Roxanne Shields had been arrested for murder and Perry was defending her. Perry had hoped that this would distract his wife who had been beside herself since Joy revealed her relationship with her birth mother. After a session in court, a man approached Perry. He was a U.S marshall. Perry told Della he'd see her at the office, but the woman was concerned. He told her everything was fine and sent her away. Perry knew he'd be in for it when he got back. Joy was at the office when her mother stormed in, "everything alright?"

"Your father," Della said angrily, "I'm furious with him."

"At least you're not mad at me anymore."

"I was never mad at you. I was hurt and worried."

"So you're not now?"

"Ask me again after I let your father have it."

"What did he do?"

"A U.S marshall showed up in court and asked your father to go with him to talk. Your father sent me away."

"I'm sure everything will be alright."

An hour later, Perry walked into the office. Joy ran up to him, "run," she said, "mom's been saying 'your father' since she got back."

"That means I'm really in for it," he said, "but it's now or never."

"Well, it's been nice knowing you," Joy said.

Della walked in and the girl ran to hide. "It was about two witnesses I need. They're in the witness protection program and Ken stumbled upon them."

Della was relieved. Perry's client was acquitted on a very special day. In her briefcase, Della found a grey velvet box with a black pearl necklace. Perry put the necklace on his wife and kissed her, "happy birthday, darling."

"I can't believe I forgot about my birthday."

"Well, you said that you stopped counting after thirty-nine. Now, your daughter and I are taking you out to dinner tonight."

"The two of you spoil me, but you know full well that I'd rather have a quiet evening at home."

"You deserve to be spoiled, and I've already made the reservations," Perry said. The two left the courthouse and headed home.

Della was getting ready for dinner when Perry walked out of the master bathroom. He noticed his wife staring intensely at her reflection. Perry walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He placed his chin on her shoulder. "You look beautiful."

"I look old."

"No, that's my reflection you're looking at," Perry said, making his wife laugh.

"I'm serious," she chuckled.

"Della, I've never seen you this self-conscious."

"Well, it's a big birthday." She sighed, "Joy must hate having to be seen with a mother who's so old. No wonder she wants to spend so much time with Margaret."

"I don't want to hear that anymore," Perry kissed her cheek.

"You're telling me that you didn't feel the same when you turned seventy?"

"Well, maybe a little. Are you ready?"

"Just one more thing," Della turned in her husband's arms and kissed him, "now I'm ready."

Perry put his arm around her and the two left the bedroom. "Surprise!" There in the living room stood Ken, Joy, and Paul.

"What are you all doing here? I thought we were meeting you at the restaurant," Della said.

"Yeah, right," Joy scoffed. "We know better than that."

Della smiled and went to hug Paul, "did you come back just for me?"

"Who else would I come back for?"

"I can think of at least three blondes, four red-heads, and two brunettes."

Paul smiled, "yeah, but no, I'm here for you."

Della hugged Ken and her daughter. "Those pearls are beautiful," Joy said. "Nice job, dad." Everyone sat down and gave Della their gifts. Paul gave Della a day at the spa with one other person.

"Can I go?" Joy asked excitedly.

"You want to go? With me?" Della asked in confusion.

"Yeah, it'll be fun."

"Alright," Della smiled.

That moment made Perry smile even more.

Ken gave Della a gift basket to have a home spa day too. Then it was Joy's turn. She handed her mother a small, wrapped box. Della opened it to find a necklace. It had a pink tourmaline heart and was intertwined with a gold triangle. "It's beautiful," Della said.

"It's a symbol for adoption," Joy said. "The heart is my birthstone. The triangle is gold for how old you were when you adopted me."

Della had tears in her eyes. She hugged her daughter tightly, "I love it," she choked out.

"Happy birthday, mommy. Thank you for being the mother you didn't have to be."

That night, everyone had a great time at dinner. Della had a great deal of fun. It was heartwarming to know that her daughter had gone to such trouble for her. Della loved her pearls, but the necklace Joy gave her was incredibly special. Perry was proud of his daughter for coming up with a gift that was so sentimental and loving. He didn't mind at all being upstaged.