FIESTA
'Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving
someone deeply gives you courage.'
-- Lao Tzu
- Saturday Part 2 -
Meredith leaned against her new husband as she posed for photograph number X in an infinite line-up of combinations. Seriously, they had around fifty guests. She had taken finite in high school and statistics in college; and she was certain they had taken more photo combinations than there were permutations possible.
The photo shoot had been delayed for several minutes after the ceremony as she had been whisked into the house for a third make-up application. Apparently tear stains didn't make for good wedding photos. How they had expected her to not cry during the ceremony, though, she had no idea. She had barely gotten through the first few moments with dry eyes, and even then they weren't exactly dry; they were moist, but not leaking. And he had only had to say a few sentences to her before they welled and tears began to spill over her lower lids.
I wish, even for just a moment, that you could see you the way I see you; because the view from over here is amazing.
And the most amazing thing was that her husband – husband! - actually saw her in that light. She had no doubt that in his eyes, she was something special. So, her eyes had welled at his perfect, poetic words. And her knees had weakened, and her heart had fluttered. And then the tears had streamed down her cheeks, unsympathetic to the pristine makeup her friend and sister-in-law had taken such care to apply...twice.
Derek had gone alone with all of the photo combinations, and Meredith had simply followed his lead, still caught up in the whole being somebody's wife thing. She felt like she was floating. The smiles and the congratulations and the new faces Derek was introducing her to seemed to be meshing into one big glob of 'other people.' There was her and Derek, and there was everyone else. She felt like the only thing keeping her grounded was his fingers tightly gripping to hers. Or the feel of his hand on the small of her back. Or his shoulder against hers. Or his lips on hers. Or...anything, really. Any contact with him of any kind.
Spencer's photo team and the Shepherd sister 'we know everything' team were having a disagreement about a group combination. Or placement. Or background. Or...something. Meredith couldn't be sure of what they were arguing about, but she could be sure that whatever it was, she didn't care. They had spent at least an hour in front of the camera already. The short break was a welcome relief.
She and Derek hadn't even had a moment alone yet. But they seemed to have been gifted with a few moments of peace from the constant 'smile, smile, smile for the camera,' and were going to take advantage of it.
"Hey," she whispered, turning to face her new husband.
"Hey," he responded with a gentle smile, his hands seeking out hers.
"We're married," she whispered reverently. Married. It was a wonderful word, currently on repeat in her head. Married. Married. Married...
His smile took her breath away. "We are."
"That's...wow. I can't even...wow..."
"I know the feeling." He dipped his head to rest his forehead against hers.
She leaned into the pressure and sighed. "You made me cry," she accused lightly.
He chuckled. "So did you."
"I'm proud of myself."
"For making me cry?" He pulled back a few inches and lifted an eyebrow.
Meredith giggled. "No. I'm proud of myself for getting through the whole thing without doing anything...Meredith-y."
"Meredith-y?" His eyebrow remained arched.
She nodded emphatically. "I didn't fall, or even trip or stumble or whatever. I didn't say anything stupid. Hell, I barely rambled."
He smirked and leaned in to kiss her. "I like it when you ramble; more rambling I say."
She smiled and rested her forehead against his chin, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent that always wafted towards her from his neck. His assurances served so well to confirm Cristina's earlier words. He really did love her for her; and that included all of her quirks.
"So," he ventured, his hands dropping hers to reach around her middle, seeking out the small of her back. She followed suit, her hands running up, along his chest to his shoulders. "You just had to get the last word, huh?"
Meredith laughed, her hands moving forward to hook around his neck, and pulled her forehead away from him, leaning back in his arms, fully trusting him to hold onto her. "I thought you'd like that."
He scoffed, but his eyes sparkled. "You cheated; it doesn't count."
"I did not...and it does too. And now, I'm always right, so you can't argue."
His eyes still sparkled; foiling his attempt to glare at her. "I love you," he whispered.
She laughed. "I love you, too."
His arms tightened around her and he gently swayed them side to side. "You're my wife."
Meredith beamed. "And you're my husband."
The corners of his lips curled upwards. "I think I kind of like the sound of that..."
"I definitely like the sound of that." She pulled herself closer to press her lips against his for a moment. "We're married..."
"You already said that," he stated, tenderly pulling her closer still, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"I know, but I still can't believe it."
He shifted and his lips pressed down against her clavicle; soft and light. "Me neither."
She sighed as his chin returned to her shoulder and leaned her head against his, revelling in the feeling of being in his arms; in her husband's arms. They continued to sway back and forth for several minutes, oblivious to the fact that most of the guests were watching, and that Spencer had had his camera trained on them the entire time, ignoring his wife and her sisters as they argued with the rest of his photo team.
000
Soft, upbeat music played in the background as the catering staff stocked a table with hors d'oeuvres and the wedding guests wandered and mingled in and around the large dinner tent. The tables were already set and ready for dinner, which wouldn't be served for at least another hour yet. A large portion of the space under the tent was cleared to act as a dance floor, but the only guests making any use of it so far were the kids; dancing and jumping and cart-wheeling excitedly in their fancy clothes, to the disdain of their parents.
Her friends and his family mingled comfortably together, most likely swapping embarrassing stories to use against the happy couple in the future. Izzy wandered the swarms of people, gripping tightly to her camera.
Exceedingly grateful the posed, formal photography part of the day was finished, Meredith had finally felt capable of remaining grounded without Derek by her side and had wandered to the food table, eager to answer the demands being put forth by her stomach. The butterflies that had taken up residence inside of her hours before had prevented her from having much of a breakfast. She had just popped a chunk of pineapple into her mouth when a quiet form appeared beside her.
"Hey," Lexie said softly.
Meredith cringed as the sweet fruit wreaked havoc on her taste buds. "Hey," she finally managed in an awkward, stilted voice. Her half-sister gave her a questioning look. Meredith swallowed hard. "Sorry. Pineapple. Too sweet..." She shook her head.
Lexie offered her a smile. "I just wanted to say congratulations."
"Thanks, Lexie."
"It was really...beautiful. The ceremony, I mean. And you look really beautiful. And I just...I wanted to thank-you for inviting me out here. To be here, for your wedding. It means a lot."
Meredith couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips. "Wow, it's times like these that I'm reminded that we're related."
"What, the rambling?"
Meredith nodded.
"Yeah, I've noticed that you do it, too. I try not to..."
"Me too..."
Lexie laughed. "Seriously, though, congratulations."
"Thanks."
Derek appeared beside her, his strong arm wrapping around her waist in one smooth, practiced movement. "Hi, Lexie, I haven't seen much of you today." The young Grey had kept mostly to herself, uncertain of her place in the family.
"Oh, hi, Dr. Shepherd...Congratulations."
He smiled warmly at her. "Thanks, but I think that now that I'm your brother-in-law, you can call me Derek."
Lexie started, her cheeks blushing slightly. "I don't know if I..." She trailed off to his look and nodded. "I'll try...Derek."
"See, that wasn't so hard."
"I guess not. It's just...you're my boss."
"He's all of ours boss," Cristina stated as she appeared at the table, also seeking food. She had, as she had claimed she would, ditched her shoes at first opportunity and was happily wandering the reception barefoot, heedless of the grass and questioning glances from the other guests. Izzy had scoffed at it, but Meredith had to admit it was a tempting idea. She'd keep her shoes for now, and revisit the idea later. "So long as you keep it professional at work, you're in the clear," she told her intern absently as she grabbed a small plate and began to pile it with food.
"Does this mean you're going to let her call you Cristina out of the hospital?" Meredith asked with a raised eyebrow.
Cristina looked up, her hand stretched towards a plate of small sandwiches and met her eyes. She sighed and shifted her gaze to Lexie and then back to Meredith. "I suppose I could do that." She turned her eyes back to her intern, narrowed and harsh. "Under the condition that you tell no one."
Lexie looked wide-eyed and flustered as she nodded and made a hasty escape from the area around the table. Cristina shrugged as she disappeared.
Meredith laughed and pulled closer to Derek as she reached out for a strawberry this time. "You may not want to fill up now, Cris," she warned. "We'll have real food in like an hour and a half."
Her Maid of Honour shrugged. "I'll be ready."
She shrugged and glanced at Derek, who simply laughed at her. "What?"
He shook his head. "It's just...you're laughing at her for eating so much, and yet you could probably eat her under the table without trying."
She pulled out of his embrace, elbowing him not-so-gently in the stomach in the process, and glared at him. "That's not tr..." She trailed off, knowing he had a point. "Nice," she finished weakly.
Derek didn't let the space accumulate between them for very long, stepping forward to close the gap and wrap his arms around her again. "Not nice," he relented, "But true."
She grumbled something unintelligible into his chest, but gave into his body and wrapped her arms around his waist. Married. Married. Married. The mantra started again, round and round her head. He was her husband now. He loved her. She loved him. She would never be alone again; he promised he would always be there, and she believed him.
"Derek, congratulations, again," a warm voice called from behind her as a form approached them. Meredith brought herself to pull away from his warmth in time to turn to meet the friendly smile of Derek's aunt. She had only met the woman briefly during picture time, but hadn't exchanged more than a few words. They had been 'advised' not too 'socialize' during photos.
"Thanks, Aunt Joyce," he answered smoothly, stepping away from Meredith to hug his mother's older sister.
"And you too, Meredith," she continued as Derek pulled away. She stepped forward and pulled Meredith into a tight hug, to which Meredith reciprocated easily; she had had lots of practice with the hugging thing from Derek's family. After growing up with a mother who disdained all physical contact, Meredith had never thought she would be capable of, or inviting towards, the kind of familial affection Derek's family was showing her.
"Thank-you."
Joyce pulled back and smiled at her new niece. "And welcome to the family...though you're obviously already an important part of it. Though my wayward nephew, here, has kept you away from me until now..."
Derek scoffed beside her as Meredith laughed. "Wayward nephew?" He asked, sarcasm heavy in his voice. "How do you figure? And this is only the second time we've even been out here. It's not my fault you haven't met her until now."
Joyce made to retort, but was cut off.
"Derek Christopher Shepherd!" Carol exclaimed as she stormed towards them, Tucker and Bailey on her heels. Tucker looked concerned, while Bailey looked almost gleeful
Meredith turned to Derek with amused smile. "What did you do now?"
"I have no idea."
--
"Mom," Derek greeted as his mother came to a stop in front of him. He cringed as he received the full blown 'I cannot believe you' motherly look that Carol had perfected with her five children. He shifted his eyes to Tucker and Bailey, searching for an explanation. When none presented itself, he unconsciously pulled Meredith a little closer, as if to remind his mother that he had just given her a fifth daughter, and to go easy on him today.
"Tucker here was just informing me that he was in a car accident on his way to the hospital the day that this little guy was born," Carol said, motioning towards the small boy in Tucker's arms. "And that you saved his life."
Derek nodded hesitantly. "Yes, that's right." He shifted his eyes between his mother and Tucker, wondering why that little tidbit of information was causing his mother to react like that. He saved lives. It was in his job description; he was a surgeon. And saving lives was a good thing; not a cause for this kind of reaction.
"He also mentioned that you braved a bomb scare to do so and refused to evacuate the OR."
He shut his eyes and winced as the realization of why she was angry washed over him. "Yeah, about that..." He stumbled over his words. Beside him, Meredith pulled herself a little closer.
"And it's funny," Carol continued, "Because I can distinctly remember seeing the bomb scare at Seattle Grace on the news and going out of my mind trying to get a hold of my son, only to have him assure me that he had been far away from the bomb the entire time. So, unless this is a separate incident that I hadn't heard about, you have some explaining to do."
Beside him, Meredith laughed and reached behind herself for his hand, leaving him to fend for himself. She had been there too, but she wasn't about to share that information. He stuttered slightly, now understanding the expressions on Tucker and Bailey's faces. Tucker was sorry to get him in trouble. Miranda was gleeful to see him brought down a peg or two by his mother. He sighed. "I'm sorry, mom, but by the time you got a hold of me, everything was over. And I didn't think you needed the added stress."
"I'm a mother, Derek. Stress comes with the job. But you lied to me, and I taught you better than that."
"I didn't lie... I was still in the OR when the bomb went off, and it didn't affect us at all." He said, hopeful his mother would accept that. He was wrong. Very wrong.
"You mean to tell me that you were still there when the bomb went off? And you still didn't tell me?"
He flinched, glancing at the spectators his mother had managed to amass. Somehow all of his sisters were in range to hear his lecture. They always had a way of doing so. "Mom, can we maybe not do this now?"
She shook her head at him, not angry, per say, but definitely needing to make her point heard. "It was a bomb, Derek. Who is that stupid to stay around a live bomb? I didn't raise a stupid son."
"First of all, I had a very important patient with an open skull flap," he motioned at Tucker, "who would have died if I had closed him up at that point..."
"And second, Mer and I were that stupid, too." Cristina cut in with a nonchalant shrug, chewing on a bite of her second mini sandwich. "Mer being the stupidest, of course."
"Ah, thanks for bringing me into this," Meredith shot back at her best friend. Another story to add to the vast number Carol, and the rest of the Shepherd family, had heard already.
Derek almost felt relieved when his mother's critical gaze shifted towards his wife. "What made you the stupidest?" Carol asked. Derek almost laughed when Bailey smirked again, clearly enjoying this.
Meredith stuttered. "I...I wasn't stupid...really..."
Bailey clicked her tongue at her previous intern. "Grey, how can you possibly think that what you did wasn't the stupidest thing I have ever heard of?"
"I was trying to save the patient... And I did save the freaking patient! That wasn't stupid; it was what you trained us to do..."
"What did she do?" Carol questioned. The mood had definitely lightened, but Carol still wanted answers.
"Well, staying on the floor with the bomb is one thing," Cristina said with a shrug. "But Meredith took it upon herself to stick her hand into the patient's chest and put her hand on the bomb."
"Hannah was freaking out. Someone had to do something," Meredith countered, turning to her mother-in-law to quickly fill her in on the happenings of that day.
When Meredith was finished, and Carol was shaking her head at her, Bailey laughed and placed a hand on Carol's arm. "These two fools get into their fare share of trouble, but don't worry yourself too much, we keep an eye on them."
"So I've heard," Carol responded with a wry smile.
"Did your son tell you about the patient with the toxic blood and his actions on that day?"
"Oh, come on," Derek tried, but it was no use. Bailey was already leading his mother away from them, clearly intent on retelling every stupid thing he had done in the past two years. He turned to Meredith and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close against him. "You know, I'm starting to rethink having invited her..."
Meredith giggled into his chest, causing him to laugh out loud at the situation. He was a grown man, at his own wedding, being lectured by his mother for something that happened over a year before. But Meredith was his wife, and she was giggling, and that made everything seem so much better. His mother could rant, and Bailey could give her all the ammo she had, but it wouldn't wipe the smile of Derek's face. Because he had Meredith by his side.
000
Dinner had been delicious, especially for a caterer they had only booked five days earlier. The rest of the mingling time had gone by rather smoothly. Derek hadn't been accosted by his mother again, yet. And Meredith had found the more distant family of his with whom she was being introduced to be just as friendly and inviting as his immediate family.
Their head table was at the edge of the floor, with Derek and Meredith facing the rest of the guests. Mark, Cristina, Izzy, George, Alex and Lexie sat with them. Carol, Joyce and her husband, Alice and her husband, Abby, and Bailey and Tucker sat to their right. All four sisters and brothers-in-law sat directly to their left. The kids took up two tables, at the back, and the rest of their family and friends were scattered through two tables in the middle.
Tables were being cleared and the guests were starting to look towards the head table with interest.
Meredith took a sip of her wine and leaned into Derek's shoulder. Married. Married. Married. "What do we do now?" The last wedding she could remember going to, she had been in high school.
He smiled warmly at her. "I think it's time for the speeches."
She felt her stomach flutter. She had already made it through the ceremony without any Meredith-related incidents and she didn't think she could pull that off more than once in the same day. "Speeches? I...we don't have to speech, right? I mean, we already said stuff, to each other...vows and stuff...out loud..."
He raised an eyebrow. "Did you just ask if we had to speech?"
She laughed. "I'm a surgeon, not an English major... And you understood me."
He leaned closer and kissed her. "I did," he conceded. "It's a little scary, but not matter how vague and abstract you get, I always seem to understand you."
She narrowed her eyes at him for several seconds, her heart beating wildly in her chest as his eyes seemed to hold hers hostage with their possessive gaze. "Yeah...well...that's your job now," she managed to retort.
"Well, the pay's pretty good," he responded, not missing a beat.
She clicked her tongue, but couldn't help the smile that tore across her lips.
"Can I interrupt this nauseating PDA for just a moment," Cristina butted into their conversation. "When you said speeches, please tell me you didn't mean from us?"
Mark laughed from across the table at her. "Haven't you ever been to a wedding, Yang? The wedding party always do speeches."
"Why did no one tell me?"
"It's expected," Izzy responded. "What did you think I was writing on the plane?"
"I was doing my best to ignore you on the plane," she shot back. "Crap, what am I supposed to say? I hate being unprepared..."
"Just say something nice and wish them all the best in the future and stuff. Just be nice," Izzy repeated.
"That's a human quality," Alex cut in. "She may not have been born with the ability. I definitely haven't seen any proof of it."
Cristina glared at him. "Shut up, evil spawn. I don't see you all eager to talk."
Alex shrugged. "I'm not part of the wedding party. I don't have to."
"I thought I told you to shut up," she hissed at him again, causing Alex to smirk.
"It's easy," Izzy prompted. "You could tell a story about them. Just something upbeat and happy."
"Stevens, you're all wrong," Mark stated. "The point to being in the wedding party is the freedom to say whatever you want about the happy couple. It's a free couple of minutes of tell-all time in front of all their friends and family."
Meredith rolled her eyes. "Okay, that's so not fair. The Shepherd's have already heard enough about me this week. We so don't need to add to the 'Meredith is crazy' folder in their brains."
Cristina looked interested suddenly, ignoring Meredith's comment as she looked towards Mark. "Are things I say veto-proof?"
"Absolutely," Mark responded.
"Absolutely not!" Meredith exclaimed. "There are certain things that never need to be told, ever."
Mark smirked at her. "I'm still curious about the whole 'Steve' story..."
"Yeah, well, you can stay curious forever," Meredith told him. Mark hadn't been in Seattle during her infamously embarrassing experience with her last ever one night stand.
"I'll find out one day," he threatened. "People talk at the hospital."
"But none of them talk to you anymore," Derek added, coming to Meredith's aid, his arm settling over her shoulder. Meredith leaned into his warmth, grateful for his support. Mark had a better chance of staying away from the topic with Derek on her side.
Mark waved a dismissive hand. "That'll all wash over sooner or later. And I have a feeling this is a story that's worth the wait."
Meredith glared at him, and he smirked again, and stood up, clearly planning on starting off the speeches.
"Can I have your attention, please?" He called. "As the Best Man, it's my pleasure to start off the speeches. So, as long as everyone is ready, I'll get this thing started." He paused and pulled a single cue card out of his inner jacket pocket. He glanced quickly over the writing before dropping it down to rest upon the table. It was clearly just a list of talking points.
"I have known Derek since Kindergarten. He was in junior. I was in senior. But the school was small enough that our classes were merged a lot. We stayed loose friends for the next few years, until Shep here skipped second grade, and ended up in my third grade class. We got closer and I started to hang out at his house more and more. Carol often referred to me as her second son because she couldn't get rid of me. Truth is, I didn't have much of a family of my own, much like Mer, here..." He trailed off and nodded at her. "Meredith was the first person I talked to in Seattle Grace, and I was immediately knocked back with how much she meant to Derek." He smirked. "Let's just say it floored me." There was a pause as the Seattle Grace crowd laughed, to the oblivion New York crowd who didn't know the story.
Meredith bit back a laugh as Derek scoffed, and she ran her deft fingertips along the knuckles of his right hand, remembering how they had connected with Mark's face right in front of her. Back then she hadn't even known who the man on the floor was, but she had known who Derek was; who Derek really was. He wasn't the least bit violent. And she had been shocked to realize it really was him who had hit the forward, flirty man lying on the floor.
"Anyway," Mark continued, "Meredith and I have a lot in common, most notably being our acceptance into the wonderful Shepherd family, and our love for this guy." He motioned at Derek. "And in the early days when Derek was still off being stupid, we spent a lot of time commiserating together and co-founded the DMC." He smirked at Meredith. "And if you want to know what that stands for, you'll have to ask Meredith, as I'm sure she and Shep will kick my ass if I tell you."
Meredith glared at him, to his obvious joy as he laughed and turned back to the guests.
"On a more serious note, I've known Derek for my entire life, and I don't think I have a single childhood memory that doesn't include him or the rest of the Shepherds. And I can honestly say that I have never seen him as happy as he has been in the past year." He turned back to Meredith. "And Mer, that's all because of you."
Meredith gripped tightly to Derek's hand and blinked back a sudden onslaught of tears.
"We all thought Derek was crazy to leave New York for Seattle, but he obviously found everything he was looking for and more. So, to Derek, congratulations, man. And to Meredith, thank you for making my best friend so happy, and thanks for bringing my family back to me." He raised his glass and the rest of the wedding guests followed suit.
Derek's arm tightened around her as his lips found her temple. She mouthed a 'thank you' to Mark as she continued to blink back tears. Having her make-up done for the fourth time wasn't something she wanted to subject herself to.
Mark nodded at them and took his seat, motioning to Cristina that it was her turn.
"Be nice," Izzy reminded as Cristina pushed her chair back.
Cristina glared at her roommate. "I can be nice."
"We have yet to see proof of it."
She shifted her glare to Alex. "Shut up, evil spawn."
"Cristina, seriously, you don't have to talk," Izzy said. "It's better to not talk then to say something...Cristina-y..."
Cristina huffed and glared at her fellow bridesmaid, but seemed determined to speak. She stood and surveyed the guests, her attention-oriented eyes clearly weighing in on the crowd, and taking note of the position of her two bosses staring back at her.
"Uh, I'm Cristina Yang, first time Maid of Honour." She introduced herself professionally, as if she were at work. Doctor Cristina Yang, second year surgical resident. Meredith almost laughed aloud. "I apologize for not being completely prepared for this, but I wasn't warned about the speech thing." She sent a glance to the rest of the table and the guests laughed. This seemed to give her confidence and her lips curled into an almost-smile.
"I've known Mer for almost two years, and she's my person. And I have the bragging rights of saying that I knew about her and Derek before anyone else. For those of you who don't know, they met before either started working at Grace, and were equally surprised to see each other on their first shift. Meredith and I were doing research together and I couldn't understand why she didn't want to work with the new attending." Cristina smirked. "Anyway, I got it out of her, and was there for all of the ups and downs over the last two years." She put extra emphasis on 'downs' and glanced at Derek, but didn't move to clarify in front of the many unknowing guests.
"I have, of course, been on Meredith's side for everything," she continued. Meredith winced inwardly, gripping tightly to Derek's hand in silent apology, waiting for the bitter second half of the speech. But her best friend surprised her. "But Meredith said something a couple days ago that surprised me. She told me that there weren't any sides anymore." Cristina paused to let that sink in. "And I guess that is marriage in a nutshell. There can't be any sides for a marriage to be real, to work out." There was only a small hint of sadness in her tone related to her own failed attempt. But there was a new sense of understanding filling her voice with confidence. "So, I guess what I'm saying is that I'm still on Meredith's side, only now her side includes Derek, and that's okay... That's a good thing, even. I'm happy for you, Mer," she told her person. "And Derek," she glanced to him with honest eyes, "I'm glad it's you who makes her happy. Welcome to our side." She motioned to Izzy, George and Alex.
Meredith smiled in relief at her family's support and glanced at her new husband. She was taken aback to see tears forming in his eyes. He tried to say something in response, but closed his mouth quickly and nodded, evidently speechless. His arm tightened around her, and she leaned into his warmth, letting him draw strength from her. She had never realized how much it must have hurt him not to have the full support of her best friend until he was given it. And she wondered if maybe he hadn't realized either.
Once Cristina had collapsed back into her chair, Izzy jumped up excitedly. "I'd like to start off by prompting all of you to take extra care to keep a close eye on your cameras tonight," she began, lifting hers off the table to help emphasize her point. "These two can't be trusted not to steal them..." She tilted her head towards Derek and Meredith.
Meredith rolled her eyes as Derek chuckled beside her. Most of the guests laughed quietly, not understanding the joke, but knowing there must be a story behind it.
Izzy laughed and continued. "I was Meredith's roommate for a year before she and Derek moved in together, so I've been around since the beginning of the relationship we're all here to celebrate today. I can remember the day I found out about them. Even way back then they were something special. I can remember asking Mer what she thought she was doing, and the look on her face said it all. No matter how hard she tried to deny it, and believe me she tried very hard, it was obvious she was already falling for him."
Oh, my God, you're falling for him.
I am not.
"And as Cristina alluded to, they went through a series of ups and downs, but in the end only the ups really mattered, because here we all are today. We've been through a series of ups and downs together," she motioned at herself and the other four original interns. "We may not be a family in the traditional sense, but we are in every other way, and we've always been there for each other." She turned to Derek. "We were there for her in the biggest down," she said, obviously speaking about his decision to make a second go at his marriage with Addison. "And we were there for a few after it." Her mother's secret getting out. The bomb. Thatcher's other family. "But you've been there for every one since." Doc's death. Meredith's drowning. Ellis's death. Susan's death. Thatcher's hatred and blame, and then Thatcher's abuse.
"And I have every confidence that you will be around for every up and down the future brings. So, also repeating Cristina, welcome to the family. You've won us over again. And Meredith, congratulations. It's not easy to find a man who really sees you and really loves you for it." She turned back to the guests and raised her glass. "To the happy couple!"
Her phrase was repeated in chorus as everyone raised their glass, and Izzy sat back down.
--
Derek nodded gratefully as his wife's former roommate sat back down across from him. He wasn't one to cry. Sitting on the floor of the hospital a year ago had been a very special exception for him. But today he had found his eyes welling on more occasions and for more reasons then he could count. Meredith walking towards him looking more breathtaking than he could ever remember. The emotion churning in his gut as he told her just how much she meant to him. The sound of her shaky voice telling him she believed in them. The feel of her smooth skin beneath his fingertips as he slid the simple platinum band onto her finger. The feeling of cool metal slipping onto his own finger after she had, without any hesitation in her quiet voice, said 'I do.' Clutching her hands as they were pronounced husband and wife. Losing himself in their first kiss.
And now, being officially welcomed into the tightly knit family that had formed two years ago when five strangers, without close family ties of their own, had been forced to band together. It was a bond he had been aware of, but not worried about at first. A bond he had been grateful she had in the months they were apart. A bond he had been concerned by when he had struggled to re-find a place in her life. A bond he had been wary of, worked around, welcome by and pushed away from. And now it was a bond he was being asked to be a part of. After a year of being a solid part of her life, he had still been uncertain of their faith in him at times. And the relief that washed over him was overwhelming now. Because they loved her too. And she listened to them. And he didn't ever want to make her choose. Because even though he would be there for every up and down for the rest of her life, they had been there when he had not.
Meredith shifted beside him, her hand squeezing his, and he buried his face in her hair, heedless of the fifty friends and family watching with attentive eyes. He needed a moment. Her closest hand was clutched tightly in his, so she reached her far hand around to cup the back of his head, offering him as much support as she could from their position. He inhaled deeply, revelling in the familiar lavender bliss that assaulted his senses.
Someone cleared their throats from the middle tables. "I know that I wasn't asked to talk, but I wanted to say a few words anyway," Joe's familiar voice rang out. Derek took a breath and found the strength to pull away from his wife. "First of all, as much as Yang hates to be proved wrong, I have to do it," he smirked at Cristina, "I was the first to know about these two. I was there at the very beginning; witnessed their very first meeting. Now, I own a bar, so I see tons of first meetings. But there was something different about this right from the start. Meredith, here, was sitting alone at the bar. Derek watched her for a while before he found the courage to approach her..."
Derek nodded to himself, remembering the night in question. It had taken him sometime to get up and introduce himself to the breathtaking woman sitting alone at the bar. It wasn't his style. It wasn't something he had very much practice at, and no practice for the past thirteen years at least. But it was something he had had to do. There had just been something about her that told him under no uncertain terms that he had to meet her; had to talk to her, had to...know her.
"...And they sat together and talked for a long time. Lots of laughing. But there was one moment in particular that still stands out in my mind...that was enough to catch my notice two years ago. I was making my way down the bar to check their drinks and they were just staring at each other. Silent. Smiling. Seemingly lost in each other's eyes. They didn't even notice me. It lasted several seconds." Joe shrugged. "I didn't see it happen again, but it was enough for me to recognize them months later when they started coming out to the bar more often. And it obviously meant something, because here we are today..."
Derek found himself nodding along. Joe was right; the staring thing had only happened once.
Once had been enough for him to be hooked.
"Anyway, I wanted to share that. Having the bar has its advantages. I've been around for more than most people give me credit for. Not only was I there at the beginning, but I was there when Shepherd didn't show up, and I was there when he finally did. I was there for Meredith's knitting phase," he added, giving the Seattle crowd something to laugh at to counter the seriousness of his previous comment. "I was there when Meredith let her friends talk her into being terrified to fly out to New York for the first time to meet Derek's family." Derek found himself laughing along with everyone else at this one. "I was there when Meredith came in newly engaged and ecstatic last December. I was there for Izzy trying to, very adamantly I'll add, convince Meredith to hyphenate her last name. And I was there for a number of other moments in the middle that I don't have time to mention. But, to Meredith and Derek, I want to thank you both for letting me be here for another important moment."
Derek nodded gratefully to the man whose life he had saved, the man who really and truly had been there for the very beginning. It pained him to imagine what would have been had he not found the courage to approach Meredith at the bar. Or if he had chosen another bar. Or if he had chosen another hospital. Or if he hadn't had any reason to want to leave New York so suddenly. He shook his head and thanked whoever was out there listening that he was where he was right now. And that the woman beside him was who she was.
There was a rustling as the table to their left spoke amongst themselves. Eventually Kathleen stood up. "We thought we should all say something too," she said lightly. "But eight people saying basically the same thing is a lot, so I was, apparently, elected Shepherd sibling spokesperson." She laughed. "Anyway, were this a regular wedding I would stand up and welcome my new sister-in-law into the family. But that's not what I'm going to do now, because Meredith," she turned her gaze to meet that of her sister-in-law. Derek felt Meredith tense under his arm, uncertain. "You don't need to be welcomed into the family, because you are already family, and I think you have been since you let my daughter drag you through the front door the first time you came out here with Derek. Now, I really think we're all nice, friendly people...for the most part, anyway," she added with a joking head tilt towards her next youngest sister.
Nancy rolled her eyes in good nature as the rest of the guests laughed.
Kathleen smiled. "Anyway, we're all pretty friendly, so we're easy to get along with. But Meredith, you don't just get along with us. You fit in. We're all different from each other, and we all have our own little niche to fit in without stepping on other people's toes. But you came into this family and slid right into your own niche. And you fit perfectly. And I can honestly speak for everyone when I say that we are so glad to have you as a part of our family. We love you Mer, and we're so glad you chose our brother." She smiled warmly as Derek felt his new wife begin to quiver under his hand. Kathleen turned her attention to him. "And good choice little brother," she added.
Derek laughed, but quickly turned his attention to Meredith. It was his turn to comfort her as the realization of her place in his family overwhelmed her. Her face found the crook of his neck and his arm stretched around her waist to hold her tight.
"I love you," he whispered.
She sniffed. "I love you more," she answered, her voice quiet and weak, but determined.
He couldn't help but laugh at her persistence. It was an argument he looked forward to continuing for the rest of their lives.
000
Her left arm was around his neck, its hand buried in his hair. His right arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her in close. Their remaining hands were clasped together, tucked between their hearts as they swayed back and forth to Feels Like Home. She sighed and he felt the warm air exhaled from her lips brush past his ear. He pressed his cheek closer to the side of her head. She responded with equal pressure. He closed his eyes and couldn't think of anything he would rather be doing at this moment.
They were dancing. At their wedding. Their first dance as husband and wife.
Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew they were the sole attention of fifty pairs of eyes, but he couldn't bring himself to care. And apparently, either could she. There was a slight vibration against his cheek and he smiled when he realized she was humming along with the song. His arm tightened around her on its own volition and she snuggled even closer in response.
Eventually, the song ended, and a new one began. More couples joined them on the floor, but Derek barely noticed. He found his hand sliding up and down her spine on its own volition. She released her grip on his right hand and wrapped her now free hand around his neck to join her other one. Derek didn't waste any time in finding her waist and pulling her body flush against his, both hands free to roam her back and keep her close.
They continued to sway back and forth, oblivious to the stares and the pictures being taken.
"This is really happening," she whispered into his neck.
He stilled his hands and held her still for a moment. "It is," he responded, just as much emotion in his tone as had been in hers.
She pulled back to meet his eyes. Hers were shining with unshed tears. "I just...even after this week...I can't..."
He smiled and closed the distance between their lips. After kissing her softly for several seconds, he met her eyes again. "It really happened, Mer. We really got married."
Her smile was bright enough to warm his heart. "Am I a good wife so far?"
Derek laughed at her lighter, teasing tone and resumed their gentle swaying. "Perfect, absolutely perfect. How about me?"
She raised an eyebrow. "You want to know if you're being a good wife?"
He rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but kiss her smirking lips. "Am I a good husband?" He clarified.
It was her turn to kiss him. "You're an even better husband than you were a boyfriend or fiancé."
He pressed his forehead against hers. "Good," he whispered.
And for several more songs, they lost themselves in each other again.
000
Meredith had finally pulled out of his arms to head for the bathroom with Cristina in tow, and Derek found himself being pulled back onto the dance floor by his mother the second he stepped off of it.
"I want to dance with my son on his wedding day, Derek," she had said as she clasped her hand onto his forearm and turned him to follow her.
Derek went willingly, laughing as she made a joke about lecturing him more for the bomb fiasco. "It was over a year ago," he reiterated as they began to dance.
"I'm proud of you, Derek," she said softly. "Even if I think you were stupid, it took courage to stay there. Miranda was very grateful towards you." There was understanding in her tone. She had lost Sam. Miranda had almost lost Tucker.
He raised an eyebrow. "So, just to get this straight; you're proud of me for being brave and mad at me for being stupid for the same action?"
"Yes."
He scoffed. "Isn't that a little...contradictory?"
"Not at all."
"But-"
"I'm your mother, Derek. You don't get to argue."
He laughed, but conceded.
"Meredith told me what happened with her father," she said quietly.
Derek nodded. "She told me she did."
Carol pursed her lips and sighed. "I can't believe anyone could do something so horrible to their own child."
"Not everyone was as lucky as we were," Derek responded, referring to himself and his sisters.
"It must have been tough."
"It was." He nodded. "But nothing is ever going to make me walk away from her ever again. I love her, mom, more than anything."
Carol smiled warmly at her son. "I'm so happy to hear you speaking like this, Derek. With Addy...you were never like this. You didn't talk about her like this. You didn't look at her...like you look at Meredith."
"I loved Addy. I really think I did... But we were too different. And it was never like it is with Mer." He shook his head. "I don't think I realized anything was missing until last year." He offered her a warm smile. "I'm so thankful you accepted her so easily. She deserves so much more than she's ever been offered."
"It's just like Kathleen said, Derek, she fits into our family. We would have accepted her no matter what, but she belongs with us. She'll always have a spot with us. And I hope you'll be around as much as you can."
"We'll visit when we can," he agreed. "It'll be hard until she gets a bit further into her residency, but we'll make some time when we can."
"Good, because we're not letting you disappear again and barely speak to us for over a year."
Derek shook his head at his mother's teasing tone. "That won't happen again," he promised. "I was hurt and...lost. And I had already spent so much of my life avoiding so many things that it was easy to just avoid everything." Derek sighed. "But I have so much to live for now, mom. I won't be avoiding anymore, I promise."
"I'm glad. And I'm glad to see you so happy, Derek. She's so good for you. She makes you a better person." Carol paused as her eyes welled. "You remind me so much of your father right now, Derek. You've always looked like him, but with Meredith, you act like him too. He was always there for me, always saying wonderful things to me. There isn't a doubt in my mind that you two are going to make it work forever."
Derek smiled. "Me either."
000
When Meredith returned from the bathroom, she watched her new husband dance with his mother for several minute before she was pulled onto the dance floor by Spencer...and then Dean...and then Simon...and then Phil. It was apparently necessary that she have at least one dance with each of them. And once she was done, she made her way to the makeshift bar for a much needed refreshment.
She requested a glass of water, and had only had a sip when the man she hadn't talked to yet found her.
"Congratulations, Meredith."
Meredith swallowed her mouthful of water and looked up to see Richard and Adele standing before her. She glanced warily towards the dance floor to spot Derek dancing with his sister. "Thanks, Chief."
"It was a beautiful ceremony," Adele added, offering her a warm smile as she tried to control the tension between Meredith and Richard. She obviously knew what had occurred at the hospital months before.
"Thanks," Meredith responded evenly. She had dealt with Richard professionally when she had to since the incident, but had never delved into personal issues. And never in an environment outside the hospital walls. And for the first time in months, she found herself wishing for familiar security beside her.
She had barely completed the thought when a warm hand found the small of her back and Derek was at her side, as if he had heard her. "Chief, glad you could make it," he greeted. He stuck out his hand.
Richard looked hesitant, but shook. "Congratulations, Derek."
Derek nodded his thanks and extended his hand to Adele.
"I was just telling Meredith how beautiful the ceremony was," Adele told him as she shook his hand more readily than had her husband. "What a wonderful idea it was to have the ceremony here. And it must have been lovely to grow up here?"
"It was," Derek replied with a smile.
"And you got such a perfect day for it."
"We really did," Meredith found herself agreeing, having discovered her voice again.
Adele nodded and excused herself to head up the hill to the bathroom. She had done her part in starting the conversation, but knew she needed to give Richard a few minutes alone with the people he had wronged.
Meredith watched her go and leaned closer to Derek, feeling for any changes in his tension. He seemed relatively calm.
"I really want to thank you both for inviting me," Richard began. "I...don't deserve your forgiveness after what I did."
Derek didn't speak up, so Meredith squeezed his hand and did so herself. "We all do things we're not proud of, Chief. But that doesn't mean we don't deserve to be forgiven...as long as it doesn't happen again."
"It won't," he reassured. "I'm turning over a new leaf and not reacting until I have all the facts."
Derek laughed and for a second Meredith held her breath. "I remember when I was an intern and you vowed to turn over a new leaf and be nice to Banders. That lasted all of half a day."
Richard returned his laughter, with only a touch of hesitation. "Well, Banders was an ass."
"True."
"This time I mean it," Richard continued.
Derek nodded. "Good." There wasn't any condescension in his tone. He really was letting it go. And that made Meredith breathe easier. She had married an amazing man.
Richard smiled at her, the tension effectively broken. "So, after Joe said you discussed it at his bar, I'm curious as to what you've decided to do about your name?"
"I'm changing it."
"Hyphenating?"
She shook her head. "No, I'm dropping Grey for good. And I know it may get confusing at the hospital, but everyone said to not think about work and make the decision for me. And that's what I did. And really, I don't want to be a Grey anymore. I don't want to be compared to my mother, because I'm not her, and I don't want to be like her. And I don't want to be connected to Thatcher Grey anymore. And I...want to be a Shepherd. Because for the first time in my life, I have a family, and I want to be a full part of that, and I..." She trailed off as she realized she was pulling a Meredith and was rambling along at full speed. She felt her cheeks blush, and avoided Derek's knowing smirk. She cleared her throat. "I'll be coming back to the hospital as Meredith Shepherd," she summed up.
To her surprised, Richard smiled and nodded without a hint of disapproval in his expression. "I'll have the paperwork waiting when you get back on Wednesday."
Meredith blinked. "You mean...it's not a problem?"
"Not at all. You have every right to be called whatever you want at work."
"Oh, I...good."
Richard nodded. "You're mother would be proud of you," he said quietly.
Meredith sucked in a breath and met his eyes. "Chief, you and I both know that she would be disappointed in me if she were here. She didn't want me being distracted with anything outside of medicine. And we already know she doesn't like Derek..." She continued with a laugh.
Derek laughed beside her and tightened his arm, obviously remembering her mother kicking him out of her hospital room on the one and only occasion he had met her lucid.
"I didn't mean..." Richard trailed off. "I meant... If she had ever taken it upon herself to know you, Meredith, she would have been so proud. You have just as much skill and talent as she did, but you have something she lacked; compassion maybe. She always had trouble relating to her patients. Give yourself a few more years of training and you'll be the perfect, well rounded surgeon." He smirked. "Probably even better than your husband, here."
Meredith laughed as Derek huffed in good nature.
000
Her eyes were sparkling as he met them with his. "What?"
She smiled widely, lifting her hand to emphasize the importance of what she held in her hand. "It's just...it's junk food, Derek." She laughed. "I don't think I've ever seen you willingly eat junk food. Ever. At least not more than a bite or two of mine."
He stepped closer, his own hand cradling a small piece of cake. "For our wedding cake, I can make an exception."
She beamed; just as she had every time he had said wedding. Or married. Or husband. Or wife. Or anything remotely related to their newly found married status. And, if he were perfectly honest with himself, he too had felt that jolt of electricity and happiness every time any of those words had been uttered.
"Okay, let's do this," she said, lifting her hand towards him.
He nodded his agreement and mirrored her movements. "Just...be nice," he pleaded, knowing too well the gleam in her eyes that told him he was going to be wearing as much cake as he ate.
"I'm always nice."
He scoffed and carefully lifted his piece to her mouth, hoping that if he showed her some mercy, she would reciprocate.
He was wrong.
A few seconds later, he nose, cheeks and chin were covered in icing and cake. His new wife's laugher echoed through the wedding tent as she wiped the small amount of cake he had managed to smear across her cheek off.
He pressed his lips together and glowered at her as she continued to laugh. Apparently that was one wedding tradition she had been quite aware of. Although, he realized as he took in the triumphant expressions on all four of his sisters' faces, she had probably been put up to it.
Alex was standing close by, having volunteered to help cut the cake. He met Derek's eyes and shook his head. "Dude, that was sad."
This only succeeded to increase Meredith's giggles as she stepped closer to him and pressed her clean lips against his vanilla ones. "I love you," she told him as she pulled away, licking the sweet taste off her mouth as she did so.
He grumbled and pulled her close to kiss her again, making sure to press his face against her however he could. She giggled against his lips, but allowed herself to be used to remove part of the wedding cake she had planted across his face. And when he pulled away, she stayed close and pecked his lips several times.
"Hmm... You taste good," she whispered.
His heart jumped at the look she gave him, and for a moment all he could think about was the night ahead of them.
Then Meredith giggled again, and he was drawn from his thoughts as he shook his head at her sudden light-heartedness. Two years of knowing her, and he had never seen her so...bright and shiny. She wasn't just cheerful, she was glowing. And bubbly. And animated. And not the least bit worried about their audience.
He really had met his goal of making her happy.
000
It was getting late.
All of the little kids had been put to bed. Bailey and Tucker senior had been shuttled back to the hotel with baby Tucker. All of Derek's more distant family had bid their farewells and headed off. Joe and Walter, and Richard and Adele had gone. Only Lexie and Meredith's friends remained, getting ready to be shuttled back to their hotel on the next trip. The Shepherd siblings that weren't at work putting children to bed scuttled around the tent, helping the catering staff clean up.
Meredith and Derek danced quietly together, not quite ready to let go of the last moments of the day to make memories.
"You're mother was right," Meredith found herself whispering as she rested her head against Derek's shoulder. She had ditched her shoes and found herself more comfortable now that she was meeting Derek's body where she was used to.
"Hmm?"
"She told me this was a day I would never forget."
His arms tightened around her. "I'll never forget it either."
She closed her eyes and let him lead her body back and forth for several repetitions. "I didn't get it for so long," she finally told him. "The whole wedding thing kind of flummoxed me. And with you...I wanted to get married and I wanted something more than...like, city hall or Vegas or whatever. And when we started to plan stuff, I guess I started to get it. But I never...I guess I never really got it until today. The whole having all your closest friends and family together to celebrate and doing all the wedding-y stuff..." She trailed off and sighed. "I get it now."
"You happy?"
"More than I ever thought possible," she responded honestly.
"Me too."
She smiled against him. "Happy doesn't even seem like an adequate word anymore."
He chuckled. "So I've noticed. You've been a little bouncy tonight; must be Izzy's influence."
She groaned. "Tell me I wasn't as bad as her..."
Derek laughed, his nimble fingers running up and down along her spine. "I'll tell you anything you want to hear."
She clicked her tongue at him. "Not nice."
His hand paused against her upper back, his fingers spaying to touch each shoulder blade as he held her tight. "I love seeing you so free, Mer. It's like a glimpse of the person you should have been allowed to become."
She took his words in and ran them over and over in her head several times before responding. There was a time when she wouldn't have accepted such a statement from him. But she had come to realize he had never set out to fix any more of her than what he had broken himself. All he wanted was for her to trust him and let him love her and for her to be whoever she wanted to be.
"You're letting me be that person, Derek," she finally told him. "And that's what counts."
"Good." He pulled away far enough to meet her eyes. "I want more than anything for my wife to be happy."
She beamed at his words as she felt her heart go all warm and mushy in her chest. Married. Married. Married. His beautiful blue eyes were sparkling, and his gorgeous hair was slightly unkempt where she had run her fingers through it.
He was perfect. And he was hers.
"I love that word," she whispered, unable to keep hers fingers from running through his dark brown locks.
"I love the woman who fits it even more," he countered.
She giggled. "Derek, seriously, that was cheesy."
He shrugged. "I can't bring myself to care right now." He smirked. "Because I have a wife."
Meredith beamed again at his words. "Yeah, well, I have a husband..."
She was rewarded when his lips curled up into a beaming smile that showed his teeth. "I like being your husband."
"I like you being my husband." She broke eye contact and pulled herself flush against his chest again. "I love you so much, Derek."
"I love you so much, too, Meredith."
She lost track of time as they continued to dance together, but she eventually became aware that the activity around them had stopped and that their remaining family were patiently waiting for them to call it a night.
She clutched onto the fabric of his jacket. "I don't want it all to be over," she whispered.
"It's not over," he reassured. "It's all just beginning for us, Mer. This is our beginning."
"Right, the whole forever thing..."
"Exactly."
"But tonight..."
"Isn't over," he finished before pulling back to meet her eyes again. There was a familiar smouldering behind his. One side of his lips curled upwards and he tilted his head. "We have all night to celebrate on our own."
Meredith's throat suddenly felt dry as a very familiar burning ignited inside of her. She had been completely honest when she had told him she was looking forward to only being with him for the rest of her life. He was the person who had taught her how to connect with someone, how to actually feel close to another human being. And the fact that he was by far the best she had ever had was simply icing on the cake. She wouldn't give up her newly found joy and security for anything.
But that still didn't mean she had expected to feel this way now. For the first time in a long time, she found herself a little bit nervous about the events to come that night. It would mark her last first. Her first time making love to her husband.
She shuddered as she inhaled a shaky breath and offered him a wobbly smile.
He understood and pressed his lips against hers lightly for several seconds before pulling away and taking her by the hand to lead her towards their waiting family members.
"You calling it a night?" Kathleen asked with a smile.
Meredith nodded, uncertain if she was sad it was over or glad something else was beginning.
"Yeah," Derek responded evenly. "It's late."
Mark stepped forward and held out something small. Meredith watched with interest as Derek took it and held it up for a better look. In the dull light coming from the still lit tent, it appeared to be a credit card or something.
"What is it?" She asked as Derek turned it over. There was writing on the other side.
"It's a key card, for that resort in town," Mark responded. "You didn't think we were going to let you stay here tonight?"
"I never really..." thought about it.
Natalie snorted. "We didn't want you to traumatize the children."
"Oh, god," Meredith mumbled as she blushed and buried her face in Derek's shoulder.
"Oh, we can attest to that," Izzy jumped in. "Trust me, the kids would be traumatized."
George and Alex didn't hesitate to agree, causing Meredith blush a deeper shade of red and wish she could just disappear.
"It's my wedding gift, man," Mark continued, now addressing Derek as Meredith was still hiding herself. "We've already got you checked in and sent your suitcases there, so all you have to do is drive out there. You're booked for two nights."
"Just make sure you come back here on Monday to say goodbye to mom before you fly home," Nancy added. "Or she'll have your heads."
"Thanks, guys, for everything," Derek said. Meredith cautiously lifted her head from his shoulder and chimed in with her own thanks.
She said goodbye, hugging everyone, and let her new husband lead her around the house to the silver Explorer that now boasted an array of streamers and flowers and confetti. When her friends or new family had found time to do this too was beyond her.
Ever the gentleman, Derek opened her door for her, but she captured his lips in hers for several moments before she allowed him to help her into the car, giving them both a taste of what was to come that night.
And when they finally found themselves settled in the car, Meredith reached for Derek's hand, and they set of for the small resort hotel in town, their future and hopes and dreams before them.
And behind them, spelled across the back of the car in purple flowers:
JUST McMARRIED!
AN: Okay, so my original plan was to have this fic posted in a two week span...really...I promise, that was my plan. But real life has been breathing down my neck and forcing me to put my fics on the back burner a few times now. So, really, to everyone who has been reading and leaving me such awesome feedback, I'm really sorry about all of the delays. And thanks for sticking with me.
This was supposed to be the last chapter before the epilogue, but I've already begun the epilogue and it's growing really long already, so there may well be another chapter in between. And really, isn't twelve a better number of chapters than eleven? Lol.
I had a few issues writing this chapter, and I'd like to address a few quickly. First, Carol wasn't really mad at Derek, just peeved that she didn't know. I'm not sure if that was clear. And I had her call him Derek Christopher Shepherd to stay consistent with the show. I'm one of the many authors who chose to use Michael as his middle name before (doesn't Derek Michael Shepherd souns better than Christopher?), and when I figure out which chapter of What I'm Here For I declared that, I will change it... Second, having watched the fourth season, I'm having trouble getting into Derek's mindset, even though the fourth season didn't exist in my fic-universe. His vows still seem a little off to me, and I'm finding myself drawn more and more towards writing from Mer's POV, so sorry about that. Next, I needed to have Adele come and act as the ice breaker, but even though she only said a few things, I feel like she was horribly OOC. But seriously, I can't get a decent grasp on her character, because when have we ever seen her not angry at her husband for one thing or another? LOL.
Lastly, I want to thank TruLuv for motivating me to actually choose a song for their first dance. I was going to leave it up to your imagination, but she sent me a list of songs, and I finally settled on Feels Like Home by Chantel Kreviazuk, because it really fits in with them and the whole 'home' motif I've been pushing since the first chapter. AND because when I searched for it on YouTube to listen to it, the very first result was a MerDer video someone had made. I took that as a sign. Thanks again TruLuv!
Thanks for reading!