Unexpected Love

Chapter 24

At four months pregnant, Meredith found herself navigating the delicate balance of work, family, and preparing for her boards. It was a whirlwind, each day a careful dance between her growing responsibilities as a surgeon, her commitment as a mother figure to Crystal, and the intense preparation needed for the upcoming exam. Sitting in the living room late at night, surrounded by piles of study materials, Meredith couldn't believe the sheer volume of work she was managing. Her hand rested on her belly as she leaned back, glancing over the flashcards Derek had made for her.

Derek had been a constant pillar of support during this time, taking on much of the household duties and making sure Meredith had everything she needed. He encouraged her to focus on studying, even if it meant stepping back from some of her regular duties. He took Crystal to school, cooked dinner most nights, and kept their home as peaceful as possible. After long shifts at the hospital, he'd stay up late with her, going over practice questions and reviewing cases from his own board days.

"Alright, one more," Derek said, leaning forward with a mock-serious expression, holding up a flashcard. "A patient comes in with sudden vision loss in one eye and severe headaches. What do you suspect?"

Meredith gave him a tired but determined smile, her mind churning through the possibilities. "It could be temporal arteritis...or an ocular migraine, but with sudden vision loss, I'd lean toward temporal arteritis."

Derek's grin widened. "Correct! See, you've got this, Mer."

Meredith let out a small sigh of relief, rubbing her temples. "Sometimes it feels like I'm barely keeping it together. Between the hospital, studying, and Crystal..." She trailed off, a faint look of worry in her eyes. "I just want to do well, for all of us."

Derek reached over, taking her hand in his. "You're already doing more than enough. Crystal adores you, and you're managing to balance it all. I'm so proud of you, Mer. And besides, you did this once before—you were an incredible surgeon during your general surgery fellowship, and you're going to crush this too."

Meredith smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude for him. He always seemed to know just what to say to calm her fears and lift her spirits. They took a short break, and Derek wrapped his arm around her, letting her rest her head on his shoulder.

In the mornings, as Derek prepared Crystal's bento box and made breakfast, Meredith often took the time to squeeze in a few more minutes of review. She kept a notebook of quick facts and figures, carrying it with her even on rounds, flipping through pages whenever she had a spare moment. Though it was exhausting, she was determined to pass and show herself she could do it all.

Crystal, sensing the importance of the boards to Meredith, had become a little cheerleader of sorts. Every morning, she'd flash Meredith a bright smile and say, "Good luck studying today, Mom! You're gonna be amazing!" The first time Crystal had called her "Mom," it had nearly brought Meredith to tears, filling her with renewed purpose and a fierce dedication to do her best.

As the exam day approached, Meredith found herself getting into a rhythm. Despite the added physical fatigue from pregnancy, she managed to keep up. The baby's gentle kicks were a constant reminder that she was carrying not just one, but two beautiful futures—her own, and her family's.

On the night before the boards, Derek prepared a quiet dinner for them at home. He dimmed the lights, creating a calm, cozy atmosphere, wanting her to feel relaxed. As they ate, he held her hand and reminded her that no matter what happened the next day, he was proud of her.

"You're incredible, Meredith," he said softly, gazing into her eyes. "No matter what, remember that you have a family who loves you, and we're all rooting for you."