"Hey Tucker." Wade said walking into George's office
"Hi Wade, what's up?"
"I need some legal advice."
"What did you do?" George asked with a smirk
"Nothing" Wade smiled "I need you to look over this." he tossed him the file and sat down across from him
George opened the file and his jaw dropped "You and some girl have a kid? When did you find out?"
"Two days ago, keep reading."
George did what he was told and then his jaw dropped again "She died, you're taking the baby?"
"Yeah, I have no other choice. I'm not abandoning my kid."
George smiled "Good for you Wade. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks"
George read over the entire file. "Everything looks good and you already signed it. It's all legit. Was there something you were confused about?"
"Not really, just wanted to make sure it was all good and I didn't miss anything."
"No, I don't think so. You know that you are acting as a foster parent for the first 3 months?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, and you can change his name after that and then you will have full custody."
"Yep."
"You're good to go man. When is he coming?"
"She's gonna call when everything is processed."
"You ready?"
"No" he scoffed "I have no idea what I'm doing."
"You'll figure it out."
"I know and AB and Zoe are already fighting over babysitting duty."
"You know Lemon will too."
"I know" he laughed
"Wait, Zoe?" George asked after a moment.
"Yeah, she's been around this whole time. I don't think I could have made this decision without her."
George just nodded "You want me to hold on to these for ya?"
"Could you?"
"Yeah, I'll add them to your file."
Wade took the file and flipped through until he found the picture of Wyatt. "I'll keep this."
"He looks just like you."
"Crazy ain't it."
"Little bit. Is it wrong that I'm excited to watch you attempt this?"
Wade laughed "No, I'm curious too. Now to go break the news to Lemon. That should be fun." He rolled his eyes
"You might just make her speechless."
"That would be a first." Wade got up from his seat and extended his hand to George "Thanks man."
"Anytime, good luck." He smiled
"Thanks I'm gonna need it. I'll see ya around."
"See ya." He waved as he left the office
Wade walked down to the Rammer Jammer next. He looked around for Lemon but she wasn't out there. He walked into the back and she was sitting at the desk.
"Hey Lemon, we need to talk."
"Is everything ok?" she asked putting her pen down
"Uh, kind of. I have some news."
"Oh?"
"Turns out I have kid." He started
"Shocker" she rolled her eyes "Sorry" she smiled
"That's ok, I'd be kidding myself if I never thought there might be a couple little me's running around. But that's not all. The mother died about two months ago in a car accident."
"Oh my gosh. How horrible. What happened to the baby?"
"Well he's in foster care now but I'll be getting him in a few days, weeks. I'm not 100 percent sure on that."
"Wow, you're taking him? Him, you said?"
"Yeah, Wyatt." He showed her the picture
"Oh my, he looks just like you. How old is he?"
"He turned 1 last week."
"I'm proud of you Wade, good for you taking him. The old Wade probably wouldn't have."
"I'd like to hope he would have."
"Well you know I will help you any way that I can."
"Thank you. I guess I'm going to have to figure out a work schedule. Annabeth and Zoe are already fighting over babysitting him."
"Annabeth, yes. Zoe, no. How does she know anyway?"
"She was walking past my house right after I found out. She knew something was wrong so I told her. I'm glad she was there though, because I don't think I would have been able to make this decision if she wasn't."
"But are you really going to trust Zoe Hart with a child. She could barely keep an eye on Joel when they first got here."
"That's different, she was distracted."
Lemon rolled her eyes "Oh well, you're choice. But don't worry about anything. You do what you have to do. I'm sure he will need some time to adjust so if you need off, you just take it."
"Thanks Lemon, I'm really not sure what to expect. I don't know anything about kids and especially babies."
"You'll figure it out, you're smart. I suggest you read up on it though. If you have any questions you can come to me, I did raise Magnolia."
"Yes, that is true. I'll keep you on speed dial." He smirked
"Call anytime." She smiled
"Well, I should go clean my house I guess. I suppose you don't want to do that."
"Uh, no. That is no going to happen." Lemon laughed
"Worth a shot." He chuckled "I'll see you tomorrow morning." He got up from the chair
"Alright, have a good night." She smiled and got up from her seat. She walked around the desk and pulled Wade into a hug "I'm so proud of you." She told him
Wade sighed "Thanks but I haven't done much yet."
"You've done the most important part."
"That's what Zoe said. It's just a little scary."
"I know but you will get through it and I bet you will be the best dad Bluebell has ever seen."
Wade just nodded "I hope so."
Wade left the office and went home, he went inside and immediately started cleaning and rearranging furniture.
"Hey Wade." Lavon said walking through the door
"Hey. Does this look like enough room for a crib here?"
Lavon examined the space "Yeah, seems like it. Where are you going to put his clothes?"
"I have no idea. I really don't know what he is coming with. I'm going to have to call Ms. Branson tomorrow and see if she can get me a list of things that I'm going to need to get."
"Might be a good idea. Do 1 year olds sleep through the night?"
"No idea, she said he had trouble sleeping the first week or so in the foster home, so I assume it will be the same here."
"I'll help ya as much as I know how. Annabeth and Lemon are probably your best options though."
"Oh I know. I'm glad AB is right over there." He pointed to Lavon's house
"What's up with you and Zoe?"
Wade let out a breath "Nothing, she was just here when I found out about him and I didn't want to tell anyone else. But I needed someone here when I found out if he was really mine or not. We're friends now."
"I know you are and I'm not gonna lie, it's a little strange but I'm glad you two are friendly."
Wade just nodded and started moving furniture around again. "What about like this?"
"Wade relax. Worry about it when you know what he's coming with. He's 1, how much stuff can he have?"
"I don't know." He chuckled
"Have you told Earl?"
Wade shook his head "No, I don't even know how to start that conversation. What's he going to think?"
"Your Dad has a lot of confidence in you, he'll probably be happy."
"Maybe, but I'm not ready to tell him."
"You have to before the town finds out. You can't let him find out from someone else."
"I know, once I know when he's coming, I'll tell him."
Lavon nodded "Alright."
XX
"Hey" Zoe smiled walking into her room at the Whippoorwill
"Where have you been?" Joel asked
"I had work." She said confused
"I meant with Wade. Where did you go with him this morning?"
Zoe thought "It's a personal matter with him, I can't tell you."
"Personal matter? Like medical?"
"I can't tell you. You'll find out soon enough with the rest of the town."
Joel rolled his eyes and turned back to his computer. "Fine"
"You want to go to dinner?"
"No, I got take out from Fancies earlier. I wasn't sure what time you would be home."
"Ok then, I'll be back I guess."
Zoe left and headed for the Rammer Jammer. Once she got there she sat down at the small table behind the jukebox. Lemon walked over a couple minutes later.
"What can I get you Zoe?"
"Uh, I'll just have a BLT and Diet Coke."
"Joel coming?"
"Nope, just me." She smiled
"Alright, It's should be out in a few minutes." She turned to leave when Zoe called her back
"Hey Lemon?"
Lemon turned back around "Yeah?"
"You talk to Wade?"
"Yes, quite a shocker." Lemon whispered
"He's going to be fine." Zoe smiled
"Yes he will, he just needs to know that."
Zoe nodded "I agree but he's going to have to do it first."
"Yes, he will. With a little help from his friends, he'll be great."
"You're a good friend to him Lemon."
Lemon smiled "So are you. He told me how you were there for him the last couple days."
"He's my friend." Zoe smiled
Lemon just nodded and walked away towards the kitchen. Wade walked in a minute later and spotted Zoe at the table.
"Hey" he waved
Zoe looked up from her phone and smiled "Hi. How was your day?"
"It was alright."
"Want to join me?"
"Sure" he said and sat down across from her "Where's Joel?"
"At the room, he got take out from Fancies earlier apparently."
"Nice" he rolled his eyes
"I don't get it either."
Lemon came back over with Zoe's soda. "Oh, Hi Wade. Can I get you something?"
"I'm just gonna get a burger and beer. I'll get it thought."
"Don't worry about it, I'm heading back there."
"Thanks"
Dash, Delma and Shula were sitting at a table across the room and watching Zoe and Wade.
"Where's Joel?" Delma whispered
"I don't know but Zoe and Wade look pretty friendly." Shula replied
"Is Zade making a comeback?" Dash said into his microphone
"I don't think so." Delma laughed at him "They're just friends. I saw Wade and Joel hanging out a couple times."
"Yes, there was the day Wade punched him?" Dash asked
"That hasn't been proven." Shula said
"So, how was telling everyone?" Zoe asked
"It was only George and Lemon. I have no idea how to tell Earl this."
"Same way you told everyone else."
"I just don't think it's going to turn out well."
"Why not? He'll be happy for you and maybe a grandchild will make him see the light."
"I doubt it. Nothing will ever fix that man."
Zoe just shrugged as Lemon came back with their food. "Here you go guys." She smiled
"Thanks Lemon" Wade smiled back and took a swig of his beer "Can I really do this?"
"Yes you can. You are going to be great."
"I hope so. I don't want to screw up this kid."
Zoe smiled at him "You won't."
Wade shrugged his shoulders "I hope not."
XX
3 days later Wade's phone started to ring. He looked at the number on the screen and took a deep breath. "Hello?"
"Hi, Mr. Kinsella. It's Kelly from."
"Yeah I know. How are you?" he asked
"I'm fine. I'm calling to let you know that all the paperwork has gone through and we will be bringing Wyatt to you on Saturday. We are hoping to have a truck come to you by Friday with all of his things. Is that ok?"
"Yeah, that's fine. So Saturday he'll be here?"
"Yes, unless you are not available."
"Nope, that's fine."
"Alright than. Do you have any questions?"
"No, I'll see you Saturday I guess."
"Yes, see you then."
After Wade hung up he flopped on the couch and put his head in his hands. "What am I going to do?"
He got up and wandered over the Lavon's house. Annabeth was sitting at the counter and smiled at him when he walked in.
"What's wrong Wade?" she asked
"Wyatt is coming on Saturday."
She smiled "Really? That's exciting."
"Is it? Because right now I can't think of a day I've feared the most."
"Oh Wade, you'll be just fine."
"Everyone keeps saying that but I just don't believe it."
"You're not going to believe it until you see it for yourself. But I believe in you and so does Lavon, George, Zoe and Lemon. We will all help you out as much as you need as well. You know that."
"Yeah, I do but when it all comes down to it, I'm raising him."
"Yes you are but with a little help from your friends, you will be amazing."
"Thanks Annabeth, you're a good friend."
"Anytime Wade."