Tiny Perfect Family

One Shot

Ecstatic. Overjoyed. Complete. Derek Shepherd's head was still spinning. Over 24 hours ago it was just him and his wife Meredith Grey of , but now he was a father to a perfect baby girl. He couldn't believe his daughter Ivy Grace Shepherd was finally here. The missing piece in his family . As he lie in his and Merediths bed in the home he had built for them years ago he could not stop staring at his perfect family. All his life he had dreamed of this, snuggling with his wife and daughter in their bed. Both of them were completely amazing and beautiful. They took his breath away. Ivy was the perfect combination of him and his wife. With the curly, dark, unruly Shepherd hair and bright blue eyes. She had Meredith's button nose and long, delicate fingers . He was so consumed with love, from all that had happened in past 12 hours. Sitting here right now it seemed like a fuzzy distant memory.

Meredith had been incredibly strong during her labour. From the moment her first contraction hit until the moment Ivy was born. He had coached her through each contraction and never left her side. Although he hated seeing her in pain he was awe struck by her desire for a calm environment to bring their beautiful baby into the world. At some points he had been sure she was dying from the noises she was making but maybe that was him being an overprotective and worried husband. Meredith had wanted to have a natural birth which,  he was fully on board with considering it was her body. The idea that shocked him the most was her decision to have a home birth. He had been sceptical until labour. It was him and her in their own home bringing their daughter who was made purely from their love into the world. If magic existed Derek Shepherd was sure this was the closest he would get to it. It was perfect in their dimly lit bedroom with candles a lights decorating the corners. Meredith could feel comfortable in their own home in their bedroom. Meredith loved the bathtub and flow of the water on her back whilst listening to calming music. When it was time me had the whole space of our bedroom and the huge bed that Meredith had insisted on when buying furniture for our five chatty children. Now we have one more person to fill that space. The whole time I had looked into Meredith's eyes and smiled pressing kisses all along her face that was dripping with sweat from the force of her contractions. The salty taste of sweat and tears. Her face contorted revealing immense pain but also love and excitement. Releasing her pain through animalistic groans and low nosies to herself. She was incredible. I constantly murmured how proud I was of her rubbing her back in an attempt to sooth her as he hips swayed side to side. Those last few moments before our family grew. Before our baby was earthside and her cute tiny bump was gone. It all felt so intimate and special. We were in our own cocoon.

When Meredith caught the red, squirming baby in her arms tears had sprung to my eyes immediately. She had given me the best gift in the entire world. Without a doubt in that moment my love for her had grown even more. A new type of love had bloomed a new purpose in life. We may have endured years of struggles and countless negative pregnancy tests. All the nights Meredith and I had snuggled in bed wondering what their future child would look like hoping it would become a reality soon. The heated arguments. The hardest of days. It had all been worth it. All of my dreams were coming true. I, Derek Shepherd was a father. A human life now solely depending on me . Depending on me for love, safety, care. Smiling I once again looking down at my perfect little family encased in my arms in our home. Soaking in this perfect moment with his girls. His girls. Who I will love and protect for the rest of his life.

"She's beautiful " Meredith murmured looking up at him.

"She really is perfect" I breathed leaning down to kiss my wife's forehead as I reached to touch Ivy's head of hair.

"Our little Ivy" she sighed." I would do anything for her Derek. I really would. I love her so much." She said as her fingers trailed over Ivy's features.

"She's our daughter. I would do the same. I'm pretty sure it's called unconditional love." he said. "How about we take another family photo to send to everyone. I'm pretty sure our little Ivy is the talk of the hospital" he laughed

"We can't forget the Shepherd sisters who are begging for an update" Meredith laughed and then winced.

As much as she would have liked for him not to notice Derek knew she was in pain and exhausted.

"Of course we can't forget those vultures" he laughed while taking a quick photo and sending it to their family at the hospital and his on the east coast.

"Hmmmm" she breathed struggling to keep her eyes open.

Derek knew she wanted to stay awake and stare at their daughter all night.Naturally she was exhausted. Neither of them had had much sleep the night before and she had just given birth a few hours ago. Her eyes flickered open once more as she tried to stay awake staring at their daughter.

"Mer. Why don't you get some sleep you've both had a long night and day. How about Ivy and Daddy have cuddle time while Mommy sleeps next to them." he suggested to her.

"Ok" she said softly kissing their daughter forehead before passing her to Derek. "Love you Ivy" she whispered before curling onto her side next to them.

"She says sleep tight mommy" Derek said looking down at his daughter. "I love you so much Ivy . I know Mommy and I have already said it a million times but we really do love you. We've waited so long for you my precious girl" he whispered a tear running down his cheek as he cradled his daughter. The sleeping baby wrapped her hand around his finger." You really do have me wrapped around your finger" he laughed before continuing to stare at his tiny perfect family.

Thank you for reading this short one shot. I really wanted to create a special moment from Dereks point of view. I hope you enjoyed an please let me know if you have any feedback or questions. I'm considering continuing this into a fic or maybe revisiting to another chapter with a time jump. Thoughts?