All My Life

Chapter 82

Once Don and Meryl got another hour of sleep, they were able to shower together before the babies woke up. Now, they were all ready for the day and the babies were fed. Don had just settled the babies down on their play mats for tummy time in the family room, while Meryl was getting ready for her morning of shopping of shopping with Liz when the phone rang. Don went to answer it not knowing his wife was making her way downstairs and following the sound of his voice to the family room. "Don Gummer."

"Hey, Dad." Henry smiled as he was sat in his studio in his and Suzie's townhome. "You don't sound too rough this morning."

Don thought maybe this would be a good opportunity to say something that was on his mind. "I didn't drink that much, pal. How are you?"

"I'm good." Henry said taking a drink of coffee. "Just thought I'd check on you after last night. The celebration will continue on Friday night."

That was what Don was afraid of. He sighed as he sat down in the overstuffed chair next to where the babies were so he could watch them. "Yeah Hen, about that. Listen, no party and especially no strippers Friday night. I just want a nice family evening."

"Dad, did I make you mad by arranging that?" Henry asked concerned. "We were just teasing Mom about it; surely she knows you did do anything."

Don nodded even though Henry couldn't see. "She knows that; but I just don't enjoy that scene. I wouldn't want someone to ogle your sisters or mother or Suzie like that. I also don't want your mother to EVER feel insecure about anything with our lives; and I don't want to look at anyone else. Your mom isn't mad."

"I understand; we all just got caught up in the excitement." Henry explained. "I'm a father and husband; and I completely agree. I would castrate the bastards."

Don threw his head back and laughed. "Exactly. Thanks, Hen."

"While we're on the wedding topic." Henry smiled. "When do you and Mom want to talk music?"

Don smiled at the mention of that. "I want to surprise her with a song she's going to walk down the aisle to, which she knows about and said was fine. You and I can talk about that another time. She's getting ready to leave to go shopping with Liz so maybe later?"

"Sounds good, pops." Henry smiled. "Talk later."

As soon as Don hung up the phone Meryl walked in. "You didn't have to do that; you know."

"Hey beautiful." Don held out his hand to her and pulled her to sit on his lap. "I told you the song you walk down the aisle to has great meaning to us; and you said it was okay if it was a surprise."

Meryl smiled at him as she tenderly kissed his lips. "I can't wait to hear what it is. No, that is fine, baby. What you said to Henry about the strippers...you know you didn't have to do that."

"It's really been bothering me since last night when I realized what he planned." Don said tucking her hair behind her ears. "I don't want all that; it's stupid and vulgar. I meant what I said, the thought of someone looking at you and the girls like that makes my blood boil."

Meryl ran her fingers through his hair. "One of the oh so many reasons why I love you so much. I just want you to know I'm fine; I just had a moment is all."

"I'm glad you know you NEVER need to worry about that." Don smiled at her. "I just want this weekend to be happy and joyous."

Meryl winked at him as she went to check on their babies. "Me too, sweetheart. You know our family is going to try to get us to sleep apart, right?"

"We own the damn place." Don said making her laugh as she bent down by the babies. "We call the shots."

"Mommy loves you so much. Daddy is going solo so please don't give him too many troubles." Meryl whispered as she kissed her babies' heads; and then went over to Don and placed her hands on his chest. "You are so damn handsome, Gummer."