(Shattered...) Dreams Fulfilled

Unexpected Revelations - Part 2

The last Sunday in June dawned unusually warm as Seattle experienced temperatures in the low nineties. Meredith stretched and immediately became alert by Derek's absence; normally she'd be wrapped up in his arms as she came awake. Turning toward his side she frowned when she realized it was barely five, and they'd been up into the early hours of the day, so she went in search of her husband and found him on the phone in the den.

Derek looked up to meet her gaze and smiled as she walked up to him, tousled hair and sleepy eyes, and he pulled her down on his lap, and continued talking for several minutes as he placed his arm around her and she snuggled up to him.

"What are you doing up?" he asked after kissing her lips softly.

"You were gone," she said and kissed him back, "what's going on?"

"Phone consult," he explained in detail, "Nelson wanted a second opinion. We're going to monitor the patient for twenty four hours and evaluate if surgery's needed or not."

"So..." she smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, "you don't have to go in...and it's barely the crack of dawn...and there's nobody in the house..."

"There's nobody in the house?" he raised an eyebrow suggestively.

"Just you and me..." she said, "Alex and Izzie just walked out, they got paged."

"Uhmmm..." he teased, "this would be a good time to teach you how to cook breakfast, other than scrambled eggs that is...you have perfected that."

"That's a great idea," Meredith smiled seductively, "maybe you can give me step by step instructions and then..."

She wasn't able to finish her sentence as his mouth captured hers, "step by step," he said, as his hands found his way under her shirt, "I fully intend to," he whispered in her ear and their laughter filled the room when he said, "or...just enjoy ...no noise controls..."

It was Derek's turn later that morning to find his wife's spot empty, but before he even got out of bed, Meredith walked in their bedroom carrying a tray, wearing some flimsy negligee he'd never see before.

"What are you wearing," he perused her body, "or rather not wearing."

"This old thing," she giggled, "your sister's idea."

"Which one?"

"Jenna," she said, "she likes red it seems."

"Uhmmm..." he teased, "my cooking lessons paid off..."

"Absolutely," she said, as she placed the tray on the bed, "especially the part about how to make sure there's the right amount of..."

Derek leaned back against the headboard, "cereal and milk combination," he teased, "that's very important."

"It is," she told him, "can't have you thinking your wife can't cook," she tried not to laugh, but her resolve was gone when he put the tray on the nightstand and reached for her.

"I think," he said and brushed her lips, "my wife knows exactly how to cook...and especially how to turn up the heat..."

"You think..." she said as he pulled her closer and she straddled his naked body.

"Oh..." he moaned, "I have no doubts...and Mer...I like red on you," and his tongue playfully found hers, and began the age old mating dance that led two lovers, fated to be together for a lifetime, to the most intimate physical and emotional merging of body and soul.

"Mer, are you awake?"

"Why..." she mumbled as she snuggled into him.

"We have a lot to do today and it's getting late...we should get to the trailer..."

"Late," she protested and looked at the clock, "it's not even eight thirty and we haven't slept...and your mom emailed, she didn't want to call but said she knew I'd look at my blackberry," and pressed her body into his. "Meeting us after 11, they're going to mass at ten. I'd never even noticed the church she mentioned."

"When..." he said as he turned her to face him and kissed her.

"Mass..." she repeated, "at ten...Derek...are you," she emphasized you, "awake?"

"I meant," he nibbled her lips, "when did she email?"

"Not even seven, right before I went to the kitchen to fix you breakfast," she giggled.

"Oh yes," he said, "breakfast..."

"Any complaints...."

"None...it was my all time favorite..."

"It hope so..." she giggled.

"Uhmmm...my wife...for breakfast," he said as their lips met once again.

"Derek," she laughed, "I'm really hungry now..."

"Mer...you keep forgetting...I'm old..."

"My insatiable beast," she teased him, "I haven't seen any signs of age...at all..."

"Mer..."

"Uhmm..."

"Cereal that's drenched in milk for hours is not too appetizing," he said and they both started laughing at the long ago forgotten breakfast.

"Come on Shepherd," she told him, "since you're not going to let me sleep, I'm going to fix you a proper breakfast."

"You are..."

"Uh huh..." she smiled as she brushed his lips before slipping out of his embrace, "muesli, fruits...juice...and coffee..."

He got out of bed and followed her, hugging her to him, "Mer..."

"Yes...."

"I hope you won't ever stop making breakfast for me...the earlier kind..."

"Count on it," she laughed, and on that note their morning began before making their way to their land.

"Mer," Derek said suddenly while he sat across from her eating cereal and fruit, "how long before you're ready?"

"What's going on?" she asked as she looked at him and saw his expression.

"Can you be ready in fifteen minutes?"

"Why...what's the rush?"

"I just realized something...you don't have to go along with it...you don't have to come with me...but it would mean a lot to Mom..."

"What is it," she asked softly, and she smiled at him tenderly when he answered. "I'll come with you," she said, moved by the thoughtfulness and deep sense of love of family, this man that loved her, had expressed to her, "if you want me to."

Derek followed the ritual, one he'd not participated in so long he couldn't even remember the last time, from the back of the church, but when he heard the priest say, "Let us pray with confidence in the words our ..." he knew where he wanted, needed to be at the end of the old familiar prayer, and he reached for Meredith's hand and walked to stand behind his mother, and he too repeated the words to the prayer taught long ago.

Meredith never let go of his hand, until he did, just as she heard, "let us offer each other a sign of peace," and she witnessed the unfamiliar ritual, Kathleen and Kevin exchanged a quick kiss on the cheek, as they did with her mother, and they shook hands with the people that had turned around in the pew in front of them, and then, Derek touched his mother's shoulder lightly and Meredith saw the look of surprise and happiness in his mother's face, as he reached out embraced her and she heard him repeat the words everyone else had, in a matter of seconds, to each other, "peace be with you," while Kevin and Kathleen extended their hands to her, "peace be with you Meredith."

Then, quickly before the priest continued with the rest of the mass, Carolyn turned to Meredith and embraced her, "peace be with you, Meredith," and in response Meredith said softly, "peace be with you, Mom."

Derek heard Meredith, and at that moment wasn't sure how it was possible to feel so many different emotions at the same time, and simply and silently looked up to the altar where the focus was only a crucifix and said thank you for all the blessings in his life, and reached for Meredith's hand.

Meredith felt an immense sense of peace, as she too said a silent thank you for those simple words, peace be with you, and somehow at that moment she knew, that the two women in her life who would share the title of Mom, indeed had peace in their hearts.

Carolyn Shepherd continued to follow the familiar mass ritual, and whereas before she'd shared that moment of peace offering with Derek and Meredith, she'd felt she was not worthy to approach and receive communion on this day, now, as she repeated the age old words, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed," she knew her heart was healed, and she was able to put the past guilt behind her, she knew her Irish and God had forgiven her, long before she had forgiven herself.

"What are you doing here?" Kathleen said, as they walked outside St. Cecilia's.

"It was on our way," Derek said.

"On your way," Kathleen laughed, "to what...the road to hell or guilt?"

"Kathleen," her mother warned.

"Mom," Kathleen said, "I know he has not been to church in a very long time."

"He's here now," Carolyn said, "that's enough," she said simply, and her tone told Kathleen to leave it alone. But not without wondering how it was related to the conversation between Meredith and Carolyn in the kitchen the evening before. Whatever the reasons for Derek showing up, she could feel had brought Carolyn, Derek and Meredith a sense of peace she had not seen before.

"Meredith dear," Carolyn said after they'd arrived at their land, "can I help with anything?"

"I wouldn't know," Meredith told her, "Derek's taking care of everything."

"You know Mer," Kathleen said, as she sat down on the couch in the trailer, "I've been thinking..."

"About what?" Meredith asked.

"I think you're putting us on," she smiled, "about not cooking."

Carolyn choked on the coffee she had just sipped. She'd had Meredith's help in the kitchen.

"Mom," Kathleen said, "are you ok?"

"Yes dear," she said as she brought a napkin to her lips.

"Carolyn," Meredith teased her, "tell us what you really think about my cooking skills."

"I'm going to teach you how to cook next time I'm here," Carolyn replied, "even...if I have to start by teaching you the basics of beat, stir, whip, marinate..."

"Mom," Kathleen said, "are you planning on moving out here?"

"Why dear," she smiled knowing exactly what her daughter meant.

"I hear, it may take a miracle...and that could be several months..."

"Kathleen," Meredith played right along with them, "if...she can't get it right the next visit," she smiled at her mother in law, "she'll be back often enough."

"Yes, I will..." Carolyn said, "and within ten years," she quipped, "she'll be the one cooking dinner for all of you."

"Ten years," Kathleen and Meredith burst out laughing, and continued their friendly banter until they heard quibbling outside.

"What in the world," Carolyn said as they left the comfort of the air conditioned trailer, "I should have known, Mark what are you arguing about?"

"Nothing," Mark said. "Why do I always get blamed for everything?"

"You're kidding," Derek said, "right?"

"Just cause you found out about Hopper," Mark said.

"They're grown men," Cristina said, "and they're arguing about a frog from thirty years ago? He didn't push start."

"Dear," Carolyn said, "one thing you'll learn...they never grow up...ever..."

"That's what I have to look forward to," Cristina smirked. "Mama Shep, see...why I won't ever fall head over heels like you think."

"Yes, dear...I do see," she said and exchanged glances with Meredith and Kathleen.

"Lexie, want to tell us what you three were arguing about," Meredith interrupted.

"We weren't arguing," Lexie said.

"Oh no," Cristina commented, "just shouting at each other."

"We were not," Mark told her, "we disagreed and you had to add your two cents."

"Hey," Cristina said, "I'm right."

"What is going on," Meredith insisted, "and why are the three of you here...together?"

"Saving gas Mer," Cristina said as though it was the most logical answer in the world.

"Saving gas?" Kathleen questioned.

"Yeah," Cristina said, "environmentally conscious. Why drive three cars here when..."

"You drive a motorcycle," Meredith interrupted her.

"It still uses tons of fuel," Cristina said, "maybe I'll even get a hybrid motorcycle."

"Mer," Lexie spoke, "they have been arguing about whether to set up the kiddie pool or keep it in the car."

"Kiddie pool," Meredith repeated and looked at all three of them as though they'd grown an extra head, and at that moment Derek and Kevin joined them.

"What's going on?" Derek asked.

"Call for a psyche consult," Meredith said, "they bought...brought a kiddie pool."

"Huh?" Derek said.

"What's the big deal," Mark said, "we were driving...we saw it, there's kids coming, and I don't see you being able to provide entertainment with the half million bottles of bubbles as you did last time," he quipped.

Meredith scowled at him, "they liked the bubbles."

"They'll like the bubbles even more if they can sit in and splash water at each other, haven't you noticed it's ninety degrees?" Mark said.

"Mer," Cristina said, "aren't you going to say something."

"It's rather disturbing," Meredith said, "the three of you, carpooling...buying kiddie pools."

"I think they got used to each other," Kevin said, "after traveling to your wedding together," he winked at Kathleen, "and probably won't admit they actually enjoy each other's company."

"I enjoy their company," Lexie said, "I mean...not when they're arguing...or at the hospital when Cristina is hard ass...hard core...and Mark's a manwhore...but other than that, it works," she rambled.

"Mer," Cristina said, "do something...please...her rambles are twice as bad as yours."

"Ok," Mark said, "I think we should set it up and fill it with water."

"Absolutely not," Kathleen said, "you can't do that without asking their parents. The kids will see it and expect to get in it, and will be very disappointed if..."

"So," Carolyn interrupted, "you bring a kiddy pool, without telling their parents and expect three kids to run around naked in an inflatable pool?"

"They're just kids," Mark said, "but we also..."

"Why," Meredith interrupted him as well, "exactly is it you bought this?"

"Grey," Mark said, "it's hot, it's summer, you're in the middle of the woods, it's boring with a shitload of adults here, kids need something to be entertained and have fun."

"We saw this pool store on the way here, and they had kiddy pools outside," Cristina said, "and Sloane, being the biggest kid of all couldn't resist and stopped to get one," she actually smiled, "said it was just like one he got for Mama Shep's grandkids one time."

"You got the whale pool?" Kathleen exclaimed.

"Yeah," Mark said sheepishly, "kids loved it Kat, remember..."

"The did," Kathleen laughed, "especially the spray from the whale blowhole," she said as they reminisced, "and Nancy was furious because she didn't know and got soaked when she went to get one of the kids out, and she was about seven months pregnant," they both laughed, "and furious she couldn't run after you and hose you down."

"Then," Cristina said, "we had to stop and buy bathing suits Mer, cause the kids, according to Lexie couldn't just run around naked so they'd need bathing suits to play in the pool."

"Cristina," Lexie said, "you're the one that insisted ..."

"I only said we should not have little people running around naked..."

"You did buy them," Lexie laughed.

"All I really want to know," Meredith said, "is who the hell are you two? Where's the manwhore and the sarcastic hard ass..."

"What about her," Cristina said pointing to Lexie.

"What about her," Meredith replied, "she's acting in character, you're not," she said, and everybody laughed.

"Fine," Mark said, "mystery's about to be solved, here come the parents," he referred to the two cars approaching.

Everything had been already set up for the barbeque, while Meredith had anticipated and brought out bubbles and Kelly's toys for her to play, sure the little girl would engage Tuck somehow.

Carolyn and Kathleen watched the scene unfold before them and smiled as they saw a little girl race toward her destination as soon as she was put down on the ground by her father.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly said as she ran to Meredith and was quickly enfolded in her arms, "we gotted you flowers," she said, wrapping her legs around Meredith's waist, "Daddy has them."

"You're bringing my wife flowers," Derek joked, as John and Colleen approached, "it's a good thing I'm not jealous, or..."

"He'd be jealous," Colleen laughed, "Meredith, don't let him fool you."

"Dr. Shep," Kelly giggled, "you're so silly...Daddy didn't brought Dr. Mewedith flowers, I did...but he had to pay for them."

"That's ok," Derek smiled, "I guess, do you want to go put then in water?"

"Oh yes," she reached out to him and the minute he had her, hugged him, "in the twailer...in the pwetty glass you gotted Dr. Mewedith."

"She doesn't forget a thing," Derek laughed, "does she?"

"Nothing," Colleen said, "an ever present challenge."

"Hi," Sean who'd been looking all around him said as he reached to grab Meredith's hair, and then when he saw his sister moving away from them was not too happy, "hi, li..Li..."

"You want to say hi to your sister," Meredith smiled at him, but he extended his arms to her, and she took him from Colleen.

"Hi is equal to bye," Colleen told her, "to him, his Li's walking way...and he doesn't want her to."

"Sean," Meredith hugged him, "we can go see Kelly..." and followed Derek to the trailer while talking to the baby and making him giggle.

"Mom," Kathleen said, "it's amazing...how they've changed...the first day I was here, well, I knew they loved each other, but so much was going on...and to see her, like this, with two kids...and Derek...they're going to make it...they really are."

"They are," his mother said, "and she's going to be a wonderful mother one day."

"Did you talk to Nancy," Kathleen said, "start the ball rolling on the shower date..."

"I have hinted at a date, and don't you worry, we will make sure it cannot under any circumstances coincide with Meredith's visit."

"I'm surprised," Kathleen said, "that she's so good with the kids, that it doesn't seem to upset her, but having to deal with Jenna's pregnancy...right around what could have been her own due date, I don't want her to go through that."

"She won't," Carolyn smiled at her daughter.

"Mom," Kathleen said, "you ok?"

"I am sweetheart...it's been a very emotional week...but I'm ok."

"You'd talk to me...I'm here, if you need me...you know that..." Kathleen told her.

"I would...and I will," she smiled at her daughter. "I love you Kathleen."

"I love you too Mom," she said.

"Now, look at those three..." she laughed, "I can't believe they are acting like kids themselves, especially Cristina who acts so detached all the time."

"I think," Kathleen said, "you're a good influence...seems none of them have really had that kind of mother role...Lexie did, but Mark...Cristina...Meredith..."

"New kids," Carolyn smiled, "for me."

"New family..." Kathleen agreed. "Mom, you really think Mark and Lexie..."

"Absolutely..." Carolyn said. "Look at him. He really enjoys being with her."

"Meredith is right Mom, he is a lot older."

"Chronologically only dear. He's still a kid; emotionally he never grew up or rather hasn't kept up with the rest of you that went on to have committed relationships."

"Looks like they got approval from both sets of parents," Kevin commented as he approached them. "Remember Kat, when he got that pool for our kids, as much as he protests, he ended up having as much fun as they did."

Derek and Meredith exited the trailer with both kids and walked over to his Mom and Kathleen. "Mom, there's a very special young lady I want you to meet," and Kathleen got up and had Meredith sit down with Sean while Derek brought Kelly to his Mom's level.

"You mean Kelly," Carolyn smiled.

"You know my name," Kelly's eyes were wide open.

"Oh yes, because you must be the little girl that drew that beautiful picture on the refrigerator for my son."

"Dr. Shep is your son...but he's not a little kid...he's old..."

Carolyn laughed, "he's old now sweetie, but a long time ago he was a little boy just like your brother..." she smiled softly as she looked over to Meredith and the little boy she cuddled.

"My Granma," Kelly told her, "she says my Daddy was a little boy too...but that's so silly...cause Daddy and Dr. Shep...they're both tall and old..."

"You know Kelly," Carolyn said with the patience afforded by fourteen grandchildren, "one day, you're going to grow up just like your Grandma and your Mommy and Meredith...and you'll remember all the good times you had when you were a little girl."

Kelly looked at her in deep thought, "do you mean...that my Nana Maggie and Paddy...and Granma and Granpa...and you...were babies?"

"Yes, sweetie," Carolyn smiled, "we were...and we grew up...and became mommies and daddies...and ..."

"And then, you gotted really old," Kelly said and Carolyn laughed, "yes, we did."

"What has she said now," Colleen and John walked up to them, and couldn't help but be amused and horrified at the little girl's candidness.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly said as she just noticed Tuck in the distance, "I got to go...look, Tuck is here...Mommy...can I go...please..."

"Yes Kelly," Colleen said, "you can go."

"Tuck," the little girl ran over to meet up with her friend who was enthralled with the water being poured into the now inflated kiddy pool, "I missed you," she said and hugged him. "We can play in the water," she said and the little boy just laughed.

"Hello Kelly," Miranda said, "you look very pretty today."

"Dr. B...we can go in the water...right...you let Tuck play in the water?"

"Yes, but a little later...not right now," she said, just as Derek and Meredith approached.

"Miranda," Derek said, "I see you have trusted him more than me...Tucker, good you could join us," he said extending his hand to her husband.

"Great piece of land," her husband said.

"What are you talking about Shepherd?" Miranda said.

"You trust him with your son in a pool and you wouldn't let me teach him to ..."

"Do not mention that word," Miranda stopped him, "and I'm not trusting him, I'm right here."

"All I was going to say is ..."

"F I S H..." she said, don't repeat it, "I'm hoping he'll forget," and just then Tuck turned around to look at Derek and held his arms up to him.

"Ish...water...ish..."

"Oh God," Miranda said, "he is never going to forget."

"Miranda," her husband said, "wouldn't it be easier if you just let him play with it..."

"Fine," she said, "go get it, but Shepherd, so help me if my son falls in the lake."

Derek and Meredith were confused for a second until the saw Tucker return from the car holding the small fishing pole they'd bought for Tuck during their trip.

"Ish," Tuck clapped his has hands and reached for the pole, then looked at Derek, "ish..."

"Yes," Derek laughed, "I'll teach you to fish..."

"Dr. Shep," Kelly interrupted, "I wanna fish too..."

"You do..." Derek said, "Well...let's see what we can do about that..."

"Fish trumps whale..." Mark said disgruntled.

"Don't worry Mark," Meredith told him, "there's plenty of time for both," and sure enough the next several hours had the kids involved in a mellow version of fishing, where Kevin actually caught the fish and threw them back in after Kelly was heartbroken they would die, and after that incident, the kids, all three little people as Cristina said, and the rest of the bigger ones, enjoyed watching the Kelly, Sean and Tuck in the small pool where the three kids, as Kevin dubbed them had as much fun as the smaller versions of adults.

"I think" Miranda said as she watched her son rub his eyes, "it's time for us to head back...this little one's ready for his N A P..."

"Dr. Bailey," Kelly told her, "that's silly...I can spell...it's nap," to which tuck promptly responded, "no nap..."

"Sorry, Dr. Bailey," Colleen told her.

"Dr. Bailey," Meredith said, "you can put him down inside...if you'd like, we made sure the bed is made for them."

"Thank you Meredith, I may try that, because if not, we're going to have one cranky baby on the way home. How about," Miranda said to Kelly, "if I read you a story..."

"Which one?" Kelly asked, not sure she liked where this was heading. Reading stories meant nap time for her sometimes.

"You know what may be better," Miranda said, "what if I tell you a story?"

"Like my Nana Maggie," Kelly said, "she's got lots of stories of fairies from where she was born...Mommy...what's the place..."

"Ireland," Colleen reminded her.

"You're Dr. Shep's mommy..." Kelly turned to Carolyn, "are you a nana...and granma too?"

"I am, and I have fourteen grandchildren..."

"That's a lot," she turned to her father, "Daddy...that's more than two hands," she said as her father beamed with pride.

"Do you know any fairy stories," she asked Carolyn.

"I do...would you like me to tell you one?"

"I've gots stories too," Kelly spoke directly to Carolyn, and then whispered, "and angel stories..."

"You do," Carolyn smiled at her, "will you tell me?"

"Yes," she whispered, "but it's a secret...I can only tell Dr. Mewedith...and Dr. Shep..."

"You know Kelly, you should tell your Mommy all your secrets," Carolyn said, reflecting on the conversation she'd had with her parents the day before.

"Mommy and Daddy know...and my Granma too...but I can't tells everybody..."

"That's ok," Carolyn said, "as long as you tell your Mommy and Daddy."

"I tells my Mommy and Daddy everything..."

"I'm very proud of you, that you tell your Mommy and Daddy everything," Carolyn told her.

"Dr. Shep's mommy," Kelly looked at her intensely, "I think I can tells you too," and then she walked away with Miranda Bailey and indeed took a very short nap, as her brother napped in his portable bed a few feet away from his parents outdoors. The rest of the adults continued to enjoy each other's company, and if fate could speak it would share with them the knowledge that the group now gathered on this land, the place where Meredith and Derek would share countless magical moments in their lifetime, would return for many future joyous celebrations.

In the hours spent together, Derek and Meredith would both make the time to spend with Kathleen, a small walk along their land, where each expressed their gratitude for her support and the ties that bind continued to strengthen.

"We hate to leave," Kevin said as four o'clock approached, "but...we've got a plane to catch...and beautiful beaches await us."

"Oh my God," Meredith said, "time's just flown by...everyone, you can stay...but we have to drive them to the airport."

"No," Kevin said, "you stay and enjoy the rest of the day here, it's not often you get such great weather in Seattle."

"You've got that right," Mark laughed, "I still hate the rain."

"I'm sure you could enjoy it, if you weren't so set on hating it," Lexie said quietly and leaned into him, "you've no romance in you Mark."

"I do to..." he protested, "you can't say that..." and she just shrugged.

With the exception of Lexie, the women, all very keen observants, exchanged knowing glances, albeit one skeptical. Fate smiled down upon them, the winds of change were upon them, and the course was set for future family ties brought on by the short existence of a beautiful angel, a course that would be forever woven into that imaginary tapestry of the lives of two lovers destined to be together for a lifetime and beyond.

"We have to drive you to the airport," Meredith said again.

"No, you don't," Kevin told her, "we're going to leave Derek's car at the ferry and you can get it later, you enjoy the rest of the day here."

"But," Meredith protested again.

"Mer," Kathleen came up to her, "he's right...you stay...it's silly to take us and have to come back...and we'll see you again soon. Besides, we have long hours of travel ahead of us, so we're going to get to the Inn and shower and change before we leave."

"I'm going to miss you," Meredith said, "and you do ramble."

"So am I," Kathleen smiled, "and I learned it from you," she said as they both laughed.

"Oh...wait," Meredith said, "I can't believe we forgot and you're almost gone, we'll mail it so you don't have to carry it with you now, but we've something for you, a small token from our wedding."

"Mer," Derek put his hands on her shoulders, "I'll get it."

"You'll wake the kids," she said, "I can't believe...we waited all this time, and now..."

"Don't worry about waking the kids," Colleen said, as she saw the two little ones standing at the trailer door.

"Mommy..." Kelly said, "can you open the door?"

Derek was closest and went to open the door and carried both kids to their parents.

"Kathleen," Meredith said when she came out of the trailer holding a small flat gift box, "it's not a big deal...but, we thought you'd like to have this."

"Meredith," Kathleen smiled as she saw the gift, "it's perfect," she said and turned to hug her sister in law and then her brother, "thank you...for this...and for sharing that day with us," both became sentimental as Kathleen admired the beautiful two tone handmade Italian wooden frame that perfectly matched the color of Meredith's wedding dress and Derek's tie, and displayed a photograph of the two couples at the reception on Meredith and Derek's wedding day in Venice.

The same gift, though different photos, would be shared before the evening was out with each of their family members that had attended the wedding, and as the years went by, each would fondly recall the image of the wedding day Meredith and Derek had chosen to share with them individually, and more so, would become sentimental over the very poignant inscriptions they would later discover.

The late afternoon hour was suddenly upon them and Miranda and her husband were the first to leave, followed by the Mulligan's, but not before a very special moment took place between Kelly and the Shepherds.

Carolyn had been holding Sean, who was a very easy going baby, when his mother took him and the little boy sensed it was time to leave, so he voiced his opinion, "no."

"No..." Meredith said, "Colleen, he said no, that's a new word."

"He started with that this week, but just like hi, it can mean just about anything," Colleen told her and in fact the baby repeated it, and reached for Meredith's hair. "In this case, I think he wants you to hold him."

"Hi," Sean said and grinned revealing two teeth along with the inevitable drooling, "no."

"Hi yourself," Meredith held him, "you don't want to leave do you?"

"No," he grinned, and she laughed as he reached for Derek's hair and pulled.

"Mommy," Kelly said, "can I tell my angel story to Dr. Shep's mommy?"

"Sure you can," Colleen said, "you can do that while Daddy and I put everything in the car."

The three kids (Mark, Lexie and Cristina as dubbed by Kevin) had gone for a walk, and Kelly went to sit with Carolyn, while Derek sat next to Meredith and put his arm around her as Sean put his thumb in his mouth, lay his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly said in what she considered a whisper, "I've gots a secret...and my friend Bwianna," Carolyn took a deep breath, "she got in twouble with her grandma and grandpa last night."

"She did," Meredith asked, "when did she tell you that?"

"Last night...no," she paused as though trying to figure something out, "one night before last night, I gots to sleep at my granma and granpa's house, and I gots to stay up really late...cause I woke up and had to tell them my dream...and we was sitting outside...and we see showers of stars...that's what my granpa told me."

"You're right," Derek said, "we got to see it too...and it looked like a shower of stars."

"That's what my granpa said," she said smiling, "cause he's real smart."

"Then what happened," Carolyn prompted.

"I had this dream," Kelly leaned in to Carolyn, "and I talked to Bwianna, she's my angel friend...and she gets in trouble if she doesn't pay attention to her granma and granpa and she was playing last night...and she told me...Kelly...look at the stars...and if you see them moving in the sky that's me saying hello to you...and her grandma and grandpa hey told her not to play like that, but then she tolds me that her granpa sent a special star to her granma here...cause he's been away a long long time...and then," she opened her eyes in awe of the story, "her grandma...she did the same thing, cause she wanted Bwianna's mommy," she explained, "to know she really loved her...and Bwianna, she was not a good girl," Kelly giggled, "she's a girl...but she's an angel now, cause she did not listen, and she said it was a secret but...there was two special stars for her mommy and daddy...and she tolds me to tell Dr. Mewedith and Dr. Shep...that they was supposed to see the stars too," she finished telling her story, completely unaware, at this time, Brianna's mommy and daddy were deeply touched by her story, but one day, she would indeed make the connection. For now, Brianna's grandmother gave thanks, once more that day, for a most wonderful and spiritual secret.

"She must have talked your ear off," John said as he and Colleen approached.

"She is a beauty," Carolyn said, "a very special little girl."

"Yes, she is," John said, "and we have her with us...completely healed...healthy...and beautiful...thanks to your son...and Meredith," he told her.

The Mulligan's said their corresponding goodbyes, John took the baby from Meredith and Kelly hugged her, "I love you Dr. Mewedith," she put her arms around her.

"I love you too Kelly," Meredith said.

"I love you Dr. Shep," the little girl smiled at him, and he lifted her and kissed her check.

"I love you too princess," Derek said and carried her to the car, as Colleen and Meredith talked for a few more minutes.

Meredith and Derek walked back holding hands and joined his mother.

"Meredith, Derek," Carolyn smiled at them, "that little girl...she is very special."

"She is," Meredith said, "I think...she came into our lives to help...both of us...with the sadness over losing the baby."

"Oh sweetheart," Carolyn reached for her hand, "I'm certain of it...I can understand and see how much she means to you...and that her friend..." she paused as she became teary eyed, "my granddaughter...she's her angel."

"She is," Meredith squeezed her hand gently, "our baby's her angel," she said as Derek held her closer to him, and all three gave in to the power of healing messages as told by a beautiful and sensitive four year old girl.

"Everyone's gone," Mark said as he joined the three Shepherds, "time for us to get going too...I'm having dinner with Tracy after her shift ends at eight."

"It's barely six," Carolyn said, "and I've hardly had a chance to talk to you and I'm leaving tomorrow, surely you can stay a little longer."

Recognizing the tone of voice, Derek said, "Mark, you know Mom wants to talk to you alone, so we're going to get things cleaned up," he motioned for the others to follow.

"That was suave Shepherd," Cristina mocked.

"It wasn't meant to be, she wants to talk to him."

"And you know that...because..." Cristina questioned.

"She's been my mother for forty years," he told her, "I know things."

"Come on Cris, Lexie, there's not much to be done, just drain that kiddy pool..."

"You're not going to get rid of it are you?" Cristina said, "it wasn't that expensive, maybe forty bucks, and Sloan can afford it, but I think you're addicted to those kids, so you'll need the distraction for them again."

"No," Derek said, ignoring the addiction comment, "we're not going to get rid of it...we'll put it away and hope the raccoon's don't get to it," and the five of them actually had fun dismantling it and cleaning up whatever was still left to be done, including inside the trailer as Carolyn Shepherd attempted to have a serious conversation with Mark.

"Tell me about her," Carolyn said, "where do you think this relationship is going?"

"This is the inquisition," he joked.

"Call it what you want," she looked at him seriously, "but answer my question."

"What exactly do you want to know," he said to the woman that had taken him in and given him the motherly affection he'd craved. No one else would get an answer like that from him.

"Are you serious about her? Do you see this turning into a long term relationship, marriage?"

"You don't think it will," he challenged, "you said as much the other day when I mentioned I could surprise you all and get married."

"I think you'll get married," Carolyn stated.

"But, you don't think Tracy's the one."

"You're not ready," she told him, "neither is she, at least not for you as a couple, maybe you can continue as you are...but I don't get the sense of commitment from either of you, not at this time, but things can change."

"You spent about five minutes with her at the hospital and not even an hour at Joe's, how can you say that..."

"I know you," Carolyn told him, "you're not in love with her...you enjoy being with her, and I'm sure there's affection between you, but neither one of you is love with the other."

"It can happen," Mark protested.

"Of course it can, in fact I'm sure it will, I just don't think she's the one."

"Do you think," he asked and just as when he was a little boy, this woman was allowed to see his vulnerabilities, "there will ever be the one...for me?"

Carolyn got up and sat next to him and hugged him, "I'm sure of it."

"You know I love you," Mark said.

"I know you do," she said and kissed his cheek, "I love you too Mark."

Carolyn and Mark went to join the others, "can we help?" she asked.

"After we're done," Derek teased her, "they show up."

"There's nothing to be done," Meredith said and swatted Derek, "stop being nasty to your mother."

"She knows I'm kidding," he told her.

"Still," she said, "I'm sure she'd prefer if you didn't, right Carolyn?"

"You're right dear," Carolyn said, as she thought of the back and forth with Meredith's use of the word Mom.

"See..." Meredith turned to Derek.

"Yeah..." he said, "I can definitely see she and Kathleen...and the rest of my sisters are becoming completely biased..."

"Here goes," Cristina said, "the first married argument, at least...with us as witnesses."

"We are not fighting," Meredith said, "just one of those countless times, my husband," she emphasized, and he locked gazes with her and knew there was no fight, "is totally brainless."

"Lucky for me," Derek cocked his head and looked at her, their look, "my brain was functioning...when I proposed," he smiled at her, "well," he said remembering what had transpired immediately followed his marry me now, "partially..."

"Mcdreamied," Cristina commented, "full speed ahead, time for us to leave."

"You'd think," Mark taunted, "you'd have some self control."

"You're just jealous," Lexie said, "because," she stopped herself.

"Yes, Xena..." Mark quipped.

"Oh, be quiet...they're entitled...they're still newlyweds," Lexie glared at him and Cristina.

"Now children," Carolyn laughed, "behave."

"We'll drive you back," Mark said, "that way Grey and Derek don't have to."

"Thanks Mark," Derek said, "but we'll drive Mom back, it's still early and we want to spend the rest of the evening with her."

The three friends each shared a special moment with Carolyn Shepherd, as Meredith and Derek sat back on the lounge enjoying being in each other's embrace.

"Carolyn," Lexie said, "it's been great spending time with you...I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too Lexie, and you can expect I'll be back here again, but I'd love for you to visit as well...and know there's always a place for you in my home."

"Thank you," Lexie said as the older woman hugged her, "maybe next time you're here I'll have my own place."

"I think you will," Carolyn smiled, "and I'm really looking forward to my next trip here and visiting your home."

"Carolyn, thank you...for being so wonderful to my sister...she really needed that."

"She's my daughter now," Carolyn told her, "and from now I'm always going to be there for her. And Lexie, remember what I said...you can call me Mom anytime."

"You're a wonderful Mom, thank you...but..."

"I know...I know...but Lexie...I'd be willing to bet, before long...she'll be calling me Mom too, and then I'm sure she won't mind if you do," Carolyn said and they spoke for a few more minutes before one final goodbye hug.

"Mama Shep," Cristina said, "you're one of a kind."

"Dear," Carolyn smiled, "so are you...and that's a compliment...but, just remember everyone in a while you need a spoonful of sugar."

"Is that your way of telling me to drop bitchy and sarcasm?"

"You could say that," Carolyn laughed and reached out to hug her, "and yes, I'm going to hug you."

"It was great to see you again," Cristina told her, "and she's really lucky...to have you."

"Thank you Cristina, it was great to see you too...and please remember you don't have to be hard core and hard ass all time the ...let yourself be vulnerable, don't keep it all hidden, there's a soft side Cristina Yang...let others see it."

"Mark," Carolyn turned to him, "I expect you to visit me ...so figure out how you're going to make that happen...we'd all love to have you."

"Mrs. S," Mark said, "thanks...for taking me in again...even after I screwed up so bad."

"You're family Mark...that's what we do...we forgive and continue to love each other."

"I don't always say it..." he said, "thank you..."

"You're one of mine Mark...you were since the first time."

"Lots of strays," Mark said, "you were stuck with."

"Not so dear, that only applies to my son in law," she said and they both laughed at the ongoing family joke and within minutes everyone had said their poignant farewells.

"Mom," Derek said, "how about grilled trout for dinner?"

"Fresh from your lake, I take it..."

"Yes," he laughed, "Kevin made sure Kelly didn't see it, but he actually caught a handful of trout today."

"Sounds lovely sweetheart," she said, "while you do the honors and clean the fish...Meredith and I can go for a walk."

"Is that your way of telling me you want to talk to her alone," Derek laughed.

"There isn't always a hidden meaning things Derek, sometimes...a walk is just a walk," she and Meredith laughed, and they indeed went for a walk along some of the forty acres.

Carolyn linked her arm through Meredith's and they walked in silence for several minutes before she said, "so many years...I carried this secret burden, and now, thanks to you...I can go home without guilt."

"I didn't do anything," Meredith said, "it was just the right time for you to tell Derek..."

"My son," Carolyn said, "thinks I'm totally biased where you're concerned, but I'm not...I see things clearly...and you have such strength and you don't see it...but you do Meredith, and learning that about you, getting to know you better, hat is what gave me the strength to talk to Derek and share what happened."

"I think" Meredith told her, "you may have said something because of me..."

"I wanted him to understand what you went through...but it was for me too Meredith, I no longer wanted to keep it a secret...I wanted his forgiveness as well, and this trip has been so very emotional...so many discoveries...about Kathleen's miscarriage...meeting Kelly, all of it very emotional and special."

"I'm sorry you had to relive some of that," Meredith said, and Carolyn stopped.

"No," she said as she touched her daughter in law's cheek, "don't be sorry...there's peace in my heart, after so many years."

"I'm so happy you were here," Meredith told her, "thank you...for your support...your love, it means so much to me."

"As has yours...it meant the world to me as well...that you understood," Carolyn said, and they continued along their walk, close enough to the trailer that every so often Derek would hear their laughter, while also Carolyn mentioned how pleased she'd been seeing Meredith with the kids earlier in the day.

"You're right," Meredith said, "it's been a surprise to me, I didn't think I could handle it at first, but Kelly's been my angel in some ways...and Mom," she said so casually she didn't see Carolyn's smile, "not that long ago I was freaking out over holding Tuck, but now it seems so natural with Kelly, and Sean is so hard to resist...they've helped...both of them...to heal."

Dinner was yet another opportunity for further strengthening of new and old familial bonds, and Derek drove them to the cliff for the sunset, late into the June evening, close to nine o'clock they watched and marveled at yet another spectacular display of nature; a shower of stars had brought joy to their hearts, correctly interpreting messages from afar; now the setting sun, a brilliant canvas of color, smiled upon three souls on the site where heartache prevailed over shattered dream , but now the bright shiny colors of sunset provided a glimpse to a future filled with hope.

Meredith and Derek drove Carolyn to the inn. "I hope," Carolyn said to them both, "you know how much it meant to see you at Church this morning...you helped me...to put the past behind and to forgive myself," she said and they spoke for several more minutes before they said good night.

Derek and Meredith drove to the cliff before going home and sat enjoying the clear summer night as they spoke quietly about their day and the future to come, and each spoke about all they were grateful for. Hours later, basking in the afterglow of their exquisitely slow lovemaking, her head lay on his chest, fingers entwined, "I love you Derek."

"I love you too," he said as the light touch of his fingers on her body, and his tongue teasing hers lightly had her moaning in anticipated pleasure, and their passion was unleashed once again.

"Derek," she smiled, "there's one more thing I'm really grateful for," she said.

"What's that?"

"My insatiable...beast," she giggled, as he pressed her body closer to his, and their laughter echoed a melodious tune of happiness.

"Mom," Derek said while they waited for her flight's departure early the next morning, "don't lift any of the bags. I still can't believe they left you with most of their luggage."

"Derek it cost them plenty," she laughed, "even if it did go as cargo, but Michael agreed to meet me at the airport, so it's not a big deal," she laughed, "unless Jenna has any last minute objections and he's dealing with a leaking water faucet," she said, and all three chuckled at the now standing joke. "But, get ready for another visit, he left his fishing and camping gear."

"They're welcome anytime, so are you..." Meredith told her sincerely.

"Before I'm back," Carolyn said, "you will be visiting...and I can't wait."

"Mom," Derek said, "thank you...for talking to me, trusting me...for letting me be there for you...I don't often get to do anything for you..."

"You do enough," she smiled, and gently caressed his face, "you were the man of the house, long before you should have been. I love you...and I'm so glad I had this time with you...I am so delighted you have Meredith, that you have each other," she said looking over at her new daughter, who'd given them a bit of privacy. "Talk to each other sweetheart, I'm going home happy to see the commitment and love between you...Derek, don't let anything get in the way of that."

"I won't," he said, moved and grateful for the acceptance and affection she'd given his wife and bridged the small distance between them.

"It's time to go," Carolyn said, "and I'm going to miss you both, but it won't be long before you visit," she said and they talked a bit more of their trip, before it was time for her to go through security.

"I love you Mom," he said, "we'll see you soon."

The two most important women in his life faced each other, both deeply saddened by the imminent departure, their eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I'm going to miss you Meredith," Carolyn said quietly, "but I'm only a phone call...or text ...or email away..."

"I'm going to miss you too," Meredith said softly, "thank you...for showing me...what a Mom's all about," and his mother met her gaze, and neither woman could keep the errant tears at bay.

"Oh sweetheart," Carolyn embraced her, "I love you, Meredith."

"Mom," Meredith said, her heart no longer filled with doubts that Mothers could like her, and whispered the words very few had ever heard her speak, and Derek as he listened blinked away tears of gratitude for the relationship between Meredith and his mother, "I love you too."