The morning after their Christmas tree was put up, Della and Perry were enjoying a nice, leisurely cup of coffee together before the chaos of their day began. While he slipped his hot drink, she went over the diary of appointments for the coming weeks. He was only half-listening until she mentioned the doctor's appointment for both children. He made a mental note that she would be late coming into the office. The perfect time to hold a conference with his co-conspirators.
Paul, Gertie, and Aunt Mae (by phone) were briefed as to their roles in the surprise plan. Gertie was tasked to find out from Della what type of gown she would have worn for her dream wedding. Once she was in possession of the information, she was told to pass it on to Mae, who would take care of ordering it in the correct size, and shipped to her home in Bolero Beach.
Gertie, in her usual hyper-excited way, volunteered to take Della and Hannah, her goddaughter, dress shopping. Paul had laughed and provided the perfect cover story.
"Gert, Della's a bright girl," he had reminded her. "You're going to need to convince her she's doing you the favor. Why not tell her this is for our vow renewal?"
Gertie had grinned at him. "That's a wonderful idea, Flatfoot! After all, we were married on New Year's Eve!"
And so it went. Via telephone Perry had asked Mae to make the lodge reservations and the dinner reservations for the private reception. After discussing the situation with her, Perry decided to include an invitation to Della's family from Chicago. Mae assured him she would handle all of their arrangements, and would make sure the family would stay at a different venue, just to forestall any accidental meeting before the wedding took place. The meeting with Paul, Gertie and Mae concluded a few minutes before Della breezed into the office.
Perry looked up as she entered his private office. He swept her in a glance and drew in his breath. Then, flashing her a charming smile, he surprised her by saying, "Sweetheart, I decided to close the office for two weeks. Nothing is pending in court, and it's the perfect time to sneak away with the kids!"
Della stared at him. "And you decided this, all of a sudden?"
He looked out of the glass doors that led to the balcony. "I admit to having a meeting with Paul. He pointed out that he and Gertie were thinking of doing a vow renewal, and I thought . . ."
She came over to where he stood and put her arms around his neck. "I can guess." She leaned in and kissed him softly. "You're a romantic, Perry Mason. Alright. I'll talk to Gertie and make sure we have everything in the office set for our return."
He grinned at her and encircled her waist. "That's my girl! I want to invite Mae, too. Christmas isn't Christmas without Mae." He kissed his wife again. "I understand the lodge is having a special gala on Christmas Eve . . ."
Della put a hand on his chest. "A gala? Hannah will be thrilled!"
He nodded. "You, Gertie and Hannah should go dress shopping. Hannah's going to need something for the vow renewal ceremony, anyway."
"I love you, Perry," she informed her husband. "You are the sweetest, most wonderful man. Thank God I had the common sense to say yes to you ten years ago."
His dimples deepened and his blue eyes twinkled. "Make sure Gertie doesn't try to pay for this, Baby. This is my treat."
With a smirk on her face, Della answered, "I love this idea, but Paul might protest about you buying his bride a dress." She gave him a sultry look, then moved toward the door that separated her office from his. "We can go dress hunting this Saturday, as long as that day works for Gertie."
