Perry drove to Della's apartment with his arm tightly wrapped around her shoulders. He carried her suitcase into the apartment, and sent her off to change and freshen up while he looked around the kitchen for something to eat. Her refrigerator was almost empty as she had been gone for a week. At last, he found some tomato sauce and pasta and cooked it. Della reemerged, dressed in a simple cotton dress, and they sat down to eat.
It was the simplest meal that they had shared for a long time, but for both, it outperformed the finest French restaurants they were accustomed to dining at. For they were together and engaged, and could speak to each other openly about their feelings for the first time.
After dinner, they sat down on the couch. Della told him about her vacation, and about how they owed their present happiness to the fact that her suitcase's lock had mercifully unbolted itself that morning. Perry quickly related how he had happened to hear about the bus accident, and then they both moved on to happier topics. They told each other about how they had first realized that they loved each other.
After several hours, the clock struck eleven. Perry stood up.
"You should get some rest, and I ought to be going."
Della stood up and smiled.
"I will see you in the office tomorrow."
"Oh no, you won't. I am cancelling everything for tomorrow. I am going to pick you up at nine and we are going to the church to speak to the priest and schedule our wedding for the first day the church is available. Then we are having a picnic in the countryside. I still need to give you that diamond ring I bought for you."
Della laughed.
"This morning I thought you would never tell me that you loved me, and here you are, rushing to get us married."
"Have you any objection?"
"None whatsoever. I cannot wait to be yours."
Perry put his hand on the doorknob and took one more moment to admire Della's shining countenance.
"Then goodnight, my darling. God bless you and keep you!"
"He already has, Perry," Della answered. "He already has. Goodnight, my dear."
The door closed behind the attorney, and Della sat back down on the couch and smiled. It had turned out to be a wonderful day.
Nothing like a happy ending, right?
