I'm glad you all enjoyed the last chapter!

This chapter jumps ahead a wee bit, closer to Meredith's due date. Not a whole lot going on, except of course, for a passionate interlude - after all, that's the main focus of this story, isn't it?

Chapter 32
You Want Proof?

Three months later...

It was a warm day, and spring was definitely making its presence known, Meredith mused as she sat outside in the garden. The gardeners were already hard at work, under her supervision, tidying the rose bowers and flower beds, and clipping hedges. Already the crocuses and daffodils were exploding with color, and honeysuckle was scenting the air. After the coldest winter she could remember, the warmth and color were a welcome sight.

She could see the children, followed by Shadow and some of the other dogs, running towards the edge of lawn. There was some game in progress, and even Jamie was doing his best to keep up. He stumbled and fell, but Hannah noticed, and quickly helped him to his feet and pulled him along with her. Meredith smiled to see the sisterly act; they always looked out for one another so well.

"See little one...you will have plenty of company," she murmured, resting her hand on her belly. By her calculations, the baby would be born in three months or so, unless she had the same surprise early birth that Izzie had.

She missed seeing little Angelina since their friends had returned to London. They all enjoyed the New Year's fireworks display, which had gone off without a hitch, and then they held the christening a week later. Angelina had lived up to her name, and been a perfect angel during the ceremony, where Derek and Meredith had stood up as godparents. Meredith had lent Izzie a christening gown for the baby, which one of the twins had worn, after Izzie had fretted about not being prepared.

"I feel like I'm depending on your generosity..." Izzie sighed, as they went through the baby clothes that Rose had brought out of storage. "But truly...this was not what I expected, having my baby without any clothes ready for her..."

"Hush, don't you say that," Meredith replied. "I'm happy to help you out and you are not intruding, I won't have you talk like that. We've known each other far too long." She held up the frilly gown for the christening, along with some dainty booties. "Here, this was Hannah's, I believe. I want you to use this. We can't have your little girl christened just wearing a blanket!"

"Thank you, Meredith. You've been so generous, I'm sure you didn't expect our visit to last so long!"

Meredith laughed. "True, but it's been good to have you here."

It wasn't long after that the weather had warmed up enough to travel, and Marcus had been anxious to return home. Dr. Wilding had given both mother and baby a glowing report of good health, declaring them ready for travel. His family would be beside themselves waiting to see the new baby. Meredith had been sorry to see them leave, but she knew they had to. On their last day, Derek had given Storm to Marcus as a gift, something Marcus had not been expecting. He had happily ridden the big gray stallion alongside the carriage as they began their journey home.

So it was back to normal for the most part at the manor; well, at least until the baby arrived. For now, Meredith lifted her face to the sun, listening to the sounds of activity in the garden, and the light laughter of the children playing. Derek was at the stables, of course, checking on some of the mares that were close to giving birth. She wondered briefly about the royal stables, and what was happening with those mares. So far, nothing had been send from the King in regards to that, and she hoped that Derek wouldn't need to be there.

"Mama!" Michael shouted out for her as he came running towards her, with a handful of flowers in his fist. "I brought you some flowers!"

"Oh, yes, I can see that..." she murmured, eying the daffodils, their stalks ripped from the dirt, their roots dangling. "Very lovely." She accepted them carefully, mindful not to let any dirt fall onto her gown, but she smiled at him happily. "Thank you, Michael."

"I know you like them!"

"I do, we just need to get them in some water." She pulled him in for a quick hug. "Go on and play, I'll go in and find a vase for them."

"Do you need me to walk with you?" He was aware of her condition, that she was having another baby, and he did his best to help her when he could. "Since Papa isn't here, I should go with you!"

"Very well," Meredith smiled, as he took her hand to help her stand. "You are becoming a very good young man."

He beamed up at her, as they made their way along the flagstone path towards the manor. "I know! And I want to be a jockey when I get bigger!"

"Really?"

"Yes, and I'm going to marry Eliza Sloan!"

Meredith had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. "I had no idea you were going to marry Eliza. She is pretty, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is." Michael thought for a moment. "Or I might not...jockeys might not get married, I don't know about that!"

"Well, you have plenty of time to think about that, my son." Meredith dropped down to his level, and hugged him again. "All right, thank you for escorting me inside. Go find your sisters and brother. It's far too nice to be inside today."

"All right..." He gave her cheek a kiss before dashing away again.

"Mmm...no need to tell him twice," Derek observed, and she turned to see him leaning against the door. He had been out helping in the stables; they still were looking for a younger groom to work with John but no one suitable had been found yet. Looking dusty and disheveled, he still exuded an elegance that was inherent to him.

"He brought me flowers," Meredith said, holding up the bedraggled bouquet. "I fear he was more exuberant than careful. I am just thankful the roses aren't in bloom yet!"

"Already exhibiting the Shepherd charm."

"Oh yes, and he tells me that he wants to marry Eliza Sloan...or be a jockey, he's not sure if the two are compatible." She laughed softly, as Derek moved closer to take her arm.

"Thinking of marrying already?" Derek asked, raising one eyebrow. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"I told Izzie that Jamie might be smitten with Angelina once they get older."

"A double Shepherd-Sloan pairing...no plans for the girls yet?" he inquired, as they made their way into the kitchen. One of the young maids hurried over to take the bunch of daffodils from Meredith, to clip the stems and put them into a vase.

"They haven't expressed any interest in that, as far as I know," Meredith assured him. They left the kitchen, and strolled up the stairs towards their bedchamber. "I know that you will be a bear when it comes to finding suitable husbands for them."

"Quite, but I also firmly believe they can find someone suitable on their own, if need be. Enforced marriages do not always work out." He raised one eyebrow at her, as they entered their room, and he pulled off his jacket. "Just imagine how life would have turned out for me should my parents have arranged marriage for me. Circumstances would not have been in my favor to meet you, sweetheart..."

"Oh, that is true...however, you very nearly married the wrong woman anyway..." she reminded him sweetly. She sat down on the chaise, in front of the window, where the sunlight bathed her in golden warmth.

Derek muttered something about wifely impertinence, his words lost as he pulled his shirt over his head.

"What was that?" she asked, as he tossed it aside and strode over to splash some water in the basin to wash some dust away. She admired the play of muscles along his back, as he bent over the basin, soap in hand, before he looked over her shoulder at her.

"I just said...thank goodness I found you, love..." he replied, winking at her. Water droplets clung to his dark hair, and gleamed on his chest. He picked up a small towel, and wiped it over his face, walking towards her as he continued to run the towel over his damp skin.

"Hmmm, I'm not sure that's quite what you said..." she murmured, as he reached where she was seated. He placed his hands on either side of her, pinning her in place with his arms. His skin still looked faintly damp, and the scent of his sandalwood soap mingled with the trace of horses from his riding breeches and boots.

"Are you doubting me?" His voice was a husky caress, and his eyes twinkled with sensual playfulness. "Your beloved husband and father of your children..."

Meredith lifted her finger to trace along his cheek, dark with the stubble that always grew in so quickly. She met his gaze, feeling warmth infuse her that had nothing to do with the shaft of sunlight she was sitting in. "I suppose I shouldn't doubt you...when you put it that way...but maybe some proof is required..." Amusement and arousal shone in her own eyes, as she was poised for his next move. Her fingers trailed a little lower, towards the waistband of the breeches, making his breath hiss.

"Indeed? Oh my lady, if proof is what you want...proof is what you shall receive..." he laughed, sweeping her up into his arms without warning. She giggled breathlessly, in surprise and happiness, as he carried her towards the bed. Before he lowered her, he claimed her lips in a slow, masterful kiss that gave no doubt of his intentions. Her lips parted, and he surged inside, using his tongue to flick against hers in an erotic dance that inflamed both of their passions.

As he gently let her down onto her feet, her fingers caressed his chest, and his cock strained against the confines of his breeches. He wanted her delicate touch on him, along with her mouth; he would never get enough of her, no matter how often they made love. "Meredith…" he murmured against her lips, "you need to remove this gown…"

"Oh…yes…" Of course, otherwise it would be hopelessly wrinkled, or worse, ripped in his impatience to have her naked. Thankfully, there were no constricting undergarments to deal with, as usual this far along in her pregnancy, she preferred the ease of the gown without them. Within moments, she had stepped out of it, along with the chemise and petticoats, leaving her luscious skin uncovered for him.

"And you…?" she murmured, raising one eyebrow towards his still half-clothed body. "You are not going to prove things to me unless you are naked, my lord…" She settled herself against the myriad of pillows, waiting for him, feeling the heat of his gaze on her. Even in her current condition, she was sensually confident, knowing how much he loved seeing her this way. Her senses were alive, tingling with anticipation, perhaps even more so than usual. And watching him discard the boots and breeches, to stand in the patch of sunlight, perfectly at ease in his own nudity made her ache even more for him.

When he reached her, she was already damp, and he slid his fingers into the glorious wet warmth between her legs. His fingers circled and slid through her lush, wet folds towards the tight, swollen bud at the centre of her desire. He increased the tempo, two fingers deeply into her, feeling her tighten around him as her pleasure spiked. Then he slowed, deliberately pulling back so that she made a hungry little cry of dissatisfaction. Before she could say anything, he kissed her again, his tongue invading, just as he plundered deeply with his fingers once more. Matching the movements, in and out, faster and slower, until she was lost in the sensation.

As she caught her breath, he gently eased onto his back and helped her to sit astride him, his cock prodding up between her thighs. "Perfection…now I can touch you, and watch you while I make you climax…" His strong hands stroked her belly, adoring the roundness of her pregnancy, and the lushness it added to her body. "Now…come for me again, my little love…before I can't wait any longer and take you…"

Meredith could only nod, leaning backwards, while he stroked her again. Delight went through her in hot waves, as he caressed and teased her. She was nearly sobbing in pleasure, as each touch took her closer to the edge. Her body clenched, and shook, before she cried out for more. Then his hands were pulling her forward, so they were sitting face to face, her legs around his hips. He lifted her upwards, and kissed her, as she sank down onto him, enclosing him in the hot silk of her body. For a moment, they held that position, exchanging a deep, possessive kiss that went right to their bones. He surged upward, his hips rocking, until she was stretched full, moaning in pleasure. His hands cupped her, her hands were at his back, nails scoring his skin as he thrust into her again and again. Her breasts were crushed against the muscles of his chest, her nipples hard and aching.

The room seemed to spin around them, as she took him in as deeply as she could. Derek felt her tense, her pussy clenching around him, and she felt so impossibly good, so wet, clutching at him. "So hot, so tight…damnit love…" he growled, as she began to climax, taking him with her. Wave after wave of pure, blinding ecstasy took them both. His cock raged forward and she took it, loving it, coming again around it. He fell against her, and his body shook beyond his control. His release shot into her, and he tensed, caught up in the fierce pleasure. They continued to rock back and forth, more slowly, as the last tremors went through them.

As she rested against his chest, he stroked her back gently. "Have I given you the proof you were looking for?" he chuckled, and she smiled, feeling sated and sleepy.

"I believe you have the answer, Derek…" she sighed. "I love how you use actions instead of words, however…"

His laughter rumbled under her cheek, before he kissed the top of her head. "Anytime, my darling…anytime…"

Awhile later, after a short nap, they were having tea in the library when Winston appeared at the doorway. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but there is someone here to see you…"

Derek frowned, setting the tea cup aside. They weren't expecting guests, unless Dr. Wilding had decided to stop in to check on Meredith. "Who is it?"

"A young lady, my lord, with a baby. She is asking for Lady Meredith, actually."

"What?" Meredith was puzzled as well, thinking perhaps one of the village girls needed help.

"Yes. A Miss Cordelia, she said…"

"But the only Cordelia I know…" she murmured, looking at Derek.

"…is married to Lord Rhys…"

"Oh dear..."

Oh dear...what does this mean? :-o