It had been a month and a half since Della's surgery. She was now able to get around with her cane again. One night, Perry and Della had sat down to dinner. She had been wanting to talk to Perry about something but was trying to find a way to start the conversation all day. She decided to just go for it.
"I think you should reopen your practice," Della told Perry.
"I will," he said.
"When?"
"When you're better."
"Perry, I've almost fully recovered. I just have an issue with my balance."
"When that's gone, I'll go back to work."
"Why don't we go now?"
"We?"
"Yes, we," she said, "Perry, I've been couped up almost five months."
"I know," he said.
"Then it's settled. Tomorrow, we'll go to the office. We can figure out about bringing everyone else back once we're there."
"I'm not the boss anywhere, am I?"
"I would say you are in the courtroom, but there, the judge is the boss," Della smiled.
"Well, I want you to make sure that if you need to take a break, you do."
"Yes, sir," Della said.
"And if you need help, just ask. Don't go getting hurt again because you're too stubborn for your own good."
"Anything else, chief?"
"Yes," he said, "figure out when you want to get married."
Della smiled and the two continued eating. The following day, Perry and Della went to his office to start figuring things out. They had to call everyone to come back. It was going to be just Perry and Della for a few days.
The next day, Della was at her desk, typing up a letter for Perry's clients. "You're a sight for sore eyes," a deep voice said.
Della turned to see Tragg and Burger. She smiled, "what can I do for you gentlemen?"
"We heard that Perry was back and we decided to see for ourselves," Burger said.
"Perry stepped out to pick up lunch. He should be back soon."
"He left you here alone?" Tragg asked in shock.
Paul Drake walked out of Perry's office, "nope. How stupid do you think he is?"
"Oh, he's not stupid. Just annoying," Burger said.
Paul received a phone call and took it in Perry's office. Della had finished the letter. She grabbed her cane and stood. "Della," Tragg said, "if you need something, we can help."
"Thank you, but I need to make copies of this for all of Perry's clients," Della smiled.
"We can do that," Burger said.
Della looked at them skeptically, "with all due respect, I'd rather do it myself."
Burger held the door for her as she walked out of her office. It wasn't long before Perry returned, "where's Della?"
"Copy room," Tragg said, "we offered, but she said no."
"That sounds like her. Come on in," Perry gestured for the men to follow, "we have plenty." He went into his office and place the bag on the table. "I'm going to check on Della." Perry walked into her office just as she was returning. He took the stack of papers from her. "You alright?"
"I'm fine," she smiled, "I'm thrilled that lunch is here."
Perry chuckled as he led her into his office and over to the table. "So, do you two have a wedding date?" Burger asked.
"Um, no," Della answered. They could tell the question bothered her. The men noticed that she was no longer wearing her engagement ring.
"Della," Perry said, "where's your ring?"
"What?"
"I hadn't noticed it before, but you're not wearing your engagement ring."
"I haven't worn it since my surgery. I guess I just forgot."
"I have to drive past your apartment after lunch," Paul said, "I can pick it up."
"No," Della said quickly, "I mean, that's not necessary. I'll wear it tomorrow."
After Tragg, Burger, and Paul left, Perry had decided to confront Della. "Would you like to tell me the real reason you aren't wearing your ring?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Della, not only are you not wearing your ring, but you also don't want to."
"What makes you think that?"
"The way you answered when Paul offered to pick it up. Just tell me the truth. You've changed your mind about marrying me. That's why you aren't wearing your ring and why you haven't set a date."
"I have been a little busy with my recovery."
"I'm aware of that, but you've been able to make plans now for quite some time."
"Alright, fine," she said with irritation, "you want the truth? Yes, I've changed my mind. I just hadn't found a way to tell you. Are you happy?"
"What do you think?" he said sadly. "Why did you change your mind? Did I do something wrong?"
"Of course not," she said, "you've been wonderful."
"Della, I don't get it."
"Perry, I can't let you marry me."
"What do you mean?"
"There's a chance I'll have another stroke. A worse one. That we'll have to do this all over again. I can't put you in a position where you have to take care of me."
"Della, married or not if it happens again, I'm going to take care of you. I love you."
"I love you too," she said softly. "It's not fair to you."
"That's not true. What's really not fair is making this decision for me. Do you think I'd still be staying at your apartment with you if I was sick of taking care of you? I could have hired a nurse, but I didn't. I thought we had moved past this."
"You did, but I didn't. It's been eating at me for months."
"You should have said something."
"I knew you'd talk me out of it."
"Della, if you don't want to marry me, then that's one thing. If you're calling it off because you think it's best for me, that's ridiculous."
"I don't want to marry you."
"I don't believe you."
Della stood, "I'm sorry," she said before leaving the room. Perry decided to give her time. He would talk to her before they left. What he didn't know, was that Della had taken a cab home. She packed a bag and left for her parents.
It had been a couple of hours since Della left his office. Perry decided to check on her. It wasn't unusual for her to not be in her office. What was unusual, was the handwritten note on her desk, with her engagement ring. Della hadn't left the ring at home. She had it in her purse and was trying to find a way to give it back. Perry sat in her chair and picked up the note.
"Perry, I'm sorry things had to end this way, but I knew you wouldn't give up. I'm not telling you where I am, but know that I am safe. I need time to think and you need time to come to terms with things. I never wanted to hurt you, but I truly can't marry you. I hope one day, you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. All my love, Della."
Perry picked up the ring and looked at it as his tears began to fall. It really was over.
