To Everything, There Is A Season

Chapter 36

Meryl woke up a little while later and smiled at the sight of her husband and son sleeping in bed beside her. They were definitely two peas in a pod, even in their sleep. It warmed Meryl's heart to see them like that. She was so glad that they were finally home, and she couldn't wait for them to start planning the next chapter in their journey together. She knew how much Don wanted her to rest, but she wanted to see what all they had in the way of food in case she needed to place an order with the market to be delivered. After all, Don wouldn't let her lift a finger with lunch. She loved him for it, but she was a mother and wife and this was how she took care of her family, and she was so grateful she had the opportunity to do so. She carefully got out of bed and kissed her men. "I love you. both. Stay asleep." Meryl sighed happily as she walked into the kitchen and took inventory of everything that was in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. She was so caught off guard that when she felt a strange hand on her shoulder, one she knew did not belong to her husband, she screamed....LOUDLY!

***

Don sat straight up when he heard his wife's scream and he immediately saw she was no longer in bed beside him. He was glad that Henry was still sleeping and immediately jumped out of bed, closing the door behind him as he ran through their loft apartment looking for his wife. "MERYL?!"

***

"Dana!" Meryl sighed as she turned around and hit him. "You scared the hell out of me!"

Dana held his sister by her shoulders. "Sis, I'm sorry. The door was unlocked. I thought you heard me. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Meryl?" Don ran into the kitchen and pulled her into his arms. "Baby, what's wrong? Are you hurt? Did something happen?"

Meryl shook her head as she was still a little shaken up and tears appeared in her eyes. "I just feel stupid. I'm fine. Dana just startled me."

"Dana?" Don looked at his brother-in-law. "How did you get in here?"

Dana sighed. "I really am sorry. Your door was unlocked and I have some wonderful news. I was just so excited to tell you."

"Mom and Dad." Meryl saw the concerned look on her husband's face. "They probably forgot to lock it when they left. I'm really okay."

Don took a calming breath; he had all kinds of visions rush through his mind when he heard his wife screaming. He was just so relieved that she was okay. "All that matters is you're okay."

"Dana, can you go wait for us in the den?" Meryl looked at her brother. "Don and I will lock the door and check on Henry then we will be right there."

Dane kissed her cheek and then shook Don's hand. "Of course, I'm really sorry again."

"We're just jumpy." Meryl smiled at Dana but noticed that Don was quiet. "We will be right there."

Don pulled Meryl to him once Dana was out of the room. "Thank God you're okay; but baby, you're still trembling."

"It just caught me off guard." Meryl shook her head as she pulled away and tenderly kissed Don's lips. "I promise, I really am fine. I am so sorry I scared you."

Don ran his fingers through her hair as he kissed her forehead. "As long as you are okay that is all I care about, my girl."

"You make sure of it." Meryl said as she grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's go lock the door and see why my brother is so impatient he came right into our apartment."

Don winked at her, trying to keep things calm. "That's easy, he's a Streep."

***

"Okay, little brother." Meryl said as she and Don walked into the den hand in hand after locking the door and checking in on Henry who was thankfully still sleeping. "What was so important?"