Part 3: Fools In Love
Chapter 35

Thursday October 17, 2013-

"Meredith! Come on! We're going to be late!" Izzie screamed up the stairs.

"I'm coming!" Meredith yelled back as she tripped over a pair of black heels, slamming into the side of her desk, "Ow, shit," she mumbled under her breath before grabbing the shoe and looking around her disheveled room for the other one.

"No one cares what you look like tonight, it's not like it's actually your wedding or anything!" Cristina complained, annoyed.

"I care!" Meredith yelled as she pulled the newly discovered heel out from under her bed and slipped it on.

"Come on! Everyone is going to be waiting!" Izzie yelled again.

"I'm coming!" Meredith yelled again as she hurried down the stairs.

"You look great, Mer," Izzie said looking at her friend who was wearing a cute lavender sweater, flattering black dress pants, and cute heels. "Matches the wedding."

"Yeah," Meredith said as she grabbed her purse.

"For two hours, I don't think she looks that great," Cristina mumbled under her breath as they made their way to the rehearsal dinner.

"Darling, the rehearsal was perfect. The wedding is going to be perfect tomorrow," Ryan's mom said as she bent over and kissed Meredith's cheek.

"Thank you," Meredith said looking up to her as she stood up straight again.

"I'm so excited!" she said genuinely, "And just so you know," she whispered towards Meredith, "You were right about the dinner dish. Ryan shouldn't be able to chose anything."

Meredith laughed looking down at the untouched plate in front of her, "Yeah, I was never really one for fish," she lied, knowing the real reason for losing her appetite.

"Neither was anyone in our family, just Ryan," she said. "Well, it is getting late and tomorrow is going to be a busy day! You go home and get some sleep," she said as she placed her hand on Meredith's arm lovingly, "Don't let him keep you up all night."

Meredith laughed a little uncomfortably, "I won't."

"Good," she said as she began to walk over to Ryan.

He stood up from the wedding party's table and hugged her, kissing her on the cheek, "See you tomorrow, Mom."

"The day you become a married man," his father added as he shook Ryan's hand.

"Yeah," Ryan said sounding a little overwhelmed. He heard a beep and looked down, "Crap." He pulled off his pager and looked down at Meredith, "Mer, I'm so sorry. I know, it's the night before our wedding, but I'm not on leave until-"

"It's fine," Meredith jumped in with a convincing tone, "I understand. I am a doctor to you know?"

"I know, I'm sorry," he said as he grabbed his jacket and bent down to kiss Meredith, "I'll get in there and see if Derek can take the case or something."

Meredith's smile disappeared when Derek's name entered the conversation. She looked down before recovering and then looked back up at Ryan, "Okay, take your time. It's okay if you do have to go into surgery.

"I love you, Meri," he said kissing her again. "I'll see you as soon as I can," Ryan said as he turned and walked out.