Unexpected Love

Chapter 32

Two days after Sean's dramatic entrance into the world, Meredith was discharged from the hospital. Though still weak, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief as Derek wheeled her to the car with Sean snug in his car seat. Crystal skipped alongside them, her excitement bubbling over.

"Is he going to sleep in my room?" Crystal asked as Derek carefully buckled the car seat into place.

"Not just yet, sweetheart," Derek said with a chuckle. "Sean will stay in the nursery for now. But you'll have plenty of time to help take care of him."

Crystal nodded enthusiastically, climbing into her own seat. "I'll teach him everything. Like how to color and how to swim."

Meredith smiled softly, her heart swelling as she looked back at her daughter. "I think he's lucky to have you as his big sister."

When they arrived home, Carolyn was waiting on the front porch with balloons and a welcome banner Crystal had helped her make. She greeted them with hugs and quickly helped Derek carry the baby gear into the house.

"Welcome home, Sean," Carolyn cooed, peeking into the car seat as Sean blinked up at her sleepily.

Inside, the living room had been transformed into a cozy recovery space for Meredith, complete with blankets, pillows, and a stocked baby station. Derek gently settled her on the couch while Carolyn carried Sean over, placing him in her arms.

"Everything's ready," Carolyn said. "I stocked the fridge, and the nursery is set. You just focus on resting, Meredith."

Meredith sighed contentedly, leaning into Derek's shoulder as she cradled Sean. "Thank you, Carolyn. And you too," she said, glancing at Derek. "I don't know how I'd do this without you."

"You won't have to," Derek said, kissing her temple.

As the evening settled in, Crystal was busy showing off her big-sister skills. She sat next to Meredith, holding Sean's tiny hand while Meredith fed him.

"Can I help change his diaper later?" Crystal asked eagerly.

"We'll see," Derek said, laughing. "It's not as fun as it sounds, believe me."

Crystal wrinkled her nose but stayed resolute. "I still want to help."

After Sean was burped and tucked into the bassinet for a nap, Crystal brought Meredith a drawing she had made: their family, complete with a tiny baby in Meredith's arms.

"I made this for you," Crystal said, beaming.

Meredith looked at the picture, her eyes misting over. "It's beautiful, Crystal. I'm going to put it on the fridge so we can see it every day."

Crystal beamed, proud of her contribution.

Later that night, after Carolyn had gone home and Crystal was tucked into bed, Meredith and Derek sat together on the couch, watching Sean sleep in his bassinet.

"You know," Meredith said softly, "for a moment there, I thought we might not make it. That I might not get to see him."

Derek's hand tightened around hers. "Don't say that. You're here, and he's here. That's all that matters now."

Meredith leaned her head against Derek's shoulder, feeling the warmth of his presence. "I just keep thinking about how brave Crystal was. She called 911 like it was nothing."

"She takes after her mom," Derek said, his voice full of admiration.

Meredith laughed lightly, though tears filled her eyes. "She's going to be such a great big sister."

"And you're going to be an incredible mom to both of them," Derek said, kissing her hair.

As the house grew quiet and the stars twinkled outside, the Shepherd family embraced the start of their new chapter, their hearts full of love and gratitude.