And here we are, at the last update for this story! Thank you all so much for your reviews over the course of the story, and for favoriting me and adding me to your alert lists!
This epilogue picks up a short time after the end of the last chapter - time for some sweet moments, some good news for Skylar, some celebrating and some hot loving for our favorite couple. I hope you enjoy it all, and let me know what you think!
I'm not entirely sure how soon I'll be posting something new - I have vague ideas on a sequel, but I also have an idea for another completely different story that likely will be coming up next! Until then, take care!
Epilogue
"Congratulations, you have a healthy baby boy!"
The obstetrician held up the newborn for them to see before cutting the umbilical cord.
"Let me hold him for a moment..." Meredith felt the undeniable need to see her baby up close, and she held her arms out. The nurse carefully handed the baby over, and the squalling infant was letting everyone know that his lungs were healthy. Out of the warmth of the womb and under the bright lights of the delivery room, he was a joy to behold. "He's perfect, Derek...look..."
Together they inspected his tiny fingers and toes, but Derek could only nod in agreement. The lump in his throat was too big to speak at the moment. As the nurse gently took the baby again to wash him, and record his vital signs and statistics, Derek leaned over to kiss Meredith's temple. Despite her sweat matted hair, and her face still taut from labor, she never looked more beautiful to him. He managed to swallow, and whispered, "You're amazing, Mer...I love you so much..."
Meredith came out of her reverie, as she looked down at her son, who was greedily finishing his morning feeding. "You're the sweetest baby, aren't you?" she whispered.
He blinked up at her, waving one fist in the air. At four weeks of age, Aiden Matthew Shepherd was already a rockstar in his family. He had Derek's black hair, and Meredith's eyes, and he charmed everyone who saw him. As if he knew his status in life, he accepted all the attention lavished on him with happy smiles.
"You both look sweet," Derek observed, leaning against the door frame, watching Meredith nurse the baby. "I wish I had a camera right now to preserve this moment."
"I think we've already taken more photos of Aiden than one would think possible. Poor kid's going to have a complex when he's older," Meredith laughed. "How's everything going today?" she asked, knowing how busy he was with the new blends he wanted to try. As he had predicted, the merger of the two wineries had been a great success, and they were even winning some of the prestigious awards for their products. She felt a little disconnected from the daily goings on in the business since coming home with the baby, but she didn't want to miss any of the precious moments of his early development. Not to mention, she was still easily tired and getting back to normal was tougher than any of the celebrity new mothers would have you believe.
"Just great, and even better now that I've seen you." Derek crossed the short distance to join her.
"You always have the best answers," she smiled. "Your son has been quite voracious today. I think he's going to be a big boy!"
"That's my boy," Derek grinned, touching Aiden's downy hair, before kissing Meredith. Since the moment the ultrasound had confirmed it was a boy, Derek had been thrilled. Even though he'd been convinced he would be happy either way, the fact they were having a son had sent him over the moon. He couldn't keep the grin off his face most days.
"Are we ready for Emily's birthday party?" Meredith asked.
"Everything's under control. She's going to be surprised to see Lexie and Mark here." Along with everything else, Derek had been busy arranging a special celebration for his mother's birthday, in combination with Aiden's arrival. Lexie and Mark would be joining them, and had an announcement that would make Emily happy. "I'm not sure how it's going to work with Mark living here in Tuscany Valley, but we can always use his legal expertise."
"It's going to be a change for him, all right."
After their marriage, Lexie had moved to San Francisco, where Mark's law practice was. Emily had been strangely bereft without Lexie, even though the bakery kept her occupied. After awhile, Lexie had convinced Mark that the city wasn't the best place to raise a child, and he decided she was right. He had investigated the possibility of moving his practice and found that Tuscany Valley was doing well enough to sustain some of the business, and it was close enough to the city that he could still accommodate his old clients. They had bought a large home, with a spacious yard full of mature trees and some wild grape vines, close enough to both wineries that they would be able to visit easily. It was going to be a surprise for Emily and Ellis, neither of whom had any idea of what was happening.
"Derek, you know you love having him as part of the family," Meredith reminded him.
"You're right. I just like giving him a hard time about it," he agreed, as she handed the baby over to him. "Now, you can have a shower, I'll look after Aiden." Derek had been involved everything from the moment they brought Aiden home, changing diapers and doing whatever he could to alleviate the stress of the new situation. True to his word, during her pregnancy he had been attentive as well, massaging her back, or her feet, and bringing her whatever food she happened to crave. Even in the delivery room, he had been a rock, giving her encouragement and letting her call him whatever names she felt was appropriate at the time.
"All right." Meredith stood slowly, still feeling a little tired. "He loves being with you, he's a real Daddy's boy." She lifted up on her toes and kissed Derek's cheek. "What would I do without you?"
"Oh, I don't know... be cranky and unshowered?"
Meredith laughed softly, but wrinkled her nose at his comment. "We could hire a nanny, but I don't think Emily would be happy about that. She loves taking care of him whenever she can. I think she'll be overjoyed to have both babies around. She thinks of Victoria as her own grandchild, you know."
"I know. Ellis might be more reserved, but even so, she seems to be happy with the grandkids." Derek leaned in to kiss Meredith, holding the baby between them. It quickly turned more amorous and deep, and he had to pull away reluctantly. "Go, before I take advantage of you. How much longer do we have to wait?"
Giving him a saucy smile, Meredith tapped his cheek. "Not much longer, honey. You've been very patient."
"I don't want to rush you. I know you have to recover."
"Well, you might get lucky soon." She headed for the bathroom, glancing over her shoulder at him. He had settled in the rocking chair, intent on Aiden, and she smiled at the sight. Life was certainly more than she ever imagined it would be, and this was just the beginning.
Skylar looked up from his guitar, surveying the small nightclub where they were playing. It wasn't a great place, but the audience was enthusiastic and that was always a good thing. They had managed to get a few gigs like this, but it wasn't quite the success he'd envisioned. Still, they were doing what they enjoyed, and that was the main thing.
The set ended, and they headed offstage, waving to the crowd. It was a club in Los Angeles, a little farther away from home than usual, so it was gratifying to have the fan response. A few people even commented about their videos on YouTube, so there was still the hope that someone with connections had seen it as well.
"Great set," Jace grinned, wiping the sweat from his face.
"You guys are good." The voice was familiar, and Skylar spun around to see Owen standing in the shadows.
"What are you doing here?"
"You didn't stick around to talk to me. And I still think you have a good shot at hitting it big," Owen said, shrugging. "And I have to admit, the two of you together are good together. They love you out there."
"Get out of here. I have nothing to say to you." Skylar stalked past Owen, heading for their dressing room, small as it was. There was a bottle of tequila waiting for them, and he needed a drink.
Jace kept pace with Skylar, until they were in the cramped room with the door shut in Owen's face. As Skylar tossed back a shot of tequila, Jace tried to reason with him. "Just listen to what he has to say. It can't hurt. I know it went bad before, but..."
"But he wanted to break us up, Jace. I don't trust him."
Jace put his hand on Skylar's arm. "I'm here and we won't let him get between us this time, okay? He's still a big producer, we can use his help. Just be smart about it, okay?'
"Okay, but I don't think it's gonna matter."
Jace went to open the door. "Here goes nothing..."
Owen stepped inside and observed their united stance. "Well, I can see I have my work cut out for me here. First of all, I have to apologize for what happened before...I let my libido take over and it made a mess of things. I can see how well you guys work together, and you're obviously involved, so it's no wonder you didn't want to see me again, Skylar. But I couldn't get your music out of my mind, and I've been following the performances you've done since I saw you last. Why don't you give this another chance, and listen to me?"
Skylar shrugged. "Whatever, dude."
"Just listen. You have a good sound, and you should be recording music, not just playing crappy joints like this. I can get you that success, and I swear it's all legit. I won't expect any kind of personal interaction...unless of course, you want to..." Skylar frowned at that remark, and raised his hand, but Owen waved him off. "Just kidding."
"What's the catch?" Jace asked, folding his arms over his chest.
"No catch. I think you're going to be the next big thing, and I want to be part of that." Owen held out an envelope. "Read this over, get a lawyer to read it over, and get back to me, whenever you feel ready. The deal is good, and we can work on the details if you decide to take it. What d'you think?"
Jace took the envelope, before looking at Skylar. "We can check it out, right?"
"Sure, I guess. Lexie's husband is a lawyer, I'm sure he'll look at it for us."
"Good, whatever it takes. I'll be waiting to hear from you. My office number and cell number are both listed on the letter." Owen nodded decisively, and left them alone again.
"Is this for real?" Skylar mused, looking at the typed pages quickly.
"It sounds like it, Sky." Jace raised a shot glass of tequila in a toast.
"I'm not gonna get excited until Mark says it's okay." But Skylar grinned anyway, taking one more shot of tequila as well, and downing it. Then he grabbed Jace and kissed him quickly. "And if it's for real, then it's gonna be epic!"
"Mer, have you tried these lemon tarts?" Cristina demanded, holding up a half devoured piece of pastry. "I mean, they're awesome!"
"Yes, I have, but they're supposed to be for after dinner, along with the cake," Meredith laughed, rocking Aiden in her arms. They were in the kitchen, where Meredith had been feeding the baby.
"Can't help it, I'm starving." Cristina snagged another tart. "I've been so busy getting ready for the new show I forget to eat sometimes. If you hadn't called to remind me, I wouldn't even be here now."
"Well, I think the burgers will be ready soon. Let's go outside, this little lamb is ready to make an appearance. You want to hold him?"
"Um, no…babies aren't my forte, Mer. You look good with him, though."
"It's amazing how quickly you adapt," Meredith said, as they wandered outside. "So if you've been immersed in your artwork, you probably haven't been dating either?"
"No time," Cristina shrugged. "So, how's Skylar doing in the music biz?"
"Funny you should mention that, apparently Owen tracked them down when they were playing in LA and offered them a new contract. Mark's going to look it over for them today."
"Really?"
"Cristina, spill...I know you had something to do with that," Meredith said, noting her friend's too innocent expression.
"What? Oh, all right, I may have had a talk with Owen and told him to stop thinking with his dick, and sign Skylar and Jace before someone else did. God, men are all alike sometimes, whether they're gay or straight," Cristina sighed.
Meredith laughed, cuddling Aiden closely. "Well, whatever you said, it worked. Thank you."
"I'm sure he'd have come around to it sooner or later, but a little nudge never hurts. Now where is that food?"
"I think they're almost done." Meredith looked over to where Derek had commandeered Aria and Skylar to help with the barbeque.
"Thank god, I'm gonna wander over there and see if I can steal something!"
"Okay, I'm handing this little one over to his Grandma." Meredith made her way along the pathway to where Emily was holding court at the head of the table. There wasn't a big crowd, mainly close neighbors and friends, all chatting happily and enjoying the best wines of both Twisted Vines and Silver Moon. Several packages were set on the table, waiting for after dinner. "Here's your grandson, all fed and happy," she said, handing Aiden over.
"Hello sweetheart, don't you look happy," Emily greeted him, tucking Aiden against the crook of her arm.
"Can you hold him for a few minutes? I have to get one last gift."
"I think you've spoiled me enough already. That pile is bigger than it should be."
"Oh, just one more thing!"
Meredith headed towards the house again, pausing to speak with Derek along the way. "How's the cook doing?" she asked, kissing his cheek.
"He's a slave driver," Aria complained.
Derek flicked a towel towards his sister's butt. "Flip those burgers…no backtalk."
Aria stuck her tongue out at him, but grinned just the same. She was feeling better than ever, holding her grade averages at high levels, and she was happy to be at home, no matter what. "No kissing then…" she teased Derek back, "you'll corrupt my delicate senses."
"Oh, hardly…" Derek rolled his eyes, before wrapping one arm around Meredith and kissing her soundly. "Mmm…I don't want to let you go…"
"Later, Derek, we can misbehave I promise," she murmured, feeling the heat rise between them.
"I like the sound of that," he whispered back, adding another little dirty comment in her ear that made her giggle. Then he let her go, watching her walk away, admiring the gentle sway of her hips in her lemon yellow dress.
"God, you two are impossible," Aria laughed.
"Wait till you fall in love, Aria. I'm sure you'll be just as bad, and I'll pay you back for every snarky comment you've made."
"Never happen, Derek. I'm focused on my career, no time for romance."
"Just be happy, Aria," he said, more seriously. "That's all I want for you."
"I know. But right now that makes me happy, seriously, Der…" she smiled up at him. "You deserve every gooey moment with Meredith, and my favorite nephew!"
Derek hugged her quickly. "Thanks, Aria."
Meredith reappeared a short time later, waving at Derek to get his attention. He nodded, and made his way over to where she was waiting. "Is our surprise ready?" he asked, looking over her shoulder, catching sight of Mark and Lexie, with baby Victoria in her arms. "Good to see you two. Ready for your grand entrance?"
"You bet, we can't wait to see the look on Emily's face!" Lexie beamed. Victoria waved her chubby fist happily. She was dressed in a lilac sundress, her dark hair up in a little topknot with a tiny bow.
"I can't get over how big she is already." Meredith tickled Victoria's foot till she giggled.
"Growing like a weed, and repeating everything we say," Mark groaned. "Just wait till your kid does the same!"
"Can't wait," Derek grinned. "C'mon, let's go."
They led the way outside, and Emily looked up in surprise. "Oh goodness, how lovely that you two came for my birthday!"
"Mom, this kind of a present for you," Derek told her. "Mark and Lexie are moving to Tuscany Valley, they've bought a house not far from here. Happy birthday." He kissed her cheek, and lifted Aiden from her arms, so she could embrace everyone.
"What...are you serious?" Emily was overcome with emotion. "So I can see you more often, and babysit for you and spoil this sweet little girl?"
"All of the above, Emily," Lexie grinned. "And I can come help out at the bakery again. You have no idea how much I've missed that, and you and everyone!"
Ellis joined them, catching the last part of the conversation. "So you're moving here? I'm so glad."
Meredith glanced up at Derek, who raised his eyebrows. "I think she's mellowing," she whispered. "It's the baby effect I think."
"Whatever it is, I'm glad," he whispered back, squeezing her hand. Ellis might not have been the greatest mother in the world, but she and Meredith had gotten closer in the last year. Maybe it was the baby effect, or less stress since she sold the winery, but he was happy the family was more united now.
"I couldn't ask for a better birthday gift," Emily smiled, wiping away happy tears. "You children are the best!"
"Let's have a drink then, and enjoy this party!"
Later, once everyone had gone home, and Aiden was tucked in his crib, Derek found Meredith curled up in the window seat in their bedroom, wearing a silky camisole and drawstring pajama pants. "Alone at last," he grinned, sitting beside her and pulling her into his lap. "I have a present for you too."
"Well, it's not my birthday, or our anniversary," she mused, "or are you talking about something intimate?" She could feel the sudden throb of his arousal behind her, and her body responded.
"Funny girl," he teased. "But now that you mention that, there is that as well, and you did promise to misbehave tonight." He kissed the back of her neck, so that she shivered.
"What else did you have in mind?"
"Close your eyes."
"What?"
"Mer..."
"Oh all right," she sighed, closing her eyes. She felt Derek move slightly, and then she heard paper rustling.
"Okay."
Meredith opened her eyes, to find a piece of paper in front of her face. "This is it, a piece of paper? No gift wrap, no bows?"
"Simple is best."
"Smug doesn't suit you, Derek," Meredith laughed, snatching the paper out of his fingers. She scanned the few lines quickly, and then turned around to look up at him, her eyes wide. "Tuscany? We're going to Italy? But when...? What about Aiden?"
"We can take him, of course. You think I'm about to leave the heir of Twisted Vines at home?" Derek asked, kissing her temple. "So long as he's at least a few months old, there's no problem as far as airlines are concerned. However...this is going to be a private jet, so no worrying about upsetting other passengers if he starts fussing. I haven't booked a specific day yet, this is just to let you know it's something we can plan for. I told you I wanted to take you there someday, and I want that day to be soon."
Meredith blinked away the happy tears that came to her eyes as she turned around to throw her arms around him. "You're spoiling me, Derek, thank you so much!"
"It's for all of us, but yes, I know how much you wanted to go," he replied, holding her close. "I love spoiling you and our son."
"What about running things here?"
"I spoke with Ellis about that, and she's willing to keep an eye on things whenever we go away. I think Mom and Lexie would be more than happy to look after Aiden, but I don't think we want to leave him at home."
Meredith shook her head. "No, this is our family now; I don't want to miss out on anything with either one of you. I love you so much, Derek."
"And you know how much I love you, Meredith," he whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. He nuzzled her throat, sending little quivers along her spine. His hands cupped her breasts, and felt the nipples jutting out through the silky material of her camisole. He rubbed his palms across them lazily, and she felt the delicious ache in her core intensify, wanting him. His lips traveled down the column of her throat, and along her shoulder, pushing the strap down her arm. "Are you ready for this? I don't want to rush you," he asked huskily, suddenly consumed with desire to have her naked in his arms.
"I'm so ready, Derek," she assured him, melting into him. "So very ready..."
Warm, delicious heat flooded through her, as his strong sure hands ran down her back, molding her to him as she straddled his lap. She lost herself in the kiss, his tongue driving her to distraction and beyond. He groaned, shifting her across his erection, and she could feel how hard he was for her. His mouth slid to her neck, licking her skin, then slid back to suck and nibble on her lip again.
His hands moved across her thighs, stroking her with increasing urgency, before easing the loose pants down her hips. His fingers delved against the wet folds he exposed, and she bit back a tiny moan. "You are so hot and so wet," he said softly. "I want to be right here," he continued, his finger sliding into her, "right now," twisting it slowly inside of her, "making you come around me." Listening to his voice, she almost came in that moment, and she squirmed in his lap. "Just like that," he murmured, licking the warm skin exposed by the low scoop of her camisole, just about at her nipples by then. Meredith's breath was ragged and she started to grind against him as he kept stroking her.
"You are so bad," she whispered in his ear, tangling her fingers in his curls. But then she was overcome by the heat building in her core, and she surrendered to the sudden climax that shot through her. She gasped and hung onto him, almost dizzy from the pleasure. "Take me to bed, Derek, it's been too long…"
"Yes, it has," he agreed, managing to stand up to carry her to the bed. Her pajamas skimmed away, and she eagerly pushed his shirt off his chest. Since he had taken over the winery, he spent as much time working outside as he could, and it showed in the definition of his chest, and the muscles of his arms. Even his hands were a little more calloused, adding a certain roughness to their intimacy. She ran her fingertips down his abdomen, towards his groin and the top edge of his jeans. He closed his eyes as her small hands worked the zipper down, freeing him to her touch.
"Are you trying to kill me, woman?" he asked her, not opening his eyes, but shifting his body so that she was able to explore where she wanted to. She lifted up on her toes to kiss him, and it took all of five seconds for him to give in to her, and slide his hand up to place his palm over her breast, as her small teeth nibbled at his bottom lip. He surrendered to her kiss, feeling the heat between them again. All she had to do was breathe on him to turn him on.
For long moments, they kissed and caressed, and it felt like it could go on forever that way, reduced to taste and touch, sight and sound and scent. It was pure eroticism on their skin. His heat was hers, the taste of him was the taste of her.
She stroked the growing hardness of his cock, enjoying his response to her touches. Pushing him gently onto the bed, she trailed kisses down his chest, as her hand still kneaded and teased him. Taking him slowly into her mouth, feeling the silky skin warm and pulsing against her lips, she swirled her tongue around him gently. Just enough to make him throw his head back against the pillows, and stifle his groan in his throat. She licked him carefully up and down, tracing the veins with the tip of her tongue. He was fully aroused, as she continued to stroke and suck him, her own little noises of satisfaction thrummed against him, increasing the level of his pleasure. Her hair fanned across his belly, long strands catching on the dark hair that arrowed down his abdomen. As he watched her with half-closed eyes, she ran her tongue up the length of him, and down again. He arched up off the bed, his body suffused with pleasure, moving in rhythm with her mouth.
"God, Meredith, you're going to do me in if you're not careful—"he warned her, his voice hoarse. Her only response was to slide one hand up his chest, and he caught her fingers and brought them up to his lips. He sucked on her fingers as she sucked on him, in matching sensual rhythm. Then he took her hand, and slipping the fingers from his mouth, slowly stroked the palm with his tongue. He traced down her wrist, and upwards along her forearm, pulling her upwards, until she had to release him and give him her mouth.
Needing her, wanting her, Derek's kiss was demanding, and she slid closer, giving herself over to him. He licked her lips, tasting himself on her, consumed by the pure eroticism of making love with her. Both of them were now covered in fine sweat, their skin touching everywhere, making him growl in his throat.
As she eased herself upward, and their hands caught, she slid down onto him in a fluid movement, catching her breath at how good it felt to be joined with him again. So hot, Meredith thought lazily, it felt like they were fusing, melting together into one being. Wordlessly, Derek pulled her mouth down to his again, and lost himself in just kissing her, thrusting into her, as they slowly moved together. Her body clenched as her small cries of climax were swallowed by his kiss. The wave of her release washed over him, and dragged him under with her. He held her captive, and they shared more soul deep kisses as they recovered, too content to move.
"That was worth waiting for," Derek muttered, once he could speak again.
"Have we made up for lost time?"
"Mmm...it's a start," he teased her, letting his fingers toy with her hair as she curled against him. "I mean, we have to try that bendy thing again...and in the tub...and..."
"Shh..." Meredith smiled, placing her fingers over his lips. "I just heard Aiden start to cry, we'll have to hold that thought."
Derek caught her hand and kissed her fingertips. "Always, Meredith, I'll always be here for you...now let's go check on our son."
They dressed quickly, and Meredith went to lift the fussing infant from the crib. Derek rested his hand on her back as she rocked Aiden gently to calm him down, meeting her eyes over the baby's head. Nothing else mattered; this was their happily ever after...