A/N: I know it's been so long since I've updated. I already probably lost all of my readers but it's okay, I'm still writing this fic and finishing it. A million thanks to my beta reader, Kerstin (she's seriously the best!), that even if she too had her own things to do, she always tries to find time to beta read my chapters and also for her kind and encouraging words. Love yah!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.

After the trio had finished breakfast, Derek had to excuse himself and explain to her daughter that they will not be spending the whole day together because he had to work. It broke his heart a little bit to do it because he had been kind of used to being around Addie and Christie the past few days. It was also unmistakable that Christie was not very happy with her father's announcement that there will be no Children's Museum tour for that day. But with the assurance that he will be home for dinner, and a promise that he'll read her the Cinderella story later that night, Christie let him go. He gave Addie a long kiss, much to the disgust of their daughter who was looking up at them.

"See you later." He waved before leaving.

After a quick stop at his place for a shower and a change of clothes, he made his way to Seattle Grace Hospital.

Derek spent his whole morning calling the boards of the hospital explaining to them why he was so suddenly and surprisingly resigning from his position as Chief of Surgery. All of them did not see it coming, they tried to convince him to stay by telling him that it was too soon and he was giving up too much. But he was firm, his decision had been made; he also assured all of them that he had found somebody who is very capable of filling in his position. After approximately an hour of debating and explaining everything, they gave in. Even though they weren't very thrilled, they extended to him their gratitude for his service to Seattle Grace Teaching Hospital and that they would include him and his family in their prayers.

After lunch, Derek had called for an emergency meeting. Surgeons and nurses were all equally surprised by the sudden meeting and wondering about the topics the Chief might be addressing. The hall was eventually filled by nurses, interns, residents and attending physicians. Everybody was chit-chatting with their friends and speculating what this meeting's purpose could be.

"Ehem," Derek coughed to get all of their attention. Everybody then stopped talking, waiting for his announcement. When he started speaking, he did so calmly and determined, "You might be wondering why I called in this meeting. I know that this was very sudden but it is a very important matter and therefore left me with no other choice. I have been in a meeting with the hospital board earlier today where I informed the ladies and gentlemen that I was resigning as Chief of Surgery of Seattle Grace Hospital, immediately effective."

Each employee gasped and was shocked by his statement. Bailey who was sitting in front, asked Yang to repeat what Derek had just said if and asking if she heard him right. Izzie who was sitting behind Bailey chuckled, hoping that he was just pulling their leg. Hahn and Torres looked at each other, confused and surprised.

Derek started talking again. "I know this came as a surprise to all of you, but you don't have to worry about anything. The board and I have gone over all necessities and have come to a decision that both parties were more than in favor of. Together we chose someone that we think can continue to make this hospital one of the leading ones in this country and the top teaching hospital on the west coast. The new Chief will fill this position as efficiently and as capable as me or maybe even better than me." He paused a moment, allowing the employees some time to comprehend to everything that he had just said. "Dr. Miranda Bailey, you have been appointed to take my place as Chief of Surgery."

Dr. Bailey's mouth just hung open, she didn't know if she should be happy or sad. She wasn't even sure if she was truly competent for this position.

"Dr. Bailey, come here and take over." Derek signaled and invited Miranda come stand beside him.

Miranda stood up and went to stand beside him but was still in shock of what just happened. She looked at him intently. "You're kidding, right?"

"I don't kid around about things as serious as this" he replied, smiling at her.

"I don't know what to say, Dr. Shepherd" Miranda admitted.

Derek turned his attention once again to the crowd. "I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of you. It was a pleasure working here at Seattle Grace. I learned a lot of things, not only in terms of the medical field. I have lost friends but have gained life-long relationships. My family needs me now and I need them. As you all know, all of us here wouldn't be here right now, without the love of our lives. So, I just wish you all the best and I know that Dr. Bailey will be a very good Chief. Don't mess with the Nazi. Just kidding. Thank you very much." Although some people were still in a state of shock, a minor portion started clapping and the rest joined in unison.

"Please take the floor." He whispered to her handing the microphone. Miranda looked at him irritated before taking the microphone off of his outstretched hand. Derek just smiled and gave the female doctor a hug. "I believe in you." He muttered before pulling away and stepping back from the center of attention. He stayed a little bit to listen to Dr. Bailey's speech, more likely a rambling of how it surprised her and that she wasn't prepared for it. But nonetheless she knew how important family was and that the family at Seattle Grace was special, kind, close, sometimes a pain in the ass, but always able to make a difference. Love always makes a difference. She demanded love from her employees, love and dedication for their jobs and to give - always to give the best and more, so they could continue to make a difference and become the best hospital in the country.

He then proceeded to his office and started to pack all of his things. His eyes hovered around it, thinking back of how he had always dreamed of sitting exactly on this chair and being the Chief of a prestigious hospital. He smiled weakly on how ironic sometimes life could be. You achieve what you have been working hard for, even sacrificed the most important people and relationships just to reach that goal, but when you finally have it in your hands, you realize there is still something missing. But as ironic as life could be, he was thankful for the second chance that he had been given with Addison, the love of his life, and Christie, his daughter. A chance to make right what he had so easily let slip from his grasp before.

Some doctors dropped by his office just to say goodbye to him personally including Izzie, George, Christina, Erica, Callie, Lexie, Alex, the new Chief and even Rose. He was glad to see them and personally thank them for everything they had done for him and for the hospital he had the honor to run for as long as he did.

Before he realized it, he was all packed up, and making his way out of Seattle Grace Teaching Hospital, the place which had been his sanctuary for almost seven years. He took one last look at it and sighed deeply during his last moment of contemplation, doubt even, before a small smiled formed on his lips. He was not leaving.

He was finally coming home.