CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

THANK ALL OF YOU FOR THE REVIEWS. IT IS WHAT KEEPS US WRITING. THANKS TO LITTLE MISS RUTH FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT. THERE IS A LITTLE SPICE HERE. WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER. BY THE WAY THE EX-BOYFIREND WAS JUST A RED HERRING.

He was not happy when they pushed Della out of the cubicle in a wheelchair. "What's wrong?" he demanded.

The attending physician said, "She is just fine considering her ordeal. Now it is your turn Mr. Mason."

Perry walked into the room very reluctantly. The doctor informed him, "I will not release either of you unless you let me examine your wound. I also have given your wife a prescription for salve for where her arms and legs were bound. You make sure she uses them."

Several hours later they were on their home after assuring the doctors they would see their persons physicians in the next few days. Della snuggled up beside Perry in the lawyer's car and said, "I was so afraid I would never get to do this again." She wrapped her fingers around his right arm, a gentle reassuring touch. "I can't seem to stop touching you to make sure this is real."

At the first stop light he leaned down and kissed her. "I am very real and so thankful to have you beside me. I am taking you home and you are going to slide into a bubble bath. Then you are going to slip into the negligee you have been saving. I have steaks all ready for your homecoming. I am sure you didn't get much to eat. We are going to have the most romantic evening of your life."

Wrapping his arm around her as he pulled into the parking lot of his apartment house he swept her into his arms, and held her so tight she could barely breathe. "I thought I would die without you, my love."

Pushing back to look up in to those magical blue eyes Della whispered, "Oh my darling, I felt the same, but I knew you would move heaven and earth to find us. Let's go inside so I can let you know how grateful I am".

He pulled on her hand, so she would slide out on his side and he looked appreciatively at her beautiful legs. With a sigh he agreed, "Yes, let's go upstairs."

He held her so close to his side as they walked through the lobby of the apartment house and into the elevator, it was as if he was afraid she would disappear. When they got to the door he said, "Now close your eyes and don't peek until I tell you to."

"What is going on?" She wanted to know.

Laughing he went on, "You'll just have to wait and see Miss Impatience".

As he put his arm around her to guide her, she could smell what seemed like fresh baked cookies, cinnamon, and pine. She was dying to peek, but knew he wouldn't let her forget it if she did. They were in the middle of the room when her told her to open her eyes.

Della gasped as she looked at the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. The mantle over the fireplace had Christmas decorations they had bought together over the years. There were tears in her eyes as she noticed ornaments from their childhoods nestled together on the tree.

On the festive dining room table were decorated Christmas cookies, a gingerbread house, warm mulled wine, and a fancy cheese tray. Turning to look at everything and finally noticing there were presents under the tree, all she could say was, "When? How?"

Perry was clearly in his element now. "Why darling, you said you wanted to be home by Christmas, so I got my elves to work."

Mesmerized by his dimples and the wide grin she agreed, "I'll just bet you did. Sweetheart this is just amazing, and I'm almost speechless."

She slid her arms around him, tilted her chin, and looked into those gorgeous azure eyes. He leaned down kissed her hungrily as he said, "Don't ever leave me Della, I need you."

"I've word those words before," she told him as they parted slightly. "I never tire of hearing them."

Drawing her over to the sofa he pulled her onto his lap. "What now Santa?" she asked.

"Have you been a good little girl this year?" He asked with a delighted smile.

Matching his mood, and knowing he was trying to ease some of the tension that had enveloped their lives the past few days she answered, "oh yes, I have been very good, I work hard, I take care of my husband, and…."

They looked into each other's eyes and Perry began running his hands up and down her arms. Then he took each hand, looked at the angry marks from her bindings, and kissed them tenderly. Running his hands through her curls he pulled her mouth to his. He took his time raining small kisses on her face and neck and finally her mouth.

Della moved into him and leaned against his wide chest, her hands ran across those broad shoulders and began to gently massage the tight muscles. They were both groaning, and she moved her fingers into his dark wavy hair.

They both knew where it was leading, but Perry abruptly pulled away and Della was confused. He soothed her by saying, "this is what I want too, but you need a warm bath or shower, then a good meal. You can be sure the dessert will be continued."