Delicate Hearts

Twenty-seven

He had never been this happy, that was something the whole family could confirm. He had the warmest smile planted on his face and a sparkle in his eyes that had never been there before. In the short time they had known Meredith she became a part of their lives, someone they couldn't imagine life without now that they knew her. She was amazing with the kids especially Lacey, she bonded with the sisters, and spoke to Carolyn. She was the most kind hearted girl any of them had ever met, the perfect match for Derek.

As the dinner concluded and they walked accross the beach Derek kept is arm around Meredith firmly, he was proud of how they both handled the situation especially Meredith she was such a nervous individual.

He had feared he was going to lose her but he didn't know how she really felt, how deep, strong and unconditional her unprofessed love for him really was. 

"Water park tomorrow everyone"Kathleen asked as they walked, the air cooler than the day time.

"Of course, its our family thing!"Lizzy exclaimed, Laurence had picked up a sleepy Lacey and walked ahead. Logan had ran shortly behind his father with his cousin Lucas by his side. Caleb had left shortly before.

Which left the four Shepherd Siblings, Mark, the Shepherd parents, Meredith and Addison.

"I am wearing an orange bikini"Amelia smiled, Addison nodded. 

"Yeah I am wearing my green one, Kath and Liz you are both wearing one pieces aren't you"Addison asked.

"No, I am wearing these high waisted bottoms with a slightly cropped swim top"Lizzy smiled. Kathleen however was wearing a one piece in navy blue.

"Mer?"Addison asked. Meredith simply shrugged. She wasn't sure what to wear. "What is the car situation tomorrow anyway?" 

"Caleb isn't coming and Laurence is going to stay with Ruby, he isn't a fan of the water. So the three kids and Kathleen are coming with me, Derek you can do the same arrangement and Meredith can if you all agree?"Lizzy spoke whilst making light suggestions.

"I don't mind car pooling with the girls" Carolyn joined in. Meredith smiled at her.  

"We sing" she warned, Carolyn nodded with a smile 

"I like that, these guys were boring"She rolled her eyes.

"In that case you can sit in the front with me"Meredith scrunched her nose as Derek squeezed her hip lightly.

"Oo ma Meredith's car has heated and cooled seats. You get to choose. Its epic."Amelia clapped. 

Once they arrived back Carolyn and Charles went straight to bed, Lizzy and Kath behind them so they could settle the girls.

"You guys are the best looking couple"Addison smiled to them as she noticed Derek looking down on his woman with a smile.

"Thank you Addie"Meredith broke the gaze and hugged her bestfriend. "Blue bikini?"She asked. Addison nodded.

"Yeaassss"She spoke loudly causing them both to erupt with laughter. 

"Night girls"Meredith hugged both Amelia and Addison again. "Mark"She nodded to him. Derek grabbed her hand and led her to their room. Ruby bouncing behind them. 

Derek grabbed bed shorts and left for the bathroom, Meredith took  her time to remove her makeup ,moisturise her face and strip down leaving her in a white laced long and a wireless laced white bralette. 

As she reached to grab her pyjamas the bathroom door opened and Derek walked in, his jaw almost hitting the floor, she looked flawless. She always stood in a manour that passed her off as being elegent, her posture was rarely slouched.