Sitting behind her desk in the new offices of Blake Investigations, Naomi leaned back in her chair, a smile permanently stuck on her face. The clock on the wall said six, meaning she had to rush home to get ready for dinner at eight, but she couldn’t help but sit there for just a moment longer, letting the day sink in.

It had only been a few weeks since she had helped Sawyer reopen the business he had once loved, yet discarded, and the calls and e-mails kept pouring in. Even though over a year had passed since he had last been active in the PI field, it seemed his reputation was strong enough that he could just pick up where he left off.

Stretching her arms above her head, Naomi rolled her neck, before pushing herself onto her feet. The office was still a little bare – not a picture frame or houseplant in sight – but it already felt like she belonged.

Gathering up her purse, she checked her cell phone, grinning to see another text from Sawyer.

Happy Birthday, it started with, like all the other texts he had sent that day. I’ll be wrapping up here soon. Meet you at the restaurant?

Typing up a quick response, Naomi made her way to the door.

See you there, she replied.

Locking the office behind her, she made her way down the stairs and to her car, clutching her jacket closer to her chest as the wind played with her hair. Yet even the chill in the air or the approaching rain clouds couldn’t wipe the grin from her face.

Not when she had found everything she wanted in life. The fact that it was her birthday and she got to spend it with the man she loved didn’t hurt either.

It had been hard to walk away from her old job, after all the work she had done to get where she was. Then again, turning over a new leaf was always difficult, no matter the circumstances. But she hadn’t doubted the decision yet.

As much as she loved history, she knew it had never truly been her passion. It was time to do things only for her, and let go of the need to live her life like she thought her parents would want her to.

As Sawyer had once said – all parents really want is to see their child happy. And damned if she wasn’t the happiest she had ever been.

Starting her car, Naomi pulled into traffic, counting down the familiar streets leading to Sawyer’s apartment. Well, to their apartment, really. After they realized she had barely stepped foot in her own house since she had met Sawyer, the decision about them living together officially had become clear.

Now, there was a For Sale sign proudly displayed on her lawn.

I mean, who in their right mind would choose to sleep alone instead of next to a man like Sawyer?

With thoughts of wrapping her arms around him running around in her mind, the drive home flew by. In no time, she was already stepping out of the elevator, her sights on the door at the end of the hall, her very own set of keys jangling in her hand.

Once inside, she rushed to the bedroom, in a hurry to freshen up before she chose her outfit for the night. But she had barely had time to splash some water on her face, when she heard the front door creak open.

Still in her silk blouse and black skirt, Naomi stuck her head out of the bedroom.

“Hello?” she called out.

“Hello yourself,” a familiar voice replied, making her all but run out into the living room.

Sawyer stood in the middle of it, holding a large box with a bouncy red bow on it in his arms.

“Surprise,” he said, grinning at her.

“What the…” Naomi shook her head, walking closer, studying the gift in his hands.

“I know you said you didn’t want presents, but I couldn’t help myself,” Sawyer shrugged.

An odd sound emanated from the box, something like… scratching? And then there was another soft sound, one she really had to prick her ears to hear… Naomi’s eyes had to be as wide as saucers as she stared up at Sawyer, who was suddenly scrunching up his nose.

“Sawyer,” Naomi started, excitement starting to bubble up in her chest. “Is that box meowing?”

“Ah, a true detective,” he smiled, sticking out his arms. “Go ahead and unwrap it, then, so I can finally sneeze.”

Squealing like a little girl, Naomi carefully took the box from Sawyer, revealing air holes in the back. The meowing was louder now, and she gleefully tore the box open, revealing a small, orange ball of fur inside.

A tiny pink collar dangled from the kitten’s neck, as it looked up at her with wide, green eyes. There was something engraved on it, and Naomi got down on her knees, gently picking the cat up and setting it down on her lap.

Once she made out the lettering, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Mr. Whiskers?” she asked, looking up at Sawyer, who had taken a healthy step back.

“I thought it was fitting,” he replied, a smile tugging at the edges of his lips.

“But you don’t even like cats,” she shook her head. “I know you think I can’t hear it when you growl at them in the street…”

“You’re right, I’m not a fan,” he admitted. “But I love you. And your happiness means more to me than…” he started, before getting overcome by a loud sneeze.

Mr. Whiskers huddled closer to Naomi, and she enveloped the little kitten in her hands, its soft fur tickling her palms.

“I love you, too,” Naomi smiled, getting back to her feet.

Sawyer’s nose was still scrunched as she stepped closer to him, Mr. Whiskers in hand. But at least he didn’t run away when she rested her head on his chest. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, kissing the top of her head.

“Happy birthday,” he said once more.

And that it was.