What could be defined as d-day had arrived, and Derek had been surprised that the
showdown between families hadn't been as massive as he originally thought.
Somehow though, the 3 pregnant women managed to make the wedding and
Christmas all about them even though only one of those pregnant women - Meredith,
was getting married.
Now 7 months along – almost 8, Meredith's stomach was nicely rounded, and not
exactly hide-able. She had been the one to find a place for everyone to stay – having
booked out a whole floor of rooms at the Archfield and made sure that all his sisters
had hire cars to do their own little family things.
The whole Webber house had everything decked out, they had Christmas stockings
up, mistle toe and even a stack of presents under the grand Christmas tree which
had filled an entire area of the house.
She had planned the area in front of the fire place for the position for them to
exchange their vows as well as finding a grand eating area to accommodate their
entire family.
Presents had been opened, exchanged on separate occasions, the first part of the
morning spent with the Shepherd clan, where his 9 nieces and 5 nephews opened up
present after present whilst the rest of the family bit back yawns and sucked down
coffee... all except Meredith who was steadily drinking her lemon tea, which not only
heated her up but gave her the bite to keep her awake.
At her father's house, she had been more than happy to snuggle into him, both their
hands resting comfortably on her stomach as their little treasure – their little boy –
kicked playfully as he occasionally attempted to turn inside of her.
It was there that they had seen Richard spoil Richie with a range of music equipment,
and a new car, something that the other three had received at varying stages of
their teen life; although nothing quite like the mini that he had received. Meredith had
taken the time to tell him of the Merc Alex had received when he had finished senior
year ranked number 2 in all his subjects, and the BMW roadster that Mark had
received when he had told their father he had been accepted into Med school. She
had then blushed severely when she had then informed him that the classic 1963 Jag
convertible she had received was still in mint condition in his garage as she had
refused to drive it, not wanting to get it scratched. He had tried to keep a straight
face when she had told him, of course she didn't tell him why she had received it, but
could only imagine a few of the reasons.
He had demanded after that to be taken to see it. The red machine looked
magnificent when she dragged the cover off of it. He couldn't help but drool over the
beautiful piece of machinery, or contemplate how anyone could not want to drive it.
The discussion about cars had faded once the two families came together, with the
entire groups being spread out between the family room, living room and kitchen.
Meredith had disappeared upstairs to get ready for the wedding, having told him that
she had kept her simple wedding outfit up in her old room, while he had to go get his
selected tux out of the back of the car where it had been left hanging.
That had been almost an hour ago...
And now, as he stood in front of the fireplace, Baileys father standing directly beside
him as the rest of the family remained in their seats, he couldn't help but wonder
how they had managed to get to this place? A place where he had the world as his
oyster, the place where his future wife was pregnant with his beautiful baby boy?
The beautiful baby boy whom he couldn't wait to hold...
His mind wanders off slightly and it isn't until Meredith comes into view as she makes
her way down the stair case that he returns to reality. He could definitely say that he
was gob smacked by the view. A view that was so breathtaking that he really wanted
to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming
The Lavender dress was full lengthed and maximised her chest slightly without
actually exposing them, and the flow moved sweetly around her gorgeous stomach.
He could see her look shyly around the room as Richard met her at the base of the
stairs and lead her to him. It wasn't the official walk, and they didn't need music, or
for her to be given away.
He noted as she reached him that his family necklace was resting nicely around her
neck, and he smiled with pride at the knowledge that she had obviously been
approached by his mother and sisters and asked to wear it. It was an obvious sign of
her acceptance into their family, and he couldn't have been happier.
His arm slipped around her waist as he kissed her cheek lightly. His free hand moving
to rest on her stomach as they turned to face her uncle.
Their vows had been short and sweet; a confession of love and a promise of forever.
They hadn't needed much more than that. It was short, simple and everything they
had both wanted it to be.
With his ring now nestled on her finger, and hers on his they kissed gently at first
before deepening it slightly. His hand threaded through her hair, that covered her
gentle neck.
The family clapped before a few comments were thrown there way. Pulling back,
Derek rested his head against hers, whispering softly an "i love you".
Once Meredith's uncle stepped back and out of the way, both Derek and Meredith
turned to smile at their families. Both knew that there life as a married couple may
have just begun, and neither of them could wait for the new start awaiting them.
"We're taking the Jag as our ride home tonight." She whispered to him as her hand
drifted up to play with the hair at the back of his neck. "You're driving though." She
adds as she then cuddles in close as their family moves to surround them with their
congratulations and well wishes.
.................... shine on .................... shine on ........................ shine on. ...............