THE ANNIVERSARY4

This story, is what I think may have happened during Perry and Della's long trip to the orient. This is definitely, book Perry. If you have never read, "TCOT Lame Canary", and "TCOT Substitute Face", you have missed some very essential things about Perry and Della's relationship. THERE IS A LOT OF SPICE IN THIS STORY, SO IF THIS OFFENDS YOU, YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ IT.

CHAPTER FOUR

As seemed to be their fate, there was a murder on board the ship they were taking back home. Of course, they were involved in it, and Perry ended up defending the alleged murderess. Much to his chagrin, during the trial Della disappeared. His panic was beyond belief. Cool, calculating, master of the courtroom, Perry Mason, was apoplectic.

He could not eat, he didn't sleep, and he snapped his best friend, Paul Drake's, head off at every turn. When Paul finally found Della, the lawyer took her in his arms, and choking back his tears, made her promise to never leave him again.

Paul, who suspected there was more going on between his friends, had never had proof. That tender scene, and the fact the Perry had nearly bitten off his head when he suggested his beautiful secretary may have run off with someone else, made him even more curious.

They had solved the case, and soon settled back into their office routine. Drake had not given up on finding out just what was going on, and eventually they had to confess their marriage to him. The only other person who knew, was Della's Aunt Mae, who had caught them in a very compromising situation. She was thrilled that the handsome lawyer had made an honest woman of her niece, as she loved Perry.

Getting up and stretching Perry looked around their new home. It had taken him almost a year to get her to agree to buying a house, in her name. They had been having lunch at the Garden Inn, in Malibu, and were taking a leisurely trip back to the office. Della spied the house for sale, and it was love at first sight. Yet, she had still been reluctant, until they took the tour.

There were compromises once again. They kept his apartment in town, and they would use the house for entertaining and week-ends. He once again tried to convince her to reveal their marriage, but she still felt people would frown on her remaining his secretary. That was not a job she was going to give up, at least not yet.

Glancing at his watch he realized it was time to pick up his lovely bride, and head for her next surprise. Getting into their black Cadillac convertible, he hurried to the spa. Della was just finishing, and he thought she looked ravishing. He was finding it difficult keeping his hands off her.

As he handed her into the car his lips brushed her cheek. "you look good enough to eat, Baby."

She leaned into him, "all thanks to you, my love."

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

Shaking her head, she answered, "no, the spa had their regular lovely buffet."

Grinning at her, his blue eyes sparking with mischief he inquired, "are you ready for your next surprise?"

Cuddling against him she looked up at him, "Darling you spoil me, the spa was enough. I feel like a new woman."

Sliding an arm around her he told her, "the old one was pretty amazing, but we need something more to go with this new look."

Della knew it was foolish to argue with him, when he was in this mood. She relaxed against his shoulder as he wended his was through mid-afternoon Los Angeles traffic.

Relaxed and feeling slightly drowsy, Della Street Mason sighed as she laid a hand on her husband's knee. When she realized he had stopped the car, she looked up to see they were at the new location of her friend, and favorite designer, Evelyn. "oh Perry, no"

"Oh, yes my love. Come inside and see the beautiful fashions your friend has set aside for you."

Hesitating, Della said, "this is too much."

Taking her face in his hands and kissing her gently Perry explained, "a year ago today, you made me the happiest man in the world. In that time, you allowed me to buy you a proper wedding band, and a house. Now please humor me when I want to give my WIFE a day to remember, on our first anniversary."

"What am I to do with you counselor?"

Helping her from the car he leaned down and whispered, "I have a few things in mind, but they must wait until later."

Taking her hand, he led her into the salon, and they were greeted by Evelyn DuPre. Hugging her friend, the designer explained, "Your boss, enlightened me, this is the anniversary of the day you came to work for him. He wants you to pick out something very special to wear tonight, for your celebration."

Leading them to a private room, and offering champagne, Evelyn left them to begin the fashion show. Slipping her hand into Perry's she murmured, "I am breathless, and you are so good to me Mr. Mason."

"You deserve this and more, my love. "The handsome attorney told her.

The lights dimmed slightly, soft music began, and lovely models in beautiful outfits flitted across the room for their approval. Perry was surprised, and pleased, when Della leaned up against him as stunning dresses paraded in front of them.

After an hour, Della was having a difficult time choosing between a pink silk pencil dress with a pleated sweetheart neckline, and cap sleeves, or a white chiffon a-line princess style with three quarter length sleeves, a black satin belt, and bodice of tulle and appliqued lace. Perry took the decision out of her hands when he told Evelyn they would take both dresses.

Of course, the beautiful brunette objected, but he just smiled at her as he led her over to the shoes and handbags.

"What am I going to do with you?" She asked again, in a whisper.

Sliding his arm around her waist he murmured in her ear, "do you really want me to tell you right here?"

As the packages were being wrapped Evelyn drew Della aside. "You certainly have a generous boss. I wouldn't let him get away."

Blushing, the young woman told her friend, "he is incorrigible. It is difficult to get him to listen, when he makes up his mind."

The designer laughed, "I should be so lucky. You enjoy this. He told me it has been five years since you came to work for him. If you don't grab him, send him to see me."

"I don't think we have to go that far," Della told her friend. "he is pretty amazing, generous, and so wonderful to work with."

Handing her the packages, which Perry immediately took from her, Evelyn thanked him and told them to have a wonderful celebration. "your secretary is going to look gorgeous."

The handsome lawyer smiled and said, "I didn't think she could be more beautiful, but your designs are incredible."

"You are going to make me blush Mr. Mason, but thank you for the compliment. Now go and have a wonderful day." Looking at her friend she added, "don't forget to tell me all about it Della."

Assuring her that she would call her the next week, they exited the store. Looking at her boss, she told him, "So it is our fifth anniversary, is it?"

Looking down at her he wanted to know, "did you want me to tell her the real reason we are celebrating? I'll be glad to enlighten her."

Grabbing his arm, she intoned, "That won't be necessary, but you are too extravagant counselor."

Helping her into the car he reminded her, "You are not just my secretary, but my wife. So, two dresses for your two positions."

Sighing his bride said, "I give up."

Sliding behind the wheel and moving out into the traffic Perry replied, "good, now we are going home, and relax before our big night out."