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fredandginger64 · 2 months ago

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By: fredandginger64 for @ringa-starr

Please keep in mind that I am not a writer, I just write stuff down, lol but here it is anyway because I love Jerry and Dean so much...

Our Girl

Spring in California was like summer in most places, the sun not a warm relief, but a hot annoyance. Jerry wiped his brow as he stepped into the cool water of his backyard pool, only to have four pairs of little hands grab onto his shoulders and try to pull him under.

“Hey, hey, I just got in here, lemme have a little break, will ya?!” Jerry laughed at the three little boys who were so obviously his own, and the happy little girl who was nobody's.

Jerry and his wife Patti had grown so fond of her and the boys loved having her around. She was quite the little actress, having just finished starring with Jerry in his new picture, ironically, about an orphaned little girl in search of a father. That's how Jerry came to know her, after that first meeting with her when Jerry interviewed her about making the film, she was the one. Wise beyond her years, but still with the wonder and sweetness of an ordinary little girl, Jerry had his co-star. Working with her was a dream and she stole Jerry's heart. She currently lived in a foster home with a couple who had two grown children so she was very lonely for the company of other children and Jerry's home was a dream come true for her. In fact, one of Jerry's boys was only one day older than her. She thought that was the greatest thing in the world. She had been invited to the Lewis's home several times during filming, but this was a special night, they were all going to dinner to celebrate wrapping the production of the film. Jerry wanted to surprise her, as she was being included in the family dinner.

After the children had taken turns being thrown in the air by their father, Jerry announced it was time to get ready for dinner.

“Ah, dad, it's only 5:00, just a little longer!”

”That's what you said an hour ago, now out, all of you, out.” Jerry stood at the pool's ladder, counting each head as they begrudgingly climbed the steps of the pool. “One, two, three, aaaand, four”, he said as Donna came up the steps last.

“You know, Jerry, we could have stayed longer, seeing as I'm here. Patti said I'm a great help to her, especially with the baby.”

“You are, sweetheart, but you've got to get yourself ready, y'know.”

“All I gotta do is change clothes, I'll be ready before any of you guys, and I can help Patti with the baby while she gets dressed. Aaand, I can hurry the other boys up, even Ronnie. He thinks he's so smart because he's a teenager, but I got his number.”

Jerry laughed out loud at this kid. Donna was looking at him with a smirk, head cocked to one side, as she looked up at the tall, handsome man who had become her friend and confidant.

“I know that look and I know you're about to say something inappropriate, probably gonna insult me.”

“Just facts, Jer. Y'know, you take longer than anybody, maybe I'll watch the baby and get your clothes all laid out, while you shower and put that good smelling stuff on.”

“You just nevermind about that good smelling stuff. You're too young to know about such things.”

Donna looked up at Jerry again, “Why? I can smell it same as you and same as that script girl that said y…….”

Jerry was horrified. “Uh I think I heard the baby, you better run along.”

Jerry breathed a sigh of relief that Patti didn't hear that. He was gonna have a talk with that child.

Donna skipped off to Patti's bedroom and knocked, “Mrs Lewis? Can I help?”

“Come in, darling. Of course you can. I've almost got the baby ready. Can you just see if you can get his shoes tied?”

Donna talked to him while she tied his shoes and before long, he looked like a little prince.

“You are such a help, but you better run along and take a quick bath and I'll see what I can do with your hair.”

“I can take a bath when I get to the Hanson's.” That was the name of her foster parents. She never could bring herself to call their home her home.

“Oh but you're not going back there. You're coming out with us, my dear.”

“I-I am?”

“That is, if you want?”

“Want? I'd just die to go out with you and that, that, crazy husband you got!”

Patti laughed and scooted her off to the bathroom. She returned 15 minutes later all scrubbed and dry, her hair in a veritable mess.

“But Mrs. Lewis, I don't got anything here to wear.”

“You've been around Jerry too much. Just listen to that grammar.”

“Jerry says it ain't important the way you say it, but it's the meaning that you gotta make clear to people.”

“I'll have to speak to him about that.”

Patti turned and went into her closet and brought out a beautiful pink dress with a darker pink sash, made of organza. It was so light and airy. Donna loved it immediately but it was too small for Patti.

“This is for you, Donna.”

Donna's eyes grew in size, mouth open. “But how? Really?”

“Of course. I had the most fun picking it out.”

Donna ran to Patti and hugged her. “Thank you, thank you. It means so much just because you picked it out.”

“Now let's get you into it. And, I got shoes for you too….. and accessories.”

“I'm so excited!” She hugged Patti again and ran off to put her beautiful dress on.

An hour later, everybody was ready , except Jerry. He was trying to match socks with his suit.

“Wear these.” Jerry looked over his shoulder at the beautiful little girl who had reached around him and grabbed a pair a dark socks and placed them on his shoulder.

Donna was expecting a comeback, not a compliment.

She dropped her head and said, “Your wife sure does have good taste.”

“She sure does. Now let me put these socks on” he playfully tapped Donna on the nose. “and shoes, of course.”

“Told ya I should have laid everything out for you.”

Jerry watched her walk down the hall and go into the boys room, coming out with them in tow. They sure liked having her around. Jerry smiled, an idea forming in his head, not really an idea, but a plan. A plan that would affect his whole family for the rest of their lives.

“Jerry, are you sure?”

Patti looked at her husband with a newfound admiration, an excitement of sorts filling her heart.

“I feel it, Patti. I just know it’s right”

“A daughter, oh my, a daughter Jerry. We’ve hoped for one for so long.”

“It’ll be lovely. It’ll be a long, hard process and we’ll have to talk to Donna but I think she’d love being a part of our family.”

“Let’s talk to her tonight?”

“You read my mind, mama”

III

The restaurant was unusually crowded for a Monday evening but the Lewis family made their way to their table. They were quite the large family and it looked as though it was family night, anyway. Jerry said hello to several people on their way to the table.

When they were all seated, the waiter came and asked for their drink orders.

The boys ordered soft drinks, Patti ordered iced tea and Jerry ordered a scotch and soda.

“You shouldn't be drinking that”

“And why not?”

“Because you can't handle your liquor.”

“Listen, young lady, I don't know what you're talking about but you don't tell an adult what they shouldn't do.”

“Well I'm only repeating what Mr Martin said.”

Jerry looked at her with wide eyed amazement. “He doesn't know……you shouldn't be repeating….wh…I'll have a talk with Mr Martin.”

“He only said he had to get you out of all sorts of trouble when you were young because you couldn't handle your liquor.”

Patti could barely contain her laughter.

“Hold on, he told you that?”

“Well, I overheard him telling somebody else.”

“Well you shouldn't have been listening.”

Jerry hid his smile, he would definitely have a talk with Mr Dean Martin.

“That's how you learn stuff.”

“By listening to other people's conversation?”

“Sure. You do it.”

“I do not!”

“Yes you do, you told me what Patti was getting you for your birthday last month because you listened in on her talking to the man at the store where she got it from.”

Patti looked at Jerry open-mouthed, “so that's why you didn't seem to be really surprised.”

“Well, I loved it. Little lady, we're going to have a talk about manners later on.”

“Sure. And Patti can give you a talking to, as well.” Donna looked triumphantly at Jerry who slid down in his chair.

“I certainly will. Mr Lewis has some manners to learn himself.”

“Tattletale.” Jerry whispered to Donna who gave him a wink.

Donna leaned in closer to Jerry while Patti was helping the children with their food. “You know what else Mr Martin said?”

“No I don't. Stop listening to anything that rat says”

“Why? I think he's dreamy.”

“You would.” Jerry laughed at this kid who reminded him of himself. It was going to be a fun ride with her around.

The ride back home was noisy to say the least, but when Jerry didn't take her home, Donna was curious.

“Hey Jer, you missed the turn back there.”

“I know it.”

“Where’re we going?”

“Back to the house.”

“Ok. Sure.”

“You like my house don't you?”

“I love it more than anything”

“Good because we've got something to ask you.”

“Well? Ain’t you gonna ask me?”

“When we’re home “

Jerry pulled into the driveway and helped get the boys inside. When everybody was settled, Jerry sat Donna down on the sofa between him and Patti.

“Donna, have you ever thought about being adopted?”

“No not really. People want babies don't they?”

“I guess they probably do, but older kids are great too…no diapers.”

“Only you would think of that.”

“You know it, kid.” What would you think if we said we'd like for you to live with us?”

Donna was quiet, barely understanding what she was hearing. “You mean like stay here all the time?”

“Yea, stay with us forever.”

“You wanna adopt me? Why, Jer? You got all these kids running around. What would you want me for?”

“Cause we love you and you fit right in.”

“You're not saying it because you feel sorry for me, or anything like that?”

“Course not.”

“Patti says I'm just like you.”

“Well then she loves you pretty darn good.”

“It might be fun living with you.” Jerry could tell she was about to cry. “A lot of fun.” Jerry stood up and walked to the mantle, Donna right behind him. She looked up at Jerry and put her arms around his waist and hugged him. Jerry picked her up and held her tight. He supposes that meant she wouldn't mind too much being adopted by the Lewis's.

“Jerry? “I gotta call you Dad? I mean if you still want me to be your daughter?”

“Gotta get used to that one.”

“Why?” Jerry laughed.

“Got used to calling you Jerry or Jer.”

“I should've made you call me Mr Lewis.”

Donna giggled, “You're not serious enough to be called that.”

“You shouldn't be calling me ‘Jer’”

“Everybody else does.”

“No they don't. Only a couple people do.”

“Mr Martin says he calls you all sorts of stuff, but I don’t think I’m supposed to say the things he said.”

“Mr Martin again? What do you do, follow him around all day?”

Sure, when he’s at the studio. He’s dr….”

“….dreamy…” Jerry imitated Donna when she talked about Dean or Elvis. “I know”

“Dad. Sounds good, huh?”

Jerry softened towards her, “sure does, honey.”

~~~

The county’s adoption office reminded Jerry of a private upscale girls school. Ladies dressed in prim dresses and low heel shoes. There were only inaudible whispers as Jerry stood at the big desk, as if he were a defendant in a courtroom.

“Ah Mr Lewis, I'll be right with you.”

“I don't remember ever being here,” Donna exclaimed, “ I just remember living with a family in Beverly hills, who got me started in show business and then the Hanson's.

“You just don't remember”

“Glad I don't.”

Jerry could feel her hand grip his tighter. He smiled down at her and then they were led back to an all white room with no pictures or decorations, save for two chairs and a desk.

Today was just for the two hours worth of paperwork. It was a long process but well worth it. Donna was tired when they finally left the agency two and a half hours later.

“I gotta go back to the Hanson's, don't I?”

“Well just for now. Wont be long, you'll be with us all the time.”

“Ok. They're not so bad. They're good to me. It's just at your house, there's always something to do.”

“Sometimes too much.”

“Hey, Jer, when I'm with you all the time, what about my career? Do I keep going or stop?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“You, silly. You wanna keep acting?”

“I don't think so. It's gonna be hard enough just being your daughter.”

“I don't know if that's a compliment or not.”

“Sure it is. You're as good as it gets.”

“Gee. I don't think I've ever been anybody's hero before.”

“No fooling?”

“No fooling.”

Donna smiled and winked up at Jerry.

~~~

“Today?”

“Yes, mama. Today. They said to expect them between two and three this afternoon.”

“Jerry! Two o clock?! It's almost one now. The house….oh my… the boys! That's even worse! Scottie's got a bloody nose!.... Chris….”

“Bloody nose?!! What happened?”

He got an elbow from one of your son's, I don't know which, because they were wrestling in the back yard, and I had to untangle them. Oh my…..oh my, me! I'm a mess! Oh Jerry!”

“Now calm down. They said they wanted to drop in unannounced a time or two. Next time, you'll have plenty of time to prepare.”

“It's nerve wracking.”

“You are a perfect mother. Everything will be fine. I'll be home around six.”

~~~

Patti supposes it went pretty well, she only had time to change her dress and put on some lipstick. The boys were on their own. Patti hoped they wouldn't show up til close to three but of course it was a little past two. The boys charmed the two ladies that came to visit, even showing them, to Patti's horror, a toad they had found in the garden. Patti sat with her eyes closed, praying for the best, but when the older of the two ladies announced what a handsome toad they had found and should be very proud of it, she began to relax. After all, the house was mostly clean, save for the boys bedrooms.

“Mrs Lewis, you have a charming home, we'll be in touch.”

“Thank you ladies, very much.”

Patti leaned against the door when they were gone. “A daughter” she thought. “A little girl for Jerry and I.” She smiled and went to call her husband, relieved and happy. Nothing could stop the adoption now.

~~~

As the months went by, Donna spent more and more time with the Lewis's. The weekends were the best because Jerry was at home most of the time, and Donna adored him. But Sunday nights when Jerry drove her back to her foster home were the worst. She clung to Jerry as if he was her lifeline.

“I don't want to go. I wanna stay with you. Take me back home, Jer, please.”

“Honey I can't. Just a few more weeks and you'll really be mine.”

“I know, but I wanna be with you all the time. I wanna eat breakfast with you and Patti and the boys and I wanna come home from school and help Patti and on school vacations I wanna come to work with you.”

Jerry laughed out loud. “Come to work with me?”

“Yea, I mean even though I don't wanna act anymore, I still like the atmosphere, you know just watching everybody work and everything.”

“You made quite an impression.”

“I do that. Just like you. Me and you, we're alike. Gotta be loud and in charge. Cause we grew up the same.”

“Grew up the same?”

“Yea. Alone. Except I got a chance. I got you and Patti. You didn't have anybody like that… except for Mr Martin.”

“Him again?”

“I like him. He says he took you under his wing.”

“You two sure talk a lot.”

“We got a lot in common. You.”

“Well, just remember, he can be a rat sometimes.”

“I know that. But he sure likes you.”

“Yea well, he's ok sometimes.” Jerry ruffled her hair and and Donna hugged him tight.

“Bye Jerry. I'll miss you.”

“Same here, sweetheart.”

~~~

“Hey Jerry, we need you on the set.”

“Be there in a minute.”

Jerry strode down the hall, pencil in mouth, cigarette in hand, secretary trying to keep up.

“Is that all for now?”

“Yes, make sure the costume fits exactly right.”

“Hey Jerry, can you sign this?”

“Yes yes.” Jerry stopped for a few quick seconds. He had a meeting at 4 to finally start the finalization of the adoption and hopefully they would go before a judge in the next few days and it'll be over.

Jerry continued down the hallway and into a soundstage where the film was being shot. After solving the problem he was called for, he swiftly got out. It was nearing 3 now and he had to get a move in. He was meeting Patti at 3:45 at the agency.

As he rounded the corner, a hard shoulder met his chest, as an avalanche of papers floated to the ground.

“Damn, Jer. Sorry, buddy.”

“Well, well, Mr Martin.”

“I don't like that tone.”

“You shouldn't. You are a bad influence.”

“Why, just because I made you drop your papers?”

“No, because you keep telling Donna things about me.”

“It's all true, buddy.”

“Yea but she ain't gotta know it. She's a little tyrant already.”

“Just like her papa.”

“Haha. She thinks you're dreamy.”

“Like I said, just like her papa.”

Jerry cocked his head, raised his eyebrows and could do nothing but smile and shake his head. After Dean had picked up all of the now mixed up papers, Jerry said, “yeah yeah, in your dreams.”

As Jerry gave him a side long glance, as he walked away, Dean returned, “dreams do come true, y'know.”

Jerry turned, smiled a knowing smile and walked away.

This is going to be a great ride, Jerry thought, a great one indeed.

~~~

“Today's the day.” Jerry was as nervous as Patti but he didn't show it. What if something went wrong? What if Donna changed her mind? What if the state of California denied the adoption. After all, I am away from home a lot. That doesn't look good. Now look what you've gone and done, you schmuck, you've worked yourself up over nothing. Everything has gone well so far, Jerry thought. Why would it be any different now. They knew what my job was. They know I'm an entertainer and have an excellent income. I can more than afford to take care of Donna.

“You're nervous, Jerry”

“Am not.”

“Your fingers.”

“Fingers?”

“They won't be still.”

Jerry sighed. “Ok so I'm nervous.”

“Me too. I don't know why though. Jerry, we have a wonderful home.”

“You're perfect. You take care of the house, kids and everything in between. You cook great meals…. everything, so it's not you. It's me. I'm barely home before I'm gone again.”

“We've come this far. We can't lose her now”

“So far we've only dealt with the county, now it's the state and they don't know us. To them, we're just another family.”

“We have a wonderful family.”

“Hope they think so.”

~~~

The meeting with the entire Lewis family had gone very well. The boys were on their best behavior and Donna was an angel. Before they left, appointments were scheduled and for the next three months, then finally a decision from the state of California. These next three months were imperative for the Lewis's. But something was looming over Jerry's head, something he had thought of but hadn't acted on. He had put it in the back of his mind and now he had to think about it.

“I can't be there. It's impossible. I've got to be there for all these meetings with the adoption people. It's very important.”

“I understand Jerry, but this is important too. You've missed two engagements already. If you miss this one, they'll cancel, get somebody else and you won't get the opportunity again.”

Jerry's agent looked solemnly at Jerry. He really was in one heck of a mess.

“Let me see what I can do. Maybe I haven't teed them off too bad.”

“And what about your engagement at The Sands next month. Jerry that's two weeks. You have to be there.”

“God I forgot.”

Jerry hated to ask for help, because he's never had to. He would have to find fill ins that the clubs in which he was appearing would agree to. He knows Frank is out of town, but knows if there's somebody available, he'll find them.

He knows the adoption process for the next couple months would be critical for them, and he couldn't disappoint Patti. She was so looking forward to Donna being hers and the boys adored her.

He'd figure it out. He always did.

~~~

“I'm trying, it's just that everybody's so tied up. I can get you somebody lesser known but, The Sands just won't agree to it because with you, it's a cinch they'll sell out. Somebody else, no way…

Jerry started to say something to his agent but it wasn't his fault. He just stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked away.

“Look, Jerry. The first two appointments with the adoption people are ok. You're actually free those days, well you'll have to leave right after this one,” his agent pointed to a paper on Jerry's desk, “remember you have to emcee the children's benefit.”

Jerry put his head in his hands. “Good thing you keep up because I nearly forgot.”

“I'll keep trying.”

“Thanks.”

His phone rang and he started to just let it ring but he thought it was probably something to do with the next picture the studio was producing.

“Yea, this is Jerry.”

“Hey Jerry, is there anything that could happen that would keep you from adopting me?”

“Donna. Why are you asking that? And shouldn't you be in school?”

“It's almost 4 in the afternoon. School's out.”

“Oh that late huh?”

“Yea. Will you come get me, Jer?”

“You're at home aren't you?”

“No. I mean yes but….my home is with you. I feel it and I miss you and I want to be with you.”

“That's up to Mr and Mrs Hanson. They're still your guardians, y'know”

“They're just two stuffy old crabs. They don't know how to have fun like you do.

Jerry had to laugh. “Donna, that's not nice.”

“Why I gotta be nice for?”

“Because it's courteous and respectful”

“Yea but it's no fun. I wanna be with you.”

“You will be.”

“Some kids at school say those ladies from the adoption agency won't let me live with you. They say you're not home enough.”

“Nonsense. Now you do your homework and I'll see you tomorrow. It's Friday y'know.”

“I know. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“You bet.”

~~~

“Hey Donna! Look. One of the boys had climbed up in the treehouse and got a running start and jumped off with the rope that was hanging by the tree.

“I wanna turn! Watch this. Donna twisted the rope around and jumped off, the rope twisting wildly as it swung to and fro.

The boys cheered her on as the wildly twisting rope slowed and Donna jumped off, staggering wildly.

“I’m gonna do that!”

“You kids be careful out there! I saw that missy. You better be very careful. We have a meeting with the agency on Monday, with the state agency.” Patti scolded all the children about the condition of their attire.

“We don’t need you in the hospital with a broken arm. What would that say about us?”

“It’s Saturday mom. We don’t have to be clean.”

“Well you shouldn’t run around like a wild animal.”

“Where’s Jerry? I want him to be here with us. He’s fun.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. He’s working so he can be with us in the last and most important part of the adoption process.”

“I know. I really love him, y'know”

“I do know. I have a feeling you're going to be a daddy's girl through and through. You already act like him, talk like him, and that reminds me I still haven't had that talk with him about his grammar. And while we're at it, Mr Martin needs a lesson as well.”

“Mr Martin’s just great. He don't treat me like a kid, but like a peer.”

“That's exactly what I mean.”

“Uncle Dean's real cool. He and dad used to be together, y'know.”

Ronnie, Jerry and Patti's teenage son had appeared dressed in swim trunks.

“I know it. They were fabulous. Jerry said I could watch some of their tv shows sometimes.”

Patti wondered which ones and how was he going to explain some of the more inappropriate language and more importantly, the inappropriate gestures he and Dean got away with.

“We'll see about that.”

“And the nightclub act”

“ Absolutely not. That's not for your eyes or ears.”

“That's what he said. He said maybe when I'm older.”

“A lot older.”

~~~

“Hey Jerry!” Donna came downstairs in her pajamas, and flung herself at Jerry. “Hi ya, pop.” She hugged his waist.

“Now what are you doing up? It's nearly 10:00.”

“Waiting for you. I missed ya. Besides, it's Saturday. No school tomorrow.”

“I might let you off the hook.”

“Are you hungry? I can make you a sandwich.”

“I'm just a little tired. I'll get something later.”

“Can I stay up with you. Please?”

“Sure but only for a little while.”

“Great!” Donna took his hand and pulled him to the living room.

“So what all did you do today.”

“Well we went grocery shopping this morning and Patti fixed us all sandwiches and then we made brownies, just me and her.”

“I don't think the boys like those things.”

“No they don't but I like playing outside, just like they do. You should have seen me twisting and twisting on the rope. I made myself dizzy!”

Donna had climbed on Jerry's lap and laid her head on his shoulder.

“You're something else, y'know that?”

“Yea but I don't know what. That's what everybody says about you.”

Jerry had laid his head back on the couch and he felt his eyes begin to close.

“Yea but when they say that about an adult, it's usually not meant in a good way.”

“Why not? You mean they meant you're bad? They better not. I'll tell them all! My dad is the greatest in the world!”

“Whoa now little spitfire. You can't go round telling adults off.”

“Why not? Why are there different rules for kids and adults?”

“Because you're supposed to learn from adults. And adults are supposed to teach kids to be nice and respectful to everybody. But sometimes that's not what happens. I want you to be a very good girl.”

“I am, Jer. I'll do anything for you. But don't worry, I heard all that stuff about you being something else months ago when I was on the studio lot. I think they probably changed their minds now.”

Jerry laughed at her innocence. “Probably not but don't let all that give you a bad impression, it's just adults talking, and sometime we need to be reminded to be nice and respectful as well.”

“But they did stop. Mr Martin made them. I heard him. He said he better not ever hear anybody say anything bad about you. Or they wouldn't ever work in this town.”

Jerry smiled. He didn't have words to tell Donna what that meant to him. Maybe she doesn't need to know, not right now anyway.

“Mr Martin.” Jerry stared at the ceiling, still smiling. “You like him, don't you?”

“Sure do”

Jerry wondered why she likes him so much. “Why? What do you see in him?”

“He's funny, like you, and he loves you, just like I do.”

“Now how do you know that?”

“I just feel it. The way he looks at your office, like he wants more than anything to go in and talk to you.” Donna looks up at Jerry. “Don't you talk to him?”

“Not like we used to”

“Maybe he needs you to. Maybe he's shy.”

“He can be.”

“Tell me about him. Tell me all about when you two were together.”

Jerry put his hand on Donna's face. “I will one day when the time is right. Then you'll know.”

“But how will I know?”

“When you see what we did together, you'll know. I promise.”

“I look forward to hearing it, pop.”

“Not as much as I look forward to telling it.”

~~~

“I'm sorry, Jerry. But there's nobody available that will take your place. It's two weeks. That's a lot of time to ask somebody to fill in.”

“It's The Sands. It's prestigious. Surely somebody would love to fill in.”

“That's not the problem. There's plenty of people willing but not the right people if you know what I mean.

“Yea guess so.”

“We need a big name and everybody's busy because they're big names.”

“Cancel it.”

“Cancel it?”

“That's what I said.”

“Jerry. Do you know what you're doing? You'll never work there again.”

“I choose my family. What else can I do?”

“Ok Jerry. I'll cancel.”

Jerry hung the phone up. What else could he do? He walked around his office, before deciding to call it a day. It's worth it, he thinks, it's all worth it.

The next few weeks went by in a blur of meetings, house calls, lawyers offices, paperwork and more paperwork. Jerry had to present tax returns for the last five years as well as a thorough inspection of the Lewis household, including what was to be Donna's bedroom.

It was hard but they could finally see light at the end of a long tunnel. They went before a judge for the final time in about a week's time. Jerry had to admit, he was nervous. He had missed a lot of important meetings at work not to mention several engagements. It really put him to thinking. Maybe he did work too hard. Maybe he needed to slow down. Maybe Dean was right after all.

~~~

The Lewis family sat in the courtroom, awaiting the judge who would either grant or deny the adoption. Jerry knew there was very little chance the adoption would be denied but he was still nervous.

As Donna sat between Jerry and Patti, people milled around them, people who probably didn’t care that this was her chance at a real family for the first time in her 9 years on earth. The very thought of being told she couldn’t have this family, frightened her. She was never scared of anything, just like Jerry. She reached over and put her small hand in his. Long fingers covered her hand in silent recognition of her uneasiness.

Jerry held her hand tight and Patti lightly touched her knee, waiting for the judge to finalize the adoption. When the moment came, Donna jumped up and down and Patti grabbed her and hugged her tight.

Jerry closed his eyes and said a little prayer. He kept his emotion in check, no small feat for him, but he did it. Maybe he had grown up after all. But a daughter….we had a daughter, Jerry thought as he looked at his great big family. Pride welled in his heart for them and when Donna looked up at him and asked, “Dad, can we go home now?” Jerry’s tears came as he hugged the sweet girl who everybody said was just like him.

“You bet we can. And this weekend we’re gonna have the biggest celebration you’ve ever seen!”

“Oh boy! Like a party?”

“A big one!”

“And my room, it’s really mine now!”

“You bet it is. You and Patti… excuse me, your mother, are going to have such a grand time shopping and decorating it.”

“I’m so excited, but I don’t really want anything too frilly and girly. I like playing with my brothers too much! The boys all came and stood around her, not hugging but looking in awe at their new sister.

“Ok everybody, let's go home.”

Jerry and Patti herded their brood out of the courtroom. There were a few reporters waiting outside wanting a picture of the whole family. After posing, they all climbed in the car and set out for home.

“Well Donna, you've only been a Lewis for a few minutes but you've already cost your Dad a ton of money.”

“What do you mean?”

“We'll have to get a bigger car.”

“Oh Jer, you make lots of money.”

“Jer?”

“Darn. Guess I really gotta stop callin you that now.”

“Probably a good idea.”

“I'll work on it.”

Jerry smiled at his daughter and drove his big family home.

~~~

“Congratulations, pal. You really did it. You adopted a kid.”

“Thanks. It's been wonderful having her around all the time.”

“Hey Jer, congratulations, really pal. You did a good thing.”

Jerry's press agent stops him walking out of one of the studios back door.

“Thanks Jack. It's been really something.”

As Jerry continues to walk to his car, his agent stops him.

“Have you heard anything from The Sands? I figured they'd be all over me, you, and Irving. They weren't exactly happy when you cancelled.”

“I hated to do it. I didn't have a choice. But no, I haven't heard anything.”

“Maybe they found somebody suitable.”

“Doubt it. I'm not gonna hear anything. Ever.”

“Sorry Jer. It was a good setup. Three times a year at what they pay you? You could retire.”

“S’ok. I'm going home now. See ya tomorrow.”

Jerry drove home wondering what Patti and the kids were up to today. She usually calls at least once but nothing today.

He walks into the house to a barrage of children descending on him.

“Hi dad.”

“Hey Dad, come swimming with us.”

“No I'm showing him my room first.”

“Ok ok but hurry up. It's just a room.”

Donna stuck her tongue out at her youngest brother as she ascended the stairs, gripping her father's fingers.

“Look at what we got”

“Well it's certainly not frilly”

“Only this.” Donna shows Jerry a doll sitting on her bed with a long flowing white dress and a wedding veil. “Mom said she always wanted to buy something like this…so I told her I'd love it.”

“Even though you really don't?”

“It's growing on me.”

“Good girl.”

“Look at what else I got.”

Donna showed him a light blue bedspread with matching curtains, and a white rocking chair in the corner beside a white desk.

“It's beautiful, honey.”

Jerry noticed a framed portrait of the whole family and a smaller one of both of them together during filming of their movie together.

Jerry noticed a photograph on her desk and went closer to look. Jerry smiled as he saw the photo. He stared at it for a full minute, remembering. It was a studio portrait, one of probably hundreds taken of him and Dean.

“Hope you don't mind. I asked Mom. She said you wouldn't.”

“She's right. Thank you”

“For what?”

Jerry started to say something, but Patti was standing at the door, watching and listening.”

“For reminding him of the great and loyal friend Dean was…and still is.”

Jerry furrowed his brow, wondering what Patti was trying to say.

Patti and Donna looked at each other and smiled secret smiles.

Jerry raised his eyebrows, awaiting something from Patti to clue him in.

“Well? What are you two dreaming up?”

Donna looked at the picture of her Dad and Dean.

“Do you know what Dean did for you…for us?”

“What are you talking about?”“He's fulfilled all your engagements, every single one.”

“Wh-what? What do you mean?”

“I found out today. Dean was trying to keep it from you. You know how he is”

“Well he did a great job. How did I not know?”

“I only found out by accident today. I ran into Jeanne in town and she told me he was in Vegas performing at The Sands. She thought it strange since he’s right in the middle of recording an album. She said he just took off one day last week.”

“He took all your obligations, Jerry.”

“That scoundrel. I can’t believe it. He…”

“You’re mad at him?” Donna looked up at him with her big brown eyes, not understanding.

“Oh no honey. Y’see, me and Dean, we have a funny way of talkin to each other. The more insults, the more we like one another.”

“There’s still two more nights left. I have to go. I need to see him. To thank him.”

“It would be wonderful. Hop on a plane and go, tell him we are eternally grateful to him.”

“I wanna go.”

“No children allowed honey.”

“Aww I can’t never go anywhere.”

Patti spoke up, “ How bout we invite him to our celebration next weekend?”

Donna squealed, “Can we, dad, can we?”

“Sure we can.”

Jerry knows he probably won’t come because he knows Dean, he still knows him. Rotten scoundrel, he thinks, but walks back downstairs with the biggest smile and the happiest heart he’s had since before the big split. He had to do it. He would go thank him in person. He had to.

~~~

One thing about being a big celebrity, it gave you certain privileges, at restaurants, sporting events and nightclubs. Of course, there wasn’t a table to be had to an ordinary member of the public, but when you knew people, a table usually could be found.

He settled down just in time for the opening act. Jerry wanted nothing else but to just go backstage and thank him but he had an overwhelming desire to watch him in private. He was still the greatest man he’d ever known.

Finally he came out, black tux, shiny black curly hair, the best friend he’d ever had. He hopes to God Dean thinks the same about him.

The performance was exactly like he had expected. Dean's lively, mischievous banter with the audience only made people appreciate and love his beautiful baritone voice…me included, Jerry thought.

As he made his way to a door leading backstage, he caught sight of him talking to fans, members of staff and of course some beautiful ladies who always wanted a chance with the handsome and sexy Dino.

Jerry stood in the shadows, fearing he'd be recognized. He wanted Dean to himself for just a few minutes.

When the crowd cleared, Jerry walked to his dressing room and knocked.

“Yeah?”

Jerry knocked again.

“Yeah? Who is it?”

Jerry decided he wasn't gonna get invited in, unless he announced his name.

“It's me.”

Nothing. He heard rustling as if he was getting dressed.

Then the door swung open slowly and there he was. Jerry didn't know how he'd be received, because Dean didn't like big scenes. He always said if you're going to do something for somebody, just do it, no questions asked, and no need for a thank you.

“Jer.”

“Paul.”

“Come in, pal.”

He was nervous, Jerry could tell, but so was he. They hadn't really talked in ages.

“Look, I know you don't like this sort of thing but you also know me, unless you've forgotten. I had to come. This means the world to me.”

“Figured you might show up.”

Jerry ducked his head and smiled.

“It was a great show, Paul, really.”

“Yea, well I did it for that kid of yours. She was on my show once, y'know.”

“Oh I know.”

It was Dean's turn to duck his head.

“She's really great, Jer.”

“Yeah and I thank you for taking a liking to her.”

“She reminds me of somebody.”

“Oh yeah? One of your girls?”

“You.”

Jerry thinks his heart skipped a beat.

“Patti says she's just like me. She sure loves you.”

“She thinks I'm dreamy.”

Jerry laughs. “Wanna get a drink or you……”

“Love to. Let me grab my jacket.”

“Ties crooked.”

“Fix it.”

Jerry goes towards Dean and reaches up to straighten his tie. As he puts his arms down and steps back, Dean says, “you still do.”

“Do what?”

“Think I'm dreamy.”

As they both walk out the door and into the semi darkness of the hallway, Jerry turns to Dean and says, “you damn right I do.”

And damned if Dean didn't give him the most beautiful smile, all bright and open, and all for Jerry.

Jerry thinks in the early morning hours of the next day how lucky he is. His family was complete and the best friend, partner and everything in between, that he's ever had, was still his.

Wait til Donna hears about this.

The End

#jerry lewis #Donna Butterfield #fanfiction #im not good at this at all but I do love it #dean martin #and editing...I gotta learn how to do it properly #im learning #martin and lewis #@ringa-starr

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