11. Plans

Disclaimer: Grey's Anatomy is not mine. But if Shonda wants to share, I'm all for it.

Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them. :)

This takes place a few days later.

"Morning", Izzie yawned as she shuffled into the kitchen, her slippers dragging across the tiled floor.

"Morning", Meredith said with a smile as she attempted to flip a pancake in the frying pan.

"What are you making?", Izzie asked, peering over Meredith's shoulder. "Are those pancakes?"

"Yes. Why?"

"No reason. I just…you really made these?"

"Yes", Meredith said, pouring more batter into the pan. "Why?"

"I'm proud", Izzie laughed, patting her on the back. "These actually look okay."

Meredith rolled her eyes. "Thank you."

"Why are you up so early?", Izzie asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

Meredith sighed. "Derek and I are meeting with the house people after work tonight. I just…I'm nervous about it I guess so I decided to make breakfast to take my mind off of it."

"It'll be fine, Mer. Just tell them what you want. And don't let them talk you into all this crap you don't need."

Meredith laughed. "I'm almost positive Derek mentioned a trampoline. I swear he's five years old."

"Yeah, uh…well, think of it this way. You could have sex on it and nobody would ever know because you're going to live in the middle of nowhere", Izzie laughed.

"I never thought about it that way. Trampoline sex would be fun. Very bouncy", Meredith said with a smile.

"True. Maybe that's why he wanted it", Izzie joked.

Meredith rolled her eyes and laughed. "Probably."

"So you're thinking July?"

"Yeah. I think so. I mean…all of us are going to be off for two weeks, so we thought it'd be good to do it then."

"Where'd you want to have it?"

Meredith looked up from her frying pan. "We were thinking we would have it outdoors…where the trailer is now. Do you think that would be okay? You're good at stuff like this."

"Oh I like that. And there's not a lot of rain here in July, which is a plus, but you should probably have a tent on hand, just in case. Oh, and a tarp. You'll probably want a tarp either way, so nobody will get grass stains. Maybe some white chairs and lots of flowers for the gazebo…you're getting a gazebo, right? The flowers could match the bridesmaids' dresses", Izzie said as she mentally planned the whole wedding.

"Uh…sounds great, Iz", Meredith said with a smile. She honestly hadn't even begun to think about flowers or dresses yet. The fact that she was engaged still came as a surprise to her. "If you're willing to help, I'll do whatever you want."

"I'll help. Whatever you need, I'm here", Izzie told her with a genuine smile. Meredith knew Izzie wasn't just saying that to be polite. She knew her decorative ways would come in handy, which was good, considering neither Meredith nor Cristina weren't exactly experts in the wedding department.

"Morning", Derek said as he entered the kitchen. "It smells good."

"I cooked", Meredith said with a smile.

"You?", Derek asked, looking to Izzie for confirmation.

Izzie nodded. "She did."

Derek walked over and gave Meredith a kiss on the cheek. "I'm impressed."

Meredith giggled. "Shut up."

"No I really am. Better than cold pizza", he laughed.

"That's true", Meredith said, handing him the eggs. "Here. I haven't mastered eggs yet."

"Okay", Derek laughed as he stood next to her and made breakfast for the three of them.

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"So when are you and McDreamy meeting with the house guy?", Cristina asked as they changed into their scrubs.

"Five-ish. We're just going to stay at the trailer tonight rather than drive back home", Meredith told her as she tied her hair back into a ponytail.

"So we won't have to listen to the sex tonight?", Alex asked with a smirk.

Meredith blushed furiously. "You guys can hear us?"

"The walls aren't exactly soundproof. And you're uh, very…vocal", Izzie laughed.

"The shower isn't soundproof either. It actually echoes, making everything louder", Cristina added with emphasis, shoving her clothes into her cubby.

"I get it", Meredith said, cutting them off, clearly mortified.

"Relax, Mer. Half the time, I can just sleep through it", Alex joked.

"How do you…? You're all the way down the hall", Meredith said with a confused look on her face.

"Still loud", Izzie chimed in.

"Derek has kids' rooms in these plans, right?", Cristina asked.

"Yes…why?"

"Be sure to put them way down at the opposite end of the hallway, far away from the master bedroom. The poor kids will be traumatized when they hear mommy and daddy going at it", Cristina said with a smirk.

"This conversation is starting to creep me out", Meredith confessed as she leaned her head against the wall, closing her eyes and wishing herself out of the room. Luckily, Dr. Bailey entered the lounge, ending any conversation they were previously having.

"Why are you all still in here? You're interns are waiting in the hall", Bailey said as she motioned them toward the door using her hand.

"Grey", Bailey said as she lightly grabbed Meredith's arm, stopping her in her tracks.

"Yes, Dr. Bailey?"

"The Chief wants to see you before you leave today."

"Oh…I…do you know why?", Meredith asked before biting her bottom lip, wondering if she was in trouble for anything.

"Relax, Grey", Bailey chuckled. "I think he just wants to congratulate you."

"Oh", Meredith sighed. "Okay. I will, thanks", she said before hurrying down the hallway to find Mark, her attending for the day.

"Morning, Grey", Mark smiled as she met up with him at the nurses' station.

"Morning", Meredith returned pleasantly, peering over the chart Mark was scribbling in. "Anything good today?"

"Boob job", Mark said with a smile.

Meredith looked at him, her face expressionless. "Seriously?"

"Part of the job, Grey", he said, winking at Erica Hahn as she passed by them in the hallway.

"Oh, and I suppose winking at her is also part of your job description", Meredith said sarcastically.

"She has a thing for me", he smiled confidently.

Meredith turned away from him with the chart. "She does not."

"Yes she does", he retorted, catching up to her as she walked toward their patient's room.

"Mhm", Meredith said dryly.

Mark just smiled. "Do me a favor."

"What?"

"Invite her to the wedding."

"What? I don't even…why?", Meredith asked curiously.

"I'm assuming Derek told you I was the best man."

"Yes…but…"

"She sees me in a suit, looking all charming, doing the whole best man thing…it's a done deal", Mark explained.

"I…wait, you're serious?"

"Hell yes I am. And think of it this way…you're inviting everyone else. Wouldn't it look rude not to invite her along?"

Meredith shrugged, realizing that Mark had a point. "Fine. We'll invite her. But do not hit on her during the wedding. After the wedding…sure. But not during, got it?"

Mark laughed and wrapped his arm around her, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "Thanks, Grey. I always knew you were my favorite."

Meredith just rolled her eyes and laughed. "Happy to help, Dr. Sloan", she said as they entered their patient's room, preparing for the upcoming surgery.

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"Chief", Meredith said softly as she knocked on the open door of his office.

Richard looked up and smiled. "Hello, Meredith. Come in."

After she sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk, he began to speak. "I just wanted to congratulate you on the engagement. I know you've been busy with work, so I haven't seen you for a few days."

"Oh, thank you, sir", Meredith said with a small smile, folding her hands in her lap. "Sorry…I should have come to see you sooner. I've…"

"No reason to apologize. I know how it is around here", he said with an assuring nod. "When Derek told me you'd gotten engaged…I don't think I've ever seen him so happy. He loves you, Meredith." He paused before continuing. "I know that…things weren't always easy for you…your childhood—I just wanted to apologize, Meredith. And I know I can't turn back time, but I just…I'm sorry, Meredith", Richard said sincerely, the sadness evident in his eyes.

"You don't have to…"

"I do. I've caused you a lot of pain…pain that you didn't deserve. Pain that you should have never had to go through. And I just wanted you to know that if there's anything I can do…not that it will make up for it…but I'm here for you."

Meredith twisted the ring on her finger and looked up at him. "Actually, um…I was, well, I was wondering if…you would…walk me down the aisle…at the wedding. My father and I don't…and I just thought that if you…"

Richard smiled. "Meredith, I would be honored. Nothing would make me happier", he said sincerely.

"Thank you, sir", she said softly, tears welling in her eyes. "I...thank you."

"You're welcome", he said before standing up from his desk. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for a hug. Meredith smiled, embracing him in the same way. The remained in the comfort of each other's arms for few minutes before breaking the hug.

Meredith stood on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Okay…I should get back to work. I, um…thank you."

Richard smiled and nodded, opening the door for Meredith who left and made her way down the hall, wiping the few stray tears that escaped from her eyes.

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After checking in on her and Mark's patient, Meredith changed out of her scrubs and made her way to the lobby, where Derek was waiting for her.

"Hey you", Derek smiled as he saw her approaching.

"Hi. Sorry I'm a little late. I was just finishing post-op notes on Mark's patient."

"Anything good today?", he asked as they walked out to the car.

Meredith laughed. "Boob job. Oh, and before I forget to tell you, Hahn is invited to the wedding."

"Oh, okay. That's fine."

"Mark is planning on charming her with his best man skills", she laughed.

"That's Mark. Using our wedding day for his own benefit", he joked as they got into the car and drove toward the land to meet with the contractor.

When they reached the land, Derek parked the car and together they made the short walk toward the cliff where their home would be. "So…you want a trampoline?", Meredith asked with a giggle, taking his hand in her own.

"Yeah. Why? You don't?"

Meredith looked at him and shook her head. "When are we going to find the time to jump on a trampoline?"

"We'll make time", he said before kissing her cheek.

"Izzie had a good point. We could have sex on it, and no one would ever know."

"You see? A trampoline is a good idea", he laughed.

"Thank Izzie."

"I'll be sure to", he joked.

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"Five bedrooms?", Meredith asked as they walked back toward the trailer after meeting with the contractor.

"Yeah", Derek said, wrapping his arm around her. "Why?"

"Well, there's one for us. And one for a guestroom. And then there's three more left over."

"Our kids are going to need rooms, too."

"So…three kids?", Meredith asked curiously.

Derek shrugged. "Well…no. I don't know. We never really talked about it. But I just wanted to be on the safe side."

"Have you forgotten that I'll be the one carrying our children around for nine months and then pushing them out of my body? I want a say in this", Meredith giggled.

"If I could help you with that, you know I would", Derek laughed as he opened the door to the trailer, following Meredith inside.

"But seriously…this is important. How many kids do you want?", Meredith asked as she plopped down onto the bed and took her shoes off.

Derek sat down next to her and scooted them back toward the pillows. "I don't know. How many do you want?"

"Two. I think two would be good. And if I somehow get pregnant with the baby we'll make on the trampoline, we'll have the extra room", Meredith joked, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Sounds good to me", Derek said softly before kissing the top of her head.

"I just…when I was little, I was lonely, you know? I always wanted a brother or sister…someone to talk to or play with when I was sad or bored. So…two. I want them to have each other", Meredith breathed.

"Okay", Derek said with a nod before kissing her softly.

"Der?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you…I just…do you ever get scared?"

"Scared? Scared of what?"

Meredith shrugged, tears welling in her eyes. "This…us…anything?"

"Mer", he said softly, wiping the few stray tears on her cheeks. "We can do this. I promise. And it's okay to be scared. I get scared too."

"Yeah?"

Derek nodded. "But then…I think back to the day I met you, and how ever since, everything is just so clear. I know this is meant to be. You're the love of my life. When I think about that, I'm not scared anymore."

"Yeah", Meredith whimpered, nodding her head.

Derek wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her body closer to his. "I love you, Meredith."

"I love you too", she said softly, kissing his cheek.

"Hope you're hungry."

"Yeah…why?"

"Because I'm cooking for you." Derek kissed her forehead before getting off the bed and walking toward the fridge. "I have chicken parmesan and spaghetti."

"Did you plan this?", Meredith laughed as she walked up and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Maybe."

"Mhm", Meredith smiled, looking around. She noticed the tablecloth and candles sitting on top of the counter. "You did plan this."

"I did. I thought it would be nice to eat on the porch. Just a little dinner date…"

"Sounds nice", Meredith said, kissing him softly. "Can I help?"

"Did you want to boil the water for the spaghetti?"

"I think I can boil water", she giggled.

Together, they made dinner, conversation coming easy like it always had. Being at the trailer gave them a sense of privacy they didn't always have at her house. The time they got to spend with just the two of them was always welcomed.

After they finished cooking, Meredith set up the table cloth, candles, and wine glasses on the table outside on the porch. Derek brought out the steaming hot plates of food, a bottle of wine tucked under his arm.

Meredith lit the candles and moved them away from the food. "This is nice", she smiled, pushing her seat close to his to keep warm on the cool December night.

"Are you too cold?" he asked as he wrapped a large blanket around both of their shoulders.

Meredith shook her head. "No. I like it out here. It's peaceful and…ours."

"That's why I bought land out here. I thought about getting an apartment, but it just…wasn't me. When I found this, I knew I had to have it. When I was little, my dad used to take me and Mark camping a lot…just to get away from my sisters for the weekend", Derek laughed. But Meredith noticed the sadness in his eyes as looked out before him at the acres of endless land. "He died. He died when I was nine."

"Derek", Meredith said sympathetically. "I didn't…you never told me that before."

"I'm sorry. I know I should have but I just—", he started before Meredith cut him off.

"You don't have to apologize. I just…I'm so sorry, Derek", she said sadly. "How?"

"He got sick. It was…it happened fast. We thought he'd be okay, but…one day, my two older sisters and I got home from school, and my mom told us. He died. He died while I was at school. I didn't…I never got to…", he paused, at a loss for words.

"Der", Meredith said softly, taking his hand in her own. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. It happened a long time ago…but I just…I still miss him. My family wasn't the same afterward. We didn't talk about it…so this is good. I like talking about him."

"That's why you and Mark are so close…he was the only guy you had to talk to", Meredith said with a nod. She knew that after Mark slept with Addison, Derek was crushed. She just never knew how hard it hit him. Mark was Derek's brother in every way but blood. And that sort of betrayal was just too much to bear. "And that's why you came out here when…"

"And that's why I came out here", he said solemnly. "But…if you think about it, I wouldn't have met you if Mark and Addison hadn't... I should probably thank them for that one day", he said with a small smile.

"What about your mom? How did she…I mean, afterward…how did she do it? With five of you…"

"That's just who she is. She's tough…she was always strong for us. We all knew she was sad, but she was always there. Looking back, I don't know how she did it. She's a saint…raising five of us—well, six, if you count Mark—all by herself."

"She's an amazing person", Meredith smiled.

"She is", Derek agreed, taking a sip of his wine.

"Did you call her yet?"

"Yeah, I did."

"And…?"

"She, um…she wants to visit", Derek said cautiously.

"Oh…I um, yeah. Okay", Meredith nodded.

"Okay?"

"Yeah. That makes sense. She's going to meet me eventually, and I'd rather it be before the wedding", Meredith laughed. "But you can't leave my side the entire time she's here."

"I'll do my best, but she'll probably want to talk to you by herself…without me there", Derek laughed.

"What did you tell her about me?", Meredith asked as they continued to eat their food.

"I told her…everything. I told her how much I love you, and that you're the love of my life and that I've never been happier. And that I plan on spending the rest of my life with you", he said with a warm smile.

"What did she say?", she asked, biting her lip. Meredith was never good with parents. Or parental approval. Or anything having to do with parents. The thought of Derek's mother coming out to meet her was scary, but she knew they needed to meet each other. Preferably before she walked down the aisle.

"She said you sounded, uh, what was the word she used? Lovely…she said you sounded like a lovely woman and she can't wait to meet you", he smiled. "Don't worry, she's not like Nancy. And my sisters aren't either. You've got nothing to worry about."

"She doesn't consider me the home wrecker?"

"My family loves Addison…Mark, too, even after everything that happened. And you did nothing wrong. So there's no reason for them to think you're a home wrecker", Derek said assuringly. "It'll be fine. I promise."

"Okay, I trust you", Meredith said genuinely. "And I love you", she breathed before kissing him softly.

"I love you too", he said with a warm smile. He wrapped his arm around her small frame and rubbed her arm with his hand. "Are you sure you're not too cold?"

"No. I'm okay", she said, her mouth full of chicken. Derek loved that she talked with her mouth full. It was one of her charms that always made him smile. She didn't act classy around him or pretend to be someone she wasn't. She was perfectly content with being Meredith. And Derek loved her for it.

"I talked to the Chief today", she said after taking a sip of wine.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Actually, I um…I asked him…to walk me down the aisle", she said quietly.

"You did?", he asked with a small smile.

"Yeah. My father I were never really—I just thought it would be nice if he did it", Meredith said softly, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"I think that's great, Mer. I'm sure he's thrilled to do it", Derek grinned. In this moment, he was so proud of her. He was always proud of her, but even more so right now, if that was possible. He was also grateful to Richard for being there and supporting her like a true father would. He knew Richard loved her as though she were his own daughter. Richard was more of a father than Thatcher Grey would ever be to her. He didn't deserve to walk Meredith down the aisle. Richard loves her unconditionally, and for that reason, he's the only one Derek would want to do the honor.

"Yeah", Meredith said softly. "Oh, and I know where I want to go on the honeymoon."

"Where?"

"Venice. Well, Italy, but definitely Venice."

Derek nodded. "Okay. Why Venice?". He asked with a smile.

"I um…had this cancer patient a while ago. She was telling me how she and her husband wanted to go there before she died…and ride in a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs. Apparently, if you ride under it 

with the person you love, you'll be together for all eternity", Meredith said softly, a small smile on her face.

"Venice sounds perfect", Derek said softly before tilting her chin up to kiss her.

"Yeah?"

"Mhm", he breathed, kissing her again. "I can't wait to ride under the gondola with you."

Meredith smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. Both were silent for a few minutes. The only sound was their steady breathing. The dancing flames from the lit candles provided a soft yellow light illuminating the dark December night as they gazed out before them. It was as though they were secluded from the outside world. Being out here gave them a sense of privacy and seclusion they would find nowhere else.

"I'm getting a little cold", she said rubbing her hands together.

"Come on." He kissed her cheek before they both cleaned up and went inside.

Meredith grabbed her bag off the couch and walked toward the bed. She hastily shimmied out of her jeans and sweater, standing there in just her bra and panties. Derek stood there and chuckled softly to himself, loving that she felt so comfortable as to change her clothes right in front of him.

"I'm borrowing a pair of your pajama pants", Meredith said, walking over to the small dresser and pulling out a pair of Derek's navy blue flannel pants. Derek watched as she hopped up and down on alternating legs, pulling the pants over her slim waist. She walked back over to the bed and pulled out her long sleeve grey shirt before unclasping her bra and taking it off. Derek had seen her body, exposed to him, countless times, but she never ceased to take his breath away. He could admire her for hours, just taking in the curves of her soft, small body. "You're beautiful", Derek smiled as she pulled the shirt over her head.

Meredith giggled, walking up to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He walked back toward the bed and deposited her on top of the blanket. After getting changed into a pair of pajama pants and an old tee shirt, he walked back up to her. "Dessert?", he asked with a smile.

"By dessert do you mean sex?", she giggled.

"I was thinking more like ice cream…porny", he laughed, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Ice cream? What kind?"

"Coffee for me. Strawberry for you." He walked over to the freezer and pulled out two pints. He grabbed two spoons from the drawer and made his way back over to the bed. Meredith lifted the covers and he slid under them, pulling her close to him.

"You really went all out tonight", she said, spooning some of the ice cream into her mouth, moaning at the taste. "This almost beats sex."

"Almost being the key word", he laughed, eating a scoop of his own.

"Thank you, Derek. This is…I appreciate it", she said, snuggling her body closer to his.

"You don't have to thank me. I love doing stuff like this with you", he said as he caressed her cheek with his thumb. For a moment, they couldn't help but peer into one another's eyes, getting lost in the deep love they felt. It was stronger than anything either had ever known. And they knew their connection would last forever. "I love you, Meredith", Derek said softly, breaking the silence they had been enveloped in.

Her entire body erupted into goose bumps. No matter how many times he said those words to her, she would never get tired of hearing them. Something about the way he said her name made her feel so safe and loved. When they were together, nothing else mattered. They could just be. "I love you, too."

"Oh, before I forget…Stevens was working with me today. She gave me the names of some cake decorators and florists. She told me to give them to you", Derek laughed. "Apparently, we won't need to hire a wedding coordinator."

"Guess not", she giggled. "But we really have to start planning. We only have a few months."

"Okay", Derek nodded, turning to face her. "What kind of dress do you want?"

Meredith pondered for a moment. "Strapless maybe?"

"I like strapless…easier to get off", Derek said before kissing her softly.

She just rolled her eyes and laughed. "Then there's the whole bridesmaid dress thing. If I can get them to agree on something, that's half the battle. It doesn't have to be the same style, but I want the colors to match."

"I'd rather not have a rainbow of colors coming down the aisle either", Derek laughed. "Who did you want in the wedding party?"

"Cristina is the maid of honor. Izzie, definitely. I guess I should ask Callie. Maybe she'd want to. Crap…then there's Lexie. I guess it would be rude if my own step sister wasn't included. Ugh, I don't know", Meredith said, taking another mouthful of ice cream. "But then if there are too many people in the wedding, we're not going to have any guests. Well, besides your family. But my side will be empty."

"We can keep it small", Derek said assuringly, not wanting her to worry herself about this too much just yet.

"Yeah. I'll ask Izzie's opinion. She's good with stuff like this", Meredith nodded. "Who did you want?"

"Mark. Probably just Mark. Unless you wanted O'Malley and Karev in it. I don't have a problem with that."

"I need those two filling up my side. And Hahn, too. I guess Molly and Eric. But they may be my only sort-of-real-family there."

"I'm sorry, Mer", Derek said sympathetically.

"Don't be. I was never really close with my biological family. The people I work with…they're my real family…they're the ones that are important to me", Meredith told him with a nod. "That's enough wedding talk for now. What about the reception?"

"Where did you want to have it?"

Meredith giggled, blushing softly. "I…never mind, it's stupid."

"I'm sure it's not stupid. Just tell me."

"I just…when I was little, before I turned into my dark, cynical self, my dad and I would drive past the Space Needle on our way to the playground or wherever…I always pictured myself dancing with my husband—whoever he was—I always pictured dancing with him up there. It just looked so…pretty and…I just thought it would be nice."

Derek smiled, taking her hand. He loved that she was so open with him. "Then that's what we'll do."

"How?", Meredith asked with a smirk. "Don't you have to reserve things like that months in advance?"

"We have seven months", Derek reminded her.

"I…you're serious?"

"Of course", he said simply. "I want us to do this."

Meredith smiled. For many moments, all she could do was look at him, not saying a word. She couldn't think of anything to say to express the love she felt for him. Not that this wasn't Derek-y. He'd do anything for her to be happy.

"What?", he asked softly.

"You're just…I love you", she whispered, pressing his lips to hers. She weaved her fingers through his hair and he pulled her onto his lap. Meredith moaned softly, giving him the chance to slip his tongue past her lips. Their tongues clashed, their bodies savoring in the passion of their shared desire. Eventually, the need for breath forced them to pull away. Meredith let out a deep breath and smiled at him. "How are we going to dance if you don't dance in public?"

"I think I can make an exception for you", he grinned, rubbing his hands up and down her back.

"Do you want to dance with me now?"

"Now?"

"We've never danced together before. Which is…odd. But, we haven't. I think maybe we should."

"I would love to." He kissed her again softly.

Meredith giggled. "Seriously?"

"Meredith, would you dance with me?", he asked in a way that made her roll her eyes. He was cheesy, and overly charming, but in a way that made her feel happy and loved. Sure, it would probably begin to drive her crazy after a while. But for now, she loved it.

"Yes", she laughed, taking his hand in her own and pulling him off the bed. "Do you have any music? Soft, pretty, music that we could dance to?"

"I might", he said, turning on the radio. Luckily, he sprang for satellite, so he quickly searched for an appropriate station. After finding one that suited them, he tossed the remote on the bed.

Derek pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. Meredith wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled at him. "How have I never danced with you before?", he asked softly as they swayed back and forth to the quiet music in the background.

"It is a little weird", she laughed.

"I like dancing with you."

"I like dancing with you, too."

"You look so beautiful right now", he whispered into her ear.

Meredith blushed. "You mean as I stand here braless and in your pajama pants?"

"Yes", he said, kissing her forehead. "You always look beautiful."

"I'm glad I found you."

"Me too."

"You're my one night stand that turned out to be the one. How weird is that?", she giggled softly at her own revelation.

"I like to look at it as amazing. But I guess weird works too", he joked.

"Thank you for dancing with me", she said softly, resting her cheek against his.

"I plan on dancing with you every day for the rest of our lives.

"Good", she whispered. "I love you, Derek."

"I love you too, Meredith", he said softly, holding her close as they danced together in the warm, dimly lit trailer as the soft, melodic music kept their gentle swaying rhythm. Nothing about it was particularly fancy, but it didn't matter. Being with one another was enough. They could talk about anything they wanted to, and be completely comfortable. They could cry and laugh and allow themselves to be vulnerable, and it was okay. Because no matter how they felt, their love for one another would get them through everything. It was the kind of love that lasted a lifetime.

So, this chapter had lots of important stuff…the talk about Derek's dad, and having kids and getting married and the house is being built…so yeah, big, important things. And they never danced before, but I really want them to…hopefully one day and hopefully soon.

I finish school for the summer in two weeks, which means I'll have four months free to write. Yay! Also, my birthday is in two weeks. Reviews make good birthday gifts. Hint hint. :P