Meredith is on strict bedrest, so that leaves Derek to cook the meal that she invited his family over for. She sits on the couch lazily watching TV as he runs around the kitchen, trying to conjure up something delicious for all of the women in his life.
Meredith is bored. She has only been on bed rest for a couple of hours and already she is bored. She gets up off of the couch and walks into the kitchen. She doesn't say anything. She just stands there and watches Derek run around the kitchen. He looks so...amazing. He is in his usualy jeans, button-up shirt, sweater combination. His sweater of choice today is dark blue, which only serves to intensify the blue in his eyes. She sighs. He hears her and stops what he is doing and turns to stare at her.
Derek: What are you doing?
Derek's voice is laced with concern, but it still irritates Meredith slightly.
Meredith: I came to get something to drink. Plus, I'm bored and I like watching you.
She smiles at him and he smiles back at her. Meredith walks to the table and sits down in a chair. Derek walks over to her and kisses her on her hair. He pulls out a chair and places it in front of her.
Derek: Here, put your feet up.
Meredith smiles at his care and puts her feet up in the chair. Just as he is leaning down to kiss her again the doorbell rings. Meredith starts to get up but he stops her.
Derek: I'll get it.
Before Meredith can respond Derek is at the front door letting his mother and sisters in.
Derek: Hey guys.
He gives them all hugs and kisses them all on the cheek. He then starts to walk into the kitchen.
Mrs. Shepherd: Where's Meredith?
Derek: She's in the kitchen.
They walk into the kitchen and see Meredith sitting there with her legs propped up. She smiles at them. Mrs. Shepherd walks up to her and gives her a hug.
Mrs. Shepherd: How are you doing, dear?
Meredith: I'm fine, already hating bed rest. I just came in here to watch Derek cook.
Mrs. Shepherd raises an eyebrow and his sisters burst out laughing.
Mrs. Shepherd: You're cooking, Derek?
Derek stops what he is doing and turns to face his mother.
Derek: Yeah. So?
Mrs. Shepherd: Well, let me help you.
Derek: I am perfectly capable, Mother.
Mrs. Shepherd: I know you are, dear, but why don't you let me do this and you go take care of Meredith.
Meredith starts to stand up.
Derek: Hey, what are you doing?
Meredith: I'm thirsty.
Derek: Well, what do you want? I will get it for you.
Meredith: I can get my own drink, Der.
Derek smiles his McDreamy smile.
Derek: I know, but I like taking care of you.
She narrows her eyes at him.
Meredith: Don't you go all McDreamy on me, Derek. I will not fall for it.
Derek smirks.
Derek: Uh huh. Now, what do you want?
Meredith just sighs and crosses her arms over her chest.
Meredith: Hot tea.
Derek: What kind?
Meredith: Mmm, breakfast.
Derek: Okay.
Derek makes her tea while his sisters carry on a conversation with Meredith.
Nancy: So, are you guys getting married?
Derek looks at Meredith as she looks at him.
Meredith: Umm...not right now.
Nancy: Why not?
Meredith: Well, for one, I don't want to get married while I'm pregnant. Secondly, I don't want to get married just because I'm pregnant.
Mrs. Shepherd: That makes sense.
Nancy (sarcastically): Sure it does.
Derek: Nancy, stop it.
Nancy: Stop what, Derek?
Derek: Stop acting self-righteous.
Nancy: Whatever, Dere. I am just trying to figure out what her intentions are.
Meredith raises an eyebrow.
Meredith: My intentions?
Nancy: Well, Derek is your boss, he makes a lot of money, and he is older than you.
Meredith's mouth falls agape in shock. She can't believe that his sister is talking to her this way. Is this what everyone thinks? That she is with Derek to get ahead? Oh God. She doesn't hear Mrs. Shepherd and Derek both chastising Nancy for her rude comments. She stands up and Derek rushes to her side.
Derek: Are you okay?
Meredith just nods. She looks at him as she fights back tears.
Meredith: I just need to go to the bathroom.
Derek: Okay. Your tea will be ready for you when you get back.
Meredith: Thank you.
Derek: No problem.
Derek leans in and kisses her on her cheek. Meredith walks upstairs to the bathroom. She doesn't really need to go to the bathroom, she just needs to escape for a moment. She leans her back against the bathroom door as she finally lets the tears escape the barrier that has been holding them in.
(Meanwhile downstairs)
Derek turns around to face his sister Nancy.
Derek: I can't believe you.
Nancy tries to speak, but Derek interrupts her.
Derek: No. I am going to say this and I am only going to say this once. I love Meredith. I love her so much that it hurts to not be with her. When she left, I lost myself. I felt like I couldn't function, like I couldn't breathe. I love her and she loves me and if you can't accept that, then you can leave. I will not have you here degrading her because she does not deserve that. She is an amazing woman and she will make and amazing mother. She is the love of my life. She does not need this stress right now and neither does the baby. So, either keep your snide comments to yourself of go back to the hotel.
Nancy sits there stunned. They have never seen their brother like this. He obviously loves Meredith. Derek looks at his mom and she just smiles at him.
Derek: Can you watch the water for her tea? I am going to go make sure she is alright.
Mrs. Shepherd nods and Derek heads upstairs. He does not hear Mrs. Shepehrd further condemning Nancy for her behaviour, his thoughts are focused on Meredith.
He knocks on the bathroom door.
Meredith (in a strained voice): Yeah?
Derek: Are you okay?
He hears her sniffle through the bathroom door.
Meredith: I'm fine.
Derek: Open the door, Meredith.
Meredith: I said I'm fine, Derek.
Derek: I don't believe you. Now open the door.
Meredith can hear the concern in his voice. She hastily wipes the tears out of her eyes before she swings the bathroom door open.
Meredith: What?
Derek doesn't respond. He steps in and crashes his lips down on hers. He wraps his arms around her waist as his tongue demands entrance into her mouth. She runs her fingers through his dark curls as their tongues mesh together. When they finally break apart, they are both breathless.
Derek notices the remnants of the tears on her cheeks and gently kisses them away.
Derek: I love you.
Meredith: I love you too.
Derek: I am sorry about Nancy. She is a bitch
Meredith: I should have a thicker skin by now...
Derek: No. You shouldn't have to put up with that.
Meredith smiles at his need to protect her.
Meredith: Can I just say that it's hormones and we drop it?
Derek smiles at her. He brushes her hair back and scoops her up into his arm. She giggles.
Meredith: What are you doing?
Derek: You aren't supposed to be on your feet.
Meredith just giggles some more.
Derek: Do you want to go back downstairs? If not, you can hide out in our room...
Meredith: Downstairs.
Derek: Are you sure?
Meredith: Yeah. I'm sure. Plus, I really want that tea.
Derek chuckles at her and begins to carry her downstairs.
Derek: I do love you.
Meredith: I know.