Disclaimer: The characters in this story don't belong to me, they are owned by Erle Stanley Gardner's pen. I don't receive any economic good for them. I only write for the pleasure of doing it.

Many thanks to the incredible to tengland2 for helping correct this new story and for staying by my side helping me.

This is a sequel to my previous stories, this is an alternative universe where Perry and Della are married, so sometimes I have taken certain licenses but always leaving the essence of the main characters. I hope you enjoy it.

All the errors are only mine.

Chapter One

"The destiny is wise, know who to get in your way, whether it's to stay in your life or simply to leave you a great lesson."

Perry was still lying in bed, giving a brief thanks to the beautiful woman who laid sleeping in his arms. He thought back to the day she walked into his office, to interview for the position of confidential secretary. He not only had hired her, but had fallen in love as well. It was hard to believe that she had become more mature and beautiful, over the years. He found it hard to believe they were getting ready to celebrate their 25th anniversary, which was a life time of happiness, with the occasional bump in the road. He remembered the largest bump, that nearly cost him everything, a moment of selfishness. It made them stronger as a couple, forgiveness from Della and getting back to their unconditional love.

Now Perry and Della were alone at home, as their children had moved away. Tom had become a wandering soul, even though he never forgot to call his mother every Sunday evening. Perry smiled, remembering that his princess Lizzie and Andrea, both young women had chosen to follow Perry's footsteps into the law profession.

Paul had mocked Perry that he was going to have another Drake on his staff, that he would have to pay well. But the girls had made it known in what had been the first of several conversations, neither wanted to use the Mason/Drake names. Particularly Lizzie, she wanted to be able to make her own name in the legal profession, perhaps taking her mother's maiden name. She had inherited her mother's independence as well as her dazzling smile, but had her father's blue eyes, and black hair.

Perry smiled remembering the number of boyfriends he had to deal with over the years and had used his courtroom look more than once, to keep them away from his daughter. Della somehow managed to keep Perry from chasing all of them off. She had to remind him, that Lizzie was pretty good at choosing her friends, even those that were male.

Perry was suddenly brought out of his memories, buy a sweet voice, "a penny for your thoughts, Mr. Mason." Said Della giving him a passionate kiss good morning.

"Good morning to you, my beautiful lady," said Perry, returning the kiss. "I was just admiring my beautiful wife, who sleeps next to me every night. I was remembering and thanking whoever for the day having you in my life for the last 30 years, 25 as my wife."

"Mr. Mason, thank you for loving me so much and learning from our mistakes to move forward."

"You have spoken with my princess" asked Perry, while he continued kissing his wife sweetly.

"First your princess is an independent woman who does not like to be told like that anymore," replied Della, "I do not know how you did not spoil her as you used to as a child until now I remember the hard battles I fought with you and Tom so that not you made so much." Says Della shakes her head.

"What happens is that MY PRINCESS," said Perry looking at Della and accentuating the words my princess, "is just as stubborn and independent as her mother who always wants to be enough without asking for help, even if she needs it."

"Do not say it, Mr. Mason, because your daughter has the same character of you when she faces a challenge, she does not remove her finger from the line until she has a solution, so she does what she wants to do with you," Della smiles raising an eyebrow.

At that moment Della remembered the battle between Perry and their daughter, when Lizzie announced she didn't want to work with them. She had announced that upon passing the bar, she and Andrea would be opening their own office far away from Los Angeles. Lizzie wanted to make a name for herself, without the help of her father. Della had seen the sadness in Perry's eyes, when Lizzie announced she would be using her maternal name Street.

Della had many strong arguments with Perry, trying to make him understand that Lizzie, needed and wanted to try to make a difference within the legal profession by herself. Perry knew she was right up to a point, raising his voice, "definitely worthy daughter of her capricious and independent mother never wanting to accept help from anyone, thinking that thinking that everything can do it alone."

Della could only smile at her husband, he was just going to have to deal with their daughter's requests, even though neither understood it all. Lizzie didn't want to accept any money from them to start the practice. She wanted them to be proud of her and Andrea, for what the practice was to be, a good reliable trusting law firm. Perry didn't want them to struggle like he had to get the practice started, regardless of the type of law or where they had chosen to practice. He wanted them to be able to enjoy their careers and lives early on while building their reputations.

Della stared at Perry, "your children and I have enjoyed the best you have given us, your love, your protection, our way of life. For all of that I will always be eternally grateful." Said Della, giving him a sweet kiss on the lips.

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After not visiting home for several months, Lizzie and Andrea finally arrive, finding Margaret waiting on the front steps for them. Margaret was always happy to see her girls, she missed them not being around, not being able to take care of both of them on a daily basis. She realized long ago, that Lizzie and Andrea, where like her and Della, always together.

"Mom, how are you," Andrea said smiling, running into her mother's arms and hugging her tightly.

"Well, that's one hug." Margaret said looking at Lizzie. "Don't I get one from you."

"Of course, Aunt Margaret, how are you?" Asks Lizzie, as she moves to hug her. "How are my parents, suspect working as hard as ever with Uncle Paul?"

"Come on inside and you can tell me all how your trip was." Replies Margaret. Opening the door, she lets the girls go in first.

"I'm sorry, but if you don't mind, I am tired and think I'll go home and rest." Says Lizzie, attempting to smile.

"That's okay, my girl, we'll see you later, go home and get some rest. Your Mom, shouldn't be to long, she went to the office to get some work done and pick up a pair of earrings. I know she was planning on being home early." Says Margaret.

"Alright. I'll see both of you later." Lizzie, kissed Margaret's cheek, touching Andrea's arm, she turns and heads for home.

"Andrea, do you want to tell me, what is wrong with Lizzie, she seems sad." Comments Margaret.

"Oh really Mom, can't you leave it alone?" Says Andrea, realizing her mother wouldn't accept that answer." Alright, she is sad, she is finished with Johnny."

"Johnny, that resident pediatrician," Andrea nods. "He finished their relationship?" Asked Margaret surprised.

"No, just the opposite. Lizzie was the one who ended it with him," Andrea replied. "Please Mom, don't ask anymore. Its up to Lizzie to tell you her problems. Because it is hers alone and I think only she can explain it properly. Come one let's get inside."

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In the Mason home, Lizzie stood in the middle of the living room, realizing how much she had missed its shelter and tranquility. She sat on the recliner, laying on her side, thinking about what had happened the night before.

"You know love, how I like to be like that with you holding you, having you beside me." John said as he kissed Lizzie's black curls.

"I also like to be with you, Johnny, I feel good being by your side," Lizzie replies.

"You know as soon as I've finished my residency, I'm planning to open a clinic, for those in need, particularly children. Having grown up in a poor neighborhood, medical assistance wasn't always readily available or affordable." He sighs, "My dad has always been healthy, but mother died from lack of access to affordable health care. That is why I chose pediatrics, figuring getting the kids in for treatment, I can find help for the parents."

"I know you've talked about the lack of medical help growing up. You realize that its going to be difficult to get started.' Replies Lizzie.

"There is one more part to this. I've known since I meet you, that your special and that I have loved you, since the first time I saw you." Getting up he moved to where Lizzie was sitting, kneeling in front of her, he takes a black box from his pocket, opening it, "Miss Mary Mae Elizabeth Street Mason, would you do the honor of marrying me?" John was excited and nervous, now that the question had been asked.

Lizzie's eyes began to fill with tears, knowing she had to tell the man in front of her no, she couldn't marry him. If only she knew how to tell him, that she had feelings for her best friends' brother. Lizzie knew as a teenager, she loved PJ, who barely paid her any attention, as she was a brat and his sister's best friend. She knew as long as she still had feelings for someone else, she couldn't accept John's proposal or make him understand why.

Johnny please, don't do this to me. I thought you understood, as we talked about us being only friends and you said that would be fine." She hiccups as she starts to cry.

"Lizzie, please, I love you and I know that one day you could love me as more than just a friend." Pausing, he gets up, sitting next to her. "Please, think about it while your at home for your parents' anniversary. We can talk when you get back or not I'll give you all the time you need." Says John.

"Lizzie, I love you and I know that my love will one day know how to win your heart, please let's try it," pause, look I know that tomorrow you go home for your parents' anniversary, we do talk again when you come back," says John.

"I'm sorry to have hurt you Johnny, I think you need to leave, as there is nothing left to talk about. It all ends right here." Lizzie sighs, looking sadly at him. "I do hope you find someone, who can love you as you deserve to be loved. Good bye," She kisses his cheek.

Looking sadly at her, "I want you to know, I will never find someone else. I will always love you, I will never forget you Lizzie Mason." Turning to leave, stopping as he opens the door, he turns back to her. "I hope you're going to be happy." Leaving, the door closes.

Lizzie's thoughts are interrupted, "Lizzie, my girl your home." Della leans over to kiss her cheek. "What is wrong, tears already?"

"Hello, Mom, there's nothing wrong, I'm just tired, dull headache, think it may just be a cold." Lizzie attempts to smile.

Della could see that dimple smile of her daughter, same as her father'. The smile that wasn't right, when something was wrong. But she had learned not to push, that Lizzie would eventually tell her what was wrong.

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After greeting Della with a hug and a kiss, Lizzie went up to her room to lay down for a rest. She still couldn't get rid of the image of Johnny's face with such a sad look. She was feeling very bad about her behavior towards such a good man. But she knew it would be worse to have accepted his proposal without being able to love him with the same way he was showing her.

Lizzie didn't understand just how PJ had gotten into her heart, why she couldn't let it go, for what Johnny had given her she wished she could displace her feelings towards PJ, but knew for the moment it wasn't possible.

She thought back to the times as a teenager, during family holidays that the Drakes and Masons had spent together. Tom had noticed how his sister had looked at PJ on more than one occasion. Tom had tried to warn her, that sometimes you couldn't help the feelings you had towards a person, but it didn't mean that person would ever return the same feelings. Tom had reminded his sister, that PJ was a good person, who felt love for someone else. She would always be the annoying best brat friend of his sister's, from his childhood. She would need to accept PJ as a brother and friend. Lizzie never could imagine just how right Tom would be with his words, that fate would move her like a pawn in a game of chess, she didn't know, but would soon discover it all soon.

Lizzie though of those words and remembered her first boyfriend, Enzo Luca. She had learned a hard lesson that sometimes the cure could be more painful than the illness. It reminded her that it had taught her the horrible facts of love a memory she wanted to forget.

There was a knock on the door, "Lizzie, may I come in?" came her mother's voice.

"Yes, Mom, please come in." Says Lizzie.

Della comes in carrying a tray. "Honey, I hope you feel better soon. I brought you some tea and aspirin." Handing the items to her daughter. "I'm glad your home, you don't know how much I have missed you and your brother. I don't like having you both so far away, but I'm glad you're here, even if its only for a week."

"Sure, Mom. I've missed you a lot as well. I'm glad to be home and can't wait for Tom to arrive, I'm in need of several hugs from him." She smiles, "besides do you think either of us would miss the chance to help celebrate our parents 25 years of marriage and Tom when he gets home you do not know how much I want to hug him."

"I don't know if he is going to come. He called me saying there was an urgent problem at work and it maybe impossible for him to arrive in time for the party." Della sighs. "But the one did confirm that he would be coming from London is PJ." Looking out of the corner of her eye, she notices her daughter's sudden discomfort.

Granted being a very intuitive woman, Della knew her children well and the fact Lizzie was keeping something from her hurt her the most. Della had known for a long time about Lizzie's feelings for PJ, and was thankful that Perry had never noticed. Maybe Perry would have liked it, because it would have been great for the Drake/Mason families coming together because of their children. But like his father PJ had a weakness for pretty girls, eventually pretty women.

What matter to Della was Lizzie's happiness and if that had been PJ, as a mother, she would have tried to help her daughter. She felt that loving PJ, would cause Lizzie suffering and unhappiness. She could only pray that Lizzie would find the kind of love that would make her happy, as she had with Perry. Perhaps Johnny could be the one to make her happy, even if she wasn't in love with him.

"Lizzie, honey, I had hoped that perhaps Johnny would have come to the party. I for one, would have liked to have him here and get to know him better. Granted your Dad would have as well, even though he would deny it, as no one will ever be good enough for his Princess. I do think deep down he really likes Johnny." Says Della smiling, noting the slight smile on Lizzie's face, which suddenly turns to anger.

"Mom, how many times do I have to say that I am not a helpless woman and can take care of myself. Ultimately, I am the one to choose the person, I want to see, date and perhaps marry. It will not be up to Dad, to make that choice for me." Lizzie sighs, "Johnny will not be coming."

"I just thought he would have come with you, since you've been dating for over a year. I guess I was assuming he would accompany you." Replies Della.

"No Mom, he won't be here, simply because we are finished, done, its over." Says Lizzie. "And before you ask, I ended it last night, because he wants more from our relationship, than I am wiling or ready to accept." Pausing, taking a deep breath, "he proposed marriage to me. But I just couldn't accept. He's a good man, I do care for him, love him, but I know I'm not in love with him."

Della stepped to her daughter, giving her a hug. "Its alright, my girl. Just don't give up on your friendship with him. I know your heart is closed to loving someone at the moment and you don't want to explain it to anyone."

Lizzie was a bit surprised when she stepped back from her mother, Della could see the bewilderment in the eyes that certainly belonged to Perry.

"Mom," Lizzie started to ask. Della raised her hand, then sat on the bed. Lizzie sat next to her mother.

"I'm your mother, I see things. I know you let your heart go, to someone perhaps you shouldn't have and it hasn't healed yet. I want you to be happy and know it will take a bit more time." Della smile, "Call Johnny, just to cheek and to say hello. Perhaps extend an invitation to him."

"I can call him, but I'm not sure the invitation would be a good idea. It may give him the wrong idea." Smiles Lizzie. "But thank you, for being my Mom." She leans in to kiss Della's cheek.

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Perry had arrived home early, eager to see his Princess, carrying two bouquets, he entered the house, seeing Della reading on the couch in the living room. Della sensed his presence as always, looking up at him, she gave him one of his favorite smiles. Perry walked to where she was sitting, he leaned over to kiss her and giving her one of the bouquets of flowers.

"For the most beautiful woman in this world and that I have the pleasure of having her by my side," Perry smiles, leaning to kiss her.

"Mr. Mason, you are always so gallant and thoughtful to me," says Della smiling mischievously at her husband.

Perry extended his hand to her, pulling her up, they hug, as he kisses her curls. 'You don't need to thank me, my lady." He smiles. "Now if you would do me the pleasure of telling me, where my princess is."

At that moment, Lizzie came down the stairs, Perry smiled and did notice the lack of bounce in her step, but did not remark. He took several steps to his daughter, giving her a hug and a kiss. Stepping back, he hands her a bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you, Dad, they're beautiful. I'm so glad to see you and be at home." Lizzie smiles.

Perry did notice a shadow of sadness in his daughters' eyes. "Do you want to try that again. Somehow even to your old father, you maybe happy to be home, but something is wrong." Replies Perry.

"Dad, I'm fine, happy to be home. I'm just a bit tired, long couple of weeks." She leans to kiss him on the cheek. "I've also got a bit of a headache."

"Do me a favor, see that you take care of it. I don't want you suffering the way your mother does." Perry smiles at Della.

"Just for that I think we'll have fish for supper. Perhaps salmon." Smiles Della, "serve you both for that comment."

"Yuck, salmon," says Lizzie. "Really."

Della just smiles, walking past the two of them. "Now that you two have said hello. Dinner is nearly ready. I just need someone to get the vegetable packets and the bread off the grill."