Before they left the chapel, Perry made the announcement that everyone was to meet at the lodge for a private reception, and that he and Della would arrive later. Perry escorted his wife to the horse-drawn sleigh, which was waiting at the bottom of the steps. As he helped her into the sleigh, she stopped and placed a passionate kiss on his lips.

"What was that for?" he asked in surprise.

"I couldn't wait another minute," she informed him. "Where are you taking me for our honeymoon?"

Perry joined her after she was seated. He pulled out a blanket and covered them as they went on a tour of the grounds which ended at the lodge. "You'll see when we get there. If I had known you were in such an all-fired hurry, Mrs. Mason, I would have told the family to eat without us!"

She gave him a dirty look. "I need to eat. If I don't have food, how can I burn off calories?"

His eyes sparkled and he leaned in to capture her mouth.

The driver gave them as much privacy as possible, and only when they reached the lodge did he make any attempt to interrupt them. After thanking the man, they walked into the banquet hall to greet their family.

Perry and Della hugged everyone and finally sat at the table where they were treated to a delightful mealconsisting of ribeye steak, lobster tail, scalloped potatoes, green bean almondine, rolls with butter, and wedding cake. The adults enjoyed champagne while the children drank sparkling cider. After a while, Perrystood, offered his wife his hand, and led her to the dance floor.

He stated, "You know we have the Righteous Brothers on retainer . . ."

She stared at him. "You didn't!"

He grinned. "Oh, I did. When Itold them I was planning a surprise wedding, they said they would be here. Do you remember that film with Barbara Hale you enjoyed so much? Unchained?"

She nodded, then opened her mouth in stunned surprise. "Unchained Melody is one of their biggest hits! I love the way they arranged the song!"

He smiled. "I know. I couldn't think of anything better for our official first dance. We didn't do this the first time around."

Della's mouth curved up in a teasing grin. "That's because they hadn't arranged it yet, Chief."

"Minx!"

They danced flawlessly around the dance floor as the Righteous Brothers sang.

Once the song had ended, he murmured, "Ready to go, Mrs. Mason?"

They returned to their family, hugged Hannah and Andrew, and told them they would be staying with their grandparents for the night.

The rest of the guests enjoyed the private concert the Righteous Brothers were playing whilePerry grabbed Della's cape and his overcoat from the coat check girl. They returned to the sleigh and rode over to the chalet, which was now lit by candles and had rose petals strewn over the steps.

Inside, the rose petals covered the floor leading all the way to the bedroom.

"I'd ask you how you managed all this, but I doubt you'd tell me," she said. "Besides, just now I'm in too big a hurry to care about the decorations."

He laughed outright. "I went to all this trouble for a deluxe wedding, and it turns out, all you wanted was a second honeymoon!"

She laughed, too. "Happy Anniversary, Perry. After this, my gift for you is going to seem like fifty cents."

"Is it a tie?"

She shook her head. "I'll tell you tomorrow. Now shut up and kiss me, you adorable, desirable man."

Perry led her to the bed where he unwrapped her like she was his Christmas gift.

He unbuttoned her gown until she was able to step out of the gown. Slowly he removed her undergarments until she was naked. She watched him with hooded eyes as he removed his clothes and joined his wife in the bed where he kissed, touched, and worshiped her body from head to toe. They finally consummated their vows and became one again as a married couple. Determined to make the most of their second honeymoon, the celebration continued long into the night.

The next morning they rejoined their family and celebrated Christmas. Della looked around as she counted her blessings with a bright smile.

"Happy, Darling?" Perry whispered as his arms encircled her.

Della nodded, "Very. I love you, Perry Mason ." She smiled and leaned in to give Perry a passionate kiss. "Next time, I'll plan the anniversary trip."

He arched an eyebrow. "Next time, as in, next year?"

"No. As in, next time we renew our vows. I'm thinking . . . Australia. The kids have never seen a kangaroo pull Santa's sleigh."

He sighed. "Australia, huh?"

She kissed him again. "Perfect for a third honeymoon, don't you think?"

And that was very much how it went on the Mason-Street Christmas morning. It was indeed a Christmas no one would ever forget.