What We Never Knew We Needed

Chapter 32

"Baby, I really need you to take some deep breaths." Don said sitting beside Meryl's hospital bed while he kissed all over her face. "Everything will be okay, Darl; we just need to keep you and the baby healthy and safe."

Meryl was hysterical. "How dare he, Don? How dare he accuse you of trying to kill me? I mean, what the holy fuck, Don? No one loves me more than you."

"I can't think about that right now." Don sighed; trying to push his own feelings down in order to help her. "His lawyer was just doing his job."

Meryl shook her head. "Dana fed him all that bullshit to say. He's coming after you, Don."

"Baby, it doesn't matter." Don sighed; hating she was so upset. "All that matters is making sure you and the baby are alright. He's lost, Darl; and he's lashing out at us. I don't know why; because you sure as hell don't deserve it, but he is."

Meryl shook her head. "You don't deserve this fucking shit."

"Baby, please calm down; your vitals are extremely high." Don said getting in bed and holding her. "I am furious at your brother for doing this to you; but all I care about right now is you. I can't let anything happen to you. I'm going to go see where that damn doctor is."

Meryl reached for Don as he got out of bed. "Please, don't leave me."

"I'm not going anywhere, Darl." Don sighed as he sat back down and she held onto him tightly. Truth was he didn't want to leave her either; however, he wanted to get her checked out as soon as possible. "I promise. We need to get you better so you can get home to your party; you don't want to miss that."

Meryl shook her head. "I don't feel like a party; I just want to be with you. He made me feel so unsafe; you make me feel safe."

"You are, Darl; I promise you." Don said stroking her hair. "You're incredibly safe, my love; and I will be with you. Just close those eyes and relax." Don said soothingly as he stroked her hair and felt her body start to calm down even though she was still holding onto him tightly. "Dana can't touch us. We're fine, baby. Just rest. That is all you need to do right now. I know you are ready for a fight with your brother; but now is time for you to rest and sleep. That is all you need to do; all I need and want you to do, baby." Don sighed in relief as she fell asleep in his arms and he noticed her vitals were coming down. "Thank God. Now, just sleep."

***

When Don felt like Meryl's hospital bed was getting a little cramped, he placed a kiss on her head and carefully got out of bed and sat in the recliner next to her bed; holding her hand. He then started getting hot with his suit jacket on and managed to take it off while holding her hand the entire time. Once he took it off something fell out; something that made him smile, her birthday present. He was planning on taking her to lunch and giving it to her in private but that didn't happen. As he was lost in thought a voice brought him back around. "Don Man?"

"Hey baby, I'm right her." Don said kissing her head and looking at the monitors. "Your vitals are looking much better; thank God."

Meryl brought his hands up to her lips. "Are you okay?"

"As soon as I know you and the baby are then I will be fine, Darl. Please stop worrying about me." Don said leaning forward and kissing her lips. "I'm so sorry this happened on your birthday."

Meryl shook her head as tears appeared in her eyes. "I'm sorry that someone you consider a brother has treated you like shit."

"Shhhh....let's not think about that." Don said wanting to keep her calm. "How would you like a birthday gift?"

Meryl's face lit up. "Here? Now?"

"No better time than the present for presents." Don said making her shake her head as he handed her the envelope he dropped earlier. Don gave her a long kiss as he handed her the envelope. "Happy Birthday, baby. I hope you like it."