Disclaimer: I don't own Grey's Anatomy, et al.

Author's Note: So ... here we are, the last chapter of this story, can you believe it? So, as you read, think full circles and imagine their brilliant future, because you'll be privy to it all. I sincerely hope you enjoy it and how things continue to come together for Meredith and Derek and the people around them.

And the song, the song ... James Taylor and Carly Simon, man ... when they were aligned, they were really something special and I kind of like to think Meredith and Derek deserve it, don't you ... the something special.

It's funny, I was just thinking the other night how I guess I could have written a chapter for every week of Meredith's pregnancy, but then I remembered how I came up with the idea for the sequel in the first place, lol.

So yeah … there is a sequel to this story, which will follow the very long, six-part epilogue (all told about 150 pages, a ficlet unto itself) … so, don't be sad, there is a lot more to be told … ENJOY!

Chapter 20 – Close Your Eyes

Lyrics for James Taylor's' "Close Your Eyes":

Well the sun is surely sinking down,
but the moon is slowly rising.
So this old world must still be spinning around,
and I still love you.

Chorus
So close your eyes;
you can close your eyes, it's all right.
I don't know no love songs,
and I can't sing the blues any more.
But I can sing this song,
and you can sing this song
when I'm gone.

It won't be long before another day.
We're gonna have a good time.
And no one's gonna take that time away.
You can stay as long as you like.

###

Chapter 20 – Close Your Eyes – Part 1 of 2

The good feelings amongst the friends continued without incident – with the toxic energy between Cristina and Burke uncoupled – balance was naturally and seamlessly restored, and almost overnight. Alex and Izzie returned from their impromptu trip – suntanned and completely joined at the hip – so happy and sated that even the tension between Alex and George had all but passed out to sea. The roommates (less Cristina) – the makeshift family, the pack, the unit – had not only weathered the storm, but survived it too … on all accounts – they were survivors – every last one of them.

Which left them where they presently were, back to business as usual – captivated with bated breath, gossiping at lunch – listening intensely now as Meredith explained the terms of Burke's immediate departure from Seattle Grace, having told Derek the previous evening (and somewhat in confidence) that he was surprised by Cristina's abrupt departure … but overall he felt the Chief's decision to stay on board indefinitely left him no other choice but to leave and seek 'something better … somewhere else'.

In the end, Burke left a letter for Cristina in Derek's care – which raised some eyebrows at the table of friends – along with Alex muttering something about 'bleeding heart letters', shaking his head, all the while playfully winking at Meredith as he stuffed another bite of his sandwich into his mouth.

"So, do you guys want to come for dinner one night this week?" Izzie asked Meredith, expertly changing the subject – she locked eyes with her friend and smiled – enough was enough in her opinion … let Cristina come back from Yemen and then they would really have to diffuse the bomb, until then, she wanted to enjoy the calm and peace as she fought to reside in the aftershocks of euphoric bliss … remnants from her trip with Alex.

"We can't … we're moving into the cabin the day after tomorrow," Meredith replied with a smile, the men looked up from their lunches, Alex raised his brow. "But you'll all come over next week … check it out, it's really something," she smiled.

"Do you love it, can you believe it? You're moving in together, like for real," Izzie gushed; her eyes sparkling as she did – her friend was happy, truly happy and so was she – her smile grew wider now, could it be that they all really had turned a corner, just like that?

"I do … the cabin … Derek, he really did an amazing job with everything," Meredith breathed as an even calm covered her like a cloak. "He'll be off the day we move, just final stuff now, the decorator, she really handled it all, everything we need, we have… our bedroom furniture comes today, the place is perfect," she smiled, thinking now about the simple furnishings they chose – rustic ebony wood with pine accents, warm neutral tones, ecru, tan, rust, gold, all natural and organic fibers, the result both pleasing to the touch and to the eye they were blessed and so was their home.

"So you're all set," Izzie said … they were all growing up and taking responsibility, hard to believe and yet – it was all perfectly natural – like the stars were finally aligned.

"The timing's perfect … I'm still feeling really good, not too pregnant, in some ways it feels like a new beginning," she mused happily, her cheeks heated ever so slightly.

Alex took in the conversation between the two women, slowly eating his lunch, paying special attention to the happiness etched along their faces. Meredith was pregnant, the reality set in more and more each week as he watched her outlook change – she'd grown up … she was already a mother in too many ways to count – and Izzie … she was happy, they were all happy, perhaps happier than they had been in months and while only time would tell what would happen once the dust settled, for now … it was enough – Shepherd had done right by Meredith – and in truth it felt like years had passed since he stood outside the hospital with that letter in his hands and let the perfectly coiffed neurosurgeon have it.

He pressed his lips together and stole a glance at Izzie for a beat – her flushed cheeks and happy eyes, bright and shining – and then he smiled broadly inside the private moment because much like Meredith predicted … Izzie found her way back to him – she trusted him and she might even love him – his heart quaked, because he really did … love her. He smiled and made a sidelong glance at O'Malley, even he was happy … totally into the game now; he was happier and more confident than Alex had ever seen him before. It was amazing what the passage of time could do … and in only two short months.

"So … sixteen weeks … right?" Izzie asked with a smile.

"Yeah … sixteen weeks, tomorrow … another milestone," Meredith breathed, her eyes shining now.

Meredith looked at each of her friends then, taking in their familiarity and loyalty – her mind also on Ketut and Owen – she wouldn't be here without them, without their influence, she knew that much and as time and her pregnancy moved forward, she couldn't help but to think about those early weeks when she felt like she had no one to ground her … except for them.

She often thought about Derek and Darwin and typically her heart shook with joy at the memory of telling him – of showing him – just what the power of 'them' looked like. For that night was one to remember for now and for all time … it marked an innate change in Derek and the way he looked at her and felt about her – it sealed their fate – and Meredith would forever remember how beautiful he looked as she watched his dreams became his reality. She smiled and caught Alex's eyes; he smiled tightly.

"I know you're gonna do the whole 'granola-lover-tree-hugger' natural childbirth thing," Alex interjected … his more stern eyes met Meredith's this time. Izzie nudged his side in gentle protest; he promptly ignored her. George cleared his throat loudly. "What? Can't a guy ask a question?" he chided with a smirk.

"As long as you're a nice guy … then yes," Izzie answered.

"I am nice … a lot nicer than I used to be," he muttered in response before he met Meredith's eyes once more. "So … have you found a midwife? A good one? You know, you can't just get anyone," he said seriously, because he knew, after the months he spent on Addison's service, he knew exactly what it took to birth a baby.

He also knew what Meredith and Derek wanted – they all did and no one wanted to discourage their plans – except the difference was, Alex wasn't gonna hesitate to bring it up, because it all sounded good on paper … it all sounded good and holistic and wonderful … until the contractions started. Then all the sound and rational judgment … all the plans could be carried off in the wind.

"Alex … yes … our midwife, Jyothi, comes very highly recommended, she's one of the most progressive midwives in the region, her mother is also a midwife and her mother before her … she was one of the greats," Meredith answered, tolerant of his concerns – and completely used to his guileless delivery by now – she smiled tightly.

"Your mother was one of the greats," George offered with a smile, doing his best to diffuse the tension.

"She was," Meredith smiled, thankful for the momentary reprieve from Alex's inquisition.

"You're at least going get an ultrasound aren't you?" Izzie asked, trying her best to keep herself level – the idea of giving birth still raw and uncensored to her, for she was just a child herself … she knew nothing, it was complicated for her and still was – despite the passage of a decade's worth of time.

"Whoa, whoa leave the pregnant lady alone," George protested gently, flicking his eyes up to Meredith's before he began to open his chocolate cupcake.

"Yes and yes … c'mon guys … look – Jyothi understands what we want, we trust her … she has privileges here and we have an ultrasound later today – so we're all set," Meredith breathed, pushing her salad around for a beat.

"So … you can have the baby here? That's great," Izzie surmised; her relief evident, making brief eye contact with Alex. She smiled widely.

"Oh no – we're having the baby at home – not here, I couldn't …," Meredith sighed.

Looking up she found three pairs of wide, bulging eyes – and she was fully ready for the onslaught of resistance she thought she would face – they were medical doctors and surgeons to boot … the idea of holistic medicine and natural childbirth was not how these people were trained to think! They lived by the laws of modern medical interventions. And so did she and Derek … until now, or until it came to this.

"Um … seriously?" Izzie asked, her voice approaching a near screech. "Alex … say something! C'mon George!" she admonished in a harsh whisper, but the players became quiet.

"What?" Meredith asked with a smirk. "Just go with it," she giggled, her hand resting on her belly now … 'there, there'.

"Seriously?" Alex asked.

"Really … seriously?" George asked.

"Say more than that, c'mon guys!" Izzie snorted, her hands flying up in protest.

"You live in the middle of nowhere," George offered matter-of-factly and that was all he was gonna say on the subject … after all it was their baby ... it was their life and Meredith didn't have two uteruses or anything, so no harm no foul in his book.

"He raises the point, what if something happens?" Alex asked pointedly.

"Look Meredith," Izzie sighed. "I would normally just smile and nod my head –"

"You so would not!" Alex cackled, his playful eyes sparkling now.

"Alex!" she laughed. "I would – well, I would try to be that supportive friend – the one who just goes with the flow, but Meredith … are you sure about this?" she asked seriously. "Think about it – you need to take a ferryboat to even get to the hospital – a ferryboat, wait on the dock, at the mercy of the schedule, what if something happens! Anything could happen," she breathed; her heart racing.

"Ferryboats are completely reliable … they're dependable and typically on time too," Meredith defended, her brow arched.

Little did they know – the home she was talking about was theirs – her mother's house. She smiled sweetly, taking a slice of mango from the small container in front of her, she let the elixir soothe her throat ... mango, mango, mango, Bali, Bali, Bali, Ketut, Wayan … Wayan, his dark eyes flashed in and out of her mind, she let them go.

"Meredith, I can't believe Derek is all right with this," Izzie muttered in disbelief.

She smiled, for in truth … he wasn't, well, he was now, now that they had come to a compromise – natural childbirth within a safe distance of the hospital – it was true, originally she had wanted to birth the baby at home, on their land … but in the end – as confident as she was in her readiness and the process of natural childbirth and even though she would be doing the 'work' – she also wanted Derek to be in the moment with her and free from worry. Really, all she wanted to see was his confident blue eyes staring back at her that day, because as well-read as she was, one thing was for certain … she would need him. And so they compromised and her mother's house was the tie-breaker.

"Women have babies naturally all the time – hell, we just got back from a third world country for crying out loud – it's perfectly natural, we'll be fine … we will," Meredith breathed – her eyes wide and happy and accepting – her energy vibrant, her belief in her words, evident … her heart raced.

"You're healthy," George stated evenly. "You can do this," he nodded with encouragement; he at least could be that friend … the supportive one who nodded. He smiled weakly.

"I am … I can do this," Meredith agreed with a smile.

###

Derek scrubbed out of his surgery and glanced at the overhead clock – he had about ten minutes to spare – never before had a routine craniotomy been so perfectly timed. He stepped out of the scrub room and into the brighter hallway; his heart and mind teaming with excitement over the prospect of seeing their baby in full form … now twice the age in-utero than the first time he set his eyes on their miracle.

Fractional images of that night flooded his mind akin to their cherished tsunami – the night that changed everything, the one he would never forget, the one that made him move and change and grow – the one that tied him to Meredith Grey for all time.

Derek pressed his lips together and headed toward the elevator – he was going to be a father – well … he already was and always would be. Wayan's peaceful aura hovered over him for a beat in time, their boy … was safe and happy now. Having just spoken to Ketut two days ago, Derek was assured they were fine, the clinic had been busy as predicted and Wayan was more than fine, he relaxed and happy – his nightmares of the tsunami were dwindling, the mudslide also an event he had moved on from – Derek smiled broadly in response and soaked up Wayan's serene energy, allowing it to maintain it's hold on him for now – while his mind wandered, milliseconds in time, shutter, shutter, shutter – as cherished memories flooded his thoughts again until all of a sudden he was right back where the journey started on that blessed night just eight weeks ago.

It was a simple truth; over the last two months, there were a multitude of defining moments – time after time after time – abundant memories that were equally rich and inspiring and enthralling. Yes, it had been the most fruitful time in his life thus far and any number of those momentous events could take him back … make him remember everything he and Meredith had gone through to arrive on the other side … together.

And in large part his spiritual awakening afforded him the ability step back into those moments, so skilled and practiced was he now that all Derek had to do was close his eyes and with relative ease, he could get right back to any one of those cherished memories – yes, all it took was a second, a flicker, a shutter, a desire – and he was back in Darwin, for example having just been reunited with Meredith … on the verge of realizing just how deeply entrenched their connection would be … forevermore.

God, even thinking about it now, he could feel his emotions spring out of control just like they did that night – he remembered now, clear as day, as the realization dawned on him – all he could think was 'she's pregnant, I love her, I'm in love, so in love' … over and over again, silently repeating his mantra as he came to realize – she was pregnant and the baby shouldn't have survived – except the miracle of 'them' was so powerful that itdefied the odds and did just that … survived.

And without question too … with a strong, vibrant heartbeat and two parents who cherished that new life with every fiber of their collective beings until – all of the angst and obstacles were gone with the changing wind – and only the opportunity for growth and rebirth ... and birth remained.

Stepping onto the elevator, Derek's thoughts drifted to their midwife – Jyothi Young – a Tibetan-born generational midwife who came to the States about ten years ago after she met and fell in love with a colleague of Mark's, Bob Young. Young was a pediatric reconstruction surgeon specializing in the repair of cleft palates, the man was a genius according to most and a well-known philanthropist according to all who knew him.

Jyothi met Bob when he visited her village set along the foothills of the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. The pair took an instant liking to one another and after years of trying to live and survive apart from one another; Bob finally convinced Jyothi's family of his innate desire to make a life with their beloved daughter. And to that point – he constructed a health clinic in the family's remote nomadic area – one which would eventually prove to decrease the infant and birthing mother mortality rates by a staggering degree.

Derek and Meredith took an instant liking to both Bob and Jyothi and found themselves drawn to their bright human spirit and selflessness. They were healers and it came naturally – and in Jyothi – Meredith found someone she could trust to be vulnerable and open with … a stand-in for Ketut. Likewise, Derek found someone (someone other than Ketut) with whom he could trust to care for Meredith and their unborn child – and in the end she was more than a blessing for the lovers – she was their peace of mind.

Derek rounded the corner and made his way down to Meredith's office as planned. Peeking through the window as he approached he saw she was alone … and then he smiled, for he loved those impromptu stolen moments they found whilst at work, especially now that the drama was averted, with Cristina safely tucked away in Yemen (and yes he knew just how backward that sounded), and Burke leaving with haste, they could all breathe a little easier, the toxic air all but passed out to sea.

"Hey," he greeted, smiling broadly from his place just inside the doorway. Meredith looked up; her blond hair perfectly framing her fuller face, her cheeks beautifully flushed.

"Hey," she replied with a wide smile, her green eyes sparkling like facets of emeralds against the dim florescent lighting, Derek smiled, latching onto those facets now, those pools of reflection he fell in love with over and over and over again. Damn, he loved her. He blinked and she blushed … and that was all it took.

He pressed his lips together and moved toward his lover, completely captivated by her and all she had become … just as he always was, but now – with their baby on the way – it was true (at least to him anyway) that Meredith's aura was wholly saturated with peace and the simple way she carried their child with intrinsic natural love and adoration was nothing short of miraculous.

Without moving his eyes from hers, he stepped further into the room while Meredith stood and stepped right into the familiarity of his arms.

Melting into one another – the lovers lost themselves for a single beat in time – lulled by proximity … her belly brushing against his, her arms low around his back, his lips pressed to her head through her hair, breathing her sweet essence – mango, vanilla, jasmine, hibiscus – he found her aura with ease and further submitted to her soulful energy ... they swayed, back and forth now, hopelessly lost and found yet again.

"Sixteen weeks, Derek," Meredith said, looking up to find Derek's ocean-blue eyes. He was happy … so happy … so radiant, it made her smile inside and out.

"Hmm … all I can think about is Darwin," Derek confessed, he watched Meredith's smile grow larger. "That night … changed everything, for me, for us," he sighed, his hands flanking her skull now before he kissed her sweet mango-lips.

"Me too … me too," Meredith said softly against his lips, relaxing into his heat. "Thank God we're together," she smiled, her eyes becoming glassy like a still lake. She dared herself to blink. "All I can think about is – the last time we saw the baby, there was so much – so much that needed to be said and promised and … lived up to," she whispered, reaching up, she lay her hand along the side of Derek's handsome face. He smiled under her touch, stepping closer still.

"And now?" he asked, leaning into her hand, he watched her smile this time. "Is there anything you'd want to change … anything at all?" he persisted as one small unfinished question sat on the tip of his tongue … a question he wanted to ask Meredith since Cristina departed.

"Derek?" Meredith asked, searching his eyes for more before she smiled. "No … there's nothing I would change – nothing about the past or the present or the future – I have and need everything I ever wanted … everything," she reassured, her heart quaking, surely about to give out in the name of love.

"I love you," Derek sighed before he kissed his woman, soft at first, then with more urgency, tasting her sweet tongue as she darted it along his again and again and again before she pulled back and her infectious giggle filled the hot air between them.

"And I love you and … I really need to pee," she blurted out. Derek chuckled, taking her hands in his.

"Lets go see our baby then," Derek smiled as they walked toward the door. "Where to?" he asked, lacing his fingers through hers as they walked hand-in-hand down the long, dim hallway.

"Jyothi's here, just setting up in room ten," Meredith answered squeezing his hand.

Derek mind raced, but his legs stopped just outside the examination room. He tugged on Meredith's hand, holding her back for a beat where she turned to find him – her eyes dancing back and forth along his face – he smiled and cocked his head … unsure if he should ask her, this one small thing, this gnawing question, but he wanted her to be happy, her happiness was everything to him. He stepped closer to her and allowed her warmth to encapsulate him now … was Bali calling? He wanted to know.

"Meredith," he breathed, he felt a smile cover his face as she sucked in a deep breath.

"Derek … tell me … whatever it is," Meredith encouraged … so, something was on his mind.

"I … before we go in there … I just want to say, what I'm trying to say is …," he sighed and took a deep breath. "Jyothi," he whispered, lacing his fingers through hers. "She's great and I know – I know I'm not imagining that – she is, she's wonderful … but …," he smiled, titling his head slightly.

"She's not Ketut," Meredith sighed in resignation.

"No … no … and well Cristina's gone, not married … and we came back and I know, I know … everything else is here, but if you – "

"Oh … come here," Meredith said softly moving into Derek's arms, she pressed a kiss to the underside of his neck, instantly calmed by his familiarity … it was true all she needed was him.

"Do you want to go back to Bali to have the baby?" he asked softly into the private moment, he watched her eyes become glassy. She stared at him. "Because we can … Meredith … nothing says we can't and I know we talked about this before but the wedding didn't go off and things are stressful or they were and if you want to go back to Ketut … we can, I just need you to know that," he whispered with haste, his eyes scanning hers.

"Oh … no … no," Meredith whispered. "Everything is perfect here – at home – stress and all … of course I want Ketut … of course I do … but Derek, Jyothi is wonderful and the clinic needs me … and the cabin, we're moving in together together forever, I want the cabin and you … just you," she sighed, thick tears filled her eyes, she released them. His lips found hers. "It's just … you know, it doesn't matter where the baby is born … as long as we're together," she said into his mouth.

"Home really is where the heart is," Derek muttered, pulsing his lips over hers for a long moment, he felt her relax in his arms and only then did he truly relax – they would stay home –Meredith was happy and that was all that really mattered to him.

"It is … and we are Derek … we're home already," she sighed into his heat and as she found his eyes, she knew they really were.

"We are, I know, I just want you to have what you need, what you want and what you see …," he smiled genuinely.

"I know you do … come on, lets go see this little one … then we can go home," she giggled, squeezing his hand.

###

Meredith sighed and closed her eyes, her hands found the more taut skin of her belly – 'it's just you and me kid' – she whispered, connecting for a beat whilst Derek stepped out to let Jyothi know she was ready, having followed her instructions to disrobe to her bra and panties and slip her gown, ties in the front. She moved the excess cotton fabric aside and glanced down to find her body in the fractured light, dim and soothing, perfect for ultrasound viewing.

She sighed and moved her hand down along her belly and back up to her heart where she left it, her black bra and panties contrasted the more pale tone to her skin … the last of her almond-tanned skin almost gone now too. She sighed into the quiet space – allowing her back to meld into the meager gurney mattress – focusing now on the sounds coming from the doorway off to the side, looking for any form of distraction … Bali, sun, heat, bright blue sky, rice terraces, Zen, Zen, Zen.

She smiled now thinking about Derek's offer to go back to Bali and realized that perhaps it really was true … there was nothing he wouldn't do for her, nothing.

The door slowly swung open – Jyothi breezed into the room like a breath of fresh air – she smiled broadly, Derek followed her inside and closed the door behind him. He peeked over her head and winked at Meredith who giggled and held her hand out for Jyothi.

"Meredith, you look radiant," she cooed grasping onto her outstretched hand. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her words slow and deliberate, the soft timbre of her voice filled the small room.

Meredith smiled and basked in Jyothi's energy for a beat, her black, wild locks cut in a bob to her chin, the dark liquid pools of her eyes were still and calm as expected. Derek was right, Jyothi was wonderful and much like Ketut, the woman exemplified peace – except the rays of sunlight did not follow her the way they did their Balinese treasure – for if only they did, Seattle would see more sun.

"I feel great," Meredith remarked, her eyes catching Derek's. "Everything is perfect," she smiled broadly now.

"Good, good … so let's get started," she stated evenly. "Derek, come stand here," she directed, pointing to the opposite side of the examination table.

Derek smiled and moved into position, he took Meredith's hand in his, she smiled. Jyothi turned her attention to the ultrasound computer, flicking the monitor on before making some cursory notes in her files. Derek took the moment to plant a warm kiss on Meredith's neck just above her collarbone, darting his tongue out, he swept it along her dewy flesh, her hands flew up to his neck as she breathed him in. Jyothi turned around and smiled at the scene before her.

"So … you two are … playful," she surmised evenly, her eyes dancing against the dim lights. Derek chuckled; making eye contact with the healer for a beat before Meredith's giggle filled the room.

"You have no idea," Meredith beamed thoughtfully, locking her eyes with her new confidant.

"Well, that's how it should be," Jyothi laughed. "So … you know this will be cold," she said softly, holding up a bottle of clear gel before she quickly applied a generous amount on the lower side of Meredith's abdomen and began to move the probe back and forth along her slippery flesh.

Meredith sneaked a peek at Derek, his eyes scanning the screen before them. She smiled and squeezed his hand, he looked down and met her eyes and she said without words – 'can you believe it … our baby … ours forever' – and he smiled in turn and also said without words – 'our baby, yours and mine, and yes I can … I can' – leaning down, he whispered into her ear.

"I have no words ... only love," his chest tightened with pride and joy and everything in between. He kissed her sweet flesh, the underside of her neck as thunderous sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the space all around them. Meredith gasped and they both turned to the monitor.

whump, whump, whump

"Oh wow …," muttered Derek, training his eyes on the monitor for a long moment.

He heard Meredith ask Jyothi something and although he had no idea what she asked – he knew this much – it was a symphony, pure and simple … his lover's melodic voice harmonizing with the baby now, making it all so real and true; the baby was fine, they were going to be parents. He stared at the screen for a moment longer before he glanced down to Meredith just in time to see a small tear of joy slip free from her eye … she looked away and up to find him staring at her and in that moment, his heart caught on fire, tears pricked his eyes and he too he was stuck – awestruck by the tiny life force before him. The baby's familiar heartbeat raced on and on … meshing into the background ... whump, whump, whump.

"Derek … it's so strong, just as strong," Meredith muttered, finding his azure blue eyes through the haze of her cloudy orbs … her heart skipped a beat and her eyes darted to the screen again … 'this is our child, ours … ours', she silently chanted, unable to look away now.

whump, whump, whump

"And just as beautiful," he choked out. "Beautiful," he muttered, the air became warm, but not stifling … he took a deep breath and made eye contact with Jyothi as she moved the probe around and took her shots, she smiled when she caught him watching her.

whump, whump, whump

"A heart made from love," Jyothi whispered, her eyes both kind and calm, her messy black hair falling across her temple for a second before she pushed it behind her ear with her free hand, her eyes flicked up to the screen again and she smiled. "See here," she pointed to screen.

Her finger resting along the edge of the baby's heart muscle now – a gray mass with flecks of black interlaced throughout – pumping, working, full of life and energy and longevity … and love ... whump, whump, whump.

"The four chambers … beautifully constructed … working in perfect harmony; a miracle … perfection," she stated evenly.

whump, whump, whump

"Perfection Derek," Meredith whispered, watching the baby's heart move in time with its echo. Tears stung her eyes again … sixteen weeks, four months. Derek leaned down and ran his fingertips along her hairline, she leaned into his touch, tufts of his hot breath ricocheted back and forth.

"Perfection Meredith," he repeated before he brushed his lips over hers, barely there … pulse, pulse, whump, whump, whump.

"This baby's heart is at home … alive and well and happy," Jyothi mused, a twinkle residing in her dark eyes now. She moved the probe; the heartbeat became muffled. "The baby is moving away from my pressure," she smiled. "Smart little one," she chuckled.

Smiling, Jyothi turned the volume down … the heartbeat still audible … faint, barely there, but still so … so important and meaningful and representative of the 'miracle of them'.

"Look! Little hands, fingers… wow, I mean just wow," Meredith murmured, watching now as the baby moved a hand up to shield that perfect side profile.

"So … does the playful couple want to know the gender of this little one?" Jyothi asked.

"Hmm, we know already," Meredith smiled coyly; her cheeks came to life as Jyothi smiled in return.

"Mother's intuition?" Jyothi asked, tilting her head, her dark eyes danced with happiness.

"No … Ketut's," Derek chuckled, pressing his warm hand down on Meredith's shoulder, his fingers moving through her wild locks absentmindedly twirling, twirling now – he moved to cradle the base of her skull, where he left his hand.

"We still want to be surprised though … but we know, we know," Meredith breathed, watching Jyothi's whole face soften.

And so as the lovers remained inside the moment, mesmerized by their shadowy miracle still swathed deep inside Meredith ... still protected, still growing and still evolving, just like them.

And in that moment, they finally relaxed because the baby was happy; the baby was at home … and so were they.

Jyothi was it, the one who would guide them and see them through, they knew that now … her simple energy of calm and peace filled the room and followed her just as the sun followed Ketut.

Yes … everything was as it should be, they saw that now as Jyothi moved through her screen shots from head to toeeverything was perfectthe perfect balance of 'them'both a miracle and a sign … all they would ever need and so much more.

###

That night, Meredith slipped into bed, putting an end to the beautifully emotional day – the linens felt cool against her warmed skin – she rubbed her feet together and lunged forward, grabbing Derek's long john shirt he left at the foot of the bed. She slipped it on over her tank and hunkered down under the comforter to find heat. She felt the cool air coming in from the window behind her – she rubbed her feet together again – the cold temperature of her toes more pronounced against the new warmth of the bedding.

She sighed and heard Derek turn the shower on and took a private moment alone now to survey the dim surroundings … her home, she smiled … her first home with Derek.

Her eyes darted to the doorway, boxes of their belongings, in no particular order, mostly clothing … and of course her box of Balinese treasures, her beloved wall-hanging resting right on top. Her eyes scanned the small space, the only light coming from Derek's bedside lamp … she would miss this place – sure it was cold and small and completely vulnerable – but they made it work … it was home and yes, in some small way she would miss this place, the intimacy of it; in truth she loved the trailer.

Her hand found her belly and she connected, silently promising to tell the baby all about the trailer and the early tumult of her and Derek's union and how they came to be … because without that history, they wouldn't be who they are today, they wouldn't be ready for this – a baby, an innocent life to love and cherish and protect – much like they had learned to do and be for each other.

Tears pricked her eyes, tears of joy and relief and mad, mad love – and without even thinking, she turned her attention to their pregnancy book and the small accordion fold-up of ultrasound pictures that lay on top.

She grabbed both – Derek turned the water off, she heard the shower door open – she smiled; she wanted to read tonight, the ultrasound having somehow made the baby more real or tangible than it was even this morning. Smiling, she let the accordion fall open to reveal the five shadowy images of their miracle – the heart muscle, the kidneys, the spine, baby's side profile and two perfect feet – all beautiful, all stunning albeit cloudy and hazy amidst the backdrop of amniotic fluid, yet another set of fractional images, momentous in their own rite and just as Jyothi uttered … perfection. The baby was perfect and healthy and all theirs – hers and Derek's … hers … and Derek's – created by them and their love and passion … the true 'sum of the parts'.

Meredith closed her eyes – Derek opened the door – she opened her eyes to find his, bright blue and happy, his hair a damp mess, his skin nice and pink, his smile relaxed and radiant … he was happy, happier than Meredith had ever seen him. Billowy steam trailed him from the bathroom, he smirked when he noticed she had snaked his shirt. He turned and grabbed another one from the clean stack on a nearby chair. He dropped his towel and slipped his pajama bottoms on. Without a word, he crossed the room and slipped into bed, rolling into Meredith as he did.

"My mom will get that email tomorrow morning when she wakes up, she'll love the images," Derek sighed, tracing his fingertip along the baby's side profile … he blinked hard – that was his baby, right there – his and Meredith's … baby. He smiled broadly and rested his hand on top of Meredith's, silently connecting, 'I love you little one'.

"And then this will be really real," Meredith sighed … tangible and real, her hand moved along her belly for a beat, Derek's heat encapsulating all three of them now.

"Hmm, your nose," Derek mused softly, his fingers still tracing the baby's face before he rested his head down on her pillow and turned his neck to his plant lips on her shoulder as the wide neckline of his shirt slipped down, down, down her skin tasted like mango and vanilla, the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.

"Hmm … or yours," she sighed happily. Burrowing deeper, breathing him in – fresh and clean and warm – just like his aura, his energy.

"Ready?" Derek asked, taking the book from Meredith's lap, he moved his hand from her belly and leaned back to read.

"Ready," Meredith whispered … had another week really passed already? She closed her eyes and Derek began to read.

"Your baby weighs about five ounces now and is about five inches long from crown to rump (about the size of a large bell pepper). She can move her joints and will likely exercise them frequently, although this movement won't be felt by mom for another four to five weeks. Her umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker too as it takes more and more nutrients from the placenta.

And mom … are you hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now as the baby begins to grow not only developmentally but in true weight and length now too. Try to eat healthful snacks in addition to well-balanced meals. Remember it's quality over quantity."

Derek sighed and watched Meredith take a deep breath … she was emotional, he could tell – too emotional to say anything – he watched now as she slowly folded the accordion of ultrasound images up, one by one by one. He closed the book, set it on his bedside table and smiled. Meredith handed the small stack to him – sixteen weeks, they had been back together for two months – two months that felt like a lifetime. Meredith rolled into him, her belly flush against his, her head in the crook of his neck – he pressed his lips to her head through her hair; her clean, clear, sweet essence filled his lungs – his heart rate slowed down and he felt her relax … and then he did too.

"It's amazing, every week … tops the previous one," he mused, catching Meredith's sparkling emerald eyes in the dim light.

"I love you," she sighed, her hand resting on his broad chest. "So much, I … it's like you said earlier today, there are no words … there's only love, I love you," she whispered through her emotion, nuzzling her nose in his neck, she sucked a deep breath of him in, cherishing him, keeping him.

"I love you too and I'm … I've never been happier in my life." Derek said softly, his heart pinched somewhere deep inside. "And I'll always remember where we came from Meredith … and how we got here with this little one, we're blessed," he sighed, running his fingertips along the soft flesh of her belly, stopping briefly at her belly button before resting his hand on her hip bone just over her panty line.

"We are," Meredith agreed, stifling a big yawn. Derek drew her closer; she draped her thigh across his.

"You need sleep," Derek whispered, draping his arm along Meredith's shoulder – slipping his fingers under her neckline, nice and loose – her skin was warm and soft, he smoothed her hair away and kissed her head again.

"I do … yes," she said, yawning again.

Meredith's eyes dipped shut for a split-second and everything became black and velvety and warm and inviting. Her hand found her belly, where she laced her fingers through Derek's … 'goodnight baby', she whispered aloud. She heard Derek chuckle, he kissed her temple – 'goodnight my love' – he said before he turned the light switch off.

And then everything became even more muted and she was lost for a beat of time until Derek's capable arms encircled her and his powerful energy of love and happiness covered her like a canopy – he loved her, he loved them – was all she could think as she acquiesced and let sleep come for her.

And there she arrived on the other side of their life – fully relaxed, the 'Zen cottage' within reach now – yes … she was almost there to that place where the breeze was sweet and warm and Derek's ocean blue eyes awaited like the sea at low tide … calm, calm, calm … yes, now she was there – the land of peace and harmony – and therein they were all safe and sound. Yes … yes, they were all of that and more she thought now as she felt Derek grow heavy in her arms and reality set in … yes, this was their reality – the three of them now, a family, holding each other, loving and keeping and caring – nestled deep in the woods of their makeshift home, their first home together – far, far away from that island paradise where they met again and reclaimed their love … for now and for all time.

They were almost home.

Chapter 20 – Close Your Eyes – Part 2 of 2 to follow.