A\N:
Hi... I know... It took forever. I am sorry, so sorry! I hope people are still interested. Thank you all so much for your patience and reviews for this story. I also apologize for errors. This new app isn't great lol. Hopefully a fluffy Chapter will make up for absence/.. Enjoy!
Chapter 93
Two weeks later after Zola's graduation, Derek and Meredith lay in bed early in the morning. Derek was sound asleep, his arm draped over his wife protectively. Meredith, however was wide awake. She lay on her back while staring at the ceiling. Her belly pushing the thin sheet covering her body up high in the air. Her head tilting to the side to see the red numbers of her clock read 5:24 am. Sighing audibly as her head turns over to look at Derek. Today was Father's day and she knew the kids would be up soon. They wanted to do something before Derek had to go into work. Meredith feels her stomach, rubbing her bump. The babies were definitely awake. All three of them. Groaning while she feels one of the babies poke her bladder. "Crap." She groans again when she feels her legs cramp as she tries to stand. Realizing that she had to wake her husband. "Derek." Meredith grunts as the pillow in between her legs gets in her way while she tries to turn. "Damn it." She snaps and kicks the sheet away. Accidentally kicking Derek in the process.
"Ow!" He groans and jumps up a bit. His tired, blue eyes blinking open.
"Oh, sorry, Derek." Meredith grumbles.
"What's wrong, Mer?" Derek whispers as he looks at her. Seeing the discomfort in her face.
"One of your children is trying to use my bladder as a pillow. My legs are cramping and are hard to control." She mutters .
This makes Derek sit up immediately. Concern etched across his face. He brushes her hair out of her face. Bending over to look her over. "Oh, Meredith. Let's get you up here." He bends lower and kisses her lips. "But first..." His hands rub her stomach before he moves to place his lips along her skin. "Hi, guys. Good morning." He hovers over her belly. Glancing up at her with a smirk. "I know it's cramped in there and I promise it's just a few more weeks. But, please be nice to mama. Try not to wake her up or make her legs cramp." He laughs, making Meredith laugh in response.
"Derek!" She laughs while she squirms. "They can't help it!" Her hands trail along his cheek while he peeks up at his wife.
"Hmm. They can learn. Just like baby three can learn how to tell us if it's a girl or boy." He smirks.
"That's true. Now come on, I really need to pee!" She smiles at him as Derek sits upright. He beams as he holds out his arms. Putting one arm under her shoulder.
"Here we go, Meredith." Derek coos and helps her sit.
"Oh!" She moans when her body begins adjusting to being upright. Eyes close as she leans into Derek while he begins rubbing her back. Hugging her to him. Her hands clutching her stomach.
"You okay to stand?" Derek whispers.
Meredith bites her lip in thought. "Yeah. Yeah... Just hold me." Her voice shakes with hesitancy making Derek's heart break into a million pieces.
"I got you, Meredith." Derek holds her so tight as they stand together. His hand resting on her belly and the other arm around her waist. He kisses her head softly as Meredith exhales once they are firm on their feet. Carefully, they walk into the bathroom where Derek let's Meredith alone for a moment in privacy. When she's done, Derek gently gets her back to bed.
"Thanks, Derek." She groans as Derek tenderly lays her back on the bed.
"Its what I'm here for!" Derek flashes his McDreamy smile as he props Meredith up on her side. Pulling up the sheet to tuck her in snuggly. "Do you want the blanket?" His voice deep and soothing.
"No. It makes me too hot. I will just kick it off." Meredith smiles as her hand finds his waist. Derek's hand cupping her cheek as he leans in to kiss her. Her breathing quickens as Derek lustfully kisses her.
"Mm!" Derek beams as they pull away. His hands caressing her gorgeous, porcelain cheeks that were swollen from the pregnancy. "Okay." Derek whispers as he stares into her eyes.
"You should probably get some sleep. You have surgery at 10. At least another hour." Meredith mutters as she tries to cuddle to him.
"Nah, I'm okay. I uh... Know something else we can do instead." His eyes glisten with a spark that Meredith knew all too well.
Meredith however, bites her lip and her eyes dart all over. "I...um." She worried while trying to think of what she was going to say. "I... I... I'm tired." Meredith partially lies.
But, Derek sees right through her. "Meredith." He smirks with his little head tilt.
Meredith looks at him and sighs. "Well. I am tired and your kids will be up soon and... And... The..." She bites her lip again and Derek can't help but smirk at her adorableness. "You're gonna laugh at the next thing... Maybe be mad... I don't know. Definitely laugh." She muses as Derek runs his hand along her body.
"Meredith. I promise I won't laugh or get mad."
With a sigh, she decides to go ahead. "I just... I ugh... I feel so gross, Derek. I know today is Father's Day and we need to celebrate with sex. Or at least that's what we normally do. I... I just can't Derek!" Meredith gasps as she begins breathing hard. Voice shaking as Derek watches and listens in sympathy. "I haven't been able to take a full shower because I'm worried I'll slip and fall. I'm huge and my breasts are leaky. I can't feel my ankles. I can't see them either! Oh and I look like an ugly whale!" At that, she covers her face as Derek's face flashes with concern and fear.
Derek looks at her with love and adoration. His wife was adorable. "Oh, Meredith." His voice low with desire. "Hey, hey! Please don't think that for one moment, Mer." Derek says firmly while brushing her cheek. Letting his fingers pull her chin up to make her drop her hands. Derek can see the fear in her eyes as she bites her lip. "Meredith, first of all, you are absolutely gorgeous. You look like a goddess." Derek smiles and his eyes sparkle as he looks at her. "You look perfect." He brushes her lips as they curl into a small grin and her face heats. "If you don't feel up for sex, that's okay, Mer. I understand."
Meredith looks up at him hesitantly while he brushes her soft skin. "You're not mad?"
He looks at her in shock. "What?! Of course not! I want you to be comfortable. I want you and the babies safe!"
"I'm sorry, Derek. I just feel so disgusting and I probably wouldn't be able to do much of the work anyway." She mumbles and tries to snuggle close to her husband .
"It's okay, Meredith. You are beautiful and you're always sexy to me. Even when you are carrying my babies. Well, especially when you are carrying my babies." Derek beams and holds her cheeks so that he could kiss her.
"Even when the most I've cleaned myself in the past week was with a bin of water and soap? I tried to wash my hair in the sink."
Derek bites his lip to try to hold back a laugh. "Why didn't you say anything? I could have helped." He props himself up on his elbow on his side.
Meredith sighs before responding. "You've been working so hard this last week, Derek. Helping me and being at the hospital. Plus today is Father's Day so I didn't want to make you do too much." She muses.
Derek sighs in thought. "Meredith, please don't let any of that stop you. I want to take care of you. Just because today is Father's Day doesn't mean I don't take care of my family. Now, I hate that I have to work, but it will be worth it when the babies come." He is unable to keep his hands off of her as he talks. Running his hand up and down her side. Letting Meredith relish in his touch. "But... When I get home... You just tell me what you need and I got it." His smile grows broader as Meredith beams wide.
"Hmm, okay. But, when you get home one of the plans is for you and the kids to go fishing." Meredith explains. Derek's face lights up brighter than Times Square at that thought.
"That sounds perfect! Thank you!" Derek leans in and kisses her hard. Her giggles resounding.
"I'm glad you like, Derek." She laughs as she lays propped up upon her side. Running her hand along Derek's waist.
"I love it! But what will you be doing?"
"Sitting on the couch while mom makes dinner." She scrunches her nose in reply.
Derek gasps and looks at her sadly. "Hmm, I have a better idea." He brushes her hair back. Peeking at her huge smile and furrowed brow. "Ride in the wheelchair. Come with us!"
Meredith looks at him, shocked. "Derek! You're not gonna be able to push me in the wheelchair down the path! It's too rocky." Her giggle sounds through the room.
"I know a shortcut!" Derek smirks. "Or we could drive to the lake."
"But the kids love running on the rocks." Meredith sighs.
"Their favorite part of the path is right by the lake. We can play there after we fish." Derek suggests.
"Hmm, okay and I will sit in the wheelchair there." Meredith leans into Derek and kisses him. Holding his cheek lovingly. "Happy Father's Day, Derek." She murmurs as she gets lost in his sparkly blue eyes. "Our kids have the greatest dad." Derek beams as she leans in and kisses him again.
"Mm, well, I have the best wife and kids." Derek replies with a smile. He looks at Meredith as she blinks sleepily. "Lets sleep, Meredith." Derek suggests and kisses her head. She nods and attempts to cuddle into his chest. Her large stomach getting in the way as it had been for the last few weeks.
Meredith falls asleep quickly thanks to Derek's warmth and his soothing backrub. She is awoken a bit later by a poking in her arm. "Mama!" Comes the cheerful voice of her six year old.
"Wake up, mama! It's daddy's day!" Bailey's voice comes from behind. Meredith blinks her sleepy eyes open and smiles when she sees her kids standing there in their "I love daddy!" pajamas.
"Nana got Lexie out for us." Zola explains when Meredith gasps and notices the baby next to Bailey.
"Perfect." Meredith whispers and looks at Derek and then her kids. "Come wake daddy. I'm having a hard time moving" she explains.
"Okay!" They squeal. "Daddy!" The kids shout and help Lexie climb up first. They scramble onto Derek's side. Derek was still sleeping on his side, facing Meredith. His arms protectively holding his wife. Meredith giggles as she watches their kids flop over Derek's side. Bailey patting his cheek, Lexie in the middle and Zola closer to his legs.
"Good morning, guys!" Derek coos as he wakes and turns to see his kids smiling at him. He rolls into his back, letting the kids clamour onto him.
"Happy Daddy's day!" Zola and Bailey shout and hug him.
"Thanks, guys. Watch mama's belly." He warns when he sees Bailey's foot get too close to Meredith.
"Oh! Sorry, mama!" Bailey apologizes as his eyes grow wide.
"It's okay, bud. You didn't kick." Meredith soothes as she reaches and rubs his back. Bailey smiles before going back to hugging Derek.
"Dada! Dada! Dada!" Lexie coos as she crawls up Derek's legs, in the middle of her sister and brother. Derek's eyes and smile light up bright as he wraps all three kids in his arms. Meredith smiles at him as she lays against the pillows.
"Daddy! Guess what!" Zola pats his chest.
"What's that, Zo?" Derek smiles as he holds all three close.
"We gots a special breakfast for you before you goes to work." She exclaims.
"Yeah, mama bought you bagels and nana and us put it together for you and mama!" Bailey finishes.
"You did?!" Derek exclaims, smirking at Meredith.
"Yeah! Now mama and us are going to get them." Bailey smiles at Meredith. She looks up at her son nervously. Her ankles still hurt and she really had to pee.
"Bails, why don't we have nana bring them?" She peeks at Derek who was now looking at her in concern.
"Come on, mama! I will carry the heavy stuff, it's for daddy!" Bailey whines. Making Meredith smile.
"Bailey, mama's not feeling great this morning. Maybe we can eat on the patio? Derek wonders.
Bailey thinks long and hard. Finally huffing loudly. "Okay!" He grumbles.
"That's my boy!" Derek gives him a high five. "You and your sisters go get the food outside. I will help mama." Bailey nods as he runs off the bed and out the door with Lexie and Zola.
Meredith falls back into her back with a sigh. "Thanks, Derek. I'm sorry you have to do so much when this is supposed to be your day." Derek gives her a small smile as he brushes her hair out of her eyes.
"Meredith, I'm happy to do it! If anything, this should be a day for dad's to do more. Mother's Day is about the mom relaxing." He smirks and pecks her nose. Making her giggle.
"You do just as much as me, Derek. You're superdad." She smiles, making his chest swell.
"Thanks, Meredith." He leans over her, resting one hand on her bump as he kisses her. "Hmm, babies are awake." Derek laughs as he feels a drumming of little feet against his palm.
"Yeah." Meredith groans. "They're saying. Happy Father's Day, daddy. Help mama get to the bathroom." Meredith scrunches up her face as she snarks. Derek looks at her, holding back laughter. "Don't laugh, Derek!" She smacks his chest.
"I'm trying not to!" Derek chokes back his laughter.
"I'm serious! One of the babies thinks my bladder is a pillow. That or they think it's a toy to cuddle!" Meredith moans as Derek helps her up and sitting.
"Oh, Meredith." Derek looks at her with sad eyes. He kisses her cheek and hugs her tight. "You are amazing. Thank you for giving this to me even though I hate that you're uncomfortable."
Meredith looks up at Derek with a smile. Her eyes sparkling. "Derek, I may be uncomfortable, but I love these babies so much and just knowing how happy you are makes it worth it. It won't be much longer." She shares a smile with Derek. After he kisses her in reply, Derek gently helps her to the bathroom and then to the patio where the kids were waiting. His arms carefully around Meredith so that she would not fall.
"Yay! Daddy and mama are here!" Bailey bounces as he sees Meredith and Derek approach.
"Wow, guys! You did all this!?" Derek beams as he helps Meredith sit.
"Mama too!" Zola squeals as Lexie runs over to Derek and lifts up her arms.
"She did?!" Derek lifts Lexie and fixes her on his side. Her lifts Meredith's chin and smiles widely.
"Hmm, yeah. Mom pushed me in the wheelchair yesterday while we got all of the bagels and museli. I wanted it as special as possible since you have to work and we..." Meredith blushes and looks down. Derek tilts his head in wonder when she does this.
"We what, Meredith?" He says calmly reassuring her.
Meredith looks wide eyed as she waves him closer, making Derek amused. He bends lower so that she could whisper to him. "We can't celebrate in our usual way." Her green eyes widen as she bites her lip.
Derek thinks for a moment before realization dawns on him. He covers his mouth as his eyes crinkle. His hearty laugh filling the yard. Meredith scowls at him and swats at his hand. "Oh, Meredith!" He laughs and sits with Lexie. "It's okay. I understand that you aren't in the mood. As long as I have my wife and kids, everything is perfect." Derek coos as his laughter subsides. Meredith is still glaring at him. Making him hug her to him.
"It's not funny! I hate not being able to do...that." She grumbles as Derek kisses her head. The need to laugh washing away.
Derek gives her his McDreamy smile and brushes her chin. "Meredith, I'm sorry that I laughed. It's just that you looked so adorable and... Hot when you worried about that." He whispers that last part. His eyes glistening as they start into hers.
Finally, Meredith speaks. "You still think I look hot?" Her voice extremely hesitant.
"Meredith. Absolutely!" He sounds completely sure. So sure that Meredith relaxes and her smile gets so wide. No words are needed as they stare into each other's eyes with matching smiles. "You look perfect!" Derek says once more before kissing her lips and rubbing her bump. Making Meredith's giggle ring out as she blushes and shakes her head lightly. "Hmm, now, let's eat some of this delicious breakfast!" Derek beams and pulls her against his chest.
"Yay! Daddy!" Bailey cheers as Derek grabs a bagel and puts some cream cheese on for Meredith. He gives the kids some food before taking some for himself.
"This is amazing, guys!" Derek coos as they eat. "Thank you." He looks around at Meredith next to him, Zola on his other side, Bailey next to Meredith and Lexie on his lap.
"Dada!" Lexie babbles when she sees him look at her. Her chubby little fist reaching up, opening to reveal some Museli.
"Oh, thanks angel!" Derek laughs as he takes the food. Eating out of her hand. Lexie shrieks with laughter as Derek makes funny noises as he does this.
"I cannot believe she loves Museli as much as you." Meredith laughs as they watch Lexie grab more cereal and stuff it in her mouth.
"Oh I know!" Derek laughs and kisses Lexie's head. "She's my little health nut." He laughs and takes a bite himself .
"We will fix that, right ZoZo? Bails?" Meredith smirks at them.
"Yeah!" Zola cheers. Her little fists in the air as Bailey nods hard while he smirks with his mouthful.
"Nah, we won't let that happen, right, Lex?" Derek bounces the baby in his lap until she giggles. He laughs with her and nudges Meredith who just rolls her eyes.
"Yum!" Lexie coos as she takes another bite. Making everyone at the table laugh.
"Where's nana, guys?" Derek asks as they eat.
"Gettin dressed." Zola explains.
"Said she would let us have pivasy." Bailey finishes as he lifts his apple juice for a drink.
"Oh, she didn't have to do that." Meredith gasps.
"It's okay, Mer. She also probably wanted to be ready when for when I go to work." Derek answers.
"True." Meredith replies. "I really wish that you didn't have to work. Even if it's only for one surgery."
"Yeah, daddy! Me too!" Zola whines followed by Bailey.
Derek looks sadly at his wife and kids. "I know, guys. I wish I didn't either. But it's so that I can have six or seven months off for the babies." He cups Meredith's cheek, staring straight into her eyes with a small smile. Meredith sighs as she leans into his warm touch. "I wish I could bring you with me, show you off." Derek laughs as his hand travels down to her bump. Meredith giggles as she shakes her head.
"I'm coming fishing with you guys later." She giggles as the kids gasp and cheer.
"Hmm, you are. I can't wait!" Derek coos as he leans in to kiss her, just as his alarm beeps. He groans as he drops his head. "Ugh, I have to get dressed." He mutters.
Meredith smiles softly. "It's okay, Derek. You'll be home soon and we will have family time." She rubs his strong back.
After a moment gathering himself, he nods. "Yeah and you will have mom here." He repeats the words that he and Meredith go through everyday to help both of them get through the day apart. His sad eyes looking at her for reassurance. Meredith nods as she rests one hand on her bump and the other plays with his curls. "Come on, let me help you inside." Derek stands and places Lexie on the wood, letting her run inside.
"I can get up, Derek. It's good for me to move a little."
"I know. But you know that I am going to take care of you every chance I get." Derek smirks and playfully tickles her. Meredith giggles and pushes out her chair for him. Derek carefully helps her stand and immediately wraps his arms around her from behind. His hands locking on top of her enormous bump and his face snuggled in the crook of her neck. He inhales the sweet smell of her conditioner, giving himself some strength. Meredith sighs as she leans back into his strong arms. Wishing that he didn't have to leave. Slowly, Derek helps Meredith into the living room. He places pillows around her and covers her with a blanket before he runs into the shower to get ready.
"Hi, daddy!" Bailey chirps from their bed. He smiles that sweet smile like Meredith's as he waves at Derek who is standing in the doorway in a towel. His hair already perfectly styled.
"Hey, buddy!" Derek beams as he sees his son.
"Can I help you pick your clothes?" Bailey asks.
Derek tilts his head and smiles. "Sure, buddy." He laughs lightly. Bailey cheers and scrambles over to the closet with Derek.
"What should I wear, Bails?" He asks.
"Umm... Oh! This!" Bailey smiles and pulls out the shirt that Meredith had gotten him for Christmas as a joke. It said, "Back off, I have a crazy wife who will go crazy on you if you even think of trying anything... And I'm not afraid to use her." Bailey smiles so proud that Derek reaches for it instantly and places it over his head. "It's blue and mama loves you in blue." Bailey smiles.
Derek laughs softly before answering. "You're right. She sure does." He says once he's pulled on his boxers and jeans.
"Ya gotta wear your daddy scrub cap." Bailey nods vigorously.
"Absolutely!" Derek laughs as he lifts Bailey into his arms. Hugging him close.
"Yay!" Bailey cheers as Derek rocks him.
"You going to keep an eye on mama for me while I'm at work?" He whispers to Bailey.
"Ya! I will! I will be mama's knight in shiny armour." Bailey says firmly with his hands on his waist.
"Thanks, buddy. That helps me feel better about going." Derek gives him a high five before ruffling his hair as they walk into the kitchen.
"Hey! There you are!" Meredith coos from the kitchen counter.
"Meredith! What are you doing walking around?!" Derek panics, putting Bailey down and rushing over to Meredith. His hands rubbing her back. Concern etched on his face.
"Derek, I'm not on complete bed rest. I can walk around." Meredith giggles and turns towards him. Her belly separating them. Derek begins to run his hands all over her stomach as he stares into her eyes. His eyes sparkling, making Meredith blush.
"I know, Meredith." Is all Derek says softly and reaches to cup her cheek. Kissing her as she giggles. "I just want you to be careful."
With a sigh and a gentle smile, Meredith nods. "I know." She breathes. "I just want to stand for a bit because it's harder for your kids to find my bladder when I stand." Meredith laughs and Derek immediately follows. "That and you need coffee. It goes with your shirt." Meredith smirks and raises her brow towards the shirt.
"Hmm, Bailey picked it out." Derek laughs. "You like?"
Meredith grins saucily. "Oh! Absolutely! Looks sexy." She snuggles up to Derek and cuddles into his chest on her side.
"Hmm, I love you." Derek kisses her as he hugs her close.
"I love you, too." Meredith smiles and kisses him. "I put your coffee in this thermos." She says after kissing for a few minutes.
"Oh! My World's Greatest daddy and husband one." He exclaims with pride as he looks at the gray thermos. "Thank you!"
"My pleasure." Meredith coos as Zola runs over to them.
"Daddy! Daddy!" She calls.
"Yes, princess?" Derek smiles and bends to lift Zola into his arms. Lifting her high above his head first and then cuddling her close.
"Will you wear this when you work today? We made it just for you!" Zola holds out a button while Meredith watches with a smirk.
Derek's gaze softens as he looks. "Best daddy ever!" He reads the large button. His grin tripling in size. "Of course, ZoZo! I love it, guys!" He hugs her and pulls Bailey and Lexie close against his legs when they walk over. Meredith attempts to join in to their hug, wrapping her arms around them. "Oh." Derek sighs after a couple of minutes. He looks sadly at his family. "I better go so that I can be back." He sighs as the kids bury their faces into him and Meredith rubs his back in soothing circles.
"It's only a couple of hours, Derek. Plus you get surgery." Meredith sighs.
"Yeah." He smiles and puts Zola down. Derek cups Meredith's chin and pulls her in for a kiss. "I love you." He coos.
"I love you, too." Meredith smiles and runs her hands up his chest. Derek kisses her lips once more before placing both hands on her belly.
"Bye, babies. Daddy will be home soon. Be good for mama." He kisses her belly three times before kissing the kids once more. After, he hurries out the door, saying goodbye to his mom who was on the porch and heads to work.
Inside, Meredith sighs and looks down at the kids. "I hate when daddy has to leave." She says to Zola and Bailey.
"Me too." Both reply and hug Meredith.
"Good morning, Meredith." Carolyn smiles as she comes inside. "I just saw Derek head to work."
"Yeah." Meredith nods sadly. "It's harder than usual to watch him go because of today being Father's Day."
Carolyn comes over and wraps her arms around her daughter in law. "I know dear, just keep reminding yourself that it's so that he can be home with you for the babies."
"I know." Meredith smiles slightly and looks down.
"Good, now, let's make his cake and make sure everything is ready for fishing and setting up the nursery." Carolyn smiles and lifts Meredith's chin to look back at her.
"Okay." Meredith nods as her phone beeps. "It's Derek." She giggles as she reads the text. "It says that he is on the ferry and that he wanted to say "I love you." Meredith giggles and looks at Carolyn.
"Aw, see, he knew how to make you smile." Carolyn walks over to her.
"Yeah." Meredith nods with one last giggle.
"Okay, let's sit here while we bake." Carolyn redirects Meredith and helps her sit on the barstool.
"We help too, right nana?" Zola bounces on her feet.
"Of course!" Carolyn exclaims with a smile.
"Yay!" The kids shout as they push their baking stools up next to Carolyn. They can see Lexie in the playroom pulling out toys as Carolyn pulls out the ingredients and some bowls and places them near Meredith.
"You lead, I will help the kids move around and we will carry things." Carolyn explains.
"Okay." Meredith smiles and takes the recipe. "Here, Zola, put 3 scoops of the flour in the bowl." She hands a purple measuring cup to her daughter.
"What about me, mama?" Bailey reaches and pokes Meredith.
"Uh, you get the butter and sugar this time." Meredith explains as Zola looks quickly at her, in the middle of scooping.
"Aww, mama! That's the best part!" Zola whines.
Meredith smiles and pats her hand. "ZoZo, you get to try the baking powder and baking soda."
"The little stuff?!" She squeals as they never get to do those because of how hard it was to do just a small amount.
"Yeah, Zola. What do you think?" Meredith smirks.
"Yay!" Zola cheers with a smile.
"No fair!" Bailey gasps and drops the stick of butter in his hand.
"You will get your turn, Bails." Meredith ruffles his hair.
"Ugh, fine. Whatever." He grumbles as he rolls his eyes. Meredith and Carolyn hide their smirks and laughter.
"Ugh, my back hurts so much!" Meredith moans as she shifts on the barstool. "My ankles are stiff."
"I know, dear, Lizzie felt similar. It will be worth it in the end." Carolyn walks over and rubs her shoulders as they watch the kids mix.
"That's what I've heard. I just want them safe." Meredith smiles and Carolyn nods in agreement.
"Look at me, mama!" Bailey coos as he stands by the mixer after slowly turning on the machine. "I did it!" He claps.
"You did! Good job, buddy!" Meredith giggles.
"Hug, mama!" Bailey raises his arms from across the counter. Meredith makes herself smile as she internally freaks. Her larger than normal belly making it difficult for her to stand and hug her kids. Carolyn, however notices her nervous look and wraps her arms around her grandson.
"Come here, baby!" Carolyn lifts him and flies him over to Meredith. "Watch mama's belly." She warns as she carefully places Bailey on the top of her stomach.
Meredith smiles gratefully as she squeezes her son close. "Oh, Bailey. I love you." Her voice whispers.
Bailey giggles as he cuddles her. "Love ya too, mama." He whispers as he feels something poking his chest. "Brudders and maybe sister or brudder is kicking me!" He laughs as Carolyn pulls him away.
"Yeah, they're saying hi!" Meredith giggles and rubs her belly.
"Cool!" Bailey gasps as Carolyn places him on the stool again. Meredith beaming as she watches her son.
"Mama, watch me!" Zola calls. She had been doing much better this week, but once in a while they would notice Zola vying for her own attention.
"Okay, I'm here, love bug." She coos and turns to her oldest.
"Okay, mama. What spoon I need?" Zola peers up at her.
"Uhh, teaspoon." Meredith smiles proudly as Zola picks the right one.
"Got it!" She lifts it in the air with a smile. "It says two scoops of it." Zola looks at the sheet. Earning praise from Meredith.
"Mama, up!" Lexie toddles over and holds up her arms. Meredith looks at her sweet little baby who had her determined glint in her eye.
"Lex." Meredith sighs and bites her lip. Her stomach was too big to let her hold her kids now, so they usually had to sit on the couch next to her. Carolyn catches Meredith's worried look and rushes to assist.
"Here dear." She smiles as she lifts the baby.
"Mama." Lexie coos and squeezes around Meredith's neck. As Carolyn holds Lexie in one place, she pulls over the high chair with her other.
"Meredith, let's have Lexie sit next to you. That will help." Carolyn suggests.
"Oh, thanks." Meredith who's and holds Lexie's hand once she's buckled. "Here, baby girl." Meredith grabs an empty purple bowl and a clean spoon.
"Ah!" She squeals as she pretends to mix with Meredith watching with a smile.
"Lexie, are you making a cake for daddy?" Meredith smirks as she brushes her soft curls. The baby smiles up at her, the sparkle in her eyes reminding Meredith of Derek.
"Mama, look! Cake is ready for the oven!" Bailey laughs as his eyes sparkle just like Derek's as well, making Meredith gasp as the breath leaves her.
"That's great, guys! Let's get the cake in the oven and get everything together for daddy." Meredith smiles at her older kids. So proud with all three. Zola and Bailey eagerly nod as they shout with joy about Derek coming home. Carolyn puts the cake in the oven while Meredith waddles very slowly to the couch. She gets the kids dressed in their matching Father's Day outfits and then they play together on the floor. Carolyn packs their lunch for fishing, listening to Meredith make the kids laugh until they hear a click in the lock.
"Daddy!" Bailey and Zola scream as they throw down their toys and run to the door.
"Dada! Dada!" Lexie copies and runs after them. Her arms outstretched as she runs to her daddy. Derek pushes the door open, smirking as the doorway is instantly filled with the giggles of his children.
"Hey, guys!" Derek cheers as he instantly drops his briefcase next to the door and bends to scoop all three kids into his arms. Bailey and Zola on the ends and Lexie squished in the middle. All four laughing as Carolyn and Meredith watch happily. As Derek rocks back and forth with the kids, he catches Meredith's eyes and the sparkle already in his eyes intensifies. Meredith blushes and tilts her head as Derek looks at her with love. He breaks away to kiss each of his kids.
"Daddy!" Bailey claps as Derek puts them down on the ground.
"Hey, you!" Meredith grins and reaches for him as Derek shuts the door.
"Hmm, hey!" He coos as he walks over and looks at her sexy body. Licking his lips with a smirk.
"Derek!" She giggles and reaches up for him.
"I got you, Meredith." Derek bends and wraps his arms around her to help her stand.
"Ugh!" Meredith moans as she pushes off of the floor. Clutching Derek as she helps him help her. "Oh." She breathes as she makes it to her feet.
Derek tilts his head and spins her to face him. A soft smile on his face as his hands rest on her waist. Her extended belly separating them. "Hey. You okay?"
Meredith sighs and places her hands on his chest. "Hmm, better now that you're home." She hums making both of them smile.
"Good." Derek hums as he bends to kiss her. "I love you." He murmurs as the kids walk over. "I missed you guys." Derek brushes her hair back gingerly.
"Love you, too and missed you." Meredith whispers as Derek kisses her again.
"Hmm, glad to be home. So glad." He hums as he looks deep into her eyes. "How are the babies?" Derek kneels and places his hands all over her belly. Then, rests his ear on her stomach.
Meredith rests her hands on top of his with a smile. "Oh, good. Kicking more now since you got home." She giggles as Derek presses his ear harder against her.
"Oh, hi guys. Are you as happy as I am that I'm home?" Derek coos and feels his children's swift kicks. He laughs as he sees their little feet press against Meredith's skin.
"Cool!" Bailey gasps as he sees the outline of one of the babies feet.
"Pretty awesome, huh, buddy?" Meredith moves one hand to brush his hair. Bailey just stares straight at Meredith's stomach and nods as they see it happen two more times. Making Meredith and Derek laugh.
"It's getting crowded in there." Derek explains and kisses her stomach three times as Meredith runs her hands in his curls now. "Are we ready for fishing?" He looks up at Meredith.
"Yah!" Bailey and Zola shout together.
"Look at our shirts, daddy!" Zola stands back and points. Derek turns and looks at Zola and Bailey who were standing next to Meredith. They have huge smiles on their faces as they point to their green shirts. Bailey's a bit darker than the girls. The words on them read "Daddy's fishing crew!" Next to a fish on a pole.
"Oh, guys! I love them!" Derek beams and reaches to adjust each shirt. He looks up at Meredith proudly.
"I have your lunch all packed!" Carolyn lifts their large basket they use for eating while fishing.
"Excellent! Let's get the day started then!" Derek coos and lifts Zola up, lightly tossing her in the air and catching her.
"Come on, guys, let's get to the car." Meredith turns towards the door.
Derek stops her as she starts to walk. "Mer, I got it. You wait here." He smiles while he strokes her back. Moving to help her sit on the couch.
"But..." Meredith mutters in shock.
"Shhh, Meredith, it's okay, I got it." Derek cups her chin as he stands over her. Meredith sighs as she smirks up at him and nods. Sitting back with her hands on her belly. While Derek turns towards the kids. "Alright, Zola, Bailey, get in the car. Lexie and I will get the fishing gear from the garage." Derek lifts the baby and guides the two older ones out the door.
"I will put the basket in the car." Carolyn adds as she follows them outside.
Ten minutes later, Derek comes back inside. "Alright! Kids and car are ready and packed." He coos as he comes and sits next to Meredith. His eyes scan his wife's sexy body as he roams his hands over her baby bump.
"Thanks, Derek." Meredith smiles.
"My pleasure. How are you feeling?" He brushes hair away from her eyes. Concern etched across his face and in his eyes.
Meredith sighs gently before answering. "Like I'm carrying three babies." She giggles, brushing Derek's cheek.
"Ah! So, good then?" Derek smirks.
Meredith laughs hard as Derek purses his lips into a small grin. "Yes, Derek." She leans in to kiss him.
"Oh!" Derek hums as his hands go to her cheeks. Her lips kissing his. When they pull away, both are breathing heavy and their skin is tinged red. "We better go to the kids before they send mom to get us." He laughs, stroking her chin with the pad of his thumb.
"Yeah, good point. But... Bathroom first, Derek." Meredith bites her lip and looks at Derek nervously.
Derek looks between his wife and her stomach with a bemused look. Slowly bending down to kiss her swollen stomach several times. "Babies, stop playing with mama's bladder." He laughs.
"Derek!" Meredith howls with laughter as she grips his hair. Her heart fluttering as they feel little baby kicks in response. Derek gently helps Meredith stand and go to the bathroom before they head to the car and head out to fish.
They drive down their gravel path to their frequented fishing lake. The mid afternoon sun high in the sky. Shining against the deep blue water below. They reach the clearing where it was nice and open with large rocks amongst the soil. "We're here, guys." Derek turns in his seat and smiles at the kids while holding Meredith's hand.
"Yay! Hurry, daddy!" Bailey bounces in his seat.
"Okay, buddy." Derek laughs and gives Meredith's hand one last squeeze. "Let me let Zola and Bailey out and then I will get you and Lexie. Meredith shakes her head in amusement. So thankful that she had a husband who was willing to take care of her this much.
"Daddy, do you have my pink fishing pole?" Zola asks as she stands from her seat.
"Of course, ZoZo. It's in the back." Derek replies as he places Bailey's green, floppy fishing hat on his head. Zola giggles and bounces in anticipation.
"Look at me, daddy!" Bailey stands in front of him in the car doorway, arms raised .
"You look great, buddy!" Derek gives him a high five and runs his hand over his hat covered head. "Zola too." Derek smiles as Zola pushes past Lexie in her seat to stand next to Bailey. Her matching pink hat covering her braids. "Alright, here we go!" Derek lifts both kids out and places them on the ground, kissing their heads.
"Dada! Out!" Lexie, who had been watching the whole time, reaches for him. Her eyes drawn into a stubborn pout as she stares at him.
"Hmm, stubborn just like you." Derek smirks at Meredith giving her "their" look. Meredith giggles as their eyes meet and she feels that warmth she gets from looking at Derek. "Come here, Lex." Derek coos and unbuckles her car seat. He lifts her out and smiles as he looks at her in her jean shorts and shirt that matches her siblings. "Here, Lexie." He snuggles her and puts on her yellow fishing hat.
"No!" She rips it off of her head. Letting it fling back onto the seat.
Looking between an equally shocked Meredith and their daughter, Derek adjusts so that he can look at their nineteen month old. "Lexie, you have to wear a hat. Want your pink one?"
"No!" She says and leans forward. Meredith and Derek share a perplexed look.
"Lexie, those are the only ones we brought for you." Meredith explains.
"Boo." She points to something blue sticking out from in between the seats.
Derek carefully holds Lexie as he leans to pick up the object. "This is Bailey's blue hat." Derek scrunches his face.
"Mine." Lexie smiles and grabs it. Pulling it over her black curls. Its too big, so it basically covers her eyes.
"Uh, okay. You can borrow it, Lex. But it's your brother's." Derek looks as he puts her on the ground.
"Mine." Lexie looks at Bailey and puts her hands on her head.
"No! Lexie! That's mine!" Bailey pouts.
"Bailey, just let her think that for now." Derek looks intently at his son who just silently fumes. "Come on, buddy. Help me get mama." Derek holds out his hand as a peace offering. Bailey instantly smiles and runs over. "Thanks, buddy. Zola, watch your sister." He instructs as Bailey grabs his hand. "Can you open the door for mama while I get her wheelchair?"
"Yeah, daddy." He nods and runs to the door. Derek smiles as he opens the trunk and watches as he pulls out Meredith's chair that Addison insisted on them bringing everywhere. As he pulls the chair around, he gasps.
"Meredith!" He calls as his eyes widen in fear.
Meredith turns and looks at him with confusion. "What?" She asks as she holds Bailey's hand in one and her other hand rests cutely atop her bump.
"You're supposed to wait until I get closer with the chair." He says in a panic making Meredith giggle at the nerves on his face.
"Don't worry, daddy. I'm holding onto mama." Bailey boasts proudly.
"Yeah, Derek, I have my Prince here. Besides, I can stand." Meredith smirks at him. Swaying cutely as her head tilts. Giggling as Derek's chest heaves with nerves.
"But...Meredith." He muses. Reaching to grab her hand.
"Derek, it's okay. Let's go fish." She looks at him stubbornly. Derek sighs and nods quietly. He smiles as he helps her sit and wheels her around.
"Daddy!" Zola claps as they come around.
"Who's ready to fish?!" Derek beams as he looks at all three kids dressed in their father's day clothes and fishing hats.
"Pishy!" Lexie cheers as Bailey and Zola shout in agreement.
"Alright then! Remember, we want to catch fish." Derek begins as he kneels in front of the kids. Looking close at each of them as he whispers. "So, we have to be quiet." He finishes by placing a finger on his lips.
"Oh yeah!" Zola whispers and copies, leading her brother and sister to imitate. "Shhh!" She says.
"Good!" Derek quietly says as he places their bag on Meredith's lap. He scoops up Lexie and places her on his shoulders. They walk to the edge of the lake with Meredith. Derek and the kids move even closer with their rods as Meredith watches. Lexie stays upon Derek's broad shoulders while Bailey and Zola stand on either side of him. Meredith gasps as she watches Derek smile down at their son and then back at her. She gasps again as the goosebumps flow through her as they make eye contact. Her head tilts when she sees his sparkly eyes that she loves so much, meet hers. Derek smirks as he looks between Meredith and the kids. She smirks at his now husky gaze before he turns back to his fishing.
"Look, daddy, I put on my bait and casted my line on my own!" Zola smiles at him.
"Oh, good job, Zola!" Derek smiles so wide that his cheeks hurt. His eyes glisten with pride at his little girl. He removes one hand from his rod to pull Zola against his side.
"I'm gonna get a big fish!" Zola nods with a whisper and rests her head on Derek's leg. As Derek smirks proudly at his daughter, he looks over and watches Bailey naturally hold his rod before peeking up at Lexie who was looking around curiously. With a content sigh, Derek continues to look out at the lake. The kids huddled close to him.
"Thank you, Meredith." Derek sighs a couple hours later after they had finished their lunch and fished for a long while. As they pull away from the lake, he squeezes her hand in his.
"For what?" Meredith furrows her brow to look at him.
"For having us all go fish. That seriously made me more relaxed than a long surgery." Derek turns to smile at her.
Meredith giggles and bites her lip. "I'm glad, Derek." She gazes up at his proud smile.
"So, when we get home, what's next?" Derek wonders.
Meredith looks behind her at the kids and then back at Derek. "Hmm, I was thinking we could put together the nursery since its finally built. I won't move around much." She adds at the end. Derek sighs and thinks making Meredith hesitate. "Unless you don't want to, it is Father's Day."
"Meredith." Derek smirks with his signature half smile. Effectively stopping a ramble. "I would love to! I was just thinking I'd finally have to face those complicated cribs." Derek chuckles lightly. Making Meredith laugh.
"Hmm, well, hopefully by the third crib you will figure it out." Meredith giggles and banters while Derek just shakes his head with a laugh.
"Hey!" Derek nudges her playfully as the car nears the house. "I think doing the nursery is a great idea."
"Good. Too bad we didn't catch fish, otherwise you and Bailey could have grilled." Meredith adds as they park.
"Cause Lexie had to scare all the fishies!" Zola calls as she unbuckles and stands in between her parents seat. "That's why we didn't get any."
"Oh, Zola. It was an accident." Derek says as he turns in his seat.
"I know. Still don't like it." Zola explains with a shrug.
"Zola, we will catch fish when we have a special daddy and Zola trip." Derek offers.
"Okay." Zola nods definitively. Content with that plan.
"Good. Now, let's get inside." Derek looks at Meredith and smiles. He leans in slowly, watching her eyes and then her lips before he gets closer to kiss her.
"Hmm!" Meredith moans at the feel of his lips on hers. "I love you." She coos as she holds his cheek.
"Love you, too." Derek tilts his head and smirks. His eyes twinkle as they gaze into hers before kissing her once more.
"Eww, daddy!" Bailey shrieks from his seat. Clearly having enough of being in his seat while watching his parents kiss.
Derek smirks as he pulls away to raise his eyebrows at him. With a chuckle, he turns back to Meredith and surprises her by capturing her lips in a deeper, passionate kiss. "Hmm, now we can go inside." Derek smirks as Zola and Bailey both shout in protest.
"Derek." Meredith giggles as her chest heaves from the intensity of the kiss. He gets the older kids out and running up to the house before getting Meredith and Lexie.
"Hello, dears!" Carolyn coos as she sees her son and his family walk in the door. She is reading a cooking magazine on the couch.
"Hi, nana!" Zola and Bailey shout and run over to her. Derek places Lexie on the ground and the baby follows. Meredith leans into Derek, her hands resting on her belly.
"Did you all have fun?" Carolyn asks as she kisses the kids.
Derek nods and kisses Meredith's head. Yeah, we sure did, ma." He adds with a smile. "Now, we are going to put together the nursery." Derek practically bounces as he looks between his mom and Meredith.
"That sounds like a plan. I will get started on dinner in a bit." Carolyn replies.
"Thanks, mom." Meredith answers sincerely. Derek nods as well and leads her to the newly built nursery. The kids following.
"I'm so glad that we for the actual building finished." Derek sighs as they stand in the doorway of the nursery.
"Hmm, yeah and that we got it painted." Meredith smiles at bright, sky blue room with white clouds that had been stenciled in preparation for the outdoor camping themed room.
"What do we do, daddy?" Zola asks as they look around the room. There are several boxes spread around the room. Boxes for the cribs, rocking chairs and cubes. Some boxes were baby clothes from the sisters and Amazon boxes of clothes that Meredith ordered while being at home.
Derek sighs. "Well...How about we hang the decals and separate the clothes."
Meredith raises her eyebrows with a smirk. "What about all of the assembly, Derek?" She giggles.
Derek blushes and looks around. "Hmm, these look complicated... Let's maybe get them done later?" He says as he eyes the extensive fine print on the boxes.
"Derek Christopher Shepherd!" Meredith gasps and swats at him. "We do the wall art and then you assemble this stuff." She gestures to the mess in the room.
"But, Meredith, each of these things are so complicated. Plus, it's a different rocking chair and we have two of them!" Derek whines as Meredith glares at him for his sudden change in behavior.
"Derek, you're putting these things together because I have to be admitted to the hospital in three days and I want to have the basics ready for our children." Meredith glares at him with her fiery gaze and hands on her waist.
"Okay. Okay, I will put them together." Derek says slowly as he watches Meredith's stubborn look.
"That's what I thought." Meredith mutters as she proudly sways back and forth.
"Alright, then. Let me get you a chair and we will start." Derek smiles and sighs as he kisses her cheek. His eyes sparkle with love as they linger on Meredith's. Once he goes and comes back with the chair from Lexie's room, he calls Zola and Bailey to his side. "Here are some of the wall decorations." He pulls out a stack of decals. "We have Disney characters that are doing outdoor activities." He hands over a bunch to each kid.
"Aww, Mickey fishing!" Bailey laughs as he holds up one of the pictures.
"Lakes and mountains! It even says Mt. Mickey!" Zola laughs as she holds up hers.
"Those are great, Derek!" Meredith exclaims as Bailey shows her more with Goofy, Donald and Chip n Dale. "Oh! I think this might be my favorite!" She gasps as she sees a large sticker of a trailer and Mickey and Minnie holding hands.
"Mine too." Derek smiles as he holds it in his hands. "This as well."
"We love camping." Meredith reads a banner with a picture of Mickey and Goofy in front of a tent. A campfire in front of them. "Oh, Derek." She giggles . "Starting them early?"
"Have to, Meredith." Derek proudly smiles with his chest out. Meredith just shakes her head in amusement. They pull out more wall decor before Derek pulls out two M's. "Where should I hang these?"
Meredith looks around to contemplate. "Over there." She points to the longest wall. "I want all three cribs on the same wall."
Derek looks at where she was pointing. "Okay. I will make it work." He says to himself.
"I want Mark and Mason to be on the outside and baby three in the middle." Meredith explains as Derek measures the wall.
"Mama, what about a letter for our number three baby?" Bailey asks. Looking up at her with his wide eyes.
"We don't know if it's a boy or girl yet." Meredith explains with her hand resting on her bump.
"Aww, man!" Bailey whines as he squats next to her stomach. Glaring at it almost as if trying to will the unborn baby to tell them if they were a girl or boy.
Derek calls the kids over and Meredith sits back to watch them. "What family pictures should we use?" He asks as he pulls out several frames that are brown and look woodsy after everything else was hung. A couple were even shaped like a tent and fish.
"Disney like we did for Lexie." Zola adds.
"Ones from special camping days too!" Bailey suggests and nods up at Derek.
"Sounds good, guys. Now, why don't you go draw some pictures to hang while I start on these cribs?" Derek rubs Bailey's head lovingly.
"Daddy, we wanna help!" Zola tilts her head and smiles.
Derek can't help but smile wide at that thought. "Okay! Let's go get my tools!" He reaches for Zola's hand. "Be right back, Meredith. Are you okay?" His eyes and voice laced with concern. He reaches his free hand to brush away some loose hair.
"I'm good." Meredith smiles in content allowing Derek to breathe a sigh of relief. Derek leads the kids out into the garage past where Carolyn was playing with Lexie. Once they get the tools, they get back into the nursery.
"Alright, let's figure out this crib. It's not really that hard." He muses as he stares at the crib instructions laid out on the box. Hand on one hip while the other runs through his hair. Meredith watches as she sees him look utterly confused at the directions. "Mer, the other cribs were seriously not this hard! These have all sorts of steps and diagrams!" He moans as he looks over the paper. Making Meredith laugh.
"Oh, Derek. You're a neurosurgeon. You can figure this out." She covers her mouth as she giggles.
"Meredith." He moans in defeat.
"I know you can put together our children's beds." Meredith looks at him with admiration. Giving him a boost of confidence. He smiles at her in awe and takes a deep breath.
"Come on daddy!" His two oldest pull on his shirt. Derek pulls the box down and sits on the ground. He pulls out a long rail and stares at it.
"Okay... So, this piece attached to a piece that looks like this..." Derek muses as the kids watch besides him. "But how? It doesn't say..." He mutters as Meredith could be heard giggling. "Damn it! One hundred and twenty pieces!" Derek gasps as he sees the number.
"What's this piece?" Zola holds up a uniquely shaped one.
"Uhh, that looks like part of the changing table." Derek explains.
"The changing table is in the crib?" Zola questions. Intrigued at the idea as she had only ever seen them separate.
"Yes, ZoZo. That's why it's so different for daddy. They're both attached." Meredith replies as Derek reaches for another piece and asks Bailey to hold something.
"That's no fun." Zola shakes her head and turns to watch Derek and Bailey attempt to build.
"Daddy, I don't think that looks right." Bailey shakes his head once Derek was more than half way finished.
Derek pulls back to look. "It's right, Bails." He grumbles as he sees the lopsided bed slash changing table.
"Umm, daddy. That's all wiggly." Zola adds, scrunching up her nose while Derek shakes the bed a little. Checking the stability. Derek sighs and thinks while looking at the crib.
"Ugh, damn it!" Derek growls and rakes his hands through his hair. Bailey and Zola raise their eyes as Meredith tries to stop her giggles. "Why is this so hard?!" He shouts.
"Derek... Oh, Derek." Meredith soothes as he broods. "Let me see the directions." She reaches for the paper. Derek looks at her in contemplation for a moment. Finally handing them to her. Meredith studies them intently for a while before her mouth drops. "Hmm, they are tricky, but look here; you have to do this first because they have a symbol next to them. They are first because they are all the major pieces." Meredith smirks at him.
"What!? How was I supposed to know that?!" Derek moans with an exasperated sigh. Allowing Meredith's giggle to echo through the room.
"I just followed the pictures and noticed it." Meredith smirks.
Derek looks at her with a scowl. "It took me over an hour to do this!" He grumbles as Meredith rubs his shoulder with a sympathetic look.
"Oh, Derek, but now that you know, it will be quicker." He looks at his wife in contemplation. Her words calming him. Nodding up at her in agreement from his spot on the floor. Zola and Bailey both watching them. "Hey, why don't we have a snack before trying again? I could really go for some watermelon and cream cheese." Meredith fondly suggests.
Derek smirks at her craving before responding. "Sure, Meredith. That's a good idea." He answers and turns to his son. "Bailey, want to help get a snack?" Derek looks at him with a smile.
"Yeah! Yeah!" Bailey bounces and reaches up to Derek. They head out to gather snacks before coming back and eating together in the nursery. "Mama?" Bailey scrunches his nose as he watches Meredith moan as she takes a bite of watermelon slathered in cream cheese.
"Hmm?" Meredith hums as she chews.
"Why you eating that?" He wonders and Derek looks at him with wide, terrified eyes. Willing Bailey to remember what they already talked about.
Meredith stares at him for a moment before looking up at Derek. She breathes in and out. Calming herself as to not snap. "Because that's what the babies make me want." Meredith smiles.
Bailey shakes his head and looks at his parents. His apple slice pauses in front of his mouth. "But, why? Why that?"
Meredith sighs in frustration. He was too young to understand not to ask a pregnant woman that question. But, luckily, Derek comes to her assist. "Because they are trying different foods to get them ready for when they do eat solids. They don't know that they don't go together." Derek explains.
"Oh." Bailey nods and becomes silent as he eats his apple. Meredith gives Derek a smile in thanks as she goes back to eating. They finish eating their snacks and Derek then goes back to attempting to build the cribs.
"Take two." Derek mumbles as he disassembles his messed up crib. Making Meredith giggle. "Let's see... We unscrew this part and put it..."
"Here, daddy!" Bailey pats the spot next to him. Derek laughs as he hands the wooden piece to his son. Watching as Bailey attempts to maneuver the large piece over his body.
"Okay, we did that and now we should put these two things together." Derek reads the paper again. This time with Zola and Bailey eagerly watching over his shoulders as he works. Incorporating his kids as much as possible. Meredith knew that she should be sorting baby clothes. But, right now, she could hear Lexie squealing with laughter in the living room at the same time as she listened to Derek talk to her older ones. Making her only able to sit with her hands on her belly as she happily watches and listens to her family.
Meredith continues to watch, getting lost in thought until she realizes that Zola, Bailey and Derek are all laughing furiously. When she refocuses, her heart bursts with love. Derek finally got one crib done and now the laughter was because Derek had placed the kids inside of the crib. So now both kids stood inside of the mattress-less crib. "Daddy, are we babies again?!" Zola laughs as she tries to move between the baseboards.
Derek laughs as he leans against the railing. "I guess you are, ZoZo!" His gaze catches Meredith's and he smirks. Giving her the sparkly eye thing as he proudly points at the crib. She gasps at the intensity of his gaze before smirking at his ego.
"I knew you could do it!" Meredith laughs as she looks at the crib. She breathes in awe at the sight.
"I was worried for a while there, but I did it!" Derek claps and goes to kneel beside Meredith. His bright smile radiating between him and Meredith.
Meredith lifts one hand to run through his curls as she sighs. "So was I." She giggles playfully, letting her hand stop on his cheek.
"Meredith!" Derek gasps as he joins in with laughing. Eventually, he sits up on his knees higher. Pulling her chin to his lips. Their laughter turning into moans of delight and Derek rests his hands next to Meredith's on her belly.
"It is great, Derek. Way more complicated than expected and harder than our other cribs." Meredith reassures once the laughter died down. Derek smiles with pride as he looks at the other two plus the cubes they bought.
"Hmm, I guess I should finish the assembly?" He sighs. "Do you feel okay?" His concerned eyes fall upon his beautiful wife.
Meredith breathes in and out once. "I am, Derek."
"Good." He smiles as he sits up to nuzzle her cheek.
"I wish that I could help."
"It's okay, Meredith. My crew and I have it covered, right guys?!" He turns and winks at the kids who were still standing in the crib."
"Ya, daddy!" The kids cheer, making Meredith giggle.
"Alright then. I guess that I will sort clothes then." Meredith looks at the two boxes of clothes that the sisters sent. "Can you just bring them closer?" She scrunches her face as she looks around." Derek nods and stands to set Meredith up comfortably. When he is done, he begins assembling with the kids. Meredith spending the time separating clothes by size. A few hours later, the room was finally done. Now, Derek holds Meredith in the doorway. Zola on Derek's side and Bailey on Meredith's. Lexie was being held by Derek in the arm not holding Meredith.
"It looks so cool!" Bailey claps as they look around.
"Yeah, we finally did it!" Derek beams as he kisses Lexie and rubs Meredith's stomach.
"I love it!" Meredith muses. The room had sky blue walls with large peel off grass stickers along the bottom. White cloud stickers all along parts of the top. The wall straight ahead had all three cribs slash changing tables against the two, long windows, facing out on the soft gray carpet. The two wooden M's were on the wall in between the windows that were covered with blackout shades. Stacked on each other with space for a third letter when ready. One side wall was filled with large camping stickers with Disney themed woodland creatures. The wall decor they looked at earlier was placed strategically amongst the tent, campfire and fishing lake stickers. The opposite wall had the closet with white cubes next to it. Above the cubes was the family wall. Indigo sticker letters spelling the word "LOVE" in the center. Around it were the picture frames with pictures of the family fishing and camping."
"Wait, where are the Disney pictures, daddy?" Zola looks at Derek.
"They're going here, Zo." Derek points to the wall besides the door. There were five empty, white picture frames hanging in a row on the wall. "We also have one on the cubes next to the lamp." He gestures to the frame on the cubes next to a green, fish shaped lamp."
"Okay!" Zola nods in approval.
"This is so great, Derek." Meredith breathes again. "We only have the pictures there to fill and the rocking chairs to put together."
"Hmm, we do." Derek muses and looks at the boxes in the closet under the baby clothes hung above them.
"Uh, Derek?" Meredith questions as she notices something in the closet.
"Yeah, Mer?" He wonders. Looking over at her.
"I thought I told you to hang the clothes by color and size?" Meredith asks with annoyance laced in her tone.
"I did, Meredith." Derek replies, his face scrunched in confusion over her sudden change in demeanor.
"Go check because those pants don't look right." She points to the closet while glaring at Derek. He looks at her strangely before putting Lexie down and he walks over to the closet. When he reaches the closet, Derek looks back. Meredith is now glaring at him with her hands on her waist. Her pregnant belly protruding far in front of her while she waited. The kids watching in amusement. "Those blue ones right there." She points and Derek turns to look.
"This?" Derek pulls the item out.
Meredith gasps with annoyed expression when she sees. "Derek! Those are not pants! They're pajama bottoms. They go in the baskets!" Her eyes flare red. "Ugh, now I have to check everything." She mumbles. Derek smirks at her sudden hormonal change before he panics as she begins walking to him.
"Meredith, wait! Whatever you need, I'll fix." Derek rushes over to help her walk.
"I'm fine, Derek." Meredith swipes his hands away as she goes to look." He sighs as he rests his hand on her back.
"Meredith." Derek sighs as he watches her sift through the clothes.
"No, Derek. The room has to be as close to perfect as possible! That's even only because it can't be perfect because I have to be admitted tomorrow." Meredith turns to glare at Derek with her hands full. Meredith had no idea where this rush of nesting came from, but it was certainly making her hormones rage.
"Meredith." Derek tilts his head and gives a soft smile. The initial shock of a pregnant, hormonal outburst wearing down. "Come here." He holds out his arms.
"No. I have to finish this." She mumbles as she shoves clothes in the closet to the side.
"Meredith." He says again. This time, tugging the clothes out of her hands. "Mer." Derek whispers after wrestling the clothes from her and placing them on the cubes. He pulls her into his arms. Fighting against her reaching around him as she tries to get back to the clothes. "Hey, shh... Shhh..." Derek calms as he buries his nose in her hair. Pulling her arms to wrap around his waist as much as possible. He runs his hands along her spine.
"Derek." Meredith whines as she wriggles against him.
"No, Meredith. Just take a deep breath. Look at me." Derek whispers and tilts her chin up to meet his eyes. Meredith sighs deeply and stares to the side for what seems like a while. Finally, she looks up at him expectantly. Derek gives his McDreamy smile before moving to capture her cheeks in his hands. "Meredith. We will have this all done. I can even come here and finish more once we have cleaned you up and the kids are in bed." Derek bargains.
"But that's our special Father's Day time since we can't... Do other things." Meredith whispers. Fully aware that the kids were there and listening.
Derek smirks with amusement. His wife was adorable. "Meredith, then Bailey, Zola and I will get it done when I come home for a couple hours when you are at the hospital. What else needs to be done anyway?" He kisses her cheek as she begins to relax.
"Ugh, the closet needs to be adjusted, the chairs need to be put together, pictures in the Disney frames. Oh! The room should be dusted!" She adds as she looks around.
"Okay." Derek nods and says, slowly. Choosing to not question her. "Meredith. It. Will. Be. Done." He lifts her chin and kisses her lips several times. Meredith smiles gently at him in silent thanks. "There's my Meredith." He breathes as he feels her body sag. "Now, let's go get some dinner!"
"Yeah! Nana made roast chicken." Bailey runs and hugs Derek."
"Oh yeah?! My favorite!" Derek laughs and ruffles his hair.
"Yes, Derek. Then we have you favorite cake!" Meredith coos, forgetting her panic.
"Really?!" He beams while lifting Lexie into his arms.
"Yeah! Come on, daddy!" Bailey squeals as he bounces in the doorway. Derek laughs and leads Meredith carefully out of the room. Lexie resting her head on Derek's shoulder as they walk into the kitchen. They all sit down to a table hoswith roast chicken, vegetables, rolls and potatoes. After enjoying the cake they made earlier and presents, Derek puts the kids to bed and heads back to his bedroom. He sighs with a soft smile as he sees Meredith cuddled with his pillow fast asleep. She got so tired lately, so he was used to this by now. Just wanting to be with his wife, he strips down to his boxers and joins her, kissing her head softly. Completely relaxed after the amazing day his wife created.