I've read some stories on here where people have given Hamilton Burger a wife, Alexandra Mullen, and daughter, Helen. While also giving Della and Perry an office romance. This story takes place about 10 – weeks after little Helen was born when Della receives some news that will change her, and Perry's lives forever.
This is set after "TCOT Compromised Counselor" by SadaraLochlan based off Della's joke in the last chapter of the story "I think you would have been able to tell by now if I'd been stowing away one of these." (or two, as you'll read!)
10 – weeks after little Helen Paige Burger was born,
"…Congrats, Della. You're pregnant." Della felt the color drain from her face when her doctor gave her the news.
"…Are you sure?" She asked hesitantly knowing that it was Perry's as the doctor nodded,
"You're 10 – weeks along. From the dates you've given me you're due in July, around the week of the 11th, and that's just a guess on my part. Babies come when they're ready and since this is your first baby… don't expect he or she to be born on its due date. He or she could come as early as Independence Day or as late as July 18th. You'll be fine." Della nodded numbly, looking down at her rather small baby bump which has already made an appearance.
Once the next appointment was scheduled, she went to the only person she could think of going to. Hamilton Burger's wife, Alexandra Mullen, who she knew was at home with her 10 – week old daughter Helen.
"Della! Come in, shouldn't you be at Perry's office? Is something wrong?" Alexandra asked as Della only nodded and went to the kitchen to sit down,
"…Would you be surprised if… *she took a big deep breath* … If I told you I was pregnant, and the baby was Perry's?" The other brunette shook her head,
"No, I sensed something was off the last time you two were here to visit Helen. Oh, Della. Perry's going to be over the moon happy, he loves you so much." Della nodded numbly but perked up when they heard Helen's coos from the living room as Alexandra went and brought her into the kitchen,
"Hello, cutie." Della cooed when Helen was in her arms as Alexandra smiled,
"How far along are you?" Alexandra asked as Della sighed,
"10 weeks, I came here as soon as I left the doctor's office. Why?" Alexandra sighed and bit her lip,
"You don't look it. You look like you're at least 11 – 12 weeks along. I can see your baby bump, which I'm surprised that Perry or Paul hasn't noticed." Della looked to her friend,
"Oh, no. I'm not carrying twins if that's what you're trying to get at. No, it's going to be a big baby." Before Alexandra could say anything,
"Alex, I'm home!" Hamilton called as Della blanched yet again as he walked into the kitchen and sat down with a look of concern written all over his usually dour face as he saw Della at his kitchen table, after he took his daughter in his arms,
"Is something the matter, Della? Did you and Perry get into a fight last night?" Della shook her head as bit her lip and sighed deeply,
"I'm… I can't believe I'm telling you this… I'm pregnant, Hamilton, and it's Perry's. That might start a fight." Hamilton looked to his friend as Della began to cry softly and once Helen was placed down for her morning nap, the time was around 10 am.
"Della, I'm talking to you as your friend. You need to tell Perry today. You don't have that much longer to go before you can't hide your pregnancy anymore." Della looked to her hands, unable to make eye contact with her friend, and new father.
"…Can you help me?" Della whispered – still unable to look up as Hamilton nodded,
"What's your plan of attack? And no, you don't need to do anything for me or us in return." Hamilton asked with a slight chuckle in his voice which helped raise Della's gaze and was rewarded with a small smile and a hug,
"Thanks, Hamilton. I'm planning on having him back over at my place for dinner again. But I'm unsure of how to tell him. Do I go the flat out way or do I get creative?" Hamilton thought for a second,
"If you try and be too creative with it, which might look deceptive to him, that sounds too dangerous." Della nodded and looked at the clock,
"…I have to go. Perry's probably wondering where I am. I'll use the 'Oh, I did realize that I slept in as late as I did.' excuse. Thanks, both of you." Once Della left the apartment and got into the office,
"Della, where have you been?" Perry asked as Della smiled,
"Sorry, Chief. I didn't realize that I slept in later than I normally do." Perry nodded as they got to work, but kept glancing at her with worry as she began showing signs of getting fatigued easily,
Around 4 in the afternoon,
"Della?" Perry asked gently as Della looked up – her eyes giving away how tired she was,
"…Yes, Chief?" Della asked innocently,
"Why don't you go home early? I can take care of the rest of this. You look exhausted." Della nodded,
"Can you come by my place for dinner around 6:30 if possible?" Perry nodded as Della felt her heart go a million a minute as she got ready to leave,
Once she made it to the quiet sanctuary of her home,
Figure it out, Della. How are you going to tell him? Della shook her head as she went to start on figuring out what to make for dinner,
"…Paul, what's up with Della?" Perry asked once Paul made it back to the office,
"What do you mean?" Paul asked as Perry continued talking,
"She's looking pale, getting tired more quickly, and I hate to say it, it looks like she's put on a little weight around her middle." Perry finished as he felt a slight flush hit his cheeks. He was starting to connect the dots, but concealed his reaction – he figured it out. Della was pregnant with his child.
"…Perry?" Paul asked after a small moment of silence as Perry looked up to him and the clock. It was 5:30 and he had to be at Della's in an hour.
"See you tomorrow, Paul." Perry said as he quickly gathered his things to head to his house to clean up before going to Della's. But he decided to go pick up some flowers for her and once he made it over to Della's,
"Oh, thank you for the flowers Perry. That's too kind of you." Della smiled once she received them after they kissed. Perry smiled softly; she was so beautiful as always.
Once dinner was consumed and they were sitting on Della's couch in the living room,
"…Della…" Perry started as Della placed a finger on his lips to stop him,
"I have something to say, well *she chuckled wryly* I need to 'fess up. I didn't sleep in today, for the last 10 weeks… I've been feeling nauseous, noticing that my temper has been snapping more easily, and I'm getting tired doing simple office work. I went to my doctor this morning and… I'm pregnant, Perry and it's yours." Della started before looking to Perry as his eyes lit up in happiness before leaning in to kiss her softly before letting Della continue,
"After the appointment, I actually went over to Hamilton's to talk to Alexandra. While I was over there Hamilton had come back and encouraged me to tell you today, and it's going to be pretty hard in a few weeks to keep this hidden." Perry nodded,
"What if I told you that I figured it out right before I came over and that no matter what happens that I will always love you?" Della looked to him and saw the question that was in the back of his mind, the same question she'd been turning down for years.
Now with a baby on the way, she had no option. She had to marry him, I mean he must love me enough for me to be pregnant with his child, she thought with a deep breath and answered with a smile,
"I know what you're about to ask, and the answer is 'yes'. You've won me over, my darling husband/father – to – be." She finished as Perry smiled hugging her gently,
"When are we expecting our little bundle of joy to arrive?" Perry asked as Della smiled,
"The week of July 11th. But the doctor said that was only a guess, the baby could come a little early or a little late. She reassured me that most first babies that she's ever delivered are typically born between a week early to a week overdue." Perry nodded calmly but Della could see his eyes glimmer with excitement,
"If you ever, and I mean ever, need any time off during your pregnancy. Let me know. I don't want you working yourself to exhaustion, to a possible miscarriage, or even working yourself into labor at the end." Della nodded with a warm smile,
"I know, Chief."
The next day at the office:
Della had everyone, well that everyone was Paul, Tragg, Hamilton, Gertie, Perry, and Alexandra (with baby Helen of course), in the main area of the office.
"…I know you guys are wondering why I asked everyone to be here." Della started as she took a deep breath,
"In case you guys haven't already figured it out… I'm pregnant with Perry's child." Once she finished Alexandra's eyes began to glimmer happily with the message of I'm proud of you and Paul got up and hugged Della softly with congratulatory shaking of hands with Perry as happy chatter filled the air.
Della smiled softly and happily with how well the news was received, feeling blessed to have such good friends.
"…Della." She heard from behind her back and turned around to see Perry on one knee holding a ring box as she gasped with delight and began to tear up happily,
"I know that our relationship has been through many ups and downs but whenever I see you, my love for you grows beyond what I knew love to be. Now, I know we're doing things a little out of order but… Will you marry me?" Perry finished as Della nodded,
"Yes." Once Perry placed the beautiful engagement ring on her left ring finger, they kissed as everyone laughed and applauded.
A few hours later,
"Della, do you want to take the rest of the day off and go for a walk on the beach?" Perry asked as Della turned to him,
"Sure. It's quite nice out today." Once they got to the beach,
"…I hope it's an Independence Day baby." Perry said after a long moment of silence which got Della laughing,
"Me, too. I just want the baby to be healthy when its born."
"I'm hoping for a girl and her name is going to be Brenda Elizabeth or Caroline Hazel." Perry said plainly as Della smiled,
"I'm hoping for a boy and his name is going to be Perry Jr. And your girl names are very pretty although I'm more drawn towards Caroline Hazel over Brenda Elizabeth." Perry smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders and held her close as they walked in tandem not saying another word,
"Are you alright?" Perry asked Della as he noticed she was unusually quiet as she looked up to him with a small smile,
"Oh, yes I'm fine Chief. I'm just thinking."
As the months passed and they wed on the beach with close friends to witness and to have a small celebration after, Della and Perry began their lives together as a married couple.
"…Y'know Della, I don't think I've told you that you look so beautiful pregnant." Perry made the comment that following April as they were working rather late that night as Della blushed but gasped shortly after, placing a hand on her baby bump where she felt a kick as the two parents began to laugh,
"She's saying 'hello' to us." Perry chuckled as Della beamed,
"I've been waiting for weeks so I could feel kicking." They both giggled as the baby continued to kick.
As the months passed, Della seemed to notice that the baby was quite heavier than the doctor told her that it should be.
"Perry, is there something wrong with the baby? Every check – up I've gone to the doctor has said that the baby's heavier than it should be." Perry chuckled as Della asked with concern with her hands resting on her rather large baby bump as she sat at her desk,
"Della, that just means it's very healthy." That comment was rewarded with a smile from Della, it was late June and they had landed a very time intensive case a few weeks ago.
Perry had tried to convince Della to take it easy around a month before the baby was supposed to be born but Della would have none of it. He needed her, and Perry knew it.
The girls had thrown Della a very small baby shower at the end of May, and the nursery had been set up since April. So, Della knew that she would only end up driving herself crazy if she stayed at home. There was a little moment of silence before they heard Paul's signature code knock as Perry called for him to enter,
"Hey, beautiful. Perry, I got what you needed…" Paul prattled on as Della made her way to the couch and fell asleep as the two men talked.
Much to Perry and Della's dismay, the trial was happening to edge closer and closer to the Independence Day weekend. The weekend Della and Perry had hoped the baby would make its appearance.
To add insult to injury, the judge overseeing the trial had been rather tough on Perry and Hamilton and no one knew why. Maybe it had something to do with Della in the courtroom, being as pregnant as she was, and not resting at home before the baby came.
On July 2nd,
"…As we're nearing lunch time, I've come to the decision to adjourn court until July 7th to give everyone a chance to enjoy your respective Independence Day weekend festivities. Court will resume at 9 am on July 7th." Judge Harris banged his gavel but spoke up as people began to leave,
"Mr. Mason, Mrs. Mason? Could I see you in my office in 5 minutes?" Della and Perry looked to each other and shrugged nervously but nodded,
"Yes, Your Honor." Perry answered for them as Della placed a hand on her baby bump which had dropped significantly lower than it had been throughout her pregnancy.
"What was that all about?" She asked after she felt a very strong kick as Perry shrugged and once they were in Judge Harris' office,
"I want to apologize to both of you, specifically you, Mrs. Mason." Judge Harris began as Della spoke up,
"We've had everything set up for the baby's arrival since early May, I just couldn't see myself staying at home all day. I'd go crazy and yes, I've made sure to be extra careful. Don't take your frustration out on my husband or Hamilton when you should be taking your frustration out at me. I'm sorry, Your Honor." Perry and Judge Harris looked to Della who had tears streaming down her face,
"…I was going to say that I understand what you both are going through. I grew up with six sisters, four older, two younger. I've seen my fair share of pregnancies and I just wanted to make sure that you and the baby were safe, Mrs. Mason. I didn't want to be so overbearing that it caused you to get stressed out or be flung into anxiety." Judge Harris finished as Perry and Della relaxed,
"…Now, go enjoy your holiday weekend and make sure to bring that baby back here when he or she is born so I can meet him or her." Judge Harris instructed with a smile as Perry and Della left his office,
"That was awfully nice of him." Della remarked once they got home as Perry nodded,
"It still wasn't right to take his frustration out on Hamilton and I." Della nodded and leaned in for a gentle kiss,
"Think about it, Caroline Hazel could be here by Sunday and our lives are going to change in more ways than one." Perry smiled,
"You're still set on the baby being a girl and us naming her 'Caroline Hazel'?" Della nodded as she felt a kick placing Perry's hand where the kick happened,
"She agrees with her Mama." Perry chuckled as more kicks ensued.
The next morning,
"Alright, Alexandra make sure Della doesn't work too much." Perry said before he, Paul and Hamilton left for the day as Alexandra nodded,
"Yes, Perry. I'll keep a close eye on her." Helen cooed softly from her spot on the living room floor as Hamilton kissed his daughter's cheek,
"Be good for Mommy and Aunt Della, OK?" Della smiled and once the men left… her nesting energy kicked in as they got a good portion of the food ready for the next day's party.
"I think Caroline Hazel's going to come tomorrow." Perry admitted nervously as the other men smiled softly,
"I mean, a week early isn't that bad Perry. Wait, I thought you were going with Brenda Elizabeth or did Della 'overrule' you in choosing Caroline Hazel?" Hamilton asked with a laugh as he handed Perry a cold water, they were at a bar to help distract Perry from thinking about the baby.
"Oh, no I've grown to love the name Caroline Hazel. It's a prettier name than Brenda Elizabeth." Perry chuckled,
"…So, from what I've heard is that you've relented and accepted the fact that the baby's going to be a girl?" Alexandra asked as they began making the brownies as Della nodded,
"Yes. In my heart of hearts, I know it's a girl and we've agreed, or at least I think we agreed, on the name Caroline Hazel." Alexandra smiled,
"I love the name." Della smiled back and perked up when they heard rather loud happy squawk from Helen as Della went to sit on the ground and play with her and what Della didn't know is that she was silently in labor.
"So, have you decided on godparents yet?" Paul asked as Perry smiled,
"Yes, Alexandra as godmother but we're still torn between you and Hamilton." As the two women were playing with Helen,
"…Ow, calm down Caroline. You're not supposed to be here for another week sweet girl." Della winced for a strong kick as Alexandra looked to her while Helen had a teething toy in her mouth,
"Is everything alright?" Della looked up and forced a smile,
"Yes, Caroline's just a little more active than usual and she's found a better way to get my attention. Stronger kicks." Alexandra nodded as Helen began to fuss as she put her down in their guest room for a nap,
"…Or you could be in labor." Della looked to her friend,
"No, I've got 8 more days to go." Alexandra shook her head,
"You've carried Caroline quite high throughout your pregnancy and she's dropped all the way down, ready for delivery. She's coming tomorrow or on the 5th." Della nodded,
"We've actually invited Dr. Johnson, who has been my doctor throughout this pregnancy, over for the party tomorrow, as I want a homebirth, so if you're right and Caroline comes tomorrow. She will already be here to help."
The rest of the day went by without a hitch, but around 5 the next morning.
"Ow…" Della woke with a quiet wince which to her dismay woke Perry up too,
"Do I need to call Dr. Johnson?" Della smiled softly. Perry had been on edge each and every night for about two weeks. Della chuckled,
"No, Caroline's using her tactic to her advantage, those super strong kicks. She wants her Mama's attention and she got it for sure." Perry smiled and went back to sleep as Della got up and sat on their balcony overlooking the ocean with a smile caressing her baby bump,
"We love you so much Caroline Hazel Mason, you've given your Daddy and I constant reminders of how blessed we are." Della sat there for two more hours before Perry woke up and stood by the balcony doors with a smile,
"Perry, did I wake you?" Della asked with a small smile as Perry shook his head,
"No, it's already 7." Della nodded and got up to get dressed but winced again,
"Caroline's excited." Perry smiled with a gleam in his eyes as Della smiled.
Della decided to wear a simple white tea length, short sleeved button – down maternity dress and flats – no makeup, and her hair in a loose bun as she knew that it was their closest friends that were coming over.
Gertie was the first one over around 10 am with a surprise present for Della and the baby.
"Oh, Gertie. You shouldn't have." Della said with a smile as she opened it to see a very intricate baby quilt as Gertie beamed,
"Well, it's actually from Paul and I." Della gasped and hugged her friend gently,
"Is it official now? The two of you?" Gertie blushed and nodded as Della smiled brightly,
"I've noticed how you look at each other. I'm happy for you both." Gertie smiled as Paul walked in and kissed Gertie softly,
"Hey, beauties." Della smiled,
"Thanks for the baby quilt." Paul smiled as Della winced again as he and Gertie looked to each other. They knew Della was going into labor. As the party began and Della was helping get food on the table for lunch…
"Oh!" She said as she looked down to see a puddle at her feet as the pain came,
"Perry!" She called as Perry and Dr. Johnson came flying into the kitchen, and seeing the puddle they got her to the bedroom as everyone in the living room silently cheered. Caroline Hazel was officially on her way!
"Just breathe, Della." Perry whispered as Della cried out in pain for another contraction,
"You're at a 6, how long have you been laboring?" Dr. Johnson asked as Della breathed as the contraction was over,
"I don't know. A day, day and a half maybe?" Dr. Johnson nodded,
"Well, since your water broke… we don't have that long to wait." Della began to protest as another contraction came,
"But Caroline's not due – wait, here comes another one. Ow…" Once the contraction was over,
"Maybe she's learning early how to overrule her Mama's objections." Dr. Johnson joked hoping to lighten the mood as Della and Perry chuckled,
"I certainly hope not!" Della chortled before an even stronger contraction hit and she began to push,
"That was fast!" Dr. Johnson exclaimed as she checked Della after she finished pushing and nodded,
"When the next contraction comes, you need to push again." Della nodded and once the contraction came she began to push, crying out in pain.
"Push, Della, Push!" Perry coached over Della's pained cries as she pushed,
"Ow!" Perry only smiled even though Della's grip on his hand was strong enough to possibly break it and once she relaxed,
"You did really great, Della." Dr. Johnson coached with a smile as Della breathed deeply but still maintained her smile between contractions,
"What time is it?" Della asked,
"Quarter to 1 pm." Perry replied as Della nodded but braced herself to push again as she felt another contraction come,
"That's it Della! Bear down, 'atta girl!" Dr. Johnson coached,
"Keep it up, Della." Perry coached as well as Della pushed. What they didn't know is that Alexandra had been a little bit of a fly on the wall, waiting for the right moment to jump in. A little while later,
"Oh!" Della screeched after one push as Dr. Johnson smiled,
"You're almost there, I see the head. Push!" Della pushed screaming louder than before but broke down sobbing happily when she heard Caroline's cries,
"Looks like you two were right, it's a girl!" Dr. Johnson said as they heard cheering coming from the living room as Dr. Johnson cleaned Caroline up and handed her to Perry. Della looked to her husband and smiled softly seeing him hold their baby girl,
"She's so beautiful, Della." Perry said as his voice waivered as he began to cry happily,
"Let me see – oh, I have to push again. What's happening?" Della asked as she began to push again as Dr. Johnson checked her,
"Perry, get Caroline out of here. Della's not done yet. Caroline's going to become a sister soon." Della and Perry looked to each other in shock as Alexandra stepped in,
"Go, Perry. I've got this." Perry nodded and took Caroline out to the living room as everyone began to crowd him and Caroline as Perry shook his head as he sat in his recliner,
"What's wrong with Della?" Hamilton asked as Perry said,
"Looks like we're having twins. The second one's on its way now." Hamilton opened his mouth as Della's screams filled the house again,
"…Push, Della! The second one's moving a little quicker. You can do it!" Dr. Johnson coached over Della's screams and a few pushes later… the cry of the second baby entered the house as everyone relaxed with a smile,
"It's another girl, Della." Dr. Johnson cooed after she cleaned the newborn up and placed her in Della's waiting arms as Della began to cry happily,
"Hello, sweetie. It's me, Mama." Perry walked in a few moments later after Dr. Johnson cleaned Della up and saw that no damage was done,
"Twins, Della." Della smiled,
"We need a name for Caroline's sister." Perry smiled,
"Brenda Elizabeth." Della nodded and chuckled as Brenda began to coo up a storm,
"My aren't we talkative today?" Perry smiled and helped Della to get both babies in her arms as she smiled,
"They look like you, Perry."
"Oh! They're so precious." They heard as they looked up to see Gertie and smiled,
"Come in." Della said with a nod as their friends came in as their new life began as a family of 4 that fateful Independence Day.
I know this is a rather long one – shot but in my mind, it had to be written and written in this way. I hope you guys like it.
