Meryl and Don-Love and Only Love Chapter 34, Part 1
It was the day after Don’s birthday and Meryl was in the office catching up on bills and working on details for Christmas. Don still had to take it very easy, and be incredibly careful due to his injuries, so he was taking a nap after their busy day the day before. Meryl felt like they were finally getting their lives back after the past 3 months. Little did she know that their world was going to be rocked yet again.
***
Don took a deep breath as he went to look for his wife. He wasn’t sure exactly what was going on but he wanted to make sure they were together whenever they found out. Don found her in the office and just stood there for awhile looking at her. They had without a doubt been to hell and back in the past few months. If you would have told him that when they moved back to New York City that by Christmas he would be more in love with her than he had ever been; he wouldn’t have thought it was possible. Here they were, a few weeks before Christmas and he had fallen head over heels in love with her all over again. He would do anything to keep her and their family safe; now he was afraid he would have to do that all over again. He decided that he should probably make his presence known so they could go find out exactly what in the hell was going on. “Hey, beautiful.”
“You’re awake!” Meryl smiled as she looked up to see him standing in the doorway.
Don walked over to kiss her on the lips. “Come sit with me for a minute.”
“What’s wrong?” Meryl asked as he led her over to the leather couch in the office.
Don winked at her as she helped him sit down. “What makes you think something’s wrong? Can’t I spend some time with my beautiful wife without something being wrong?”
“I know you, Don Man.” Meryl said.
Don nodded as he played with her diamond ring she was wearing that he only recently gave her. “Larry called my cell phone; that’s why I’m awake. You know he’s been working with the investigators on the hit and run.”
“Did they finally find who did this to you?” Meryl asked hopefully.
Don nodded. “Yeah, but he wants us to come to his office. He said he didn’t want to tell me over the phone.”
“Mann? Your father?” Meryl choked.
Don shrugged. “He said it wasn’t; but that he wanted to talk to us in person.”
“I thought all this was over, Don.” Meryl choked. “What if somebody tried to kill you; hit you on purpose?”
Don wiped the tear that made its way down her cheek. “Sweetheart, let’s not jump to conclusions. We will go see what Larry has to tell us. Whatever it is we will face it together like always.”
“Together.” Meryl whispered as he kissed her lips.
***
Don and Meryl were sitting in Larry’s office holding hands when he rushed in. “I’m sorry guys; thanks for coming up here so quickly.”
“I wanted to prove to Meryl that everything was okay.” Don said with a kiss to her hand.
Meryl saw the look on Larry’s face and knew it wasn’t. “It’s not, is it Larry? Who did this to my husband?”
“No, it’s not.” Larry said. “First of all, it wasn’t Mann or James.”
Don looked at Meryl then Larry. “Well who was it?”
“I’ve had my investigators working with the eye witnesses and we tracked him down. We have a confession out of him. We do think he was working with Mann, we are working on a confession regarding that as well. If so, that’s going to make things worse for Mann. We are bringing him up on attempting to murder you, Don.” Larry was going a mile a minute.
Meryl’s head was spinning. “Who, Larry? Who tried to kill my husband?”
“Carl Raymore.” Larry said.
Meryl felt sick. Everything was spinning again. It was happening again. Because of her the love of her life was almost killed. He was hurt again. Meryl didn’t know how much she could take. She went over to the huge window in Larry’s office and looked out. Even though she really couldn’t see because of the tears blurring her vision. Don looked at Larry and he nodded. “I need to check on some things. I’ll be back.”
“Baby.” Don said as he tried to wrap his arms around her.
Meryl carefully stepped away. “No, don’t.”
“Sweetheart. Its okay.” Don said.
Meryl spun around with tears in her eyes. “Okay? Okay? Because of a fucking ex boyfriend over 25 years ago you were almost killed! Because of a crazy interview I had over 20 years ago you were almost killed twice. It’s not okay. This is NOT okay. Because of me you keep getting hurt over and over and over. None of this is okay.”
“I’m okay.” He clarified.
Meryl shook her head. “All I have ever wanted for almost 24 years is to be your wife; to have our family. To be happy and healthy.”
“We have that, Darl.” Don tried to calm her down but it wasn’t working.
Meryl wiped her tears as fast as they trailed down her face. “I can’t keep hurting you; hurting our family. Maybe Carl was right. I don’t deserve happiness; I don’t deserve you. I should have just left then you and the kids wouldn’t go through all this shit.”
“That’s it!” Don exploded as he went over to her and turned her to him; not letting her get away. “Now you listen to me, Mary Louise Gummer, you listen to every single word I am about to say. It is NOT because of you that this shit has happened. Yes, this shit has happened to me; but it has happened to you more than it has happened to me. You are the BEST THING that has EVER and will EVER happen to me. These men are psychotic. You are NOT responsible for their actions. If it was between him hitting me or hitting you or coming after you?Then I thank GOD that he hit ME. I’m the one that doesn’t deserve you. You haven’t caused this, baby; not one bit. As for you leaving; you know there is no way in hell I would EVER let that happen. You are an amazing woman, Mary Gummer; you deserve all the happiness in the world and then some. I just hope I give that to you. Don’t go back; don’t believe those words he said to you. Look into my eyes and believe me. I love you so much, baby.”
Meryl was crying harder as he took her in his arms. “I’m sorry; I’m so sorry. I am just so tired, Don. You have put up with so much. I don’t want to hurt you or the kids. I love you more than you could ever possibly know. I just want us to live happily ever after.”
“We will, baby.” Don whispered with a kiss to her head. “YOU have NOT hurt me. I need you to tell me that you believe me. I need to hear you say this isn’t your fault.”
Meryl nodded against his chest. “I believe you.”
“He didn’t succeed and he will be put in jail.” Don pulled back to look at her. “I’m just so glad he didn’t get to you; I’m so fucking grateful for that.”
Meryl nodded as he kissed her lips. “I’m fucking grateful he didn’t hurt you worse. I’m sorry for my breakdown I just don’t want anything to happen to you or the kids.”
“I know how you feel, beautiful.” Don said with a kiss to her head. “We’re going to get through this, I promise.”
Meryl nodded as Larry knocked and poked his head in. “Can I come in?”
“It’s your office.” Meryl laughed as Don wiped her tears.
Larry went to his chair as Don and Meryl sat down. “Can we talk about this?”
“Please.” Meryl said holding Don’s hand. “Sorry about earlier.
Don brought her hand up to his lips. “Larry, I know you don’t know everything about Carl Raymore but he is an abusive ass. Meryl hasn’t heard from him since Henry was born. Tell us what you know.”
“Like I said the detectives and investigators followed the leads and tracked him down. He has pleaded guilty to trying to kill Don by hitting him then running. Like I said, we believe he has been working with Mann. I have talked to Judge Westbrook and since he pleaded guilty to attempted murder then he will just be sentenced-no trial.” Larry said.
Don breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God for that.”
“How long will he get?” Meryl asked.
Larry nodded. “I’m pushing for 30 years and a lifetime injunction.”
“Is Don in further danger? I mean I thought with Mann behind bars that he was safe.” Meryl sighed.
Larry hated this for his friends. “Yes, he is. Guys, I am going to take care of this. Judge Westbrooke and I agreed you two have been through enough.”
“So that’s it?” Meryl asked. “We’re done?”
Larry nodded. “I’ll keep you updated. I want you two to enjoy your family and this time. I’m taking care of it.”
***
Don looked at Meryl as they were sitting in their townhouse kitchen supposed to be eating lunch; but she was just picking at her sandwich. “You know, normal is boring.”
“This isn’t funny, Don.” Meryl exploded. “HE TRIED TO KILL YOU! My God, how much more can you take?”
Don reached over to stroke her hand. “I know it’s not, sweetheart, but its over. I’m safe, you’re safe and the kids are safe. That’s all that’s important. I really want us to move on. I would do anything for you and the kids. I’m not going anywhere; and you better not even think about it.”
“I just hate when you get hurt; and you were almost killed…AGAIN!” Meryl cried as he held out his hand and she went to sit on his lap, being mindful of his injured ribs. “I can’t live without you.”
Don wiped her tears. “You won’t ever have to; and I’m not going to live without you. Life WILL calm down, I promise you.”
“I’m going to hold you to it.” She said with a kiss to his lips. “I’m so sor-“
Don put his finger up to his lips. “No; there is NOTHING for you to be sorry about. I love you, Meryl Gummer.”
“I love you so damn much, Donald Gummer.” Meryl choked as she leaned her forehead against his.
Don tenderly kissed her lips. “Okay, we need to have some fun. Get up!”
“What?” Meryl laughed as she got off his lap.
Don stood up and took her hand in his. “We are getting out of this damn apartment and have some greasy goodness for lunch. We are not going to talk about my parents or Kevin Mann or Carl Raymore. We are going to be together and have FUN! What do you say? Want to come with me?”
“I will go anywhere with you.” Meryl said as she followed him out of the townhouse and watched him hail a cab.
***
“Don.” Meryl giggled as he kept kissing her neck. “I’m trying to figure out what to cook for dinner.”
Don tightened his hold on her. “I thought we were going to have fun the rest of the day; cooking dinner isn’t fun.”
“Our daughters think that eating is fun.” Meryl laughed as she turned around in his arms and kissed his lips. “Thank you for today, it was fun. I don’t know the last time we ate pizza from a cart in central park.”
Don held her tighter as his lips descended on hers. “And kissed in the snow.”
“That was nice.” Meryl moaned as he deepened the kiss but the phone was ringing. “Don, the phone.”
Don cupped her ass in his hands as his lips trailed down her neck. “The girls will get it.”
“God, you taste so good.” Meryl moaned as he brought his lips back to hers and sucked his tongue into her mouth.
Don sighed when he heard Grace yell for him. “Dad, Grandma is on the phone!”
“Well, the peace was nice while it lasted.” Don rolled his eyes as he let go of his wife.
Meryl reached out for his hand before he went to the phone. “Please don’t get too upset and remember she is in a hard place.”
“Of her choosing.” Don said as he answered and sat down at the breakfast bar as Meryl stood behind him and rubbed his shoulders. “Hi, Ma.”
Jane Gummer felt bad about what happened the day before, but she was feeling more and more cut off from her son and his family. “Don, what is going on?”
“What are you talking about?” Don asked.
Jane shook her head. “I got a notice that Louisa’s college fund was closed, by Meryl.”
“Now hold on, Mother.” Don sighed. “It was closed by ME, NOT Meryl. So get your facts straight there. I closed it because it had a zero balance thanks to YOUR husband.”
Jane sighed. “Don, whatever Meryl said your father did, he didn’t do. You know she doesn’t like him. It’s just another way she is trying to get between you and us. I am starting to feel like your father has been right all along.”
“STOP! JUST STOP!” Don was quickly losing his patience. “Meryl didn’t tell me ANYTHING. She hasn’t even spoken to him since he called here before Thanksgiving and he tore her and our marriage apart. I got a notice it had a zero balance. I asked James and he told me he took all the money out to pay for Mann’s lawyer. They were working together mother. Your husband, my supposed father, helped my wife’s stalker and attempted rapist. He tried to get him off and he used OUR daughter’s college money to do it. Mann shot Meryl when she jumped in front of a bullet meant for me. No one in your family has thanked her or recognized that. You never asked how she was. He has NEVER recognized Louisa as my daughter and it stops now. Meryl and I will take care of her education. I don’t want anything from you and Dad. You love him, fine. I will never see him again. If you think Meryl has separated me from the family then you are looking at the wrong spouse, mother. I do love you and will maintain contact with you; but not him.”
Tears were streaming down Jane’s face. “You didn’t have to get a restraining order.”
“Yes, I did.” Don said as Meryl leaned her head against his. “I’m sorry if this hurts, Mom, but this is how it is. Oh, Meryl and I are renewing our vows on Christmas Eve if you would like to be there; but I’m sure you won’t.”
Jane shook her head. “What about your father?”
“He’s NOT welcome anywhere near my wife or children.” Don was firm.
Jane sighed. “I won’t leave him on Christmas Eve.”
“Well, you’ve made your choice over and over.” Don said sadly.
Jane took a breath. “So have you, Don.”
“There wasn’t a choice to make; I will not expose my children and my wife to the hatred I have been exposed to my entire life. I can't allow them to feel the overwhelming pain and unacceptance I felt before I met the love of my life. I do love you, Mom; but this is what I have to do. Listen, Meryl and I were trying to figure out supper for the girls.” Don said.
Jane knew she made her bed with James and now had to lay in it. “Talk soon?”
“Yeah, bye.” Don said hanging up.
Meryl went to stand between his legs. “How ya doing, handsome?”
“Same ‘ole, same ‘ole.” Don laughed as wrapped his arms around her. “Before you say it, YOU didn’t do this. He did; and so has my mom. After everything; after him trying to kill me, threatening to rape you, taking Henry, coming here after us, ALL these years and she blames us. She’s made her choice.”
Meryl sighed as she ran her fingers through his hair. “I HATE, absolutely HATE this has been your life for 55 years.”
“It hasn’t been my life, Darl.” Don shook his head. “Almost 24 years ago I was shown a love I’d never known. That has become my life. Thank God, for you.”
Meryl blinked past her tears. “I thank God for you, every single day. I wish I could make it better, somehow.”
“You have, baby; you and the kids.” Don tried to convince her.
Meryl tenderly kissed his lips. “Thank you for what you said about me; you didn’t need to.”
“I didn’t say those things because I needed to, I said them because I wanted to; it was the truth and I’m not going to let ANYONE talk shit about you. I’m just tired of people hurting you, us. I was hoping for a nice day with you.” Don sighed. “I really don’t want to talk about this anymore; if that’s okay. I meant what I said, I don’t want him to run our lives.
Meryl grabbed his face and placed a hard kiss on his lips. “Nothing is inspiring me for dinner. How do you feel about going out?”
“Two nights in a row? After going out today? Can I get a drink?” Don asked making her laugh.
Meryl pecked his lips. “You haven’t had any pills for awhile; yes. But I expect you to go to bed with me when we get back.”
“Oh, hot stuff; that’s a deal.” Don winked.
***