I'm sure all the Addeks out there want to hunt me down in angry mob form right about now. Let me just say that honestly, I'm not really diehard MerDer or Addek, but this particular story needed to be MerDer to work. So, thank you guys for bearing with me even though it may not have been your favorite coupling!

Chapter Fifteen: Love Song

You say it's very hard
To leave behind the life we knew
But there's no other way
And now it's really up to you
Love is the key we must turn
Truth is the flame we must burn
Freedom the lesson we must learn

Elton John

…

"Mommy, are we almost there?" the six-year-old asked excitedly, staring out the window with her nose pressed to the glass, as they sat in the back seat of the taxi. She was clutching the old porcelain doll tightly, her tiny fingers intertwined in the ribbons of Amélie's satin dress; she never went anywhere without the doll.

"We'll be there soon, Elle," Addison laughed. The little girl's bright green eyes and vivid spirit always drew a smile to Addison's face. She's so much like Leni, she thought, and it was bittersweet. Even after all this time, she still missed Leni, but Elena made it easier. In fact, Addison found that Elena was the bandage that had healed her broken heart.

"When I talked to Daddy on the phone, he said that Aida was six pounds and four ounces and had blue eyes," Elena said as-a-matter-of-factly. "That's good, right, Mommy?"

Addison nodded. "That's very good. It sounds to me like Aida is a very healthy baby," she confirmed, and Elena smiled.

"One pound is sixteen ounces, isn't it?"

"That is exactly right, Sweetheart. You're so smart," she praised her.

"Smart like you. That's why I'm gonna be a surgeon one day, too," the little girl stated. "Then I can help make sick babies all better just like you did for me."

Addison planted a kiss atop Elena's dark curls and whispered, "Sweetheart, I don't doubt that one bit."

Elena squealed with excitement as they pulled up to Meredith and Derek's house. "We're here!" As soon as the taxi pulled to a stop, Elena opened the door and rushed up the stairs, while Addison paid the driver and then hurried after her daughter.

A moment after Elena rang the doorbell, Derek opened the door with a smile. There was a moment of silence as his and Addison's glances met, but Elena jumped into his arms and said, "Hi, Daddy! I missed you. Amélie did, too."

"I missed you, too, Elle. So much. All of you," he said as he held her.

"Is Meredith inside with Hayden and Aida?"

"Yeah, she is. Why don't you go tell her you're here?" Derek replied, and Elena hurried inside, leaving Derek and Addison alone in their silence once more, as Addison fumbled with the package in her hand. "How are you, Addie?"

She smiled. "I'm all right; Elle and I have been doing well." Then with a grin, she added, "And apparently, you've been well, Dad. It seems just yesterday that Hayden was born, and he's four already. Now you're on number two. Having a house full of little ones suits you, Derek."

And it was true. He was happy, and truth be told, she was happy for him. She knew that most people probably found it strange that her life should still be so intertwined with that of her ex-husband, that they still shared holidays and birthdays and things that a family would share. But through Elena, they were still family; granted, things were very different, but they had finally reached the place where they both wanted to be.

"And look at you. You look great, Addie, and Elle is so amazing; she reminds me more and more of Leni every time I see her." He recognized the look she was giving him—the same look that she gave him whenever she knew that he was going to ask something she was so set against. "So, I'm guessing there's still no thought of moving back to Seattle? You know Preston would love to have you back on our staff; he's always looking to keep Seattle Grace the top hospital in the country."

"I can't, Derek. I don't want to uproot Elena; she's so well-adjusted and just blossoming academically and socially. It wouldn't be fair."

"What is there for you two in New York that you couldn't have here, Addison? There are great schools here, there's the hospital… There's family. I hate watching Elle grow up in pictures, Addie; a few times a year isn't enough. I want to be able to go to her ballet recitals and watch her school plays and read her bedtime stories… and be a real part of her life. Why won't you consider it?" He looked at her for a moment, then a grin spread across his face. "Oh, so that's it."

"What's 'it'? What are you talking about?"

"Well, obviously there's some guy back in New York that you just can't bear to leave. I can't believe you weren't going to tell me. So, what's he like?" he teased.

"Seriously, Derek," Addison laughed and blushed just a little bit, partly because it was such an inappropriate conversation to be having with her ex-husband and partly because she was glad that they could have such a conversation.

Derek laughed, too; despite everything, it was nice to laugh with her again. Finally, he suggested, "C'mon, let's go inside."

Elena was seated closely between Hayden and Meredith on the couch, while the latter gently instructed the child on the proper techniques of infant-handling. "Make sure you support her head, and keep her close to you. That's it, Elle; just like that. You're doing great."

"Look, Mommy. Meredith is letting me hold Aida," Elena said softly, smiling from ear to ear as she stared at the tiny baby in her arms.

"So I see," her mother answered as she leaned in for a closer look.

"You know, Mommy, I think we should get a baby."

The room was silent for a minute as everyone waited for Addison's response. Finally, she laughed and remarked, "Elena Amélie, how in the world would I find time for a baby and you and work?"

Elena shrugged. "I could help. I'm good at it. And Meredith and Daddy could baby-sit sometimes and we could baby-sit Aida. And you, too, Hayden," she added, noting his pouting face upon his exclusion.

"Sweetheart, we live in Manhattan. Remember the airplane ride that we just took? Seattle is a bit far away, don't you think?"

But Elena just shook her head. "Not if we get a house in Seattle, Mommy. Then we wouldn't even need to fly in an airplane. We could drive. Oh, or even walk if we live close enough!"

Derek shot her an "I told you so" look, but Addison just laughed it off for the time being. "We'll talk about that later, okay, Elle? It's a big decision." She then turned her attention back to Aida and remarked, "She's really beautiful, Meredith."

"Thank you, Addison. It's so good to see you and Elle. Thank you so much for coming to Aida's Welcome Home party; it means a lot to us," Meredith said. Sometimes it still surprised her that she and Addison could be friends—real friends—not just putting on airs. But, surprise of surprises, they had more in common than they had wanted to admit at first.

"We're glad to come, aren't we, Elle?"

She nodded fervently. "Very glad to come. And we brought Hayden and Aida presents."

The little boy's blue eyes grew wide with excitement as he piped up, "Ooh, presents, Mommy! Can I open mine? Please, Mommy!"

"Addison, you really didn't have to go through all that trouble when you just sent Hayden a birthday present less than a month ago," Meredith replied.

But she shook her head. "It was no trouble. And you and Derek always bring something for Elena every time you visit."

"Can I open it, Mommy? Pretty please?" Hayden continued to plead.

"If Addison says it's all right, then I guess you can," she answered, and the little boy turned his attention to Addison and looked at her hopefully.

"Of course," she laughed and handed him the gift. As he opened it excitedly, she said, "Elle saw it and said that she just had to get it for Hayden."

"Mommy, look! It's a Super Robo-Copter, just like on TV! Thank you, Addie and Elle!"

Derek smiled and remarked, "Looks like you'll have a lot of fun with that, Hayden."

Meredith leaned in to see just what it was that was making Hayden so excited, but it was beyond her. However, he'd been talking about the toy ever since he'd seen the commercial, and if he was happy, so was she. "Thank you, Addison."

"Elle's the one who picked it out. I don't think it makes any obnoxious noises, and you've got to put something together, so I'm thinking it's at least a little bit educational," she shrugged. "I don't get it, either."

Elena chimed in, "All the boys at my school have one and they like them, so I knew Hayden would, too."

"I do!" he agreed and gave Elena a kiss on the cheek, and their parents laughed. There was a knock at the door, and before anyone could move, Hayden jumped up and announced, "I'll get it!"

A moment later, Izzie and Alex walked into the living room, each holding one of their two-year-old twin daughters.

"Hey, everyone," Izzie smiled brightly. "The girls are a little tired from the trip; all we heard on the entire drive over here was Sophie and Lydia chattering about seeing the new baby, and when we pull up, they fall asleep."

"Hey, Alex!" Elena said in a loud whisper. "Hey, Izzie!"

"Hey, Green Eyes," Alex smiled at her, and she giggled happily just like she always did when he called her by the nickname.

Meredith took Lydia from Alex and offered to Izzie, "We can go put them in Hayden's room until they're done napping. Derek, why don't you and Alex go outside and start the grill?"

He nodded, and the two men headed to the back yard, with Hayden in tow. The little boy turned and said, "C'mon, Elle! Let's go outside with Daddy!"

"Okay." Elena then turned to her mother and asked, "Could you hold Aida so I can go outside with Hayden, Mommy?"

"All right," Addison agreed and took the sleeping infant into her arms.

Aida was a beautiful child. She was a perfect mix of Meredith and Derek, just as Hayden was. In fact, both children had vividly blue eyes, soft golden-brown hair, and an ever-soulful expression.

The little girl started to stir, and after a moment, she looked up thoughtfully at Addison with her sapphire eyes.

"Well, good afternoon, Sweetheart. Have a good nap?" Addison whispered cheerfully to the little girl, who yawned and stretched in reply. "Well, I guess that's a 'yes,' then, isn't it?"

As happy as she was that Elena was getting older now, a little part of her couldn't help but miss having a baby around. It had been hard raising Elena practically on her own—Derek did what he could but the distance of over two thousand miles didn't make it easy or convenient—but secretly, she missed those quiet three a.m. feedings and hearing her first words and seeing her first steps and rocking her to sleep at night. Elena had brought so much joy and fulfillment into her life; and, as she looked at Aida, she knew that this little girl and her brother would do the same for Derek.

For a moment, Meredith watched the two of them from the stairs and smiled; Addison had always been so wonderful to her children. For a long time, she had envied Addison; in some ways, a little part of her still did. But now, she simultaneously felt sympathy and admiration for her. Sympathy because Addison had been the one to end up alone when all was said and done, and admiration because she had managed to pick up the pieces all by herself.

Addison suddenly felt the presence of another person in the room and smiled when she saw Meredith standing on the stairs. "She's just waking up." She started to bring the little girl to her mother, but a knock at the door caught both their attention.

"It's probably Cristina and Burke and the boys. And wasn't George coming with them? Would you mind hanging onto her for a little longer while I get that?"

Addison shook her head. "Of course not; I'd be happy to."

A moment later, Meredith led her friends into the living room. In Burke's arms was their youngest son, Aaron, who was two, and not far behind was five-year-old Oliver. Their third child—a little girl—was due in less than a month.

"The guys are in the back starting up the grill. Hayden and Elle are out there, too," Meredith offered, and George nodded while Burke smiled and led his sons outside to join the other men and leave the women to their chatting.

"So, have you two decided on her name yet?" Izzie wondered as she made her way downstairs, both her daughters wide awake and grasping her hands tightly.

"We finally agreed on Lillian," Cristina smiled. "Burke's already calling her Lily. She's gonna have him so wrapped."

"You've seriously decided on a name before it's time to leave the hospital? I'm impressed," Meredith teased.

"Ha-ha… You're so witty, Mer," Cristina remarked, but she was smiling. She then turned her attention to Izzie's girls. "You two are getting so big. Come here and give Aunt Cris a hug."

Sophie and Lydia ran over to her, and everyone else smiled at the change that had come over Cristina since she had become a mother. She was still a fierce competitor in the operating room, but she had wonderfully taken over the role of mother as well.

"A baby?" Lydia asked, motioning toward Cristina's stomach.

But Sophie countered, "No, that baby," as she pointed to Aida. "Mommy?" she asked, and both little girls turned their attention to their mother.

"If they're asking questions like this at two, then I can't wait until they're older." She bent until she was eye-level with her girls and explained, "Inside Aunt Cris' tummy is a baby that hasn't been born yet; she's still growing inside there until she's ready to come out. Aida is a baby that already finished growing inside Aunt Mer's tummy, so now she's going to finish growing outside, like you two."

"How did they get in there?" Lydia asked; Sophie then wanted to know how the babies got out, and everyone laughed.

"No idea," Izzie shrugged and scooped up both the little girls. "C'mon, let's go outside and watch the guys pretend to be macho and manly while they try to cook."

…

An hour later, the Shepherds' backyard was filled with family and friends; Derek's parents and sisters—and their families—and also Meredith's sisters and father and stepmother were there. The children laughed and played happily while their parents caught up with the friends that had become family over the years.

"Mommy, may I please have a hotdog?" William asked his mother politely. "And would you like one?"

Bailey smiled and replied, "No, but thank you for asking. And yes, you may have one."

"Miranda, he's grown up to be such a little gentleman," Addison smiled.

She smiled back and replied, "And Elle is just the sweetest little thing. She told me that you two were thinking of moving back to Seattle. Are you really?"

Addison met Elena's glance from across the yard, and the little girl grinned knowingly. "I'm not sure yet. It's a big decision, and it's something that Elle and I really need to think about," she found herself repeating for the second time that day. The truth was that the thought of moving back terrified her; she was comfortable in New York. But she couldn't deny that Elena was always just a little happier when they were in Seattle. "Will you all excuse me for a moment?" she requested and headed in Elena's direction.

"Hi, Mommy. Did you get a hotdog or a hamburger? Daddy and everybody else did a good job. And Alex fixed mine and put two drops of relish for eyes and a mustard nose and a ketchup smile and said now it looked just like me. Isn't that silly?" She paused for a moment upon seeing her mother's expression—one she knew all too well—and questioned, "What did I do? Am I in trouble?"

"Elle, do you really want to move to Seattle? And before you answer, I want you to think carefully; it'll mean a lot of changes for us. It'll mean going to a different school, moving away from all your friends, moving out of our house. Are you sure it's what you really want?"

Elena looked into Addison's eyes and suddenly, she seemed much older than her six years. "It's what I want, Mommy. I was born here. Daddy and Meredith and Hayden and Aida are here. And… Leni is here, too. Don't you feel it? She would've wanted us here, Mommy." Then she added with a grin before running off to play again, "And besides, Seattle's got ferryboats. Any city with ferryboats has to be all right. This place… just feels like home. 'Cause home is where the heart is, right? And Mommy, my heart is in Seattle."

She smiled as she watched her little girl run to tell Derek the news; he, in turn, looked up at Addison as though saying a silent thank you. She smiled back; after all, Elena was wonderful and amazing, and she wanted him to be able to experience that as well. If home was where the heart was, then she knew that anywhere with Elena was home because Elena was, and would always be, her heart.

…

Maybe there are some questions that just don't have answers. Or maybe there are more answers than we could possibly ever know for a single question. Maybe love is just one of those things that you aren't supposed to understand; just knowing that it exists and perhaps even getting to experience it for yourself is enough. There are so many kinds of love out there—and so many ways of expressing it—that we can only skim the surface of what it really means. So, what is love? If you're lucky enough to feel it at least once in your lifetime, you'll know that mere words could never explain it.

…

The End

…

Thanks for reading; you guys have been awesome! Of course, I'll now pose the question of sequel or no sequel? Let me know!