Unexpected Love

Chapter 17

Meredith barely managed to set down her coffee mug before Derek wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing a series of kisses along her neck and jaw. She laughed, gently pushing him back, but he pulled her close again, eyes gleaming with affection.

"Derek, you're relentless," she teased, feeling warmth creep up her cheeks as his hands found her waist.

"And you're just going to have to deal with it," he murmured, brushing his lips over her cheek. "Besides, I have something to ask you." He paused, stepping back to study her face.

"Okay... go on," Meredith said, half-laughing, half-wary of what might be coming.

"So, my mom called," he started, slipping his fingers through hers, "and she wants you to come with me for Thanksgiving. The whole Shepherd family is going to be there, including Kathleen, Nancy, and Liz. They'd love to have you."

A slow smile spread across her face. She remembered fondly the night she'd spent with his family after Crystal's operation; they had been warm, curious, and welcoming, especially Carolyn.

"Are you sure they're ready for me?" she joked, though she couldn't hide her excitement. "That sounds like a big Shepherd clan reunion."

Derek grinned, kissing her forehead. "They're more than ready. Plus, Mark and Lexie will be there, so you'll have backup if you need it."

Meredith's heart softened, and she quickly nodded. "I'd love to. My siblings are all doing their own Thanksgiving things this year, so... I'm all yours."

He looked down at her, eyes softening. "All mine?"

"All yours," she confirmed, smiling as he leaned in for another kiss, gentle but lingering this time. His hand moved to cradle her face, and she could feel the warmth of his touch radiate through her.

The days passed quickly, and soon Thanksgiving morning arrived. Derek picked Meredith up, and they drove together to Carolyn Shepherd's house. The driveway was packed with cars, and the sounds of laughter and kids playing drifted through the open front door.

Inside, Meredith was met with a familiar warmth. Kathleen was chatting animatedly with her husband, Samuel, while their three kids ran circles around the coffee table. Nancy and her husband, Peter, were nearby with their four kids, who were sharing a pile of books on the couch. Liz and her husband, Benjamin, were catching up with Carolyn in the kitchen, their three children happily sneaking snacks from the counter. Amelia was sitting with Lexie and Mark in the corner, laughing at some inside joke.

"Meredith! So good to see you," Carolyn greeted her with a warm hug. "Happy Thanksgiving, dear."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Carolyn," Meredith replied, feeling genuinely at ease among them.

Kathleen waved her over. "Meredith, come sit. We've been wanting to hear all about Mount Sinai! Derek's been keeping you to himself."

Everyone laughed, and Meredith found herself at ease as the Shepherd siblings asked about her work, her life in New York, and the surgeries she'd been working on. It felt surreal, being here with Derek and his family, but at the same time, it felt wonderfully natural. Even Lexie and Mark seemed right at home in the Shepherd family dynamic.

As the evening settled in, everyone gathered around the table for dinner. Plates overflowed with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings. Laughter and stories filled the air, and Meredith watched with a smile as Crystal, who was sitting beside her, giggled with Derek and playfully stole bites from his plate.

After dessert, the family moved to the living room for a quiet evening of games and conversation. Derek sat beside Meredith on the couch, leaning close to wrap his arm around her. Crystal snuggled up to Meredith, too, clearly enjoying having her there as part of the family.

As the night wound down, Derek glanced at Meredith, his gaze holding that familiar warmth. "Thank you for coming tonight, Mer," he whispered, squeezing her hand.

"Thank you for inviting me," she replied, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Your family is amazing. I feel really lucky to be here."

"Good, because they already love you," he said, a twinkle in his eye. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering as he gazed at her with that look she had come to know so well. "And so do I."

Meredith smiling shyly "I love you, Derek. I really do."

Derek pulls her into a tight embrace, whispering "I love you too, Meredith. So much."

Meredith felt her heart swell as she rested her head on his shoulder, grateful for the warmth of the Shepherd family—and for the new kind of home she'd found with Derek.