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Seriously McMarried; Mr. & Mrs. -- The end
Topic Started: Aug 4 2008, 06:35 PM (1,958 Views)
McGrey Jul 17 2009, 09:01 PM Post #76
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 Chapter 39 –Back in time

Meredith hurried out from the locker room, freeing her hair and hurrying to catch an elevator. As she stepped in, she saw Derek, same as her, dressed in his street clothes.

“You paged me?” she asked him confused.

“Yes, and we meet in time. I am coming with you at the airport,” he answered with a smirk.

Meredith chuckled. “Don’t tell me.”

Derek nodded smugly. “I told you our luggage traveled together. They were somewhere sunny.” As he said that, Derek saw Meredith lost in her thoughts and he could easily guess where her thoughts were; back in time, the day they met, which was also the day they left together to Las Vegas.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. Meredith stirred, coming out of her day-dream and smiled at him. “We should go to Venice one day and have a ride with the gondolas.”

“We have to,” he agreed. “Maybe in our honeymoon.”

Meredith grinned at him. “Honeymoon?”

“We have to have one,” Derek pointed out. “You know, we didn’t have a honeymoon right after the wedding, so I think we can have as many honeymoons we want, to catch up.”

Meredith giggled, visibly thrilled with his plan; although, their months so far hadn’t been far from a honeymoon.

The elevator stopped to a floor on its way down to the main lobby and at that floor, the Chief got in. He stopped briefly as he saw them and told Derek as he turned his back on them, “You’ve been in your street clothes today more than usual.”

“Just a quick ride to the airport and we will be back right away,” Derek reassured him.

At Richard’s words, Meredith looked at Derek, confused. She didn’t know what the Chief meant when he said that Derek wore the street clothes more than usual today. Derek made a sign to stay quiet as he would explain her everything.

As Derek gave him that reassurance, Richard turned suddenly to them, panic written all over his face. “To the airport? What are you doing at the airport?”

Derek started laughing at his presumption. “We’ve been talking about Africa for a while now…” he answered mockingly.

Richard narrowed his eyes, half believing him, half not.

“Don’t worry! We’ll bring gifts this time,” Derek kept making fun of him.

“Be serious, Derek!” The Chief scolded, starting to realize now that he was being mocked.

“How can you think something like this about us,” Derek chuckled with a shake from his head as sign of disappointment.

“I wonder how,” Richard retorted sarcastically.

Derek took Meredith’s left hand and saw her ring. “Oh, right,” he pretended to remember. “We got our luggage back and we don’t want to lose it again, so we are going to pick it up now. You will have us back soon.”

“Just you two and in the same state you are right now,” Richard warned them, Derek in particularly.

The elevator stopped again and that was the Chief’s floor. After he stepped out, he turned and watched Derek and Meredith until the elevator’s doors closed. They both could see him shaking his head once the doors closed.

“What did he mean by that?” Meredith asked him now that they were alone.

“I am not sure,” he lied and acted as if he didn’t know what was about.

Meredith looked at him with suspicion and wanted to insist in finding out, but the elevator brought them in the main lobby of the hospital and they had to hurry to their car.

--------

The claiming lost luggage office wasn’t very crowded when Derek and Meredith arrived there and they could give a brief look at the poor people that were filling papers for their lost luggage.

Between those people, they saw a young man discreetly eying the woman beside him. Derek and Meredith smiled at each other.

After they had to fill out other forms, the officer asked them to wait for someone to bring them the suitcases.

Derek took Meredith and sat down on a bench, having from there a good view over the office.

“Can you believe it?” Meredith asked him quietly, without referring at something concrete.

“It is hard to believe, but I believed,” Derek answered, somehow guessing her thoughts.

They could not believe where they were today.

Meredith nodded her head once, in agreement with him. “I can’t wait to go to Venice,” Meredith sighed, day-dreaming.

Derek chuckled. “What for? The gondola ride or the other ride?”

Meredith giggled understandingly. “Both rides.”

Derek put his arm around her shoulders, laughing. “Me too.”

“When are we going to plan the first honeymoon?” she asked him.

“The first honeymoon?” Derek laughed. “I don’t know.” And that answer brought him some thoughts. He hadn’t had time to change Meredith’s ring yet and he thought it would be better to talk about the honeymoon after they planned the wedding party. For the wedding party preparations to start, he wanted first to propose to her.

Meredith put her head on his shoulder and said, “It has to be before the divorce.”

“Absolutely,” Derek agreed. “So we have time for it.”

Meredith smiled at him. “We have. So tell me,” Meredith said, slowly coming out of their moment of tenderness. “Did you decide if you want to move in Seattle or you want to go somewhere else sunnier?”

“Are you kidding me?” Derek frowned. “I don’t know how I lived without the rain until now,” he answered and plastered a grin on his face.

“It’s not that bad, is it?”

“It’s not,” he smiled, gently rubbing the pad of his thumb against her cheek. “I had serious thoughts not to stay here the day I arrived to Seattle and I am sure that I would have left the next day if I hadn’t met you that evening at Joe’s.”

“I remember that evening,” Meredith answered. “We were about to be caught wandering through the hospital and assisting to surgeries. I chickened out otherwise you wouldn’t have met me that evening.”

“Thank goodness for your lack of courage,” he laughed teasingly.

“Lack of courage?” Meredith gasped, frowning. “I proved to have some spirit of adventure when I left with you, a complete stranger.”

Derek just smiled. “I wasn’t that stranger. We had met before and we had shared a lot of things.”

“Like what?” Meredith giggled.

“Like the despair of having the luggage lost, the hard work with filling those papers and even a pen. I still didn’t get my pen back, by the way.”

“Do you want it back?” she asked him.

“Not really, but I’d like to know it’s still somewhere around.”

“It’s in my locker and if you had missed it for real, you’d have seen me filling the charts with it. I had to recharge it though.”

“So it’s in good hands,” Derek chuckled.

“I don’t know,” Meredith shrugged her shoulders with flirty gesture. “You tell me.”

Derek took her hand and played with her fingers. “Great hands. I am happy for it.”

Meredith giggled and elbowed him playfully.

“You said you had something important in one of your suitcases. What is that?” Derek asked her with curiosity, remembering the day they filled those forms together.

Meredith answered with a smile. “Some memories.”

“Hmm,” Derek wasn’t sure he liked this answer.

“You might see my memories,” Meredith teased him. “if you behave yourself.”

“I am the best husband in the world,” he replied.

Meredith smiled and rolled her eyes. “Don’t go that high.”

“Seriously,” Derek insisted.

Meredith found teasing Derek very entertaining. He was going to find out soon anyway, so she decided to play with him. “I hope nobody stole those ‘memories’.”

“I hope so too, because I really want to see them,” he frowned.

“As I said, maybe you will,” she smiled. She turned her attention over the room again and the first thing she looked at was the young couple. They were asking each other’s help now. “This lasts too much. We had to wait nearly 5 months and now we have to wait another hours?”

Derek patted her leg comfortingly.

Meredith was getting tired, so she put her head on his shoulder again. Derek welcomed her into his arms and rested his cheek against her head. They stood in silence with their memories about the day they met.

As they stood there and Derek held Meredith that way in his arms, he felt like this was the perfect time and place. He hadn’t left the ring at the hospital, so he could do it right away. Suddenly at this idea, his stomach flipped. He couldn’t remember when the last time he felt this nervous was. He was sure she wouldn’t like the ring, but he was going to change it with another one. He was sure she would understand.

Derek pulled away from their embrace and patted the pocket that had the ring. This was the perfect time for proposing. This was outstanding enough for a proposal.

“What is it?” she asked him when she saw him fussing in his seat.

“Nothing,” he smiled reassuringly.

Meredith eyed him suspiciously.

“Don’t give me this look because it frightens me,” Derek frowned. “And it intimidates me too.”

“Do I intimidate you?” Meredith laughed.

“Sometimes,” Derek shrugged.

Meredith leaned to him and whispered, “I don’t intimidate you in bed, do I?”

“No,” he chuckled. “I just have to do something. Something important and you intimidate me if you give me this suspicious look.”

“What do have to do?” she asked and tried not to look suspicious.

Derek put his hand into the pocket and hid the box into his palm. He stood up from the bench and knelt in front of Meredith.

“Derek?” Meredith asked him, almost speechless.

Derek revealed the box in his hand and felt his heart racing madly in his chest when he opened the box. He didn’t know how he found the energy for the words, “Will you marry me?”

Meredith stared at him in complete shock.

“I mean, I know. We’re married, but… will you marry me again?”

Meredith had to remember how to breathe and swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. She looked in Derek’s eyes and saw them blurry. Then she realized she was tearing. She smiled at him and nodded slowly.

Derek jumped up and scooped her into his arms almost instinctively. He held her head between his hands and kissed her feverishly.

As they come out for air and Meredith wiped her eyes, she giggled. “Thank God you didn’t squeal.”

“Hmm,” someone cleared its throat behind them, apologizing for disturbing. They turned and saw an officer. “Congratulations!” he told them. “But please keep it down.”

“We will,” Derek laughed and wrapped his arms around Meredith.

Derek pulled Meredith back on the bench and took the ring out of the box. He took her left hand and slid it against her wedding band. He was anxiously waiting for Meredith’s protest toward the ring now.

Meredith let her hand rest in his and smiled, looking into his eyes. Derek was still waiting, but surprisingly Meredith had no reaction to the ring in particularly.

“Do you actually like the ring?” Derek chuckled.

Meredith gave a better look at it as he asked her that. The rock was a little too big for her taste, but it was her engagement ring so she had to like it. “I won’t wear it much,” she smiled apologetically. “I have to take it off each time I scrub in.”

“I will buy you a necklace and you can wear it attached to it,” he answered.

“Ok,” she smiled.

“But do you like it? I could change it for something smaller.”

Meredith giggled. “Are you kidding me? I will keep it. You never know. Maybe my kids and I will be starving one day.”

Derek laughed at her joke. “You and your kids will never starve,” he assured her.

“Then I guess I could scratch your car with it if we divorce.”

“Hmm,” Derek wasn’t very happy to hear that. “Apparently, Cristina knew you would like it. And she knew why too.”

“Cristina?” Meredith asked, confused. “Speaking of Cristina. She passed past me earlier and smiled. She smiled at me. Why are you talking about Cristina? Did she…”

“She did.” He smiled. “You two need each other,” he said softly, caressing her cheek.

Meredith sighed and smiled. “Thank you.”

“No reason to,” he reassured her.

“Mr. Shepherd?” an officer called for Derek and motioned for him to go to him.

After Derek took his suitcase, it was Meredith’s turn to go and take hers. Surprisingly, all the suitcases looked in good state. Derek took one of Meredith’s suitcases, but left them aside for a moment. He walked up to the man that had filled his form and was about to leave it at the office.

“Excuse me,” Derek apologized and leaned to his ear. “If you meet her later today, marry her right away.”

“What?” the man asked, amused and confused at the same time.

Derek just smiled and went back to Meredith.

“I hope you didn’t tell him what I think you did,” she giggled.

“Let’s go back to the hospital,” he answered with a grin and Meredith shook her head.

“Maybe you have just ruined their lives,” she said.

“You’re exaggerating as always,” he chuckled.

They were heading to the exit together, Derek dragging two suitcases after him and Meredith just one, and they were joking about the presumed residence of their luggage when they heard someone calling.

“Meredith? Meredith!”

They stopped and Meredith looked at Derek. “Is someone calling me?”

“I don’t know,” Derek looked around, trying to see who was calling.

“Oh my God! Meredith!” a man’s voice squealed.

Meredith was still trying to see who was calling for her, but Derek was faster. He saw a man making himself room through a crowd, waving his hand to them.

“Do you know that guy?” he asked Meredith and pointed to the place he saw him.

Meredith saw him too. Her features froze and all she could do was mutter, “Oh my God. No.”

“Who is he?” Derek asked her.

Meredith let her suitcase fall off her hand and sighed. Today they were definitely going back in time.
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McGrey Jul 22 2009, 08:00 PM Post #77
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 Chapter 40 – Prettier

“He knows you,” Derek noticed. “Who is he?” he asked and tried not to sound jealous and rather curious.

Meredith had her thoughts in complete haze. At Derek’s question, she managed to calm down her thoughts a little. She put her hands on Derek and said while pushing him further into a corner, “Can you stay there just a little bit?”

That offended Derek. “No.”

“Please,” Meredith begged him, in all this time looking after the guy that had called her name. When she looked back after him, it was too late because he was only two feet away from her.

“Meredith!” the man squealed and pulled Meredith into his arms, holding her into his embrace too long.

“Matthew,” Meredith muttered.

The guy named Matthew loosened his arms from around her body, but still held her as he looked at her. “I can’t believe I found you so fast. Oh, I am so sorry, Meredith. You have no idea how much I missed you. I am sorry I pushed you with the marriage. We don’t have to get married. Let’s just go back to what we were before. Look, I won’t even ask you to move back to Boston. I’ll graduate the Med School soon and I can start my practice here.”

Meredith just looked at him, without listening to him. Just a few words were passing by her ear, but she was too dazzled to process them very well.

“I can’t believe I found here. You were on vacation? I thought you wouldn’t be able to take a vacation during your first year as intern.”

Meredith had pushed Derek aside and he stood and watched everything, too confused and shocked with the sudden meeting. He didn’t have to ask who that guy was anymore. It was obvious that it was Meredith’s ex.

Matthew pulled Meredith back into his arms and this time, took her head into his hands and pressed a kiss against her lips.

Meredith became rigid immediately and raised her hands in defense. She had to use force to pull away.

Derek decided to step in, clearing his throat.

Matthew noticed Derek for the first time. “Hi,” he smiled. He looked at Meredith then. “Were you gone with work?”

Meredith couldn’t find her words right away so she just shook her head. “What are you doing here?” she asked him, coming back to self control now.

“I told you. For you,” he answered. “I know it took me this long, but trust me, I missed you so much.”

Meredith had to process fast now. She was aware of Derek’s presence there and she didn’t want to ruin what they had built so far.

She took a step back from Matthew and answered, “5 months is longer than a while. Now that you’re here,” she paused and turned to Derek, “I’d like you to meet Derek,” she said and Derek took her hand.

Matthew looked at him again and smiled, not paying attention to their holding hands. “Hi. You must be…”

“My husband.”

“Meredith’s husband.”

Meredith and Derek answered at the same time and didn’t let him finish his false impression.

“Your what?” He chuckled, obviously not believing them at first, but then, as he looked at Meredith and saw her serious face, he looked down at her left hand. He saw the two rings on her finger and started to believe them. “I can’t believe this,” he muttered.

Meredith answered to that with a shrug from her shoulders and Matthew saw that. “That’s it?” he asked her, ironically shrugging his shoulders too. “That’s all you have to say?”

“What do you want her to say?” Derek retorted. He felt he was getting angrier with this guy with each minute that passed.

“Stay out of this,” Matthew retorted also, without raising his voice, but the tone of it showed how angry he was.

“There’s nothing he has to stay out of,” Meredith snapped at him. “What do you want me to feel guilty? Do you want me to apologize for moving on? You dumped me.”

“No. We both fought and agreed to break up,” Matthew retorted. “And this is how you moved on? You didn’t want to marry me but you married this guy?”

“Hey,” Derek warned him, not liking the way he was referring at him.

Matthew chose to ignore Derek. “What kind of relationship is this? Did you know him? How come after 5 months you’re married?” he asked Meredith.

“We just are,” Meredith answered simply.

“We just are,” Matthew muttered sarcastically. He ran his hands through his blonde curls, sighing with exasperation. Slowly he seemed to be calming down. “You are just coming back from the honeymoon?” he asked her and glanced at Derek too.

Meredith looked at Derek before she found the courage to tell the truth. “Actually we’ve been married for a while now.”

Matthew looked confused. “May I know how long?”

Meredith shrugged. “5 months, I guess.”

Matthew stared at her for a moment while he processed everything. “5 months ago you were still with me. Were you cheating on me?” he asked and maintained the calm.

“No,” Meredith answered. “I met Derek when I arrived to Seattle. In this airport.”

Matthew stared at her longer this time.

“Yes,” Meredith decided to help him understand. “We got married the same day we met. Kind of. Or it was the next day?” she asked Derek.

Derek wanted to answer, but Matthew cut in, nervous. “I don’t need to know. We’ve been together for so long and you turned me down when I proposed to you, but later you married with a guy you just met. Were you drunk or he forced you?”

Meredith didn’t have to answer to that. “You were drunk.” He answered himself. He shook his head and remained silent with his thoughts.

Derek was getting impatient with this situation also and checked his watch. “We have to go back to the hospital, Meredith.”

Meredith was more than glad to get out of that situation too. “We should hurry,” she nodded her head. She looked at Matthew and she would have wanted to tell him something. She didn’t want to apologize because she had no reason to, but she would have told him something comforting. He looked like he needed some comfort.

“We have to go,” was all she found to say to him.

Matthew just looked at her and didn’t answer. As he didn’t seem to have anything else to say to her either, Derek took the suitcases and motioned for Meredith go with him.

Meredith sighed and flashed Matthew an apologetic smile before she turned and followed Derek. Matthew stayed in the same spot as if the news had frozen him.

In the car, neither of them said anything. Neither of them knew what to say about what had just happened. Meredith could guess what Derek was feeling though; it was enough to watch his fingers nervously tapping against the steering wheel.

“This airport is weird,” Meredith broke the silence after a while.

“Hmm,” Derek just muttered.

Meredith sighed, tired with his mood. “Don’t tell me you are jealous.”

“Why would I be?” he retorted sarcastically.

“Derek,” she sighed.

“Don’t Derek me with a sigh,” he grumbled.

“What do you want me to say or do? I didn’t call him and ask him to come here. Besides, you knew about my ex before we got married.”

Derek knew he had no reason to be angry with Meredith, but he couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. “How old is he anyway? He didn’t even finish the Med School.”

“He is just a little bit younger than me,” she answered matter-of-factly.

Derek didn’t say anything else and as he kept driving, the anger he felt toward that guy Matthew started fading. Meredith saw he was calming down and coming back to normal. That was one of the things Meredith really liked about Derek; each time he lost his calm, he got it back quickly without becoming aggressive.

“This airport is weird indeed,” Derek agreed when he stopped at the red light and let his hands off the steering wheel. He looked at his right and smiled at Meredith. “I wasn’t jealous.”

“Sure,” Meredith giggled. She knew better.

“You didn’t have the courage to make the step then, but do you think it would have worked as it works for us now?” he asked her.

“I don’t know,” Meredith answered. “He is a really nice guy; he’s thoughtful, sensitive and supportive. Sometimes he’s funny too. But I don’t think we would have had any chance as married couple.”

Derek watched her, curious with her confession. He was a modest man, but all the things she said about Matthew could be used for his description too. An angry honk awake Derek from his confusion and Derek drove away. “So you think you wouldn't have had any chance. Why is that?”

“I don’t know,” Meredith answered frankly.

“Hmm,” Derek nodded. “I have a question. What’s the difference between me and him?”

Meredith was caught off guard with that question. “You are…” she had trouble in finding a difference.

While Meredith was thinking about that, Derek kept driving and giving her glances from time to time, still waiting for an answer. By the frown on her face, Meredith looked like she was deeply thinking.

“We’re alike?” he asked her.

“No!”

“Ok, then what’s the difference between me and him. Why do you think you wouldn’t have had a chance with him, but you have with me?”

“Because…”

Derek glanced at her and nodded, encouraging her to go on.

“Because you’re prettier,” she answered.

“I am what?” Derek chuckled. “Prettier?”

“Yes.”

“Ok. That’s good. I guess,” he muttered. Honestly, he had expected on something more than just prettier, but prettier was nice of her to say too, he comforted himself.

-------

By the time they arrived at the hospital, the tension between them disappeared. They didn’t know what Matthew was going to do now after such news, but they knew they were going to deal together.

Being back to work, Matthew was almost forgotten. Meredith had a break later in the afternoon and so she decided to go to the locker room and check on her suitcases to see if she received all her things back.

Just one suitcase had a special interest for her, so that was the first one she unzipped. Between other clothes she had brought with her, there were also a photo album and a black dress. Meredith had a smile on her face as she ran her hand over those two objects. Her thoughts drifted back in time and she didn’t notice when the locker room door opened.

“You carry those with you everywhere?” a man asked her, amused.

Meredith stirred at that voice and as she looked up at the door, there he was; tall and elegant in his long jacket, with his blonde curls raveled. Matthew was smiling at her, but less excited than earlier that day.

“How did you get in here?” she asked him.

Matthew chuckled as he made a step forward. “I am still kind of charming so it wasn’t hard to convince a nurse to help.”

“Hmm,” Meredith nodded. “Let’s see if your charm will help you come out of the trouble with the Chief.” Then, as they seemed to feel more comfortable with each other, Meredith smiled wearily. “What do you want?”

Matthew shrugged his shoulders and walking inside, he took a seat on the bench across from Meredith. “I guess the only thing I want now is to understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Why are you doing this? You’re still with the man you married in Vegas,” he answered. “He’s a stranger to you. And I also find it hard to believe that you’d do something like this just to get easier over your first year as resident.”

Meredith held a hand in the air, stopping him. “First of all, how do you know about Vegas? And second of all, he’s no longer a stranger to me.”

“I went to see your parents,” Matthew answered with calm.

“You did what?”

“I had to go and find a good explanation of what has happened to you.”

“And?” Meredith questioned. “Did you find a good one?”

Matthew shrugged again. “You were drunk.”

“I was drunk. We were both drunk and we were in Vegas, drinking, gambling and talking about our exes. The next morning we woke up with wedding bands on our fingers,” Meredith explained.

“Are you sure this marriage is valid?” Matthew asked her.

“It is, so don’t get any hope, because what was between us ended the day I arrived in Seattle. We are going to make this marriage to work. I want to.”

Matthew listened calmly to her and in the end he nodded his head. “Your mother was very firm too.”

“My mother?”

“Yes,” Matthew nodded. “She was at home when I went to see your dad. She asked me not to cause you trouble. Besides this, I can see that this is what you really want.”

Dumbfounded with what Matthew had said about her mother, Meredith just muttered, “It is.”

“Is he behaving nice to you?”

“Yes,” Meredith nodded. “Derek is great.”

Matthew hesitated a little before he asked, “Better than me?”

Meredith just smiled and didn’t have the courage to answer. Matthew let out a chuckle then. “I won’t ask more. Your silence says everything.”

“Why do you want to know the compare with the ex?” Meredith asked intrigued. “Of course I wouldn’t tell my actual how great my ex was and of course I wouldn’t tell my ex how poor the actual is. “

“I know,” Matthew laughed. “Women tend to go for better.”

Meredith just smiled. “He is a very decent man,” she added.

Matthew sighed and smiling sympathetically, gave a brief look around him. His eyes locked on her opened suitcase again. “Do you know what my regret is now?” he asked. “That I didn’t get to see you dressed in this.”

Meredith picked up her dress from the suitcase. “My prom dress. I never wore it.”

“Maybe you should,” he smiled and he was talking about a dinner with Derek, of course.

“Maybe I should,” she smiled.

“Ok,” he sighed and broke the intimate silence they shared for a moment. He stood up and turned again to Meredith. “Take care. I am glad you moved on.”

“Thank you,” she smiled.

Matthew nodded and waved his hand as he turned to the door.

“What are you going to do now?” she stopped him.

“I will spend a day or two around, then I am going back to Boston,” he answered.

“Ok,” she nodded. “Good luck.”

Matthew smiled and turned back to the door. Just then, Derek walked in. He froze in the doorway, surprised to find Matthew in there with Meredith.

Matthew didn’t say anything to Derek and just walked past him, out of the locker room, leaving Derek look questioningly at Meredith.

In the meantime, Meredith put the dress back in the suitcase. “I am on call tonight, but what do you say if we go out for dinner tomorrow?”

“Why?” he asked, a little suspicious. “Do you have anything to announce?”

“No,” Meredith chuckled at his jealousy. “But I have something to show you.”

“Hint?” he asked.

“No hint,” Meredith teased.

She zipped her suitcase and put it next to the other. “Take this home with you when you leave.”

“I will,” he answered, satisfied to see Meredith calm and the relationship between them as it was before they met Matthew at the airport.

Meredith walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed her body against his and mewed against his lips. Derek chuckled and brushed her hair out of her face. “I can’t even brag with my beautiful fiancé.”

Meredith giggled. “No, but you can brag with your wife.”

“Hmm,” Derek grinned against her lips. “That’s even better, because I can brag with her for the rest of my life.”

“Cheesy,” Meredith giggled and kissed him quickly before she pulled back from his arms. “I have the pit waiting.”

“And Cristina’s charts because you’re coming back to me.”

Meredith just smiled and left the locker room, going back to her work.

-----

The next day, it was in the evening, a little before Derek had to meet Meredith in the lobby to take her out for dinner, when Mark called after Derek.

“Hey,” Derek stopped to let his friend caught up with him. “What’s up?”

“Who is this guy?” Mark asked him, out of breath.

“What guy?”

“This guy Matthew,” Mark answered with frustration.

“He’s Meredith’s ex,” Derek answered, amused with Mark’s face.

“What is he doing here?”

“I am not sure what he’s doing here now, but I don’t care because it doesn’t have anything to do with Meredith anymore.”

“Then find out what’s his plan,” Mark frowned. “Maybe you should try and find something. Maybe he has a secret plan for your wife.”

“No, he doesn’t,” Derek frowned, not liking what his friend was saying.

“Maybe he wants to kidnap her. You just find out. See how long he intends to stay, where he will live during his stay.”

“What did he do to you?” Derek asked, suspicious.

“To me? Nothing.”

“Then I am not curious to investigate his life.”

“You should,” Mark grumbled.

“Tell me why,” Derek insisted, curious.

Mark remained silent for a moment, like he was looking for an answer, “Because that’s your job as husband.”

Derek knew he was hiding something. He was determined not to listen to Mark. “Meredith said he would leave tomorrow morning. He has to go back to school.”

“Back to school?” Mark chuckled. “I knew he couldn’t be older than 20.”

“He is a little older than 20.”

“Any younger male than you should stay away from your wife. You should be aware of him.”

Derek was even more curious now to find out the real reason for Mark’s rage against Matthew. Slowly, Derek started to process. He had seen Matthew at the hospital besides the visit he had paid to Meredith in the locker room and when he saw him, he saw him with Lexie.

“Why don’t you ask Lexie?” Derek asked him. “I saw she’s getting along with him very well.”

“I know,” Mark grumbled obviously.

Derek chuckled at his reaction. “You’re jealous of him.”

“I am not!” Mark protested. “I don’t care what Lexie does and I am not afraid of him. I am better than him. And I mean by all meanings.”

Derek knew better what his answer really meant. Then he remembered the comfort Meredith had used for him. “You’re much prettier than him.”

“Prettier?” Mark grimaced. “I am God compared to him! Prettier is not even a comparison. When someone tells you that you’re prettier than the other, then you should start thinking of how honest that person is.”

Derek rolled his eyes and didn’t want to let Mark’s words to annoy him.

Mark noticed his friend’s displeasure and started to suspect something. “Did Meredith use ‘prettier’ as comparison?”

“What so if she did?” Derek huffed.

Mark shook his head with disapproval. “I told you. Be aware.”

“I am satisfied with prettier. Prettier means that I am better than him. Even just a little. She finds me prettier than him.”

Mark kept shaking his head. “Stop doing that!” Derek frowned. “You know nothing. Besides, he’s not after Meredith anymore. He likes Lexie now, because he knows she’s still available,” Derek knew his sensitive spot now. “I saw them talking and laughing yesterday and today they had lunch in cafeteria.”

“I don’t care,” Mark huffed and as he couldn’t listen to his friend anymore, he turned away and left back to the elevators.

“He likes Lexie,” Derek noticed, smiling surprised.

“Who likes Lexie?” Meredith asked, walking up behind him.

Derek turned to her with a smile. “Everyone likes Lexie.”

“Including you?” Meredith smiled, lifting a brow.

“She’s a good girl, but she’s not my type,” he answered. “Are you ready to go?”

Meredith nodded, feeling nervous as if they were on their first date. She was wearing her black dress now and she was anxiously waiting for Derek’s impression toward it. Just that Derek put a hand on her back, gave her a kiss and led her to the exit.

He didn’t even look at her dress, Meredith noticed with displeasure. Therefore, during the ride to the restaurant, Meredith wasn’t very chatty. She just gave him short answers. Derek noticed that but he thought she was just tired after a 48 hour shift.

They walked into the restaurant together and a waiter led them to their table, which Derek had reserved into a private corner, with a beautiful view over Seattle. The sky was clear that evening and stars and lights were shining over the city.

“You said you had something to show me,” Derek remembered.

Meredith spread the napkin onto her lap and grumbling a ‘yes.’

Derek was waiting.

“I already did,” she grumbled. “My dress.”

“Your dress?” Derek asked, confused.

“The dress I am wearing right now is my prom dress; which I never got to wear it.”

Derek understood then she wasn’t just tired. How was he to know she wanted to be admired? She wasn’t that kind of girl. Besides that, he didn’t know the story about her prom dress. He decided to make it up for his lack of attention though.

He leaned over the table and took her hand. “Meredith, if I get to look into your beautiful green eyes before looking at your wardrobe, then everything else disappears.”

“Derek,” Meredith groaned in protest, but Derek could see her blushing and a small smile playing at the corner of her lips.

Derek chuckled at her reaction. “I am sorry,” he apologized sincerely.

Meredith could not be upset with him anymore; not after such cheesiness.

“How come it’s your prom dress but you never wore it?” he asked her.

“I sprained my ankle and because of this my date ditched me,” Meredith answered.

“I am sorry,” Derek squeezed her hand in comfort.

“Please don’t! He smelled like onion all the time,” she said.

“Onion?” Derek laughed.

“Yeah. He was using two cologne in the same time because he liked the combination, but he was the only one that liked it.”

“I am still sorry that you couldn’t go to the prom. I would have taken you even if you had your ankle in cast.”

“Thanks,” Meredith giggled. “Anyway, I like this dress. It’s special to me because this is the first thing that I bought with my own money. I worked as waitress for a little while. Until mom found out.”

“You did?” Derek laughed, surprised with the new information about his wife. “Were they tipping you well?”

“Hmm. I couldn’t complain.”

“Then I am going to tip you even better,” Derek grinned at her while he looked through the pocket of his jacket. He took out a rectangular box and put it on the table in front of her.

Meredith looked at the black box. “Derek,” she protested. “You don’t have to buy me things all the time now.”

“I know. Because you can sell the engagement ring after the divorce and you will get enough money out of it,” he laughed. “Open this one.”

Meredith opened and revealed a thin white gold necklace.

“For the ring,” Derek answered.

“It’s beautiful,” Meredith smiled gratefully.

While Derek took the necklace out of the box, Meredith took the ring off her finger. Derek slid it on the necklace and then stood up and walked around the table to help her put it on her neck.

When he rested his hand on her shoulder, she held it and smiled up at him. Derek leaned down, cupping her cheek and kissing her softly. There was something in their kiss and in their eyes as they looked at each other that made their relationship prettier than every other relationship they had had before they met.
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bunnyss Jul 30 2009, 07:07 AM Post #78


Great fic! Read the whole thing over the past few days! Keep it up! Glad to see that you write for yourself, not just for comments. Just know that there are those of us that enjoy it, even if we don't comment every update!
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McGrey Aug 9 2009, 08:53 PM Post #79
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 Chapter 41 - Say thanks to Santa (I)

Meredith had butterflies in her stomach. How often happened that to her? Not so many times- excepting the indigestion. This morning, as she lay on the filthy bench of the locker room, Meredith couldn’t get her stomach calm down. She had no indigestion as she hadn’t eaten much for the last 48 hours; being on call was part of the reason and also the wedding party preparations.

Wedding. She could not get that word out of her head. She knew it wasn’t a real wedding. She was married already, but yet she felt like she was getting married for the first time. Besides the wedding, there were Derek’s sisters; all 4 of them expected to land this morning to Seattle.

Big day. Her biggest and longest day.

It was still dark outside, but she could still hear the blizzard blowing outside and the snow falling. She watched blindly the snow, blocking all her thoughts out. She stirred when she heard the door opening and stood up, expecting interns coming to get ready for the day. Instead of an intern, Doc hurried inside held by Derek with his leash.

“Why didn’t you get yourself a bed?” Derek asked and flicked the lights on.

“Why are you walking the dog through the hospital?” she answered with a question. She bent over to pet Doc.

Derek sighed and took a seat beside Meredith on the bench. “Isn’t this supposed to be our day? Why are we organizing everything? It’s 5 in the morning and mom and Adele called me to come and pick up the dog, do something with it and then take the food they prepared over to your parents’ house.”

“Let’s do it our way,” Meredith suggested eagerly.

“Do you mean running?” he chuckled.

Meredith shrugged as she kept petting Doc. “I don’t see myself going through a ceremony with minister and vows and sisters.”

“Oh so the problem are the sisters,” Derek nodded understandingly. “Meredith, my sisters are nice.”

“Not just them,” Meredith muttered. “I am sleepy.”

Derek pulled her into his arms and her head rested on his shoulder. “Why didn’t you sleep? I told Bailey to take it easy on you because you have a wedding to attend.” Meredith smiled at him apologetically. “I have an idea,” Derek chuckled and stood up. “Come with me.”

“I need to change the clothes,” she said.

“Ok,” Derek and Doc sat back down. He made himself comfortable on the bench, leaning against the lockers and waited.

Meredith lifted a brow as she saw him watching her.

“Meredith, I know you body better than you do,” Derek chuckled.

“It’s not that,” Meredith giggled. “And so untrue, by the way. I just have the wedding dress in here.”

Derek was suddenly even more interested. “You do? Where? How tiny is it if it fits in your locker?” he grinned at her lustily.

Meredith turned her back on him, trying to ignore him while she took her scrubbing top off. Silently, Derek stood up and walked up behind her, wrapping her into his arms and propping her against the locker.

“Now, that’s what I call a good morning,” he moaned, nuzzling against her neck. His lips started tracing the curve line of her neck and kissed her jaw.

Meredith leaned against him, enchanted with his embrace and his kisses. “Derek,” she moaned and turned around in his arms. “Someone might see us.”

“So?” he grinned against her lips. “Are we doing anything immoral?” he asked as he took her leg and lifted it to his hip.

Meredith closed her eyes with a moan of satisfaction. He always knew how to make her lost her senses.

Derek gently cupped her cheek and their lips met, intertwining into a passionate kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close as they kissed.

They would have gone further, Meredith had no doubt of that, if the door hadn’t opened and noisy people walked in.

They hardly had time to pull apart when the a few interns stopped, staring at them.

Derek flashed them a smile and went back to the bench, while Meredith changed her clothes with incredible speed. At first, the hospital staff had gossiped about their relationship and marriage; later, they wondered what was with the news of their upcoming wedding; next, they were going to gossip about the sex they were about to have in the locker room.

Derek and Meredith didn’t care about such things anymore. They had grown as couple and even Richard got used catching them making out in hidden corners of the hospital.

Once changed, Meredith walked at the end of the lockers and took her dress from a shelf.

“Done,” she told Derek, coming back to him.

“Is it white?” he asked her, curiously watching her wrapped dress.

“I am not telling you,” she teased. “You weren’t even supposed to see me until the wedding.”

“Old crap superstition,” he rolled his eyes.

“Maybe, but your mom was very precise about this. You weren’t even supposed to be here now, were you?”

“I was worried about you.”

“Sure you were,” she smiled sarcastically and leaned to him to whisper; “You needed my help to chill out.”

Derek chuckled and didn’t deny. “Come with me.”

“Where?” she asked him as they walked out hand in hand and Derek holding Doc’s leash.

It was still dark outside when, after 20 minutes of driving, Derek pulled the car on their land.

Meredith stared in awe out the windshield at the two storage house that stood hidden in darkness. “It has walls,” she managed to breathe out a few words.

“Yeah. It has all the walls and windows. Unfortunately, we still can’t move in. They need do the plumbing, the electricity.

“I want to see the inside,” Meredith stated eagerly. “Did you see it?”

Derek nodded as he watched the house. “Yesterday. But now it’s dark and as I said, we don’t have electricity, so we have to wait.”

Derek opened the door and got out of the car. The wind was blowing cold and the snow had stopped. He wrapped his scarf around his neck and buried his face in it as he waited for Meredith to get Doc and join him outside.

“It’s big,” Meredith noticed, now that she was closer to the house. “Who’s going to clean it?”

Derek laughed at her. “It’s not that big. Wait until it’s filled with furniture and kids,” he said and smirked as he mentioned the kids.

Meredith giggled and leaned to him, looking for his warmth. Derek put an arm around, gently rubbing her, protecting her from the cold. “To bad we can’t move in right away,” she muttered with a sighed.

Derek agreed with her feelings. He rubbed his cheek against her forehead and directed her to the spot where their old house was hidden.

Meredith smiled as she guessed their trailer.

“Let’s go in,” said Derek and started walking together, led by Doc, who was already familiar with the place.

The trailer was placed under a big tree, so it was even more sunk in darkness than the house. They walked in easily as they knew the inside of it like their own pockets. Derek looked for a lamp he knew he had around and soon, a very dim light was brought into their old bedroom. He sat the lamp on a table aside and came to sit beside Meredith. She leaned to him immediately, looking for his embrace again.

Derek held her into his arms, together enjoying each other’s embrace and scent.

“I think we still have a set of linens and a blanket here,” Derek stated quietly, standing up from the bed.

Then he noticed Doc laying by the door with his nose stuck to it. “What’s with this dog?” Derek asked as since they arrived there, Doc kept sniffing the place all around.

“I don’t know,” Meredith answered, not really interested.

Derek opened the door as he thought that maybe the dog needed outside. Doc ran outside indeed but just to keep sniffing. That’s when Derek saw the snow that had started again.

“Come and see this!” he called Meredith.

Meredith got off the bed and wrapped her arms around her as she got closer to the door and felt the cold. “It’s snowing,” she noticed and a smile showed up on her face as she watched the beautiful landscape.

“Big flakes,” Derek nodded.

“What is he doing? What is he looking for?” Meredith asked Derek, noticing Doc with his nose in the snow.

“Maybe he’s waiting for Santa,” Derek chuckled.

“Make him wait inside, because we don’t have heat in here anyway,” Meredith grumbled and walked back in the bedroom.

“Doc! Come here, boy!” Derek called the dog and he answered right away.

Derek looked through a closet and found indeed a set of linens and a blanket. Meredith helped him with the sheets and, while Derek spread the blanket over the bed, she started taking her clothes here.

“We don’t have pillows though.”

Meredith shrugged and started shivering. “Who cares about the pillows? Get in bed, I am freezing.”

Derek chuckled and hurried stripping his clothes off. “Ugh! This is cold,” he winced as they got in bed together. But they had each other’s body to heat up.

Derek pulled Meredith into his arms and all they needed to do for heating up was kiss and make love to each other. The cold, the snow and the wind outside were soon forgotten.

---

Through her closed lids, Meredith felt a blinding light. Slowly she started coming out of her sleeping state and opened her eyes with difficulty. The light inside their trailer was blinding indeed.

As she had slept with her head on Derek’s arm, Meredith saw his watch. It was well passed 12 o’clock.

“Derek?” she stood up and shook him slowly, confused looking around.

“Mmm?” he moaned, rolling to her.

“What with this light?”

“What light?” Derek muttered sleepily.

“It’s too much light in here,” Meredith answered. “Everything is white. And it’s passed 12. And at 2 starts the ceremony.”

“We still have time to get to your parents’ house,” he muttered and pulled Meredith down to him. “Now get back here and keep me warm.” He shifted closer to her, pressing his body against hers. Derek let out a moan of satisfaction and sigh, “Now this is life.”

Meredith giggled, spoiling herself with his laziness. “How about the food you had to deliver?”

“It’s cold outside, it won’t debase.”

Meredith rolled into his arms to face him and smiled as she ran her fingers over his unshaved beard. “Sometimes I like it.”

“What?”

“Your beard,” she answered. “I think that’s what defines your look.”

Derek opened one eye to look at her. “Really? I thought it was my hair.”

Meredith giggled. She pushed him by his shoulder, flipping him onto his back, and she got on top of him. Derek was wide awake now. Meredith looked into his eyes while they smiled at each other.

“What is it?” he asked her when he was sure she had something on her mind.

“You’re not that good looking, you know?” Meredith narrowed her eyes.

“Excuse me?” Derek laughed.

“Yes. You’re not. But all your … ugly features… everything together makes you charming.”

Derek looked at her, not believing what he was hearing. She looked like she believed in what she was saying though. “Really? Am I ugly?”

“No,” Meredith laughed. “I said you had ugly features, but you look charming.”

Derek looked, confused. “Thanks. I guess.”

Meredith brushed her lips against his, giggling. “I hope our kids will look like me.”

“Now you’re just mocking me!” Derek laughed and flipped her onto her back, rolling on top of her. “And you’re so skinny.”

“I am. I admit it,” she smiled.

“I don’t admit anything about me,” he frowned.

Meredith just smiled and shrugged.

“See what happens if you get drunk and get married. You get yourself an ugly husband,” Derek chuckled.

Meredith faked a sigh of resignation and then started laughing. “I don’t mind.”

“I know.”

“And you’re not that ugly.”

Derek lifted a brow. “You can do better than this.”

Meredith giggled and answered, “You’re not ugly.”

“I know,” he answered with a smirk.

“I know you know,” she giggled.

Derek made himself comfortable on top of her, propping his arms beside her, and his lips started defining her beautiful features.

“Why don’t we leave this for our honeymoon?” she asked, slowly pushing him away.

Derek looked at her with confusion. “Since when are you rejecting my sex hints?”

“You know I never dare to reject you, but we’re getting late,” Meredith pointed out.

Derek sighed, not very happy with what was going on, but got off her. “And since when are you so eager to get to the wedding?”

“Since everyone considers me the irresponsible one in this relationship.”

“No one those that.”

Meredith gave him a knowing look. She sighed as she realized that they were about to have a fight. “Let’s just get over this day. Ok?”

“Ok,” he smiled. “But we don’t have to wait the honeymoon to have sex again, do we? I mean, the honeymoon is next year.”

“It’s next week actually,” Meredith giggled. “And no, we don’t have to wait until then. There’s a wedding night too, remember?”

Derek chuckled smugly. “Oh yeah. Our second wedding night. How great are we?”

Meredith just laughed. They got dressed and Derek went to open the door. As he did that, he found it blocked by something.

“What’s going on?” Meredith asked him.

“I am not sure,” he answered and pushed the door a little harder. A blinding white landscape revealed in front of their eyes in that moment.

Everything was covered by snow. The SUV had its wheels entirely sunk in the snow; the road was no longer visible and it kept snowing. Not as bad as in the morning, but they knew what that meant.

Derek looked at Meredith and the next second he hurried to his jacket to take his phone. The signal was gone.

“This is not good,” Meredith concluded quietly.

“I am going outside to see if I can catch a little signal,” he stated and walked outside, almost falling in the deep snow.

Doc followed him, but he wasn’t that worried as his master. Contrary, he was happy to swim in the snow, puddle it and play in it.

Derek walked to the place he knew the road was and was relieved to see that the signal was back to his phone; weak, but still there. From the second the signal got in, messages started beeping his phone. Of course they had everyone worried. He deleted everything and dialed the first familiar number he had in his phone.

That was Adele’s number.

“Derek!” her panicked voice answered before the phone could start ringing. “Derek, where are you? Are you alright? Is Meredith with you?”

“Yes, Meredith is with me and we’re alright,” he hurried to calm her down.

“Where are you? You were both supposed to be here by now.”

“We’re… we’re at the trailer and… it’s a lot of snow, Adele.”

“Of course it is!” Adele snapped at him now. Now that she knew they were safe, she had the right to be angry. “Why in the world you stayed there when you saw the way it was snowing?”

“Adele,” Derek sighed.

“Do not Adele me! And be grateful that your mom or Meredith’s parents are not in the room,” she warned him, lowering her voice. “The minister can’t stay long because he has to get ready for the Christmas ceremony and most of the roads are still blocked because of the snow. Do you know what they’re showing on TV?”

“Umm… I guess you don’t know that we don’t have electricity here.”

“It’s not the proper moment to be sarcastic, Derek. What are you going to do now?”

“I don’t know,” he sighed. “The road is covered with snow and I don’t know if I can get with the car through it.”

“Then grab a spade and start digging.” Then Derek heard her sighing and after a moment of silence she said, “What am I doing? I guess is safer for you to stay there until they free the roads. You still have the food you were supposed to bring here, I hope.”

“It’s untouched.”

“Good, because if it starts snowing again, you will need it. You have the dog?”

“Yes. I stopped by the hospital to see Meredith and she was tired, so I brought her here. We bought fell asleep. Is everyone there already? I mean, Nancy and…”

“Yes. Everyone landed before the storm,” Adele answered. “They’re all here. Your friends Naomi and Sam arrived also. At least they’re all here for Christmas, so get here when you can. Just drive safely, ok?”

“Ok.”

“I am going to announce everyone that you and Meredith are safe.”

“Thanks and we’ll keep in touch.”

Derek hung up and ran his hands through his hair as he watched the road. Luckily, he had chosen to take the SUV that morning. Maybe he could get it started and drive slowly on snow. “Maybe they cleaned the main road,” he said when Meredith came at his side.

Meredith took his hand and put her head on his shoulder. “Maybe if we ask Doc to puddle the road… Look what a great job he’s doing with the yard,” she giggled and both looked at Doc’s fun in the snow.

“Say thanks to Santa for that,” Derek laughed at the dog. “And you too,” he told Meredith.

“It’s not what I asked Santa for,” Meredith huffed.

Derek pulled her into his arms. “Adele’s right. At least everyone is together for Christmas. We’ll get there by tomorrow. Before Santa, that’s for sure. Do you want to see the house on the inside?” he asked Meredith.

“Derek, we’re stuck here. Shouldn’t we find a way to leave this place?”

“We have food. Doc is with us. We have each other.” He stopped as he saw Meredith’s look. “Ok. We’ll see what we can do to get to the wedding.”

“I know we’re married already,” Meredith wanted to explain. “But … we need this wedding party with its so called wedding ceremony to have all the family see us as married couple. Mom still thinks we’re fooling around, playing as married couple. Your mom’s opinion is not better either.”

“Ok, I will grab the spade.”

“And I will help.”

“I have only one spade. I don’t carry too many of this in the truck,” he chuckled.

“And I will encourage you and wipe the sweat off your forehead.”

“Now that’s a thoughtful wife.”

Meredith laughed and went together to his car. She took a little from the food for the wedding as she and Derek, and Doc too, needed something to eat before anything else.
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McGrey Sep 17 2009, 04:58 AM Post #80
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 Chapter 42 – Say Thanks to Santa (II)

Wherever they looked was white. Their SUV was slowly advancing, but they were grateful for not fighting against the snow.

“We were supposed to be there at this hour,” Meredith noticed as she checked her watch. She let out a sigh and added, “I guess we’ll have to re-schedule our wedding.”

Derek approved with a nod. “We’ll re-schedule it for our 25th anniversary.”

Meredith looked at him, almost convinced that he was speaking sarcastically; but as Derek glanced at her with a genuine smile, confirmed to her that he was speaking seriously.

“It’s a wedding party after all,” said Derek and looked through the rearview mirrors for more caution to the road. Then he looked at Meredith, “I wanted this ceremony to happen, but it’s not a tragedy that we’re not going to have it. We can have our own ceremony without a minister if we want.”

“Your mom is going to…”

“Do nothing,” he didn’t let her finish. “Stop worrying about my mom. I have this feeling that you hold some aversion against her,” he stated and Meredith heard the reproach in his voice also. “Allow me to remember how your mother reacted when she found out the news.”

“Ok, ok,” Meredith retorted defensively.

Derek felt tension building between them and he didn’t like it. It didn’t matter how the day had started, he still wanted it to be special; besides the scheduled event, it was also Christmas Eve. He took a deep breath and let his own frustration out. “I think I understand now why people don’t like mothers-in-law.”

“I think I understand them too,” Meredith nodded and smiled at each other.

“My mom might taunt over this a little bit, but she’s not a rude person. She won’t say anything inappropriate. And your mom looks like she got used to the situation.”

“Derek?” Meredith turned to him with a thoughtful frown. “We should try and have kids by the book. We have to something by the book in this marriage. I mean, it’s weird enough already.”

Derek chuckled. “You just let me know and I will help you have a baby by the book. I will respect each letter.”

Meredith smiled, obviously liking the idea. “Promise?”

“I swear,” he answered solemnly and raised his hand.

“Good,” she sighed with relief. “Then we will have another fun, because we have the mothers-in-law.”

“There’s a solution to their critics, you know. It not very mature, but it’s better than nothing,” Derek pointed out with amusement. “We can cover our ears.”

Meredith started laughing, “I am not sure about that. I tried that once when I was little and my mom shook me firmly; I felt an earthquake all day long.”

Despite her laughing, Derek could not believe what he was hearing.

“She didn’t beat me or anything,” Meredith stated, more serious now as she saw the look on Derek’s face. “It was pretty shaking though. I am sure you weren’t raised all in kisses and hugs.”

“My dad made sure of that, but I am not complaining,” he answered. “I was a decent kid. There’s this thing I don’t like about your family.” Meredith looked at him questioningly. “Where was your dad? And where is he now?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re always worried about what your mom will say. She was shaking you when you weren’t listening to her, she was also the one grounding you. Your dad didn’t have a word in your education?”

Meredith thought about Derek’s question and now that he was asking that, she realized, “No. Not really. My mom took all the important decision in my education. She has the last word no matter what is about.”

“I am grateful that you’re more like your father. I guess. I think you took a little from both of them and that’s… hopeful for me.”

“You wouldn’t like under my slipper, would you?” Meredith laughed.

“No. Though you’re very light and it can get very hot when you become bossy, I still like to have a word or two to say.”

“You can have as many words as you want,” Meredith reassured him. “It doesn’t mean that I have to listen,” she added jokingly.

“I noticed that,” Derek nodded knowingly and looked at her with a smile. “You like picking up fights out of nothing. That’s ok with me, because I like the making-ups.”

Silence fell over them, which felt calmer this time. Meredith shifted in her seat and looked in the back where Doc was sleeping carelessly. Meredith sighed; how she would have liked to be Doc now instead of a late bride to her own wedding; Doc also didn’t care about the mothers-in-law. Just then Derek’s phone started ringing.

He fumbled through the pocket of his jacket and gave it to Meredith as he had to pay attention to the road. Meredith felt a little relieved to see it was Adele calling. She flipped the phone open and switched it on speaker.

“Hi, Adele,”

“Meredith. Where are you? How is it going?” Adele asked, much calmer now.

“We’re moving; slowly, but we’re moving. How… How’s everyone there?”

“They are… waiting,” Adele tried to joke. “The minister left though. He couldn’t wait for you any longer. They’re showing on TV that they have started cleaning the streets already. How is it where you are?”

“Still covered with snow,” Derek cut in. “But we’re not far from civilization,” he added with a chuckle and Meredith rolled her eyes at him.

“Ok. Now don’t get depressed or anything. We still have Christmas Eve to celebrate and a huge cake to eat.”

“That’s exactly what I was telling Meredith,” Derek chuckled, smiling smugly at Meredith.

At Derek’s lack of worry toward the present events, Meredith started feeling better as well.

“We’ll keep it in touch with you,” Meredith told Adele and she hung up. Meredith took a deep breath and relaxed in her seat. “Everything is going to be ok, right?” she asked, looking over at Derek.

“Right,” he reassured her. “We weren’t too great kids this year, so I can’t assure you of what Santa might drop under the Christmas tree.”

“Oh we surely weren’t the best kids,” Meredith laughed. “I am not sure he appreciates Vegas weddings. Maybe Mrs. Santa Claus might find it a little bit … romantic. Do you think it’s romantic?” she put the question suddenly, changing the subject.

“Our Vegas wedding?” Derek laughed. “I am not sure, but our bonding in the claiming office could pass as romantic. I think it’s romantic.”

“Huh,” Meredith chuckled to herself.

“What?”

“It is something romantic,” she nodded. “Who would have thought? And please, do not answer ‘I thought’.”

Derek just grinned at her. “I didn’t think. I believed.”

Meredith shook her head, muttering. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“Hey, that’s called confidence. You might like trying some too from time to time.”

“If I hadn’t tried it, we wouldn’t still be married today.”

Derek looked for her hand and intertwined their fingers, bringing her hand to his lips. “Christmas will pass and we’ll go back to normality.”

“Can’t wait,” Meredith sighed.

-----

By the time Meredith and Derek arrived at Meredith’s parents’ house, the clouds started sifting snowflakes again. Both of them took deep breaths; not even Derek was showing much confidence over what was going to come now, but he decided to stay brave. He knew how hard would be on Meredith if their mothers start criticizing. He leaned over to Meredith and dropped a soft, comforting kiss on her cheek. “Let’s go.”

Meredith nodded and took one more deep breath before she opened the door to the car. Derek walked around the car and came over at her side. He stopped briefly one step away from her, admiring her. She had her jacket unzipped allowing a good view to her wedding dress. It was white, falling flawlessly down her body, with a corset that hugged beautifully her tiny frame and her breasts.

“You look beautiful,” he stated.

Meredith looked up at him, smiling. “You look neat too.”

Derek smirked as he neat the jacket to his tuxedo. “Let’s get inside before we freeze. Mrs. Shepherd.”

Meredith giggled and hung on his arm, starting heading together to the house, but they had to stop as they had forgotten something important on the backseats of their car. From inside, Doc was barking, asking to be taken inside as well.

“I got him,” Derek laughed and went to release the dog. He knew Ellis and some of his sisters weren’t big fans of the pets, so he had to put Doc the leash. As he and Meredith started heading to the house again, the door opened and Derek’s mother stormed outside.

“Thank God you’re finally here,” she held her face between her hands and looked worried. Ella’s worry gave Meredith a little hope. She knew her mother wasn’t as worried as Derek’s mother, but she still hoped that she would leave the reproaches aside.

“We made it. They started cleaning the streets already,” Derek gave his mother a hug.

“Uncle Derek!” a little girl squealed from the door and only her mother’s firm hand held her back not to run outside in the cold. “You have a dog!” she squealed and started jumping excitedly beside her mother. “He has a puppy, mommy!”

Derek gave Meredith Doc’s leash and hurried ahead to the girl. “Come here, Jen.” He scooped her up, causing her to laugh harder. “Look at your pretty dress.”

“It’s for the wedding,” she beamed excitedly.

Meredith watched, pleasantly surprised, the scene between Derek and little Jen. Just then she realized that she hadn’t seen Derek around children and she was impressed now. Derek seemed to love his niece and the kids seemed to like him as well.

Ella put an arm around Meredith, warming her back and walked her into the house.

“Meredith,” Thatcher smiled sympathetically and came to greet his daughter.

“We’re fine,” she reassured him.

He cupped her face and smiled and kindly. “You two messed the things up again, but at least you got here safe.”

Meredith discreetly glanced around her, trying to spot her mom. “Where’s mom?” she asked him quietly.

Thatcher let out a sigh, proving Meredith that her mother wasn’t happy about all these indeed. “She’s somewhere around here. She doesn’t want to say anything.”

Meredith let out a sigh. Now she wasn’t sure she wanted to have her mother’s ignore and secretly reproaching. “I am sorry.”

“I know,” his father encouraged her. “What are you going to do now?”

“That’s a good question,” Ella pointed out and came to them with a questioning look for Meredith.

Meredith was caught off guard with this question. She took a small step back, shrugging, and looked over at Derek. Unfortunately, Derek was greeting all his nieces and nephews. Doc started fighting with the leash, asking to be released. Meredith didn’t care and just dropped his leash, letting him run to Derek and the kids.

“You two need to take some time alone and reconsider all your actions,” Ella said when Meredith didn’t look like she could give an answer. “I tried to be supportive, but Ellis is right. You show irresponsibility too often and this cannot make a marriage work.”

Meredith swallowed a lump. How silly of her to think that she would meet only worry and encouragement once they got home. “What…” she cleared her throat. “What are you saying?”

Ellis showed up in the room then, answering, “She’s saying that you two are not ready for a marriage. You didn’t even make it to your own wedding…”

“It’s just our wedding party,” Meredith didn’t let her finish.

“But you knew how important this was for all of us,” Ellis continued. “You think marriage is just about the sex? You shouldn’t wait for a baby to come to find out what marriage means, because you wouldn’t want to do this to it.”

“Oh,” Meredith laughed bitterly. “That you would know better.” She couldn’t take more of their opinions and critics, so she turned around and stormed outside in the cold.

She stopped in the middle of the yard and started panting.

“I got it,” Derek told Lexie and Cristina, who wanted to go after their friend.

Derek hurried to Meredith’s side and wanted to pull her into his arms, but Meredith shoved him away.

“You go back and play with the kids,” she reproached. “I am the one who came with the idea of visiting the house and have some sex in the trailer.”

“Meredith,” Derek pled.

“Leave me alone, Derek,” she muttered between sobs.

As Meredith looked like she was about to cry, Derek didn’t give up. He walked up in front of her and pulled her into his arms, this time without any resistance from her side. “I am sorry,” he spoke softly to her, gently rubbing her back as she started crying. “I am sorry,” he repeated quietly.

He held her well-wrapped into his arms, resting his cheek against her head and comforting her, allowing her to cry everything out. Just when her sobs started calming, Derek pulled back a little and took her face between his hands.

“Can we leave?” she asked him.

“No,” he answered and smiled comfortingly. “Because we don’t want to prove them they are right. They aren’t right anyway, but still. We’re going to stay and face them together. Like a married couple.”

“Derek? What if they’re right?”

“Do you think they are?” he asked her back.

Meredith considered her answer briefly and shook her head. “No.”

“Me neither,” he answered, satisfied with the answer. “We’re going back inside and we’re going to end this… wedding ceremony.”

“Vows?” Meredith asked, almost horrified.

“You don’t want to?”

“I… I don’t know. I don’t feel comfortable baring my soul in front of so many peoples. Most of them are strangers to me.”

“Ok,” Derek chuckled. “Then… we’re going to have our vows said right here, just between us two.”

“Ok,” Meredith smiled, still not convinced.

“Do you want me to go first?” he asked as he read the shyness in her smile.

“Yes,” she giggled.

“Alright,” he held an arm around her waist, holding her close to him, and stroked her cheek with his free hand. “Ok…” he took a deep breath, gaining more time for his thoughts. Apparently, he didn’t seem to have to right words either. “Meredith, I love Vegas,” he finally stated.

Meredith looked at him and started to laugh. “Thank you.”

“That’s not all,” he laughed too. “I love Vegas for holding so many great memories for us. Because despite the bad hangover, we had a blast there. We also won $200.000. And I love you for… accepting to try this and for the way we handled the whole last 8 months. We’re close to our 1st anniversary and I love you more than I ever thought I could love someone. I can’t even sleep at home when you’re on call; because Doc jumps in bed on your side, of course.”

Meredith laughed.

“I am sure we can face anything from now on, because we’ve faced all the things behind us; all the fights, stupid or serious and the parents’ crisis.” He cupped her cheeks and leaned down for a soft kiss.

Meredith wrapped her arms around his neck. It was one of the moments when she felt their love overwhelming, in a good way. “You just made that up. You didn’t write any vow.”

“I spoke from my soul,” he admitted.

“I guess it’s my turn now,” she sighed.

Derek nodded, looking forward to what she had to say. He knew she wasn’t good at this. “Don’t be shy. I know my vow wasn’t the best, but I told you what I really felt.”

“Yes…” she sighed. “It’s just that… you kind of said everything. I mean… I could have said that too.”

Derek chuckled and pulled her into a hug. “That’s ok. You don’t have to say anything.”

“I have to,” Meredith insisted.

“Ok.” He pulled back a little to be able to look at her.

Meredith looked into his eyes and tried to find at least one word to say; but everything was too overwhelming indeed and no word seemed to be good enough for a vow. “I love you,” she spoke softly. “And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Derek leaned in and kissed her. “Yours was better than mine.”

“Sometimes I can be better than you,” she giggled and playfully elbowed him.

Derek held her head between his hands and traced kisses along her face until their lips met. This was one of their special kisses; it wasn’t a kiss asking for sex; it was a kiss asking for more love.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered in her ear. “Did I tell you that?”

Meredith giggled sheepishly. “You did.”

“Am I flattering you too much?”

“Just a little,” she giggled.

“Ok, then I will stop,” Derek laughed. He ran his finger across her necklace and took her engagement ring in his fingers. Their wedding and marriage were as in the book now. “Let’s go inside.”

Meredith nodded with sigh.

Derek wrapped her arm around his and smiled at her. “Don’t worry. We talked about this already. We cover our ears.”

“I wouldn’t try, but ok,” she laughed.

As they turned together to the house, they saw Izzie and Lexie quickly turning their backs to the window.

“We also had witnesses. It was a perfect wedding ceremony,” Derek chuckled.

Stepping inside, everyone became quiet. Derek helped Meredith take off her jacket and took her hand back. Only little Jen ran to them, stopping in front of Meredith. “You’re my auntie?” she asked her.

Meredith laughed at the girl’s cuteness. “I am.”

“You’re pretty. I like you.”

Meredith smiled at Derek, melted by the girl’s words. “You’re pretty too.”

“What’s your name?”

“Meredith”

The girl took a step back as she opened the mouth to repeat the name and she couldn’t. She looked questioningly to her uncle.

“You can just call her auntie,” he told her.

Jen nodded her head and stepped aside. As Derek and Meredith started walking again, Jen quickly hang on Meredith’s hand. “I like your dress,” she stated innocently, now closely looking at Meredith’s white dress.

Meredith looked at Derek. “You taught her to say that.”

“No, I didn’t,” Derek laughed. “She’s just too cute.”

“She is,” Meredith admitted too.

“Jen, why don’t you go and sit somewhere, because your auntie and I have something to do,” Derek told the little girl.

She nodded and let go of Meredith’s hand, running to go and catch a seat in a chair.

Derek walked Meredith to the fireplace, from where they could see everyone. He looked at her and smiled before he turned to the people gathered there.

“First of all, we want to apologize for running late to our own wedding party. We’re both doctors and some of you know how sleep can be tricky in our days off. Then we’d like to thank you for coming. We wanted this party, so our families could meet. I wanted my family and friends to meet Meredith,” he smiled at her and his hand slipped around her waist. “I am also looking forward to meeting the rest of her family. You must be Lexie’s mom,” he said looking at the woman standing beside Thatcher. “Susan.”

“That’s right,” she nodded with a smile.

“I know what some of you already think of all these,” Derek went on. “For the rest of you who doesn’t know what to think yet, we’d like you to see us as a newlywed couple. We don’t have much left of our newlywed level though. I hope at least some of you can see us as we are; a married couple. If neither of you want that then… we don’t really care, because…” he looked at Meredith as he went on. “We know what we are together.” He gave a squeeze to her hand and added as they looked into each other’s eyes. “We’re soul mates.”

Derek leaned to her ear and asked in whisper, “Should I stop now?”

“Definitely,” she giggled. “This was much better than his vow,” she said to the crowd.

Lexie’s sniffle drew everyone’s attention on her. Mark was standing right behind her and everyone could see he was discreetly comforting her.

“Throw the bouquet!” Izzie beamed.

“I…” Meredith looked around her confused. “I don’t have one.”

“Right,” Izzie nodded. “Because we brought it. Just a second,” she made them a sign to stay where they were and she ran out of the room. She returned in a few seconds with Meredith’s bouquet of red roses.

“You chose this one?” Meredith asked Izzie.

“Shut up about it,” Izzie retorted with a sarcastic grin. “You should have chosen it yourself.” Then she hurried back to her previous spot. “Who’s not a single lady, please step aside.”

“Does this mean I have to take off your garter?” Derek whispered to Meredith. “Please tell me you have one.”

“I do,” Meredith laughed.

“Good. Exciting then.”

“Come on, Meredith! We’re ready.”

Meredith nodded and turned with her back to the crowd. She never liked the suspense caused by the counting, so she threw it just as she had her back to them. She turned to see where it had landed.

Lexie was the one holding it.

“He’s slowly dying inside,” Derek laughed as he wrapped his arms around Meredith.

“Do you think he’d like to become your brother-in-law?”

“I choose not to answer this question.”

Meredith looked back at him. “He’d better be serious to her.”

“He is serious to her,” Derek reassured. “I just don’t know how big his plans are.”

Meredith shook her head with disappointment. “Maybe you should dig in and find out. She caught the bouquet and I know Lexie.”

Derek gave her one of his genuine smiles and avoided the answer. “Can I take your garter off now?”

Meredith giggled, playfully elbowing him. “I don’t think it’s really necessary.”

“What? Why? You throw the bouquet.”

“But I think Mark’s the only bachelor present here. I could give it to him myself,” she answered and added jokingly. “To make sure he catches it.”

Derek chuckled. “Still,” he insisted.

“Derek,” Meredith whimpered.

“What?”

“Ugh,” Meredith groaned and turned to him, whispering. “I don’t feel comfortable with all these people witnessing.”

“Mer, I am taking the garter off only. Everything else stays at its place.”

“Just like your hands,” she replied, smiling.

Derek stared at her for a moment with a knowing smile. “Hey!” he called for everyone’s attention.

“Would anyone mind if I proceed with the throwing of the garter?”

A few chuckles spread through the males, while the women just laughed.

“We wouldn’t mind,” one of Derek’s friends answered.

Derek’s little sister, Ashley, raised her hand and pointed out a fact already pointed by Meredith to Derek, “Mark’s the only bachelor here. I don’t really see the point.”

“See?” Meredith burst out.

“This is the tradition,” Derek said in his defense.

“Wait!” Mark stepped in the front. He chuckled and looked at the single ladies around him. “Am I the only bachelor for these ladies?”

Lexie and Cristina glared him fiercely.

“Come here,” Derek took Meredith’s hand and pulled her after him to the closest chair.

“Derek,” Meredith whimpered. “It’s embarrassing.”

Derek looked at the guests again. “Please do not ‘woo’ or whistle.”

“And you can turn around,” Meredith added.

“What’s the point then?” Derek frowned.

“I am not stripping for your friends and family,” she replied.

Derek just nodded. He took Meredith’s leg and put it on the chair. “You will feel no pain.”

Meredith took a deep breath and waited for that embarrassing moment to be over. Derek’s hands sneaked under her dress and easily found the garter. He grabbed it gently with just a few fingers, caressing her leg with the others as he pulled the garter down. It wasn’t painful, but the chills weren’t soothing either as they traveled up to her body.

Derek finally brought the garter down to her ankle and, holding gently on it, slid the garter off her leg. He waved it smugly under the men’s cheers and Meredith’s rolling eyes.

“Mark, pay attention,” Derek chuckled.

“Like I could miss this,” he smirked.

Derek turned around and threw the garter over his shoulder, to the place he knew Mark was. Surprisingly, Mark didn’t catch it. It had landed in Cristina’s hands instead.

Derek chuckled as he turned and saw that.

“Seriously, Derek!” Mark protested.

“What? You moved.”

“I didn’t move. You threw it like a girl. To a girl!”

“Ok, enough!” Cristina threw the garter in Mark’s hands. “You’re not capable of such simple thing.”

“That was…” Mark wanted to protest, but Ella cut in.

“Enough.”

“Yes! I want cake,” a little boy frowned, bored by the whole grown-up scene.

“Me too! Me too!” Jen started jumping up and down.

She looked at her uncle and her new auntie and came running to them. She took Meredith’s hand and cheerfully asked her. “Is it your cake?”

“Uh… yes,” Meredith smiled.

“Can I have some?”

“Of course. You’ll get the biggest slice.”

Derek cleared his throat, amused. “I don’t think that’s the right thing to say to a child.”

“She’s stressed, Derek. Besides, she won’t measure or weigh it.”

“Lying to the children is even worse.”

“Derek,” Meredith sighed. “Shut up. Now.”

Derek chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist while he led Meredith and Jen to the cake. Spirits were much calmer now and as the cake was cut and champagne started to pour, there wasn’t a single sad or depressed person in the room.

Even Ellis seemed to have a good time with Adele and Richard Webber, Derek noticed.

“Derek!”

“Sam!” Derek laughed and pulled his friend into a hug. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Tell me about it,” Sam laughed. “Since you started marrying with girls in Vegas, we barely hear a word from you.”

“I know,” Derek admitted as he pulled back from the hug. Beside Sam was standing other good friend of his, also Sam’s wife. “Naomi,” Derek pulled her into a hug as well.

“Odd circumstances to see you again, Derek,” she chuckled, patting friendly on his back.

“You got yourself a Meredith, huh?” Sam asked cheerfully. “Not bad.”

Derek grinned proudly. “Have you met her yet?” he asked his friends while he looked around for Meredith.

“Not yet, but don’t worry. There’s plenty of time,” Sam assured him. As Derek couldn’t take his eyes away from Meredith, who was surrounded by the youngest grandchildren of Mrs. Shepherd, Sam added knowingly. “And you’re head over hills about her.”

Derek looked at his friend and his bright smile confirmed it.

“Who would have thought?” Sam chuckled.

Derek nodded approvingly. “I lost the count of the people that asked themselves that.”

“Who would have thought that we would come to your wedding and the bride wouldn’t be Addison,” Naomi cut in.

Derek just smiled. “This is different.”

“That’s obvious.” Sam agreed and hurried to add as Derek shot him a glare. “By all meanings.”

Derek gripped on his friend’s shoulder and let out a sigh of content. “Come and meet Meredith.”

Despite all their worries, the wedding party felt like a party indeed. People chatted and friends and families got to know each other a little better. Meredith had just a little bit interaction with Derek’s sister, but she surely got to know all his nieces and nephews.

“Any plan for the honeymoon?” Lexie asked Derek and Meredith as they stood aside together with Cristina, Mark, Sam and Naomi.

“Or you had one already?” Sam asked Derek.

“We didn’t have one, but we’re planning one,” Derek answered. “We’re thinking about Venice.”

“Venice?” Naomi asked curiously.

“Yes,” Derek chuckled knowingly along with Lexie and Meredith. “Meredith and I have a thing for gondolas.”

“In this case, I think I suspect what is about,” Naomi nodded.

Their attention was distracted by the quiet quarrel between Adele and Richard.

“Richard, I said no,” Adele argued with her husband. “You can’t do this to them.”

“This is my job, Adele.”

“What’s going on?” Ellis cut in.

Richard was going to answer, but Adele slapped him to stay quiet. Richard stepped away from his wife and turned to the group of friends. “The snow has made its first victims and they’re short in stuff at the hospital.”

“We should go then,” Cristina suggested and the rest of her fellows seemed to agree.

“Except for you two,” Adele looked at Derek and Meredith.

“Adele,” Richard argued. “Meredith, you can stay, but I need my head of neuro there.”

“I don’t want to miss a good surgery,” Meredith admitted apologetically, earning a few disapproving looks from some members of the family.

“But this is your wedding party,” Adele tried to convince her.

“Without a husband?” Meredith asked back.

Adele sighed with disappointment. “You’re all surgery junkies.”

“We should leave then before it snows too much,” Richard decided.

Derek walked up to his mother and gave her a hug. “We’ll be back as soon as we’re done there.”

“Ok,” Ella smiled but also visibly disappointed with the turn of the evening.

---

It was a little past midnight when Meredith went down in the basement in the search of a quiet place. She started a little as she came to the gurneys her friends and she used to sit on and saw someone’s frame laying on one of them.

At her gasp, the body stirred too and sleepily rose from the gurney. “Mer?” Meredith recognized George’s sleepy voice.

"Hey," Meredith let out a breath of relief and hopped up beside him on the gurney. "When did you come back from your mother's house?"

George yawned, sleepily rubbing his eyes. "Before you got here. Dr. Bailey paged me. How was the wedding?"

"Wedding party," Meredith corrected him. "It was nice."

"No reason to freak out?"

"Just a little," she answered with a shrug. "We almost didn't make it to the party. We also missed the minister."

"So you canceled everything?"

"No. Derek and I had our own ceremony for our families and friends."

"So you had a good time."

"It was nice," she nodded.

"Congratulations," George smiled kindly.

"Thanks."

"Doesn't it feel like Christmas?"

Meredith looked at her friend, confused. "What do you mean?"

"There's something in the air. Calming."

"Not really. Actually I took the stairs and that place gave me crips. There's something strange in the air."

George stared at her. "Maybe it's Santa."

Meredith looked at him, amused. "You still believe in Santa?"

"No, but I believe in Santa's spirit. I didn't lose any patient this evening."

Now that he pointed that out, Meredith thought better. "I didn't lose any either."

"See? Christmas miracle."

"Maybe, but the stairwell still gives me the crips."

"You can almost hear the jingles."

"I wouldn't go that far," Meredith laughed.

They became quiet as voices seemed to approach. At the end of the hall, they saw Lexie, Izzie and Cristina coming.

"Do you hear the jingles too?" George asked them.

"I don't think I saw him at your party," Cristina grumbled as she hopped up beside Meredith.

"I am talking about the Christmas miracle," said George. "How many patients did you lose on this shift?"

They looked at each other, questioning.

"None," they answered.

"Yet," Izzie added. "I have a critic patient and we have to wait and see how he goes."

"Still," George pointed out. "Christmas miracles."

"Or just Cristina's great surgical skills," Cristina chuckled.

"George's right," Lexie stated. "This is a special night. I think we should all say Thanks to Santa."

"Thank you, Santa," George was the first one to do that, followed soon, a little reluctant, by the others.

"Who are you thanking to?" Derek's chuckle made his presence there noticed.

"Santa," answered Meredith.

"Mmm," he smiled and made himself room between her and George. "What did he bring you?"

"Christmas miracle. And jingles," she answered. Derek looked at her, confused, and Meredith could just shrug.

Once Derek joined them, the silence fell between them, awkwardly.

"What is it?" Derek asked, suddenly not comfortable with the group he was sitting with.

"Nothing," Meredith answered. "It's just that this is the spot where the interns hang out."

Derek looked at her, amused, but as he noticed the stares of the others, he asked more serious. "Really?"

"But I think it's ok if you hang out with us for a while," Meredith smiled.

"We don't mind," Lexie giggled and Izzie approved with a cheerful nod. "Especially this night, after such day."

"You two are awesome," Izzie stated.

"Thank you," Derek laughed and added in a more serious tone then, "You're still not scrubbing in with me. Karev will be my intern."

Izzie just huffed and slid against the wall, down on the floor, grumbling, "Christmas miracles my..."

"Izzie," Lexie scolded her kindly.

Meredith wrapped her hands around Derek's arm and put her head down on his shoulder. "My mom is going to freak out if Doc spends more than a day in her house."

Derek chuckled knowingly and kissed her on the forehead. "I will go get him in the morning. We'll have to join the family for Christmas anyway."

Meredith just nodded sleepily. Just now, in such a quiet and peaceful moment she was aware of the long and full of events day that had just passed and she could feel how tired she was. She closed her eyes and in no time she was snoozing, while her friends and her husband were chatting over the Christmas miracles in the hospital.

The buzz of two pagers awakened her with a stir. As they checked their pagers, Derek and Meredith were called.

"This is our patient," Derek jumped off the gurney and waited for Meredith to trail down as well, running then to answer the emergency.

Fortunately, the emergency wasn't something serious and therefore, they were out of the exam room in record time. It was still too crowded to wait and take the elevators, so Derek took Meredith's hand and led her to the stairwell. Once in its private space, Derek pulled Meredith into his arms. "What do you say if we hog an on-call room. Just for the two us?"

"Just the two of us?" Meredith frowned jokingly. "Damn!"

Derek chuckled and gently stroked her cheek. "Just this time. Please."

"Ok. If you're asking me this nicely."

"I appreciate," he laughed and leaned in for a kiss.

Before their lips could meet, Meredith pulled back suddenly, alerted.

"What is it?" Derek asked her.

Meredith seemed to be listening to something. "Do you hear anything?"

Derek listened too and shook his head.

"I hear as if someone is breathing beside us." She pulled away from Derek's arms and looked around, up and down the stairwell.

"Mer. You're tired. I don't hear anything."

"But I do," Meredith insisted. "I have this feeling that there's someone here. I had the same feeling earlier too." She listened better and then climbed down one flight of stairs.

"Mer?" Derek called after her, but Meredith was already on the next floor.

The light was dim, but she was sure that the breathing sound was coming from there. She looked around, but none was around; until she spotted a ball of blanket moving. She let out a shriek and hung on the handrail, having Derek beside her in a second. Derek didn't have to ask her what was going on; he just followed her horrified gaze and had the same picture before his eyes as she had.

"What's there?" he asked himself, a little braver than Meredith as he took a step toward that blanket.

A low whimper came out of the blanket and Meredith and Derek looked at each other. They had an idea of what was in that blanket by now. Meredith ran ahead and knelt in front of the blanket, slowly opening it. Two little fists wriggled out of the blanket and revealed a baby girl- judging by the pink clothes- which looked too tired to even cry.

Meredith looked up at Derek and read the same shock on his face.

Derek stirred out of the shock and motioned for her to pick the baby up while he took out his stethoscope. Meredith gently lifted the baby and once in her arms, the baby seemed to relax a little and opened her blue eyes and looked blindly at the woman holding her. "She looks anhydrous."

"Who knows when was the last time she ate. Her breathing doesn't sound well either; she might have caught a pneumonia. Let's take her upstairs."

Meredith nodded and lingered for a moment as Derek started climbing the stairs up. "I guess you can say Thanks to Santa too."
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bunnyss Sep 19 2009, 12:34 AM Post #81


Awwww...loving the update!

Been missing my fics!

More when you can please!
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McGrey Sep 28 2009, 08:27 PM Post #82
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 Derek had just put the last files into his briefcase when Mark walked in, cheerfully slamming the door against the wall.

"What's up, Shep?"

Derek rolled his eyes and smiled. "Nothing much, Sloan. By the way, do you have any idea how much effort it took me to obtain this hole as office? Be gentle because I've grown fond of this closet."

"I could always rent you one across the street," Mark answered with a chuckle.

"What do you want anyway?"

Mark huffed, acting offended. "I was going to buy you a drink, but after this attitude I will let you pay it yourself."

"What drink?" Derek asked, amused with his friend's childlike behavior. "Because I am not going out for a drink with you.”

Mark was no longer looking amused by now. "What do you mean? Do you have anything better to do than have a drink with your best friend?"

"I do actually," Derek nodded and glanced at him with a crooked smile. "I am going to take my wife and invite her home."

Mark stared at him for a moment and started laughing sarcastically. "Good luck with that."

Derek sighed and rolled his eyes, not liking very much the way he was mocked. "We talked and she's coming to sleep at home tonight."

"Ok," Mark answered with the same sarcasm in his voice. Apparently, he knew better how the situation was standing at the moment with Meredith.

"Seriously, Mark. It's been a week almost since we found this baby. She needs to get detached from it because the social services will come get her as soon as she feels better."

"Hey, I am not your wife, so I understand what you're saying. I do."

"But you don't think she will come home until the baby doesn't leave the hospital."

“I got used to sleeping alone. It's just a matter of time until things will go back to normal. Let's grab a beer at Joe's."

Derek listened to his friend, having an infamous air. "How can you be so careless?"

"What you're saying? That I should be worried?"

"Lexie and Meredith are tied to that baby's crib. And speaking of Lexie? Are you two having a relationship? Are you officially a couple?"

Mark's sarcasm and amusement died off slowly. "We're friends."

"With benefits," Derek added knowingly.

“You’re not your mother, Derek. You’re just her son.”

“Your point?” Derek chuckled.

“My point is…” he paused, looking troubled with the answer. “Are you coming at Joe’s?”

“No,” Derek answered firmly.

“Fine,” Mark answered with the same determination. Despite this, he walked into Derek’s office and made himself comfortable in a chair.

Derek sensed that his friend might need a short talk and besides this, Meredith was with the baby, so he was in no hurry. He sat on his desk, right in front of Mark.

“What’s up with you?”

Mark gave him a short look and shrugged. “I am just bored. Aren’t you homesick?”

“This is my home,” Derek pointed out.

“Oh right because you’re married to the Seattle girl Meredith.”

“Mark,” Derek chuckled.

“Why don’t you try making her a Manhattan Meredith?”

“Because I like the Seattle Meredith better.”

“How is that when you haven’t met Manhattan Meredith yet?”

“Mark!” Derek groaned. “What’s going on with you?”

“I don’t know,” Mark his hands through his hair and sighed. “I am homesick, I guess.”

“Yeah, well I am … ‘wife-sick’ so… I should go and… get her home. Maybe you should go back to Manhattan. What are you still doing here? Your thing with Lexie ended after the fake marriage you had in Mexico. You met Meredith, we had a little time to hang out… I think you covered the whole itinerary you had planned.”

“Ok. The thing is that…” Mark seemed ready to confess everything, but backed out quickly. “I have a thing for ferryboats.”

“Liar,” Derek laughed. “The ferryboats are my thing. You need your own thing.”

“Yeah,” Mark sighed.

“I am not going to practice psychology with you because I am tired and I haven’t had sex with my wife for exactly 5 days.”

Mark flashed his teeth in a crooked grin. “How often…”

“None of your business,” Derek cut him off quickly.

Mark chuckled, a bit cheered up now, and shook his head as he shifted in his seat. “So how long do you think this thing with the baby is going to last?”

“I don’t know,” Derek sighed. “She was half-frozen when we found her and she… she almost experienced a near-death.”

“That’s sad,” Mark saddened. “Really sad.”

“It is,” Derek nodded. “She’s better now. She’s still not breathing on her own and can’t eat from the bottle all the time, but Dr. Roberts says she’s out of the woods. Probably the social services won’t take her for another month.”

“Whoa,”

“Yeah, well she’s a baby and she wasn’t a very lucky one the moment she came out of that woman’s womb.”

Mark just nodded absent-mindedly.

“Look what,” Derek got an idea. “I am going to tell Meredith I am ready go and if she’s not ready yet, I will just tell her I am going to wait for her at Joe’s. This way we can have a beer together.”

“Sounds… exciting. Yeah, for Seattle, a beer a Joe’s is exciting.”

“Shut up. You’ve started liking it here.”

Mark stood up and turned to the door, stating, “If it weren’t for the chicks…”

“Yeah, alright. I will see you at Joe’s then.”

Derek gathered his things, swung his coat over his shoulder and closed the door to his office as he walked out. It was getting late in the evening and the shifts were changing, so the halls and the elevators were over-crowded. After impatiently waiting for 2 elevators to pass so he could get in one of them, an empty one stopped at his floor. In there, Lexie and another doctor were the only passengers.

“Derek,” Lexie, said quickly. “Have you seen Mark?”

“He’s heading to Joe’s.”

“Oh, ok,” she ran out of the elevator. “I need to go down then. Good night!” she called in the same hurry as she darted to the stairwell.

“I guess the beer at Joe’s got cancelled,” Derek concluded under his breath. He stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the Pediatrics floor.

Meredith was where he was expecting to find her. He stopped outside the room and looked through the window as Meredith sat in a rocking chair, slowly swinging, and gave a bottle to the baby girl. Despite the fact that this baby girl was keeping his wife at the hospital all the nights, Derek had to admit that Meredith looked adorable with the baby in her arms and this was a new image for him also; he hadn’t had the chance to see the maternal side of Meredith until now. No matter how heartwarming everything was and how sad the baby’s story was, Derek was aware of how attached Meredith was getting to the baby, which was a patient after all.

Derek took a deep breath and walked inside quietly. From her blanket, the baby was wriggling out a hand at Meredith, hoarsely whimpering.

“Hey,” Meredith smiled as she saw Derek in there.

Derek smiled at her and looked at the baby as he asked, “How is she?”

Meredith shrugged. “Better than she was when we found her, but she still has trouble breathing; especially while she eats.”

Derek watched Meredith putting the bottle aside on the table and carefully lifting her to her chest to help her burp. He crouched beside them and smiled as he ran his hand over the baby’s tiny head. She opened her blue eyes and looked at him.

“Do you want to hold her?” Meredith asked him.

Derek didn’t want to encourage Meredith, so he shook his head. “You’d better put her back to incubator. She looks sleepy.”

Meredith stood up from the rocking chair and turned to him. “She will fall asleep in your arms.”

“Meredith,” Derek pled softly.

“Derek,” she chuckled. “It’s not like I am asking you to take her home. If you don’t want to hold her, that’s fine.” She turned her back on him and started pacing slowly around the room.

“Have they found anything about her mother yet?”

“Not much.”

“But the bracelet she was wearing that night was from Mercy West, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, but apparently there was a baby boom the day she was born so they can’t tell exactly to which woman she belonged. There were two baby girls born with the same blood type as hers and both mothers are missing.”

“Strange.”

Meredith just shrugged. “They say it’s just a matter of hours until they found out who her mother is and once they found her they will put her under charge for abandoning her baby.”

Because Derek had gotten to know Meredith pretty well, he knew she was disappointed with him. He walked up in front of her and gently slid his hands around the baby, taking her into his arms. A smile crept on his face as the baby stretched her arms out and yawned, and his smile became wider as she opened her eyes to look at him.

“How can anyone just think to leave her? Let alone in a cold place,” he muttered under his breath.

Meredith took a step towards him, close enough of him and the baby. “I don’t know,” she answered quietly, gently stroking the baby’s head. “Don’t you think she looks like a Rose?” she asked Derek.

Derek looked at her, curious. “Like a Rose?”

“Like a Rosalie,” Meredith nodded and added as she shrugged her shoulders, “Her cheeks are red and her hair seems to have a tone of reddish; her eyes are blue. She looks like a Rosalie.”

Derek chuckled and approved with a nod. “I guess she does.”

“Do you think it’s ok if we name her?”

“I don’t know,” he hesitated. “But it’s a pretty name.”

Meredith smiled wearily. “It is.”

Derek had the chance to experience a little bit of Meredith’s attraction to this baby now; it was the heartwarming feeling that swept through all his pores as he held her and rocked her slowly; a tiny human being looking so fragile in his arms. Before he knew, he was into a different dimension, one of him and the baby only.

Only when the baby closed her eyes, opening her mouth with a yawn, and Meredith walked up in front of them again, Derek came back to present time. He smiled at Meredith and carefully put the baby in Meredith’s arms, so she would take her back to the incubator.

“You’re ready to go?” Derek asked her, not getting to the real reason of his visit there.

He read some hesitance in Meredith’s movements while she put the baby inside and he could take a guess of her answer.

“Mer, please,” he asked softly.

“I am,” she answered quietly.

Derek looked at her with distrust. He had gotten to know Meredith pretty well indeed.

Meredith turned and saw the look on her husband’s face. “I am,” she repeated, annoyed, but hopeful that convincing enough.

“We need to talk,” Derek told her.

“I don’t see what’s to talk. She’s a baby; a patient; abandoned on Christmas Eve,” Meredith blurted.

“It’s not about the baby, Meredith,” he rolled his eyes. “It’s about Doc. We need to talk about the dog.”

“What about Doc?” Meredith became suddenly worried. “Is he sick?”

“No, he’s not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was and you wouldn’t know,” Derek added the last part quietly and sarcastically.

“I am coming home tonight,” Meredith tried to convince him.

“Ok”

“What do you want to talk about Doc?”

“Hmm,” Derek mused. “I just realized. You have no idea what’s going on with the people around you.”

Meredith became curious and worried at the same time. “Did he bite anyone? A child or an old person?”

“No,” Derek chuckled. “Your father has grown fond of him and Doc seems to like your dad just as much.”

“He’s taking him out fishing everyday almost,” Meredith pointed out.

“The thing is that your father asked me if we want the dog back.”

“Do we?” she asked him.

“I don’t know,” he answered hesitantly. “I love my dog. He’s a good dog, but I also think that he would be better with your father as we’re always busy and he stays alone most of the day.”

“I guess we can visit him when we miss him,” Meredith seemed to agree with Derek.

“Of course.”

“Then… that’s it. We talked about Doc.”

“That’s not all about Doc,” Derek smiled knowingly.

Meredith lifted her shoulders, questioning.

“I will tell you tonight when you come home,” he teased her.

“Derek,” Meredith groaned.

“Tonight, Mer,”

“But Derek, if there’s something wrong with my dog I’d like to know.”

Derek didn’t give in. He leaned in for a kiss and then turned to the door. “Tonight.”

“Derek!”

As Derek walked outside, Meredith hurried after him. “It’s about my mom, isn’t it?”

Derek stopped dead in his track and turned on his heels. Then Meredith knew she had guessed right. “Mom doesn’t like pets.”

Derek sighed and smiled at her, nodding his head. “And your dad decided it was time to stand against your mother and do as he wants and not as she asks him.”

Meredith stared at him, half amused, half surprised.

“Impressive. I am supporting your dad.” Derek leaned to her again and kissed her. “Don’t make me wait long. I miss you,” he whispered in her ear.

Meredith just smiled and watched him leaving. She had other plans.

---

The disappointment that Derek experienced in the morning when he woke up alone and he remembered that he had slept alone, again, followed him all day. He was too disappointed to even be mad with Meredith; he chose therefore to avoid Meredith as much as possible, at least until he would calm down and clear his head.

Meredith didn’t have to bother much to know what was going on with Derek. She was feeling truly guilty, though she had disappointed him consciously.

That evening she was determined to go home and spend some time alone with her husband. There was also a purpose for it and Derek wasn’t allowed to be mad of her, so she can complete her plan. She didn’t insist on tracking Derek down and talk to him much either. She was sure that her presence at home would ease the tension between them.

It was still early and little light outside when Meredith arrived home. As she walked in and met the complete silence, depression took over. She was missing Doc just now. She let out a sigh and threw the keys back in her bag, walking inside. She turned all the lights on, hoping that the light would cover somehow the silence.

Meredith understood now what Derek meant each time he said he couldn’t stay home alone. She wouldn’t be able to stay alone in that empty, quiet house either.

She went upstairs to take a shower, change into clean clothes and shortly the dinner was at the door also. In record time she managed to set a small table in living room in front of the couch, brought the wine into a bucket with ice and looked for candles. Lights were off, the candles burning, dinner warm and the wine cold. Everything was ready, just Derek was missing.

After she saw everything set, Meredith started getting impatient. What if Derek got called for an emergency on the last minute? Or what if he was really upset with her and he wasn’t going to sleep at home? She was pacing around, debating with herself if to call him or not, when she heard a car stopping on their drive way.

She had thought at first, it would be the best if she would wear some sexy lingerie, but then she realized it wasn’t really her style and besides that it might raise suspicions to Derek; therefore, she chose comfortable sweats and a green blouse which she knew Derek liked as it revealed at least one her of her shoulders as it slipped at sides.

Meredith took a seat on the couch, folding her hands on her knees, and fixed the entrance with her eyes. She heard the front door closing and locking back and her heart started beating faster. She wouldn’t have been this nervous if things between her and Derek hadn’t been this gray.

She watched Derek stopping in the doorway, obviously surprised. He still held a small frown on his face as he searched the room with his eyes, watching the romantic surrounding, then Meredith’s image shyly sitting on the couch.

“You’re home,” Derek cleared his throat and made his way inside, leaving his briefcase and jacket in a chair.

“And I made dinner. Actually, I didn’t make it. The restaurant chef made it, because you know I don’t cook much except for friendly muffins and I didn’t have time to bake those, so… I made this stuff,” she rambled, pointing around her in the end.

“You know, a five-year-old can talk more fluent than you,” he teased her with a chuckle as he came to sit on the couch beside her. They looked into each other’s eyes, smiling, as Derek put an arm around her. “What do I owe this nice surprise?”

Meredith shrugged. “I came to sleep home.”

Derek narrowed his eyes and pulled back a little, eyeing her suspiciously. “Has the social services come already?”

“No,” Meredith frowned just at that thought. “Don’t make such a big deal out of this. I am home, ok?”

“Ok,” he smiled reassuringly. “I won’t ask anything more. I am glad to have you home.” Meredith put her head down on his shoulder and enjoyed his comfort. “So, what do we have for dinner?” he asked after a while of peaceful silence.

Meredith leaned over the table and took the lid off a pot. “Roasted duck.”

“You got that right,” Derek smirked.

Meredith smirked back, “I know. And shrimp and some salads.”

“There’s a lot of food,” he chuckled.

“I thought you were hungry.”

In response to that Derek caressed her shoulder and kissed it. “I am hungry. But of something else.”

Meredith rubbed her cheek against his face and gently pushed him away then. “We also have red wine.”

Derek winced and shook his head. “I am not sure red wine was the right choice.”

“Maybe it wasn’t,” she shrugged and there was lust in her eyes as she added, “But I am sure it’s the right choice for the dessert.”

“Like we would need red wine,” Derek laughed. He still took the glasses and put them in front of him, before he took the bottle of wine to open it.

“I forgot the music.” Meredith stated and quickly stood up from the couch.

“You have everything by the book I see,” Derek noticed.

“I tried,” Meredith giggled and pressed the play button, letting soft, quiet music fill the room. She walked back to the couch then and sat down beside Derek, receiving the glass of wine from him.

“Cheers,” his glass knocked softly against hers and both took small sips from their wine.

“So…” Meredith cleared her voice. “Did I miss anything good today?”

Derek chuckled and nodded. “And this should deserve you as lesson not to pick long fights with me anymore.”

“Sorry,” Meredith pouted childishly, receiving a comforting kiss from Derek.

“How’s the baby feeling?” he asked her.

“She’s better and if she keeps feeling better she might get discharged in a week or so.”

“That’s good.”

Meredith just nodded. There was some hesitation in her nod which Derek didn’t notice.

“Are we going to Cristina’s party tomorrow night?” he asked.

“I don’t know if there’s going to be any party there. Lexie didn’t come at work today. She called and said she was sick. If she ….”

“She what?” Derek interrupted her.

“She’s sick.”

“Mark’s sick too,” Derek stated.

Both looked at each other.

“What are they up to now?” Meredith frowned.

Derek shrugged his shoulders. “You don’t want to go and check, I hope. I wouldn’t want to spend the last night of year 2008 lecturing two grown-ups.”

“This is the night, isn’t it?” Meredith giggled.

“Yes, because tomorrow night doesn’t even count.”

“Hmm,” she mused.

“It’s been a full year,” he stated and Meredith approved with a smile.

“Not bad.”

“At all,” Derek agreed. “So no ‘saving Lexie’ operation tonight?”

“Absolutely not,” Meredith grinned and glued her lips to his.

Derek put his glass on the table, not letting go of her lips, and pulled her closer into his arms. Meredith had put her glass away too so she could lock her arms around his neck now.

“I hate to break this, but we have to turn the music off. I am just too tired for something this soft.”

Meredith giggled and stood up quickly. “I know.”

“Don’t you have a remote for that?” Derek groaned.

“Well, this is my parents’ house and they weren’t much preoccupied with high tech.”

“When we’ll move into our house, we’ll have remote for everything.”

“And this way you’ll get a big fat old man,” Meredith giggled.

“And this way you’ll get all the uninterrupted sex you want,” Derek replied, knowing better.

Meredith lingered behind the couch, smiling at Derek. “Are you hungry?” she asked quietly, bringing a note of seduction in her voice, which was immediately heard by Derek, who nodded affirmative. “How hungry?”

“Starving,” he answered. “And the fireplace looks warm.” Meredith giggled, agreeing with his thoughts and she picked a blanket and Derek two pillows from the couch, making a comfortable bed down beside the fireplace.

“This place is hot, not warm,” Meredith laughed as Derek laid her onto her back and yellow flames reflected against her skin.

“No,” Derek disagreed, wriggling his brows seductively. “You feel hot, not the fireplace.” He gently caressed her shoulders, pushing the blouse down her arm; his lips started brushing against her soft skin, tracing kisses up her neck and then down her arm. Meredith stood up a little so Derek could pull the blouse over her head, letting her torso bare. His lips found soon the taste of her collar and his lips the softness of her breast as he started loving her body.

Meredith tangled her fingers into his hair, arching her head to back as she enjoyed the most pleasant touch of their physical connection. There was no better place for her body to relax than in Derek’s arms, under his caresses and kisses.

“Mer,” Derek moaned as his mouth returned to hers. “You’re hot.”

“I know,” she giggled. “But do you know what’s not hot? Your shirt.”

“Right,” He got on his knees quickly.

Meredith knelt in front of him and helped him push the shirt off his shoulders as it was her turn to return the kisses and caresses.

The warmth of the fireplace, the dim light of the candles and the sound of their kiss only were going to make an unforgettable memory of their night together.

Meredith had her back snuggled in Derek’s arms and he held a firm hand on her shoulder to feel her closer.

“I came home today,” Meredith started quietly. “And I felt weird without Doc’s greeting.”

“We can bring him back,” Derek reassured her.

Meredith rolled onto her back so she could look at him. “I am supporting my dad. I want him to win this over mom.”

Derek chuckled. “You got a little from both your parents. You have your mom’s strong personality and your dad’s kindness and generosity.”

“Thanks,” she smiled. She propped herself up on one elbow. “But I don’t think I have my mom’s strong personality.”

“Thank God,” Derek added.

“But I can still put you down,” she pushed him by his shoulder, flipping him onto his back.

“With your body; you sure do,” he reassured her. “With your personality, you might have slight chances.”

Meredith mounted him, smiling down at him as his hands gripped firmly her waist. “We’re good together.”

“I’d say great, but yeah. We are.”

Meredith leaned down onto his body, propping herself on her forearms, and kissed him. His arms and legs secured her against his body and Derek rolled over, bringing her beneath him. “I love you.”

Meredith brushed her hand against his face and stated, “I love you too.”

With those words and that strong embrace, Derek started kissing her passionately, firing again their bodies; just that this time, Meredith couldn’t allow. There was something she had to talk about with Derek.

“Derek, let’s just cuddle for a moment,” she asked, gently pushing him off her.

“We have all night to cuddle,” he insisted.

“Derek,” she became more pleading.

Confused, Derek looked up at her. “What is it?” Then he noticed there was something on her mind.

Meredith sighed and released herself from under the weight of his body, rolling onto her side. “I…” she just couldn’t find the courage.

“Mer?”

“It’s nothing… much,” she stammered.

“But it’s important,” he noticed.

Meredith looked at him, questioning, “How do you know?”

“It’s not that hard to know,” he laughed. “You found your words with difficulty, you have this frown on your forehead, which by the way it might make you wrinkle prematurely,” he teased her, his finger smoothing the line of her frown. “What’s on your mind?”

She let out another sigh. “I… uh… I want to ask you something.”

“Sure. You can ask me anything.”

“It’s more like… a favor.”

“Mer,” Derek chuckled. “Just tell me.”

Meredith’s frown deepened and she started biting her lip. “I’d like to… but just temporary and it’s for a good cause and… you know I love you.”

“Meredith,” Derek was getting a little impatient with her. Then he froze. “Are you pregnant?”

“No,” she answered quickly, then that gave her an idea too. “But I could be. What if I am pregnant, Derek?”

“Well, are you or not. If you think you are, then we should run you some tests.”

“But what if I am?”

“I don’t understand the question.”

Meredith groaned. “Would want me to keep the baby?”

“Of course!” his answer was firm. “But why? Do you have any symptom?”

“No, but… I have this baby I’d like us to take under custody temporary.”

Derek was staring at her, dumbfounded, now.

“I know this is… complicated or… too much. I know, but…”

Derek shook his head and didn’t let her finish. “Do you want us to ask for her temporary custody?” Meredith just nodded. Derek could not believe his eyes and ears. He shook his head with disapproval.

“Just until they found a good family to adopt her.”

“Meredith,” Derek stood up and looked at her. “Are you aware of what you’re asking me?”

“Yes. I thought about this very well before telling you. I know I am just an intern, but I can take a few weeks off to stay with her and then maybe my dad will want to sit with her while we’re at work. I didn’t take any leave since I’ve started working here, so I can be at home with her the few months.”

“Meredith,” Derek kept shaking his head.

“No,” it was her turn not to let him finish. “Maybe it won’t even take that long to find her a family. Just Derek… I don’t want her to go to an orphanage. She’s just a little baby and she’s still so fragile. None would love her there.”

“Meredith,”

“Ugh,” she winced. “I don’t like my name.”

“Meredith. This is not Vegas anymore. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. This baby is a little human being and we can’t take risk over such responsibility. It was just us in Vegas.”

“This has nothing to do with Vegas.”

“Meredith, tell me honestly, do you think you’d be able to let this baby go when a family will want to adopt her?”

Meredith let her eyes down.

“See? So we’re not talking about something temporary here.”

“But you just said, you’d want me to keep the baby if I were pregnant.”

“If you were pregnant!” Derek pointed out. “Because then it would be our accident. But Meredith adopting a baby is different.”

“How?”

“Well, you need to be fully conscious of what you’re doing and why making this step so soon? We had a few scares and you saw how panicked you were. A baby is… too much for us.”

“Maybe to you!”

“Yes, it would be too much for me too, but for you the most. I am already an attending; I got my recognition as surgeon. You haven’t even finished your first year as intern. I know she has a sad story. It breaks anyone’s heart. Even Mark’s, but you don’t see him hurrying to adopt her. Before anything else, we’re doctors. You were the doctor who found her.”

Meredith’s eyes were swelling with tears and her voice was too close to the breaking voice as she muttered, “She’s all alone, Derek.”

Derek cupped her cheek, wanting to wipe her eyes, but she pulled her face away.

“I need to shower,” she sniffled and stood up, leaving Derek alone in their previous romantic place.

Derek lay down, running his hands over his face. How silly of him to think that sense and knocked into Meredith and brought her home. Everything was part of her plan. He wasn’t mad though. He had to appreciate her concern for that baby girl, but he could not appreciate the bad timing. He wouldn’t have been ready for a pregnancy either maybe, but he would at least have nine months to prepare himself.

He started considerate her intention. He no longer had doubts that they were in a healthy and stable marriage, but it was their career, hers the most, he had to consider very well. He just couldn’t make a decision.

Derek stood up, pulled his boxers on and went to find Meredith. He wasn’t sure what he would say to her, but he couldn’t let her alone.

Upstairs, he heard the water pouring in the shower. Derek found Meredith curled up in a corner, with hot water pouring over her, looking as if she was sleeping. He stepped inside, closed the door, turned the water off and grabbed the towel for her. He knelt in front of Meredith, covering her with the towel.

“If you were pregnant, I’d have nine months to get ready, but Meredith you can’t pop this so suddenly and expect an answer. At least not the answer you want.” Meredith kept her face buried in her knees. “I understand you, I really do, but we have to talk about this. This is a decision that should belong to both of us.”

She looked up at him then.

“I am not heartless and you know that. She’s a sweet baby and it’s sad what’s happening to her indeed, but we’re the grown-ups and we are responsible for her. Tomorrow I will call my mom and tell her everything, we’ll hear her opinion.” Meredith opened her mouth, to protest probably, but Derek didn’t let her. “Then we’ll meet your family and hear their opinion. Then we’ll talk to a lawyer and see what advices we receive. We might not stand for great chances for being both surgeons, but we’ll try. The only thing I am asking you not to fall into depression if we don’t receive her custody. We would have tried. Besides that, she’s an adorable baby and there are so many couples out there that pray for a baby like her every day, so I am sure she would find herself a loving family. You want the best for her, right?”

Meredith nodded slowly.

“It’s not a caprice, right?”

She nodded again.

“One more thing I am asking you. Never bring serious talks while we’re trying for something romantic, ok?”

“Sorry,” she muttered and a smile crept on her face.

Derek cupped her cheek and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Let’s go back downstairs.”

“I am hungry,” she stated as she took his hand and stood up.

“Me too.”

“For food.”

“Me too,” Derek laughed.

Meredith wrapped herself in her towel and held Derek’s hand as they walked out of the bathroom. She stopped outside on the hallway and turned to him. “So, we’re going to adopt Rose, right?”

“We’re going to try. Yes. And we need to talk about her name. I am not sure that Rose is the name you like the most.”

“Derek?” Meredith smiled at him. “We’re not the Vegas couple anymore.”

“No, we’re not.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I love you.”

She put her arms around his neck, smiling against his lips. “You have no idea.”

“I don’t,” he winked at her, “but I hope I will figure out soon.”

“Who is stronger now?” she elbowed him playfully.

“I suppose I still am,” he smirked. “I got you out of the bathroom, didn’t I?” Meredith wanted to reply, but Derek added quickly. “Don’t say anything.” She had talked him into her plan after all.
-----
Stay tune for the rest of the story. According to my writing plan, I have one more chapter left plus the Epilogue. I hope you're going to enjoy the ending
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McGrey Oct 12 2009, 08:56 AM Post #83
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 Derek couldn’t get much sleep that night. The idea of adopting a baby kept swirling into his head and, if it wasn’t Meredith sleeping in his arms, he would have tossed between sheets all night. As noble as Meredith’s intention was as unprepared Derek felt for such step. Of course he wanted babies, especially now that he was in a stable relationship, married, but he was scared of the responsibility. The question that kept him up most of the night wasn’t if the adoption was the right thing; he was asking himself if he would have been this unprepared if Meredith had told him she was pregnant. Around 3 o’clock in the morning, he had his answer; yes. He would have been unprepared then too.

Then he started making a plan; if everything would go well with the adoption, he should consider a few months of leave from work to help Meredith with the baby. Derek nodded to himself; it was easier for him to take a long leave from work than it was for Meredith. Slowly his mind started imagining and making plans for the future, catching him in a slight desire of wishing this adoption to succeed.

He couldn’t tell exactly for how long he had fallen asleep, but the alarm started buzzing too soon. Meredith groaned beside him and turned her back on him. He sleepily looked for the clock and managed to knock it down, but also brought silence back in their room. He rolled over and snuggled with Meredith.

“Do we have to be up now?” Meredith sighed.

“No. I am giving you a few more minutes.”

Meredith turned over and snuggled into his arms. “Thanks,” she sighed with content.

Sleep was vanishing quickly despite the lack of sleeping hours, so Derek could hold his eyes open now and watch Meredith’s face, while he slowly brushed her hair. “Will you be sleeping home tonight?”

Meredith sleepily opened her eyes and smiled at him. “I promise. Though I am not sure about the sleep we will get tonight as we’re invited to Cristina’s party for New Year.”

“I wasn’t specifically referring to sleep,” Derek smiled and ran his back against her cheek. “Thanks. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Becoming more awake too, Meredith propped herself up on her forearm. “About what we talked last night…”

Derek narrowed his eyes, interested. “What about it?”

“We’re still on with that, right?” she wanted to be sure.

Derek chuckled and nodded. “And I think I found a pretty name for her.”

“You did?” Meredith smiled, impressed.

“Elena.”

“I like it,” Meredith agreed without any second thought. “It’s not that common.”

“That’s right. And about what we talked last night also…” it was his turn to make her interested, “Don’t get high hopes, ok?”

“I know, Derek,” she reassured him.

“Good. Whatever happens, she will get a good family.”

“I know,” she nodded and also looked convinced with it.

“Why don’t you call in and tell them you’re sick?” he suggested with a flirty smile. “I so want to take care of you today.”

Meredith laughed and mounted him. “I guess I could have a bad morning and go later at work.

Derek wasn’t entirely pleased, but he knew he couldn’t miss from work all day either. He grabbed her waist and pulled her down to him so he could hold her face and kiss her.

Meredith was ready to melt into his arms, when she suddenly pulled back and stood up on him. “Do you know who else were sick yesterday?”

Confused, Derek had to clear his thoughts. Meredith sure knew how to frustrate him. “Mark and Lexie,” he sighed. “Meredith, we agreed we wouldn’t care.”

“And we don’t. It’s just…”

“Nothing,” Derek pulled her back down to him. “Listen to me and take this as a warning. If you keep interrupting us with more talking or nonsense, you will get no sex for a whole month. Just try me.”

Meredith narrowed her eyes and smiled suspiciously.

“You don’t believe me?” She shook her head. “Do you want to try me?” Meredith hesitated a little, but didn’t say no. Derek sighed and shook his head. “Since we got married, I’ve started finding new things about you and there are a few I don’t like.”

Meredith didn’t look amused anymore. “What does this mean?”

“It means that I can live with your flaws, but sometimes you should be aware of them and correct yourself in time.”

“Ok. Now can we have sex?”

Derek chuckled proudly. “See how it feels for me?” he pointed out and to continue with the teasing, he gently pushed her off him. “Let’s talk about this.”

“About what?”

“About our flaws.”

“Now?”

“Yes,” he laughed. “I am paying you back for last night when instead of hot sex you wanted to talk about adoption.”

Meredith frowned and moved next to him, pleading, “Pay me back some other time. Tonight.”

Derek shook his head. “How do I know you will come home tonight?”

“I will.”

“No,” Derek refused. “I am not taking any more risks with you.”

Meredith pulled back and looked at him. “Do you want to play hard?”

Derek nodded his head.

“Do you like to play hard?” she asked him and Derek nodded his head again. “Good, because I like it too,” and quickly disappeared under the quilt.

“Mer!” Derek hurried to get her out. “Oh God!” but it was too late. She won that battle.

Later they were still in bed, but now getting some rest.

“Do you think I am late enough?” Meredith asked Derek sleepily.

Derek looked back at the clock on his nightstand and groaned. “No,” he murmured as he returned to her. “Because I always set the clock earlier.”

“Speaking of flaws,” she giggled.

“Hey, if you weren’t so lazy…”

Meredith rolled over, facing him. “Let’s get started.”

Derek nodded and both trailed out of the bed. After shower, Derek went downstairs to make coffee and something for them to eat.

Coming down the stairs, Meredith felt once again Doc’s absence. “How can you miss something that annoys you too much?”

“Doc?” Derek laughed and Meredith answered with a nod. “Seriously, Mer. If you miss him that much, we can take him back. We could buy your father a puppy.”

“No,” she shook her head. “I just got used to him. But we might have a baby soon.”

Derek smiled at her. “We might.”

“You should talk to the guys and have the house fixed as soon as possible. We should have our own place, a proper one for living.”

“I know. But today it’s New Year’s Eve, tomorrow everyone will have hangover, so after the 2nd I should call them. We have time, don’t worry.”

Meredith just nodded.

“Coffee?” he pointed to the coffee machine.

Meredith stood up from the bar and took two mugs with her. She filled them with fresh coffee, giving one to Derek and taking the other one with her at the table.

Meredith was washing the dishes and Derek was preparing his briefcase when the doorbell rang. Derek went to answer the door.

Lexie stormed in cheerfully. “Morning. Where’s Mer?”

“Morning,” Derek replied, surprised. “Aren’t you late for work?”

“I am. Actually, I might not really.”

“You might not really?” he laughed.

“Yeah,” Lexie replied, distracted. “Where’s Mer?”

“In the kitchen,”

Lexie ran there right away.

“Hey,” Meredith was surprised with Lexie’s visit too. “Aren’t you late for work?”

“She might not really,” Derek laughed as he walked in.

Lexie smiled at them and there was a gleam in her eyes that told them she had big news for them.

“What’s going on?” Meredith asked her.

Lexie took a deep breath and showed them her left hand, where on the ring finger was hanging a big diamond. “He proposed!” she beamed.

“Who?” Derek and Meredith asked at the same time.

“Mark!”

“What?” they shouted and looked at each other too shocked for words.

“I know!” Lexie kept beaming. “He proposed to me the other night and just yesterday he went to buy a ring.”

“Let me guess,” Meredith said. “While you waited for him in bed.”

Lexie giggled and Meredith shook her head with disapproval. “What?” Lexie shrugged. “He did the right thing this time. We’re doing it the right way.”

“Lexie,” Meredith wasn’t as sure as Lexie was.

“Give him some credit, Mer. Tell her, Derek,” Lexie looked for Derek’s support.

“Give me a second,” Derek muttered as he kept staring at Lexie’s ring. “That diamond might have sliced my brain into pieces.”

“I know it’s surprising.”

“Shocking!” Meredith contradicted her and Derek agreed with her.

“Shocking,” Lexie giggled. “But we talked and we decided. We’re ready to get married. Ok, I admit. I wasn’t expecting hugs and congratulations from you. I just came to give you the news.”

“Congratulations, Lexie,” Derek managed to have cleared his head a little, though not understanding everything yet.

“Thank you, Derek.”

Meredith gave her cousin a hug. “Congrats.”

“Thanks, Mer. And I have other news to share with you and prepare yourselves because it’s as big as the proposal was.”

Meredith gasped. “You’re pregnant? Again?”

“No,” Lexie smiled. “But, Mark and I talked and we’ll get married very soon. We’ll have a small wedding, because as we’re married, we’ll apply the adoption papers for Emily.”

Meredith and Derek found themselves staring at Lexie again.

“Who’s Emily?” Meredith asked in a faint voice, though she had an idea.

“The baby you found.”

Meredith took a deep breath and felt like she was about to faint. Derek noticed her reaction so he was by her side in a second.

“Her name is not Emily,” Meredith managed to mutter.

“I am not going to name her Rose, Mer,” Lexie disagreed.

“Her name is Elena,” Meredith kept muttering as if she was talking to herself and no longer listening to Lexie.

“Mer,” Derek spoke softly in her ear. He knew she was going to outburst soon.

“Derek and I talked,” Meredith stated. “We want to adopt Emi… Elena.”

“What?” it was Lexie’s turn to froze her smile.

“Yes, we talked and we want to adopt her. You see, we’re married already,” Meredith’s reply came full of malice this time. “And we’re not newlyweds.”

“We’re going to try,” Derek didn’t want her to forget.

It was too late it seemed as Meredith was more focused on confronting her cousin now.

Derek didn’t like the way things were turning.

“Are you sure about this, Lexie?” Derek asked her. “I mean, is Mark ready?”

“Yes. He came with the suggestion,” Lexie retorted.

Derek knew she was lying. Lexie wasn’t playing Ms. Nice anymore either.

“No, he didn’t,” he disagreed. “And do not lie, because I know Mark very well.”

“No, you don’t,” Lexie retorted, still able to use a calm tone. “Because he proposed to me after I told him I’d like to adopt Emily.”

“Elena,” Meredith grumbled.

“Emily,” Lexie repeated maliciously.

Derek put a hand on Meredith’s back in attempt of calming her down. For a moment, Derek asked himself if it wasn’t better to step aside and let them fight and scratch their eyes out. He liked his wife’s eyes though, so he had to be on her side.

“Lexie, Mark won’t take a week off to stay with the baby. I think he told you that,” and from her silence, Derek had his answer. “And you’re just an intern.”

“I thought about this very well so don’t try to talk me out of it,” Lexie replied. “I thought about this and I made a decision. If we receive her custody, I will switch to an easier specialty. I will leave surgery and get into Pediatrics.”

“If, so you’re not all willing to make the switch,” Derek pointed out.

“Don’t play doctor with me, Derek,” Lexie frowned. “I am not all willing, but I am willing to do this sacrifice for Emily.”

Derek squeezed Meredith’s shoulder when she wanted to correct Lexie. Derek didn’t know what else to say to that. Lexie’s will to sacrifice was impressive indeed, contrary to Meredith who wasn’t willing to do such thing. Of course, Meredith had him and he could help her.

Derek found himself in doubts now. He wanted to support Meredith and be on her side, but the balance was leaning more in Lexie’s favor.

Because Derek didn’t seem to have anything to say against Lexie, Meredith turned to look at him. He gave her an apologetic look and put his arms around her.

Meredith turned to her cousin. “We’ll talk to a lawyer today.”

“Today is New Year’s Eve,” Lexie replied knowingly. “Besides that, I don’t think you found out. Emily’s mother was found dead last night.”

“What?”

“She killed herself. She didn’t have other relatives beside her father who is sick in a care house. And the baby’s father is unknown, so they will publish an article in the local paper, in case the man who knew this woman didn’t know he was a father he can decide whether he wants her or not. It might take a few weeks until Emily will be legal to adopt.”

Meredith was slowly processing the whole information. “If he’s a decent man, he will come for her. In the meantime, we can still ask for her temporary custody.”

“Meredith, we talked about this,” Derek told her.

Meredith just shot him a glare.

“Why are you doing this?” Lexie argued. “You know what this means to me.”

“I didn’t force you to abort your baby!” Meredith retorted.

“Meredith!” Derek stopped her before throwing any other harmful word to her cousin. “We need to talk about this,” he told her and also looked at Lexie. “We all need to talk about this with our families. We’ll talk to ours, to a lawyer, and Lexie you need to do the same. We’re a family after all.”

“I can’t believe this,” Lexie shook her head and turned to leave. “I am late for work,” she grumbled as she headed to the door.

“It doesn’t matter who receives the custody,” Derek wanted to comfort Meredith. “She would stay in our family.”

Meredith turned to him with a glare. “Whose side are you on?”

“Yours.”

“Ok, then stop saying anything else. You know…”

Derek’s pager went on and didn’t let her finish. Meredith sighed and said as Derek checked the code, “We’re late for work.”

Derek nodded and reluctantly got ready for work. He hated that he had to let this talk hanging.

---

Derek needed a little time of relaxation later that day, after a long surgery. He was walking by his office on his way to an on-call room when something inside the office caught his attention. He stopped and looked inside, to see Mark sitting in there and working on his computer.

Curious and also aware that he hadn’t had the chance to ask Mark for explanation yet, Derek decided to have a talk to him.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” stated Derek as he leaned against the doorframe.

Mark chuckled from his chair. “I was sure she would brag.”

“She didn’t have to. Her ring is bragging itself.”

Mark smirked with satisfaction at his friend. “Do I or do I not have good tastes? And by this I am referring at more than jewelries.”

“Mark, what’s going on? What are you doing?” Derek asked as he walked in and shut the door.

Mark shifted in his chair, adopting a more comfortable position, as he looked ready for a serious talk.

“I proposed to Lexie.”

“Uh,” Derek groaned. “I think that’s plain obvious. But why?”

Mark shrugged. “I think it’s time to settle down.”

Derek eyed him suspiciously. “Is it because of the homesick? You know, when you get homesick, you just go home. You don’t marry decent girls.”

“I am not messing with her,” Mark stated.

“You’re in love with her?” Derek asked him, almost not believing what he had just heard.

“I wouldn’t call it love,” Mark winced lightly. “You know, love is a big word and I am not the man of big words. I just feel like Lexie is the right person to settle down with.”

Derek sat on the desk, folded his arms against his chest and looked at his friend, “Are you in some sort of depression? They have good shrinks here too.”

Mark just rolled his eyes.

“And you suggested adoption?” Derek went on with his interrogatory.

“Why not?” Mark replied matter-of-factly. “She’s so fond of that baby and…” he hesitated a little before continuing, and Derek could swear he saw him swallowing a lump, “… we lost a baby already. Maybe that was a rush decision.”

“And you think this will substitute the loss?”

Mark shrugged. “It’s just feels right.”

“It might feel right, but it’s not. What is going on with you people?” Derek questioned through a sigh while shaking his head with disapproval. “I studied to become a neurosurgeon not a psychiatrist. Do I really have to knock some sense in everyone?”

“What’s your problem?” Mark frowned. “I said I am not messing with her again.”

“Ok, I got that and you want to marry her. That’s brave of you, but adopting a baby?”

“Yeah,” Mark didn’t look so sure this time. “I am not entirely sure about this, but it will be like Lexie is pregnant again. We would have to deal with it this time.”

Derek sighed and went to sit in a chair beside his friend. He was so tired of being the only rational grown-up in the room.

“I heard some stuff too,” Mark told him. “Do you want to adopt this baby too?”

Derek shrugged his shoulders. “Meredith wants it. I am just supporting her.”

“You don’t want a baby?”

“I do, but I am not very sure that right now. Besides that, Lexie wants the same thing now and she and Meredith don’t talk to each other anymore.”

“Maybe some relative will come and take her home,” Mark muttered.

“Slight chances from what I heard,” Derek shook his head. “What do I do now?”

“You’re asking me?” Mark smiled. It had always been vice versa.

“Who else?”

Mark shrugged.

“I have an idea,” Derek said. “Why don’t you talk to Meredith and convince her to let you adopt this baby. You can be gooy.”

“Never!” Mark protested. “I am not a gooy person. Besides, have you seen the last look on your wife’s face? I am not getting any closer to her.”

“She’s inoffensive,” Derek laughed. “She’s a tiny person.”

“Right, like I would trust the size. I can’t believe you’re capable of sending me into the wolf’s cage.”

“You’re exaggerating,” Derek laughed.

“Then why don’t you talk to her? Promise her the moon and the stars, a dozen of cute little babies of your own and talk her out of this. I could try though…,”

Derek nodded, expecting his help.

“But that it would include no pants and underpants to make the talk work,” he added.

“Right,” Derek nodded and gave up on hoping for help from his friend.

“We could try something,” Mark suggested and this time it didn’t seem to be something nasty. “Why don’t we find adoptive parents for the baby? Don’t you know any couple wishing so much for a baby?”

That seemed like an interesting idea to Derek. He gave a thought about it, but no couple came into his head.

“You don’t want this baby really,” Derek noticed.

“I could live without it.”

“But Lexie couldn’t,” Derek pointed out. “If you marry her, you will need to stay by her side in all situations.”

“That’s what you’re doing?”

“I am trying.”

“Yes, I am supporting Lexie. If she really wants this baby girl, then I will have to help her have her. I will even talk to Meredith.”

Derek narrowed his eyes, not so sure.

“Don’t worry. I will probably wear armor or something to shield me from danger.”

Derek laughed. “But use your honest, sensitive side. Meredith will know if you lie.”

“So you’re going to help us? How about sticking to your wife’s side?”

“I don’t know what to do. I don’t want Meredith to believe that I don’t support her and I am not sure that you guys getting married and adopting a baby is the right thing to do either.”

“We’ll see,” Mark sighed and stood up from the chair. “I am going to talk to Meredith and see how things go. One thing I want you and Meredith to be sure of, I know how big an adoption is and if I assume responsibility for this, I am going to keep it.”

Derek could tell Mark was honest about that. Now he didn’t know what to do about Meredith.

They walked out of Derek’s office together and right around the corner, at the nurses’ station Meredith was writing down in a chart.

Mark stopped suddenly as he spotted her, closely watched by Derek’s amusement. “Ok, so I am not that brave.” Mark patted Derek’s shoulder. “You talk to her.”

“Chicken,” Derek hissed as Mark took off in the opposite direction.

Mark just waved his hand in the air, walking away.

Derek didn’t know what he was going to say to Meredith, but he went to her anyway. He put a hand on her back and smiled as she stirred at his touch.

“Do you have a second?” he asked her.

Meredith nodded. She signed the chart and handed it to the nurse before she followed Derek into an on-call room.

“What is it?” she asked him as she walked in front of him and put her arms around him. “I only have a second,” she sighed.

Derek gave her a hug and chuckled. “See what abstinence does?”

Meredith pulled back, embarrassed. “I wasn’t thinking about sex.”

Derek just smiled. He knew better. “I want to talk to you.”

“Ok,” Meredith nodded for him to go on.

“About adoption,” Derek said. “What are we going to do now, Meredith?”

Meredith looked at him, confused. “What do you mean? We’ll talk to a lawyer first. And to our families. Right?”

Derek sighed and took her hand, leading her to the bed. They sat down next to each other and Derek cradled her hand between his. “What are we going to do now, Meredith? How will things stay between you and Lexie from now on?”

Meredith pulled her hand back instantly. “Do you care more about Lexie?”

“No! But I do care about the relationship between you and her.”

“Don’t worry about that,” she frowned.

“You know we have a little more chances than she and Mark have to obtain the custody. Do you think she will ever forgive you?” Before Meredith could argue, Derek added quickly, “She might have made a wrong decision with the abortion, but you know how affected she was by it. It wasn’t a simple decision.”

“But it was hers,” Meredith replied sharply.

“I know and as I said, it was a wrong decision. As we see it now. Back then we all agreed it was the right thing to do.”

“They got married in Mexico!” Meredith blared out. “And she even believed she was married for real. Now she wants to get married again, to the same idiot, and she also wants to adopt a baby. Don’t you see what she’s doing? Doesn’t this sound familiar to you?”

“I am not sure if the idiot part should sound familiar,” Derek pointed out.

“Derek,” Meredith sighed.

“Meredith, you’re saying she’s copying you?” Derek almost laughed.

Meredith turned to him with a glare. “Isn’t it obvious? Do you need a scheme?”

Derek took a deep breath. He felt his nerves going over the edge. “Ok, so now you’re calling me stupid?” he laughed bitterly. “I don’t think that’s so smart of you; especially when I can help you get what you want.”

“I didn’t call you stupid. Don’t be so dramatic.” Meredith retorted. She started pacing nervously around the room, biting her lip. She stopped and turned to Derek, “I am not going to let her win this.”

Derek grabbed and pulled her to him, a little too harsh as Meredith winced at pain. He shook her and made her look at him. “What’s wrong with you? Who are you?”

“What is wrong with you?” Meredith fought to release herself from his grip.

Derek opened the mouth to retort, but he was too nervous for words. His hand kept gripping firmly her arm as he looked at her, horrified. “You and Lexie are two children.” He realized that with disappointment. “You’re so immature. I feel like I don’t know you anymore, Meredith. Who are you?”

He let go of her hand and ran his hands through his hair with exasperation. “We’re not adopting any baby. I am going to let Mark and Lexie do it either.”

Meredith was too startled by Derek’s outburst to fight with him anymore. She kept rubbing her arm on the spot that Derek had probably bruised and went to sit in the opposite corner from Derek. “You didn’t want this from the beginning,” she muttered.

Derek groaned, rolling his eyes. “I thought about a name for her, Meredith. I even imagined myself her dad. I made plans of how will handle her. But Meredith I agreed to adopt her because I do want to have children with you and you looked mature and determined about this. I was so wrong about you.”

Meredith looked at him, her eyes welling up with tears. “Wrong?”

Derek walked up to her and shook his head. He knocked his finger against her forehead. “Is there anything in there? Any reasoning? Any sign of maturity.”

“Don’t do that,” Meredith slapped his hand away.

“Meredith, I want to be your husband, not your dad. I want to take decisions with you and I want to trust in your decisions. Life, marriage and all the things that belong to a married couple are a serious game.”

Meredith sat down on the edge of the bed, cradling her head in her hands. Every word Derek had told her was now buzzing in her head; he was right, but he was also wrong. He couldn’t understand her. She felt him coming and crouching in front of her, putting his hands on her knees. She didn’t look up.

“I didn’t know you were spoiled,” Derek said with calm. “Meredith, I love you and I would do anything for you. I would support you in any decision you make, but only if I can trust you.”

Meredith looked up. “I want to help this baby, Derek.”

“And I will help you.”

Meredith looked at him, confused. “Then?”

Derek groaned and stood up. “You’re so slow,” he muttered under his breath.

“You’re good at words,” Meredith stated bitterly while glaring at him. “One moment we adopt the baby, the next second we’re not. What are we going to do, Derek?”

“Not!”

Meredith jumped up. “Thank you, Derek. For your ‘support’,” she sarcastically used air quotes.

“Yes, Meredith,” he retorted. “And air quotes. Very mature of you.”

Meredith pushed him away and walked past him, but Derek grabbed her quickly. “And running away. Even more mature. Can’t you stand a serious talk, Meredith?”

Meredith fought and released herself from his grip.

“If you walk out that door…” Derek warned her.

Meredith grabbed the doorknob and stopped to look at him. “What if?”

“Is it you that needs a scheme now?”

Meredith couldn’t take that insult and stormed outside, leaving Derek crushing on the bed, exasperated.

-----

It was evening, only 2 hours left until New Year, and Meredith sat in her car in the parking lot. She heard Derek had left already and she didn’t know where he was. One thing she knew, she couldn’t face him right now. She didn’t know what to do, where to go.

She had to leave though, because she didn’t want the New Year to find her alone in an empty parking lot. There was still a place she could go.

-----

From her car, Meredith looked at the neighbors’ houses, cheerful and brightly colored. There was just one house that looked different from the others; it was quiet, poor lightened, as if it was a regular evening; it was also very familiar to Meredith.

She took the key out of the contact and stepped outside in the cold as the wind blew past her. She shut the door and as she locked it she heard a familiar barking coming from inside the house.

“Doc,” she smiled.

Doc’s barking was getting more and more nervous as he felt someone watching the house, but Meredith could not get her feet to move to the house. What was she going to tell them? When did she ever look for advices from them? It was still the only familiar place at the moment though.

“What is it, Doc?” Meredith heard her father’s voice talking to the dog and his shadow crossing the house and coming at the door.

His father looked out the window and Meredith read her name on his lips.

The door opened and Doc ran outside, now happily barking as he recognized his former master.

“Hey, Doc!” Meredith knelt down, petting him.

“Meredith?” her father called from the doorway. “What are you doing here?”

Tears rolled down her cheeks, one by one, until they started to pour. Doc was her and Derek’s baby and they had lost their baby, but the thought of losing Derek was more terrifying. She held Doc’s head in her hands and buried her face in his fur as she cried her pain out.

“Meredith!” her father ran to her. “Meredith, what happened?”

Meredith just shook her head and kept crying. Even if she wanted to tell she couldn’t have because of the sobs.

“Ellis!” Thatcher shouted to his wife. “Ellis, come outside!”

Probably alarmed by her husband’s voice and also trained to answer promptly to an alarm, Ellis showed up in the doorway immediately.

“Meredith?” she asked, just as confused and worried as Thatcher. Despite the cold outside, she hurried out of the house to go check on her daughter. “What happened?” she asked Thatcher.

“I don’t know. She started to cry when Doc ran to her.”

“Meredith?” she asked her daughter. “What happened? Where’s Derek?”

At the sound of Derek’s name, Meredith’s sobs became harder and that gave her parents a clue over what had happened.

“Let’s go inside,” she bent to help Meredith up, but met her resistance.

“Give her a moment,” Thatcher asked.

“Here? Outside? What will the neighbors say?” Ellis asked in whisper.

Thatcher turned to her with a glare and let a quiet hiss escape through his lips. That caught Ellis off guard and made her step back.

By the way Meredith was clutching on Doc and crying, they understood that something serious might have happened and decided to give her a moment to calm down. Even Doc sat still, with his snout on her shoulder, and comforted her the best way he could.

Her eyes couldn’t cry a river, so as the tears started to stop and the sobs to calm, Meredith pulled back, sniffing and laughing as she played with Doc’s ears.

“Meredith?” Thatcher asked her softly. “Let’s go inside, ok?”

She looked up at her father and nodded, allowing him to help her up and lead her to the house, closely followed by her mother and Doc. He led her into the living room where, as she had imagined, they were having a quiet dinner.

“Meredith, what’s going on?” Ellis asked her. “Where’s Derek?”

Meredith looked absent-minded as they sat down in living room, but smiled when Doc came and sat down to her feet.

“Why are you two still married?” she found herself asking her parents.

“What?” Thatcher looked at his wife, confused.

“How come you’re still married after all these years?” Meredith asked, wiping her cheeks. “You’re weak; you have no authority,” she said, looking at her father. “And you’re so bossy and you need to be right all the time.”

Still confused with the question, Thatcher smiled kindly at Meredith and sat down beside her on the couch. “Because I am too scared of important decisions. She takes them all and if one fails, she gets all the blame.”

Meredith furrowed her brows as she listened to her father’s answer.

“As you said,” Ellis cut in also. “I like being right all the time and he can’t stand a fight with me, so I always win, I am always right.”

Meredith’s frown deepened as she looked at her parents. “And Derek and I are divorcing? Why?” she whimpered.

Thatcher and Ellis looked at each other, worried. “A divorce?” Ellis asked her. “What happened? You just vowed to each other a few days ago.”

Meredith shrugged her shoulders and her eyes sadly watched Doc. “I am not sure about the divorce,” she muttered. “He hasn’t mentioned the word yet.”

“Meredith, what happened?” Ellis asked her.

“Derek and I fought,” Meredith sighed.

“Meredith,” her father sighed with relief. “People fight all the time. There are big and small fights; a married couple has them all, but they work things out.”

“How do you work things out between you?”

“Compromise,” they answered together.

Meredith let another sigh and leaned her back against the couch. Doc jumped up and sat between her and father, putting his head down on her lap.

“Thatcher!” Ellis whimpered and pointed desperately to Doc, clearly not happy to see the dog on her furniture.

“He’s clean, mom.”

“Not quite,” her mother disagreed. “Besides, it leaves hair everywhere.”

Meredith petted her dog with a faint smile on her face. “He’s a good dog. You saw how he felt someone was watching the house.”

Thatcher looked up at Ellis and nodded, taking Meredith’s side.

“I don’t care about your stupid dog,” Ellis muttered. “I am worried about you. What exactly happened? Why did you fight?”

Meredith looked up as her mother expressed her concern and was surprised to see her worried indeed. “You know the baby I found on Christmas Eve.” Her parents nodded as they knew the story already.

“Her mother was found dead. She killed herself,” Meredith went on with the story. “And I talked to Derek and we decided we would try to adopt her.”

“Adopt her?” her parents looked surprised.

“And Derek accepted?” Ellis asked her.

“He did. It wasn’t easy to convince him, but I did. He even came up with a name for her.”

“Meredith, do you have any idea what an adoption means?” Ellis interrupted her, visibly not pleased with what her daughter was saying.

“Your mother is right,” Thatcher took Ellis’ side.

Meredith looked questioningly at him. “Why are you even talking? You agree with her no matter what she says.”

“Meredith!” Ellis scolded.

Meredith took a deep breath and sighed. “I am sorry,” she apologized, aware of the inappropriate words. “We are not going to adopt her anyway,” she added, muttering. “Because Lexie will do it.”

“What?”

Meredith nodded. “Mark proposed and she said yes. And apparently she suggested adoption and he said yes. And now Derek agrees to help them.”

Ellis and Thatcher looked at each other, too confused for words.

“You know what the worst part is?” Meredith said. “Derek is right. We should let Lexie adopt her. She lost a baby already and she’s also willing of switching to an easier specialty to be able to raise the baby. I am not that willing because I like cutting people open.”

“She wants to switch to something easier?” Ellis wasn’t pleased with that news either.

“It’s not that bad,” Meredith wanted to point out for Lexie. “If she’s happy with what she has.”

At one point, Thatcher stopped listening to their conversation. He stopped at the point where, “Lexie lost a baby?” he blurted out.

Meredith and Ellis looked at him and then at each other. Yes, only a few people knew about Lexie’s abortion and Thatcher wasn’t one of them.

Meredith shook her head. She wasn’t ready to give her father explanation over what had happened to Lexie, so she stood up and started pacing around, telling her own problem. “Do you know what really pisses me off in this? It’s not the fact that I don’t get to become that girl’s mother, because I do believe that Lexie will be a good mom; it’s the fact that…” she paused a little, finding words with difficulty. “She tries to compete with me all the time and you know neither of us likes to lose. First she ran to Mexico and got married to that man-whore Mark…”

“What?” his father exclaimed, unaware of that news either.

Meredith shook her head at his interruption and went on. “If she adopts this baby, she will become some kind of a hero for adopting her.”

“Meredith, that’s not true,” Ellis said. “You found the baby, so you saved her. Who knows how long it could have passed until someone would have found her. Who knows if someone would have found her alive.”

“Am I living in a different dimension?” Thatcher asked them, irritated as none seemed to put him up to date.

“It’s female stuff, Thatcher.”

“What?” Thatcher glared at her. “I don’t know what you think of me, but sometimes a man wants to know about the big things that happen in his daughter’s life; or his niece’s. And sometimes a father wants to have a word to say.”

Ellis motioned for him to have his word.

“This is your fault!” Thatcher accused Ellis.

“What?” Ellis snapped back.

“Yes. It was you that always put Meredith and Lexie in competition. Look what you’ve done now. They’re grown-ups but they fight over serious things like two girls.”

Ellis turned to Meredith with a scowl. “Why are you still standing there? Go find Derek. Talk to him. Be a wife!”

Meredith stepped back at her mother’s outburst.

“It’s almost midnight, Meredith,” her father told her. “You don’t want to be apart from each other this night. Besides, your mother and I need to talk.”

Meredith wasn’t sure of what she had just done. “You’re not going to divorce, are you?”

Ellis and Thatcher smiled knowingly at each other and then Ellis told Meredith, “You have so much to learn about marriage. You go to Derek and call me tomorrow to tell me what happened. We’ll deal with Lexie later.”

Meredith nodded and her father walked her to the door with Doc. The moment Thatcher closed the door, he and Ellis started arguing again. Meredith shook her head. She had a lot to learn about marriage indeed.

----

Derek could be in two places at that hour; either at the hospital or at their new house. Her instinct drove her to their house. She was anxious to get faster to him, being too afraid of the consequences of their fight. Meredith thought while she drove, she had to become more mature; think maturely and react maturely. She didn’t want to lose Derek over her childish behavior.

She had just entered their street when a strong light caught her attention and as she remembered the place, the light was coming from their land. Curious and also scared, Meredith sped up and pressed the break quickly as she got in front of the house.

The whole house was lit inside as if the sun had exploded in there. They had electricity at last, Meredith smiled.

Derek’s car was pulled in front of the house indeed and Meredith parked her car beside his and got outside.

The light made the empty house look huge and Meredith felt a little uncomfortable with it. “Derek?” she called, accompanied by her echo.

“Upstairs!” Derek answered from a further room.

Meredith had to concentrate to make her way through the house until the place where Derek was. Upstairs, the lights were on also. Meredith looked into one of the room, but Derek was not there.

“I am in here!” Derek called her as if he knew she was having trouble finding him.

It was easier to follow his voice this time. Meredith walked to the end of the hall and found Derek in probably the only unlit room in the house.

“What are you doing on dark?” she asked him.

Derek was sitting by the window when Meredith walked in. He glanced at her and said, “Come. I want to show you something.”

Meredith walked to the window and stopped beside him, looking out the window and following his gaze. From there, they were having a great view over the city; as if they were on the top of a mountain. The sky was clear and the moon bright, making the horizon look clearer and much closer.

“We will have no trouble watching the fireworks,” Derek stated. “And the room next door has view to the trees.”

Meredith watched the beautiful view outside, but her thoughts were making too many questions.

“I am sorry,” she said quietly, without looking away from the window. She felt though his gaze on her and then he took her hand. Meredith looked at him. “You were right. Lexie would make a better mom than me.”

“No, she won’t,” Derek frowned.

Meredith turned to him, looking more confused.

“Maybe to this child,” he smiled as he guessed her thoughts. “But one day will be become a mom and you will be just as good as her. Maybe better than her.”

Meredith smiled.

He cradled her hand in his and gently stroked her cheek. “If it wasn’t for Lexie, we would have adopted her.”

Meredith nodded her head and sighed. “So…” she didn’t have the courage to ask him if they would stay married or not, though it appeared they were still married.

“So,” Derek wanted to help her. “I was thinking we could use the closet beside our room and make it our private bathroom, like we have to your parents’ house.”

Meredith smiled, relieved now. “I think I like the idea. What are we going to do with the rest of the rooms? We have six. What do we need six bedrooms for?”

Derek laughed. “I think we will manage to fill them somehow.”

“Five bedrooms?” Meredith’s eyes widened.

“Not all five,” Derek answered amused. “We will have some guests from time to time too and it’s good to have a spare one. Don’t worry. We’ll manage the space.”

Fireworks started out of nowhere, announcing the arrival of a new year.

Derek pulled Meredith into his arms. “Happy New Year, Mer,” he whispered in her ear.

“Happy New Year, Derek,” she smiled.

“We don’t have champagne but we’ll go to Cristina and catch up with the drinks,” Derek chuckled.

“Ok,” Meredith laughed.

“Did you make a New Year resolution?”

Meredith didn’t have to think about it for too long. “I hope I will learn more about marriage this year.”

“Then mine is to learn with you.”

“You don’t seem like you need to learn about marriage. You were right earlier today and…”

“I was, but I might be wrong later,” Derek didn’t let her finish. He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her. “We can keep the name Elena for our first daughter.”

“First daughter?” Meredith laughed. “How do you know you won’t have a whole team of boys?”

“Because I don’t think you can handle a team of boys,” Derek laughed. “We will stop after the third. If the third try is still not a girl, then we quit. Or we adopt one. But we will give this name to our daughter.”

Meredith listened to him with a wide smile on her face. “Look at us. We just had our biggest fight and we stepped into the New Year together. We’re making room assignments and plan children birth. We’re seriously married now.”

Derek couldn’t agree more, “Seriously married.”
----
Next up, the epilogue :)
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Merderfann02 Oct 15 2009, 08:00 PM Post #84
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Kate

 I love this story! can't wait to see what happens next!
i believe we can be extrodinary together rather than ordinary apart<3
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McGrey Nov 24 2009, 07:23 PM Post #85
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 Seriously McMarried – Mr. & Mrs.

Arrived at the airport, Derek pulled the car in the parking lot and allowed himself a moment of contemplation. The last time he wanted to go on a sunny vacation was 4 years ago and back then he returned married from that vacation. Life as surgeons for both spouses was extremely hectic and didn’t allow them too many vacations, but today they were going on a well-deserved sunny vacation.

Derek looked at his right and smiled as he watched Meredith’s peaceful sleep. Out of all the people, probably she was going to be the one sleeping the most during this vacation and though it didn’t sound exciting to him, Derek knew she needed relaxation. He gently ran the back of his hand across her cheek, making her stir at his touch.

“We’re here,” Derek announced.

Meredith stretched in her seat and glanced out the window. “Good,” she muttered. “I can’t wait to board and go back to sleep.” She let out a long yawn and rubbed her face. “Derek?”

“What is it?”

“I am sorry,” she looked at him, apologetically. “But I think I can sleep forever.”

Derek chuckled. “Don’t worry. You’ll need a day or two to recharge your batteries. We have a whole week for all kind of fun activities. I will take care of your entertainment.

“Some drinking included?” Meredith nodded.

“Not that much as we’ll have children with us,” he pointed out.

“Good thing they’re coming with their Mommy,” Meredith wriggled her brows.

Derek laughed and nodded. “Let’s go. We’re supposed to meet them at the 9th gate.”

------

As they sat and waited for the rest of the group to arrive, Meredith noticed Derek frequently checking his phone.

“Hasn’t he called yet?” she asked him.

Derek sighed and shook his head. “Maybe he has no reason to call me.”

“Derek, don’t be so skeptical. You had strong competition and the board has a lot to evaluate. Maybe he will call.”

“Maybe,” he nodded skeptically. He smiled at her then and took her hand. “It won’t be such a big deal if I am not named Chief of surgery,” he wanted to convince himself, unsuccessfully though.

Meredith narrowed her eyes and gave him a knowing look. “Is this one of moments when you need me to feed your ego?”

Derek laughed and leaned in, kissing her. “You don’t have to feed my ego. I know how great I am.”

Meredith rolled her eyes. “Maybe you’re too great if they don’t choose you.”

“I am not sure how comforting that is,” he chuckled, gently rubbing her cheek. “But thank you for your effort.”

Meredith gave him a peck and patted his hand reassuringly. “Anytime, honey.”

Derek laughed and put his arm around her, holding her close. “It’s still early, though. I don’t think Richard makes this kind of announcement at…” he checked his watch. “6 o’clock in the morning.”

“This is going to be a painful week,” they heard Cristina groaning behind their chairs.

Meredith turned to greet her friend. “You chose to come alone. Owen could have needed a nice vacation in someone’s nice company. Especially these days.”

Cristina walked around and took a seat next to Meredith. “He doesn’t stand any chance. The competition is too strong for him.”

“Thank you,” Derek was impressed with Cristina’s appreciation.

Cristina looked at him as if she saw him for the first time. “Oh. Right. Yeah. Anyway, I am not good at comforting.”

“What if he wins?” Meredith pointed out.

“Hey!” Derek frowned.

Meredith smiled at him and then turned to her friend.

“I’ll find something nice to buy him.”

Meredith shook her head with disapproval. “You’re a horrible partner.”

“Yeah, well, I can live with it,” Cristina nodded.

The rest of the group joined, a minute later.

“Why are they only three? Where are the others?” Cristina questioned as she was the first one that spotted, Mark and Lexie and the little girl and walked by Mark’s side.

“Meri!” the little girl ran straight to Meredith, smiling widely at her. “I cut my hair,” she announced proudly and ran her hand over her short hair.

Meredith laughed and ran her fingers through her brown curls. “You look great.”

Elena giggled sweetly and moved to Cristina. “I cut my hair, Cristina.”

Cristina just nodded and muttered under her breath, “I should cut mine, too.”

Elena approved her with a smile and turned to Mark and Lexie.

“Where are Molly and Laura?” Derek asked them.

“Lola is sick,” Elena shook her head pitifully. “And she stays with Mommy.”

“She might have appendicitis,” Lexie said. “Molly is taking her to the hospital today for more tests.”

“And she still sent Elena?” Cristina asked.

Meredith ignored her friend’s lack of concern and showed a little worry for her oldest niece. “Are you sure there’s nothing serious?”

“No. We should not worry. Molly asked to call her as we land and she will give us more information then. I have Elena’s papers, so we’re ready to board.” She knelt down at Elena’s level, smiling. “We’re going to have a great time and we’ll find great presents for Lola, Mommy and Daddy, right?”

Elena nodded. “I want to find shells.”

“You mean seashells,” Mark corrected her.

Elena nodded and ran her hand over her hair, as she had constantly done it since she met Meredith.

“You’re so proud of your haircut,” Meredith laughed at her and pulled her up onto her lap.

Elena cuddled in Meredith’s arms and nodded, “Mommy cut it. Lola cut her hair, too.”

“Of course the ticket was free!” Cristina exclaimed suddenly. “You brought me to babysit!”

Everyone groaned.

“You’ll just share the room at night. If you had brought Owen…” Meredith pointed out.

Cristina shot her friend a glare and shook her head.

“Cristina,” Elena patted her hand, calling for her attention. “I want to make a seashell necklace.”

“And let me guess. You want me to help you.”

Elena smiled and nodded proudly. “Because you play so…” she wriggled her tiny fingers as she struggled to find the words, “you play nice with your fingers. You do magic.”

“Oh, she’s good at fluttering,” Derek laughed.

Cristina smiled at her friends. “Watch out your credit cards for the check out, because we need to buy the best presents for Lola, Mommy, Daddy and the Nanny.”

“Don’t worry,” Derek laughed. “I am willing to spend as much as possible so everyone can have fun.”

“That’s why you’re going to be named Chief,” Cristina looked satisfied with the agreement. “You’re generous.”

“You won’t see my credit card,” Mark muttered. He put the bag on his shoulder again and grabbed back the suitcase. “Do you want to hop up for a ride?” he asked Elena, patting the place on the suitcase where she could sit.

Elena shook her head and climbed down from Meredith’s lap, holding her hand out to her.

To whoever didn’t know their story, it was impossible to understand why Meredith was Elena’s favorite aunt and not Lexie;

----

Hot water poured down his body, smoothing the ache that had built up among the past weeks; the long surgeries, the nights spent in an on-call room instead of their comfortable bed, everything felt exhausting now.

As he knew he had left Meredith sleeping, Derek took his time with the shower. He wanted to be relaxed now that he was on vacation, but waiting the announcement for the new Chief of surgery, kept his thoughts busy, making him asked if he had done any wrong step or if he could have done something better. Luckily, Meredith was a real support and encouraged him all the way, distracting him when needed.

Derek let out a sigh and turned the water off. He had promised he would go and save Cristina from Elena, taking the girl to the beach. He wrapped a towel around his waist and steaming, walked out of the bathroom.

Derek was surprised to find Meredith dressed in her bathing suit and shorts, laid on the bed and buttoning the remote control. She turned the TV off as she saw Derek coming out. A smile of lust spread across her lips as her eyes locked on Derek’s towel.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” he laughed.

“And miss this?” she pointed to his towel.

“You can’t have this because I think I heard Cristina’s desperate call for help. So, no time for flirting.”

Meredith crawled down from the bed and walked up to him, pressing her body against this. “This is not flirting, Mr. Husband.”

Derek smiled, cradling her face in his hands. “This is sexual harassment, Mrs. Wife.”

Meredith winced with displeasure and stepped back. “You’re not fun.”

“And you’re sleepy.”

“No, I am not.”

“Meredith, you can stay and take a nap. I will take Elena to the beach and probably to lunch. You can take it easy.”

Meredith narrowed her eyes and suddenly became suspicious. She took another step back and folded her arms against her chest. “You’re trying to pick up women using Elena, aren’t you?”

Derek burst into laugh, which was short as Meredith’s glare became deeper. “No! Fine, come. I don’t care, but I hope you’ll be up to my standards tonight.”

Meredith got closer to him and her fingers slid around his waist. “I will blow your standards.”

Derek shivered at her touch and had to shake the porn out of his head. “And out we go to take Elena.”

As Meredith turned around suddenly to pick the remote control again, she became dizzy and Derek saw her losing her balance. He was by her side in no time to hold her.

“Sleep, Mer. Get some rest.”

“I am fine,” she reassured him with a tired smile. “I am.”

Derek decided to let go. A little time at the beach wasn’t as exhausting as the hours spent in the OR, daily. He put his hand over her forehead and held her close until Meredith pulled away. “Get dressed. I am going to see if Elena is ready.”

Derek stroked her cheek one last time before he let her go.

It was a sunny day at the beach, the bright sun warming the sand and the water just enough for the people present there to enjoy their vacation.

Meredith and Elena were two of those people that chose to stay at the shore and build sand castles, while Derek snoozed in a lounge chair.

“Ohh,” Elena whimpered as a big wave swept the shore and the yard of their castle. She sighed soundly and stood up to go and fill the bucket with dried sand.

Meredith couldn’t remember when she had last found such fun in a simple and innocent activity like this. She didn’t care she had sand all over her body and inside her bathing suit; she was a big girl playing in the sand, at the moment.

Elena returned to Meredith with her bucket half-filled with sand and put it down, kneeling beside it. She gasped and suddenly jumped on her feet, pointing to the sea. “The water, Mel!” she squealed as a new wave came threatening to them; she was half-scared, half-entertained by the soft wave that broke at their feet. Elena started tapping the wet sand with her feet, laughing at Meredith.

Meredith joined her fun and picked her up, taking her close to the water. As a new wave approached, Elena started squealing again, wriggling her legs as Meredith held her over the water.

“I am throwing you to the mermaids,” Meredith warned her as she pretended to throw her into the water.

“No! No!” Elena squealed and started wriggling even more.

As Elena’s constant wriggle became too much for Meredith, she had to let her down. Elena instantly hung on her as she felt the cold water to her feet.

Derek had the best waking he could remember; with the soft giggles of the girls and soft breeze of the ocean. He stood up, his eyes narrowed at the strong light, and tried to see what exactly Meredith and Elena were doing.

“You two are the noisier than the seagulls and the ferryboats all together!” he called to the girls.

Meredith and Elena stopped from their play and turned to Derek.

“Look who is up,” Meredith laughed, “the sleeping beauty.” A cheeky smile lit up her face as an idea struck her. She took Elena’s bucket and filled it with water.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Derek laughed as he guessed her intention.

“I wouldn’t,” she admitted, but also handed the bucket to Elena. “Do you dare?” she asked her.

Elena looked at her, confused.

“Wake him up with cold water. Cold water helps, doesn’t it?”

Elena nodded and smiled as she understood what she had to do. She took the bucket and carefully started carrying it to the place where Derek was.

“Elena,” Derek chuckled. “You don’t want to do that to your favorite uncle, do you?”

Elena shook her head, smiling, but kept carrying the bucket.

“Elena,” Derek smiled softly at her, hoping he would convince her. “I am still your favorite uncle, right?”

Elena nodded and at the same time threw the water on him. Being little and the bucket too heavy for good handling, Elena couldn’t appreciate the distance correctly so she threw a few drops of water on Derek only.

That was enough though for Derek to start a chase and a new series of squeals and he ran after Elena. He let her take advance but he soon scooped her up and ran with her to the water, while Elena hung desperately on him. “Let’s get wet together, what do you say?” he asked Elena and at the same time let himself fell with his back into the water.

Derek made sure he wouldn’t fall in deep water, but Elena was still screaming, of scare and fun at the same time. Derek lifted her upright and held her into his arms. “Are you awake now?”

Elena smiled as she brushed the hair out of her face. “I wasn’t sleepy,” she giggled. “Do it again!” she squealed eagerly, holding Derek’s cheeks between her tiny palms.

“Maybe later,” Derek said as he carried her back to the shore. He put her down and told her, bending to her ear, “Stay on the shore, ok? Derek has a revenge to take from your aunt. Stay here,” he repeated and as Elena nodded and ran to the sand, Derek turned to Meredith, an evil grin creeping across his face.

Meredith giggled and took a step back. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Derek shook his head and immediately started running after her.

“Derek!” Meredith laughed as she ran along the shore.

Derek sped up and soon hung her with one arm, easily scooping her onto his arms, and ran to the water.

“Derek,” Meredith whimpered, desperately hanging on his neck.

Derek ran to deep water and threw them in it.

Meredith struggled with her arms and legs and came to the surface, soon followed by Derek, who chuckled victoriously.

Meredith didn’t like this play anymore and coughing as the water blocked her airways, she stumbled to the shore.

“You’re overreacting,” Derek smiled, but as he said that, Meredith fell on her knees and started throwing up. His smile faded instantly and was by her side in no time, kneeling beside her. “Mer,” he gently rubbed circles on her back. “What’s wrong?” he asked her, now visibly worried and sure that something was not right with Meredith.

Meredith waved her hand to reassure him that she was fine, but stayed bent as she knocked out the nausea. “I am fine,” she muttered out of breath.

“Do not argue,” Derek told her firmly and slowly helped her stand up. “Sit down now,” he put an arm around her and led her to their chairs. He grabbed a towel and wrapped her in it, gently rubbed her arm.

Elena came running to her, carefully watching Meredith as she asked Derek, “What you did to her?”

Derek smiled and sent her away, “She’s just tired. Go and play. And stay away from water.”

Elena nodded and gave one more look to Meredith before she took off back to her playing.

Derek sat down beside Meredith on the chair and held her close as she put her head down on his shoulder. Something was not right with her and Derek was sure of it. He started recounting the symptoms; she was tired, nausea most of the times, including in the airplane, dizziness and, as he held his arm around her waist and felt its flash, she had appetite and a few extra pounds.

He pulled back and came to crouch in front of her, watching her carefully, “You’re hiding something from me?”

Meredith looked up, surprised with the tone of accusation from his voice. “No.”

“Meredith, are you pregnant and you didn’t tell me?”

“What?”

“It’s obvious and I don’t think you’re this ignorant not to see,” Derek retorted accusingly.

Meredith frowned and pulled back a little. “I am not ignorant and I am not pregnant.”

Derek didn’t reply right away and kept watching her. “You wouldn’t lie to me.”

“Of course not,” Meredith snapped. “Derek, how can you ask me this after 4 years of marriage? If you really believe this, then you have some serious issues.”

Meredith made a point with that and Derek realized that he had gone overboard. He sighed and took Meredith’s hand, cradling between his. “I am sorry.”

Meredith frowned and pulled her hand back. “Seriously?”

“What?” Derek questioned, confused. “I am sorry. I just… It’s obvious, Meredith. You’re pregnant.”

Meredith sighed, letting the guard off a little bit. “I am ignorant,” she concluded quietly.

Derek remembered calling her ignorant earlier. He sat beside her again and pulled her into his arms. “It’s been a hard year at the hospital. We’re both exhausted. Let’s enjoy this vacation as much as we can and let’s see what’s with this fat,” he smiled teasingly while pinching her belly.

Meredith gasped and her palm brushed roughly against his cheek, unintended.

Derek winced as he started rubbing his cheek. “So you have some excess of hormones, which confirms my suspicions. Meredith, you need to take a test.”

Now that the little conflict between them died, Meredith could clear her thoughts and for the first time paid attention to Derek’s words. Pregnant? She grabbed her bag and fumbled after her agenda. She opened it and slowly the tip of her finger ran across the pages. The month before had skipped unmarked and the present one was half way through. She had never missed marking the calendar; unless she didn’t have her period that month.

Blood drained from her face and a new wave of nausea kicked in. Derek noticed her spasm and held her hair to back as she bent, ready to throw up. Nothing came out this time.

Derek put his hand on her forehead and then gently pulled her into his arms. He noticed Elena stopping quietly beside them, looking at them, worried.

“She’s fine,” Derek reassured with a smile.

Elena shot him a small glare and reproached quietly, “You yelled at her.”

Derek chuckled to himself. “Well, she yelled at me back.”

Elena shook her head, disapproving. “My daddy doesn’t yell at mommy.”

“Yeah, well…” Derek sighed as he couldn’t find the right explanation.

Elena didn’t seem to expect one though as she sighed and told him, “I am hungry.”

Derek laughed at Meredith then, “Great defense you have here.”

Meredith smiled kindly at Elena and ran her fingers through her hair, shaking the sand off. Four years ago she felt ready to become a Mommy for this little girl, today, when she was ‘almost’ pregnant, she wasn’t sure what she felt.

----

During the lunch, neither Meredith nor Derek felt like talking about what was going on with Meredith, so it took Elena to fill the moments of awkward silence.

Left alone in their hotel room, after she had passed Elena to Lexie and Mark and Derek went to buy some pregnancy tests, Meredith got a little courage to think through. She had mixed emotions about a pregnancy; excitement, fear, incapability for such commitment.

She passed around the room, looking for more courage because as far as she knew, she and Derek deserved a baby of their own. Elena had been a good practice for them.

The door opened and Derek walked in, carrying a paper bag. “I bought 3, although we might as well use one.”

Meredith sighed and sat at the edge of the bed. Derek walked up to her, put the bag on the bed and sat down. He took her hand in his and looked into her eyes. “So it’s not just me, being scared.”

Meredith shook her head and her face lit up instantly. Derek’s panic seemed to have given her some courage. She took the bag and told him as she headed to the bathroom, “There’s a message for you on the nightstand.” She turned and smiled knowingly.

Derek smiled. He could guess who sent him the message and what it said. It was good news, the ones expected, but Derek was emotionally numb. He stood up and went to pick the note.

‘Do not call me. We’ll talk when you come back. Congratulations.’

Nothing. He should be squealing, scooping Meredith onto his arms and celebrate with champagne. Yet, he felt like he needed to do nothing; like he had to wait the anesthesia to pass.

Meredith walked out of the bathroom. “5 minutes.”

Derek smiled and patted the place beside him on bed. She went and sat with him, in a perfect silence, comfortable than earlier.

“It’s going to be ok.” He took her hand, leaning his side to her body, with his head down on her shoulder.

Meredith giggled and leaned her cheek against his forehead. “You’re so brave sometimes. I guess I can’t count on you at changing the diapers.”

Derek smiled and let out a sigh. “I think I am a little bit tired, too.”

“We shouldn’t be feeling this way,” Meredith concluded quietly.

“We’ve worked hard lately,” Derek pointed out.

“I mean about the baby.”

Derek pulled back a little to look at her. “I know,” he nodded sadly. “I wonder why it feels like this.”

Meredith shrugged her shoulders. “Do you think we’re not ready?”

Derek took a brief moment to think and shook his head. “We’re ready.”

“Maybe we’re in shock.”

Derek nodded and approved quietly, “Maybe.”

They sighed in unison and smiled at each other at their common reaction.

Derek took Meredith’s hand and kissed it.

Meredith turned her torso so she could face him. She smiled and brushed the back of her hand against his stiff cheek. “Chief.”

A grin spread across his face at that word. “I know. I knew.”

“I know you knew,” she laughed. She leaned in and dropped a kiss on his lips. “I am going to check the tests.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

Meredith shook her head, smiling. “I won’t faint. I suspect what I have, already.”

Meredith walked out of the bathroom, a minute later, without any test.

Derek anxiously stood up and felt his heartbeat rising, especially as he couldn’t read any emotion on Meredith’s face.

Meredith stopped in the doorway and said, “They’re all pink.”

Derek narrowed his eyes, asking for more details.

“Positive,” she said.

Derek froze briefly. He nodded and smiled, holding his hand out. Meredith came at his side, and taking his hand, she leaned to him. He wrapped an arm around her and held her close.

Still, neither of them knew how to take the news.

They held each other and listened to each other’s breathing for a while. Meredith turned her head to the window as her cheek rested on Derek’s shoulder, and watched the sun outside; the light was delightful, painting the sky in a clear, bright blue. It was a unique sunny sky, or at least that’s how she felt it in that moment. Suddenly, as if the sunlight reached her brain and soul, Meredith felt something warm inside of her and couldn’t hold back a small smile.

She pulled back and looked at Derek. She sighed and said, with the smile reaching her eyes now, “We’re going to be parents.”

Derek smiled at her and nodded thoughtfully. “We are,” he answered quietly, as if for himself.

Meredith was a little scared with Derek’s reaction; she had expected more from him; she had expected more from herself also, so she couldn’t blame him. As career was their focus for the last years, neither of them made plans for starting a family.

“Meredith?” Derek called for her attention. She looked at him and met a different smile this time. “We’re going to be parents!” he said out loud as if it was his news to Meredith.

Meredith laughed at him. “I think you’re still in shock.”

Derek shook his head, laughing. He took Meredith into his arms and made a short spin with her. “I am over the shock,” he smiled, holding her body into his arms and brushing her hair with his fingers. “And take notice that I didn’t squeal.”

Meredith giggled. “Some squealing would have been nice; nicer than the spin.”

Derek let her out of his arms and took her hand as he led her to the bed. He asked her to sit down and he crouched at the edge of the bed, in front of her. He put his arms around her waist and smiled at her belly.

“I am sorry for earlier at the beach,” he said and looked up at Meredith.

Meredith shook her head. “We need to fix this before the baby comes. I never gave you reasons to doubt of me.”

“But Meredith, I don’t see this as an issue. When else have I doubted of you?”

“Whatever,” Meredith shook her head as she didn’t want to start a topic on this. “If you suspect anything, just ask me.”

“Mer,” Derek took her hand.

“Let’s just make sure it won’t happen again.”

Derek nodded, content with the conclusion. “Will you be less jealous, too?”

“I am not jealous!” she denied firmly at first, but as Derek gave her a knowing look, she considered her answer a little bit. “Maybe I’d be,” she shrugged matter-of-factly. “If I accidently find a condom in your wallet.”

“But I always have one in my wallet.”

“Uselessly if you ask me,” she muttered and put a hand on her belly. “Anyway, you shouldn’t be carrying one for a while.”

Derek chuckled and pulled her back into his arms. “I love you just the way you are.”

Meredith giggled as she snuggled into his arms. “Can we take a nap?”

Derek pulled back and took her hand. “We need to take a nap. You need to eat as much you feel like you need to and we’re also have to rearrange you’re work schedule.”

“Why would you do that?” Meredith frowned. “Do not play Chief with me, Mr. Shepherd.”

Derek laughed and took her by the shoulders, leading her to bed. “We’ll get to a compromise somehow.”

As they were both too tired to even take a shower, they got in bed and snuggled next to each other.

“Because we’re here, we could pay Addison a visit for a consult.”

Meredith stood up immediately as Derek said that. She shook her head with disapproval. “Seriously?”

“Yes.”

Meredith shook her head again. “You can be so brainless sometimes. Mr. Daddy.”

Derek smiled and pulled her back down to him. “Why?”

“Now that’s even more brainless. Do you want me to be checked by your ex?”

“My very ex,” he pointed out. “She has a husband and a baby, now.”

“Still…” Meredith wasn’t convinced.

“And you’re not jealous,” Derek concluded.

“Shut up,” she giggled. “You love me just the way I am.”

“I do,” he pretended to sigh. “Mrs. Mommy.”

Meredith giggled and put her head down on his chest. “Will it be this perfect forever now?”

Derek took a second to answer. “No, because it would be boring. But it will be great.”
---
Here's the end of this story. I left it open for a potential sequel though. I know I didn't get much feedback on this board, but in case anyone has just read it, I hope you enjoyed it. Also, thank you to those who gave a little of their time to leave a comment. I will post the sequel here also (if there will be one, probably in January after Holidays)
Thank you for your time,
Dana
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