When she looked up, Maddox was leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed as she watched them with that soft expression that still caught Jade off guard sometimes, like she couldn't quite believe this was her life.
Jade stood, grocery bags in hand. "Help me with these?"
"Of course." Maddox took the bags, but not before brushing a kiss against Jade's temple, brief and casual, the kind of greeting they'd fallen into over the past few weeks.
Inside, they moved through the familiar routine: Jade unpacking groceries, Maddox starting water for pasta, and Zeus settling on his bed to supervise.
"So," Maddox said, pulling a cutting board from the cabinet. "You have good news?"
Jade started chopping vegetables while she organized her thoughts. This felt important enough that she wanted to get the words right.
"Diana offered me a contract extension," she began. "But it’s not just a renewal. It’s for two years, and it comes with expanded responsibilities. I’ll have a dedicated office and budget for new programs, and I’ll develop training." She paused, setting down the knife to look at Maddox. "And it comes with a significant salary increase."
Maddox's face lit up with pride. "Jade, that's incredible. I’m so happy for you."
Her body relaxed. “Thank you. It’s a big commitment. Two years.”
"Yes, but you've earned it." Maddox moved closer, resting her hip against the counter. "Your work here has been transformative. Officers actually talk about their shit now instead of white-knuckling through it or taking it out on others."
Jade smiled despite the nervous energy still humming through her. "Speaking from experience?"
"Definitely speaking from experience." Maddox's hand found Jade's, their fingers tangling together. "So what did you tell her?"
"That I needed a couple days to think about it."
Something shifted in Maddox's expression—not quite concern, but a careful neutrality that Jade recognized. It was the look Maddox got when she was trying not to influence something important.
"Do you want to take it?" Maddox asked quietly.
This was the moment, the question underneath the question. Jade turned toward her fully, leaving the vegetables forgotten on the cutting board. She took both of Maddox's hands, needing the touch to ground her for what came next.
"Two years in Phoenix Ridge means"—she paused, making sure Maddox was really hearing her—"it means I'm staying and building a career here. Putting down roots."
"Okay."
"It means I'm choosing this." Jade squeezed Maddox's hands. "The job, yes. But also this city, this life. You."
Maddox's throat worked as she swallowed. "Is that what you want?"
"Yes." There was zero hesitation in her voice. "I want the work and to build these programs, but I also want mornings waking up with you. I want Zeus knocking me over when I come through the door. I want hikes and lazy Sundays and this." She gestured around the kitchen, at the domesticity they'd built. "I want both. And for the first time, I don't have to choose between my career and a personal life. I can have both."
Maddox pulled her close, and Jade went willingly, tucking her face against Maddox's shoulder where she always felt safe. She felt Maddox's arms tighten around her.
"Then say yes," Maddox murmured against her hair. "Take the contract. Stay."
Jade pulled back just enough to see Maddox's face. "You're sure?"
"Of course I'm sure." Those dark eyes were steady, no doubt or shadows visible. "I want you here. I want this."
The weight Jade had been carrying since leaving Diana's office finally lifted. She was getting a chance to have both. "Okay," she said. "I'll tell her yes on Wednesday."
Maddox kissed her then, slow and sweet and full of promise. When they broke apart, Zeus was standing between them, his tail wagging, clearly annoyed he'd been excluded from whatever important moment just happened.
"Alright, buddy." Jade scratched his ears. "You're included too."
After dinner, they moved to the back porch with their wine, Zeus sprawled between their chairs. The summer evening settled around them, warm and peaceful, the trees catching the last of the daylight. Jade sipped her wine, feeling the day's tension finally release from her shoulders. She was letting the decision settle deep within her.
"Hey," Maddox said quietly, and something in her tone made Jade look over.
