This is just a sweet little finish to the story...jumping ahead five years...

Epilogue

Champagne kisses hold me in your lap of luxury
I only want to fly first class desires, you're my limousine
So elegant the way we ride, our passion it just multiplies
There's platinum lightning in the sky
Look I'm livin' like a queen

Sugar, honey, sexy baby
When we touch it turns to gold
Sensitive and delicate kinda like a tuberose
You know you are my treasure chest
It's pure perfection when we kiss and
You're my Mr.. I'm your Miss
Gonna be until we're old

Meredith peered over the pink lenses of her granny glasses, giving her opponent across the table a glance. Then she assessed her cards again, keeping her expression neutral, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. This could be a winning hand, with a little bit of luck…

The man across from her waited patiently, giving her a lazy grin, his fingers toying with the pile of chips in front of him. Meredith frowned imperceptibly. She knew that look too well, and when he boldly pushed the pile into the center of the table and called, she wasn't overly surprised. The other player at the table folded, leaving her to make a decision. She hated losing, was her hand good enough this time? Taking a deep breath, she threw in her own chips and laid the cards out. Three of a kind…

The dealer shook his head at her. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Shepherd…he has a full house…" Damn…game over… She shoved her chair back with a little puff of exasperated air.

"Maybe I can interest you in a drink?" The hand at the small of her back was possessive and warm, and she turned at the sound of his voice, low and seductive beside her.

"Mmm…my husband is very jealous," she demurred, swinging her purse over her shoulder and tossing her head.

"Oh…just one drink can't hurt." The voice was warm and smooth as honey in her ear. Meredith felt his hand slide lower, settling on her hip. "And maybe you could keep me company later, after we share that drink. I have a thing for petite blondes with an attitude…"

"Pretty sure of yourself, aren't you…" she murmured. "Does that line ever work?"

"It has before…" They moved away from the tables slowly, talking quietly. Meredith turned and caught his eyes on her, feeling the heat as he admired the cleavage of her Armani suit jacket. Her heart did a little flip at the desire she saw in his expression, and she reached up to adjust his silk tie, letting her fingers trace his jaw.

"Well, I don't know…I also have another date tonight…"

"Besides your husband?" His hand now caressed the taut curve of her ass in the fitted slacks, and she bit back a little moan. They were now close to the bank of elevators, and she punched the button to summon it.

"Oh yes, but my husband knows all about him…" Meredith giggled. "He's a little young, but he loves me." She waited for the doors to slide open, and they stepped inside. As the elevator whooshed upwards, she dissolved into further giggles, and reached up to kiss him. "Oh, god…Derek…" Her moan of surrender against his mouth was all he needed. He backed her against the wall, kissing her hard until she was breathless. Grinding against her hips, finally relenting as the elevator slowed.

"So, does this mean we're on for that drink?" Derek chuckled softly, watching her eyes.

"I shouldn't – you beat me," she pouted, putting her hand firmly on his ass now.

"It doesn't matter – it's still our money, no matter who won…" he protested, as she squeezed him a little harder. She fished the keycard from her tiny purse, as they headed down the hallway to their suite. Pausing at the door, she leaned back against it, looking sweetly up at him. Derek braced his arm on the wall beside her, leaning in, his lips at her temple, slanting along hr cheek. His breath fanned her skin, as his other hand crept along her neck, pulling her closer again.

"Not fair…you're making me lose my train of thought…" Meredith sighed. "Something you have managed to hone to a fine art…"

"Do you want to wait…" he murmured, kissing closer to her mouth, his tongue teasing the corner of her lips.

"Wait…?" she echoed, feeling the familiar ache tingle in her clit. "Are we still talking about the drink…?" Her arms slid around his neck, molding her body against his.

Derek's low laughter rumbled in his chest. "Meredith, you are still the hottest poker player I've ever encountered," he told her, plucking the keycard from her fingers. "But I still beat you.."

"And you're still the most arrogant…" she sighed, beguiled by the rich blue of his eyes. Derek eased the door open, and they were two steps inside, when he was assaulted by a small dynamo, who hurled himself against Derek's knees.

"Daddy!' he squealed happily, giggling madly as Derek swung him up in the air. Connor Davis Shepherd was four, going on fourteen – blond, green-eyed, precocious and wise beyond his years. He was in his pajamas, his hair still damp from his bath, and he hugged Derek fiercely, as Meredith reached up to tickle him.

"How is my little man?" she asked, and he gave her a lopsided grin.

"Good, Mommy. Didja win?" he asked. He was accustomed to their late games of poker, travelling with them on the tours, or to Derek's races, ever since he was two months old. Meredith knew they would have to settle down soon, when he started school, but for now he was getting a good education already, seeing the country, and even parts of Europe. They had an apartment in New York, where they spent family time, with the Shepherd clan, whenever they could.

"Not tonight, it was Daddy's turn," she laughed, as the nanny came in, wiping her hands on a towel. Anna had been with them from the start, a godsend of a companion, that Emily found for them. "How was he tonight?" Meredith asked

"His usual self – he's ready for bed, but he had to wait up for you."

"Of course. Thanks for staying so late, Anna. We're taking him to the zoo tomorrow, so you can take the day off."

"Perfect. Enjoy the zoo."

Derek carried Connor to the smaller bedroom in the suite, where an army of teddy bears and race cars were marshaled on the bed. Connor kept up a constant stream of chatter, until he was tucked into the sheets. "You look really pretty tonight, Mommy," he said, more sleepily, as she leaned in to kiss him.

"Thank you, sweetie," she whispered, brushing his curls away from his eyes.

"She does look pretty," Derek added, giving her a wink. "And almost sweet enough to eat…"

Meredith flashed Derek a look, before Connor giggled. "Don't be silly, Daddy. You can't eat her…"

Meredith choked on a laugh herself, shaking her head at Derek, before picking up the book from the bedside table. "Why don't we read for a bit, Connor?" They took turns reading until the little boy started to drift asleep, snuggled against Meredith's chest. Gently untangling him, Derek helped Meredith ease away, taking her hand as they headed for the door. Leaving the nightlight softly lit, they closed the door behind them.

"Bad, you are so bad, Derek," Meredith whispered against his mouth, as he caught her face in his hands. "Talking about eating me…"

"He is too young to get that reference, Mer," Derek laughed, cupping her chin, and feeling his desire for her rising again. "Now, how about a soak in the hot tub, hmm…? And we can test out the theory of eating you…"

Meredith settled into the pulsing water gratefully, holding her glass of champagne carefully. She took a small sip and smiled at Derek, seated across from her. "Well, it's not Tahiti," she giggled, feeling the gentle swirl of water around her, the air warm and fragrant. "But it's pretty good, anyway…"

Derek arched one eyebrow at her, before raising his glass in salute. "I'll take that as a positive vote," he chuckled, gliding closer to her. His arm went around her shoulders, pulling her against him. "I know I'm not a blond beach bum, catering to your sexual needs on the beach of your fantasies…" His eyes were dark and hot on her, seeing the damp tendrils of hair around her face, the little beads of water tracking down her chest.

Meredith felt the same thrill as always, looking back up at him. "No, you're not, but I wouldn't trade places with that fantasy now," she said softly, setting her glass on the edge of the tub. She rose up out of the water, to straddle his legs, and wind her arms around his neck. "Reality is so much more satisfying…" she murmured, kissing his mouth, placing her palms on his chest, over his nipples. The water bubbled and frothed around them warmly, as she continued to nibble at his lips.

"I'm glad you see it that way…"

"Derek…"

"Hmm?" He set his glass down and returned his full attention to her.

"Enough talking…"

His head went back as he laughed. "No more talking…" he agreed, as her small hands continued to rub his skin sensuously. She kissed along his throat, making his body tighten against hers. "More kissing…"

Meredith pushed against him, her breasts sliding wetly across his chest, wet skin on skin. A soft moan built in her throat, as his hands began to roam along her body. Every nerve ending seemed more receptive, more inflamed than before, as he touched her, kneading her skin gently. "So beautiful…"

"You're talking again…" she pointed out, putting her fingertips against his mouth.

He grinned at her, turning his focus on touching her, letting his fingers talk for him. Caressing, teasing, playing with every part of her delicate body until she was lost in bliss. Her wet hair streamed down her back, as he lifted her upwards, holding her securely. His mouth found her nipples, closing around one possessively, and the touch of his tongue around the sensitive nub sent a shot of heat through her. Her hands gripped his shoulders, as he sucked on her harder, almost painfully, his teeth grazing her until she was tingling and moaning softly.

As Derek lowered her slowly, he moved her around, backing her against the edge of the tub. His hips flexed against hers, his cock grinding against her erotically, bringing her to an instant climax. Her whole body shuddered, as she clung to him. Again, he pushed against her, his cock throbbing and hot against her, and she gasped, as a second orgasm rocketed through her. "Oh god, Derek…" Her voice was throaty and low, as her body continued to throb and contract, her pussy aching for more. She buried her face against him, her teeth nipping him now. As he rocked up against her, their eyes met and they stared at each other for a long moment, breathing heavily.

"Make love to me, Derek…" she whispered, wanting him more than ever. Her fingers drifted lower, finding the hardness of him, exploring him gently.

"Yes…" he agreed, his sigh of agreement drawn out against her mouth again, as she kissed him slowly, pushing her tongue against his. Her fingers tangled in his damp hair, pulling him closer, demanding more. His body shook as he maneuvered her around to his lap again, moving her over his cock. Without another word, he moved into her, his hardness filling her softness, deeply and perfectly. As she squeezed reflexively around him, Derek groaned softly, and rested his head against hers. "Don't move, Mer…I'm going to come if you move again…" She felt too tight and hot around him, torturing him to hold onto his climax, as she shifted against him.

Meredith sighed softly, feeling him pulsing inside of her, and her slight movement was enough to make him push up against her, making her gasp and squeeze him, drawing him deeper. Her back arched, as he thrust faster. "Too late, honey…" he growled, mesmerized by the sight of her wet skin, and her soft curves beneath his hands. Water churned and splashed around them, as they felt the searing heat of their combined climaxes taking them away. She fell against him, kissing him again, his tongue thrusting, his cock pounding, until they both tightened and lost themselves into the perfect melding of their bodies. Heat rippled over and over, all consuming, leaving them weak and breathless.

Still half kissing, half panting for air, their wet skin sticking, they stayed in that position for a few minutes, letting their hearts settle. "So, you're happy with reality, are you?" Derek asked finally, when he could talk.

Meredith tipped her face up, giving him a mischievous smile. "What do you think…?"

Derek kissed her softly, enjoying the feel of her slick body still joined with his. "I think I wouldn't have our life any other way – I love you, Meredith. You, Connor…nothing else would make me happier…" His mouth traveled along her jaw, nibbling at her earlobe, his breath fanning against her damp skin.

Meredith giggled softly. "I love you, Derek…and, honey…there may be one tiny thing changing…" she said mysteriously, feeling his arms tighten around her.

"What?"

"I'm pregnant…"

Derek gave her a slow grin of comprehension, before claiming her mouth again, and they lost themselves in the luxurious feel of their love for each other. For a few more minutes, they kissed, stroking damp, passion warmed skin, tantalizing each other into the slow burn of arousal yet again. And when he moved into her, this time he held himself there, just feeling her pulse around him, absorbing the moment. Long, slow moments passed, erotically charged, as their love for each other flowed between them. Finally, unhurried, Derek shifted slightly, moving into her deeper, thrusting in slow, easy movements. Taking both of them to the edge, pulling back, and then building up again.

Over and over, until Meredith was shaking against him, soft cries of need floating in the air. "Take me away…" Her thoughts spiraled away, leaving only her feelings, as the pleasure built to fever pitch. Cresting and ebbing, each time higher and higher, until both of them trembled and clung to each other, speechless from the depth of their emotions.

Derek stared deep into her eyes again, hazy and sated from passion now. "Your eyes are what drew me in to you, honey, and they still do," he said softly, kissing the corner of her eye, trailing down her temple. "When you look at me, I know everything will be all right, and that you love me. If it's across the room, or across the poker table, or here, intimately, like this…it's your eyes that speak to me. I love you so much, Meredith. And having another baby is just amazing...maybe this time we'll have a little girl..."

Meredith blinked away a sudden tear at the corner of her eye. "I'd like that too..."

Song lyrics from 'Luxurious' by Gwen Stefani