Author's Note: So, this is the last chapter. I cannot believe it. This is the first Hart Of Dixie story I started, so it is only right for it to be the first one I finish (not counting one-shots, as you finish them the second you start them.) The show has changed so much since I started this story. Obviously, they went in a different direction than I did, but that's the point of fanfiction, isn't it? I'm going to miss this story so much. I love writing it, and I loved my reviewers. You guys have been so great, so kind, and sweet, and encouraging, and surprisingly patient. I am so grateful to all of you for reading this story and giving me feedback. I am also grateful to those who followed and favorited, and even those who just read and didn't make themselves known at all. Reading is a great solace to me, and if I have been able to provide my readers with even a fraction of the feeling I get from reading, I consider this a job well done. Of course, I have other stories going, and some I have not even posted yet, but this one, as the first, will always have a special place in my heart. I always knew it would have to end, but I am sad to see it go. Thank you again, so much for your support and readership. It means the world to me.

This chapter should give an idea of what happens to everyone, but if you find anything to be unclear, the author's note at the end should clarify any confusion.

I hope you all enjoy this last chapter.

To Those Who Reviewed:

Guest from January 12th,

I'm glad you love it to bits. Here is the update. I hope you like it. Thank you for reviewing.

Caskettlover915,

Thank you for reviewing.

Internetkid17,

I am glad. Here is the last chapter. Thank you for reviewing.

Guest from December 18th,

Thank you for reviewing.

Other Guest from Dec 18th,

Thank you. I am glad you loved it. Yeah, I thought that fit. I'm glad you agree. I know what you mean. That is very sweet. Thank you for reviewing.

Epilogue

December 2016

"You know what I love about Alabama?" Zoe asked as she watched Wade flip burgers on the lawn.

"What's that?" He asked, not looking up.

"You can host a barbeque in the middle of December!"

Wade laughed, "Well, technically, I'm hostin' a barbeque. You're just sitting there lookin' pretty."

"But I'm good at it." Zoe said, mock-pouting. Wade laughed again, "And I picked up the burgers, and the beers. Did you want me near the grill?"

"Touché Doc."

Zoe smiled. It was fun watching Wade cook. It would be more fun if he did it shirtless, but that would be dangerous. It didn't matter though. This was still good. Zoe lay back in the patio chair, flipping through the mail as she enjoyed the view, "We got another postcard from George."

Wade nodded, "I saw that. Funny picture, but why is he takin' pictures with monkeys?"

Zoe rolled her eyes, "It's a gorilla."

"My mistake. Hand me the rub, will ya?"

"The what?"

He turned to her, pointing, "There's a bottle right there. God, you're dense."

Zoe sighed and stood up, "Well, it's not my fault you crapped-out on teaching me to cook. I was making real progress."

"Yeah, you just keep tellin' yourself that doc. Now, the rub?" She smiled, bringing it over to him, "Thank you."

"That's all I get? Just a thank you? I'll have you know I was sitting comfortably over there before you decided you needed that bottle." She was pouting, but her smile gave her away. All Wade could think was how she was beyond adorable, "I think I deserve some kind of compensation." She added suggestively.

Wade smiled. He put his spatula down carefully and led Zoe away from the grill so she didn't get burned. She gave him an impatient look causing him to smirk. He kissed her, pulling her close to him. No matter how long he lived, he would never get tired of this. Eventually, they both pulled away, smiling, "There. Happy now, crazy lady?"

"I may be crazy, but I'm your crazy." She said, pecking his lips, "Don't forget that."

"I wouldn't dare."

Rose knocked on the door, trying to calm her nerves. She hadn't been home in months. Okay, so Mobile wasn't technically home, but it was close enough. She hadn't seen Fredrick Dean since she left for New York. A couple times, she almost called or emailed him, but she always chickened out. What was left to say? Of course, he might not come to Zoe and Wade's barbeque. Zoe had warned her that he was invited, but he might not come. If he didn't come, it would probably because of her, which would hurt. She wasn't sure whether she wanted him to come or not, but, either way, she needed to prepare herself.

"Hey." Zoe said as she opened the door, "You're early."

"Sorry."

Zoe shook her head, "It's fine. It's great to see you." She grabbed Rose, enveloping her in a hug.

"You too."

Zoe stepped back, looking her up and down, "Well, New York seems to agree with you. Did you get taller?" Rose shook her head, smiling, "Well, Wade's out back. You can go give him a hand if you like; he won't let me near the grill … and then of course he whines like a baby that I'm not helping."

Rose laughed, "I'll go say hi to him. Oh, these are for you, by the way." She said, handing Zoe a bag of bagels.

"Thanks Rose. That's so sweet of you."

After Rose, people started to pile in. Lemon, Lavon and Lily showed up, and Brick followed soon after.

"I spoke to you're dad's doctor's the other day. They say they're impressed with his progress."

Wade nodded, "Yeah, I know. I went to visit him the other day. That rehab place has done wonders for him. Plus, between you an' me, I think he's got somethin' goin' on with one of the nurses."

Brick nodded, "Well, good for him." He lifted a beer, "To Earl."

"To Earl." Wade said, taking a sip of his own beverage before returning to the burgers.

"We miss you two back home." Lemon said as she helped Zoe with the drinks.

"We were just there for Planksgiving. And, we'll be there again for Christmas."

"I know. It's just not the same."

Zoe smiled, "I know, but we both needed this. As much as I loved The Practice, I could never be a surgeon there, and Wade, well … he needed to see what else was out there."

Lemon nodded, "I know. It's just lonely sometimes."

Zoe nodded, "Well, that's why we got those fancy machines out front that can take you from Mobile to Bluebell and back in a few short hours. You know, I think they'll catch on." Lemon chuckled, "So, you heard from Magnolia lately?"

Lemon nodded, "She keeps in touch. Though, honestly, I think she send more emails to Rose than daddy and I. Who saw that Friendship coming?"

Zoe smirked, "I know. I mean, a quirky, brainy, career-oriented brunette and a semi-controlling blonde from an extremely traditional family who used to make fun of her and enjoy making her life miserable. Becoming friends is unheard of."

Lemon smiled, "Fair enough. Well, she seems to be enjoyin' Paris well enough. And I make sure she knows I'm here if she needs to talk about anythin'. Honestly though, I think she'll be okay."

"Well, she learned that from you." Lemon smiled gratefully.

"Hi Rose." She had been talking with Lily, telling her all about New York, which Lily seemed to be eating up. It was fun, but she knew the easy conversation had to end at some point.

Nervously, she looked up. He looked the same for the most part. His hair was a little longer, but other than that, he was still Fredrick Dean. He looked great. Really great. Her heart lurched a little.

"Hi Fredrick Dean." She said, trying to sound friendly but not flirty.

"Hi." Lily said.

"Hey Lil." He said. Rose flinched a little. They seemed familiar with each other, but Lily lived in Bluebell now. Fredrick Dean was in his Twenties now, and Lily was still in high school. She had nothing to worry about. Still, it stung a little, knowing his life had kept going and she hadn't been a part of it. She knew she had no right to care, but she did.

"Um, can we talk?"

Rose nodded. She stood, and followed him off to the side, "So, how've you been?" He asked awkwardly.

"Good." She said, not sure what he wanted to hear. Did he want her to say she was miserable with out him, or gush on how great her life in New York was, and confirm that she had made the right decision? Both were kind of true. She missed him like crazy, but she was happy. She loved New York, and she was doing really well on her internship. She didn't regret going. Still, she didn't want to hurt him by telling him that.

"That's good. I, um, I wanted to apologize. For the way I reacted, when you left. I should have been happy for you. I know that. I just …" He trailed off.

"It's okay. Water under the bridge, ya know? We've moved on."

He looked up at her, "Moved on?"

She realized what that sounded like, "No, I just meant, from that fight. It was ages ago."

"So, you haven't moved on then?" He asked.

Rose shook her head, "Does it matter?" He looked down, "I guess I haven't. I mean, we were a long time comin', weren't we?" He chuckled, "But we'll figure it out. And someday, this won't be so awkward. We'll be able to be friends."

"I was kinda hopin' for a different outcome than friendship." He said.

"Me too." She admitted.

"I, uh, I got somethin' to show you."

Before she could say anything, he handed her a piece of paper. She read it. Then, she read it again, "This is an acceptance letter." He nodded, "You're transferring to a college in New York?" He nodded again. She looked at him, shocked, "But what about … I thought you never wanted to leave Bluebell. You always said-"

"I guess I just needed a good enough reason." Rose gaped at him, "Is it okay if I kiss you now?"

That snapped her out of it. She laughed and nodded, and then, she was flying.

"I'd like to make a toast." Lavon said, holding up his red plastic cup.

"Lavon, this is a barbeque, not some fancy sit-down dinner party your crazy wife threw."

Lemon chucked a napkin at Wade, and everyone laughed.

"I don't care. When Lavon Hayes decides he wants to make a toast, Lavon Hayes makes a toast. Ain't nobody that can stop him." Wade shook his head, smirking, but gestured for Lavon to proceed. "These past few years, we've all gone through our fair share of crazy. New friends, new relationships, losses, and gains. It's been a hell of a ride, and it ain't nearly over. That's just life, one crazy, crazy ride. But, if we have to go through it, I think we've found the right people to help us navigate all the crazy. To friends, whether they're in Mobile, or New York, or Paris, or Uganda, or wherever. Because we know that when we need them, they will drop everythin' to come and help us out."

"To friends." Everybody repeated, clinking their glasses.

"So, how was that toast police?"

Wade shrugged, "Was all right, I guess. I might've added how sex some of your friends are, but-" Zoe shoved Wade playfully.

Zoe and Wade waved goodbye to the Breeland-Hayeses as they pulled out the drive.

"That's the last of 'em."

"Yep, just us again." Wade said, wrapping his arm around Zoe.

Zoe smiled up at him, "So, what now?"

Wade grinned, "Well, I don't know about you, but, after all that food, I could us a work out. Race you to the bedroom?"

"Wade, come on, don't you have to open tomorrow?"

"I own the place. I can open a little late it I wanna."

"I'm so, so proud of you. You know that right?"

Wade nodded, "Couldn't've gotten here without you doc." He said, kissing her forehead.

"I don't believe that. You always had it in you."

"Maybe. Wouldn't've been as fun though."

Zoe nodded. She pulled him in for a long kiss, waiting for the moment when he got too lost in her to know where he was. Then, she pulled away, "Last one to the bedroom does the dishes for a week." She said, sprinting.

"Hey. No fair." Wade said, taking off after her. He smiled as he ran to catch up to the girl he loved more than life itself. As he tackled her on the bed, listening to her victorious giggles, he couldn't help but thank god for every step and misstep that led to this moment. He may have missed his shot the first time around, but the universe had given him a second chance, and he hadn't wasted it. And now, for the first time in two decades, he was finally home.

Author's Note: So what do we think? Good way to end the story. I hope you enjoyed it. I certainly enjoyed writing it, as bitter sweet as it was.

So, incase it was unclear, Zoe and Wade moved to Mobile. Zoe is working as a surgeon, and Wade opened his own restaurant/bar using Earl's money. They visit Bluebell often. She and Brick came to the arrangement about The Practice she discussed with George in an earlier chapter.

Earl, with the aid of Brick, checked himself into a rehab facility to get back on his feet. Wade visits him.

Magnolia is doing a semester abroad in Paris studying art and design. She and Rose keep in touch and have become friends.

George still lives in Bluebell, but he is doing some traveling, exploring the world and finding himself. He finally made it to Uganda so he could see the gorillas in the wild (1x19 Destiny and Denial). Part of my reasoning behind that was that Scott Porter always says in interviews how he wants George to just be single for once, no girl drama, and just figure out who he is. I thought that might be nice. Putting him with Tansy didn't seem to fit this story, and obviously Lemon and Zoe are off limits. I didn't want to make up someone new for him. I think him taking the time to discover who he is would be good for him. He's still the only lawyer in Bluebell, so he checks back in all the time. He comes back for holidays and such. Bluebell is a big part of who he is, as he said. He hasn't left. He's just traveling.

Lavon and Lemon officially adopted Lily. They still do not have any children of their own, but they are okay with that.

Rose is living in New York, interning for the New Yorker.

Fredrick Dean decided to transfer to a college in New York so he could be with Rose.

I think that's pretty much everybody. If I missed anyone, let me know, and I'll fill you in on what they are up to.

Thank you all so much for your support for this story. I will miss it.

I guess this is goodbye. Thank you Second Chances, you have served me well.