Kathleen and Flynn's engagement party was out of a fairytale. Carolyn, Michael, Amelia, Derek, and Meredith spent the entire week getting the house and backyard decorated for the special occasion. This included paint jobs to the inside of the home, countless hours of yard work, shopping for décor, and Carolyn taking Amelia and Meredith shopping for dresses to wear for the occasion. Despite all the hard work and running around Carolyn had the kids do, Meredith and Derek had an absolute blast that whole week. They snuck kisses and sex where they could and enjoyed their relationship being out in the open. They were feeling more and more comfortable with loving each other in the presence of other people and it was incredible how much their bond had deepened just by being open.
"Meredith, Derek, there you two are" Kathleen exclaimed holding onto Flynn's hand. Her face bore a massive grin and there was a lightness to her that was new to Derek and Meredith. Kathleen had always been reserved and serious, with Flynn, she was open and free. It was nice to witness.
Meredith offered Kathleen and shy smile and Derek grinned at his sister "Hi Kath. Hey Flynn." he acknowledged.
"Amelia says you two are together. Like together together. Since when did that happen?" Kathleen asked skipping the pleasantries and getting right to her point. She seemed so invested, so excited at the mere possibility.
Derek grinned taking his girlfriend's hand "We've been dating since the beginning of the summer Kath." Derek laced his fingers through Meredith's and she warmed at the feeling.
Kathleen squealed pulling them in for a hug "I'm just so happy for you two."
Meredith hugged her back and Derek laughed at just how excited she was.
"This may be you two someday celebrating your engagement." Kathleen informed them.
"Maybe, but tonight's about you and Flynn. We're just happy to be here." Meredith told Kathleen blushing undeniably about someone bringing up marriage.
She would be lying if she didn't already see it, but she wouldn't tell Derek that yet. She hoped that one day she would be celebrating her engagement party with Derek right here with his family.
"I know, I can't believe you pulled this off. I mean mom told me that you guys and Amelia pitched in all week. We couldn't be more thankful." Kathleen gushed
"Yes, thank you. It's beautiful." Flynn agreed.
Meredith took in the sight of how beautiful the Shepherd's plush backyard looked. It was truly transformed into a whimsical wonderland, with bright pops of color and unique, playful decor at every turn. Guests were greeted by a pathway lined with lanterns, leading them into the magical celebration.
The yard was decorated with colorful streamers and banners, draped from tree branches and hanging overhead like a canopy of joy. Balloons in a variety of shapes and sizes were scattered throughout the space, adding an element of fun and whimsy.
The tables were set with brightly colored linens and mismatched chairs, each adorned with a unique floral centerpiece bursting with vibrant flowers from Carolyn's Garden. Vintage tea sets and mismatched plates were used to serve appetizers, adding to the eclectic and playful atmosphere.
A dessert table was set up in the corner, featuring a whimsical cake decorated with bright colors and playful accents. Miniature cupcakes with colorful frosting and whimsical cake pops were also on display, inviting guests to indulge.
Throughout the yard, various seating areas were created, each with its own unique style and personality. A cozy lounge area featured vintage couches and armchairs, with bright throw pillows and blankets adding a pop of color and comfort. A picnic area was set up with colorful blankets and cushions, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the festivities in a more casual setting.
As the sun set and the stars began to twinkle overhead, the yard was illuminated with twinkling lights, adding a magical touch to the already enchanting decor. Guests pulled Kathleen and Flynn away and Carolyn suddenly had a list of things that needed tending to that set Derek, Amelia and Meredith running. Everything had to go smoothly, this was after all going to be another Shepherd family wedding event. Nancy's was nearly perfect, and Meredith had no doubt that Kathleen's would be too.
Derek barely got a chance to be with his girlfriend as Carolyn had Derek putting out small fires all evening but now that things had settled into a comfortable place, he was ready to enjoy this night with the woman he loved.
"Have I told you how beautiful you are tonight?" Derek asked as he approached Meredith. She had been standing under the canopy watching a few couples dancing and breathing in the full moon.
Meredith turned her head to the side and smirked at him "You haven't" she told him with a smile.
"Well, you are. You are so beautiful." He told her wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close to him leaving a kiss on her forehead. She blushed.
She had chosen a romantic lavender dress, which hugged her curves in all the right places. The dress was made from a soft and flowing material, with a fitted bodice and a long, flowing skirt that swayed gently with her every move. The dress had a sweetheart neckline, which accentuated her chest, and delicate spaghetti straps that added a touch of elegance to the overall look. Carolyn and Amelia loved it and convinced her it was the perfect dress for the party and that Derek would love it and they were correct.
"You look pretty good yourself. I like the suit." She told him playing with his tie and he smiled doing his best to not take her right here and now. She could do things to him that no woman ever could, and he stayed ready for her.
"Would you like to dance?" Derek asked instead. She had been eyeing the makeshift dance floor and he knew how much she loved to.
Meredith laughed "You don't dance." She reminded him.
"Tonight, I will" he told her holding out his hand for her to take. There was a twinkle in his eye and Meredith melted at the new expression she wasn't used to seeing from him.
She grinned and took his hand, and he led her to the dance floor. A slow song was playing, and many couples danced together in the moonlight. It was a scene out of a movie, and it felt unreal to Meredith to be here experiencing this.
Derek wrapped his arms around Meredith's waist pulling her close to him as her hands wrapped around his neck.
They swayed gently to the music, holding each other close, as his hands rested on the small of her back. Eventually, Meredith rested her head on his shoulder, feeling safe and loved in his arms. They move in perfect sync with each other, their bodies moving together as if they were one as the music and the sounds of chirping fused together.
Derek whispered in Meredith's ear, funny stories of their days feuding and antics that happened at Nancy's wedding that took place in this very backyard. They fought like dogs and cats during that whole event and at one point Carolyn had to separate them. Meredith giggled, remembering just how far they had come. There would be no more days of them fighting like that, or at least she hoped.
The song ended and Derek pulled her even closer for another slow dance and this time they don't speak instead just feel the moment. Meredith looked around at last to see the other people on the dance floor. Kathleen and Flynn were together, Carolyn and Michael, Nancy and her husband, Liz and her boyfriend and a lot of other Shepherd relatives that Meredith has met over the years. In some ways, this felt like her family too. Amelia was rolling her eyes with her arms crossed and Meredith grinned at her and she conceded and laughed out loud before finding a waiter and grabbing a Hors d'oeuvre.
"Kathleen and Flynn seem happy." Meredith told her boyfriend bringing her attention back to the slow dance.
"They do." Derek agreed kissing her forehead again. His eyes caught his moms and she smiled at her son.
"This is probably one of my favorite moments of this summer." Meredith continued
"Me too. I think Maine was another one. Oh, and the first time I kissed you, that is a memory I will always hold onto."
"That was a first kiss that led to another first" Meredith commented with a darkness in her eyes that Derek knew well.
"Mhmm" he agreed trying not to think of what it felt to have Meredith against the wall. Tonight, was about the party and the two of them had plenty of time for other things later.
The slow songs stopped, and upbeat music began again, and Derek took Meredith's hand to sit her down at the table they had previously occupied during dinner. They watched the crowd and Carolyn, and Michael joined the kids.
"How do you think it's going?" Carolyn asked the kids
"I think it's perfect." Meredith told her and Carolyn placed her hand over top Meredith's with tears in her eyes
"I think so too." Carolyn replied.
"Flynn's parents made a video of baby pictures of Flynn and Kathleen. If you're looking for a moment to sneak away, it would be now." Michael informed Derek quietly with a wink
Derek smiled and threaded his fingers through his girlfriends.
"Want to go for a walk" he asked, and she agreed.
They walked hand in hand down the riverbank hearing the buzzing noise coming from the party that was in the short distance. It was dark out, so Derek had grabbed a lantern to guide them as they disappeared into the woods. Meredith had been grateful to have some light as her clumsiness seemed to get worse after dark.
As much as Meredith loved her dress, she was feeling uncomfortable and badly wanted to be free but there's no way they could return to the party, if she freed herself the way she wanted.
Derek sat down by the river, careful to sit in a dry spot so his pants stayed clean. He helped Meredith find a spot too and pulled her to him against his chest, both watching the river and enjoying being alone together.
Meredith stayed quiet as her eyes flickered to her house nextdoor. Ellis was at the hospital as always and deep down, there was an ache in her that she would never have a mother like Carolyn or a father like Michael who would pull together a party in her honor like this. She would be surprised if Ellis even made it out to her college graduation, she missed her high school one due to an emergency surgery that was "more important than anything Meredith had going on." Her mother and her lived in the same home but were complete strangers. They didn't talk about anything really and if Ellis knew that Meredith was serious with anyone, she wouldn't have it. Thatcher was another story, Meredith hadn't seen him since she was five years old, she wondered if he ever thought of her.
"What are you thinking about?" Derek asked kissing the side of Meredith's neck as his arms pulled her closer against him.
"My parents." Meredith mentioned. This wasn't a conversation she ever brought up and she usually recoiled at any mention of Ellis or her dad.
Derek took a breath "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked gently.
Meredith turned to face him, and a small smile entered her delicate features "I don't think they ever had this. The way I feel about you…. I just don't think things would have gone so wrong if they loved each other the way we do."
Derek kissed her softly, he wanted to deepen it, but he wanted this moment to linger without sex.
"I love you." He told her evenly.
Meredith snuggled back against his chest as she looked on at her house before gazing back to the beautiful river in front of them. Derek was healing a wound in her she wasn't sure would ever close. She wasn't sure if he had any clue just how much she needed him. After several minutes sitting in silence, Derek shifted.
"I've been thinking." Derek told her as his fingers traced up and down her bare arms.
Meredith turned to look at him relishing in the feeling of Derek's hands on her. Her insides were doing the flippy thing that only happened when Derek was looking at her or touching her.
"About what?" she asked softly
"Us." He continued
"Yeah?" Meredith asked softly closing her eyes at how good the feeling of Derek's fingers on her felt.
Derek reached into his pocket and pulled something out that Meredith missed.
"Turn and face me." His whispered and Meredith did as he said, when she finally got turned around and looked down at his hand, she saw him holding an antique diamond ring.
She looked at Derek confused.
"Let's get married." Derek breathed.
"What?"
"It's fast. I know it's fast, but I also know that you're it for me. My grandfather gave me this ring to give to the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I'm not going to ask you a question. I'm not going to get down on one knee. I'm telling you, that you Meredith Grey, you are the woman that I want to spend the rest of my life with, and this ring is yours if you'll have it." Derek told her looking into her eyes.
"Okay" Meredith replied
"Okay?" Derek asked
"I mean yes, yes I want the ring and yes I want to get married."
Derek grinned and slipped the ring onto her finger. He pulled her close to him and kissed her evenly. The kiss deepened and his hands roamed her backside, rubbing circles along her body and their tongues danced.
"I want to more than kiss you, but if I more than kiss you right now, we won't be able go back to the party." He told her when he managed to pull himself slightly away.
"We should go back to the party." She moaned against his lips before going back in for more kisses.
"We should." He breathed, his lips refusing to stop.
It took everything in Meredith, to pull away at last enjoying every last lingering kiss from her now fiancé.
"Party' she reminded him.
"Right" he told her with a smirk before getting up and brushing his pants off. He held out a hand for her to help her up.
She looked down at the ring on her finger and slipped it off holding it out to him. He took it reluctantly looking at her questioningly.
"I'm really happy Derek but tonight is about Kathleen and Flynn. Hold onto this for a couple days and then we can tell your family."
"Okay" Derek agreed
"I want to tell Amelia first, maybe tomorrow." Meredith told him with a smile
"Yes dear" Derek conceded with a grin and took his fiancé's hand leading her back to the party. Tonight, after Kathleen and Flynn's party ended, they would celebrate naked, for hours and then he could tell his family that he was going to marry the love of his life. Knowing his family, they would be ecstatic and shocked. In a way, he was shocked himself. He didn't really plan on proposing, he just remembered the ring from his grandpa earlier this week when they were cleaning out the house getting it ready, and he had been carrying it around in his pocket for no real purpose. Then tonight, he realized that she's the one and what's the point of waiting. They feuded for years and wasted so much time that they could be together, he didn't want to wait anymore. And now, he didn't have to.
AN: The reviews have been light and I'm not sure about continuing this story if I don't have interested readers. In order to continue, I need to hear from you guys.