The Seventh Sense is Love

Visitors

Derek finished changing Ian and then did his best to wrap the blanket around him the way it had been. "It's just a blanket," he mumbled. "How hard can this be?" A few tries later, he sighed and simply wrapped the blanket as snugly around Ian as possible. Then he cradled his son in his arms and sat in the chair next to Meredith's bed. He alternated between watching his son and wife sleep. He was in complete awe of them both. He couldn't believe how lucky and content he felt. He was totally unaware of time passing and was surprised by a knock on the door and then it slowly opened to reveal his sister.

"Hello?" she called quietly.

"Hi," Derek replied. "Come in here. That was a quick dinner."

"Quick?" Kathleen chuckled. "We've been gone for two hours. Believe me when I say it was difficult keeping everyone away that long."

"Has it been that long?" Derek asked in surprise. At Kathleen's nod he asked, "Is everyone in the waiting room again?"

"Yes," she answered, standing next to her brother and gazing lovingly at her nephew. "We understand if you just aren't up for visitors yet, though."

"Sure you do," Meredith said sleepily and with a little laugh from her bed.

"Hi Meredith," Kathleen said and went to kiss her sister-in-law on the cheek. "I'm sorry I woke you."

"You didn't," Meredith stated as she pushed the button on the side of her bed to raise herself to a sitting position. "You're standing there practically drooling love on Ian. You'd be crushed if we sent you home without holding him."

Kathleen grinned and said, "I love his name and no," she said, glancing at Derek, "David and I didn't tell anyone else. I really do want to hold Ian."

Derek and Meredith shared a smile and watched intently, protectively as Kathleen leaned over Derek and took Ian from him. Then Derek got up quickly and nudged his sister, "Sit down and be careful of his neck."

Kathleen laughed but sat down anyway. She said, "I have dealt with newborns. I'm sure you remember my kids, your niece and nephew."

"Yeah," Derek grinned and stepped back from his sister. He went to Meredith and kissed her. "How do you feel? Do you need anything?"

She just looked at him and gave a small shake of her head. He knew better though and sat on the side of her bed. Derek held her hand and leaned in close to whisper, "Remember what Cristina said? There's no need to act like a Superwoman."

Meredith actually smiled at him and said, "You're really using my friend's words on me?"

"Is it working?"

"Yes," she sighed and replied quietly, "I'm in some pain - a three close to a four. I'm itchy, really thirsty and hungry. I know solid food is out for the time being, though."

He handed her a cup of ice water and replied, "I'll talk to the nurse about pain meds and Benadryl. I'm sure they'll be bringing you some soup broth and Jello soon. Meredith, we don't have to have visitors tonight."

"Right," she said and actually giggled a little. "Let everyone come in and see Ian. I'd feel really bad if we didn't but," she trailed off.

"Not for long," Derek finished.

"Thank you," Meredith said and got teary-eyed.

"Hey," Derek said, pulling her gently into his arms. He kissed her cheek and continued to whisper in her ear, "It's okay, Mer. I'll take care of everything."

Just then, Ian started fussing again. Meredith immediately, instinctively reached out for him. Kathleen grinned and got up to hand her nephew to his mommy. Once he was in Meredith's arms - Ian nuzzled into her and calmed down.