Life goes on, without the ghost of Jack...and there's a wedding to celebrate...enjoy!

Chapter Thirty

Dreams do Come True

Meredith turned to look at Alex and Izzie, as she modeled the gown at the bridal salon. Alex was still going to be the maid of honor, but Izzie was an honorary bridesmaid. Since the wedding was going to be small and intimate, there wasn't a large group of attendants, but with the closeness Izzie and Mark had developed, Meredith wanted to include her in the wedding somehow.

"It's you, Mer," Alex commented, from his spot on the pink satin sofa. He looked relaxed and fashionable in his dark jeans and Gucci shirt. Izzie nodded in agreement, her eyes shining.

"Beautiful and elegant," she smiled, crossing her legs, showing off a little thigh from her short skirt.

Meredith smiled happily, smoothing the material carefully. "It's just what I envisioned, for a ceremony on the beach."

"Derek's going to love you in it…"

"…and out of it…" Alex smirked, making Izzie giggle. The two of them had hit it off instantly as well – they were on the same wavelength in many things, both able to appreciate a dirty joke. Even Meredith grinned, coming to join them, as he winked at Izzie. "You should see the lingerie she has picked out for the wedding night…"

"Careful, or you're wearing pink, it's not too late to change that," she teased Alex, pointing her finger at him in warning.

"We had this discussion before, Mer. Pink just doesn't work for me. I have a very nice Versace suit picked out, thanks to Derek."

"Hmm…yes, Mark has his already too. He looks amazing…" Izzie smirked.

"We'll all look damn hot," Alex pointed out. "It could be a photo shoot for Brides Monthly…with hair and makeup thanks to Salon Dolce…"

They were interrupted by the sales clerk. "Will you be taking this gown then? It looks stunning on you."

"Yes, absolutely," Meredith said, "I don't think it even needs any alterations, either. It fits perfectly."

"You have the perfect figure for it, and you'll be a gorgeous bride." She tilted her head, studying her. "Wait…Meredith Grey…I recognize that name…you're engaged to Derek Shepherd, right?"

Meredith nodded as the woman smiled wider. "You are so lucky…I've seen just about all his movies…he's so hot…"

"Um, well thanks…" Meredith murmured. Obviously being married to an actor was going to be interesting…

Two weeks later…

"Meredith?"

"Derek…what are you doing here?" she whispered, peeking around the bedroom door. "You aren't supposed to see me yet. It's bad luck…"

In response, he leaned closer and kissed her. "Just a quick kiss, honey, I promise to behave. I can keep my eyes closed."

"Get in here," she giggled, grabbing his hand, and pulling him with her. She wrapped her arms around him. "Mmm…you smell really good…"

Derek closed the door, pressing her back against it. "And you feel really good," he murmured, sliding his hands along her back. "Think we have time for a quickie?" His mouth moved along her throat, gentle kisses over the pulse point. His finger hooked in the lapel of her robe, and she shivered.

"I don't really think so…" she sighed, putting her hands on his chest. "You need to get dressed, and Alex will be here any minute to fix my hair."

"But I'd rather undress you…" His fingers found the sash on her robe, tugging it open, as he leaned over and sucked her nipple through the fabric still covering her, making the silk wet against her. It was exquisite torture, the sensation of pleasure mingled with the need for more.

Moving lower, he kissed her thighs, licking a wet trail across her bare flesh, making her toes curl in anticipation. His fingers parted her wet folds, sliding his tongue into her again and again until she spread her legs wider, needing the waves of pleasure he created.

"Oh god…you really know how to…oh...more…" she managed to whimper, lost in a world of pulsing desire, and hot tangled nerves. Then he sucked at her clit softly, one finger inside of her and it was all it took to make her come, bucking forward, biting her lip to keep from screaming out loud. Her entire body shuddered in ecstasy, as he let her rock against him. She finally forced her brain to refocus, loosening her grip on his hair.

"Good?" he asked gently.

"Oh yes…"

Derek stood up again, lifting her up, her legs moving around him. "More?" he asked her, and she could feel how hard he was, flexing against her. The sensation made her quiver.

"Yes…yes…" she urged, trying to get to his zipper. Then there was a sharp knock at the door behind them, and she gasped.

"Mer! Open up – it's getting close to wedding time!" Alex called out.

She exchanged a guilty look with Derek, giggling softly. He groaned at the timing of the interruption, his body primed to take her. Her scent and taste on his lips tantalized him, his eyes gleaming in arousal. He raised one eyebrow at her in question.

"Mer?" Alex asked again, knocking harder.

"Later…" she murmured, kissing Derek softly. "I promise to make it up to you…"

"You better, honey." Derek eased her down to her feet, helping her pull her robe back together. Then he raked a hand through his hair, in an effort to smooth it down after her enthusiastic hold on him. "Ready?"

She nodded, and pulled the door open, leaning back against Derek, who kept one arm around her waist. "Alex…"

"Aha, I should have known," he smirked, standing with his hands on his hips. "Don't you know this is supposed to happen after the ceremony…?" Shaking his head in amusement, he picked up the duffel bag at his feet, and marched in past them. "Derek…go and leave poor Meredith alone. Mark is waiting for you in the kitchen, with Izzie…she's coming up here in a few minutes to help Mer dress."

"All right," Derek sighed. "We'll need to get ready soon too."

"You know, I think Mark's smitten with that woman."

"Mark? Seriously?"

"I can tell, trust me – I knew about you two before you figured it out yourself. Now, shoo…"

"Going now…" Derek laughed, kissing Meredith again, before heading down to find Mark.

"Okay, babe, let's get you gorgeous," Alex said, pushing Meredith towards the vanity. "Not that you aren't glowing already. Maybe all brides-to-be should have an orgasm before the ceremony."

"I doubt Miss Manners would approve," Meredith giggled, giving up any pretense that Derek hadn't just been pleasuring her. Alex knew it.

"Probably not," Alex agreed, plugging in the curling iron. "Now…are you ready for this?"

"More than ever." Meredith turned to look out the window – it was a perfect day, not too hot, and they were set to leave for Venice Beach as soon as she was ready. Their ceremony was planned for sunset. Her gown was simple, a strapless, tea length sheath, and Alex was going to put her hair up, with tiny white roses woven into the chignon. She gazed at the ring on her left hand again. She loved this ring – it was smaller than the one Jack had given her, but it was perfect. It sparkled in the light, and warmed her every time she looked at it.

They hadn't wasted any time planning the small ceremony, surprising their circle of friends with the announcement of their engagement. They wanted to have a quiet wedding, but since the article about Derek had come out, they had been mentioned in a couple more of the gossip magazines. She wasn't sure if that would have any impact, but she hoped there wasn't going to be a lot of media attention.

"Well, let's not waste any time," Alex grinned, getting to work.

Their wedding ceremony was all they wanted it to be. The sun was just setting as they stood together, facing one another. The reverend was smiling serenely at them, as the crowd settled into a hushed silence to watch them exchange vows. The evening air was balmy, with just a hint of breeze, enough to lift the stray tendrils of Meredith's hair. The little white roses twined in her hair, and matched the small roses mixed with the stargazer lilies in the bouquet. When Derek looked into her eyes, all he saw was the luminous glow of happiness there. This was the perfect moment in time, and he knew this was the only woman for him for the rest of his life.

Meredith handed her bouquet over to Alex, who nodded at her. He knew from her expression she was partly nervous, but mostly happy, and he was so grateful to be included in this moment. Both he and Mark were wearing grey Versace suits, with lavender ties; Derek was in darker grey, with a matching tie. Alex had to admit, the guy looked completely in love. That look in his eyes for Meredith was enough to give anyone shivers. For a split second, he glanced over at Eric, exchanging a small smile with him. If anyone in the crowd thought it odd to have a male maid of honor, it didn't show. The small group of friends were all smiles, waiting for the ceremony to begin. It was a relaxed and happy atmosphere, and Derek exchanged a beaming smile with Meredith. This was their wedding, their way, and they couldn't be any happier.

"Shall we begin?" The calm cadence of the reverend spoke up, speaking those words that signaled the start of the ceremony.

Meredith nodded, and gripped Derek's hand tightly. Somehow, moments melted together, the words flowed and she was lost in the way Derek's eyes were focused on her. Any nerves she may have felt were long gone.

"Meredith, I promise to love you always, no matter what, even if we fight, if we get busy – I will always be by your side, until we're old and forgetful. I will remind you always of our commitment, and I will love you faithfully until death do us part." There was a little tremor to Derek's voice, as he finished, along with a smile and the subtle tilt of his head, and she bit her lip to keep from crying. Then he slipped the ring on her finger, and she blinked furiously from the emotions surging in her.

She cleared her throat before she could speak. "Derek, I promise to love you always, faithfully and true, from now until the day we are old and grey, and can't remember anything else. You are my love, my companion, and the best thing to happen to me." She slid the ring onto his finger, and their hands met again, palm to palm, in perfect union.

The reverend beamed at them. "As you profess your love and commitment to each other, in the company of all gathered here today, I will ask if there is any one here with objection to the union of this man and this woman…" He paused, and for a brief mad moment, Derek wondered if the ghost of Jack would jump out from somewhere and protest. Meredith looked at him as well, holding her breath, but the only sound was that of the surf breaking on the shore, and the sound of the birds soaring overhead. Even Alex and Mark took a look around them, but the moment passed, and the tension eased.

"Then I pronounce you husband and wife," Reverend O'Malley smiled. "You may kiss your bride…" He nodded towards Derek, as the small group cheered and threw white rose petals into the air. Derek pulled Meredith closer, meeting her lips in a slow kiss. His arms moved around her waist, keeping her mouth against his. Sweet desire bubbled in her, as he lifted her to her toes, melding them as close as possible.

"I love you so much," she whispered as he relinquished her mouth reluctantly. Their eyes met, and he took her hands, kissing her fingers.

"I love you, Mrs. Shepherd," he murmured, the look of desire for her making his eyes darken. "And you still owe me…"

Meredith giggled softly. "Oh, don't worry, I'll make that up to you later," she assured him.

"Not too much later, honey…I'm already frustrated," he said with a wink, making her giggle harder. They turned to face their friends, and she looked up at him again, reassuring herself this was real, he was her husband now. Dreams do come true…

This isn't the end just yet...there's still a little more to come, but we are approaching the end of this story! Thanks as always to all of you for reading and reviewing. :o)