Chapter 79: Memories
Derek rested his head against the window of the plane, holding 150 sailors, all ready to see their loved ones. He had come home from deployments before but this one was completely different. Right after she was retired and he got back from his school to become a Warrant Officer, he left on his first deployment away from the home he had established with the love of his life. He had been on many deployments before, but deployments away from Meredith were unimaginably painful. The first one had been tough enough, but this one was excruciating.
A smile crossed Derek's lips, thinking about how beautiful Meredith must look. She had been sending pictures every week of her growing belly and he loved every one of them. He would print them out every time and hang them on the wall of his bed. That was one advantage to becoming an officer; he didn't have to stay a minimum of 9 men to a small cubicle, with 3 racks high on each of the 3 walls. He usually had 1, maybe 2 other guys in his little "room" which was much nicer.
"Hey, what has you smiling so big? I am sure it has nothing to do with seeing your very pregnant wife." Mark said as he walked by Derek's seat, seeing him smiling looking out of the window.
Derek looked at Mark, "I am not smiling." He couldn't help but smile larger at the thought of his pregnant wife.
"Yeah, I wouldn't either, knowing that in less than a month you will get no sleep, no sex, no nothing. Life as you know it is over my friend." Mark laughed. Although Derek was an officer and Mark had just made Chief, they had vowed to each other they would not let it ruin their friendship. Some of the people didn't like it, but they never let it get in the way at work. It was much more difficult before Mark had made Chief.
"You said that the day I got married and look at me now."
"Yeah, smiling like an idiot, looking out the window." Mark shook his head, walking back to his seat.
Derek continued to smile while thinking back to Mark's first comment about seeing his very pregnant wife. He thought about their last night together, the last night he had really gotten to see her before leaving on deployment…
"Derek, your tighty whitey's are all done and ready to be packed." Meredith yelled loud enough for Derek to hear from the laundry room while giggling slightly. Many of the guys hated wearing them, but they were necessary underneath the military uniforms. Derek wore boxer briefs or boxers unless he was in full uniform.
"Not nice." He yelled back at her, smiling the entire time. He knew deployment could be stressful for couples, but he vowed not to let this one be, especially since he found out a month before Meredith was pregnant. They had been actively not preventing it for about 4 months when they found out. They knew the timing wasn't great with him deploying soon, but it was almost impossible to plan around it. He was ecstatic when he realized he should be home just in time for the birth but couldn't help but get anxious when he thought about Meredith going through pregnancy alone, without him. He needed to be there, but she understood, if anyone did, she did. He didn't know what he had done to deserve such an amazing woman, but he had it.
"You love it." Meredith smiled back, walking into the room with the freshly laundered underwear and t-shirts.
"I love everything if it has to do with you." He swiftly moved to her, wrapped his arms around her after tossing the laundry basket on the bed.
Meredith looked up at him while she wrapped her arms around him. She started to say something, and her voice hitched as a tear threatened to fall out of the corner of her eye.
"Mer." His heart was breaking into a million pieces. This was already hard enough, him leaving on deployment; but with her pregnant in her first trimester, her emotions sometimes ran away from her.
"I am okay. I can do this. I have done this before. It is just the hormones." She rubbed her eyes before Derek moved her hand and dried her tears.
"I hate this. I want to be here, I want to see you get big, huge even." Derek beamed at her from ear to ear with his hand still resting on her face.
"You want me to get fat?" Meredith questioned, knowing exactly what he meant.
"Beautiful, pregnant, huge boobs, all of it." Derek's smile dropped a little bit thinking how much he was going to miss.
"Oh, so you just want the boobs." Meredith laughed. One thing she loved about them as a couple is they had vowed 2 nights prior that there would be no sadness, no down times about him leaving. It was part of the job, it sucked, but when he returned, they would be giving birth to their first child together, hopefully the first of at least two.
They looked at each other and Derek spoke up, "I love you Meredith Shepherd and I can't wait to get back to you."
"I wish you didn't have to leave." Meredith whispered.
"Me too. I feel like I have never been on deployment before. I mean, last time was hard, but damn it. I feel like I need to be here, through all of this." Derek said, knowing this wasn't helping much, but she needed to know.
"I will be fine and not Meredith fine, but really fine. Alex will be here and that will be good. You forget, I also have connections in high places." Meredith smirked, knowing that if anything happened, there were more than a few people that would assist in getting in touch with Derek if there was any reason to. Alex was transferred to another squadron two months prior, so he wasn't going on deployment which was a relief to Derek.
"I hope those connections don't have to be used." Derek said, pulling her in tightly for a hug, letting her head rest on his shoulders.
"You need to finish packing." Meredith said through the few tears that fell down her cheeks.
"I want to stay right here, with you and the baby." He said in her ear, feeling the wetness in his eyes. He vowed he wouldn't cry, but it was so hard.
Meredith pulled back and started laughing through the tears. "Please tell me you aren't about to talk to my stomach."
"What if I want to?" Derek asked, smiling back at her.
"I would laugh at you."
"Start laughing then." Derek sat back on the bed and grabbed her waist and pulled it closer to him.
"What are you doing?" Meredith asked, laughing the entire time.
"Talking to our baby, introducing myself." Derek goofily smiled while he looked up at her and concentrated back on her stomach.
"Daddy has to leave. There is just no way of getting out of this; however, your daddy loves you very much already. You and your mommy are going to be able to share some special times together and just because I am not here, it doesn't mean I don't love you. I love you more than words can describe. I love your mommy more than anything in this world. Please be good to her and be easy on her. She is going to be an amazing mommy and I can't wait to get back to her before you are born." The tears were flowing down Derek's face without reservation.
"Derek." Meredith also had small tears forming again.
"Meredith, I love you. Let's remember tonight, us together, not the fact I am leaving in the morning. Let me love you, make love to you." Derek slowly helped her down on top of him.
"Tonight, is ours." Meredith said, kissing him deeply.
"And in 6 months, we will be right back here. Together forever." Derek said.
"I love you, Derek." Meredith said before they spent the next hours sharing their love.
Derek was brought back to reality when he heard the captain come over the speaker for everyone to start getting ready for their final descent into Oak Harbor. He couldn't help the smile on his face wondering what was going through Meredith's mind back at the hanger. He wondered if she was as anxious as him. He knew the hanger was all decorated with red, white, and blue. There would be games for the kids as the moms and other family members would be standing around anxiously awaiting. He knew that soon enough he would have kids running up to him to knock him over. He looked down at the clouds with excitement bubbling over to see his wife and the belly that held their first child.
Meredith knew she had said many words she would not want her child hearing while getting ready to see Derek. She tried on at least four different maternity outfits and still wasn't happy. She had gotten huge since he last saw her, and she was worried about what he might think about how much weight she had gained. Through the last eight months, she had gained a total of 33 pounds which her doctor said was completely normal for her size. Smaller women generally need to gain more weight, but she didn't like it at all.
Alex had come over to help her make a decision about what to wear. He laughed at her the entire time which didn't amuse Meredith much. She settled on a three-quarter length top that hugged her pregnant stomach and cut in a V, showing just how big her breasts had gotten through the 8 months. She had on some cute jeans and loose shoes. Her feet were starting to swell which the doctor wanted to keep an eye on in her last month. Alex knew the outfit would be Derek's choice. He received an email from Derek at least once a week, usually two or three times a week checking to see if Meredith was really doing okay. Alex gave Derek a hard time the entire time and at times, wished he had someone special. He had been trying with Izzie Stevens, however, she had been gone as well for the last 7 months with the squadron.
"I just wish they would get here." Meredith told Alex anxiously as she looked around the hanger. There were a few of the big blow-up toys for the children to play in as well as huge strips of bubble wrap for them to stomp on. There were snacks for everyone as they waited patiently for the airlifts to come in.
"They are going to be here soon." Alex reassured her feeling anxious himself at seeing Izzie. They had been emailing back and forth during the time of deployment, but Alex wasn't sure what it all meant.
"Yeah, if it was me, I would have been back yesterday with the fly in." Meredith mumbled. The planes and pilots always made it in the day before, flying off the aircraft carrier before it pulled into port.
"Stop it. He will be here and get to laugh at that huge, protruding belly soon enough." Alex laughed while he felt a hard slap on the arm.
"You said Derek would love it." Meredith said worried.
Alex shook his head, knowing Derek would love it, "When are you going to learn not to let me get under your skin. You know I am messing around with you. He loves every part of you, even the…"
Before he could continue Meredith gave him a look that was clearly telling him to stop before saying anything else. Meredith turned the look into a smirk, "I just hope it doesn't get in the way of things."
"Ah. There she is. The same woman who couldn't make it through her whole reception without needing sex with her newly named husband." Alex laughed at her.
"You know it has been hell, especially with the hormones. I desperately need my husband. Do you know this has been the longest we have ever gone without?"
"You had last deployment." Alex reminded her.
"Yeah, they were out for the usual 6 months, with the addition of the extra month this time, it was definitely the longest."
Alex smirked at her, "I bet you don't make it out of the hanger. Hopefully you will find a better place than you did for your wedding reception."
"No, we vowed not to and for the record, we did not have sex at the wedding reception."
"Sorry, let me clarify. You had sex in the Land Rover during the wedding reception." Alex remembered people asking where they were which prompted a search by Alex. He finally found them up against the car ready to go at it right there.
Meredith smiled and shook her head, "We would have if you wouldn't have walked up."
"Yeah, not a sight I want to re-live. Try to remember that today."
"It will be a little impossible anyway, not like we can do it in small spaces like we used to." Meredith said, moving her hand around on her belly.
"You might get stuck. I am going to get something to drink. Do you want anything?" Alex needed to get up and move around.
"No, I am going to sit here. I know when they get here, I will be up on my feet a lot." Meredith's doctor wanted her to not be on them much, so she was trying to stay seated as much as possible.
"It will be soon." Alex said walking off.
When Alex walked off, Meredith couldn't help but remember the happiest day of her life. She often wondered lately if the day her child is born would replace her wedding day as the happiest day of her life.
"Meredith." Alex walked in as Meredith was looking at herself in the mirror before the ceremony.
"Do I look okay?" Meredith asked looking around at Alex as he walked in.
"You look beautiful." Alex answered truthfully.
"You just have to tell me that since you are my best man." Meredith and Derek had decided Alex and Mark would be the witnesses and stand with them at their wedding.
"No, I don't and if you don't stop, I will just get Derek in here to tell you although I think he is being a dumbass for doing the whole waiting until you walk down the aisle to see you." Alex said as they heard the door open.
"There she is." Mark walked in and stopped when he caught a glimpse of Meredith.
"What? Oh no, Derek isn't going to like it is he?" Meredith saw the look on Mark's face and grew instantly worried.
"No, I definitely think Shep is going to like it. I just hope he can get through the ceremony without committing a crime."
"What crime?" Meredith asked curiously.
"Indecent exposure. I am afraid both of you could be arrested for that in that dress." Mark laughed.
"We have self control." Meredith said.
"Yeah yeah. So you both say, but can't keep your hands from each other. I was coming to tell you we are about ready to start." Mark said.
"Can you send my mother in before we start?" Ellis had been in town for the last 3 days but kept a close distance. Weddings weren't for her, and she had no idea why people felt the need to marry, but she was going to try to be a mother, for once.
"Sure." Mark walked over to her gave her a kiss on her cheek and whispered, "You really do look beautiful, and Derek is a very lucky man."
"Thanks Mark." Meredith whispered as Mark and Alex left the room to send Ellis in.
"Wow. Meredith." Ellis said the second she entered the room. She couldn't help but feel something wet building in her eyes at the sight of her daughter.
"Mom. Thanks for coming and being here." Meredith said in a low voice.
"You look exquisite. This is the right thing; you are making the right decision in marrying Derek."
Meredith couldn't help but let a few tears fall as she quickly tried to wipe them. "Thank you."
"It is about time, so I am going to go and sit down. I love you." Ellis gave her a huge hug before leaving the room.
Meredith looked in the mirror at herself and took one last breath, she had no regrets or concerns. She was in love with Derek. She walked out of the room to see Alex waiting for her. He leaned into her, "I don't need to kill her, do I?"
"No Alex, she does care. I know she is a hard woman, but she cares." Meredith said confidently.
Deciding to drop the subject of her mother, "Well, let's get going. You have a nervous groom waiting for you."
"He is nervous?" Meredith asked worriedly.
"I think anxious is more the word. He is ready to see you." Alex laughed as they started their walk outside on the small mountain they had chosen to get married on.
"Thank you." Meredith put her arm into his and looked up towards where the people had gathered but she could not see Derek yet.
Alex knew she was looking for Derek, "He is there, I promise."
The second Alex said that she saw him, her eyes met his and it was like a magnet was pulling her body to him.
"Slow down." Alex whispered as Meredith walked swiftly to get to Derek.
Meredith couldn't make her feet go any slower as she felt her eyes wetting quickly. Derek had his signature suit on with his hair lightly breezing in the wind. The smile permanently plastered to his face was full of joy along with his blue eyes sparkling.
When she reached him, Derek tenderly put his hand out to take hers. Alex dropped his arm and took a step back as Derek took Meredith. "I have no words for how beautiful you look." Derek whispered to her as they stood in front of the Justice of the Peace.
"Thank you. You look very handsome." She barely got out without getting a little choked up. She loved him so much.
They went through the ceremony, giving their vow and love to each other. A few tears were shed as everyone knew the love of Meredith and Derek.
"And you may kiss your bride." The Justice of the Peace said.
"I hope I can stop." Derek smirked while the guests laughed before leaning in and meeting her lips to his, pushing her up against him.
As they passionately consummated their vows of marriage, Mark said to Alex, "Looks like I am winning the bet. They won't even make it to the reception."
"I love you." Meredith said pulling back just a little bit.
"I love you but that dress, you are driving me insane." Derek looked down at her breasts that were threatening to spill out.
"I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Derek Shepherd."
Everyone moved towards the newly married couple and congratulated them. "Let's get to the reception."
"Shall we? Mrs. Shepherd." Derek said for the first time, the emotions of the simple words hitting him hard.
"I think so." Meredith responded, smiling in complete happiness.
They all heard something pull up and everyone looked over. "Finally." Alex said.
"A limo?" Meredith looked at him.
"Yeah, I knew the two of you would never make it to the reception if we let you drive yourselves. Shepherd is already thinking of the ways he can undress you while driving." Alex smirked.
"Parents… our parents are all here." Derek groaned.
"It is alright son. I didn't make it through the reception with your mother." William said putting his arm tightly around his wife, Amanda.
"Didn't need to know that." Derek shook his head.
"Seriously though, we didn't want any stops or wrecks. And the driver has strict instructions to leave the divider up." Alex winked at Meredith and Derek.
"Let's get going." Meredith suggested feeling her cheeks redden. She normally didn't get embarrassed or care about talking about her sex life in front of the parents and the few people they had invited from the squadron.
"We stocked it well too." Mark yelled out as they got in the limo. He and Alex had gone earlier in the day to make sure there were condoms and drinks for them.
They got inside the limo and just started laughing seeing the condoms spread throughout the backseat. "Don't they know I am on the pill?"
"I guess not." Derek laughed and poured a glass of scotch and a shot of tequila.
"Getting me drunk to take advantage?" Meredith raised her eyebrow and downed the shot quickly.
"Me take advantage, never. But the drink is just to let loose a little bit." Derek downed his quickly and sat both of the glasses down as they felt the limo turn onto the road assuming they were down off of the mountain road.
"We are actually married. Did you think at the beginning?" Meredith stopped thinking about those days.
"I wanted you so damn bad from the first time I saw you. I never thought I would ever even get close to you. You were the forbidden fruit." Derek huskily replied.
Meredith moved her hand to his thigh, "But you like that fruit."
"I am in love with it." He groaned out as her hands started to roam all around his upper legs.
Meredith's lips found Derek's neck, sucking on it lightly. "And now we are married."
"Nothing stopping us now." Derek's hand reached up at her, neck moving down her chest.
"We need to, sex as a married couple." Meredith grabbed his hard cock at the same time she said this.
"Yes. Now, I need you now." Derek helped Meredith down on the seat and moved his hand underneath her dress as she grabbed at his pants.
"Damn it. No panties? You have had no panties on this entire time?" Derek felt the garter belt but that was it.
"Easy access." Meredith whispered out as Derek was set and ready to move inside of her, their first time as a married couple. They moved in a new way never taking their eyes off of one another both reaching their peak together.
"I think we may be there." Derek held Meredith tightly as there wasn't much room on the seat together.
"I think you are right. It seems we have been stopped for some time." Meredith smiled.
At that time, there was a load banging on the window, "Come on Shepherds. We have given you an extra 10 minutes and the driver said the sounds coming from back there just stopped." They heard Alex's voice, and both started laughing.
"Guess we need to get going." Derek laughed helping Meredith up.
"What are you laughing at?" Meredith asked, trying to move her dress back into the correct place, making sure her breasts was firmly in her dress.
"Your hair is all over the place." Derek laughed.
"Yours is too." Meredith retorted.
"But the little bit that was pinned up has fallen." Derek said while he took his hand seeing if he could help get the pieces back up appropriately.
Derek buttoned his pants up while Meredith tried to freshen up as much as possible.
"Hurry up. The food is getting cold." Alex shouted again.
Derek opened the door, "We are coming."
"I knew you two would not hold out." Mark shook his head.
"Why should we? We are married now. I plan on screwing my wife anytime and anywhere I can." Derek said plainly while Alex and Mark shook their head.
Meredith stepped out of the limo, "Damn Grey, you need to do something about your hair." Alex said quickly.
"It isn't Grey anymore." Meredith smiled at Derek and wrapped her arm around his waist.
"Well, you are always Grey to me and here, let me help you and no smartass comments from anyone." Alex said moving towards her to help her look more presentable.
"You truly are the best girlfriend." Meredith giggled.
"Only for you." Alex said laughing.
"Is there something we need to know about you Karev?" Mark said. He knew Alex would be transferring out of the squadron soon which would be helpful to their newly formed friendship. Alex being an officer and Mark being enlisted made things difficult at times, but they didn't let it get in the way of doing things with their best friends.
"No, I am all man." Alex smirked.
Meredith laughed as Derek kissed her on the side of her forehead, wrapping his arm around her. "We should go in." Derek said to everyone.
"Yeah, it is a beautiful room and balcony overlooking the ocean." Meredith added.
They walked into the light music already playing, everything already set up. "Shall we dance first?" Derek asked.
"You don't dance." Meredith smiled.
"I dance with my wife. It is our first dance." Derek flashed his perfect smile that made Meredith melt.
They danced their first dance together and shared their first meal together with their closest friends and family. Everyone laughed during the cutting and eating of the cake when Derek ended up with cake all over his face from Meredith. He told her she would pay, and she responded that she hoped so.
The evening was perfect, just as their marriage had been over the last 9 months.
"Meredith, earth to Meredith." Alex said, seeing she was in a daydream.
"Oh." Meredith said, smiling to Alex.
"What were you thinking about?" Alex asked, sitting back down.
"Our wedding day. Talking about it earlier, made me think about what a perfect day it was." Meredith smiled while rubbing her big belly.
"It was, and hopefully I will have mine one day. I am really thinking it is a possibility." Alex stated.
Meredith looked at him in shock, "Izzie?"
"Yeah. I think so. She makes me… you know how you used to gush about needing Derek to breathe?" Alex asked seriously.
"I do. I feel like I need him all of the time." Meredith gasped, needing to see him now.
"That is how I feel." Alex looked down nervously.
"It is wonderful Alex; just promise I will be the best woman." Meredith laughed.
"For sure and I came back to tell you they were five minutes out, so they should be landing any second." Alex smiled as they heard the plane roar near the hanger. They knew Derek and Izzie both were on the first plane along with Mark.
Meredith stood up, rubbing her belly, "Your daddy is home baby. He is home." Meredith said with tears coming to her eyes.