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Post by Sw on May 17, 2020 20:08:23 GMT -5
Chapter Seventeen
Wade Kinsella had woke to the sound of Jack patting his crib bars. He got up threw on a pair of jeans to check on his little boy. Jack was fine just wide awake ready to start his day. So picking him up Wade went downstairs quietly in case Zoe was still sleeping.
He planned to take Jack to the park later this morning, before he did though he wanted to asks Zoe if she felt like joining them. It was a little weird for Wade now having to tell someone his plans for Jack and him. He was just so use to doing whatever he wanted with his boy. Yes he had babysitters lined up but if he wanted to take the day off he just would call and tell them they were free for the day. Now Zoe had as much say in Jack's whereabouts as he did.
What if she wanted to do something else with Jack this morning? How would they decide who got to take Jack? This co-parenting was something new he would have to learn to do. Poor Zoe was just learning how to be a parent too so she would need his help with that.
"Hi" Zoe said from the couch where she had been setting for over a hour. Sleep had not been something she got much of last night. She was already dressed after getting a shower before dawn. "You boys headed to Lavon's for breakfast?"
"Yes you want to join us?" Wade asked as he set Jack down on his feet the little boy ran right to his Momma hugging her.
"That sounds nice" Zoe said she was wore out but breakfast sounded like a good idea. Standing up with Jack in her arms she headed to the front door knowing Wade would follow her.
While they started for the Plantation house Zoe waited for Wade to be walking next to her side before she asked "Wade why did you wait all this time for me?"
Wade stopped in his tracks his mouth opening and closing a few times surprised but her question. He had been sure that when he say 'I Love You' to her before she left for New York City she had known he meant it. Just like he knew that his cheating had hurt her so bad because of her deep feelings for him but that had only came after the cheating. After he had broken their relationship.
"Because I love you Zoe" Wade stated it felt good saying it to her while she was awake, there would be no misunderstanding about his feelings for her.
"But why?" She asked truly not understanding how he could "I've been up must of the night remembering the first time we met until you tried to stop me from leaving from New York. I wasn't very nice to you, I was snobbish, bossy, always blaming you on things. When we first starting dating I let you think I was still in love with George" Zoe said stopping there so she could adjust her hold on Jack in her arms.
"And don't forget we fought all the time, so why would you love me? Much less wait all this time for me?" Zoe pleadingly asked Wade needing to know his answer.
"Zoe yes you could be snobbish when we first met but Doc I was a ladies man back then and all it took was you yelling at me over the electricity for me to fall for ya. I tried to fight it all the way but the more I got to know you the more I fell. You're just so easy to love Zoe" Wade honestly spoke from his heart. "I got drunk and cheated that night because I couldn't believe someone as wonderful as you could love a nobody like me you deserved someone so much better then me"
"Wade when I woke from the coma one of the first things I thought of was you" Zoe said then kissed Jack on the head he wasn't liking just being held in her arms without her moving forward so she moved to hand him off to Wade who took their son in his arms. "When I learned just how much time had past I was sure you had moved on. I tried to make myself move on as well. But I couldn't I love you"
Wade smiled at hearing Zoe tell him she loved him it was the best news he had ever heard. Pulling Zoe into a one armed hug he then bent down and kissed her lips quickly all with Jack still in his arms smiling the whole time. "We are going to make this work this time Doc"
"I know we are" Zoe said as they continued to walk towards Lavon's "because this time we are going to do it right"
"Right?" Wade asked not understanding what she meant by that.
"Yes right" Zoe supplied "we skipped the going on dates part last time. So this time we are going to take it slow get to know each other again. Go on family outings together you know take our time do it right. Talk about our feelings not hiding them from each other. Because we also have to be parents to Jack as well"
"Sounds good Doc" Wade agreed "We have to put Jack's well being first, and going slow on a romantic relationship between us while it might kill us is the right thing to do for our boy"
"I'm glad you agree" Zoe replied feeling a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Her heart was beating faster as well because now she knew where she stood with Wade. He wanted them to be together and would follow along with her plan of taking things slow.
"Jack always has to come first" Wade said they were almost to Lavon's kitchen door now. "I think we both agree with that"
"Yes Jack comes first" Zoe answered as she pulled open Lavon's kitchen door holding it open for Wade with Jack in his arms to walk through.
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Zoe's cell phone ringing woke her up from the nap she had been taken grabbing it from her nightstand she looked at the caller id which was a local number hitting answer she said "Hello"
"Zoe this is Dr. Breeland" Brick said looking at some of her medical records on his laptop as he held his phone to his ear "I got some of your records in earlier this morning and wanted to go over them with you"
"That was fast" Zoe mumbled setting up in her bed "I didn't expect you to get any of them until a few more days"
"Well the Nursery Facility email me the records they had, your Doctors have not yet" Brick informed Zoe still trying to take in just how hard Dr. Hart's recovery truly had been. "They had recommended you receive physical therapy once a week, I was wondering if you would like me to order that for you. The closest facility is in Mobile as I'm sure you are aware."
"Of course when do you think I will be able to get in?" Zoe asked knowing if she wanted to return to work with Brick she was going to have to follow Doctor's orders. "Because whatever day I get I will not be able to work that day at the Practice"
"I will personal call them and see which days and times are available" Brick responded with "from what I've read in your records you should be able to return to work a few half days a week as soon as you decide too"
"That's sounds great" Zoe said pure happiness in her voice so far this day had been one of good news all around. Brick wasn't banning her from returning to work and Wade and she had decide to start dating again but taken things slow.
"I'll call back soon with the information on physical therapy and we can decide from there on your return to work" Brick said.
"I will be waiting for your call" Zoe said right before Brick hung the phone up.
Zoe knew she needed to talk with Wade about what day would be best for him to either take her to Mobile for therapy or what day she could borrow his Suv to take herself in to Mobile. Right now though he was at the park with Jack the two were having guy time. Wade had asked her along but Zoe felt like she had spent so much more time with Jack the last few days then Wade had so it was only fair he gets to spend time alone with their son. Also it gave her time to take a nap, because she hadn't gotten much sleep last night.
Wade had promised to return for her after the park visit so he could pick her up so they as a family could have lunch together. Zoe wasn't to sure if this was going to count as a family date or not. Looking at her phone she seen it was almost noon now, Wade and Jack should be coming back anytime now. Hearing the front door open Zoe got out of bed smiling as she entered the living room.
"Good you're up" Wade said as he carried a muddy Jack in his arms "Someone decided to play in mud and now needs a second bath today"
"Jack" Zoe responded laughing at how cute her baby looked covered in mud from head to toe.
"You laugh now but I don't think you will be laughing in a few minutes when you have to be washing him clean. I've got to go clean his carseat out" Wade smirked as he handed over the dirty little boy to his Mother, this co-parenting thing was really working out good for him today.
"Wade" Zoe yelled looking at his back as he ran out of the room "Come on Jack let's get you cleaned up Mommy is going to yell at Daddy later for not getting you clean clothes before he abandoned you to me to get clean"
"Dada" Jack said clapping his muddy little hands together getting mud all over Zoe's once clean shirt, oh Wade was going to get a ear lashing over this. How could he let Jack get into mud in the first place?
Getting her little boy clean of all that mud took longer then Jack liked but he was now clean and only in a diaper because that was the only thing Zoe had in her room of Jack's to change him into. She was going to make sure to keep a change of clothes down in her room for now on. Zoe also had to change her shirt because of all the mud on it and the water she had been splashed with from the tub.
Getting to Jack's room Zoe picked out a new outfit for her baby which he did not want to wear so he took off running as soon as she put him down. He ran into Wade's room where said man was laying on the bed with his eyes closed looking like he was taking a nap. Well Zoe couldn't be to sorry for him when Jack started yelling "Dada" over and over at Wade.
Opening his eyes Wade's heard and seen Jack standing at his bed only in his diaper but otherwise clean which was a plus. Zoe was standing at the door frame with clothes for Jack in her hands. "Dada" Jack kept saying with his little arms up wanting to be picked up.
"Little man you have to let Momma dress you" Wade told his son picking him up as Zoe walked the few feet needed to get to the bed. Zoe dropped the clothes on the bed then pulled Jack towards herself once she had him right in front of her she grabbed his little t-shirt and put it on over his head Jack did not like this and kept saying "Dada" through the whole thing. He was better when Zoe put his pants on but let his attitude show with the frown on his little face.
"Mama no" Jack said crawling over to his Father giving him a hug upset he had to be dressed again.
"Well you should not have gotten all muddy" Zoe said trying not to let Jack see his being upset with her was upsetting her.
"Be nice to your Momma" Wade told his son as he got up from the bed with Jack holding on to him "She was just being good to ya getting you all clean"
"Mama" Jack said then reaching out for Zoe who when he called for her started smiling and took her baby boy into her arms. Being a Mother wasn't easy but it was so worth it when your baby smiled up at you.
"Let's go time to get some lunch" Wade announced "I got Jack's carseat all cleaned up it should be mostly dry by now."
"Wade, Brick called while you guys were at the park, he wants to schedule my once a week physical therapy sessions in Mobile. He's going to get back to me with what times are available. I'm going to need you to either take me or let me borrow your Suv once a week for them" Zoe uttered out.
"I didn't know you needed to do more therapy" Wade said feeling like he had missed something he was sure she hadn't mentioned it before now "Of course you can use my Suv and I would love to take you as long as I able too"
"Thank you Wade" Zoe replied "I just hate that I still need to go to physical therapy it's mostly just mop up work now to keep me from going backwards in my physical recovery. I think joining a gym would do me just as good"
"Doc if Brick says you need to do this then you need too" Wade said not wanting Zoe to put her recovery at risk. "I mean Jack and me need you to be hundred percent recovered. We've being waiting so long for ya"
"I know I just want to be fully recovered already" Zoe stated "also Brick said it's okay for me to work a couple half days a week. So we need to figure which days those will be as well" Wade smiled liking how Zoe was including him into all these decisions that needed to be made, showing just how serious she was taking their co-parenting and hopefully new romantic relationship.
"Well George called while I was at the park earlier, wanting to know if he still could have Jack next thursday so I told him yes" Wade said laughing as he told Zoe that "So you could work a half day thursday and with all our other babysitters I'm sure whatever other day a week you want to work I can get someone to watch Jack"
"Thanks" Zoe replied thinking about missing those few days with Jack that she would be working even if it was only for half days she would still miss her baby. She had missed so much already Jack was off the bottle already which spoke highly of Wade's parenting skills. But Zoe knew she had to work she couldn't asks Wade to take care of her financially. Besides it would be good for her to get back to work she had loved being a Doctor helping people. It was time to get back to doing that.
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Post by Sw on May 18, 2020 16:38:47 GMT -5
Chapter Eighteen
Since Wade had to work behind the bar of the Rammer Jammer after lunch, so that's where their first family date or outing was going to be. All eyes where on them as they entered Jack was in Wade's arms waving at everyone happily. Zoe tried to pretend she didn't see all the eyes glued to her.
Thankfully there was a table empty for the little family to take, Wanda who had seen them come in was bringing over a highchair for Jack. Wanda then took their order which was ice teas and juice with two cheeseburgers, fries, and a grilled chicken patty with fries that Wade asked for a knife and fork with so he could cut it into tiny pieces for Jack to eat. She returned with their drinks right away telling Wade that she was off after he clocked in.
"You have any plans for after lunch?" Wade asked knowing it was a stupid thing to say as soon as it left his mouth. Zoe hadn't been socializing since her returned to BlueBell so she couldn't have plans with anyone.
"If you don't mind I might just set with Jack in your office if Brick doesn't call soon, that way I can asks you which times would work best" Zoe stated as she watched Jack bang his sippy cup up and down on the tabletop of his highchair.
"That's fine by me" Wade answered trying to keep his eyes off Meatball who was heading to the jukebox with money in hand. Hoping his friend wasn't going to do what he knew he was Wade rubbed the back of his head. Nope as the lyrics started up
Oh, my love, my darling I've hungered for your touch A long, lonely time Time goes by so slowly And time can do so much Are you still mine?
Zoe hearing Unchained Melody playing laughed a little as she remembered her dream of that song playing here in the Rammer Jammer shaking her head she noticed Wade seem agitated wondering why she questioned him "Something wrong Wade?"
"No everything is fine" Wade responded giving Meatball a dirty look as he past by them towards the front entrance laughing as he went. Zoe gave him a stern I don't believe you look. "It's fine Doc, Meatball is just playing a joke on me is all"
Lonely rivers flow To the sea, to the sea To the open arms of the sea Lonely rivers sigh "Wait for me, wait for me" I'll be coming home, wait for me
"Doing what?" Zoe asked as she listen to the lyrics almost singing along.
"Alright I'll tell ya but I don't want you're laughing or pity deal?" Wade asked giving Zoe his award winning grin.
"Deal" Zoe responded with as she held her glass of ice tea, it was kind of weird to see Wade drinking one as well because he usually had a beer in hand. But now that she thought of it since she had been back Zoe didn't think she had seen him drink one.
"After you left for New York City the town liked to tease me about waiting for your return with playing Unchained Melody on the jukebox all day long" Zoe didn't know how to reply to that so she did the only thing she could she reached over and kissed Wade on the cheek.
"Mama" Jack complained jealous of the attention she paid to his Father instead of him. "You want a kiss too little man?" Zoe asked then leaned over and kissed her baby on the forehead.
"Not cool son" Wade smirking told his baby boy "don't be jealous of Momma with Daddy" Laughing together Zoe and Wade set listening to the song.
Oh, my love, my darling I've hungered, for your touch A long, lonely time Time goes by so slowly And time can do so much Are you still mine?
"Are you?" Zoe asked remembering how upset she had been after finding out how much time had past after waking from her coma.
"I've never been anyone else, Doc just yours" Wade spoke dead serious looking into Zoe's warm brown eyes. "I'm glad you came home Zoe"
"So am I" Zoe replied back giving Wade a quick kiss on the lips to prove it then turning to kiss her baby boy on the forehead again she couldn't let Jack feel left out. Both Kinsella men had smiles on their faces as Wanda brought out their food.
They had just finished their food when Zoe's cell rung seeing it was a local number she answered it. "Dr. Hart this is Dr. Breeland"
"Hello Brick" Zoe said looking at Wade he motioned his head towards his office so she took his hint and got up and headed to his office. "So did you get in contact with the Physical Therapy office?" she asked as she got into Wade's office noticing he had followed after her with Jack in his arms.
"Yes they said they have two different days available, I faxed them over the order for therapy and was surprised to learn your insurance is still the same they ran it while I was on the phone" Brick informed her "They have openings Monday at ten am or Friday at noon. If you have a pen and paper I'll give you there number so you can call them back"
Looking around Wade's desk Zoe found a piece of paper then started looking around it for a pen not finding one she whispered to Wade. "Pen"
Wade walked behind his desk and opened the top drawn taking out a black ink pen handing it to her. He learned to hide his pens because Jack liked to chew on them if he got his little hands on them. Jack looked longingly at said pen with his little hand stretched out towards it.
"Okay I got both now" Zoe replied to Brick then she started writing the numbers he was telling her down.
"Once you get your Therapy appointment made call me back with what two days you would like to work half days on" Brick said looking forward to getting some help at the Practice.
"Okay I will thanks Brick" Zoe said then ended their call.
"So Doc what's the verdict?" Wade asked keeping Jack far away from the pen Zoe had set back on Wade's desk.
"I can have Physical Therapy on Monday's at 10 am or Fridays at noon, so which will work best for you?" Zoe asked looking at the numbers she had just written down.
Wade was thinking Mondays was the day he had to go to the Bank first thing in the mornings to deposit the Rammer Jammer's weekend take so that would not work. Fridays he usually took the night shifts and closing so that would be better. He could take Zoe himself maybe after her appointment go to lunch then come back for work.
"Fridays would be good for me Doc" Wade said "I'm free until evening, I close the Rammer Jammer then"
"Okay that will work, Brick wants to know when I want to work my two half days a week. I was thinking Thursday, but I don't know which other day would work for a babysitter" Zoe stated knowing Wade could tell her which other day of the week would be best for that.
"Tuesday is usually the day I go into work at three o'clock so I can spend time with Jack" Wade said. "On Tuesdays I will keep my schedule the same so you can work those same days without worrying about that"
"Thank You" Zoe offered with a smile knowing that Wade would do whatever he could to make returning to work easy for her.
"Why don't I take Jack out front for a few minutes give you time to make those calls you need to in peace and quiet" Wade said as Jack started saying "MaMa" over and over again each time louder then the last.
"Yeah that might be a good idea" Zoe said smiling at Jack as he kept trying to reach the ink pen on the desk and calling out "MaMa"
"Mommy will be right with you in a few minutes" Zoe said as Wade carrying Jack walked out the office door Jack waving bye to her as he went.
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It was so quiet Zoe thought as she rocked back in forth in the rocking chair in Jack's room the little boy sleeping in his crib. After getting back from the Rammer Jammer the Mother and Son pair had played in his room for over a hour before Jack had just fallen asleep playing with his toy drum set. So Zoe had laid him down in his crib and just set down to watch him sleep for a little while. He was truly such a miracle, that Jack made it through the car accident was another miracle. So many things had went wrong in her life but Jack made up for every one of those.
If she hadn't been denied that fellowship Zoe knew she never would have taken Harley's offer of coming to work in BlueBell. If she hadn't of done that she never would have met Wade Kinsella and then Jack wouldn't be here so it all worked out in the long run. Jack owned Zoe's heart in a way Wade or any other man never could. Jack was her baby she had missed so many first with him, but Zoe was certain she would not be missing anymore.
She wanted to set there until Jack woke up but Zoe felt the call of nature so she headed downstairs to use the bathroom it was after that when she was getting herself a glass of water that she heard a knocking at the door. So going to see who was there she asked "Who is it?" before unlocking the front door. She did not want to open the door if it was her Mother.
"It's AnnaBeth Nass" AnnaBeth said through the door she barely had gotten her whole name out before the door was swung open and she found herself in a hug.
"AnnaBeth I've miss you" Zoe said after pulling out of the hug "come on in" AnnaBeth walked in to the living room smiling happy that Zoe seemed to be in such high spirits.
"I would have come by sooner but Lemon said you were still getting settled in, and George said I should wait until today something about not wanting to make you madder at him" AnnaBeth said the last laughing.
"Yeah about that I kind of over reacted to George giving Jack candy" Zoe said feeling a bit awkward talking about that with his girlfriend.
"Don't worry about that, I've told George he shouldn't be given that much candy to the little guy" AnnaBeth said laughing a little again just so happy to see her friend again after so long. "But he wouldn't listen to me"
"So how did that happen you and George?" Zoe asked as she took a seat on the couch AnnaBeth taking the seat next to her.
"Believe it or not it was all Lemon" AnnaBeth said then going into details about how Lemon wanted to date Lavon and had pushed her in George together so she wouldn't feel bad about it. At first the two didn't seem to click but after a few run-ins they just fall into a relationship together. The way she was smiling Zoe thought it was a good thing the two of them together.
"I'm happy for the two of you" Zoe said thinking about how she had either caused or been the cause of two of George's failed relationship she wanted to see him happy, as long as he stopped given her baby junk food.
"So word around town is Wade and You seem to be back together is that true?" AnnaBeth asked.
"We are taking things slow" Zoe informed her friend "we have to put Jack first. I love Wade and I know he loves me, but with everything that has happened to me I'm just not ready to jump into a serious relationship"
"Really?" AnnaBeth proclaimed "you're living with Wade are you not?"
"We're roommates and co-parenting Jack" Zoe stated knowing where this line of questioning was going. "We both agreed to take our romantic relationship slow"
"Now enough about Wade and Me, tell me how serious you and George are do you think there will be wedding bells in the near future?" Zoe asked not just asking to get the subject off herself but also because she really did want to know.
AnnaBeth turned a little red as she filled Zoe in on her and George's plans for a future which so far wasn't any talk of marriage but they had talked about him moving into her house. But decided against it because they wanted first to get a place of their own before they moved in together which was harder then it seemed with BlueBell being so small.
Zoe had left AnnaBeth alone for a few minutes to check on Jack to see if he had woke up from his nap yet. Opening his bedroom door Zoe could see Jack's little head sticking out as he stood up in his crib. "Mama" he said putting his arms up waiting her to get him out.
"Hey Baby" Zoe said as she lifted him out checking his diaper which did need a change, once she had that done she brought him downstairs handing him off to AnnaBeth as she went to wash her hands. When she returned with clean hands she stopped in her tracks just watching how good AnnaBeth was with Jack. The two were playing patty cakes together laughing it warmed Zoe heart to see her baby boy so happy.
"You think about having one of you're own soon?" Zoe asked after their game of patty cake ended.
"I would love too, but I don't think George and I are ready for that" AnnaBeth answered back not wanting to give Jack back.
"Maybe not today but Wade told me George has really been there for him helping since the beginning with Jack, just don't let him give your kids candy" Zoe laughingly said the last part.
"I know he loves Jack" AnnaBeth replied "all he talked about last night was his fear you would ban him from seeing Jack"
"I wouldn't do that" Zoe uttered feeling awful about that all over again "I might have went a bit overboard on George, I just want to be a good Mother"
"No one can blame you for that" AnnaBeth told Zoe as she let Jack down and he went running towards the kitchen.
"I think he might be thirsty" Zoe said following after her son getting him a sippy filled with milk then returning to the living room to visit with AnnaBeth.
A hour later after the two ladies talked and played with Jack, AnnaBeth left wanting to get things ready for her dinner tonight with George. So Zoe and Jack where left alone again they ended up back in his room playing with his toy drum set.
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Lavon came knocking on the Carriage house door right before six o'clock with a bag full of what Zoe hoped was something edible. All that was in the refrigerator was hot dogs which she did not really want to eat but was going to fix to make sure Jack would have dinner in him before he went to sleep for the night.
"I wish I could say I made you dinner myself" Lavon said as he walked to the kitchen bar and started pulling food containers out. "But I didn't have time today, so instead Lemon packed up all your favorite dishes and then some from Fancie's"
"That was nice of her" Zoe said as she looked over all the food containers Lavon had not been joking their must of been ten different ones.
"Some of these are for Jack and Me as well" Lavon answered her unspoken question "You're be happy to know Lemon doesn't agree with giving Jack junk food"
"So you heard that huh?" Zoe said having a feeling her blow up at George would be following her around for quite a while. After all this was BlueBell where no one forget anything and they let you know about it.
Putting his hands up in the air in a surrender motion Lavon asks "Is it okay if I give my godson chocolate milk, or is that off the list of approved foods now as well as candy bars?"
"Lavon" Zoe whimper out then replied to his question "One sippy full of chocolate milk a day will be fine"
"Okay you're going to be one of those kind of Mother's huh?" Lavon stated not wanting a answer back just throwing it out there she was being a little ridiculous. "Can he have strawberry milk too?" the latter part he asks laughing.
"If you mean a good Mother, then yes I will be" Zoe responded with as she went back to the living room and picked up Jack who was watching tv she spied the highchair in the corner and asked Lavon "Can you move Jack's highchair over here?"
"Sure Big Z" Lavon then grabbed the highchair moving it next to the kitchen bar and stools so they could feed Jack easier while they were setting down. He took the table top part off as Zoe lifted Jack into the highchair making sure to belt him in once she finished Lavon replace the table top back on it.
"Hey Little J how have you been today?" Lavon asked his godson as Zoe went back into the kitchen returning with a wet dish rag to wipe down the highchair table top with. Zoe really was one of those Mother's it seemed, Lavon thought to himself.
"Von, Mama, Dada" Jack said explaining much of his day with his limited vocabulary.
"So you had fun today then?" Lavon asked keeping the conversation up with the toddler.
"Yes" Jack supplied then tried to grab the dish rag his Mother had just finished using to clean his highchair with.
"No it's food time Jack" Zoe said as she took away the dish rag then turning to Lavon asked "Which meal is for Jack?"
"He gets the spaghetti, but don't worry your little head Big Z it's only pasta and sauce in there, Lemon made sure of that also she already cut the noodles so there little enough for him to eat" Lavon proudly said knowing Zoe would appreciate all the trouble Lemon went through for Jack.
"That was really nice of Lemon, remind me to thank her personal when I see her next" Zoe said feeling like finally someone understood how important Jack's eating healthy was. She shouldn't have been surprised though Lemon was a Doctor's daughter and had all but raised Magnolia along with Brick. She would know how important good eating habits were.
"It warms Lavon Hayes' heart to see Lemon and you getting along so well" Lavon said smiling happy to have one of his best friends back and getting along with his love.
"I'm glad your happy Lavon and if Lemon makes you that I'm all for getting along with her" Zoe said as she opened a container finding what she assumed was Jack's spaghetti. Before she gave it to him through she took off his shirt then she put some on the highchair's table top so he could pick it up with his little hands and feed it to himself. Which he did right away smiling the whole time.
"He is going to make such a big mess" Lavon eyeing Jack said. The little guy already had red sauce all over his tiny face.
"Yeah he is" Zoe replied as she grabbed two plates for her and Lavon so they could each try some of the foods Lemon had packed. "But this way we can enjoy our dinner, then clean Jack up after"
"I like the way you think Big Z" Lavon uttered "but I'm taking kitchen duty you get kid duty"
"Deal" Zoe said as she bite into a breadstick it tasted so good.
"So talk around BlueBell is that Wade and you are a item again" Lavon stated watching as Zoe enjoyed that breadstick maybe a little too much.
"Yeah I heard about that already from AnnaBeth she stopped by for a visit earlier. And I will tell you what I told her we are taking things slow right now" Zoe replied as she put a nice size helping of the fettuccine on her plate .
"Slow really ya think you and Wade can do slow?" Lavon asked having trouble believing the two of them could do anything slow. The sparks the two of them shared could start a fire.
"Yes we can" Zoe shouted out once she had finished eating some pasta dish that had shrimp in it "this is really good" she said the latter pointing her fork towards the container that held the shrimp dish.
"Yeah that's a new dish Lemon just started serving and it is really good" Lavon supplied getting off course of their conversation and on to his favorite topic lately Lemon. Smiling Zoe just set back eating and enjoyed hearing all about Lemon and her dreams for making Fancie's the best restaurant in Alabama.
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Post by Sw on May 20, 2020 20:07:59 GMT -5
Chapter Nineteen
Wade Kinsella was beyond tired as he unlocked his front door, he knew he smelled of beer from getting inbetween a fight that was starting he had gotten beer thrown in his face and shirt for his efforts. He hated that getting a shower would most likely wake up Zoe but he couldn't see a way out of having to take one tonight. So he made his way up to his room getting a clean pair of pj's and undergarments he left his room then checked Jack's to see how his little man was doing. Only to see he wasn't in his crib.
Wade knew he couldn't ban Zoe from having Jack sleep with her but she really shouldn't keep doing it. One day in the future when their relationship moved forward they would not want their son sleeping in Zoe's bed all the time. But for know Wade knew he needed to keep this to himself. Zoe had missed out on so much time with Jack she just wanted to spend as much as possible with him now.
Wade looked in on Zoe and Jack both sleeping peacefully she was hugging the baby to herself. He just smiled at them then headed for the bathroom trying to be quite as he went about getting his shower hoping the sound of the falling water did not wake Zoe or Jack.
Once out of the shower and dressed in his pj's Wade brushed his teeth getting to the bathroom door he shut off the light and made his way back to Zoe's bed seeing they both were still fast asleep Wade decided if you can't beat them join them. So he went to the empty side of the bed which he liked to think of as his side climbing in Wade was fast asleep within moments of laying his head down.
When Wade opened his eyes again the room was filled with light letting him know a new day had started the bed was also devoid of Jack and Zoe. Rubbing his eyes Wade set up not hearing any noises he wondered if they were at Lavon's, leaving the bed he walked through the kitchen to get to the living room still no sign of Zoe or Jack. Heading upstairs Wade checked Jack's room but the duo were not there either. Making his way to his room Wade knew they must be at Lavon's depending on what time it was they were eating breakfast are just visiting if it was too late, or there was the possibility of them having lunch there as well.
Once in his room Wade got himself a plaid shirt with a white t-shirt for under it and a pair of blue jeans heading downstairs so he could get changed in the bathroom. First he stopped in the living room to look out the window to see if his Suv was still parked outside he was happy to see it was. So Zoe hadn't taken Jack anywhere in it.
Ten minutes later he was ready to head to Lavon's when his cell started ringing looking at the screen he laughed as he answered it "I was just headed to your place now"
"I wanted to be your wake up call" Lavon teased "We are just getting ready to set down to my famous fried chicken, I am calling to tell you to get your butt over here"
"I'm on my way" Wade answered as he headed to the front door opening it he stopped dead in mid-step.
"What are you doing here?" Wade demanded of the woman standing in front of his house "I wasn't sure you knew where I even lived after all the letters you didn't answer"
"Wade what's going on?" Lavon voice asked from the cell phone still in his hand.
"Aren't you going to answer me, Mrs. Hart?" Wade challenged the older woman standing before him. Candice Hart looked woreout and tired like she had not slept in days. Her hair was out of place going every which direction.
"Is she here?" Mrs. Hart pleadingly asked. Wade was her last hope to find Zoe she had to be here she must have wanted to see this cheating good for nothing.
Putting the cell phone back up to his ear Wade spoke into it "Lavon, Mrs. Hart is here keep Jack please" ending the call after saying that.
"I know she has to be here" Candice said walking closer to Wade looking him in the eyes "don't try to lie to me"
"I ain't no lair" Wade replied shutting the door behind him not wanting this woman into his home, knowing Zoe was on her way most likely right now.
"I just want my daughter" Candice cried out trying to get past Wade into the Carriage house.
"And I just wanted to be able to see your daughter, but you wouldn't let me" Wade replied letting some of his anger at the woman before him out "I just wanted to be able to let my Son see his Mother"
"He was better off with you" Candice answered back with "seeing his Mother sleeping all the time wouldn't have done him any good"
"Okay but what about after she woke up?" Wade demanded a answer looking Candice Hart straight into the eyes "Didn't he deserve his Mother, and didn't Zoe deserve her son?"
"Zoe wasn't in any shape to be a Mother when she woke" Candice responded with remembering how fragile her little girl had been after first waking up "She couldn't stay awake for more then a few minutes a day"
"You weren't there to know just how bad a shape Zoe was in" Mrs. Hart informed Wade.
"Yes because you wouldn't let me be" Wade yelled "The woman I love was laying in a hospital bed for over a year and I wasn't allow to even know where she was at. You would not let me see her, I couldn't even see my son being born because you wouldn't let me do that either"
"My daughter deserved better then you" Candice yelled back at Wade "You cheated on her, what she ever saw in you in the first place I'll never know. You're a bartender and she is a Doctor!" Candice was all out yelling waving her arms "Zoe wasn't herself when she returned to New York and it was all because of you. We had too much wine together one night and she told me how you broke her heart. How could you cheat on my baby girl?"
All air left Wade's body hearing about how much he hurt Zoe he would always hate himself for doing that. There was no defense for what he had done. Even knowing that Zoe had forgiven him for it, Wade would never forgive himself for cheating on her. But he also knew that Mrs. Hart wasn't in any place to judge him.
"This coming from the woman that lied to Zoe most of her life about who her Father was" Wade shot back "then you lied to Zoe letting her believe she miscarried Jack"
"You are right I will never deserve Zoe, I never have. But Jack and Zoe deserve each other and you stopped them from being together" Wade finished with. There was a lot more he could have said to the woman in front of him but Zoe deserved to be the one that got to have a go at her Mother first.
"I did not" Candice fired back at Wade "that was all your fault if you would have just let me raised the baby like I wanted too Zoe would have seen him once she had waken up"
"He wasn't yours to raise though" Zoe said standing in front of both her Mother and Wade. "Wade can I speak to my Mother alone please"
"You sure Doc, ya don't want me to stick around?" Wade asked looking into Zoe's eyes not wanting to leave her alone with her Mother.
"Wade go get something to eat I will join you at Lavon's soon" Zoe told Wade smiling at him this was something she had to do on her own.
"Alright Doc, if you need me you know where to find me" Wade said as he walked off the porch heading to Lavon's looking back he could see the two women standing eyeing each other up.
"Zoe" Candice said as she walked up to her daughter holding Zoe's face between her hands "I was so worried about you, why did you just take off like that?"
"Why, you're really asking me that?" Zoe stated pulling herself out of her Mother's reach "Seriously you have the guile to ask me that?"
"So you found out about Jack, I'm sorry sweetie I should have told you" Candice Hart said walking closer to her daughter "but I didn't know how to tell you at first you didn't remember. You were just so weak and I did not have Jack with me so I just thought I would wait until your recovery"
"But you never did tell me" Zoe angrily stated "the perfect time would have been when I remember about being pregnant" tears now were running down Zoe's face "instead you let me think I had lost my baby. You let me cry my heart out, lock myself in my room, instead of telling me the truth"
"I regret not telling you Zoe, but by then it seemed impossible to tell you. I kept meaning too" Candice said trying to make her daughter see she had not meant to hide Jack from her. "Wade though was not going to allow you to take Jack from him"
"Of course he wouldn't have" Zoe declared "Is that how you think it works the Father just has to give the child to the Mother? Like Dad did with you?"
"Who, How?" Candice started to asks but then stopped not knowing how Zoe knew of how Ethan had given her custody of Zoe all those years ago.
"Dad unlike you has kept in contact with Wade, I talked to him on the phone from that conversation it all started making sense. You kept him from me all these years just like you did with Jack" Zoe stated walking away from her Mother.
"Ethan is not a saint in this he signed you away he stayed away for a year" Candice yelled back "I couldn't let him hurt you again if he decided he wanted nothing to do with you any longer"
"He was hurt Mom you lied to the both of us" Zoe replied wiping the tears away "I'm not excusing what he did but he came back for me and you wouldn't let him be the Father I needed"
"I'm sorry" Candice knowing she was defeated with Zoe's words. "I just didn't want you to be hurt again"
"But keeping me from Dad hurt me worse, letting me think I lost my baby that hurt the most I've ever hurt in my whole life" Zoe announced walking back towards her Mother looking her right in the eyes "And you did that you betrayed me"
"Zoe" Candice said trying to pull her daughter into her arms into a hug "I didn't mean to hurt you, I just wanted my baby girl back"
"I'm not your baby girl any longer, I'm a mother as well. What you did Mom I can't just forgive you for not right now" Zoe said pulling back once again from her Mother. "You didn't just hurt me but Jack as well. I've missed so much time with my baby"
"I'm sorry sweetie" Candice said desperately trying to think of something that would make Zoe forgive her "I will hire the best attorneys you don't have to stay here to be with Jack, we will get custody and you can raise him in New York where you both belong"
Zoe eyes bugged out as she looked at her Mother as if she had lost her mind, because Zoe truly believed her Mother must have. For her to believe she would take Jack away from his Father and the only home the toddler has ever known. Wade was a excellent Father no judge in Alabama would ever take Jack away from him. Plus Zoe herself would never dream of taking Jack from Wade that thought had never entered Zoe's mind.
"Jack and I belong here, and both of us belong with Wade Kinsella" Zoe unloaded on her Mother there was no need to hide how she felt about Wade. Zoe knew without a doubt Wade was in it for the long haul, he wanted a relationship with her to work. He wasn't going to make the same mistake again he had truly learned from his mistakes.
"Zoe darling are you even listen to what your saying" Candice asked flabbergasted at what had just came out of her daughter's mouth. "That man cheated on you how can you ever trust him again?"
"Because he loves me Mom" Zoe replied back "Our relationship was not perfect, he cheated I let him think I still had feelings for someone else during our whole relationship." wiping tears away from her eyes Zoe told her Mother "Wade waited all this time for me, He showed pictures of me to Jack so my baby knew who I was when I got here. He truly loves me Mom"
"So what if he does?" Candice responded with "You are a heart surgeon Zoe this isn't the life you dreamed of. Come back with me to New York"
"No" it was plain in simply but that one word was spoken with such convention Candice Hart's mouth dropped open "That used to be my dream. My new dream is getting to be a Mother to my son" Zoe answered "I want to be a GP I want to know the people I treat. This isn't your dream for me Mom, but BlueBell, Wade and Jack that's my dream"
"The Doctors must have missed something" Candice mumbled to herself "You need to be seen immediately"
"Why, because I want to live in a small town, raise my son here?" Zoe asked "Forgive Wade for cheating on me, something Dad couldn't do for you"
"Zoe please listen" Candice begged "you are so much better then this town and that bartender. And yes I wished your Father would have forgiven me but that doesn't mean you have to forgive that man"
"I love that man Mom" Zoe proclaimed "I've never stopped. I want to be with him and someday maybe even marry him"
"A bartender?" Candice shouted out "Zoe dear you are just still confused by your accident"
"I'm not leaving here" Zoe said really looking at her Mother she looked awful like her world had come crashing down "You need to realize my life is here. I think you should leave now you're not changing my mind"
"Fine I will go now, but know I will be back" Candice Hart promised as she walked back to her rental car. Zoe watched until it was out of sight. Knowing her Mother like she did, Zoe knew she would be back again soon. Taking a deep breathe Zoe slowly walked back to Lavon's not really looking forward to the conversation she was sure to have to have with all of them at the Plantation house.
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Wade couldn't tell you how many pieces of fried chicken he had eaten his eyes were glued to the kitchen door, he was seated at the island facing said door. Lavon had tried asking what had happened with Mrs. Hart but give up after seeing Wade wasn't going to answer him. Lemon had Jack in her arms feeding the little boy pieces of cut up chicken along with a few sthingyfuls of mashed potatoes. Wade kept second guesses himself he should not have left Zoe alone with her Mother, he should have just pretended to have gone to Lavon's and stayed close to the Carriage house in case Zoe needed him.
But if he had done that he would have been just as controlling as Mrs. Hart and he did not want to give Zoe any realize to start doubting him. Zoe needed to confront her Mother on her own, but it should seemed like he had left them alone together hours ago. To keep himself from running out the door and back to Zoe's side Wade grabbed another piece of chicken.
"Lavon Hayes thinks you should leave some chicken for the rest of us" Lavon announced from behind Wade "You've already eaten three legs and that's your second wing"
"Sorry" Wade said looking down at his plate noticing all the discarded chicken bones.
"Here have some mashed potatoes" Lavon said taking Wade's plate getting rid of the chicken bones but leaving the lone chicken wing, filling Wade's plate with mashed potatoes and some green beans. "So Mrs. Hart huh?" Lavon asked laying the plate of food in front of Wade.
"Yes, she wanted to now if Zoe was here" Wade supplied as he picked up a fork getting ready to dig into the mashed potatoes.
"I bet that was fun?" Lavon full of sarcasm asked "You just left Zoe with her?"
"Yes" Wade grumpily admitted "Zoe wanted to talk to her Mother alone"
"You did the right thing Wade" Lemon said walking into the kitchen with Jack in her arms the little guy had eaten all his food "I know when my Mother came back I had to confront her all on my own"
"Lemon is right" Lavon agreed knowing though they would like to give Mrs. Hart a piece of their minds Zoe had to be the one to decide what to do with her Mother. "Zoe needs to do this, she's the one who's Mother betrayed her"
"That woman is sure something" Wade observed thinking how she blamed him for her lying to Zoe about Jack. If she had, had her way he would never had his son.
All eyes were on the kitchen door when it started to open in walked Zoe Hart she give them all a small sad smile. "I'm fine" she said but all it took for her to burst out in a new set of tears was Jack reaching out to her saying "Mama"
Her Mother had tried to keep her baby from her, Zoe took Jack from Lemon and held her baby close to her chest kissing his head Zoe was never going to let him go. Looking at Wade who somehow was standing right next to her with his arms out walking into them Zoe also promised herself she would not let Wade go either.
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Post by Sw on May 21, 2020 15:27:57 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty
Wade was giving her that look again, the look Zoe had seen since her Mother showed up yesterday unannounced at their front door. The look that said so much without uttering a word. He was worried for her, but Zoe had cried herself to sleep last night over her ruined relationship with her Mother she had no more tears left right now.
Beside Jack needed a Mother who was not a basket case one that did not cry at the drop of a hat. What did that saying even mean drop of a hat? And where had that even come from? Zoe thought shaking her head she just give Wade a smile in return.
He had to close the Rammer Jammer last night which he didn't want to do, but as owner he did not have a choice in the matter no one else would do it. So Wade had just gotten up it was nine in the morning meaning he had only gotten a little over six hours sleep. The whole night while he was working his phone was in his back pocket in case Zoe called and needed him. Also Lemon Breeland of all people had come and stayed with Zoe until bedtime keeping her and Jack company.
But there had been no sign of Candice Hart, Dash who had been at the Rammer Jammer for dinner had not mentioned a word of her staying at his B & B. So it was most likely she wasn't staying in BlueBell. Wade did not tell a soul about Mrs. Hart visit to Zoe, it was no ones business but Zoe's. She did not need the whole town at their door wanting to offer their advice on how to deal with her Mother.
"I'm fine Wade" Zoe said then lifting up a cup asked "You want some coffee?"
"Thanks Doc, I would love a cup" Wade replied looking at Jack who was playing with blocks on the floor of the living room.
"DaDa" Jack said holding up a block his way of asking if Wade wanted to play with him. Wade took the block then set next to Jack on the floor for a few minutes as Zoe made him a cup of coffee. Zoe was smiling as she returned to the living room with Wade's coffee watching Father and Son play together. Knowing this was why she could never make up with her Mother until the woman realized just how beautiful a Father and child relationship truly was.
Jack needed his Father more then he needed his Mother right now, Wade was the only parent the toddler had ever known. And for her Mother to want to take that away from Jack was just unspeakable to Zoe. Yes, Wade had hurt her but that had nothing to do with him being a good Father. Candice Hart had been a terrible grandmother so far, in fact she didn't even deserved the label of grandmother.
"Wade" Zoe said as she handed him the cup of coffee sliding in to take his place with Jack so he could enjoy his cup of coffee in peace. Wade grinned at her in thanks and stood up sipping his drink just enjoying having this family moment. A moment he hadn't even allowed himself to dream would happen.
Hearing a knock at the front door Wade went to answer it not wanting to interrupt Zoe's play time with Jack, she had missed so much of it already. Setting the coffee down on the side table he had put next to the door for mail he forgot to look in the peek hole to see who it was so when he opened it he stepped back ready to shut it again.
"I want to talk to Zoe" Mrs. Hart said putting her foot in the door frame so Wade couldn't shut it completely as he had tried too.
"She doesn't want to see you" Wade replied back as he opened the door wide even to push her foot out and shut the door in her face.
Walking back into the living room he didn't want to break up the fun Zoe and Jack were having but he could hear the banging on the front door wasn't leaving him much choice in the matter. Candice Hart wasn't going to just go away no matter how much he wished she would. She was going to be the Mother-in-law from hell.
"Zoe that's your Mother at the door" Wade pronounced as he set next to Mother and Son "She wants to see you"
"Yeah I imagine she does" Zoe replied putting a block down she was holding then she picked up Jack and headed for the door "I think it's time she mets her grandson" Wade was on Zoe's heels not understanding how she could think Candice deserved to see their son after everything she had done to keep the little guy from his mother.
"Stop the banging I'm opening the door" Zoe shouted through the door, as Jack had a death hold on her neck scared from the noise Mrs. Hart had been making. Zoe opened it to see her Mother standing there she looked like she was headed in to her office her makeup perfect not a hair out of place she was here to do battle, Zoe could see that.
"Mother I wanted you to see the realize why no matter what you say" Zoe begin "I'm never going to moved back to New York City with you. Here He is, Jack your grandson. The baby you did not care enough about to stay in contact with Wade for. The baby you let me believe I miscarried. The person I love most in this whole wide world"
"Zoe, like I told you Jack belongs with you, both of you belong in New York. Not here in nowheresville" Mrs. Hart stated sounding like she was trying to explain to a toddler Jack's age instead of a grown woman.
"You just don't get it do you Mom?" Zoe answered back "Jack belongs with his Father the only parent he has known for his whole life. And I belong with them they are my family Mom, I love them and nothing you can say will changed that, and if you can't see that, that's your problem not mine. Don't return here until you can accept that. Because next time you came calling and haven't I will call Sheriff Bill" shutting the door in her Mother's face after she finished saying that. Hoping that would help it sink in to Candice Hart's head that Zoe meant business.
Wade just stood behind Zoe grinning like a fool, surprised and enlighten with joy at how she just handled her Mother. Zoe had left no room for complain she just laid down her rules if her Mother did not follow them she would call the Sheriff. Just when Wade thought he couldn't love her anymore, Zoe would prove him wrong. She had called Jack and him her family, and that's what they really were a family of three. A Father, Mother, and child all together living under one roof, okay usually the parents shared the same room but they weren't ready for that yet. Wade knew Zoe needed time before that would happen and he planned to give her all the time she needed.
"I love you" Wade told Zoe as she turned around with Jack in her arms "You both are my family too"
"Dada" Jack said smiling letting go of his Mother's neck and reaching out towards his Father "ove" Jack said as Wade took him in his arms. Both his parents looked at their baby boy laughing at the new word he had just learned.
"Love you little man" Wade said kissing his Son's cheek "and we both love your Momma don't we?"
"ove Mama" Jack said agreeing with his Dad smiling as he said it.
"And I love both of my Kinsella men" Zoe stated laughing then kissing both on the cheek one after the other. "Let's go back to playing blocks with our boy" Zoe said walking towards the living room wanting to spend time with the two people she loved most in this world.
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They had decided to head to Mobile with Jack, Wade had talked about a park there the little boy had loved when he had taken him there last month. They had went through a drive-thru and gotten some lunch they had taken with them to the park. They took turns pushing Jack in the baby swing then Wade had pushed Zoe with Jack in her arms on a regular swing. After that Jack setting on Zoe's lap went down a slide he loved it and would not stopped pulling on her hand until they did it again.
Zoe almost had a heart attack when Wade had thrown Jack into the air above his head then caught him, after a five minute lecture on all the injuries Jack might have received if Wade had not caught him. She had gotten a promise from Wade he would never do that again. After the park they had gotten ice cream in a little ice cream shop Wade told her had just opened up a few months ago. Jack had ended up with more vanilla ice cream on his face and clothes then in his stomach, and he was fast asleep in his car seat only minutes after being belted in it.
"This was so much fun, we should do it again next week" Zoe whispered as not to wake a sleeping Jack who was setting in the seat next to her. Wade by now had gotten use to Zoe not setting in the front passenger seat, he feared she might never set there again until Jack grew up.
"Your Dad is coming for a visit remember?" Wade asked thinking that Ethan might just like to come to the park in Mobile too. He liked playing with his grandson.
"If he can get the time off" Zoe said not really believing he was going to show up, even though she now knew her Mother had played a large role in her Father not seeing her it still was hard to believe he would show up.
"If he says he's coming he usually does" Wade replied knowing that this had to do with Ethan not being the Father he should have been. "But I will call him on Thursday make sure he's coming in, he stays at the B&B"
"So Jack loves him?" Zoe asked trying to picture her Father with Jack it was hard to do because Ethan Hart just seemed so stern the last decade she could remember him. Even before then he always was pushing her to do her best. It was just hard to picture him playing with a baby Jack's age. But people did say that grandchildren soften the hardest heart, maybe being a grandfather had changed him.
"Yes Doc, they get along great" Wade informed Zoe knowing it would be hard for father and daughter reunion but both loved the other it would hopefully go better then the one Zoe just had with her Mother. The less said or thought about Candice Hart was the better. "But it's not Jack I think Ethan wants to see this visit"
Zoe didn't respond to that comment instead she changed the subject with asking "So what are we having for dinner, should we stop at the store here in Mobile?"
"Is there anything you need here in Mobile?" Wade asked feeling he should have asked Zoe that a few days ago.
"There is a few things I could use" Zoe stated watching Jack's chest go up and down in his sleep.
Wade had a feeling that a Zoe's count of a few things might just be more then his count. So he pulled into a shopping center hoping whatever she needed could be found there and he would not have to drive all over Mobile look for the few things she needed.
Wade was surprised that it only took Zoe a hour to get everything she wanted and they hadn't needed to go to any other places to shop. Zoe herself was happy at the shopping center he picked had a beauty supply in it that sold to the public so she was able to get a straighten iron and blow dryer plus some other supplies she needed to feel more like her old self. She started back at work on Tuesday she wanted to look the part of Dr. Zoe Hart that all of BlueBell remembered.
She also had picked up a few cute shirts that were in the shop next door to the beauty supply. She had charged everything to her credit card knowing she didn't have any money on her. Hopefully she could get her bank account that she had in BlueBell back up and running again or perhaps her Mother had never closed it. If not she might have some funds still in it, Zoe couldn't really remember it had been to long ago. After getting back to the Suv Wade just shook his head at her, Jack was still asleep so he headed for the closest Supermarket figuring they might as well stock up for the coming week with both of them working it would be hard to make a grocery run later.
This time it was Zoe who stayed in the Suv watching over Jack as he slept on unaware of what was going on. Wade tried to get the shopping done fast but it took time to plan out meals for the week. While they mostly ate lunch out Wade liked having at least one option a day for cooking a meal at home. They did not have to be huge meals just simply things would do. Wade grabbed juice, soda pop, snacks that he knew both Zoe and Jack would like. He also made sure to stock up on paper products they were running low. As he was waiting in line at the check out he seen they had long stem roses smiling he pulled out a red one.
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Zoe had been texting Jess and Lavon while Wade had been grocery shopping, Jess had a the day off and told Zoe all about having spent the day with her family. Zoe text Lavon having noticed she had missed a call from him, explaining Jack was asleep so she couldn't talk afraid of waking him up they started a text conversation. Lavon wanted to know if they would like to eat dinner with him tomorrow night. Zoe had replied back she wasn't sure what Wade's hours were on Monday at the Rammer Jammer she would asks and get back to him. So engrossed in those two text conversations was Zoe that she jumped when Wade opened what would be a trunk door in a suv to put away the grocery he had gotten.
After getting everything packed in back Wade walked to the passenger door with one hand behind his back as he opened it he smiled and said "A rose for the pretty Doctor" handling the rose to Zoe who smiled as well taking it.
"Thank You" Zoe responded with then leaned up to give Wade a kiss. As they slowly parted both still sporting smiles knowing this is what they wanted for the rest of their lives just to be together doing the everyday things, for them to be a family with Jack.
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Post by Sw on May 22, 2020 9:58:25 GMT -5
Chapter TwentyOne
It was Monday Wade had left for the Rammer Jammer a hour ago he had to get the money from the weekend take to deposit at the bank. When Zoe got the call from Brick asking if she could come in he had a free hour between appointments and he had just gotten more of her medical records he wanted to go over them with her. If she couldn't make it they could talk tomorrow but Zoe didn't want to use time she could be working talking to Brick about her health.
Calling Lavon he informed her, he was in a meeting but that Lemon was still at the Plantation house. So Zoe grabbed Jack and the stroller that Wade had left for her if she wanted to take a walk with Jack later. She headed up to the Plantation house using the kitchen door she entered with Jack still in his stroller. Zoe hoped the tires didn't leave mud on Lavon's floors.
"Lemon" Zoe shouted out not seeing the blondie in the kitchen. "You still here?"
"Coming" Lemon called from another room she followed about a minute later to see Zoe taking Jack out of his stroller. "Hi I didn't think I would see you again until dinner today" Lemon said having just seen the pair earlier at breakfast.
"Yeah your Dad called he wants to see me, could I borrow your car and you watch Jack for me?" Zoe asked giving Lemon what she hoped looked like puppy dog eyes. "I will come right back after I talk to Brick"
Lemon looked at Jack who was smiling at her she had a soft spot for that boy. He had been Motherless for so long and now Zoe was back trying to be a good Mother how could she not help her out.
"It's fine take your time, I have the whole day free. Let me get you my car keys" Lemon answered then walked to the living room looking for her handbag with her car keys in it. She found it then handed Zoe her car keys.
"I haven't gotten Jack all to myself in so long it will be fun" Lemon promised picking up the toddler and tickle his stomach making him laugh. "Take your time don't feel you have to rush back"
"I'll be back as soon as I can and bring lunch with me" Zoe said to Lemon then she looked to Jack and said "Mommy will be back soon, be good for Lemon okay. Love you Jack"
"ove Mama" Jack mumbled back grinning at his Mother.
"Oh when did he start saying that?" Lemon asked happy that Jack now could tell you he loved you. She was hoping she would be able to get a love to from him.
"Just yesterday but he keeps saying it back if you say it to him first" Zoe filled Lemon in on as she walked to the kitchen door. She hated leaving her baby even for a few hours today. Because tomorrow she would be working and not get to spend the whole day with him.
"We're fine go see what my Dad has to tell you" Lemon said having Jack wave his little hand at Zoe. Zoe nodded then walked out the door.
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"Dr. Hart" Dr. Brick Breeland greeted Zoe with as she walked into the Medical Practice "let's go into my office"
Zoe followed behind Brick then he closed the door on them smiling at her the whole time it was a bit unnerving. He motion for Zoe to take a seat on the exam table. Zoe did as he silently asked and for the next few minutes let Brick do a physical exam on her. Shining a light in both her eyes along with making her read the eye chart after she past all the test Brick took his seat behind this desk, Zoe took one of the chairs in front of it. Hoping this wasn't all just about a checkup she could be spending time with her baby instead.
"You past the exam if you were wondering" Brick stated as he looked at some paperwork on his desk, it was all about Zoe's condition. "I see no reason you can't start treating patients tomorrow, but like we talk about just half days for now"
"So this was just so you could do a physical on me?" Zoe asked feeling put out, they could have done this tomorrow before work.
"I needed to know you are physical able to treat patients, and you are. You're records show a full recovery other then recommend once a week physical therapy" Brick had been surprised at the severity of Zoe's brain injury even more so that it did heal fully. She had made a remarkable recovery. Brick was glad to see Zoe up walking without assistance.
"Are you sure you're ready to return to work tomorrow because if your not we can wait until you are?" Brick asked getting to the really reason he had asked Zoe to meet with him. "I don't want you to feel pressured about returning until you are fully ready"
Before the coma Zoe would have taken what Brick said as him not wanting her to return to work, but now as a parent she could see he was worried about her. He did not want Zoe to push herself too hard. "Thank you for the concern Brick, but I'm ready to come back. And if I have any problems I will let you know."
"As your Doctor I don't want you wearing yourself out, Zoe your body has been through a awful lot, yes you've recovered but give yourself time to adjust to working again" Brick announced in his doctor voice "Plus your just getting use to living with a toddler they are a handful"
"Brick I promise if I start feeling wore out I will tell you" Zoe responded "And you're right Jack is a handful but one I love very much"
"If you need advice on parenting I'm here" Brick said "I also think next week we should do this again see how you're feeling" Zoe just shook her head trying not to laugh at Brick being overprotective of her, the man was use to raising daughters so he was treating her like one.
"How about next week before I begin on Tuesday we do it then?" Zoe relented hoping Brick wouldn't wanted to do this every week, she knew after a while she wouldn't be able to keep her temper in check. But knowing Brick cared about her was nice, so for now Zoe would let him be.
"I think I will go to my old office if that's okay get things ready for tomorrow to see patients if I get any" Zoe said as she got up out of the chair.
"You already have a your half day booked" Brick said laughing "Don't forget this is BlueBell everyone wants to see you for themselves"
"It's nice to feel wanted" was Zoe heart felt reply.
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Zoe wasn't surprised that the Rammer Jammer wasn't pack yet it was still only eleven so the lunch rush wasn't on yet. Heading to the bar she seen Wanda there.
"Is Wade back yet?" Zoe asked hoping he would know what to order for Lemon she didn't want to bring her something the southern Belle wouldn't like.
"Not yet he should be back soon though, who's got the little one today?" Wanda asked having noticed Jack wasn't with Zoe.
"Lemon is sitting with him, and I promised lunch but I'm not sure what to order for her. I was hoping Wade would know" Zoe wined to Wanda.
"Don't worry I know what she usually orders around here for lunch, what would you like for yourself and Jack?" Wanda replied writing down Lemon's order.
"I'll have a grilled chicken sandwich with fries, and for Jack grilled cheese of course it's all to go" Zoe finally decided on she had been eating to many hamburgers lately it was time to switch it up a little.
"It should be up in about ten minutes" Wanda informed Zoe walking to the put the order in.
So Zoe set at the bar waiting and smiled when Wanda put a ice tea in front of her "Thanks" she told Wanda.
Just as Wanda was handing Zoe the bag full of food did Wade walk in "Doc what are you doing here, and where's Jack" Wade asked looking around for their son.
"Brick wanted to meet with me, turns out he just wanted to give me a physical exam before I returned to work tomorrow. Lemon has Jack, I promised her lunch so here I am" Zoe stated to Wade then looked to Wanda asking "So how much do I owe for lunch?"
"You don't pay" Wanda answered pointing to Wade walking away letting him manage telling Zoe he had told all employees Zoe did not have to pay for anything she ordered.
"Wade I can pay" Zoe declared not wanting to be his charity case. She really needed to get to the bank and see if her old account was still open.
"I don't doubt that Doc, your money is no good here" Wade said looking into Zoe's eyes "Your my girl and Jack is my kid how is it not okay for me to feed you both?"
"Well when you put it that way it's okay" Zoe replied "I'll see you later, I don't want the food to get cold"
"I will see ya later Doc, but first" Wade said then pulled Zoe into his arms and kissed her sweetly letting her go when breathing became a issue. Both laughing when they heard the melody of Unchained Melody start to play. "I guess you could say it's our song"
"Yeah I guess it is" Zoe agreed as she held the brown paper bag full of food "Well I'm off bringing lunch to Lemon and Jack, see you soon"
Wade just stood still watching as Zoe left he had a dumb grin on his face and found he actually was enjoying listen to the lyrics of UnChained Melody
Oh, my love, my darling I've hungered, for your touch A long, lonely time Time goes by so slowly And time can do so much Are you still mine? I need your love I need your love God speed your love to me
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After lunch Zoe and Jack had left Lemon alone not wanting to be anymore of a bother too her. Zoe had push Jack in his stroller on a walk around the Plantation stopping once and awhile just to enjoy the sunny day and warm weather. When they returned to the Carriage house they both had some juice and some apple slices for a snack. After that Jack's diaper was changed then it was play time. Zoe had found in Jack's room a toy doctor set so she begin to try to explain to her toddler how she would be going to work the next door. Jack played doctor with her as the patient laughing as he pretended to listen to her heartbeat.
Then they played a game of basketball, followed by trying to eat the ball which Zoe had to take away from Jack. He was not happy with her over that and cried for a good five minutes over that. Zoe had wanted so bad to just give in and give the ball back, but knew if Jack got into the habit of chewy on things he would pick up a lot of germs that way and get sick all the time when he started school. She finally got him to stop crying when she found and showed him a toy tool set that he seemed to really like to play with.
Zoe thinking Jack wore himself out from crying watched as he fell asleep feeling a bit sleepy herself she lifted her baby up and took him downstairs to have a nap with her. Zoe knew sooner then she liked Jack would not be willing to nap with his Mother, sure it might be a few years down the road but Zoe felt cheated of so much time with Jack that she wanted to bottle up all the time she could with him.
The nap lasted much shorter then Zoe would have liked but Jack was back up and ready to play in twenty minutes, so they returned to his room where Zoe found a bottle of bubbles. So Mother and Son went outside in front of the Carriage house to blow bubbles something Zoe couldn't remember ever doing with her own Mother. Zoe would blow them and Jack would try to catch them running after them. She made sure to blow towards the ground and away from the water.
They stayed out there until all the bubbles were gone then returned inside to wash up and have another snack of cut up banana while watching some cartoons. Zoe had loved every minute she got to spend with her baby boy. Jack after he got tired of watching tv got off the couch and went to his blocks Zoe followed after him. Looking at her phone Zoe seen in a hour it would be time to go to Lavon's for dinner Wade should be getting home soon. She liked the thought of that, never before had Zoe lived with a man that wasn't her Father. But living with Wade so far had been easy it had only been a few days though maybe by next week it would be driving her crazy. What was driving her crazy though was the lack of a car of her own. Zoe knew once she got back to working more she would have to look into getting one again. Her Mother had told her she had sold her Prius but with all the lies she had told Zoe was that even true?
Zoe knew she would have to talk to George see if he could find out if she had a car still registered in her name. If only her Mother hadn't been such a control freak and lair she wouldn't have to worry about getting other people to look into things she just blindly trusted her Mother on.
Hearing the front door open Zoe let thoughts of her Mother wash away happy that Wade was home.
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Post by Sw on May 23, 2020 8:34:04 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Two
Dr. Zoe Hart was wore out she hadn't really paid much attention to Brick when he had told her he wanted her to take it easy and not to wear herself out. Zoe had though half days wouldn't wear her out at all, but she had been taking naps with Jack lately that might be why she was ready for one now. Wade should be picking her up soon, since he was at home taking care of Jack he had volunteer to come get her after her office hours where up. Lavon had dropped her off this morning on his way to some meeting he had.
Zoe was surprised when she actually did end up with a few patients who needed actually treatment. Shula Whitaker was her first patient of the day she talked about her life and filled Zoe in or some of the recent goings on in BlueBell. Her next few patients were busybodies just wanting to see for themselves that she was back and asks about her living arrangements. When Rose Hattenbarger came in Zoe couldn't help but hug her young friend the girl had visibly gotten older. She had apologize about not coming to see Zoe before and using up patient time to instead but she did have a sore throat so she did need that checked out.
Zoe had looked into Rose throat which was red so she swabbed it to check for strep throat, they talked Rose filling Zoe in on her life these past two years because Zoe really didn't have much to share other then telling Rose how much she loved Jack and how wonderful he was. Which of course Rose agree with like any true teenage babysitter did who loved their charge. The test came back positive so Zoe filled out a prescription for Rose to get filled and told the teen to stay away from school for a few days and laughingly told her not to be kissing anyone for a few days either. Rose had just turned red but nodded her head to the last.
Rose also told Zoe about how she had babysit for Jack the night Zoe had returned to Bluebell she was scare she might have given the toddler strep throat. Zoe reassure Rose that Jack wasn't showing any signs of strep throat but she would be on the look out for it. Zoe knew she would have to keep a close eye on Jack to make sure he didn't have strep but there was no sense having Rose worry about that the girl couldn't help it.
After sending Rose out Zoe cleaned her exam table off like she did with every patient but made sure to wash her hands a little extra long. She did not want to bring anything home for Jack to catch, she might have to start bringing from home a change of clothes so she wouldn't bring germs to Jack from them.
Looking at the clock Zoe knew it was time for her to leave so she got up made sure to tell the secretary she was leaving for the day. Deciding she would wait outside for Wade and Jack, she was just standing there getting some fresh air when George Tucker pulled up in his truck.
"Hi Dr. Hart" George said as he got out then stood in front of her "I'm your ride home"
"Wade's coming to get me" Zoe stated looking at George like he grown a second head. She did want to talk to him about her car but she hadn't found the time yet.
"Wade called me said Jack wasn't acting like himself, that boy has never been sick a day in his life he's got Wade worried though" George said looking at Zoe knowing she might not take the news well either.
"My poor baby I bet he's got strep throat it's going around, let me walk back into my office and get my prescription pad and a strep test. Then you can take me home" Zoe was all Doctor as she said this. George just watched as she walked back into the Practice five minutes later she came out with a bag.
"Let's go Dr. Hart you've got a patient waiting" George said opening the truck door for Zoe.
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Wade was pacing Jack had been fine this morning but as soon as he woke from a quick nap while watching tv he wake crying something he hadn't done in a while. Jack had never been sick before so Wade was falling apart not knowing how to help his little boy. If Zoe wasn't going to be home soon he would have taken Jack to see Brick. Wade had called George to pick Zoe up and let her know Jack wasn't feeling good being a Doctor Zoe would know what to do. Jack was just laying on the couch he felt hot to the touch on his forehead.
A whirlwind named Zoe Hart came in and had Jack in her arms in a second, "Mommy's here, I'm going to get you better I promise"
Wade just watched as Zoe looked in Jack's throat, and swabbed him before the little guy knew what was going on. Then she ran a thermometer over his forehead. She turned to George who was standing in the door way. "I'll know in a few minutes if he's got strep if so can you go get the prescription filled?"
"Of course I can" George replied he hated to see his little buddy sick like this. Jack had been so healthy so far it was awful to see him sick.
"Also if it is strep you better watch out since you've been around Jack lately yourself" Zoe said still holding her baby close to herself not caring if she caught the illness from him. Wade walked over to Zoe and set next to her rubbing Jack's back. "If it is strep Jack will feel better with antibiotics in a few days"
"It's okay little man" Wade told his son "your Momma's going to find out what's wrong with you and you will feel better soon"
The minutes seem to take forever for the strep test to get done once it was Zoe slowly handed over Jack to Wade. She read the test and wasn't surprised it came back positive. She knew Rose would feel awful about giving Jack strep throat but she didn't know she had it and it would clear up soon. But Zoe knew the next few days were going to be hard for them all poor little Jack the most.
Getting her prescription pad Zoe filled it out ripped the paper out and handed it to George. "I wrote it out for liquid so make sure they fill it that way" turning to Wade she asked him "Do you have baby Tylenol or baby Ibuprofen?"
"Nah Doc I had some baby Tylenol for when Jack was teething but he finished that off" Wade said feeling horrid that he didn't have the medicine his son needed.
"George pick up some baby Tylenol and baby Ibuprofen Jack has a fever and I want to get it down" Zoe said as she walked to the refrigerator getting some juice for Jack. Once she had his sippy full she walked back giving the baby his sippy cup he took it and started to drink a little of it. Wade just held his son in his arms not knowing what to do glad Zoe was here to take control.
"Okay I will get this filled right away, and be back with what you've asked for" George supplied leaving Jack's parents with one sick little boy.
Zoe looked up from Jack noticing how worried Wade looked she gave him a tiny smile "Jack is going to be fine once he gets the antibiotics, he will be back to himself in a couple of days"
"I should have known something was wrong" Wade said as Jack started to fall to sleep again and his sippy left his lips.
"Wade you can't stop Jack from getting sick, that's not how it works" Zoe replied "Beside you did the right thing you got George to come get me so I could treat Jack right away"
"I know your right but it's Jack he's my baby" Wade said holding the baby closer to himself "I'm glad your here Zoe so I don't have to do this alone"
"You never have to do this alone again" Zoe promised Wade both staring at their sleeping son.
"I just don't understand how Jack got sick" Wade uttered "maybe he picked it up from the airport when we picked you up?"
"No" Zoe said knowing she wasn't supposed to tell anyone about her patients but this was a small town and everyone would know Rose was sick soon anyway "Rose came to see me today she has strep throat, she was worried she gave it to Jack"
"Oh" Wade whispered "well now I don't have to wonder where he got it"
"We both have to watch in the next few days and see if we get sore throats" Zoe informed Wade "We don't want to keep infecting each other so if you get a sore throat tell me right away"
"I really don't want to move but I better call Brick" Zoe said leaving the couch getting her phone. She walked to into her bedroom and dialed the number.
That just left Wade sitting in the living room with Jack sleeping in his arms, praying that George would get back soon with the medicine the baby needed. Wade was still sore with himself for not having baby Tylenol on hand, for now on he would always make sure to keep some on hand.
Ten minutes later Zoe was walking back into the living room and set next to them again on the couch. She smiled at Wade then ran a hand over Jack's forehead feeling just how hot the baby was. George would be back soon with the Tylenol and hopefully it would bring Jack's fever down.
"I talked to Brick and he decided since I'm a Doctor and you're in the food preparation business to call in a prescription of antibiotics for the both of us to prevent us from spreading it to other people." Zoe stated she wasn't one for giving antibiotics out if they were not needed but she understood Brick's stand on this topic he did not want the whole town to catch strep throat from eating at the Rammer Jammer. Beside Brick was sure that since the first case was a high school student they were going to be seeing a lot more cases soon.
"I already called George he is going to pick up our prescriptions as well, Brick said he would call and make sure they knew to fill them asap" Zoe informed Wade hating that getting antibiotics for them as well might delay getting Jack his for any length of time.
"Whatever you say Doc, as long as it gets Jack better" Wade replied hating that his little boy was sick in the first place. He would have to really think about if he should let Rose babysit for him again during the school year. Schools were a breeding ground for germs and his poor baby had caught some from it.
"Brick also told me I should have brought Jack in for him to look out, as his Mother I should not be treating him. But he would over look it this once" Zoe muttered knowing Brick was right but how could she not treat her baby when he needed her too. "After all Jack is his patient"
"Yeah but you're his Mother that trumps Doctor anytime" Wade responded with just then Jack woke up crying.
"It's okay Jack" Zoe said as she gave him his sippy cup that had been setting on the end table, he took a few sips from it then threw it across the room. Zoe run after it thankful it hadn't made a mess on the floor where it landed.
"Jack, I know you don't feel good but you can not throw things" Wade softly told his son with then hugged the baby boy closer to himself as the boy cried. "You will feel better soon Daddy promises"
Jack's warm brown eyes the exact same color as his mother's looked straight into Wade's as he shouted "Dada"
"Daddy's right here" Wade whispered into his son's ear holding him close thinking Brick might be on to something about treating them as if they had strep throat themselves. No way would he not hold his son close if his baby needed him.
Zoe had taken the sippy to the sink leaving it there deciding maybe Jack didn't like the juice she had put in it. Maybe he would like a little kool aid instead she had seen that Wade had gotten some packs of the powder mix. So Zoe searched the small kitchen until she found a pitcher then added the powder and the amount of sugar the packed require stirring it. Putting the lid back on the pitcher she grabbed a clean sippy cup filling it up with the kool aid hoping that Jack liked this better.
"Mommy made you kool aid" Zoe announced as she returned into the living room with the new sippy cup "I hope you like it"
Wade just smiled at Zoe as she give their boy his sippy cup, he took a sip of the new drink and must of like it because he kept drinking it. Zoe was bitting her lip to keep from screaming with joy that her son liked the kool aid she had made for him. She felt like she was doing pretty good at this mother thing at least for now. She had made her sick baby a little happy by giving him something to drink he liked. Making sure Jack was happy and healthy was the most important thing in this world to Zoe.
Zoe took a seat next to Wade just waiting for George to return with all their medicine knowing the next few days were going to be hard on them. Jack had never been sick before Wade had said so this was all new to the baby, along with both his parents. Of course Zoe was a doctor and knew what to expect but not when it was her own child. A child she had only gotten to be around for less then a week.
Looking down Zoe noticed that Jack had drunk all his kool aid and was falling to sleep again. Taking the empty sippy cup from him Zoe put it on the end table. Wade just held the toddler closer to him the baby was still feeling so warm he was so worried about that.
"Why don't I drawn a lukewarm bath for Jack try to bring his fever down?" Zoe asked getting up not being able to just set still while Jack was visibly sick.
"Does that really work?" Wade asked having never had to do it before. He stood up following Zoe to the bathroom with Jack in his arms. The little boy's eyes opened he looked around seeing the bathroom he smiled a little.
"Yes it can, I'll run the water. After he gets in you need to go get Jack some pj's to change into for after the bath" Zoe dictated to Wade as the water started to run the water making sure it was not to cold or hot. Getting the water level just right for Jack, Zoe turned off the tap, turning she seen Wade getting Jack out of his clothes the little guy started to cry.
"It's okay Jack this will make you feel better" Zoe said as she took her baby's hand as Wade took Jack's diaper off. He then lift the toddler into the tub. Wade left Mother and Son to Jack's bath and headed up stairs to get Jack's pj's.
"Dada" Jack said turning to look at the door with longing in his little eyes.
"Daddy is coming right back, Mommy is here" Zoe said as she ran a wash cloth up and down Jack's little back trying to cool him down. As a doctor she knew this should work but as a parent it didn't seem to be working fast enough. Everything was different when Jack was the one that was sick and not some other person's child. All the knowledge she had learned from years of schooling and internships just went right out the window.
Wade returned a few minutes later with Jack's pj's. Zoe already had the baby wrapped in a towel drying him off. He seemed clam which was good.
"I'm back" was heard coming from the living room. Wade give Zoe the pj's and a diaper then headed to the living room to greet George and get all the medicine.
Zoe had Jack dressed in his pj's when she carried him out to the living room George was no where in sight Wade though was there with a white bag in his hand. "Tucker had to go seems he had a appointment he had forgotten about but he did drop the medicine off"
"Okay let's get Jack his medicines" Zoe said trading Jack for the white bag wanting to get the dosage right. This was something Zoe knew she was good at. Checking over the antibiotics making sure they were what she had prescribed she got the drop out that came with it and made sure the dose was right for Jack's weight. "I've got it bring over Jack"
Within the next five minutes Jack had taken both his antibiotic and the baby tylenol, Zoe had given him another sippy filled with the kool aid he seemed to really enjoy. Wade was fixing a can of chicken noodle soup for Jack he hadn't eaten lunch yet. Wade would bet none of them had ate lunch yet good thing he had the family size can of soup. Zoe had advice since neither of them were feeling sick they could wait until tonight to take their first dose of antibiotics. She also told Wade that after twenty-four hours on antibiotics Jack wouldn't be contagious any longer and by the day after that should be feeling better.
Stirring the soup Wade had already decided he couldn't go into work tonight or tomorrow he had two reasons for that one Jack was sick he wasn't going to leave his boy when he was sick. Second reason was he wasn't sure if he had strep throat and it took twenty-four hours on antibiotics to not be contagious. He did not need to infect the whole town they never would eat at the Rammer Jammer again. Of course that wasn't true there just was not enough restaurants in BlueBell for people to boycott the Rammer Jammer.
But Wade wanted to be with his boy during Jack's first sickness, Wade knew Zoe could handle it being a doctor and all but while Jack loved his Momma he wasn't used to her completely yet. And Wade wasn't used to not being the only parent around yet either. The soup had come to a boil so Wade shut off the heat he looked up to notice that Zoe already had Jack in his highchair with a cracker in his hand as he waited for his soup.
Wade filled a bowl of soup for Jack and put it into the freezer so it could cool down a little so it would not burn Jack's tongue. Then Wade filled two more bowls of soup one each for him and Zoe. Zoe gave Jack another cracker while she went to get her bowl of soup.
Both Wade and Zoe had eaten their soup before Jack's soup had cool enough for the little boy to be able to eat it. But when it did he only ate about half of what he would normally eat which worried Wade. Zoe assure him that was normal after Jack finished eating it was Zoe's turn to get to hold her baby until he fall to sleep. It was going to be a long few days both Zoe and Wade knew but also they had each other to help get through it.
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Post by Sw on May 24, 2020 9:03:30 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Three
Thursday had been a very busy day for Zoe she hadn't wanted to go into the Practice today but Brick had called needing her help strep throat was going around the whole town. A second Doctor was in demand so she could help him getting everyone seen and tested. Wade was going to stay home with Jack until George showed up wanting his usually Thursday babysitting duty. This way Wade could try to get the scheduling done for the Rammer Jammer. But knowing how strep was going around the town Wade knew he might be having to fill in for anyone of his employees. Wade looked in the notebook he had where employees asked for days off or certain days to work. No one had any days they asks off and it seemed they liked the hours they worked this week so Wade just copied last weeks scheduling changing the dates and printed it off for each employees. It was very rarely that Wade was able to do something as simply with scheduling but next week their delivery days were going to be the same as this week so that helped.
He always tried to get the delivery days the same but where the Rammer Jammer was a small business bigger ones always got priority over them. Because some weeks he didn't need a delivery at all. Lately though business had picked up and more people were coming in. Wade knew the last week they came in on the off chance to see Zoe or to get to asks questions about Zoe to him. Wade laughed at that but it did bring profits up this last week and the need for another delivery next week.
Wade looked at his phone for the time, it had only taken him two hours to get the scheduling done so he was going to check out front see if they needed any help if not he was going to George's and pick up Jack.
Kay was behind the bar she was the newest waitress slant bartender Wanda had hired her a few weeks ago Wade was still trying to get use to her. She seemed to know her way around a bar but did not talk a lot the people of BlueBell liked talking so Wade wasn't sure how well she was being received. But so far no one had complained and Dash hadn't posted any thing on his blog about Kay so Wade guessed it was going good.
Wanda would be coming in any minute, before the lunch crowd starting coming in. Once she did Wade would make his way over to George's office and grab his boy. It was nice of George to watch Jack for them but his boy needed to be at home resting. So Jack didn't catch anything else.
"Morning Wade" Dash said as he took a seat at the bar "I heard your boy caught the strep throat that's going around"
"Yes he did" Wade said smiling at the older man "but he was doing better this morning he's been on antibiotics a few days now"
"You don't think you're catch it from him do ya?" Dash asked smiling. Wade knew it had been a slow news week for BlueBell other then Zoe's return so Dash was just trying to drum up some news.
"I'm not sick Dash" Wade answered "I haven't served anyone food or drink either. I'm just heading out right now to pick up my baby from George" Wanda had just walked in "Wanda or Kay here can take your order"
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George was getting some work done on a Thursday which was weird sure he did once in a while get a little work done on that day but usually in the early morning or after Wade picked up Jack today though Jack fell asleep only a hour after George had picked him up. So George was now looking into Zoe's records from the dmv to see if her Prius was sold or not.
George had called the Dmv to check and lucky Zoe did remember her plate number they had informed him the car was not registered so it looked like Mrs. Hart had been telling her daughter the truth about that. So at least Zoe did not have to worry about looking for a missing car.
There was a knock at his door then it opened thinking it was AnnaBeth with his lunch a smile came to his face, but left when he seen it was Wade instead. Man, Wade had finished scheduling early today, and Jack had been sleeping most of the day so he hadn't gotten to play with his little buddy much.
"Hi I'm here for Jack" Wade said not feeling like making small talk as he walked over to the playpen Jack was sleeping in. He needed to check on his boy make sure he was okay.
"You're here early" George complained. He had nothing else planned for the day and had hope Jack would wake up soon so they could play together. But now here was Wade taking Jack away.
"Got done early thanks for keeping Jack, I'll just take him home now let him rest in his crib awhile" Wade said looking at his sleeping son's chest go up and down. "Has he been good for ya?"
"He's been mostly sleeping" George answered "Why don't you stay for a little while I'll call AnnaBeth and have her pick up another sandwich from the Butler Stick for you. She should be coming soon with mine"
"Naw man why don't you have lunch with her somewhere nice now that you don't have Jack to watch" Wade responded with as he bent down to lift his boy out of the playpen. Before George could replied there was a knock out his office door so he yelled out "It's open you can come in"
A man walked in that wasn't from BlueBell and asked Wade who had Jack in his arms "Are you Wade Kinsella? The Bartender at the Rammer Jammer said you could be found here."
George who had left his desk and walked over to Wade as soon as the Man had walked into the office asked "Just who are you?"
"This has nothing to do with you" the man told George then turned to Wade again and said "Are you Wade Kinsella?"
"Don't answer that" George said "I'm Mr. Kinsella's lawyer how can I help you?"
"Tell your client that he is being served" the Man said.
"For what?" George asked surprised that Wade hadn't spoke a word since he told him not too. Wade looked at George asking silently what he should do. George just shook his head yes so Wade spoke up "I'm Wade Kinsella"
"These are yours then, good day" the Man said trying to hand the packet to Wade but his hand where full of Jack so George grabbed then instead. The Man didn't say anything he just left after that shutting the door behind himself.
"George please man open it see what they are" Wade said as he laid Jack back down in the playpen. Hoping they weren't what he thought they might be. Because if they were this would kill Zoe's hope of ever reconciling with her Mother.
It seemed like hours for George to read the papers but was really only a few minutes when he came to the end and saw the petitioner's name his mouth dropped open in shock. He couldn't form words for a few seconds then his brain took control "It says Zoe is suing you for custody of Jack"
Wade looked at George as if the lawyer had two heads instead of one, George Tucker was a smart guy he graduated from law school after all but sometimes Wade wondered if he was born stupid or had any common sense. Like calling off your Wedding the day before said wedding not waiting until the very last minute that's not common sense. And now this how on earth could George think for one second Zoe would be suing Wade for custody of Jack they lived together for crying out loud.
"Zoe is not suing me for custody" Wade proclaimed with no room for argument "Mrs. Hart is, George you have to find out how she is doing this" Wade was at a loss for how Candice Hart thought this would work the woman was insane.
"I don't want to tell Zoe this" Wade uttered rubbing the back of his head "Brick called saying he needed her help really bad today. Could you look into this and get it thrown out before Zoe finds out?"
It was like the night George had went to the Gate house all over again, when he had thought Zoe was pregnant with someone other then Wade's child. How Wade had just laid into him telling him that it was his baby, Wade had no doubt at all that Zoe was not suing him for custody of Jack. He had such faith in Zoe it just made George jealous of the trust Wade had in Zoe.
"We can not hide this from her Wade" George said knowing his friend just wanted to protect Zoe from her evil Mother, unfortunately George was going to need Zoe to sign paper work saying she did not file this custody petition.
"Can you drawn up the paper work, I'll bring it over to Zoe when it's her lunch break" Wade said defeated hating Zoe had to deal with this now. She had enough on her plate today with Jack being sick and having to see sick people all day to help them. She did not need her crazy Mother's games today.
"Yeah I'll get a petition wrote up asking for the earlier petition to be dropped, hopefully that will work without having to drawn attention to it not having been Zoe who first asked for custody" George replied trying to think of how to do this the fastest way possible. "Because we know her Mother had power of attorney over her affairs. You need to ask Zoe if that has ended or not?"
"I will you just drawn up those papers, I will bring lunch to Zoe with the paperwork" Wade replied hating this needed done.
"Why don't you have Zoe meet you here for lunch that why we can all go over the papers?" George asked knowing it would be easier for him to explain all the legal matters.
"If I do that she will think something is wrong with Jack, no I'll head to the Practice once you have the paperwork done" Wade answered looking at his son who was still sleeping. "I have to be the one who tells her"
"Okay I understand" George said "I'll start on the paperwork right now"
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Zoe was waiting in her office for Wade to arrive with her lunch, he had called over a hour ago telling her he would bring her lunch. Which she found was so nice and helpful because she had been so busy seeing sick people she thought she might have to skip lunch. She had cleaned off her desk making sure to wipe down both her chair and the ones on the other side.
Zoe looked up as she heard someone opening her office door Wade walked slowly in with a brown paper bag. Smiling at him she noticed something was wrong Wade was not acting like himself at all. He wasn't smiling or grinning and he didn't meet her eyes with his. Something had happened Zoe first thought was had something happened to Jack?
"Is Jack okay" Zoe blurted out.
"He is fine just finished his lunch, George has him" Wade replied as he walked over to Zoe's desk and pulled out two hamburgers and fries. He also pulled out two bottles of water.
"Wade what's wrong?" Zoe asked Wade had not seemed this upset having to tell her something since he admitted to his cheating. She knew he would not do that again so if it wasn't about Jack what could possible make Wade this upset?
"Just something your Mother has done" Wade answered "we can talk all about it after we eat lunch"
Zoe wanted to scream what had her Mother done now? She wanted to tell Wade to forget all about lunch and just tell her, but she still had to work after lunch so she did need to eat. So she grabbed a burger and unwrapped it took a few bites then also grabbed a few fries. Wade followed her lead and eat his lunch as well, it only took them less then ten minutes and all the food was gone.
"Tell me what has Candice Hart done now?" Zoe asked looking into Wade's eyes now he was staring straight back into hers.
"Does your Mother still have power of attorney over you're legal affairs?" Wade asked instead of answering Zoe question.
"No she does not, is she trying to say she does? Because I went with her and got that all taken care of" Zoe replied looking at Wade as he stood up and pull something from his back pants pocket.
"No she was pretending to be you, and had me served with a custody suit" Wade stated as he handed Zoe the paperwork in his hand "George drawn these papers up to have you sign to drop the suit"
Zoe just took the papers from Wade's hand and looked for where to sign she didn't even read them. She trusted that both Wade and George would not try to do anything to hurt her or take Jack from her.
"How could she do this?" Zoe said after handing Wade the papers back. Tears were now running down her face it was over she could not trust her Mother ever again not to try to take Jack from them. "I can't think about this now, I'm booked until three solid I can not break down over my cruel witch of a Mother right now" Zoe said the last yelling.
"Baby" Wade said pulling Zoe into his arms letting her cry all over his plaid shirt "It's going to be okay, George will file those papers and get this all taken care of"
Pulling out of Wade's arms Zoe walked back to her desk getting her handbag she pulled out a card she handed it too Wade saying as she did "This is the Attorney we used in New York City to get the power of attorney took off. Give this to George he might need a copy of the order ending"
"I will Doc" Wade said glad that Zoe had thought of that so in case Mrs. Hart tried to use that against them they would have proof it was over with. "Come here" Wade whispered as he pull her once again into his arms letting her fall apart in his arms.
After crying for a few minutes in Wade's arms Zoe pulled away and brushed her tears away she would not cry anymore tears for her Mother's cruel behavior. She had patients to see and Wade needed to get those papers to George right away to get her Mother's plans cancelled.
"You better get those papers to George" Zoe said then added "tell Jack his Mommy loves and misses him"
"I will" Wade said "you said you get off after three. Me and Jack will be waiting for you outside in the suv"
"That will be nice" Zoe said picturing getting to see her baby, she just hoped he was feeling better. How could her Mother think for one second after she had told her she would never take Jack from Wade to do something like sue for custody? And to pretend to be Zoe suing the woman had to be crazy.
"See ya soon Doc" Wade replied as he walked to the door opening it then walked through hoping Zoe didn't have anymore break downs before he could get back to her. Zoe needed Jack in her arms that would be the only thing that would make her feel truly better.
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Post by Sw on May 25, 2020 8:12:51 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Four
Wade, Zoe, and Jack were all in his Suv heading to Mobile for Zoe physical therapy appointment. Zoe was setting next to Jack in the back like she had done since meeting the toddler. Yesterday had been unreal with her Mother trying to sue Wade for custody of Jack. Thank goodness George was handling everything legal for them, he was such a good friend to Wade and her. Zoe hated to think what they would have done without George there to lean on to know what steps had to be taken to fix this mess her Mother was trying to make.
"I thought I might take Jack to get a Icee while you are in physical therapy" Wade said breaking the silence they had been in for over ten minutes "I don't think he's up for going to the park just yet"
"A Icee would be a good treat for him but only a small one we don't want him having to much sugar" Zoe supplied thinking of her baby hyped up on sugar and being locked in to his carseat.
"I hear ya Doc" Wade laughed loving how much Zoe was a mother hen when it came to Jack. He himself was overprotective of the little guy it was nice having Zoe be as well. "I'm going to call your Dad also see if he's still coming this weekend"
"I had forgotten he was supposed to be coming" Zoe muttered with all that her Mother had done the visit her Father was supposed to be making had slipped her mind completely. "It would be nice to know if he's coming, not have another surprise visitor on our doorstep"
"He's really been good with Jack" Wade said as they passed the Welcome to Mobile sign "He always brings Jack a stuffed animal, Ethan said it was something he used to do with you when you where little and he had to go away on work"
"Yeah I do remember he used to do that when I was little" Zoe said in aww that her Father would do something so heartfelt for his grandson. If he did show up this weekend maybe he had changed, and he really did want to be a part of Jack and hers lives.
"Doc I've come to know your Dad some, and he loves ya" Wade announced as he looked at the address signs making sure he was going the right way. "He regrets not being there for you"
"I just hope your right Wade, it would be nice to have one sane parent" Zoe stated watching Jack sleep he was acting better today.
"Well you can always adopted Earl if you want, he's sober now has been since Jack entered his life" Wade said laughing hoping to brighten Zoe up some. "I'm sure he would drop me as his son if he could claim the pretty Doctor Lady as his daughter"
That did get Zoe laughing she hadn't seen Earl yet but knew she would sooner or later he was her son's grandfather after all and did live in BlueBell. It was good to hear that he wasn't drinking anymore. Zoe wondered what the man was like without having a drink in him. She guessed she was going to find out.
"I wonder why Earl hasn't stopped by" Zoe asked as Wade turned onto a street from the main road.
"He did call me a few days ago asking about Jack he heard he was sick, Earl said he wanted to give you time to settle in before he came visiting" Wade informed Zoe as he pulled into the physical therapy parking lot. "Where here Doc you what me to stick around a few minutes make sure they didn't double book your time slot or anything"
"Wade they would have called by now if they had done that" Zoe replied "but given what has happened lately I can see where you would think that was possible. Just go get Jack a Icee and keep our little man happy"
"Will do Doc, just call me if something comes up. I will be back in a hour" Wade said as Zoe got out of the Suv closing the door behind her. Wade didn't leave the parking lot until he seen Zoe enter the physical therapy building. Jack was still sleeping like he always did on long rides in his carseat.
Wade just drove around for awhile to pass the time looking to see what was around the physical therapy building, he seen a few restaurants that he would like to take Zoe to on a date at a later time. None that he wanted to take Jack to because while he loved his little boy he knew the baby would not fit in at those restaurants. Also he wanted to spend sometime alone with Zoe wine and dine her get their romantic relationship start up again.
Wade was trying not to think about how George was right now, finding out if his petition to drop Mrs. Hart custody suit was being granted. He knew Zoe would not take Jack from him but he wanted a end to the game Mrs. Hart was playing. Wade was thinking of having George draw up custody papers for him and Zoe to sign so Mrs. Hart could not do this trick again.
Wade did not want Zoe to think he didn't trust her not to try and take Jack from him, but he did not want this to happen again. Of course he would have to ask George if they did sign a custody agreement if Mrs. Hart could try her suit again. Wade knew before this was over with Mrs. Hart was bound to show up once again in person.
Pulling into a fast food restaurant he knew sold Icee Wade pulled into a parking spot deciding he would try to call Ethan Hart before getting the Icee from the drive-thru.
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Zoe was so glad when the hour was up the physical therapist had worked her hard to evaluate what she still needed to work on next week they would work on her endurance when walking. Walking out the door she smiled when she saw Wade's suv parked a few spots down from the door.
Wade smiled when he seen her and motioned for her to get in the front passenger seat, opening the door she laughed when he held up a fast food bag and there was two fountain drinks in the cup holder. She looked in the back to see that Jack was wide awake drinking a small Icee.
"I got you a grilled chicken sandwich and onion rings, thought you might want something different then a hamburger" Wade informed Zoe as he handed her a wrapped sandwich then pulled out the onion rings. "If I didn't have to get back to the Rammer Jammer we could have went and ate somewhere. Sorry about that"
"Wade that's okay I'm wore out anyway I just would like to get home put the tv on and hope Jack watches it so I can lay around" Zoe replied as she unwrapped her sandwich "Thank you for getting us lunch"
"Well Doc, I could not let you and our boy go hungry could I?" Wade asked as he unwrapped his own Fish sandwich it was friday after all. He pulled out a small sack of fries from the take out bag after taking a few bites from his sandwich.
"How did therapy go?" Wade asked after taking a sip of his drink and looking towards Zoe.
"It was good" Zoe responded with "We have a plan in place to build up my endurance in walking hopefully soon I will be able to push Jack's stroller into BlueBell"
"Ya know Zoe if you need to ever use the Suv you can anytime" Wade said hating that Zoe felt like she had to walk into BlueBell.
"I know that" Zoe answered back between bites of her sandwich "There are certain days though you need your Suv, I will have to get another car."
"Do you have a certain car in mind?" Wade ask after he ate a french fry "are you looking for new or used?"
"Depends on price" Zoe answered then ate a onion ring before continuing "right now I don't know what my Mother has done with my saving. I'm going to ask George if he could help me look into that"
"You never asked her about that when you were living with her?" Wade asked thinking that was something he would have asked about right away.
"Money wasn't really something I thought a lot about, she told me my card credits were all paid off. So many thing were going on and I only saw my Mother one day a week when I was in the nursery facility. Then when I had got out I told you all about not leaving my room for a week over thinking I miscarried Jack." Zoe explained "I was just starting to look for a job when I found your letter. My Mother was paying for everything I needed"
"Sounds to me like she was trying to control you" Wade blurt out not being able to stop himself not that he really wanted too.
"I know I should have been smarter then to fall for that" Zoe moaned out mad at herself for allowing her Mother to have that much control over her life and not realizing it right away. Or for not being more angry when she learned about how her Mother had alienated her from all her friends. Of course she had been recovery from a brain injury which might have something to do with that.
"Don't beat yourself up about that Doc, you were hurt and injury of course you wasn't thinking about money at a time like that" Wade said not wanting Zoe to feel bad about it. Turning his head he seen Jack was still drinking his Icee he had to smile at the toddler he sure enjoyed a cherry Icee.
"I did get a hold of your Dad" Wade told Zoe looking at her "His plane lands tomorrow, he's going to rent a car then drive out to the Carriage house"
"Oh" Zoe replied she was a little shocked he was coming back until she actually seen him in person she wasn't going to truly believe it. "That's good"
"Jack you what a chicken nugget?" Wade ask his son trying to change the subject seeing as Zoe did not sound like she was happy that her Father was coming to visit tomorrow. The baby looked up from his drink and shook his little head 'No'.
"After I finish this sandwich I'll switch seats and feed Jack the nuggets" Zoe said then took another bite of her food.
"Or you could drive us home and I feed Jack the nuggets?" Wade suggested.
"No I've never been to this part of Mobile before I would get us lost" Zoe replied right before shoving the last part of her sandwich into her mouth wanting to get into the back seat next to Jack all the faster now. Once she had finished chewing she took a big sip of soda then opened the door jumping out.
Wade just laughed as Zoe ran around the front of the Suv to get to the driver's side passenger door. Once she was inside he handed her the bag with the nuggets in them. He knew Jack would put up a fight to not have his Icee taken from him. But if Zoe wanted to do the great Icee battle that was all on her, he had offered to take care of that but she wanted to set back there.
"Jack look what Mommy has" Zoe said pulling a chicken nugget out of the bag. Then she brought it closer to Jack's face asking "Do you want to eat it?" The toddler looked at the nugget then at his Mother then at his Icee. Zoe could see his little brain working out how this would work.
"Mommy will feed you the nuggets if you want, and you can keep your Icee" Zoe offered to her baby boy. Jack liked that idea and said "Yes" right away.
"Got to hand it to ya Doc, you know just how to handle Jack" Wade said as he throw his sandwich wrapper into the take out back. "Bucket up we're moving out"
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George was smiling as he walked up to the Carriage house finally he could give some good news to Zoe and by extension Wade, he hated being the bearer of bad news to Wade all the time. Well not all the time just it seemed to George some of the most important things he found he had to tell his friend was bad news. Of course George had been the one who told Wade he was going to be a Father which was good news, but he had thought he was telling him that Zoe was pregnant by another man so that was bad.
Today though as George waited for Zoe and Wade to return from Mobile he had good news so he was happily waiting for the small family of three to appear. What he hadn't expected was one Candice Hart to drive up. And with her arrival that good day George had been having seem to just disappear.
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Post by Sw on May 26, 2020 17:01:31 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Five
Candice Hart opened her rental car's door she had pulled into a empty spot next to a double cab truck. She couldn't remember the last time she was here if the same truck had been parked there are not. But really it would not surprise her none if Wade Kinsella had a pickup truck. He was as southern and country as you can get. What her daughter saw in that man other then looks Candice had no idea. What did a bartender and a heart doctor even have in common to talk about? Not allowing herself to even think about the child the pair shared.
She was disappointed when she got closer to the porch of the Carriage house and the man that stood up wasn't Wade, instead it was his friend. The one that came to New York City with him. What was his name again? She was sure Zoe had been friends with the man as well.
"Mrs. Hart" George greeted giving her his nicest smile the one he saved for when he went before a judge that he hated. "I didn't know you would be visiting today"
"Well it's really none of your business now is it?" She replied back, walking past him to get to the Carriage house front door.
"Zoe is not home, that's why I was setting on the porch waiting" George shot back at the older woman. There was so many things he would like to yell at her but he wasn't a lawyer for nothing.
"You must think she will be returning soon are you would not be setting here waiting for her" Candice declared trying to remember exactly what this man's before her name was.
"I'll give you some advice when I tell my client you're daughter what you've been keeping from her, you might not want to be around for that" George announced, it was then that Candice Hart remember just who stood before her. George Tucker probably was the only lawyer the small town of BlueBell had.
"I'm sure Zoe understand why I filed the custody petition" Candice replied back "once she is given custody we can return to New York City where they belong"
"You are really something aren't you?" George uttered "I'm not talking about your failed attempted at getting custody from Wade. How you could ever think Zoe would take Jack from his Father is beyond me"
"Jack would have a better life in New York where he could go to the best schools" Mrs. Hart then added "make important friends growing up. Instead of being raised by a bartender what kind of friends could Jack make here?"
"The lifelong kind that have each others backs" George answered "the kind that find out when a trustee in charge of a fund as been using some of that money for their own"
Staring Mrs Hart in the eyes George finishes with "I think it would be best for you to leave now before Zoe gets back don't you?"
"I will be back" Candice replied showing that she wasn't allowing anything George told her to scare her away.
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As they pulled into the driveway of Lavon's Plantation road Wade said "I have to be at the Rammer Jammer by three because I haven't been there a lot the last few days and have a lot of paper work that needs done. I hate doing paper work"
"Awe you poor baby all that paperwork" Zoe laughed looking over at Jack who was surprisingly awake looking at his Mother smiling. It must have been all the sugar in the Icee.
"You wound me, Doc" Wade said laughing all that stopped though when he seen George setting on the porch of the Carriage house. Why would he be waiting for them instead of calling. He must have news he thought he had to give in person instead of over the phone. That worried Wade, what news did George get back from the state on the custody petition that had him come to tell them in person.
Pulling into his spot Wade made sure to put the Suv in park before jumping out he had to find out just what George was here to tell him. He would not let Candice Hart take his son from Zoe and him.
"George did something happen with dropping the custody petition?" Wade asked with fear in his voice. He had literally run from the Suv to the Carriage house porch.
"I haven't heard anything on that yet. I'm sure our request will be granted Wade don't worry" George reassured his friend "I'm here actually to talk to Zoe about something she asked me to look into for her"
Wade looked towards the Suv Zoe was still inside he walked back towards it just in time to open the door for Zoe who had Jack in her arms having already gotten the toddler out of his carseat. "Sorry about leaving you to get Jack out" Wade shamefully admitted.
"It's okay what did George want?" Zoe asked just wanting a answer to why George was there just as much as Wade had.
"It isn't about your Mom's custody suit, George said he needs to talk to you about something else. Here give me Jack I'll take him inside so you can talk to George" Wade said taking Jack from Zoe's arms so she could talk to George without the toddler in the way.
"But you have to get to the Rammer Jammer" Zoe said following Wade to the Carriage house "To do your paperwork"
"I can be a few minutes late Doc, I'm the owner no one can yell at me about it" Wade proclaimed then he walked past George into the house leaving Zoe to talk to her lawyer alone.
"Hi George" Zoe said as she walked up to him "Wade said you needed to talk to me"
"Yes I found something out that shocked me, but first I should tell you about ten minutes ago your Mother was here" George informed his client. "I talked to her told her that I was going to tell you something she had done. She left but said she will be back"
Zoe took a breathe in and let it out what ever George had found out she knew it had to be important for her Mother to run away for now. But Zoe was sure whatever it was her Mother would come up with a reason for it in her crazed mind. Zoe knew wasn't even sure she wanted to know what George had found out. But if it would help keep her Mother away she knew she had too.
"What did she do?" Zoe inquiry.
"Mrs. Hart on you're behalf sued the driver that hit you in your car accident. She settled the suit and was appointed the trustee" George stopped so that Zoe could take in what he had just spoken.
"What?" Zoe just could not believe what she was hearing. It was a whole new betrayal from her Mother one she never thought to even ask about. Because suing the driver who caused the accident did not ever enter her mind because all she had wanted to do was get better. But Zoe should have realized her Mother as a business woman would have thought of that. To much sure that Zoe would be compensation for her injuries.
"Your Mother is the trustee or she was until you woke up" George continued with "Some of the money from the account is not account for"
Zoe just shook her head not really believing what George was saying at all. Her Mother was a lot of things a lair sure, controlling yes, but she had never been a thief. Yet Zoe hadn't thought she was any of the those other things either. It seemed that Zoe Hart really did not know her Mother at all.
"How much is in the account?" Zoe questions as she sets down on the porch trying to let the news George just told her sink truly in.
"Half a million, also the company the driver who hit you works for pays your health insurance for life. They were paying for your Nursery Facility" George told Zoe trying to remember everything Zoe's lawyer in New York City had shared with him.
"So how much of the money from that amount is missing?" Zoe ask trying to wrap her mind around some company paying for her health insurance for the rest of her life.
"Oh no that's the amount that is left" George said having gotten confused by Zoe's earlier question "You were award seven hundred and fifty thousand to you're end. You being a young doctor and pregnant made you have a strong case so it was all settled out of court hush hush"
"So there is over two hundred thousand missing?" Zoe asked shocked at the amount. That was a large amount of money to go missing what could her Mother have spent it on? "Was it used for my needs while I was in the Nursery Facility?"
George shook his head 'No' while it was good news Zoe had a big bank account, telling her that her Mother embezzled some of it wasn't. "No the money was taken out while you were living with her in New York City"
Zoe stood up from setting on the porch and started pacing back and forth it didn't make any since her Mother had a ton of money why would she take Zoe's accident money? This was while she had been living with her, how could she do something so slumming as steal from her child?
"Zoe I would advice you to move your money to a new Bank that your Mother doesn't know about" George supplied "If you want I can look into banks around Alabama see which ones offer the best rates?"
"Yes thank you George I can use all the help I can get" Zoe stopped pacing to say then she hugged George fast before starting to pace again.
"I will head out now get started looking into Banks around here for you" George said as he took a step off the Carriage house's porch.
"Hey George make sure to keep track of the hours your spending on my case. It seems like I now have the money to pay you for them" Zoe noted knowing George had been helping her out for free so far.
"Zoe your my friend" George said hating that he had to charge his friends money when they needed his help. "I will send you a bill when I'm done" one that George knew would not be all the hours he worked on her case but enough to make her feel like she wasn't taking advantage of their friendship.
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Wade was looking out the window spying on George and Zoe's talk, Jack was watching tv laughing at something on the screen. Wade knew George had to give some news to Zoe. But it seemed it was bad because of Zoe reaction to it first she setting on the porch then she was pacing back and forth. Then she had hugged George before pacing again. What could be so important to cause Zoe to freak out like that?
Seeing George leaving Wade left the window and joined Jack in watching the tv, hoping Zoe hadn't known he was spying on her earlier. He heard the front door open and then Zoe walked into the living room. She looked a little pale so whatever George had just told her must have not been good, Wade thought once again.
"What did Tucker want?" Wade ask as Jack run up to his Mother with his arms up wanting her to pick him up.
Zoe bent down and picked up Jack always putting being Jack's Mother first before answering Wade "It seemed that my Mother sued the car that hit me on my behalf. She settled the case and got me a big reward"
That wasn't what Wade thought Zoe was going to say so his mouth dropped open, Mrs. Hart had sued the person who had hurt Zoe. That did make since the woman was hell bent on making anyone who hurt her daughter pay. But most of that money was likely spent already on Zoe's medical bills and care. Wade hoped there was enough left over for Zoe to get another car out of.
"How much is left?" Wade questions "because after all your medical bills I'm sure it can't be a lot"
"I'm not sure of all the details but George said that the company the driver worked for is paying my health insurance for life for me. And I have five hundred thousand left" Wade just looked at Zoe his mouth going up and down no sound coming out.
"Left?" finally Wade uttered out?
"Yes seems my Mother was the trustee and took over two hundred thousand out a few weeks ago" Zoe proclaim feeling anger raised up at the thought of her Mother, the woman was a lair, a thief, and controlling. How could Zoe have not known those things about her Mother before now?
Wade let out a whistle hearing the amount that Mrs. Hart had taken out, had literally stole from her daughter. That was a lot of money. Zoe it seemed had a lot more but Mrs. Hart had no right to take Zoe's money from her. The Woman had not only kept Jack a secret from Zoe now it seemed she had also kept Zoe's money from her as well. Did Candice Hart have any redeeming qualities?
"Plus if that wasn't bad enough she was here today. George told me she told him she will be back" Zoe fumed out making Jack in her arms laugh thinking she was being funny.
"I'll call the Rammer Jammer tell them I'm not coming in tonight" Wade said he did not want to leave Zoe and Jack alone to face Candice Hart if she did return tonight.
"No, no" Zoe said "let me just grab a few thing and Jack and I will come to the Rammer Jammer with you for a few hours" Zoe knew Wade had to keep running his business she would not let her Mother keep him for doing that. "I'll catch a ride back with Lavon or George tonight"
"Doc nothing is as important as Jack and You, the Rammer Jammer will not fall apart if I miss going in for a few days" Wade replied.
Zoe walked up to Wade with Jack in her arms she lovingly kissed him on the lips pulling back she smiled at him. "You have to close the Rammer Jammer tonight don't you?
Wade nodded his head yes but then answered with "I can leave here at eight o'clock and still close for the night. So let me just spend sometime with the both of you"
"Okay" Zoe said loving that they had come to a compromised. She really needed Wade at the moment she needed his lay back attitude to help her clam down. Smiling Wade bent down to kiss Zoe then Jack on top of their heads. This is what Zoe wanted this was the only family she needed along with her true friends here in BlueBell. Zoe just hoped when her Dad showed up tomorrow he wasn't going to cause more problems for her. She just wanted to live her life being a mother, girlfriend, doctor, and friend and if her Father proved himself a daughter to him. Zoe had no room in her life for Candice Hart and all her lies.
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Post by Sw on May 27, 2020 16:47:10 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Six
Wade woke up after ten a.m. he hadn't gotten in until after 2 a.m. he wanted to be up showered and dressed before Ethan Hart showed up for his visit. Plus he didn't want to be sleeping in case Mrs. Hart showed up as well. When he had gotten home last night he was surprised to find that Jack was not sleeping in Zoe's bedroom downstairs neither was Zoe. Wade just thought perhaps Zoe had falling asleep rocking Jack in his rocking chair. But going to Jack's room neither was there just when he was started to panic thinking somehow Candice Hart had kidnapped them Wade entered his own room to discover Mother and Son sleeping under his bedsheets. He laughed lightly to himself seeing that Zoe was using one of his plaid shirts as a nightgown.
That sight right there was one Wade would love to see every night except of course for Jack being there every night, but on nights when he was working Wade thought his Son watching over his Momma was a touching scene. His boy was turning into a Momma's boy and Wade couldn't be prouder of that fact. That meant that Zoe was around something that has changed his whole world this last week and made it so much happier.
Wade could now picture the future he wanted one day not to soon in the future to scare Zoe away but not to far that it seem impossible to come true. Wade could see Zoe and him getting married living together as Man and Wife, maybe even if possible have another kid, if not Jack was more then enough. He wanted that life so bad, Wade knew he was on his way there. Zoe and he were living together just not together, together yet. But they had decided to date so that was a step in the right direction.
Getting out of the bed Wade went to his closet grabbing some jeans and a button down shirt he wanted to look professional when Dr. Hart showed up. The Man had always been nice when he came down for visits with his grandson, but this was different this time Ethan was coming down to see his daughter not jut his grandson. And said daughter was who Wade happened to be dating so he wanted to show Dr. Hart he could clean up nice that he could wear something other then a plaid shirt.
Walking down the stairs Wade heard Zoe and Jack playing together in the living room, peaking inside he saw the pair rolling a ball back and forth setting on the floor. They were both dressed Jack seemed to be having lots of fun playing with this Momma. Smiling Wade headed to the bathroom to get his shower so he could join his family in the living room as soon as he was dressed.
Zoe has seen Wade from the corner of her eye she just concentrated on Jack letting Wade have his moment of watching them undetected. Beside he had looked so good just standing there in his sleeping shorts without a shirt on, he was being her eye candy. Jack rolled the ball back to her then got up pulling himself up the couch, it seemed he was done with that game Zoe thought following Jack to the couch. He looked up at her saying "Mama" then pointed to the tv screen which was off.
"Oh so you want to watch tv little man?" Zoe asked as she grabbed the remote from the side table next to the couch. Jack hasn't gotten to watch any cartoons today. They had awaken late so they just barely made it to Lavon's in time for breakfast before Lavon had to run to another meeting. Zoe thought Lavon seemed to be having meetings everyday, but then again being Mayor he likely did. Because of this reason Zoe had to shower at Lavon's and put her nightgown aka Wade's shirt and short shorts back on. She had returned to the Carriage house to bath Jack. Once the little guy was all nice and clean she had put him in his crib for a few minutes so she could change her clothes.
The whole time Zoe was worried that Jack would cry and wake up Wade who was still sleeping from having to close the Rammer Jammer last night. She had made a mental note to buy Lavon and Lemon a box of chocolates as a Thank You for all the times they had watched Jack for Wade and now her to get a shower without having to worry about what Jack was getting into. Lemon had even stayed longer today so Zoe could get that shower at Lavon's.
Zoe wanted to look nice for her Father's arriver she had not seen him in over two years time, but from what she learned he had seen her when she was in her coma. So Zoe wanted her Dad to know she was better, that she was recovered and happy to be a Mother to her son. She did not want or need another control freak parent. Zoe had purposely not allowed thoughts of her Mother to come into her mind every time it did she would think about Jack instead or how her Father was coming. She would not allow herself to think of her Mother or the money.
George had called back last night wanting to talk about the banks he had found but Zoe wasn't up to it she felt so betrayed but what her Mother had stolen from her again. It was the trust she had in her Mother that been broken again and again. It wasn't about money it was about the secrets of not telling her about the money. It was the biggest secret of Mrs. Hart not telling Zoe about Jack that Zoe found she could not move past. How could her own Mother keep her son from her? Zoe just could not understand that, it was something she was sure she would never understand to her dying day.
Jack was the best thing that ever happened to Zoe he did not deserve to be treated like a dirty little secret hidden away from his very own Mother. That was just something that always brought tears to Zoe's eyes. He was her baby and she loved him more then anything. How could her own Mother not understand that? Didn't Candice Hart love her daughter like that? And if she did how then could she hurt her so badly with all of her lies?
"Mama" Jack said patting Zoe face as the tv still had not come on yet.
"Sorry baby" Zoe said then turned the tv on with the remote in her hand she would not let her mind wander to that woman she use to call Mother. "So you want to watch cartoons?"
"Yes" Jack said jumping up and down on the couch laughing "Mama ove"
"Yes Mommy loves you" Zoe replied kissing Jack on his little cheek, this is what she needed to focus on her son "Let's watch some tv little man"
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Wade just finished running a comb through his hair wanting it to look neat, he so wanted to impress Dr. Hart. Show the man he was good enough to date his daughter. Never mind that Wade knew Ethan Hart they got along well and he was the man's grandson father. This was important Wade wanted to show he was a responsible business owner not just a bartender who had gotten the man's daughter pregnant.
Looking in the mirror Wade thought he looked nice he just wanted to make Zoe proud and hopefully help her reconnect with her Dad. He knew Zoe longed to reconnect with the Father she always loved, Wade was hoping they could do that for Zoe's sake. Also because Jack really enjoyed spending time with this grandfather Ethan.
Walking into the living room Wade could hear the tv on now, seemed they had moved on from their earlier game of rolling the ball. Jack was setting in his Mother's lap snuggling into her. Zoe seemed to be delighted by the closeness she was sharing with Jack. It was nice to see them building a relationship watching as it grew before his very eyes. It hurt Wade just a little too knowing that Jack now had another parent to give his love too. He hated feeling that way at all but it was he supposed normal after being the only parent Jack had for so long. Beside he loved Zoe so much that he just wanted her to be happy and their son made her very happy.
There was a knock at the door Zoe looked away from the tv Wade stepped forward heading to the door hoping it was Ethan and not Candice. "I'll get it Doc"
Opening the door Wade let a breathe out when it was neither "Hey George you here for a social call or business one?"
"I just thought I would stop by see if Zoe gave anymore thought to what we talked about last night?" George answered. Wade moved back and let Tucker inside the Carriage house.
"Come on in Zoe and Jack are in the living room watching cartoons" Wade said as he walked back to said room.
"Hi George" Zoe greeted, Jack yelled happily "Ger"
"Hey there is my main man" George replied greeting Jack back. The toddler jumped down from the couch running to one of his favorite people lifting his arms up.
"Ger" Jack said as he was being lifted up in George's arm then pointed to the ball that he and Zoe had quit playing earlier.
"Jack, come to Daddy" Wade interrupted Jack from getting his way "let Uncle George and Momma talk. Let's take that ball and play outside with it" George half heartedly gave the baby over to his Father after Wade had picked up the ball they needed to play outside with.
"He's a really good Father" George said feeling some jealousy over Wade getting to be called father before he had. He would love to have a son or daughter of his very own. But he and AnnaBeth were not in a place in their relationship just yet to talk about having children they were not even married yet. Being married was something he wanted before he had kids.
"Yes he is" Zoe agreed "So what brings you by George?"
"I just wanted to see if you had given any thought to moving your bank account to a closer bank or not?" George ask wanting to get all of Zoe's money away from Candice Hart are for her to have any idea where it was being held at.
"Not really" Zoe replied not wanting to think about the money because it lead to thinking about the missing money her Mother had taken. "I know it needs to be done, I just don't want to think about it right now"
George set down on the couch next to Zoe he pulled her into a hug, he needed to slow down Zoe was going through a lot right now. Her Mother had betrayed her over and over so the money was a token of that fact. Zoe did not want to think about that right now. George could understand Zoe had been through so much she just could not handle this at the moment.
"I will look into more local banks and we can talk about what you would like to do on Monday" George voiced not wanting to pressure Zoe about this if she couldn't handle it right now. But she needed to get her money completely under her control. That money was for all the pain and suffering Zoe had been through and she had been through a lot of that. No money was worth all she had lost, Zoe had lost the first 16 months of her son's life, almost her whole pregnancy, then had to spend months being able to walk again. She deserved every penny she had been rewarded.
"Okay Monday" Zoe replied "but know that I would have Jack with me"
"He's my main man" George joked "wouldn't dream of him not being here"
"Good because" Zoe never got to finish her thought because just then from outside a woman shouting could be heard.
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Jack was throwing his ball and laughing when it hit his Dad in the leg not being high enough to reach his hands. He thought it was the funniest thing ever. "Higher Jack throw it higher" Wade rubbed his leg acting like it hurt from the ball hitting him.
Jack just laughed at his Dad and threw the ball again this time it did make it higher up on Wade's leg just not high enough to reach his hands again. The ball hit the ground then Jack ran to pick it up then he took a few steps back preparing to throw it again. When a voice Jack didn't recognize spoke "He should be learning the piano, not playing this close to a swamp"
"Come to Daddy, Jack" Wade told his son walking the few feet they were apart he would not be happy until Jack was safe in his arms and away from Mrs. Hart. Once he had Jack in his arms Wade turned his back to the Woman he wanted to yell at her so bad but would not do that in front of his son.
"Yes take Jack and run away with him it's what you're good at" Candice Hart attacked with "not letting me raise him so he will never be anything but a bartender like you"
"Raise him" Wade turned back around not being able to stop himself "you would not even come see him. You are a real piece of work Lady"
"See him, I should have had custody of him" Candice shouted out "You are a nobody, I could have gotten him into the best schools"
Before Wade could respond to her, Zoe had jerked opened the Carriage house front door running out followed closely by George Tucker. Zoe was seeing red all the anger at her Mother coming to the front of her mind making her even madder was she heard that latter part of what her Mother had shouted at Wade.
"Do not yell at my boyfriend" Zoe spoke calmly to her Mother she then turned to Wade and said "Take Jack inside, my Mother and me need to talk"
"I'm not leaving you Doc, George take Jack inside" George nodded Wade gave him Jack. Wade just stood next to Zoe knowing he would just stand here if she needed him he would be here for her.
"So you are just going to let him rule you?" Candice Hart ask as she walked up to her daughter "Let him not allow me to see my grandchild?"
"He's not doing any of those things Mother" Zoe defended Wade "He's just trying to support me. Because my Mother who I trusted my whole life has done nothing but lie to me"
"Zoe I already told you, I just did not know how to tell you about Jack without having him there" Mrs. Hart explained again sure if she could just get Zoe to understand she hadn't meant to keep Jack a secret it just unfolded that way. Now though since it was all out in the open Candice just did not understand why Zoe wouldn't just sue for custody and take Jack back with them to New York City.
"You were never going to tell me" Zoe responded back "Jack is my baby and you were never going to tell me about him" tears filling Zoe's eyes Wade wrapped a arm around her. "How could you not tell me?"
"Zoe I've explained, I'm sorry that I hurt you" Candice said taking a deep breathe "I just did not know how to tell you that Wade had taken Jack from us"
"Taken" Wade blurted out before getting a hold of himself and biting his tongue to stop himself for saying another word. He did not what to be the reason Zoe and her Mother did not talk in the future. This woman who was a witch in actions was Zoe mother and Wade did not want to be the reason Zoe did not allow her Mother in her life.
Zoe mouth had dropped open how dare she say such a thing about Wade, all Wade had done was be a good Father and taken his son. Wade had changed just about everything in his life only keeping the Rammer Jammer the same. He had moved houses, got a new vehicle, getting rid of his much loved car. His social life was Jack everything Wade did was to be there for his son or working to provide for him.
"You can not take what's yours" Zoe shot back looking her Mother right in the eyes daring her to contradict her on that.
"Zoe why did you have to pick a Bartender? Why couldn't Jack have been the Lawyer's?" Candice snarky ask "He would have understood that New York City would be a better place for Jack to be raised"
"New York City isn't the be all and end all of the whole world Mother" Zoe cried out "I could not have picked a better Father for my son or a better place for him to grow up"
"This little nowhere town you have to be joking" Candice truly appalled said "I know Jack was a accident because you would not have picked that man to Father your child. It's a shame you didn't get the chance to do what I did and pick a better one for your child"
"You are never going to change or you?" Zoe questioned not being able to believe the Woman before her was related to her "What did you do with my missing money Mother?"
Candice looked taken aback by Zoe question "What money?"
"Don't pay dumb Mother it doesn't suit you. You know the over two hundred thousand is missing from the lawsuit you settled for me" Zoe looked Mrs. Hart right in the eyes and asked.
"Oh that money" Candice laughed like it was no big deal whatsoever "I put it in a trust fund for Jack"
"What?" Zoe and Wade ask at the same time. Not understanding the Woman before them at all.
"I set up a trust fund for Jack, I took the same amount from your account as I did from one of my own. That way Jack would not have to worry about college when he got older" Candice described as if it was a every day occurrence that you stole money from your daughter to put into a trust fund for your grandson. If she was even telling the truth about that.
"I want my money back" Zoe said not wanting one penny from her Mother "Just my money"
"I can't it takes two people to break the trust" Candice stated looking at her daughter.
"Who?" Zoe asks wanting to pace so bad she could scream but not being able to because she would not show any weakness in front of her Mother.
"Jack's legal guardian and Me" Candice replied with then she smiled adding "but you have to do it in person"
"Was this your grand plan Mother tell me about the trust and have me return to New York City with you. Well that isn't going to happen. Keep the money in trust for Jack, I'm not going anywhere with you" Zoe yelled having lost her cool.
"Doc, it will be okay. Like you said we don't need the money" Wade said pulling Zoe into his arms trying to calm her down "Tucker will handle all of this don't worry"
"You need to leave now" Wade looked up from Zoe and told Mrs. Hart.
"I will not allow you to keep my daughter from me" Candice told Wade looking him straight in the eyes "like you have my grandson"
Zoe broke out of Wade's arms losing all control then ready to tear into her Mother for all of the awful things she had done to Wade, Jack, and herself. But before she could a voice behind them all said "That's the funniest thing I've heard in years, almost tops your lie of she's just premature"
Turning Candice Hart was face to face with her ex-husband Ethan Hart. The man had aged well she would give him that. But he had no say in this, Zoe was not even his daughter he had signed all rights away to her years ago.
"You kept yourself away from our grandson, not Wade" Ethan informed Candice letting her know he wasn't going to believe she was the victim here "Wade has never stopped me from seeing Jack"
"Because you followed his rules" Candice coldly stated to Ethan "I would not so I wasn't allowed"
"His rules?" Ethan laughed "Wade had no rules other then Jack live with him. He sent you pictures every month of Jack just asking where Zoe was. No if anyone had rules it was you. If you couldn't raise Jack you wanted nothing to do with him. It's all on you. The same way if I didn't take you back I couldn't see Zoe" Ethan regretted saying the last as soon as the words left his mouth.
"You wouldn't let Dad see me because he wouldn't take you back?" Zoe asked feeling like her whole world turned on it's self once again. The hurt in her voice caused Mrs. Hart to take a step closer to her little girl wanting to pull her into her arms.
"Honey I just wanted all of us to be a family again" Candice said "I was being selfish I'm sorry"
"Please Mom just go back to New York, I need time away from you" Zoe was defeated in her relationship with her Mother she just needed Candice Hart to leave her alone let time give them distance and hopefully peace and forgiveness would come. But right now distance was what was needed.
"Zoe I love you, and if that's what you want" Candice had tears running down her eyes "Just know I will be waiting for your call" after saying that she turned away and the three occupies on the porch watch as she drove away in her rental car.
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Post by Sw on May 28, 2020 9:32:24 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Seven
There was silence on the Carriage house porch as no one was sure what to say after the show Candice Hart had just put on. Ethan Hart had just came upon the last few minutes of the conversation and wasn't sure he wanted to know all he had missed of it. His ex Wife was a vengeful woman something he had learned the hard way. When she felt scorned she would not back down from her demands. And if you did not fulfill them she made your life hell. Stopping you from planned visit with your daughter, that you knew both of you were looking forward too.
Candice Hart was a cruel woman one Ethan had almost wished he never meet so many time if he weren't for Zoe. Because his daughter was worth putting up with Candice for Zoe was a wonderful loving daughter. It was his shame forever that he had signed those papers giving custody to Candice. He had been so hurt at the time not thinking clearly just wanting to run away from the truth. He had thought in error that Candice would during the year he was gone get Zoe acquainted with her biological Father. He did not want to hinder that growing relationship, only upon returning to discover Candice had never told Zoe anything about Harley. And one of Candice many rules for being allowed to see Zoe was he wasn't allowed to tell her.
Ethan knew he had been a coward in the fact he kept Zoe's paternity a secret from her. But she had been his little girl he truly did not want to share being her Father with another man. It was wrong he owed his daughter a apology over it. If he had stood up to Candice years ago perhaps Zoe would not be having to do it right now.
"Zoe" Ethan broken the silence with as he hugged his daughter pulling her as close as he could "I've missed you so much"
"Daddy" was the only word Zoe could get out as tears were running down her face. Everything her Mother had just done now being in her Father's arms had released the water works she could not get them under control.
"I'm here baby, I'm here" Ethan replied as tears of his own began to fall, he watched Wade slowly leave them alone entering the Carriage house. "Daddy is here, and I will not be letting your Mother dictate our relationship anymore"
Pulling away from him Zoe asked "Why did you?"
"I was a fool, I was just so hurt when I learned you were not my biological daughter" Ethan saw the flash of hurt in Zoe's eyes when he spoke that "I've always loved you Zoe that never changed"
"I made some awful mistakes then, my whole life fell apart. My marriage was over I could never trust your Mother again after that" Ethan shared as he thought back on those days. "We were so close and I just could not handle you being someone else daughter. I was a coward and ran away. So I did not have to face it, the only way Candice would give me a divorce was if I signed all custody over to her"
Ethan had stopped talking there because he was so ashamed of himself, he would never deserve Zoe to forgive him for signing her away. He could not ever asks that of her. Ethan was sure that Harley would have been a better Father to Zoe then he had been. But then again the older Man had never told Zoe he was her Father had he? Perhaps he too had listen to Candice Hart and been deceived.
"I thought at the time Candice was going to inform your biological Father and he was going to be a part of your life." Ethan said then a in a lower voice "I didn't think you would need me anymore if you had Harley"
"Dad" Zoe felt her heart break a little for her Father he was another of her Mother's victims. She sure knew had to get her own way by bulldozing others to her will. But that wasn't going to happen this time, and it hadn't happened with Wade either. "I never got to know Harley but he wouldn't have taken your place. The one time I did see him all I talked about was you and wanting to follow in your foot steps"
"Zoe honey I'm so sorry" Ethan said knowing how much that must of hurt Zoe knowing the only time she seen her biological Father she had being talking about her other Father. "Candice Hart has left a lot of broke hearts behind hasn't she?"
"Yes" Zoe agree wiping a tear from her eyes "we can not let her win though can we Dad? Me and You both of us want a relationship right?"
"A thousand times yes" Ethan replied wiping his own tears away "I want you and Jack in my life, and of course Wade I believe he comes as a package deal with the both of you"
"Yes he does" Zoe laughed as she took a few steps back from her Father "You've been around him over a year now, how would you rate Wade as a father?"
"Wade" Ethan said thinking back over last almost seventeen months he had known the other man, all the interaction he had seen of the younger man and his grandson. Of the times Wade and he had talked on the phone almost every week. "I would say I've never seen a better Father, I wish I could be half the Father he is"
Zoe's lips curled up on their own she knew by her Father words of praise for Wade that she was going to have at least one parent she could include in her life. One that would not tear down Wade but would like him. One that did not turn their back on her son.
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George had taken Jack up to his room not wanting the baby to hear the loud voices coming from the porch. After a few games of Jack's basketball set George was startled but Wade being in the door frame. George was dying to know what had happened with Candice outside but knew Wade would not share anything with him if Zoe didn't want him too.
It still shocked George that Wade had not told him that Zoe had returned right away. After everything they had been through together George did not learn about Zoe's return until a few days later when everyone found out. Wade had apologized telling him that Zoe did not want anyone to know of her return, then all of a sudden she had decided to tell Sheriff Bill because of her Mother threaten her friend with the police looking for Zoe.
It was then that George had to remember that Wade Kinsella would do anything for Zoe Hart, the Man was madly in love with her. He couldn't blame his friend for doing what the woman he had waited two years for asked of him. So George would wait and see if Wade wanted to share what Candice Hart had said all on his own. If it had anything to do with the missing money as Zoe's lawyer he was sure to learn about it from Zoe anyway.
"Candice left and Ethan has arrived" Wade announced entering Jack's room "thought I would visit with you two while Zoe is talking with her Dad"
George was pleased to hear Dr Hart was in town the older man had stepped up and was involved in Jack's life as a grandparent should be. He hoped that Ethan now got the chance he had been hoping for to be a better Father to Zoe. While it was true that Harley Wilkes was Zoe's biological father Ethan Hart was the man she thought of as her Father. He was the one that raised her for the first ten years of her life then just disappeared on her. George and the older Dr. Hart had talked about the time in the older man's life after learning of Candice betrayal. She had wanted everything to just go on as if nothing had changed, could not understand when Ethan could not do that.
George thought Ethan the year he was gone was not just running from the truth but also from Candice Hart. That woman could make any man what to run away screaming. How Wade had kept his cool George knew it was all for Zoe and Jack.
"It's nice that Ethan could come visit" George said as Jack ran to his Daddy with his arms up wanting picked up.
"Yes Zoe needs at least one sane Parent" Wade replied picking up his son who was trying to touch his Father's hair.
"One question always comes to mind when I think about Candice Hart" George said as he watched Jack pulling Wade's hair as the other man tried to get the little boy's fingers out of his hair. "How on earth did she ever get two smart doctors to fall for her? And them not notice she's all out crazy?"
Wade who finally got Jack's finger out of his hair and set the little boy back down on his own two feet laughed at Tucker's question. "All I can think is she must have been a knock out like Zoe is, so they over looked the crazy" Wade supplied knowing he himself had overlooked some of the weirder things Zoe did because of it.
George had to laugh at Wade's respond, Wade was so head over heels in love with Zoe, George thought if a young Cindy Crawford where to walk in the door Wade would think Zoe was better looking. That was love for ya. Also on the plus side of things George was glad that it was Wade who had to deal with crazy mother- in- law or soon to be one. Because while George had at one time thought he been in love with Zoe it was a blessing not to have to have Candice Hart as a potential mother- in - law.
"So how long is Ethan staying for?" George ask as Jack came back to his toy basketball set ready to start another game up.
"I think just the weekend" Wade replied as Jack threw the little basketball and got it in the net. Jack then high five both men laughing as he did.
"Ger" Jack yelled holding the mini basket ball out for George to take, taking the ball he threw it but missed getting it into the net Jack laughed then went and got the ball giving it to his Father. Wade threw it making a "Nothing but net" comment as the ball went threw the tiny net.
"You think we're being doing this seventeen years from now?" George asked as Jack took his turn laughing when he overthrew it.
"I hope not" was Wade's reply "we should by then be moved outdoors on a normal size ball and net"
"Ha Ha" George responded "I just meant do you think in years to come the three of us will still be playing basketball together"
"Sure as long as Jack wants to play with his old man and Uncle Ger" Wade answered finding it hard to think that far ahead in the future trying to picture a adult Jack.
"Ger" Jack gave the mini basketball back to George wanting to continue their game. Taking the ball George took another shot and once again missed. It just wasn't fair he was so much better at real basketball but something about the smaller height threw George off his game.
Wade was standing there trying not to laugh at him "Go ahead laugh, I'm awful at this I know" George said.
"How are you so bad at this?" Wade asked after making another basket and getting a high five from Jack as a reward.
"It's the height it throws my game off" George defended himself with knowing that a having a toddler beat you fairly at a mini BasketBall game wasn't something to be proud of.
"Yeah sure, will you be saying that when we play normal basketball later too?" Wade asked laughing. It had been a long time since Wade had gotten to play a regular basketball game. He never seemed to find time for games if they weren't the kind he could play with Jack. But now with Zoe around maybe he could find a spare hour to play a game of basketball with George.
"I have 50 that says I beat you next time we play?" George declared hoping they got to play a game together soon.
"You're on Man, I can already see me 50 richer" Wade said rubbing his hands together. Jack just watched the two men then threw his ball again this time it went into the net again. "My son has more game then you, Tucker"
"Yeah the little man does" George agreed laughing as he high five Jack.
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Post by Sw on May 29, 2020 18:04:35 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Zoe had hated saying goodbye to her Father late Sunday night, his visit was the first one she hoped in a long line of visits to come. Wade had to close the Rammer Jammer on Saturday night so she got a good long visit in with her Father. It was heart warming to see her Dad play with Jack. The second Jack had seen his grandfather he had ran to him arms up expecting to be picked up. Anyone could see they had a loving relationship. Ethan Hart had called Jack "My boy" or "Papa's baby boy" it was clear that he loved his grandson.
Wade got along with her Dad so well it was shocking to Zoe. Maybe it was because Zoe had never gotten to see her Dad around any of her other boyfriends but seeing them talking and no one getting yelled at it just amazed her. The two of them had set down and actually had conversations that had nothing to do with her. Wade had asked her Dad about things going on in his life, things she had no idea were going on. It seemed her Dad had been thinking about moving closer to Jack he wanted to be around his only grandchild. Also it seemed like Ethan had been dating a woman but they had broken up because Ethan wasn't ready to get remarried. After Wade had left for work Saturday night Zoe had asked him about his former girlfriend not wanting her Dad to miss out on love.
Ethan assured Zoe that while he had liked Eve that was his exs name he wasn't in love with her. Not like Wade was with her, Zoe had blushed then. Ethan had told his little girl he wanted to love someone like Wade did her. Yes he knew Wade had cheated on her and that was why she had been in New York City that summer of her accident. But unlike Candice, Wade was sorry about what he had done and regretted it. Wade had changed trying to be a better man, he would not repeat his mistake again he knew the cost would be to much.
Ethan had wanted to know everything about Zoe sense she had woken from her coma. After Jack had fallen asleep Zoe had shared everything about her time in the nursery facility. About only getting to see her Mother once a week for a few hours after returning there from the hospital. How her Mother had been there everyday when she was in the hospital but after she had to work and Zoe was like usually put on the back burner.
Ethan had told Zoe how Candice would not let him know where she had been, but had video chat with him once a week so he could see her still sleeping form. Then she had just one day texted him she would not be doing the video chats any longer that the facility Zoe was staying in did not allow it anymore.
On Sunday Ethan had come early so he could enjoy breakfast at Lavon's with his daughter and grandson. Wade had missed it because he slept through the whole meal he hadn't gotten home until three in the morning. Sometimes being a restaurant owner was very tiresome.
They all had fun though when they had met George at the park and Wade and him played a game of basketball together her Dad had even joined in to make it fair when Jack wanted to play too. It was Wade and Jack against Ethan and George, then it was Ethan and Jack against Wade and George they all seemed to be having fun. Zoe was referee she kept the score of the games it was fun for everyone.
For some reason though George handed Wade 50 dollars, Zoe was going to asks one of them about that later. It was Monday and Wade had just left for the Rammer Jammer after having Breakfast at Lavon's and a quick shower. Jack was still with Lavon he was going to drop him off when he had to leave for work. So Zoe was just getting ready to jump into the shower, before either Lavon dropped Jack off or George showed up to talk about the banks he found for her lawsuit settlement.
Getting her outfit picked out Zoe left her room for the bathroom, thinking perhaps tonight she and Wade could go out on a date. Of course they would have to bring Jack with them. Zoe wanted their first outing as a couple to be a family one, also she needed to go by a electronic store and get a new laptop. She had been holding out on that purchase wanting to save up for one but since learning of her settlement decided she would get one now and pay it off when George got her funds moved to a new bank.
Having a new laptop would make things a whole let easier at the Practice it seemed Brick had finally started saving patient files on a data base also he had them printed out to save in their patient files. She had to borrow Bricks laptop to fill out all her patients files. It would be easier if she had her own laptop to use that she could sign into the data base with. Since the Practice was half hers and Brick had paid for his own laptop it was only fair she brought her own as well. She needed to call Brick later find out what specs her new laptop needed to be to work best with their data base.
The whole time Zoe was getting dressed she was thinking about places to go for dinner with Jack that would entertain the little guy. Looking on her phone for places around Mobile for kids the only one she came up with was Chuck E Cheese and that did not sound like it would be a lot of fun for a adult date but for a family one it just might work.
Zoe could not help but wonder if Wade had ever taken Jack to Chuck E Cheese yet? She just hoped the baby would like the place. Maybe she was getting her hopes up for nothing what if Wade had to work tonight? Thinking that Zoe decided to call Wade see if he would be home early tonight or not.
It rung five times before it went to voicemail Zoe did not leave a message figuring Wade would call when he got time. He was more then likely still at the bank. Zoe had forgotten Wade would be dropping off the deposit right now he would call her back later. She just hoped Wade didn't think something was wrong because she had called. So Zoe sent a quick text staying she just had a question about what time he was getting off work tonight.
Five minutes later Lavon had dropped off Jack who was all clean and freshly dressed in jeans and a little plaid shirt looking like a mini Wade Kinsella it made Zoe smile looking at her baby boy. She didn't think she could love her son anymore then she already did but when he give her the grin he had inherited from Wade she just fell in love with him all the more.
"Mama" Jack grinned again holding his little hand up taking hold of it Zoe let Jack lead her to the front door it seemed the toddler wanted to be outside. Opening the door Zoe let Jack pull her outside knowing that George would be there soon Zoe hope Jack did not want to go on a walk around the Plantation. He didn't he just found one of his mini basketballs grabbing it he held it up to his Mother showing her what he had found. Then he threw it at Zoe who caught it and then threw it back making sure that it did not hit Jack instead it fell right at his little feet. He laughed then picked it up throwing it again Zoe caught it laughing too, this was fun just Jack and her playing together.
That was what George pulled up onto ten minutes later seeing his truck coming Zoe had picked up Jack who was happy to see George's black truck coming. "Ger" he kept saying clapping his little hands.
As soon as it was safe Zoe put Jack down and he waited for George to get out of his truck then said again "Ger" jumping up and down.
"It's my main man Jack" George said as he picked up the toddler.
"Hi Zoe ready for that talk we have to have?" George asked then turned back towards his truck remembering he needed his laptop to show Zoe all the banks information he had gotten over the last few days. He did not want to be the one to pick the Bank Zoe moved her money to, but he had done research on a dozen different banks some as far as New Orleans. He would just give her all the information and let her decide.
"Yes I am" Zoe said knowing that she planned to move some of her money to the local bank in BlueBell, she still hadn't called to learn if her account was still active. She needed to do that right away it would be easier if it was so she could move some of her money into it for things she needed. Like a car, the laptop she needed for work, maybe get Jack a swing set, he was getting big enough now for one to grow into.
"Here let me get Jack" Zoe said taking the baby from George so he could carry his laptop. The trio settled into the living room with the tv on for Jack and him playing with his blocks. Once George opened his laptop and started getting it up and running Zoe stated "I have my debit card from the bank here in town I'm going to call and see if it's still a open account"
"That's a good idea" George said laughing as Jack knocked down a tower he had just built. The little boy clapped at what he had just done.
So Zoe got her debit card and called the number on the back it took a few minutes but she finally learned that yes the account was still open and she had a balance of two thousand dollars in it still. That was about the amount Zoe now remembered being in there. That should cover the amount for a new laptop.
"It's still open" Zoe told George noticing he was now on the floor playing blocks with Jack his laptop all but forgotten. "But I can see you're busy so I will just let the two of you play while I go wash up from playing outside"
Zoe left George who didn't seen to mind her bathroom break, snickering to herself Zoe left the lawyer and toddler alone. She grabbed her phone to check her text messages to see if Wade had texted her back yet. She heard a noise come from her phone looking down just as she walked into the bathroom she seen a alert that she had a text message. Smiling as she closed the door behind her Zoe hit the text message opening it up.
Wade's text had read he would be off by three that afternoon. Zoe then texted back she would like for the three of them to go Mobile as a family. Wade had replied back that sounded good. So Zoe was happy when she returned to the living room, only to find Jack covered in chocolate and George trying to wipe the toddlers hands off with a paper towel the happy feelings she just was feeling turned into disbelieveth real fast. Where had the chocolate come from?
"George" Zoe yelled "how did Jack get chocolate? And it all over him"
"I'm sorry I had a chocolate bar in my pocket Jack found it" George answered "Don't worry I will get him cleaned right up"
"Okay let me get a wash cloth and also a clean shirt for Jack" Zoe said as she headed first to Jack's room then back downstairs for the wash cloth. Returning she found herself laughing at the sight of Jack running around shirtless. It seemed that George had lost control of Jack. She wonder how he had ever controlled him while babysitting.
"Sorry" George said sheepishly "I promise this has never happened before"
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Wade laughed as he looked at the picture Zoe had texted him of George trying to clean up a chocolate covered Jack, he had lost count of how many times he had looked at it today. It never failed to bring a smile to his face, he also loved seeing the picture Zoe had caught of the back of George's shirt which had a chocolate covered small hand print on it.
He had texted back asking if she had told George about his shirt, Zoe reply was a simply 'No that will teach him not to give chocolate to Jack'. Wade just laughed again thinking he knew there was a reason he loved Zoe so much, she was such a spitfire.
"Wanda I'm off" Wade announced as he was walking past the bar. It was then he noticed George setting at the bar with a beer in hand and a hamburger and fries on the plate in front of him. And yes he still had on his shirt that's back had the tiny chocolate hand print of Jack Kinsella. Wade could see Dash was taking a picture of George's back snickering as he did.
"George buddy" Wade said feeling a little bad for his friend "you by any chance given my boy chocolate today?"
"Did Zoe rat me out?" George ask as he put his beer down. He was wore out Jack had wanted to play the whole time he was at the Carriage house. He was never that bad when he was babysitting him at his office. Jack must have been showing off for his Mother.
"Yes but I would have knew anyway" Wade informed George "you've got a tiny chocolate hand print on your back. Plus Dash just took some pictures of it so it will be up in his blog soon."
"What?" George asked turning around seeing Dash smiling at him and typing on his phone.
"I'm off see ya later George" Wade laughed as he watch George heading over to Dash. Wade did not think the Lawyer was going to win his case against Dash not posting that picture.
Wade was laughing about George's shirt the whole way home he couldn't wait to see if Dash had posted the pictures of George's shirt up on his blog or not. It would be something funny to share with Zoe if Dash did post the pictures. Wade just wanted to get home to his family he was excited about having a family night. It felt so good to be able to think of Zoe as family as his girlfriend it might be consider a little premature to think of her in the family category as the wife part, but Wade couldn't help it. That was his dream to call Zoe his Wife one day.
As he walked in to the Carriage house Wade was surprised to hear talking between two adults going on along with Jack's little voice. He walked into the living room to find his father Earl was playing blocks with Jack, Zoe was walking back from the kitchen with a sippy cup and a bottle of water in her hands.
"Son" "Dada" was spoken at the same time as the other Kinsella men seen Wade had returned. Zoe handed the sippy cup to Jack and the bottle of water to Earl. "Thanks Pretty Lady" was Earl's responds to Zoe.
"Earl I didn't know you were going to visit today" Wade said if he had known his father was stopping by he would have left work earlier. So Zoe would not have had to meet Earl again alone for the first time in years.
"I couldn't wait to see my Jackie boy any longer" Earl said opening his water bottle "Plus I wanted to see the pretty doctor here"
"Earl has been a great help with Jack" Zoe said as she smiled at Wade "You want something to drink?"
"Nah I'm fine Doc" Wade said looking at a smiling Zoe she seemed really happy "So you still want to have a family outing tonight?"
"Yes I invited Earl to come along" Zoe said just wanting to see Wade reaction Earl had just finished a drink of water when he heard Zoe's comment he could not help but start laughing.
"Good one Doctor" Earl said looking at his boy's face laughing "she is a keeper don't let her get away. I have to get going I have a hot date tonight. And I've heard all about your family outing"
"Papa" Jack said sad that Earl was leaving he had missed his Papa this last week "No Papa" Jack walked up to Earl as he stood to leave putting his arms up.
"I will see you tomorrow Jack I promise" Earl said hating leaving his grandson he looked so much like Wade sometimes it seemed like being with Jack he could almost believe he was back to when Wade was little. "Your Momma and Dad are taking you out for some fun"
"Yes we are going to have all kinds of fun Jack" Zoe said as she picked up her baby "You know you could come along with us Earl, but you have that hot date tonight"
"I know I'll go with you next time Pretty Lady" Earl answered as he was leaving "Have fun you three"
"Bye Dad" Wade replied watching his Dad give him a wave with the back of his hand.
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Post by Sw on May 30, 2020 15:53:57 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Running around Chuck E. Cheese chasing Jack was not what Wade had pictured doing that night, but it had been loads of fun. Zoe had really gotten into it as well they kept taking turns on who got to play with Jack on which games. Wade had played Ski Ball and won lots of tickets for Jack to redeem. But Zoe had won even more playing the Big Wheel where you just had to stop the wheel on a number of tickets she hit the jackpot. The pizza was okay but the fun they had as a family meant they would be coming back again.
Jack had never been to Chuck E. Cheese before so it was his first time and he just loved it. Zoe was so happy she got to experience this first with him. He was a little scared of the big Chuck E Cheese walking around so they kept moving around to make sure Jack didn't see him.
Jack was in his carseat hugging the Chuck E Cheese doll he had picked out with his tickets. He had wanted some cotton candy as well but Zoe had veto that idea saying he had ate enough sweets for the day already. But when Jack had started crying Zoe had relented they would get one bag of cotton candy and share it as a family. So Jack had gotten two handfuls and they had eaten the rest.
Right now Wade was setting behind the driver's wheel of his Suv waiting on Zoe to return from the electronic store with her new laptop she needed for work. Wade just hoped it didn't take her much longer to pick one out they had been waiting for over twenty minutes. So far Jack was still happily playing with his new toy looking like he could fall off to sleep at any time. Hopefully he would so that Zoe might decide to set up front with him instead of in the back with Jack. That was not likely to happen though Zoe was trying to make up for all the missing time with Jack.
Wade had been planning to asks Zoe on a real date just the two of them but he hadn't found the time yet. Between taking care of Jack, running the Rammer Jammer, and things with Candice there had not been time. But hopefully they could go on a day this week. Maybe Wednesday they could get Lavon to watch Jack for the night and go out to dinner.
Not at Fancie's though Wade wanted them to go somewhere they would not be the main attraction for the night. They could drive back in here to Mobile go to one of those nice restaurants he had seen the other day when he was driving around waiting for Zoe's appointment to be done. If they did go on Wednesday it would give Wade time to get a reservation made check the online reviews, something he had never done before but knew it was something Zoe would do so he figure might be a good idea to do. He wanted their first back together date to go good well better then good. This was his chance to do over their first try at a relationship to do things right this time.
Wade was so busy making plans for a date with Zoe he did not see Zoe walking back to the vehicle pushing a cart, she did not want to lift the laptop all the way to the Suv along with the surprise purchase she had brought. Opening the back drivers side door she seen that Jack was sleeping in his carseat hugging his stuffed mouse, Wade had jumped at the noise of the door opening it had startled him.
"I'm back sorry it took me so long" Zoe said as she put the laptop on the floor of the Suv behind Wade's seat. "But once I found the laptop they were having a sale on tablets and I just seen this one they had that would make it easier for me to search online with"
"That's nice Doc, but be sure to keep it out of Jack's reach he's always trying to get to Lavon's" Wade said as Zoe shut the Suv door. "We would not want Jack to break it"
"No I would not" Zoe agreed then she remember what she had been thinking about this morning "George got me to pick a bank out and the money has been transferred to a bank here in Mobile but also I had him transferred some funds to the bank in BlueBell. So I was thinking that since Jack loves the outside so much maybe I could get him a swing set?"
Wade turned the engine on in the Suv thinking about what Zoe just asked him, he knew Jack would love a swing set. But he was a little scared of putting it to close to the pond behind the Carriage house. Maybe though Lavon would let them put it behind the Plantation house. "I wonder if Lavon will let us put a swing set behind the Plantation house"
"I might have texted Lavon earlier today about that" Zoe simply stated "He was all for it even offered to go looking for swing sets with us"
"I'm all for a swing set then" Wade said thinking of a small swing set with a toddler swing in it, while Zoe in the back was thinking of a nice wooden set with room for Jack to grow into it.
"Maybe we could use that new tablet of yours to look up some swing sets tonight" Wade voiced as he pulled onto the road from the parking lot. Thinking this could be something they could do together a first gift from both of his parents together. "Maybe we could let Jack see some of them pick which one he likes best"
"I wonder if we can get one delivered all put together" Zoe said thinking it would be so much easier if they could, with Wade working at the Rammer Jammer full time and George, and Lavon both working full time as well it would take them forever to get the swing set together. Zoe could just picture all the men of BlueBell trying to put together the wooden swing set it would take them forever. No she needed to make sure it got put together by a professional if not it would take months for the swing set to be put together.
"No need for that Doc, I'm sure we can get it put together on our own in a few hours" Wade said remembering the small swing set Jesse and him had gotten one Christmas. Earl must have put it together so how hard could putting one together be?
"I have no experience in putting anything together" Zoe informed Wade not wanting to get sucked into putting together a swing set that might take them months to get done if ever. Also Zoe wanted it to be put together right she did not want Jack on a swing set that could hurt him because it wasn't assemble correctly. "Besides I'm buying it let me just pay a little extra and have it put together"
"I wanted to buy it with you" Wade mumbled "I thought it could be our first gift we brought together for our boy. Beside he just needs a little swing set for now not a huge monster one"
"But if we get him a wooden set he can grow into it" Zoe stated defending her idea she hadn't even shared yet with Wade.
"Doc if you get a big wooden set don't you think snakes and other things might crawl in there?" Wade shot back not wanting his little boy to get bite by any creeper thing. He could still remember when Zoe had been bitten by a snake when she first got to BlueBell.
"I hadn't thought of that" Zoe uttered "something hiding in Jack's swing set" Wade had lived in BlueBell all his life so he would know if things like that actually could happen. She had been bitten that time in the old abandon house so Wade's fear had merit.
"Doc this is the south of course creeping crawling things could be anywhere?" Wade stated shaking his head as he drove towards a big box store thinking maybe they could make a short stop to see if they had any swing sets in stock right now. If not they might have to order it online and have it shipped to them.
Zoe started laughing as Wade pulled in the big box store "I'm just going to check and see if they have swing sets in stock right now if not we can order one online"
"Wade if you do find one I don't think it will fit in the Suv" Zoe declared as she looked at a sleeping Jack.
"This is just for recon we can borrow George's truck if we find one" Wade supplied as a answer "then come back and buy it later"
"Okay" Zoe said laughing "go see if they have some, but remember we can't buy it until we have George's truck" Wade had gotten out of the Suv and was about to close the driver's door when Zoe shouted out "take pictures of them if they have any"
"Will do Doc" Wade agreed to then took off for the entrance.
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"Well he's out for the night" Zoe said having just put Jack in his crib for the night, Wade was setting on the couch in the living room he was looking at the pictures he had taken of the two different swing sets he had found. Trying to decide which one he thought Jack would like better and which one would be safest for Jack.
Zoe grabbed her new tablet she had been charging it since she had set it up, which had been a struggle with Jack wanting to play with it the whole time. She hated having to tell him 'No' because it wasn't ready to be played on yet. Zoe typed in wooden swing sets and a bunch of pictures come up but she could not find one that wasn't as Wade had labeled them a monster set. They all looked really nice but too big for Jack and they would take forever to get built.
So Zoe decided to look for other swing sets safer ones for Jack's age group. But they all seemed like he would out grow the toddlers ones to soon or was sold out online. Hoping that Wade had better luck in the store then she did online Zoe asked "Can I see the pictures you took of the swing sets?"
"Sure Zoe but I'm not sure if you will like them or not" Wade said thinking one was just to simply of a set and the other might be a little to big for Jack at the moment. Handing his phone over to her, Zoe looked at the pictures then back at her tablet looking a few things up. It took her about ten minutes but she had a plan smiling she turned to Wade saying.
"I think will should get the simply swing set that just has the two swings and the glider, we don't put up the glider and switch out one of the swings for a bucket swing and buy a toddler slide to go with it."
"That's really detailed" Wade said in awe of Zoe's commitment to finding the best swing set for their son. Zoe though was always detailed when she done something now that he thought of it. The People of BlueBell used to say that as a Doctor she was very thorough maybe a little too thorough because she always thought the worst before what was common. So it would make sense that Zoe would be thorough looking for a swing set for their little boy.
"So you don't like my idea?" Zoe ask handing Wade his phone back getting ready to start her search again.
"No Doc I like that idea" Wade assured her "it should be a good swing set for him for a few years, we should see if the store has all the extra things we need if not we should order them online."
"Okay" Zoe said with a smile happy they were agreeing on which swing set to get "let's look on my tablet see which slides we like best"
"Yes we should see which they also have in stock" Wade said as he was getting up the nerve to ask Zoe a question "I was thinking on Wednesday night we could go to Mobile just the two of us get something to eat" Wade felt like banging his head against the wall he used to be a ladies man now he could not even ask Zoe out properly, oh how the mighty have fallen.
"We should asks George for his truck Wednesday and pick up Jack's swing set" Zoe avoided commenting on Wade's awful attempt at asking her out on a date. "After that we could grab a bite to eat"
"No Doc listen, I meant would you Zoe Hart go out with me Wednesday night on a date?" Wade invited Zoe giving her one of his famous grins "We can pick up the swing set for Jack this weekend maybe George can even come help with lifting it"
"A date huh?" Zoe ask "where we dress up go to a restaurant and have a set down dinner without Jack being there date?"
"Yes that kind of date" Wade proclaimed "I'll asks Lavon if he can babysit Jack Wednesday night. He hasn't gotten a chance to keep him lately so I'm sure he would jump at the chance"
"If Lavon can babysit then Yes I would love to go on a date with you" Zoe replied back thrilled at the idea also a little scared by the idea. But Zoe knew she wanted a relationship with Wade and for that to work they would have to go out on dates. So far things between them were going good she just hoped when the romantic part of their relationship started back up it did not derail them.
"I'll asks Lavon at breakfast tomorrow" Wade told Zoe making plans of asking Lavon if he knew which restaurant in Mobile would be good for a second first date well really a first, first date with Zoe. Last time they started dating it hadn't started with dates. This time they would do it right and start things off slow well as slow as having a child together and living as roommates could go slow.
"I hope Lavon can if not maybe we can go next week sometime" Zoe noted with a little sadness in her voice.
"Don't worry if Lavon can't babysit I will find someone who can" Wade proclaimed he was going to make this Wednesday night date happen even if he had to go through all his babysitters until he found one who was available that night. "Now let's look at those swing sets"
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Post by Sw on May 31, 2020 19:30:47 GMT -5
Chapter Thirty
Wade was so close to pulling his hair out, he lucked out with Lavon who had a business meeting over dinner so he could not watch Jack for Wednesday night. Rose couldn't she had to study for some big test, Lemon was on call that night at Fancie's, Annabeth had a class that night and George was driving her to Mobile for it. Wade laid his head down on the coffee table wanting to bang his head against it.
Because after he had called Annabeth, Wade had also called Tansy she too had plans for Wednesday night. Wanda was working Wednesday so she couldn't, if he ask Dash it would be all over his blog about their date so that was a no. Shula Whitaker hadn't watched Jack for over a hour before so Wade did not think it was a good idea to ask her on a night to when everyone else was busy and could not come to her rescue if needed.
There were only two people left to asks and one had never babysit for him, sure Brick had offered before but he never had. So Wade took a deep breath knowing he was going to get some rubbing but a night out with Zoe was worth it.
Wade hit the number on his phone and waited for what seemed like forever. Before he heard on the other end "What do ya need?"
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Zoe's day had not started out good her new laptop did not want to connect to the data base and it took her over a hour to finally get it to connect. Once it did though the rest of the morning had went well. Her patients all were easy to diagnose and thankfully only one was a case of strep throat.
When lunch time was coming Zoe had decided to go to the Butter Stick instead of the Rammer Jammer. She wanted to give Wade a little space plus she was kind of sick of cheese burgers. So after ordering a ham salad sandwich she took a set alone at a table drinking a ice tea waiting for her food. Zoe wanted to see what this ham salad sandwich tasted like that her son seemed to enjoy so much.
Zoe was all ready to hate the sandwich because it was all kinds of gross looking but the second she bitten into it and the taste hit her tongue she moaned in happiness. It tasted so good she could now understand her son's joy at his once a week treat.
Zoe owned George a I'm sorry which she was going to tell him the next time she seen him. But he still needed to keep chocolate away from Jack, and maybe if George was only giving him small candy bars but he gave him full size ones. Well the whole chocolate covered Jack size hand print on the back of his shirt that Dash had posted a picture of on his blog should help with George realizing not to give Jack candy bars any longer.
Zoe knew she would have a hard time enforcing a no ham salad sandwich rule because she liked them to much herself. She was thinking of ordering another one when she noted the time on her cell phone her lunch break was almost over. So she left to get back to the Practice in time for her next patient. It was nice to be so busy at work not to have to worry about bringing in her thirty present.
Plus Zoe really was enjoying her new laptop once she got it to work right with the data base. She almost felt like before her accident only she couldn't wait until Wade picked her up. He was going to bring Jack to her in his Suv and then she would drop him off at the Rammer Jammer. Zoe was thinking about taking Jack into Mobile and make a quick stop at that big box store to see if he liked the swing set Wade and her talked about buying for him. Then she would take them home Wade none the wiser that Jack has seen the swing set before they had brought it.
That was Zoe's plan and it might have worked if not for the fact that she had never taken Jack into a store before. Zoe had wiped down the cart extra good then put Jack inside the part of the cart made for him to set in. Once she finally found the swing sets in the garden area they had walked past the toy section and her little boy had screamed his head off wanting a new Mickey Mouse playset. The only way to get Jack to stop screaming and making her feel like a awful parent was to grab the playset and put it into the cart.
Zoe was defeated there was no way Wade would not know she had been to the store now, so instead she decided to pretend she had gone there to shop and not let Jack see the swing sets, which by the way he loved. Zoe had gotten herself some snacks she liked along with a few educational toys for Jack. Brought a few dvds of movies she had been wanting to see that came out while she had been in her coma. Even picked Wade up a few dvds she thought he would like.
Then Zoe got to thinking she might as well pick up something to make for dinner which wasn't something she was usually good at making. So she kept it simply and just got some boxed noodles and a jar of sauce to make spaghetti, plus she remember to get some bread to go with it.
As she was walking back towards the checkout Zoe seen the toddler clothes and saw a few cute pj's she just thought would look so good on Jack who seemed to like them as well. Zoe also picked up a package of diapers knowing that Jack was starting to run a little low on them. In a few months it might be time for Jack to start using the potty. Zoe knew that some toddlers as young as eighteen months started potty training, but Zoe wasn't going to push Jack to go on the potty if he wasn't ready yet.
That would be one of the first big mild stones she would get to experience as a Mother. Hopefully it was go smoothly and Jack would just take to going on the potty, though that was not likely some kids didn't get potty broke until they were three years old.
At the checkout was the real battle between Mother and Son, Jack wanted a chocolate candy bar but Zoe would not budge he would not be having that much sugar so he cried all the way through Zoe paying for all her items and all the way to the Suv. Zoe felt like crying herself but did get Jack into his carseat and told her baby "I love you baby" Jack turned his head he would not look at her he was just so mad at her.
As Zoe put her items away in the back of the Suv tears ran down her face, she should not have brought Jack to the store all it did was upset her baby. He was mad at her now she hoped he would forgive her soon.
On the way home Jack had fallen asleep in his carseat so there was no more crying from Jack. The drive seemed to take forever to reach home Zoe dreaded getting there and having to either wake Jack or carry him inside to his room so he would wake up later crying over not getting a candy bar.
Not realizes toddlers memories are short when they don't get candy Zoe was very surprised when Jack wake up just as she stopped the Suv and he smiled up at her. Everything seemed right in the world again, Zoe knew right then and there she could not let Jack's moods or tantrums control her emotions as she had let happen today. Because as a parent sometimes your child was going to be angry at you when you said 'no' for their good.
"Hi baby did you have a good sleep?" Zoe ask Jack as she carried him inside the Carriage house.
"Yes Mama" Jack said looking around the living room for his new Mickey playset not seeing it he looked up and asked "oy?"
Zoe set Jack down in the living room ready to get back to the Suv and grab the bags of things she had brought. Hearing Jack asks for a "oy" she wasn't sure what he meant. Then she remember his new toy set she brought him and figured our 'oy' must be him trying to say toy.
"It's in the Suv, Mommy is going to go get it right now, stay inside okay I will be right back with it" Zoe informed her son. But Jack didn't listen he followed her out onto the porch when Zoe gave Jack a look he did wait on the porch for her to bring the bag with his toy set to him there.
"Yay" Jack said happily as he walked back towards the front door, Zoe seeing this opened the door for him she made sure he got to the living room before returning to the Suv to retrieve the rest of her bags. Once they were all inside and the Suv had all the doors shut Zoe noticed Jack was staring at his Mickey Mouse playset sternly.
"What's wrong?" Zoe questioned her small son.
"No" Jack said as he tried to pull open the box showing his Mother without very many words just what was wrong. Zoe chuckled to herself seeing the problem was the baby couldn't get his toy out of the box.
"Mommy will help you" Zoe offered as she set next to Jack he handed the box over happy to have help getting his toy out. It took Zoe far longer then she would like to admit but she finally got his Mickey playset out.
"ove Mama" Jack had told her when he got his toy then it was like he forgot she was there as he played with his new toy.
Zoe just shook her head and went about putting away all the things she had brought at the store away. She put the new dvds on the side tables wanting to asks Wade which movie he would like to watch later.
Looking at the time Zoe seen it was getting close to five o'clock already she must have spent longer then she knew at the store. Jack was still playing with his new toy so Zoe put his new pj's up fast then decided she would start making Jack some dinner because Wade would not be home until eight or later Lavon was going to pick him up and drop Wade back home.
Zoe decided to text Wade and tell him she was going to cook him dinner so he would know not to eat at work. After this she found some chicken nuggets in the freezer she followed the instructions on how long and temperature to cook them on. It had microwave instructions as well but Zoe did not trust the microwave to kill all the bacteria in the frozen food so into the oven it went.
What was funny about that was if it had been for herself she would have happily eaten it from the microwave, but she would take no chance with her baby's health. Jack was just getting over strep throat as well so Zoe would not let her baby take any chances with food that could not be cooked good enough. Beside she wasn't sure if the microwaves settings was right for the nuggets instructions.
While Jack's dinner was cooking Zoe tried to play with Jack and his new toy but he would not let her touch it. Jack being a only child was not used to sharing it seemed this was something Zoe knew she was going to have to talk with Wade about. Jack would have to learn to share plus since she had already been the bad guy once today with not allowing Jack to have a candy bar Zoe felt it was Wade's turn to get to be the bad guy about the sharing thing.
Zoe turned on the tv and put on the cooking channel wanting to see if she could come up with more ideas on meals she could cook. She had set a timer to go off when Jack's nuggets would be done so she set back and watched a man prepare a mexican dish that looked delicious. He made it look so easy but Zoe knew she could never make it one reason being you had to have a lot of different spices and the other being she did not know how to cook homemade tortilla shells.
Jack had just set on the floor playing with his Mickey toy looking up at the tv once and awhile. But he did not complain about it not being a cartoon showing so Zoe thought that was a plus that he was learning to share the tv with her. Maybe he was already learning to share.
The timer going off had Zoe running into the kitchen to get Jack's nuggets out of the oven. She made sure to get a oven mitten before pulling them out then letting them set for a few minutes to cool off enough for Jack to be able to eat them. Zoe also remember that Wade had brought apple sauce in small packages so she grabbed one and opened it up and put it on his plate next to four nuggets she had torn apart for Jack to be able to feed himself. Zoe had gotten a small toddler plastic sthingy for Jack so he could also feed himself the apple sauce. She finished getting Jack's meal prepared with filling up a sippy cup of juice for him. Zoe had cooked eight nuggets so that Jack could have more if he needed them.
"Dinner's ready Jack" Zoe said as she pulled his highchair out but the little boy had not looked up from his new toy. Zoe got the highchair set up in the spot she wanted then took the lid off and walked over to Jack who was ignoring her. So she just picked up the little boy who started to kick and scream "No oy" over and over until she had him belted into the highchair. He fought her all the way when she put the lid on but finally stopped when he saw his dinner.
"Jack you have to listen when Mommy tells you something" Zoe stated but knew the toddler didn't understand. Jack had not been acting like the little boy she had known since she met him. Maybe this was the real Jack and he been putting on a show of being so good for his Mother, but now was tired of it. Or maybe he was just having a bad day of listen. It didn't matter though because she loved her little boy and would just have to learn how to be a Mother and sometimes little boys did not listen.
Jack smiled up at Zoe in between bites of his food and looked happy now, she smiled back at her baby knowing that not every day as a Mother was going to be easy. In fact she was sure what she just went through was going to be somethings she would look back on and laugh at thinking it had been so bad.
Jack did end up eating five nuggets so Zoe eat the others she had cooked that he did not want, no since them going to waste. Beside she was waiting to cook dinner for Wade and herself. He had text back he would be home by eight if she was cooking something. That made Zoe smile knowing he wanted to eat dinner with her, to spend time with her.
Hopefully Jack would go to bed early tonight so that she could spend time alone with Wade, she knew they had a dinner date tomorrow night planned but it would be easier to break the ice tonight alone without having to worry about a restaurant full of people around. Maybe they could after dinner watch a movie together.
"Mama" Jack said wining as he had somehow without Zoe noticing gotten apple sauce on top of his head it was running down his forehead onto his nose. Laughing Zoe said "Awe okay let's get you cleaned up little man"
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Post by Sw on Jun 1, 2020 17:07:56 GMT -5
Chapter Thirty-One
Wade had taken off a little early tonight but he couldn't pass up a chance for Zoe to cook dinner for him even though he had made sure to eat some cheese fries just in case Zoe burnt the food. She had not mentioned what she was cooking them so Wade thought it would error to be on the safe side and have something in his stomach in case the food wasn't edible.
Lavon had been as good as his word and had picked him up and dropped him off at the Carriage house so here he was standing on the porch getting ready to go inside a little scared because tonight sort of felt like a date which was crazy he had been living with Zoe for two weeks now or had it been longer? It just seemed like it had been forever now because this is what he wanted, he wanted to live his life with Zoe.
Opening the door Wade called out "Honey I'm home for dinner" as he entered the living room he stopped as he looked into the kitchen Zoe was in it looking like she was trying to pour something out into the kitchen sink.
"Welcome Home, dinner is almost ready" Zoe said smiling proud of herself that she actually cooked something that wasn't burnt.
"Where's Jack?" Wade asked the toddler wasn't in the living room or in his high chair waiting for dinner.
"He's already down for the night" Zoe answered the second bath Jack had today had wore the little guy out. After Zoe had allowed him to play with some of his bath toys and she played with him as well. So much so that she had to change her clothes because they had gotten all wet.
"Oh" Wade said this was starting to feel more and more like a date. "I'm going to go wash up"
"That's a good idea I should have everything finished by the time you get back" Zoe announced as she filled both their plates with noodles. Once Wade was out of the room Zoe topped the noodles with a large amount of red sauce she finished off the plates with a piece of bread.
Zoe then grabbed a couple of glasses and some ice tea because they were still on their antibiotics and couldn't drink alcohol, Jack has been good taking his antibiotics which Zoe was glad about and he was up and about but she knew he had to finished his whole course just like Wade and she had too.
Wade had washed up and made his way back to the kitchen laughing as he seen Zoe had set their plates up on the bar next to each other that was all it took for the awkwardness to fade away. This was Zoe Hart the woman he love he had nothing to be scare of here. As he got closer he could see she had made spaghetti and it did not look to be burnt or otherwise inedible so Wade smiled even wider.
"This looks good Doc" Wade proclaimed as he set down next to her at the bar taking a bite from his fork he had to admit it wasn't bad at all the noodle even were cook well not to much bit in them. While it wasn't the best spaghetti he had ever had it did warm his heart to know she had made this for him which was nice.
"Thank You, I hope it taste good" Zoe said watching Wade eat his food he didn't seem to be putting on a show so she took a bite of her own. Surprised that it was indeed pretty good Zoe now could add a simple spaghetti to her list of things she could cook. Maybe if she tried harder she might be able to cook more types of food.
"It's good Doc" Wade replied after having eaten half of his plate those cheese fries did not seem to have stuck with him. "Did you go into Mobile today?" Wade had got to think he hadn't had the supplies to make spaghetti so Zoe must have went somewhere to get them.
"Yes, Jack and I went to Mobile he got a few new toys, and I got some dvds I thought after dinner we could put one in and watch it together" Zoe said not mentioning the name of the store she went to or the swing set at all hoping Wade would not asks about either.
"That's a great idea there Zoe" Wade said liking the idea of setting close on the couch watching a movie together maybe he could use this to get a little more kissing in. Wade shook his head at his thoughts he was acting like a teenager wanting to make out watching a movie.
"So I got a bunch of different movies a few I thought you might like too" Zoe informed Wade before taking a sip of ice tea. "Have you picked out where we are going to be eating tomorrow night?"
"Yes and I am not telling you" Wade answered back laughing this felt normal and nice being able to eat dinner with Zoe and just talk. Wade was realizing just how much he had always been waiting for that phone call about either Zoe being awake or the other one that would shatter his world. Now that was all over he wasn't waiting anymore tonight and tomorrow night he was going to show Zoe just how much he loved and had missed her. He was going to romance her make Zoe see that no one could love her like he did.
"Fine just as long as spaghetti is not what we're ordering I don't care, but I do need to know if I should dress up or just casual?" Zoe asked hoping she would have a reason to dress up. She hadn't gotten a chance to dress up in years it would be fun to get all dressed up.
"I'm going to wear a dress shirt and black slacks if that helps" Wade responded with he never did get the whole black tie thing. He just knew that Zoe should dress up a little but not overly he hoped what he said helped her decide.
Zoe was filing away Wade reply thinking of which of her clothes would do for her date with Wade the next night. Coming up empty she got to thinking perhaps she could asks Lemon if they could go shopping tomorrow if she was free and take Jack with them. That should wear the little guy out for the babysitter.
"Is Lavon watching Jack tomorrow night?" Zoe asked realizing she had not asked Wade who was watching Jack yet.
"Nope he was busy, don't worry though I got us a sitter who will be here and knows how to handle Jack" Wade said then shoved the last piece of his bread into his mouth not wanting to talk about how many people he went through until he found a sitter for the next night.
"Well seeing as you know just who are the best babysitters in the whole of BlueBell I am trusting you with this" Zoe carefully said. Knowing Wade would not just let anyone watch their son.
"Thank you for that trust Zoe I will not let you down" Wade proclaimed he wasn't just meaning about this matter Zoe knew, he meant he was never going to let her down again.
"So which dvd do you want to watch tonight?" Wade questioned as he got up from his bar stool and headed back to the kitchen to get a second helping of spaghetti.
"Well I did see one I was thinking looked good The Great Gatsby have you seen it?" Zoe asked happy that Wade liked her food enough to want seconds.
"No I haven't seen it, what's it about?" Wade asked knowing the last year he hadn't seen a lot of movies he had been to busy taking care of his baby son.
"It's based off of a book, about a young man who moves to New York and gets caught up with his rich neighbor" Zoe said leaving out that Leonardo DiCaprio started in it.
"New York huh?" Wade stated as he set down again next to her at the kitchen bar. "Are you missing the city?"
"What no" Zoe answered she had not missed New York City once since she had left it "I do not miss New York City at all, like I told my Mother my home is here in BlueBell with Jack and you"
"You sure about that Doc?" Wade ask not wanting to just take for granted that Zoe was happy here, just because she had told her Mother that. She might have just been angry at Mrs. Hart and said what she knew would hurt her the most.
"Yes Wade I'm sure" Zoe replied as she leaned over and kissed Wade's sauce stained lips as the sweet slow kiss ended Wade smiled all the doubts he was feeling fading away. He had no doubt he did not deserve one Zoe Hart but he did know that she loved him for some unknown reason and he was not going to blow it this time.
They did the clean up of the dishes together and then Wade went to check up on Jack make sure the toddler was still sleeping peacefully before they put the dvd in. Jack was sleeping and Wade kissed his little boy on the head and made sure the night light in Jack's room was on so if he woke up he would not be in the dark.
Zoe had the dvd in and had a bag of microwave popcorn in her hands she was pouring it into a bowl for them to share. Wade took a seat next to her on the couch and once she had the popcorn bowl in her lap pulled her into his arms. He laughed out loud when he seen Leonardo DiCaprio come on the screen as he was watching the movie so far he wasn't enjoying it that much Zoe seemed to be into the movie though at least he thought she was until she put the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and turned to face him. She bite her bottom lip then smiled at Wade as her eyes went to his lips. The next second Wade wasn't sure if it had been him or her that moved but they were making out like teenagers. It was fun just to be careful not wanting it to go any further then kissing.
After their make out session ended they turned the movie off and Wade went upstairs to grab some pj's so he could dress for bed while Zoe went to check on Jack herself. When he had gotten out of the bathroom Zoe was in her room she was waiting her turn for the bathroom. Walking up to Wade when she seen him out of the bathroom she pulled him into a kiss them walked into the bathroom shutting the door. Leaving Wade wishing for more knowing though they needed to take things slow. How he wished he could take a cold shower about now though.
Getting up the stairs he checked on Jack in his crib he was still sleeping which was good but Wade wished he was awake so he would have someone to take his mind off Zoe in the bathroom right now getting changed into night clothes. That was not somewhere his mind needed to be if he they were going to take things slow in their relationship which they were. No matter what Lavon or Meatball thought Zoe and he could do slow.
The little boy sleeping in front of him needed his parents to do things right and not rush into a relationship without having a foundation to stand on. This was the time to build that foundation not on passion but on love and honesty, they needed to know they had a relationship that wasn't just built on passion. That they could live together as a family and not have to worry about trust something Wade knew Zoe was giving to him but that he had also to earn all the way back because of what he had done.
Yes it had been over two years ago but Zoe had been in a coma for much of that time so to her it hadn't really been that long. Wade knew he had to not push her with trusting him completely yet although she seemed to be on the road to if not there already. But he kept waiting for Zoe to doubt him to not trust him on where he had been or something like that. But that had not happened. Maybe it was because she knew he did not have time to be doing anything other then being a Father and Bar owner. There were just not enough hours in the day for Wade to be doing anything other then taking care of his son or restaurant. Every spare minute Wade was finding he tried to spend with Zoe.
Leaning down Wade kissed Jack on top of his head "Night son" he whispered then left Jack's room it was time for him to follow his son into dream land.
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