The next morning Meredith hurries to pack the last few things in the suitcase, leaning on it to close it completely. When Derek comes out of the bathroom, he starts to laugh. "Mer, how much stuff are you taking?"

She rakes her hair out of her eyes in frustration. "Well, you never know what you need, shoes or whatever. I want to make sure I'm prepared. And don't just laugh – come here and help me."

"Yes, ma'am," he grins, leaning down to flatten the bulging suitcase and wrest the zipper closed around it. "There." He pulls her into a hug, kissing her nose. "What would you do without me?"

"I don't know – never be able to close my suitcase?" she teases him. Her eyes catch the little diamond on her finger, and she still can't quite believe it's real. She looks up at him. "Does your Mom know about…the ring.. and everything?"

"She knows, but none of the girls do. It's gonna be a big surprise for them when we get home."

"And is she okay about it? I mean…"

"Mer, she's happy – believe me."

"Okay. So, we should get going I guess…"

"Yeah, we should," he says, lowering his head, and kissing her softy. "Now, before we get carried away and miss the plane…"

Meredith giggles a little, but pulls away, straightening her cranberry color sweater. "Just let me run in and say good bye to Jenny. I'll be right out!"

"Sure, I'll just take the bags out."

Meredith knocks softly on Jenny's door, before cracking it open. The last thing she wants to do is walk in on her with Mark. Now that would be awkward. "Hey, Mer, it's okay – it's just me." Jenny sits up and yawns. "Totally awesome concert last night – seriously, it's too bad you missed it."

"Guess what?" Meredith asks, bouncing on the bed. "Guess what Derek gave me for Christmas?"

"Already? He couldn't wait…"

Meredith thrusts her hand out in front of Jenny, unable to keep it inside. "Look!"

"Ohmigod!!" Jenny squeals, grabbing Meredith's hand, and inspecting it. "Is this…what I think it is?"

Meredith nods, beaming. "Yes! He asked me to marry him, can you believe it?"

Jenny throws her arms around Meredith, both of them giggling and crying, trying to talk at the same time. "Congratulations, Mer…this is so sweet…"

"I know it's gonna be a long time before we actually get married, but …"

"I'm happy for you, really. You guys are the best thing for each other – you're gonna be happy forever. I know it."

They both laugh and hug each other again. "Meredith – we should get going!" Derek's voice interrupts them, as he lounges in the doorway, already in his coat.

"Sorry, we've got to go," Meredith says. "Have a super Christmas – good luck with Mark and the family."

"You too, Mer. And congrats, Derek!"

"Thanks, Jenny. Tell Mark I'll call him after I get home. Look after him, okay?"

"I will – you know it." Then she jumps up and runs to her closet, bringing back a small wrapped box. "Here – almost forgot in all this excitement."

"Yours is under the tree, okay? I hope you like it."

"Mer…gotta go…." Derek turns to leave.

"Okay – bye Jen – take care."

"Have a safe trip – see you in January!"

--

The weather cooperates, and the flight leaves on time, with Meredith snuggled in beside Derek, their hands laced together, her head on his shoulder. "I can't believe you actually danced last night, Derek."

"It was all for you, baby," he laughs. "Nobody else gets me to dance, believe me."

"Aw…I feel so special."

"You are…"

Meredith smiles at the memory of last night – of moving slowly around the tiny apartment living room, swaying together. It would be forever in her memory, the night he proposed, and the closeness they shared. Feeling the heat of his body through the soft satin of the nightgown, where his hands rested on her waist.

"So…did I tell you how much I love this on you?" Derek whispers, running his hand along her hip, over the flowing material. "You look amazingly sexy…."

"Hmmm, I think you mentioned it, yes…"

"Well, you should wear it more often."

He turns and without warning, dips her backwards, so that she giggles and finds herself staring up into his dark eyes. "I can do that. If I'd known how much you liked it before I'd have worn it sooner…"

"I like…" he assures her. Then his mouth brushes her skin, tickling the soft swell of her breast that curves along beneath the low neckline. Then across her nipples that beg for more, rising against the satin. The tiny straps start to slide from her shoulders, as he continues to feather kisses along her skin. Meredith feels the heat and desire rising again, and he suddenly picks her up, and she wraps her arms around his neck. "Bed, this time honey…"

He lets her down onto the bed, looking at her for a long moment, before he joins her. In the dim light, the soft music still playing in the background, with the white satin nightgown clinging in some places, dipping low in others, she looks more beautiful than he can say. With a little smile, she holds her hand out to him, pulling him down beside her. "Der…are you okay?" she asks, putting her hand to his lips.

"I'm just thinking how lucky I am, and how beautiful you are. I'm so glad that it was raining that night, and the power went out…."

Meredith sighs happily. "I know – but we probably would've gotten together sooner or later, don't you think?

"I know, but now we have a nice story to tell the grandkids…" he laughs softly, running his hand down the satin that covers her body, caressing her with the sensual touch. "We just won't share all the details…"

"…probably best…" Meredith moans, feeling the satin against her skin, under the sure touch of his hands. Slowly the gown moves out of the way, and his hands are on her, and then his mouth, claiming her with kisses and licks, so that she rises to meet him. His fingers gently touch her, sliding into her, just as tenderly as the first time, seeking her wetness, her feminine arousal. Then touching his tongue to her, so that she whimpers, stroking and sucking, until she comes, in waves that rush through her.

The plane hits some turbulence, jostling Meredith out of her thoughts, and she blinks up at Derek. "Hey, you were sleeping…?"

"No..just thinking, I guess…" She reaches up to pull him close, finding his mouth, kissing him long and sweet. Losing herself in the kiss, and the love that she feels, never wanting to let him go, until they are both breathless.

"Are you okay?" he asks, searching her eyes.

"Yes..I really am…" she replies, putting her head on his shoulder again, falling into a contented and peaceful sleep.