A.B. Thank you all soooooo much for the wonderful reviews and messages to urge me to carry on with the story…. I promise now I will, for as long as my imagination will allow lol… You guys are the BEST.. Mwahs! Hope you enjoy this chapter.. Lil bit of drama, but nothing major (but it will tie in somewhere along the line… I hope)… Enjoy! =)

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Chapter 34 Unwanted Mail

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Grabbing the post from her desk, Donna slid the pile of letters onto the breakfast tray and made her way up to the bedroom. She had left Sam fast asleep, as she'd unwrapped his arms from around her and gone to make him a birthday breakfast. Quietly closing the door behind her, she giggled at the sight of her discarded black stockings, draped over the ice bucket on the nightstand beside him and placed the tray down on the dressing table. Turning to face her peacefully sleeping husband, Donna couldn't help but smile, when she thought back to the previous evening…

…It had been perfect. The Dynamos had done her proud, transforming the bedroom and more importantly, by giving her and Sam space. It was just what they had needed, to get their relationship back on track and judging by her exhausted husband, his surprise had worked a treat.

Climbing onto the bed next to Sam, Donna smiled lovingly, as she moved close to place a delicate kiss on his lips. As Sam's eyes slowly flickered open and focused on her, Donna screamed with shock, as he lunged forward to grab her.

"Sam." Donna giggled, grabbing her pillow and hitting her grinning husband with it. "Behave yourself, I've brought you breakfast." She said, trying her hardest to wriggle free from his grip.

Keeping his hold on her, Sam laughed and pulled open Donna's silk robe. "Hmmm, so I see." He replied, raising his eyebrows at the sight of his wife's naked body.

Laughing, Donna struggled even more and managed to slide her body over Sam's, pinning his arm behind his back. "Have you quite finished Carmichael?" She whispered into his ear, giving his arm a twist, just enough to show she'd won.

"Oww…Yes darling." Sam answered, half laughing and half wincing at his wife's painful hold.

Slowly letting him go, Donna smiled and rolled to sit at his side. "Good boy." She said, tying her robe back up. "Any ideas as to what you want to do today?" She continued, watching a cheeky smile come to her husband's face.

"Well…" Sam replied, teasingly sliding his hand up Donna's leg, under her robe.

"Other than that." Donna said, slapping Sam's hand away and rolling her eyes at him.

Sam giggled and sat up. "You're feisty today Mrs. Carmichael…I like it." He said, giving his wife a wink and leaning forward to plant a sweet kiss on her lips.

Standing up, Donna giggled and walked over to the dressing table, to pass Sam his breakfast. Handing him the tray, she took the pile of mail and started sorting through it. Most of them looked like the usual bills and junk mail, but one letter in particular stood out. Placing the rest down on the bed, Donna looked closer at the official looking letter, addressed to her husband.

"Letter from New York." Said Donna, noticing the postmark, as she handed it to Sam.

Taking it from her, Sam put his fork down and looked at it. "It'll be something to do with the boy's college fees." He answered quickly, shifting uncomfortably in the bed and placing the white envelope down on his tray. "They're always wanting more cash."

Donna narrowed her eyes and looked suspiciously at her husband. "Aren't you going to open it?" She asked, taking a sip of his coffee and watching Sam continue eating his breakfast.

"I'll deal with it later." Sam responded, eating another mouthful of pancake and smiling at her. "These are really good sweetheart." He finished, obviously trying to change the subject.

Walking into the bathroom, Donna glanced over at her husband and smiled. "Good…Enjoy darling." She said, closing the door behind her and turning on the shower.

Stepping in under the hot, running water, Donna started thinking…

…There was something about that letter, that had made her suspicious. Her husband's body language had given away, that he might not be telling her the truth, as to what it really was. She had seen mail from Ben and Zack's college and that always came in an envelope, with the school name embossed on it. Besides, if they were wanting money, she was the one who dealt with it, as she always wrote the cheques. There was something going on. Maybe something her husband didn't want her to know about…What are you up to Mr. Carmichael? Donna asked herself, as she finished rinsing her hair and turned off the water.

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Deep in thought, Donna walked past Sam, who was sitting at a table by the bar. As he finished his phone call, her husband closed up his cell phone and grabbed her by the arm, to pull her into his lap. Sam smiled at her, as he wrapped his arm around her slender waist. He noticed she seemed somewhat distant and distracted.

Gently stroking the hair away from her face, Sam looked into Donna's eyes. "What's up sweetheart?" He asked, before placing a sweet kiss on her lips.

"Nothing." Donna answered, giving him a quick kiss in response. "You nearly done here?" She asked, glancing down at his laptop on the table and noticing the opened envelope from earlier.

"Yes." Sam answered, gently turning his wife's face to look back at him. "Are you sure you're alright?…No regrets about not taking precautions last night?" He asked, giving her a worried smile.

Slowly shaking her head, Donna smile softly at his concern. "No honey…Of course not." She whispered, leaning in to plant a sweet kiss on his lips. "I want it just as much as you do." She finished, looking back round at the envelope, sticking out from under his computer.

Kissing the side of his wife's head, Sam slid her off his lap and stood up. "Okay, I'm going to take a quick shower, then we can go shopping on the mainland." He said, leaving her stood watching him, as he walked across the courtyard.

Donna waited until he had disappeared out of sight and sat back down on the chair they'd been sitting on. Looking round, she couldn't help but glance back down at the letter. She was desperate to find out what her husband was so on edge about earlier. Donna wanted to pick up the letter and find out, it was indeed from her stepson's college and that she'd simply been jumping to conclusions…

…No I couldn't…Could I? Donna wondered, running her finger slowly over the edge of the envelope. No, stop it…You can't.

Pulling her hand away, Donna sighed. She was torn. Part of her wanted to know if Sam was hiding things from her and the other part wanted to trust him and respect his privacy. Biting her lower lip, Donna thought about it for a few moments, before finally giving in to temptation. She looked around the courtyard, to make sure she was still alone and picked up the envelope. Holding it in her hands, Donna took a deep breath and slid the letter out. Slowly unfolding it, she read it to herself and shook her head slowly. A sick feeling coursed through her stomach, as her heart pumped double time in her chest.

"The lying bastard." She whispered to herself, folding the letter up and stuffing it back into the white envelope.

Placing it into the pocket of her knee length, blue sundress, Donna stood up and made her way up to the bedroom. Her husband had some explaining to do… She was hurt, upset and most of all, angry at the man she loved and trusted. Walking in and closing the door behind her, Donna took a deep breath. Sam walked out of the bathroom, buttoning up his jeans, before pulling on a black t-shirt over his head. He stopped and smiled at her.

"I'll be ready in a minute sweetheart." Sam said, slipping on his shoes. "I've just got to find my wallet." He continued, scanning the room and noticing it on the dressing table.

"Did you manage to sort out the boy's college fees?" Asked Donna, leaning back against the door, to watch her husband picking up the wet towels.

Taking them into the bathroom, he threw them into the laundry basket. "Yeah…It's sorted." He replied, walking back out and smiling at Donna.

Shaking her head slowly, Donna stared at him. "Sam, please don't insult my intelligence." She said calmly. "If you are going to lie to me, at least be smart enough to hide the incriminating evidence." She finished, pulling the letter out of her pocket and throwing it down on the bed in front of him.

Instantly realising what it was, Sam looked at his wife. Her face was almost expressionless, as she stood there, waiting for a response. He ran his hand through his dark hair and sighed…He thought he'd managed to throw his wife off the scent, by using the story of the college fees, but he'd made a silly mistake. He'd left the letter where she could find it. It wasn't that he wanted to hide its contents from her. Ideally he would have wanted to share it with her, but he knew she'd over react, without listening to reason.

"Well?" Donna demanded. "Are you going to tell me why the hell you've paid over twelve thousand dollars, to put Lorraine through rehab?…And didn't even think to tell me…your wife."

Walking over to her, Sam attempted to take hold of Donna's hand, but she quickly pulled away and stared icily at him. To say she was angry was an understatement. Sam could tell his wife was absolutely seething.

"Donna, I didn't tell you because I knew you'd go off at me darling." Sam answered, trying to make eye contact with her. "I know it seems like a lot of money, but…"

"I couldn't give a shit about the money Sam." Responded Donna, stopping him from finishing his sentence. "I'm angry that you didn't tell me what you were doing and I'm pissed that you lied to me, to cover it up." She continued, her voice now raised.

"I'm sorry." Sam replied, slowly reaching out to stroke Donna's cheek. "But if you'd let me explain."

Slapping her husband's hand away, before it made contact with her face, Donna let out a sarcastic laugh. "It seems you care more about her than me…When she's finished with rehab, why don't you fly her out here for a nice, relaxing vacation?" She said, rolling her eyes, before staring back at him.

Shaking his head, Sam looked straight back at her. "This is exactly why I didn't tell you sweetheart." He said calmly.

"Don't you dare 'sweetheart' me Carmichael." Donna hissed, moving away from the door to open it. "Get out."

Sighing, Sam did as his wife asked. Walking out of the bedroom, he turned to look at her, as she slammed the door in his face…He'd messed up, big time and he knew it. After seeing his wife angry on several occasions, this was by far the worst. She was so angry, she didn't even cry, although he could tell she wanted to. Now he too was mad, not only at himself, but at the fact that she hadn't let him explain why he'd paid for his ex-wife to go through rehab. Donna had sprang on the defensive, putting up her emotional barriers, in an attempt to protect herself. He knew from previous experience, when his wife was in that frame of mind, there was no getting through to her and he needed to vacate the vicinity.

Making his way behind the bar, Sam poured himself a large scotch. "Happy Birthday Carmichael." He whispered, before taking a sip.

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Tidying the bedroom, from last nights activities, Donna picked up the black stockings from the nightstand and stuffed them into the drawer…Just when things had started to get back to normal between her and Sam, his ex-wife had come between them once more. Deep down, she knew they were never going to be rid of Lorraine completely, but so far things had been quiet since New York…Until this.

"Donna." Said Rosie quietly as she slowly opened the bedroom door. "We heard shouting…Is everything okay?" She asked, as she walked in, quickly followed by Tanya.

Looking around the room and noticing Sam wasn't there, Tanya shook her head. "Please don't tell me, Sam didn't like his Birthday present." She said, sitting down on the edge of the bed and looking up at Donna.

"No, he liked it alright." Replied Donna, glancing at the bed next to her friend. "Everything was great, until I found that this morning." She finished, pointing down to the letter.

Rosie walked over to pick it up and sat down next to Tanya, as she opened it. Donna stayed silent, as her two best friends read it to themselves.

Looking up at Donna, Rosie shook her head. "Lorraine Carmichael?" She asked, with a confused expression on her face. "Why is she still using his name?"

"That's not what's bothering me." Donna answered, turning to look out onto the balcony.

"Seabrook House." Tanya said quietly, as if casting her mind back. "Now that's one I haven't frequented…I've heard it's good though."

Nudging Tanya, Rosie rolled her eyes at her, before looking back up at Donna. "I take it Sam didn't tell you, he was paying for his ex to go through rehab?…And a pricey one at that." She finished, taking another look at the invoice.

Donna shook her head and turned back to face the Dynamos. "No he didn't…And he lied to cover it up." She answered.

"Didn't Sam tell you why he did it?" Tanya asked, relaxing back onto the bed. "Surely he has his reasons Donna."

Donna sighed. "No…Because I didn't let him. She answered. "I threw him out."

"Oh Donna." Whispered Rosie, standing up to take her friend by the shoulders. "Give the guy a chance to explain himself." She continued, looking into Donna's now teary eyes.

Standing up to join them, Tanya stroked Donna's hair away from her face. "Rosie's right Sheridan, he might have a legitimate reason sweetie."

Looking at her best friends, Donna wiped away a stray tear, as it trickled down her prominent cheekbone. "I don't care what his reason is…He lied to me." She said, breaking from Rosie's hold and walking into the bathroom, to collect the laundry basket.

"You can be so stubborn sometimes Donna." Said Rosie, as she and Tanya followed her out of the room and down the stairs to the reception. "You're crazy about him and you know it." She added, as they stopped and watched Donna walk over to the laundry room.

"And he's got such a nice ass." Commented Tanya, resulting in an elbow in the ribs from Rosie.

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The Dynamos sat and watched, from their bar side table, as Donna rushed around keeping herself busy with the chores. Rosie looked at Tanya and sighed. They both knew they were going to have to do something, to get the married couple back on speaking terms. Watching Donna wander into the laundry room for the third time, Tanya lowered her sunglasses and smiled slyly at her fellow backup girl.

"I've got an idea." Tanya said quietly, before taking a sip of coffee. "Go distract Donna…Keep her in the laundry room." She finished, standing up and quickly making her way to the reception.

Rosie looked confused, but did as her friend asked. Getting up, she made her way to the laundry room… Tanya's plans very rarely worked, but Rosie thought anything was worth a try under these circumstances.

Pausing in the doorway, Rosie was about to speak to Donna, when she noticed Tanya hurriedly walking towards her, waving her arms. Donna was bent over loading yet another pile of washing into the machine and didn't notice her plotting friends behind her. Grabbing Rosie by the arm, Tanya pulled her round the corner and poked her head out. Right on cue, Sam appeared from the reception and walked towards them.

"What's going on?" Rosie whispered, poking her head out too. "Oh, I see." She giggled quietly, seeing Sam about to walk into the laundry room.

Rushing back round the corner, the Dynamos shoved an unsuspecting Sam through the door, before slamming it shut behind him and turning the key. Donna stood upright and spun round, to find her husband standing a few feet away. Sam held his hands up and shook his head. Neither of them quite knowing what was happening.

"You two are not coming out, until you've acted like adults and talked things through." Rosie called through the door.

"Yeah…Kissed and made up." Added Tanya, giggling, as she and Rosie linked arms and walked away.

Sighing at her friends immature prank, Donna turned her back on Sam and turned on the washing machine. Sam stood and watched her for a few seconds.

"I take it, there's nothing wrong with the washing machine then?" Asked Sam, realising he'd been set up by Tanya.

Rollin her eyes, Donna turned to a pile of sheets and began folding. "So come on Sam, let's hear it…Why did you do that for Lorraine?" She asked, getting straight to the point, as her husband leant up against the wall behind her.

Sighing, Sam placed his hands in his pockets. "I did it for the boys." He said quietly. "To try and protect them."

Donna stopped folding and turned to face him. Sam looked into her eyes and at her confused expression.

"The restraining order is due to expire soon and I thought, if I could make sure Lorraine was sober before hand, she wouldn't give Ben and Zack anymore grief." Sam continued, desperately looking for a reaction in his wife's eyes.

Swallowing hard, Donna cleared her throat. "So why didn't you tell me?" She asked, her heart slowly melting, as she thought about her poor stepsons and the terrible way their mother treated them both when she was drunk.

Shaking his head, Sam smiled softly. "Because I knew, if you thought I was doing something for Lorraine, you'd automatically assume there was something else going on." He answered quietly.

"No Sam… Me finding out like this, made me think that." Donna responded, leaning against the worktop. "If you'd have explained things, I would have backed you one hundred percent…But you didn't, you went behind my back."

"I know…I fucked up." Sam replied, moving a few steps closer towards his wife. "I'm sorry…I'm an idiot." He added, looking deep into her eyes.

Nodding her head, Donna looked back at Sam. "Yes you did and yes you are." She whispered, stiffening her body, as he moved even closer to her. "And you're forgetting you lied."

"I did and I'm sorry." Sam whispered, now standing inches away from his wife and staring deep into her softening, green eyes.

"We're married Sam, we don't have secrets." Said Donna, wanting to get everything off her chest and turning her head as her husband leaned in close to her ear.

Breathing in her lavender scent, Sam swallowed softly. "I know and I'm sorry." He whispered once more.

Taking a sharp intake of breath, Donna closed her eyes. "Whatever you think you're doing…Don't." She whispered, feeling his warm breath tickling her skin. "Your Carmichael charm won't get you off the hook this time…I'm so annoyed with you."

"I know you are." Sam replied in a whisper, before resting his hands at either side of his wife on the worktop and delicately kissing her neck.

Donna shook her head and moved slightly away from his touch. "Stop." She whispered, determined to show Sam, how mad she was.

Completely ignoring his wife's words, Sam moved his hands to her hips and kissed her neck with more force this time. Donna pulled away and stared at her husband for a few moments. Sam raised his eyebrows at her, searching for that well known twinkle in her green eyes. It was there. Grabbing at Sam's t-shirt, Donna roughly tugged it off over his head, as he moved hard against her body, to smother her mouth with hot, urgent kisses. Holding her hips, Sam lifted Donna up onto the worktop and moved between her legs. Their kisses became more and more desperate, as Donna fumbled with her husband's belt buckle, finally undoing it along with his jeans. Without their lips breaking contact, Sam looked into Donna's eyes and franticly hitched up the fabric of her dress. Donna gasped, at the sensation of her husband pulling her underwear aside and quickly adjusting his own. Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms tight around Sam's neck, struggling to stifle a loud groan as he entered her roughly. Looking back into each others eyes, Sam snaked his arms around his wife's waist to hold her in position, as he mad love to her, fast and hard. Within minutes, Donna was digging her nails into his broad shoulders. Wrapping her legs around his waist, Donna guided Sam deeper into her. Finding his mouth once more, she moaned for the last time, as she climaxed held in his arms. Sam followed suit, a few moments later, whispering his wife's name as he did. Relaxing their hold on one another, Sam placed a more tender kiss on Donna's lips, before stepping back to button up his jeans.

Pulling her dress down, Donna bit her lower lip as she looked at her husband. "I'm still pissed at you Carmichael." She said softly. "You have a lot more grovelling to do."

"If that's what it takes, to get back into your good books baby…I'll gladly grovel all day." Sam replied, giving her a cheeky wink.

Donna shook her head at him, as a small smile came to her face…How could she stay too mad at him, now he'd explained that he'd done it for the welfare of his children and now her children? She knew Sam felt guilty about not living in the same country as they boys and not been there for them, should they need him. She realised he hadn't done it to hurt her, he'd done it to protect his family, her included.

Hearing giggling coming from outside the laundry room, Donna slid off the worktop and watched as her husband searched for his discarded t-shirt. Rosie and Tanya flung the door open and stared at the married couple. Tanya raised her eyebrows, as she watched Sam pulling his now found t-shirt back on.

"Now, are you two friends again, or do we have to leave you a while longer?" Asked Rosie, smirking at Donna's flushed complexion.

Sighing, Tanya leant up against the doorframe. "I'd say they were more than friends." She said, watching as Sam now buckled up his belt and smiled at his wife. "Isn't 'making up' sex just the best?" She continued, bursting out laughing and walking off towards the bar. "Oh yes, I love it when a good plan comes together."

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A.N. Hope it was okay hunnies? You know what to do…hit that little green button down there lol… Thanks for reading, I love ya's xxxx Liv x

P.s. Next chapter up soon! =) x