(Shattered...) Dreams Fulfilled

Life's Celebrations - Part 3

November 5th was a day unlike any Meredith or Derek had expected; never imagining fate's intent for this emotionally wrenching and amazing day had been decided long ago.

Derek, sensitive to the recently found significance of the day, was determined to be supportive of whatever Meredith's needs were, and as such, had no qualms in going along with her when she told him she wanted to stay home that morning.

"I'll stay with you," he told her, "we can both call in sick."

"You can't do that," she said, "we have a new trial patients coming in for the first time."

"It's ok," he said, as his hands caressed the length of her, "we can meet with them tomorrow."

"Derek," she said, "you're indulging me...I know...and I love you for it...but you really need to meet with them today...this case needs your attention right away."

"Nothing is more important to me, than you, and I don't want you to be alone today."

She took a deep breath, "I'll be ok..."

"I know you will," he told her, "but we can be ok together."

"I shouldn't stay here, logically...I know that...but..." she shook her head, "it's hard, knowing today..."

"I know," he pursed his lips and his eyes glimmered with tears, an exact reflection of hers, and he closed his eyes, and immediately felt the pressure of her lips on his.

"I love you," she said, as she pressed her lips together, "I wish...today...could have been different."

"So do I," he said, "I wish I could help take your pain away today..."

"You do Derek...you do," she said, and kissed him softly, and then rested her head on his chest and held him close, allowing him to hug her tightly and whisper loving words of comfort. "I'll get dressed," she told him a long while later, "and come with you."

"You can stay home," he said, "we both can."

"It's a beautiful day," she smiled at him, though there were tears in her eyes, "to save lives...that's what we should do...today...for our baby bear..."

"Meredith," he kissed away the tears, "I love you...and I loved our little one..."

"She loved you too," Meredith said, "lots and lots..."

The phone rang at that moment and she reached to answer and smiled, "hello sweetie, aren't you in school today?"

"Aunty M...I stayed home today to help Mommy take care of my baby sister."

"You did," Meredith said, as she felt Derek press his body against her, spooning her, smiling at Meghan's conversation which he could hear clearly, "what about Katie?"

"She gots to go to school, cause she's big."

"Meggie," Meredith said, "did you learn to dial the phone all by yourself?"

"Aunty M, you're silly...I not a baby, but me still little...I push the buttons...the funny key and the number seven."

"Meghan," Meredith said, "where is your Mommy?"

"She's feeding my baby sister...cause she's always hungry and Daddy says she's a little piglet...and for Halloween we was going to get a little pig dress, but Mommy got mad, and Daddy he tolds her it was better than a little elephant...cause Mommy said... oh wait...Mommy wants to talk to you."

"Jenna," Meredith said a bit indignantly, "I cannot believe you have been calling my goddaughter an elephant...and Rob saying she's a piglet...and you both wanted to dress her up like that..."

"Meredith," Jenna laughed, "as you damn well know...oh sorry...yes, Meggie you're right, that's not a good word to say...you can talk to her again in a few minutes."

"Jenna," Derek said, "you better watch it, or she'll be running to get soap to wash out your mouth."

"How did he get in the conversation" Jenna asked.

"We're in bed and ..."

"Mer," Jenna laughed, "don't rub it in, I have another 3 weeks before..."

"I thought you told Rob he could forget about sex, since you weren't risking ...wait three weeks...the baby is two weeks old."

"Meredith," Jenna laughed, "I haven't been able to resist him since the first time he kissed me...I wouldn't even attempt to make him wait..."

"And he knows it," Meredith laughed, and Derek smiled, offering a silent prayer for the phone call that somehow had managed to lighten their spirits and ease her sadness.

"So, Jenna," Derek said, Meredith had placed the handheld phone on speaker, "I see how far down the list you have me...I'm number seven on speed dial?"

"Lucky seven," Jenna laughed, "and it's Meredith's number."

"Add salt to the wound why don't you," he teased her.

"Listen," Jenna told him a she place the baby on her shoulder to burp her, "you don't want your cell phone on speed dial...it had to be the house phone...or you'd have little fingers doing the walking at very inopportune times, and by that I mean surgery and consultations."

"Blame the kid," Derek said, his hands still roaming his wife's body.

"Jenna," Meredith said, "is that the baby...making sounds..."

"It is," Jenna said, "and she really is a little pig...she doesn't want to wait to be burped until she's ready to stop eating."

Just then the baby began to whimper, "hold on a second," Jenna said, "Meggie talk to Aunt Meredith and Uncle Derek.'

"Aunty M you stay away a long time...and you gots to meet my baby sister cause she's so beautiful and Granma says she is a very good baby cause she only cries when she's hungry...or if she has a dirty diaper that's why she cries now...cause Mommy is stopping and she's still hungry...Uncle D...my baby sister really loves me," the little girl continued to ramble.

"I'm sure she does," Derek said, "you're such a big girl helping your Mommy today."

"She loves me Uncle D... cause when mommy let's me hold her she smiles and grabs my finger...and if her gets scared her knows me and Katie are her big sisters..."

"I'm sure she won't ever be scared if she has her big sisters with her," Meredith told her.

"Aunty m...when you get on airplane and come here ...are you going to spend time with me or just my baby sister cause you the grandmother...and that that would make me sad."

"Sweetie, I'm going to spend time with you both..."

"But you gots to sleep here... so I can cuddle with you...uncle D can we cuddle?

"Yes...you can cuddle with me and uncle Derek..."

"Meghan," they heard Jenna's voice, "let me speak to Aunt Meredith again."

"Mommy...I still gots to ask if they like my baby sister's penguin costume...cause daddy said," the little girl giggled, "I be right...you was walking like the pretty penguins at the zoo."

Meredith and Derek's laughter was their instant reaction.

"Go ahead," Jenna said, "and laugh...I will remind you of this conversation Meredith, when you're nine months pregnant and waddling ..."

"You do that," Meredith turned to Derek, and shook her head as she smiled softly, "as long as it's not Derek saying I look like a waddling penguin."

"Mer," Jenna said as she too laughed, "Rob was right," and all three laughed. "Listen, the reason I called, which you may have got a hint of from Meggie, it's about your trip out here for the baptism."

"What about it?" Derek said, and waited for her answer while pressing his lips softly against Meredith's.

"I was hoping the day you come in, you'd stay with us...so we can have some time together...without the entire family the day of the baptism..."

"Have you talked to Mom," Derek said, trying to interpret Meredith's reaction, "she may not be too happy with you for suggesting we don't stay at her house."

"She and Nancy did say I should let you two have some peace and quiet," Jenna admitted, "but you're not going to get that at her house either Derek, it's Thanksgiving weekend...so some of the grandkids will want to stay with her anyway."

"Let me talk to her," Derek said.

"Oh..." Jenna said, and Meredith hear the disappointment in the words that followed, "sure...they're probably right...the girls will want to monopolize your time...and the baby will probably keep you up...we'll just have you come over and meet her before the baptism on Saturday."

"Jenna," Meredith said, "let me talk to Carolyn...I'm sure she won't mind if we stay with you, as long as we spend a night with her."

"Meredith," Jenna's tone included a definite sniffle, "it s ok really... I'm just being selfish and want you here with...so the baby can get to know you..."

"We'll work it out," Meredith told her. "I want to spend time with you and the girls."

The spoke for a few more minutes before they said goodbye to Meghan, who was very excited at the possibility of her baby sister's grandparents spending the night with them.

"We can stay at Mom's," Derek told her, his fingers gently on her face. "I don't want to make this trip harder on you..."

"Derek," she said, "I think Carolyn is only trying to protect our feelings...but...it's ok."

"Meredith..."

"It's ok," she smiled softly at him and hugged him, allowing him to embrace her as though he'd never let her go.

"You're sure, about going to work?" he asked after they'd remain silent for a while.

"No," she told him, and pulled back from his embrace, "but, we have a patient to meet with...and it's a good day...a beautiful day to try so save her life."

"Meredith..."

"I'm going to shower...will you fix us breakfast?"

"Yes," he told her, "I love you."

"Derek," Meredith said softly, quietly, "you loving me...that's what makes today ok...and everyday...with you...gives me hope...and faith that one day... our dreams can come true," she said before sharing a tender loving kiss with him.

Meredith and Derek had chosen not to share the information on the baby's due date with their Seattle friends and family, but they were all medical professionals and none unaware that this week would be difficult for the couple. Derek wanted nothing more than to keep tabs on her all day, and she knew he was trying to be strong for her. It was one of those moments Cristina witnessed, when she saw the couple come face to face with each other along a hallway and he immediately hugged her, and she remained in his arms far longer than any public displays of affection between them, and she walked away after looking at her pager, but not before one last hug and then he was approached and engaged in conversation by another doctor.

"Derek," Cristina said as she stuck her head in to his office after knocking on the partially opened door, "we need to talk," he was immediately on alert by her tone and the use of his first name.

"What's wrong, is Meredith ok?"

"Yes," she said, "why wouldn't she be?"

"Nothing," he said, "it was just odd...you don't often use my first name."

"You're Mer's husband. I'm here as her person, what else would I call you?"

"I'm better off quitting while I'm ahead," he shook his head, a half smile on his lips.

"Probably," Cristina admitted.

"What's going on Cristina?"

"You tell me," she confronted straight on, "she's not herself today. I saw the two of you earlier in the hallway, I didn't have a chance to talk to her, but ...something's been off with her all week, is it about her pregnancy?"

Derek took a deep breath, "her due date," he said, "was today."

Cristina was quiet before saying anything. "She didn't tell me."

"We recently found out," he told her. "She said she needed to know." They spoke for several more minutes, both in complete agreement over their concerns.

"Derek," Cristina said, "are you all right? I know what it meant to you too."

"I'm fine."

"Uh huh," Cristina said, "fine is not a good sign, we both know that."

"I'm just concerned over her, everything else will resolve itself."

"If you're there for each other, no avoiding," Cristina shared one last conciliatory observation before she turned to walk out, "you will be fine. Just don't screw it up...that applies to you both."

"Cristina," Derek called out before she left, "thank you," which she acknowledged with a quiet nod.

"Mer," Cristina said at lunch time, when she sat down at the cafeteria table with her friend, "I've been looking for you everywhere."

"What's going on?"

"You tell me," Cristina replied, and waited, certain her friend would confide in her.

"I'm glad," Meredith said after a few minutes of silence, "she had a boy."

"Mer," Cristina asked, "what are you talking about?"

"Lisette, she had a boy."

"I know that," Cristina commented, "but..."

"Our baby girl," Meredith said quietly, without looking up from her meal, "was due today."

"You can't know that," Cristina said.

"I do," Meredith said, without more explanation, "and Dr. Cameron confirmed his estimated due date based on my two sonograms."

"The nurse," Cristina stated, "having a boy makes it easier then."

"It does," Meredith said as she looked up and met her friend's gaze.

"I get it," Cristina told her, and surprisingly she did.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"The lack of sarcasm."

"I have my moments," Cristina told her.

"Yes," Meredith replied, "you do."

"You ok? You need to cry or anything?"

Meredith smiled at her, "no...I'm ok."

"That's what Derek said."

"You spoke to Derek," Meredith said, her eyes reflecting surprise and concern. "You weren't mean to him, were you?"

"We have an understanding," Cristina answered.

"Cristina..." Meredith said in warning.

"We do," Cristina said, "ask him."

"You'd better not," Meredith started to say, only to be interrupted by her husband's arrival.

"I've been looking for you, both of you..."

"Why?" Meredith and Cristina replied simultaneously.

"What's wrong..." Meredith was the first to continue, "Derek...you and Cristina talked...she's being nice to you...what's going on?"

"You told her," Derek turned to Cristina.

"Only that we have an understanding," Cristina stated.

"So suspicious," Derek leaned down to kiss Meredith's lips, "both of you."

"It's not normal," Meredith said, as Derek grabbed her fork and ate part of her salad, "for the two of you to get along." Neither Derek nor Cristina disputed Meredith's statement, but he surprised both women.

"I've got a surgery in two hours, a completely unexpected case, I just finished examining the patient. I know it's not cardio Yang, but it's very rare and one of the most interesting ones I've come across and I want the best residents I can get...you're both in, if you'd like," he said and went on to explain the case, and both Meredith and Cristina undoubtedly wanted to scrub in.

"You're not so bad," Cristina said before she got up to leave, "when you're not being an ass, you can see the McDreamy of it all," she smirked.

"Hey," Derek told her, "I know about that...Mer told me you meant that to be sarcastic."

"Of course I did," Cristina said, "she was walking around mesmerized and acting dumb."

"I love you too Yang," Derek chuckled, and earned her glare before she walked away.

"Thank you," Meredith covered his hand with hers, "I love you."

"She loves you," Derek squeezed gently, "I can overlook anything...because of it."

"You're optimistic," Meredith said, "about our trial patient this morning, that injecting the virus was successful...I checked in on her before lunch, everything's looking good..."

"I have a feeling," he told her, entwining their fingers, "today, we're meant to save lives...both cases...very difficult...but they're going to be fine."

"I hope so," Meredith said, a half smile on her lips, a little doubtful.

"We will," Derek assured her, "both surgeries today...they will be fine."

"Bailey ordered me to take a full hour lunch, and I've only taken about twenty minutes," Meredith told him, "do you have time? Can we go sit outside for a little while?"

"Of course," he said, "let's go."

"Wait," she stopped him, "have you had lunch?"

"I'll eat later."

"Derek...no, we'll get you something now..."

"Let's go," he reached for her hand, "I'd rather spend some time with you."

"But..."

"Mer," he pulled her from the chair, "we don't do well with buts..."

"Are you going to tell me what you talked to Cristina about and why?"

"Ask her," he said, "then we can compare notes," and he put his arm around her as they sat on the bench on a beautiful and sunny fall afternoon.

"I told her," Meredith said absently, "today was my due date...and that I was glad Lisette had a boy...she surprised me, she understood."

"She cares about you," Derek kissed her temple, "she's totally different, when it comes to you. I can appreciate that," he said and felt the gentle tender caress of her hand on his, and then they heard a slight commotion headed their way.

"Dr. Mewedith...Dr. Mewedith...Dr. Shep," the familiar childish voice reached their ears, and they looked up to see her trying to let go of her mother's grasp, "Mommy... hurry...Mommy...it's really really portant..."

"Kelly Margaret," Colleen reprimanded, "you know you can not let go of my hand."

"But...Mommy...I pwomised..."

Colleen turned to her daughter, "you know it's not safe to let go of my hand in a parking lot."

"I know Mommy," the little girl said impatiently, as they reached the sidewalk, "but...we alweady did that..." and her mother let go of her hand and watched her daughter race toward the couple that was now standing by the bench and ran into Meredith's open arms.

"Kelly," Meredith said as she bent down and hugged her, "sweetie, you have to listen to your Mommy."

"I does," Kelly told her, "I listen all the time."

"She doesn't want you to get hurt, there's cars coming in and out of parking lots," she felt the little girl's tight embrace.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly said, "I had to see you...and Dr. Shep...I pwomised..."

"Meredith, Derek," Colleen said as she reached them, "I'm sorry...she has been insisting she had to see you since early this morning."

"Is everything ok?" Derek asked, "Is she feeling ok?"

"Oh, no," Colleen said, "it's not about her...but her friend," she exchanged glances with them, and mouthed Brianna.

"Kelly," Derek lifted the little girl and she put her small arms around his neck, "princess...sometimes, we have to be patient...and Dr. Meredith and I may be busy..."

"I know," the little girl smiled, "cause you have to do surgys and wait for sick people to get getter."

"Yes," he smiled at her, "and you have to listen to your Mommy."

"I knows...Dr. Shep, but today was very very special...and I pwomised my friend Brianna."

"What did you promise her," Meredith asked.

"That I was going to see you...and give you lots and lots of hugs," the four year old stated before her attention was drawn away. "Look...it's Dr. Lexie," she said, "and Dr. Mark..." and sure enough the two were walking from the parking lot, and changed their course as the little girl called out to them.

"Hey squirt," Mark said.

"I'm not a squirt," Kelly told him.

"I guess you're not," he ruffled her hair, "huh...maybe you're a princess..."

"I'm a princess...my daddy told me all the time," Kelly answered, and wiggled out of Derek's arms to see Lexie.

"Meredith, Derek," Colleen said while Kelly was momentarily distracted, "we don't know what to do, if we should really start to worry about this imaginary friend...she insisted Brianna told her she had to see you today, because it was very important, and I hope this will settle her down, because she was adamant she wants to spend the day with Meredith."

Meredith felt Derek's hand in hers, "it meant a lot to see her today...you have no idea."

"Colleen," Derek said, "I don't think you need to worry...Kelly's a very special and sensitive child...and ..."

"Mommy," Kelly came back to her side, "Dr. Mark told me a joke...you wanna hear?"

"Mark," Derek warned, "you better not have..."

"It was a kid's joke Derek," Lexie defended, "truly," she said, and they all laughed as the little girl repeated the corny joke, before Mark and Lexie walked away.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly walked over to where all three adults had sat down on the bench, and climbed on her lap. "Can I spend all day with you?"

"Sweetie," Colleen told her, "I told you she has to work."

Kelly put both her small hands on Meredith's face, "do you gets home when it's dawk outside?"

"I'm not sure," Meredith said, "Dr. Shep and I have a surgery in a little while."

"Dr. Mewedith," the little girl looked intently into her eyes, and said very seriously, "but...I pwomised...I tolds Brianna I give you lots of hugs today..."

"Kelly," Colleen said, "you gave her a hug already and got to see her."

"Mommy," the little girl turned to her mother, and tears began to gather, "I pwomised...and it's really really portant...and she told me I gots to tell Dr. Mewedith to show me the picture I draw for her...remember Mommy...when me was still in the hospital..."

"Colleen," Meredith cleared her throat and said quietly, "my due date was today."

"Oh," Colleen could not disguise the small gasp, "Meredith..."

"Maybe later," Meredith said low enough for only Colleen to decide, "after my surgery?"

"Yes," Colleen replied right away, the inexplicable spiritual bond between her daughter and Brianna no longer a concern, as she accepted that Kelly, for whatever reasons, was meant to spend the day with Meredith, "of course...you can call me."

"Meredith," Derek said quietly, and Meredith reached for his hand.

"Kelly," Meredith said, "how about if after I finish my surgery, I call your Mommy...and if it's not too late you can have dinner with me?"

"Dr. Mewedith...that's the bestest supwise...but...Dr. Shep...he gots to be there too...and see my picture again..."

"I think Dr. Shep will be there," Meredith ran her hand through the little girl's curls.

"You gonna cook dinner," Kelly's eyes lit up, "I like meatloaf and cookies..."

"Kelly," Derek smiled at Meredith, "I don't think we have everything we need at home to cook meatloaf...but, tell you what...I'll make sure when I come to bring dinner, and we can have meatloaf...and maybe one or two cookies if that's ok with your Mom."

"Mashed potatoes too," Kelly told him, "you gots to have that and gween beans," she said and Derek chuckled.

"Colleen," Meredith said, "I don't want to put you out of your way, I'll call you and I can stop by and get her..."

"I'm spending the day with her," Colleen told them, "she's outgrown shoes and some clothes, and John's out of town, so Sean's at Mom's. Call me when you're done and I can bring her over."

"You know," Meredith said, "I'm going to finish earlier than Derek, so whatever is easiest for you...bring her here or to the house...I think that's closer to your Mom's," and they spoke for several more minutes and decided Kelly would be dropped off at Meredith's and then she and Derek would bring her to Colleen's parents where they were spending the night..

"Dr. Shep," Kelly smiled at him, "you gonna make a little girl better like me...cause you the best doctor."

Meredith rolled her eyes at Derek's reaction; then she smiled, the innocent and adorable flirtatious child had come into their lives at the perfect moment and as she had done months before; on this day too, helped to heal and diminish their sadness.

"Today," Derek said patiently, "it's not a little girl, but it's a very special young lady that we're going to help feel better and get well."

"You and Dr. Mewedith," Kelly said, "cause...she's the bestest girl doctor in the world."

"Yes," Derek grinned, "I believe you are right."

"I'm gonna grow up and be the bestest girl doctor too..."

"You are," Derek smiled; he had expected her to forget about that.

"Yep," Kelly smiled and reached and touched his face, "and get to wear pajamas like Dr. Lexie and you...and..."

"Ok," Colleen said, "Kelly, we have to go..."

"But Mommy..."

"They have to go back to work, and you're going to see them later."

"Mommy, can I just tell Dr. Shep one more thing?"

"Yes," Colleen agreed, as Meredith smiled at her.

"Dr. Shep..." Kelly said, "I tolds Brianna I was going to be the bestest doctor..."

"You did," Derek smiled, "and what did she say..."

"She told me that was impossible....cause her daddy was the bestest doctor in the whole wide world...and I told her she was wrong...cause you were...cause you took care of me and made me better," Kelly said, unaware of the deep emotional effect her words had on the man who had indeed saved her life, as tears gathered in the eyes of her friend's mommy and daddy.

"She told you that," Derek cleared his throat, after pausing long enough to swallow past the lump of emotions lodged in this throat.

"Uh huh," Kelly nodded, "so I told her I be the bestest girl bwain doctor in the world..."

"And what did she say?" Derek asked.

"She said when I gots bigger I could do that...but that it was lots and los of years away cause her Mommy was the bestest girl doctor but her mommy would teach me..."

Meredith locked gazes with Colleen, and both women communicated their silent understanding at how significant Brianna; Kelly's angel was in their lives.

"And what did you tell her?" Derek asked.

"I tolds her she was wrong...cause...Dr. Mewedith was the bestest girl doctor..."

"And what did she say," Derek asked once more, his hand on Meredith's back, gently offering his comfort.

"She giggled," Kelly giggled too, "and she tolds me...she had a big secret...but she was going to tells me later...lots and lots of time later."

"You know what Kelly," Meredith spoke softly to her, "when you grow up...I'd love to help you and teach to be the best girl doctor ever..."

"You will," the little girl asked as her eyes widened.

"I will," Meredith told her, "and I bet Dr. Shep will help too."

"Cause you love me?"

"Yes," Meredith as she closed her eyes for a moment, "because we love you..."

"Lots and lots," Kelly said, "like I love you lots and lots..."

"Just like that," Meredith said, as the little girl threw her arms around her neck and hugged her, and in the minutes that followed Derek and Meredith were once again alone.

"Our baby," Derek said as he drew her into his arms and held her, "made today very special...for her Mommy..."

"And Daddy," Meredith said, her voice choked by tears, "on the day...we would have met her," and they remained in each other's arms, unconcerned by anything other than the other's emotional needs.

"Yang," Derek said a few hours later as the three of them scrubbed out together, "great job."

"It was an amazing surgery, thanks for getting me on it," Cristina told him, "you're good."

"Ok," Meredith said, "enough of this love fest. What the hell's wrong with you two? And you," she had already dried her hands and poked Derek in the chest, "you're eating up her compliments...and complimenting her and can't you say anything about me..."

"I love you," Derek smiled at her, "what else do you need?"

"You're an ass," Meredith told him.

"Shepherd," Cristina said, "I agree...that was a bad call."

"She knows she's good," Derek teased her; "I don't have to keep complimenting her."

"This," Cristina smirked, "is my cue to leave."

"Did she tell you," Derek joked, but clearly wanting to inform her friend, "she's cooking for Kelly tonight."

"Mer," Cristina looked at her, "Shepherd saved her life...are you sure you want to mess with it...you...cooking..."

"Oh," Meredith said, in a bit of an exasperated tone, "you two...are....just..."

Derek put his arms around her, "we...both care about you, that's all."

"You have a funny way..."

"Let's go," Derek said, and reached for her hand, "we have good news to give to our two patients today...and you need to go home."

"Mer," Cristina who was still there said, "if you need anything...call me."

"You're volunteering to come over and help...with a four year old," Meredith asked incredulously.

"No. I'm offering to be there, if you need me today."

"Oh," Meredith said, and before she knew it, Cristina Yang reached out and very briefly hugged her.

"Call me," Cristina said, "if you need me," and shocking them both turned to Derek and added, "I'm here for hours still, you can call me too."

"What..." Meredith said as Cristina walked away, "was that?"

"Your person...and sister," Derek stated simply, and smiled at her.

Cristina reached for her phone and texted.

-Mama Shep, they are fine, truly
-Thank you dear, appreciate you keeping an eye on them
-She's my person
-Yes, but thank you, for looking out for my son too
-He loves her
-Yes, he does
-email you later or tomorrow
-thank you dear, and don't forget to think about Thanksgiving weekend

It was close to four o'clock when Meredith called Colleen to let her know she was on her way home, and shortly thereafter, mother and daughter were at her doorstep.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly said excitedly, "you gots a swing...can we sit there?"

"We can," Meredith said as she led them inside, and Kelly walked ahead and looked around curiously, then suddenly nervous added, "Colleen, do I need to know anything...I mean...I should have asked before, I never stay around kids by myself...Derek's usually around...or someone and maybe..."

"Only," Colleen placed her hand on Meredith's arm, "that I trust you completely, as she does. But, you may be faced with a minor crisis of crankiness in a couple hours, because she did not want to nap, so if you can talk her into it without her realizing it, you'll be much better off."

"Mommy," Kelly interrupted, "no grown up talk..."

"That won't interfere," Meredith said, "with later," she mouthed bedtime.

"Don't worry about it," Colleen said, "it will all work itself out."

"Mommy..." Kelly whined, "no grown up talk."

"Kelly Margaret," Colleen said, and Kelly reacted immediately.

"Sorry...it's not nice to whine, right Mommy?"

"That's right."

"Mommy," Kelly smiled, "you can go now...before Sean wakes up."

"Are you kicking me out," Colleen said with amusement.

"No silly," Kelly told her mother, "but I gets to tell Dr. Mewedith lots of stories and I told you already, and Mommy...my baby brother he misses you if you're not there when he gets up from his nap."

"You know," Colleen attempted to persuade her daughter, "I bet Meredith is tired from so many surgeries and she could use a nap too..."

"Mommy, I don't want a nap."

"No sweetie, but Meredith may want one..."

"Mommy...that's silly doctors don't take naps."

"Actually," Meredith said, "Kelly, we do...we take naps all the time," she said, and got the little girl's attention before she said goodbye to her mother.

"Mommy," Kelly said, "you stay at Nana's and kiss me goodnight?"

"Yes sweetie, I'll be there tonight."

"Ok, Mommy you can go now."

"Meredith, call me if you need to." Colleen smiled, and without hesitation reached to hug her, "I hope it helped seeing Kelly today, I couldn't understand it, why she was so insistent, but I'm glad that she did."

"It helped," Meredith told her as she hugged her back, "you have no idea what it means to me, especially today."

"I believe I do," Colleen smiled at her, "Kelly's little angel...had a message for her Mommy and Daddy."

"You don't mind? How much Kelly's talking about it?"

"I didn't understand it," Colleen said, "but...I do...I believe I do...for many reasons Meredith, Kelly was meant to be in your lives...and you were meant to be in ours...sometimes, and this is one of those times, I believe God meant for this to happen, call it fate if you will, but it was meant to happen."

"Mommy...can you tell Dr. Mewedith that I have lots of cookies."

"No," Colleen laughed, "because you can't."

"But, it's a special day Mommy...cause I gots to visit her house."

"Meredith," Colleen said, "not too much sugar."

"Ice cream," Meredith asked, "and two cookies?"

"Dr. Mewedith...I love ice cream...chocolate..."

"Meredith," Colleen said quietly, "two cookies with milk now would be ok. Ice cream for dinner and couple cookies would be fine too."

"Bye Mommy," Kelly insisted and hugged her mother.

"Bye sweetie, be a good girl."

"I always a good girl Mommy."

"Yes, you are," Colleen hugged her and kissed her goodbye.

"You gots a pretty house Dr. Mewedith...do you have a kitchen?"

"Yes," Meredith giggled.

"Do you have cookies?"

"I think we do," Meredith said, "are you trying to tell me you want cookies?"

"Yes, please," Kelly smiled. "Cookies never spoil my appetite," she repeated what she must have heard hundreds of times.

"How about," Meredith held her hand and walked with her to the kitchen, "we find out what kind we have," and when they did, Kelly chose chocolate chip, and Meredith told her it was ok only if she has a glass of milk with them.

"That's what Nana Maggie does," Kelly told her, "but hers come from the oven."

"Those are the best kind," Meredith told her, "aren't they?"

"Oh no," Kelly said, "these are wonderful," she mumbled with her mouth full, and went on to tell Meredith about her day, helping to lighten her spirit and be thankful for having this child in her life.

"Kelly," Meredith said after a couple of yawns from Kelly, "I'm really tired, and I was thinking if we go upstairs to my room I could take a nap, if you keep me company."

"I can keep you company, but no nap for me. I stay in your room and play and you can take a nap. But remember Dr. Mewedith, you gots to show me where you have my picture...I draw for you."

"Ok," Meredith said, and reached for the little girl's hand and walked toward the stairs.

"We gots lots of stairs in my house, but I got to be careful..." Kelly said. "I like your house Dr. Mewedith it has lots of pwetty things...and I like all the colors on the lamps."

"You're very observant," Meredith smiled.

"My aunt Shannon says that all the time."

"I bet she does," Meredith laughed.

"You gonna show me the picture?"

"I am," Meredith said as she walked in the bedroom.

"Dr. Mewedith, I gots to go to the bathroom..." Kelly told her and then reminded Meredith again she wanted to see the picture, little did Meredith know the reason for her insistence.

"See," Meredith said as she walked to the nightstand, "I told you it would have a very special place," and took the picture she'd placed in a frame, just as she'd told her she would, and placed it in Kelly's hand.

"It's a special place," Kelly smiled, "so you can see it...all the time, and cause it was the first picture you got...from a little girl right Dr. Mewedith..."

"That's right sweetie, it was my very first picture..."

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly said suddenly and turned to her and back to the nightstand, and brought her little hand to her mouth in surprise.

"Kelly, sweetie...what is it?"

"You gots her picture Dr. Mewedith..."

"Whose picture Kelly?"

"Brianna," Kelly pointed to the photograph on the nightstand, "you gots a picture of my friend Brianna...Dr. Mewedith...but...she's my angel...how...do you gots her picture."

Meredith didn't know how she was able to continue breathing without breaking down, as she stared at the frame Kelly was pointing too; a photo of herself as a little girl.

"Sweetie," Meredith said softly, "that's a picture of me when I was a little girl..."

"Oh no...Dr. Mewedith...that's my friend Brianna...cause I've seen her..."

"Maybe she just looks like me a little, and it reminds you of her..."

"She's my friend Dr. Mewedith...and she's an angel...and you gots her photo."

"Sweetie," Meredith had no idea how to respond, except she'd never been more certain that the spiritual gifts, her dreams, Kelly's presence in their lives; this moment was meant to reassure her that in spite of today's sadness the future was filled with hope that their dreams would come true, and she didn't question and simply accepted the beautiful and priceless moment with this child, "I think she probably just looks a little like me...and it's ok if she reminds you of the way I look in the photo."

Meredith lifted her to sit on the bed beside her, and Kelly asked her to hold the frame.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly told her, as though she'd had an amazing revelation, and in reality she had, though it would be years before she truly understood the spirituality and poignancy of the moment, "I know why you gots a photo of Brianna...and cause of why you look like her..."

"You do," Meredith said simply, "will you tell me why?"

Kelly smiled as she looked at the photograph and one small finger pointed to Meredith's photo, and then beamed at Meredith, "cause she's your Angel too...and she knew she looked like you...when you was little..."

"I think," Meredith swallowed through the myriad of emotions playing havoc with her heart, "you're right...she knew I looked like her when I was little."

Kelly climbed on her lap, "she told me it was very portant...I give you lots of hugs today," and she hugged Meredith tightly, "and to tell you she loves you and Dr. Shep lots and lots... and she loves you so much...cause you look like her...when you was a little girl..." and Kelly continued to talk to her, and tell her all that her friend had said and as she sat on her lap Meredith continued to intermittently run her fingers through Kelly's dark curls, and eventually her eyes began to close and Meredith lay her down, while the little girl instinctively snuggled close to her and both fell asleep the rest of the afternoon.

Kelly looked up and smiled as Derek walked in the bedroom and put her index finger to her lips, making Derek smile as he approached the bed where his wife was asleep and Kelly sat coloring. "What are you doing?" Derek asked.

"Coloring," Kelly whispered, "you can't talk loud...cause Dr. Mewedith is tired...cause Doctors work really hard and take naps."

"They do," Derek lowered his voice, though he saw the slight smile on Meredith's lips.

"Dr. Shep," she continued to whisper, "did you bring dinner...cause I'm so hungry."

"I did," Derek smiled, "just what you ordered."

"Chocolate ice cream?"

"You asked me for meatloaf," Derek told her, "and cookies."

"I ate cookies and drank milk..."

"You did, and you're still hungry?"

"Cookies never spoil my appetite," she repeated her earlier comment, making Derek laugh, and Meredith shifted to lie on her back. "Oh oh...you waked her up."

"You think she's awake?" Derek teased Kelly.

"I not sure," Kelly looked over at Meredith who was doing her best not to smile.

"Let's find out," Derek told her and leaned in to kiss Meredith's lips.

"You kissed her," Kelly exclaimed, "like the prince...kisses Sleeping Beauty...and Daddy kisses Mommy..."

"Let's see if it worked, if she wakes up," Derek said, while his hand caressed the length of Meredith's thigh. "I don't think so."

"You gots to kiss her again," Kelly told him with as she grinned.

"I don't know," Derek said, "she may not like my kisses..."

"Kiss her again silly..." Kelly told him, which he'd intended to all along and Meredith let him know she was indeed awake, though theirs was a gentle g-rated kiss.

"I tolds you...Dr. Shep," Kelly said excitedly, "you waked her up."

"I guess I did," he smiled at Meredith, and kissed brushed her lips again.

"She's waked up Dr. Shep, you don't gots to keep kissing her now."

"How long was she with you today, already...bossy..." he teased his wife.

"Sweetie," Meredith said, "did you finish your picture?"

"You see me...Dr. Mewedith...but you was sleeping..."

"I had my eyes closed, but only for a little bit," Meredith told her, "I couldn't fall asleep if I have you with me."

"That's what Nana says to Paddy, have to keep her eyes open all the time," and Derek and Meredith shared a smiled. "Dr. Mewedith," Kelly scooted over and put her hands on Meredith's cheeks wanting her full attention, "I gots to tell Dr. Shep my secret...about my friend Brianna."

"You can tell him," Meredith met Derek's gaze, "he'll like to hear your secret."

"Dr. Shep," Kelly turned to him, while Meredith sat up, "you remember my friend Brianna...she's a little angel..."

"I do," Derek was holding Meredith's hand.

"Dr. Mewedith has a picture of her..."

"Mer..."

"Show him...Dr. Mewedith," Kelly told her, "you gots to..."

"Meredith," Derek said again, "what is Kelly talking about?"

"Show him," Kelly asked again, and Meredith reached for her photograph.

"Your photo," Derek said, not quite understanding.

"That's Dr. Mewedith," Kelly told Derek, "when she was a little girl...and that's cause why my friend Brianna is her little angel too...cause she looks like Dr. Mewedith."

Derek was speechless, and felt Meredith's hand on his back, caressing gently, offering comfort, much as he did for her.

"Isn't she beautiful...Dr. Shep...I tolds you...my angel friend was beautiful."

"Yes princess," Derek said when we had his emotions under control, "your friend Brianna is a beautiful angel."

"I know," Kelly said, "cause she's an angel...and her eyes are blue like yours."

They went to the kitchen shortly after and Kelly helped set the table, and at one point Derek put his arms around Meredith and hugged her, "I love you."

"I love you too," she said, "we have lots to talk about."

"We do," he said, and kissed the back of her neck.

"Dr. Shep," Kelly said, "you kiss Dr. Mewedith lots and lots...cause you love her?"

"Yes, because I love her very much."

"My Daddy loves my Mommy a lot...and I love Mommy lots and lots...but that's different right Dr. Shep...you have all different kinds of love...my Mommy tolds me."

"That's right," Derek said, "there are different kinds...how much you love your Mommy and Daddy, and how much they love each other..."

"Cause they are old...like you and Dr. Mewedith and they kiss a lot...but they not as old as Grandma and Grandpa and Nana and...you remember...your Mommy's old too..."

"Yes," Derek chuckled, "we are older...but we're not old..."

"Only little kids are not old," Kelly stated, as she continued to chat through dinner, "big people are old."

Meredith smiled and reached over to place her hand over his, "you're not old..."

"Neither are you," Derek teased her.

Kelly giggled, "grown up talk is so silly..."

"Yes, Kelly," Meredith said, "I think you're right."

"Can we have ice cream now? I'm done with dinner."

"We can," Meredith said looking at the little girl's almost empty plate.

"How about you finish the rest," Derek said.

"No," Kelly told him, "I full of green beans already."

Meredith giggled, earning a glare from Derek. "I think it's ok if you don't eat those two green beans that are left over."

"Thank you," Kelly sighed dramatically, "I know they good for you...but I like the other stuff better...and I'm a little girl...so I gots to have room left for ice cream," she said, as Meredith smiled indulgently, as Derek did, watching his wife and Kelly devour the ice cream.

"Let's get all your things together," Meredith said right before the phone rang, and went upstairs with Kelly, "so we can drive you to your Nana's."

"Colleen," Derek said, "we were just getting ready to drive her over to your Mom's. Are you sure, it's not a problem. Ok, we'll see you shortly."

"Mer," Derek said, "Colleen's stopping by to get Kelly."

"She's coming over," Meredith said, "is everything ok?

"Yes," Derek told her, "John flew home a day early, she just got him at the airport. Where's our little guest?"

"She's in the den, I needed a moment with you," she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"I love these moments," he told her, and hugged her.

"I love you Derek," she kissed him tenderly, and just for a moment deepened their kiss.

"Dr. Mewedith," they heard and pulled apart, "can I have a cookie before I go home?"

"I'm not sure," Meredith told her "you had ice cream."

"Mommy said I can have two cookies with ice cream...and you only gave me one."

"Mer," Derek asked, "what to do you think? One more cookie?"

"Well," Meredith said, "you did have all your dinner and you kept me company so I could take a nap."

"I was very good girl Dr. Mewedith."

"Yes," Meredith lifted her and hugged her as Kelly wrapped her little legs around her, "you were, and I loved spending time with you today."

They were sitting in the kitchen when the doorbell rang, and Derek went to answer and escorted John to the kitchen.

"Daddy," Kelly cried out enthusiastically, "you got home," she ran to her father as soon as Meredith lifted her from the stool and placed her on the floor, "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," John told her as the little girl hugged and kissed him.

"Where's Mommy and Sean?"

"Sean fell asleep," John kissed her check again, "so Mommy's in the car with him."

"We go home now...not to Nana's?"

"We're going home," John told her. "Did you behave?"

"I was very good girl, right Dr. Mewedith?"

"You were," Meredith told her, "she was delightful," she said to her father.

"Princess," John said, "what do you say to Meredith and Derek?"

"Thank you," Kelly smiled, "but I gots to hug them Daddy," she said, and when he put her down she went to Derek who scooped her up.

"Can I come back and visit?"

"We'll have to ask your Mommy and Daddy?" Derek said.

"Daddy...can I...please...?"

"I'm sure you can," John said, "but we have to make sure it's convenient for Meredith and Derek, you know they are both doctors and work many hours at the hospital."

"I know Daddy," she sighed, "but they gots time at home too."

"We'll see," John said.

"Daddy...please..."

"Tell you what," Meredith said, "when I have time off, we'll talk to your Mommy and see if we can spend some time together again, ok?"

"Ok," Kelly said. "Dr. Shep...you bring dinner again...cause Dr. Mewedith she tolds me she is a good doctor but she can't cook good."

"I'll take care of dinner," Derek chuckled.

"I've gots one more secret," she whispered loud enough for John to hear, "my friend Brianna...said it was very very portant...to tell..."

"What's that sweetie," Meredith asked her as she reached to caress the little girl's face.

"She said, remember Kelly...tell Dr. Mewedith and Dr. Shep," Kelly leaned in to Meredith and said, "she loves to whisper...in your ear...but I gots confused cause she said it was her birthday today...and she loves her Mommy and Daddy lots and lots ..."

"Thank you princess," Derek said, as he felt Meredith's hand on his back, "for sharing that with us...we're very happy Brianna is your angel..."

"Cause she looks like Dr. Mewedith," Kelly asked.

"Because," Derek said, "only very special little girls have their very own angel."

"Dr. Shep," Kelly hugged him tightly, "she's Dr. Mewedith's little angel too..."

"Yes, she is," Derek hugged her back, and kissed her cheek before passing her over to Meredith.

"Derek," John said, "what was that about..."

"Long story, I'm sure she'll tell you about it on the way home," he said, and they spoke quietly for a few minutes as Derek walked out with him toward the car, leaving Meredith a few minutes with Kelly.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly touched her face, "you got wet eyes...cause you're happy? You tolds me...you can have wet eyes and be happy..."

"I did tell you that," Meredith smiled at her, "and yes... I am happy that you shared what your friend Brianna told you, and because I had a very special day today, because I got to spend it with you."

"Cause you love me..."

"Because I love you."

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly hugged her tightly, "I love you lots and lots," and Meredith closed her eyes and felt peace settle within her heart.

"I love you lots and lots too sweetie..."

"I be your special friend ," Kelly told her, "just like my friend Brianna...she said she was my friend for always," and Meredith allowed the tears to fall as she hugged her own little angel close to her.

"Mommy," Kelly said as soon as they reached the car and put her arms out for her mother to hold her. The three adults had been standing by the car when Meredith joined them, "I gets to come back."

"You do?" Colleen said.

"Uh huh..." Kelly nodded.

"We'll have to talk to Meredith and Derek about that," she said, the friendship between the adults established months before, and they had explained to Kelly it was ok for grown up to use first names with each other, but not for little girls.

"Daddy," Kelly said, "you was there...Dr. Mewedith said it was ok."

"She said," John told her, "she would talk to your Mommy when she had time off."

"That's right," Kelly pouted, "she gots to work lots."

"Kelly," Meredith smiled at her, "I'm sure I'll see you soon, ok...even if I have to work."

"You pwomise?"

"I do...I will see you soon," Meredith told her, and knew without any doubts she would not let the little girl down. Her relationship with Kelly as well as with Derek's younger nieces had become added and intricately woven threads in the tapestry of her life.

"Dr. Mewedith," Kelly said suddenly, "we forgot the swing..."

"We did," Meredith smiled, "I guess that just means you have to come back."

"See Mommy...I gots to come back."

"We took a nap," Meredith smiled at Colleen, "did Derek tell you about the photo?"

"He did," Colleen smiled, "call me, when you have time this week."

"I will," Meredith told her, and uncharacteristically reached over to hug mother and daughter. "Thank you for sharing her."

"God," Colleen said, "answers our prayers very unexpectedly."

"Yes," Meredith told her, "He does," and felt Derek's gentle touch on her back.

"Let's call it an early night," Derek said, as they turned to walk back in the house.

"Yes," she told him, as they walked hand in hand. "It's been a long day."

"I'll clean up in the kitchen," he hugged her and kissed her temple tenderly.

"Ok," she agreed so she could get upstairs and carry out her plan for the evening.

"Mer," Derek said when he walked back in the room and didn't see her.

"In here," she called through the open bathroom door, and he followed to find the tub just about filled with water and candles the only illumination in the room.

"You're getting in the tub?"

"No," she said, and walked up to him, and put her arms around him, "you are. You've had two very stressful surgeries today and I'm going to give you a massage."

"Meredith," he said softly, "today...I want to take care of you...let me please..."

"I want to do the same," she hugged him tighter, "so we can take care of each other," and she proceeded to help him undress. Every touch, a wife's gentle loving caress that spoke of deep love and commitment, at the end of a day where emotions ran deep, and touched their very souls.

"Derek," she said as she lay back against him, "can I ask you something."

"Of course you can," he massaged the spot below her neck, releasing the tension.

"I loved your idea of spending our next weekend in Vancouver Island, but..."

"But," he teased, massaging her back, "is going to get me in trouble..."

"You know what I'd really like..."

"What..."

"I'd like to fly to New York instead," her words stunned him, "meet our goddaughter..."

"Mer," he said, "I'm not so sure...that's a good idea...we'll be there for the baptism."

"Derek," Meredith's hand rested on his thigh, lightly massaging, "don't you want to see her...before she gets old..."

"She's not going to get old," he told her, "she's two weeks old..."

"You know what I mean...they change how they look...and I want to see her..."

"You're sure," he said, wrapping his arms around her, his chin resting on the crook of her neck, "why don't you think about it...we'll talk about it again..."

"Ok," she said, but she was certain, it was the right thing to do...it was what she wanted and needed to do, and finally heal.

"Ok," he said, as his hands roamed her body.

Days before, through their emotional rollercoaster, she'd reminded him, it was not about the sex, it was about the moment afterwards; except now was the moment before, when two lovers truly accepted and understood theirs was a love fated to be legendary, and the loss of a dream not only sealed their love for a lifetime, but faith became the golden threads that would shine throughout that imaginary tapestry; while the unexpected heartbreaking sadness experienced months before was woven into the small corner panel that had become their past, and the rest of the panels were taking on a new life, filled with hope and faith, and answers to old childhood and recent prayers.

The ringing phone startled the woman watching late night television, and immediately reached to answer and her heart warmed as she heard the voice. "Mom, it's Meredith, I know it's late, but I had to share our day with you," Derek snuggled her closer, smiling as he listened to her voice, and somehow, just as three earthly adults said a silent prayer of thanks, three souls recently acquainted whispered through the sounds of eternity.

"Thank you," Meredith briefly closed her eyes, "Mom...you said it would be ok...to call her that...please take care of my baby."

"I love you Meredith...don't doubt it please...I promise you, I'm taking care of her."

"Dad," Derek said, "I can feel you're close to me...please take care of our little girl."

"I love you son, and I'm always close to you and your sisters...and I'm watching over your little girl, and all my grandchildren...and my Irish..."

"Irish," Carolyn thought, "she's calling me Mom...today...of all days...I miss you so much...it's getting closer...the time for us to be together."

"Listen Irish," the gentle soul whispered, "I left them too early...don't you dare think you're going to do the same...you've got six more grandchildren to take care of...and I miss you too...but...it's not time yet, not for a long while...but then, my love...we will be together for eternity...even," the playfulness in him remembered, could still joke, "Irish we didn't make it under the Bridge of Sighs...but you did, and I was right there with you...so you're stuck with me."

Far away where distance and space ceased to exist, three souls intimately familiar with the other rejoiced. Their loved ones had found peace in their hearts; their souls had healed in months, a blink of an eye to them, if truth be told. The littlest one stayed close to her grandmother, "do you think my Mommy and Daddy know...it was supposed to be my birthday?"

"I am absolutely certain," the grandmother replied with all the warmth and loving comfort she wished she'd offered her daughter, "that is why they are happy baby, because, they heard the message from their precious angel."

"Granpa is that me?"

"Yes, Brianna," her grandfather smiled, "their priceless and beautiful angel."

"Granma...my friend Kelly spent all day with my Mommy...and she got to tell her I love her lots and lots...and my Mommy and Daddy...are you sure they heard her?"

"Yes, baby...they know, that is why they are very happy, even though they would have loved to have you with them...they know you love them, and they love you, very much."

"They love me lots and lots..." the littlest soul asked for reassurance.

"They love you all the way from here to where they are and back lots and lots of times."

"That's a lot Granma...they love me lots and lots..."

"Yes, they do," Ellis said.

"I love you Granma...I love you Granpa..."

"We love you too," her Irish grandfather said.

"Sweetheart," Carolyn said, "you have been in my prayers all day, and I am so happy that you called," and then she beamed again, her heart filled with joy at the sound of "Mom."

"Mom," Meredith said, "Derek knows most of the story, and he's listening, but I had to share it with you too...it was...the most beautiful day...a priceless surprise," she began, "and I'm taking it all on faith, but I really believe God has answered my prayers."

God also smiled down at the couple that had become the other's strength, and found faith in each other, and yes, in Him; and whispered words that he already knew had been heard, but wanted to reassure them, because their sadness was far behind them, and the glimpses of dreams He had given them months before were about to become a reality. Well, He smiled at the three souls near him and they felt the warmth of His radiance; time was relative in the earthly plane, but even in their terms, the time had come, and was just around the corner for dreams to be fulfilled.