The next morning, Derek woke up before Addison. He slowly got out of bed, careful not to wake her up. He decided he wanted to go for a run on the beach. He left a note for Addison, and quietly left the hotel room.

While Derek was running, he couldn't help but think of how much his life had changed in the past 6 months. He had gone from barely being able to tolerating his wife, to falling head-over-heels in love with her again. And now they were expecting twins. He was extremely thankful for his wife's brain tumor...something he never thought he would ever say!

After an hour of running, Derek stopped and sat down in the sand and just stared out into the ocean. The sound of the waves was hypnotizing. It reminded him of another Labor Day Weekend.

12 years ago

"Come on Derek. We are going to miss our flight!" Mark yelled at him It was a few weeks before the wedding, and Mark and Derek were going on a man trip to the Florida Keys. One last getaway before the big day.

"I'm coming." Derek said as he leaned over to kiss Addison good-bye in their living room.

"You better not let him get hurt while deep sea fishing, Mark!" Addison said seriously, wrapping her arms tighter around Derek.

"Seriously, you two. It is only a couple of days." Mark exclaimed rolling his eyes. He grabbed Derek's arm and pulled him out the door.

"Bye, Addie. I love you." Derek yelled, stumbling after Mark.

They made it to their flight with no problem and soon were driving down the highway enjoying the warm, ocean air. That night, they went with a seasoned fisherman deep sea fishing and had the time of their lives.

The next day, they decided to relax on the beach. Both had been working long hours, and couldn't remember the last time they had just sat in the sun for hours.

"I wish Addie were here." Derek sighed as he stared out over the ocean.

"You are with her all the time, man. It is good for you to be apart….you know, absence makes the heart grow fonder...or something like that." Mark answered. He was busy checking out a few girls who were walking by. Derek smiled as he watched Mark. Some things never changed.

"Are you sure?" Mark asked a little while later.

"Am I sure about what?" Derek asked, looking at his best friend confused.

"About getting married." Mark said uncharacteristically serious. "It is a big step….and look how well marriage turned out for my parents, Addie's parents, and, well, even your parents….." he said quietly trailing off. Derek didn't respond for a long time. Mark thought maybe he had gone too far including Derek's parents in the list.

"I don't know what is going to happen in the future, Mark, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I want to face my future with Addie. Nothing is going to change that." Derek said as he continued to watch the waves."

He had been wrong. Seeing his best friend and his wife had changed wanting to spend his life with Addie. At least for awhile. Or maybe, it didn't change. He just chose to forget that he wanted to face life with her. He was thankful that he was beginning to remember.

Derek realized that while things were so much better with Addison, their entire relationship was different than before the affairs. They were both different people than they were when they got married. He knew this was the natural way of things. That people change, but he also knew that deep down, he wanted to do something very special and meaningful for Addison to show he was still fully committed to her.

Derek got out his phone and called his friend. "Sam? I need your help."

Addison slowly opened her eyes, and was shocked when she realized it was 10:00. She never slept that late! These babies were wiping her out! Addison got out of bed, put on a robe, and walked around the suite looking for Derek. She found a note from him on the counter.

My Love,

I have gone for a run on the beach. Enjoy a nice bath and order some room service. I'll be back soon.

Yours,

D-

Addison smiled at Derek's note. She decided to take his suggestion and enjoy having a jetted-tub while she could! While listening to classical music and relaxing in the hot water, Addison heard her phone ding. She slowly dried off her hands and picked up her phone. She saw she had a text from Derek.

"Doing something with Sam. Naomi will be by at 1 to pick you up. Will meet up with you later. Love you!"

"Well, my little ones." Addison said, putting her hand on her stomach. "It looks like it is just us for a while. Daddy is hanging out with Sam." Addison smiled as she looked down at her stomach. It was flat now, but soon, very soon, would be starting to grow. She still could not believe she was pregnant!

After her bath, Addison went out on the balcony to eat and read. The view of the ocean was phenomenal! She was so relaxed that she dozed off.

Addison awoke with a start at the sound of her phone ringing. "Hello?" she said sleepily.

"Addison! Where are you?" Naomi asked quickly. "I have been knocking on your door for 5 minutes!"

"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry, Naomi!" Addison said, jumping up and running to answer the door.

"I fell asleep on the balcony and didn't hear the knocking." Addison explained as she hugged her friend. Naomi just laughed.

"I remember early pregnancy and being so tired!" Nami replied. "And I only had 1. I can't imagine how you feel with 2! I still can't believe it is twins, Addie!"

"Seriously! It doesn't seem real to me either." Addison laughed, subconsciously putting her hand over her growing babies.

"Now, where has my husband gone off to?" Addison asked.

"I can't answer that yet. I am here to be your chauffeur for the afternoon" Naomi smirked. "This is all I am allowed to give you." She handed Addison a single red dahlia with a note attached to it.

"Addison, my friend, my confidant, my lover" was all the note said.

"Okay…." Addison said confused. "This is the type of flower my wedding bouquet was made out of…" Addison was thoroughly confused. What was Derek up to? Did he really remember the flowers from their wedding? It had been a big deal to her, but at the time, he could have cared less.

13 years earlier

"Derek, seriously, which flowers should I pick?" Addison whined as they sat on a gurney in the hallway. They both had a short break and were planning their wedding. Well, Addison was planning. Derek was trying not to fall asleep. She had several magazines open.

"Honestly, Addie, I don't care." Derek yawned.

"It is a very important decision...roses, peonies, dahlias..I love them all." Addison sighed. She looked over at her fiance, who was now fast asleep. Addison smiled to herself. She knew he had been in surgery for over 10 hours. He had been so excited to watch his favorite neurosurgeon, Dr. Searly.

Addison leaned over and kissed Derek on the temple. "Never mind. You just sleep." She got up off the gurney, and went to find her mentor Vivian. She would know the right one to pick.

In the end she had listened to Vivian's advice to go with a red flower to match her hair as it would really pop against the white dress. She had chosen the dahlia, as she didn't want to do a traditional rose. Mainly to spite her mother.

Addison followed Naomi outside to her car. "Seriously, Naomi. What is going on?"

"Let's just say, it is another one of Derek's romantic surprises." Naomi laughed. Now Addison was very intrigued. In med school, Derek was always doing big, romantic surprises for her. Naomi had always been so jealous!

They stopped in front of a massage parlor. Addison followed Naomi inside to find another red dahlia tied to a chair.

"You work harder than any other person I know. Relax for awhile and enjoy this maternity massage!"

"How did he know this is what I wanted?!" Addison exclaimed, tearing up a little.

"The best part of this is Derek is paying for me to have a massage too." laughed Naomi. "Only, I get the full one. Not the maternity one." she teased.

The women were in 7th heaven over the next hour of being pampered at the spa. When the massage was over, Addison was more relaxed than she had been in a very long time.

"This was an amazing gesture by Derek." Addison sighed contently.

"Oh, Addie. This is just the beginning." Naomi winked. She wouldn't tell Addison where they were going, despite the relentless begging.

Next, they pulled up in front of a hair salon. Again, Addison found a red dahlia with a note tied to a chair.

"While you look amazing in anything (even better in nothing!), enjoy getting dolled up and pampered, my Love!" Addison blushed while reading this note.

Addison loved going to the salon as much as getting a massage. She had no idea what was coming next, so she decided to have the stylist cut a few inches off her hair and then style it long and flowing down her back with a little curl. Derek's favorite.

Next up was nails. "Naomi, what color should I get?" Addison asked, browsing the nail polish. "I have no clue what is coming next, so what I am I supposed to pick?"

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Addie, you are overthinking this. Just pick whatever color you want." In the end, she chose a dark red. She figured it would go with just about anything.

"Alright, so we have done a massage and the salon, " Addie said as the women walked out to the car. "Let me guess. Shopping is next?" Naomi laughed.

"You are correct." Addisome smiled.

"Derek really did chose all my favorite things." It made her feel really good to know that he knew her so well.

As they were driving, Addison began to think about how different Naomi and her lives had turned out. Naomi had a kid early on. It hadn't been planned as they were still residents. Because of this, Naomi had decided not to become a surgeon. Even Sam stopped surgery after a while. Instead, they opened a practice. A much slower pace than the hospital. Addison wondered what would happen to her when the twins were born. Would she decide to step back from surgery? Could she give up something she loved so much? What would she do if the twins didn't survive like her last baby? Addison subconsciously put her hand over her belly as if to protect the two lives growing inside her.

"Naomi, do you ever regret not becoming a surgeon?" Addison asked inquisitively.

"Honestly, Addie, I don't. I wasn't cut out for the high paced craziness of the hospital. I am so thankful for the extra time I get with Mia." Naomi replies. "Well, at least, I used to enjoy the extra time. Now, I only have her half of the time." Addison could tell Naomi was starting to tear up but was also trying to hide it.

"What happened with Sam and you?" Addison asked softly. Naomi's grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"Honestly, I am not sure." she replied with a far off look in her eyes. "Something happened to Sam after he quit surgery. He never said anything, but looking back, it was the beginning of the end for us.." Adison was quiet for a long time. She remembered Sam's last surgery well. It was a teacher who turned out to be a pedaphil. The man had died in surgery. She too did not know for sure what happened, but Sam was never the same.

"You still love him, don't you." It was a statement more than a question. They had known each other for so long, it was easy to read each other. Naomi never replied. Neither said anything for a long time.

"Are we going to Rodeo Drive?" Addison asked excitedly as she realized where they were. Rodeo Drive was were there most elite stores were. Addison was totally in her element for the next few hours. Picking out dresses, hand bags, shoes, and jewelry. She even decided to go in to a maternity store and pick out a few items there.

"Naomi, I am utterly exhausted." Addison said collapsing into the car.

"Next up is my house, to relax a little before the final surprise tonight." Naomi explains. Addison looks over at her with a raised eyebrow.

"There's more?" Addison couldn't believe it. "What else could Derek possibly have planned?"

Naomi just gave her a knowing smile but didn't say anything.

At Naomi's house, the women decided to watch a movie and eat ice cream. While they were watching Titanic, one of their all time favorite movies, Addison's mind began to wander. Was Derek doing all of this as an early anniversary present? Their anniversary was in 3 weeks. It had been several years since they had really celebrated an anniversary. Maybe Derek was trying to make up for it?

When the movie was over, Naomi quietly went into her office and came out with another flower. The note said, "My Darling, I hope you had an amazing day. One more surprise awaits you."

"One more surprise, huh?" Addison reads, looking over at Naomi. "So where am I going? What do I need to wear?"

"Always the planner." Naomi laughs. "I guess there is no harm in telling you the location. I am dropping you off at Sam's. Dress for dinner on the beach." Addison is a little surprised at this. She was expecting a 5 star restaurant after all the fanfare of the day. But she was also very thankful, as all of the activity and the twins were making her very tired.

Addison quickly got ready for the evening. After going to the salon earlier, it didn't take long. She chose to wear a long, blue sundress. It was strapless, which she knew Derek would love. She looked at herself in the mirror after she was done putting on her knew jewelry. There was no evidence of where her brain surgery had been. She was very thankful they had only had to shave a very tiny portion of her hair, and it was hidden under the very long, thick curls. Her eyes traveled from her hair down to her belly. She was now 7 weeks. The timing of it concerned her a little as she knew the babies were conceived at the very end of when she had been on medication. As a doctor she knew that most likely the medicine had not affected the babies, but as a mother, there was always the "what if". She also had concerns of losing the twins after losing her first child so many years ago.

Addison sighed. Worrying wasn't going to help anything. She glanced over herself one last time, and then left the bathroom to tell Naomi she was ready.

As the women pulled up to Sam's house, Addison was speechless. There were dahlia flowers all the up the walkway. There were even candles lit.

"This is as far as I go, Addie." Naomi said as they pulled into the driveway. "Go find your man." She said smiling.

Addison slowly got out of the car and noticed there were notes tied to several of the flowers. She reached down to the first note. "Addison Adrienne Forbes Montgomery Shepherd". Then the next one, "These are the reasons I love you." "Your smile" "Your kindness" "Your ability to connect with patients" The notes went on and on. Addison followed the flowers into Sam's house and through the living room, kitchen, and out onto the deck. What she saw when she got to the deck nearly made her fall over. Derek was standing under an archway of dahlia flowers, exactly like the one they'd had at their wedding. He was in a tux and was standing there waiting for her.

"Derek, what in the world?" Addison said breathless as she approached. Derek pulled her into a tight hug and then looked at her directly in the eyes.

"Addison, my Love, these last few years have been very rough for us. These last few months have turned our lives from upside down to right side up. And now we are expecting twins." Derek paused as he placed his hands over his wife's stomach. "I want to start fresh. Not forgetting the past, but learning from it. Growing together. I want to be a better husband, so I can be a better father. I love you so much, Addie." Derek proceeded to get down on one knee. "Would you do me the honor of renewing our wedding vows next summer, after the babies are born?" He pulled out a sapphire ring.

"Nothing would make me happier." Addison said through the tears. Derek place the ring on Addison's middle finger, and then stood up and pulled her into a strong embrace. He then proceeded to kiss her.

After a few minutes, Addison pulled away. "Love, while you have made me the happiest woman on earth, your children are informing me it is time to eat. Did you happen to plan supper with all of this?" Derek laughed.

"Yes. Come with me." He led her over to the table where the steaks he had grilled were being kept warm. He pulled out her chair. Even though Addison was a strong independent woman, she still loved it when Derek did chivalrous things.

"Derek, I can't believe you did all of this today." Addison said as they began to eat.

"I couldn't have done it without Sam and Naomi." Derek said. "So tell me about your day?" Addison went on to tell him all about her adventures with Naomi.

"It was the perfect day, Derek. It has been a long time since I have had quality girl time, and Nay was the perfect one to do it with." Addison said, taking Derek's hand. Just then Derek stood up, pulling Addison with him.

"Dance with me." Derek whispered pulling her close as music began to play. Soon the patio was filled with Celine Dion singing The Power of Love. Addison again was blown away.

"Derek, this is the song we danced to at our wedding." She said amazed.

"I know, Addie." Derek said, pulling her closer. He began to sing softly in her ear.

I hold on to your body

And feel each move you make

Your voice is warm and tender

A love that I could not forsake

As Derek continued to sing, Addison couldn't help but remember the first time they heard the song.

15 years ago

It was a cold snowy day at the end of November. Derek, Mark, and Addison were studying for finals. None of them could believe the semester was almost over. The apartment was covered in Christmas decorations and the radio was quietly playing in the background. Mark was sprawled with books on one couch while Derek and Addison shared the other.

"I can't study any longer!" Derek exclaimed putting his books down and running his hand through his hair. "Anyone need some food or something to drink?" he asked, slowly lifting Addison's feet off of him and standing up.

"I could use another beer, but that would probably make studying pointless." Mark joked. He too was tired of studying and set his books down. "Let's call it a night."

"Come on you two, we only have one more chapter to go...let's finish and then go to bed." Addison whined. Mark gave Derek a look. He knew that with Addison spending the night, there would be no sleeping anytime soon.

"Fine." Mark said slumping back in the couch and picking up his books. Just then the new Celine Dion song "Power of Love" came on the radio. Mark started to change the station.

"No!" Addison cried out. "I love that song!"

"We are NOT listening to Celine Dion!" Mark said dryly.

"Yes we are." Addison said adamantly standing up and changing the station back. "It's ok with Derek, so 2 against 1." she continued smuggly. She knew Derek would back her up.

"Oh really. Derek, you WANT to listen to Celine Dion?" Mark said turning to his best friend. He could remember many occasions of Derek saying just the opposite.

"Uh…" Derek said with a deer caught in the headlights look. "Sure, why not." Mark rolled his eyes while Addison smiled smugly.

" Dude. You really do love her." Mark said under his breath. Addison froze and turned to look at Mark.

"What did you say?" she asked him.

"Nothing. I said nothing." Mark stammered. He realized he spoke out of turn by the shocked look on Addison's face and the surprised look on Derek's. Derek had been telling Mark he loved Addison for awhile but since they had only been dating for about 5 months, he hadn't told Addison yet.

"No, you said Derek must really, uh, really…" Addison couldn't finish the sentence. She turned and looked at Derek. He was turning bright red. She had never seen him blush before. It made him look even cuter.

Addison walked over to Derek, who was halfway between the kitchen and the couches, and looked into his deep, ocean blue eyes. Derek looked from her and Mark and back.

"He said I really must love you." Derek said breathlessly. They stared into each other's eyes for a few more seconds. "It's true, Addie. I do love you." he continued shyly, no sure how she would react.

"I love you too, Derek." Addison said, pulling him into a hug. Derek lowered his head and began to kiss her deeply.

"Seriously guys, I hear you having sex regularly. I don't want the live show!" Mark said, covering his eyes. Derek pulled back and started to laugh.

"Well, then I suggest you leave the apartment if you don't want to hear anything." Derek winked, pulling Addison into his bedroom. Studying was soon forgotten for the rest of the night.

Addison could not believe how long it had been since Derek first said those 3 little words. They had just been babies, barely in their 20's. Now they were close to 40 and the words meant more now than ever before.

'Cause I'm your lady

And you are my man

Whenever you reach for me

I'll do all that I can

Addison sang the chorus to Derek. It was one of the few songs she sang back to him. The words were so true.

We're heading for something

Somewhere I've never been

Sometimes I am frightened

But I'm ready to learn

Of the power of love

Derek finished singing the song. Addison didn't care that he was out of tune, as no one could sing like Celine Dion. The words were more accurate now than at any other time in their lives. They were heading into something new and she was frightened.

Addison leaned her head on Derek's shoulder as the song came to an end. "Derek, I am frightened about so much...if the babies will be ok, how are we doing to handle twins, what will this mean for my career….but, when I am in your arms, I am not afraid. I know that we can handle anything life throws at us. I love you Derek."

"I love you too Addison." Derek said kissing her softly. They both knew that in the morning they would fly back to Seattle and return to the real world, but that night, they only were concerned about each other.

Let me know what you think!