With mountains of case files piling up on her new desk, Addison got up to get herself another cup of coffee before diving back into work. It had been a long day, and she couldn’t wait to see Gage again, but there was also a contented smile on her face.

Her new office in Black Oak had barely been open for a couple of weeks, and she already had both locals and people from neighboring towns knocking on her door. And she couldn’t be happier about it.

At last she was not in anyone’s shadow, and could choose her own cases. So she focused on actually helping people, both with their small and big problems, and was really starting to feel like a true part of the community.

Gage’s friends were treating her like she had been in their lives forever, which was heartwarming but not especially surprising – with what a great man Gage was, it only made sense his friends would be wonderful, too.

All in all, Addison couldn’t be happier in her new home, and couldn’t wait to have her friends and family come and visit. Black Oak was like a whole other world, and she wanted to share it with everyone she loved.

With a fresh cup of coffee in her hand, she walked back to her desk, looking at the stacks of paper with anticipation, almost. She had never been more passionate about her work, especially now when the people she helped would walk past her on the street, with a smile and a kind word at the ready.

As far as her former employer went, Addison was somewhat conflicted. It had been Reid that had convinced her that Gage didn’t actually have feelings for her, and from what she had gathered later on, he had influenced Gage to leave her alone, as well.

But, as soon as he had heard that she was Gage’s mate, Reid had backed off considerably, and had even looked apologetic. Well, as apologetic as Reid’s pride would allow.

Later on, as she talked through her exit from the Atherton Law Office over the phone, he had even asked to speak to Gage. Addison stepped away, and still had little idea of what the brothers had discussed. Gage had been tight-lipped about it, and it was clear all was not forgiven and forgotten between the men.

But since then, the brothers had made an effort to keep in touch, which surprised her, but also made her hopeful. They were all the family they had left, after all, and she knew deep down both Reid and Gage wanted to make peace.

More than want, she felt like they needed some closure.

Lately, she had even heard Gage laugh when he was on the phone with Reid, which put a smile on her face, too. Mostly she stayed out of it, though, fearing that her involvement would only complicate things.

The sound of the front door opening jarred her out of her thoughts, as she was sure she had locked it for her lunch break. Frowning, she got up from her seat and made her way to the little reception area in the front, only to see Gage standing there, holding a paper bag and wearing a wide grin.

“Lunch has arrived,” he announced, with his set of office keys dangling in his free hand.

Addison had to smile. What had she done to deserve this man?

“Thank you,” she said, walking over to wrap her arms around his waist and rest her cheek on his chest. “You didn’t come all the way down here just to bring me food, did you? Because I’m warning you, I’m getting a little spoiled.”

“I needed to replace some tools anyway, and I’m well aware of your tendency to forget to eat when you get engrossed in your work,” he replied.

“You’ve got me all figured out, huh?” Addison teased.

“I bet you still have some secrets,” he chuckled, kissing the top of her head.

“You would be correct,” she replied, snatching the bag from his hand.

Gage just arched a brow at her as she pulled out some pulled pork sandwiches, and sat down on the small sofa pushed up against a wall. The office was still a tad sparse, but it didn’t bother her much. Reid’s office had been all chrome, leather and expensive knick-knacks that he probably thought made him look more established and professional.

Yet, his clients never looked to be very comfortable there. And that was what Addison was striving for – to put those who needed her help at ease.

Gage sat down next to her as they dug into their food.

“I talked to Will this morning,” Gage said. “We thought we could have a little get-together by the lake. Bonfire, s'mores, maybe some booze?”

“Sounds great to me,” Addison smiled. “I’ll make sure I get home early this time.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Gage chuckled. “The house feels empty without you, though.”

“Just giving you time to miss me,” she replied.

“I don’t need a whole day for that,” he countered, pulling her closer on the couch.

Snuggling closer to him, Addison let out a content sigh. It was almost scary, having everything she hadn’t even known she wanted. Looking up at Gage’s handsome face, she pulled her legs onto the couch, comfortable in the crook of his arm.

“I love you,” she said.

Gage just smiled.

“I love you, too,” he replied.

There was nothing more that needed to be said. Everything had fallen into place, and whatever lay ahead, Addison knew that together they could tackle anything. She had found her happiness, her purpose, her partner in crime.

She was home.