The past hits

Meeting her

They sat like that for a while, the only sounds coming from the clock ticking on the wall and the occasional creak of the house settling. Derek glanced around, taking in the small but meaningful details of their life—photos on the mantel, drawings on the fridge, a well-worn teddy bear tucked into the corner of the couch. This was Meredith's world now, and Ellie's too. He felt like an outsider, but for the first time in a long time, he was determined to change that.

Meredith shifted on the couch, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the blanket. "She's funny, you know," she said quietly, her voice almost reluctant. "She loves animals. Keeps asking me for a dog."

Derek smiled softly. "That doesn't surprise me."

Meredith continued, her tone distant, like she was talking more to herself than to him. "She likes to dance, too. Spins around the living room until she gets dizzy and falls over. She's... happy."

Derek's heart clenched. "She sounds amazing."

"She is," Meredith said, her voice firm. Then, after a pause, she added, "But she's also sensitive. If she feels like something's wrong, she'll know. That's why..." She trailed off, her gaze dropping to her lap.

"That's why I'll take it slow," Derek finished for her. "I'll follow your lead."

Meredith nodded, though her face remained guarded. "Good."

The conversation lulled again, but the air between them felt slightly less charged. Derek leaned back in his chair, allowing himself a small moment of hope. This was more than he expected when he showed up; it was more than he deserved.

At exactly 8:03, a small voice called from down the hall. "Mommy?"

Meredith tensed, her eyes locking with Derek's. "Stay here," she said quickly, standing and heading toward Ellie's room. Derek watched her go, his heart racing. This was it—the moment he'd been waiting for.

A few minutes later, Meredith returned, holding Ellie in her arms. The little girl, with her blond curls and sleepy eyes, clung to her mother, her head resting on Meredith's shoulder.

Ellie's eyes widened when she saw Derek. She whispered something into Meredith's ear, and Meredith hesitated before responding softly, "That's Derek, sweetie."

Ellie stared at him for a long moment, her thumb in her mouth. Derek felt like his heart might break from the weight of her gaze. Finally, she spoke, her voice quiet but curious. "Hi."

Derek smiled, his throat tight. "Hi, Ellie."

Ellie didn't say anything else, but she didn't hide her face either. Meredith sat back down on the couch, keeping Ellie close. The little girl's eyes darted between her mother and Derek, her tiny brow furrowed in thought.

"She's shy with new people," Meredith said, her tone a little softer now. "It'll take time."

"I'm not going anywhere," Derek replied gently.