Chapter 12

"I need the number for Miss Porter's School in Farmington Connecticut."

"Right away sir."

After they had returned from their walk, Peggy opted to take a quick nap while Anna slept. Dick decided that this would be an excellent time to call his older daughter Sally. As Dick waited for his call to be placed, he felt nerves in the pit of his stomach. He hadn't actually spoken to his oldest daughter in more than a year. He would be forever grateful for the letters they had exchanged, because they had allowed him to really get to know his oldest child for the person she was, and he felt that they had grown much closer as a result.

"Miss Porter's School. How may I help you?" Asked a friendly voice on the other end of the line.

"Yes, I would like to speak to Sally Draper."

"Yes sir. Who may I say is calling?"

"This is her father, but please don't tell her that. It's a surprise."

"Okay. I will let her know."

Dick's heart was racing by the time Sally picked up the phone.

"This is Sally Draper."

Dick cleared his throat, "Hello sweetheart. It's Daddy." Dick said affectionately. He heard only silence on the other end of the line.

"Sally, are you there?" Dick asked.

"I'm here. I just need a minute." Sally said finally and Dick could hear her sniffling on the other end of the line. "How is it that you are able to call me? Where are you?"

"I'm at Peggy's. They let me out."

Dick heard Sally exhale and he could tell she was crying.

"Are you alright sweetheart?" Dick said with concern.

"I'm fine, I just...I'm just so relieved that you're home."

Dick chuckled. "Me too honey. Listen, I want to see you. Would it be all right with you if I brought Peggy and the baby up to see you this weekend?"

"That would be great Daddy. But what about Bobby and Gene? They're going to want to see you too. You should come and pick me up and we could all go to Mom and Henry's house and then we can all see you. I know Mom will want to see you too,"

Dick smiled, "That's a good idea sweetheart. I'll call your mother to make sure that they don't have plans. I haven't discussed this with Peggy yet but I'm sure it will be fine. I know she would love to see you, and she should meet the boys too. Let's plan on this Saturday."

"It's a date." Sally said happily.

Dick smiled, "Great."

"Daddy, can I ask you a question?" Sally asked after a brief pause.

"What is it sweetheart?"

"Are you going to marry Peggy?"

"Yes. As soon as possible."

"Good. She's perfect for you."

Dick laughed, "I think so too Salamander."

"Okay, well I'll see you this weekend. I love you, Daddy."

Dick closed his eyes as he felt himself getting choked up. "I love you too Sally."

Dick hung up the phone and he leaned against the refrigerator for a few minutes collecting himself. He then dialed the phone number for his ex wife's house. Betty was surprisingly friendly and was happy to hear from him

"Don? Is it really you?"

"Hello Betts. How are you?"

"I'm well. Are you...did they let you out?"

"Yes, on Thursday."

"Well I'm glad to hear it."

"Thank you. Listen, I would like to come up on Saturday with Sally and Peggy and the baby and see Bobby and Gene. Is that okay with you?"

"Sure. They would love it."

"Good. We'll be there around noon."

"I'll have your favorite meal ready for when you come. Listen Don, I am very glad to hear from you. I was pretty worried. I know we have had our differences but I still care about you."

"Thanks Birdie. How are the boys?"

"They're doing well. They will be thrilled to see you again I'm sure."

"Good. I've missed them. I know I've said this before, but I want to be more involved in the boys lives. I'm not going to be working as much as I was and I plan to be much more involved from now on.

"Where are you going to be working? I'm assuming not at your old agency."

"No, I'm going to work with Peggy at her agency as a copywriter, but on an as needed basis so I can take care of our daughter while Peggy is at work."

"That's nice Don. You have always been good with babies. I've seen your daughter. She's very beautiful."

"When did you see her?"

"When I picked up Sally in the city. Sally was very proud to be able to show off her half sister. I know it's none of my business, but I like Peggy, Don. I remember her...she was your secretary years ago wasn't she? I remember her being very sweet and earnest."

Dick laughed, "Yes she is. She always has been. Listen Betts, you should know that Peggy and I are getting married."

"Oh? When?"

"Soon. There's the whole situation with my name that I need to address first, but it will be very soon."

"That's right, how could I have forgotten? Should I be calling you Dick now?"

"You do whatever you want Betts. Things are going to be confusing enough as it is for the kids. Legally their name is still Draper, so as far as I'm concerned it's okay if you still call me by that name. I do need to sit down and explain to them what I did and why it was wrong."

"Yes you do." Betty said frankly. "I didn't tell them very much, but I did assure Bobby that you didn't rob a bank or murder anyone. I did tell them that you lied and that you were caught, and that's why you were sent to prison. He's been very honest ever since I told him that. I'll leave it to you to explain everything."

"Thank you Betty. I will tell them everything when I see them on Saturday. I should go, the baby is napping and I don't want to wake her. You take care and I'll see you Saturday. Goodbye Betts."

"Goodbye Don."

He then turned and walked into the bedroom where Peggy was sleeping and he got undressed and lay down next to her. Peggy stirred and rolled over onto her side to look at Dick.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, I just got off the phone. I made plans to see Sally and Bobby and Gene for this Saturday if that is okay. I'd like to see her and the boys."

"Absolutely. You definitely should see them. Anna and I will be okay here by ourselves for the day."

Dick shook his head. "No, that's not what I meant. I want all of us to go up and see Sally, and I want you to meet my boys."

"Oh! Really? But they haven't seen you in a year. Don't you want to spend some time with them alone?"

"Peggy, you two are part of the family now. Betty already knows you and she likes you...and that's half the battle. She despised Megan."

"Is your ex wife is going to be there?"

"Yes. We're going to pick Sally up from school and visit the boys at the Francis' house in Rye. But I promise you it will be fine."

"If you say so."

Dick reached over and brushed Peggy's hair off of her forehead. He then leaned forward and kissed her on the lips.

"Peggy, they will love you. I really want Gene and Bobby to get to know their baby sister. I'd like for us to be a close family, especially if we don't have any other children."

"Do you want more children?"

"With you? Of course. I have to admit that I would like to actually be with you this time while you're pregnant."

"I would love to have another baby with you, Dick."

Dick regarded her silently for a few minutes. "I have a suggestion." He said finally.

"What?"

"Anna is sound asleep. We could see if lightning will strike twice and try to make another baby." Dick asked suggestively.

Peggy grinned, "I thought you'd never ask."

They made love for the first time in over a year. It was as intense if not more so than the first time.

Afterwards Dick rolled over onto his side and pulled Peggy close to him, wrapping his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck and sighed contentedly.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For everything. I owe you my life Peggy. Just knowing that you were here waiting for me helped me find the strength to get through the last year."

"You don't owe me anything, Just promise me that you will take care of yourself so that you're around for a long time."

"I will."