Several hours later, Burger pulled into his own driveway with Mason right behind him parking alongside the curb in front of the front yard. Mason got out and looked around. It felt nice to be in Los Angeles again. He visited only a few times a year now with Diana in school there, but San Francisco hadn't truly felt like home despite the many years that he and Della had lived there.

The door to Burger's car shut and Mason vaguely heard the former prosecuting attorney call his name, but his old courtroom opponent was distracted by the For Sale sign in the front of the house directly across the street.

"Perry?" Burger called for the third time, looking over to see what the portly Mason had found so fascinating.

Mason turned his head to face Burger, hands in his pockets and that knowing smirk on his face that used to drive Burger up the wall back in their courtroom lawyer days. That smirk that conveyed only that Mason had an ace up his sleeve without revealing what that ace was.

"I'll be over in a few minutes, Hamilton," Mason said, still smirking and made his way across the street.

Burger shook his head; and then he finally noticed the new For Sale sign in his neighbor's yard and it dawned on him what his old rival and friend might be up to. Perhaps he was going to give in to Della after all.

W^^^W^^^W

About fifteen minutes later, Burger was exiting his house again, letting the screen door slam shut behind him just as Mason was crossing the street.

"We've been instructed to go get takeout," Burger said, opening the car door and unlocking the passenger's side.

They decided to visit a local steak joint and grab a somewhat fancy dinner from there to take home. Well, as fancy as even steak could be in a takeout situation. While they were waiting for their order to be prepared, Burger wandered into the jewelry store located across the street. Mason followed him, both physically and mentally.

Burger was hinting that perhaps peace offerings and apologies were in order and Mason was inclined to agree. Entering, Burger and Mason began looking through the glass cases. Alexandra preferred rings and bracelets in general; something that she herself could see and admire. Unless looking in a reflective surface or mirror, she couldn't really do that with earrings and necklaces, though jewelry was always good as far as she was concerned. In fact, Burger had just bought her a new wedding set for their last major anniversary.

A familiar voice in another part of the shop caused both Burger and Mason to look up in surprise; and both men simply listened and watched for a few moments before turning to face each other.

Burger's youngest son, Warren was seated in front of one of the glass cases looking over a selection of engagement rings and wedding sets. It was obvious that Warren hadn't noticed them yet or if he had, he was trying to pretend he hadn't in the hopes he wouldn't be bothered at the moment. The young man was looking a tad frustrated. He had wanted to be as responsible for himself as he could since the time he turned eighteen. His father was helping to pay for law school; and Warren had been working a part time job to help with expenses and pay for what things he could, like his car insurance and the like. He hadn't been able to save the thousands for this ring like he'd been hoping and it was plain on his face, so much like his mother's, that he felt slightly dejected and discouraged by the more ornate and expensive pieces that were out of his price range.

Hamilton Burger wrestled with his own conflicting impulses as he watched his son try to narrow down his choices to what he could afford. He had the means to help his son financially here so Warren could choose the ring he really wanted to give Diana, but he knew that Warren would object, citing that his parents were already paying for his law school and that Diana would realize he had help. Burger knew that Warren wanted to prove himself on his own terms.

Still…

Burger glanced at Mason and then wandered over to sit next to Warren, surprising the younger man when he looked up.

"Dad?! What are you doing here?"

"Hi, son," Burger smiled warmly. "Perry and I were sent out for takeout so we're killing time while we wait for our order to be ready across the street. So… looking at engagement rings, I see."

Warren leaned back in the chair and let out a frustrated noise. "I am, but unfortunately, I haven't much money saved. Enough for something, but you know it is… I want it to be everything Diana imagined, you know? I want to surprise her for Easter. She loves Easter."

Burger nodded and empathy shone in his still bright blue eyes as father and son regarded each other warmly. Burger and Warren had always had a close father/son bond.

"I do know, son. I married your mother when I was about your age now. I was in school and didn't have much money either. In fact, her engagement ring wasn't even a diamond. It was a gemstone. She didn't get the diamonds until I'd graduated and began practicing law. And even then she had to wait a few years because your sister arrived near our first anniversary."

They were silent for a moment and then the older Burger plowed through some more.

"Look, son… I know how fiercely independent you can be and I admire you for wanting to be responsible and stick to what you can afford, but I'd be thrilled to front you the rest of the money for the ring you think she'd really love. You can get me back when you two get on your feet. No different than putting it on a credit card, only with me there's no interest."

Warren smiled with genuine appreciation. "Alright, dad. I appreciate it; and you're right. I shouldn't be so stubborn about this. I just don't want Diana to think I lean on you guys too much. I want her to trust that I can take care of her."

"Diana's parents are paying for her schooling too, Warren. I doubt she'd think less of you for benefitting from the same." Burger pulled out his wallet and dropped one of his cards in front of Warren, then flagged down the sales person. "He has my card. If there are any problems, call me. Perry and I are going to browse some more and then head back across the street."

"Dad? I'm scared of doing this though. I really love Diana, but I'm scared. What if after law school and we get working, we never see each other anymore and end up like… well, you know."

Burger nodded solemnly. "All I can say to that is remember your priorities and learn from the mistakes of your parents. You can make things different for your marriage, but you have to work at it. It is in your control though."

Burger clapped Warren on the shoulder and moved off to rejoin Mason to pick out a few beautiful pieces for their own wives.