"Mere, I don't want to get up." He reached across and touched one of her legs.

"But, doctor, you've got surgery this morning," she laughed.

"I know. I've only got two short cases, so maybe I can leave early this afternoon."

"That'd be nice. Maybe we could do something later." She gazed at him, lovingly.

"That sounds great, Mere. But first, come back over here." He pulled her closer, playfully trapping her in his arms and showering her with kisses.

"You do have 45 minutes until you need to be at the hospital," she pointed out.

"Why, Dr. Grey, are you trying to seduce me?" He flashed one of his devastatingly handsome smiles.

"Well, you are in my bed…" She giggled as he rolled over and ended up on top of her.

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"Hi Meredith." It was Dr. Bailey, "I need you to stop by the hospital this morning. You forgot to sign one of the orders that you wrote yesterday. Normally, the hospital wants orders signed no later than 48 hours after-the-fact, like for verbal orders or ones that you call in. But, since it's Thursday, and you're off until Monday, could you stop in and sign it this morning?"

"Sure," Meredith answered groggily. "I'll be there in a couple of hours." She glanced at the alarm clock. Nine o'clock.

"Thanks. I'll see you when you get here."

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After an energizing bath and some leftover green chili enchiladas from last night's dinner, Meredith was on her way to the hospital. She'd been an intern long enough, now, that it almost felt strange wearing "normal" clothes instead of scrubs. In the spirit of the long weekend, she took the time to do her hair and find a nice outfit to wear. After a while, wearing scrubs and a ponytail had almost made her forget what it felt like to be a person—a person who had time to think of things on a not-life-and-death time frame and a person who could take the time to do frivolous things and pamper herself.

"After a while," she thought, "You almost feel like a drone."

She pulled up at the hospital around 11:30. Dr. Bailey had just gotten out of surgery, and Meredith found her in the recovery room, writing post-op orders for the patient they'd just finished with.

"Dr. Bailey, what was the name of the patient—for the orders I needed to sign."

"Oh, right, let me see. Hmm…where did I set that chart? Oh, I remember! I put it in the staff lounge. Come with me, and I'll get it for you." Dr. Bailey started out of the recovery room and motioned for her to follow. They walked down the hall, Meredith several steps behind her. Dr. Bailey entered the staff lounge, the door quickly closing behind her.

And as Meredith opened the door, she realized that all of the interns, the attendings, all of the nurses and the other OR staff—everyone was gathered in the room. And they were standing behind Derek, who was not dressed in scrubs. He looked very handsome in his V-neck sweater, white button-down underneath, and sexy jeans. And he was smiling, looking very intensely into her eyes. The room, which had been abuzz with laughter and chatting, hushed as she walked in.

"Meredith, there's something that I want to ask you." Derek said, eyes sparkling. "And I thought it only fitting that everyone be here as witnesses."

Meredith's stomach began doing flips as she realized what was going on. I can't believe that this is really happening.

He swiftly closed the gap between them, looking deeply into her eyes. He slowly got down on one knee, and took one of her hands in his. He pulled a black velvet-covered box from his back pocket and opened it, letting go of her hand just long enough to pull out the ring.

"Meredith Grey, I love you with all of my heart, and will never love another woman the way I love you. So, I'm asking you now—will you make me the luckiest man alive by becoming my wife? Will you marry me, Meredith?"

"Yes, Derek. I love you, too," she whispered. Tears trickled down her cheeks as he slipped the beautiful diamond ring onto her finger. He stood up, taking her into his arms and heartily kissing her. The crowd began cheering—clapping and whistling as the happy couple displayed their zeal for one another.

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People stood around, excitedly talking about the romantic scene they'd all just witnessed.

"It's about time," one nurse commented. "We lived through all of the Addison drama along with them, I'm glad that we got to share in their joyous moment!"

"Okay people, let's get to work!" Dr. Bailey.

"Dr. Bailey," Meredith turned to face her, laughing as she exclaimed, "that had to be more calculating, conniving, and mischievous than I would have ever expected, even from 'the Nazi'!"

"Just remember Grey," she laughed, embracing the intern in a sisterly hug, "He is my boss. Congratulations, you two. You've been through a lot, and you both deserve to be happy." Derek grinned, touched by the tenderness of the normally stern resident.

"Oh. My. God! Meredith, congratulations." Christina beamed, hugging Meredith. Another uncharacteristic show of emotion. "Now, McDreamy," she leaned closer and whispered forcefully, "if you ever break her heart again, I promise you—I'll rip your balls out through your throat and shove them up your ass." She stepped back, and smiled sweetly as she asked, "Okay, Derek? Congratulations, buddy!" She slapped him on the shoulder as she shuffled out of the room.

"Congratulations, you guys." Alex and Izzy hugged each of them, Izzy frantically wiping away tears. "That was awesome, Dr. Shepherd. Congratulations, Mere. It's about time that you two can really be together and happy."

George shook Derek's hand, nervously looking up at him, "Take good care of my friend, Dr. Shepherd. I hope that you deserve her, and make her happy."

"I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying, O'Malley." Derek replied, eyes shining.

"Thanks, George." Meredith choked, tears streaming down her face.

"Congratulations, Meredith. You deserve it." He gave her a quick hug, and turned to leave the room.

They continued coming by—the Chief, and eventually Burke, and some of the nurses.

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"Wanna get out of here?" he whispered in her ear, seductively.

"Let's go."

The two of them sneaked past the staff who were still lingering in the lounge.