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 story and for staying by my side helping me.
Thanks so much, to 52shar, Lovecats, Milissak, Good girl, and other guests for their reviews.
All the errors are only mine.
Chapter Thirty Six
"The calm before the storm."
After several rough months Perry and Della managed to convince the girls to return to California, to start their practice there. Perry was still a bit upset that he couldn't convince one or both of them to work even part-time for him. Lizzie and Andrea had figured out where they would like to open their legal aid practice and find a house near Mae. They knew this move would make both families happy and yet they would still be far enough away to live their own lives.
Lizzie and Andrea remained in Boston, with Mae and Dee for several more weeks. They had submitted their resignations, to take effect once all their pending obligations work complete for their law clerk positions. They had listed their house, began to pack up their belongs, including a U-Haul. Ken and Johnny had volunteered to insure their cars were put on a train and drive the U-Haul to LA for them.
Their plans were to be back in California well before Christmas, to spend the holidays with their families. They would spend the time looking for office space in south LA and a home near Mae in Bolero Beach. The only person who was a bit upset about her decision to move to LA was Johnny. He had hoped that he would be able to start working his own clinic and still be able to take care of his two loves.
Even though the reasons Lizzie had given him, did make a lot of sense, considering what had happened over the past several months. He could not stop thinking that he would not see them every day, as he was doing it lately. Lizzie need to feel secure and protected by her family was more than he could give her. He hadn't started the whole process of his own clinic in Boston, the plans were done. Then he for a brief moment he realized it was jus a matter of logistics. Didn't matter what city, what state, just as long as it was a medical clinic for those less privileged.
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It had been several years since Della had seen Perry this happy about the arrival of the holiday season. His girls would be home just before Thanksgiving and in time to enjoy the holidays parties leading up to Christmas and New Year's. He had made sure Della had gotten everything ready for the nursery, even making two trips the furniture store himself. Della suspected her husband would be spending a great deal of time in the nursery the day the oversized rocker arrived.
Perry had already been to the largest toy store of all LA as well, purchasing just the right toys for Dee, even those she wouldn't be ready for just yet. He had already picked up Lizzie, Tom and Andrea's presents and been to the jeweller's for Della's present, kept smiling at her when she would ask. He was sure that what he had gotten for Della would bring her to tears, as would the extra special item for Lizzie and his little Dee.
Margaret also made sure Paul had done all his shopping before removing his card from his wallet, to prevent any additional spending. Della had check Perry's balance, because she knew he was getting carried away and was grateful at times like this she had a separate charge card. With Dee turning five months old and arriving to a different winter climate would need an entirely new wardrobe to get thought the warmer winter months.
Della's littlest girl was intelligent and lively, for one so young. She smiled thinking of Perry's nightly calls to say good night to his baby. Sometimes she listened on the extension to Dee's giggles of happiness of hearing his voice. Lizzie smiled for the same reason, but she got to see her daughter's smile at the sound of her grandfather's voice.
Lizzie still thought about her Dad's rejection, when he first discovered she was pregnant. She had been scared of his reaction and lost her confidence to tell him about her situation. But they had worked things out and she was surprised a lot by her Dad's acceptance of Dee. There were still tarnished memories out there, but with Perry's help the situation was taken care of. She could only hope that Laura Robertson was finally done, trying to get Dee away from her for adoption. Lizzie could only hope she would turn her attention to her own grandchild, due within several months. What she really hope was that as Dee got older, she would look more and more like Della, leaving any doubt who was the grandmother.
The girls had arrived safely and where picked up in the limo, Della had arranged for. Perry had wanted to pick them up himself, but Della reminded him he had to be in court for a deposition. He would have time to meet with his client, the hearings and be home early enough. She reminded him, they weren't going anywhere anytime soon, that they would just be a car or train ride away. The limo finally pulled into the driveway, driver had gotten out to help Lizzie, carrying Dee and Andrea out of the car. Della and Margaret met them halfway down the walkway.
"Hello, Mom," Says Lizzie, kissing Della's cheek.
"Hello, my girls are finally home," says Della, kissing Lizzie's cheek, then placing one on Dee's forehead.
"I can only hope the time change doesn't effect her as hit has us." Smiles Lizzie.
"Don't worry, I know the location of an oversized rocking chair and a man willing to use it." Says Della.
Andrea hugs her mother, "Mom, I'm glad your both here, but we did expect to find our Dads ahead of you." She smiles. "Toss up between which one of them would get to the sleeping young lady first."
"Della had enough sense to schedule work for both of them to do. Neither one of them were very happy when they left here." Says Margaret, "she did promise surprise food when they returned." She leans to give Lizzie a kiss on her cheek, then Dee's forehead.
They went into the house, the driver following them with several suitcases. Della stopped in the foyer, speaking briefly with the driver, then joined the girls in the living room. She reached to take Dee from Lizzie's arms, settling into an empty chair. Margaret and Andrea went on into the kitchen to get the tea setup. Returning only moments later.
"So how was your flight? Any issues?" Ask Della.
"No problems. She slept through most of the trip, waking up to be fed or a diaper change. She did stay awake for a while, but the airplane humming seemed to lure her to sleep. Which is why I'm concerned about getting her settles." Replies Lizzie.
"Just think I've got nearly a month of sleeping through the night." Smiles Andrea. "Don't get me wrong it was nice having Grandma Mae with us, but she had long days with that little on."
"Keep talking like that and I'm got to revoke your godmother status." Smiles Lizzie.
"I'm not worried about that, I've got the most powerful weapon on my side, one Grandfather." Smiles Andrea, "he'll skip work to be with her."
"To think I almost lost her twice, for totally different reasons." Sighs Lizzie.
"Look my girl, there is no reason to think about all the bad that has happened. Your both back home with your families and I promise nothing else will happen to you." Della tells her daughter, with a reassuring smile.
"Mom, don't make promises you can't keep." Lizzie smiles, "but I do understand what your saying, new beginnings out here."
"The only thing that worries me shadow, is these grandparents we've moved in with are going to spoil her too much." Laughs Andrea, brining a smile to Lizzie's face.
"Think we can make some sort of deal with them in writing, then do a variation on it for both Johnny and Ken?" Asks Lizzie.
"We can try, even though we both know, no matter what we do, the spoiling won't stop. It might get worse." Says Andrea, "especially with Johnny, saying it's a father's job to spoil his daughter."
"Father?" asks Della.
"Mom, you and I have had this discussion. Johnny wants to be a part of Dee's life, even knowing he isn't her father and the fact we may never be more than friends. Stability for her." Replies Lizzie.
"He is a good young man, glad you two have found a way to at least remain friends." Says Della.
"Problem is, he will probably be staying in Boston. He's been working on plans for his clinic and working at Tufts." Lizzie shrugs her shoulders. "Lets just leave that alone for now, Mom, nothing he does surprises me anymore. Dee is comfortable with him."
Suddenly a cry of surprise is heard, Dee wiggles a bit in Della's arms. "It's alright little one, Grandma is right here. Your safe in the first of your new homes." Della smiles adjusting Dee to her shoulder patting her back gently. The front door is opened and closed loudly, causing Dee to start her gurgling noises.
"Is that my little one making all that noise?" Says Perry, coming into the living room followed by Paul. Both Lizzie and Andrea get up to hug their Dads. Dee starts to wiggle more in Della's arms.
"This is awful, his voice and she wants out of my arms," says Della with a pout on her face.
Letting go of Lizzie, Perry leans to kiss his wife, then taking his granddaughter away, he settles on to the couch. "Alright young lady, just what is wrong with you?" Says Perry, Dee lets out her baby giggle. "suppose I now have to figure out what your favourite food is. Think you're a bit to young for your mother's, unless I can make and freeze fat toast for you to have when you start teething."
"Oh, please Dad, you'll never be able to make that much, unless I'm not home." Smiles Lizzie, as she watches her Dad, changing from his overbearing court room presence, to an oversize teddy bear with his granddaughter. "I think there is a certain D.A. Who would love to be here at this time. What was his name Mom? Ah, yes, Hamilton Burger."
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Several days have passed since the girls returned to LA. Lizzie was surprised that Dee was having such a hard time adjusting to the time change and a new place. Dee had woken several times crying loudly, only to be rescued by Grandpa Perry. He would pick her up and then settle into the oversized rocker, rocking until his little one went back to sleep. Both Lizzie and Della had suspected there was nothing really wrong, Dee just wanted attention, even at such a young age.
Each of the mornings after Perry and Dee's nightly rocklings, Della difficulty getting both out of the house to work. Margaret would maintain both households as she had before, but it was easier with only one child even part-time. Depending on their court and client schedules, Margaret would pick up Dee and continue on with her own routine.
Paul was the only one feeling a bit deprived over the lack of time he had with Dee, plus jealous of Perry's time. He was spending so much time in their office, Della had suggested she find a place to put a desk for him to work at. The idea didn't go over well with either Perry or Paul, but Margaret and Gertie both laughed at the thought.
Taking advantage of their babysitters, Lizzie and Andrea went off office space for their practice. Della had contacted an old friend, who was a real estate agent, will to help find the best places for them. Perry had expressed some concern over areas for their office, but was assured it would be a relatively safe place.
One morning was to be a very busy one for Perry and Della, that Margaret would keep Dee at home for the entire day. It had taken Margaret no time to settle into a routine as she had done all those years early, except this time was easier only one child. After lunch Dee had fallen asleep, thumb in mouth, as Margaret cooed and hummed for a few moments longer. Brushing a stray bit of hair from Dee's forehead, a brief memory of how much she resembled PJ, sleeping the same way in her arms. She smiled at the thought, but it was a bond, a deep affection, she was forming with this baby and the fact she had raised the girls and PJ together.
Margaret was more than happy to have someone to take care of since her children had grown and left to lead their own lives. She had gone back to helping Paul at his office even part time, just to have something to do. Like Della, she was never the type to join a health club or go to one of the centres that offered daily activities. Now with a little one back in the house, her life was nearly complete again.
Late one morning Margaret had gotten Dee settled for a brief morning nap and returned to household chores, when the phone Rang. She hurried to answer it, in order not to wake Dee.
"Drake," said Margaret.
"Hello, Aunt Margaret, I'm calling for two reasons," says Lizzie.
"I suspect I know the most important reason. My newest little one has been fed, bathed, talked to and is now taking her morning nap." Says Margaret laughs, "so besides being worse than your father, why else have you called for?"
"I'm calling to give you a warning, that in about 3:30, a limo will be there to pick you, then to the Brent Building to pick up everyone else. Andrea and I have made reservations to take you all to dinner at Angelo's. Its just a start of a way to tell you thank you and that we appreciate all the help you have given us." Said Lizzie.
"My girl, you two don't need to be doing this, we're your parents, that's what we're here for you. Not just the three of you, PJ or Tom." Replies Margaret. "Isn't 3:30 a bit early for dinner?"
"Figure you'll be just ahead of the afternoon traffic and Dee needs to see that office where her grandparents work." Smile Lizzie.
"I think she's a bit to young to take notice of the prestigious lawyer of Perry Mason. But I will make sure she makes a good impression on her grand parents and their office staff." Laughs Margaret. "I think it would take at least an hour for the big man to show her off."
"He's not getting that long. Andrea and I will be there shortly after you arrive, we have a couple of stops to make." Laughs Lizzie, "oh, Aunt Margaret, don't forget her travel bag."
Margaret rolls her eyes and smiles, "Lizzie, please, I may be out of practice, but I did these two or three times ago. Something's you just don't forget."
"Aunt Margaret I'm sorry," she laughs at Margarets bit of anger. "We will see you in Dad's office in a couple of hours. Give my little one a hug from both me and Andrea." She laughs then hangs up.
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Margaret and Dee were ready when the limo arrived to pick them open. The driver held the door open for Margaret to get in, then placed Dee's bag and stroller on the floor in front of them. Arriving at the Brent Building, the driver set up the stroller for Margaret, waiting until Dee was settled in, before giving her the bag. Margaret did try to tip the young man, but was informed it had already been taken care of, as he opened the building door for them.
Arriving in the office of Dee's famous grandfather, Gertie let out a little shout of excitement, clapping her hands as she went around her desk to knee in front of the stroller. "May I?" asked Gertie, looking up at Margaret, who just shrugged her shoulders. Dee was a bit surprised to be picked up by this blond woman with big blue eyes.
Resting Dee against her shoulder, Gertie found it difficult this was the daughter of the little girl who with her shadow, ran all over the office, years ago. But for a brief moment it didn't seem so long ago. Shifting Dee in her arms, Gertie realized how much this little one looked like her grandmother. She now really understood why Paul called her his beautiful little girl. Although Lizzie had a strong resemblance to her mother, she was her father's daughter. Perry may have his own version of a young Miss Street, Gertie had heard this one had inherited the lungs.
Della had heard Gertie's quietly controlled scream in Perry's office, which sent her out to the reception area to find the cause. She was surprised to see Gertie hold Dee, without issue, until grandmother was seen. Dee started making her noises and reaching out to her grandmother. Gertie reluctantly gave her up to Della, who gave Dee a kiss and brushed her curls from her forehead. "My baby, finally came to visit your grandparent's office," Smiled Della, giving Dee another kiss.
"Yes, I was instructed to bring this young lady Miss Della Ann Margaret Street Mason to the office of one Mr. Perry Mason," smiles Margaret. "I got a call from your daughter and mine that we were to come here first, then we were being taken to dinner. Lizzie said they would be here as soon as they are done with their broker."
"You certainly are smartly dressed for a visit and dinner." Smiles Della as her granddaughter tugs at her pearls. "Little one don't let your grandfather see you doing that, your to young to have your own at the moment."
Della hands Dee back over to Margaret, finger to her lips as she disappears back towards Perry's office. Stopping in front of his desk, "Perry honey, are you almost done?" She asks.
"Almost you know how long this one is." As he continues to read, finally looking up at her. "This is the Wilson case, remember we have to be in court early tomorrow to present this to be discharged. What is going on in that lovely head of yours. Don't tell me we have another potential client out there."
"Well, I'm not so sure she would be a potential client, but that could be a possibility." Says Della.
"Have her make an appointment with Gertie, sometime next week. You know I don't want to spend anymore time in the office then necessary until after the holidays." Said Perry, sounding rather tired.
"I don't think she would like that. Please Perry, I would hate to see this one start crying and you refuse to deal with her." Said Della, in her usual convincing voice.
Perry sighs, "Alright, go get this young lady, who cannot wait, before she turns to tears."
Della smiles, walking to the door, she turns back to him, "Tears have worked every other time in recent days. Getting the same pout her mother has." Laughing she closes the door behind her.
Damn her, thought Perry, pouting was Lizzie and tears belonged to the one who got him out of bed more than once in the last week. He tried to turn his attention to the report in front of him, with little luck. Della returned carrying Dee in her arms, who gurgled in delight when she saw Perry. Perry got up from his desk to take his granddaughter from his wife, giving her several kisses.
Della couldn't stop thinking about the last few days, a great bond had was forming between grandfather and granddaughter. She knew they both would be sad when the girls moved to their own home. Granted they would be so much closer than Boston and much easier to get to. But it wouldn't be the same as having them around every day.
Paul's coded knock came at the private entrance, Della went to open it, letting Paul and Margaret into Perry's office.
"You know Beautiful if it hadn't been for mine coming to find me, I would never have known this little lady was here." Smiles Paul, reaching to take Dee from Perry's arms. Dee as diplomat as her Grandmother gave her other grandfather one of her now famous smiles. "Now we are going down the hall to meet what is left of my staff. Maybe she'll preferred mine to this one."
"Keep dreaming Paul, my office has always been the favorite one." Perry laughed.
Out the door with Margaret in tow, Paul wanted at least Margo, to meet the latest addition. Margo, was surprised how much Dee looked like Della, but there was something else familiar about her. They returned to Perry's office a few minutes later. Lizzie and Andrea had arrived in Perry's office, waiting for Dee and her other grandparents return. Della had already tidied up the office, had Gertie turn the phones over to the service, leaving with other staff members.
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Upon arriving at Angelo's, they saw Lt Tragg and his wife Joan, sitting at one of the tables. Since his retirement he and Joan had been on trying different restaurants and taken several trips. Seeing them approaching their table, he stood up to give hugs and kisses to Lizzie and Andrea. It had been along time since he and Joan had seen the girls. Tragg then managed to take the excited little one out of Perry's arms. Joan commented on how much Dee looked like her grandmother. Tragg couldn't believe both his little granddaughters had grown up to be beautiful women and now one of them a mother. Both had found it difficult to accept the fact Lizzie was a single mother and willing to raise her child alone, but time was making the acceptance easier. Tragg had not shared all the details of what had happened to Lizzie while in Boston, but he had offered Perry and Della to help any time they needed it. He still had friends among the police force, including two officers who had worked on several cases earlier against Perry.
The families had a quiet dinner and upon returning home, Lizzie took Dee upstairs to get her ready for bed. Della and Perry went into the kitchen to prepare tea for the three of them and a small bottle for Dee. As Della filled the tea kettle, Perry approached Della from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Happy my lady?" Perry asks, kissing her curls and absorbed her perfume, that drove him crazy.
"Of course, I could I not be. Our girls are home." She knew she didn't sound convincing.
Knowing his wife very well, especially when something was bothering her and sure it was the same thing that was bothering him.
"I know your as happy to have them home as I am. But like me, we both have to accept the fact they want to start their own careers elsewhere. Beat Boston and now they will only be a short drive away. We can visit any time and perhaps with enough advance warning, we can bring Dee here for a few days. That rocker is going to get plenty of use." Perry gave Della one of his dimpled smiles.
"I know that Perry, but something just isn't right, something is in the wind and I don't have any idea what it could be." Della moves from Perry's arms to put the kettle on the stove, turning on the heat, she turns smiling back at him.
"Della, I suspect I know what the issue is, Laura. She withdrew all her false charges, restraining order was issued to stay away from us. Paul will be rotating men in Denver for another week to watch her movements. We both know she'll tell some story to put her in a decent light about what happened in Boston. She certainly not going to tarnish her reputation, her social status or anything else that is so important to her. The gossips will find something else soon enough. She's going to be much busier than we are when if comes to the holiday parties. If lucky she's paying a bit of attention to Lorraine and the baby she's carrying." He leans to kiss her. "Now we need to enjoy our own holiday parties and new memories."
"Your right, let's enjoy our happiness." She smiles at him.
Everything Perry had said made sense. But she still had the feeling something wasn't right in their world. Perry pulled her close to him, closing her eyes as she leaned against his chest.