Hey guys!
Thank you so much for reading the last chapter.
Special thanks to cadenf, zade12, LoneStar50, Becca, Bisskit, Kiara, daisesndaffidols, sey77 and Ana for reviewing. You made me so happy!
And because we left on a sad note I did my best to update sooner.
As always, sorry for my English mistakes.
please review! it means a lot.
Enjoy!
She stayed in bed for almost a week. She told Brick she wasn't feeling well and didn't go to work. She didn't tell anyone what had happened with Wade, but all their close friends knew something was wrong but they chose initially not to intervene, they know them well, they gave them a chance to fix what happened by themselves. What they didn't know is that it was a little more than a silly quarrel.
Annabeth and Rose made sure to stay with Zoe during the week. They made sure that she eats and takes care of herself. They preferred not to ask questions so as not to pressure her, they knew that when she's ready, she would talk to them. Most of the time Zoe was lying in bed crying.
xxxxxx
This morning she decided it was time to do something. She knew she could not continue in this situation.
She wanted to fix it. Annabeth told her last week that Wade came for breakfast as usual, so she hoped to find him this morning in the kitchen and talk, but most importantly, to apologize.
When she walked into the kitchen, her eyes were searching him, but he wasn't there.
"I see that he has already left." Her voice was quiet and disappointed. Her eyes were tired.
Lavon and Annabeth were there, trying to erase the pitying looks from their faces, without success. Zoe didn't want to eat, she claimed she wasn't hungry, but Annabeth made her. "It's not just you anymore, Zoe. You have to take care of yourself." She ate a little primarily to please her friends; she didn't want to worry them.
"I'll see you later., I'm going home." She got up and left.
She came back to the carriage house, climbed onto the bed and curled up. She pressed a hand to her belly. A few minutes later Annabeth entered.
"Zoe, get out of bed. Today we're leaving the house. And you're going to talk to Wade, it can't go on like this." She told her firmly.
XXXXXX
They were on their way to the Rammer Jammer. Zoe did everything to avoid it. It wasn't that she didn't want to see him; on the contrary, she was waiting for it. But she wasn't sure that it was right to do it this way, to surprise him like that.
He saw her enter the bar. Not that anyone could miss it. It seems that the whole town knew something was going on between them, so once set foot there, everyone fell silent. He hadn't seen her for almost a week but made sure to be constantly updated through Lavon and Annabeth. Their eyes met for a few seconds but he was the first to shift his gaze.
Zoe and Annabeth went to sit at a table away from the bar. A few minutes later Wanda came to the table, but she didn't come to bring them a menu or take their order. She was already with trays full of food and drink. All the things that Zoe loves most. Wanda knew instantly what was going through her Zoe's mind; she put her hand on her shoulder and nodded with a smile. Zoe couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart. She knows that he cares about her. But she also knows that he is very angry. And rightly so.
The same thing happened the next day. And the day after. She would arrive at the usual time, sometimes alone and sometimes with someone, and he took care of the rest. This routine continued for a few more days. They did not talk yet. And it's not that she didn't try. But Lemon and George told her at the moment it is best to give him some time alone. He will come when he's ready to talk. It made her sad, but she didn't blame him. But she started to panic a little. Tomorrow she has an appointment for an ultrasound exam. Should she tell him to come or not? Does he even want to be there with her?
XXXXXXX
Zoe woke up early the next morning. Since the appointment was set for the afternoon, she didn't want to be left alone all day, she decided that going to work was the right solution to keep her busy.
Later that morning, Earl entered the practice. He came so Zoe could check the stitches she did two weeks ago. Earl knew that something had happened between her and Wade. He saw Wade during the week and his face said it all, but he chose not to intervene. Now that he also saw Zoe he knew that something definitely happened between them.
"So ..." She didn't know quite what to say while examining his hand.
"So ...how do you feel?" He didn't want to force her to talk about what happened. If she feels comfortable enough, she'll do it herself.
"Um, I'm fine." She stuttered. "Actually, I have an ultrasound today. I'm going to see the baby," she smiled slightly
"you are going to see the baby?" He looked at her softly
She sighed, "You know, right?"
"I don't know what I should know, I do know that something happened and you both look pretty awful"
She lowered her gaze down. Seconds later her eyes were full of tears.
"We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to" he hastened to reassure her
"No, that's not it. Everything's my fault. I'm really afraid that I had ruined it"
"I'm sure that no matter what happened, you'll fix it all"
She smiled at him, a genuine smile.
"Good to know that someone else believes in us," she thought to herself
"So the exam is today?" He asked
"Yes. Although I can't say I'm excited. I'm more nervous and stressed. Wade knows it's today, but he didn't say anything ..."
"I see ..." It was obvious that he was thinking about something.
"Well, Earl, your hand is fine, give it another week and then we will take off the stitches."
"Whatever you say, pretty doctor. And don't worry, everything will be fine," he smiled at her and left the practice.
She hoped that Wade will be there, but she tried not to get her hopes up. She reminded herself that they still don't talk, and perhaps it would be difficult for him.
XXXXX
The time has come to leave the practice and go to Mobile for the exam.
She said goodbye to Annabeth and Brick, took her purse and walked towards the exit. She opened the door and stopped there.
"What are you doing here ...?" He waited for her outside, leaning against the side of his car, sunglasses covering his eyes.
"What do you think I'm doing here ...?" He asked his voice neutral. She couldn't figure out what he was thinking
"Your dad talked to you," It wasn't a question. She knew exactly that this would happen, even though she would have preferred it didn't.
"He did. But I was coming anyway," he opened the car door and she entered. He moved to the driver's side and got on as well.
The trip went quietly, but it was obvious that both of them were stressed. She kept playing with the edges of her dress and he didn't stop tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.
When they arrived, he got out to open her door. He gave her his hand to help her out.
"Thank you." She said. He gave her a half smile.
They waited a few minutes until they called Zoe's name.
"Um ... you want to go inside?" her voice was trembling but hopeful
He frowned. "You don't want me to come in?"
"No, no, of course I want to."
"alright".
XXXXXX
Both entered the examination room. Zoe sat on the chair, and Wade was standing away, hands in the pockets. they didn't know what to say, if at all.
Dr. Taylor went after them with Zoe's medical records.
"So, you're pregnant," Dr. Taylor interrupted their thoughts.
"Yes." Zoe replied. Her gaze was directed to Wade and he looked at her back.
"great, you're 11 weeks pregnant according to what I see. Let's see the baby and then we'll talk, okay?" She smiled at them. Zoe's heart was about to explode. She went to change and then got on the bed.
Dr. Taylor sat between her legs.
"You can join us," she smiled at Wade. He looked at Zoe, as if he was looking for her approval. She just smiled and he came over and sat down on the chair that was next to her.
"Let's see ..." said Dr. Taylor.
Wade's eyes widened. Zoe turned her gaze to the screen. Both skipped a beat. They heard the baby's heartbeat. Suddenly they noticed that they are holding each other's hand. Then they held stronger.
"You see?" Dr. Taylor said.
Everything was so real. Not just something imagined.
Wade couldn't keep his eyes off the screen. Dr. Taylor smiled.
"Zoe ..." He smiled
"I know."
Their baby.
XXXXX
They left the clinic. They set up an appointment for another exam in three weeks. Dr. Taylor answered all their questions. On their way back to the car she felt he was distant again. They got into the car and sat down.
"Wade" She looked at him. He closed his eyes and sighed.
"You're still angry," It wasn't a question.
"I don't know what I am. Zoe, the things you said. It hurt me"
She tilted her head down. He put a finger to her chin and lifted it.
"I believe you didn't mean it. I do, really. But you have to be careful with what you say." Sadness filled his eyes, "I need a little more time alone."
She nodded.
"I'm sorry." It wasn't clear whether she was talking to him or herself. "I freaked out. I let the things my mother said get to me, I don't know why." Her thoughts wandered. He started the car and started driving.
"I have no idea what to do with a baby!" She declared. He couldn't help smiling.
"No, I'm serious! I don't know how to bathe a baby or what to feed babies. You expect they would explain something in medical school, but they don't," now he was laughing.
"You're a heart surgeon. I'm sure you'd figure it out."
She smiled.
"Um, we need to make time to go shopping; there are few things to buy for the baby"
"Well, we're already here in Mobile. we can go now if you want to," he suggested
Obviously shopping with Zoe Hart never end with "a few things". Packed with dozens of bags full of clothes (they have no idea what the sex of the baby is, so Zoe decided to buy clothes in neutral colors. And dresses. So many dresses. Who cares if there's a chance it's a boy. Who can resist those cute dresses?), they chose a stroller and some things Wade didn't understand why they needed but Zoe insisted. And he wasn't about to argue with her. Shopping is totally her thing.
When they arrived at the plantation he told her he would only help her put the bags in and then go. She nodded. She understood him. They walked together, she opened the door and for the second time today, she stopped. They both stopped.
"Mom" Zoe said surprisingly but coldly.
"I'll leave you both alone" Wade said, turning back, until he felt her pull his arm strongly. "Please stay," she almost pleaded. She knows they haven't really reconciled yet, but she needed him there with her.
And he wasn't going to leave her alone now, no matter how angry or hurt he was.
"Alright, I'll stay." He took her hand in his and held tight.
"What do you want, Mom?" Zoe asked and took Wade with her towards the couch. They sat down; Candice sat on the bed in front of them.
"I came to apologize. I didn't stop thinking about what I told you last week. I'm really sorry." She paused, trying to think how to phrase what she wanted to say
"Me and your father, Harley I mean, there was love between us, I have no doubt. But the life he wanted for himself didn't suit me. I could never live in a place like this, with all its magic, and Bluebell certainly has full of magic, it's just not me. I didn't agree to give up what is comfortable for me and what I'm used to. I was a coward. I'm still a coward, but I don't regret it, because that's what suited me, it's me.
But you, my daughter, you Zoe, you're not. You're brave. So brave. And this place ... this place is you. You belong here, there is no mistaking. No matter what I think or how much I want you in New York. And I really wanted you to stay in New York, but not for you, for me. Yes, it is selfish, but I wanted my daughter, my only daughter, to be closer. "
Zoe listened attentively with tears in her eyes. Wade didn't leave her hand.
"I think that even after three or so years I'm still not used to the fact that you're here forever." Candace continued.
"But I also understand why. I'm really sorry, I didn't mean what I said, I think, no, I know, that you, both of you, will raise your child the best here and he will get everything he needs here in Bluebell "
At this point, Zoe was weeping. She stood up and hugged her mother.
"Oh, but I hope you will bring your child sometimes to New York to visit his only grandmother, right?" She said, smiling and looking at Wade. Wade smiled back.
"And you Wade, I was not fair to you. I think you've paid enough for what happened between you and my daughter. Zoe has chosen you, and I trust her. I see how much she loves you. I know what you mean to her." Now Wade also had tears in his eyes, although he tried to hide it. "And I also know how much you love her. Take care of her. She's all I've got," she added.
Zoe and Candice wiped the tears (and Wade too, but secretly, without anyone seeing).
"Where are you staying?" Zoe asked her mother
"Oh, I'm not. I have a night flight back to New York, its fashion week and you know how much work there is on this week"
"Wait, you've come just to talk to me?" Zoe was surprised
"Obviously, I couldn't take it anymore."
Zoe hugged her again. Candice said goodbye to them both, her ride for the airport was already waiting for her outside.
XXXXXXX
"Look at all those bags!" Zoe exclaimed loudly
"Help me?" She asked hesitantly. He nodded.
For an hour they were busy organizing all the things they bought. There were still a number of clothes to fold;
"I don't know what to do, look at all those things! I have no room for all this!" She whined
"And we didn't buy much at all" he raised an eyebrow when she said the last part.
"Well, we'll have to find a bigger house. I didn't think anyway we would stay here at Lavon's." He said while he was holding one of the dresses Zoe chose, trying to figure out why a baby should wear something like this (and he was looking really cute while doing it)
Zoe froze. She was surprised and her look showed it.
"What?" He looked at her.
"No, I just ... I had no idea you were thinking about it"
"Of course I'm thinking about it. Every family should live on their own house"
"Family?" Her eyes sparkled
He pushed aside the rest of the remaining clothes to fold, took her hand and sat on the bed. He took a deep breath
"Yes, a family. We're going to be a family, right? Or maybe we already are" He pressed his hand to her belly and smiled. She put her hand on his, her head rested on his shoulder and they stayed like this. A few moments later he took her hand and they lay in bed. His arms surrounded her tightly. She felt safe.
And that was the only thing she wanted. To be in his arms. The rest can wait until tomorrow.