Dark Passions

52.

Meredith glanced over at the shaded terrace where Derek and Marcus lounged. They looked to be deep in conversation, Marcus gesturing and Derek's head tilted as he listened.

"He looks well," Izzie observed, as she strolled with Meredith along the manicured garden path, stopping to sniff and pluck a few of the early blooms that danced in the slight breeze.

"Yes, although he lost some weight." Meredith's concern was evident, but he was doing well. He looked leaner than ever, despite the cook's best efforts to make all of his favorite dishes since returning home. His color was healthy, and the lost weight only accentuated his cheekbones, making him look more handsome than ever. If that were possible, she thought with a little smile as twirled her yellow parasol idly as they walked. "But it does him good to be outside, and with Marcus. I'm afraid he was getting a little tired of being smothered by all of us when we were at Eleanor's."

"Marcus is just relieved that Derek is alive. He felt like he could have done more to prevent Addison from firing the gun that night."

"It all happened so fast, Izzie. That Derek even noticed the pistol before Addison fired is a miracle." Meredith shuddered, despite the warmth of the sun.

"Well, at least you two will be able to dance at the wedding, since you missed out on the ball."

"Yes, I think we will be ready to have some fun," Meredith laughed. "And no more Lady Addison to ruin the evening..."

"Good lord, no..." Izzie murmured, rolling her eyes in agreement.

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Marcus shook his head. "Derek, I felt like hell, watching you go down that night..."
"Itbloody well felt like hell," Derek laughed, wincing a little at the memory. "I don't recommend it."

"But you're recovered completely?"

"Yes, absolutely. Though I am supposed to get more rest than usual, and not go horseback riding for a time yet." Derek turned to watch Meredith strolling with Izzie, her lemon yellow day dress trimmed in white was a bright splash among the green foliage in the garden. He was relieved to hear her light laughter, as the two women chatted. "It was difficult for Meredith. I believe once your wedding is over, we will go home to Gracewood for a time, and enjoy the summer in the country."

"The wedding, yes..." Marcus sighed. "How did you manage to survive yours?" He took a large gulp of his cool amber ale, looking resigned to the fate of the long ceremony.

"Just keep in mind at the end of the day, you can carry your lovely new wife over the threshold, and have her all to yourself again. That's all that matters."

"Yes, I remember you and Meredith disappeared rather suddenly," Marcus smirked, raising his glass in salute.

"God, yes..." Derek laughed. "It was all I could do to keep from ravishing her on the dancefloor. Talk about creating gossip..."

"And you are still the same," Marcus observed, seeing Derek's gaze stray again towards Meredith. As if she felt his eyes on her, she lifted her face and smiled at him.

"Yes, more than ever, my friend," Derek replied softly. "And I intend to spend the rest of my life keeping her happy and safe, and well loved."

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Meredith caught the look Derek gave her, and even at the distance between them, she somehow felt the heat in his gaze. Warm longing suffused her, and she smiled at him. No matter where they were, his possessive gaze always had the same effect on her, and she blinked, caught up in the thoughts of the pleasure they shared.
"Mer..." Izzie's voice brought her back to reality.