This show is quirky and sometimes just plain silly, but Wade and Zoe are so great together, I couldn't resist writing this. This story takes place soon after the Christmas episode. I hope to add to it if you readers think it's worthwhile. Reviews and comments welcome. Thanks.

"Wade!" Zoe banged on the front door of the carriage house. "Wade! I need a favor. I know you're in—"

"Hey, there, Doc," Wade answered, opening the door and stumbling back. "What's got you so riled up tonight?"

"Rebecca Rogers is having contractions. I need to go see her. Brick's in Birmingham at a medical conference, and Lavon is out tonight. So I was wondering . . ." Zoe stepped in and eyed the ten empty beer bottles on his coffee table. "Do you have company?"

"Why? Jealous?" he said, leaning a little closer to her.

"No," she replied, annoyed. Zoe caught his eye, then looked away. She walked around him, heading toward the table. "I was trying to figure out whether you drank all these yourself tonight."

"Hey, and what if I did? I can hold my beer. See?" he said, smirking as he held up the bottle in his hand.

"Well, if you did drink all of these, then you're no use to me now," Zoe said, picking up one of the bottles and checking the label. "I was hoping you could drive me, but I see you're in no condition to—"

"Yes, yes I can, too, drive you. I'm OK. Wait, I'll get my keys."

"Are you crazy? No, don't bother, Wade," Zoe said, whipping out her cell phone. "I'm texting Didi."

"No, I want to help you," he called. He vaulted over the sofa to take a shortcut to the kitchen table, but his foot caught the top of the chair and he stumbled to the floor.

"Wade! What are you doing?" Zoe cried, running to him and kneeling at his side. "You are drunk."

"Uhhh, no I'm not." He lifted himself onto his elbows, but he fell back, his head hitting the floor.

"Let me get you some ice," Zoe said, reaching the refrigerator. She grabbed a few ice cubes and put them in some paper towels. "Here," she said, placing the ice pack on his forehead. "This should revive you somewhat." She looked at his face. "I don't think I've ever seen you drunk before. What's going on with you?"

"Nothin', nothin' at all. I—"

Zoe's phone buzzed with a text. "It's Didi. She'll be here in a minute." Zoe put the phone back in her pocket. "Look, let's get you up and into bed. At least you can sleep it off on a mattress instead of the floor."

"Mmm, OK, I guess," he said, sighing.

She took his hand and pulled gently so his torso was upright. "Are you nauseous?"

He shook his head no.

"OK, good." She bent down and put his arm around her waist. "Try to pull yourself up. I'll help you," she said, tucking herself under his shoulder.

Wade grabbed onto the coffee table to steady himself, then got to his feet, still holding on to Zoe. "I'm OK now." He felt as if someone was using his head for a bass drum.

"Let's keeping moving. I won't let go until you're in bed."

"Aw, Doc, you mean you won't stick around?" he mumbled.

They shuffled to his bed. She lowered him to the edge, then swung his legs on the mattress. His feet were already bare, so she covered him with the thin blanket and sheet that were crumpled at the foot of the bed. He turned his face to her and offered a small smile. "I owe you, Doc."

"No, you don't. How many times have you helped me?" Her mind flashed to Leon Mercy and the help Wade offered in finding him. She took out her pencil light to check his eyes. "No harm done to your head, it seems," she said, turning off the light. "Take these," she said, handing him some Tylenol. She brought him some water from the bathroom as Didi's car horn blared. "I've got to go. But promise me you'll stay in bed. And no more drinking tonight, OK? Still don't know why you—"

"Doesn't matter, Doc. Just go on." He patted her hand, then squeezed it for a second. "You've got a patient to see."

She looked at him. "Yeah, gotta run. If Rebecca is going through false labor, maybe I'll look in on you later."

"Thanks, Doc." He grinned, moving to his side and closing his eyes as she left.

##

"Hey, Wade," Lavon had yelled out, "could you get us another round?"

Lavon smiled his thanks and resumed telling stories of his NFL days in front of his audience at the table: Didi, George, Zoe . . . and Judson.

Saturday night, and the Rammer Jammer was packed as usual. Shelley was taking orders on the other side of the room.

"Hold your horses, I'm comin'," Wade shouted to Lavon. "Great, Judson's back," he mumbled to himself, "just like the flu." He thought about spitting in the guy's beer, but they were all drinking the same brand, except for Zoe with her chardonnay, and he was concerned that he'd get the bottles mixed up.

Five new customers walked up to the bar, and Zoe could see that Wade was working as fast as he could. She walked over to himr. "Hey, Wade, give me a tray. I'll take the drinks over."

"Thanks, Doc." He twisted the caps off the beer bottles and poured her another glass of wine. "What's he doing here?" he asked, nodding at Judson. "Thought you and him were finished."

"We are," Zoe replied, feeling a little flustered. She took the tray. "He texted me this morning, said he was passing through on his way to Mobile. Wanted to meet up here, that's all." She thought about Wade's offer for that drink. I wonder whether he'll ask again. Or maybe I should, since I asked for a rain check. She closed her eyes for a moment. Maybe the time has passed, she thought. "Why, what does it matter?"

"You're a big girl. You can make your own decisions." Wade smirked at her.

"Yes, I—" A big burly guy stepped in front of her, blocking her view of Wade and her chance to reply. She turned and walked to the table.

The place was so busy the entire evening that Wade could barely glance over to her. But it really didn't matter, he told himself. Zoe was having too much of a good time.

##

Wade slept for a couple of hours, but he awakened, his thoughts turning to the night before. He sighed. He's always loved to have fun, play his guitar, go fishing. The people at Zoe's table, they were having fun, too. But, each day, they also had a purpose—whether it was the law, going to school (like Didi was doing, studying to be a paralegal), town business, medicine. And that talk with George in his truck that night before the holiday got him thinking. What was he doing, chasing the most willing skirt? Always a screwup, he thought. Couldn't even pick out a Christmas tree without getting into trouble. He was never envious of anyone before, but he was starting to realize his life had no direction. Why am I thinking about this now? he thought. But he knew the answer. Damn it, Zoe. You come into my life and all of a sudden I want to become an adult?

He needed to be if he wanted to measure up in her eyes. That much he knew. She was the most accomplished, driven woman he'd ever met. Why would she want to be with a guy like me? Drinking washed away his pain and confusion tonight, but it was only temporary, and it wasn't the answer. His thoughts broke away as he fell asleep.

By the time Zoe arrived back home, it was almost midnight. As Zoe suspected, Rebecca was uncomfortable, given the weight she had gained and the position of the baby, but she was not ready to give birth quite yet.

After Didi drove off, Zoe walked around the small lake to the carriage house, the moon lighting her path. She hadn't promised Wade she would check up on him when she returned. But throughout the evening, her thoughts touched back to him, as they seemed to more and more lately. She knocked softly on the screen door, then tried the handle and found it unlocked. She stepped inside, her eyes landing on him, lying where she left him earlier. Zoe removed her shoes and tiptoed to his bedside. She watched him, this boy in a man's body. His chest gently rose and fell with each breath. There's a deep-down sweetness about him, she thought. Who else would sing his father down from a suicide attempt? Who else would listen to me whine about Brick and the practice? She chuckled under her breath. He must find me so annoying, with all my complaining. But a bartender. Really? Yet, something drew her to him over the past months, and it wasn't only a physical attraction, which she could no longer deny. Their conversations always flowed, no pretense. His devil-may-care attitude forced her to look at things, act on things, in ways she never did before. Zoe always suffered from seriousness fever, and Wade was some kind of tonic that could help her break it when she needed to. I'm really not his type, though. I'm just not spontaneous enough.

She placed her hand on his forehead. Cool.

Wade stirred under her touch. His eyes flickered. "Hmm, hey, Doc." He turned toward her, his eyes half closed.

"How you feeling?"

"Better." He took a deep breath and snuggled under the covers. "Mmm, I still owe you that drink. I haven't forgotten," he mumbled, still sleepy.

"Me neither," Zoe replied, grinning. "I'm glad you're OK. See you."

"'Night, Doc." Wade opened one eye to see her leave. His mind wandered to her as he drifted back to sleep.

##

"Morning, Lavon," Wade said as he entered the mayor's kitchen for breakfast.

"Good Tuesday morning to you," Lavon answered, flipping an egg in the frying pan.

"No Zoe this morning?"

"Brick's out till tomorrow, so she ate and left early."

"That's good," Wade whispered.

"Why you say that? You always perk up when you're around her."

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about something, private-like," he replied, his eyes on his coffee as he poured.

"What's that you got there?" Lavon asked, pointing to the books under Wade's arm.

"Well, that's kinda what I wanted to talk to you about." He reached for a slice of toast on the kitchen counter. "I . . . I went to visit a trade school yesterday." He looked at Lavon to check his response, then he looked away quickly.

"Really? For yourself? What trade?"

"Uh, well, uh, electrician. I—"

"Well, it's about time you took a better path. And we need an electrician in Bluebell. Everybody's got to call the electricians in Mobile, and they take their sweet time to get back to you. What made you decide?" asked Lavon, thumbing through one of the school catalogs.

"I don't know. I haven't really decided yet." Wade wanted to avoid talking about the discussions he'd been having with himself lately, especially those involving Zoe. "I think, well, I don't know for sure, but I think I have a knack for—"

"Thought you'd be here," Earl said to his son as he knocked and opened the kitchen door.

"Hey, Earl," the mayor said. "Cup of coffee?"

"No, thanks."

"What's up, Dad?" Wade eyed him. What could it be this time? he thought.

"I wanted to give you some money . . . some of the money I owe you . . . for the rent this month." Earl put some folded dollar bills in front of his son. "It's not all of it, but, you know . . ."

"OK, that's fine. Thanks. Where'd you get it?" Please, not a burglary this time.

"I helped at one of the restaurants along the shore last week. Business pickin' up there lately." His gaze rested on Wade's catalogs. "What are these?"

Wade took a deep breath. "I was thinkin' about goin' to trade school, bein' an electrician—"

"You?" his father replied. "Why you want to go to school for? You not smart enough to do that. You're a bartender."

Lavon closed his eyes, trying to pretend that he didn't hear what he just heard.

"Yeah, well, maybe I don't want to be that anymore," Wade replied.

"And where you gonna get the money? Gonna rob a bank?"

Wade sighed. "I don't know. I'm still thinkin' on it. It's not like college, doesn't cost as much, but—"

"Well, don't go hurtin' your head thinkin' about it. You never finished nothin' and—"

"Earl, Wade's good at electrical stuff. I've seen it myself. He fixed my grandmama's radio. It was dead for years," Lavon said.

Earl put up his hands. "I'm just tryin' to say I know my son. That's all." He walked toward the door and turned to face Wade. "See you round," he said and closed the door behind him.

Wade put his hands through his hair, then rested his fists on his chin. "I got that all my life," he said softly, looking down at his coffee, "although he's probably right about the 'not finishin' anything' part." He thought about his half-built canoe that had sat in the family driveway for years, and the two weeks he spent as a Boy Scout. By then, Earl had already started his drinking habit.

"Don't let him get to you like that," Lavon said. "You're better than what your daddy says." He placed his hand on one of the catalogs. "Hey, you want my advice?"

Wade offered a weak smile. "Actually, that's what I came to see you for. And maybe . . . maybe I could ask you for a reference? I would need a couple and—"

"A reference? You got it. Let me look through these. But I think you know what my advice is gonna be."

"Thanks, Lavon." Wade sighed. "But one thing, though. Don't tell Zoe, OK? I don't want her to know, in case it doesn't happen."

"I won't."

##

Zoe arrived at Lavon's early for breakfast the next morning. "What's that I smell?" she said. "Delicious."

"Waffles. Just picked up this waffle maker yesterday. Want some?"

"Yes, thanks," Zoe said. "You're so lucky to share your fuse box with—no one." She smiled. "What are these?" she said, pointing to Wade's catalogs, still on the counter.

"Uh, they're for me," Lavon said, thinking and talking quickly. "Might study and be an electrician."

"You? With all you have to do as mayor? Sounds like something Wade should do. He's always fixing stuff." She poured orange juice into two glasses.

Lavon stole a glance at her. "Well, actually, these are his."

She looked up at him. "Really? He's going to tech school?" She thought for a moment. "That's great."

"May be. He asked my opinion, so I looked through these myself. I think it's a good idea. And you think it's a good idea. But his daddy don't think so. He was here yesterday, sayin' all sorts of discouragin' things to Wade."

"Wow, way to help, Earl," Zoe said, shaking her head. "Parents. It's no wonder that kids get messed up." She took a bite of her waffle. Just when you think you've got someone figured out. "I can talk to Wade, give him a vote of confidence."

Lavon remembered his promise to his friend. "I don't think that's a good idea, Zoe. Wade didn't want you to know . . . in case it didn't work out."

"You mean in case he fails?" She shook her head. "Trying is more than half the battle." She sighed. "I won't say anything, unless the timing's right." She wondered whether she should cash in that rain check tonight.

##

Lunchtime was slow at the Rammer Jammer, and Wednesday night was Wade's usual night off. Shelley poured coffee for Dash Dewitt, then went back to the kitchen. She saw Wade come up the basement with a case of longneck Buds in his arms. His phone rang, and he rested the box on a chair nearby.

"Hey, Amy," he said.

One of his former playmates, Shelley thought. Haven't seen them together in a while. She listened as she dried some utensils.

"Tonight? No, I have plans, I think. . . . Maybe I do. . . . Yeah, I know it's been some time, but . . . you know, Amy . . . I . . . I don't think I want to mess around anymore. . . . You're nice and all. You've been great, but . . . but I'm kinda interested in somebody right now."

Shelley almost dropped the basket of forks and spoons.

After a couple of minutes, Wade ended the call, put his phone in his pocket, and took the beers to the bar.

Wow, he's giving up "Anytime Amy"? Now, there's some news. Shelley parked herself in the office and speed-dialed her phone. "Zoe, it's Shelley. Good. I just heard a bombshell go off."

"What are you talking about, Shelley? Quick, I have a patient to see."

"OK. I think our Wade is growing up. Just now, he actually gave up a jump in the sack tonight with Anytime Amy. She's been one of his on-and-off girls for a long time."

"Who? And so . . ."

"He told her he was interested in somebody else. I told you he likes you."

Zoe was quiet for a moment. "That somebody could be anybody," she said quickly, trying to dismiss the thought.

"No, no it's not." She peeked through the kitchen door to see a group of four take seats by the window. "Hey, I gotta go. But listen to me, Zoe. I think it's a good sign."

After the lunch crowd left, Wade came out of the restroom with a clean shirt on and his hair freshly combed. He saw Shelley in the kitchen. "Hey, I'm half-day today. I'll be leavin' now."

"Where you goin' lookin' so nice?" she said with a big smile.

"Maybe I'll see you later" was his reply.

##

Zoe tended to the morning rush of patients and emergencies, but by 3:00 the waiting room was empty. Brick was due back tonight from his conference, and Addie was busy organizing his desk for the next day. Zoe stood at the front desk, scanning test results on a couple of patients. But after that phone call from Shelley, she couldn't focus. Wade growing up? Thinking about school? Rejecting casual sex? Can't be, Zoe said to herself. It's too confusing to contemplate.

The doorbell tinkled, and in walked Wade carrying a fistful of daisies. She smiled softly as he came closer and, for the moment, her confusion melted away.

"Hey, Doc," Wade said, smiling broadly. "I saw these and thought you might like 'em." He handed the daisies to her. "I have to confess: a few months ago I would have picked them from the garden in the town square, but today I bought them at the flower shop before I stopped by."

Zoe giggled at his honesty. "They're lovely. Thanks, Wade. They're one of my favorite flowers."

"Kind of a thank-you for taking care of me on Sunday night." He looked at her straight on. "So how about that drink tonight? Are you busy?"

Zoe couldn't hold back her smile. "Not busy at all. I'd love to."

Wade pulled his car up to the guest house. His dad's rant yesterday had discouraged him, but that was nothing new to him. He kept doubting himself over the past two days: Am I smart enough? Can I work hard enough to reach this goal? Any goal? He didn't know. But he did know that he was getting tired of running in place. For the first time in years, he wanted to take at least one positive step forward—and that was to Zoe.

"Hi," she said as she opened the front door. She gazed at him from head to toe: blue-and-white-striped button-down shirt, clean khakis. His boots even looked polished. "Well, if you're trying to impress me, you've succeeded," Zoe said.

"Thanks," he said, flashing that smile that lately weakened her spine. "And look at you. No high heels?" She was dressed down—for her: faded jeans, a ruffled, form-fitting sweater, chunky-heeled boots. "Now I have to bend down even further to kiss you."

"Hey, who said anything about kissing? You owe me a drink, not a make-out session." She grabbed a small purse. "But who knows?" she said, trying to sound playful as she led the way out. "The night's just getting started."

Wade's face lit up as he opened the car door for her. "Seriously?"

But before she could answer, her cell phone rang. It was Billy Rogers, Rebecca's husband. "Billy, what's going on?" Zoe said as Wade slid into the driver's seat. "OK. If she's that much dilated, then it's probably too late for the hospital in Mobile. How far apart are the contractions?" She glanced at Wade, and the look on his face pinched her heart. "Either Brick or I will be there as soon as possible."

Wade shook his head. "Don't call Brick, Zoe," he said, his foot heavy on the gas pedal. "There's no time. I'll drive you there. I can help you this time."

"Really? Thanks. But, listen, if you're going to help me, you have to do everything I say. And act dignified. Have some respect for the mother. Do you know her?"

Wade gave her a sheepish grin.

She gasped. "Don't tell me you had sex with her."

"OK, yes, a long time ago. We lost our virginity together."

"Good God, spare me the details. Let's just get there now."

After a quick stop at her office to pick up medical instruments and supplies, Zoe speed-dialed the hospital to send an ambulance to Rebecca's house. Within minutes, the two of them arrived and ran upstairs.

"Rebecca, I'm here," Zoe called, assessing the situation quickly. "Slide to the edge of the bed. Wade, I saw a stick lamp in the living room. Bring that up here. And take the shade off."

Wade rushed downstairs and brought the lamp up within seconds.

Zoe positioned it near Rebecca's vaginal area and knelt down to examine her. "Keep doing your deep breaths, Rebecca. Billy, try to keep her calm. Rebecca, your doing fine."

"OK, Doc," said Billy, who was kneeling near his wife's head. "But why is Wade here? And why does he have to be looking at Rebecca from down there?" Billy whined.

"Relax, Billy, I've seen it all before."

"Wade!" Zoe called out. "Not helpful!"

"Wait a minute. Have you been with him, Becky?" Billy asked.

"Yes," Rebecca yelled between breaths, "about fifteen years ago, you knucklehead. But right now I'm having your babeeeeeee!"

"Oh, God, easy, Becky, squeeze my hand, sweetheart."

Over the next fifteen minutes, Rebecca's contractions were coming quickly.

"She's fully dialated," Zoe announced in a matter-of-fact tone. "This baby wants out right away. OK, push, Rebecca, start pushing. Wade, get the towels out of my tote bag. And get out the clamp from my medical bag and stay next to me. Hold a towel under her once the baby starts to slide out."

Wade followed Zoe's instructions and waited near her as Rebecca kept screaming and pushing. He tried to stay calm, but his heart was pumping wildly.

"Almost there, Rebecca. Another good push, come on," Zoe called, this time with a sense of urgency.

Rebecca pushed again, yelling "How much more?"

"A few more seconds." Zoe turned to Wade, still beside her. "Listen, I'm going to guide the baby to the towel you're holding. Then you're going to take the baby—make sure you've got a hold on it. Wipe the face and head gently, and then give it to Billy. I have to clamp and cut the umbilical cord."

"OK, I'm ready," Wade said, his eyes wide.

"I think this is it, Rebecca," Zoe said, her voice raised. "One more push, and you'll have your baby. Now!"

"Wow, look at that!" Wade exclaimed as the baby cried out.

"There he is," Zoe said sweetly.

A few seconds later, Zoe placed Rebecca and Billy's son on the towel. Wade swaddled the newborn, wiping its little face, and handed it to Billy. "Look at that boy, Billy." Wade said, a wide smile across his face as the baby continued to cry. "I can't believe I was a part of this."

Zoe suctioned some mucous away from the baby's mouth and nose, and he started to quiet down. Then she clamped and cut the cord and helped Rebecca expel the placenta. "He's beautiful," Zoe said to the new parents.

"He sure is," said Billy as he handed the baby to his wife. "Thanks to you both."

"Does this mean you're gonna name him after me?" Wade asked, grinning.

"No, you idiot," Billy said. "His name is Noah William, for Rebecca's daddy and mine."

"Well, I guess that's as it should be," Wade said.

Zoe started to check Rebecca's vital signs as well as the baby's. "Wade, the ambulance should be here soon. Go out and flag them down, please."

"OK, Doc." He saluted her and sped down the stairs.

About twenty minutes later, Rebecca and her son were loaded into the ambulance, Zoe walked to Wade, who was leaning on his car.

"Man, that was such a rush in there," Wade called to her, offering his hand in a high five. "Anybody else having a baby tonight?"

Zoe laughed and smacked his hand. "Not that I know of, but tomorrow is a brand-new day. Listen, I have to go with them to the hospital. I'm the attending doctor, so I need to make sure they're OK."

Wade looked at her for a second. "Well, I can come with you. You'll need a ride home from Mobile."

"I don't know how long I'll be, though."

"Whatever it takes, Doc." Wade took a deep breath. "It's been quite a night. And I want to finish this."

"That's sweet of you." She paused for a moment, then said, "Thanks, Wade. For everything. You were awesome."

His smile lit up his face. "You're welcome. So were you."

She put her hand on his arm. "I need to ride with Rebecca and the baby. Follow me, OK?" she said and smiled back.

"Will do," Wade replied. Off the Dauphin Bridge, if you ask me to, he thought as he watched her turn and walk quickly to the ambulance. Wade opened the door and put his car in gear.

##

Two hours later, Zoe stepped out of the elevator into the hospital lobby, and sitting there was Wade, waiting as promised, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Zoe sighed, tired but happy to see him. "Hey," she said, reaching him and touching his arm.

"Hey yourself." He put down the old copy of Bass Angler he was reading. "Everything OK up there?"

"Yes, fine. I finally called Brick. He's going to look in on them tomorrow before they're discharged," she said. "I'm so, so sorry about all this. I know we were supposed to get that drink—"

"Are you kiddin', Doc? Best first date I've ever been on. I mean that."

"Oh, is that what this was supposed to be—a date?"

"Well . . . I . . . well, that's what I wanted it to be."

She smirked at him, her eyes dancing with amusement.

"Besides, we can still have that drink," he said. "The Rammer Jammer will probably be closin' up by the time we get home. But I know a little place right here in Mobile. Cool drinks and hot blues."

She smiled as he stood up. "Sounds awesome. Lead on."

The club was small and they sat close together on metal chairs with a small table in front of them. They ordered—a pinot grigio for her and a Magic Hat beer for him—and settled in, an easy quiet between them as they listened to the band. When the group ended their first set, the two of them were able to talk at length without shouting. "Being there for that birth, Doc, was just about the most exciting thing I've ever done. I can't believe how calm you were through that whole thing."

"We were lucky. That was an easy one. Fast. Baby wasn't in distress. Some of them can get too exciting," she said, smiling and shaking her head. "But look at you! I have to say, you were pretty calm yourself under all that stress."

"Well, I just shut up for once and followed orders." He tipped his beer to her. "But it got me excited, to be a part of something like that."

Zoe hesitated for a moment, then said, "I hear you're excited about tech school."

Wade looked at her, then looked down. "Man, I told Lavon not to tell you about that."

She put her hand on his. "Wade, I think you can accomplish anything you want to. What made you look into it?"

He paused for a moment, trying again to sidestep any mention of her effect on him. "I feel that sometimes I'm just floating along, no direction." He laughed. "I need a compass."

"I think you're smart. And you don't get rattled under pressure."

"That may be true, Doc. But if I do this, I'm gonna have to work hard. And, for most of my life, I've never had to work hard at anything. Everything's usually just drifted my way—bartending, friends, women, sex. Anything I had to fight for . . . I would kinda lose interest . . . except for you." He looked at her, wondering if he said too much.

Zoe felt her throat tighten. She didn't want to have this conversation, afraid of where it would lead, of saying aloud what she was feeling. "Look, let's talk about tech school. I think it's a great idea. You're more than capable, Wade. I don't know much about electricity, but I know how to study. I can help you with that. And ask Lavon. He'll help you. He was a good student at Alabama."

"Thanks, Zoe. Your words mean a lot to me. I'll probably need the help."

The band came back for their next set and played their first few notes. Zoe leaned into Wade. "So is there any women in Bluebell you haven't had sex with?" she asked, smiling.

"Hmm, let's see. There's the Reverend's wife . . . and you."

"Whaaat?" She punched his arm.

He laughed at her reaction and put his beer to his lips, happy he could keep her guessing.

##

The ride back to Bluebell was quiet. Zoe dozed, her eyes drifting now and then to Wade behind the wheel. Tonight was the first time I've ever heard him talk seriously about anything, she said to herself. I guess there's more to him than I thought. His openness, his sincerity struck a chord in her that she couldn't silence. She turned to face him, her head resting against the seat. "You know I'm not your type. I'm too serious. I rarely do spontaneous."

"In other words, you're a pain in the ass. I get it. But I aim to fix that," he said, grinning at her as he pulled into the plantation driveway.

"And what about you?" Zoe said. "You're as much of a pain in the ass. Never taking anything seriously. You're in for big trouble with that approach if you want to go to school."

"Well, you said you'd help me with that."

"Yes, but I probably won't be able to help you through to the end. I do plan to go back to New York, you know."

Wade's eyes darkened, but he shrugged and flashed a sweet smile at her. "Well, we'll see about that, too."

He parked his car in front of the guest house. He took her hand as they walked up the steps. Zoe reached the top, but Wade stopped two steps below, his face level with hers. "This was such an awesome first date, delivering a baby," he said. "How we going to top it?"

"A second date. Really. Are you that confident I'll say yes?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Hell, yeah. I'm working Saturday night. How about Sunday? I've got all day."

"Umm, OK."

"If the weather is good, I can take you fishing."

"Oh no."

"What, that mess up your comfort level? Hey, if you want to live around these parts, you've gotta learn the finer points of outdoor life."

"I told you, I'll be moving back—"

"Yeah, yeah, New York. But here's what I know." He moved up one step, his head just above hers. He looked at her and whispered, "Right now, part of my body is yellin' at me to get you naked. But I'm not gonna do that. 'Cause we're both tired and a little drunk and it's really not the right time. But when we do make love—and, believe me, Zoe, it won't be sex—it's gonna be soft and sweet and long and all-powerful and full of thunder . . . and you'll never wanna go back to New York."

Then he took Zoe's face in his hands and kissed her deeply. She moaned softly, feeling slightly dizzy. He had kissed her before, but never like this.

Their lips finally broke apart, and they rested their heads together. "So . . . Sunday?" he asked.

"Sunday," she replied, sighing.

"'Night, Zoe," said Wade. He took her hand and squeezed it.

"'Night, Wade." She watched as he walked to his car and drove the few yards to the carriage house. They waved to each other, and he went inside. She sighed again. "I am in big trouble."