ZOE

“Here’s to my newest employee,” Hayes Wilder called, his beer glass raised in a toast.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Employee? Nope. Partner,” I clarified.

Ace gave my thigh a squeeze beneath the table.

We were at The Roadside, several high top tables pulled close together. The group was big. Me, Ace, Amber, Hayes, his wife, Cassidy, Bray and Katie, Cody and Annie. Even Lainey and Beau were there.

Hayes was across the table and grinned at me. “I stand corrected. Here’s to my new partner and winning her first case.”

Everyone toasted and drank, settled in to a fun happy hour.

The divorce case had been settled in front of the judge. Hayes had introduced me, said he was representing me because I was out of jurisdiction. She gave her approval for me to proceed and then I’d given Janice Carver’s ex a shellacking. By the time the judge dropped her gavel, Janice had full custody of their daughter, ample alimony and child support that would be garnished from his paycheck. I’d even gotten Colt Wilder to remand Mr. Carver into custody for violating a restraining order.

“I’m so proud of you,” Ace whispered.

I turned my head so our noses bumped.

“That win feel good?”

I nodded. “The best.”

He kissed me, a gentle brushing of lips since we were in the middle of all our friends. His gaze pretty much said later.

I hadn’t been back to New York to close up my apartment. Ace and I decided that I wouldn’t. I’d hire movers to empty my place and have it all shipped to Devil’s Ditch. Pricey, but worth it. I didn’t want to go back, ever. My last paycheck had been deposited into my bank account, but I hadn’t heard anything else from Markum and Peale. Did I wonder how Patrick was doing? Not at all. But I had a feeling karma would bite him in the ass one of these days, just like Mr. Carver.

In the week since the fire and professing our feelings, life with Ace was all moving ahead. We’d gone back to the Feed and Seed and picked out some more clothes. While my side of the walk-in closet wasn’t all that filled, it was just the right kind of outfits for my new life.

In fact, I was wearing my cowgirl boots right now.

Hank, Ace’s contractor friend, was ready to fix up Uncle Bill’s house as soon as the insurance company gave the final approval. Even updated, I didn’t want to live there. My place was with Ace. Eventually, I’d sell it and a new family would find happiness there like I had.

I hadn’t talked to my dad since the fateful call last week, but that was okay. I’d give him time to come to terms with me living in Devil’s Ditch and with Ace. All he’d done was delay the inevitable.

I belonged here. I belonged with Ace.

“Happy?” he asked, then kissed my temple.

I nodded. “So happy.”