My own version of Merder's fanfic story.
PS. This is my first time writing a story and I'm not really good in medical terms. Thank you and I hope you like it.
As the weeks passed, Meredith settled into the rhythm of maternity leave, her days marked by preparing for their baby's arrival and gradually adjusting to the idea of this new chapter in their lives. Derek had taken to arranging his schedule to be home as often as possible, and his quiet gestures of care—small gifts, extra pillows, her favorite tea—made her feel loved and reassured. She hadn't expected to enjoy this downtime as much as she did, but the excitement building between them made everything feel fresh and full of promise.
One morning, Meredith was lounging on the couch, sorting through a pile of parenting books that Carolyn had gifted her, when Derek walked in, holding two cups of coffee. He handed her a steaming mug of decaf and smiled, settling down beside her.
"How's my favorite mom-to-be?" he asked, leaning in to kiss her temple.
She chuckled. "Your favorite, huh? I hope there isn't much competition."
Derek laughed, slipping his arm around her. "None at all. Besides, you're holding the title pretty strongly."
As they sat together, their quiet moment was interrupted by the clatter of little footsteps coming down the stairs. Crystal, her face alight with curiosity, darted into the room. "Mom, Dad!" she called, her smile widening. "Can we go look at baby things today? I saw the cutest little onesies at the mall the other day!"
Meredith grinned. Crystal had been fully invested in her role as future big sister, offering a steady stream of baby name suggestions and always on the lookout for the newest baby gear. "You know, Crystal," Meredith said, her eyes twinkling, "we were actually thinking of picking up a few more things for the nursery today. How about you help us choose?"
Crystal's face brightened, and she did a little dance of excitement. "Yes! I already have ideas, Mom. Just you wait."
The three of them spent the morning going through baby stores, with Crystal excitedly pointing out soft blankets, patterned onesies, and a range of little toys. She made sure everything she selected had a practical, thoughtful reason. "The baby will need soft blankets, right? And lots of books!" she said, holding up a stack of small board books.
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Meredith watched her thoughtfully. Crystal's enthusiasm was contagious, and her careful thoughtfulness warmed Meredith's heart. Derek caught her gaze and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
After a successful shopping spree, they decided to stop at a nearby café, taking a table by the window to enjoy the afternoon light. Crystal busied herself with one of her new books while Derek and Meredith shared a quiet moment, their mugs of tea warming their hands.
"You know," Derek murmured, "it's going to be amazing watching her become a big sister. She's already so attached."
Meredith smiled, watching Crystal's focused expression. "She's going to be great. I just feel so lucky to have this—to have us, together, building this family."
Derek leaned over, kissing her softly. "It's more than I could have dreamed of, Mer."
The warmth of their family moment stayed with them as they returned home, filling the nursery with their new finds. Crystal helped set everything up, carefully placing the toys and books with great attention to detail.
That evening, as they settled in for a cozy night, Meredith felt her heart swell with gratitude. She was surrounded by love, laughter, and anticipation—moments she knew she'd remember for a lifetime. And as she lay beside Derek that night, she knew their family's story was only just beginning.
One morning, after Derek left for an early surgery and Crystal went off to school, she decided to order a few more things for the nursery online—a couple of adorable swaddling blankets she'd been eyeing, a soft blue mobile, and a custom wall decal with the baby's name. She still hadn't completely adjusted to maternity leave, and her thoughts often drifted to her patients and the cases she was missing. Yet, she could feel her heart softening with each passing day, her focus shifting more and more toward the little one on the way.
Carolyn stopped by that afternoon, bringing a homemade chicken casserole and setting it in the kitchen with her usual ease. "I thought I'd keep you company today, Meredith," she said, giving Meredith's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "And, if I'm being honest, Derek may have asked me to make sure you were taking it easy."
Meredith rolled her eyes, smiling. "Of course he did. He's been so protective these last few weeks, practically fussing over every step I take."
Carolyn laughed, her voice warm. "It's just his way of showing how much he cares. That boy of mine has always loved deeply—now he has his whole world right here with you and Crystal."
They spent the afternoon talking, with Carolyn offering motherly advice on pregnancy, newborns, and everything in between. Meredith found herself leaning into her advice, surprised at how comforting it felt to have Carolyn around. By late afternoon, Carolyn was flipping through a photo album she'd brought along, pointing out pictures of Derek as a child, and Meredith listened with a wide smile as Carolyn shared stories.
"And this one," Carolyn said, holding up a picture of a young Derek in a Halloween costume. "He was seven and insisted on being a doctor, even back then."
Meredith chuckled, feeling a pang of fondness for the little boy in the photo. "Of course he did. Some things never change."
That evening, Derek and Crystal returned, and Carolyn stayed for dinner, filling their home with warmth and laughter. After Crystal had gone to bed, Meredith and Derek were finally alone, the house quiet except for the occasional creak of the floorboards.
Derek slid his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder as they looked at the finished nursery together. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice soft.
"Grateful," Meredith whispered, leaning into him. "It's funny, but maternity leave is teaching me how to slow down and just... be in the moment. It's not easy for me, but I think I needed this."
Derek kissed her cheek, smiling. "I know you do. And I'll make sure to remind you to enjoy it every day if you need me to."
As they stood together, basking in the quiet joy of the life they were building, Meredith felt a sense of peace settle over her. She was finally ready, she realized, for this next chapter—whatever it might bring.
