Four

Over the next week Meredith got even more comfortable around the sisters. They were all smart and funny. It was interesting to see there family dynamic. They could pick and argue with each other at the drop of a hat. But they could also be friends again just as quick.

It was all an interesting dynamic.

She found that she was beginning to understand Derek better. He got his strong since of right and wrong from them. Of unconditional love from them. All in all she found that it was the best that they had come here.

Which didn't at all explained why there was a soft knock on there bedroom door.

"Hmm to early." Derek grumbled tightening his hold around Meredith's body.

"It can only be one of your sisters."

"We can kill them." Derek said only half joking.

"I'll get it." Meredith said unlocking his hold from her body. She shivered a bit as her feet touch the cool wood. She wrapped her robe around her body as she shuffled toward the bedroom door.

"Sorry to wake you up so early." Abby said in a whisper. Her eyes were wide-awake despite the early morning. Meredith kept her voice low as well knowing that it was Christmas morning and that the kids would be up at any moment.

"It's okay."

"The woman are going down to make some breakfast." She said, "I'm sure the little one's will wear us all out before the day is finished."

"I'll be down in a sec." She answered closing the door after Abby left. Going back to the bed she kissed Derek's forehead, "I'm going down to help with breakfast."

"Next year I vote we go away to a tropical island for the holidays." Derek said taking her hand.

"I'm sure the chief will love that." Meredith smiled.

"Merry Christmas Meredith." Derek said taking her hand and kissing it gently.

"Merry Christmas Derek." Meredith says brushing back his curls.

-- --

Walking down the stairs carefully she let out a sigh as she approached the kitchen. The woman were standing together each making there own part.

"Merry Christmas." Meredith said in way of greeting.

"Merry Christmas Mer." Everyone said back. Carolyn looked up at Meredith.

"Do you know anything about breakfast?"

"I made eggs before."

"Good get to it." Nancy said, "I have to say I'm surprised Derek isn't up yet. His normally the only adult down with the kids on Christmas morning."

"I think the hospital hours have been getting to him." Meredith answered cracking an egg.

"I told Der I don't understand how he does it."

"Not all of like private practices Amanda." Abby replied with rolling her eyes at her sister.

"Children." Carolyn ordered tightly to her kids. They all shut up. Meredith smiled in amusement as they started cooking in total silence.

The silence didn't last long because in moments the house was filled with the loud noise of the kids. Followed by Derek who she could hear laughing himself and leading the small army.

"There up." Kathy said with the roll of her own eyes.

-- --

Christmas morning breakfast was a loud but organized affair. However the opening of presents was a small army of chaos and bedlam. It was amusing to see the mess on the floor. Derek was right in the middle of it. Handing out gifts and helping the younger ones to rip into there presents.

"Hey." Derek said seating down next to her. "You okay."

"I'm perfect it's just a lot." She smiled at him.

"It's chaos." Derek clarified.

"You love it." Meredith said.

"I do." Derek nodded. "I did get you a present."

"Good I was wondering when you were going to treat me right."

"Your very funny." He told her handing her a small rectangular box. Meredith opened it surprised to see a medium sized leather book. With her name engraved in gold on the left hand side. Opening it up there was a white envelope written in Derek's handwriting.

~ Meredith,

I know that your mom's journal came as quite a shock. But it has helped you to know her better. I thought this would be a nice way for you to remember your residency. And maybe one day you can pass it on to are daughter.

Derek

Meredith could feel tears filling her eyes.

"Do you like it?" He questioned looking hesitant.

"I do it's perfect." Meredith said brushing back her tears.

"Good I was little nervous." He said but reached behind him and pulled out another box. "This is my other gift." He said handing it to her.

Meredith heart skipped a beat as she saw the small Tiffany's box. As she looked at it she knew or at least she hoped that Derek wasn't proposing. Taking a deep breath she sighed as she saw small pair of diamond studs.

"Oh Derek."

"Do you like them? I know that you lost a pair."

"I did. These are beautiful." She said putting them down kissing him quickly. Well aware that she was still in front of his family, "Now it's time for my gift." Getting up she moved toward the tree. Picking up a box. Walking towards him she sat it down and then herself.

Nervously she bit at her lip and watched him carefully.

Derek ripped opened the box. Reveling a blinder. Looking up at her with a raised brow Derek opened the book. He gasped as he saw house plans.

"I want to build a house with you." Meredith said quickly, "I'm ready for that next step."

Derek put down the binder cupping her face between his hands.

"Everyday you do something to surprise me." Derek said with a smile kissing her deeply. "I love you so much Meredith."

"I love you to Derek."

Meredith said hugging him close to her. She had been ready for the next step. In a way she old it all to this visit. She looked forward to this next step in her life with fear and exictiment.

The End

-- --

Author Note: So that's the end of this story. I had fun writing a Christmas story. I don't know how the powers that be will write Mrs. Shepherd but I think she should be a strong and nice woman. And the other sisters I have no idea what they will be alike. But I figure Derek's sisters and other family members will be kind of cool. I hope you all have enjoyed the story as much as I have.

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

And as always,

Review!