Heartbreaking Reverberations – Chapter 25 – Part 4 of 4

Meredith had not been made to wait when they arrived at Dr. Cameron's office, while Cristina, unexpectedly and willingly, kept Carolyn Shepherd company and revealed more about herself to a smiling Carolyn; her son was lucky, Meredith's family had embraced him as well.

"Meredith," Dr. Cameron said after he'd examined her, "the baby is in position, no doubt about that. But, there's still no dilation or effacement."

"What does that really mean…" Meredith asked, "I mean…I know what it means, but you said if I went past a week…and that's Sunday…you'd induce me…and…"

"Let's take it one day at a time," he said, "you've continued having Braxton Hicks, that's normal, and this baby seems to have their own idea about timing…so just like getting into position was at her," he smiled, "or his pace, it could be the same thing over the next three days," he continued to talk to them about what to expect. They agreed, at Derek's insistence, since he was convinced the baby would be born by Sunday, they would enjoy this last baby-free weekend and if she had not gone into labor by Monday, they'd be back to see Dr. Cameron first thing that morning, ready to check in to the hospital.

Meredith was lying back on the examining table, her face a bit serious, half her body still covered by a white disposable sheet, when Dr. Cameron asked, "Meredith, do you have any other questions? Any concerns?"

"No," she said, but Derek could tell she was holding back, by the way she bit her lip.

"Dr. Cameron," Derek said, "is there any reason…should we…I mean…is it ok…they say …we've read…and heard that sometimes…to speed things up…you can…well you know…"

Michael Cameron was not much older than Derek, and he had a great laugh. "Derek," his laughter lingered, "I'm not laughing at you, but are you trying to ask me if it's ok if you two have sex?"

"You're dead…" Meredith mumbled and laid her head back completely on the table.

"Meredith," Cameron told her, "as long as your waters haven't broken, there is nothing wrong at all if the two of you want to be intimate. My wife swears it helped with our second baby," he told them, hoping that by sharing something similar they'd feel a bit less self conscious about Derek's question.

"That's what we've heard," Derek said.

"Meredith," Cameron reassured her, "you're in good health…both you and the baby are…and babies make their appearance when their ready, not before. I don't have any other patients now, and you two know how this machine works…if it will make you feel better…and you'd like to take one more look at the baby…take your time…no one will interrupt you. I hope to see you over the weekend, trust me, it can happen that fast."

"Mer," Derek said, "are you really mad at me…I had to ask…to know if it was ok."

"I'm not mad," she remained laying back on the table, her legs no longer on stirrups, the disposable sheet that had covered her from the waist down had now been discarded by Derek.

"Then," he helped her sit up, stood in front of her, and put his arms around her, her belly pressed into his stomach. "What is it?"

"Do you think…really…that the baby will come soon…he won't have to induce labor?"

"I think," he caressed her back tenderly, "the baby will come in the next couple days."

"Why?"

"I just have this feeling…Mer…that our princess will be here soon," he kissed her.

"I'm worried," she said, "Derek," her eyes filled with tears, "I don't want anything to go wrong…and everything always goes wrong…with me…just when I think it's ok…then something happens…like your accident…and…"

"Listen to me," he soothed and cradled her face in his hands. "Nothing is going to go wrong…our baby is going to be here as soon as she's supposed to," he wiped away a tear, "or he's supposed to, and we'll be ready…and yes, I had my accident, but I'm fine…and Meredith," he kissed her again softly, "we also found out about our baby at the same time…and everything has been fine and will continue to be that way…I know it."

"You're sounding like Aunt Pat," she sniffled.

"Hey…" he teased, "I'm her favorite nephew. I was bound to inherit some of her gift."

"You're her only nephew," Meredith gave him that half smile he loved.

"I am not," he told her, "there are other Maloney men."

"But," Meredith leaned into him, "your Mom's kids…are her favorites."

"Yeah," he smiled, "just like Aunt Pat's are Mom's favorites too."

"It's a Maloney thing," Meredith said smiling, her hand was resting on the back of his neck, her fingers instinctively entwined in his hair, "the favorite's thing…"

"You could say that," Derek smiled at her, and she leaned back a bit, he had that look in his eyes she'd never been able to resist, but now felt self conscious as she sat leaning back slightly on an examining table wearing only a royal blue, some would say indigo top, that hugged her heavily pregnant body.

"You're wearing my favorite color you know," Derek smiled, his hands on her thighs, massaging lightly.

"Derek…" Meredith said, "what…" his hands massaged just a little higher than before, his gazed locked with hers, "what …are you doing…" and his mouth covered hers rather than answer her, and she gave in to the pleasure of his kiss, intoxicating as always.

"Mer…" Derek whispered, his hand cupping her breast, while the other hand's exploration reminded her they were in the doctor's office, "we could …"

"You're…out of your mind…" she tried to tell him, "Derek…I've got to get dressed."

"You're wearing a blouse…" he teased her, "or a top…whatever it is…" and he heard the familiar moan.

"Derek…get my jeans…and…"

"Didn't," his tongue teased hers, "you tell me…" hers teased back, "we should be able to compare…week by week sex…for next time…"

"It's the doctor's office…" she moaned softly as his hands continued their well known and often traveled journey, and he nuzzled her neck, his mouth on her neck finding a favorite spot of hers for his lips and mouth to linger.

"It's actually an examining room," he raised an eyebrow suggestively, "we have very fond…memoires…unforgettable memories….of exam rooms…" and she gave in, surrendered completely, to the tingling and pleasurable sensations of her husband's hands and lips on her body.

"Derek…" she said, breathlessly, some time later. "I can't…" he chuckled and kissed her.

"We did…" he smiled.

"I can't ever show my face in this office again…"

"We weren't loud…we were quiet…"

"Right…"

"We were…at least…well, except once…you were very loud…just once…"

She smacked him playfully, "we'll have to stay here…till the end of the day…I'm not…"

"Mer," his arms wrapped around her, her belly pressed against his, "baby's very active."

"She must not be very happy with us…"

"She," Derek smiled, rubbing her belly, "you called her she…"

"I wasn't finished, and for that reason he's kicking me…"

"Mer," he cupped her face, "we're going to know soon…boy or girl…"

"We are," she leaned into him completely, "before April I hope…"

"Mer…" he asked, "you ok?"

"I am…" she smiled, "how can I not be?"

"I don't know…I thought maybe you're going to yell at me…you know…"

"Derek…" she kissed him, her hands cradling the back of his head, her fingers tangled in his hair, "best…past due date…pregnant exam room sex…ever…"

They both laughed, and he held her as close to him as possible, "you mean…you don't think we'll top this…next time?"

"Hope not… next time our second duckling better be on time…" she said, and they both smiled and their lips met in a tender loving kiss that spoke of every emotion they'd ever experienced, and as so often shared, renewed silent vows and promises of forever.

To Meredith's mortification, Dr. Cameron was talking to his staff, as the couple walked out of the examining room holding hands, and smiled at them.

"Meredith, Derek, I hope to see you over the weekend."

"Thank you Mike," Derek said, "we appreciated that you trusted us with your equipment, baby's looking great, it definitely made Meredith feel a lot better."

The two women smiled and walked away. "Whatever you did," Mike Cameron couldn't help but chuckle, "I'm sure it will work…I'll see you in a couple days."

"Oh my God," Meredith turned to him as they left the doctor's office, "that is the most embarrassing…humiliating…"

"Sex…" Derek teased her, "with me was embarrassing and humiliating…"

She smacked him playfully and rolled her eyes at him, "you know what I mean…" she said and couldn't help but smile as they almost bumped into Cristina and his mother.

"Don't tell me," Cristina said to Meredith, "the two of you…you did…didn't you…it's all over you face…the McDreamy had his way with me face. You're a million months pregnant…how is that even possible…never mind, I don't want to know…"

"You may," Meredith said playfully; "just in case…you decide you don't want Owen to have kids with another woman."

"No…" Cristina said, "he can do that."

"Oh dear," Carolyn smiled, "I'm going to have to visit more often, bring Pat with me."

"Mama Shep," Cristina told her, "there's no such thing as psychic nuns, so don't even..."

"Of course not dear," Carolyn smiled and turned to Meredith. "How are you sweetheart? What did Dr. Cameron say?"

"Do you even have to ask?" Cristina smirked.

"He's pretty confident the baby won't make me wait forever…I'll see him again on Monday, and he'll decide what to do then."

"You'll be back," Carolyn said confidently, and placed her hand over Meredith's abdomen, "before Monday."

"Derek," Meredith said, "you never told me about your surprise."

"You two…" Cristina shook her head. "I need a sugar antidote. Mer…let me know if sex worked…to speed up dilation."

"I'm having lunch with you," Derek told her, ignoring their friend.

"Oh…I was having lunch with Mom…with your Mom."

"So…you don't want me along?"

"Well…no, it's just…I didn't expect you'd be able to get away since we had the doctor's appointment already…so it's just a surprise."

"I can take a hint," he told her and she actually thought his feelings were hurt.

"Derek…" she soothed, "of course I want to have lunch with you…"

"I think it's an excellent idea," Carolyn said, "and gives me some time to spend with Mark and Lexie."

"Ma," Derek said, "I'd planned for you to join us too. But Meredith is right, I have things to wrap up here and would need to get back fairly soon, so the two of you should enjoy a nice leisurely lunch."

"Meredith," Carolyn said, "I promised Jenna I'd call after your appointment. Let me do that first and you call me when you're ready to go."

"Derek…" Meredith turned to him, "I'm sorry."

"Hey," he smiled at her, but she knew he was upset, "you're right…I have a lot of things to get done here today…it's ok."

Derek had rarely, if ever shown any signs of feeling left out throughout her pregnancy, in fact, he'd been wonderful, she thought, about her ever volatile emotional roller coaster and realized her reaction had made him feel that way; Meredith rarely resorted to Jenna like tactics, but now was as good a time as any, "Derek…I really need to sit down…can we go to your office?"

"Are you ok?" He was immediately on concerned husband/daddy mode. "Mer…is something wrong? Do we need to go back to Dr. Cameron?"

"I think so," she said, and held his hand as they walked the short distance to his office, "I think I'm ok…just need to sit down."

"Ok…" he said, leading her to the couch, "put your feet up…that should help…"

"Derek," she pulled him down next to her, "please, don't worry…and don't be mad at me…there's nothing wrong…but I needed to talk to you alone. I'm ok, but you're not and I'm sorry…because…you've done everything for me…months of anticipating anything I may want…and," her eyes glittered with tears, "and I know…just now, I hurt your feelings ...and I didn't mean to…of course I want to have lunch with you. Derek I want to spend every single moment with you, when I'm with you I always feel safe and loved…but you must be so tired of me already…and I'm starting to whine and get frustrated…and I just want to spare you a little of that…"

"I don't feel that way…I'm not tired of you …Mer…I want to make things easier for you…you're the one that's had to go through all the changes, physically and emotionally and all these months you've never complained…I want to feel useful…that I've done my share…"

"Oh…" she teased him, placing his hands over her belly, "you definitely did your share."

"You know what I mean," he was still serious.

"I do…and I love you…I really really love you…and if you can put up with me these next days…I want you with me…all the time."

"I thought," he said, clearing his throat as he often did when he was nervous, "you wanted a break from me…maybe that you were really mad at me…for today…"

"Derek…" she smiled at him, leaned into him and kissed him, "did I look mad at you…at all…over today?"

"Not while…no …but…"

"Derek…" she hugged him, "we have very fond…amazing…exam room memories…"

"You're not mad…"

"I'm not mad…" she said, and kissed him softly again, "I love you."

"So…" Derek said, "you don't mind if I tag along with you and Mom?"

"I don't mind at all," Meredith kissed him again, and then he helped her up, and on the way to meet up with his mother, they were bombarded with questions from Lexie and Mark and Alex in regard to her doctor's visit before they left the hospital.

"Dr. Shepherd…" Joseph greeted them warmly, "oh…Dr. Grey…molto bella," he reached for both of Meredith' s hands, and brought one to his lips, "you will have a little baby…very soon…" he smiled at her knowingly. "I have twenty grandchildren. Lucia," he called out to his wife in the kitchen, "come see our favorite customer…"

"Dottore Grey…" the old woman's Italian accent had never diminished, "bella ragazza...one or two days…bambino will be here."

"Lucia," Meredith smiled, "I hope you're right."

"You enjoy your lunch…and the cheesecake your husband called to make sure we had for you…and he asked for your two favorite cheesecakes," the woman revealed, "to take home with you."

"Ah…" Meredith reached for his hand, "my surprise…"

"Yes," he smiled.

"Thank you," Meredith kissed him softly.

"Now…you sit down…off your feet…the bambino is heavy now," Lucia told her, "I know…I had seven…so we take care of you," she said. "You brought your mother in law back to join us," the woman continued talking, and soon they were enjoying one of Meredith's favorite meals, and Derek, as he'd already planned took all the time we wanted.

"Mom…" Meredith smiled, "Carolyn," she corrected, "I'm going to start believing all of you…that this little one may just decide to join us this weekend."

"I'm sure the baby will be here this weekend." Carolyn told her. "You know dear," her mother in law continued, "I much prefer Mom…and I already know you told Mark and Derek the baby could not go to Yankee stadium at three months old…and you were absolutely right, especially when you told them the baby could watch the game from Mom's."

"I'm not sure," Meredith bit her lower lip, "sometimes I think it's ok…but I don't want to overstep…but, sometimes…it feels right to call you that."

"It should feel right," Carolyn placed her hand over Meredith's, indirectly over her grandchild, "all the time…whatever you want to call me. But, it's ever so much easier just to use Mom."

"Thank you," Meredith smiled at her, and Derek gave thanks for the relationship that had developed over the months between the two most important women in his life. "I'll probably still forget…sometimes…"

"I answer to just about anything," Carolyn smiled at her. "Tell me Derek, why is it that a nurse knows about your plans before your wife does?"

Meredith giggled. "That's because she's the only one I've given permission to see him naked."

"I remember that," Carolyn shot a disapproving look at Derek as she still could not understand how he'd gone out with that other nurse. "But…"

"Ma," Derek said, "she was the nurse in charge when I was in the hospital."

"I am aware of that Derek, and it does not answer my question."

Meredith tried to keep from laughing over Carolyn's obvious reprimand.

"Don't laugh," Derek told Meredith, "I'm not five."

"I'm not so sure of that," Carolyn said, "you and Mark act like it sometimes."

"I was talking to Mark," Derek said, and Meredith's laughter was no longer contained.

"We should have known," Meredith told Carolyn, "Mark was involved."

"If you must know," Derek smiled at his wife, "I was very excited and was telling Mark, I'd cleared my schedule until you had the baby…and Debbie, who hears everything was there, so…that's the reason she knew…and she said she'd keep it quiet."

"Huh…" Carolyn said, "it sounds reasonable. Just make sure in the future, your wife knows your plans before others do."

"Yes, mother."

"Impertinent brats," Carolyn said, "Pat's right about you kids," and smiled as she looked at the caller on her phone and answered. "Speak of the devil."

"Yes, Patricia, I will call you; no I will not rely on my daughters to do so," she said quietly, "I'll call you when we get home, it's rude to carry on a conversation while we're at a restaurant, by the way, you'll have to come here next visit, it's excellent Italian."

Carolyn Shepherd drove Meredith's car and they dropped off her son at the hospital, and then they spent the afternoon shopping for last minute things she thought Meredith may actually want, and the rest on the phone to all his sisters.

Meredith was ordered to get off her feet as soon as she got home, and though she protested, she obliged and followed Carolyn's instructions and soon was lightly snoring.

"You're watching me sleep," she shifted positions on the bed, and stared at her husband who was sitting across from her on the chair by the window. "You know…that's still kind of …"

He smiled and crossed the small distance and knelt in front of her. "I love you," he kissed her, then kissed her belly, "how are you feeling?"

"Honestly?"

"Yes…"

"Your mom won't let me do anything, and it feels great…to be pampered…"

"Well…then…" he smiled and kissed her again, "we have more of that…"

"Not you…you've done enough pampering…tonight…it's my turn," she kissed him, "help me sit up."

"What are you talking about," he sat next to her, his arm around her as she snuggled against him, her head resting on him.

"My night to pamper you…and you have to let me…"

"Mer…"

"Please…" she said, and kissed him softly. "I need to do something…want to do something…for you."

"You don't need to…"

"It's your last day at work…and I heard you got stuck in a long surgery…"

"How did you hear?"

"Cristina."

"Figures."

"I asked her. I was worried when you weren't home by five as you'd mentioned…so I texted her before I fell asleep."

"Spies…"

"Everywhere," she teased. "Be right back," she said, and joined him a few minutes later.

"Baby duckling," she said, "is making me get up to go to the bathroom a lot…though it's a lot easier to breathe now."

"What do you need?" He got up and hugged her.

"You." She smiled at him, "naked."

"Now? You really want to…"

"Yes…" she giggled, "but, get your mind out of the gutter. The water's running…your turn for a long leisurely relaxing bath."

"You joining me?"

"No…just you…"

"Mer…there's no need."

"I'm going to do my best…imitation of rubbing your back, after a long tired day."

"Mer…"

"Derek…you've done everything for me…let me do this… for you," she said, and he went along with her; his back stiff and muscles sore after a four hour surgery, and they laughed their way through his bath, as his wife attempted and managed quite well to assist him in his leisurely bath.

"Mer," he teased as he got dressed. "Where did you find that stool?"

"In the attic," she told him.

"I thought you didn't go up there…Meredith, you told me you wouldn't."

"I didn't," she rolled her eyes, "the cleaning service asked me about it and a million other things that were not in boxes, and it seemed like it could serve a purpose, so I told them to leave it on the second floor…lucky for you," she laughed, "I could use it to sit down…and help …bathe you."

"Lucky for me is right," Derek chuckled as he embraced her.

They joined Carolyn for a light dinner, and then retired for the night. "Mer…" Derek said, as she lay back in his arms, his hands continuously massaging her belly, the baby every so often letting them know she or he was awake. "What do you want to do tomorrow? I think we have everything ready for the baby…your things are packed, Mom will bring the baby's things to the hospital, she said there's no sense having them sitting there accumulating germs," he laughed, "when we'll only need it to bring the baby home."

"We can do whatever you want," she told him, "I don't think we have anything to do and your Mom's going to kill me if I take things out of the drawers one more time," she smiled.

"We should update the baby's book," he nuzzled her neck, "before our princess gets here."

"I did…" she said quietly, "earlier."

"Oh…let' see…" he reached for the book on the nightstand, and opened to the last page written, and his eyes watered as he began to read.

"Hello baby duckling…this is your mommy…and I love you so much little one…and can't wait for you to get here. When you're older, I have the feeling you'll have a chance to see how mommies walk like ducks…as we wait for you little ones…and since we don't know if you're our little girl or boy…I hope you don't mind I'm calling you my baby duckling…and you'll see what I mean, since I'm pretty sure that your uncles Mark or Alex and your Aunt Cristina probably have a video to show you how I walk now, and laugh at me…but it's ok…because in a couple of days…I hope you're listening, I'm going to get to hold you in my arms.

Today, we saw Dr. Cameron and he says you'll be ready to join us at your own pace, and I think he's right, though he did tell me that you may surprise us this weekend and all I want is for you to be here at the perfect time…healthy and ready for daddy and me to love you and take care of you.

I'll have to tell you little one, when you're older how your daddy took care of me…of us…he took such good care of us baby…ever since he found out about you, and I hardly get to do anything for him…but tonight I'm going to try to pamper him just as much as he does me…and baby…you are so lucky…you are going to have the best daddy in the world, and he loves you so much already, just like I do…but your daddy, he'll make you feel safe and loved…as he makes me feel…and nobody can do that better…and you'll have two of us…but I can't wait…till I can see you in you daddy's arms…because I know that will be the most extraordinary moment we have ever shared…our first little miracle…I love you baby…and I don't know how many more days there are before you get here…but I love you more than you will ever imagine…and I can't wait till one day I can share with you how much I love your daddy…and I will pray…every day…for you to have the same kind of happiness and love in your life, when it's time to find your soul mate, as your daddy and I have together."

Derek put the book down and turned to her, "I love you…I adore you…Meredith…and I promise that I will spend the rest of my life…making sure you know that…"

"I do know," she said and kissed his tears away, "I promise you the same thing…"

Friday morning dawned cold and when Derek went downstairs in the early hours; Meredith had not had a good night's sleep; to fix breakfast, he saw the fireplace had been lit, and when he got to the kitchen his mother was already ahead of him with breakfast preparations.

"Ma," Derek said, "you don't have to do this…"

"Of course I do," she dismissed his comment, "I'm taking care of my children before my grandchild gets here. Your job is to take care of Meredith."

"Mer's told you," he put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek, "not to call her a girl…" he smiled.

"No," Carolyn smiled, as she continued working, "but…it's a fifty –fifty chance."

"You think it's a girl," he grinned. "Admit it."

"I thought Maggie was a boy," she told him, though she smiled.

"Be that way," Derek pouted.

"You," Carolyn placed her hand on his cheek, "are not going to care. Trust me."

"I know," he smiled.

"How's Meredith?"

"Didn't get a lot of sleep last night. She couldn't quite get comfortable and was up so many times."

"It's almost over," Carolyn smiled. "I think we'll have the baby here tomorrow."

"Mom, there was no dilation…at all yesterday."

"I know," she said, "I've had five babies…and fourteen grandkids…things change."

"You really think so?"

"Derek," Meredith waddled, literally, into the kitchen, "Mom…you're up…"

"Fixing breakfast," Carolyn smiled; Meredith was using Mom as often as Carolyn. "Then, I'm going to spend the day with Mark and Lexie, those two bought things they don't know what to do with…and they have not washed anything…so we're getting them ready to baby sit."

"You're not staying with us?" Meredith asked.

"I'll be here tonight. Today is for the two of you…baby's going to be here anytime."

"I was thinking," Meredith said as the three sat at the table Carolyn had set by the fireplace, "we should move some of this furniture around…Derek…it would be so much more practical and we have lots of time today…and I'm not tired…in fact…I woke up with lots of energy we should take advantage while it lasts…"

Carolyn Shepherd smiled, she was about to be a grandmother very soon. "Derek Christopher, you make sure she does not over do it, save all that energy for later…she's going to need it. Meredith, you get some rest today…no matter how much energy you think you may have."

Meredith's energy was channeled into a long midmorning walk along the neighborhood, the two of them holding hands, smiling as she mentioned they'd soon be using one of the strollers to take the baby for a walk, just to make sure the baby got a little fresh air and sunshine. They had lunch at another favorite and sentimental place, the temperature almost nearing fifty had made her want to sit outside, and they reminisced by the fountain about their first official date for breakfast, and how her heart had skipped more than a beat when she'd seen him waiting for her that morning long ago at the very same spot.

She was restless and they went for a walk after lunch. But, then he insisted she nap, and held her until she fell asleep. That evening, at her insistence, they met up with Mark, Lexie, Cristina, Owen and Carolyn at Joe's; Alex was working. Carolyn took on the mothering role again and had them home by nine o'clock.

"Mer," Derek woke immediately upon feeling her absence, and found her sitting on the bedroom chair, and scrambled out of bed. "Hey," he leaned into her, both arms on the chair for support as he kissed her, then bent down to kiss her belly, "what's going on?"

"I couldn't sleep," she said quietly, her fingers fidgeting with her watch.

"It's barely five thirty…let's try to get some sleep."

"I can't…" she didn't look at him; he'd see the concern and a bit of fear in her eyes.

"Hey," he lifted her chin and saw the tears, "Meredith…" he said tenderly, "what's going on…why are you crying?"

"I can't," she said, then hiccupped, "can't even do this right…our baby is seven days late…and…what if it's my fault…and something goes wrong…and…"

"Nothing is wrong…and babies are late all the time…and you have done everything right…" he wiped away the tears, "you know that…"

"What…" she took several deep breaths, for more than the obvious reasons, "what if I'm a terrible mother…Derek…my mother wasn't…"

"You won't be…you're already taking care of our little one…" he put both his hands on her belly, cradling their unborn child, "our little duckling," he made her smile, "has made Mommy's belly very tight right now…"

"I don't want to mess up our baby…"

"You're not…we're doing this together…remember…I have no clue here either…"

"You're humoring me," she rolled his eyes at him.

"I'm not…I'm clueless…in spite of all those nieces and nephews…so…we're first time parents…and we're going to learn together and we're going to do great…because the most important thing is that we love our baby…and we're doctors Mer," he grinned, "how brainless can we both be?"

Meredith laughed at him, "I do love you…"

"I love you too," he said, and then his smile turned into a grin, "come on…"

"What…" she pulled back, "come on what…"

"We're going places…"

"Are you crazy? This is no time to go anywhere. Derek, trust me. It's better if I'm home."

"Oh…Dr. Grey," he teased her, "but you're wrong…it's the perfect time," he smiled at her, his head slightly leaning to the side, that look she could never resist. He helped her up and insisted on helping her dress very warmly and they left the house a long while before sunrise.

"Derek wait," she said, as they were leaving, "your Mom will worry, let's leave her a note."

"Mer…"

"It will take a second…" she said, and went to scribble note for her mother in law.

"You," Meredith turned to him a she recognized the road he took, "are determined to make me a blubbering …emotional…sentimental…"

"Pregnant…beautiful…about to be Mommy…" he reached for her hand and held her to his lips, a long lingering kiss.

"Derek…" she sniffled, "thank you…" and they remained quiet until they reached their destination, and then, he got out of the car and walked around to her side, and helped her shift positions so he could hold her in his arms, her back pressed against him.

"Joe's last night…where it all began," he nuzzled her neck, "and now…"

"The night we knew," she said, as his arms wrapped around her heavily pregnant belly, "there was no turning back…and realized how intense it was…" she smiled, "our mutual thing for …ferryboats," she could feel his smile without looking at him, "over a bottle of wine…and a rainy night."

"Our first sunrise together…" his lips lingered on her neck, "and today…our last sunrise…just the two of us…"

He felt her deep intake of breath, "Mer…you ok…you've been doing that…a lot…and your abdomen's very tight…again…"

She relaxed against him, put his hands over their baby, "Derek…today, this sunrise…being here, it's our first sunrise together…with our baby…on the day we welcome our baby…"

"You're suddenly optimistic…" he teased her, kissing her neck again. "Mer...did you feel that…that was pretty strong for Braxton Hicks…your stomach's tightening again Mer…"

"Derek…" she said quietly, "I've been in labor for about three hours…"

"You're what…you've been…you're in labor…for hours…and you didn't tell me."

She smiled, slowly turned to face him, "we're having a baby…"

"You didn't tell me…Meredith…we…you're…"

"Contractions were twenty minutes apart since about two…then by the time you woke up…they were about sixteen minutes…probably a little closer now…but it's still early, I wanted you to get some sleep…"

"You wanted me to get some sleep…and you're in pain…and you didn't…"

"I'm ok," she kissed him softly, "not too bad…yet…"

"You're ok…" he said, concern all over his face.

"I'm ok…and this…I would not have missed this for the world…the perfect moment…the perfect way to welcome the very special day…when our baby is born…"

"Our fist sunrise," his eyes glittered, "the day we become a family…"

"Take me home Derek…we're going to have our baby…"

Meredith's note to Carolyn had indicated she was having contractions, she had not told Derek and they were going for a ride. His mother greeted them smiling, telling them she'd already called his sisters and she was ready to go whenever Meredith felt the time was right. She had prepared a clear broth for her to get some nourishment, but had first checked with Nancy, after all, it had been three years since the last baby was born in the immediate family, she encouraged Meredith to have Jello as well as a couple cups of tea.

They waited until her contractions were ten minutes apart to call Dr. Cameron, and at seven minutes left for the hospital where he met them at nearly noon and examined Meredith. "You're managing beautifully, and Baby Shepherd is definitely joining us today…you're almost five centimeters dilated," he mentioned the effacement, and discussed what they could expect.

Labor was apparently moving right along without any complications, and it continued in its typical fashion, though Meredith was grateful it was bearable. She had not known quite what to expect, but in the couple hours that followed she was pleased to spend time with her Seattle family who came in and out as their shifts permitted, but as the hours reached the late after noon and contractions intensified she wanted only Carolyn or Derek with her.

"You're doing well," Cameron told her around four o'clock, "you're at seven centimeters, and we're going to have to make a decision about an epidural."

"I'm not having one," Meredith told him, "it's better for the baby."

"Mer…" Derek encouraged, "Jenna and Nancy…they all said…"

"I know," she told him, "but…it's better…for the baby…I can do this…"

"We still have some time," Dr. Cameron told him.

By five that evening she was restless, though doing all possible to remain calm for Derek who was an absolute wreck; nothing calm about his first child being born. There was a soft knock on the door, before Cristina looked in, "Mama Shep…you have visitors. Mer, you doing ok?"

"That's impossible," Carolyn said, "if that's your way of getting me to leave…"

"Really…you do…"

"Cristina," Meredith snapped, "who could possibly be visiting her…she doesn't know anyone here but all of you…and she's seen you already…"

"Your sisters in law…"

"What…" Meredith said, and just then a contraction began.

"Told you," Cristina said to Carolyn, "I'm not having kids."

"Cristina this is no time to joke," Carolyn told her.

"I'm not…Kathleen and Nancy are here…they want to see you…so you can tell them how Meredith is doing."

"Kathleen and Nancy," Derek said incredulously, "are here?"

"Yeah…"

"Let them in," Meredith surprised them all once the contraction was done.

"You want to see them? Now?" Cristina asked.

"Yes…" Meredith said, "you've all been here…they're our family too," and with that, yet another layer of friendship and family bonds would continue to build.

"I'm not the best company right now," Meredith said to his sisters, "but…you flew here…I can't believe…you did…"

"It's the first Shepherd Baby, Meredith," Kathleen said, "of course we'd want to be here…even if we fly right back, so Jenna isn't freaking out."

"She knew?" Meredith asked, just as a contraction began, and all remained quiet.

"Not till this morning," Nancy said, "when we put our plan in action…we'd discussed it with Maggie that she'd stay…she'll come when we get back…she is not waiting to meet the baby."

"I can't believe," Meredith's eyes watered, "you'd be here…I spoke to Jenna, a couple hours ago…and Maggie, they didn't say anything."

Nancy placed a hand over her belly, "we wanted to…hope we'd make it in time, and I just spoke to Dr. Cameron, he says you're doing great…already at eight centimeters and not too bad so far…but Meredith, you may want to reconsider an epidural."

"I'm ok…I can do this…"

"There's nothing wrong," Kathleen said, "with changing your mind, I had my first naturally and that was it…" another contraction, now lasting longer. "We're here…we'll be outside, we don't want to be in the way now…but…we're here…praying for a quick and healthy delivery."

"Thank you," Meredith told them, "Carolyn…you need a break…you and Derek... I'll be ok for a few minutes," she closed her eyes. "Kathleen and Nancy can stay with me."

"I'm not leaving you," Derek said, his hand reaching for hers.

"It's ok…" Meredith breathed deeply, anticipating the next contraction, "take a break…just a little bit…I'll be ok," she said, but Carolyn saw as she placed her index finger under her eyes to hold back tears.

Carolyn spoke, "Derek you need to get something to eat, while you have a chance, and then join us back in here," she insisted he leave with his sisters.

"Sweetheart," she spoke softly to Meredith, "what's wrong…you're doing so well…"

"I…I don't know," Meredith allowed the tears to fall, instinctively trusting this woman who'd only been in her life for months, "I don't know…if I can do this…"

"You're doing just fine…Meredith…I'm so impressed how calm you've been…"

"I mean…being a mother," the tears flowed, her hands over her baby, "I had a terrible childhood…Carolyn…you don't know…I have no idea how to love a baby…my mother was a terrible example…I was a nuisance to her, and she resented me…and I can't …I don't want to be that way …for our baby…"

Carolyn sat on the bed and held her, "sweetheart…you're already a wonderful mother…I know…trust me…you already love this baby, you have from the moment you found out about her…Meredith…I have no doubts you're going to be a wonderful mother. Just like I knew you were the one for my son…sweetheart…I'm not wrong…" and then another contraction, "ok…just go with it…like you've been doing…breathe through it…"

"Carolyn," Meredith said once the contraction was over. "I never thought about having children…until Derek…and even then…I never imagined I'd have someone…a Mom…by my side…my mother…she would haven't been here…if she were alive and well…she wouldn't have been here…thank you…"

"Well…I think she may have changed her mind, and I think she's watching over you now, and is so proud of the woman you are…but, since she can't be here, I am…I'll be here Meredith…whenever you want or need me."

"Thank you…" Meredith said, before she breathed through another contraction. "Tell me about Derek…" she asked, "when he was little."

"Where do you want me to start," Carolyn pushed her hair back away from her forehead.

"When he was a baby…" Meredith said, and Carolyn smiled and began to speak.

Derek wasn't gone long, and when he came back in the room, his mother still held his wife in her embrace, whispering soothing words of comfort, and his eyes filled with tears and he indeed gave thanks for having lived to see this moment, for having lived to witness the birth of a baby he'd known nothing about on the night he'd almost lost his life.

"Mom," he said quietly, "your turn to get something to eat…"

"Hey," Derek took his mother's place, "I love you."

"I love you too," she sniffled.

The next couple hours gave way to transition and at that point, Meredith and Derek were left alone, but not before Carolyn Shepherd leaned over her daughter in law, kissed her cheek, and then said a simple prayer. "Dear Lord, watch over Meredith as she gets ready to bring my grandchild into the world…bless her and the baby and Derek," and she made the age old sign of the cross over her forehead, "as they become a family."

Within the hour, Meredith was in the final stages of labor and Baby Shepherd was welcomed into the world. "Derek…is the baby ok…Derek…" she asked the moment she felt the baby's head enter the world.

"One more push Meredith," Dr. Cameron said. "Just one more…"

"Derek…what's wrong…" she asked without giving the baby a second to catch the first breath of life, motherly instincts already on alert.

"Baby is perfect," Derek's voice was choked with emotions as their newborn's loud cry of protest followed immediately. "Absolutely perfect," his lips were on hers, "I love you," and within seconds their baby was in Meredith's arms and the first time parents fell totally and unconditionally in love with the baby in their arms.

"Derek..." Carolyn Shepherd was the first one to get up and walked toward him, he looked dazed, which was expected, and completely enthralled with being a father, "how's Meredith…the baby?"

"Meredith's great…the baby is perfect… perfect Apgar," he said as his mother hugged him, "all 21 inches…eight pounds two ounces," he said quickly, "ten toes… ten fingers… perfect beautiful baby born at 7:17," and went back in to be with his wife and newborn.

"Derek…" Carolyn and the rest of the voices echoed, "is it a girl or a boy?"

Meredith and Derek were finally alone. After all had been taken care of from a medical perspective, the new family was finally alone together for the first time.

"Hello little one," Meredith whispered to the newborn snuggled in her arms, "welcome to our world…we love you so much…"

"Our little duckling," Derek kissed the baby's cheek. "Mommy can stop calling you that now," Meredith smiled and turned her face and kissed him softly, traces of tears mingled on their lips.

"You made us wait for you…didn't you, but…you're finally here and you were more than worth the wait," she kissed the baby's head…the forehead, "and you're perfect…all ten toes…and fingers…and look at those eyelashes," more kisses, "and I love the little nose…and…Derek," she smiled at her husband, tears of joy in her eyes, "our baby…is bald…"

"Our baby," he said, equally emotional, "is beautiful…aren't you?" He kissed the top of the baby's head, and then kissed Meredith, the baby snuggled safely between them. "Are you curious…little one…to hear your name? We can change it…if you don't like it…" he said, the baby's grip on his finger amazing him, and Meredith smiled; he'd already began to spoil their baby.

"I'm sure," Meredith teased, "you're going to get an answer," and just as she said that the baby yawned and after a few seconds stared into their eyes, and three souls rejoiced as their lives, fated to be together long ago, were joined forever as a family. The baby yawned again and the tiny mouth instinctively turned toward Meredith's breast, and they smiled in wonderment at how wonderful and obviously smart their baby was, and in a matter of minutes since the birth; fell in love, with their once unexpected tiny surprise, now their precious and treasured miracle, all over again.

The End …of life as they knew it …and the continuation of legendary lovers …forever…

A/N 10JUL10 Yes… this brings the story to and end. Many of you read, if the statistics are any indication, but few commented in comparison, and as I've been hinting , especially as this story drew close to it conclusion, to each of you that has commented up to the last chapter (part 3), comments do have their own rewards.

There is an epilogue, written long ago, and dedicated to each and everyone of you that commented.

Each of you listed below was gracious enough to leave at least two comments, and I cannot tell you how very much it has meant. Please know the epilogue was written with each of you in mind, in appreciation for your support.

Missre,lacalleigh,merderluvr,mcmerder,lourdi50,coolio1206,dee,emsoreoangel,greysanatomyfanatic,jjp29,pyjamableu,hockeyplayer,nan7,stilllovesgreys,saturninablack,ailing,andyoullenjoyit,

Danielle,,xoxtinysingerxox,1-derekmeredith,Cahillfive,Mcdreamydreamsofme,Tooattached,fictionlover26,goldfeather,gottaluvem,mcenglish,serenity of the lake,azqwest,Carolina,

Cntrysingerchic,Crankybitch,Divadevine,Doublescotchsinglemalt,Grdkaitlyn, Halfbakedsourdough,Maurauderstwilight,merderfan93,saturn567,wildfirelover,writergirl2011,xaxy.

Though written, I do not anticipate posting the epilogue here for a while, eventually I may, because I don't like to leave stories unfinished or abandoned. But, for now, in the immediate future, I will email it to each one of you that has commented in the past, and is interested in reading it. So, yes, comments definitely had their own reward as I did my best to wrap the epilogue in what I hope will be satisfactory. There is no way to post email addresses here, but, it is my same screenname : merder4lifetime at aol dot com.

Please email me, and I will send you the epilogue. I'm at a conference till Tuesday, but I will respond with epilogue at the end of each day.

Perhaps some readers will not be pleased with my decision, but, it was made after many hours of writing, trying to do the best I could, and seeing thousands of hits that resulted in five comments. Thus, my apologies to readers for this decision. However, I drew the conclusion, that if people don't comment, they either don't care whether there is one more chapter or not, or that the writing was so bad and the story so horrible, it wasn't worth commenting.

Thank you again to each of you that took the time to comment, your support and enthusiasm over the last year has meant so very much. Hope you will enjoy the vision I had for these characters' future when I wrote the epilogue. Warm regards, Jasmin