Perry and Della flew home early the next day and Paul arrived at the airport to pick them up. "So kids how was the honeymoon?"
"Like you need to know" Perry responded.
"The islands were beautiful Paul. You should honeymoon there" Della added.
"I'll keep that in mind Della....and who's the lucky girl?" Paul inquired.
"Well I thought maybe Rita might be."
"Yeah, well her new husband might think different" Paul scoffed. "Say whose apartment are we going to. Where did you two lovebirds decide to roost?"
"My place for now Paul. We're going to do a little rearranging tonight. Tomorrow we'll go to Della's and pick up her necessities."
"Don't forget Perry--I want to stop in at the office and see Gertie."
"I know--I know. I think we'll need another week just to get organized."
"Say Perry I thought you should know. Words out on the street that you two got hitched. Last time I talked with Gertie she was having a hell of a time with the phones."
"Perry we need to send her on a vacation. With all the extra work she took on since I left, and now the phones, that poor girl's going to have a nervous breakdown."
"I agree Della. Tomorrow we'll send her off in style."
"By the way Perry, I'll get a statement to the papers, if you want. Just let me know what you want me to tell them" Paul added.
"Gee thanks Paul. Make it short and sweet--something like this: Mr Perry Mason, famed eligible criminal defense attorney has married the most beautiful, the most gorgeous, the most exquisite Miss Della Street. Fact has it they were married and honeymooned aboard a yacht on the Pacific Ocean. Now leave them alone!"
"I get the idea Perry. You were always one for words. I'll head down there today. Anything else?"
"No that's it Paul. Let's go. I'm anxious to get my blushing bride home" Perry smiled as he pulled Della in for a hug.
It had taken Perry and Della almost two months to get their office back on track. The case he worked on with Sam went in their favor, however it was now headed to the Appeals Court. Sam had never taken Perry off of the case, grateful for the time and effort that he had spent on it, at great personal loss. Perry and Della had sent Gertie on her dream trip to London for a well deserved vacation. He eagerly accepted a murder case the first week back and the two of them comfortably slid back into their old routine of burning the midnight oil.
Della was beginning to feel overwhelmed, alarmed at her energy level. Many times she had felt herself nodding off while in court or sitting at her typewriter. Perry had been teasing her lately about her lack of appetite, but Della just brushed it off. However it was starting to worry her now. "Perry would you mind if I didn't attend court in the morning. I made an appointment with Dr. Shelton. I think I'm coming down with something."
"I think you are too, darling. You seem a bit peaked lately. I'll be fine. You go." Perry walked around the desk and held Della in his arms. "Besides you're more important than this case--trust me." Della laid her head on his chest.
"Have I told you today how much I love you, my darling husband" Della whispered.
"Hmm, let me think---I don't believe you have in this hour Mrs. Mason" Perry replied, kissing the top of her head..
"Mrs. Mason. I still get chills when I'm called that. It's like a dream come true."
"My thoughts exactly. Now how about some breakfast before we head in--something to keep your strength up."
"Honestly Perry, I don't think I could keep anything down right now. Maybe at lunch."
"Della" Perry asked in a hushed tone "could you be pregnant?"
"You know that would be near impossible Perry, besides we've discussed all that" Della responded in a sad tone.
"Well let's see what Dr. Shelton has to say. If I didn't have court I would go with you. I would, however, like to be present if you have a follow-up appointment. I might have some questions for the good doctor myself."
"OK Perry, but I don't think there will be one. It's probably something minor, something a little 'magic pill' will cure. C'mon we better get a move on so we're not late." Perry, concerned about Della, kept a a close eye on her throughout the morning, opting to eat lunch in their office so that she could rest, and then straight home after court was adjourned for the day. The next morning Della arrived at her doctor's office, where he took a complete physical after listening to her symptoms, along with blood samples. She did have to make an appointment after all for two weeks later for a follow up and chose a time that would be convenient for Perry to join her.
She met Perry back at the office in time for afternoon recess. She reported back to Perry the conversations and procedures they discussed, along with the date of her next appointment. Still Perry fawned and doted over her with cooking and massages, which made the two week wait bearable. Because her anxiety level grew daily, Della had tossed and turned the night before the appointment with Perry's question echoing in her head. They arrived early for the appointment and was escorted into the doctor's private office. "Nice to see you again Mrs. Mason. Mr. Mason it's a pleasure to meet you." The two men shook hands. "I'm a big fan of your career."
"Thank you Dr. Shelton, so am I! I hope you have some answers for us regarding Della. She's been so under the weather lately, I'm really getting worried."
"Have a seat--both of you. Well I can tell you that Della's diagnosis has nothing to do with 'catching anything'."
"I don't follow you doctor" Perry stated.
Della sensed what was going to come out of his mouth next. "Della's condition is temporary--about another seven months should cure it" Dr. Shelton boasted.
"You mean....."
"Yes Della. You're going to be a mother. Congratulations!"
Della sat dumbfounded. "But doctor--my history....how?"
"Hard to say Della. You know that old saying--'the Lord works in mysterious ways.' The bottom line is that you are, probably about two months now." Perry grabbed Della's hand, a big smile spread across his face. Tears came from Della's eyes as it sunk it just what he had said. Perry and Dr Shelton stood and shook hands. "Any questions?" the doctor asked.
"Oh just the usual million ones that will come later on, but for now what can I do for Della?"
"Just make sure she stays rested and doesn't overdo it. No heaving lifting--and the most important--nutrition. Make sure she eats right and takes her vitamins. Anything else?"
"Not right now but I will call you if I have any concerns. Right now, though, I think I'm going to take my beautiful wife out for a celebration. Thank you Dr. Shelton." The two men shook hands. "C'mon Della." Perry escorted Della out of the office and back to the car. Della's tears started to fall, alarming Perry. "Della darling--these should be tears of happiness, but I don't think they are."
"Perry don't you realize....this could be Matt's child" she snapped.
"That came to mind Della, but I don't see how that changes anything."
"Changes anything? Perry--how can you say that? It changes alot of things. Oh how could this happen.....after I've been told again and again.....not now." The tears wouldn't stop. Perry turned in his seat, facing Della.
"Della I want you to listen to me." Della wouldn't face him. He lifted her chin. "You are my wife, carrying our child, who will be born a Mason, who will be loved and cherished, unlike any child ever born. Yes, I've considered the possibility that this could be Matt's child, but trust me--nothing will change. It doesn't make me love the child any less. We conceived this child Della--you're the mother and I'm the father and that's all there is to it." Della's tears stopped as she considered Perry's words.
"Perry....why would you want to raise another man's child and call it your own?" Della asked incredulously.
"Della you seem to be forgetting something here. The child is yours, regardless of the father. Why do you think I would love it any less? Della......" Perry's voice lowered "I love you and I love this child. Besides, why are you convinced that it is Matt's. Have you even considered the possibility that it's mine? Besides, you were with him one......"
"Oh Perry--how could this happen? Especially now....." her voice faltered away. She sat motionless, staring out the window.
"Della let's go home. This conversation needs to be carried on somewhere other than this parking lot." Perry drove the car out of the parking lot and headed for home. Della cried all the way, making Perry more tense. When they arrived home, Della headed straight for the bedroom and Perry followed her in. Della sat on the bed, with her head in her hands, the tears continuing. Perry sat next to her, his hands rubbing her back and shoulders. "Della talk to me--don't shut me out."
After a few quiet minutes Della finally spoke. "Perry I need to think this through. This is my problem and I need to deal with it."
"Why is it just 'your' problem. Last I remember we are married--for better or worse, in sickness and in health. Della you act like you don't want my child. Do you? Is that what's troubling you?" She saw his eyes misting up.
Those words stung Della. 'Is that what he believes?' she asked herself. She saw the hurt look on his face. 'How could I be so wrong? To just assume that this is Matt's child does Perry such injustice. You fool--listen to him.' Tears filled her eyes again. She put her hands up to her face again, ashamed of her actions. Perry put his arms around her and let her cry. When her sobbing subsided, Perry laid her back on the bed, propping himself up on his elbow. He ran his fingers thru her hair, stopping to wipe away any remaining tears.
"Talk to me Della" he whispered.
"Perry I'm so sorry........you know I want this child...especially......" She thought for a moment. "It's just the timing...that's all....I just.....I just.......oh Perry this is so hard. It has to be yours.....I want it so bad......I just wish......" The tears came again.
"Wish what Della?.....tell me."
"I just wish I hadn't been such a damn fool" her hands each making a fist. "Everything could be so easy for us right now."
"How so? We might not even be married right now" his finger touching her nose. "Now THAT would be a problem" he teased.
"Oh Perry, you always see the silver lining in things." She turned on her side, facing him. She stared intensely into his eyes, trying to see through to his soul. "Maybe that's why I love you so. You are too good for me Mr. Mason." She ran her hand up his jawline, stopping just below his ears. "Perry.....I don't want you to ever think that I don't want this child. I'm sorry if I upset you earlier--it just came out wrong. It's just that for years I've been told my numerous doctors that I will probably never conceive...and then...when I least expect it....I do." She reached down and patted her stomach. "No wonder I've been so run down and not myself lately..... now I have two Mason boys to contend with."
"Two of us huh? I wouldn't be so sure" he teased as her laid Della back down on her back. He gently laid his head on her stomach. "Does this hurt?"
"No not at all. What are you doing?" she quizzed, teasing his hair with her hands.
"Listening. They say you can hear the heartbeat if you listen close enough."
"Perry I think it's way too soon for that."
"Oh I don't know--I hear something in there."
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"Her! She's singing to me--I'm her favorite guy."
"She?"
"Yes--she! My little Della!" he laughed.
"Oh Perry.......what on earth am I ever going to do with you?" she teased as she tousled Perry's hair, then brought his face up to meet hers. She looked deep into his eyes, then pulled him to her lips for a long, deep kiss.
He pulled away slowly. "Just love me" he whispered, pulling Della to him again. They snuggled for a while, each silently contemplating the future. Perry finally sat up. "You know Mrs. Mason--you didn't have anything for breakfast this morning. Now that you are eating for two we just can't have that--doctor's orders. Tell you what. You stay here and rest and let the 'master' work miracles in the kitchen." He jumped off the bed and propped up Della's pillows, then took off her shoes and closed the curtains. "I'll let you know when it's ready." He bent down and kissed her on the forehead, then headed towards the door.
"Perry?" she asked in a low tone.
"Yes darling?"
"I love you."
Perry stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Della. "Thank you. I love you too."
Perry prepared Della a feast. As the two of them ate, they discussed how the new addition to the family would change things. They talked about getting a bigger apartment or even possibly a house. Perry wanted to be with her when she chose her wardrobe, along with the layette. They considered employing a live-in au pair, however Della wanted to ask her Aunt Mae first, an idea that Perry loved.
"Perry--if you don't mind, I'd like to keep things quiet for a few weeks."
"How so Della?"
"The baby and all. I need time to let this sink in and get adjusted to my new role. I just don't want to be overwhelmed with all the congratulatories just yet. I hope you don't mind."
"If that's what you want Della. Not even Paul?"
"No!"
"How about Gertie?"
"Double no. My goodness, with her network?. Let's take it one day at a time, OK?"
"OK Della--but not too long" he teased. "I want all the world to know about Mrs. Della Mason and her 'condition'. After all, I've never been an 'expectant father' before." He reached over and took her hand. "Della.....you know I will try my best to meet your expectations. If I fail to in any way, please tell me." Perry's eyes pleaded with her.
"Perry how could you possibly fail me. If anything....."
"Della don't." He arose from the table and knelt down on the floor next to Della, taking her hand in his. "Today we start a new journey in our lives. And now we have a new one to think about. I know that you have concerns, but I'm going to try my best to show you what you--and our child--mean to me. I can't say anymore Della. Please believe me."
Della's eyes filled again. "Oh Perry--it's not you.... it's me." She looked down to their hands. "Do you remember that night on the beach...the night before we came home from Hawaii?"
"I do Della. We discussed Matt, then had a conversation about trust. I thought we agreed to agree that we were past that. I also agreed that if you needed to talk about him, that I would listen.....I'm listening Della."
"Perry.....from Matt's point of view......don't you think that....that...well, he might want to know?
I mean.....there is a chance....and....and I think you would want to know....wouldn't you?"
Perry thought for a moment, then returned his gaze to Della. "Yes I would Della. I guess any man would want to know if he fathered a child. Is that why you don't want anyone to know yet? Your conscious--is it telling you that he needs to know?"
"I don't know Perry. A little part of me tells me yes, morally, but then a big part of me tells me no. If he is, and needs to be a part of our lives, I don't know how I would handle things, you know, always a reminder of my stupidity. Plus what if he pressed for parental rights, blood tests and all. The courts would be involved--and the newspapers with their trashy headlines. Your career could be ruined......all because of me--everything you worked for..."
"That's enough Della. I won't listen to you talk that way. I'm a big boy Della--I can manage the courts and the judges, along with my reputation, but I'll be damned if I'm going to sit back and let someone question yours. Della...that night on the beach......we talked alot about trust....do you remember?"
"Mmm hmm...I do Perry."
"Well Della--I trust that you will make the right decision. Just remember.....you have my support. I'm sorry that I can't tell you what you want to hear--yes or no. I wish I had a magic wand to help you clear your conscious, but since I don't I have to believe that any decision you make regarding our child will be in it's best interest. That's how much I believe in you, darling."
Della sat for a moment, taking in what Perry had said. She put her hand on his face. She could see the painful look of his unknowing--and his love. "Promise me one thing?"
"What's that darling?"
"That when this is all over, you know, when the baby is born...that you....that you...."
"What Della....that I what?"
"That you never hold it against this child if...well......"
"It turns out not be mine. Della I thought I made that clear."
"You did. It's just that every time you look at it's face....and you see another man's. A constant reminder if you will. People will wonder and rumors will start."
"Della everybody in our lives--everybody who we have ever touched--has got to know how 'crazy that Mason fellow is over that gal'. We've never given them a reason to think any different. As far as Matt goes, there is only three people on this earth who know what happened and I personally know that two of them won't speak a word. Besides, how is he going to find out. You weren't even using your real name. Personally Della. from my viewpoint, he will never be an issue."
Della sat and watched Perry as he started to clear the table, her head swimming with thoughts. 'True I wasn't using my real name--and Los Angeles is a big city. Maybe Perry is right--maybe I am overreacting. Besides, the man loves me--not sometimes loves me or loves just a part of me--no he loves me totally and has repeatedly shown it. My god girl--he went to great lengths to find you....what is your problem?.' Perry finished clearing the dishes and Della rose to help him in the kitchen.
"No you stay put. Remember what the doctor said--no overdoing it."
"Oh good grief Perry--it's just the dishes."
"I know, I know...."
"Perry?"
"Yes Della."
"How long before your done?"
"With the dishes? Give me fifteen minutes. Why?"
"Because we have things to do--places to go."
"We do? I thought we were going back to the office."
"Oh we are. We just have a few stops to make first."
"And where might those be?"
"Well a girl needs to look her best and all, especially when she's expecting. And then the baby, well, can't come home from the hospital naked now, can he? We'll need to stop and get a few things, and then.....hey--where are you going?"
"To call Gertie and tell her to reschedule my appointments until tomorrow."
"Now Perry, it shouldn't take THAT long."
"Yes it will. Remember darling--I've seen you shop. Della you do understand that the minute we step foot into those shops, it will be all over the gossip columns."
"That's what I'm hoping for. How else is the world going to know about our new little Master Mason?"
Perry walked over and put his arms around Della, pulling her close. "Master Mason huh. I prefer Lady Mason if you don't mind." He bent down and gave Della a deep, long kiss. "Are you sure Della? What changed your mind?"
"You did. Perry I kept fighting myself with this vision in my head of you rejecting the baby--that I would be stranded in life--like you would grow to regret us, or something silly like that. I came to the realization of how idiotic that was--and how committed you are to this baby...and myself. I feel ashamed that I thought that way. Forgive me?"
"Della there's nothing to forgive. It's going to be OK. Trust me. Deal?"
"Deal!"