These are the last two chapters of my story. I had a lot of fun writing this and I am so glad you enjoyed reading it. I want to thank everyone who either left a review here or sent me a message. I am very appreciative and it means more than you will know. Again, a huge thank you to my awesome editor and friend Diane who is always supportive and gives me wonderful ideas and suggestions.
Michelle
TCOT Long-Range Repercussions Chapter 21 Edit 1
The sunlight streaming through the window forced Perry Mason to wakefulness. Immediately he felt for the soft body next to his and smiled as he looked down at the beautiful brunette sleeping beside him. She looked so peaceful he hated to disturb her but an overwhelming desire to kiss her made him rethink his decision. Ever so lightly he brushed his lips across hers and pushed away the tousled curls that had fallen over her forehead while she slept.
"Mmmmmm…good morning counselor, what a lovely way to wake up." Della stretched languidly then found her favorite position—across Perry's massive chest and his arms holding her protectively. Della trailed her fingers in idle patterns on Perry's chest and the attorney groaned in pleasure. She smiled as she raised her head and her gaze met the man's she loved.
"You look handsome this morning Mr. Mason and so rested. Not that you aren't handsome every morning," she amended hastily, "but you are particular dashing this morning."
Perry kissed her forehead and returned the smile. "I wouldn't exactly say I was dashing at nine a.m. in the morning but thank you for the compliment, darling. I do feel rested even after our eventful day—and night. It must be because I'm so happy. And let me return the compliment. You are absolutely beautiful my precious girl…more beautiful than I've ever seen you. You're positively glowing. How do you feel—Mrs. Mason?"
"Do you even have to ask?" Della's voice was soft as she brought her hand up and away from his chest and intertwined it with Perry's. For a moment they just stared at the source of their exhilaration: their wedding rings. Perry's was a plain white gold band and Della's was white gold as well, but wider and encrusted with diamonds. It matched the band of her engagement ring and Perry had had a guard made for an interlocking fit so she could wear them together.
"I can't believe we pulled a wedding off in only a week" said Perry, his voice holding amazement. "After all, it's the last thing I thought you were going to tell me when you were in the emergency room. Talk about being in shock."
Della's sighed deeply. "It was a split second decision but when you gave me that beautiful music box everything became so clear," she told him softly. "We were getting married anyway but after everything happened with Paul and all those terrible events leading up to it, I was afraid that with our track record we'd get involved in another case and then another or someone would get sick or have an accident and we'd have to postpone it again. I didn't want to take that chance."
Perry tenderly brushed her cheek. "I would have waited, baby" he said quietly. "I would have waited forever."
"I know that Counselor. But this way, the deed is done and now we can take our time moving into the house and decorating it and fixing it up just the way we want it."
"Are you sure you like the house, Del? You know I'd buy you whatever house you want, that new one in the valley was really nice."
"It was beautiful but there's just something about the William's house. Yes, it's older but not too old and the people that live there are such a wonderful family. You know, they wouldn't be moving if Mr. Williams hadn't been transferred. His wife said they have a lot of happy memories living in that house and from the minute I walked in there I knew what she meant. I like old homes that have character – they seem meant to create wonderful memories for whoever lives in them. The arches, the crown molding, the chair rails, those bay widows in the kitchen with the shutters, and the ones in the bedrooms...you just don't find those touches in new houses. I know where I can get the perfect fabric for the window benches and curtains for the French doors that lead to the terrace off the master bedroom." Della continued, giddy with happiness. "And the rooms are so big and airy and the extra room will be perfect for your home office. Those beautiful old floors practically gleam…"
Perry leaned over and kissed her delicious full lips, then tapped her lightly on the nose, interrupting her excited inventory of the house's assets. "All right my beauty, the house is yours. I never could say no to you, especially when you look so adorable with your curls all tousled from sleep like you do right now. I'm still amazed how you made all this happen in a week."
"Our house," she corrected him. "It was simple really. I went back to the bridal shop and changed my dress order and bought another one for the party when we get back. You did your part too, Mr. Mason. You called Judge Morris and asked him to marry us and thanks to Dr. Kramer we were able to get our blood tests done in record time. You even called this glorious hotel and made the reservation. All I did was organize the staff so they would know what they had to do, put Gertie in charge, and we were set."
Della paused momentarily and Perry saw the change in her manner, and knew something was on her mind aside from the house and their wedding. "What's the matter, darling?"
"I was just thinking about Paul and Nina. Do you think they'll be hurt because we didn't wait? That we eloped and Paul didn't get the chance to be your best man?"
Her husband smiled and kissed her wedding ring. "I stopped by to see him and explained and he understood. You know Paul. He just wants us to be happy."
"And we want him to be happy."
"Oh I think Mr. Drake will be very happy. He was taking some time off and he and Nina and P.J. were going on a little vacation. They'll be back in time for our party," he told her quickly when a pout of disappointment threatened. "I'm thrilled that the three of them are getting away. They really need it after everything they've been through."
Della leaned back into the comfort of her husband's arms. "Well, I think it's about time things worked out for them and for us. You know," she said quietly, "if I knew that married life was going to be this wonderful, I would have insisted you marry me long ago."
There was no response from her brand-new husband and for a moment Della thought she might have touched a nerve. The subject of marriage had always been a sore spot between them and she worried that she might have hurt his feelings. She waited for his reaction, and it wasn't what she expected. Perry threw back his head and roared with laughter so infectious that the brunette couldn't help herself and convulsed in a fit of giggles. After calming down a bit Perry kissed Della on the forehead and she reluctantly extricated herself from his embrace.
"Hey! Where are you going?"
"I want to take a bath. Then I'm getting dressed, and then my handsome husband, you and I are going for breakfast. After breakfast we're going sightseeing and maybe shopping. Actually, I plan on taking advantage of everything Catalina has to offer."
"How about squeezing in some time on the beach?"
"Oh don't worry, I plan on our having plenty of time for that. I love it here. I've always loved it here. They weren't kidding when they said it's the perfect place for a honeymoon."
"Our first honeymoon," Perry reminded her. "The next one, the one we're going on after the party, will be longer…and it's a surprise."
"I can't wait. You spoil me so and I love you for it but there's something about Catalina. I think it will always be special because it's where we took our first weekend get-away as a couple."
Perry grinned hugely. "I know baby, that's why I brought you here. I'll be happy to accompany you anywhere you want to go today, but I can't wait for 'beach time', especially since you packed that green and blue bathing suit. I love that little number." Perry waggled his eyebrows.
"Glad to accommodate you, sir. Now, if you'll excuse me I will see to that bath. I shouldn't be too long."
"Why don't you come back to bed so we can 'discuss' the rest of our plans in detail?"
"As tempting as that sounds, I really need a bath." Della turned away then turned back and gave her husband a sly smile. "Perhaps you'd like to join me?"
Perry didn't have to be asked twice.
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"I've got to hand it to you, buddy. This is some shindig." Max Stein gave the lawyer a hearty pat on the back. "Leave it to you Mr. Mason. There must be a hundred people here and every one of them looks like they're having a blast."
A huge smile crossed Perry's face as he answered his friends. "A hundred people is stretching it, but we do have a nice crowd. But I can't take any credit. All I did was go with Della to a few places and let her pick out the one she liked best. To tell you the truth, I liked this place the best, and was very pleased she chose it. Then we sat down, made up the guest list, I had Jim fly Della's family in, and she and her mother and sister spent a week talking to the caterer, the photographer, the florist, the musicians, and presto! We have a wedding reception. We really lucked out because it was such short notice and since there wasn't time to send invitations we had to call everyone but judging by the amount of food and drink being consumed tonight, it all worked out fine."
"I'll say," Max agreed. "My parents are having the time of their lives and my mom keeps saying she knew all along that this day would come."
Perry laughed. "God bless Mama. She's always been in our corner. When she walked in tonight and saw us, she started to cry. She was so emotional Della and I were starting to get worried. All she kept saying was how beautiful Della looked and that she was so happy for us."
"She is and she's right. Della looks gorgeous. By the way, where is your beautiful bride?"
Perry scanned the room in search of the woman who was the topic of conversation. As he spotted her across the room, his smile broadened and his eyes lit up.
"The girls 'kidnapped' her. They're all sitting out on the terrace talking and laughing. I think I've lost her."
"I know what you mean. Once they get together watch out. I don't know what they have up their sleeve this time but it's a safe bet that we're involved."
"Involved in what? Perry don't tell me that you have a new case. Not now, not when you're about to leave on your honeymoon." Paul Drake walked over and joined the three men.
"There's no chance of that happing buddy. The fellows and I were just talking about Della and the girls. They're making plans for us."
"That's nothing new," Paul snorted. "I don't know how they do it but they always seem to get everything right."
"Yeah," Max added, "they would make fabulous social directors."
As his friends talked, Perry looked around the room and smiled. The room indeed was perfect. The reception was at the Lighthouse in Santa Monica, right on the water and known for its spectacular view and delicious food. A popular venue for wedding receptions and anniversary parties, the restaurant was at the end of a road that circled around and stopped about four hundred feet from the beach. The second floor held the restaurant that was open to the public, while the first floor contained two reception rooms complete with dance floors and doors that led to a terrace that jutted out over the ocean. Since Della had wanted to keep the reception small and limited to family and close friends, the restaurant was perfect. The sun was resting on the horizon and its orange, yellow and golden hues slanted through the window, illuminating the room in a muted glow. Round tables covered with floor-length pink blush tablecloths and set with sparkling silver, china, crystal, and napkins in a slightly deeper blush hue rimmed the dance floor. Tall crystal vases held white roses and tulips with just a touch of greenery and were flanked on each side with silver candlesticks containing long white and pink braided taper candles. The effect was like the bride herself— stunningly classic and elegant.
Perry once again turned his attention to Della. As always whenever he looked at her it was like that day she walked into his office for her interview and he found himself unable to breathe. And, as always, every time he looked at her, he thought she was more beautiful than the last time. Tonight though, she looked so beautiful there were no words to describe her. She seemed almost otherworldly and, as she moved gracefully through the room, greeting their guests and engaging them in conversation it was as though she was floating though the air. Perry thought too, about when Della had come to him that morning, fresh from her shower, her curls untamed, her face devoid of make-up, the smattering of freckles so apparent. He had made already made breakfast, which was warming in the oven as he settled down to read the newspaper. Suddenly the paper was taken out of his hand and Della crawled into his lap and snuggled against him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. Softly she told him she wanted to surprise him tonight and would he mind getting ready at the Drake's? Perry thought it was a bit silly since they were married and didn't have to hide from the neighbors anymore, but she gave him such an adorable pleading look and after leaving him with a series of heady kisses and caresses he could do nothing but let her have her way—again. So, in the early afternoon, he kissed Della good-bye, removed his garment bag holding his tux from the closet and left for the Drake's.
Two hours later, the doorbell rang and Max Stein stood there, a huge smile on his face, a bouquet of red and pink roses and a small box in his hands. He bowed, handed her the flowers and the box, which he said was a gift from her husband, kissed her on the cheek, and left. Della put the flowers in a vase then sat down to open the box. She gasped and tears immediately appeared in her eyes, threatening to ruin her carefully applied make-up. The box contained a pair of diamond stud earrings with a pearl drop, a diamond and pearl necklace and matching bracelet Once again Della was amazed at how Perry almost clairvoyantly chose exactly the right gift. The jewelry would be a perfect complement to her dress.
At six thirty, Perry returned home, turned the key and walked into the apartment. Della heard him and called softly from the bedroom that she'd be out in a minute. Perry checked his tie in the mirror that hung over the small table in the foyer and started to walk into the living room. At that moment the bedroom door opened and Della walked out
And Perry stopped breathing and his knees buckled.
Della—his beautiful girl—his wife –the woman who centered his world and completed his life, looked more exquisite than ever. Her dress was an ivory princess style ankle length of summer taffeta with a fitted sweetheart bodice and a flared skirt, embellished with tiny rhinestones and seed pearls, with a delicate lace overlay that showed just a hint of pink blush to match the color in her cheeks. Ivory satin sandals peeped out from beneath the skirt as she stood before her husband, the sparkle in her spectacularly beautiful eyes rivaling that of the gorgeous three-piece jewelry set that glittered so brilliantly at her ears, neck and wrist.
The lawyer was absolutely speechless. He could do nothing but go to Della, shake his head in wonder, gently take her in his arms, and tenderly kiss her. She responded to the kiss, letting it speak for her, telling her husband how much she loved him, what he meant to her and thanking him for the gift. Then Perry put his arm around her and led her out of the apartment to their waiting family and friends.
Perry was brought out of his pleasant thoughts by Chris the band leader. He whispered something into Perry's ear and the big man smiled and nodded. Excusing himself from his friends, Perry went out onto the terrace and walked over to where Della and the girls were sitting. He bent down and spoke softly to her and then took her hand, helped her up and led her inside to the dance floor. As the band began to play the song Perry had requested, he took Della in his arms, holding her gently close. She snuggled into his embrace as the lovely chanteuse began to sing.
I have dreamed that your arms are lovely, In these dreams I've loved you so Alone and awake I've looked at the stars, I have dreamed that your arms are lovely, In these dreams I've loved you so
I have dreamed what a joy you'll be.
I have dreamed every word you whisper.
When you're close,
Close to me.
How you look in the glow of evening
I have dreamed and enjoyed the view.
That by now I think I know
What it's like to be loved by you,
I will love being loved by you.
The same that smile on you;
And time and again I've thought all the things
that you were thinking too.
I have dreamed what a joy you'll be.
I have dreamed every word you whisper.
When you're close,
Close to me.
How you look in the glow of evening
I have dreamed and enjoyed the view.
That by now I think I know.
What it's like to be loved by you.
I will love being loved by you.
When the dance was over, everyone was invited onto the dance floor and the party was officially in full swing. And before the newlyweds knew it, pictures were taken, endless toasts were made, the cake was cut, and Perry and Della were saying their good-bye's and thanking everyone for coming. They changed into regular street attire and left for the airport after hundreds of hugs, with echoes of good wishes ringing in their ears.