Meryl and Don: An Unforeseen Journey

Chapter 43

The first part of the morning was filled with the judge's rules and opening statements by Mann's lawyer and Larry. Don and Meryl sat at the prosecution table with Larry. They held hands the entire time. Sometimes Don would even wrap his free arm around her. They would feel her parents squeeze their shoulders during difficult things. Meryl could feel Don flinch throughout Mann's lawyer, Baxter's opening statement. They then took a small break before Don and Meryl were to testify. Larry turned to them during the break while Mary and Harry said they would call and check on Henry. "Who wants to go first? Keep in mind that as soon as we get through your testimonies then we will break for lunch."

"Baby, do you want to get it over with?" Don asked.

Meryl shook her head. "Will you go first?"

"If that's what you want." Don said with a kiss to her cheek. 

Meryl cupped his cheek in her hands. "Please just don't let him get to you, Don, please. You are still recovering. You know how lawyer's twist words. All that matters is that we KNOW."

"Hey, I'm used to Larry." Don winked trying to keep her calm.

Meryl shook her head and laughed. "That is not what I mean and you know it."

"I'll do my best for you, beautiful." Don said remembering his conversation with Larry. "I don't want you to worry about me. I want you to keep your blood pressure down. The last thing you need is a pre-eclampsia attack."

Meryl stroked his cheek. "When it comes to you and our babies you know that's not likely to happen."

"Do it for our baby." Don said placing his hand on her stomach as he kissed her forehead.

Mary and Harry walked in at that moment and Harry was about to come undone now. "God, he shouldn't even be in here."

"Daddy, don't pay attention to him; we're trying not to." Meryl pointed out. "Hen okay?"

Mary pulled her husband down to sit by her. "Yes, Henry is just fine. Mann won't stop staring at you two. You can see a sick look in his eyes when he looks at you, Mary; and like he could kiss you Don. Larry this really will put him away?"

"It really will." Larry nodded as the judge came in.

Don took Meryl's hand in his as he turned to his mother-in-law. "Mom, I'm going to testify first. Can you come sit with Meryl?"

"Baby, I'll be fine." Meryl tried to soothe him.

Don shook his head. "Larry will be questioning me part of the time so you'll be sitting here alone. Please just humor me."

"Of course, son." Mary smiled.

Judge Golden walked in as everyone stood up. "Please be seated. ADA Brown, your witnesses."

"The prosecution calls Donald James Gummer to the stand." Larry said standing up and turning to Don.

Don kissed Meryl on the lips as they whispered their love for one another; and Mary took his seat. Once Don got to the witness stand he then took the oath. "I do." He said winking at Meryl as he sat down.

"Mr. Gummer, for the court's record can you please tell us who your wife is." Larry said.

Don couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the question. "That beautiful pregnant woman, Mary Louise Gummer."

"Thank you." Larry smiled at Meryl and could see her embarrassment. "How long have you been married?"

Don smiled. "We've been together for 3 years and married for 2 1/2."