Hi! Here is another chapter. Thank you for the wonderful reviews again! They do help motivate me. Hope you enjoy! ❤
Happy Birthday, Patsy, btw
Chapter 10
Zola opened her eyes the following morning, looking around at the bright colors and happy designs. Stretching and then squeezing her lion and Cinderella close to her she looks over at Bailey. She rolls over and shakes his shoulder. "Bailey… Bailey" Zola whispers. Bailey swats at Zola to stop her from waking him from his sleep. "Let's go gets mama and daddy."
Bailey mumbles, rolling his little head from side to side. Reluctantly, he sits up and rubs his eyes. He has Nemo under one arm and his Dalmatian under the other. Yawning, he stumbles out of bed and walks next to Zola. The kids tiptoe towards Meredith and Derek's room, waking up more with each step. Smiling when they open the door and see their parents sleeping forms, they run, toys and all and leap onto the bed. Meredith and Derek awake with a start, big grins when they notice their visitors. Zola jumps into her mom's arms while Bailey jumps into Derek's with a big giggle.
"Hey guys!" Derek says happily, sleep still lacing his tone. He places kisses on his son's cheeks and makes a funny face at him when Bailey grabs his cheeks. Meredith has Zola hugging her tight, the little girl resting her head on Meredith's shoulder as her mom squeezes her back, rocking her back and forth. She looks at Derek who is cradling Bailey tightly and smiles. "Good morning" she smiles, leaning in to kiss him.
"Hmmm, good morning to you too." Derek responds after this kiss, his lips barely off of hers.
"We have some babies in the bed." Meredith states, reaching over to tickle Bailey's toes. Bailey laughs and reaches out for his mama. She repositions Zola and allows the baby to crawl into the empty space. Inhaling his scent, she looks down at Bailey and then Zola. In this moment, she doesn't think she could have her heart any fuller, but then Derek wraps his arms around them and she feels like her heart may explode in happiness.
"Can we just stay like this all day?" Derek asks as he holds his wife and watches Zola grab her brother's hand and Bailey play with Meredith's hair.
"I don't mind at all" Meredith says. "Maybe tomorrow when we are at the beach, we can just stay in bed all day."
"It's settled then" he replies. "At least part of the day we will stay in bed and just watch movies."
Meredith giggles. "Ok, what do you think guys?"
"Yes!" Was Zola's answer.
"We watch Nemo?" Bailey wonders.
"Sure, buddy." Derek answered. He looks at Zola, "morning, ZoZo."
The little girl smiles widely. "Hi daddy!" She crawls over to him and falls into him, causing Derek to pretend he was slammed into and fall back a little, making Zola shriek with laughter. She wraps Derek in a giant bear hug, kissing his cheek. Derek falls back onto the pillow, taking Zola with him. He lifts her high in the air and she spreads her arms like she is flying. Meredith and Bailey watch, laughing at their silliness.
Wanting to participate as well Bailey turns to Meredith and gently pushes at her shoulders. "Pwane, mama!"
"Oh, you want to do that too, Bailey?!" She lifts him up and falls back against Derek. Bailey spreads his arms and makes airplane noises. Meredith and Bailey's giggles mixing together followed by Derek's and Zola's. Eventually, Meredith and Derek have the kids smashed in the middle of them, wiggling as they are being tickled. They grab onto their stuffed animals to block the tickles, but Meredith and Derek reach under the toys and tickle them mercilessly. The kids laugh and laugh until they are all out of breath. When Zola calms down, she looks at Derek. "Do we have to leave daddy?" She gives him a big, puppy dog look.
"Yes, Zo, I know we all had fun, but we will be back and we still have lots more fun coming! We are gonna go play at the beach for a couple of days and then go visit nana. How's that sound?"
"Ok. As long as we will be back here someday!"
Meredith smiles, "ok then, sweetie, let's get up and get ready."
The next hour and a half was spent getting everyone dressed and final items into their suitcase. They took lots of pictures of their room to remember. There was one last breakfast in the hotel before getting their rental car. Zola and Bailey were buckled up in the back as they drove and up front, Derek kept one hand on the wheel and the other on Meredith's knee. They headed towards Santa Monica where they would be staying for the next two days.
"Should we stop and get some groceries now?" Meredith asks Derek as they approach Los Angeles. They were staying at a small beach house and would definitely need some food and drinks.
Rubbing her knee, he glances at his wife. "Yeah, might as well." He stops at a stoplight and smiles at Meredith. Cupping her cheek he leans over and kisses her quickly. Meredith giggles as she reaches up and grabs his hand, squeezing.
"Daddy!" Zola cries. "How comes you and mama always looking at each other like that?"
"Because, ZoZo, I love mama very much and that is how a man shows a woman how he cares." He looks over at Bailey and adds, "hear that Bails?" In order to teach his son something.
Meredith turns in her seat, "it's called flirting Zo and girls do it to show how much they like a boy also." She smirks at Derek because she know's what is coming.
Derek leans over quietly to Meredith. "Don't encourage her, Meredith!" He says, sounding a little panicked.
Meredith giggles and runs her fingers through the back of his curls. "It's ok Derek, we both agreed she's not dating until she's 30."
"That's right." Derek smirks. He lifts her hand to his lips and kisses it, "I love you!" He says softly.
"I love you too!" Meredith responds.
"Mama" Zola calls out. "I like when you and daddy flirt. It's so nice and makes me feel happy."
"Me too, Zo." She says looking at Derek and smiling.
They pull into a supermarket in Los Angeles where, according to the map, they have about a 30 minute longer drive to their rental. Inside they pull up a cart. "Ok, Bailey, let's get you inside." Derek says, placing him in the front.
"Daddy, I don't wanna ride in the cart." Zola says.
"You can hold onto the side and don't run off, Zo." Says Meredith. "So, what should we get?" She asks Derek.
He thinks for a minute before responding." Well, I was thinking, some food for breakfast each morning, snacks and sandwiches for the beach and our movie day and dinner for only one night. We can go to dinner tonight and I will cook tomorrow."
Meredith wraps her arm around his waist as they walk. "Hmm, sounds good."
"What would you like me to make? I was thinking Italian."
"Fine by me" she replies as Derek squeezes her closer. They walk down each isle picking up some cereal, milk, fruit, eggs, bread and ham and cheese for sandwiches. They go down other isles picking up different items here and there. As they turn down the cookie isle Zola and Bailey start asking for some cookies to bring along. Derek and Meredith look at each other and agree. Meredith lifts Bailey out so he can pick some out. As they watch their kids go crazy over the choices, Derek pulls Meredith into his arms so that her back is against his chest. He nuzzles into her neck, breathing in her lavender conditioner.
"Hmmm" he hums deeply. "I was comfortable before you moved to get Bailey out." He kisses her neck slowly.
"I'm sorry, Der." She giggles while rubbing his arms. "Derek Bailey Shepherd!" Meredith says suddenly when she sees her son wandering almost all the way down the isle about to run into a cart that had just turned down the isle from the opposite end. The boy stops and looks up at the cart in front of him and the red haired woman in front. He runs back to his parents who are standing, shocked at the owner of the cart. Derek was still holding Meredith, his head cradled in her neck. Meredith had her nails digging into Derek's arms for reasons unknown to her. He keeps Meredith tucked close in one arm and picks up Bailey awkwardly with the other.
"Bailey, you have to be careful, you don't wanna get lost, bud." He reprimands.
"Sowee, daddy. I just looking at all the yummy cookies." Bailey answers.
"They was flirting, Bailey, that's probably why they almost didn't see you." Zola says innocently.
"Zola!" Meredith moans, turning her head into Derek's chest.
Derek laughs, "no, Zo, your brother is just a sneaky Cookie Monster, aren't ya bud?" Bailey just gives him one of Meredith's smiles that melts his heart.
"Are you guys ever going to say hello?" A familiar voice asks.
Derek turns his attention to the owner of the other cart. "Hey, Addison." He says plainly. He rubs Meredith's arms and pulls her closer to him yet.
"Hi, Addison." Meredith adds, pushing into Derek. Even after all these years she still feels a little bit hesitant with Addison.
"So, what are you guys doing in L.A?" Addison asks.
"Um, well, we are on a little vacation. We just got done with Disneyland and now we are going to spend a couple of days at the beach." Meredith says.
"Then we are going to New York to see everyone." Derek adds.
"Oh, that's great." Addison comments. "The beaches here are great."
"Yeah, we are looking forward to it." Derek responds before Zola interrupts.
"Daddy, can Bailey and I get these cookies?"
"Sure, sweetie, put them in the cart." After she does Derek calls her back. "Zola, I want you to say hi to an old friend of mama and I's. Addison, this is our daughter Zola and our son Bailey." Derek says introducing everyone.
Addison smiles weakly, even though she is remarried with her own son, she is still a little jealous. "Hi there" she says to the kids, who just stare back. Meredith nudges Zola a bit, who then whispers a small "hi."
Addison looks back at Meredith and Derek, "so you named him after Dr. Bailey, I'm guessing?"
"Well… Yeah, we did, but his middle name, that he goes by, is Bailey. But, his first name is after Derek. We call him Bailey to separate the two and yes, he is also named after her because Dr. Bailey saved my life when he was born." Meredith rambles.
Addison smirks, amused, "what happened now, Grey?"
Derek hugs Meredith protectively, "splenic rupture" he states. "She had to give birth in the dark during the super storm. Bailey was displaying face presentation during natural birth. She had to have a c section and the rupture was discovered during the surgery. The rupture was from a fall she had the day before." Derek explains.
"Wow! That is ridiculous, I am glad you both are alright." Addison says.
"Thanks…" Croaks Meredith.
"Well, we better be going" Derek says, putting Bailey in the cart and guiding Meredith and Zola in the opposite direction.
"Ok, it was good seeing you guys." Replies Addison.
"You too" Meredith answers as she starts walking away.
Addison watches as they walk away, their backs facing her. She watches as Derek pushes the cart with one arm, holds Meredith with the other and stops to place a lingering kiss on the side of her head.
Derek and Meredith turn down the next isle and walk down in silence. Once they get down a second isle they stop. Derek turns towards Meredith and opens his arms. Meredith falls into his arms as he holds her tight. He slowly rubs her back while whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Derek kisses her head a few times before tilting her chin towards him. He looks deep into her eyes and smiles. "I love you so much, Meredith. I know that was awkward for you."
"I love you too, Derek.I don't know why it was awkward, but thank you for understanding."
"My pleasure." He whispers huskily into her ear causing Meredith to giggle. "Come on, let's get going." They get their last couple of groceries and head back to the car. Everything is packed up and they finish the drive to the beach house. They eventually arrive at a cute, small brown one story house. It has a porch that goes around to the back that is overlooking a gorgeous beach. The doors and shutters are painted a light grey. Meredith brings the kids inside while Derek takes in the food. Inside, there is a living room with a fireplace against beige walls and dark blue furniture. There are three bedrooms in the back. One room has bunk beds with tropical fish decor that the kids "called" immediately, the other had a single bed with purple and white bedding. The master bedroom had a huge, queen sized bed with fluffy, white blankets. The kids run off to explore while Meredith goes to help Derek who is now making lunch for everyone. "Hey" she says softly, rubbing his back.
"Hey there." Derek smiles and turns towards her so that he can place a kiss on her forehead.
"This is another beautiful place, Derek. The kids are going crazy."
"I knew they would. Did they pick the bunk beds.?" Asks Derek.
"Yeah, luckily Bailey wanted the bottom bunk, so I avoided having to argue about who gets which one." Smirks Meredith. "What are you making?"
"Grilled Cheese" answers Derek. He flips the sandwich and wraps an arm around Meredith. "How about we eat on the patio and look out at the beach?"
"We have a patio too?! Seriously?!" Meredith asks, eyes wide.
"Yeah." Derek laughs as Meredith hurries outside. When she is outside she sees a large wooden deck that drops down to a white, sandy beach. The ocean is about 20 feet away, soft waves crashing against the shore.
"Wow!" She exclaims when she gets back inside. Meredith grabs plates and silverware to set up the table outside. Derek watches in amusement and wonder as she hurries about in excitement. He is so glad he can create some happy memories for her. Derek finishes the sandwiches and cuts up some fruit to go with them. He brings them outside where Meredith is sitting in one of the chairs watching the waves.
"I'll go call the kids." He smiles as she nods in understanding. Derek walks back inside and comes back barely 5 minutes later with Zola and Bailey bouncing along next to him. They run to their seats where Zola immediately begins chatting away.
"My room is soooo cool, mama! There are fishies on the wall and the blankets are so soft and look like water! The lamp looks like a fish too!" She pauses to take a bite of her sandwich. This allows Bailey to get some words in the conversation.
"Fishes, pretty. I see green and orange." Bailey explains.
"Oh, yeah, there are green and orange fishes in your room?" Meredith asks Bailey as she eats her sandwich. Bailey nods while giving Meredith a huge smile.
"Mama, can we go down to the beach?" Zola asks.
"Sure sweetie, let's finish lunch and then we will get our swimsuits on."
Whispering saucily, Derek leans in to Meredith and says "hmm, I really hope you brought that red suit of yours."
Meredith shivers, deciding to play and says "I don't know WHAT you are talking about Derek. I didn't bring a suit…" She bites her lips and meets his darkened gaze. Derek grumbles and shakes his head.
They finish their lunch and bring it all back inside. Meredith gets the kids into their suits and lathers on the sunscreen. She sucks in a huge breath as she sees Derek come out of their bedroom. He has on an indigo suit and flip flops, his chest is bare. Meredith's eyes travel from his eyes, lower, taking in his almost naked body. Finding her breath, she says, "ok, guys, daddy will take you down to the beach while I change, ok?"
"Everything ok, Dr. Grey?" Derek breathes into her ear as he wraps his arms around her waist and places his cheek on hers. He can feel Meredith getting flustered and attempting to control her breathing. He squeezes her tight and kisses her cheek and forehead.
"Everything is fine." Meredith says, regaining her composure. Derek can really turn her on, even with the smallest things. As Derek leaves with the kids she goes into the room and pulls out a red bikini. It snaps in the back only, dipping down far into her cleavage. The bottoms have small ties holding together the front and back. She checks herself in the mirror before picking up her bag and walking outside. When she gets outside she notices that she is the only one on the beach. Derek has placed their blanket close enough to the water where Zola and Bailey are splashing their toes right at the edge. "Derek, can you put the rest of my sunscreen on please?"
Derek looks at her, appreciatively before nodding. She sits between his legs, watching the kids squeal happily as the water tickles their toes. Derek slowly rubs the sunscreen into her arms and back. Every few strokes he lets his hands wander and linger on her breasts. He places feather soft kisses on her neck, causing her to shiver. Then, he leans in, whispering, "hm, I knew you brought my favorite suit. You look so hot."
Meredith smiles, turning to kiss him, "of course I did."
Their moment is interrupted when Bailey comes running to them. "Daddy, we go in the water now?" He asks.
"Sure buddy. Let's go!" He scoops his son up and takes Zola's hand. Meredith watches as her husband and kids splash in the water. Bailey is holding securely to Derek's neck while Derek holds on to Zola. They laugh as wave after wave splash their bodies. Meredith takes out her phone and snaps some pictures, trying to capture as many moments as possible. She watches as Derek holds Bailey securely in the water. As a wave came along he would lift Bailey up so it was as if Bailey was body surfing. The little boy laughed and clapped his hands in excitement. A few moments later a big wave came along knocking Zola over causing her to swallow a bunch of salt water and go under for a minute. Meredith feels relieved as she watches Derek immediately scoop her up in his strong arms. As he walks back towards Meredith with both kids in his arms, she stands up and reaches to take Bailey as Zola is completely clinging to Derek.
"Did that big wave crash into you,Zo?" Meredith asks, stroking the little girls hair.
Zola whimpers in response, tears silently falling down her face. "It's okay love bug, daddy's got you." Derek soothes her gently. He rocks her, whispering soft words to calm her down. Soon, Zola relaxes, smiling up at Derek. They all decide to play in the sand for a bit and take a break from the water. Meredith leans into Derek as they watch the kids build a sandcastle from their beach chair. Derek buries his nose in her neck while entwining his fingers with Meredith's. Meredith brings one of their entwined hands to her lips and kisses his fingers lightly. They stay outside for a couple more hours just laying in the sand and playing together. At about 4:30 Derek decides it's time to go inside and clean up for dinner. They get the kids bathed and ready first. "It's too bad we can't save water and shower together." Derek murmurs suggestively as he nibbles on Meredith's ear.
Giggling, she bites her lip, "maybe later, Derek."
As Meredith waits for Derek to finish his shower, she watches some Doc McStuffins with the kids. "What would you like for dinner guys?" She asks.
Bailey thinks for a minute. "Pizza!" He shouts, putting his arms up in the air."
"No! Hamburgers!" Zola argues.
Meredith laughs at their answers. "I'm sure we can find someplace with both." She sees Derek walking down the hall. He has on some dark jeans and a simple gray t-shirt. She loves his casual, relaxed look.
"Hey." He greets, pecking the top of her head. "You all ready to go?"
"Yes, all though we have one who wants pizza and one who wants hamburger." Meredith informs.
"Well, I believe I saw a nice place that has both down the road. Come on guys, time to go!" He calls to Zola and Bailey. They scurry to the door and head out into the cool evening. It's a short walk to the restaurant from the beach house. Zola and Bailey skip along in front of their parents taking in the noises and sounds around them. Once seated in the restaurant, they are all pleased to see that they have something for everyone. Meredith plays tic tac toe with Zola as they wait, the little girl resting her head on Meredith's shoulder. Derek entertains Bailey with his toys. Once the food arrives, The kids start eating furiously.
"Wow, someone has built up an appetite!" Meredith exclaims before turning to her chicken pasta. She takes a bite and groans appreciatively.
"Good?" Derek asks, amused as he takes a bite of his salmon.
Meredith rolls her eyes good naturally. "Not as good as some other things" she answers so that only Derek can hear. The rest of the dinner passes quickly. The kids talking about the beach and setting up plans for the next day. After dessert of cheesecake and ice cream they head back to their house. "I'll get the kids to bed." Meredith offers. Derek accepts because he has his own set of plans. He says goodnight to the kids, hugging and kissing them until they they are out of breath from laughter. Once Meredith and the kids are in the bedroom, he sets to work. He pushes back the couches and opens up the fireplace. He lights a fire and closes the grate. Then, he locates pillows and some blankets. He lays them out in front of the fireplace, as well as some pillows. Derek heads into the kitchen and pours two glasses of wine. Finally, he pulls back one blanket and strips out of his clothes. He covers himself and sits up against the pillows and waits. Not much later, Meredith comes out of the kids room. She catches sight of her husband, liking what she sees. "What are you doing?" She asks curiously.
Derek looks at her with a hooded gaze, his eyes roam from her lips to her neck to her breasts to her stomach. "I'm naked and waiting for you…" He pats the spot next to him.
Meredith smiles widely, she pulls her shirt up and tosses it to the side. Dropping down next to Derek she takes the wine glass he offered. She slowly sips the tart wine, the taste going down strong as she swallows. Derek cups her chin with his fingers, pulling her close. His lips become barely an inch away from hers as he asks, "wanna ride?" He kisses her gently before Meredith pulls back, moving the blanket off of Derek's lap. She moves to straddle him as Derek reaches to unbuckle her shorts. He notices her matching emerald green bra and underwear and smiles approvingly. She leans up against his chest and kisses Derek as she runs her fingers through his hair. Derek's hands move quickly around her back before settling on the clasps of her bra. In one quick motion the bra falls and her breasts spill out. Derek smiles widely, looking into Meredith's dark green eyes. He holds her close and whispers, "you are so perfect!" He kisses her so passionately that Meredith is overcome with love. She feels so loved, so happy and so safe in that one moment. She kisses him back, trying to convey all her love. Running her nails across his scalp and then in his curls cause the kissing to become more passionate. Meredith kisses his cheeks, down to his neck and then his clavicle. She can feel him hardening with every kiss, making her smile in satisfaction.
"Hmm, you like that, Derek?" She questions.
Derek massages her breasts before letting out a "yes." He begins to take control and pulls Meredith to him so that her stomach is against his and he is able to nuzzle in her chest. He kisses in between each breast and then spends time on each one. Each time he sucks on a nipple, Meredith screams his name and tugs harder at his curls. Meredith's hands roam across his chest before reaching down to stroke his hardness. Smirking, Meredith adjusts so she can slide onto him.
"Mer… Oh… You are so…tight!" Derek says as she helps him fill her up.
Meredith smiles as as sucks on his earlobe, whispering sweet words as she rides him. They finish at the same time, both screaming the others name loudly. Derek holds his wife as she comes down from her high. Once they are both able to feel their legs again they head back to their room. They at least put a shirt on and underwear in case the kids got up. Derek strokes Meredith's hair as they lay in bed, gazing into her eyes. He watches as Meredith blinks tiredly, whispering "good night, Meredith, I love you!" Into her ear. She smiles and adds "I love you, too" before kissing his cheek and maneuvering so that she is spooned against him. They fall asleep in each other's arms, happy and sated. Derek has his arm protectively around her abdomen and Meredith is holding onto his arms.