14 MILES FROM BLUEBELL.
CHAPTER TWO
A/N Hi guys! Thanks to all of your amazing reviews and response to this yes it is now officially a threeshot! Yeah! Pause for cheering! Only kidding. I was absolutely blown away by the mammoth response I got to this story. My boss was too as my email phone alert didn't stop for days! He kept looking over at my desk saying what is going on over there? Pretty funny. But I was rapt with all of your comments! You guys are the best! Like ever! Seriously you guys are so awesome I would almost be happy to let you guys date Wade yourselves! But really thankyou thankyou thankyou.! I tried to get this out quicker but I am a little ocd and editing took a little longer than it should've, especially since I kept cutting the paragraphs up and changing them around. And talking in accents to get it just right is very tiring. My boss kept asking me about that too, apparently talking like you are from the us deep south in an Australian office makes you a little weird! Actually doing it at work at all is a little weird! I love so many of you love AU stories as much as me. They are my favourite too. I'm sorry that i haven t responded to everyone individually. Although I think i responded to all of the pms. And i am taking everyones suggestions under advisement! So keep the comments coming you keep me motivated to write, and hopefully the next chapter wont take as long; depending on how ocd I get with editing. But i want it to be perfect! Kind alike all of you! so please read and enjoy and don't throw anything heavy or stain inducing at your screens like i wanted to after the past two episodes! I wanted to hop aplane find zoe and smack some sense into her! I mean really? Come on? There is only so many AWW poor wades that can come out before it's DAMMIT ZOE! Stupid picture in her head, its an easy fix, someone take a photo of wade without a shirt, frame it and hand it to her. Voila new picture! If only life were that simple! His face is too damn cute to frown! But in the meantime we have fanfiction and in my world we can try to correct the wrongs! Amen. So here's to another chapter.. let me know what you think and please don't hate me! Love you!
DISCLAIMER: The only thing i own in regards to hart of dixie is my dvd. Paused on shirtless wade. Hehe.
Dr Zoe Hart rolled over in bed and stretched out. Lying on her back with her eyes closed, she took in a deep breath and her subconsciousness immediately twigged to something being off. There was a crisp taste to the air that she couldn't quite identify, stirring something deep in her memory. She had a sudden flash of waking in the gatehouse. Naked, relaxed and oddly exhilarated, she rolled over to run her hands across the strong, muscular and just as naked back in the bed beside her. A hand reached out and curled her body into the warmth that was offered. Warmth she greedily accepted despite the 90 degree heat. 90 degree weather? In New York at this time of year? Zoe opened her eyes and looked across the bed. She was tangled in the sheets. Alone. A quick check confirmed that she was in fact clothed. And the man from her dream? Was most definitely nowhere to be found. The events of the past two days swam into focus and Zoe felt the excitement of only seconds prior vanish. "Bluebell" Zoe sighed before pulling the covers over her flushed face.
Once Zoe was sure her face had returned to a normal hue, she climbed from the bed, making up the sheets out of habit and going in search of her host. She stepped out onto the deck and took a deep gulp of the fresh Alabama air. This had been one thing she had definitely missed. The air was so clean, so fresh, and she had always found herself feeling rejuvenated upon waking. She looked out across the pond to the old carriagehouse. When she had lived here it had been in a state of disrepair. Now it appeared to be in the latter stages of renovation. The entire outside was painted a crisp white with green trim. The upstairs balcony and the porch that ran the entire front length were both held up by scaffolding and there was tools and builders equipment piled together on a trestle table. The plantation had changed. But the beauty that had sucked her in was as captivating as it ever was.
Zoe turned and went back into the gatehouse. Wade was not inside. She looked over the cabin again as her mind went back to the previous evening. They had curled up on the couch together playing halo, things were still slightly awkward between them. Stilted even. But that was to be expected. It had been twelve years. She had changed immeasurably in that time. Despite feeling like she had reverted to her eighteen year old self the second her feet touched the ground inside the Bluebell town limits, she knew that Wade had changed too. While she could feel that undercurrent of electricity between them, that the tension that had made them them, wasever present, she felt like Wade was not. There was something definitely different in the way he was with her. She couldn't put her finger on it but it was there all the same. Or it wasn't. She ran a hand through her hair as her eyes raked over the small grey couch. It fit the two of them together like two jigsaw pieces that should never be separated. But they had been separated; and things don't always just fit together again once broken. No matter how natural or right it may feel.
As the thought hit her, Zoe noticed something out of place on the couch. Sitting on the end was a pillow, a navy blue throw on top. Her eyes darted to the bed where she woke ten minutes earlier, then back to the bedding on the couch. It hit her in that moment. Wade slept on the couch. She immediately racked her brain for a reason he would do that. Did her breath go bad? Did he not find her attractive anymore? Was he gay? As quickly as the thoughts came they were gone. Replaced with a solitary number; twelve. The twelve years that had passed had completely changed things. She knew she was being irrational. It had been forever since they were in the same room let alone actually together. What would ever make her think that things would be exactly the same as they had been? Because it's Wade! Her subconscious screamed back at her. They had never had a problem in that department. Even when he was pissed at her or vice versa, the physical attraction had always been there, sparking and exploding like a blown fuse box.
Her mind went back to his first visit to New York. Even after she told him that this was his last visit, he still stayed in her bed. He had called it a last goodbye. And they had said goodbye over and over. Had that been his final farewell? She had said she was never coming back but deep down Zoe had always believed that Wade would be present in her life at some point, in some way. In what way she didn't know, but she was sure it would happen. Well she did know what her body would want. They were Wade and Zoe for crying out loud. But last night Wade had not joined her in bed. On one hand she felt relieved. She knew going there would complicate things and she needed her head clear for the day ahead. Today was going to be hard. She needed to keep it together for Harley. It wouldn't help to be all tied up in knots over Wade Kinsella. But there was a part of her that had been tied up in a pretty little bow by him a long time ago.
Zoe tried to snap herself out of it. The funeral was at eleven. A quick check of the clock on the DVD player told her that it was a little after eight. She needed to find Wade, if they were to make it to the service on time. And Dr Zoe Hart owed her father the respect of being punctual. She remembered once promising Harley to be at home by seven for a dinner with some college chum or doctor friend. However, she had been sidetracked by Wade's mouth and wandering hands, and had turned up over an hour late without an explanation as to why she had leaves in her hair. Punctuality had never been her strong suit she thought to herself as she brushed her teeth before going back to her luggage. Zoe opened her suitcase looking for appropriate footwear for the gravelly road outside the gatehouse; quickly chastising herself for her very New York choices of Stiletto pumps and booties. Zoe gave up on the shoes as her eyes focused on a pair of oversized gumboots on the deck. Looking around she picked up the dark blue plaid shirt he had been wearing the day before and threw it on over her pjs before slipping her feet into the boots. Zoe stopped for a moment to inhale the scent that lingered on the shirt. A smile curled over her lips as she identified the same cologne he used to wear back in high school. She had bought him his first bottle and to know he still wore it made her heart thump a little harder than it should. The shirt was well worn and Zoe felt a wave of comfort hit her before she exited out the porch door and made her way across the plantation.
Zoe continued to smile as she ambled across the track towards the house. She had always loved the way Wade smelt. Actually that was not entirely true. Eventually she had learned to love the mix of scents that was Wade. She remembered the first time he had tried to kiss her straight after football practice. She had scrunched up her nose, pushed him way and told him emphatically Zoe Hart had "no interest in tongue kissing a dirty gym sock" so why on earth would she ever kiss him in that state. Wade wasted no time in betting her that she couldn't keep her hands off him even if he didn't shower. Zoe refused to back down. She might not have much self control around Wade Kinsella but she had high hygiene standards and he learnt early just how stubborn she could be. The bet lasted half a day before Wade caved and hit the showers. He fell on his sword wearing nothing but the towel he had used to dry himself, telling Zoe "Figured you'd need somethin' for the drool". He had been right to her annoyance.
Using her hands to fan herself as her mind travelled, Zoe came to an abrupt halt as she heard a strange sort of hiss. She looked up and immediately screamed. Her body flailed wildly as the panic took control of her breathing, senses, and her balance. Zoe found herself on her backside struggling to crawl backwards as another blood piercing scream erupted from her lungs. Zoe's eyes were glued to the alligator staring back at her with beady eyes from only a few feet away. Before another scream could escape, she felt two strong arms lift her back to her feet. "Alligator, alligator, alligator" she babbled pointing at the reptile that seemed to be staring at her with morbid curiosity.
"Really? Where?" a strong, masculine voice asked with a chuckle. Zoe snapped to look at the tall dark stranger before her eyes snapped back to the alligator.
"AL-LI-GATOR" she pointed, scream whispering hysterically
"Don't worry bout Burt Reynolds" he said jovially "He's just after some breakfast".
"That's... comforting" Zoe panted as she tried to step slyly behind the tall stranger.
"He's on a diet, only eats doctors on Tuesdays" he joked with a glint in his eye before turning to the reptile "Beat it Burt, breakfast's out back" The alligator released what sounded like a grunt before turning around and moving away in the opposite direction.
"What the hell was that?" Zoe asked with her hands stuck by her sides as she tried to get her breathing back under control.
"An alligator" was the only reply
"No shit" Zoe replied still frozen.
"Shit"
Zoe turned to look at her saviour a moment later and found herself looking at one of the kindest faces she had ever seen. A moment later recognition crossed her features. "Holy crap you're Lavon Hayes!"
"Pleased to meet you" He held his hand out
"Sorry" she apologised as she took his hand. "I'm Zoe, Zoe Hart. I mean Dr Zoe Hart." She emphasised. "And you are awesome. I mean you have the superbowl rings to prove it"
"Lavon Hayes likes Zoe Hart already"
"Dr Zoe Hart. You forgot the doctor part, Lavon Hayes"
"And you forgot the mayor part, Dr Zoe Hart"
"Really? Wow Bluebell sure has upgraded. How did you oust the old guy? He was like old, and strangely well liked for someone ...well... so old"
"You met the alligator" Lavon pointed his thumb over his shoulder.
"That I did. And now I might need a doctor of my own. Cardiothoracic surgeon if possible" she held a hand to her chest.
"I'm not sure if I can arrange that but in the meantime there's some heart attack reducin food on offer in the main house. And a certain gatehouse keeper preparin it. If you know what Lavon Hayes means" he winked as Zoe pursed her lips and nodded before stepping forward.
"Take me to your people"
They walked together, Zoe trying to keep a discreet eye out for the sneaky reptile, and trying to convince Lavon she knew what grits taste like. "I have eaten grits before; many times, they are...delicious!" she sounded out the last word with fake enthusiasm.
Wade's head snapped up from the stove when he heard her voice. Grits. Damn it. He still remembered the first time he took her to breakfast at the Rammer Jammer. They had argued the entire walk that she would not eat an entire plate. She had crossed her arms and jutted out her hip, saying "Watch me" He had laughed as she forced down a full helping, struggling on every bite as if she had a mouthful of sand. That was the moment that he knew she was a force to be reckoned with. She entered through the French doors a step in front of Lavon and she was as beautiful as he remembered her to be first thing in the morning. He felt the breath hitch in his throat as he drank in the sight. Her chocolate locks were brushed over one shoulder and she was wearing nothing but short shorts, his gumboots and his shirt from the day before. Damn it. He hadn't considered she would still enjoy wearing his clothes, or how damn good she still looked in them. He blinked as he tried to regain his composure and blink away the vision of what he knew lay beneath the blue plaid shirt.
"Good morning" she spoke cheerily, causing his blue eyes to snap upwards and lock on her brown "I slept great; how'd you sleep Wade?" the words were out before she could stop them. Wade ignored her question, focusing his attention back on the stove. This was not a conversation he wanted to have with her now.
"Mornin" he replied curtly going back to the pancakes he was cooking. "Blueberry alright?" he continued to flip the food as Lavon looked between them with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah" she half smiled immediately forgetting her questioning. Blueberry pancakes were her favourite. Actually Wade's blueberry pancakes were her favourite. She was both touched at his sweetness, and salivating at the smell of the food she was now dying to consume. She watched him as he removed the pancakes from the pan, putting them on a plate before placing them on the counter in front of her with cutlery and syrup. He moved to the other side of the kitchen turning his back to her, before bringing her a cup of steaming hot coffee. One sugar and one cream. Just how she liked it. "Thanks Wade" she smiled at him before taking a large drink.
"No problem" he nodded, as he placed a side dish of chopped fruit beside her pancakes. "You better eat up before it gets cold" he motioned to the food. She went to say something but he had already turned his back and was pouring more batter in the pan.
"Somethin smells good" a female voice drawled in a strong southern accent that made Zoe flinch. Zoe turned her head to see a slim brunette wearing a silk robe with matching slippers on her feet. "Well what have we got here?"
"We have a Dr Zoe Hart" Lavon answered before she could utter a word herself.
"Well aren't you just itty, bitty and precious!" she grinned. "My I could just eat you up. Hi I'm Didi. I'm Lavon's girlfriend. Well I am now. We just got back together. I thought he was crazy there for awhile. I mean really who talks about soulmates on the first date. But it was all a misunderstandin. And now we're solid. Cause between us ladies he is a dreamboat. I'm sorry I'm being rude. Monopolisin the conversation and all I'm Didi, oh wait I already said that"
"That's okay" Zoe smiled at the excitable woman "I'm Zoe"
"You got a killer smile. I always wanted me one of those, but my lips are a little on the big side, but that's okay cause my mama says it balances my eyes, and there's always makeup. So anyway what brings you to Bluebell? I would've known if we met before and you sure don't sound like you're from these here parts. Me I'm from Georgia, but I just fell in love with Bluebell, the people are so nice, startin with the mayor."
"Um Didi" Wade tried to interrupt as he handed Lavon a plate
"It's okay Wade" Zoe smiled at him between mouthfuls of food "I'm from New York; I used to live here a long time ago"
"Oh my. You're Zoe. The Zoe. You're Dr Wilkes daughter, the lady doctor. The one that Wade mmph"
"Mini muffin?" Wade asked as he materialised from nowhere shoving a baked good in the brunette's mouth effectively shutting her up.
"Wade, you know I don't like complex carbohydrates so early in the mornin. Does all sorts of funny things to my insides" Didi removed the food from her mouth. "Besides I was just gunna say you don't really look like a doctor. I mean you're so pretty... and young. Maybe you should wear a stethoscope or somethin. But you must be, if you're Dr Wilkes's daughter. Lovely man. So sad. Such a kind sweet sweet man. He fitted me for my iud when me and Lavon become intimate".
"That's...personal" Zoe replied as Lavon and Wade both grimaced, before she continued on in one breath.
"I know, you must be nervous for today, I mean there was a lot of talk about whether his doctor daughter in New York was gonna come home for the funeral. Shula and Delma were arguing all day at the Rammer Jammer. And no one knew where you were Wade. And apparently Dr Breeland, and Addie both tried callin you Dr Zoe like alot. And Dash kept repeating "if you call she will come" like some line from a movie. I swear there hasn't been so much gossip since Annabeth Nass's husband ran off with that waitress or when Wade and Tanmmph"
"Mini muffin?" Wade slammed another one in her mouth.
"Damn it Wade" she tried to spit it out. Zoe swallowed another bite of pancake before drinking the remainder of her coffee in one gulp.
"On that note" she stood up.
"Oh my. You really are just tiny. I bet you can wear them mini dresses"
"Sometimes" Zoe moved next to Wade who was staring at her in his shirt again.
"But... what in the world are you wearin?" Didi eyed Zoe speculatively. "Is that Wade's shirt?" Lavon looked at Zoe, then at her shirt before turning back to his girlfriend
"Mini muffin?" he held out the plate as her eyes went wide
"We gotta go" Zoe grabbed Wade's hand, dragging him from the kitchen
"But my pancakes" he argued
"Don't worry I'll clean up!' Lavon called after them
"Do you think they did it?" Didi whispered a second later. "Oh my. I can't take the suspense. Wade and his lady doctor? I could just die! Die!"
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Zoe finished putting the final touches to her hair and makeup. She tried to keep it all as subdued as possible, whilst completely aware that every part of her appearance would be picked apart by the town gossips for the next week in Susie's hair salon. The Kate Spade dress she was planning on wearing was quite simple and understated, whilst still flattering. Although, if she were honest with herself, there would be more gossip surrounding her arrival at the funeral than her New York couture. Well maybe not with Dash, even if he did favour a sparkly dress over a classic lbd.
Zoe was nervous about the day ahead. Not only did she have all of Bluebell to face and the task of burying her biological father; she had yet to discuss the previous evening with Wade. After dragging him out of Lavon's kitchen they had walked side by side in silence back to the gatehouse, Zoe biting her lip, one eye on Wade, and one eye wearily on guard for Burt Reynolds. He had headed straight for the shower, grumpily stating that he would use the bathroom first to give her more time to get ready since he didn't take as long.
Zoe had nodded her agreement, before he shut the door and she had sat on the edge of the bed formulating a plan to get him to talk to her. She had gone back and forth between locking him in the bathroom and making him talk to be set free, or using her tactics from high school. It still made her giggle how mad he had been when she enlisted the help of his father to get him out to that old barn on the brink of the biggest squall of the year. Crazy Earl had done exactly as he asked and had grinned before he took off in the old pickup leaving Wade with Zoe and a couple of goats. Despite Zoe's very specific instructions, Crazy Earl had headed to the Rammer Jammer. Full of scotch and pride he had conveniently forgotten to come back before the storm hit.
Stuck in the barn with crazy weather outside and Crazy Earl and his truck AWOL; Wade refused to speak to Zoe, and Zoe refused to let him ignore her. She had tap-danced, told jokes and even offered to flash Wade. They both held their ground, resulting in a chain of events that ended with a shirtless Wade chasing a baby goat around a paddock in the rain. Zoe had melted at the sight simultaneously as she drooled over his wet body. He had made her apologise to which she had immediately yielded mostly because she couldn't remember why he had been mad at her and why she had been so stubborn as to deny herself the sight of a shirtless Wade Kinsella in the first place. He had that affect on her. She had to laugh as they were both questioned later by Sherriff Bill. Wade couldn't remember why they had been fighting either. And it wasn't until he insisted on her wearing his jacket in the car home that realisation dawned. Her own shirt was see-through and she had been giving Wade an eyeful all day. It warmed her heart that she had an effect on him too, and he was protective enough that he wouldn't let anyone else see her in that state. He was a double-edged sword.
Zoe rummaged through the small jewellery case she had hastily packed. Everything she had with her was costume jewellery and she didn't want anything too flashy. She had one necklace that was perfect but she hadn't worn that particular piece in twelve years. She turned the yellow gold pendant over in her palm as the warm smile of her biological father washed over her memory. The item was a family heirloom and he had wanted her to have it. It had been a link to the Wilkes family, and Harley had given it to her at the end of her first week in Bluebell. It was a symbol of her southern roots. She thanked him and put it in her jewellery box, he didn't ask her why she didn't wear it, and she never volunteered a reason. Ultimately, the day she let Wade place it around her neck, it had become the icebreaker in her relationship with Harley. The necklace had meant everything and she had barely removed it that entire year. It would mean everything for her to wear it today.
She turned the pendant over again, her eyes closing as her mind went back.
"Just leave it Wade. I don't belong here" she threw her hands down on her vanity.
"That's where you're wrong Doc." He stood behind her placing his hand on her waist to hold her in place. She shut her eyes to hold back the tears as he leant around her opening her jewellery box.
"What are you doing?" her eyes opened, pleading with him as he removed the delicate necklace from the carved wooden box.
"You do belong" he drawled as he fastened the necklace around her neck and ran his hand across her collarbone before locking his eyes on hers in the mirror. "You just have to believe it"
Her fingers closed over the cool metal and she took a deep breath before her fingers found the clasp. Zoe found herself frowning as she found the clasp would not open. She was on the verge of tears when there was a soft knock on the door.
"You almost ready?" Wade's voice called from the other side.
"Yeah" she closed the necklace in her palm before opening the door for Wade. Wade stepped back as the door opened and his breath hitched. Zoe was struggling with the same reaction to Wade in his dark charcoal suit.
"Is it ok?" she smoothed down the skirt of her dress, breaking the staring contest between them. The dress was fitted, belted at the waist and fell to above her knees.
"I think Harley would approve" he said finally after staring at her for a moment longer.
"Really?" she said touched
"Yeah" he nodded with a soft smile.
"But it's missing something?" she lamented with a sigh. Zoe brushed a strand of hair from her face before turning back to the mirror and looking down at the necklace in her hand once more. With another soft sigh she moved to replace it in the jewellery case before Wade's large hand landed on her much smaller one halting the movement
"Don't" he whispered as his eyes locked on hers in the mirror. His hand closed over hers and Zoe felt the air freeze in her lungs. Until this moment she has never really understood what it meant for the world to just stop. In that moment the only thing she could comprehend was Wade. The way he was looking at her, the feel of his skin on hers, his breath so close to her ear, the shiver that ran up her spine at his proximity. She couldn't understand how something could be so right. She came back to her senses as she felt Wade step back, the loss of his skin apparent immediately as he withdrew his hand. Before she could react, his eyes dropped to his own hand where he now held her necklace. He fiddled with the clasp for a moment before his eyes once again locked on hers.
Blue bore into brown as his hand lightly touched her shoulder before his fingertips danced across the skin of her collarbone to the nape of her neck where she felt the softest of caresses. Tingles ran all over Zoe as she struggled with the desire to close her eyes and savour the feeling against that of holding his gaze for the rest of eternity. She felt his other hand move to her other shoulder before both of his hands raised for mere seconds which felt like hours to the petite brunette. Wade's eyes never left hers as he placed the delicate chain around her neck. Zoe felt her breath hitch as his fingers once again left the lightest of touches on her skin as he fastened the clasp. His eyes stayed locked on hers as his hands rested on her shoulders. Zoe finally lowered her gaze to the pendant now sitting against her skin. She smiled. A tear formed in the corner of her eye, and at the same moment she lifted her gaze in silent gratitude, she felt Wade's hands slip from her and he was gone.
Zoe had felt the loss of him the moment he stepped away from her. The pain that tore through her was illogical she told herself. And as she sat beside him now in his Camaro on the way to the church she fought the myriad of emotions that coursed through her veins. She was consumed by Wade and she was scared of what would happen next. Zoe had a tendency to bury her feelings and hide behind school, or classes or work. But right now she didn't have any of things to use as a shield. She was on her way to farewell Harley. She had coped since learning of his death in the way she always had. Harley had told her when she first came to Bluebell that she was stoic. She hated that word. It just meant that she was good at faking it. And then the feelings for Wade were surfacing, and simmering and making her more confused and crazy. Was she using him as a distraction? Was he picking up on this? Did he not feel the same way anymore? Did he feel the tension? The frustration? The attraction? Was she a perfect candidate for a psychiatric assessment?
She took another deep breath as they neared the final turn that would bring them to the centre of Bluebell; to Harley, to her father. Zoe was torn between running to Harley and fleeing. Almost as if he could read her thoughts, Wade looked over at Zoe as he slowed at the stop sign, turning on his indicator. He looked at her in silent question. Zoe closed her eyes, taking another large gulp of air before smiling as best she could and nodded her confirmation. Wade nodded solemnly before he looked over his shoulder and turned the corner and within less than a minute had pulled into a space on the backside of the church.
"I thought you might want a minute... before we go in" he turned off the ignition removing the keys and sitting back in his seat. Zoe nodded and they locked eyes. She could swear she could read his emotions just as she felt he could read hers. His eyes always gave him away to her. He may put up a wall for most people but Zoe could still read Wade Kinsella. He read as being worried, scared and apprehensive all at once. But mostly she could read his feelings were for her. He wasn't worried for himself and not for how she would react to the town, nor how the town would react to her. But how she would handle saying goodbye to the father she didn't know for over half of her life, but whom he knew she had grown to love, in the way that she had never expected. He turned away from her before opening his car door and closing it behind him, striding around the car until he was outside of her door. He leant down and opened the door holding out his hand for her to take.
"I'm here" his eyes locked on hers once again and Zoe felt the memory float over her. It had been a gorgeous day in Bluebell; they had taken a drive out to the beach once Wade had finished work at the plantation. They had messed around in the water and had toasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire before they had headed home to meet Zoe's curfew. Wade had been telling her all day he had a strange feeling something wasn't right, but would then dismiss it. They had been driving past the town limits when a newsflash had come across the radio. There had been casualties in Afghanistan in the same province and battalion that his brother Jesse was serving. Wade had frozen on the spot before continuing to drive her home. Zoe had pleaded with him to talk but he wouldn't. They pulled up outside the house to be met by Harley, who suggested that Wade head home to be with Earl in case the chaplain did show up.
Wade refused and instead insisted on driving to Mobile to the marine's office to get news. There was no way that he would let a stranger tell Crazy Earl if the unthinkable had happened. Both Harley and Zoe had argued and begged but his mind was made up. Zoe refused to leave the truck and somehow convinced him that if he was going so was she. Wade had eventually agreed and Harley had insisted on going to see Earl himself. Wade and Zoe made the drive to Mobile in silence. When they arrived Wade had been frozen in his seat. Zoe had climbed from his truck, opened the driver's door and held out her hand for him to take saying softly "I'm here".
As she came back to the present, she looked up at him gratefully and accepted his outstretched hand. Wade squeezed her fingers in his the same way she had that day so long ago. The only difference was his brother did come home, and today her father would not. But on that day Zoe was there for Wade and today he would be there for her. He closed the car door and they began the short walk to the church. They walked in silence both lost in their own thoughts, and in the blink of an eye they were walking up the steps hand in hand. Zoe was greeted warmly by both reverend Mayfair and his wife before she gripped Wade's hand tighter and took a deep breath. It was time for welcome and farewell.
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"I'm so glad you're here" Annabeth placed her hand over Zoe's at the table in the corner of the Rammer Jammer. The funeral had been beautiful, the town had laughed and cried in remembrance and given Harley the send-off he deserved as the towns beloved doctor. The church had been overflowing with mourners. Knowing how many lives Harley had touched brought her a comfort she hadn't expected. The service had been wonderful, and the townspeople had given her space as she sat in the church clutching Wade's hand, staring at the large framed portrait on the coffin as the words spoken of her father washed over her.
"Me too" Zoe agreed as she took a sip of her white wine. The congregation had moved to the Rammer Jammer after the burial. Zoe was grateful that she was being left somewhat alone today. She didn't know if she could cope with everyone being all over her straight away. When she first entered the church she had heard the murmurs as she came into sight. She knew the gossip had started by the time she made it to the front pew and had been enveloped in a hug by Addie. Rose had insisted on sitting next to her saying that they were practically sisters. After the service she had been offered condolences at the door by those that knew her to be Harley's daughter. Dash, Shula, Shep, Agnes, Sal, and what appeared to be all of Bluebell paid their respects and left her with Wade and Brick. Wade had been by her side throughout the day and had been an unwavering support. It meant so much. She knew that Harley had meant alot to him as well, and that he was farewelling a friend as she farewelled her father.
As Annabeth regaled another story; Zoe's eyes trailed over to Wade. The moment they had entered the Rammer Jammer she had been pounced on by Annabeth and the belles. She had been sat at the same table with them for the past hour and a half while they caught her up on the gossip of Bluebell. Wade had let them take her away and had busied himself behind the bar serving those who had turned up to say goodbye. He was still there now. He had removed his jacket and the sleeves of his pale blue shirt had been rolled to the elbows; a white cloth was thrown over one shoulder, as he popped the tops off a couple of beers for Lavon and Didi who were seated at the bar.
Zoe didn't know how she could've gotten through the day without him. He had always been her bright light in Bluebell. The thought made her smile. He knew his way around the bar and everyone seemed to love him. His customers didn't just order drinks, they stopped to chat or patted him on the shoulder or shook his hand. Well she knew Wade Kinsella was a natural with people and apparently also a natural bartender. He poured a round of scotch, joining in a toast with a couple of men who she remembered as being from the outlaying farms. The look on his face as he clinked glasses touched her heart. She knew the toast was for Harley.
"So I told him good riddance. I don't need him, and his little piece is welcome to him" Annabeth finished. She looked at Zoe for her thoughts and when she didn't reply her eyes followed Zoe's and landed on the spot at the bar where her attention was focused. Annabeth smiled knowingly. "The years sure have been good to him, If we weren't such good friends Zoe Hart, I might've give him a run around the paddock if you know what I mean? "Annabeth winked as the other belles giggled.
"I'm sure I don't" Zoe denied as she took another gulp of her wine. She looked up and noticed Lemon staring at her. The blonde's eyes travelled over to Wade before glancing back to Zoe. Their eyes locked for a split second before Lemon focused her attention back on George who was talking to Brick. They had spoken for a couple of minutes after the funeral but for the most part Lemon had kept her distance, staying by her father's side. That was understandable. Brick and Harley had been partners and friends. And Lemon and Brick had always been close.
"Sure you don't" Annabeth giggled. "I said it plenty of times in high school and you listened to me then, and I was right, that boy is delicious. And if you don't go there, then you are crazy pants"
"You did say that in high school... alot" Zoe agreed
"Ahmm, she did, and I agree" Cricket added in. "If Wade and myself weren't both married then I would totally hit that"
"Wait what?" Zoe spluttered
"I would hit...that!" Cricket pointed to the bar "Wa-de!" she reiterated with a wink.
"I got that, I meant the married part?" Zoe asked looking back over at Wade.
"Oh now that's a story" Annabeth started before seeing the look on Zoe's face "Or not"
"Don't worry" Cricket tried to soothe her. "It's not like he married Joelle Sugarbaker. Well they did hook up there for awhile but everyone knew what that was even if Joelle, well she has always been capital K C-razy!"
"Joelle?" Zoe gulped
"Oh crap, I probably wasn't supposed to say that" Cricket cringed
"Probably not" Annabeth winced in agreement
"I need some air" Zoe stood up. "Yeah air" she stood up drained her wine glass in a gulp then walked away through the throngs of people ignoring those calling out for her to stop and talk. She made it to the side door and turned to look at Wade once more. He was talking intently to George as he leant down on the bar, Wade wearing what she recognised as his serious face. She took a deep breath, taking one last look at the blue eyed blonde before disappearing through the door.
Zoe walked outside and leant up against the back fence of the Rammer Jammer. Even here she had memories of Wade. They had snuck out here after football games, or whilst hanging out with their group of friends to make-out. Wade would press her against the fence, and Zoe would grip the steel mesh as Wade attacked her lips with his own. But that was just a memory. Everything she had been feeling for the past three days had been a lie. He was married. He had a wife. Did that make her an adulterer? Adulteress? Bigamist? She was so confused. Okay, so maybe they hadn't slept together, but they had kissed. And he had held her hand in front of everyone in town, but that could be a sign of friendship. And where was his wife? She hadn't been at his house last night and Zoe hadn't noticed anything that wouldn't belong to Wade in the gatehouse. Zoe leant back against the fence closing her eyes as her thoughts raced through her mind at lightning speed.
Wade was married. It explained his behaviour. Why he had slept on the couch, why he was so distant this morning. But he had kissed her. Okay maybe she had kissed him, but he had kissed her back. She was sure of it. And the flirting, and the way he looked at her. The way he touched her. It couldn't all be in her imagination. Could it? She could feel the way his rough hands had gripped her in the car yesterday, the way his lips had moved over hers, the way his tongue had danced, how his teeth had grazed her skin. Stop it Zoe! She chastised herself. Zoe could feel a major headache coming on. Stress headache in the front temporal lobe if she had to guess. She would normally prescribe a patient aspirin, bedrest and a reduction in stress. Yeah right. Like that was going to happen. Wade was married.
"Everything okay out here?" Zoe's thoughts were interrupted by the feminine drawl she had always likened to nails on a chalkboard.
"Everything's fine Lemon" she replied not looking up "Just needed a breather"
"Right" the blonde stopped a few feet away. "Annabeth told me what Cricket said" Zoe didn't respond. "What? You didn't think anything would change in twelve years?" Zoe's head snapped up at the bitter tone coming from the southern belle.
"No, I knew everything would change" Zoe replied turning away
"And that's why you're so upset about Tansy. That's her name by the way. Wade's wife I mean. Tansy Kinsella" The way Lemon pronounced Kinsella made Zoe wince at the pain that shot across her chest. Zoe was unable to form a response. She kept her back to the blonde who she could feel shooting daggers at her. "When are you leavin?"
"What?" Zoe spun around.
"I asked; when are you leavin?"
"I don't think that's any of your business"
"That's where you're wrong"
"How is what I do or where I go any of your damn business?"
"Since what you do and where you go impacts those that I care about"
"For the millionth time I have no romantic interest in George! God you've been married for like a zillion years anyway!" Zoe threw her hands up in frustration.
"This isn't about George and you know it." Lemon took a step forward as she narrowed her eyes hands on hips.
"Then what is this about?"
"George said you stayed at the gatehouse last night"
"So?"
"As if you don't know"
"I really don't" Zoe rubbed her temples.
"Wade" Lemon crossed her arms
"Wade? Zoe asked incredulously.
"Wade is a part of my family, my baby's god-daddy, and it will be a cold day in hell before I see you hurt him again"
"Lemon what are you warbling about?"
"Oh please. You don't fool me. When you came to Bluebell you ignited something in him. No matter what games you played or how coy you thought you were, or how macho he pretended to be, he gave you a piece of himself. And you didn't see him after you left. You took that piece with you. He kept up that front of his. And after he went to visit you, well the Wade that came back, he wasn't the Wade we all knew. I don't know what you did to him, or really care to know, but he has built a life now, he's happy, and he doesn't need you runnin into town turning his world upside down again just to walk back out again. He may seem strong, but he has a fragile heart. I will give you the respect of sayin goodbye to your father. Because Harley was a wonderful man. But you Zoe Hart are not him. If you had half of his grace and humility, well let's just say things would be very different. So why don't you do us all a favour, and don't hurt Wade anymore than you already have" Lemon gave her one last steely stare before turning on her heel and walking back inside the Rammer Jammer.
Zoe stared at the closed door for what felt like hours, but was mere minutes. Lemon's words tore through her. She had to get out of there. Zoe held her hand to her head willing the tears not to fall as she walked briskly down the sidewalk. She didn't take notice of where she was headed or the deserted town. Was it true? Had she destroyed Wade? Had she made him cold? She couldn't fathom that. After everything he was still her Wade. No correction he was Tansy's Wade. Tansy Kinsella even the name made bile rise in her throat. But Lemon was right. She had left him. What did she expect; that he wouldn't be with anyone else in twelve years? It's not like she had been single, she had dated. But it had never been serious. She had hoped Wade would be the same.
There had always been a part of her that wouldn't let herself get that far, to give herself to someone new. Because if she was honest with herself she had given her heart to someone a long time ago and had not gotten it back. She had just always believed deep down that Wade felt the same. But then again she had broken his heart. She was the one in the wrong even if she had broken her own heart in the process. Zoe looked up and realised she was standing in front of Harley's practice. It looked exactly the same. Without thinking, she found her feet climbing the steps to the front door. She leant down to the small bird statue by the door, touching the beak to reveal a secret compartment. Zoe picked up the silver key hidden inside and unlocked the front door entering the building and disabling the alarm, grateful that after all of these years Harley hadn't changed the code.
She walked up to the first heavy door and ran her fingers over the brass plate, Dr Harley Wilkes. She opened the door and entered his office. It was exactly the way she remembered it. Nothing had been changed. She ran her hands over the piles of patient files then the leather armchairs in front of his desk. She then took a seat in his chair leaning back inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne woven into the leather. She breathed deeply, before she picked up a framed photo. It was of her and Harley at her high school graduation. Both wore huge smiles, arms around one another. That had been the first day she had called him Dad. She remembered the picture being taken. Harley had been snapping photos of her and Wade before Wade had grabbed the camera and insisted on getting a father daughter snap. She had turned to Harley with a smile "How about it Dad?" He had grinned and the result was in her hands.
"What did I do? I don't know what I'm doing?" Zoe finally broke down. "I need you Dad" the tears were rolling down her cheeks in a steady stream. "Why did you bring me to Bluebell in the first place? Why didn't you tell me about Wade?" Why did you have to leave me? I can't be back here without you" she cried clutching the photo frame to her chest. She pulled the frame back to look at him once again, touching the glass with her fingertip. "I don't know how to be here without you" her tears were turning to sobs rapidly as her body completely broke down. "Why didn't you tell me you were sick? Why didn't you ask me to come back?"she tried to choke back her sobs as she looked at her father's smiling face before breaking down completely in a heap on his chair. "And after I begged you to, why didn't you make me stay?"
A/N: mini cliffhanger there at the end! There's some drama in Bluebell! I have the next chapter pretty much finished but my beta and I are in a bit of a disagreement to what we think Zoe's next move is. So your opinions on how you think she will react when she sees our man Wade would be greatly appreciated! I know how I see it playing out in my head, but she doesn't agree with me and doesn't think it makes sense. Don't want to give too much away but any input helps! I also apologise if i'm a bit off with the dialogue, i'm from Australia and have never been to Alabama so I don't know how close i've gotten, but i am trying. I edit whilst reading it aloud in my very bad version of their accents but still if i have taken them way out of character then please let me know so I can fix it in the next chapter! Thanks again so much for reading you guys have made me keep going. Love you all! Ooh before I forget, am I the only one who noticed Crazy Earl dancing in the flash mob? Cracked me up although I can't see Wade being too happy about that. Actually that could be an awesome little oneshot. Leave it with me. And I can't wait to see drunk santa! Thanks heaps guys, and please let me know what you think!