Valentine's Day-1 year later
Della
They had been a couple for a little over a year now. It had started slow, each of them taking the time to get to know the other better. Not that either of them needed that. Before their first kiss, they had already worked closely together for two years, becoming an unbeatable team.
But then a year ago there had been a terrible set of circumstances that had opened up a whole new insight into their feelings for one another. They had been shot at, an old Navy friend of Perry's had been murdered, Paul had been seriously injured in an explosion, and Della had been kidnapped by a man out for revenge. Thanks to Perry's bravery and Lt. Tragg's expert marksmanship, the man who had been responsible for their suffering was now dead, and could not hurt them anymore. It was far from an ordinary, everyday occurrence in their lives and they both experienced new fears...as well as other emotions.
When things had quieted down, Perry had arranged a Valentine's Day gathering of their close friends. The party, somehow both extravagant and intimate, had been a wonderful way to purge some of the bad memories. Perry had taken extra special measures to show Della how much he loved her.
Then after returning to their suite at the LA Biltmore, things had gone slightly awry. Della, being very tired and just the tiniest bit tipsy had thought that Perry wanted to consummate their relationship. Perry's reaction was unexpectedly gallant, but...
She had accepted his explanation that he wanted to proceed with more caution, and avoid any of the same mistakes that he had made in the past. But she had gone to bed - feeling lonely, a little embarrassed, and frustrated. However, she also had no doubt that Perry loved her.
Now, a year had passed, and they were still no closer to the intimacy that she so desired. It wasn't just the lovemaking that she yearned for (although she couldn't deny those feelings every time that she was close to Perry), it was the comfort and security that comes from falling asleep next to someone and waking up the next morning in their arms.
Of course there were still the late night dinners and dancing, but now he held her closer, whispering in her ear things she loved to hear. There were even times when they sat on her couch cuddling and kissing until she would finally suggest that they move to her bedroom. But Perry always got up and left her, maintaining that they just needed time.
Della finally resigned herself to be happy with the caresses, kisses and touching, despite her hunger to give her body to the man to whom she had already given her heart.
And of course there was work. Case after case after case. Perry was becoming more in demand with each courtroom victory. She was very proud of him in that sense. If it weren't for the seemingly endless stream of women, those damsels in distress who thought they could win him over with crocodile tears and simpering voices. And, of course, as the dutiful secretary she would sit quietly by the attorney's side, taking notes, mentally slapping each one of them.
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Now it was once again Valentine's Day. She had entered her office to find a single red rose on her desk. She knew what the card would say without reading it.
One rose, one tender thought of you
Over the past year, there had been numerous roses, just like this, each with the same card. Oftentimes they appeared after some argument or disagreement. This was Perry's way of starting his apology. And, to his credit, he always did apologize, even if he felt it was her stubbornness that caused the problem.
Just as she was about to enter his office, Gertie came rushing in from the lobby.
"Miss Street, Mr. Mason just called. He won't be in today."
Della looked at their receptionist with surprise. "He has nothing on his schedule. Did he say why?"
Gertie shook her blonde curls. "Just that he had some personal business to take care of."
"Okay. Thank you Gertie." As the receptionist turned to go back to the front office, Della sat down at her desk. Well, so much for Valentine's Day, she thought.
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Perry
Perry was sitting on his couch, sipping coffee, and trying to focus on the headlines in the morning paper without much luck. Glancing at his watch, he smiled. Five minutes after eight. Knowing her efficiency and propensity for being on time, Della should be reading the card attached to the red rose on her desk.
One rose, one tender thought of you
How many thoughts and how many roses had there been over the past year? He had lost count. There were special occasions - her birthday, Christmas, New Year's. Then the times that he considered "just because." Because they had won a case, because he felt he had neglected her for too long, because they had argued. And the times, just because he loved her so much.
And then there were the other moments. When she had wanted him. Wanted him possibly more than he wanted her, although that didn't seem likely. Even now just the thought of her caused his body to ache with need. But each time he had denied her, denied them both.
He had not been a monk in his adult life. There had been women he thought he loved and those who only wanted to be wined and dined and then dismissed with a goodbye the next morning.
But Della was different. First and foremost, she was every inch a lady. She was also kind and gentle. And because of the circumstances of their first kiss and the events that took place afterwards, he hadn't wanted to start their relationship as just another physical affair. But now...
Rousing himself from his thoughts, he reached for the phone. He had several important plans to put in motion before tonight.
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Della
Della had started working on the stack of letters and briefs on her desk, figuring she might as well get the work done while it was quiet.
It was just before 11 am and she was almost through the stack when Gertie buzzed her intercom.
"Yes Gertie?"
"Miss Street there's a...gentleman...here to see you."
At Gertie's strange sounding message, Della stood and cautiously opened the door to the reception lobby.
The gentleman to whom Gertie had referred was obviously a chauffeur. His grey uniform was classic to the point of being quaint, complete with jodhpurs and a cap tucked neatly under his arm. Seeing Della, he offered a broad smile.
"Miss Della Street?" Della only nodded slowly as she tried to anticipate what the driver wanted.
"Ma'am I have a limousine waiting downstairs. If you will come with me, please."
Della was immediately suspicious. "May I ask who sent you?"
The man reached into his jacket pocket and handed her a folded note. Della slowly unfolded the paper, immediately recognizing the precise handwriting.
Darling Della. Please do not ask questions. Just accept my Valentine gift to you. Love, P.
She refolded the note and smiled at the man. "If you'll give me just a minute."
Della returned to her office, placed the cover on her typewriter, grabbed her purse and the rose and returned to the waiting chauffeur.
"Gertie why don't you close the office for the rest of the day? Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day." With that Della allowed the chauffeur to escort her out. She could feel Gertie's wide-eyed, curious stare following her all the way out the door.
The chauffeur, whose name she had discovered was Vincent, informed her that the drive would be about an hour. Relaxing back in the plush seat, Della stretched her legs out, sipping on a mimosa that had already been sitting on the bar. She found a radio station playing many of her current favorites. The entire floor and most of the seats were covered in red roses. She should have known Perry would not forget today. He had not forgotten any special occasion thus far. But she also wondered what could possibly keep him away today.
She had almost fallen asleep when she felt the limo stop. Vincent opened the door and Della saw that she was at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa, one of the oldest and most prestigious spas in Southern California. The chauffeur helped her out of the car and escorted her to the door, explaining to her that he would return for her at an appointed time already arranged.
"Enjoy your afternoon Ma'am."
Della entered and walked to the receptionist desk. The petite blonde, whose name tag read Bambi, smiled politely at her from her seat behind the counter.
"May I help you ma'am?"
"My name is Della Street. I believe someone made an appointment for me."
The receptionist's whole manner instantly changed. She jumped out of her seat and her tone was suddenly deferential and nervous. "Oh yes Miss Street. Everything has been arranged. If you'll just sign our guest book, someone will be right with you." Della took the proffered pen, curious at the change in the girl's demeanor. Bambi was speaking quickly into the phone.
"Anita, you need to get to reception now. Miss Street is here for her appointment."
Della had to smile at the anxious tone in the girl's voice. Trying to soothe Bambi's obvious case of the nerves, Della smiled at her. "I'm sure there's no hurry."
"Oh yes ma'am. We were given very specific instructions. We were told that you are a princess and to treat you as such."
Before a surprised Della could say anything in response, a tall, poised brunette appeared. "How do you do, Miss Street, I'm Anita. I will be taking care of you today. May I offer you a beverage or something to eat before we begin?"
Della declined and she was led to a spacious changing room. Anita showed her where to put her clothes and handed her a plush robe and soft slippers. "When you're ready, just come down the hall to your right and we will begin. I'm very sure you're going to enjoy your stay with us."
Della's heart swelled at the thought that Perry had truly gone to great lengths to insure she had a wonderful Valentine.
After changing, she followed the hallway to find Anita standing next to a private room. "This way, ma'am." When Della entered she found the room had several dozen vases of red roses. On the uniquely designed chair lay one single rose with a card attached. Della smiled, knowing what it said.
Anita quietly closed the door. "I have to say ma'am. You must have a very special admirer. We have never had anyone in our spa receive the level of luxury that you will be getting today."
Della slowly shook her head. "Thank you. And please call me Della. It seems as if we are going to be together for a while."
Anita gestured for Della to have a seat in the chair. As she settled into the gentle S-shape, she discovered that the chair was not only extraordinarily comfortable but was also heated. "Oh this is nice. Anita, may I ask what the schedule is for me?"
"Of course ma...Della. First you'll have a Swedish massage, followed by a complete facial treatment, then a soak in the mineral bath and finally hair and makeup to your specifications. We have promised to have you ready for your chauffeur at three pm. So we should get started."
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Perry
Hoping that his girl was right now, being treated like a princess, Perry was at his club getting the masculine equivalent. He wanted to make sure he looked his best tonight. After a massage and steam bath he got a shave and haircut.
His next stop was to pick up his tuxedo at the cleaners. He also called Paul to make sure that he had accomplished all the errands Perry had given him. Paul had assured him several times that all of his tasks had been completed and everything was in order for tonight.
He made one last stop at his apartment before his final destination.
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Della
A few minutes after three, Della exited the spa to see the limo in front and Vincent waiting with the door open. "If I may say, you look even more beautiful Miss Street."
Della smiled her thanks. He took her hand to help her into the car. "I took the liberty of preparing you a mimosa. Please sit back and enjoy your trip. We should be at our next destination in about 45 minutes."
Della looked at him. "I don't suppose you're allowed to tell me..."
He only smiled and shook his head, then closed the door.
As the big car started moving, Della leaned back, sipping her drink, wondering what other surprises that Perry had in store.
She had to admit, for a day that had not started the way she thought it would, things were going very well. She really had felt like a princess at the spa.
Once again, between being very relaxed and the sweet mimosa, she had almost drifted off to sleep when the limo came to a stop.
When Vincent opened the door, Della was shocked to see that he had delivered her to the LA Biltmore hotel. She looked up at the chauffeur in surprise.
"Vincent, are you sure this is where you were told to bring me?"
He held out his hand to help her from the car. "Yes Miss Street. And if you go to the front desk, you'll be given your room."
"Thank you Vincent." Vincent held her hand as she walked up the steps.
"And may I say ma'am, it has truly been a great pleasure to drive you today."
The smile she gave him was dazzling. Once she was safely inside the hotel, Vincent touched his hat and returned to the car.
Della walked across the vast lobby to the desk. When the desk clerk looked up, he immediately signaled for the hotel manager. When the manager approached, he almost bowed as he reached her.
"Miss Street. What tremendous delight to see you again in our hotel. If you will follow me I will escort you to your suite. If you would like anything at all, please just ring the desk and I will personally see to it."
Della followed the man to the bank of elevators and watched as he punched the button for the top floor. As the doors opened, he led her down the hallway and stopped in front of the large doors to the Presidential Suite. He fit the key in the door, opening it and then handed her the key. "Everything is in order, just as Mr. Mason requested. Again, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call me. Good afternoon Miss Street." With that he turned and walked back to the elevator.
Della entered the suite and stopped. He had done it once again. The entire room was filled with red roses. The only difference was that, this time, Perry was nowhere to be seen. Walking over to examine a vase, she discovered a large pink envelope with her name on it, printed in Perry's handwriting. Smiling, she lifted the flap and pulled out a beautifully inscribed sheet.
Darling Della
Will you honor me
With your presence at tonight - 7 pm
I have taken the liberty of
Providing your attire
And a chambermaid to assist you
Until then
P.
Looking around the suite, at the roses, then at the invitation, she knew that he loved her beyond any doubt. Glancing at her watch, she noticed it was almost 4:30. As she was about to start up the stairs, there was a knock at the door. Checking the peephole, she saw one of the hotel maids. She opened the door but kept the chain in place.
The girl dropped a quick curtsy. "Miss Street I'm with the hotel. I've been assigned to help you this evening with anything you might require."
Della looked her over but past experiences told her to proceed with caution. "Will you give me just a moment?"
At the girl's nod, Della shut the door and called down to the manager. She asked him if he had indeed sent a maid to the room and to please describe her. Getting the correct information, she returned to the door to admit the young woman.
"Miss Street, my name is Cindy. What may I help you with?" Since Della was unsure what Perry had chosen for her to wear, she decided they had better get to the bedroom and investigate. Once there, Cindy suggested Della lie down and rest for a short time, so that she could take care of getting everything ready. Della was actually a little tired, maybe from the mimosa or maybe just relaxed from her afternoon of pampering. But rather than lying on the bed, she settled on the chaise lounge by the window. In just a short time her eyes closed and she slept.
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Perry
Perry had been relaxing in his bedroom when he heard Della come in. He quietly opened the door a crack to see what she was doing. He smiled when he saw her examine the roses and then the invitation. When the knock on the door sounded and then he heard her check with the manager, he was proud of her for her caution.
When he heard them start up the stairs, he shut the door quickly. Hopefully the maid had her instructions right. She was not to let Della see her clothes until she was ready to dress. One of the errands Paul had done was go to Della's apartment while she was at the spa and bring the articles of clothing that Perry wanted her to wear. Paul had told Perry that he owed him a bonus for going into Della's unmentionable drawer.
Just then he heard a soft knock on his door. Opening it, he saw the young maid.
"She's asleep, Sir. Everything is set just as you requested."
Perry smiled. "Thank you Cindy. I'll see to it that you're well compensated."
"Mr. Mason, that's not necessary. It's my pleasure to take care of such a beautiful lady."
"Yes she is. But I will still..."
Cindy put her hand on his arm. "Thank you. And I'll make sure she's downstairs promptly at 7."
With that she returned to Della's bedroom. Perry knew he would have to talk to the hotel manager. He had chosen the maid well.
He shut the door and headed in to take a shower, softly humming At Last.
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Della
Cindy gently shook Della's shoulder to wake her. "Miss Street it's time to get ready."
Della sleepily smiled at the girl. "Guess I should limit my mimosas."
"I have your bath drawn." Della stood and followed the maid into the bathroom. The sunken tub had been filled and several red rose petals floated on the surface. Della could tell that perfumed bath oil had been added to the water.
"I'll leave you to your bath now." Then the girl closed the door.
Della quickly disrobed and stepped into the warm, fragrant water, sinking up to her neck. It was then she recognized the scent - peonies. Her favorite.
It seemed like only a few minutes when Cindy knocked on the door to let her know it was time to dress. Della reluctantly stepped from the tub, drying on one of the softest towels she could imagine. Wrapping it around herself tightly, she entered the bedroom. When she saw the clothes that had been paid out a soft 'oh' escaped her lips.
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Perry
Perry took his time dressing. He checked and re-checked his appearance in the full-length mirror. He had to make sure that every detail was perfect.
Finally satisfied that everything was as good as it was going to get, he left his bedroom to head down the stairs. Knowing he still had about twenty minutes before Della was to be there, he headed for the bar. Pulling a bottle of his favorite scotch out, which the hotel manager had thoughtfully provided, he poured a healthy measure into a glass and drank it down.
He had never been this nervous. In court, even knowing that Burger held all the aces, he was still in control. But this was different. This night was far more important than any court case. This night could quite possibly decide his future. And it all depended on one single, very beautiful lady.
He poured another drink, this time merely sipping. He knew that they were 'a couple'. He knew that she loved him. He also knew that she wanted more from their relationship than he had been willing to give. But now he felt that the time was right for a change. But the big question in his mind was: Had he waited too long?
He heard the bedroom door open and close. He gulped the rest of the drink and went to stand amid the roses. He was going to get the answer to his question very soon.
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Both
Della walked cautiously down the spiral staircase. Halfway down, as if in a dream, she saw him standing there, just as he had one year ago. His eyes, so full of love for her. But she also sensed uncertainty.
When she had seen the burgundy velvet dress that she had worn on Valentine's the year before, she had been stunned, then unsure, and finally so excited that it had been a good thing Cindy had been there to help her dress.
Now as she reached the bottom step, Perry came forward to take her in his arms. "Darling you are even more beautiful than I remembered."
She smiled at him and sought his lips. Perry deepened the kiss, knowing that everything was right with them. He broke the kiss first.
"I have something for you before we head down for dinner." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet ring box, placing it in her hand. At Della's shocked look, he just shook his head. "It's not what you think. Please just open it."
Della noticed her hand shaking as she popped open the lid. Inside was a perfect ruby solitaire ring. The pear shaped stone was surrounded by delicate diamonds. She looked from the ring to Perry.
He smiled at her and removed the ring from the box. When she lifted her left hand, he just shook his head. "It's for your right hand Sweetheart."
He slipped the ring on her finger then raised her hand to his lips. When he turned her hand over and pressed a kiss to her palm he felt her shiver. He placed another kiss on her shoulder and finally her lips. "Happy Valentine's Darling."
Della looked at the ring on her finger, noting the deep, blood red color. It was the perfect size for her small hand and complimented the necklace and earrings perfectly. "Oh Perry. It's absolutely perfect. But I didn't get you anything. And you've given me so much already."
The thought that crossed Perry's mind at that moment would surely have gotten him slapped if he had said it aloud. Instead he cleared his throat and took her hand.
"I think we should be heading down to dinner."
Della wondered if she had embarrassed him somehow, but decided to just enjoy the evening.
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Both
When they entered the Gold Room, Della was surprised to see only a small table, and no other guests in the room. There were several dozen roses throughout the room, and the table was surrounded by candles set in tall candelabras. At the end of the room stood a grand piano, a pianist already playing softly.
Perry put his arms around Della from behind. "I thought maybe this time we'd celebrate by ourselves. I hope you're not disappointed."
Della turned in his arms. "It's wonderful. And so are you."
Perry gave her a quick kiss, then led her to the table. To re-create their past Valentine meal, dinner was steak, Lyonnaise potatoes and asparagus. There was even a dessert of red velvet cake. They had champagne, but Della only sipped hers, wanting to keep a clear head.
When they had finished dinner, Perry stood and took Della's hand. "May I have this dance, Miss Street?"
Della placed her hand in his. "I would be honored Mr. Mason."
As he led her to the dance floor, the strains of Etta James' At Last floated from the piano. Della smiled up at him. "You really did think of everything."
"I would do anything and everything to make you happy."
Della stopped dancing, looking up into his eyes. "Would you?"
His eyes had turned the color of a midnight sky. "Yes."
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Lovers
They had returned to the suite, Perry holding Della close to his side. As they entered, Perry drew her into arms for a lingering kiss. When he broke away, he looked into her shimmering eyes. When he spoke, his voice was low and hoarse.
"I love you Della. I promise I will never hurt you. I promise I will protect you with my life. I want to...I would like your permission to..."
Della put her fingers to his lips. "Perry, please take me to bed."
They slowly climbed the staircase together and entered Della's bedroom. While they had been at dinner, the room had been filled with roses. Bouquets of red and white and lavender. The comforter on the bed had been folded neatly at the foot, and the sheets were covered in red and white petals.
"Oh Perry. They're beautiful."
"They pale in comparison."
Della smiled at him. She turned around, and gave him a saucy look over her shoulder. "Would you please help me out of this dress?"
Perry actually gulped. He started pulling the zipper on the dress down slowly. He felt like a child unwrapping a Christmas gift he had waited all year for. A child with a very adult urge growing rapidly below his belt. Della was holding the dress at the bodice to keep it from falling.
"There you go." Perry's voice was barely a whisper.
Della turned and keeping her eyes on his, allowed the dress to slowly slide to the floor. She stepped out of the burgundy puddle, now clad in only a frilly white lace corset, adorned with red satin bows, white lace panties, silk stockings and a pair of what seemed to Perry impossibly-high black heels. The ruby pendant lay just above the top of the corset.
Perry took a step toward her but stopped. Della found she couldn't move. For what seemed an eternity they stood staring at each other. Then Perry closed the short distance between them, pulling her into his arms. His kiss sent a wave of heat through her body, making her weak. She gave a small sob against his mouth.
Perry immediately raised his head, not sure if he had done something wrong. He was shocked to see tears glistening in her eyes.
"Della, did I hurt you? Is..."
Della shook her head and buried her face against his shoulder. "No, no. It's just when you didn't say anything or move...l was thinking about last time..."
He chuckled softly. "Darling I was just so in awe of your beauty that I thought I was dreaming."
Della looked up at him. "You always do have a way with words, Sir."
Perry smiled down at her. "Are you alright? May we continue?"
She only nodded. Perry kissed her again, then moved to nibble softly on her throat, moving to her shoulder. He turned her around, pressing kisses to her neck. Then he carefully began to unlace the corset, Della once again holding the garment so it wouldn't fall. When he had finished, he turned her to face him.
This time Perry removed Della's hands, allowing the corset to fall. At seeing the desire in Perry's eyes, she lowered her head shyly. Perry scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her carefully among the petals, and removing the final garments. He then crossed the room to where the chaise lounge sat.
Very slowly Perry began undressing, keeping his eyes on the woman on the bed. When the last piece of his clothing had been removed, he walked back to the bed and carefully lay beside Della, keeping a small space between them. He reached out to stroke a finger down her cheek.
"My beautiful girl." It was both a statement and a question. Della brought her hand up to capture Perry's.
"Yes Perry." Her soft voice told Perry everything. He pulled her into his embrace. The lovers began touching, kissing, exploring, both learning each other's needs. When Della's body opened to him, Perry took his time making love to her, wanting to ensure her pleasure was complete before he allowed his own release.
When at last they lay exhausted, still entwined in each other's embrace, Della pushed a stray lock of hair back from Perry's face. Perry captured her hand, pressing a kiss to the palm.
"Are you alright?" The uncertainty in his voice caused Della to smile.
"Yes Perry. It was everything I imagined and more. I love you Perry Mason."
Perry kissed her forehead, her nose and finally her lips. "And I love you Della Street. Now you need sleep."
Della snuggled in closer, laying her head on his chest, finding comfort in the beat of his heart. "Will you be here when I wake?"
Perry pulled the covers tighter around them. "I will always be here. Now sleep."
But even as he spoke the words, he knew his girl was already asleep. Perry lay awake for some time, marveling at the beautiful creature in his arms. Then he too fell asleep.
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Lovers
Della woke to the feel of fingers trailing up and down her spine. "Mmmmm."
Raising her head, she looked into a pair of eyes so blue and so full of love, her breath caught in her throat.
"Good morning sleepyhead." He bent his head to capture her lips. Della wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. Perry's reaction was immediate. "Della, sweetheart..."
Della's smile was vixen-like. "A little less talk, boss."
Perry raised an eyebrow at that, but then happily complied.
Sometime later, Della stretched with catlike grace. Perry smiled down at her. "Satisfied?"
"I would be if I had some breakfast."
Perry's laugh echoed around the room. "Of course. What would you like, my love?"
Della stretched again. "Hmmm. Everything, I'm starved."
Perry climbed out of bed, pulling on a robe. "Okay Miss Street. One everything breakfast coming up as soon as room service can get it here." As he started to leave, he turned back with a smile. "While you're waiting, look under your pillow."
With that he left, closing the door quietly.
Della did as he told her. Under her pillow was a bright red envelope. Sitting up in the bed she pulled a Valentine card out. It was a simple red heart.
For My Love - Forever
She opened the card with trembling hands. On the background was a rose in full bloom, the words printed in silver letters.
You've stood by me and supported me
Pushed me to be a better person
We have the kind of life
Neither of us could have imagined
When we first met
And through it all
You've been there
I am so very grateful for every moment
We have shared so far
And for the lifetime of Love
Still ahead of us.
He had simply signed it - P.
Perry returned to find Della holding the card and tears streaming down her face. He hurried over to her. "Darling, what is? What's wrong?"
She threw herself into his arms. "Oh Perry. The card. It's so beautiful. You are so wonderful."
"You're not supposed to cry, Sweetheart. You're supposed to be happy. Please don't cry." Perry, like all men, had no idea how to deal with a weeping woman.
Della gave a small hiccupping sob and looked up at Perry. "But I am happy."
Perry used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "Okay. I think it's going to take me awhile to understand which tears are which."
This brought a smile to her lips. "I'll try to help you with that."
He stood and picked up a robe from the bed. "Now I think you should put this on because I'm sure your everything breakfast will be here shortly."
"You're the boss." Perry just laughed. But when Della stood from the bed, his laugh died in his throat. She was exquisite, like a perfect alabaster statue. "Della." It came out as a whisper.
Seeing the look in his eyes, Della blushed and took the robe from him and slipped it on. Perry was about to take her in his arms when they heard a knock on the door below. Perry just shook his head. "Perfect timing."
Della gave him a gentle shove towards the door. "Breakfast, boss."
Perry smiled and gave her a quick kiss. "On my way."
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Forever
When breakfast was done, the two lovers sat snuggled together on the couch, neither willing to move. Della's hand rested over Perry's heart, while Perry gently rubbed Della's back.
Della looked up into his blue eyes. "When do we have to leave?"
Perry smiled down at her. "We can stay as long as you want. But unless I let the manager know, tomorrow morning."
Della sighed and laid her head back on his shoulder. "I suppose even the most beautiful fantasy has to end sometime. Besides, we need to get back to work."
"Slave-driver. Didn't you say I was the boss? Although, I suppose you're right. But as long as we have the rest of the day and tonight, what would you like to do?"
Della giggled. "Now that's a very leading question, Counselor."
"Minx." He tipped her chin up to kiss her. "Why don't we get dressed and I'll take you shopping."
"Perry?" He continued to plant soft kisses on her lips.
"Yes darling?"
"How long do you think we will feel like this?"
Perry looked into her eyes, filled with love for him. "How long is forever?"
