It was around 8pm when Derek heard a soft whimper. He looked to where the sound was coming from and could see Dustin was beginning to wake up. About an hour after the gang had left earlier that evening, Derek had decided to stretch himself out on the small coach in Karen's hospital room with Dustin lying on Derek's stomach. He must have fallen asleep but for how long he wasn't sure. The Doctor had come in briefly after everyone had left to check on Karen and had told Derek he was pleased with the progress she was making. Her blood count was almost back to normal and if they could stabilize her completely tomorrow, she would be released the following day. She informed Derek she would authorize Dustin to remain in the hospital the extra day and would have the nurses bring a bassinet into the room so that Dustin could stay with him.
As Derek raised himself into a sitting position he saw the bassinet and assumed the nurses had brought it into the room while he was asleep. He slowly lifted Dustin and leaned him against his shoulder. Patting Dustin's bottom Derek whisper, "Hey buddy, what's the matter." "Are you hungry? Do you need to be changed?" Now sitting straight up Derek lowered Dustin in his arms so that he could see his face. Dustin's lower lip was quivering but he had yet to open into a full cry. Derek didn't want Karen to wake so he quickly attempted to ease his son.
He called the nurse to ask for a bottle and then quickly made his way to the hospital bassinet that had been placed in the room. Placing Dustin in the bassinet, Derek began to talk to him. "Buddy, are you dirty; is that what's making you upset?" Derek quietly asked. "Don't worry, Daddy is going to clean you up and then the two of us can talk" Derek said making a face at the smell coming from his son. "Dustin!" he continued "how can someone so small produce something that smells so bad?" At that question Dustin gave a small grin as he was obviously feeling better now that he was clean.
Derek disposed of the diaper and walked over to the love chair. The nurse came in with the bottle and after checking on Karen and making sure Derek didn't need anything left. Derek cradled Dustin his arms and moving the bottle nipple over his lips Dustin began to drink. "There you go" Derek said. "Do you like that, I bet you were hungry." He continued. "Mommy will be better soon and I know she wants to try to feed you herself." "Mommy's milk will be the good stuff" Derek smiled. Dustin stared at his father as he drank. His little hand clinging to Derek's little finger on the bottle. "Do you want to hear a story" Derek asked his son, Dustin's eyes never wavering from his father's face. "How about I tell you about the day your mommy married you daddy?" In response Dustin gave a small gurgle, milk dripping down the sides of his mouth. Wiping his son's face Derek began.
"Daddy was so nervous the day he married your mommy" Derek smiled. "Your uncle Tom had to sit daddy down and convince daddy that mommy wasn't going to change her mind." "He reminded daddy how much mommy loved daddy even though daddy had made mistakes in his past." Derek continued. "Your daddy listened to Uncle Tom and realized that if he could make it through the ceremony; daddy would be the luckiest man in the world." "So after his talk with Uncle Tom, daddy got ready to walk into the church and between you and me buddy; daddy took a sip of scotch" Derek laughed.
"But it was all worth it because when daddy saw your mommy walking down the isle with your grandpa, he thought he had never see anything so beautiful; daddy's heart skipped a beat" Derek said in a soft voice. "Mommy was wearing a white strapless dress that fit her (well lets just say) in a way that made your daddy want to kiss your mommy endlessly." Derek laughed. "When she finally reached the alter daddy could see the smile on your mommy's face and when he looked into her eyes; daddy fell in love all over again." Derek cooed. "Your mommy can say so much with her eyes. She can show you how much she loves you, she can show you how much she's been hurt and she can show you how strong she is." Derek continued. Dustin's eyes were focused on Derek and he silently looked up at him as if he understood everything his father was telling him. "Finally, when mommy and daddy finished with their vows; daddy got to kiss mommy and it's a kiss daddy will never forget." "With that kiss, your mommy let daddy know she was his forever and daddy hopes he showed your mommy that he would love her always and that he would keep her safe." Derek smiled at Dustin who was excitedly squirming in his arms. Derek bent down and placed a soft kiss on Dustin's cheek saying "I love you Dustin and I love your mommy more everyday." Dustin squealed at his father's words.
A cough at the door startled Derek. He looked up and saw Karen's father and mother. He wasn't sure how long they had been standing there but something told Derek it had been long enough. Derek could feel himself blush as he stood up with Dustin in his arms and offered a polite hello. Both smiled back at him and asked if it was alright to wait for Karen to wake up. Derek nodded his approval and sat back down. Derek switched Dustin to rest on his shoulder and Dustin took the opportunity to focus on the extra voices now in the room. With the support of Derek's hand from behind Dustin lifted his head gurgling and squealing as his small fist found his mouth.
Karen's parent stared in awe for a few minutes when Derek finally decided to break the silence "the doctor said Karen might be able to go home day after tomorrow" he informed them. "If her pressure is complete stable by tomorrow afternoon she will be released." He continued. "That's great news" they both exclaimed. Dustin at this point hearing the extra voices couldn't contain himself. He was squirming and gurgling with a tiny grin spread cross his face. "Can I hold him" Karen's mom asked timidly. "Of Coarse" Derek said as he got up from his chair. "You want to go with your grandmother" he asked. Dustin grinned in response.
Karen's mother cradled Dustin in her arms as her husband looked on. She looked up at Derek and smiled her thanks. As Derek looked on he moved closer to Karen's bedside and took hold of her hand. He sat watching for a few minutes when he felt a gentle squeeze of his hand. He looked up and Karen graced him with the most beautiful smile. "Hello handsome" she whispered as Derek got up and placed a tender kiss on her lips. "Can you help me sit up" she asked him. Derek nodded and slowly helped Karen raise herself in the bed. Karen's parents sat quietly as they were unsure of how their daughter would greet them. "Hi" Karen said. "I see Dustin is keeping you entertained" "He is wonderful" her mother said. "He looks like just like you" she continued with tears now forming in her eyes. Karen's father put is hand on his wife's knee for comfort and looked at Karen for a reaction. "It looks like he enjoys being with his grandma and grandpa" Karen smiled. "I know Derek and I would like for him to get to know his grandparents" she said. "We've talked about splitting down time between London and Iowa; and we've even thought about buying a small house close to yours." She continued. "But, Mom and Dad" Karen's voice now serious "as much as I love you both, I will not sit by and let you put Derek down." "He is my husband and he has been my rock. As much as it frightened him, he did as I made him promise because he loves me and he believes in me." "Derek, Dustin and I are a family and if you can't accept one of us then you will not see any of us." Karen finally finished.
Karen's parents nodded their understanding. Karen's mother then turned to Derek and said "I'm so sorry for everything that was said. Karen is right; the love that you have for her is more than any parent can wish for and want for their child. Your strength blessed us in a way that we will never be able to fully thank you for. You believed in Karen and that faith is the reason why I'm holding our grandson. I'm ashamed now for ever thinking his life wasn't worth fighting for and I hope that one day you will be able to forgive me, forgive us." She finished. Derek smiled at both of them and said "Apology accepted" "The most important thing now is that Karen and Dustin are both safe."
Epilogue (Three years later)
It had been three years since Dustin's birth and things were definitely moving in the right direction for everyone. Jessica had tried out for and gotten the role of Marilyn. Karen and the others had been so excited for her and the show was still getting rave reviews. Sam was still a member of the Marilyn ensemble but he had also recorded a gospel album with the help of Tom. The album was doing extremely well on the charts and Sam was considering going on tour as an opening act for Fred Hammond. Bobby and Dennis were the leading male roles in a new Levitt and Houston play and Derek was Director/Choreographer. The workshops had produced great results as investors were extremely excited and eager to be a part of the production.
Karen and Derek had both taken a year off from Broadway after Dustin was born splitting time between New York, Iowa and London. Karen had used the time to finally record an album with the elusive Bobby Raskin and the album had just gone platinum on the R&B charts. She also recently returned to the stage in a new production of Rent and the show was said to be a shoe-in for a Tony. Derek used his time away from Broadway to direct a cop thriller for Iron Gate Movies shot in London and New York. The movie premiered this month and was already being mentioned for a golden globe for best picture and director.
Ivy was rumored to have gained a small lead in a play off Broadway. After her mishap in Heaven and Earth and Marilyn she had a hard time finding a production that would take her on. All of them telling her she had loads of talent but they couldn't afford the risk of drama.
"Uncle Bobby, I don't think you were late coming in on that song" Dustin said in a small voice. "It was the new girl she can't count." He continued. Bobby laughed and gave the small boy a hug. "Thanks D but I think maybe it was both our fault" he said. "And that girl's name is Amanda; would you like to meet her?" Bobby asked. "I guess" Dustin answered as Bobby took Dustin's hand and walked over to where Dennis and Amanda were sitting. "Hey D!" Dennis exclaimed "are you helping with notes today?" he asked. "Yup" the little boy replied with a wide grin on his face. "Daddy said if I took good notes Linda might use them in the show" he replied gleefully "D this Amanda" Bobby said. "Hi" Amanda stated "What does D stand for" she asked "Dustin" the little boy replied but "D" sounds much cooler. The three laughed at his response. "Who's your daddy D" Amanda was curious. Dustin pointed to Derek who was looking up at the little boy. "That's my daddy – people call him The Dark Lord" he said in a voice that was a little louder than he wanted but not loud enough for Derek to hear. Turning back to the three the boy asked "Uncle Dennis and Uncle Bobby, can you show me some cool dance moves later?" "My daddy only practices dance moves where he can hold mommy, he likes to kiss her and tell her he loves her; Eww" the little boy stated rolling his eyes at the same time. The three couldn't help but laugh drawing the attention of Derek. "Dustin!" Derek said "are you bothering Dennis and Bobby?" "No daddy, Uncle Bobby thought I should meet Amanda. She's the girl you told mommy had potential if she could learn to count her steps; remember?" The little boy asked with wide eyes, once again drawing a laugh.
Derek shook his head biting back a laugh and answered his little boy in the sweetest voice "Yes buddy I remember" Then turning to Amanda Derek said in his director's voice "Your counting was much better today good job" Derek looked back to Dustin and asked are you ready to start. Dustin smiled and said in his loudest voice "Ok everyone break is over back to work" Yes, it was undeniable that Dustin was very much his daddy's little boy.