What if

Early June (part 8)

(Derek POV)

I woke up early and went downstairs to see the kids and mom. Meredith was still asleep next to me and I let her rest.

"Good morning guys." I said with a smile as I sat down on the couch in the living room. "Morning daddy." Ellis said happily.

"Where's mama?" Bailey asked. "She's still sleeping. Listen, we gotta help out mama and be careful with her for a while, okay?" I asked.

"Why?" Bailey responded. "She's still recovering. Mamas lungs hurt when she does too much." I explained simply. The kids nodded.

"Is she still asleep? I made breakfast and coffee." Mom asked as she came into the room. "She is." I replied. "It must be nice to finally sleep in her own bed."

"I'm sure." I said, sipping on my coffee.

•••

(Meredith POV)

I woke up to an empty bed and sat up. Derek was probably up with the kids, and I felt a little guilty about being home and still making him watch them.

I slowly got out of bed and made my way to the stairs. I was breathing heavily when I got there, but I continued slowly down the stairs.

It was really annoying when I could barely walk from one side of my house to the other. It made me feel like I was 80 years old. Not to mention it was really uncomfortable.

I got to the bottom of the stairs and went into the living room, panting heavily. "Mer!" Derek exclaimed, standing up and walking over to me quickly.

"Hey." I said, catching my breath. Derek linked his arm under mine. "You shoulda told me you were up. I would have helped." He said softly. I could feel him try to conspicuously check my pulse on my wrist, but didn't say anything.

"Im not an invalid. I can move on my own." I said, chuckling. "Let's sit you down." Derek suggested, ignoring my comment. I sat down on the couch and took a deep breath in. I hate how much covid damaged my lungs.

"Mama!" Bailey and Ellis yelled happily, coming over to me. "Good morning mama." Zola said with a smile. "Good morning. Did you guys sleep well?" I asked.

"Yeah. Can we do something today?" Bailey asked. "Like what Bailey Boo?" I responded. "Go for a walk?" Ellis asked.

I really don't think I can go for a walk. If I can't make it to the bedroom to the bathroom I don't think I can walk around the neighborhood. I looked at Derek and frowned.

"I domt know if mamas up for that. Remember what I said about her lungs?" Derek cut in. "So you can't walk?" Bailey asked in confusion.

How do you explain a heart transplant and covid to a Toddler? "I can walk, bails, just not very far." I replied. "Why?" Bailey questioned. Damn curious kids.

I sighed. "Mommy had surgery and it makes it hard for her to breath sometimes after she walks around. She'll get better, but it will take a few weeks. So, we have to take care of her, like daddy said." Carolyn explained.

"Take care of her? Like I take care of my stuffies?" Ellis asked adorably. I smiled. "Exaclty." Carolyn replied. The kids seemed to understand now and nodded. "Then we can watch movies and mommy doesn't move today." Bailey said with a definitive nod.

I chuckled and wrapped my arm around him on the couch. "Sounds good Bails." I said.

(Derek POV)

I could tell Bailey understood now. He wouldn't let Meredith get up off the couch for anytning. He was a mamas boy through and through, and wanted to protect his mama.

"We're out of popcorn." Zola said as we watched movies. "I'll get a new batch." Meredith replied. "No, I will mama. You sit." Bailey cut in, standing up and running to the pantry.

"I could get used to this." Meredith said with a smile. She curled under my arm and put her head on my shoulder. "Are you feeling okay?" I asked quietly.

"Yeah. Just tired." She responded. I pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. "Close your eyes. I'm pretty sure Bails won't mind you're sleeping." I said with a laugh.

Meredith relaxed against my body, and soon enough, her soft snores filled the air. "Does she always snore like that?" Mom asked, clearly amused.

"Yup. Our first few nights together I couldn't stand it. But almost 20 years later I've gotten used to it." I replied with a laugh. "I can't hear it!" Ellis whined. I chuckled.

"I'll take her upstairs in bed." I said. "You can carry mama?" Bailey asked with wide eyes. I smiled. "Mama isn't big. You'll be bigger than her. And probably both of you too." I said.

"Really?" Bailey replied. "Really. Keep watching the movie, I'll be down soon." I said. I picked up Meredith and she unconsciously wrapped her arms and legs around me.

I carried her upstairs and into our bedroom. I put her down gently in the bed and pulled the covers up. Kissing her cheek gently, she nestled into the pillow. "I love you. Call me when you wake up." I whispered before leaving the room.

"Is she asleep?" Mom asked as I sat back down next to her. "Yes. She gets tired pretty easily now." I whispered, as to not disturb the kids.

"It'll be like that for a while, dear. I think the kids understand now though. Baileys just like you." Mom responded.

"How so?"

"He protects Meredith the same way you do." She responded. I smiled. "I love her."

Hey guys! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and hope your all doing well. If you guys have any ideas for future chapters feel free to drop them! Thanks for reading.