Thank you to Stacie, JJP & stillovesgreys for the reviews to the last chapter. I'm moving things along in this chapter, wrapping things up...
Chapter 36
All's Well
"Now tell me...what exactly have you gotten yourself into, Rhys?" Derek repeated the question he had asked in the carriage. Rhys had refused to answer any questions until they were alone, even though Derek assured him Marcus would spread any gossip, and Thomas was now working for Derek and not likely to jeopardize that.
So here they were, much later, after dropping Marcus at his own home, and leaving Thomas at his lodging until they could arrange the details of his employment. Derek felt exhausted, after the journey and the events of the evening, but he wanted to clear up the details around this as quickly as possible and return home. He poured them each a drink and stood by the fire in the small drawing room. Rhys had been given some spare clothing that had belonged to one of the footmen that no longer worked there. It was not the right fit, but it was better than the smelly and dirty clothing he had been wearing.
"I thought I could leave it all behind, live the life of a country squire and be content. I mean, there I was, suddenly married, with a young wife and a babe on the way...what more could I want?" Rhys scrubbed one hand over his face, avoiding the question yet again. "I admit, likely not the best candidate for marriage, but I tried to do my best. God help me, but I failed at that rather miserably..." He closed his eyes, thinking of the anger and the frustration he had taken out on Cordelia. "We came to London, and I thought I could make up some of the losses, but it got away from me. I lost even more, between the gaming tables and the horse races. As a last resort, I got involved with someone that was running a horse-switching operation at the race track."
"You mentioned that when we were at court," Derek remembered.
"It's difficult to explain in a short time frame, suffice to say that it's highly illegal, and I decided I wanted out of it. The man who runs the operation did not take that news well; I wanted to keep Cordelia out of it, and decided the course of action was to just disappear. She is far better off without me."
"You could have confided in her. She thought you had taken a mistress, and run off."
Rhys shrugged. "Run off, yes…mistress, no. Cordelia may not believe it, but I have not been with anyone else since our marriage."
Derek raised one eyebrow. "Then you have an odd way of showing that. Leaving her alone, without support."
"Don't you see? If Guy Pearce knows I have a wife and a child, he would go after them. Better to let him think I am alone and dissolute."
"Well, obviously you haven't hidden as well as you would like. Those two men shooting at us tonight found you."
"Old habits die hard, I'm afraid. Kensington Tavern is my usual haunt, I'm afraid. Difficult to stay away."
"Well, if you want to clear up this mess, you need to change those habits. How much do you owe this man?"
Rhys tossed back the rest of his drink, before naming a sum that made Derek blink. "And if you were to pay back this sum, would you take Cordelia and your child, and return home to Whitely?"
"On my honor, such as it is, I would do my best."
"You told me at court that you owed me a favor, after letting Rowena go once I discovered she attempted to drug Midnight," Derek reminded him.
"Oh no, you can't possibly…" Rhys protested, realizing where Derek was heading with this comment.
"I can, and I will. Instead of paying Pearce, you will owe me the money I loan you. Then take your family and live your life quietly in the country."
"What? How can you do that for me?"
"Trust me Rhys, I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing this for your wife and child. They deserve something better." Derek stood up and held out his hand. "Do we have a deal?"
Rhys stood as well, and squared his shoulders before shaking Derek's hand. "Yes, we have a deal."
"Good. I will have my bookkeeper draw up the necessary paperwork tomorrow and have the funds drawn for you. Once you have paid the debt to Pearce, and I have finished some other business here in London, we will return to Gracewood where Cordelia is waiting with my family. You are welcome to stay with us for awhile, if you need to."
"I still do not quite understand why you are doing this…" Rhys sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "After everything else…"
"I suppose I am a man who likes happy endings," Derek grinned. "But if you renege on our agreement, or if I find out that you have done anything else to hurt your wife…"
Rhys placed his hand on his chest, over his heart. "I swear, Shepherd…you will not regret your generosity."
"Excellent." Derek glanced at the clock on the mantel. "It's late. Get some sleep. I know I need some."
By the end of the week, sooner than Derek had anticipated, they were rolling into the drive at Gracewood Manor. While he had finished his own business around the city, and checked on the mares at the royal palace, Rhys had kept a low profile. After paying his debt to Pearce, he had stayed inside Derek's townhouse, keeping to himself and resting.
Thomas, flush with happiness at his new posting, rode alongside the carriage on one of the new stallions Derek had purchased. He could hardly believe his good fortune, and had happily bid good-bye to the crowded city for the green pastures of the country.
Derek had sent a short note home with a special messenger, warning Meredith that he was bringing Rhys along. Not sure of how Cordelia would receive him, he hoped that Meredith would be able to help with the reconciliation. Now he looked out the window of the carriage, appreciating the serene and welcoming site of Gracewood Manor. The air was warm and scented with the apple blossoms on the trees, another glorious spring day at home.
The carriage pulled up along the sweeping stairway at the front of the manor, and before they were out of the coach, Derek could see Meredith and the children already coming out to greet them. Winston, Rose and Meggie were all there as well, along with Shadow and a couple of the other pups. Only Cordelia seemed to be missing, but perhaps the baby had been fussing, Derek mused.
He unlatched the carriage door eagerly, and bounded outside, before the driver or Thomas could lend a hand. While Rhys took his time, Derek quickly strode up the stone stairs, and gathered Meredith into his embrace. "Welcome home, Derek..." she whispered, before he kissed her, lifting her off her toes in his exuberance.
After he relinquished her mouth reluctantly, he whispered in her ear. "Is Cordelia all right?"
She shook her head briefly. "She's a little unsure about this. Are you quite sure about this?"
He nodded, before turning to wave Rhys up the stairs. "I certainly hope sol, love." Before he could say anything else, Michael and the girls flung themselves around his legs. He picked up both girls, and kissed their cheeks. "And I missed you all too..." He smiled down at Michael. "I have presents."
"We missed you too, Papa...there was a big storm, and Mama let us sleep in your bed...and Cordelia told us a story...!" Michael tried to tell Derek everything in one breath.
"Well, that sounds exciting. You were brave, though, weren't you?"
"Yes, Papa."
They all moved inside, where he let the girls down to the floor, and then hugged all of them, including Jamie who toddled over, his chubby fists waving happily. "This is the best homecoming I could ask for," he smiled.
Rhys had stood back, letting the family greetings play out. He felt uncomfortable, seeing the obvious affection between them all, and would have edged away, except he spotted Cordelia then. She was hesitating as well, at an open doorway, holding their baby in her arms, wrapped in a pink blanket.
Quickly he crossed the tiled floor, to take her hand and raise it to his lips. "My lady, may we speak in private?" His intense green eyes burned into hers, and she could only nod silently. Meredith had warned her that Rhys would be arriving with Derek, but even now she wasn't sure what to say. In the time before this moment, she had thought of several conversations, and now she was unable to formulate any words. Her body betrayed her, responding to the masculine strength he exuded. He looked vigorous and more at ease with himself than before, more like the Rhys she had been enamored of at court.
He took her by the elbow, and steered her towards an empty parlor, closing the door behind him, so that the voices of the family were muted. He realized that he had to handle this just right. "I was wrong to leave you alone. You are my wife, and I should have behaved better towards you. I have no excuse," he said quietly, as she paced along the windows that looked towards the immaculate green lawns. "I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me. I will understand if you do not, but I will do whatever it takes to win your love."
Cordelia looked at him, surprised at his words. "My love? You want my love?"
"I do. This is my chance for redemption, thanks to Shepherd." He moved closer to her, and touched her cheek. The baby stirred in her arms, and Rhys smiled gently at both of them.
"I was so frightened, Rhys. You were gone, and I had no idea what to do...I thought you left me for another woman..."
"God, no. I need to explain what happened, but it will take some time." He dropped to his knees, looking up at her expectantly. "Can we begin again? Will you be my wife because you want to, Cordelia?"
Cordelia sighed softly. "Are you really prepared for that, Rhys? We were forced into that situation before; perhaps the best thing would be to leave it be. You could live in London, while I stay in the country...many couples do that."
"I'm willing to court you for as long as it takes, Cordelia. Nothing is more important to me now."
"Oh, get up off your knees..." she sighed. "For the sake of our daughter, I believe we should at least attempt to put things right. And perhaps, in time..."
Rhys stood and rested his hand on Rebecca's tiny head. "In time..." he agreed, leaning in to kiss Cordelia's forehead. "After everything I have put you through...I'm grateful for whatever you give me."
"All's well that ends well," Derek said with a smile, as he cradled Meredith against him in bed later that night. "Rhys and Cordelia will work things out, we have a new groom, and the baby will arrive in due time with my expert help..." He stroked her belly gently, before placing a kiss there.
"You haven't told me what all happened in London," she reminded him. "Do I want to know how you found Rhys?"
"It was a little out of control for awhile," he allowed, not wishing to keep any secrets from her. "However, we were able to escape, and Thomas arrived in time to help us. I promise you, I did everything in my power to keep safe."
"Well, I am glad you helped him, I just hope he is worthy of your confidence."
"I believe it will be a good investment. He will repay me, in time."
"Cordelia confided in me regarding their problems, and I do hope they will be able to work this out. At least for the sake of the baby."
"We have done what we could, Meredith. The rest is up to them," he told her, moving to slide his hands around her again. "Now, shall we return to enjoying my homecoming celebrations...?"
Meredith glanced at the bedside table, where a sparkling crystal ornament caught the candlelight. Derek had found the exquisitely carved unicorn in a shop filled with curios and other objets d'art. He knew she would love it and she did. She stroked the delicate carving before turning back to her husband. "Oh, yes...we need to celebrate again. I missed you so much...even when all of the children were sleeping with me, and Cordelia ...the bed was still empty because you weren't here."
"But I am here now, and you are naked in my arms...just the way I want you..." he smiled devilishly.
"I wish I didn't feel so cumbersome these days," Meredith sighed.
"You look lovely, and I always desire you," he murmured, finding her lips and covering them with his while he languidly traced her curves with his fingers. Her body hummed with instant need, waiting for the next touch, the next kiss, the next soft word of passion. As always, he commanded her senses, filled her thoughts, and took slow, unhurried possession of her body.
After all the years together, it was familiar, and yet not. They were both different in subtle ways – it wasn't the same as their first flush of passion, when they had found each other in ways they hadn't expected. Older and wiser now, they were well aware of the sweetness of what they had together, of what could be lost in the blink of an eye.
Meredith gave herself up to the touch of his hands, as the slow build of heat wrapped around them in the cocoon of their bed. Her breasts, already sensitive, ached as he cupped them, running his tongue over the nipples. Her fingers threaded through his hair, holding him closer, while he sucked harder, tongue and lips in a sensuous torture. Pure, sweet pleasure spread through her, and she whimpered softly, as he continued to drive her mad with his mouth.
He returned to kiss her lips then, and she responded, overwhelmed by the need for him. His tongue delved against hers, mimicking the way he would he take her body soon. Heat surged through them both, as he sensed the quickening beat of her heart, and the scent of her arousal that inflamed his own.
Moving slowly, he helped her ease onto her side, facing away from him. He moved in behind her, fitting his body against her, and sliding his fingers between her legs. The soft sound of pleasure she exhaled made him smile, before he kissed her shoulder. He found the slick folds, and parted them, toying with her as she begged for more. Derek cradled her against him, parting her legs wider, so that she could feel the demanding head of his erection replacing his fingers. His breathing was as ragged as hers then, as he found his way into her, slowly and deliberately, taking his time until he was completely engulfed.
Meredith whimpered, clenching around him, before he withdrew and then surged forward again, swamping her senses with delight. He whispered in her ear…sweet, erotic words that added to her pleasure, while he continued to move in and out, mindful of her condition. She clutched at his thigh, feeling the muscles flex as he moved, taking them both into that spiral of glorious sensation. Her head fell back, and somehow their tangled bodies shifted and he was able to catch her mouth, needing that urgent connection as much as the other.
Losing track of everything but the feel of him inside of her, and the smooth strokes of his hands on her hot skin, Meredith nearly wept as the climax swept through her. "Derek…oh yes…don't stop…" she begged.
"Never…" he promised. "I will never stop loving you, Meredith…"
Two months later….
The sweet sound of the newborn baby's cry was music to Meredith's ears, after the long hours of giving birth. As he promised, Derek was at her side during the labor, encouraging her, letting her grip his hands as tightly as she needed, and wiping her sweat damp skin with cool cloths. Now she looked up at him, as Rose handed over the baby, bathed and wrapped in a delicate blanket.
"We have a beautiful daughter," she smiled, feeling exhausted but jubilant that everything was all right, and their baby was healthy.
Derek leaned in, and kissed her forehead. "Yes, we do. She will be just as beautiful as her mother."
Together they stroked the delicate little hands, as the baby settled against Meredith's breast. "She's hungry, that's a good sign," Dr. Wilding noted, cleaning up after the birth. "Congratulations to both of you, and the rest of your family."
"Thank you, again," Derek said, getting to his feet to shake the other man's hand. "I have a generous settlement to give you. You have done so much for our family. I understand that you and your betrothed will be married soon. Let us help you in whatever way we can."
"I appreciate that, Your Grace, but we do not need to trouble you…"
"I won't take no for an answer."
"Very well, then," Dr. Wilding smiled. "I will accept."
"Good. We'll talk soon."
Dr. Wilding bowed shortly. "All right, and I will be off now. I know my way out."
"Just speak with Winston before you leave. He knows what to give you."
After the door closed again, Rose bustled around the bed, flicking the sheets back into place. "Such a sweet child, my lady. Of course, all the children are sweet, but you know there is just something so special about the newborns…"
"I know," Meredith couldn't help but smile happily, even as she felt another yawn take over.
"What will her name be?"
Derek came to sit beside Meredith again, and they exchanged a glance, before looking at Rose. "Well, we did discuss this in length these last few weeks," Meredith started to say.
"Yes, in great length…" Derek added, chuckling.
"…and we decided that if it were a girl…"
"…we would name her…"
"…Sophia Rose…" Meredith finished, holding her hand out for her long time maid and friend. "What do you think?"
Rose blinked away a sudden tear that came to her eye. "My lady, that is a lovely name…"
THE END
(Regretfully…but there will be an epilogue!)
So, I had plans...and like Finn's plans in S3...they have gone awry. Quite obviously, I was wrong about the Rhys/Cordelia side story, and interest has declined dramatically these last few chapters. Not so good for my self-esteem, but I know we are all busy...I don't know your lives, but time slips away and reading fanfic isn't always a priority. The show itself isn't helping...I mean, we get 30 seconds of MerDer, if we're lucky! Spring is in the air and that adds to the problem, lots of things to do outside! But maybe this story has just reached it's expiration date too...I mean, how much sex can you read about before it gets boring, right?
As noted, I will post an epilogue soon, and consider my options for future stories. Thanks as always to everyone that has been kind enough to comment and add me to your fave/alert lists.