Unexpected Love

Chapter 18

The afternoon sun streamed through the kitchen window as Derek and Crystal sat at the table, her favorite coloring book spread out before her. Derek had just come in from the living room, where he had been tidying up after Crystal's last art project, but he could sense something was off.

"Hey, kiddo," he said, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her. "You seem a little quiet today. What's going on?"

Crystal shrugged, her brow furrowing as she scribbled a dark line on the page. "It's nothing." But the way her lip trembled betrayed her.

"Crystal, it's okay to talk to me about anything. You know that, right?" Derek encouraged gently.

With a sigh, she put down her crayon and looked up at him, her big blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's just... I don't want things to change," she admitted. "Mom told me she's having a baby with Kevin. I don't understand why she has to keep making new families."

Derek felt a pang in his chest. He had hoped to avoid this conversation for a little while longer, but it was clear Crystal needed reassurance. "I know it's a lot to take in," he said softly. "Addison and I... we both have our own lives now, and sometimes that means making new decisions. But it doesn't mean we care about you any less."

Crystal frowned, clearly struggling with the idea. "But what if you and Mom start spending more time with your new family and forget about me?"

"Hey," Derek said, reaching across the table to take her hand. "You're my daughter, and that will never change. No matter what, you'll always come first in my life."

She squeezed his hand, but her expression remained troubled. "I just really like Meredith. I wish she could be my mom forever."

Derek's heart softened at her words. "You know, Meredith cares about you a lot. She's been really good for both of us. But being a mom is a big responsibility, and it takes time." He paused, trying to find the right words. "But that doesn't mean she wouldn't want to be part of your life."

"I know, but what if things get complicated?" Crystal asked, her voice small.

Derek took a deep breath, contemplating how to navigate this delicate conversation. "Life is complicated, but that doesn't mean we can't be happy. I promise you that I'll always make sure you feel loved and supported, no matter what happens. You have a big heart, and I know you want what's best for everyone."

Crystal nodded slowly, her expression softening. "I just want you to be happy, Dad. And I want Meredith to be happy too."

"I think you're onto something there," he said, smiling at her. "And who knows? Maybe one day, things will work out in a way that makes everyone happy."

"Do you really think so?" she asked, her hope shining through.

"Absolutely," Derek replied. "But for now, let's just focus on enjoying the time we have together, okay? Why don't we finish this coloring project and then I can take you out for ice cream?"

Crystal grinned at that, the previous shadows lifting from her face. "Okay! But can I get sprinkles?"

"Of course, sprinkles it is!" Derek chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him as he watched his daughter's smile return. As they resumed coloring, he felt a sense of relief knowing they had navigated through a tough moment together, and that their bond remained as strong as ever.

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The following week was bustling at Mount Sinai, with the hospital filled with patients and the usual cacophony of voices echoing through the halls. Meredith was busy with her rounds, but her mind kept drifting back to her conversation with Crystal. The little girl had been so honest and open, and it left Meredith reflecting on her own feelings about being part of their lives.