Disclaimer: I don't own Grey's Anatomy, et al.

Author's Note: Thanks again to those of you willing to comment on this story, it means a lot. I know several of you have been waiting for Derek's chapter, so … here you go (good things come to those who wait, I guess), so … let me hear from you on this part, please!

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Business Time – Part 6 – Derek Shepherd

"Thanks," Derek said to the room service attendant with a tight smile.

He sighed, twirling his pen in his hand as he closed the door and surveyed the expansive suite again – warm soothing tones of burgundy and camel, decorative swatches alternating throughout the space, nothing haphazard, absolutely everything was aesthetically pleasing … everything – from the mahogany wood furnishings to the sparkling travertine tiles, even the rich backdrop of the city skyline … everything was perfect. He heaved a sigh of relief and approached the small table where the young man had just set out the late night snack he ordered – strawberries, exotic chocolate truffles, champagne, a selection of soft cheeses and crackers, black grapes, apples and honey – he pressed his lips together and placed a fat envelope on the table next to the champagne flutes.

He smiled then, secretly smitten over his clandestine plans – spa treatments; surely Meredith would be surprised and as much as Derek wanted her all to himself, he knew she could us some pampering too – he looked up and his eyes fell on the twinkling skyline then – the silent melody of lights soothed him for a beat – he crossed the small space and headed for the large sliding glass doors. Without thinking, his free hand fell to the small pocket of his pajama bottoms – the ring, Meredith's ring was still there, safe and sound – and right where he felt it was five minutes ago. It was no secret, to himself anyway, that he had become maniacal about the ring within the last hour – ever since he left Richard's – he just wanted to give Meredith this surprise, this one thing – this symbol of their life together and his love for her – and for the blessing of their marriage and their children.

He stood behind the glass and stared at the expansive view of the city, a view not drastically different from Richard's – perched high in the sky, towering above everything that moved beneath him – and then he smiled again – he guessed Mark was right after all, they really could get lost up here – for it was here that he and Meredith would truly escape from that world and spend some time reconnecting, cherishing and remembering their vows to one another … their anniversary … four years in the making. He truly was blessed.

A smile covered his face – even now – as a stock clip of Meredith walking barefoot towards him on the beach at their wedding raced in and out of his head … she was radiant in that moment. An invigorating shiver ripped up and down his spine when his mind careened to their erotic wedding night – peeling the white chiffon empire waist dress from her shoulders, the fabric cascading along the length of her exquisite body, pooling at her feet, the rosy pink tint of her cheeks as her green eyes held him captive – he sighed, even now he remembered thinking in that moment: she was truly a "blushing bride".

And ever since that magical day, they really made time for one another – there were small flecks of memorable moments; a dinner alone here, a lunch there, a lot late nights making love– but true time alone had eluded them – with two hectic careers and two beautifully demanding children – well, uninterrupted time was something of a blessing these days and they planned to make the most of it and then some, because they needed it.

He needed this.

(To do this for her.)

She needed this.

(To do this with him).

They needed this.

(To do this together.)

Now even more than ever – with lots of undefined change coming their way within the next eighteen months – it was no secret they needed this time to regroup, realign and reconnect.

Derek glanced at his watch; he estimated Meredith would arrive on the inside of fifteen minutes. He took a deep breath, opened the door and stepped outside and onto the covered patio there. The air was cold and damp. Unique, hot tufts of his breath twirled up and into the air all around him akin to strands of DNA. He shivered now, having already showered away the soot and mire from the truncated gentlemen's evening – that cold, damp air was unforgiving against his warm skin – and the long sleeve Henley he just put on was hardly enough. The patio tiles were cold and wet and his damp locks stood on end and yet – he wasn't entirely cold, he actually enjoyed the fresh organic air, it reminded him that he was close to home, it smelled like home – with the salty air and the earthy particulates hanging in the humidity – it felt refreshing and it was exactly what he needed at the moment – it was like being on the ferry at the end of the day … home, home, home was right around the corner, for Meredith was almost here.

With that thought, he took another couple of steps and held onto the metal railing before he felt for Meredith's ring again. He smiled at his ridiculousness – he really wanted to see the look on her face, he loved to see her display of emotions, he just wanted to give the ring to her – especially after he added that fifth hopeful stone just last week. Another shiver ripped up and down the full length of his body and a warm sensation of awe filled him up as his mind wandered to those cherished moments only a few weeks ago.

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Derek arrived home to the serene quiet their home had to offer at almost midnight – both of their girls were good sleepers – only ever up if they were sick. Meredith swore she could set her watch by them; they slept for twelve hours … exactly twelve hours. And Derek would be lying if he said he didn't secretly love that about them – such good little ones, he thought now as a smile covered his face.

He slipped his shoes and socks off in the mudroom and entered the kitchen. He hung his coat up, set his case down, grabbed two bottles of water from the refrigerator – noticing now that the new rattle coming from the appliance had only grown louder since the morning – he flipped the small dimmer down, the lights went off and he exited the kitchen, hoping Meredith was still awake so they could spend some time together.

He ascended the hardwood stairs, careful to avoid the creak in the middle of the fourth step as he went. He sighed, he'd had a busy day – a full docket of time in the OR plus transitioning to Richard's position … it was a process and it was painful at times. There were new people to answer to and to please – everyone wanted more from him and more of him – which of course he knew would be the case. For this was the bureaucracy he 'grew up' living … hell, he'd been a surgeon for almost twenty years – he knew what the job of a successful Chief of Surgery entailed … he just didn't want it to redefine him – he was a father and a husband first and not necessarily in that order.

No, the order of things in his life was largely dependent on a moment by moment basis – and so, depending on who was needed … that's who he was for the moment and it seemed to work. He had to compartmentalize his life somewhat, something he believed Richard did not do and somewhere along the line he failed, personally. He missed out. And so years ago, Derek promised himself that if it ever came to this – having a family and being Chief of Surgery – he wouldn't compromise Meredith or their children just to arrive at the pinnacle … the zenith of his career. Rather, he would be who he needed to be for that moment in time – focus on the task at hand – and make time for his family. Over the years, Derek had worked hard at proving to Meredith he was more than just a "taker" and despite her encouraging words and assurances that they would all be "fine" if he took this opportunity, he couldn't help but worry.

Arriving at the top of the steps, Derek headed straight for Poppy's room – his monkey, his love-bug and everything in between – nudging the door with his elbow, he tiptoed inside, his feet sinking into her blushed carpet as he made his way across her room, spying her wild ebony locks peeking from her crib slots – her arms in a halo formation above her head, her palms facing up, her legs out straight – her breathing was easy, predictable … everything it should have been. She was carefree. She was perfect.

He sighed with contentment and stared at her for a moment longer before he almost chuckled aloud … his baby was walking! Walking! Meredith's conflicted tone from her call earlier in the day funneled through his mind – she was frantic, yet proud, she was smitten, yet disappointed – their baby was growing up and there was nothing they could do to stop her! Nine months old … and already walking! Derek backed away from Poppy's crib – knowing better than to touch her – one touch and she would wake up and be ready to party – and so he took one last look at her perfectly flushed cheeks before he turned around and crept out of her room … unnoticed.

Down the darkened hallway he went – illuminated only by a nightlight in the shape of a firefly … a nightlight firefly, apparently something every girl needed! He smiled widely and shook his head – just one more stop, his ritual – this moment where he would 'linger' or as Meredith liked to call him, 'the lingerer' – but Derek didn't care, she could tease him all she wanted, but nothing wouldn't stop him from checking on Lily … from feeling the need breathe her in at the end of the day. He just had to – because she was his big girl, his first baby, his Lily – he stood just inside her doorway now, suddenly startled for the moment by the intrusion of her new furnishings – having just moved her into her "big girl bed" – he wasn't gonna lie, it was weird seeing a full blown bed in her room! He chuckled deep inside; both of his babies were growing up … and way too fast!

He stepped closer to Lily's bed, the guard rails up to keep her safe, he smiled as he took in her sleeping form – her tush pushed up and into the air, (she was a mover in her sleep, always had been) – her head to the side, her hands tucked underneath her small frame, her wild blonde locks covered her forehead. His heart pinched inside his chest. He was in love. Still. She was almost three, his heart swelled. Time was moving too fast! On that thought he set the bottles of water down on her dresser and crossed the room. Carefully he covered her tush with her blanket and stealthily pressed a small kiss to the crown of her precious head – feeling her baby soft hair beneath his lips – all the while breathing her in … ritually closing his day.

He closed his eyes.

Everything was right in the world, he counted to three.

He opened his eyes.

Backing away from his baby, he grabbed the water bottles and headed out of her room, leaving the safe-haven of that enclave … that special place that was unmatched by anywhere else on this earth. There was nothing quite like watching his children sleep – well … watching Meredith sleep was a close second – but the girls … it was another world entirely. He slipped from Lily's room, walking the short distance towards the last door he would pass through – dimly illuminated from the soft lighting found within – it was truly a beacon, coming home, crossing the threshold of the bedroom he shared with his wife … only then did he truly feel he was home.

He pushed the door open and peaked inside – his face softened when he spotted Meredith laying down on the chaise lounge in the far corner of the room. A medical journal lay across her chest; it rose and fell with her steady, even breathing. She was exhausted. And so was he. He smiled. He set the bottles down on his bedside table and crossed the room – a delicate balance of ecru and navy blue, soft satin sheets, deep plush carpet, quiet sconce lighting, just enough, there were no bright lights in their bedroom – everything was calm and peaceful.

Derek stood over his woman now, his everything and took a private moment to "linger" once again – she was so comfortable; with a navy cashmere blanket draped loosely over her lower body, her perfect rosy complexion, the way her wild hair framed her face, the outline of her perfect nipples through the ecru silk camisole she wore – she was a vision, perfection. Derek carefully removed the medical journal and set it down on the glass top side table. He smiled and perched himself on the side of the chaise. Meredith reflexively rolled into his heat. He gathered her into his arms and pressed tiny kisses to her temple – he was finally home, home, home – he felt her relax into him. She smelled dewy, fresh and floral … she hadn't showered all that long ago. He looked down and watched as a small smile formed across her angelic face. She looked up to find him and that's when he saw them: red-rimmed, puffy eyes – green and beautiful nonetheless – but red and puffy too.

His heart sank. She'd been crying.

"Hi," he whispered, his voice cracked through the silence all around them, he moved his hand through her still-damp tresses.

"Hi," she whispered, returning the sentiment, letting her day officially close too.

Her hands flew to his skull where they stayed, keeping him there. Her sudden intensity was halting. His heart trembled; he took a deep breath of their air while she made sure of him. She kissed him. She tasted of toothpaste. There was no doubt in his mind she'd been upset. He pumped his lips over hers again and again, where they became lost in one another for a beat, connecting, tasting … melting.

"I missed you today," he confessed as he typically did when their schedules were disjointed and they didn't see each other at work.

"And I missed you," she said, he found her eyes in the dim shadows – yes … she'd been upset, but she wasn't now – for bright flecks of gold glittered throughout her depths now … tiny trillions, both stunning and beautiful.

Yes … red and … puffy. But still … insanely beautiful. She blinked her fresh tears away, breathed in and released a deep sigh. He watched her emotions bubble to the surface.

"Something has you upset," he sighed, breaking through the silence again – asserting a statement, not a question – his hand still tangled in her hair, he cradled her neck and moved closer, nudging his nose gently against hers, prodding her, willing her to "spill all".

"Yes," she sighed, but abruptly sat up. "No actually … no …," she smiled sheepishly, still treasuring her secret. "I just realized … something …," she whispered and smiled a knowing smile. She found his eyes, reached up and ran her lithe fingertips along his hairline. He leaned into her touch.

"And what was that …," he encouraged with a wry grin. Meredith giggled. He kissed her minty lips, sweeping his tongue along hers.

"Hmm," she sighed before she pressed her lips against his. She fisted his shirt, drawing him in. "That I want what you want … … what you've always wanted," she said softly, catching his eyes with hers, holding him captive again.

He smiled. Lost within her gaze already. Her statement could have meant any number of things, except that it didn't. Derek knew exactly what she meant. His heart pounded against his chest – charging antelopes, leaping impalas … wild horses – her words funneled through his mind in a continuous loop, 'I want what you want'! Her face softened as she watched him work through his own emotions, bubbling … percolating now just like hers. New tears pricked his eyes. He blinked. So did she. Collective tears sprinkled their cheeks now.

"You want another baby," he declared, so softly, so quietly, the wind could have carried his words away. He took a deep breath and tried to quiet his racing heart.

"I do," she sighed, brushing his tears away with her gentle touch, the magical touch he fell in love with. He reached up and held her beautiful skull in his hands.

"Poppy's walking," he mused softly, assuming their baby's triumphant first steps were the catalyst for Meredith's realization.

"She is," she mused with pride, before her eyes went wide. "But … that's not my reason … it was Callie actually …," she offered as an amused smile crossed her face.

"Callie?" he prompted, kissing her lips.

Meredith pulled back and smiled. "Yes … it was a few weeks ago …," she sighed, meeting his curious gaze. "You know that … little pouch?" she asked. Derek cocked his head and smiled, he knew exactly what she was talking about. "That little 'band of baby' that shows up at first, right along here," she elaborated, resting her hand low along her belly.

"Hmm, yeah …," Derek smiled, looking down at Meredith's hand. He rested his on top of hers for a beat. "It's softer … fuller," he said thoughtfully with recollection, he met her gaze again. "So … tell me," he encouraged.

Meredith took Derek's hand and laced her fingers through his. She kept her eyes locked with his. "Callie went up a size in her scrubs," she sighed wistfully with a weak smile. "And I was with her, you know – when she realized – and the thing is …," her voice trailed off. She closed her eyes for a split-second before she opened them again. "I … at first nothing crossed my mind, I mean … but then …," she lost her words but kept her eyes locked with Derek's.

"It hit you …," he prompted gently, keeping a watchful eye on those gold flecks.

"No … not at first …it wasn't until after she left the locker room …," she smiled and shook her head. "She left and I found my hand here – rubbing, you know – expecting something … perhaps longing someone to be there," she whispered, her voice cracked with emotion. Tears stung Derek's eyes; just the thought of another baby was … almost too much.

"Come here," he coaxed, drawing her near, closing the miniscule distance between them. "Come here," he whispered as he kissed his wife, the woman of his dreams – pumping his breathless kisses over her mouth until he felt her submit – until he felt her relax into the moment. "I love you," he managed to say as he pulled back and took a good look at her.

"I love you too," she whispered against his mouth. "So much … so much," she said before she pulsed her lips over his again.

"So this was a few weeks ago … why … why didn't you say anything? "Derek asked;, his head spinning with the prospect of bringing another baby into their family … into their world. He pressed his lips together and watched his beautiful wife.

"Because … I did something instead … to test myself," she sighed with a smile. Derek leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her swollen lips.

"What did you do?" he asked, moving his lips down to her neck.

Meredith craned her head back, he pressed tiny wet kisses to her neck and chest, dipping his mouth lower, pressing his lips and tongue to her breasts and nipples through her camisole. She moaned into the air, encouraging his ministrations. He watched her skin react to his touch – hardened peaks of pleasure formed, crystallized nerves just aching to be suckled – damn, he wanted her! He rested his chin on his hands – his thumbs brushing along her engorged peaks now – as he looked up and into her watchful eyes.

"I didn't pick up my pills at the end of my last cycle …I went off the pill, Derek …," she confessed softly, watching for his first reaction.

Derek smiled. He watched Meredith's cheeks blush. She smiled.

"I figured we had those fourteen days or so until I really had to know … before … you know, I just wanted to test myself and now …," she breathed. "Now we're at the point of no return … I'm …," she sighed nervously.

"Ovulating …," he prompted hopefully, quickly performing some mental acrobatics, he confirmed it was … business time. He smiled widely.

"Hmm, yes," she sighed. "I wanted to be sure because a lot's gonna change Derek – in eighteen months, you'll be the Chief and I don't want anything to stand in your way – and so when I got to thinking … I vacillated," she confessed hurriedly, her eyes swept his, back and forth. He pressed his lips together and waited for her to continue. "I'll admit that much ...I wasn't sure … I just …," she sighed in frustration, trying to verbalize her concerns for the first time out loud.

Derek pressed a kiss to Meredith's lips – a long, breathtaking kiss – one he hoped would quell her fears because this is what he was worried about – this idea that in order to be the Chief of Surgery, their home life would cease to exist – it was this very idea that kept him up at night! He didn't believe his career alone should drive these decisions – she had a career too – and in that moment he once again felt worried that Meredith might give up too much … she was a giver, a perpetual giver in every way and sometimes to her detriment. He just didn't want her to live with regret. And even though it was no secret that he had always wanted plenty of children, their discussions on the topic always concluded the same way: Meredith would take the lead on the number of Shepherd babies to grace this world. He wanted what she wanted; it was as simple as that.

He was thrilled when they had Lily.

Over the moon when Poppy arrived.

He was more than fulfilled by their girls.

Derek pulled away, nipping at Meredith's lips once more before he caught her wild eyes, now alive with passion – where he held her captive for a beat – checking on her, making sure of her this time.

The lovers were breathless, the heat between them permeated the air all around them and all of a sudden … Derek was drunk, drunk on his love for Meredith and their children. He smiled into her eyes, telling her as much without words. He was happy – he wanted what she wanted – he would be happy either way and live without regret. The choice was still hers.

"Meredith …," he sighed, leaning into her heat. "How do you feel now … are you still vacillating?" he whispered, peering down, taking in the sparkle in her eyes – those flecks of gold – and how they danced and sparkled in the dim sconce lighting. She turned into him, sitting up a little bit as she rotated.

"Well …no … I'm ovulating," she teased with a bright smile before she sighed. "We have eighteen months," she sighed again, flanking his skull with her hands. "If we start trying now …," she smiled, letting him know her answer in no uncertain terms. "The baby could be seven or eight months old by the time you're Chief …," she calculated out loud. Derek smiled widely and his heart soared. Meredith's cheeks blushed, beautifully rosy within seconds.

"And the pregnancy and late sleepless nights will be over – all the hard stuff – we can still do … together," he sighed, tears stung his eyes … another baby and just like that, they were "trying".

"Exactly," Meredith murmured. She plucked his lips with hers before she pulled back. "So …," she sighed breathlessly, staring intensely into his gateways now. "Will you make another beautiful baby with me?" she asked softly, so sincerely, so genuinely he fell in love with her all over again.

"Your wish is my command," he husked against her lips and she giggled at his lame joke, before he wasted no time, deepening their kiss, massaging her tongue with his, lapping, nipping and sucking on her lips as tears of joy pricked his eyes. "I love you, so much," he said into her ear before he tugged on her earlobe, brushing his tongue against her soft flesh there, something that drove her crazy.

She squirmed under his touch, kissing his mouth, neck and ears – their urgency for one another growing exponentially within seconds – for the intense emotions of the night and their inherent eagerness for one another would get the better of them … and soon, not that either one would complain.

Meredith's hands found his belt buckle where she stealthily worked it open, pulling his shirttails out in the process. Derek leaned back – taking a good look at his beautiful woman – he smirked, stood up and held his hand out for her. She was standing up in an instant, her mouth on his as she unbuttoned his shirt with her nimble fingers.

And so there they were – once again making their pilgrimage to their marriage bed – thoughts of conception filling their minds as they stumbled backwards, never moving their lips from one another now as Meredith continued to undress Derek while he caressed her baby soft skin, dipping his fingertips under the shoulder straps of her camisole, allowing the silky fabric to fall to her waist. His hands found her breasts where he held them for a beat, testing their weight, rolling her perfectly taut nipples between his thumbs and pointer fingers. Meredith deepened their kiss in response, lapping and sucking on Derek's tongue. God, he wanted to taste her flesh, he wanted to lose himself in her … for there was truly nothing like it!

Meredith sat down on the edge of the bed and Derek stepped between her legs as she finished with his buttons. She looked up and he tossed his shirt to the ground, his undershirt was next. Her hands found his bare chest and her soft lips found his abdomen – nipping at his flesh, darting her tongue out for a taste now – before she moved her way down and pulled his boxers over his ass, releasing his cock into her capable hands. Derek watched her smile in appreciation before she took him fully into her mouth – massaging his cock into a hardened shaft of nerves in no time, eagerly sucking, moaning, nipping and swirling her fantastic mouth and tongue up and down his length – the room literally spun, he could have been standing over her for mere seconds or minutes … he had no idea and he didn't care because sometimes time itself fell away when Meredith had her mouth around his cock.

Derek moaned into the air above them, damn, she felt good! His legs buckled and he felt her firmly press one hand on his ass, gently holding him in place as she sucked and swirled and sucked, while she caressed his sack with her other hand, gently rolling his nerves in her palm. Derek shuddered to her touch as the furious crescendo of his orgasm began to rise – he was losing it and normally he wouldn't care, normally he would consider it 'round one' – but now that they were officially 'trying' … he felt a feral need to cum into and with his beloved wife.

So somewhere in the fog of ecstasy … he quickly he kicked his pants off and reluctantly pulled his cock from the warm depths of her mouth.

Somewhere in the fog of ecstasy … he heard her whine in protest before he lay her on the bed, pressing loving kisses all over her bountiful skin – plucking her ripe nipples, perfectly round and ripe, suck, suck, nip, swirl, swirl – she tasted fresh and clean and familiar, her hands went to his skull.

Somehow in the fog of ecstasy … Derek managed to raise his head and hover over Meredith for a beat where he locked her wild eyes with his before he pulled her camisole and panties down her long lean legs.

And that was that – without another thought or word they were in bed, willingly trapped within that thick fog of ecstasy – caressing, loving, rubbing and embracing their connection and familiarity for now and for all time.

"I want what you want," Derek said softly as he pulled back for a beat and smiled – their energy was everywhere, popping, bouncing, exploding, something he felt every time they made love – but somehow when there was the intention of making a baby, a new element of beauty was added. He noticed this before – how this idea of creation suffused them to one another – it slowed them down, made them take their time and … cherish one another.

Derek's heart stilled even though it raged on, navigating, forging its path within the fog of passion and ecstasy – yes … both Lily and Poppy were born of a cherished moment – and this baby, this work of art, would be no different.

"Derek," Meredith sighed, taking his skull into her hands, he draped his thigh over hers and perched himself up on his elbow. "I love you …another baby …can you believe it …," she sighed from within the bottleneck of her emotion. Her eyes were glassy. "I want another baby," she giggled breathlessly, her eyes shining in the dim light, flecks of gold, sparkling … still sparkling, the most glorious sparkle.

"Me too, me too …," he said, leaning down, he kissed her, his free hand traveling along her ribcage, then to the underside of her breasts. He felt Meredith suck in a deep breath and that was all it took.

His mouth found her nipples and her hands found his skull as he tenaciously went to work, teasing, rubbing, sucking and massaging her flesh and nerves and everything in between. He could feel the heat from her pussy radiating up and all around them – he pressed his steel rod along her thigh before he felt her fist around him there. He moaned into her mouth and she rolled into his heat.

"Take me," she sighed into his neck, draping her thigh over his hip, the heat from her core drew him in, his cock banged and bobbed for entry at her heavenly gates. "Feel me …," she husked, moving his hand between them, she pressed his fingers over her slick clit. She was hot, soaked and hot and ready and waiting.

"Oh God," he husked, sucking on her earlobe, massaging her lobe and clit with the same circular movements. She bucked her hips up causing his finger to slip beyond the precious nerves of her folds. He pumped her pussy for a beat; his hand was drenched with her thick sex in seconds. "Hmm, so damn hot …," he husked, pulling his fingers from her.

Wasting no more time – Derek hovered over his woman, his wife, his everything – 'take me, I'm yours', came her voice again, her hands found his skull, she raised her hips and brushed her pliant seam against his cock – allowing his sensitive head to penetrate her folds – up and down, down and up, she bucked her hips, her legs encircling his waist now. He ducked down, penetrating deeper, feasting on her fleshy breasts as she opened her legs wide and accepted all he had to give and then some.

The lovers moaned – her slick pussy swallowed him whole, guiding him in as Derek filled her up – and then the world as they knew it stopped spinning. And for that moment in time – nerves encircled nerves, muscles encapsulated muscles, skin stretched around skin – there was nothing left … nothing but the stunning fog of ecstasy and the beautiful synergy of them.

The Shepherds. The sum of the parts. Cervix to cock. Creator to creator. Sperm to egg. The parts of the whole. The Shepherds.

As Derek began to move inside of Meredith, the couple became everything to one another once again – eyes remained locked, gazes were fixed, nothing could separate them from their task of creation – he moved her hands above her head and pinned her there, she raised her hips, pulsing her clit against his pelvic bone, her muscles tightened around him and he heard her whine with pleasure. Derek ducked down and struck her wild nipples with his mouth, her breasts moving targets now as he pulsed his cock into her depths over and over again, his tempo … nice and easy, long and hard. Her muscles constricted – she was close, so close – and so was he!

"I want to cum with you …," Meredith whined, he watched her reach down and massage her clit; she lunged up and captured his mouth with hers where she latched on, kissing him senseless. He felt her open her legs wider to raise her hips up and into his pulses. He felt her fingers rub along his rod as she worked her swollen clit while he tenaciously plunged in and out of her endless well, her sex intoxicated him, for it was the air he breathed. Meredith whined and rubbed her fat nub, her fingers brushing along his slick shaft as she went– they were completely lubricated and turned on; he was hard, she was pliant – they were in perfect harmony.

Derek's lips were attached to Meredith's ear where he continually uttered words of adoration and love and awe, he was lost, so lost in the fog, all semblance of time was gone and the world ceased to exist! There was only Meredith and her beautiful pussy and her wild, impassioned eyes and the intoxicating taste of her skin – her muscles clenched around him, hard, fast – and the fog was temporarily lifted when he suddenly became aware of her gasps and intense whines of pleasure. Pulling his mouth from her flesh, he looked down for a beat – and only then was he truly mesmerized – watching his cock sink and reappear, sink and reappear while Meredith's hand moved faster, still manipulating her clit … her eyes also fixated on their machine. God, she was beautiful, her face flushed, her intensity jarring, damn, she was hot!

His pulses matched her strokes.

There was precision.

Her strokes matched his pulses.

There was creation.

"Hmm, that's so hot…watching you, watching us … so hot … you feel … so good," he said thickly. Meredith flicked her clit; Derek grew harder.

"Hmm, so hot – hmm, I love you – I'm so … close, oh, oh …," she breathed; her words hung in the air, barely inaudible. Her muscles clenched. Her hand moved even faster. "Oh God … yes … Derek …," she sang breathlessly, her voice was so raw … so angelic, it was something of another world for sure.

Derek gently pounded into her now, his head submersed deep within the fog again, chanting her name like some kind of religious mantra – and maybe it was, maybe she was – his abdomen came down on her hand now as she worked tirelessly to climax precisely when he did – a furious culmination to create with and around one another – to plant seeds, to cultivate a life …of them.

His orgasm grew and grew and grew, his ass muscles clenched. Meredith yelped as he slammed into her. Derek closed his eyes, her muscles went wild, systematically clenching, pulsing, milking him for all he had now – collecting his seeds, keeping them, holding them – and using them. She rolled her hips up and back; her hands found his skull.

Their eyes found one another as they silently honored one another, cherishing the moment with a kiss upon a kiss upon a kiss – 'I love you, so much, so much, I love you, I love you' – they said in between twirling tongues and smacking lips – 'I love you' – they said simply and breathlessly over and over again on the hope and dream of creating yet another Shepherd baby.

Meredith clasped her feet low around Derek's back, holding him there. His cock began to soften and the familiar sweet essence of their sex wafted up and into the air all around them. Derek pulsed his lips over Meredith's as they opened their mouths to one another again – where their tongues danced lazily with one another like they had all the time in the world, slowly, languidly allowing their body heat to become more even-tempered – while their hearts raged on with untamed love and acceptance and ownership and hope that would never, ever wane.

And so it was there that they stayed; basking in the glow of what would become the first of many beautiful, connective attempts over the next few hours to conceive of the power of them for a … third wondrous time.

###

The fog of ecstasy cleared and Derek smiled now on the not-so-distant memory – they were blessed, right here, right now – they were blessed, they had everything they needed. Both Lily and Poppy added sunlight where there was darkness – the love that he and Meredith had for them – well, it truly was limitless and adding another little Shepherd to love and cherish would only strengthen their family and Derek couldn't wait. His chest expanded and he inhaled a deep breath of the fresh, cool air – salty, organic, raw and heavy – yes, it was just like home and on that thought, Derek heard movement from behind him. He smiled and turned around, completely in awe of his wife.

For there she stood in the doorway – cascades of her blond hair moving in the wind, her alabaster skin glowing against the dim light cast off from the overcast skies above, her deep purple robes open and flowing all around her, the swell of her lace-covered breasts visible beneath her teddy of the same color … her panties … there were no panties – his heart gave out and he smiled at her bravado and sensual appeal and found his cock lengthening by the millisecond as he stood perfectly still and steadied himself against the cold metal railing. She was radiant; she smiled like she had a secret.

"Wow," he breathed. Meredith smiled and twirled around for him; her robes swept up and revealed her perfectly toned derrière. "Wow," he muttered again and this time he willed himself to move.

Meredith giggled and in an instant he was upon her and they were inside their enclave within seconds. His mouth latched on hers without missing a beat – her lips were warm, her tongue moved against his, she tasted of peppermint – he deepened their kiss, pulling her body to his, feeling the billowy silk move through his fingers as it breezed across her skin … the dual sensation was nothing short of divine.

"Hmm, can you believe we're here?" she asked breathlessly, catching his eyes with hers.

He chuckled and planted his lips along the column of her regal neck, her flesh was warm, her heat was surreal – no, he could hardly believe she wasn't a figment of his imagination – still after all these years … life with Meredith was like some kind of dream.

"You're amazing," Derek sighed, holding her close, his heart skipped a beat. "How long have you been here?" he asked into her ear. "And don't tell me you wore this on the ferry," he teased, running his hand along opening to her robe, brushing his fingertips along her bare thigh … moving higher and higher now, he brushed his knuckles along her mound, pressing one finger along her damp seam.

"About five minutes ago," she managed to say into his chest before she looked up and found his unwavering gaze; her eyes sparkled with mischief. He smiled and kissed her perfectly plump lips.

"Hmm, you're beautiful," he murmured sincerely, his heart raced … four years, four years and he still couldn't imagine a day on this earth without her. "I have something for you," he whispered.

Meredith smiled brightly. "You mean besides the late night snack?" she teased. "Who were you expecting … besides me?" she prodded.

"Oh, you're enough for me … that's for after," he smiled slyly, pulling back. "After I work you out," he teased, slipping his fingers along the underside of her lacy teddy. "Hmm … it's business time," he said thickly, smiling like the devil inside.

Meredith threw her head back with laughter. His lips found her neck where he sucked her flesh, just over her pulse – lips to lifeline, pulse, lifeline to lips – Meredith righted herself and found Derek's eyes. Turning out of his arms, she took a couple of steps toward the buffet of delicacies, Derek chuckled and followed suit. She popped a black grape into her mouth; his hands found her waist. She ran her fingertips across the top of the linen envelope there.

"What's this?" she asked softly. His lips found her neck.

"Another surprise for you," he answered. She found his heat.

"I have something for you too … can I go first?" she asked softly, lacing her fingers through his as she turned around. She reached up and kissed the underside of his neck.

"Ladies first," he smiled brilliantly, stealthily checking his pocket with his free hand. Her ring was safe and sound and almost … hers.

Meredith took the lead, navigating through the expansive space and headed to the master suite – dim lighting, soft tones, deep mahogany furnishings – infiltrated their senses once inside. Maintaining her hold on Derek's hand, she led him to the doorway of the large marble-tiled bathroom where she abruptly stopped – Derek peeked inside, half expecting to see a bath with candles or some other romantic gesture – but alas, he didn't see anything. Meredith took his hand and ushered him inside. She approached the vanity and turned around with something in her hand. Her mischievous smile was back and it was all Derek could focus on before he looked down and his heart stopped.

"Is that …," Derek sighed, reaching out for the small device, his heart caught on fire.

"I took it when I got here," she whispered, coming closer. She held it up. "It's blue Derek …good and blue," she said, her eyes glassy, she pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.

His warm hand found her belly where it stayed. Fat tears pricked his eyes. "Another beautiful baby … baby … I love you," he whispered against her lips, pulsing, kissing, smacking, melting into one another now.

"And I love you … so much … so much," she replied as he folded her into his arms, cherishing her, breathing her in… the mother of his children and oh so much more.

From that moment on they were wrapped around one another – arms around arms, thighs brushing thighs, fingertips to fingertips – while they moved from the bathroom toward the large bed in the center of the room. Meredith found Derek's eyes in the dim light; the backs of her knees hit the edge of the bed where he knelt down in front of her. Moving her silky robes aside, his hands found her naked hips and his lips found her belly, just above her mound. He kissed her flesh – silently connecting with the baby, 'hi baby, we love you already' – peppering soft kisses now, barely there kisses until he felt Meredith tremble in his arms. Her hands found the nape of his neck and she laced her fingers through his ebony locks where she held him in place. She shivered from his touch and her essence suddenly filled the room.

In an attempt to stand before her – Derek blinked his waiting tears of joy away and took a deep breath of Meredith's earthy arousal – kissing her belly once more now before he began to lap and suck and nip on her supple flesh. Finally he gave up on standing all together and settled on resting his forearms along her silky thighs. He looked up and met her gaze – her face was flushed, she was heated, tickled pink and more desirous than he ever remembered – he smiled and leaned back on his heels for a beat in an effort to stave off his innate craving to devour her on the spot – she was that hot – she giggled and moved her hand down to the waistband of his pajama bottoms before her hands flanked his head and she held him there in the moment with her.

"Meredith," he said breathlessly, carefully retrieving her ring from his pocket. He held the delicate ring up between his thumb and pointer fingers. "This is for you," he whispered, holding the work of art up and into the dim light between them.

"Derek," Meredith said, her breath caught before she could say more. She blushed. "Derek," she repeated, leaning forward, gravitating into his heat. She kissed his beautiful lips; her eyes became glassy.

Meredith ran her finger along the beautiful collection of wire-thin stacked rings. Each unique white gold ring was woven with intricate pave inset diamonds – a small colored birthstone was situated amidst each band – the facets of the small diamonds complemented the brighter colored birthstones, adding a magical element to their inherent beauty. The rings were almost too beautiful to look at, this was Derek's summation ever since he picked the assembly up – to him, this was symbol of who they were and who they would become – it was a tribute of sorts – a collection of their worth, their weight – their family. In some ways the rings defined his love for everything Meredith had given him and all that was yet to come; it was their present and their future and he hoped she would wear it forever. Derek looked up from the ring when he heard Meredith sniffle. He found her shining eyes.

"Oh Meredith," he sighed, his heart pinched with love. "I love you," he sighed, raising himself up so he was at eye level with her. He moved her hair away from her face, her skin was soft and warm and inviting.

She took his face in her hands and kissed him, lunging into his mouth, as desperate for their connection as he. "There's five," she cried softly, his heart pinched again. "Five," she sighed against his lips. "Thank you …," she heaved, opening her mouth to him, sweeping her tongue along his, lapping and lapping and lapping before she pulled back and giggled happily.

"I'm so proud of you …," Derek sighed, taking in the sight of his gorgeous, fulfilled and happy woman. "See this … this is a ring you can wear all the time …," he murmured, acknowledging her habit of wearing her more sizable engagement ring only on special occasions.

"Hmm, it's … perfect … perfect," she giggled through a fresh set of joyful tears.

"May I?" he asked, taking the ring, he set it over the nail bed of her left index finger. He looked up and Meredith nodded happily. He chuckled and slipped it on; setting it flush against the small gold wedding band she never took off. "See this," he said, sweeping his fingers along the four colorful stones set inside the outer rings. "They are our birthstones," he whispered. "See …," he choked out. "I thought to add this one last week – this diamond in set in the middle ring – it was for the dream of another …," he sighed, kissing his wife's wet cheeks before his mouth covered hers for another all-consuming kiss.

"It's a dream come true already Derek," Meredith breathed against his mouth. "I love it … and you … you're the best thing that ever happened to me –,"

"And so are you to me … so are you to me," Derek sighed, enveloping Meredith in his arms, holding her tight, relief consuming him – the ring was hers, the dream was theirs – everything was exactly how it should be.

Already lost within her heat, Derek slipped her silky robe away from her shoulders and kissed her bare flesh, then moved his lips to her neck, capturing her earlobe, swirling his tongue there, tasting her sweet skin.

"Derek," Meredith sighed, she took his hand and moved it in between her legs. "Make love to me," she whispered against his mouth. "Like we have all the time in the world," she added, moving her hands underneath his shirt before she lifted it over his head.

Wordlessly, Derek gently ran his fingertips under the hem of Meredith's teddy, brushing his hand along her belly as he did. She let the silky fabric of her robes fall away before Derek leaned up and kissed her lips, he leaned in and over her so she had no choice but to lay her head back on the bed. Derek dipped himself lower and kissed Meredith's lips and neck – her chest heaved – he gently ran his tongue over her lace-covered nipples, nipping at the pleasure points, tenderly rubbing the silky fabric over them, watching the rise and fall of her chest … her breathing labored now as her sex wafted up and mingled with their erotic fog. He was trapped by her hold over him – pulling down the lacy fabric down with his teeth to pluck her nipple – he inhaled her. Her essence suffocated him. He was lost, deep within the trenches of her swelling flesh now.

Unable to take it any longer, Derek swiftly moved her calves over his shoulders and settled himself at the apex of her perfectly trimmed womanhood. He took a deep breath, his mouth watered. Resting his head on her thigh now, Derek ran his pointer finger along her damp, inviting seam – up and down he went – focusing now on the small pulses he could see rippling through her tiny frame. Damn, he loved that he could do that to her – make her writhe with pleasure, make her want him and want to cum – he looked up to see her pull the teddy over her head and toss it aside, her hands found the rolling flesh of her breasts. Derek reluctantly turned away, focusing once again on his wife's ripe and ready pussy – gently parting her folds, he revealed her bright pink center, watching and waiting for her clit – that tiny beautiful nub he loved so much – to announce itself … to pop, to scream for attention!

"Damn, you're beautiful," he husked as he came closer to her opening – his hot breath ricocheted back carrying with it her intoxicating sex – he gently held her folds back, all the while watching her clit pulse – his mouth watered again, Meredith whinnied above him, rotating her hips up as she did – her hands found his skull where they stayed, she fisted his locks.

"Put your mouth on me …suck me … take me," she pleaded into the air above them – her cry hung in the thick night are akin to a sensual catcall – and just like that, the lovers were suspended in time … connected unto one another under that thick fog of ecstasy they came to love so much.

Derek raised his head and Meredith planted her feet flat on his shoulders without missing a beat. Her pussy pulsed – glistening in the dim light, pulsing with raw need, aching for his touch, his cock lengthened, his stomach muscled tightened – her essence was warm and rich divine and stifling in the most delicious of ways.

He could wait no longer (and by the sounds of her, neither could she) and with that, Derek pressed Meredith's slick folds back with his thumbs and closed his whole mouth over her soaked opening – her sex was abundant – she tasted sweet and salty and familiar. He pulled back for a beat only to lunge forward again and run his tongue over her juicy seam, penetrating his tongue a little deeper with each passing sweep. He heard Meredith's warbled call of appreciation, her muscles tightened around his tongue – grasping for him – holding on tight whenever possible.

"Hmm, I love this … I can't get enough of you," he muttered into her sweet hole. Meredith whined and opened her legs wider, pulsing up and into Derek's mouth.

Drenching him now as a small orgasm rocked her frame – he drank her down – allowing her sweet elixir to funnel down his throat, which only to heartened his innate hunger for her– for he was in survival mode, like a starved pig at a trough –as he lapped and nipped and sucked on her plump folds, feasting now as if was his last meal!

Her sex was everywhere now as he latched onto her opening, sucking her off, siphoning her well before he slipped one, then two fingers into her warm, wet depths and began to vigorously pump her well – generating yet another swell and release of her sex – her muscles tightened, she was more than close to another orgasm … the ripple-effect; it was nothing short of divine, for both of them.

Meredith's cries filled the air and his mind as he felt her stomach muscles clench – she grabbed his skull, trying desperately to move his mouth up to her clit – he pulled back for a split-second then … her precious nub was filled with blood, bright pink and totally exposed. Derek leaned in and nudged it with his nose, breathing in her damp, sweet heat for a beat before he began to swirl her flesh around and around with his tongue… pushing it … rubbing it … sucking it and fucking it over and over and over again until Meredith was writhing out of control and positively begging for more!

"Sweet Jesus … Derek … Derek …," she breathed heavily.

Derek gently pulled on her clit with his lips before he released it – flicking it now with his tongue, fucking her with his fingers – flick, flick, flick, flick, back and forth, back and forth he went before he once again closed his whole mouth over her glorious pussy and drank her down as she came yet again!

Within seconds of her release, he felt her relax all around his mouth – the systematic clenching of her muscles slowed down as Derek gathered his faculties – gently swirling his tongue along her tired nerves, massaging her nerves, French-kissing her beautiful pussy… making love to her, slow and easy, just how she wanted him to.

Her knees fell open and Derek moved his mouth away – pressing tiny, wet kisses to her hipbones – then to her ribs, over her breasts and aroused nipples. He watched Meredith release the bed linens from her fists. She smoothed the fabric down and opened her eyes. She was flushed. She smiled.

"I need you," she breathed, her words caught in her throat. Her eyes were shimmering with emotion.

Derek only smiled and kissed her full lips. "I need you too," he replied, slipping his tongue into her mouth. Her hands found the tie of his pajamas and before he knew it … his cock was hers.

Meredith fisted him then, wasting no time in claiming him – the friction she created was so intense sometimes – Derek's body reacted like a trained animal, he was defenseless against her prowess, much like she was against his power over her. He bellowed into her neck, aching for more of her – his appreciation, evident, his cock hard and ready for quite some time now – as she swept her thumb over his opening before she palmed his sack – expertly massaging him – his hips flexed and rose off the bed in response – he was hers to own, to have her way with – yes, it was more than true, his need for her was truly indescribable!

Taking the lead, she rolled over and straddled Derek, pulsing her hot pussy over his rod – he kicked his pajama bottoms down – raising his knees and hips to free himself of the last of the excess fabric – Meredith held on tight and leaned forward – her sharp nipples cut across his chest, ah … skin on skin, there was nothing quite like it!

Derek ducked his head down and captured one of her rosy peaks in his mouth, flicking her tasty flesh with his tongue rapid-fire style now; her nub was hard … her nerves were on high alert! Her mouth came down hard on his – the heat from her core permeated the miniscule space between them – undulated heat waves coursed through his every vein … his nerve-endings … his every muscle … his every pore!

Reaching down, Meredith took hold of his cock, rubbing his sensitive head in a small circular pattern over her well-stimulated clit – Derek watched his head penetrate her folds, clit, folds, clit, folds, hot, hot, hot – he timed the movement of his hips with her pace now, knowing in mere seconds she would submit.

Intent on getting her off, Derek reached down and rubbed Meredith's wet clit with his thumb – tiny circles now, her moved her flesh, brushing it up and down– her eyes bore into his and she stifled some kind of animalistic moan in response, before she leaned forward and lapped his mouth with hers. He made love to her mouth with his tongue then, matching the rhythm he set forth with his thumb on her clit – around and around he went – Meredith trembled above him.

"Now," she sighed breathlessly into his mouth, her lips coming down on his shoulder as she positioned his cock at her opening before she raised herself up again and slowly sank onto his steel rod – her flesh stretching around him, her nerves reacting to him – covering him like a handmade glove, keeping him all to herself now.

"Hmm, now's good," Derek muttered, keeping a watchful eye on Meredith, her head lolling back, swaying from side to side as she rode him now – nice and slow, up and down, up and down – covering his sheath with her muscles over and over and over again.

She expertly rotated her hips now – her skin was flushed, the dim light offered short shadows of depth, her supple skin was covered with dew, her tresses were wild, her beautiful eyes were closed, her breasts swung with her movements – she was a vision … she was his … everything!

Opening her eyes, she found Derek's – she held him there, inside that damp, hot moment – her eyes never leaving his, she smiled and fucked him hard and fast for a moment – she pulsed with precision – her body rose, freeing his cock, only to slam down and over him again and again before she lunged forward and found his mouth, swirling her tongue along his, kiss, fuck, swirl … fuck, fuck, fuck!

"Derek … deeper …," she cried breathlessly into their heat.

Derek rolled her over; still lost within her eyes, the dim light softened her features even more and if possible … made her even more beautiful – she was glowing, she was pregnant … they were blessed – tears stung his eyes. She smiled as her hands found his skull.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips, his breathing stacked – she literally took his breath away – he ran his tongue along her lips, his body humming, she kissed him senseless.

"And I love you, so much," she sighed, rolling her hips up and back to take everything he had to offer.

Without another thought Derek pumped her pussy hard and fast – giving her the depth and penetration she demanded – his cock bumped against her cervix, once, twice and a third time! His mouth and hands found her breasts where he latched on to her heavy, ripe nipples – the air was hot, their sex was everywhere – he was close now … so fucking close!

Her engorged nipples swelled and swayed, tickling and teasing his face as he pulsed hard and fast for several more beats – she was breathless and so was he – her pussy drenched him, her muscles clenched around him, she whined in appreciation! Blissful oblivion was around the next pulse!

His lips found hers, reaching up, he took her hands in his and pinned her into submission – their arms akin to a halo above her head – as he leaned down and covered her mouth with his, mating his mouth with hers, sucking, nipping and fucking her now as if their lives depended on it.

Her muscles clenched around him – her incessant systematic clenching was all he felt – he released her hands and felt her nimble fingers as she played with his sack – gently, softly, her touch … barely there, gently, softly – he fucked her while she carefully played … expertly bringing him to the base of his climax until his body trembled out of control and the peak of his orgasm came out of nowhere, funneling through his body like a freight train without breaks!

He came suddenly, and so did she.

The fog of ecstasy became heavier and heavier still until visibility was lost all together.

The lovers closed their eyes in bliss, safely resting under that protective sheath of passion.

Nothing but heaps of tangled nerves and deliciously overworked muscles remained.

Their souls flew high above the fog now, twirling and dancing together within the enclave of the suite.

Everything was right in the world, Derek counted to three, his cock popped from Meredith's depths and he fell asleep soon after that … and so did she.

###

Hours later, Derek rolled into Meredith's heat. He opened his eyes and melted – just a little bit on the inside – there she sat naked, the satin sheet pulled up to her waist, propped up against her satin pillows, a crystal bowl of black grapes resting on her thighs as she held her ring up to the dim light still coming from the bathroom. She looked down and smiled – her whole face softened like it often did when she met his eyes – she was more blushed and beautiful than he'd ever seen before. She was pregnant – absolutely, positively radiant – he fell in love again, if it was possible … again.

"Whatcha doing?" he asked softly.

She handed the ring to Derek and smiled. He twirled the new heirloom with his fingertips while she lifted the heavy bowl and placed it on the nightstand to her left. She scooted down and rolled into Derek's heat and turned to lie on her back. He did the same and held the ring up – where they kept their eyes trained on its beauty – watching their unique stones sparkle brilliantly against one another in perfect harmony. Meredith sighed and Derek watched her smile.

"Violet," she said softly. Derek's heart raced, he watched Meredith blush.

"Heath," he whispered, a boy's name … he smiled and so did she, both still watching the ring.

"Daisy," Meredith replied. Derek chuckled; he glanced at her.

"Rose," Derek replied softly, she shook her head, 'no', raising her brow. He chuckled.

"Linden," Meredith whispered; her eyes glassy now.

"The tree?" Derek said with a low chuckle. He raised his brow.

"Yes … the tree!" she giggled and rolled her eyes.

Derek sighed happily and lowered his arm, the ring balanced on his pinky as he did. He rolled into Meredith's heat. His free hand found her belly where it stayed, the ring sparkling there now.

"I still like Sage for a boy," he mused softly.

"Me too …," she sighed. "But Violet's nice too …," she mused, he pressed his lips to her shoulder.

"It is," he agreed as she burrowed deeper into his heat, nothing but a spoon resting in his ladle now.

Derek closed his eyes and he felt Meredith relax, he pushed his nose into her hair – she smelled of sex and flowers – he was home.

"Derek," Meredith sighed.

"Hmm …," he said into her skin.

"Will you put it on me again – the ring, I mean – I don't think I'll ever take this one off," she mused happily.

Derek smiled and pressed tiny kisses to Meredith's neck and shoulders as he slipped the ring onto her finger, snug against her wedding band, just where it was meant to stay for now and for all time.

"Happy Anniversary Meredith," Derek whispered, his chest tightened with love for the millionth time since they first met.

"Happy Anniversary Derek," Meredith whispered as she became heavy in his arms, safe and warm, still protected from the world by that fog of ecstasy that seemed to follow them … everywhere.

-END-

Author's Note: There is piggyback fic for this story sitting in my notebook here, all female cast POV. I will try get to it soon. In the meantime, thank you to the few of you who read and commented on this ficlet. I hope it met your expectations for what might have been had the characters been able to focus on their … "business time".