Hours later, with the ladies enjoying their spa package, Perry visited the family after looking in on the chapel's decorations, which consisted of poinsettia plants in white and red blooms along with candelabras stationed near the front. Large votive candles were situated between large hurricane globes, and were placed in each window.

Mae assured him the plans she made had been confirmed. Mae and her sister, Katherine–Della's mother–would meet the ladies at the chalet Perry had rented for two nights. While he and Della enjoyed a private but short second honeymoon, Andrew and Hannah would be spoiled rotten by their grandparents. Della and he would return for the gala on Christmas Eve and would be on hand to wait for Santa.

"Everything is set, you old Worrywart! Now scoot!" Mae insisted. "And don't try to peek at Della's dress, Buster. I may not have been able to keep you from seeing her on the big day ten years ago, but you can bet your bippy I will this go-round."

He chortled. "I didn't even try! But you might want to have someone move those other dresses out of my view before I leave." He nodded toward the tea-length burgundy dresses hanging on a garment rack across the room.

"Perry Mason, you make me so mad sometimes!" she sputtered.

He kissed her cheek. "I didn't see a thing, Mae."

A while later, after Hannah had joined her mother and godmother, Della showed off her mani- and pedicure. Hannah looked at the polish and the way her mother's skin glowed, and dreamed of the day when she would be old enough to go to the spa. Like most girls her age, she was a combination of moonbeams and magnolias. She was tough and more than capable of keeping up with her little brother. She loved exploring the outdoors, of finding butterflies and investigating how things worked. But there was the softer, feminine side to her that craved soft, beautiful things. She loved kittens, the color pink, and ribbons in her hair. When she looked at Della or Gertie, she was struck by how well and how often they juggled the professional side of their lives with the fun-loving side.

"Don't worry," Gertie assured her, "You'll get there, Hannah. You do me a favor and don't grow up so fast. Enjoy being a child while you are one."

Della rubbed her daughter's back. "Gertie's right, Sweetheart. Your Daddy and I are in no hurry to see you grow up. You have plenty of time yet."

The three settled in for their hair appointments. While Della was being shampooed, she closed her eyes and relaxed into the soothing scalp massage. Her thoughts drifted. Perry has really gone all out for us today. I couldn't love him any more than I already do.

After a quick lunch, Perry reconnected with Paul and the boys.

"Daddy! Look!" Andrew pointed at a snowman. "I didn't think people in California could build one of those!"

Perry smiled at his son. "I see. You want to make one with Paulie?"

"You bet!" he said excitedly, and practically dragged his dad outside.

Paul and his son worked on rolling the base of the snowman while Perry tackled the midsection. Andrew, meanwhile, was scouting for branches to serve as Frosty's arms. Unexpectedly a well-aimed snowball struck him right in the chest. The branches dropped to the ground and his eyes roamed the snow-covered lawn to find the culprit. Deciding it must have been Paulie, he balled up his snow and threw it at his head.

Moments later, an all-out snowball fight ensued. Perry waited until Paul least expected it, then dumped the midsection of the snowman he had carefully rolled right on his best friend's head.

"That's cold and wet!" Paul shouted, blinking snow out of his eyes even as more of the frozen substance dripped from his hair. "Just you wait, Counselor!"

Andrew and Paulie froze, rooted to their spots as they watched their fathers go at it. When the skirmish was over, Perry and Paul were laughing so hard tears were streaming down their faces. The boys came over. Andrew looked at the base of the snowman and slowly shook his head.

"Now I know why nobody makes snowmen in California. Snowball fights are more fun!"

In the hair salon, Hannahchose to have her long, wavy hair French braided and tied with a ribbon the same color of her dress. Gertiechose to have her hair done in an updo. Della,who was admiring Gertie's hairdo, opted for the same style.

That hairstyle would work perfectly with the veil that accompanied the dress. It didn't take any persuading on my part, either. Gertie's grin nearly gave away her thoughts. And little Hannah looks so beautiful with her first sophisticated hairdo! I just love the romance of this! Okay, Gertie, concentrate and don't blow it!

A little later they exited the salon to find a limo waiting. The driver came around and opened the door for them. Once they were in the car, Della found a gift with a note attached, addressed to her. She recognized the writing as Perry's and drew in a surprised breath.

"Perry, what did you do?" she whispered in awe.

The letter read:

Sweetheart,

Ten years ago, when we were here, we did something unexpected and got married. I never would have thought in the interim we would have two beautiful children. Once Isaw our wedding picture, I wanted to give you something special. Please don't question anything, and I will see you later this evening. I hope you enjoy these gifts and my surprises for you. No thanks and no questions asked. Just enjoy the moments.

Love youalways and forever,

Perry

She opened the gift box and revealed aplatinum bracelet with five charms hanging from it. Each charm was engraved with their names. The ones that were engraved with her and Perry's names were intertwined with their anniversary date engraved on it. The other two charms had their children's names and birthdates. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she admired the gift and the letter.

"Momma?" Hannah put a hand on her mother's arm. "Is everything alright? What was in the box?"

Della smiled tremulously and shook her head. "Everything is fine, baby. I'm just getting emotional."

The limo stopped at the chalet Perry had reserved for the honeymoon. As the small trio stood in front of it, Della noticed they were at a different chalet. When she began to protest, Gertie and Hannah grabbed her hands and pulled her with them toward the door. Just as they drew near, it was flung open.

Two women stood in the threshold, each beaming with arms outstretched. Mae and Katherine gathered Della first, then Hannah into their arms. Eventually, even Gertie was drawn in for a tight hug.

"What are you doing here? How did you get here?" Della asked, "I think I know the answer to that question already."

Della's mother answered her. "According to Mae, this is all Perry's doing. He arranged for us to come for the week, on the proviso we left you alone. It's been heavenly, but it has also been torture."

Mae smiled sweetly at her sister. "Della knows you love her and your grandchildren. There's no need to mush and gush."

Katherine sniffed. "Perry paid for our lodging, shows, and other amenities the hotel had to offer. Your father and siblings are also here with us and will see you later." She drew Hannah to her side and gently traced her cheek. "And how has your day been? I can tell you've been pampered from the tip of your head to the toes on your feet! You are glowing."

Hannah blushed. Della came to her rescue. "I am so happy to see you here. I kept asking Perry where Mae was, but he sidestepped every time. And Mom, I am so overjoyed to finally be able to spend time with you. We've been so busy at the officethat we hadn't had time to make the trip in a while."

She waved that away. "I'm well past the stage in my life when I sit in judgment over you or Perry."

Gertie wisely kept her mouth closed. She knew a little of the tension between Della and her parents, and didn't want to enter the conversation, or worse, have foot-in-mouth disease.

"I know Andrew would love to see you, too. I feel Perry has something planned." Della looked over to see Hannahsnuggled up to her grandmother's side with a big smile on her face.

While the ladies were chatting, Perry and Paul dressed the boys in their tuxedos. As they were leaving the chalet, Perry asked the concierge to deliver a package to his wife. The limousines Perry had reserved were ready. Three–one for Paul, the boys and himself, one for the Chicago family, and the last for Della and the ladies with her. The last of these was to pick up the ladies from the chalet and deliver them safely to the chapel. Upon their arrival, Perry left Paul and the boys to check on the sleigh that was hidden behind the chapel. The driver discussed the route, and Perry gave his approval.

At the chalet the hotel messenger knocked at the door. Mae, realizing she was the only one not fussing over her appearance or Della's answered it. The boy passed her the gift box, tipped his hat, and smiled. When she started to dig in her purse for a tip, he held up his hand in a traditional traffic stop pose, insisting that he was already recompensed. She rolled her eyes and forced a bill into the boy's hand anyway.

"Mr. Mason may have tipped you, youngster, but it's Christmas!" Then she closed the door and brought the gift box over to Della. "I think you have a not-so-secret admirer, Della. Better open it."

With a suspicious look on her face, she opened the package and pulled another note from Perry, which read:

Sweetheart,

I was told that these would look exquisite with your dress. Wear them for me? I can't wait to see you tonight.

Love,

Perry

She opened the gift to reveal a light blue box. Tiffany & Co. Inside, a diamond necklaceand diamond earrings caught the light, sending a thousand sparkles in all directions. She drew in her breath at the same time her mother ooh'd, and her daughter ahh'd. Tears sprang to her eyes and she gently wiped them away.

"He is such a stinker."

Katherine looked at her in amazement. "The man bought you diamonds, and you call him a stinker?"

She met her mother's astonished look and nodded. "He waits until he knows I'm all made up, and then has the most tear-inducing gift hand-delivered! He knows my mascara will run!"

While her mother repaired her face, Della's aunt brought the garment bag containing her bridal ensemble, and held it in front of Della to open.

"It's time we get dressed, Lovebug. Della, This is your dress. You take the bedroom. I am going to help Hannah get into hers. Gertie, your dress is here, too. Perry dropped everything off while you were at the spa. Let's get moving."

"I can assist you,Della, after I get my dress on," Gertie reassured her.

Della looked at her strangely, unsure why Gertie thought she would need the assistance. She mentally shrugged and walked in the bedroom.

Everyone was practically dressed when they heard a scream come from Della's room. The ladies all ran into the room, then skidded to a stop when they saw her holding the garment bag in her hand. "Oh my goodness, this is the wrong dress. I never ordered the wedding gown. I remember trying it on in the bridal shop, but– Gertie, I did purchase a different gown, didn't I? I didn't buy the wedding gown."

"Della, this is your dress. Perry purchased it for you to wear tonight."

She looked at Gertie. "Perry didn't have a clue about it. I didn't tell him I even saw it." Her friend's gaze faltered and she looked away guiltily. "Gertie?"

She couldn't contain her smile. "Oh, alright, Della! I was a spy!" Then pulling out an envelope she had somehow secreted behind her back, she passed it to her friend.

"What? Again!" Della took the envelope, saw the familiar scrawl of her husband's firm hand, and read:

Sweetheart,

Ten years ago tonight, you made every last one of my dreams come true. You gave into a selfish, eager man and married me against your better judgment. In that time, I have seen you give and give of yourself at the office, in our marriage, and with our children and family, and yet never once complain about it. Now, I have no regrets about our wedding, and I treasure the memory. But . . . I want you to be able to hold your head up high and show off the wedding pictures you deserve.

More than that, I want you to know that, although we didn't wait for all the formal things that go with a ceremony, you are worth all the fuss and bother every bride dreams of. So, here we are, back at the same place, on the same week, but this time, we have family and friends gathered near.

Although I haven't seen you in your dress, I know I will be bowled over when you come down the aisle toward me. I'm not sure I'll survive tonight, but . . . See you soon at the altar.

Love,

Perry.

After reading the letter, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

"You're right," her mother sniffed, "Perry's a real stinker."

That set everyone laughing, and Della pulled the gown, which featured a high neckline, fitted bodice and a silk taffeta skirt featuring thousands of hand-sewn pearls and a 3-foot long train, from the garment bag. Just as she had in the boutique, Della admired the lace that adorned the top of the dress down to the cumberband waist. The full skirt of silk taffeta flowed, and the matching shoes were lace overlaid on an off-white satin material. The matching veil was a cap covered in roses and had Brussel lace and fell down her back. Della looked at her undergarments and the bridal ensemble as the tears fell from her eyes.

Oh, Perry, her soul cried out, You did all of this to make tonight perfect for me.

Finally dressed in the whole ensemble, Della met everyone in the living room, where Aunt Mae was holding a hooded, off-white fur cape to protect her dress. The ladies grabbed their coats, went to the awaitinglimousine, and departed for the chapel. When they pulled up, Mr. Street, Katherine's husband and Della's father, greeted them. He helped her carefully emerge from the vehicle and gingerly make her way inside the chapel.

She looked up at him with stars in her eyes. "Oh, Daddy, everything is just perfect! Did you know about all of this? Silly question; of course you did!"

He kissed her cheek. "Perry explained his idea to me. I have to admit, I was very surprised. Della, he even asked if he could have your hand in marriage!"

She looked astounded, then laughed. "Ten years too late, but . . . Better late than never!"

"I appreciated it, Sprout. You know how hurt I was when you informed me of your elopement. You know the horrible things I said back then."

She lifted a finger to his mouth. "Daddy, that was then. It's long been forgotten. And I've already fixed my makeup twice!"

He laughed at that. "Perry wasn't any of the things I thought he was, except stubborn."

Everyone took their places with Mae and Katherine escorted down the aisle by Della's brother,John. As the musician played "Carol of the Bells," Hannah, who was a junior bridesmaid and wore a burgundy velvetgown, walked down the aisle with a single white rose in her hand. Next came Gertie, who was the matron of honor, attired in an emerald green A-line gown.

Once they came to the front of the chapel, they turned to face the rear. Perry, with Paul at his side and the two dashing younger men in their places, awaited Della's entrance. When the doors opened, Della took a moment to soak in the decorations. She noted the candlelight and poinsettias, and the way the chapel had a soft glow about it.

I feel as though I'm in a dream, she told herself. Her father had her hand tucked in his arm, and he led her steadily down the aisle. In her free arm she carried a bouquet of white roses surrounded by baby's breath and greenery, and, despite her best intention not to cry, silent tears rolled down her cheeks. She searched for and found Perry's eyes and focused on them as she processed up the aisle.

When she arrived at the front, the minister started the ceremony and, after her father announced that he gave his daughter in marriage, she joined hands with her husband. Gertie took the bouquet from her, and she was free to focus on the words and on her groom.

Never, never would he forget this moment, if he lived to be millions of eons old. Perry drew in his breath, then whispered, "Beautiful. Della, you're just beautiful."

Her smile was a mixture of awe and shyness. His was one of profound amazement.

The minister cleared his throat and repeated, "Counselor, that's your cue!"

"Oh!" he exclaimed, and turned red. "I, Perry Maximillian Mason, take thee, Della Louise Street, to be my lawful wedded wife…."

All too soon it was Della's turn. "I, Della Louise Street, take thee, Perry Maximillian Mason, to be my lawful wedded husband…."

At the ring exchange,Andrew and Paulie came forward each holding a ring. Perry grabbed them while he placed the new set on her temporarily empty finger. Della's eyes widened when she saw her new set. She took the band from Paulie and placed it on Perry's finger. The preacher pronounced them as husband and wife–again.

Perry gathered his bride into his arms and gave her a lingering kiss that lasted until they heard Paul's appreciative whistle and a "That'll do!" from Della's father. As theywalked down the aisle, Mae handed Perry Della's cape before he placed it on her, and then he put on his coat and fedora.