Disclaimer: I don't own Grey's Anatomy, et al.

Author's Note: Thanks for the continued interest, please comment or drop me a line, it would mean a lot. Enjoy.

Chapter 12 – Eyes Wider than Before – Part 3 of 4

Meredith held Derek's hand and navigated her way along the familiar route to Peter's clinic. Butterflies clamored away in her body as she thought about the prospect of showing Derek their miracle baby, almost there little one, she coached now. She smiled and squeezed his hand – this was more aligned with how she wanted to feel – centered, calm … blessed. She just had to get him there and clue him in on the bazaar circumstances of the small world in which they were living – that her partner's best friend was the same humanitarian doctor who Derek went to med school with … and was now her de facto OB – wonders never ceased! Although Meredith was no longer shocked, after all this was her life.

So for the moment she allowed herself to bask in the warmth of her happiness – the energy of them – she held her once-lover's hand in hers and guided him toward a new path in their shared destiny … and she felt pretty good about that. After all, with everything she knew up until this point – that Derek he wanted her and had hope for them – and that he wanted to be here with her, she should feel more balanced and she did. Now, if she could only rid herself of her own insecurities, her own inability to trust herself – which was a concept she'd need to grow into – and realize that maybe she really was enough for him … she might actually have a full circle moment. She sighed and smiled inwardly, supposing that for now it was enough to know that Derek was here with her and that he wanted to be.

Meredith still had no idea what Derek's reaction would be to the news of their fighter-baby, but maybe Peter was right, maybe – seeing was believing – and maybe this was exactly what they both needed, for they both wanted a miracle … so maybe the time to realize that miracle had indeed arrived.

She smiled at the thought and peeked through her sunglasses, glancing at Derek's side profile – marveling in the craziness of their lives – the twists and turns that put them right here, right now. She turned the corner and led him down the last bit of the street, the clinic located at the far end of an old cobblestone road, a magnificent park across the street; she took a deep breath of the fresh air in and felt rejuvenated, she squeezed Derek's hand.

"So little has changed."

Derek squeezed Meredith's hand in return and smiled, taking a sidelong glance at her as she led him around Darwin, realizing the quaint beauty of the small town Meredith had chosen for their reunion – marveling at the perfect weather, the endless bright and sunny skies with no storms on the horizon – so drastically different that Seattle. Maybe they had turned the corner after all, Derek mused – maybe they had bypassed the storms of their lives only to arrive here – on this bright and shiny island in the middle of nowhere. He wanted to ask her once more, why here and not on Bali – but then he thought maybe he should just run with it – that maybe not all questions required immediate answers.

After all he on a clear path to the unknown since he departed from Seattle, something Derek should be used to by now – the idea of the unknown – was very much a part of him, well, part of Derek Shepherd the neurosurgeon anyway, he mused. He took a deep breath of the fresh air in and pressed on – following Meredith Grey – because he was destined to and without even trying, she had changed his life over and over and over again since they met – she changed his direction that night at Joe's, she changed his outlook, she changed the course of his life and reinvented his history as if she was meant to – unknowingly bringing him to meet his fate, his destiny – to the here and now – to the future that awaited… them.

An immediate future that included an elusive meeting with 'someone', Derek mused. But there again, Meredith was in the lead and he had no other desire but to follow her … to the end of the earth and beyond if that's what it took. She squeezed his hand and he turned to her, a broad smile on his face, she looked beautiful … radiant even.

"Where we're headed is just up on the left," Meredith said, turning her head up to meet Derek's eyes.

"It's lovely here," he sighed, taking in the lush green trees across the street. "I'm exhausted," he admitted out loud. "But somehow I feel rejuvenated," he chuckled.

"I know what you mean," she said as she came to a stop in front of a small brick building, she turned to him and put her sunglasses up. "It really is another world here," she mused, her heartbeat, regular, happy; Derek found a sparkle deep within her eyes. "Come on, I promise this will wake you right up," she smiled; a hint of mischief laced in her voice as she pulled the glass door open and stepped inside with Derek at her heels.

Once inside, they were blasted with the cooler conditioned air, Meredith shivered in response as they stepped onto a waiting elevator. She pressed their designated floor.

"Cold?" Derek asked, pulling her into him as the doors closed, using any chance of complete privacy to hold her.

"Not anymore," she giggled into his chest, her arms instinctually found his waist.

"God, I missed that," he breathed, holding her tighter, resting his chin on the top of her head, his heart pounding now. "Just hearing your laugh," he said quietly. "I'm sorry things became so complicated … so nasty and so …," he breathed, Meredith felt him sense up. "Unforgiveable," he whispered, shaking his head now he pulled back, insecurity radiating from his blue eyes, scanning hers ... back and forth.

"I know you are," she soothed, pressing her lips together. "I know," she said softly, reaching up, she put her finger over his warm lips. "But don't … don't dwell on it Derek," she said. "Lets try not to … lets both try to let it all go," she said softly, her mind on the future now. "I really want to try," she added, before leaning up and pressing her beautiful lips to his – soft and quick – the old habit returning now.

"Me too," he said against her lips, cherishing her, breathing her in as he did.

"Remember how it was before."

They both smiled. The elevator doors opened and they crossed over the threshold together – hearts and minds still open, both ready to let it all go … to simply try – as they walked down the well-lit hallway hand in hand. Meredith stopped halfway down in front of a set of double-paned glass doors, she peeked up to Derek and he smiled. She knocked – a muted clanking noise vibrated across the glass doors – as he looked up and spotted the curious name on the placard … "Darwin Women's Health Center – All Welcome, No-Fee Services Provided".

More curious than ever now, Derek took Meredith's hand in his, her eyes met his and she smiled so brightly– her face flushed, her skin glowing, her wild hair held back by her sunglasses – she blew him away with one blink of her long lashes. She giggled and Derek only smiled still, wordlessly looking for answers in her mysterious gateways … knowing he would have searched within her eyes forever if it hadn't been for click of the lock on the door next to them.

Meredith turned to the door, Derek followed suit and was stunned to see the older, but very familiar face of one Peter Jackman! Holy shit was the world a small place!

"How are you old chap?" Peter said excitedly, his eyes beaming as he ushered Derek and Meredith inside.

"Shocked!" Derek said; smiling from ear to ear as the two men eagerly shook hands, Derek's heart racing as he tried to put things together. "My God, how are you … you know, I just asked Sloan to call you …," he said, his eyes darting to Meredith, who could only giggle, and then back again to Peter, still smiling. "And now –"

"You're here," Peter said, his smile casual, his genuine happiness in seeing his old friend, evident. "I see you've found the person you were looking for too," he added, both men turned toward Meredith now, she smiled.

"Yes," Derek breathed, stepping closer to Meredith. "I did … I sure did," he muttered, his mind still working on overdrive.

"But not before Meredith found me," Peter cackled, making light of the obvious confusion on Derek's face.

"Ah yes, and thankfully not before I did," came the sultry sing-song voice of … Larissa Jackman, all eyes turned to her now.

Meredith smiled as Larissa sashayed into the dimly lit waiting area and came to stand next to Peter. She smiled and Meredith thought she couldn't have imagined a more perfect looking woman for Peter Jackman, for Larissa was perhaps the most naturally stunning human being Meredith had ever seen – she was far more statuesque than a super model with her blond flyaway tresses, pouty pink lips, flawless complexion and her perfect heart-shaped face … she was almost untouchable – yet something about her screamed of warmth and compassion and humor and simplicity. She wore a wraparound dress of a lovely coral shade with simple jade necklace, her never ending long legs and well-toned calves were accentuated by a pair of black sling back shoes. She was more than well put together but Meredith could tell she barely tried.

More telling than anything else though was the expression Larissa wore when she caught the glimpse of the sparkle deep within her husband's eyes – it was one of pure adoration – a look between them meant for just one another. Her electric-blue eyes scanned the room, falling on Meredith's last; she gave her a conspiratorial wink.

"Larissa, my peach," Peter cooed, his eyes smiling then. "Meet Meredith and Derek," he said, his arm outstretched.

"Meredith, Derek, what a pleasure," she said, her Australian accent beautiful to the ear. She offered her hand, tipping her long regal neck as she gave them each a warm, firm handshake. "I've heard so much about the both of you," she said softly.

"The pleasure is mine, really," Derek smiled.

"Mine too, it's nice to see you," Meredith smiled.

"This is a beautiful space you have here," Derek observed, absorbing the décor of his new surroundings. "And this is a free clinic?" he asked, somewhat mystified.

"Oh, well," Peter stepped forward and placed his hand on Derek's forearm. "You remember my parents …," he laughed and so did Derek.

"I remember how you like to shock and disappoint them," Derek grinned.

"Well, not much has changed then Derek," Larissa laughed. "Only now – we get all the bells and whistles … pay back for lost time when they ignored my dear husband – not that I'm complaining, we have the best of everything here thanks to Peter's desire to 'shock and disappoint' them," she laughed conspiratorially, pinching Peter's arm.

"See it all worked out – we're tough, we're survivors – isn't that right my sweet," Peter chuckled, moving to hold Larissa's hand in his.

"Seems there's a lot of that going around," Derek mused, his eyes falling on Meredith, his comment not lost on her. She smiled as he draped his arm around her shoulder, his fingers finding the ends of her tresses.

"Yes, there is," Meredith smiled, her eyes darting to meet Derek's for a split second before she turned slightly and was met with Larissa's gaze.

"So … how can I connect the dots here?" Derek asked the room at large.

Meredith's eyes widened as Larissa smiled conspiratorially. Both women shrugged ever so slightly and Meredith giggled nervously, looking for an opportunity to escape the room.

"Ah Derek before we bore you with those sordid details …," Larissa spoke up casually. "I'm sure you won't mind if I steal Meredith away from you for a moment," she requested. "There's something I'd like to show her," she said, smiling as her eyes locked on his for a beat.

"Yeah, sure," Derek said, winking at Meredith.

"We won't be long boys," Larissa said as she turned away. "Peter darling, offer Derek a drink, he's had a long day," she said with an air of faux-dismissiveness that only made everyone chuckle.

Meredith shook her head and made to follow Larissa who had stopped at the edge of the hallway, making eye contact with both Derek and Peter before she fully turned away.

"Go ahead Meredith, she won't bite," Peter teased. "Well, at least she won't bite you!" he cackled like the devil. "Don't get into any trouble ladies," he laughed from his spot.

"We won't lover," Larissa sighed. "Trouble only follows you, remember?" she quipped before she disappeared around the corner with Meredith a couple steps behind her.

***

Meredith followed Larissa down the hallway, making note again of the beautiful art pieces while her heart rate picked up a bit at the prospect of all that was about to happen. She secretly wished Derek was with her, that she hadn't left him behind … soon enough, she supposed … soon enough. They entered one of the comfortable examination rooms along the corridor. Larissa turned to Meredith once they were inside, she had a mischievous grin plastered along her flawless face now.

Meredith took in her surroundings now, feeling like she stepped over a threshold into another time and space … again, was she really this woman? She sighed, feeling relaxed by the soft earthy tones of the décor. The Aboriginal art added a dimension of coziness to the space that was refreshing and completely unexpected … all of which provided an air of easiness and seclusion to this otherwise clinical examination room.

"Here, why don't you put this on with the ties facing outward, you can leave your bra and panties on," Larissa said as she handed Meredith a deep brown terrycloth robe with multiple ties along the front. "Feel free to use the privacy screen if you want and I'll get this bad boy ready," she smiled widely.

"Thanks," Meredith said, her eyes adjusting to the dim lighting in the room. She blinked, outside of the late afternoon shadows dancing along the walls, there was only one other light source – a row of hidden fluorescents situated along the back wall – providing just enough light … optimal for ultrasound viewing. Meredith took a deep breath. "I really appreciate this idea Larissa," she said as she stepped behind the panels of the ecru Japanese privacy screen.

"My pleasure," Larissa answered. Meredith took her midnight blue dress off, hung it up on a hanger there and slipped the oversized robe on over her bra and panties of the same color. "You know …," she said and then paused. "I know your story – I mean, I know a combination of what Peter and Owen have told me – and I have to say, I don't think you have cause to worry Meredith," Larissa mused. Meredith stepped out from behind the panels and entered the main room.

"How so?" Meredith asked, sitting down on the edge of the examination table, Larissa still setting the specs for the ultrasound computer.

"Well," she said, approaching Meredith now. "The way I see it … it's quite obvious how Derek feels about you," she smiled. "Lay back for me, okay?" she asked. Meredith pushed herself back, laying her head on a small pillow there. Larissa turned away for a moment and then looked down to Meredith, her gentle blue eyes shining now, a smile creeping across her face. "Well, he came here for you, right?" she asked.

"He did," Meredith answered, the curve of her own smile forming now.

"But even more telling is the way he looks at you," she mused, moving her eyes briefly to the computer screen. She turned back to Meredith. "You've seen the way my husband looks at me – you know I've been married to Peter for ten years and I can still feel his eyes on me when I enter a room, even a crowded one – the look he gives me, it's still this all-consuming look, he has this wide-eyed way about him – and well, that's the way Derek looks at you – it's what you see in each other," she chuckled.

"Well … Derek is pretty easy on the eyes," Meredith giggled. "It's kind of hard to not really look at him, you know?" she wondered aloud.

"Yes, I do know," Larissa laughed. "And he wants you and he probably wants this baby … even if he doesn't know about it yet," she smiled.

"I think you're right, it's just been … a lot to process, I've only known about this baby for a week and things between us – have been complicated to say the least – but he's here now and seeing is believing so – "

"So … you're ready," Larissa smiled.

"Yes," Meredith answered without hesitation.

"Alright, this jelly will be cold, but it'll be worth it," she said as she took a plastic bottle from her side table and squeezed some of the clear gel onto Meredith's abdomen. "You'll be able to see everything on this monitor here," she said, pointing up to a flat screen monitor just over and to the right of the examination table.

Meredith stared at the ceiling for a brief moment, lulled by the dancing afternoon shadows, feeling cool gel low on her abdomen … just waiting and anticipating. "So, what can I expect to see?" she asked softly, somehow unwilling to crowd this moment with a lot of sound.

"Well, you're almost nine weeks along, just a couple days from there actually and from Peter's notes, you're measuring within the normal range for a baby of this gestational age," Larissa said as she turned around. "Remember the fetus – your baby – is only about three centimeters long and is pretty much weightless too – twelve grams at the most – about a half of an ounce," she sighed, marveling at the statistics. "But it'll look much bigger on the screen and instead of slices like a traditional two dimensional ultrasound, you'll see all four dimensions," she said, her voice low, comforting. "It's incredible really," she sighed.

"And what about the heartbeat, do you think we'll hear it?" Meredith asked, for she secretly hoped to be comforted by this … to confirm the life within her was a viable one.

"We should, I'll max out the volume, so we can be sure to catch it if I run across the baby in the right angle," Larissa confirmed. "If not, we'll see the heart beating if nothing else … okay, let's do it," she said, a smile gracing her face now.

Meredith took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a brief second as Larissa pressed down onto her abdomen with the round smooth head of the ultrasound probe … centering low just above the top of her panties. She took another deep breath in and opened her eyes. She found Larissa staring at the monitor and Meredith was quite certain she had never experienced a more spiritually uplifting moment in her life. She was also quite certain that for as long as she should live, she would never forget the sight before her.

For gracing the monitor was a bronze-toned image of their fighter-baby – he or she was a beautiful vision – well, he or she actually looked more like an alien with a big head and two black, perfectly almond-shaped sunken areas where its eyes would form, but all Meredith could see was the stunning beauty that would become their child. Larissa was right, the baby was small, dwarfed almost by the umbilical cord which was almost as thick in size as the buds that would become the baby's arms and legs, which were moving … the baby was moving!

Fat, heavy tears strolled down Meredith's cheeks and she left them there, for she was transfixed, unable and completely unwilling to move her eyes from the screen as she watched the baby move his or her hands up to its face – and as she focused then, she could see, plain as day now, the small finger buds still shrouded by the skin of a web … the baby's fingers were there – and all accounted for, she smiled to herself, counting five buds on each hand.

Then without warning, Meredith was jarred from her private moment of awe and silence when the rapid thunder of the baby's heartbeat filled the quiet space around them!

"And there it is," Larissa breathed proudly, her eyes catching Meredith's, but anything else she might have said certainly fell on deaf ears, for Meredith was already lost … helplessly lost within the cherished moment.

The heartbeat sounded more like a horse race, straight out of the gate – she could have been at the Preakness it was so loud, she felt like shouting, choosing a horse to bet on – so much so Meredith felt her own adrenaline max out from the mere sound of the life within her! She heard herself gasp as Larissa turned from the monitor and smiled brightly, she simply nodded and handed Meredith a tissue. Meredith wiped her eyes and turned her attention back to the screen; Larissa leaned down and pressed her warm hand over Meredith's forearm.

"It's a strong beat Meredith, one hundred and sixty-four beats per minute," she smiled. "Just perfect … a perfect little fighter," she sighed.

"Oh my God," Meredith whispered – her eyes wide – her heart on fire with joy as more tears cascaded down her cheeks, only this time she did nothing to stop them – for right there in front of her eyes was their miracle, their sign, their signal – and for the first time in a long while, Meredith's eyes may have been cloudy, but her heart and mind more clear and open than ever before. "Larissa, I need Derek … right now," she said, her voice cracking.

"Every second is treated as though there is no time."

"I know," she said softly. "Look, I am going to put one of these probe sensors here so you can be alone with Derek, just leave it be and you'll be able to see this same image and hear the baby too," she said as she pressed a small monitor with a wire to the area where she had been pressing down with the probe and then tightened a belt around Meredith's abdomen to keep it in place – the screen went dark and the room was quiet for a brief moment and Meredith took a deep breath in hesitation – before everything came back to life in full force … image, heartbeat, horse race and all.

Meredith smiled and so did Larissa. "Thank you," she said; the drum of her miracle, the soundtrack for the moment, beating rapidly and steadily all around her now. "Do you think … do you think Derek should be prepared to see me like this when he comes in, I don't want to scare him, you know …," she pondered aloud, her own heart racing to catch up with the baby's now.

"I'll prepare him, without giving anything away, if you trust me to do that … he won't be alarmed when he comes in or sees me without you initially," she added, her blue eyes calm, clear.

"I trust you … of course," Meredith answered with a smile, more relieved that Derek wouldn't be alarmed.

"You'll be fine," she said. "This baby is in perfect health," she assured. "I'll go get daddy," she giggled and then slipped through the door.

***

Derek smiled now at his old friend as they chatted away in his sunlit office for the last fifteen minutes like no time had passed, even though both men admitted they hadn't thought about one another in years. Addison's name came up briefly, Derek only offered that their relationship ended recently, doing his best to try to move on, Meredith's earlier words running a loop through his mind as he did.

In the time the two men sat together, all Derek learned was that Peter only met Meredith yesterday after a mutual friend introduced him, the mutual friend being none other than Meredith's partner from her Doctors Without Borders assignment for the Bali tsunami relief mission she had chosen. Curious enough, the same man was an old trusted friend of Peter's from his days in the army – but all Derek could marvel at was the small state of the world – and how this random meeting with Peter seemed almost contrived.

Derek watched as Peter's eyes became illuminated and he turned around to find Larissa standing at the doorway, surprised to find her without Meredith.

"Gentlemen," she greeted, stepping inside the office.

"Darling," he sighed, his eyes shining. "Did you and Meredith see everything you needed to see?" he asked elusively, a smile gracing his handsome features.

"Oh, we did lover, and then some," she winked. "The technology produces stunning results," she reflected without giving anything away.

Peter nodded to her – offering the green light for something – Derek watched closely as the married doctors tag-teamed, speaking in code in front of him without a speck of shame!

"So, where's Meredith?" Derek asked the pair of them, cocking his head.

Larissa came to stand next to Derek; she extended her hand to him. "Come with me, I'll take you to her," Larissa said softly, tipping her head to the side this time.

"Take me to her?" Derek said as he stood up, still more than confused than anything else, his mind working on overdrive, still trying to connect the random collection of dots.

"Peter darling," Larissa piped up, looking at him for elaboration, nodding in consent.

"Derek," Peter said as he came to stand next him, taking his forearm in his. The men started to walk down the corridor, Larissa came to walk on the other side of Derek. "When Owen called from Bali about Meredith …," he sighed. Larissa raised her brow, waiting for him to continue. "It was because she …," Peter's voice faded as they came to stand in front of the door to an examination room.

"She needed to see us," Larissa finished Peter's thought, her hand on the doorknob now. "In a professional capacity," she said appreciatively, raising her brow and on that note, Derek's heart banged against his chest – what, what, what – went his mind and his heart in unison now.

"She's waiting for you, just inside here … and she's fine Derek …," Peter encouraged, placing a warm hand on his shoulder now as Larissa opened the door and he cautiously stepped inside.

***

Derek heard the soft click of the door latch as it was closed behind him. He took a couple steps into the dim room as he took in the scene before him, instantly mesmerized – no want or desire to turn and walk away … ever again – for all he saw was the miracle before him and all he heard was the thunderous – swoosh, swoosh – of a heartbeat … a heartbeat that was not his own.

"But your eyes now see much more."

His legs shook, he was stuck … the rubber bands were back and he stood motionless for what could have been seconds or minutes but none of it mattered, because time fell away in that moment and all that really mattered in the world was right in front of him.

Derek took a deep breath in and then did it again straight away, his best attempt to slow down his own racing heartbeat.

He focused on Meredith and her beauty and watched her watch the flat screen monitor with bated breath, just like he.

She lay on the examination table; one hand over her heart, the other up by her face, her flat abdomen bare and beautiful, the rest of her flesh shrouded by a large terrycloth robe.

"Meredith," he whispered, barely audible over the reverberating sound of the heartbeat that filled the space all around them. "Oh my God," he muttered from his place.

Meredith turned her head and found him there; her heart raced …for the moment of truth was upon her. His eyes scanned hers – back and forth – he smiled and so did she. She held her hand out – her eyes wide and wet – sparkling against the dim fluorescent lights behind her.

"Derek," she sighed, her gaze unwavering, her heart on fire with hope and love so much so that Derek could only see that hope and love staring back at him.

He was at her side in a flash, leaning over he took her face in his hands and covered her mouth with his, she reached up and pulled him down to her, obliterating the small distance between them. He kissed her then, just like he always did –with wonderment and the consumption of passion, familiarity, longevity and adoration – for she was his idol, she was his Meredith and in this moment, she became the mother of his child, his baby, his … flesh and blood. He found no greater joy in his heart – a joy he'd never thought possible – a joy that almost hurt because it was so real, so intense and so awe-inspiring. And as he deepened their kiss, he felt all of that returned to him tenfold … with one brush of her lips against his, he knew there was no turning back.

"I love you," he said against her lips. "So much," he muttered before he closed his lips over hers once more.

His hand found hers – the one over her heart – and he placed his on top of hers there and kissed her once more for good measure. He pulled away and smiled; her deep green eyes, bright and wet still. Without looking away, Meredith took his hand in hers and moved it down to the smooth plane of her abdomen just above the probe sensor, her skin tingled under his touch, the pads of his fingertips so soft, so gentle and oh so familiar. She smiled, wordlessly allowing him to connect with their miracle. He looked down and ran his hand along her belly – back and forth and only then did his heart literally stop. His blood ran cold and his eyes became wide when he spied the small three-inch scar from her appendectomy.

"Oh God, Meredith," he whispered, tears came, he looked up to the screen – scrutinizing, searching, looking … wondering – his mind clouded with visions of his nightmare dreamscape of her failed surgery, his own horror as he walked away from her, the pain from his mistake still … breaking his heart. "Oh Meredith," he sighed, lost in the confusion now, his eyes never leaving the moving image of the baby on the screen.

"Derek!" she said loudly. "Derek, what do you see?" she shrilled, thinking that he must see something, something wrong … something was terribly wrong!

"Oh damn it, how do you know …," he wondered aloud, recalling that her pregnancy test came back negative – his eyes scanned the monitor now – never letting up, how could they know … how could it be possible?

"How do I know what Derek?" she asked, her question coming out in tufts, just breaths of labored words. "How do I know what?" she asked again, more deliberately now.

"How do you know it's …," he muttered, listening to the heartbeat … hearing, knowing everything was fine – but just unable to move beyond his haunting memories – as everything became even more jumbled … more uncertain. "How do you know that this baby is …," going to survive, he asked himself, unable to say it out loud … unable to make his concern real, for it hurt too much.

"Derek!" Meredith all but screamed. "Look at me," she insisted.

Sitting up as much as she could now Meredith took his face in her hands – she had to make him see – for she realized all he didn't know, and it wasn't his fault! He just assumed and she never said anything! It wasn't his fault … she presumed he wanted to know how she knew the baby was his. She moved his face in her hands, tearing his gaze away from the monitor, the baby's heartbeat thundering on, no sign of letting up – swoosh, swoosh – the repetitive soundtrack for this defining moment.

"Meredith," he sighed, connecting his wild eyes with hers once more, his concern evident.

"Derek, look at me …," she smiled, her heart went nuts. "This is our baby – ours and ours alone – I … I know what you're asking me and I understand why," she said her voice quivering as she spoke. His eyes never left hers, but he began to shake his head – no, no, no – but she held his head steady with her long fingers and forced him to look at her anyway. "Listen to me, look at me," she coached. "I was never with Finn – you want to know if this baby is ours – it's ours … I never slept with him," she sighed, her eyes filled with thick tears, her lover disappearing within them, her heart trembling as he did. She blinked her tears away, they splashed down her face, but when her vision cleared and Derek was just where she left him, only now he had a small smile playing along his whole face.

"Oh shit," he said, his hands flanking her skull now, his wild, happier eyes scanning hers. Without thinking, he pulled her to him, the monitor moving from her belly slightly, jostling the sound of the baby's heartbeat for a moment – and neither one of them cared – for they knew their fighter-baby's heart would never stop beating. "I wasn't asking you about that," he exclaimed in a harsh whisper, tears flooded his eyes. He pulled back – his lips pressed together – again a small smile. "Oh God, there was never any doubt … you have to believe me," he sighed, pressing a kiss to her warm forehead.

"Then what, what do you see?" she cried. "What's wrong?" she sighed, searching his eyes.

"I saw your scar from your surgery – we didn't know – the test, it came back negative," he sighed, pulling her into his chest once more. "I just lost it," he confessed. "In my mind – I lost everything, just when I found you again – I don't want anything to happen to you or this baby and my head was spinning with everything that could be wrong or go wrong," he sighed, pressing a kiss into her hair, taking a deep breath of his lavender-infused mango elixir … the essence of Meredith and he smiled.

"I love you Derek, so much," she said, pressing a kiss to his neck. "I want you to know – I've only known for about a week – I just … I needed to see an OB … and have an exam so I could be sure before I said anything, I just needed it to be real," she whispered, peeking up she smiled and so did he.

"Hmm, seeing is believing sometimes," he said softly, his eyes darting to the screen once more.

"Yes, yes," Meredith sighed, following his gaze. "I adore you," she said. "I love you and … I want this with you," she added, her voice soft, yet confident.

"Oh and I want this with you … so badly," he muttered, his eyes locked on hers. "I love you … more and more every day," he said, moving his hand down, he lay it across her abdomen, just how he was destined to … how fate dictated he would. He pulled away slightly and kissed her swollen lips – once, twice – before they both turned to watch the baby, to bask in the miracle of 'them'.

"So, was this the 'someone' you wanted me to meet?" he whispered into her ear, his hands in her hair, his heart on fire with love.

"Yes," she answered, finally breathing, finally relaxing into Derek, just how she was meant to. She rested her ear against his chest – the rapid fire of his heartbeat meshing together with the sound of their baby's own beat – a smile fell on Meredith's face as she held on tight.

And that's how they stayed for a while there in that moment – Meredith and Derek, new parents, lovers, survivors – holding each other, realizing in their miracle, their own little survivor – one made from their love and their passion and their flesh and blood and bones and nerves and genes … and everything else in between – yes, that's how they remained for that moment in time in that alternate universe thousands of miles away from where they first fell in love and 'conceived' of their future.

"Your eyes are wider than before."

Chapter 12 – Eyes Wider than Before – Part 4 of 4 to follow.