UnChained Hart: I'm Coming Home Completed

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This picks up right after Unchained Hart: A Long Lonely Time if you haven't read that you will be confused so I am adding the last paragraph from that story below. If you haven't read A Long Lonely Time or Wait For Me go read both of them before you read this or it will not make sense to you. This is the third story in the UnChained Hart Trilogy. The first is: A Long Lonely Time, Second is: Wait For Me, Third and final is: I'm Coming Home .

A Long Lonely Time

Not caring the letter was not her's Zoe tore the envelope opened and what was inside that letter it changed everything. She must have read it and reread it a dozen times not wanting one word to change. Tears where running down her face. This changed everything her life was never going to be the same again. And perhaps her loneliness was finally over.

Chapter One

At the bottom of the letter instead of signing his name Wade had ended with
We are patiently waiting for Zoe, Love Wade and Jack.

For not only did Wade's letter content paper but it always had a picture in it one Zoe never wanted to let out of her sight. The picture had a smiling face of a baby boy who looked to be over a year old. He looked just like Wade Kinsella only his eyes were the same shade as hers.

Zoe Hart guessed the baby's name had to be Jack, Wade's letter had been filled with pleads to her Mother asking about how Zoe was doing and if she had awaken yet. That Jack needed his Mother, that part had almost caused Zoe to have a heart attack. The longing she felt as she looked at the picture of who she now knew was her son caused a ache like no other.

How could Candice Hart the woman she had called Mother for all her 30 some years of life have kept this from her? How could her Mother see her crying because of her lost baby and, not tell her that he was alive and well living with his Father in BlueBell Alabama?

None of that matter though all that did was getting to Jack at all cost. Zoe would deal with her Mother later, she had to get to BlueBell and to her baby. Making sure to take the letter with her Zoe ran from her Mother's office to her bedroom. She found a suitcase in the bottom of her closet filling it up with the clothes that fit her best with her thinner frame. She was packed in under ten minutes. She needed to get to the airport on the first flight out going towards Mobile.

There was a knock on her door "Dr. Hart" the Maid said "your friend Jess has call my phone asking to talk to you"

Zoe opened the door said a fast "thank you" and took the phone. "Jess I need a favor can you book me a flight out of JFK to Mobile Alabama?"

"Why what's going on?" Jess asked worry in her voice.

"My Mom hid from me that Jack is alive" Zoe said not caring the Maid was standing there listening to her every word.

"Who's Jack?" Jess asked as she got into the elevator "I'm coming up to your floor now."

"Jack is my baby" Zoe answered leaving her room with her suitcase in one hand the cell phone in the other. She was headed for the elevator to meet Jess. She didn't know why Jess was here but right now she wasn't going to question it she needed the other woman's help too much.

"Baby?" Jess squeaked out not understanding, just as the elevator doors opened and there stood Zoe with the phone in hand and a suitcase by her feet.

Zoe pulled out a picture she had in her pants pocket letting it explain what she couldn't with words. What was just so unbelievable to her. That her Mother would hide this from her. Hide her son from Zoe she would never in a million years understand that. How she would have worked all the harder at physical therapy if she knew she had a son to come home to when it was over. But there laid the problem didn't it, Candice Hart had no intention of ever letting Zoe know of her son because she didn't want Zoe to ever go back to BlueBell Alabama, to go back to Wade Kinsella.

Jess mouth dropped open the picture was one of a baby with Zoe's eye color, and Zoe had said her baby was named Jack and he was alive. Baby Jack looked nothing like Zoe other then they eyes. "Are you sure he's yours he looks nothing like you?"

"Yes I'm sure he looks just like Wade, with my eyes" Zoe supplied as she pushed the down bottom for the elevator wanting to get out of her Mother's apartment as soon as possible.

The Maid had followed Zoe, seeing this Zoe returned her phone to her. "Tell my Mother I've gone out. Please don't tell her I found Wade's letter."

The Maid nodded her head she had seen in the past year many of those letters and now knew what was inside them she would keep Zoe's secret for her. Mrs. Hart should not have kept something so important from her daughter.

"Thank You" Zoe said as she and Jess entered the elevator as the doors closed Zoe let out a breathe. There was so much she had to get done so she could get to JFK and get a flight out. She was glad she had Jess with her so she didn't have to do everything alone.

"I was just coming to see if you wanted to go shopping with me" Jess said not knowing how to start the conversation about how Zoe's Mother had been lying to her for the past seven months. "But I see instead we need to get you to the airport"

Zoe smiled at her friend "Yes to the airport I got my handbag and driver's license, plus my Mom has kept my credit cards paid up so I can use them to get a plane ticket."

"You need to get a cell phone" Jess said as the pair exited the apartment building "in case you get lost and need to call for help"

"I don't have time to go to a cell phone store and get one setup" Zoe said knowing that Jess was right she did need a phone but she really did not have time right now to get one.

"Get a burner one then" Jess said at Zoe's puzzled look she laughed and said "I mean a prepaid one we can set it up on the taxi ride to the airport."

"Where can we get that at?" Zoe asked liking the idea of not having to wait at a cell store for one.

"I think there is a store that sells them on the corner up here, do you know which companies work in Alabama?" Jess asked knowing that having service in the City didn't mean it would work down south.

"Yes I remember what my old cell company was" Zoe said as they walked into the store and Jess took them to the counter asking the clerk where the prepaid phones where at. In under ten minutes they had a cheap smartphone brought along with a prepaid card for a month of service. Took another five minutes to hail a taxi and they where off to JFK.
Jess got to work getting the new phone out of the box and using her phone to get service connected for Zoe's. It took over twenty minutes but she finally got Zoe set up with a Alabama number and phone service making sure she had Zoe's new number.

Zoe just set back and let Jess handle the cell phone matter, her mind was elsewhere she was staring at the picture of her baby. He looked just like Wade, he even had the smirk down pat. He looked happy and healthy in the photo, Wade must be taking good care of him. Wade as a Father was something Zoe hadn't had a lot of time to think about. When they had been dating she hadn't really thought that far ahead. She had always thought one day she would be a mother but hadn't given it much thought of when it would happen.

Now that it had happened all Zoe wanted was to get to her little boy. They were waiting for her that's what Wade's letter said. She didn't have time right now to worry about just what Wade was waiting on her for. Because she had mourned the loss of a relationship with Wade the last few months, and she wasn't sure if she could just jump back into one now. Her feelings for Wade were gone now at least that's what she told herself. Right now all she could think about was Jack and getting to him, she knew what her feelings for him were.

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Jess was just now getting in a taxi headed home it had taking over a hour after getting to JFK for Zoe to get a ticket for a flight going to Chicago from there one that went to Atlanta then on to Mobile. She had a long layover in Atlanta of two hours and a short one of only thirty minutes in Chicago hopefully just enough time to get to her other flight.

Jess had walked as far as they would let her with Zoe at JFK with a promise at their parting that Zoe would text her each time she changed planes and landed in Mobile. That didn't make her feel better though because Jess knew Zoe really shouldn't be alone right now. If only Zoe had someone to pick her up at the airport in Mobile she would feel better.

But the only number Jess had for anyone in Alabama was Zoe's ex which she had saved after Zoe's break down. Jess didn't think calling Wade was a good idea. But didn't Zoe say one of her friends had been the Mayor but she didn't know the name of the town he was the mayor of so that was out. As much as Jess wanted to help Zoe she knew she could not call anyone to pick her up hopefully she would be okay getting herself there.

Jess's phone beeped letting her know she had a text message 'Boarding now, thanks for all your help' Zoe had texted her. Saying a silent prayer for her Jess sent a reply of 'Let me know when you get to Chicago'

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Zoe had barely made her connecting flight to Atlanta from Chicago she hoped her suitcase made the journey but didn't really care if it did or not. Just as long as she got to BlueBell herself by tonight. She had arrived in Atlanta and had two hours to kill before her connecting flight to Mobile so she decided to get something to eat she hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was almost five pm now. She had settle for a chef salad and a tea to drink she was to nervous to eat anything else until she had seen her baby. She dropped a text to Jess telling her she had gotten to Atlanta and was just waiting for her next flight. A few minutes after that she received one back from Jess asking her to text when she got in to Mobile. Zoe had responded she would and that had taken all of forty minutes.

Next Zoe found her gate for her next flight and set there waiting and thinking now we be a good time to try and book a rental car. So she took out her new phone and searched for rental car places in Mobile that would pick you up at the airport or were at the airport themselves. She was sure this would pass the time by quickly for her, but instead she just found herself in a nightmare all the places she called had no cars there was three different conventions going on in Mobile at the moment so all the cars had been rented.

Time had just started slipping away now she had less then twenty minutes until her flight left and no way to get to BlueBell she had checked for a Bus but they all had left already for the day on the route towards BlueBell. She had three choices she had to stay in Mobile a few days until there was a rental car available, or call the Mayor's office tomorrow and asks for Lavon seeing as she had forgotten his cell number. Her last choice was to call the only person in BlueBell who's number she had remembered that number was burned into her brain. It wasn't like she wouldn't have to see him anyway, as soon as she arrived in BlueBell she was going to be making a beeline for him.

Taking a deep breathe knowing this was crazy Zoe dialed Wade's number, on the fifth ring just as she was about to hang up he answered. "Who's this?"

She wanted to just hit end to the call so bad she was so afraid all of a sudden what if Wade wouldn't come get her? What if he didn't want her to see Jack? What if he had moved on even though he had stated in his letter he was waiting for her. But what if he was waiting for her? With that thought Zoe found the courage to answer "Wade it's me, Zoe.."

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Chapter Two


Wade Kinsella was tired he had gotten up at 5 am because of Jack's crying because a storm outside so the little guy had been taken out of his crib and put in bed with his Father. Wade had tried to brake Jack of sleeping with him because the bigger his boy got the harder he hit in his sleep. You did not get much sleep with Jack sleeping next to you. But Wade could not let his boy cry because of the storm he was still just his little baby.

He had put in a full day at the Rammer Jammer, Lemon had left her half of the business to him after buying Fancie's six months ago. So Wade found himself not just a single Father but now he had to run the Rammer Jammer fully on his own. He had made Wanda manger she was someone he knew he could trust. And everyone in BlueBell had it seemed at one time watched Jack Kinsella. Even Dash had a turn and wrote a whole article on his blog about babysitting the young Kinsella.

Most of the time though Wade had Jack setup in a pack n play in his office with Rose, Shula, Crickett, even Tansy a few times watching him in Wade's office they got paid in free food at the Rammer Jammer. His Father who now wanted to be known as Papa Earl also would watch Jack, the old man had stop drinking and had been sober for over eight months now. He like taking Jack to the park and pushing his grandson in the baby swing or taking him to his house where Earl had baby proofed the whole place.

Wade knew he was lucky to have so many good friends around that helped him out. George took every thursday as his Day for teaching Jack how to be a lawyer as he called it. He kept the little guy from 10 am to 3 pm letting Wade get the week's scheduling for the Rammer Jammer done without Jack screaming he wanted out of his pack n play. Lavon tried to take Jack every morning after they had breakfast and keep the little guy for a hour so Wade could get himself showered. Lavon also would babysit for Wade different nights when he had to close the Rammer Jammer. Jack would then spend the night at the room Lavon had set up for him at the plantation. Lavon had brought Jack so many toys Wade had lost count of them.

Lemon Breeland would babysit when she had free time she had gotten use to be around Jack when she still half owned the Rammer Jammer. She said how much she loved being around Jack and couldn't wait until she had a baby of her own. Still even with all Jack's female babysitters Wade knew he was missing out on not having Zoe around. Wade had pictures of Zoe all around the house wanting Jack to know what his Mother look like. He did not want Jack thinking his Mother was a dirty little secret something to be ashamed of.

Wade even taught Jack to say Mama to the pictures of Zoe, the little guy could only say a few words Dada, Von for Lavon, Ger for George, Papa for Earl, and Meme for all his other babysitters. He did say No a lot as well and just last week he learned to say Yes.
Brick had said that Jack was right on track for his age group and a very healthy and happy baby who was getting ready to go into toddler hood.

Earl couldn't wait until Jack got bigger he wanted to take the little guy camping, something Wade would not allow without coming too. He loved his Dad he always had even when he was drinking but Wade didn't really trust him out in the woods with his son, he didn't trust anyone at the moment to take his son camping.

Before Jack, Wade hadn't really thought of having kids much, sure he wanted them someday but it was always in the future. He had thought he would be the lay back cool dad. But since Jack entered his life he had been anything but the cool lay back dad, he worried about his son every minute he wasn't with him. He knew bad thing could happen look what happened to his Mother with her getting sick and dying when he was little, and then with Zoe's accident. He wanted to keep Jack as safe as possible. All of BlueBell called him a worry wort, but they all did it in good humor.

On the plus side no one had been teasing him about his non-dating life. They all knew he had enough on his plate with running the Rammer Jammer and being a single parent. They also had stopped asking for updates on Zoe, the whole town had learned about how hard heart Candice Hart was one night when George had, had one to many and let his feelings about the woman out. Mrs. Hart was the most hated woman in all of BlueBell, Shula Whitaker had said if she seen the woman she would be sure to dump a cold glass of water on top of her head.


Wade wondered if Mrs. Hart had gotten his latest letter and picture of Jack yet? But just like all the others he was sure he would never find out he hadn't heard one word from the woman since he left New York over a year ago. Ethan Hart had informed him that a little over six months ago Candice had stopped accepting his calls. She would text him once and awhile that Zoe was fine.
Ethan had been down last month to see his grandson, he had stayed for the weekend he really had been a hands on grandfather Jack really enjoyed his time with him.

Wade just pulled into his parking spot in front of his house Jack was inside being watched by Rose she had picked him up at the Rammer Jammer earlier and walked him home in his stroller. She hadn't been able to spend anytime with him in a week and she was missing her baby as she call Jack. That had been this afternoon it was getting to be around 7 now, Wade couldn't wait to see his boy. He had called more then once since then to check up on Jack, Rose knew though not to take it personal Wade always called anyone who had Jack a million times when they were watching him.

"Rose I'm home" Wade called as he entered his house with a bag of takeout in his hand.

Rose came walking in the living area with Jack in her arms he was wide awake in his pj's. The little guy wouldn't go down she had tried everything she knew he liked rocking him, singing to him, giving him warm milk in a sippy cup nothing worked. Rose just decided he wanted his Father and wouldn't go down for the night until he seen him.

"Dada" Jack cried out putting his arms out to his Father. Wade took his son and carefully handed Rose her bag of takeout.
"What are you doing still up?" Wade asked his son who was smiling at his Father.
"Dada" was the replied Jack said as if that explained it all.

"Do you need a ride home?" Wade asked Rose turning to see she had her phone out and was texting someone. Usually when Rose did babysitting at this time of the day her Mother would come pick her up.

"No I got a ride they should be here any minute" Rose answered "Bye Jack I will see you soon" with that said she took her bag of food and left. A few minutes later Wade heard a car pull up outside, he looked out the window and saw Rose get into the car which was not her Mother's. Wade wasn't sure if he should be worried about that or not. Before Jack he would have just laughed if off as young girl wanting to have some fun, but know as a parent it worried Wade for Rose to be getting into a car with a boy. How the mighty had fallen.

Wade was just getting ready to go upstairs and put Jack to bed when his cell phone started to ring, his first responds was to just let it ring he didn't feel like talking to anyone tonight he just wanted to go to bed. He was sure it was Wanda and he just didn't feel like hearing about a problem the Rammer Jammer was having, she was the manger she could handle it. But it didn't stop ringing so Wade looked at the number and was surprised because it was a number he didn't know. Hoping it wasn't a spam call he answered with "Who's this?"

"Wade it's me, Zoe.." hearing this Wade dropped the phone had he somehow hit his saved voicemail messages? "Hello?" he heard from the phone which was on the floor. He quickly picked it up and heard "Is anyone there?"

"Yes I'm here" Wade answered still not believing what he was hearing "Is this really you Zoe?"

"Yes it's me" Wade could hear the emotion in her voice "can you come pick me up at the Mobile airport in a hour?"

Wade was stunned his mouth dropped open he was sure he was sleeping. Zoe was in a coma somewhere in New York City last he had heard this had to be a dream. It wasn't like he had never dreamed of Zoe waking up from her coma. But never in his dreams did she call him asking to be picked up from the airport. Jack decided at that second to pull Wade's hair helping his Father figured out this wasn't a dream.

"Of course I can" Wade answered "what flight are you on?"

"I'll text you all the information on my flight" Zoe said then she asked the one question she wanted to know the most "Is Jack going to be with you?"

Wade looked at his son who was still wide awake but in a pair of pj's not what one should wear to meeting his Mother for the first time. Did Zoe want the baby there? Was she asking for Jack not to be there?

"Do you want Jack to be there?" Wade asked not wanting his son to get hurt if Zoe didn't want to see him right now. The little guy was sure to recognize her from all the pictures around the house.

"Yes" Zoe rapidly replied "He's all I can think about, getting to my baby"

"I'll bring him then" Wade said then asked "Is your Mother with you?"

"No" Zoe said in a stern voice "she's not, and I don't care where she is"

Wade took that to mean to drop that subject for the moment. He was full of questions on how Zoe was alone coming in to Mobile by airplane. When last he knew Mrs. Hart had Zoe under lock and key at some private nursing home. Just how long had Zoe been awake and why hadn't she got in contact with him before now? It didn't make much since but Wade would not kick a gift horse in the mouth. He could question Zoe about all of those things in person once he picked her up.

"I've got to go their boarding now" Zoe said as she stood up getting ready to get on the plane "I'll see Jack and you in a hour"

As soon as they got off Zoe texted the flight information to Wade's phone and then got on the plane.


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Wade looked in his review mirror and saw Jack who was sleeping in his carseat, he had changed the small boy's outfit three times before he decided on just putting him in a plaid shirt that matched the one Wade himself was wearing and some tiny jeans. It made Jack look all the more like him. He also made sure the diaper bag was fully stocked with everything Jack could need. Long drives always put the baby to sleep but as soon as he got taken out of his carseat he usually woke right up.

Wade was happy he remembered to grab the umbrella stroller that Rose had been using earlier so he didn't have to carry Jack all around the airport when he was picking Zoe up. He also didn't want to have to run after Jack all over the airport. Wade was hoping Jack would be on best behavior when he got to meet his Mother for the first time.

Zoe had said she couldn't wait to meet him so Wade was sure she wouldn't care if Jack was a little crabby. But Wade didn't want Jack to be, he wanted this meeting to be perfect for the two of them, they had missed so much time together it was time they started making up for that.

Also Wade wasn't sure what state Zoe would be in, she had been in a coma for over two years would she be weak or even able to walk? Was she in a wheelchair and if so how could Mrs. Hart not be with her? When had she woken from her coma? How long had Zoe been awake and had not called him?

Wade knew he would find out soon enough as he pull into the Airport parking lot, he still had a good twenty minutes before Zoe's flight was going to be in. Wade had called and check with the airline when the flight would land. So he found a spot to park then got the stroller out before getting Jack out of his carseat. The little guy cried out when he lift him up but quieted down when he put Jack into his stroller, he closed his little eyes and was soon back to sleep.

Wade made sure to grab the diaper bag and hang it across the handles of the stroller as he locked the doors he wanted to make sure he had a vehicle to come back too. He pushed the stroller to the entrance of the airport taking his time he was full of anxiety over seeing Zoe again last time he had seen her she had be unconscious laying in a hospital bed.

A security guard let Wade know where he could wait for passengers that were leaving the gate Zoe was coming in on. Jack's eyes had opened up when he heard all the noises of the airport around him. He had never been to one before so it was all new to him.

The security guard also told Wade where the baggage claim area was. The man had been nice not wanting Wade and Jack to get lost and miss whomever they were picking up. When Wade had told the man they were picking up Jack's Mom the man had said then it was double important they didn't get there late Momma's didn't like being away from their babies too long.


That guard didn't know just how true that was, Zoe had been away from Jack way too long. Finding a seat that had room for Jack's stroller next to it took a few minutes to find. Then after a few more minutes Jack started crying "DaDa" and putting his arms up wanting out of the stroller.

"Jack you need to say in there" Wade told him but that didn't work Jack just kept crying and Wade didn't want him all red faced when he seen Zoe for the first time. So he reluctantly released Jack from the stroller instead holding his son in his arms. Which didn't last long either as the baby wanted put down so he could explore the new area around him. Jack was trying to ran one place to the next, being that he wasn't that great with running yet it was more like a fast walk. He was still wearing his Father out though as he kept running.

This was the scene Zoe walked in on Jack walking fast and Wade chasing after him as the baby laughed with Wade telling him to stop and come back to Dad. They were both dressed in plaid shirts that where the same color and had blue jeans on. They looked so cute together. Zoe just couldn't take her eyes off of the two of them, her heart grew larger every second she seen her baby. Her arms ached to hold him, but Jack didn't look like he wanted to he held at the moment.

"Jack buddy stop we have to wait for Mama's flight to get in" Wade said as he finally caught the little guy and held him in his arms walking back towards where Zoe was standing. "Mama" Jack said his little eyes looking ahead to where his Mama was standing.

"Yes we're here to pick up Mama" Wade said laughing at his son then gave him a quick kiss on the forehead.

"Mama" Jack said again this time pointing with his little finger to Zoe who was standing ten feet before them. Wade looked up and locked eyes with Zoe's they just stood there looking at each other.

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Chapter Three

"Mama" Jack Kinsella said again still pointing at his Mother and trying to get down from his Father's arms. He had never gotten to see her in person before only in pictures so he couldn't wait to get into her arms. His parents were in a stare down with each other.

Zoe thought Wade had never looked better being a Father agree with him, he had it all down pat it looked like as he held the baby closer to him as Jack tried to slip from his arms. Jack's little legs were kicking and he kept pointing his little finger at her and saying "Mama" which had Zoe smiling her little boy knew who she was and he wanted her.

Wade barely was able to hold Jack in his arms as his eyes were glued to Zoe's figure, she looked good but she was just so thin. She had on a pair of black pants and a cute cream colored sleeveless shirt on. Her arms were just so thin that it worried Wade. The smile on her face though was so big he couldn't remember ever seeing one that big on her face before. Wade would like to think it was because of him, but he knew it was caused by the baby who now was crying in his arms wanting Zoe.

Wade walked the few steps it took to get to Zoe so Jack wouldn't fall out of his arms. All the while Jack kept saying "Mama"

"Hi" Wade said as he stood right in front of the love of his life "Jack here wants ya"

"Hi baby" Zoe said towards Jack ignoring Wade's greeting as she ran a hand along Jack's arm closest to her. "You want Mama, I'm so happy to see you baby"

"Mama" Jack answered almost jumping out of Wade's arms and onto Zoe. She just smiled even wider and held her arms out ready to hug him to herself and never let him go.

"You want to hold him Doc?" Wade asked feeling left out of this little family reunion.

"Yes please" Zoe replied as she pulled Jack from Wade's arms then hugged her baby, Jack was hugging her back. Mother and Son were wrapped around each other. "I love you" Zoe told her son then she kissed him for the very first time. He then surprised her with a kiss on her cheek.

Wade couldn't help but find the picture Mother and Son made endearing, he had dreamed about this many times he was glad Jack seemed to be taken with Zoe right away. He was always a friendly baby mainly because he had so many different babysitters. So Jack rarely met a stranger. Wade just stood back and let Zoe have her moment with their son. After a few minutes past by he walked back to where Jack's stroller was and grabbed it pushing it back to the pair.

Zoe was bouncing Jack up and down as the little guy laughed. He then wrapped his hand around her hair and started to pull. Seeing this Wade let go of the stroller and grabbed Jack's hand "No pulling hair"

"Yes" Jack said then tried to pull Zoe's hair again. Wade once again took hold of his little hand. "No Jack, we don't pull hair" Wade stated. Father and Son where glaring at each other with identical looks on their faces. Zoe couldn't help but laugh at the pair who were dressed identical as well. They both turned looking at her Jack smiled at her and tried to grab her hair again.

"Let me take him" Wade said as he took their son in his arms "he won't stop pulling your hair until a new idea pops into his little head"

"Does he do that a lot pull hair?" Zoe asked trying to picture him pulling Wade's short hair, that didn't seem likely.

Wade didn't show his surprise that Zoe seemed to now what to have a conversation with him. Instead he answered her question.
"He pulls mine once in awhile, he really likes to pull women's hair, he has pulled Rose's a lot, and Lemon's a few times. I think he even got Shula's once"

"Shula Whitaker's hair?" Zoe asked not being able to picture the older woman with the baby's hands in her hair.

"Yeah the whole town of BlueBell has adopted Jack as their baby, they have helped me out a lot with babysitting" Wade said then explained "Not that I push him off on them all the time it's only when I'm working. Every free moment I have I spend with my boy"

Zoe nodded not wanting Wade to think she thought he was a bad Father he seemed to have this whole parenting thing down pat. Jack was now rubbing his eyes and looked to be fighting sleep "Dada" Jack whispered then closed his eyes. After a few minutes and his eyes did not reopen Wade laid the baby into his stroller and buckled him in.

"So are you ready to get your luggage then head to BlueBell?" Wade asks as he started to push the stroller towards where the guard told him earlier the luggage was released from each flight. "How many suitcases did you bring?"

"I just have one it's black" Zoe said as she followed after Wade he seemed to know where he was going.

"Only one?" Wade asked that did not sound like the Zoe he knew, she loved shopping.

"Yeah I didn't really care about what I packed I just wanted to get to Jack" Zoe shared as they found the luggage carousel. She walked up to it and looked until she found her black suitcase got it and walked back to Wade. Who then took the suitcase from her and nodded his head towards the stroller with a sleeping Jack in it.

So that's how they exited the Mobile airport with Wade carrying her suitcase and Zoe pushing the stroller. He lead them to a few years old model of a SUV and not the car Zoe remember him having that she played dixie on her butt with. What had happened to Wade's car?

Wade noticed Zoe staring at his SUV as he opened the back and put her suitcase in it. He had, had the suv since coming home from New York with Jack his old car wasn't good for getting the baby in and out of a carseat. So while he had loved that car and all the good memories he had made in it. His son's safety was more important to him.

"I got this after I brought Jack home, easier to carry him and all his things in"

Zoe just watched as Wade walked to the back passenger side door opening it then turning around and getting Jack out of the stroller, he was a pro at getting him out while he slept not waking him. Closing the door as quietly as possible he turned to look at Zoe.

"Doc you want to set up front with me, or in the back with Jack?"

Zoe didn't answer his question with her voice instead she walked to the driver's side back passenger door getting in so she could be setting next to her baby. Getting her seatbelt on she kept her eyes on the sleeping baby. He looked even more like Wade as he slept. He was just so perfect that Zoe couldn't help but cry in happiness at being able to see Jack. He was alive, her baby was alive.

Wade replaced the stroller back in it's spot next to Zoe's suitcase then closed the door made his way to the driver's door. Getting in he heard Zoe crying. Not being able to see her because she was setting right behind his seat he asked instead "You okay Doc, is something wrong?"

"No everything is right" Zoe got out between sobs "It's just my baby is alive"

Wade had turned the engine on when he heard what she said he was stunned Zoe hadn't known Jack was alive? Just what had Candice Hart told her daughter about Jack? He knew the woman was cruel but he never imagine she would be so heartless to her own daughter as to tell her Jack was dead.

"You thought Jack was dead?" Wade asked as he pulled out of the parking spot wanting to get Zoe back to BlueBell where he could see her face to face as they talked. "Did your Mom tell ya that?"

Zoe took a breathe and tried to remember the day she had gotten back to her Mom's apartment, Candice Hart had never said the baby wad dead just that there was no baby here. But she had let Zoe believe she had miscarried in the accident, let her for a week stayed locked in her room not talking to anyone. Let her mourn for a live baby as if he wasn't.

"No she didn't tell me that, she just let me mourn for having a miscarriage" Zoe said stopping to look at Jack making sure he was truly real "I didn't remember I had been pregnant when I woke up from the coma. When I did remember having been pregnant she let me think I lost the baby"

Wade wanted to pull over and hold Zoe in his arms how could her Mother be so cruel to Zoe not letting her know Jack was alive.
"When did you learn about Jack?"

"Your letter arrived late this morning, I was in my Mother's office trying to type up a resume. When I seen your handwriting I had to open it. I read it, seen the picture of Jack and then got here as fast as I could" Zoe informed Wade as she ran her hand through Jack's blonde locks.

"Your Mother is one messed up lady Doc" Wade blurted out not being able to stop himself. It made sense now Zoe's attitude about all her attention being on Jack. She had thought she lost her baby all she wanted was to be with him right now.

"Yeah she is" Zoe replied as more tears fell for her eyes "I don't ever want to see her again"

Wade just nodded his head not knowing how to respond to that bit of information. After all the things Candice Hart had done having her daughter disown her would be the woman's just desserts. Because as much as she had hurt him with keeping Zoe away from Jack and him it sounded like she had hurt Zoe worst of all.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that Zoe" Wade said "She shouldn't have kept Jack from ya"

They didn't talk after that Wade just drove, Zoe kept looking at a sleeping Jack finding she loved him more with every breathe the baby took, he was just so handsome. Nothing else matter now just being with Jack, and maybe a little with Wade too.

[Sw]

Chapter Four

Wade was pretty sure that Zoe had fallen asleep right along with Jack, there was no more crying noises and he could see her head resting again Jack's carseat in the rearview mirror. Wade also got thinking about where Zoe was going to be spending the night, he knew from Dash's blog that the B & B was fully booked for the next few days because of the overflow from Mobile. He was sure Lavon would let Zoe stay at the plantation with him but Wade didn't think Zoe would want to be away from Jack tonight.

So he would let her take his bed tonight, tomorrow they could talk about where Zoe could stay if she didn't feel comfortable staying with him for more then one night. The couch wasn't that comfortable to sleep on but if it meant being around Zoe, Wade would sleep on it a hundred nights in a roll.

Wade hadn't called anyone to tell them about Zoe being awake or coming to BlueBell, he decide first to talk about that with Zoe see how she wanted to handle her return. Being a Father had matured Wade he now thought things through more not all the time after all he was Wade Kinsella he wouldn't be himself if he didn't do stupid things once and a while.

Pulling into his spot in front of his house Wade cut the engine off he turned around in his seat so he could look at the two loves of his life. Both fast asleep looking so cute, but Zoe was so thin it worried Wade. He hadn't asked yet just how long she had been awake from her coma but if she was this thin it couldn't have been that long right?

He got out of the suv and closed the door then walked to the back getting Zoe suitcase out making his way up the few steps on his porch entering his house walking into his bedroom he left her suitcase there. Then made his way out to wake Zoe and get Jack out of his carseat.

"Time to wake up beautiful" Wade said softly talking to Zoe as he unbuckled Jack. Getting the little boy out and still Zoe wasn't awake. "Zoe time to get up" since that didn't work so Wade went inside the house and laid Jack down on the bed. Putting a pillow on each side of Jack to make sure he didn't roll off the bed.

Wade then went back out to his Suv Zoe was still sleeping soundly so he unbuckled her seatbelt then lift her into his arms carrying her inside the house and onto the bed next to Jack. Wade decided to lay down next to Jack staring at his son and love he soon had falling asleep as well.

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The first thing Zoe seen when her eyes opened was the face of Wade Kinsella which shocked her, it took a few seconds for the memories of the events of the day to return it was still dark inside the bedroom so Zoe wasn't sure what time it was. She felt a kick in her left side and looked down to see Jack had hit her in his sleep. He was still wearing his little plaid shirt and jeans on, in fact as Zoe looked at herself and Wade they both were still dressed as well.

Needing to use the bathroom Zoe got up making sure a pillow was next to Jack. It was then she noticed she wasn't in the Gate house but instead was at the Carriage house Wade lived in her old house now? It did make sense the Carriage house was bigger then the Gate house and with Jack around Wade would need more room. Zoe got into the bathroom used it then made her way back to the bed. She crawled back in next to Jack hugging him close to her. She looked up into Wade's face and seen his eyes were opened.

"You live in the Carriage house now?" Zoe whispered looking down making sure she hadn't woke up Jack with her question.

"Yeah for about a year now, after I got Jack I was staying with Lavon up at the Plantation house. Once the Carriage house became available and Lavon had added a small kitchen and a bedroom upstairs for Jack nothing was too good for his godson, we moved in here"

"Is this my bed?" Zoe asked taking in everything Wade had just told her. The Carriage house now had another bedroom upstairs and a kitchen and Lavon was Jack's godfather.

"Yes it is" Wade said looking into Zoe's eyes "after you left for New York all your furniture was here. And your Mother pretending to be you in a email gave all of it to Lavon."

Another thing her Mother had lied to her about, when she had asked about her things she had left in BlueBell her Mother had said she paid someone to pack up all her things in put them in storage. But clearly she hadn't done that. Zoe just nodded her head their was nothing she could do about it now.

"But Lavon returned it all to Jack when were learned the truth about you being in a coma?" Wade said as he looked down at his son who Zoe was still hugging to herself. "Also he has all your clothes in storage up in the attic at the Plantation house."

"Lavon saved my clothes all this time?" Zoe asked feeling tears coming to her eyes thinking of her best friend having saved her things even after thinking she didn't want anything to do with him.

"Yeah Doc he did" Wade answered as he watch Jack hit Zoe with his arm. "You want me to put Jack to bed in his room, I'll go sleep on the couch after?"

"No I want my baby with me" Zoe replied not caring about the hit Jack just gave her. "You can stay too, I think we need to talk about what's happened in the last two years"

"You want to have that talk now in the middle of the night, shouldn't we get a good night sleep and have it in the morning?" Wade asked thinking Zoe looked really tired she needed to get some sleep.

"I don't think I can go back to sleep right now, but if your tired we can talk in the morning" Zoe utter looking around the dark room trying to see if any of her others things where still occupying it.

"No we can talk now if you want" Wade said laying on his side facing Zoe and the sleeping Jack. "How long have you been awake?"

"Almost seven months" Zoe recited holding Jack closer to her chest "At first no one noticed I was coming out of the coma I would only open my eyes for a few minutes a couple of times a day."

"And only this morning you found out about Jack?" Wade asked understanding a whole new level of betrayal that Zoe must have felt discovery his letter this morning. Her Mother had kept Jack a secret for seven months. Zoe just nodded yes to Wade's question.

"How did you get Jack?" Zoe asked not really sure how the baby ended up with his Father and not her Mother.

"That's kind of a long story mostly with your Mother being the bad guy" Wade pronounced wanting to hear more about Zoe's recovery then tell the nightmare tale of Mrs. Hart cruel treatment of Jack and him. "How long were you in the hospital after your coma?"

"I woke in a nursing facility then was taking to the hospital I stayed there for a month, after the swelling went down in my brain I was released back to the nursing facility it had a great physical therapy department." Zoe recalled out loud her journey to being able to get back to her normal self.

"How long were you in the nursing facility for?" Wade asked it sounded to him a non-doctor Zoe did not have a walk in the park after getting out of her coma. Zoe mumbled something into Jack's hair as she leaned down to kiss his head.


"Sorry I didn't catch that" Wade said looking Zoe in the eyes.

"Five months" Zoe finally answered him.

Wade's eyes went wide five months Zoe needed physical therapy for five months. How bad of a shape had she been in to need five months of physical therapy. Being in a coma for eighteen month wouldn't be easy on the human body.

"Tell me everything" Wade said as he stretched his arm so he could hug both Jack and Zoe together. "I want to know everything you've been through"

Zoe melted into Wade's one armed hug this was what she had been missing since their breakup this caring side of Wade he acted like he didn't have. But it was the side she liked the best of him or it had been before she seen him as a Dad. What she had seen of Wade so far as a Father he was awesome at it, and clearly loved Jack. He had changed his whole life around to take care of their son. Got rid of his much loved car, moved from the Gate house, and Zoe was sure many more things she didn't know about yet.

So for the next hour Zoe told Wade how she had to learn to talk again or more like the brain swelling going down so she could talk again. Then how she had to get muscle mass back so she could move her arms and legs. Then came walking again which was slow but she did get there. She even told him how she had gained back some weight she knew she needed to gain more but that would come with time. She whispered about having been on a feeding tube and the scar her stomach had from it.

Wade let Zoe tell him, her whole ordeal he had moved closer to her so that Jack was laying against Wade's stomach and he could hold her in his arms mostly. He wanted Zoe to be able to tell him without having to hold back anything. She had been through so much, his little Doc had to be the patient.

After Zoe told him about all things medical she told Wade about Jess and their friendship, how on the day of her discharge she had remember about having been pregnant after she had used Jess phone to try and call Wade. It was hearing his voice that had jogged her memory. She had wrongfully assumed she had miscarried from the accident. How her Mother had let her believe that lie. How she had locked herself in her room for a week mourning her baby. Zoe even shared with Wade how she had regretted living through the accident because she had thought her baby hadn't.

Hearing that Wade realized just how much Zoe loved Jack since finding out he was alive she had done everything in her power to get to him. She was going to be a great Mother, Wade just knew it.

"Zoe you have been through a lot" Wade said trying to hold her as close as possible with a sleeping Jack in the middle of the hug.
"Jack and Me were not going anywhere Doc, just know we love you"

Hearing that gave Zoe a small smile it was nice to know what Wade's feeling for her were, even if she didn't know what her own feelings for him were. She knew the thought of him with someone else made her heart ache, but Zoe wasn't sure if she was ready for a romantic relationship with Wade. In fact a romantic relationship with anyone right now did not sound like something she was up for. All Zoe wanted right now was her son, getting to know him. Of course Wade was going to be involved with that being it was his son too.

Seeing Wade smirking at her Zoe felt her heart beat faster perhaps she just needed a little time to get to know Jack then from there maybe her and Wade could talk about a romantic relationship.

[Sw]

Chapter Five


Jack Kinsella was patting her face saying "Mama" over and over, it was a great way to be woken up Zoe Hart thought. She looked past Jack and seen that Wade wasn't in bed next to him. She heard water running in the bathroom that had to be Wade. "Mama" Jack said again with a pat to her face.

"Jack good morning" Zoe said kissing her little boy as she held his hands so he couldn't pat her face again. "Are you happy this morning?"

"Yes" Jack said as he freed his hands and held his Mother's face in his little hands and kissed her check.

"I see you're both up now" Wade said having just left the bathroom. "Come here little man time for a diaper change"

"No" Jack said laying his head on Zoe's chest "Mama"

"I'll change him" Zoe said jumping up out of bed then helping Jack down from the bed "Are the diapers up in his room?"

"I have some down here too, but if you want you can change him in his room" Wade said. Then showed Zoe up to Jack's room. His nursery had a crib a changing table a chest of drawers, a rocking chair and lots and lots of toys. The little boy was trying to show his Mama all his toys at once. Zoe could see a lot of love went into setting up Jack's room.

After his diaper change Zoe had set on the floor and let Jack bring over a few different toys they played together with them. She truly felt like things were finally making since again in life. Ever since Zoe had woke up from her coma, and finding out she had been in it for two years her whole world was spinning out of control. But being here with Jack and Wade who was just standing against the door frame watching them, the world was spinning normally again. This is what she had needed the Kinsella boys made everything feel normal and wonderful all at the same time.

Wade believed his smile was frozen in place on his face just being able to see Mother and Son play together like this was a dream come true. They truly fit together you would never know by looking at them that they just met last night. He hated breaking this little playtime up but it was getting time for breakfast at Lavon's. If he didn't show up at the plantation house Lavon would be banging at his door. That man loved his early morning playtime with Jack. Once Jack and him had slept in and Lavon had woke them up with his banging on the door wondering where they were.

"We haven't had time to talk this morning, but Lavon is waiting for us to have breakfast with him like Jack and me do everyday. Then he watchs Jack for me so I can shower. Do you want to come with us?" Wade ask not knowing if Zoe wanted to meet with Lavon yet. "His fiancee might be there too, I'm not sure if she stayed over last night are not"

"Lavon's engaged?" Zoe voiced her shock in the pitch of her tone. It had been over two years since she had seen Lavon, last she knew he was dating Annabeth but that didn't mean she was his fiancee a lot can and does happen in two years time.

"Yes he just proposed a few weeks ago" Wade said as he walked into Jack's room and bend down to pick up the baby.

"To whom?" Zoe asked not wanting to assume it was Annabeth, because if it was her she would go to breakfast they got along so well. But what if it was someone she didn't even know that would be awkward.

Wade smirked at her as he held their baby boy in his arms, "You may not believe this Doc, but Lemon Breeland"

"No way" Zoe shout out not believing what Wade just said. Jack hearing his Mother's shout of no joined in with his own "No"

"Yes little man and you know it" Wade answered his son as he tickled his stomach while holding him. "You helped Uncle Lavon with asking Auntie Lemon"

Zoe knew there was a story behind that statement she didn't even have to asks she just gave Wade a look with her arms crossed. Wade who had stopped tickling Jack raised a eyebrow at Zoe's pose.

"Lavon and Lemon were watching Jack for me, I had to close the Rammer Jammer that night. On those nights which I try to only schedule twice a week, Jack stays up at the plantation house in his room there." Wade started with as he tickled Jack some more.

"Lavon had been trying to think of ways for weeks on how to asks Lemon to marry him. I guess Jack seen where the ring was kept and on that night he showed Lemon."

Zoe looked at her laughing baby, he was surely a genius helping Lavon out like that. She kissed him on the forehead as soon as he stopped laughing.

"The whole town thought Jack was a hero, Lavon had been driving us all crazy with his ideas to propose to Lemon. He even tried a few out but something always came up that caused him not to get to asks." Wade laughed out.

"Because of that" Wade said holding Jack up "Jackie boy here is Lavon's best man at the wedding. "

Zoe couldn't stop laughing at that news, as she pictured just what kind of bachelor party a not even two year old would come up with for Lavon. She was sure Lemon would love that. Zoe felt a little jealous of Lavon, and even Lemon it seemed they have a close relationship with Jack they knew him better then she did.

Tears started falling from Zoe's eyes as she realized everyone in BlueBell knew her own son better then she did. Wade was confused one minute Zoe was laughing the next she full on crying. Setting Jack back on the floor he went to pull Zoe in his arms letting her cry on his shoulder.

"I've missed so much" Zoe moaned "everyone in BlueBell knows Jack better then me"

Wade just held Zoe closer hearing that, it hurt his heart knowing what she had said was true. It was not fair that it was true. Zoe had not abandoned her son, she was hurt and had a witch for a Mother who had kept them apart. None of those things were her fault.

"But none of those People does he call Mama" Wade supplied as he ran a hand down Zoe's back trying to comforted her. "None of them has he been waiting on to come home to him"

"And you did Zoe as soon as you could" Wade finished with as he pulled out of the hug and grabbed their son who had been trying to flee the room. You had to kept a eye on Jack every second he was always trying to get into some type of trouble. That boy was a Kinsella though and though.

"But what if Jack hates me for not being here for him" Zoe asks wiping her eyes.

Wade did not get a chance to answer that silly question because Jack put his arms out towards his Mother yelling "Mama" Zoe took her baby and held him close kissing his head. "Mama's right here Jack, and I will never be away from you like that again"

"Our boy here knows you love him Doc" Wade said proud of his son for showing Zoe he wanted her. Wade would do all he could to let Zoe be around their son getting to know him, and him getting to know her. "Why don't I call Lavon see if he's alone this morning if so you come have breakfast with all of us?"

Wade knew he couldn't keep Zoe's return a secret, they lived in a small town. Even if she just stayed inside the Carriage house someone would find her there. He did get company there well more like Jack got company people liked seeing his boy. Plus Jack's different babysitters might start wondering why they weren't needed any longer. Beside Zoe had spent two years under lock in key she needed to get out and see people and inner act with them. Well she had been in a coma for most of those two years, but she still needed to get back out into BlueBell this town would be so happy to see her up and around.

"Okay if he's alone I'll go" Zoe agreed as she kissed Jack's head again, Wade left the two of them in Jack's room going to find his phone to call Lavon. "Do you think Lavon will be happy to see me?" Zoe asked Jack.

"Von" was his answer as he kicked his feet wanting down to play with his toys again. So his Mother complied and let him down following behind. He grabbed a small football and threw it at Zoe, who caught it and then tossed it back but it just bounced off the small boy's chest. He looked at it on the floor then up at his Mother. Then he picked it up and threw it back at Zoe, this time after catching it she handed it back to her son. Jack smiled then threw it back to her again. They played this one side throwing game until Wade returned.

"You're in luck Doc, Lemon already left this morning something about a early delivery at Fancie's, so we have Lavon all to ourselves" Wade announced laughing as he watch Zoe handing the ball back to Jack. That boy would have you running all day chasing his throws if you would.

"Come on Jack time to go to Lavon's" the baby dropped the ball walked up to his Mother with his arms up wanting her to pick him up. Zoe did and walked to the door following Wade as he turned and headed down the stairs. Zoe was getting out of breathe from carrying Jack by the time they were only halfway to Lavon's. Wade noticed and took the baby from her.

"I'm okay, just not used to carrying Jack around yet. Give me a few days and I'm sure I can carry him around all of BlueBell." Zoe said knowing it would take her a little longer then that but that was what strollers were for. She was sure some of Jack's babysitters were going to be disappointed but how little they were going to be needed. At least for the next few weeks before she had to go ask Brick if he could use help at the practice. Because Zoe knew she would need a job so she could pay her own way, also so she could help take care of Jack. It wasn't fair Wade had to pay for everything Jack needed.

Zoe was nervous as she watched Wade open Lavon's kitchen door then walk in with Jack in his arms. She followed a few seconds later as she heard Lavon asking with his back turned to her Jack a question "What ya what for breakfast little man?"

Wade with Jack in his arms was facing her so she wasn't too surprised when Jack said with a finger pointing right at her "Mama"

"I can't cook that for ya" Lavon said laughing wondering where he got that idea from. "You want pancakes instead?"

"Mama" Jack said again this was followed by Zoe saying "I would love some pancakes"

Lavon thought he was hearing things until he saw the brilliant smile that shined from Wade's face, his friend had not been that happy in a long time. Turning slowly around he seen a sight he almost gave up hope every getting to see again Zoe Hart was standing in his kitchen asking for pancakes.




Chapter Six

"Big Z" Lavon Hayes said as he rushed to give her a hug "How..when?" he asked letting her out of his arms.

"Wade picked me up from the airport last night" Zoe Hart replied looking at the pastries laid out she was happy to see a buttermilk muffin among them. Picking it up she heard Jack's little voice saying "Mama" again. She took a seat and got the wrapper off the muffin. "You want some Jack?"

Wade handed Jack off to Zoe's lap "He likes those too, Doc" he said then watched as Mother and son shared the muffin together.

"Why didn't you tell me you were picking Zoe up for the airport last night I would have went with you" Lavon asked his friend as he poured pancake batter into a pan. Making sure to add ears to make a mouse one for Jack.

"She called me a hour before her flight got in, I barely had time to get Jack and me ready before we picked her up." Wade answered. "Sorry man but I was on a timeline and didn't have time to call anyone else" and he hadn't even thought of calling anyone else Wade just had to get to Zoe.

Lavon just nodded his head knowing his friend had tunnel vision when it came to all things Zoe Hart, or Jack Kinsella those two could always get Wade's full attention. Lavon watched his friend's face as he took in the Mother and son duo, Wade was smiling like he never had before.

Now that the shock of seeing Zoe was wearing off he noticed just how thin she looked. That girl needed to gain about twenty pounds at least fifteen. Holding Jack though she looked almost as happy as Wade was. It was clear to see she wanted to be with her little boy.

Turning Jack's pancake Lavon eyed Wade again he was staring at Zoe with a smile still on his face. "You want a pancake man?"

"Yeah that sounds good" Wade said taking his eyes off Zoe looking to see Lavon taking Jack's pancake out of the pan. "But give Doc the next one first" Wade and Lavon shared a look both thinking the same thing Zoe needed that pancake more then they did.

Lavon set Jack's pancake in front of Zoe just as they finished the buttermilk muffin. He handed her the butter and maple syrup. Zoe knew this was going to end in both Jack and her a sticky mess. But she just laughed spreading the butter over the pancake then a large amount of syrup over it.

"Lavon I hate to ask this of you but could you not tell anyone I'm back yet?" Zoe asked as she used a fork to cut Jack's pancake in little bite size pieces for him.

Lavon looked at Zoe then to Wade who was nodding his head silently asking him to agree. "Of course Big Z" Lavon answered.

Ten minutes later Jack was full of syrup it was all over him, in his hair, on his face, all over his little hands. Of course so was Zoe she had just as much syrup all over her from Jack trying to feed his 'Mama' the little guy really enjoyed it. Wade and Lavon both were trying not to laugh at the sight of the two.

"I'll clean Jack up while don't you get clean up Zoe?" Lavon asked as he took the baby from his Mother's arms.

"Yeah Doc, let's get you back to the carriage house you can get a shower then head back here or Lavon can drop Jack off after he's cleaned up" Wade added staying back as Jack's little hands reached out to him, he loved getting everyone syrupy after pancakes.

"Von" Jack said as he watched his parents leave him behind in his godfather's arms.
"It's alright little man you're get to see your Mama again soon" Lavon said realizing he really hadn't gotten any information out of Zoe or Wade on her showing up here. When he dropped Jack off after he got the baby cleaned he would get some answer.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The walk back to the carriage house from the plantation house took longer then the walk there Zoe thought it might just have been because every bug in a hundred feet of her kept trying to bite. Wade was failing at not laughing at how she kept swinging her arms around trying to swapped the bugs away, that seemed to be making it worse not better.

"Where almost there now Doc, don't let them drain you dry" Wade said through laughter as another bug landed on Zoe's head. This time he swapped it away.

"Ha ha" Zoe responded then took off on a run as she felt something bite her arm. She got to the door of the carriage house opening it not waiting for Wade. She was already finding clothes to wear inside her suitcase when Wade enter a few minutes later.

"So you clearly get first shower" Wade said "you're the latest victim of syrupy Jack"

"You could have warned me" Zoe said knowing she still would have feed Jack getting to fed her baby was something she had been denied to long. And them sharing the buttermilk muffin had gone so well.

"Yeah but where would the fun in that be?" Wade laughed then headed for the door frame "I'm gonna go clean Jack's room, he has got toys everywhere." Zoe just watched him go as she headed for the bathroom wanting to get clean.

It only took Wade a few minutes to get Jack's room straighten so he headed down stairs into the living room turning the tv on giving Zoe time to get good in clean. It had been awhile since he had gotten to watch tv in the morning with Jack usually always having his cartoons on. So Wade was enjoying watching a old football game.

"Your turn" Zoe said walking into the living room brushing her hair she hadn't packed any of her hair supplies so she had to use Wade's brush. She had brought a toothbrush though so at least all she had to do was use Wade's toothpaste. She would have to stop at the Dixie Stop or have Wade go for her and get a blow dryer. She hoped she could talk him into taking her to Mobile for hair care products soon.

Wade looked up at Zoe she looked so beautiful she had no makeup on and her hair was wet but just having her here moving, it was a dream. Knowing he did not have a lot of time before he was needed at the Rammer Jammer he got up and headed for the bathroom asking Zoe on the way. "You leave me any hot water?"

"Some" was her cheeky reply.

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Wade had a fast lukewarm shower not that he was going to complain about it though because it meant Zoe was around. Hello lukewarm showers he would keep taking them as long as she stayed. Of course she might want a place of her own, maybe he should move out and let her take back the Carriage house but all of Jack's stuff was here. And there was no way he was leaving Jack, maybe they could find a three bedroom house to rent somewhere in Bluebell or turn the spare junk room upstairs next to Jack's into another bedroom. The door to that room was always locked couldn't have Jack in it he could hurt himself.

Coming into the living room he found Zoe setting on the couch her hair still somewhat wet looking but she wasn't brushing it any longer. She was watching the tv which was his, he had brought that over from the gate house it was bigger then Zoe's old tv had been. Jack liked to watch his cartoons on the big screen, he loved watching them on Lavon's tv.

"I have to leave in twenty minutes to get the Rammer Jammer ready for the day" Wade said Zoe turned to look at him. "You can come if you want with Jack, I have a pack n play set up in my office. He's gots lots of toys in it. Are you can stay here with Jack if not?"

Zoe hadn't thought of what she would do today other then have Jack with her. Going to the Rammer Jammer had not entered her mind. But going there setting in Wade's office did not sound like how she wanted to spend her first day with Jack alone. They could have so much more fun together here playing in his room, watching cartoons.

"I think staying here with Jack will be easier, and it will make Jack happier being here around all his toys" Zoe said biting her lip she had seen a few pictures of herself around the living room and wanted to asks about them. "I happened to notice you've got pictures of me around framed"

"Yeah" Wade said he rubbed the back of his neck "I wanted Jack to know what his Momma looked like"

"That's so sweet" Zoe said as she jumped up off the couch pulling Wade into a hug. "I'm so glad you did because he knew me right away from that"

"That was the plan Doc, I didn't want Jack to ever wonder about you" Wade said holding her into the hug "I wanted him to know all about you"

"Thank you" Zoe replied with tears falling from her eyes "I can't every thank you enough"

Pulling away from the hug Wade just smirked "No thanks needed Doc, Jack is my boy I would do anything for him, and you"
Zoe just nodded her head taking in what Wade had just said. He really was a good guy, she had done real good picking a Father for her son even if she hadn't meant to at the time.

"How did you get Jack?" Zoe asked knowing she wasn't going to get all the details seeing as Wade had to leave soon but wanting to know whatever he could tell her right then.

"It's a long story Zoe and I don't have the time to get into it in details. But short answer is I went to New York when I learned you where in a coma and pregnant. I was going when I just learned you where in a coma. But you being pregnant I knew right away Jack was mine I had to get to you both." Wade stopped trying to give her a cliff notes story instead of a novel length.

"Your Mother wasn't happy with us when we showed up, she would not let me see you. I had to sneak in when she wasn't around to see you. Once Jack was born we had a court ordered DNA test done proving I was the Father. You're Mother moved you after that not letting any of us know where. And I got Jack and brought him home." Wade barely finished before Lavon was inside with Jack hanging on his back in a piggy back ride.

Zoe knew she wasn't going to get to question Wade about anything he just said. So she just filed it away for later when they were alone or Jack was sleeping.

"Momma's gonna watch you today little man, doesn't that sound like fun?" Wade asked his son as he grabbed him off Lavon's back.
Jack smiled and ran over to Zoe as soon as his little feet were on the ground. He was all cleaned up in another plaid shirt and jeans on. He was all ready to play with his 'Mama' again.

"I will drop lunch off for the two of you do you want it early or late?" Wade asked this was a question he asked all his babysitters early meant before the lunch crowd late meant after the crowd left at the Rammer Jammer.

"Does Jack like eating early or late?" Zoe asked not thinking of herself at all in the question she was asked. It was all about her baby and what he would want. And that right there showed the difference between a babysitter and the parent.

"Early it is then, after he eats Jack will take a nap" Wade informed Zoe as he got his shoes on "if I can't get back myself I'll have Lavon bring it to you." Lavon who was standing right there laughed at being ordered around without even being asked. It seemed since Jack came into their lives that happened a lot. "Nice to be asked" Lavon said shaking his head.

Wade continued on without giving Lavon's comment any attention "Zoe call me if you have any question I will keep my phone on me at all times"

"I'm a doctor Wade I think I can handle one day alone with our son" Zoe said bluffing the confidence she was showing not feeling it at all. But knowing she had to prove to herself she could do this, she could be a Mother to her son.

"If you can't get me call Lavon" Wade said as he looked at Zoe and Jack trying not to grab both in his arms and bring them with him. He didn't want either one of them out of his sight.

"Of course I will if I can't get you, Wade you're going to be late you better go" Zoe replied watching him make a face then walk out the door. Turning once Wade was gone to look at Lavon she asked "Can I get your number?"

[Sw]

Chapter Seven


After getting Lavon Hayes' number in her new phone and giving hers to him in return, Lavon turned the tv to Jack's cartoon channel ready to have a conversation with Zoe Hart. But before he could get a question out he was beat to it by Zoe asking.
"When I asked Wade earlier about how he got Jack he said 'we' went to New York, so just who was the 'we' he was talking about?"

"The 'we' would have been Wade, George, and me that he was talking about" Lavon said not knowing what he should share with Zoe about the whole New York City deal or more the Candice Hart is a witch deal. The whole of BlueBell hated the woman.

"So you all just hopped on a plane to New York City hoping to find the hospital I was in?" Zoe asked knowing there was more to this story then Lavon was sharing. "When and how did you find out about my accident?"

"George found out and told Wade, who in turn told me" Lavon said feeling like he shouldn't say anything more without knowing what Zoe knew about her Mother not wanting to created trouble between the two. "I don't know all the details about what went on in New York City I didn't get to stay long. Being the Mayor of BlueBell didn't allow me too"

"Lavon" Zoe said long and dragged out knowing he was holding things back from her.

"Zoe" Lavon said in the same tone back to her. "I wanted to asks how you've been?"

"How I've been how do you think I've been?" Zoe started to unload on Lavon "I just found out yesterday morning my Mother has been keeping my son from me for almost seven months. She let me believe I had miscarried him in the accident. If I hadn't of found that letter Wade sent with a picture of Jack in it I never would have found out."

Mrs. Hart was way worse then any of them had thought possible it was one thing to ban them from seeing Zoe but to keep Zoe from knowing about her baby that was a new low that Lavon found unbelievable. That woman really was a witch.

"So you woke up seven months ago?" Lavon asked as Jack was glued to his favorite cartoon.

"Yes but I only got discharged almost a month ago, before that I was in a nursery facility getting Physical Therapy" Zoe answered not wanting to talk about those months of agony again she had just told it all to Wade the night before.

"Big Z I'm sorry you had to go through that" Lavon said hugging his friend who he had missed so much. Jack's attention had left the tv then and he ran over to his Mama saying "Mama" and giving her a hug as well.

"Since you just find out about Jack have you got any plans on where you're going to be staying?" Lavon asked "because you know your welcome up at the Plantation house for as long as you want"

"I hear you getting married" Zoe said not really wanting to stay in the same house as Lemon Breeland "Congratulations on that"

"So Wade spilled the beans on that huh?" Lavon replied knowing that Lemon and Zoe had not always or really ever gotten along. But that had been two years ago and Lemon had been a great help with taking care of Jack, and had a good friendship with Wade. So hopefully they could get along now.

"Yes he told me this morning, have you set a wedding date yet?" Zoe asked as Jack pulled her arm getting her off the couch towards the kitchen. He stopped in front of the refrigerator door. "You want something in there Jack?" Zoe asked opening the door Jack then grabbed a sippy cup with what looked to be fruit juice in it he started drinking it.

"Not yet" Lavon said answering her earlier question "but Lemon does know where she wants to have it."

"I bet" Zoe said trying to sound friendly but not really sure where she stood with Lemon Breeland, the other woman had always blamed her for the breakup with George but now with she was marrying Lavon maybe they could get along. "is it going to be here in BlueBell?"

"She hasn't shared that with me yet" Lavon said not wanting to get into that right now, Lemon wanted to plan everything herself but Lavon wanted to help so that wasn't going over so well.

"I'm sure you will figure it all out, and the wedding will be awesome with Jack as best man" Zoe said watching Jack with his sippy cup.

"Yeah it will be" Lavon agreed "but enough about Lemon and mine wedding. Youre going to need a place to stay unless you are staying here with Wade."

"Wade and I haven't really talked about that since I just got here last night, I will talk to him later and let you know." Zoe answered not really knowing where she would be staying she just knew she didn't want to be away from her baby. "Is the gate house rented?"

"No the gate house is empty, if you want it it's yours" Lavon offered happy to be able to help "or maybe you could clear out the spare room upstairs next to Jack's."

Zoe liked the sound of that better having the room next to Jack's would mean she could spend a lot more time with her son. But would Wade want her to live with him? They were not in a relationship so he might not want her living in his house. But he had said only this morning he would do anything for Jack and her.

"Like I said I will talk to Wade about it, and we will let you know" Zoe knew even though Wade and her weren't a couple they were parents of the same child they would have to make decisions together. Living together with separate rooms was a decision they would need to make together.

"I have to go" Lavon said making a sad face "I have a meeting I have to get to. You have my number so if you need me call me"

"I will, go on get out of here Mayor Hayes" Zoe said laughingly teasing him.

"See ya later Big Z, bye little J" Lavon said waving at his godson then he was gone and Zoe was left alone with her toddler son.
The first day of many Zoe hoped where Jack and she would be together she couldn't help but feel that something was missing though when Jack smirked at her as he handed her his empty sippy cup Zoe knew what was missing it was Wade. For this to be perfect Wade Kinsella needed to be here with them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Wade entered the living room of the carriage house and stopped in his tracks the place had toys thrown everywhere. Jack was setting on the couch with his tiny football in his hands getting ready to throw it. Zoe's back was to Wade so she couldn't see him it looked like she was waiting to catch the football.

"Dada" Jack yelled dropping the ball in his hand then pointing to his Father.

Zoe turned around seeing Wade she smiled shyly "Lunch time already?" she asked looking around at the mess Jack and she had made. "I'm going to clean this all up, we were just playing right now"

"It's alright Doc, I know our boy likes to play" Wade said as he dropped the takeout bag from the Rammer Jammer onto the counter top in the kitchen. "Who wants fries?" Wade asks as he starts pulling the food from the bag.

Jack is off the couch in a flash trying to get to his Dada and the offered fries. "Not so fast Jack" Zoe said as she picked him up "We have to wash our hands first" taking him to the bathroom getting their hands clean. They came back out to the kitchen Wade had all the food out on the kitchen bar setting out for them. He was tearing a patty of grilled chicken into tiny pieces with a few french fries next to them.

"I'll feed him lunch Doc, so you can eat yours" Wade said having just finished getting Jack's lunch in the right size pieces.

Handing off Jack, Zoe set at the bar stool something that had been added after the kitchen was added. She unwrapped her hamburger to discover it was a chesseburger with all the toppings she liked on it. It tasted just as good as she remember the Rammer Jammer's burgers always had.

"This is great" Zoe said in between bites enjoying her lunch. Jack was following his Mother and eating his fries and a few pieces of grilled chicken.

"You didn't bring anything for yourself?" Zoe asked Wade as she had finished her food, noticing that Wade hadn't brought anything for himself.

"I eat after the lunch crowd" Wade said not wanting Zoe to worry about him "That way I get to eat in peace in my office"

"Before you have to return to work, Lavon was asking if I wanted the Gate house or perhaps clean out the spare room upstairs for me to stay in." Zoe started "I thought you could take the rest of the day and think about if it would be okay if I moved in to the spare room here if not I will move to the Gate house"

Wade looked at Zoe like she was crazy what was there to think about? Of course he wanted her here with Jack and him.
"Doc I will take the day off tomorrow and get that spare room cleaned right out for ya or you could have the downstairs bedroom and I'll take the upstairs"

"I'm not going to steal your bedroom from you" Zoe answered back "the bed perhaps after all it is mine" she laughed out.

"I guess I will have to get my old one from the Gate house, I bet if I asks Lavon would help me move everything from the spare room tonight over to the gate house. Get the bed from there tomorrow" Wade said making plans out loud. Thinking silently how much help George would be if he could asks him to help too. But so far Zoe didn't seem to want to share her arrive in BlueBell with everyone.

Zoe had been joking about the bed but she hadn't thought of having to get a new one. She did not want to use Wade's old one. That mattress had been to well used for her taste. She didn't want to take her old one though from Wade, maybe she should just order a new one but that would take a few days to get maybe even a week and she did not have that much time if she didn't want to be sleeping on the couch until it came in.

"You don't have to do it tomorrow I can sleep on the couch until we get the room cleared out" Zoe said as she seen a piece of chicken fly past her head Jack laughing as he sent another piece flying as well.

"No sir we do not throw food" Wade told his son as he took the remaining food away from Jack so he didn't have anything else to throw. He was showing his true colors today Wade hope he didn't scare Zoe away. Wade shook that thought away Zoe wasn't a babysitter Jack could scare away she was his Mother she wasn't allowed to be scared away.

Zoe found the two piece of chicken throwing them in the trash not wanting Jack to find them later. She then took Jack from Wade telling the little guy that he had to wash his hands again before they could play with his toys. Wade laughed at how Zoe seemed a bit much with the hand washing. But being a Doctor he supposed she was big onto keeping germs away from their son.

When the pair returned Wade said "Well I've got to get back to the Rammer Jammer, I will see you both tonight. Lavon called me earlier said he would be dropping dinner off for us"

"That nice of him" Zoe said having a feeling Lavon wanted more time to interrogate her later.

"Yeah free food is always good" Wade said then kissed his son's head "I will try to be back by eight tonight, be good for Mama" then once again Wade had left, Jack and Zoe were alone again. Picking up the little football with Jack still in her arms Zoe asked him "What to play ball?"

Jack grabbing the ball and laughing was all the positive answer she needed setting him back on the couch Zoe waited for him to throw the ball.

[Sw]

Chapter Eight

Lavon Hayes thinks he shouldn't have cooked dinner tonight for Zoe and Wade. He had thought coming at five with dinner all cooked would give him time to talk with Zoe and play with Jack. Instead Wade had decided to take off early from the Rammer Jammer to start clearing out the spare room so he could move into it. This way he didn't have to take a full day off tomorrow from the Rammer Jammer. Wade would just take the morning off he had already told Lavon they would be moving the bed frame and mattress from the Gate house into his new room in the Carriage house. Also Lavon wasn't to tell Zoe that he was taking the room next to Jack's and letting her have her old bedroom down stairs he wanted to surprise Zoe with that.

So instead of getting a good home cooked meal Lavon was busying moving things to Wade's Suv then drove to the Gate house which was being used for storage at the moment. They had already done this three times and were now on their fourth and hopefully last trip then they could go eat the meal he had brought earlier as long as Zoe hadn't let it burn up on the stove. Jack had already been feed a small helping of the chicken noodle soup Lavon had made. He was happily playing with his Mother the last Lavon saw him.

"That's the last of it" Wade said coming out of the Carriage house door holding a box in his hand "Once we unload all of this we are done for the night"

"Thank the good Lord for that" Lavon responded "I volunteer to cook dinner not manuel labor"

"Yeah sorry about that, but I just couldn't take off all of tomorrow" Wade said it was a lot of work running a bar/restaurant even with Wanda being the manger everything always fell on him if something went wrong. "Zoe needs to have her own room after everything she been through. This was the only way I could get it done for her by tomorrow"

Lavon couldn't say anything about that Zoe had been through a awful ordeal but so had Wade. Lavon was proud of the man Wade had showed himself to be, he had really stepped up to be a good Father. He was someone you could count on, not that you couldn't before Zoe and Jack had entered his life. It was just now you knew that a pretty head wasn't going to make him late, unless that pretty head belonged to one Dr. Zoe Hart. Wade loved his son and everyone knew how much he loved Zoe it wasn't a secret he had never gotten over her. Everyone had agree not to mention dating to Wade because they knew where his heart laid.

"Since I love Big Z so much and this means she's staying I will overlook it this once but man do not do this to me again. I'm really hungry" Lavon said knowing that after this he had to look forward to getting all of Zoe's things from his attic. That would take a day or more to get them back to the Carriage house. At least they were all boxed up so they would be easy to transport back to the Carriage house.

"Zoe told me she is heating the soup up for us so it should be hot by the time we get back from dumping this load at the Gate house"
Wade said getting into the driver's seat as Lavon got into the front passenger seat. "Let's just hope she doesn't burn it" Lavon laughed out.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Zoe looked at the clock on the microwave it read eight thirty five the chicken noodle soup wasn't boiling over and she had followed Lavon's orders to stir it once in a while to make sure it didn't burn on the bottom. The only reason she was able to follow his instructions was because Jack had fallen to sleep she had laid him down on Wade's bed she didn't want him to far away from her while she was cooking.

Wade and Lavon should be back soon then they could set down and eat the delicious soup Lavon had made she had already eaten a couple of bowls. Being around Lavon and his cooking was sure to help her gain back all the weight she had lost that man could cook.

Zoe stirred the soup pot again then got a sthingy to check and see if was warm enough tasting it she had almost burned her tongue it was hot enough now. So she turned off the burner and stirred the soup once more before going to check on Jack. The baby was still sleeping so Zoe slide in behind him hugging him to herself. Her feelings for Jack were so clear she loved him with all of her heart. Today had been a workout Jack had not taken it easy on her, he was just so full of energy she was glad for their afternoon nap. Zoe had needed it badly she had woke first from the nap and snapped a picture of Jack on her phone that she had texted to Jess. The first text she had sent to her friend since she told her she had arrived in Mobile and Wade was Jack were picking her up.

Jess had texted back a few minutes later how cute Jack was. Also she had informed Zoe that Mrs. Hart had called demanding to know where Zoe was. The doorman had seen them leave the apartment building together and ratted them out. Jess had told Mrs. Hart, Zoe wanted some time to herself and would get in contact with her Mother soon. She also let the woman know Zoe was fine.

Knowing her Mother she wouldn't take Jess' word for her good health and would be calling the police soon to investigate where her daughter took off to. Zoe did not want to think about that tonight though if she never heard from her Mother again she would be happy. But it seemed her Mother liked to control her life so Zoe knew it was unlikely she would just disappear from her life quietly.

Zoe kissed her baby's sleeping head not understanding how her Mother who claimed to love her could keep this little boy away from his mother. It felt like her Mother had stabbed her into the heart, she knew how much pain Zoe had been in when she thought she had miscarried Jack. How could she let Zoe believe that lie, what her Mother had done was the worst betrayal she had ever felt in her life. She had trusted her Mother a hundred percent, not like with Wade when he had cheated Zoe had always held a part of herself back afraid they wouldn't work out. She hadn't given her all to their relationship Wade knew it too, that's why when drunk he did the one thing they both thought she never could forgive.

Because he had felt she wasn't completely invested into their relationship that she was just waiting until she decided enough time had past to get together with George. It was easy looking back to see just how her actions could have caused Wade to think that. But she had forgiven Wade months ago and even if she hadn't seeing how great a Father he was to Jack would have caused her too.

It was plain to see that Wade didn't put himself first any longer his world revolved around the baby she was holding. Zoe had not been snooping earlier after her nap and texting with Jess she just had looked around her former room a little there was no evidence of a woman's touch at all. The bedspread was all dark manly colors, and the dirty clothes where all Jack's or Wade's. Not that she would have faulted Wade if he had a girlfriend but all signs pointed to that not being the answer.

Especially given on Wade's nightstand was a college picture frame full of pictures of Zoe. In some she was smiling, there were a few with Wade and her, the biggest picture in the frame though was one she wanted to asks Wade about. It was picture of her in a hospital bed unconscious and a tiny baby who had to be Jack laying next to her. When had this picture been taken it had to be right after Jack had been born.

Holding her little boy closer Zoe closed her eyes she would rest for a few minutes before Wade and Lavon got back.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


It was too quite was Wade's thoughts upon entering his home Jack should be running and jumping and making all kinds of noise. Was it later then he thought, had Jack already fallen asleep for the night? Lavon was right behind him both men looked at each other then headed for the kitchen the pot of chicken noodles was still on the stove but no sign of Zoe anywhere. Wade went in search of her into his bedroom and sure enough he found both Jack and Zoe fast asleep on his bed. Smiling he just walked back out to the kitchen Lavon already had a bowl for each of them full.

"Their passed out on my bed looks like I'll be taking the couch tonight" Wade said grabbing his bowl of soup "that way we can get up early and get my old bed into my new room"

"How early are we talking about here?" Lavon asked after taking a bite of his soup. It was just warm enough Zoe must have been warming it up for them before she had fallen to sleep Wade had mention she was going to. "Because Lemon does not like getting up before dawn"

"Also when is Zoe telling people she's back, I know you told me she's not ready yet but I can not keep this a secret from Lemon"

Wade understood Lavon was in a hard place right now keeping a huge secret from the woman he loved. He hated putting Lavon in such a place. But Jack and Zoe came first to Wade and Lavon would just have to beg Lemon for forgiveness later. In fact Wade himself would beg for Lavon if Lemon didn't forgive him right away.

"As soon as she ready I will call you first and you can bring Lemon" Wade said in between eating his soup.

"What have you told Zoe about what happened in New York? She was asking about it earlier and I didn't know what to say" Lavon asked getting himself another bowl of soup, he really made a mean pot of chicken noodle soup.

"I just told her the truth in cliff notes, I plan to tell her everything about what her Mother did when we get time" Wade said getting himself another bowl of soup his lunch break seemed like it was days ago instead of just this afternoon. "So what did you tell her?"

"She asked who the 'we' you mentioned going to New York with you was. So I told her it was You, George, and Me. I also told her I didn't know a lot of what happened because I couldn't stay long being Mayor and all" Lavon informed Wade.

"Thanks for that man, I want to be the one to tell her about just what Mrs. Hart did. She deserves to here it from me" Wade said knowing the full story of everything Zoe had been through he hated having to add to that pain. But Zoe had a right to know how her Mother had just written Jack out of her life like he didn't matter at all.

"Zoe is all Harley" Lavon said thinking about the kindly old Doctor he knew that everyone in BlueBell had loved "Thank God for that"

"She does have his heart" Wade agreed thinking about the times Harley had been there for him as he grew up after his Mother had died. There would have been a few nights Jesse and him would have went to bed hungry if it wasn't for Harley. Zoe was a lot like him Wade hoped that Jack would also inherited Harley Wilkes heart and not Candice Hart's. That woman was a nightmare none so more then to Zoe how she treated her daughter was a nightmare.

"I'm glad she's does but I'm happier she doesn't look just like him" Wade laughed out Lavon joining in.

[Sw]

Chapter Nine

Zoe Hart awoke much the same way she had the day before with one Jack Kinsella patting her face saying "Mama" over and over until her eyes opened. "Good Morning baby boy" Zoe said kissing her little man "you need a diaper change?" Jack nodded his head yes.

Picking up her son Zoe then headed upstairs to his bedroom once in his room he wanted to play with his toys but Zoe did get his diaper changed. They were just getting ready to play with a toy drum set when they heard Wade and Lavon's voices. Going to Jack's bedroom door Zoe could see the room next to his had it's door open, and she could hear Wade and Lavon talking. Had they already gotten the bed frame from the Gate house? Walking back picking up Jack who did not like it one bit Zoe headed to the room next door.

Where Lavon had just gotten the box spring in place on the bed frame while Wade was holding the mattress up by himself.
"You got it on yet, this mattress is slipping?" Wade asked not being able to see past the mattress to anything in front of him.

"Yes just did" Lavon answered as he went back to help Wade get the mattress on the box spring. "Let's get this mattress on, then we can wake Jack and Zoe and get some breakfast" So the two men worked together to get the mattress on then turned to the door frame to see Zoe and Jack watching them, Jack was clapping his little hands.

"Good morning Doc" Wade said rubbing the back of his head giving Zoe that smirk she either loved or hated depending on her mood, or what he had just done.

"Morning Big Z, Little J" Lavon greeted them walking towards the pair "I'm gonna head home get breakfast ready, but Lemon is there so I don't know if you want to come are not"

Zoe bite her lip not sure if she was up to the drama that was Lemon Breeland today really any day. But knowing she wouldn't be able to avoid her forever. "I might come or stay here and take a shower"

"Well I'm going" Wade said running a hand through his son's hair "Morning son"

"Dada" Jack said leaning towards Wade wanting to be held by his Father smiling Zoe let Jack go into Wade's arms.

"You and Jack should both go I'll get a shower" Zoe said to Wade "I'll get my suitcase up here move into this room"

"I'll let you get that settle" Lavon said then grabbed Jack from Wade "Me and little J will be up at the plantation if you need us" With that said Lavon and Jack disappeared out the door.

"What settled?" Zoe asked looking at Wade with a questioning look in her eyes.

"That this room here isn't for you" Wade stated seeing Zoe's eyes widen he finished fast with "I'm moving up here. You deserve to have the room downstairs after everything you've been through"

"I can't take your room" Zoe said with awe in her voice thinking how sweet Wade was being wanting to give her his room.

"Zoe I want you to have the room downstairs please Doc for me take it" Wade said giving puppy eyes wanting to get her to take his room. She had just gotten out of a nursing facility last month she had told him how hard all her physical therapy had been on her. She needed to be closer to the bathroom not a staircase away from it in the middle of the night.

"Okay, but know that Jack may be sleeping with me a lot" Zoe said laughing she had wanted to be in the room next door to Jack but the bedroom downstairs was a lot bigger then this one. Plus she was used to sleeping in the bedroom downstairs.

"If you can stand all Jack's kicks and punches he gives in his sleep?" Wade replied knowing he couldn't bar Jack from Zoe, she was his Mother she had just as much right to him as he did. But they did need to set down and talk about how they wanted to raise Jack something that would be new to both of them. "Your his Mama Zoe, you don't have to asks my permission to do things with Jack"

"But you're all he has known for his whole life, also you are use to being in complete control of Jack" Zoe said knowing even if Wade didn't realize it yet he would have trouble sharing Jack. It would only be normal Jack has been his whole world for sixteen months now.

"Your forgetting one thing Doc" Wade said as he walked towards the door getting ready to walk through it "I've also been waiting over two years for you to return" Zoe's mouth dropped open as Wade smirked at her as he left the room leaving her speechless.
He wanted Zoe to know he had been waiting all this time for her ever since she said she would return after her summer away.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Wade was walking back to the Carriage house in his right hand wrapped in a napkin was half of a buttermilk muffin Jack had eaten the other half. He had really tried to save the whole muffin for Zoe but Jack had used his little sad face on him so Wade had split it in two a half each for the two people that owned his heart.

He had just gotten on the porch of his house when Sheriff Bill pulled up "Wade what can I do for ya?" he asked.

"Excuse me?" Wade asked.

"A call came in asking for me to stop by" Sheriff Bill answered "It wasn't you?"

"No it wasn't me" Wade said hoping that Zoe hadn't seen the Sheriff's car pulling up. Hopefully she was still in the bath.

"It was me who call" a voice said behind the two.

"As I live and breathe it's Zoe Hart" Sheriff Bill said given a joyful laugh. "When did you get out of that coma, I mean get back in town?"

"A few days ago" Zoe said giving both men a smile "I called because my friend Jess told me my Mother has been asking about where I'm at. When Jess would not tell her where I was at my Mother told her she was calling the police. So I thought Sheriff Bill that if you get a call from the police from New York you could tell them you've seen me and I'm okay I just don't want anything to do with my Mother. And I don't want her told where I'm at"

"Of course Dr. Hart" Sheriff Bill replied "We all know what a witch.. I mean you have the right to keep your whereabouts secret"

"Thank you so much Sheriff Bill, I knew I could count on you" Zoe praised the older man. "And if you could keep my being here a secret until tonight I would really appreciate it."

"I will try my best to keep your secret, it's real good to see you again Dr. Hart" Sheriff Bill said then walked back to his car and pulled out.

"You know that man can not keep a secret to save his life" Wade said holding out the half of muffin he had saved for her.

"I know I figured I would get just enough time to make it to Lavon's hopefully tell Lemon if she's still there before word spreads throughout BlueBell" Zoe said taking the muffin from Wade "Thanks for the half muffin, did Jack get the rest?"

"Yeah he does take after you when it comes to muffins" Wade said notices Zoe had already gotten her shower she was dressed in a pair of pants again and one of her cute shirts. "I'll walk back to Lavon's with you, Lemon was helping him with Jack so she still should be there"

"You just want to see Lemon's face when I walk in" Zoe said after she finished her muffin.

"What can I say I like seeing a surprised Lemon Breeland" Wade laughed his relationship with Lemon is what he thought having a sister would have been like. All the teasing and hair pulling, but when you really needed one another you where there for them. That was Lemon and him.

"You really worried Doc, that your Mother is going to call the law to find you?" Wade asked as they slowly walked to the Plantation house.

"After all her lies to keep me with her" Zoe stopped walking and took Wade's right hand into her two "I don't even know what she did to Jack or you. But I would put nothing past her"

"Zoe" Wade softly spoke looking into her eyes bending his head down Zoe lifted herself up on her toes their lips gently touching in a lovingly sweet kiss that only lasted a few seconds. But it's message was one Wade knew made clean his feelings for Zoe Hart, it was the first step into them starting a relationship again.

Zoe let go of Wade's hand walking ahead of him not knowing why she just kissed him, okay that was a lie she had always been attracted to Wade the man just screamed sexy. He hadn't been keeping it a secret how he felt about her either. But they could not just jump back into a relationship they had Jack to think about now. Also they were roommates now getting romantic was not a good idea. Yet Zoe knew if given the opportunity she would kiss Wade again without a second thought. Seeing she was going to be living with him there were going to be lots of opportunities, Zoe couldn't help but smile at that thought even if it wasn't a good idea for them to be kissing.

Wade wasn't the same man she had fled BlueBell from because of her feelings for him two years ago, he had already started changing before she had left. Now though Fatherhood made him more attractive.


Wade was a few feet behind Zoe smiling he could still feel her lips on his. That kiss had been very welcoming on his end, he couldn't stop thinking about when they could do it again. He felt like a teenager who shared his first kiss with the girl he had been crushing on since forever. Wade was the king of flirting but it had for so long just been that flirting not wanting it to lead anywhere. The only woman he wanted had been taken from him. Now she was back and Wade didn't want to mess this up he had once already this was too important because this time it wasn't just Zoe and him involved Jack was as well. His son was counting on him to be the man Zoe had thought he was once upon a time before he destroyed them. The man he believed he had become now, the man Zoe had helped him become by giving him the greatest gift anyone could give another his son.

Wade would not let them down he loved both Zoe and Jack more then his own life. This time he was going to not let fear cause him to do something stupid and destroy his heart. He would talk with Zoe about what she wanted, also he planned for them to take their relationship slow. Zoe had just gotten away from her controlling Mother and was just now getting back out into the world after having been in a coma for so long. Rushing into a romantic relationship with him might overwhelm her. So small steps might be easier for her, holding hands and small kisses like they shared early things like that. Spending time with their Son together being the family they had been denied for so long.

Wade had heard a scream and ran ahead worried Zoe had hurt herself or might have ran into Burt Reynolds he stopped when he made it to Lavon's door. He opened the door to find Lemon Breeland hugging Zoe like they were the best of friends. Jack was in Lavon's arms with his arms reaching out towards his Mother. Looking up and seeing his Father, Jack said "Dada"

"When did you wake up?" Lemon was asking Zoe after letting her out of the hug and leading her towards the living room. It didn't look like Lemon was letting Zoe get away anytime soon.

"Dada" Jack said again frowning as the little boy watched Lemon taking his Mother away. "Mama"

"I know son, believe me I know about wanting your Momma" Wade said giving his son a sympathetic smile, all the Kinsella men at Lavon's plantation just really wanted one Zoe Hart all to themselves.

[Sw]

Chapter Ten



Sheriff Bill had spent most of his day on the phone with a Police Officer Jeffery from a department in New York City looking into the disappearance of one Zoe Hart, last seen leaving her Mother's apartment where she had been living since leaving a nursery facility she had been living in for over a year. The Sheriff had listen politely as Officer Jeffery said that Mrs. Hart was concerned that her Daughter might have returned to BlueBell thinking she still lived there. He had kept his mouth closed and listened to everything the other law enforcement officer shared. Only once Officer Jeffery had finished did Sheriff Bill share what he knew of Candice Hart that the woman was controlling that she had banned anyone from BlueBell from seeing Zoe Hart. Also that she had disowned her own grandson who wasn't even two yet. Said grandson was the son of the missing woman.

Officer Jeffery asked after hearing that if Zoe Hart had been seen around BlueBell? Sheriff Bill answered that Dr. Zoe Hart was a adult and if she did not want to live with her Mother she didn't have too, she also didn't have to speak to her Mother. That she could live anywhere in the United States or the World she wanted too.

The good Officer from New York then asked if Dr Zoe Hart did not want her Mother knowing where she was? The Sheriff had answered with a 'Yes'. That she was fine he had seen her that very morning but she wanted no contact with her Mother. Officer Jeffery said he would let Mrs. Hart know that Zoe Hart was okay but did not want her location known. The Sheriff thanked the Officer and that was the end of the call.

It was lunch time after the phone call so Sheriff Bill went to the Rammer Jammer to get some lunch and perhaps let Wade know about the call he had just gotten. Wade was behind the bar taking lunch orders and making mix drinks for the few who wanted a little kick with their lunches.

Sheriff Bill went up to the counter eyeing Wade waiting for him to finish fixing a drink so he could order. It took a few minutes but once he gave the drink to the person who ordered it Wade made a beeline to Bill he wanted to know if the man had been spreading the news about Zoe's return all over town.

"Can I get you some lunch?" Wade asked the Sheriff "Our special today is the Bacon cheeseburger with fries"

"That's sounds good I'll have that, I'm so hungry after being on the phone for hours with a Officer from New York"

"New York?" Wade asked trying to keep his voice normal to not draw attention from anyone else "Something I need to know about?"

"No everything is fine I took care of it all" Bill said "Also could I get a coke with my lunch"

"I'll get that order right in for you" Wade said then left the Sheriff behind he put in Bill's order headed to his office needing a minute alone to call Zoe. The phone rang at least five times before she answered with "Hi Wade but like I told you a hour ago Jack and I are fine"

"That's good to know Doc, but that wasn't why I called this time" Wade said setting himself behind his desk "Sheriff Bill just came in he told me he was on the phone with a Police Officer from New York for hours"

"I knew she would call the Police" Zoe said feeling like her Mother would never let go of trying to control her "Should I be locking the front door?"

"Might not be a bad idea, Bill said he handled it but even if he did them calling him means your Mother thinks you might be here" Wade said looking at the picture he had on his desk of Zoe and him together taken from the Pioneer Day dinner where they had been dressed as the founding couple of 'BlueBell'. Next to it was a picture of Jack and him taken on the boy first birthday.

"I just hope she is too busy with work to make the trip down here" Zoe said holding Jack as she went and locked the front door. She did not want her Mother around Jack not after everything she had done to keep him away from Zoe.

"If she shows up please call me right away" Wade said as he heard Wanda knocking on his office door it was lunch time and the lunch crowd was in full swing.

"If she shows up at the Rammer Jammer let me know" Zoe answered walking back into the living room she had been making lunch for Jack and her before Wade's call. Well she had been heating up left over chicken noodle soup that Lavon made from last night. Wade had wanted to bring them lunch again but Zoe told him not to worry she would cook lunch for the two of them, he had laughed and told her that was a good joke. So she had told him she would just be heating up Lavon's soup after calling him a jerk for thinking she couldn't cook, even though she really couldn't cook.

"I will beautiful, got to go Wanda is calling see you tonight" Wade said finishing the call and getting back to work.

Zoe just smiled at Wade's words putting down Jack letting him play with a few toys in the living room as she went to finish lunch. It only took a few minutes and the soup was hot enough to eat but cool enough for Jack to be able to eat as well. She had found a box of crackers earlier so they would have them as well. After getting a sippy cup full of apple juice for Jack and a small bowl of soup for him, Zoe called out "Jack lunch time"

The little boy came walking in as fast as his little legs would carry him to his Mother. "Mama" he said as she lifted him up Zoe took him first to the bathroom to wash his hands then she went and set at the bar stool with him on her lap. She feed him his bowl of soup and a few crackers he drunk half of his sippy then after washing his hands once again he was off to play with his toys in the living room.

Zoe then got herself a bowl of soup and ate it quickly then helped herself to a second bowl which was the last of the soup. Every few minutes she would check on Jack who was being really good just playing with a toy truck and car. He looked tired she was sure he would be going down for a nap soon. After she had eaten and did the few dishes Jack was fighting staying awake so she picked him up brought him into her room laying down with him on her bed soon both were out for the count.


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Wade had left the Rammer Jammer after two pm with a takeout bag full of his lunch with extra food in it in case Zoe or Jack wanted some. He had left work early after arranging the night off for Wanda he would have to close tonight instead but that was okay Jack would have his Mother with him all night. Lavon might be a little put off not getting the little guy for the night. But with Zoe around things were changing with Jack's baby sitting schedule, for one they would not need a overnight sitter any longer Zoe could do those. Wade was sure once Zoe started working at the Practice again they would need daytime sitters again. They hadn't gotten time to talk about much of anything thus the reason he took a few hours off so Zoe and he could talk.

He unlocked the front door making sure to lock it behind him which was weird to have to do, Wade hardly ever locked his door he knew everyone in BlueBell and everyone knew him. But to keep Mrs. Hart out he would lock the door. Walking into the living room he was surprised to find a half dozen cardboard boxes that had wrote on the sides Zoe's clothes. Wade heard giggling towards Zoe's bedroom so he followed it and found his son setting in a pile of what he assumed were Zoe's clothes on her bed. Zoe was hanging what looked to be a dress up in the closet.

"Dada" Jack said holding up a woman's shirt in his hands giggling, the baby had been helping his Mama get her clothes put away.

"Oh Hi Wade" Zoe said as she turned around "Lavon dropped off some of my things that he had in storage earlier. He also helped move your clothes upstairs there all laying on your bed."

"That was mighty nice of him" Wade said not liking the idea of having to put away all of his clothes right now he wanted time to talk to Zoe. "I brought my lunch home I got extra in case anyone wanted some"

"You want some fries Jack?" Wade asks his boy, the toddler nodded his head yes then climbed over his Mother's clothes headed for his Father. "I brought a extra burger if you want it Doc?"

"I'm not hungry thanks though for thanking of me, I'm just trying to get these clothes put away" Zoe said grabbing a few shirts headed back for her closet.

So Father and Son went to the kitchen and ate Jack only ate a few fries then was busy trying to get into the boxes with more of Zoe's clothes in them. Wade knew all those clothes had came out of Zoe's closet but he wasn't sure how. He just hoped it didn't take days to get the boxes put away. There was no way they would keep Jack out of them for that long. Wade ate the two burgers no need to waste the second one just because Zoe wasn't hungry right now.

"Let's go help Mama" Wade said and watched as Jack tried to run to him smile on his face the little guy loved anytime spent with his Mother.

"The Kinsella boys here to help" Wade said as they entered the bedroom it looked like Zoe had made a dent in the pile of clothes that were laying on her bed.

"Yay I need all the help I can get" Zoe said "You going to help Mama?" she asked Jack as the little boy was put back on the, bed.

"Mama" he answered as he picked up a shirt and handed it to her. Jack waited until she turned back around then give her another shirt. It seemed Mother and Son had worked out a method for his helping her. Wade was proud of his little boy.

"I'll bring in another box from the living room" Wade said leaving the duo to their jobs. He returned a few minutes later with the new box he opened it and poured the clothes right next to Jack who clapped his little hands seeing more clothes he got to help put away he loved his Mama.

"I have to close the Rammer Jammer tonight so I won't be back until early morning" Wade said "I thought we could talk we haven't had time too and we really need too"

"Okay we can talk as I put the clothes away" Zoe said taking another shirt from Jack "I've been wanting to asks you when that picture of Jack and Me together was taken?"

"Oh I took that when I sneak into your room after the dna test came back and I was allowed to be a Father to our Son" Wade answered for the longest time that had been the last time he had seen Zoe. "I wanted to have one of the two of you together"

"It's a sweet picture of the two of us" Zoe said "Hey take another one of the two of us now" she went to her bed setting next to her baby boy. Wade had his phone in his back pocket pulling it out he looked up to see Jack was now setting in Zoe's lap smiling as she kissed the top of his head.

"Say cheese" Wade called out right before he took a few pictures of the pair. Looking at the pictures they all looked really cute of them. "They turned out great Doc"

"Come show us" Zoe replied as Jack wiggled off her lap wanting to get back to her clothes. Wade handed her his phone and enjoyed the big smile showing on her face as she saw the pictures he had just taken. "We will have to get these printed out, so I can put them on my nightstand" Zoe said handing Wade his phone back she then took the shirt Jack was holding up and got back to putting her clothes away.

"So you asked Sheriff Bill to keep quiet about you being back until tonight, so do you have a plan to tell everyone by tonight?" Wade asked wondering if she was just hoping Lemon Breeland told everyone she had seen her, saving Zoe from having to tell anyone herself.

"Oh about that I just thought I would have Lavon drive Jack and Me to the Rammer Jammer tonight. Let everyone see me there get their questions answered then eat dinner there. Since your closing tonight I'll have Lavon drive us home too" Zoe replied trying to get a pair of pants from Jack's hands he did not want to let the black pants go.

"Do you think I should call Brick first if I want to get a job from him he might take it as a slight if I don't tell him personal" Zoe said just then getting the pants out of Jack's little hands and putting them away.

"He can't really say No what with you owning half the Practice and all" Wade said moving Jack off of a pile of shirts he was using as a seat. Then handed one to the little boy so he could give it to Zoe.

"But I don't, My Mom sold my half to Brick when I was in the coma" Zoe informed Wade wondering how he didn't know that. Usually everyone knew everyones business in BlueBell, had Brick really kept the news to himself?

"No she didn't" Wade said feeling like the cruel nature of Mrs. Hart never stopped "That's how I found out about your coma, George told me about your Mother trying to sell the Practice to Brick. He dug around when your name wasn't listed as seller. Your Mother's lawyer told him about you being in the coma and pregnant"

Zoe's mouth hung open why had she still believed anything her Mother had told her, here she was all ready to beg Brick for a job when she didn't have too. She still had to talk to him of course and find out when he would like for her to return to work.
"Are you sure he hasn't brought it after that?" Zoe asked wanting to make sure she still owned her half of Harley's Practice.

"Yes George is still Brick's lawyer he would have let me know if anything had changed" Wade told Zoe "But if you're worried about it I'm sure we could asks George he would let you know"

"Ger" Jack asked looking around but not seeing his Uncle George around anywhere.

"He's not here baby" Zoe said grabbing some more of her clothes pulling them away "Maybe George will be at the Rammer Jammer tonight and you can see him then"

[Sw]

Chapter Eleven

Wade Kinsella knew he was being unrational but just hearing Zoe Hart say George's name sent a wave of jealousy through him. He had thought he was over ever having been jealous of George Tucker. The man was one of his best friends they got along great, he knew for a fact George did not want Zoe. Wade hoped this feeling was just left over from the past and his past fears of losing Zoe to George.

"How about you and Jack come with me to the Rammer Jammer when I go back to work, I'll call Lavon to pick you both up later." Wade suggested as Jack started throwing his Mother's clothes around the bed some even made it to the floor.

"No Jack" Zoe grabbed the little boy "you want to take a break and play in your room for awhile?"

"Mama Yes" Jack answered in his Mother's arms smiling getting tired of helping put Mama's clothes away.

"Can Daddy play too?" Wade asks the Mother and Son duo both looked up at him.

"No" Jack said hugging his Mama closer he did not want to share his Mama with anyone.

"Yes you can" Zoe said then looked at Jack saying "We want to play with Daddy"

Wade laughed off the rejection from his son he knew one day he would leave him for a woman he just hadn't known it would be so soon. Because Wade understood wanting to have Zoe Hart all to ones self. But the boy was going to have to learn to share his Momma with his Father.

Wade followed them upstairs to Jack's room where the trio played in the little boy's room for over a hour. Then they went back downstairs to get more of Zoe clothes put away. They had just cleared off Zoe's bed when it was time for them to leave for the Rammer Jammer.

Zoe was setting next to Jack in the back of Wade's Suv keeping the baby company. His little hand was holding her bigger one giving her the courage to face what she knew would be coming ahead of her once she walked into the Rammer Jammer. It had to be done though she could not hide at the Carriage house forever. And as much as she loved being a Mother to Jack, Zoe knew she had to work to earn money. And being a Doctor in a small town the size of BlueBell was the perfect opportunity to being able to be both Mother and Doctor. That was something that Zoe had never thought of before Jack came into her life. Because being a Mother was more important then her career, something both of her parents well the two that raised her didn't agree with their careers meant more to them then she did.

"If you want Zoe you can come through the back door" Wade asked as they pulled into the back of the Rammer Jammer. "That way you can set in my office for awhile before coming out with Jack if you want"

Getting out of the Suv Zoe looked around it felt nice and warm out Wade was getting Jack's stroller so she walked around the Suv to get her baby out of his carseat. She opened the door and her heart swelled at the big smile Jack was giving her saying "Mama" with his little arms holding out towards her. She returned his smile with one of her own and got Jack got of his carseat.

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You could hear a pin drop as Zoe pushed Jack in his stroller into the Rammer Jammer, Wade following in behind them having been holding the door open for them to go through. Zoe picked a empty table as Wade went and got a highchair for Jack to set in. Getting the boy setup in the highchair Wade kissed him on the forehead then turned to see the reaction from the customers of the Rammer Jammer.

Everyones mouths were open Dash who was at another table wasn't even trying to tape anything for his blog. His mouth was dropped open then when he noticed Wade looking at him he smiled this was the best news to come to BlueBell in years. Dash got up walked over to Zoe's table "Welcome Back Dr. Hart, BlueBell has sure missed you"

"Thank you Dash" Zoe said smiling knowing now with Dash here soon the whole town would know she had returned he was sure to share everything in his blog for everyone to read. On the downside he would want her to give a interview.

"When did you return?" Dash asked taking out his tape recorder.

"A few days ago" Zoe answered "I woke from my coma about seven months ago but just recently got out of the nursery facility I was staying in"

"Oh you poor dear" Dash said a tear in his eyes "Are you going back to work at the Doctor office?"

"I haven't gotten to talk to Brick yet I've just been getting to know my son for now. But I would love to return to work sometime as long as Brick will have me" Zoe answered.

"Wade how does it feel to have your Baby Mama back?" Dash asked turning to look at the bar owner.

"It's great Dash, Jack loves his Momma" Wade said "now I've got to get to work so please don't bother the Doc and my boy"

Wade walked towards the bar grabbing a pad and a menu returning to Zoe giving her the menu "We added a few items so take a look see if you would like to try any of them"

Dash had returned to his table every eye in the Rammer Jammer was on Zoe and Wade. Jack was just setting in the highchair slapping his little hands on the table top saying "Mama" over and over again so if anyone hadn't known who Zoe was they did now.

"So you decide on what you want for dinner yet Doc?" Wade asked pad and pen all ready to write.

"I see you added my favorite salad to the menu I'll have that with a ice tea" Zoe said then noticed also a kiddie menu at the bottom of the main menu. It had grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, hot dog, and a hamburger with a pick of a side of french fries or apple sauce.

"And Jack will have the grilled cheese in tiny pieces" Zoe said thinking the little boy might like that "with the fries of course. I'll let you pick what he will have to drink"

"Good choice Doc, I've been thinking Jack might like the grilled cheese" Wade walked back behind the bar to get their order in and grab them their drinks. When he brought the drinks back to the table Shula Whitaker was talking to Zoe. "I can't wait until you start back at the Practice, I love you being my Doctor"

"I'm just enjoying spending time with Jack right now" Zoe told Shula "I still have to talk to Brick about when he would like me to start work again"

"Yes that baby boy of yours is so cute, I just love him" Shula said as she patted Jack on the head the little boy looked at her like she was crazy.

"Here is your drinks" Wade said putting Zoe's ice tea in front of her and giving Jack a sippy cup full of watered down soda. "Hi Shula how's your day been?"

"Good but not as good as yours" Shula replied back "it's so good to see our Dr. Hart back where she belongs" Wade couldn't agree more with what Shula just said Zoe was back where she belonged.

"I think I see you order is up" Wade told Shula "I'll bring it to your table" Zoe smiled a thank you to Wade for getting Shula to leave her alone.

After their meal Zoe and Jack were hiding out in Wade's office so she would not have to be the main attraction of the night for everyone who came into the restaurant. After answering a dozen peoples different questions Zoe was wore out and most all had the same question put different ways all wanted to know when she would start at the Practice again. And Zoe did not have a answer for that at least until she talked to Brick she didn't. She had asked Wade if Brick came in to asks him to come to his office so she could talk to Brick about coming back to work. Wade had promised to tell Brick but so far no knock had come so Zoe didn't think Brick had showed up tonight.

It was getting late and Jack had crashed in his pack n play a few minutes ago, Zoe was thinking of calling Lavon to come get her and Jack when Wade walked in. "Hey Doc, I thought I would ran you and Jack back to the Carriage house then come back to work"

"I'll just call Lavon he can come get us" Zoe said not wanting Wade to have to leave the Rammer Jammer then return.

"Or I could take them" came a voice from the door frame both Wade and Zoe looked over to the door to see George Tucker standing there smiling.

"George" Zoe said getting up from behind Wade's desk to give him a quick hug "It's so good to see you"

"It's good to see you too Zoe" George replied "When I heard you were at the Rammer Jammer I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure Wade would have called me right away if it had been true"

"Sorry man but the last few days have been busy" Wade said feeling bad about leaving George out of the loop of Zoe's return.

"It's my fault" Zoe spoke up "I didn't want to tell anyone. I just wanted to spend time with my baby"

"No one can fault you for that Zoe" George said as he walked over to the pack n play looking at a sleeping Jack. "If you want I will take you both home? If you tell me where you're staying"

"I can take them home George" Wade said not liking the idea of George alone with Zoe "No need for you to cut your night with Annabeth short"

"AnnaBeth?" Zoe asks looking at Wade giving him the sink eye. How could he not tell her that George and Annabeth were dating. She had never dreamed those two would pair up in a romantic relationship. Zoe hadn't thought beyond Lavon for Annabeth but now seeing George he would be a good fit for her friend. Annabeth needed someone stable that she could count on and George other then when he dumped Lemon at the altar was that.

"Yes we've been dating for a few months now" George uttered as he went to pick up the sleeping baby "AnnaBeth isn't with me tonight she had a Belle meeting of some type instead. So it's just me I can take Zoe and Jack back home. But you still haven't told me where you're staying"

"Carriage house" Zoe answered.

"But Wade lives there" George turned to his friend asking "Did you move back to the Gate house?"

"No" Wade shook his head "buddy of course not. We just cleaned out the spare room"

"Oh" George said "that does make much more sense"

"Ya think" Wade sarcastically replied wanting to ripe his sleeping son from the other man's arms. Wade knew he could not let himself act on this new found jealousy. It wasn't fair to George who had been a great friend to him over the last two years. Wade just hoped that once Zoe and him had a chance to really talk and start a new relationship these feelings of jealously would leave him.

"If you're sure it's no trouble" Zoe said to George turning to Wade she said "I will see you in the morning" she kissed him quickly on the lips and was out his office door the next second.

George looked at Wade as he walked towards the door with Jack in his arms "You guys back together?" he asked.

"We're getting there we haven't had time to talk about it yet" Wade answered smiling it seemed like Zoe couldn't keep her lips off him. "but if I have anything to say about it we will be back together soon"

"By the looks of it Zoe wants that too" George laughed as he left Wade behind hoping things would work out this time for his two friends.

[Sw]

Chapter Twelve

It seemed that everyone got new vehicles while Zoe Hart was in her coma because George Tucker was headed to a four door black truck instead of his old single cab one. "Nice truck" Zoe said as George motioned with his head for her to open the back passenger door. When she did she was surprised to find a carseat George had the sleeping Jack in it in a few minutes not as fast as Wade could but the baby only moaned a few times.

"Yeah I've had this new truck a few months now my old one gave up the ghost" George mumbled closing the door hoping it didn't wake Jack up. "AnnaBeth liked the four door model better, I had Jack's carseat in my old truck but it took up so much room"

"That was nice of you, I mean is nice of you to help Wade out so much with Jack" Zoe replied "The last few days I've been spending all my time with Jack. I just love him so much"

George got into the driver's seat and was taken back a little when Zoe got into the seat behind him so she could be setting in the back next to Jack instead of setting in the front passenger seat next to him. Looking into the review mirror he could see Zoe kiss Jack's head.

"Wade was telling me earlier that Brick didn't buy my half of the Practice like my Mother had told me is that true?" Zoe asks as George pulled out of the Rammer Jammer parking lot.

"No you still have your half, Brick would not buy it from your Mother not after the way she treated Wade" George answered as he was driving he could not see Zoe's eyes widen in the review mirror. "I know she is your Mother but how she could just bar any of us from seeing you and then just sneak you off and never letting Wade know where you where at she's a Witch"

"Yeah that's a nice word to described her" Zoe responded with knowing she might be able to get more out of George then she had Lavon. "Wade and I haven't gotten to really talk much about what he's been through with my Mother. Taking care of Jack and the Rammer Jammer hasn't given us a lot of time to talk"

"Well tomorrow is Thursday and I usually watch Jack for Wade, so why don't you two talk then. I'll pick up Jack at ten from the Carriage house" George volunteered all those two needed was a little time alone together and he was sure they would be getting back together.

"I guess if you're used to watching Jack then it will be okay" Zoe said knowing Wade and her needed to talk she had kissed him again she couldn't stop herself. There was just something about Wade that drawn her to him. He was sexy, funny, loving to their son, and treated them like they were the most important people in the world, because to him they were. The whole trust issue over his past cheating hadn't came to her mind at all today. Because Zoe knew she could trust this Wade he had grown up he had too having to take care of a baby does that to a person.

"Me and Jack are old friends, I just hope you're not like Wade calling every hour" George teased.

"No I'm going to be the cool parent" Zoe replied back "and I don't have your phone number"

"Well I'll make sure to give you my number before I take Jack tomorrow" George just finished saying as he pulled in front of the Carriage house. Zoe got out and went to unlock the front door while George got the sleeping baby out of the carseat.

"That's new" George said noticing the key in Zoe's hand.

"Yeah well I don't want any surprise visits from my Mom" Zoe answered holding open the door for George. He put a sleeping Jack on the couch after Zoe told him he didn't have to take the baby up to his room. "Thanks for bringing us home" Zoe told George right before he left the Mother and Son he wanted to get back to his boat before AnnaBeth got there for the night.

Zoe had replaced Jack onto her bed so she could get her night clothes on without worrying about him rolling off the couch. She put pillows all around him and made a fast ran into his bedroom for a clean diaper and p.j.'s for him as well. The little guy for the last two nights had slept in his clothes. Zoe changed into a night dress with a pair of shorts under after brushing her teeth not wanting to be away from Jack long enough to take a shower.

Changing the diaper and clothes of a sleeping toddler was not very easier he was deadweight but she finally got it done. Pulling the sheets back and getting both of them under it was simply Zoe made sure to put a pillow on Jack's other side since Wade wasn't sleeping beside him like he had the last two nights. Something Zoe had not let herself think about because it really wasn't anything sexual about it they were sleeping with their son. It was kind of cute how since she had returned Wade had slept with them, but that would change now, with Wade having his own new room upstairs. Zoe knew she would miss being able to open her eyes in the middle of the night and see Wade sleeping peacefully in the same bed as her.

Everything was so different now when she had left BlueBell Zoe knew a lot of time had past it seemed it had changed so much with it. So much was dislike what it had been when she left, Lavon was engaged to Lemon, he had been seeing AnnaBeth when she left and last talked to him. AnnaBeth was dating George Tucker which she never would have thought of being that AnnaBeth was such good friends with Lemon how had that came about? Last she knew George was still in love with Tansy, Zoe couldn't help but wonder if Tansy was with anyone new.

The only thing that seemed to have stayed the same was Wade still wanting to be with her. Thinking that brought a smile to Zoe's face that was the most important thing because as she closed her eyes and started falling asleep Zoe knew she could deal with all these new changes as long as she had Wade and Jack.

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It was after two am when Wade unlocked the front door of the Carriage house quietly he didn't want to wake Zoe or Jack up. Wade made his way upstairs first stopping by Jack's room and finding like he already assumed Jack wasn't there. Next stop was his own room where he had forgotten all his clothes were laying on his bed. To tired to put those away he made his way back downstairs deciding he would sleep on the couch for the night.

Wade jumped when he heard a noise in the kitchen right after he laid down on the couch, getting up off the couch he walked to the kitchen hoping Jack hadn't woke up in got into the refrigerator. Instead he found Zoe there getting herself a drink "Hi Doc" he whisper.

Hearing his voice Zoe looked up putting the glass of water down "When did you get home?"

"Just a few minutes ago, I forgot I hadn't put my clothes away so I'm just gonna crash on the couch tonight" Wade noted heading back to what would be his bed for the night.

"Wade wait, you can sleep with Jack and Me again tonight" Zoe informed him "George offered to pick Jack up so he can babysit him tomorrow, so we can have time to talk"

"If your sure it doesn't bother you me sleeping with you?" Wade uttered hoping she wouldn't changed her mind.

"I wouldn't have offered if it did" Zoe voiced then turned and head back towards her new old bedroom.

"Okay then count me in" Wade spoke as he followed after her "So talk huh? We sure have lots of things to talk about" Wade just hoped one of them wasn't how great George Tucker was. He really needed to let go of his jealously over George, the man was with AnnaBeth they seemed happy together. That hadn't stopped George though when he had been with Lemon he had fallen in love with Zoe before. But things where different now, Wade reminded himself as he looked at his tiny sleeping son. Jack made everything different Zoe would not rush into a relationship with George Tucker when she had a son to think about. Also she kept kissing him that had to mean something Wade thought.

"I know but there never seems to be enough time for us to talk, can you take a few hours off tomorrow for us to talk?" Zoe asked getting into her side of the bed moving the pillow she had used to keep Jack in place out of the way.

"Yes tomorrow is when I do scheduling for the week I don't work behind the bar, George takes Jack on Thursdays for me to get that done. So I can take a few hours off in the morning. I can make them up by staying until five instead of taking off at three like I usually do"

"Wow" Zoe whispered in awe of how Wade had everything running like a well oiled clock. He had childcare all lined up but made sure to be able to spend time with his son as well. Plus from the looks of the Rammer Jammer he kept that place running just as well. Who knew Wade Kinsella could be such a great Daddy and business man?

Wade had foregone p.j.'s once again but this time he took of his pants he would just sleep in his boxer shorts and tee shirt he had on for the night. Once he had them off he slipped into the bed on the other side of Jack. Wade looked over to see that Zoe looked fast asleep already so he closed his own eyes he could use some sleep himself.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Zoe and Jack were in the bathroom the younger one was getting his very first bath from his Mother. She was trying to be quiet knowing Wade hadn't gotten in until 2 am and was still sound asleep in her bed. Lavon had dropped off two buttermilk muffins this morning, he had some Mayor duties he had to attend to so he wouldn't be able to watch Jack this morning. So after breakfast and some playtime in his room Zoe had picked a cute little outfit of jeans and a plaid shirt for Jack to wear. Next step was to get Jack clean that's where the bath came into play.

Zoe had found all his baby soap and shampoo in the cabinet in the bathroom along with a few bath toys. First Zoe got Jack nice and clean then she let him play with his bath toys he seemed to really like the little blue boat. He was splashing her so now she looked as if she too had taken a bath. But Zoe didn't mind it one bit she just enjoyed being able to do this with her son.

After having a splash war with Jack, Zoe seen the huge mess they had made and decided it was time to get the bathroom cleaned up. Jack being the very helpful toddler that he was tried to help his Mama soak up the water with using his bath towel. After he finished though he decided to wake his Dada up and took off with only his diaper on and wet hair with Zoe following after him.

Jack made it to Wade before Zoe could stop him patting his face saying "DaDa".

Zoe seized Jack off Wade "Let Daddy sleep" she whispered not noticing Wade's eyes cracked open "he worked late last night".

"Let's get you dressed then we can go play in your room again" Zoe was telling her son as she carried him back towards the bathroom. Wade's eyes never left them Zoe was all wet from what he guessed was Jack's bath the two looked so cute together. It was a sight he would like to wake to every morning. One hopefully he could take a step towards making happen today when Zoe and he had their talk later.

Wade closed his eyes he would try to get some more sleep he had a lot he had to get done today. The most important was his talk with Zoe, then getting the Rammer Jammer scheduling done for the week. The downside to all that was he wasn't getting to spend anytime with his boy. Tomorrow he was going to bring Jack to the park spend a few hours just him and his boy well Zoe could come along too if she wanted.

Wade slept for another hour then got up and jumped into the shower getting himself all cleaned up it wasn't until he had the towel around his waist did he remember all his clothes were now upstairs laying on his bed in his new room. So he had to make a run for it up the stairs he was stopped in his tracks when he saw Zoe with Jack in her arms standing outside Jack's door.

"Hi" Wade blurted out "forgot all my clothes were moved up here"

"Don't let us stop you" Zoe pronounced her eyes glued to his bare chest it looked just as good as she remembered if not better carrying Jack around sure helped his six pack out. It made Zoe a little self conscious her body did not look as good as two year ago, between having a baby and being in a coma, having a feeding tube, losing so much weight she knew her body wasn't the same. She didn't see how anyone would find her attractive with the shape her body was in.

Wade just smirked at Zoe having caught her starting at him then noticed the frown on her face "After I get dressed while don't we all have a family playtime together?"

"I was thinking more of you watching Jack so I can get a shower" Zoe voiced she was still dressed in her damp nightgown.

"Just give me five minutes and I can do that" Wade replied as he headed for his new bedroom, once in there he shut the door looked at his bed full of clothes he hadn't realized he had that many pants and shirts. He grabbed a pair of pants that were on top of a pile of them same with the shirt soon he was dressed and ready to go.

Walking into Jack's room Zoe stood up from playing with the baby, Wade took her place smiling as she left the room no words spoken between the two. "You sure have one hot Mama" Wade told his son with a sloppy smile on his face.

[Sw]

Chapter Thirteen

Zoe Hart had taken her time in the shower she had also used Wade's razor to shave her legs and underarms she hoped he did not mind her using it. She had to use Wade's shaving cream which wasn't ideal but she had to make due with what she had on hand. Now that everyone knew she was back in BlueBell she really needed to stop by the Dixie Stop and pick a few things up. Being reminded by Wade's earlier display Zoe had brought a outfit inside the bathroom with her. She did not want him seeing her in only a towel.

She had just finished putting her hair into a braid without a blow dryer or straighten iron there really wasn't much she could do with her hair at the moment. Wade hadn't comment on her uncontrollable hair but she was sure that was just because he was still in shock from her arriving. He was bound to notice it sooner or later, Zoe thought or perhaps it was really true that saying men really didn't care what women wore that it was other women who sized you up on what you were wearing.

Maybe Wade didn't care how her hair looked I mean the man was always wearing plaid shirts with blue jeans. He really did not have any fashion sense whatsoever. So why had she fixed herself up because she was going to have a few hours alone with him. He was the Father of her child, the man that had taken said child and raised him when she couldn't, not to mention he was always sexy, now he was ten times more.

Zoe knew she had to keep her head about her when they were alone Wade just had a way about him that cause her to act all crazy around him. She always remember they use to fight like crazy, but so far since she had been back they hadn't fought once. Then again they hadn't really had time to talk.

Zoe hoped they didn't fight today they really needed to talk and figure out how to raise their son together, because Wade knew how to do it alone they had to figure out how to do it together. And being together was something they hadn't been able to do once, because they hadn't truly trusted each other. She had fallen in love with Wade but hadn't showed him that, which caused him to doubt her feelings for him. But right now their past relationship wasn't the topic they needed to have a discussion about.

Looking into the mirror once more making sure she looked good Zoe left the bathroom hoping to get to spend some time with Jack before George showed up to pick him up for the day. It would be good for Jack to see Wade and her together interacting.

Walking into Jack's room Zoe almost laughed, Wade and Jack were playing a game of basketball each had in one hand a mini ball. Jack was standing up and Wade was on his knees both had their hands waiting in a throwing motion. First Jack threw his mini ball it missed the basket but did hit the backboard. Then Wade threw his mini ball it went right in the basket "Nothing but net" Wade said as Jack and he shared a high-five.

"Nice shot" Zoe announced her presence with "Is this a Daddy, Jack only game are can Mommy play too?"

"Mama" Jack shouted then wrapped his little arms around her legs.

"Looking good Doc" Wade said eyeing the Mother of his child up and down, she had on a pair of short shorts and a black top that looked really hot on her, she looked good enough to eat Wade thought. Yes Zoe needed to gain some weight but she still was beautiful.

"Thanks" Zoe shying replied turning a little red at his compliment. Happy he seemed to notice the trouble she had went through to look good today.

"Mama" Jack handed her a mini ball he had somehow gotten while she hadn't been paying attention to him.

"I guess it's my turn" Zoe took the mini ball threw it and was surprised when it went through the basket. Jack put his little hand up and Zoe slapped it giving him his high-five. It was Wade's turn to laugh they were so cute together.

For the next hour the three of them played together, after basketball they played with his drum set, then with his trucks. After that it was snack time Wade gave Jack some cheese crackers and milk to drink. George would be there soon to pick up Jack so Wade left Zoe with Jack so he could pack Jack's diaper bag for the day.


After getting the diaper bag packed with a change of clothes and diapers Wade made a stop in the kitchen to get his boy a few snacks for the day. Not that George wouldn't feed Jack but he usually gave the boy candy.

Coming into the living room Wade found it empty so he went to the front door it was open and setting on the porch was Zoe with Jack in her arms, they were talking to George.

"So I think this is the part where we exchange numbers" George joked having his phone in his hand.

"Here take Jack while I get my phone I'm not sure what my number is yet" Zoe said handing the baby to George turning towards the front door Wade was standing there.

"Wade can you get my phone I need to give George my new number, in case of a emergency"

Wade let out a breathe he hadn't realized he was holding hearing why she wanted her phone. When he had heard George joking asking for Zoe's number he had felt his heart stop replaying all the times in the past when Zoe had been in love with George. Of course if she had truly been in love with George why did she instead of starting a relationship with said man instead she had started one up with Wade.

"Sure is it on your nightstand Doc?" Wade asked handing the diaper bag to Zoe fast as she nodded her head yes in respond to his question.

Grabbing her phone and returning with it only took a few minutes, George had already gotten Jack into his carseat in that time. So while Zoe and George traded phone numbers Wade went and said goodbye to his boy for the day. It was always hard leaving his son, Wade hated not being able to have Jack with him all day long. But he couldn't work and watch Jack all day long so he had to leave his son at times.

"Don't worry Wade I know all the babysitting rules, I will call you when I get to my office with Jack" George laughingly said as he entered his truck. "You know Jack is my main man"

"I know but that is my boy you've got there" Wade voiced "I just want to know he is safe"

"I promise I will protect him with my life" George promised as he turned the truck engine on. "You want me to drop him off at the Rammer Jammer at three like I always do?"

"No I'll pick him up later" Zoe said looking between George in his truck and Wade who was standing next to it "I'll bring Jack's stroller pick him up then head to the Rammer Jammer later with him"

"Okay" Wade said not really sure he liked the idea of Zoe walking around BlueBell with Jack in his stroller. What if she got to tired and got stuck on the side of the road trying to get to the Rammer Jammer?

Waving bye to George and Jack, Zoe noticed Wade had gotten awfully quite. Looking at him she seen a look of concern on his face. Wondering what it was over she asked "Something wrong Wade?"

"No I was just thinking I could drop you off at George's later, then you could borrow my suv after coming to the Rammer Jammer if you wanted" Wade presented the idea to Zoe hoping she would not turn him down.

Zoe thought over the idea of driving again she hadn't driven in over two years she might be a little rusty. She did not want Jack in the suv with her first time out again. Shaking her head she turned Wade down "I'll just walk thanks though for asking"

"But that makes no sense Doc, you got tried the other day half way to Lavon's holding Jack, pushing his stroller all the way from town is going to be a lot worse" Wade pointed out trying to get Zoe to understand walking wasn't a good idea.

"So you just want me to drive your monster of a suv around news flash smarty pants I haven't drove in over two years" Zoe yelled then run up the steps to the Carriage house slamming the down behind her.

Wade's mouth dropped open he hadn't thought of that, rubbing the back of his head with his hand he knew he had made a mess of things. He could have handle that better Wade knew he was going to have to learn to listen to what Zoe was saying. She had very good reasons for not wanting to drive. Taking a deep breathe Wade followed after Zoe knowing they needed to talk now more then ever.

Zoe was just setting on the couch in the living room pouting, because she recognized after running inside Wade lived in the Carriage house as well now. So she didn't have anywhere private to go to cool down. This was going to take some getting use too. Looking up at the doorway she seen Wade standing there with a sheepish look on his face.

"Sorry" Wade said rubbing his head again a nervous tick of his "I should have known you hadn't drove in years"

"I'm sorry too I shouldn't have yelled at you" Zoe apologized "I just didn't want you or anyone else to have to disrupt their day having to chauffeur me and Jack around"

Listening to Zoe a idea came to Wade he walked over to her pulling her off the couch and dragging her with him as he grabbed his keys "Come on Doc it's time you got back behind the wheel"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


After George had called to tell them he had gotten safely with Jack to his office they where off. Wade had found a empty dry field then turned over the suv to Zoe. She drove around getting the feel for the big vehicle making a few turns then Wade decided it was time for her to try driving on the actually road asking first though if Zoe still had a valid driver's license when she said yes they were off on the road.

"Just remember it will be different with Jack in the suv, he sometimes cries and yells for things you can't let him distract you" Wade informed Zoe wanting to make sure she knew the facts of driving with a baby in a vehicle.

"Okay thanks for the infor but I think I can handle driving my own son around" Zoe said getting the feeling that Wade might be a bit overprotective of Jack. "I've had no trouble driving your monster suv around"

"Yeah out here in the middle of nowhere, take us into BlueBell let's see how you handle town driving" Wade demanded needing to know Zoe could handle BlueBell's crazy drivers.

"Alright" Zoe said as she pulled into a driveway then backed out so she turned the suv towards the town. "Is this how it's going to be for now on?"

"What do you mean?" Wade asked noticing that Zoe was going the speed limit but he would have to mention to her before she left with Jack he liked whoever drove him to go a few miles under the speed limit.

"That you make all the rules for Jack and I have to follow them?" Zoe asked trying not to shout at Wade knowing he was used to being in sole control of their son.

"What of course not" Wade replied before he even could think about her question. "I'm sorry if you think that's what I've been doing"

"I understand Wade you've had all the responsibility of taking care of Jack. But now I'm here we need to do this together" Zoe said taking one hand off the steering wheel to point it back and forth between the two of them making her point of doing it together. "We made Jack together so we have to take care of him together"

Wade smirked when he heard her say 'made Jack together' they certainly
had. "Okay I understand what your saying"

"We need to do this together Wade" Zoe said driving into BlueBell "I love Jack just as much as you do"

"I know you do Doc, I'm just a bit overprotective of our boy. After what happened to my Mom and you I just didn't want anything happening to Jack" Wade told Zoe watching her drive around the town square.

"So I get to be the cool parent then" Zoe said trying to lighten the mood which use to be what Wade would do.

"I guess you do Doc" Wade said smiling as he watched her start to drive towards the Rammer Jammer. "So I guess we should actually start talking about the things we haven't gotten to talk about"

"Okay where to start though?" Zoe asked pulling into the Rammer Jammer then waiting a few second pulling out again.

"When did you find out you were pregnant?" Wade asked thinking starting at the beginning would be best.

"I wasn't feeling the best so I had a blood test done, I wasn't sure you hadn't given me something" Zoe said as she remembered her feelings back then "I was still so mad at you for cheating"

There was silence in the suv for a few minutes after Zoe mentioned Wade's cheating. It had happened over two years ago but it still hurt both of them. Wade hated himself for doing it, blaming Zoe's coma on himself. Zoe hurt for thinking she hadn't showed Wade how she truly felt for him that cheating was what he picked over being with her.

"But once I got the results I tried calling you" Zoe said "but I couldn't get you, I think you were trying to call me back when the accident happened"

"I got the message you left me and I did try calling you back" Wade answered "I tried calling for days after never getting a answer. Then two weeks later I got your email the whole town did"

"You mean my Mother's email" Zoe said as she drove them back towards Lavon's plantation. "I'm not even sure what she wrote in it"

"I didn't know it was your Mother's at the time, so I didn't take it to well" Wade thought back to his drinking in those days it hadn't been good. "I drunk a lot, then almost made a huge mistake it woke me up."

"What kind of mistake?" Zoe asks not really wanting to hear this if it was what she thought it was going to be.

"I was total wasted and went home with a stranger but before anything happened drunk as I was I remember you, Zoe. And knew doing things like what I almost done that night cost me you. I wanted to be a better man for you, I was hoping you would return someday and see I was different, maybe take me back" Wade laid it all out there for Zoe.

"So you what just left?" Zoe asked wanting to make sure she understood he hadn't hooked up with anyone that night.

"Yes didn't you just listen to everything I just said or just the part where their was a woman involved?" Wade questioned feeling like him baring his soul to Zoe hadn't meant anything to her.

"No I heard the part where you stopped because you wanted me back" Zoe said wanting Wade to know she did indeed hear what he was saying. "How long did that last?"

"It hasn't stopped" Wade blurt out before he realized he even said it.

"So how many women have you dated since then?" Zoe asked ignoring what Wade had just said not feeling up to dealing with that right now.

"None since I learned you were in a coma, before that it was just first dates that ended mostly without any goodnight kisses. Like I said I've been waiting for you Zoe"

While it shouldn't matter it made Zoe feel happy to know that Wade hadn't been dating since he learned about her being in a coma. Of course when he had returned to BlueBell from New York he had a newborn baby with him. That would curtail dating for anyone.

"Wade I want you to know I'm sorry" Zoe said as she pulled back into the empty field she had been driving in earlier. "I had a lot of time while I was recovery to think over our relationship and my part in it's end"

"You didn't have any part in it's ending that was all me" Wade spoke up knowing he didn't deserve her 'I'm sorry'. He was the one that cheated he caused their breakup all on his own.

"No that's not true, I never let you know how I felt about you. You thought I was in love with George and that was my fault. I never let you know when my feelings for George ended. Tell me you weren't waiting for me to dump you for George" Zoe demanded turning the suv engine off.

"Zoe it wasn't your fault I cheated, yes I let my fear that you had feelings for George get to me that night, I drunk to much and wished I could take back what happened. But you did not cause it I did. Please know I will never forgive myself for hurting you" Wade told Zoe tears filling his eyes.

"You have to forgive yourself Wade, because I already have forgiven you" Zoe said taking hold of his left hand "I had forgiven you before I came back to BlueBell. But since I've come back and seen just how you've changed I'm proud to say your my son's Father"

Those tears that had been filling Wade's eyes now were freely falling knowing she truly had forgiven him set a part of Wade free that had been weight down by guilt. "Thank you Doc"

[Sw]

Chapter Fourteen


"So it's my question now" Zoe Hart stated looking around the empty field outside of the suv trying to give Wade Kinsella a moment to pull himself together and wipe away the tears falling from his eyes.

Hearing Zoe had forgiven him and was proud he Fathered her child made Wade the happiest he been since his Momma had been alive. He knew he didn't deserve either thing but was none the less happy he had both now.

"Asks away Doc, I'm a open book to ya" Wade responded with as he wiped the last of his tears away from his eyes.

"I know George told you about me being in a coma, that he found out about it from my Mother's lawyer but how did he tell you?" was the question she asked him.

It took a few minutes for Wade to pull up those memories it seemed like they happened a lifetime ago anything before Jack entered his life seemed like a lifetime ago his boy came in and everything changed. Jack made everything harder yes but also everything better. His boy made life enjoyable as much as possible without having Zoe in it could be.

"George had stopped by acting all weird earlier in the day at the Rammer Jammer getting a carry out order. He wanted me to start dating" Wade stopped then a dry humorless laugh came out "We kind of had a few words about that, so him showing up at my place that night was not a welcome sight"

Zoe knew George was a good friend to Wade so it wasn't off the wall for him to be concerned about Wade's lack of a dating life, but to mention it was something she hadn't pegged George for a busybody but everyone in BlueBell at one time or another was a busybody.

"I told him to leave if he was there to continue our earlier conversation" Wade picked back up with "instead he took my beer from my hand drunk the whole thing then laid the news on me you where in a car accident in New York City" Taking a break from the story Wade rolled down his door window needing to get some fresh air before saying anything more.

"So while I was busy getting packed so I could catch a plane to New York, George was just standing there looking all goofy. Wanting to know what I was doing, so I told him I was going to New York. That's when he broke the news to me you were not just in a coma but pregnant as well."

"You thought he would have soften the blow a little" Zoe voiced her disappointment in George's announcement of her pregnancy "I mean telling someone their going to be a Father should be done a little more delicately" Zoe knew she had been planing to tell Wade over the phone which wasn't delicate either but hey she was the one he had gotten pregnant so she was allowed to tell him anyway she wanted.

"Yeah about that" Wade laughed "He didn't realize I was the Father, he was trying to stop me from going to New York"

"What?" Zoe asked what type of girl did George Tucker take her for? Maybe the type that told one man she loved him ruined his relationship with the woman he loved, then he finds her with another man. Yeah she could see where George might have been a tiny bit mad at her at the time and think the worst of her.

"Don't worry I set him straight" Wade answered "I mean the guy walked in on us the morning after talk about timing huh? I hope he doesn't keep doing that in the future"

"You're assuming their is going to be a future time for him to walk in on" Zoe flirtingly stated.

"Oh you can bet your pretty little head on there being a next time Doc" Wade smirked back at her.

"So getting back to the story at hand" Wade still smirking said "George wasn't completely convinced the baby was mine. So I played him your voice message"

"That's the second time you've mentioned a message, I can't remember leaving one. I do remember calling you though" Zoe said in a spaced out way trying to bring up the memories from that day but she kept coming up blank on leaving a message on Wade's phone.

"I can play it for you if you want, I still have the same phone" Wade asked.
Nodding her head yes, Zoe wanted to hear what this message she left over two years ago said. So Wade took out his phone in less then a minute he had the message playing on speaker for Zoe to be able to hear it.

"Wade it's me, you know Zoe listen we need to talk I have something important to tell you, so when you get this message call me back. I'm working all day so I might miss your call but keep trying okay, I miss you bye"

Zoe's mouth dropped open that was her voice all right but she could not remember leaving that message. It was so weird hearing it knowing she left it right before her accident.

"So after hearing that message George agree I could be the Father so he came with me to New York along with Lavon. George was a lot of help finding out from your Mother's lawyer which hospital you where in. He told the other lawyer Brick wanted to send flowers" Zoe laughed at that sending flowers to someone in a coma would be a silly thing to do. But it was a believable thing to do as well.

"So when we got to your hospital room your Mother was there she would not allow us inside to see you. I thought maybe she didn't know I was the Father but she knew alright she told me it didn't matter if I was the Father or not I had no say in the matter. She was going to raise her grandchild. That I had hurt you too much with cheating on you"

"Huh" was the noise that came out of a stunned Zoe's mouth.

"George had a lawyer friend who worked in family law so he told him what needed to be done so I could get custody of Jack. The court order was put in place as soon as Jack was born to do a DNA test. If it wasn't for all the help from George and Lavon I never would have been able to get Jack" Wade pronounced.

"Lavon funded my whole stay in New York, and George never left my side he came home on the train with Jack and me" Wade said feeling tears starting in his eyes again. It touched him deeply to know just how much his friends cared about him and Jack.

"You came home by train ride?" Zoe asks laughing it was hard to picture Wade, George and a newborn on a train together.

"Yes we did it was a long train ride too, but were getting ahead of ourselves here" Wade replied laughing a little himself thinking of that train ride.

"The wait for you to go into labor was hard" Wade spoke out with "when you finally did go into labor I wasn't allowed in, your Mother was with you though so you were not alone. I waited in the waiting room with George the whole time. When Jack was born they let me know so we could do the DNA test"

Zoe did not know how to respond to that both Jack's parents had missed out on his birth. And neither was at fault for that, it was just so sad that Wade was deny the chance to see their son enter the world. To know her Mother had caused that made Zoe hate her even more. Who was Candice Hart to decide that because Wade had cheated on Zoe he didn't get to be a Father to his child? The child who was created after they had broken up, after Wade had cheated on her. Her Mother who had herself cheated that's how Zoe got here on planet earth in the first place tried to keep Wade from his child. How dare she, who did she think she was? But hadn't Candice Hart done this Zoe's whole life, she didn't think Harley Wilkes was good enough to be Zoe Father so she picked Ethan Hart instead. Her Mother had control problems she wanted everything to be her way or the highway.

"Zoe are you okay?" Wade asked she was awfully quiet after what he just shared with her.

"I'm fine I just can't believe how my Mother treated you" it was just so surreal Zoe thought.

"I didn't care how she treated me but how she treated Jack that I care about" Wade said he already knew Zoe wasn't happy with her Mother. "She only to my knowledge seen him when he was born then a few days later in the nursery after the DNA test came back I was the Father."

"Jack has always looked like me" Wade said proud to be able to say his son looked like him "While I was forced to wait outside the nursery only being able to see him through the glass window anyone could see he was my son."

"It was after I was named Father your Mother came to see him again, she wanted to know about names. I informed her his name was Jack Tucker Hayes Kinsella"

"It's a nice name" Zoe said with tears shining in her eyes knowing that Jack's name had deep roots in family and friendships.

"Sorry you didn't get to help pick it" Wade replied tears in his own eyes as well. Knowing naming their son was something they should have gotten to do together.

"I could not have come up with a better name for Jack it fits him perfect" Zoe said wanting Wade to know she approval of their son's name.

"We have George to thank for that he's the one who suggested I name Jack after my Momma" Wade said wanting to lighten the mood "He's been a really great friend to me"

"I guess your gonna have to stop being jealous of him then huh?" Zoe asked teasingly.

"I am not jealous of George Tucker" Wade pleaded knowing he was still just a bit jealous of him. But was working on making his statement true. George had been too good a friend to then go and try and steal Zoe from him.

"Your Dad though has been great" Wade said to Zoe wanting to change the subject off George of course he did have to mention him one more time with saying "George got in contact with him but he couldn't help us either with your Mother, but he has been a good grandfather to Jack he was just down visiting last month stayed the whole weekend playing with Jack"

Zoe was stumped and felt betrayal again against her Mother, Candice Hart couldn't let Zoe see her Father Ethan Hart because he would have spilled the beans about Jack. So she had let Zoe think her Father did not care about her. Why would she do such a thing, her Mother had to be mad. How had she never noticed this before, maybe seeing her only child in a coma had drove Candice Hart mad that had to be it. Because what other reason could there be for her behavior?

"I need to call Ethan let him know you're out of the coma" Wade said thinking he should have remember to have called him already. Because he would have been so mad at Ethan if it would have been reversed and Ethan waited over two days to call and tell him Zoe was out of the coma and with him.

Taking his phone out again searching for Ethan's number once Wade found it he hit call then handed it over to Zoe knowing Ethan would rather hear her voice and be talking to his daughter then him. After a few rings Ethan picked up and Zoe sheepishly looked at Wade by greeted her Father with "Hi Dad"

[Sw]

Chapter Fifteen


Zoe Hart just out off the phone from her father Ethan Hart who she hadn't spoken to in over two years. It was so good to hear his voice to know that he loved her and wanted to be a part of her life. He was already planning to come visit next weekend so he could see her in person. He had told her there were so many things he wanted to tell her. But the most important thing he said was that he loved her. She heard him crying when she replied back with her love for him too. He asked how Jack and Wade were doing, that he was sure his grandson had kept her busy. It was clear to hear he really cared when he asked about them. Zoe was glad at least one of her parents did care about her son and wanted to be a part of his life.

Turning her head to the passenger seat she give Wade a small smile then the next second she punched him in the arm. "Ow" he said rubbing his injury arm that had really hurt where she hit him hard.

"Nice Doc, I try to do something nice for your Dad and you hit me for it" Wade complained sounding like a little boy.

"Sorry" Zoe mumbled "thank you for calling my Dad it was good to hear his voice again. To know that he loves me"

"Of course he loves you Zoe, how could someone not love you Doc you're so easy to love" Wade joking replied but meaning every word he just spoke. "Jack sure does love ya"

"You've done a wonderful job with him" Zoe said in awe and wonder of Wade for being such a great single parent.

"Jack can be a right terror sometimes, but usually he makes it so easy" Wade uttered missing his little boy as he thought of him. He was most likely driving George crazy at the moment.

Going into Doctor mode Zoe started asking questions to Wade about Jack's health if he had ever been sick, if he was allergic to any foods or medications. Wade had answered all of Zoe's questions with a 'No' Jack had been as healthy as a horse never been sick yet.
"I think he was waiting for his Doctor Momma to be around before he gets sick" Wade joked.

"I hope he just stays healthy" Zoe honestly replied she did not like the thought of her little boy being sick even if it was just with a cold. "I know the last few days he's been going to sleep whenever but does he have a normal bedtime?" Wade give Zoe at look like she had shot him, of course Jack had a bedtime what did she think he let the kid stay up all night if he wanted too?

"Yes he usually goes to bed around seven if he only has a short nap, if Jack gets a long afternoon nap he's up until almost nine. Depends on who is babysitting him on how long a nap he gets" Wade supplied "Let's say Rose watches him she lets him get a good long nap in, but George gives him so much candy the kid doesn't usually nap at all"

"I will have to talk to George about that" Zoe responded with hardly believing George who was a lawyer could really be giving a toddler who was not yet two years old too much candy. When she picked Jack up later today she would learn for herself the truth in Wade's words personally.

"You're not gonna be like a crazy Mama bear are ya?" Wade asks laughing picturing Zoe going Mama bear on George for giving Jack a chocolate bar.

"Of course not, I will just explain to George that candy isn't a healthy snack for a toddler Jack's age" Zoe informed Wade rolling her eyes at him. She was sure that George was not actually feeding her baby a chocolate bar, he had to know better then that right?

"I also have noticed that we haven't been brushing Jack's teeth the last few nights" Zoe started but Wade just shook his head at her. She really was getting into being a Mother he had to laugh at her or he would want to kill her if he took her serious so laugh he would.

"I know like you said 'We' haven't been doing that, but I'm sure 'We' will remember to brush his teeth from now on" Wade said doing his two fingers up and down everytime he said 'We'. "It's been a busy few days and the night I picked you up from the airport Rose had already brushed his teeth"

"Okay" Zoe said feeling like she had upset Wade with her observations "I'm sorry if I seem to be questioning your parenting. I just want to be the best Mother I can be, because I think your a great Father. I want to be just as great as Jack's Mother as your are as his Father" Wade grinned at Zoe complimenting him then gave her a wink laughing at her, as her face turned a light pink color.

"Thanks Doc it's nice to know you approve of how I've been raising our boy" Wade paused then asks "When are you going to start up at the Practice again?"

"I'm not sure yet, I have to talk to Brick first and I don't have his phone number so I will have to either stop at the Practice or get it from Lemon" Zoe answered she wanted to go back to work but she didn't want to leave Jack all day long either.

"Or I could give it to you?" Wade offered her another option "I have his number the first few months with Jack I called Brick a lot asking him all kinds of questions"

"Yeah that would work" Zoe said not having thought to asks Wade if he had Brick number earlier which she really should have. Brick was the only Doctor in town most people would have the Practice's number.

"Yeah I drove him crazy calling all hours of the day and night, I bet he hated having given me his personal cell number" Wade rumbled on "But Jack was just so little when I brought him home and Lavon and Me we didn't really know what we were doing so we called a lot"

"I wish I could have been there" Zoe whispered feeling the regret of not getting to hold her newborn baby filling her. It wasn't Wade's fault but he had gotten to be there for Jack, Zoe knew Jack could never love her like he did his Father they shared a bond that never could be broken.

"I do too Doc, I would always tell Lavon if Zoe was here she would know what to do" Wade replied to Zoe "We've missed you, I'm so glad you're back"

"I'm glad to be back" Zoe said "Now give me Brick's number so I can call him after I drop you off at the Rammer Jammer. I need to see when he wants me to return to work. I think I will tell him I want to work only half days for awhile I want to spend time with Jack"

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On the ride back before dropping Wade off at the Rammer Jammer, Zoe and he had decided once they knew her work schedule they could decide on babysitters. They were trying to decide if Zoe worked half days if it would be better for mornings or afternoons. Since Wade had already worked out a schedule for sitters for Jack it might be better to match up her working hours with their babysitters available hours.

Zoe stopped at the Dixie Stop before she called Brick so she could get some shampoo, conditioner, razors, and women's shaving cream along with a few healthy snacks for Jack. Zoe knew she was stalling for time before calling Brick, she wasn't sure if she could answer the hard questions Brick was sure to be asking her. He would want to know if she was able to treat patients, something she had not done in over two years. Could she treat patients again would she be able to recognize which illnesses patients had?

The only way to find out the answer to all those questions though was to get back on the horse so to speak and just be a Doctor again. So taking a deep breathe Zoe pulled out her new phone and called Brick. It rung for what seemed to be forever before Brick Breeland picked up with "Hello"

"Hi Brick it's me Zoe" she said hoping she didn't sounded as stupid as she felt just now "I just didn't want to stop by the Practice without first talking to you, see when a good time for me to stop by and talk about my returning to work would be"

"Dr. Hart it is so good to hear from you" Brick said as he put down a file he was reading as he set behind his desk "Can you meet me at the Rammer Jammer in fifteen minutes I'm taking my lunch break then. We can talk while we have laugh together"

"That will be great, I haven't ate lunch yet either I see you there" Zoe replied feeling like a big idiot at her respond. It looked like she would be seeing Wade sooner then she had thought. After her meeting with Brick she would have to pick up Jack from George's office.

So that's how Zoe found herself not thirty minutes after she dropped Wade off at the Rammer Jammer back at the restaurant. She grabbed a table to make sure her and Brick would have one it was getting to be lunch time and that meant packed time. Wanda came over right away "Dr. Hart so good to see you again, you want me to get Wade for you?"

"No don't bother Wade I know he's busy doing the scheduling for the week, I'm waiting for Dr. Breeland" Zoe said eyeing the door wanting to make sure she didn't miss when Brick showed up.

"You want to wait to order until he shows up?" Wanda asked "How about I get you a drink while you wait?"

"Thanks Wanda I'll have a Ice Tea" Zoe answered which Wanda returned with in less then two minutes along with a menu. The menu give Zoe something to look at other then the door. It seemed to take forever for Brick to show up but once he did he made a beeline for her table.

"It's good to see you Zoe" Brick said as he took a set across from her "as one doctor to another for awhile there I didn't know if I would. How have you been feeling?"

"I've been doing really well, I woke for the coma almost seven months ago now" Zoe told Brick just as Wanda returned with a ordering pad in her hand. Zoe was so glad for the interruption not wanting to have this part of her returning to work conversation but knowing she had too.

After both Doctors ordered Wanda left them alone again or as alone as the pair could get being in the Rammer Jammer at lunch hour. Shula Whitaker stopped by the table to say 'Hello' so did Dash wanting to know when Zoe would be returning to the Practice. After they both left it was finally time to talk business.

"Before we start I brought these release forms for you to fill out" Brick proclaimed "as your Doctor here in BlueBell I will need all your medical records to treat you correctly" handing her the forms from his jacket pocket where he had them folded in half along with a ink pen.

"Are you trying to find a reason why I can't return to work, because I'm" but Zoe didn't get finish her rant because Brick cut her off.

"No Dr. Hart not a all, I am in fact looking forward to getting some help at the Practice. We need the records so we can go over how many days and hours a week you can start working again" Brick informed Zoe. She eyed the paperwork before her but decided looking up at Brick he was telling the truth so Zoe started filling it out.

"I would like to return to half days at first if that's okay with you?" Zoe asked pulling her phone out so she could use it too look up some information on addresses and phone numbers she would need to complete the release forms. "I want to be able to spend time with Jack"

"Of course you do, you've missed out on a lot with that boy. But Wade has been a great Daddy to Jack, he really stepped up" Brick announced proud of Wade knowing how hard it is to be a single Father. "Through no fault of your own, I know it's important Zoe for you do get to spend time with your baby. But your health is also important so once I get all your records we can decide together how many days a week you can work half days"

"Thanks Brick" Zoe replied hating he was right they did need to go over her medical records together before she could start work again. Also with everything her body had been through she did need a Doctor close by, Brick could order her physical therapy that she would need to continue doing at least once a week. She would have to drive into Mobile to do that though. She wouldn't need to do the physical therapy much longer really it was more like gym work she was doing now. Maybe she could just join a gym instead that was something she would have to talk to Brick about.

Zoe had just finished the paperwork and returned it to Brick when their food arrived both had order cheeseburgers and fries not the healthest of meals but the two Doctors both enjoyed them. It was at the end of their share meal when Wade walked up to their table.

"Well there hello Doctors" he said smiling at the pair surprised to see them. Turning to Zoe he said "You should have let me know you were out here"

"I did not want to interrupt your scheduling duties, I knew you were already behind from getting in late today" Zoe replied to Wade smiling at him.

Brick just shook his head at the two of them hoping they worked out this time, because it wasn't just about them this time Jack deserved a whole family if he could get one. That didn't mean Zoe and Wade had to be in romantic relationship but it did mean they needed to get along. Kids needed a Mother and Father, Brick had seen how not having his daughters Mother around had hurt them. He just hoped for Jack's sake Wade and Zoe would be adults and co-parent together. But looking at the pair of them anyone could see they still had feelings for each other.

"Well I'm needed back at the office once I get the records in I will call you Zoe and we can plan your return then" Brick said getting up from the table. Wade replace Brick in his seat staring at Zoe wanting her to fill him in on her conversation with Brick without having to asks her too. When she didn't Wade asked "Records?"

Zoe got up from the table she looked back at Wade and he followed after her as she headed for his office. She did not feel like having anymore important conversations where anyone else could overhear them. Once back at his office Wade took his spot behind the desk letting Zoe take the one next to Jack's pack n play.

"The records Brick was talking about is my medical records" Zoe puffed out "he wants to wait until they come in so he can decide how many hours or days a week I can work"

"Oh" Wade didn't know how to respond to that, he hadn't thought about Zoe not being able to just go back to work half days.

"It's the right call" Zoe said knowing she would have done the same thing in Brick's shoes it just didn't feel good being on this side of things. "He did say we would decide together, but I know Brick meant he would"

"I'm sure he is just looking out for ya Doc" Wade said getting up from his desk to go over to Zoe and give her a hug. "We all just want what's best for you".

"Brick is right he needs to know I'm at the top of my game, he can't let me treat patients if I'm not" Zoe uttered in a small scared voice. What if she wasn't able to treat patients, what if her coma had done more damage then thought?

"Doc don't worry everything is going to be fine, you will be back to doctoring before you know it" Wade encouraged Zoe with, he could see the fear in her eyes. "How long do you think it will take for Brick to get those records?"

"A few days, hopefully not longer then that I don't want to be waiting longer then that" was Zoe answer "I better go pick up Jack from George, do you think I should bring George lunch as a thank you for watching our son?"

"Nay George likes coming in tonight and getting dinner on the house for him and Annabeth as payment, George gets lunch for him and Jack from the Butterstick on thursdays" Wade answered.

"But unless they changed their menu the Butterstick doesn't have any healthy lunch items just a few sandwiches on croissants, all salad sandwiches" Zoe questioned wanting Wade to correct her.

"Yeah our boy likes those ham salad sandwiches they make. But he only gets one a week when he's with George" Wade said walking back towards his desk having a feeling Zoe did not like that answer.

"That's to rich for Jack's stomach it will make him sick" Zoe stated giving Wade the stink eye "Why did you let George give him that?"

"Wow Doc I didn't approve of it George just gave it to him one day when I was late bringing them lunch. Jack loved it so much they eat it once a week now. I think they spilt the sandwich between them" Wade defended himself with, their boy liked the sandwich and so far it hadn't made the little guy sick, Zoe was making a big deal out of nothing.

"Well I'm going to get Jack a grilled cheese then head over there, I think George and I really need to have a conversation on what Jack should be allowed to eat and not eat" Zoe proclaimed then left the office with Wade just shaking his head at her. He grabbed his cell phone which was on his desk calling George the man needed warned that hurricane Zoe was on it's way.

[Sw]

Chapter Sixteen


George Tucker had just laughed off Wade's warning call that hurricane Zoe was on her way. He was sure that Wade was just exaggerating so he would embarrass himself in front of Zoe. So he wasn't prepared for when Zoe showed up with a take out bag in her hands. Jack and he had just finished their usually ham salad sandwich. The little boy was eating his chocolate bar being quiet as a mouse.

To say she had been upset at the choices he had made concerning the food he fed her son would be putting it mildly. She had given him a lecture on proper foods that a toddler Jack's age should be allowed and the amount of chocolate he should be allowed as well.

Hurricane Zoe had landed and all George could do was agree with the angry Mama Bear and promise to never feed Jack that size candy bar again until he was much older. He had never been so glad to see someone leave his office as he was when Zoe had taken Jack and left. She was a small woman in height but she really was scary when she got mad.

George's only hope now that Zoe was back if he would still be able to babysit for Jack was Wade, because if today was a indicator he might not pass the test of a babysitter for one Zoe Hart.

And he had always thought getting Wade's check up calls was bad, at least Wade didn't mind what you fed Jack as long as the kid didn't choke on it. It did not look like Jack was going to get a lay back cool parent both were going to be helicopter ones.

The poor kid, but then again he was a mix of Wade and Zoe so if anyone could get around them he was sure their protege could. George just hoped he would be able to get to spend time with the little guy since he loved him. It would not be fair if Zoe didn't allow him to be around Jack anymore.

With that thought in mind George picks up his phone and decides to call Wade he needs to get his side of the story in before Wade went home tonight and heard Zoe's.

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Zoe had walked into Lavon's kitchen after getting Jack out of his stroller which she had used to get her baby boy up to the Plantation house. It was getting to be almost five o'clock and Wade would be home soon, knowing they needed to talk about her confrontation with George earlier she had decide to hide out at Lavon's. She might have been a little hard on George, he probable never wanted to talk to her again.

"Hello Lavon, anyone home?" Zoe called out seeing the empty kitchen, Jack also called out "Von".

No one answer either of their calls so it looked like Lavon wasn't home. "I guess we should head on home then Jack or we could maybe stay and watch some cartoons on Uncle Lavon's big screen tv"

"Yes" the toddler answered instantly.

So when six o'clock went by and there was no sign of Zoe or Jack and his suv was still parked in front of the Carriage house Wade made the walk up to Lavon's house. He knew Lavon and Lemon were at Fanice's tonight having dinner. Zoe had left her cell phone on the kitchen bar top. So he headed up to Lavon's after baking the frozen pizza he had stopped at the Dixie Stop to get for dinner tonight, it was only cheese but that was Jack's favorite.

He entered Lavon's kitchen and heard the tv from the living room playing some type of cartoon laughing silently Wade quietly got three plates out and found the pizza cutter. Setting to work getting the plates full of pizza, he cut Jack's up into little bites so the toddler could feed himself them.

"Pizza's here" Wade announced his presence as he carried the two plates with pizza on them into the living room putting them on Lavon's coffee table. Zoe whipped her head from the tv screen looking into Wade's smiling face. "There you go Doc, it's cheese Jack's favorite"

"Thanks" Zoe replied as Wade turned back towards the kitchen he returned a few minutes later with a water bottle he handed to Zoe and a sippy cup full of juice for Jack. He then turned back towards the kitchen returning a few minutes later with a slice of his own pizza with his own bottle of water.

"You forgot your phone at the Carriage house" Wade explained after he took a bite of his slice of pizza "Doc you really need to keep that on you especially when you have Jack with ya"

"Sorry" Zoe said in between bites of her pizza "I'll try to make sure I don't forget that again. And thanks for dinner I wasn't sure what to get"

"Dada" Jack said after finishing all his small bites of pizza holding his plate up a sign he was wanting more.

"Okay buddy, Daddy will get you more" Wade said getting up to grab the plate from Jack when all of a sudden Zoe jumped up saying "No let me do that you cooked dinner set down I'll get Jack more"

Zoe a few minutes later returned with Jack's pizza cut into small pieces she had already checked it was cool enough when she had cut it up. Jack smiled at her saying "Mama" as a thank you.

"Lavon and Lemon have a weekly date night on Thursdays, so I know to have something to make for dinner or bring home" Wade informed Zoe "They also like to spend Sunday nights alone, Lavon cooks for them"

"Does everyone now run on a schedule in BlueBell?" Zoe asked feeling like she had step into the twilight zone, everyone had their days and times to watch Jack.

"No smarty pants" Wade smirked at her "but when you live next door to Lavon you pick up on these things"

"Are you going to yell at me or not?" Zoe finally asked tired of pretending like everything was okay.

"Yell at your for what Doc? Forgetting your phone we've all done that at one time are another" Wade replied seeing that Jack had finished his pizza he picked up the little boy's plate. He walked the dirty dish into the kitchen sink leaving it there to return to the living room.

"No not about my phone, about George and him never wanting to watch Jack again" Zoe unloaded on him in one long breathe.

"Doc where did you get a crazy idea like that?" Wade asked shocked by her question "George called me after you picked up Jack worried you wouldn't let him babysit anymore. Just what did happen when you picked up our son?"

"Nothing" Zoe blurted out "I just gave George some rules on which foods where better for Jack to eat"

"Oh" Wade said laughing now his feelings of jealously over George starting to disappear, also it did explain George's call telling him he still wanted to be able to watch Jack and that he would follow Zoe's rules. Wade had no idea what that was about but now that he knew it was really funny. "You do know that Jack is a toddler, and they aren't known for eating only healthy foods"

"Yes but if we give him more healthy choices now and less candy he will grow up liking good foods not junk foods" Zoe stated sounding just like the Doctor she was. Wade didn't want to point out that Zoe had only been around Jack for a few days and hadn't seen him throw a tantrum yet. Because when their boy did not want to eat something he should could throw one.

"We can try, but I can't promise he will like your healthy foods" Wade told Zoe walking back towards Lavon's kitchen to get another slice of cheese pizza.

"If he doesn't it's because George has been feeding him candy" Zoe uttered not understanding how George could think giving a candy bar to a baby Jack's age was a good idea. "Did he asks the first time he gave him candy?"

Wade walked back into the living room with a mouthful of pizza glad he did because he did not want to admit he was the one that gave Jack his first taste of chocolate, he had given his boy some chocolate milk for his first birthday and the baby loved it. He just shrugged his shoulders in respond to Zoe question.

"Zoe listen George has been a part of Jack's life for the beginning and I guess feels kind of like he doesn't have to asks questions like what kinds of food he can eat" Wade answered trying to be truthful and not hurt Zoe's feelings at the same time. "We traded off feeding him his bottles that first night Jack was out of the hospital"

Hearing this Zoe started crying her pizza forgotten "I'm horrible" she wailed out. George had been there for her baby when she couldn't be and she had just told him off for giving Jack candy. Jack ran over to her hugging her saying "Mama no" he did not like her crying. Wade was impressed by his little boy going right to his Momma and comforting her, he would have liked too.

"Zoe don't cry you're not horrible, your Jack's Momma it's okay you want him to eat right" Wade pleaded with her feeling useless at the moment. "George understands that, don't worry"

"You sure he does?" Zoe asked quietly as she hugged Jack closer to herself.

"Yeah don't worry about Tucker he'll get use to your Mama Bear ways" Wade laughed out making Zoe give him a dirty look over Jack's head who she was holding on her lap now as he tried to feed his Mama her slice of pizza.

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That night Zoe found herself alone in bed, both Kinsella men were sleeping upstairs in their bedrooms. She had wanted Jack to sleep with her again but Wade did have a point that Jack needed to sleep in his own bed once in a while. Beside she did not need to worry he would be upstairs right next door to their son. That just made Zoe feel more alone as she was the only one sleeping on the lower level now.

She had text Jess earlier to see how her day had been. The reply text was that she was good just had been working and she had not heard back for Zoe's Mother which was a plus. They had exchanged a few more text messages most about Jack, she did share her lecture to George about food and then feeling bad about it after. But Jess had texted her not to feel bad about being a good Mom.
That had made Zoe feel better, once she got settled more and back to work she might asked Jess to come visit BlueBell it would be nice to see her again face to face.

Closing her eyes Zoe tried to sleep but missed the feeling of her baby laying next to her. Maybe if she just went upstairs and checked on Jack for a few minutes she might be able to fall asleep. So with that idea in her head Zoe found herself in Jack's room looking over his crib. He was sound asleep in cute little blue pj's. He was just so perfect his little sandy colored hair he looked just like Wade all accept his eyes those were her's. She just loved him so much it hurt sometimes, but she couldn't help but love him. Zoe never wanted to leave his presence Jack was what made her world worth living.

Taking a seat in the rocking chair in the corner of Jack's room Zoe just looked at him through the bars of his crib sleeping. This was what she was missing since waking from her coma now everything made sense. She was supposed to be here be a Mother to Jack, and she wasn't sure where Wade and her stood but she knew both still had feelings for the other.

Wade was a topic she did not want to think on, but knew she couldn't ignore after all she lived with the man. He had made known to her he wanted more then friendship. That he had been waiting all this time for her to first return from New York, then for her to awaken from her coma. Not knowing all that time if she would ever wake up or that if she would forgive him for his cheating. But he still was waiting on her just the hope that she would kept him going.

Zoe knew that she could trust Wade, he wouldn't make the mistake of cheating again. But was she really ready to be in a relationship again, she wasn't good at them. Wade and her college boyfriend were really her only relationships and she had failed at both of them. Zoe had thought her relationship with Wade was going so great but really she had just been taking and taking, not really giving much back to Wade. What if she drove Wade away again with not making him feel loved.

Zoe knew that could not happen again they had Jack to think of now, they could not just jump back into a romantic relationship. Yet there was always this pull between them that they could not control. It was one of the reasons they always fought the sparks just had to come out somehow. With yelling at each other or with kisses.

Zoe forced herself to get up and headed back downstairs, once back into her bed she closed her eyes knowing tomorrow she would have to talk to Wade about their relationship.