"Thank you, Richard. We appreciate you picking us up from the airport." Addison said sweetly getting out of the car. They were back in Seattle. Back at the trailer. How in the world had she lived in it for a year?!

"It wasn't a problem for my star." Richard replied. He loved Addison like a daughter and was so thankful she was ok. "Will you be coming to the hospital tomorrow with Derek?" he asked as he helped carry the bags to the front porch.

"Probably. I can't operate for at least another week, but I need to catch up on what was going on while I was gone." Richard nodded. He bid the couple good-night.

Derek stood in front of the trailer door looking from Addison, to the luggage, to the door. He slowly unlocked the door and started carrying in the bags. Somehow, it didn't feel like coming home. Had they really only been gone a month? Last time he was at the trailer, he thoroughly enjoyed it. Now, it felt like a temporary place to sleep. They were both exhausted after traveling most of the day and their bodies were still on East Coast time.

Derek turned on the generator so they would have power. Then he realized Addison was still standing on the front porch just staring at the trailer.

"Addie, are you ok?" he asked, walking up to her slowly and wrapping his arms around her. Addison leaned her head on his shoulder. She was trying so hard not to cry. The stress of the day and arriving back in Seattle was just all too much. Seeing the trailer made her realize the foggy memories she had been having were real. She couldn't pretend they weren't. That also meant all the memories of the way Derek had treated her were real too. As was the fact that he had been kissing Meredith when she fainted.

"I don't know, Derek. It has just been a long day. The trailer is bringing back a lot of bad memories." Addison said backing away. Derek pulled her back into a tight hug.

"Addison, I know how hard this is for you. It is hard for me too. I don't want to go back to being the man I was before. I am all in this time. I love you so much." He leaned down and kissed her deeply. Soon everything else was forgotten but each other.

30 minutes later Addison peeled her body apart from Derek and started to laugh. "If we are going to make a habit of having sex on the front porch, we should invest in some softer chairs!"

"At least in Seattle ,it is cool enough to sleep outside in the summer! So much better than the humidity of NY!" Derek laughed. Addison smiled back at him. Maybe things would be different this time and she could make new memories with Derek in Seattle. Good memories this time.

Addison and Derek slept in the next day since they didn't have to be at the hospital until after lunch. Addison snuggled up to Derek. It had been so nice this past month having so much time together. She knew reality was going to hit soon enough with busy schedules. For now, she was going to just enjoy time with Derek.

"Addie, would you like to build a house on this land?" Derek asked as he played with her hair.

Addison stiffened. The idea of staying in Seattle permanently was not something she knew if she wanted to do. She wasn't opposed to the idea, but she also was nervous about committing to it. A lot would depend how Derek acted while they were in Seattle. She also didn't want to ruin their morning by arguing about it.

"Let's not talk about it now, Derek. Let's go for a walk and enjoy the morning before it gets too hot." she said getting out of bed.

They made some coffee and left to go walk down by the lake.

"We should get another dog, Derek. I really miss Doc." Addison said looking out over the lake. This was one spot she really did love on the land.

"How about a black lab?" Derek said. He couldn't believe that Addison actually mentioned wanting a dog. He had wanted a black lab since he was a small boy. Addison didn't want a dog before Doc.

Addison smiled. "Yes ,Derek. I think we can get a black lab. I know you have always wanted one." Derek gave her a kiss on her temple.

"You are amazing my Love." Derek could tell the idea of Seattle was too much for her at the moment. He would take getting a dog for now. He knew Addison did not like change. Little steps would be needed. She had gone through a lot in the past month.

"It is time to head back and get ready to go to the hospital." Addison said after a few minutes. It was time to face reality.

Pulling into the parking lot of Seattle Grace was serial for both Derek and Addison. It had only been a month, but so much had changed between them, it felt like a year. Neither said a word as they got out of the car. Derek took Addison's hand and they walked through the front door.

"I am meeting the Preston in 15 minutes, Addie, but that is all I am doing today. I made it clear to Richard I am not back for any other cases. I should be done in a few hours." Derek said, kissing Addison good-bye on the cheek.

"Ok, Derek. I will be in my office, and possibly the NICU, catching up on cases. Just page me when you are done." Addison replied. She gave Derek and hug and headed to her office.

Derek headed to his meeting with Preston. Neither of them saw the group of interns watching them from down the hall.

"Was that the Shepherds?" Alex asked walking up behind George and Izzie.

"It was. I had know idea they were coming back yet." George replied.

"I wonder if Meredith knows." Izzie said with concern. It was then that all their pagers went off and they ran off to the ER.

Derek walked into his office and took a deep breath. He could do this. It felt so weird to be back at Seattle Grace. He began reviewing Dr. Burke's file. The damage to his arm would be difficult to correct, but he was confident he could do it. After awhile, Derek made his way to an exam room to meet with Dr. Burke.

"Dr. Burke, how are you doing this morning?" Derek asked cheerfully as he walked in the exam room whistling.

"Woah, what happened to you in NY? You are never this happy!" Dr. Burke smirked. Derek laughed.

"That's a long story. One I don't have time to tell as I promised my amazing wife that I wouldn't take very long." Derek responded. He then noticed Christina was also in the room. She glared at him when he mentioned Addison. "Hello, Dr. Yang."

"Shepherd. Can we get on with the exam?" Christina snapped. Derek just looked at her for a minute. Obviously Christina was still mad at him for kissing Meredith.

"Ok, then." Derek said turning to Dr. Burke.

Meanwhile, Addison was going through a bunch of cases that had piled up while she was out. She was so engrossed in the files, she jumped when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." Addison said. She was surprised when Izzie walked in.

"Dr. Stevens. What can I do for you?" Izzie walked in and sat down in one of Addison's chairs.

"I wanted to welcome you back. It is good to see you doing so well." Izzie said. She wasn't sure how to approach her former mentor. A lot had happened in Izzie's life as well since they had last talked with Denny's death and most recently finding out that he had left her a ton of money.

"Thank you." Addison said. She could tell Izzie had more on her mind.

"Do you ever feel guilty for being so rich?" Izzie finally blurted out. This was not what Addison was expecting.

"Excuse me?" Addison said a little shocked.

"I don't mean to be rude. It's just that, I have recently become a millionaire and since I grew up poor, it is a little daunting. I feel guilty." Izzie said. She went on to explain how Denny had left her millions of dollars. Addison smiled. She knew that she had been right about Izzie in the beginning. She had a good heart.

"Dr. Stevens, first I am so sorry about the loss of Denny. He was a good man." Addison said squeezing Izzie's shoulder. "As far as the money, you get used to it. I am not sure I am the best person to ask as I have had money my whole life. For me, I donate to causes that are near and dear to my heart."

"I want to do something to honor Denny with the money. No one else seems to understand that." Izzie sighed.

"My suggestions would be to invest at least part of the money, so it can make more money. That way the money can grow and you will be able to make a difference longer. I will give you the name of my accountant. He is a good guy and won't steer you wrong." Addison said sympathetically.

"Thank you Dr. Shepherd." Izzie said taking the name and number from Addison. "I really am glad you are back."

"I am not back full time yet. I still have at least one week before I can operate again. I am only here while Derek is meeting with Dr. Burke." Addison replied.

"Oh. Christina mentioned something about Derek operating on Dr. Burke. We didn't know that you would be coming back with him though." Izzie said as her pager went off. "Well, I gotta go. It was good talking with you." Izzie jumped up and ran out the door.

Addison walked back over to her desk. She was glad at least one intern liked her. Maybe staying in Seattle wouldn't be so bad. She decided to head down to the NICU.

As Addison reached the NICU, she saw Meredith at the nurses station. She paused for a second, took a deep breath, and headed over the intern. She might as well get the awkward meeting over with.

"Good afternoon, Dr. Grey." Meredith jumped. She had heard that Derek and Addison were back, but she wasn't expecting to see either one of them.

"Good afternoon." Meredith said turning around and taking a deep breath. "I didn't realize you were back at work. How are you doing?"

"I am doing well. I am not really back. I am just catching up on cases that came in while I was out. I am sure you are aware Derek is meeting with Preston." Addison said. Meredith stiffened at the mention of Derek. Addison looked away for a minute, and then said "Are you working in the NICU today?"

"Yes"

"Are there any cases I need to review?" Addison asked.

"Actually, yes. We received a referral last night about a baby at 24 weeks gestation that has bands on its legs. Would you be available to meet with the mom? Her name is Jamie Shields." Meredith said, handing Addison a file.

"Sure. I can't operate for at least a week, but I can meet with the mom to discuss her options. I am free any time. Call the mom and set up an appointment." Addison said looking over the file.

She proceeded to walk in to the NICU. It felt good to be back at the hospital. While she had enjoyed the time off and the time to reconnect with Derek, Addison was glad to be back at work. She went to each baby in the NICU and reviewed their charts. After leaving a few instructions with the nurses, Addison returned to her office.

Addison layed down on her coach, put her arm over her forehead and stared up at the ceiling. She was still amazed at how easily she tired. She was soon fast asleep.

Derek finished up his meeting with Preston and decided to go look for his wife. He went up to the NICU floor. He was so engrossed in looking for the flash of red hair, he didn't see Meredith come around the corner. He ended up running right into her, sending the pile of files in her hands all over the floor.

"I am so sorry!" Derek said leaning down to help pick up the files.

"Hey." Meredith said shyly as they stood up.

"Hey" Derek smiled. Meredith's heart skipped a beat when Derek smiled at her. This was going to be harder than she thought.

"So, how did your meeting go with Dr. Burke?" Meredith asked moving her hair out of her eyes.

"Good. Surgery is scheduled for 3 days from now. How have you been?" Derek asked.

"I've been ok. I missed you." Meredith said looking him in the eye. Her heart still stopped when looking at his ocean blue eyes.

"Meredith…" Derek said softly. "I think you should know that a lot has happened since prom. Addison and I are in a better place. I am so sorry I have hurt you. I am so sorry I kissed you at prom. I wish I could take it back." Derek apologized. He was surprised that he really didn't feel anything for Meredith anymore. He was more sorry that his past actions had hurt Addison so deeply than he was for hurting Meredith. This was a huge eye opener for him. He truly was ready to commit again to his marriage wholeheartedly.

Meredith looked away so he couldn't see the tears in her eyes.

"Goodbye Derek." Meredith said turning around and heading back down the hall.

Derek watched her leave for a few minutes and then left the floor. The whole experience had left him longing to hold his wife, his safe place. He went by his office first and then to hers. He noticed the lights were all off, so he entered quietly. He smiled when he found Addison asleep on her couch. He knelt down next to her. He loved to watch Addison while she slept. She was so peaceful. He leaned over and started kissing her neck.

Addison was awoke with a start as Derek moved from her neck to her mouth.

"Why, hello there." Addison said when they came up for air.

"Hey yourself." Derek smirked.

Derek continued to kiss Addison and soon clothes started coming off. Derek pulled back and looked at Addison.

"What?" she asked cautiously.

"You are just so beautiful. I can't believe you are mine. I love you Addison Adrianne Forbes Montgomery Shepherd. I want you to know I am fully committed to you. You are the most important person in my life. And when you are ready," Derek said lovingly. Addison was shocked. She had been so nervous about how Derek would respond to being back in Seattle. To hear him talk like that made her melt.

"I love you too Derek Christopher Shepherd. You stole my heart nearly 2 decades ago and you will have it for the rest of our lives." Addison said with tears running down her face. Soon the remainder of their clothes were gone and they were oblivious to the rest of the world.

The next few days flew by for Addison and Derek. They would spend their morning relaxing in the trailer and going for long walks on the property. After lunch, they would go to the hospital for a few hours and then go out and explore Seattle. Even though they had lived there for over a year, neither of them had ever really visited many places in the city.

On the night before Dr. Burke's surgery, Addison and Derek were lying in bed talking.

"Derek, where do you want to live?" Addison asked casually. She had been thinking about it a lot lately. She was warming up to the idea of Seattle but still had strong feelings about being around Meredith all the time.

"Honestly, Addie. I really want to stay in Seattle. After being in New York for a month and then coming back here has made me realize how much I love the outdoors. Exploring the city this week with you and being on our land has been amazing." Derek said rolling over and pulling Addison into a tight hug. 'However, despite all of that, I mostly just want to live where you are. I want you to be happy too. If Seattle is going to make you miserable, we can stay in New York."

Addison was quiet for a long time, just enjoying the feeling of laying in her husband's arms. She couldn't believe the change in him. Maybe they really had rounded a corner.

"That means a lot to me, Babe. Seattle is growing on me. I also love New York and being so close to family. What do you think would be better for our kids?" Addison asked casually. She had wanted to discuss kids with Derek for a long time now, but with the status of their relationship in question, she had never brought it up. She held her breath while she waited for him to answer.

"I think the kids would be happier here as they would have room to run around and explore in nature. We can go back to New York for the holidays and other times. They will see our family enough." Derek said without skipping a beat. He was running Addison's hair through his fingers and leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"Now, I really need to get to sleep as I have to be at the hospital very early in the morning to hopefully restore function in the arm of one of the best cardiothoracic surgeons in the world." Derek said yawning. "Good night love." He kissed her and then they fell asleep.

Let me know what you think!