too."
"OK, sounds good."
"So…any birthday plans?" Bree asked her.
"Not really, Bucky and his parents are going out to eat with us for lunch, but then we can all go out again tonight."
"Sounds like a plan. Any ideas?"
"Yeah, everyone good with Flat Pie Red Eye?"
"Sounds delicious." Zed squeezed her hand.
"I don't think I've been there before, but I'm game." Willa nodded.
"AWWOOOO!" Wynter ran in through the doors. howling excitedly, "I passed!" She howled and did a little dance. "This big bad wolf is getting her license!"
"Congrats Wynter!"
"Thanks, Willa, Mr. Hendrickson said you can head out and do your test drive now."
"Got it Wynter. Good job. Wish me good luck everyone."
"You won't need it, you got this Willa!" Addison cheered her on.
Right after Willa left the room Eliza and Wyatt walked in from the other door. "Bamm! Perfect score, I knew I was ready for the road! Hey, it's about time you two got here, happy birthday Addison."
"Thanks Eliza. It sounds like we're all having big days."
"You bet we are. I may not have a car yet, but when I do, I'll be flying out of Zombietown. I guarantee it."
"I'm sure you will." Wyatt smiled down at her.
"Oh Zed, you and Bonzo can go take your first test now." Eliza added. "We've told them we were all coming so they should already be prepared."
"Great, do you want to go first though birthday girl?"
"I don't need to, I already took the written test when I got my learner's permit remember? I just need to take the driving test and I'm golden."
"Got, so can I have a good luck kiss?" He asked.
"Yes, you may." Addison stood on her tiptoes to peck his cheek. "Go get it Zed."
"You bet I will Addison!" Zed gave her a kiss on the cheek in farewell and then he and Bonzo walked over to the next room.
"So, was there a reason you two were late this morning?" Eliza, Bree, and Wynter cornered Addison.
"Yeah, usually you two are both pretty punctual unless you get distracted of course," Bree added.
"We maybe celebrated my birthday a little, he just woke me up, and then we had breakfast with Mom and Dad, and Mom's waiting for us in her office. Not to worry today has been great so far."
"So have you gotten any presents yet?"
"No, not yet, we just ate and then came straight here."
"Well, just you wait till tonight then. I know we'll all make this a night to remember." Bree promised her.
For the next two hours everyone took their turn taking their driving test, and finally, Addison was the last one to bring in her paper stamped with a PASS!
Then it was only a matter of getting their pictures taken and printing a temporary copy of their driver's licenses while all their actual licenses would arrive in the mail in about two weeks.
They all walked back up to Missy's office when they were done so they could all share their good news.
"Wow, I'm so happy for all of you, I know I've only met most of you this past year, but all of you kids are growing up so fast."
"Mom seriously, no tears on my birthday." Addison reminded her and hugged her close.
"I know, I know. So are you ready for lunch?"
"You bet. See you guys tonight!"
"Bye Addison!"
Missy grabbed her purse and then followed Zed and Addison back to her car. But when they got outside Addison paused, and grabbed the driver's side door instead of the passenger door. "Mom, can I?"
"Of course you can." Missy dug her keys out of her purse and tossed them over to Addison and then walked over to the passenger side.
"Woah, do I need an extra seat belt?" Zed teased her.
"Quiet you." Addison giggled affectionately, "I for one can't wait to see what you can do on the road, I'm sure that will be the real danger."
"We'll just have to wait and see won't we, but I know you're going to do great." Zed squeezed her hand and hopped in the back.
Addison slid into the driver's seat and drove them back home without any problems, but when she pulled up in her driveway she was a little confused, there was a new baby blue car sitting out in front of the garage door that she had never seen before, and she was ninety percent sure it wasn't either of Bucky's parents' cars.
"Mom, do we have more company coming? Who's here?" While she parked the car behind the new one.
"Nope." Missy smiled evasively while Dale walked out the front door to meet them in the driveway.
"Wait, is it for me?"
"Nope, guess again." Missy laughed and pulled the keys out of the ignition as Dale walked up to their car and stuck a big pink bow he had hidden behind his back on the hood right in front of Addison's face behind the windshield.
"That's my new car." Missy laughed again. "Which means these are for you. Missy held up another set of keys, this one attached to a pink keychain with Addison written on it in green letters.
"Really? OMZ! Thank you, Mom." Addison hugged her. And then she jumped out of the car to hug her dad too. "Thanks so much, both of you, I don't know what to say."
"Hey, I'm all for this plan, I got a new vehicle too." Missy laughed.
"Congrats Addie. This is so great." Zed stepped out and kissed her forehead.
"You bet it is," Addison giggled, "now we really can hang out anywhere we want."
"I like the way you're thinking I can almost see it," Zed whispered back.
"Well, we should probably get to the restaurant, and I'm assuming you want to take your new ride for a spin?" Dale suggested.
"Oh yeah, absolutely." Addison broke away from Zed one more time to hug her parents and then ran back to her new car. "You coming Zed?"
"You bet." Zed ran around to the passenger side.
"So, where are we headed for your big day Birthday Girl?"
"Well, we do have to get my favorite cake so you can probably guess."
"Aha, Cheesecake Factory?"
"You know me so well."
"Only because I love you." Zed kissed her cheek.
"Alright, we'll have plenty of time for that later. Let me drive Z." Addison warned him off.
"We will?" Zed asked excitedly.
"Oh yeah, now that we have this bad boy…"Addison patted the steering wheel affectionately while she started driving off to the restaurant. "I think we'll have plenty of alone time."
"I can't wait then." Zed sat back. "Although pastel pink beetle doesn't exactly scream bad boy to me."
"Dissing my ride already? Looks like you won't be driving anytime soon."
"Oh, in that case, you're right, this thing's a total beast, I'm surprised they let it out on the streets. I bet you can go 0-60 in 2.5 seconds."
"I'm sure." Addison laughed, "don't worry, I'm sure you'll get your chance…someday."
"Well, then I can wait for someday." Zed smiled at her.
They finally made it to the restaurant and almost immediately after Addison stepped out of her car, she was surrounded by a pepped-up hug.
"Happy birthday little Cuz!" Bucky cheered while squeezing her tight.
"Thanks Bucky."
"So, I heard the news, is that bad boy yours?" Bucky let her go and nodded at her car.
"Yep, you bet, even though Zed disagrees it isn't bad boy material." Addison laughed as Zed came around the side and grabbed her hand.
"Well, of course, it isn't yet. What you need is some proper detailing. I mean, you're cheer captain, and as such your grand chariot should be understated, yet flashy. Like mine." Bucky pointed at his bright pink cheer van parked a few spaces away. "Have you ever seen anything so glorious? I can give you the number of the graphic design place and body shop I went to."
"No thanks Bucky, I don't need that much…sparkle. I think its already perfect just the way it is." Addison said diplomatically.
"Well, if you ever change your mind, just let me know." Bucky smiled.
Then Bucky's parents and Addison's parents both walked up to them, and after more pleasantries were exchanged all around, everyone went in to eat, after quickly getting seated and ordering, the two halves of the table naturally broke into two halves.
"So Bucky, what's been going on with you this summer? Other than passing by you at morning practices I don't think I've seen you very much." Zed asked.
"I know, I spend most of my days at the museum. I mostly give tours but," Bucky lowered his voice to a whisper, "I also brought great grandpa's journal one day for the historians to get a good look and to make a copy of. They loved it, and since then we've been working on rewriting the town's history with the wolves, plus Waylon usually comes once a week to help us out. We actually reopened the founding exhibit last week after we fixed everything. Just don't tell my mom and dad. They don't know, and I want to keep it that way for as long as possible."
"Have they still been anti-wolves and zombies?" Addison asked sounding worried, squeezing Zed's hand tighter beneath the table.
"Yeah, I'm sorry Zed, I think they've gotten better, and by that I mean they're ranting less. After we won the cheer championship and the zombies didn't drag the team down I told them they couldn't be mad at the zombies if they helped us win. Plus Mom still doesn't trust you cause of my big mouth after the football game. I'm sorry."
"It's alright Bucky. I know you've changed, and I know many others who have also changed." Zed thought back to a few minutes ago when Bucky's parents had walked up to the three of them, they had greeted Addison but acted like he wasn't even there. He supposed that was better than a more reactive alternative.
"Well back to better topics, so what have you got planned Cuz?"
"We're going out to eat tonight too with all our friends. You're more than welcome to join us Bucky."
"Of course I would love to Addison, oh speaking of your friends, just to be clear, with how the wolves brought the Moonstone back to Zombietown, and I know a lot of the zombies have them now, but is this still out of power?" Bucky asked, pulling his moonstone necklace above his shirt.
"Yeah, don't worry Bucky you're still fine." Addison shook her head at him. "Plus mine didn't do anything to me so even if it was powered up you'd still be you."
"Good I was just-"
"Bucky? What is that?" Bucky's mom, Catherine demanded.
"Um…something else I haven't told them about," Bucky mumbled under his breath, low enough that only Zed could hear before he forced his cheer smile on his face.
"It's a moonstone necklace Mom. The wolves gave it to me after I helped them figure out where the Moonstone was a few months ago."
"Take that off right now, you don't know what it could do to you!"
"Mom, I've been wearing it for months, and it's done nothing to me before."
"But…Dale! Those are the things you decided to replace the Z-bands with, aren't they? How do you know they're safe for humans, what if that cursed rock turns him into a vicious werewolf or even worse a-"
"A what?" Addison interrupted her before she could finish, her tone deadly serious, and her blue eyes burning into her aunt, her gentle hold of Zed's hand beneath the table had tightened into a death grip.
"Catherine, there's nothing to worry about, the moonstone necklaces don't turn humans into anything." Missy glared at her sister.
"But the reason they work for the zombies was because that space rock created them right? How do you know my Bucky's safe?"
"I'm sitting right here."
"Look, Catherine." Zed said, forcing a polite smile, and it was the first time she had looked directly at him all day. "Yes, the Moonstone was part of the explosion that created us, and that's why the necklaces that the wolves wear also work for us." Zed held his up and willed it to glow green for just a moment. "And there's no need to worry about it doing anything to Bucky. Addison and Bree are both wearing theirs and they are both just as perfect as they always have been." Since Addison was still holding his hand, he had to settle for leaning his head against her neck.
"Really Addison? You have one too?" Catherine turned her attention to Addison, looking away from Zed at the first opportunity.
"Yep." Addison forced herself to smile and held hers out for everyone to see. "And like Zed said, even though mine's powered up it hasn't done anything to me."
"And you trust the werewolves enough after they attacked us a hundred years ago?"
"Mom, how many times do I have to tell you, Grandpa Bartholomew and the other Seabrook settlers attacked them."
"Catherine, we have all gotten to know the werewolves over the past few months, and I am proud to be working with them to keep improving Seabrook for everyone. In fact, I've found Winona and I see eye to eye on a lot of things." Missy smiled. "We all want a strong, united community, and we are growing closer to that every day."
"Of course, you would say that Missy, you and Dale have gotten soft on all of them ever since he showed up."
"Excuse me?" Addison practically growled.
"Catherine. Just stop." Dale said, raising his voice. "We did not go soft, we learned that we were wrong, and we learned to be better." Dale tapped his badge. "I joined the Z-Patrol to keep people safe, and did I make some bad decisions in my time? Of course, I did. Zed, Zevon, Eliza, and the others have shown me I was wrong. We allowed the moonstones because they keep humans safe, and zombies safe better than we could do before. We have no reason to fear them anymore. And I will even say, some of them I can respect." Dale turned to smile at Zed, "as far as I know, Zed has only ever done things for the right reasons, whether that's for himself, for his friends and family, or for Addison."
"Exactly," Missy nodded, "we couldn't be happier that Zed is a part of Addison's life and a part of ours. He is exactly the kind of person we want to be in Addison's life because she makes him happy. So he makes us happy too. Now enough of this Catherine," Missy's voice hardened, "today is a special day for Addison so do not say anything else to try to ruin it."
"And I think you owe Zed an apology." Dale crossed his arms.
Catherine looked back and forth between them both of them looking stern, Addison who still looked to be at the boiling point, even though on the inside she was fighting to not smile and thank her parents, Bucky, who looked downright ashamed of her, her husband Trevor, who looked very uncomfortable, but still annoyed, And finally Zed who's only attention was on Addison beside him.
"Fine," Catherine grumbled, and finally turned back to Zed. "Zed, I apologize for treating you like a monster, since apparently, you're doing something right around here. I know that like you say the moonstone works for you. I'm just still concerned about Bucky's safety."
"Thank you," Zed said awkwardly, he did his best to ignore her forced tone. "And Bucky has nothing to worry about. He'll always be Bucky."
"You bet I will Zed." Bucky grinned back at him to try to relieve the tension.
Thankfully, right then their waiter returned with all their meals, which helped break the tension.
"Mmm." Zed patted his stomach after he swallowed the last bite of his pasta. "That was delicious."
"You really liked it?" Addison asked, still finishing up hers.
"Of course I did, it had four different kinds of cheese, how would that not be good? And how's your tomato basil?"
"Delicious too." Addison grinned.
"And Bucky, how's your…what did you order again?"
"Shrimp Scampi."
"Wow, I never would have seen that coming." Zed rolled his eyes playfully.
"While no one is better at being a shrimp than me, or my little Cuz here, I'll admit this place makes some mighty shrimp too." Bucky joked.
"Are you full yet Zed?" Addison asked.
"Maybe be a little, but don't worry, I'm not planning on leaving here without cheesecake."
"Good, I'd be worried about you if you didn't." Addison pushed the rest of her pasta away. "I'm going to need a to-go box if I'm going to have any room for dessert."
"I bet I can make it. There's no such thing as too much shrimp!" Bucky cheered.
While the teens did their best to escape to their own bubble, for the moment pretending the recent argument never happened, on the adult end of the table, the tension was still thick.
"Here," Addison handed the dessert menu over to Zed. "You can pick your favorite."
Zed started looking through the menu in mock excitement, making Addison giggle as he went over every flavor. "Let's see, Vanilla, classic Seabrook, nothing wrong with that, Chocolate, your favorite, which is a point in its favor…let's see. Strawberry, sounds sweet. Carrot? No thanks, maybe if it was caulibrains. Let's see… Rees- OMZ they have Reese's Cheesecake? Sign me up!" Zed threw down the menu.
"You sure about that?" Addison teased him.
"Definitely. I don't know if I've ever been so sure about anything before!" Zed said in mock excitement.
So they ordered and after singing happy birthday to Addison, Zed singing loudest of all of course, and right in her ear, they all dug into their cheesecake with gusto. And as Addison could have guessed, none more so than Zed.
"Mmm." Zed rumbled in delight. "It's official, this is literally the most delicious thing ever."
"Can't say I'm surprised." Addison laughed and smiled at him, "you have something there." Addison pointed to the corner of her own lip.
"Where?" Zed tried to lick the smudge of peanut butter frosting off but missed.
"Right there.' Addison reached out to wipe her thumb across his lips. "There, all better," Addison said, wiping her thumb off on the napkin.
"What would I ever do without you?"
"You'll never have to find out." They started moving closer and closer until Bucky tapped the table between them, breaking them out of their trance.
"Alright Zeddison, I'm glad to see you're just as well, Zeddison as always but maybe keep in mind where you are." Bucky scolded them, even though they could both read the laughter in his eyes.
"It's my birthday, which means I get whatever I want." Addison declared.
"And just what do you want then?" Zed asked, drawing her in again.
"I only want you." Addison moved closer again.
"Well speaking of which, I did get you something, Captain." Bucky reached under the table and pulled out a large, cone-shaped something covered in wrapping paper.
"What? When did you bring that thing in here?" Addison asked, sitting on the table in front of her, it reached above even Zed's head.
"Please," Bucky shook his head, "when I went to the bathroom earlier, I knew Zed would be able to keep you plenty distracted, and I was right, you didn't even notice."
"What can I say? I do have a pretty distracting boyfriend."
"Well, come on Cuz, open it." Bucky insisted excitedly.
"OK Bucky." Addison started tearing through the bright pink wrapping paper until she revealed the large, baby blue megaphone hidden beneath. She spun it around until she read on the side. Captain, and Mighty Shrimp on the other.
"Wow Bucky thanks so much!"
"You're welcome. I figured that would help you save your voice at practices and games in the fall. The best cheerleaders need to be heard."
"Thanks, Bucky, I love it. But, you know, I won't be the only captain next year…"
"Of course not, Bree will be too."
"Not just Bree…"
"Wait, what? Who else could possibly be captain?"
"Well, I was hoping Bree and I could convince one of the greatest cheerleaders we know, who has enough shish boom bah in his fingertips alone to fire up a crowd."
"Wait a minute, do you mean…?"
"How would you like to be Co-Captain Bucky?"
"I would love that more than anything!" Bucky couldn't stop himself from jumping up in excitement. "Thank you Addison." Bucky held her tight. "I'm so happy you trust me again with this immense honor."
"Of course I do. Just like Bree and Bonzo, there's no one I want to cheer with more than you Cuz. And I know you have what it takes to truly be a leader again."
"I promise you won't regret it."
"I know I have nothing to worry about."
"Thank you Addison. This really means a lot to me." Bucky reached out to hug her tight. "Happy Birthday Cuz!"
"Thank you Bucky. So anyway, we're meeting at Flat Pie Red Eye in Zombietown at six if you want to join us."
"Oh yeah, I'll totally be there. You can count on it. How'd you feel about the Acey's joining too? We can really make it a party then."
"That sounds great Bucky. The more the merrier." Addison smiled.
At the other end of the table, Dale called out. "Are you all ready to head out?"
"Yep, we're all finished Dad." Addison grabbed her to-go box in one hand, and with the other still holding Zed's, they stood up together, following Bucky as he led the way out of the restaurant.
After one more round of goodbyes and well wishes between everyone, Zed and Addison walked over to Addison's car, until Addison felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, holding her in place.
"Just a minute you two," Missy said to them.
"What is it Mom?" Addison asked, picking up on the worry on their faces.
"I want to apologize for my sister. Zed honey, you know everything she said isn't true."
"And everything we said is the truth, we know you and Addison belong together. And the zombies and werewolves all belong in Seabrook together. You make each other better, you two make us better, and you've made Seabrook better than it's ever been before." Dale added.
"Thank you Missy, Dale." Zed nodded at them. "I still see every day how much has changed already, and you two have been behind everything after the first few speed bumps." Zed smiled a bit embarrassed.
"And we regret those speed bumps as you say Zed. But we both noticed pretty quickly how Catherine was treating you, and we should have spoken up well before she blew up at Bucky and everything we've all been doing. We just want to make sure you're both OK."
"Don't worry Dale. The important people in my life, and I'm grateful that includes you two, know the real me. That's what matters. One person's words can't hurt me when I know the rest of my friends and family will be happy to defend me and tell her how wrong she is. Thank you."
"And Addison, I hope this doesn't ruin your special day."
"Am I mad at Aunt Catherine? Yes." Addison admitted, "No one gets to talk to Zed or the rest of my friends that way. But thank you both for defending him, and defending us and the rest of our friends."
"Of course we did. We won't be silent when someone comes after our family, even if they are family." Missy reached out and hugged both of them tight. "And Zed, that includes you, I think we are all well aware that you aren't going anywhere anytime soon without Addison."
"You got that right." Zed smiled and rested his head over Missy's shoulder.
"Now, you two go have fun and enjoy the rest of your day. Just get home safe, but if it does get too late, you can still call us and we'll pick you both up. No questions asked."
"Thank you, Mom. I promise I'll call if I need you." Addison smiled.
"Happy Birthday Addison!" Missy and Dale each gave Addison one more cheer and one more hug and then walked back to their parking spot.
Zed and Addison got in their car. Zed glanced over in confusion when Addison didn't start the ignition right away.
"What's wrong Addie?"
"Are you really OK? I know she didn't say anything explicit, but-"
Zed reached over to squeeze her hand, "Of course I'm OK. I had you right beside me, and I could tell you were ready to defend me, your parents just beat you to the punch. I know you all care about me, and all our friends care about me. I don't care what one person who has proven over and over to have terrible judgment says about me. Just like I told your parents. I help prove we made the right choices every day."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Zed leaned over and Addison, as if reading his mind leaned closer too so they could meet in the middle for a tender kiss.
"Now, I say we put this all behind us. Today is your day, so where do you want to go?"
"I think I have some ideas." Addison turned the ignition and felt the purr of the engine rumble to life.
"Ideas? Plural?"
"Yep, and I'm taking you with me." Addison smiled as she started backing out.
"You can always take me anywhere, but I guarantee, you ain't seen nothing yet, we're just getting started."