A few years later, the church was filled with hundreds of excited, some nervous guests; all waiting for the big moment. Soon the church bells would ring, signifying yet another unification under the eyes of God. White and lavender filled every corner of the church, the brides two favorite colors. Wonderful perfumes and baking scents mixed with the laughter and conversation of all who were there to enjoy the converging of two souls. Derek waited impatiently to see his dear sweet Meredith, but, unfortunately for him, all he could do was sit up straight in the uncomfortable pew, staring jealously at her groom-to-be. He was a nice, sweet guy; he had deep caring eyes, dark hair, almost as dark as his, and his name was Ryan Dawson. Usually wearing his hair up, it was now slicked back as he nervously tugged at his sleaves. His best man quickly straightened his shirt out before saying "It's time," and rushing to the back doors, where he would escort the maid of honor. Derek sighed deeply as the music played. Everyone stood as Meredith walked down the hall, her father on her arm, holding back tears. She took his breath away as she passed, glancing at him only momentarily before turning her attention back to her groom, who's smile was almost as big as hers. He wanted her so badly; he wanted more than anything to be the one standing next to her, and now holding her hands, waiting to say 'I do', but Meredith didn't see him like that, and he knew it. It pained him to see her say "I do," placing a ring on his finger; but it also made him happy, almost happier than he had ever been before in his life, seeing Meredith as giddy as she was. Ryan was her true love, and there was no doubt about that, but she was happy, and Derek was happy for her.
At the reception, he was taken by suprise as Meredith practically jumped into his arms, tears of joy running down her face, "You came, Derek, you came!" She said, placing a kiss on his cheek.
He laughed too as tears brimmed the inside of his eyes, "Of course I did Mere." He hugged her back, just as hard, "I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Mrs. Meredith Dawson" He added at the end for their ammusement.
"Thank you," she said softly as she pulled back to look into his eyes. He smiled down at her; her beautiful face was framed by a gorgeous lavender veil. Her dress that had been dragging lightly on the floor was now rested comfortably on Derek's shoes.
"Excuse me?" A kind voice came from behind, "May I steal my wife for a dance?" He asked jokingly.
The three laughed for a second, before Derek finally handed her over to Ryan, "Of course." He watched as they made their way to the dance floor. She looked like an angel sent down from Heaven as God's gift to the world, and well, afterall, that is what she was to Derek. She glided gracefully on the floor on her husband's arm, never missing a beat.
Shortly after the reception ended, Meredith and Ryan said their goodbye's to their guests, thanking them for coming. He watched helplessly as she drove off to her new life, married to another man. All he wanted to do at that point was take her into his arms and tell her, he wanted to tell her that he didn't want to be just friends, that he loved her, but he was just too shy, and he didn't know why.