It's been a long time

Chapter 27

On a rare day off for the interns, Addison and Mark helped the other couple move in to their new house.

"Wow, it's gorgeous!" Addison exclaimed as they all pulled up to the house and got out of the car. On the outside, it was a modern, normal sized house.

"Welcome to the Shepherd house." Derek said as they entered. "Oh my god. The interior is beautiful. Who did this?" Addison gushed. "Mer did." Derek said proudly as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

"You know if you weren't a surgeon, you could be an interior designer." Mark said with a chuckle. Meredith smiled at the praise. "So, as you can see, we have a thousand boxes to unload. So let's crack some beers and get going." Derek said.

Meredith and Addison started on their bedroom first. "Can you believe it? 10 years ago Derek and I just started dating and now we're married and bought our first house together." Meredith said as she put a picture of her and Derek on her nightstand she bought. "I know. Seems like yesterday Mark used his corny pick up lines and won me over." Addison said with a smile.

"Aw! Look how cute!" Addison exclaimed as she took out another picture of Meredith and Derek, but this time in high school when they first started dating. They were standing next to each other, dereks arm around her waist, her leaning into my chest.

Meanwhile downstaids, the guys were moving the couches into the living room. "What's the next step for you guys?" Derek asked as him and Mark chatted about their relationships. "Probably kids." Mark said, unable to comtain the smile on his face. Mark always wanted to be a father. He just wasn't sure he'd made a good one.

"I can't wait until Mer and I get there. Do you guys know when?" Derek asked. "We actually talked about it a little while ago. We agreed probably around when we start our residency, so a few years." Mark replied. "That's great. I'm happy for you, man." Derek said as they finally got the couch in the right place. "Moms gonna be thrilled." He added. "Our kids are gonna grow up and be best friends." Mark said. "They will." Derek replied.

They met downstairs around noon for a lunch break over sandwiches. "How'd you guys do up there?" Derek asked as he took a seat next to Meredith. "We finished our bedroom and all the bathrooms. What are we doing for the kid rooms again?" Meredith asked. "Well, assuming we have a few more years until then." He said with a smile. "We can use it as storage. Or maybe put a bed in there for guests. It's only 2 extra rooms." He added.

Meredith nodded and smiled. "Okay. What did you guys get done?" Meredith asked. "We got the living room all done, tv and everytbing. Next up will probably be the basement for storage or we can come up and help in the guest rooms." Mark replied. "Help in the guest rooms." Addison said. They boys nodded and they continued to eat their meal.

Up in the guest room, they stumbled upon a ton of old photos and momentum's. "Mer, who's this?" Mark asked as he came across a photo of a tiny girl and a man and handed the picture over. "That...is....was my father." Meredith quietly as she looked at the picture. "Thatcher?" Addison asked.

"Yeah." Meredith replied. "When was it taken?" Mark asked. Meredith flipped it over and read the date. "Right before he left." Meredith said. Derek came over and gave Meredith a much needed hug and held her close.

After that whole ordeal, they continued, going from one guest room to the next. Derek gasped and chuckled. "Mer, come take a look at this!" He said. Meredith quickly jogged over, her face turning red in embarrassment. It was a picture of Meredith, probably around 5 or 6, at the shepherds house, her sitting on top of dereks head with a pout on her face. "Aw Grey! You've been laying on top of Derek since day 1!" Mark exclaimed with a smirk.

Meredith gave Mark a nice punch in the shoulder and giggled. Meredith went downstairs for a moment by herself and wondered if her father was out there. Wondered if he was even alive. "Hey." Derek said as he came up from behind and wrapped his arms around her midsection. "Hi." Meredith replied as she put her hands on his.

"You okay?" Derek asked, knowing that whenever her father was brought up it was a touchy subject. "I...I think so." Meredith said with a sigh. "I wonder what he's like. Or if he even remembers me." Meredith admitted. "I'm sure he does, Mer." Derek said. "I mean, I love dad, he and mom practically raised me, but sometimes I wonder if I wasn't good enough for thatcher." Meredith said quietly.

Derek turned Meredith around in his arms and looked at her. "Hey. You were good enough. Are good enough. Don't let him put those thoughts into your head." Derek said softly, yet firmly. Meredith nodded and hugged him, nuzzling her head into his neck. "I don't know what I'd do without you." She whispered. "And you'll never have to find out." Derek said as he held her close.

Addison and Mark came downstairs shortly after and they all sat down on the couch, Mark and addison curled up together and Derek and Mer curled up together. "Cheers to a new house and a new beginning!" Derek said happily as he held up his glass and toasted with everyone.

"I love you." Meredith said. "I love you too." Derek replied.

Hey guys!!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!! Hope you guys are doing well!!