Meryl and Don: An Unforeseen Journey

Chapter 57

Don and Meryl laid there in silence for the longest time just holding one another. Until Don spoke first and insisted on her being checked so he could be there for it; and she did the same thing with him. Both of them were relieved when both of them checked out. Meryl's doctor wanted her to stay in bed for a few days and try to avoid as much stress as possible, which they knew would be difficult, because of everything that's happened, but Don was determined she had as little stress as possible. Dr. Abbott wanted Don to stay in bed as well for a few days. He wanted him to stay in ICU for another night just for closer observation and then he would move both of them to a regular room. They started both Don and Meryl on some jello and broth which was enough for them for the time being. Their doctors wanted them both to rest more before the family could bring Henry in. Usually they didn't allow babies in the ICU but that was best for Meryl and Don instead of taking them to see him. They were lying with their beds pushed up to each other. Don was on his good side and traced the bruises on her chest revealed by her hospital gown. He knew what they were from and his blood boiled. She was covered with cuts and scrapes and bruises. The ones that were covered by her hospital gown and blankets he saw during her exam. He wanted to explode with anger but also knew that was the last thing she needed at the moment. As he continued to trace the bruises on her chest he looked up at her. "Do they hurt?"

"Not really." Meryl choked. "I should tell you what happened, I guess."

Don noticed how she looked away in shame of her bruises. In shame of what was done to her. "Baby, look at me." He whispered while trying to control his own emotions. "I of course want to know what he did to the two of you; I was going crazy every second of every day not knowing what that fucker was doing to you both. I can wait. You need to stay calm. I'm not going anywhere. I know you will tell me when you are ready."

"Thank you." Meryl choked as she stroked his cheek. "Third told me everything you went through. I'm so sorry, Don. I'm so sorry I let him get to us. I'm so sorry he shot you. I know this is all my..."

Don immediately put his finger to his lips and then pressed it to hers before she could finish her statement. He hadn't kissed her lips yet though he wanted to. Afraid of it being too much for her. "Mary Louise Gummer, I know what you're going to say and you are SO wrong, beautiful; so incredibly wrong. NONE of this, NONE OF IT, is your FAULT. NOT EVER, my love. There was blood all over our apartment because of the fight you put up. I would rather be shot over and over and over than that fucker having touched you and Henry."

"I know." Meryl smiled. "I would rather him hurt me, but not the baby, than him touch you and Henry."

Don smiled at her and wiped her tears. "I know, sweetheart. Believe me, I know how much you love all of us and would do ANYTHING in the WORLD for us. You have proven that over and over."

"So have you." Meryl said as she started thinking. He had kissed all over her face but not her lips. She knew he was trying to be careful. But she needed to feel his lips pressed against hers. "Don Man?"

Don noticed she had withdrawn a bit. "Yeah, baby?"

"Can I kiss you?" She whispered.

Don heard the vulnerability in her voice and saw it in her eyes. They had been thinking the same thing. "You NEVER have to ask."

"You should never be afraid to kiss me." She whispered as she pressed her lips against his. She finally smiled when he sandwiched her lips between his. It was short, but it didn't make it any the less loving or meaningful.

Don pulled away and then placed several sweet and short kisses on her lips. "How was that?"

"Perfect." Meryl smiled.