Unexpected Love

Chapter 23

A few weeks had passed since Meredith and Derek received the news about the baby. They kept it to themselves for now, finding comfort in the secret that was theirs alone. The hospital bustled around them as always, but somehow, everything felt a little different. They exchanged knowing smiles across crowded hallways, their shared secret bringing them closer than ever.

One chilly morning, Meredith found herself in her office, sipping ginger tea and trying to keep the morning sickness at bay. She was immersed in a case file when Derek appeared in her doorway, a warm grin on his face.

"Good morning, Dr. Grey," he greeted her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

She looked up and smiled, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. "Good morning, Dr. Shepherd. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Derek strolled in, closing the door behind him. He pulled up a chair beside her and reached for her hand. "I just wanted to check in on my favorite surgeon—and our little secret."

Meredith's heart warmed, and she squeezed his hand. "We're both doing well, just a bit tired," she admitted.

Derek leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You're incredible, you know that?" His voice was low, full of admiration. "Balancing everything like this... You amaze me."

Meredith blushed, feeling a surge of gratitude. "You make it easier, you know," she murmured. "Having you by my side."

They stayed like that for a quiet moment, lost in each other's presence amidst the chaos of the hospital around them. Eventually, Derek pulled back slightly, his expression shifting to one of excitement. "I was thinking... maybe it's time we start planning a little," he suggested, his eyes filled with hope. "Just a few baby steps, if you're ready."

Meredith hesitated for a moment, the idea of planning for their future feeling both exhilarating and overwhelming. But then she nodded, a small smile breaking through. "Yeah, I think I am."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Bailey poked her head in, her gaze softening as she looked at the two of them. "I don't mean to interrupt your little moment, but we've got a trauma coming in, and I need all hands on deck."

Derek and Meredith exchanged a quick glance, the unspoken understanding passing between them. Duty called, but they both knew that, whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. As they left her office and headed to the ER, a warm contentment settled over Meredith, filling her with a quiet joy she hadn't felt in ages.. The future was uncertain, but with Derek by her side, she felt ready for whatever came next.

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Meredith sat nervously on the couch, her hand resting over her belly. She had been wondering all day how Crystal would react to the news, feeling a mixture of excitement and worry. Derek, sensing her nerves, took her hand, giving her a reassuring smile as they waited for Crystal to come home from her playdate.

When Crystal finally burst through the front door, her face lit up as she spotted Meredith and Derek waiting for her in the living room. She tossed her backpack aside, bouncing over to them with all the energy of a typical seven-year-old.

"Hi, sweetie," Derek greeted her, patting the spot between him and Meredith. "We have something to tell you."

Crystal's eyes widened with curiosity as she settled between them. "Is it good news?"

Meredith exchanged a look with Derek, smiling as she nodded. "It's really good news," she said softly, glancing down at Crystal. "Crystal... you're going to be a big sister."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and then Crystal's face broke into a grin of pure joy. "Really? You're having a baby?"

"Yes," Meredith replied, feeling her heart warm at the excitement in Crystal's eyes. "You're going to be an amazing big sister."

Without another word, Crystal threw her arms around Meredith, hugging her tightly. "I'm so happy!" she exclaimed, her small voice muffled against Meredith's shoulder. "I always wanted a little brother or sister." She pulled back, looking up at Meredith with an earnest expression. "Can I... can I call you 'Mom'?"

Meredith's breath caught in her throat, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. She hadn't expected this, and it filled her with so much love she could hardly speak. She managed a nod, her voice trembling slightly. "I'd love that, Crystal."

Crystal's face brightened, and she hugged Meredith again, clinging to her like she never wanted to let go. From that moment on, she barely left Meredith's side, hovering around her like a little protector, always asking if she needed anything or if she was feeling okay.

Later that week, Derek and Meredith decided it was time to share the news with their families. The Shepherd clan gathered at Derek's mother's house for dinner, filling the room with laughter and the familiar chaos of a big family. As everyone finished their meals, Derek stood, gently tapping his glass to get everyone's attention.

"There's something Meredith and I would like to announce," he began, glancing down at her with a smile. Meredith stood beside him, a soft smile on her lips as she held his hand.

"We're having a baby," he said, beaming.

The room erupted with cheers, hugs, and congratulations. Derek's sisters rushed over to Meredith, wrapping her in warm embraces, while Derek's mother pulled him into a hug, her eyes misty with happiness.

After dinner, when they were back home, Meredith made a round of video calls to share the news with her own family. Mer's siblings were thrilled, squealing with excitement on the other end of the line. Even Ellis and Thatcher, her parents, were genuinely happy, sharing their love and support.

That night, as Meredith and Derek lay in bed, the excitement from the day's celebrations still lingering, Meredith placed a hand on her growing belly, feeling a deep sense of peace and joy. Derek pulled her close, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"We're so lucky," he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude.

Meredith smiled, her heart full. "Yes, we are."

In that quiet moment, surrounded by love and the promise of a new beginning, they both knew that this was just the start of a beautiful new chapter for their family.