Disclaimer- I do not own Life with Derek or anything affiliated with it!
A/N-The years go from when the story itself stopped. So when it says one year later, it means a year after the end of the story. This is for the whole thing too, so even when it says 12 years later, that means after the story, not 12 years after the last segment.
Epilogue
2 Years Later
"Dad," Becca whispered. Derek rolled over in bed and his eyes met Becca's, who was standing next to the bed.
"Yeah," he said, sleepily.
"I had a nightmare," she breathed. He sighed and moved over in the bed, being careful of Casey, who was fast asleep. Becca crawled into the bed and he sighed again.
"Becca, this is your third nightmare in the past week," he said.
"I know but they keep coming back," she told him. Becca was alright now but feeling more vulnerable because of Casey's condition, as they were calling it now.
"Becca, you know I love you and that mommy loves you too but you're a big girl, which is why you need to sleep in a bed by yourself," he told her. She was silent for a few moments before she spoke, her voice showing her fear.
"Daddy, when the new baby comes, am I still going to be your favorite little girl," she asked.
"Oh Becca, you are always going to be one of my favorite girls. Your mom is one of my favorite girls and if the baby is a girl, she will be one of my favorite girls. But the baby will not change how much mom or I love you," Derek told her.
"That's what Joey said," she mumbled.
"Well Joey is very smart," Derek said, proudly.
"Not really, remember dad, he got a D on his spelling test," she reminded him.
"That's because he didn't study. Studying is very important, remember, that is why your mother got such good grades, she used to study all the time. Non stop," Derek told Becca.
"Shut up," Casey whispered.
"You awake," he asked.
"No," she answered and Becca giggled.
"I think I'm going to sleep in my own bed now," Becca told him.
"Good girl," he said as she got out of the bed.
"Love you mommy…love you daddy, good night," she said as she walked out of the room.
"Love you Becca," Derek said. He turned back to the way he been lying to find himself colliding into Casey, who had moved. He arranged himself around her carefully. He stared at her as she lay there. He slowly pressed his hand on her abdomen, that was now quite large. She was seven months pregnant. Derek kept his hand to her stomach and was rewarded when after a few moments, he felt a nudge. He smiled and felt a hand stroke his cheek. He looked up to see Casey watching him with a smile on his face.
"He knew you were waiting," she whispered.
"How can you be so sure it's a boy?" he asked.
"Because I just do," she said, shrugging.
"If we have a girl, I am going to laugh," he whispered.
"Why would you say that?" she asked, annoyed.
"Because it would be so funny," he insisted.
"I want a boy…another little Derek," she said smiling.
"I don't care either way. A baby is just really good," he told her.
"Good?! That is the adjective you are choosing to use," she exclaimed, annoyed.
"Umm...great," he tried. She huffed and quickly turned. He was startled that she could turn so fast with the extra bulk. He chuckled softly under his breath and moved closer to her. He slipped his arm around her, resting his hand on her stomach.
"It's awesome, wonderful, magnificent, and perfect," he whispered before he kissed her softly on the back of her neck.
"Go to sleep," she ordered. He pressed his lips to her neck again and she moved so she was facing him. She pressed her lips to his and he smiled against her lips.
"Now I can sleep," he murmured after she pulled her mouth away.
4 Years Later
Mom it's not a big deal," Joey said.
"Yes it is. Your first date is a huge deal. I still remember my first date to this very day," Casey replied. Joey was in the living room, trying to explain to his mother that there was no reason for her to be taking pictures of him and his date tonight. He was going to the movies with a girl named Madelyn Walker. He had been talking about her for weeks and finally, he was getting his chance.
"Anyways mom, dad is coming with me to get her and is dropping us off," Joey said.
"Who was your first date?" Derek asked Casey.
"Anthony Topers," Casey said with a smile, causing Derek's eyes to narrow.
"Was he cute?" Becca asked from where she sat on the couch, reading a magazine
"Yes, he was," Casey answered and Derek rolled his eyes. Two year old Noah walked slowly over to his mother and she pulled the brown haired boy into her lap. He had her blue eyes but Derek's mischievous grin.
"I bet you Anthony Topers was the biggest dork in your school," Derek said.
"I married an even bigger dork," she retorted.
"At least he's cute," Derek muttered.
"You guys, can we focus here," Joey exclaimed.
"Fine, you want to ruin one of my biggest moments as a parent, go ahead, leave! Your father will bring you," Casey said, pouting.
"Mom," Joey said.
"What?" she snapped.
"Joey, back away," Derek warned. Casey was pregnant with their fourth child and Derek was well versed in her behavior.
"Mom, you know I love you, I just think that it is best if we don't make a big deal out of this," Joey told her.
"I bet her mom gets to take pictures," Casey remarked.
"Fine, if her mom takes pictures, then I will ask her if you can have copies," Joey said.
"Really?" she asked, wistfully.
"Yes," he replied. She set Noah on the floor and went over to Joey. She hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead. She tousled his hair after and sat back down, pulling Noah back into her lap.
"Mom, you messed up my hair," Joey complained.
"You look fine," Casey told him.
"You look stupid," Becca mumbled, causing Derek to laugh.
"I look stupid," Joey repeated, his face showing his worries.
"No you don't Joey, she is joking," Casey said, sending Becca a glare.
"Yeah Joey, you look good kid but we should probably getting going," Derek said standing up.
"Okay, I'm leaving," Joey said.
"Have fun," Becca told him.
"Be good," Casey told him.
"Sure, sure," he replied.
"Love ya," Joey muttered.
"Love you too," Casey called after him as he left the room.
- - -
"What did he tell you," Casey asked Derek urgently as he climbed into the bed next to her.
"Casey, go to sleep," Derek said, amused.
"Please Derek, I need to know," she said. Derek lay down and Casey snuggled up against him.
"Casey I'm not telling you anything," Derek said as he closed his eyes.
"I promise not to tell him you told me," she whispered. He opened his eyes and studied her.
"Casey, if I tell you, will you go to sleep," he asked.
"Yes I will," she vowed.
"Fine, he kissed her," Derek said closing his eyes.
"Oh my god," she gasped.
"Where? When?" she asked.
"On her doorstep when I dropped her off," Derek answered, opening his eyes to see Casey's watering.
"Case, what's wrong?" he asked, worried. He rubbed her back soothingly and she smiled.
"I'm fine, really, its just, he's growing up so quickly. They all are growing up so fast," she said as he wiped the tears on her face.
"Casey, Joey is only thirteen and Becca is ten. Noah is three and you are pregnant I don't think you have to worry about running out of people to take care of for a while. Even when they all leave, you will still have me," he told her.
"You? Oh goodness," she mumbled as she buried her face against his chest.
"You can take care of me for as long as you want," he muttered.
"Good," she whispered.
5 Years Later
"Hey little thing," Casey cooed to Charlotte. Derek watched from where he leaned against the doorway of the room. If he knew one thing, it was that he loved Casey MacDonald more than he could possibly love one person. Watching her now with their daughter made his heart swell with joy. He swore that Charlotte was Casey's exact match, expect for her large brown eyes.
"Aren't you just the prettiest baby ever," Casey whispered as she held Charlotte close to her. Charlotte reached up and pulled on a piece of Casey's hair. Casey laughed and pulled it gently from her small fist.
"No Charlotte," she scolded, the tone she used showed that another pull would have not mattered.
"Be a good girl," Casey told her. Charlotte giggled and Casey's smiled widened. Derek walked quietly over to them and slipped his arm around her waist.
"Hey," he whispered.
"Hi," she saidm, smiling.
"Look Charlotte, its daddy," Casey said. The baby looked at him and a smile lit up her face as she reached her hand out to him. He removed one of his hands from Casey's waist and let her grab his finger.
"Dada," Charlotte gurgled.
"Yep Charlotte, that's daddy," Casey said grinning.
"I told you she knew which was which," Casey said proudly to Derek.
"Mama," she said, while still looking at Derek, causing him to laugh and Casey to frown.
"Oh Charlotte," Casey mumbled as she kissed the baby on her head.
"Casey, she's a baby don't worry," Derek said.
"I know, I know," Casey mumbled. They stood there together, waiting until Charlotte fell asleep. When she finally did, Derek had to practically force Casey to set her down.
"Mommy!" a small voice yelled.
"Noah," Casey whispered as she went to his room quickly. She opened the door and looked into the room which was dimly lit with a nightlight in the corner of the room next to his bed. Derek sighed as Casey walked quickly to Noah who was sitting up, tears in his eyes.
"Oh my little baby, what happened?" Casey said as she sat down on his bed hugging him.
"I 'hiccup' had a 'hiccup' bad dream," Noah told her.
"Oh well, don't worry sweetie, it was just a dream, mommy's here now," she reassured him. Derek walked over to them and sat down on the edge of the bed, watching them with a smile on his face. Noah looked over at him and hiccupped.
"Hey daddy," Noah said. Derek couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips at the sight of the small boy in Casey's arm. He was a replica of Derek except for his eyes.
"Come here," Derek said and Noah scrambled out of Casey's arms and into Derek's. Casey leaned against the bed and watched her husband and son. Derek held Noah in his arms and after a few minutes, he fell asleep but so did Casey. When Derek looked up, Casey was sleeping and he couldn't help but think of his plans for the evening that had gone completely awry. He lay Noah down carefully and gently before gently picking up Casey. He carried her to their room and laid her down on their bed. Even though his earlier plans had gone completely wrong when Nora got sick and the kids had to come home, he wouldn't trade any of this life or them for the life he had known after he had given Casey up. This was where he belonged.
7 Years Later
"Get back here right now," Casey demanded. She was angry. It was obvious from the red of her cheeks and the hands that were at her sides clenched. Derek grinned at her trying hard not to laugh.
"Casey baby," he said.
"Don't baby me," she said. Her shirt was soaked, due to his great control with the hose in their backyard. He could hear Joey laughing and Becca trying not to. Noah was watching his mother carefully and cautiously. Joey was sixteen now, Becca was thirteen years old, Noah was five and Charlotte was three.
"Daddy, you in trouble," Charlotte said grinning. He picked up Charlotte and put her in front of him.
"Protect daddy Char," he said and she giggled.
"Derek, put her down," Casey told him, sternly.
"Not unless you promise not to hurt me," he said.
"Put her down," Casey retorted.
"Casey, I love you," he said.
"Derek, put Charlotte down," she demanded. Derek put Charlotte down carefully and she ran over to Joey. Joey was easily her favorite sibling and he doted on her. Joey pulled her into his lap and watched his parents grinning. Derek backed away from her his hands up in a sign of defeat. Casey moved forward while Becca walked around them in her bikini that Casey had told her several times she wasn't allowed to wear. She had bought it while out with her friends.
"Casey, I love you," he repeated.
"Really?" she asked.
"Yep," he answered, smiling as he lowered his hands. She was stepping closer, smiling.
"Good, it will be easier for you to forgive me," she said before she pushed him fully clothed into the small kiddie pool behind him. All the kids started laughing while Casey stood over him, smirking. Charlotte slipped out of Joey's lap and jumped into the small pool. Derek laughed as she splashed him, grinning.
"Have you learned your lesson," Casey asked Derek as he adjusted the strap of Charlotte's bright pink bathing suit.
"Yes I have, now can you help me out," he asked, holding out his hand. She took it, sighing and he grinned before he pulled her into the pool. She landed on top of him and his grin grew as he heard their children laugh. Casey was almost as soaked as him now.
"I forgive you now," he said and she rolled her eyes.
"Mommy, you in the pool now too!" Charlotte giggled.
"Yep Mommy in the pool but guess what? Daddy is going to be on the couch tonight all by himself," Casey said, leaning to tickle Charlotte.
"You have got to be kidding me," Derek groaned.
9 Years Later
"You must be so proud!" a woman Casey barely knew gushed. The woman was one of Joey's friend's moms.
"We are very proud," Casey replied smiling. It was Joey's graduation/going away party. He was leaving for a full scholarship to Princeton.
"Of course everyone has always said what a great baseball player he is! I bet Dad is thrilled," the woman said.
"Derek is very happy," Casey said.
"Of course having him go so far away must be hard. I mean all the way to the USA, he won't be able to come home on the weekends I suppose," she remarked.
"Well, he will come home on the holidays and this is what he wants to do, so we are going to support him a hundred percent," Casey said but as she spoke the idea of her first son so far away, made her tears come to her eyes.
"Could you excuse me for just a moment," Casey asked and the woman nodded her head. Casey left the packed background and went inside. She was surprised when she heard two familiar voices in the living room, arguing. She went into the living room to see Derek and Joey watching some kind of game on the television.
"Derek and Joey!" Casey exclaimed.
"Shit," Joey muttered as they both stood up.
"What are you two doing in here?! This is supposed to be your party! All your friends and family are in there and you two are in here watching a game!" she exclaimed.
"Sorry mom," Joey said. She watched as they both walked by her. Derek stopped and let Joey go ahead of him. Once Joey was outside, Derek turned to look at Casey.
"Sorry, we were just hanging and spending some time together," he said, sheepishly.
"He leaves in two months, you have plenty of time for that," she said.
"Then why are we having a going away party now?" Derek asked, earning a dirty look from Casey.
"Get outside now mister," Casey said and Derek laughed as he took her hand in his. He pulled her outside where immediately Joey, Charlotte, and Noah came up to them. Charlotte was in Joey's arms. They knew when he left it, would be hard for all the kids but hardest for Charlotte.
"You will not believe what Becca brought home," Joey said.
"What?" Casey asked.
"She's waiting for you in the driveway," Joey said. The kids turned and went in that direction, with their parents following closely. When they got to the driveway, Derek swore.
"What the fuck is this?" he muttered.
"Derek," Casey scolded, frowning. In their driveway, was Becca with a guy that looked Joey's age. It didn't help that he was leaning against a car. He was cute that was for sure but Derek evaluated the situation and immediately didn't like him. He was tall, lanky really, with brown curls. He was looking at Becca with a smile and his eyes filled with obvious affection for the girl in his arms. He didn't like the way Becca was leaning into him...so at ease. Becca was fifteen and this guy could drive.
"Not happening," Derek muttered. Becca noticed them and stepped away from the boy.
"Dad…mom. Umm...this is Adrian," she said.
"Adrian?" Derek said.
"Yeah, Adrian. He...ummm...works at the rink where I ice skate," Becca explained.
"Hmm...how old is Adrian?" Derek asked as if he wasn't there.
"Seventeen sir," Adrian answered before Becca did.
"Driving already Adrian?" Adrian said.
"Yep. I started on the Zamboni at work," Adrian told him.
"Interesting, really interesting," Derek said as he tapped the hood of his car.
"I'm Casey and this is Derek," Casey said then, offering her hand to Adrian. He shook it, smiling.
"Do you go to school with Joey?" Casey asked, curiously.
"Actually, I go to the vocational school," Adrian said.
"Oh, I see," Casey said.
"So you two dating or something," Derek asked bluntly, causing Joey to laugh. Becca sent Joey a look, causing him to stop quickly.
"Yes we are," Becca answered.
"Oh I see...well that could be a problem, now couldn't it," Derek said, smiling.
"How so?" Becca asked.
"Because I don't think you are allowed to date him. Casey, do you remember ever giving permission for dating because I didn't," Derek said, crossing his arms. Joey's face was red from containing his laughter.
"Well, I mean, we didn't tell her she couldn't date," Casey said, causing Charlotte to smile.
"Exactly…wait, what? Are we not on the same page? Umm...Joey please help me out here," Derek said.
"No dating," Joey said.
"You aren't my parent," Becca remarked.
"Noah," Derek said.
"No dating," Noah yelled.
"Charlotte," Derek said.
"No dates," Charlotte yelled.
"This is so not fair," Becca said.
"Now Derek, I think that maybe this is a not so bad idea, I mean, he works at the rink, that's good. And a two year difference isn't that much. He has a job, that's good," Casey said.
"Are you crazy?" Derek asked Casey.
"Wait dad, I got this. Adrian, what do you play?" Joey asked.
"Umm...hockey," Adrian answered confused.
"He's good," Joey said.
"Hockey, not too bad," Derek muttered.
"I've actually watched most of your games. You are such a great offense hockey player Mr. Venturi," Adrian said.
"I like this kid," Derek said to Casey, who rolled her eyes. Derek put his arm around Adrian's shoulders.
"Let's get this man some food and while we do that, we can talk about your intentions," Derek said as they walked.
"My intentions?" Adrian said.
"Yeah, your intentions and my daughter, you know, the sweet innocent girl over there. Yeah, you do anything to make her not sweet and innocent and well, we may have a problem my friend," Derek told him.
12 Years Later
"I look fat," Becca exclaimed.
"No, you don't sweetheart you look beautiful," Casey assured. It was the day of Becca's senior prom and everyone was in her room. Joey's school had gotten out for vacations and he was on her bed, watching them and certainly amused. He was twenty-one now and just looking at him made Casey feel old. He looked so much like Derek, it was annoying.
"You look annoyed," he commented.
"You look beautiful," eight year old Charlotte said from where she sat on the floor.
"You look weird," ten year old Noah mumbled from her desk chair.
"Weird?!" Becca exclaimed, looking in the mirror once again. She was wearing a long, simple green-bluish dress that brought her eyes. Her hair was in small curls that were pinned up.
"In a good way," Noah said, quickly.
"How can you be weird in a good way?" Becca asked.
"Stop fighting. Adrian is going to think you look beautiful," Casey assured her. Quite to everyone's surprise but Derek's, Adrian and Becca were still dating. Adrian had graduated but was going to a college nearby on a hockey scholarship. Any spare moment they had was spent together.
"I still can't figure out how you managed to get him to go to prom," Joey said, laughing.
"It didn't take that much coercing," Becca replied with a smirk.
"Okay, gross," Joey said.
"What did I say?" she asked laughing.
"It's what you didn't say," Joey mumbled. Derek walked into the room and frowned.
"Who's she," Derek said, looking at Becca.
"Very funny," Becca said.
"No, I'm serious. Who are you? This is my daughter's room and if she sees you here, she is going to throw a total fit and today is her prom day so I wouldn't want to do that," Derek teased.
"What do you think?" she asked him.
"Absolutely beautiful," he told her.
"You have to say that, you're my dad," she said.
"True but could you imagine the uproar this would cause if I said absolutely ugly," he said, causing her to laugh.
"There we go. Now breathe because you can't go to prom not breathing, it just doesn't work. Ask your mom," Derek said, with a grin at Casey.
"Wait, you and mom went to prom together," Becca asked, surprised.
"Yeah, of course we went as friends in some people eyes but whatever," Derek said.
"Interesting Venturi history," Becca observed.
"I'm taking notes," Joey joked.
"Hey mom, dad, did you know that Joey has a girlfriend," Becca said then, causing Joey to sit up.
"Big mouth," he muttered darkly.
"A what?" Casey said, turning quickly from Becca to look at Joey.
"Yeah I was going to tell you about that but I...ummm...forgot," he said as he ran his hand through his hair.
"You forgot?" Derek said.
"Well yeah but don't worry we,well, she, is coming down here to see me and meet you all. I already met her family," Joey stammered.
"You met her family but we didn't even know she existed!" Casey exclaimed.
"Well I just wanted to be sure it was going to last before I brought it all up," Joey told them.
"How long you have you two been dating?" Derek asked.
"Well, we met when I first got there. She lives in my dorm but we didn't start dating until the beginning of this school year. We were just friends at first but...you know," Joey explained.
"So when is she coming?" Casey asked.
"In two weeks," Joey answered.
"Wait, where is she going to sleep?" Derek asked suddenly.
"Well, I was thinking, I mean, it's not that big a deal if she sleeps in my room…with me," Joey stammered.
"Keep dreaming," Casey told him.
17 Years Later
"Are you insane?" twenty six year old Joey exclaimed as he tried to hold his daughter in one arm and gesture with his hands towards his fifteen year old sister. Charlotte was rolling her eyes at him. Allison, seeing that Joey was about to drop their daughter, quickly walked over and took the one year old from him. Allison was the girl that Joey had brought home. Luckily for him, his family had fallen in love with the red haired green eyed girl. She was just a much family as Adrian, who was now Becca's fiancé. Allison and Joey had gotten married two years ago and had Savannah shortly after.
"Joey, please shut up your giving me a headache," Derek told him. Derek was sitting on the couch next to Casey while Joey stood in the middle of the room. Becca, 23 years old, was in Adrian's lap while he sat in the armchair. 17 year old Noah was staring at the TV, bored with the conversation. Next to him, was his girlfriend Mandy, who found the family dynamics "interesting" as she had told them. Noah was the quietest of everyone in the family and Mandy evened him out. She was the first girlfriend he had had that didn't get annoyed with the fact that he had very little to say.
"Aren't we going to take a vote," Joey asked.
"No! This is my choice," Charlotte exclaimed.
"But England is so far away," Joey complained.
"That is why they invited the phone," Charlotte replied.
"You are honestly going to let her do this?" Joey said.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for her and she wants to go," Casey said, sadly. Charlotte had been accepted into an exclusive boarding school in England much to Joey's dismay and Casey's sadness.
"Whatever, go, leave," Joey exclaimed.
"A little overdramatic, don't you think," Derek said, amused.
"I'll tell you this Charlotte, you come back with a tattoo, boyfriend, baby, or drug habit, that's it, we aren't friends," Joey said.
"A drug habit?!" she exclaimed.
"You are the youngest child, which involves a lot of rebelling," Becca pointed out.
"I'm pretty tame," Charlotte said, wryly.
25 Years Later
"What if she changes her mind?" Noah asked, uncharacterically nervous.
"Sweetheart, she isn't going to change her mind," Casey assured him as she fixed his tie. It was his wedding day. His wedding to Mandy, who despite his quiet behavior, had stuck by him.
"Anyways, if she was going to change her mind, she would have done it already," twenty three year old Charlotte said, grinning.
"Can't you go somewhere?" Noah asked, annoyed. Joey and Becca walked into the room and Noah sighed.
"Does everyone have to be in here," Noah asked.
"Yes because our little baby brother is getting married," Becca exclaimed.
"I didn't ruin your wedding day so don't ruin mine," Noah warned.
"Geesh, feisty today, aren't we," Joey commented, with a grin.
"This is ridiculous," Noah mumbled.
"You almost ready?" Derek said as he walked into the room.
"Just about," Casey said as she finished fixing his tie.
"There, perfect," she said, stepping back to look him over.
"Aww! Doesn't little Noah look so cute!" Becca teased.
"I don't like you…any of you," he mumbled.
"You know you love us," Joey said.
"Come on, let's get this show on the road," Charlotte said. The kids started to leave the room and when Casey went to leave too, Derek pulled her back, slipping his arm around her wait.
"One more down, two done and one left to go," he whispered in her ear.
"I didn't realize this was a game," she said, laughing.
"Oh it is because remember, once you are done worrying about them, I get you all to myself," he muttered.
"Derek, none of them live at home," she pointed out.
"Yet they are always there. Once everyone is married off, we are locking the doors and not letting anyone in," he said.
"Are you going to hold me hostage," she asked.
"That's the plan," he told her.
"What about holidays? Do I get those off?" she asked.
"I suppose," he whispered before he kissed the back of her neck. She turned in his arms so she was facing him and kissed him hard on the lips.
"I love weddings," she said, after she pulled away her eyes bright.
"I love you," he replied.
"How sweet. I suppose I love you too, I guess a return at this point would be pointless," she said.
"A return for who? Anthony Topers," Derek joked.
"Oh goodness, let's go," she said. He didn't let go of her though, instead, he held her tighter.
"What?" she asked, surprised at his behavior.
"Nothing," he said as he stared at her.
"Derek," she said.
"I really do love you," he told her.
"I know and I love you too. I would never return you," she promised.
He smiled at her and let go of her, grabbing her hand. He pulled her out of the room and to their seats. As they watched their youngest son get married, he found himself saying the words as the minister did. When the I dos came, he looked over at Casey and said I do as Noah did, causing Casey to blush just as she had at their own wedding because the words he said were just as true now as they had been twenty six years ago.
(A/N-Hope you liked it!! I want to say thank you to everyone who read, alerted and/or favorited and reviewed for this story. I am so glad you all enjoyed it!! Now if you could please review one last time so we can break the 200 mark I would be so happy!! Bye for the last time on the Borrowed Family!!)