The Best Part of Me

Chapter 10

Perry could see quite plainly who stood in the doorway of the living room and didn't look the least embarrassed as he helped Della to sit up straight on the sofa, so she could see their unannounced visitor. Her face blushed pink when she saw who it was.

Perry rose to greet her, "Yvette, how lovely to see you. Please have a seat."

Mrs. Hamilton Burger's face was also pink as she explained her sudden appearance, "I'm so sorry for barging in like this, but I knocked at the kitchen door and no one answered. The young policeman told me you were in the kitchen so I assumed you didn't hear me, and I came through…." Yvette trailed off, blushing again at catching them in flagrante delicto lover's play.

Della pulled herself together, along with her blouse, buttoning it hurriedly.

"Let me get us some cool drinks and you can tell me all about what's been going on with you," Della rose and burned a trail to the kitchen and out of sight.

"Perry, I am sorry for—"

"Don't worry about it. It's not the first time we've been caught not acting our age." Perry's eyes twinkled at her. "How are you doing?"

Yvette Burger sat across from him. Tall and still quite attractive, though unable to hold a candle to Della, Perry thought she's aged well. Hamilton's death had hit her quite hard.

"Healthy, enjoying the grandchildren. I actually came by to check on you and Della. I saw the accident reported in the papers, and I'm glad neither of you were injured too badly," she said, her brows drawn together in concern.

Perry's eyes grew serious. "Actually, Della's injury was more serious than mine, but she seems to be recuperating nicely."

Della reentered the room carrying a tray laden with lemonade and cookies. Placing it on the table, she said, "It is so nice to see you. How are Benjamin and Elena?"

Yvette smiled openly now, Della having hit upon a topic that she loved to discuss, her grandchildren. "Benjamin is at USC studying geology, and Elena is finishing up at Berkley, international law. Their parents are very proud of them."

The older lady smiled, revealing sparkling eyes and dimples that were still striking, reminding Perry of the young beauty that she had been when married to Hamilton.

"I imagine their grandmother is also very proud," Della smiled, placing her hand on Yvette's.

"I am Della; I really am. I know that Hamilton would have been as well."

Perry spoke up, "I know that he certainly would have!"

After small talk about the children and people they knew in common, Mrs. Burger picked up her purse and prepared to leave.

"Please, stay for dinner. We'd love to have you," Della exclaimed.

"No, no, I have plans for this evening, and I don't want to impose. This was just a quick stop to check on the two of you."

"You wouldn't be imposing," Della insisted, but Yvette just shook her head.

"Well, I'll see you out," Della said.

"Perry, it's always good to see you."

Perry stepped forward and kissed her on the cheek. "You know you're welcome anytime, Yvette." She smiled, and then followed Della.

As the door closed behind them and they continued down the walk, Mrs. Hamilton stopped to admire Della's roses. "I don't know how you do it, Della." There was more than a touch of envy in her voice.

Della shrugged, "Oh, it's as much Perry as me. He takes care of the insects, and I take care of the fertilizing and black spot-oh, and talking to them." She laughed aloud.

"No, honey, I don't mean the roses," she said. "I mean you and Perry."

"What?" Della was surprised. Yvette was a very private person and had never shared an intimate confidence.

"You and Perry." She sounded wistful. "I'm jealous, Della, plain and simple. I miss Hamilton so much, even after all this time. You and Perry-you are still so much in love," Yvette laughed.

" I always thought you two were perfect for each other and could never figure out why you didn't marry. Maybe you did the right thing." She off looked across the wide green landscaped lawn. "You're still together, still happy."

She pulled Della close suddenly, "You kept the magic. Maybe I can find it again. I have a date tonight. It's about time; don't you think? It's been more than a few years."

Yvette seemed suddenly embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I sound like a school girl."

"Oh, I think it's very exciting, and you deserve some happiness. " Della smiled. "Call me. I want to know every detail."

"I will, Della. I really will." Still smiling, she waved at Della as she drove away.

**********************************P&D************* ***********************

When Della reentered the house, she found Perry studying a menu.

"What shall it be tonight, my beautiful girl? Chinese, Italian, or Greek?"

Without answering, Della walked up to him and throwing her arms around his neck, she pulled him down and kissed him, long and passionately.

Perry's bushy eyebrows nearly met in a deep V in the middle of his forehead. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Perry asked when he finally took a breath.

Della didn't answer, but held Perry close and tight. Pulling back a bit, he tilted her face up to find tears in her eyes.

"What is this? I don't think trying to decide what to order for dinner should be a cause for tears." Perry smiled at her, while holding her chin up with one large finger. "What's wrong, baby?"

"Yvette. We are so lucky to still have each other for this long. To still be together and so happy." Della raised her hazel eyes, framed by dark thick lashes, to his concerned blue ones. "I love you, Perry. I always have, from the first day I met you until I breathe my last. I want your eyes to be the last I see, your lips to be the last I kiss, and I can only pray that I go first so I will never have to know what Yvette Hamilton feels. I would be lost without you. I'm not sure I could go on; you've been my entire reason for being for so long." She clutched him to her, sobs wracking her body.

Perry tightened his hold, and for the first time, he felt mortality touching them both. "You will never be without me, Della. If I have anything to say about it, you will never be without me."

"She's seems so lost Perry, so lonely for so long." Tears lingered on her long dark lashes.

"Why don't we go upstairs before dinner?. It's been a long week."

Gently guiding her upstairs, he helped her lie down on their king sized bed. He removed both her shoes then his own. The burglary, the accident, Della's injury, all of it had culminated in an emotional time, not just for Della. What hurt her also hurt him.

Perry lay back and Della placed her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.

"With all we've been through Del, even being apart, we have been blessed. I know that. You are my family. You and Paul and Ken. You, baby, are all I've ever needed, no matter how stupid I've been through the years."

"I know, Perry. I know."

The afternoon sun settled over them as they took comfort in each other's arms.

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