Simon looked at the Grin on Derek's face.

"As Jazzy said, Uncle Sime, we do need this." Meredith added.

"Where are you living?" Simon asked.

"The old house." Meredith replied quietly.

"Not good enough." Simon answered "My family needs something bigger and better. I will start looking"

"Please sir, out of respect for you and your family, i don't think that would be wise." Derek stated.

"Derek" Meredith groaned, not wanting a battle of the boys.

"Excuse me" Simon stood abruptly "But you are only just joining this family."

"Yes" Derek swallowed hard "But i wish to provide for my family. Plus we already have a house."

"I'm not having my family live in that ghastly old house." Simon snapped.

"And they won't be" Derek replied.

Meredith's mouth dropped. "Der what are you saying?"



Derek pulled Meredith onto his lap. "Mer babe" he began. "It was supposed to be your Christmas surprise." Meredith's eyes were wide.

"You bought us a house?" she asked.

Derek shook his head. "No, I've built one." he replied. "The house plans that i had drawn up for us ages ago. That house, our dream house, has been built for us." Derek smiled. "We have a beautiful view of the sunset over the lake."

Meredith was still shocked.

"On our land" he continued "i have built us our dream home, and as of this morning, plans have been drawn up for a cottage to be built too. So all of us can live on my land."

"Oh der" Meredith smiled, she nuzzled into his neck.

"Can we see it?" Richard asked, knowing that Simon wouldn't be satisfied until it was complete.

"Yes how about we have lunch and then visit the house with Jazzy and Sammy." Derek offered.

"Sounds like a plan." Simon finalised.

"Well Jazzy is going to be here soon. Why don't we go to Joes for lunch and then go. Dont forget we have our appointment with Macca at 4." She also added talking to Derek.


"Ok, well why dont we go down and quickly finish what we had to do, then we will meet Richard and Simon in the lobby." Derek offered.

Meredith nodded. "Will se you in about 10." Meredith said to Richard and Simon. "I love you" she gave Derek a kiss before she stood. "And you" she said to Richard as she kissed him on the cheek, "and you" she finished as she gave her uncle Simon a kiss too.

Derek shook hands with Simon and nodded at Richard before leading Meredith out of the office.