Last chapter guys! I've been working hard on getting a few chapters ready for the third and final installment in this series. It's called You'll Be In My Heart and I will post the first chapter immediately after this one! I hope you enjoy the end of this one and the beginning of the next!
Enjoy and thank you all for being great fans (:
"This is a beautiful sight. So many people, so many happy faces."
Meredith smiled as Derek leaned in and planted a kiss on the top of her head. "I'm actually glad Mom suggested it. It really was a great idea."
Derrek nodded. "I agree. Who would have thought so many people would show up?"
They both looked around the yard to all the people there. Kids and adults enjoyed themselves equally under the dinner time sun, and all were glad to be blessed with such wonderful weather for this event. Instead of ordering pizza, Mark, Alex and Jackson had volunteered their manly services and brought over their barbecues. Carolyn and Meredith had picked up dozens of packages of hotdogs, sausages and hamburgers. Carolyn, Adele and Lina Harrington were in the kitchen bonding over grandmotherhood while making salads to go with supper. Everyone else arrived with chips, cookies, drinks, paper plates and utensils and everything else anyone could think of.
Derek looked around the yard. Mark and Owen were manning the barbecues while Alex and Richard starting serving the kids. Kelsey and Keegan, along with Jessica, Danielle, Nathaniel, Celia, Andy, Josh and Daniel were sitting at the picnic table, hotdogs and chips everywhere, Jackson and Amy supervising and trying to keep things under control. Next to their table was Izzie and Dustin, Catherine and Emily and Lexie and Thomas, the moms all trying to help their little ones with their supper. Carolyn, Adele and Lina emerged from the kitchen with their salads and began serving the kids. Ben, Finn and Sam and were playing baseball with Tuck, Kayla, Alyssa and Stephanie in the not so far off distance. Julian and Mike were attempting to start a bonfire in the fire pit. Addison, Teddy, Samantha, Callie and Arizona were making sure the napkins and plates didn't fly away, all while chatting away and laughing over who knows what. Miranda sat with Cristina on the deck and took in, much like Derek was doing, the scene in front of her. Everyone was happy. Everyone was good.
"I missed this while I was away. Being able to spend time like this with everyone that I love and care for. I missed a lot of things, but this, spending time with these people, is something that I especially missed."
Meredith took her husband's hand in hers. "You're here now and you won't have to ever leave again."
Derek smiled. "I know. And the thought of being around for good makes me very happy."
Meredith laughed. "It makes me very happy too."
Derek leaned in and kissed Meredith, showing her just how happy he was to be back.
"Oh stop with the gross PDA you two. There are kids here."
They turned to face Cristina who was sitting just a few steps away from them. Miranda was chuckling beside her.
"It's my house, I can do what I want," Derek answered with a smile, leaning in and continuing the kissing.
Cristina rolled her eyes while turning towards Miranda. "I imagine if I tell them to get a room, they might actually go inside and get themselves a room and I can't have whatever is happening in that room on my conscience, so I'm going to keep my mouth shut."
Just as Cristina finished her observation, someone from the barbecues called out exactly what Cristina didn't have the audacity to do, for her own personal sanctity.
"Great!" she called back. "Whoever suggested that is no longer my friend. I'm the one sitting outside of the window of said room."
Alex laughed. "Yeah Mark, think about the consequences of your words before using them. Isn't that a lesson we need to teach our kids? Maybe someone should teach it to you first."
This warranted a laugh from everyone within earshot.
"Hey, I tried to raise that boy right, but he's always been a tough one," Carolyn said with a smirk as she set her salad bowl down.
"It wasn't any better during his internship, I can guarantee you that," Richard agreed.
"I second that," Derek said with a laugh.
"And I second that," Addison added.
Mark frowned. "What is it? Pick on Mark day?"
Meredith giggled, but didn't get a chance to say what she wanted to say because Miranda stole the words from right out of her mouth.
"It's always pick on Mark day. Get used to it or get lost."
Mark huffed dramatically. "Fine. I'm going to go hang out with the kids then. They don't judge me."
He kept up the dramatics and stormed off.
"That's my cue to take my turn at the grill."
Meredith kissed him one last time, then turned and joined Miranda and Cristina in the loungers.
"Isn't it nice to have a good excuse and not have to do any work? I should be pregnant more often," Cristina said with a satisfied smile.
"How many do you intend on popping out?" Miranda asked with a chuckle.
Cristina shook her head. "No, I was definitely kidding. This little guy is going to be my last."
Meredith sat up quickly and smiled. "That's right! I heard it was a boy. I didn't get the chance to properly congratulate you yesterday. So congratulations!"
Cristina smiled as she took her best friend's hand in hers. "Thank you Mer. So how about you? Have you…"
Meredith's smile got even bigger.
Cristina and Miranda both sat up straight and leaned in. Miranda was the first to react. "You did, didn't you?"
Meredith nodded enthusiastically. "Addison managed to slip us in today. I wanted Derek to be here before I found out. I wanted him to be the first one to know the gender of the baby since he was the last one to know of his existence."
"His!" Cristina exclaimed. "A boy too!"
Meredith smiled and nodded. "A boy. God Cristina, our boys are going to be inseparable, I can tell."
Miranda laughed. "I don't know if that's a good thing, or a bad thing. A scary thing. If they're anything like the two of you…"
Just then, Alex, a beer in one hand and a tray of hamburgers and salads balanced on the other, dropped himself into the seat beside Meredith.
"Supper's ready. There is more food than you can imagine."
Meredith smirked. "You'd be surprised at the amount of food I can imagine. I do spend Christmas with the Shepherd's every year."
Alex chuckled. "Good point. But there is still plenty of food so you ladies enjoy."
Cristina was the first to grab a burger. "I've been craving one of these ever since Jackson bought that barbecue two weeks ago. Thank god the rain let up."
They were all into their hamburgers and salads when Izzie sat down and took the last seat in their little circle. "Kids are all done eating and are wearing off all of their energy on the playset. It's my turn."
The five of them settled into casual conversation, all while feasting away.
"Alex, grab me a glass of juice would ya!"
Alex got up with a laugh. "Yes Dr. Bailey."
Miranda couldn't help but laugh too. "God, that brought back some memories."
Meredith nodded. "Tell me about. You ordering Alex around, surrounded by Cristina, Izzie and I. How long has it been?"
"Ten? Eleven years?"
Alex passed Miranda her glass of juice and took his seat back. "Not long enough. I can still remember how much you guys hated me. It hurts knowing that there was a time that you didn't love me," he said with an exaggerated sad expression, followed by a laugh.
"Shut up," Izzie said as she gave him a light punch in the arm. "Or else we'll start hating you again."
Cristina rolled her eyes. "Who said that I ever stopped?" She gave Alex a wink.
"I'm with Yang on this one," Miranda agreed with a smirk.
"Well, unlike these two who seem stuck in the past," Meredith started with a wink, "I on the other hand have grown very fond of you. If ever Cristina decided to abandon me, I would consider you as my replacement person. But you'd have to beat out Izzie, so you might have a tough time with that one."
Cristina shook her head. "Neither one of you get any ideas over there. I'm not leaving, ever, so there will be no replacing me."
Meredith smiled. "I'm okay with that."
Izzie and Alex shrugged. "I guess we'll survive."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
"I don't how to explain to anyone how it was over there," Derek said as he bite into his burger. "I mean, Meredith hasn't asked any questions yet, and I know she's giving me time to adjust to being home again, but I'm sure the questions will come and I don't know what to say. I don't want to expose her to any of what I have lived, what I have seen. You know?" Derek let out a short laugh. "Who am I kidding? Of course you know. God, I can be a dumbass sometimes."
Owen laughed. "Aren't we all. And don't be too hard on yourself. It's nice that people forget that, before two days ago, I was a dead soldier to everyone in Seattle and now you have forgotten that I have done many of the things you had to do. It's refreshing."
Derek nodded and smiled. "I guess that since I've been gone so long and haven't seen anyone in months, I forget that you just got here too and people are adjusting to you being back even more than me being back. I'm just getting used to being around everyone again, so you just kind of blend in."
Owen smiled. "I'm glad that my presence hasn't been as awkward and weird as it could have been. I mean, I was dead, and now I'm not. That's got to be weird for everyone. But everyone still treats me as if I hadn't been dead, or… whatever."
They both laughed and took a few more bites of their burgers and a swig of their beers.
"But Derek, if you ever need to talk to anyone about anything, anything at all, know that I'm your guy. I've been where you are in some ways and can and will do anything to make your return to normal life as normal as possible. After having spent a very long time in the presence of doctors and people trained to do just that, reintroduce you to your life, I can kind of say I'm an amateur professional of some sorts. And if I can't help you, I can recommend you to someone who can. As for talking to Meredith, tell her what you can, the easier stuff and tell her how you felt. That's what really matters. You don't need to paint her a picture of the devastation that the people you were helping were living through. She wants to know about you, she wants to make sure that you're okay. So let her do just that."
Derek nodded, glad he now had something to base the upcoming conversations with his wife on. "Thanks Owen, that really helps. And I might take you up on that offer to talk. But not tonight. Tonight is for relaxing and having fun. What do you say we do just that?"
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
"Mom, I've got to say, I wasn't sure how well this was going to turn out when you suggested having supper and inviting everyone to come, but this turned out wonderfully," Mark said as he pulled up a chair to the circle that had been formed around the fire pit.
"Just because I'm old dear, doesn't mean I can't have wonderful ideas," she replied with a wink.
"Never once did I ever say you were old!" Mark exclaimed.
All of the adults, along with the older kids had settled around the campfire. The younger kids, minus the few that were inside asleep, were still playing in the playset, enjoying their time together. Everyone was stuffed from dinner, but all had satisfied smiles on their faces. The evening had in fact been everything everyone had hoped it would be and more.
"Mark's right though Carolyn, this was wonderful, "Adele complimented her.
"I just wish I had thought of doing it myself, take the credit you know," Richard added with a laugh.
"Well," Carolyn interjected, "if it hadn't have been for all of your presence here tonight, the evening would have been much different, so everyone can take credit for the successful outcome."
"Amen to that," Miranda called out. "I'm just glad Ben forced my ass out of bed this afternoon. I would have regretted not coming."
Tuck patted his mom's knee from his spot on the grass in front of her. "I'm glad you came too mom, because if you hadn't have come, I wouldn't have been able to come and I really like spending time with everyone. It's fun having a big family to count on."
Everyone demonstrated their agreement to the young boy's statement by raising their glasses.
"Amen to that," Mark said with a smile.
"I have an idea," Izzie exclaimed excitedly. "Why don't we all go around the fire and either say something we're grateful for, or something we're happy about, or just something good in general? I think we've got a lot of positive things going on, and it would be nice to celebrate that, don't you think?"
"I think that's a wonderful idea," Adele said with a smile. "I'll even start. I just want to say that I'm grateful to have every single one of you in my life. You have become a family to me, and I don't know what the last 5 or 6 years would have been like without all of you. I know, everyone is going to say something similar, so I'm going to go deeper. Jackson," she turned to face the young man, a bright smile on her face. "I want to thank you for having accepted me into your life and having treated me like a mother. You're the son I never had, and now that you're in our lives, it's like you've always been a part of our family. You've made me a grandmother, and you've allowed me to be a part of your life even though you didn't have to. That means the world to me."
Jackson couldn't help but swipe at the tears collecting in the corners of his eyes. "I… Adele…"
Richard cut in. "You'll get your turn boy, it's papa's turn now."
Everyone laughed, including Jackson who couldn't help but let a few slip in doing so.
"Grandbabies. All of these grandbabies. It doesn't matter that the vast majority of them aren't my blood, having all of these grandbabies around makes me feel young and rejuvenated, and that makes me the happiest man alive."
Lina smiled. "I agree with Richard on that one. But I have to say, what makes me the happiest mama around is having been forgiven by my wonderful sons for my absence. I'm glad that Sam called me up all those years ago, because it made me realize that I belonged here with them. I'm also very thankful that the Inn is still standing and in our possession, and I have a lot of you to thank for that. After the year that we hosted everyone from the medical convention, our popularity has skyrocketed. To be able to keep the Inn and pass it down to the next generation is incredible. So, that's what I'm thankful for."
Lina squeezed Addison's hand and Addison took her turn. "What am I thankful for… The list is unending. I think the big thing for me is having been accepted back into the fold, even after everything that has happened in the past. I'm thankful to all the Shepherd's, for still making me feel like I'm part of the family, in a very non-awkward way." Everyone giggled. "Carolyn, for still mothering me even though you don't have to, Derek, Amy, Mark for being my friends again, and Meredith, for letting me be Derek's friend even after I stole him from you, which I did, because since the moment he met you, he has belonged to you. I guess that's what I wanted to say."
Sam kissed his wife's head, knowing that the woman that he had married was a special brand of amazing. "I'm thankful for Nate, for his health, and for the life that we can give him. The people he is around, the friends he has made. He's a very lucky little boy and I'm a very luck dad."
Sam turned to his brother, who in turn, exchanged looks with Samantha. She gave him a small nod, and they both smiled. "I'm thankful that she said yes."
Samantha laughed and added quickly, before anyone could react to the news. "And I'm thankful that he asked."
She brought up her left hand and put on display the ring that sat on her finger. Everyone cheered excitedly and a choir of congratulations was heard.
When everything calmed down, it was Arizona's turn. "I don't think I've ever said this out loud, but I'm thankful for today's acceptance, and for all of your acceptance." She turned to Callie and took her hand. "There are still people who can't accept relationships that aren't traditional and I'm glad that we've been able to surround ourselves with people who don't notice that we're difference. I'm thankful every day, even though I don't always show it, because at this point, it's so natural and I don't even have to wonder if I'm being judged or not because I don't care because you, all of you, make me comfortable to be who I am. So thank you."
Callie smiled and nodded. "I agree. I'm also thankful for second chances. And I think everyone around this circle can agree with me. This is quite the unconventional group, but we've been able to get past the differences we've had in the past, and we've become something stronger." She looked at Izzie, but spoke to the group. "We may not have always gotten along, but today, in this moment, you guys are the best friends anyone could ever ask for."
Everyone agreed and for a few moments, it seemed as if the circle of positivity was going to end there, even though not everyone had gone. The idea had gotten across, and people were all thankful for similar things.
But Mark wouldn't have it.
"No way is that the end. We all have to go!" he exclaimed. "I've been waiting for my turn, patiently, like a good boy so let me have it!"
After a few chuckles, the group calmed down and the sharing began again.
"I'm thankful for all of the support you guys have shown my family when we were going through our roughest patch. I… I was in no shape to support Lexie when she needed it most, but you guys all took over and made sure that she was okay and had what she needed. I will never be able to thank you enough."
Jackson was next. "I'm going to put a pause in the mushy feeling stuff. As I'm sure all of you have heard, Cristina and I are going to be having a little boy. I'm just thankful that Jessica doesn't seem to be too broken hearted over the news."
"I'm going to go along the same lines as Mike over here, and I want to say that I'm so very happy that Izzie has agreed to marry me again. In saying that, I hope that you can all be there. We've set a date. So mark the 23rd of June in your calendars. Thank you in advance for being there for us." Alex finished off by taking Izzie's hand in his and giving it a tight squeeze.
"I'm thankful for Miranda Bailey, the strongest, most kind, most amazing woman I've ever known. No explanations needed."
Miranda and Izzie exchanged a smile, and everyone understood where Izzie was coming from and why she was so thankful for the extraordinary woman.
"Well, we're starting to run out of topic ideas," Catherine said with a quick laugh. "After a lot of waiting, Emily finally took her first steps today, so that's pretty exciting. She must have been encouraged by Thomas and Dustin, because she was determined to join them."
Finn smiled. "I'm thankful for having the best step-daughter in the world." He looked over to Stephanie. "Steph, you're crazy awesome and I hope that Emily turns out half as great as you. I want to add some good news to that, but by the shaking of your head, I take it that's what you want to share?"
She nodded.
"Alright, then I guess I'll end there." He turned towards Ben. "Your turn."
Ben laughed. "You stole my idea." He turned to Tuck. "Tuck, you rock and I hope that you know how much I love you and how much you've changed my life. I'm glad that you've accepted me in your life and that we can be such great friends. Keep being awesome, got it buddy?"
"Roger that," Tuck said with a wink.
Julian sighed. "Does that mean I have to brag about how awesome my kids are? Because I already do that on a daily basis and I was hoping to do something different," he said in a teasing voice. "I wanted to say I'm thankful for aunt Jemima pancake mix because I can't seem to make pancakes from scratch and when Amy's not home on Sunday mornings, I don't know if I could hold up the weekly tradition without our dearly beloved Jemima." Everyone chuckled. "But I guess I could be thankful for the two greatest helpers in the world. Kayla, Alyssa, I love you, and I want to thank you for being the best helpers in the world, especially when it comes to the boys. Now, I'm going to take this opportunity to talk about how you girls aren't allowed to grow up too quickly, understood? You girls will always be my little girls, so at least pretend to still be little for a little while longer, understood?"
They nodded and laughed.
Owen cleared his throat before stating one simple fact that explained everything that he was feeling. "I'm just glad to be alive."
Teddy nodded, wanting to share the same sentiment. "I'm glad that Andy will get to grow up with his dad."
Amy smiled. "Can't top that, now can I?" The lightness was restored with that and Amy continued. "I wanted to share some good news actually, and I think this is the place to do it." She turned towards Owen. "Derek and I had a very short conversation today, and its shortness is due to the fact that we are both on the same page. We want to offer you your old job back. It may sound weird, since I'm the one who has your old job, but I want to step down from being in charge to just being a surgeon. Which means that the head job is yours, if you want it of course. You don't need to decide right now, but I've heard so much about the great work you've done and I would love to work as your ally in the years to come."
Owen's face lit up. "How can I say no to that?"
There was a lot of cheering, and everyone was glad that Owen would be back amongst them.
"If I can see both of you in my office tomorrow morning, we can finalize the details," Derek said, a smile on his face. "I'm glad to have you back."
Amy looked down to her oldest daughter who was sitting at her feet. "I'd say it's your turn."
Kayla smiled. "I'm grateful for my family and my friends, but I'm especially grateful for my best friend, Steph, and all the fun and crazy things we've done together. Thanks for being my best friend."
Steph giggled. "Any time."
"Is it my turn now?" Alyssa asked as she looked up to her mom.
"Go ahead," Amy answered.
"I'm grateful for my big sister, for everything that she has shown me and taught me and for putting up with me. I'm also grateful that she lets me hang out with her and Stephanie and that they never tell me I'm too little to play with them or have sleepovers with them. I've got the best big sister in the world."
The girls shared a hug and everyone that watched them just prayed that their kids would get along so well.
"I guess that means it's my turn now," Stepahnie said. "As of this week, Finn is officially no longer my step-dad. He's officially my dad. He signed the adoption papers and the paperwork all went through and now I have a dad, a real dad, for the first time in quite a few years. So I'm thankful for having Finn in my life."
Another round of congratulations went around the circle, and the mood continued to lift.
"What can I say after that one?" Lexie said with a smile. "I found out yesterday that my dad has received his seven years sober chip, so I'm pretty proud of him on that front. He's doing really well, and I think he's finally accepted that he's a better man now. I think he's ready to really start living his life again, being a part of his grandkids lives, doing the things that make him the happiest, maybe even find love," she discreetly turned to Carolyn and watched as her mom blushed. "So my good news is my dad's good news."
"Well, I want to thank everyone here for being the best support system I have ever seen," Miranda said with a smile. "But a special thank you to Ben for putting up with me and to Izzie for making me smile. Thank you."
Tuck was quick to take his turn. "I'm just thankful that my mom's okay."
Miranda patted the boys head as he wrapped his arms around her leg.
Cristina rested her hand on Miranda's arm. "I'm thankful that, after everything we've all been through, we're still standing tall and unbroken. There are a number of you around this circle that have survived multiple tasks and I'm glad that we can all celebrate together your success, being able to overcome those obstacles. Congratulations and I hope the obstacles get smaller and the successes just as plentiful."
The number of people left to say something got considerably smaller and Meredith took a deep breath before starting. "Although these past few months have been long and stressful without Derek here, I have been very lucky to not have had any complications whatsoever with this pregnancy. Knock on wood. With that being said, I'd like to announce that, like Cristina and Jackson, Derek and I will be having a little boy."
Izzie hadn't expected this activity to go over so well, but as another flood of congratulations was given, she smiled at how truly successful this had been.
"We're not done yet!" Derek exclaimed. "I'm thankful to all of you for having helped each other out in times of need, and especially for having watched over my family while I was away. Knowing that Meredith and the kids had all of you made being overseas that much easier. So thank you."
Carolyn smiled. "I guess there's just me left." She turned to Derek. "I'm glad you're home safe and sound and that you will be rewarded for your hard work. Thank you to whoever kept a watchful eye on you well you were away, they will forever be in my good graces." She turned back to the rest of the group. "And thank you to whoever brought the stuff to make s'mores. Let's get our hands on those, shall we?"
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
"I'm exhausted," Meredith said as she fell into bed.
Derek nodded as he fell in beside her. "I totally understand the feeling."
They stayed quiet. Neither one of them made a sound, nor did either of them move. A few minutes passed before Meredith turned over and propped herself on her elbow, facing Derek. Feeling Meredith's gaze, Derek turned his head towards her.
"What?" he asked with a smirk on his face.
"I missed you. A lot."
Derek, in turn, propped himself up on his elbow to mirror Meredith.
"I missed you a lot too. It's weird to be home, but at the same time, it feels like I never left. Everyone's treating me like normal, and after the few questions I got yesterday, nobody has brought up my absence. I really like that."
Meredith smiled. "I definitely feel the difference. Having you missing around the house in everyday tasks was a big change. I had to make supper and wash the pots and pans."
Derek laughed. "Of course, that would be the biggest thing that changed."
Meredith laughed too. "No, it was just one of those little things that reminded me that you weren't here." She went quiet all of a sudden, and Derek immediately picked up on it.
"What's wrong?"
Meredith scooted closer to Derek and nestled her head against his chest. "I… I was so scared for you Derek. For you, for us, for the kids. There was a cop that came to visit me at the hospital and as soon as he said he was there about you, I thought for sure that you were dead. I… It was hard, not being able to send you letters, to see how you were doing. I'm so glad you're home."
Derek wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. "Me too hunny, me too." He held her quietly for a few more seconds before he started up again. "I want to tell you all about it, I do, but not tonight. I'm too tired tonight, but we will talk. But there's one thing I want you to know, something I realized while I was away. Wherever I am, wherever you are, wherever the kids are, I will always love you and be thinking of you, of all of you, no matter what. Just remember that even if we're apart for lengthy periods of time, we'll always get to see each other at the end. If you keep that in mind and stay positive, it makes the days apart much shorter and the nights apart much easier to deal with. I love you Meredith, no matter where I am. Understood?"
Meredith smiled into his chest and nodded. "Understood."
And that's that! Hope you enjoyed! And don't forget to look up You'll Be In My Heart (:
Thanks for reading!
