Chapter Fifteen

In a hallway outside of the chapel, Officers Beauchamp and Bautiste stood on each side of the minister while Captain Lavigne spoke to Perry and Della. Perry stood with an arm around Della and was concerned with Captain Lavigne's question. "I don't understand, Captain. Good news and bad news about what?"

Lavigne was frowning, but decided to give Perry and Della his good news first. "Perhaps this good news no longer concerns you, but the former Chief Inspector Henri LeMaire is officially behind bars – in custody with Federal authorities on numerous charges of theft, fraud, abuse of authority and many other things. I just thought that the news of LeMaire's arrest would be comforting to you on your wedding day."

Perry pulled Della closer and gently squeezed her shoulder as they smiled at each other over the news. "I'm glad that you finally caught him, Captain... But I get the feeling that the bad news concerns Della and me directly..."

Lavigne looked at the minister. "Do you want to tell them or shall I, Louvel?"

The minister looked down at the floor and shrugged his shoulders. "I was only trying to make some easy money, Captain Lavigne..."

"So what is the bad news?" Perry looked back and forth between Lavigne and the minister.

Lavigne reached over to the minister and removed the clerical collar that he wore. "Let me introduce you to Louvel Kopet, one of our local con men who today is disguised as a minister."

Della looked up to Perry and Perry just shook his head. "Once again, Della, I believe we've been had!"

"My apologies to you, Perry and Della." Lavigne was still frowning and turned to glare at Louvel. "You almost got away with this one. You put a lot of work into this scheme. How many other fraudulent marriages have you performed lately?"

"This is the only one – today..." Louvel seemed remorseful.

Trying to defend the good people of France, Lavigne tried to console Perry and Della. "Not all of the citizens of France are out to make money off of tourists by dishonest means... If you give me another day or two, I can arrange for a legitimate member of the clergy to perform a marriage ceremony for you."

"That won't be necessary," Perry replied as he looked to Della. "We need to return to Los Angeles in a few days. At least we had an official ceremony in city hall. But thank you for the offer!"

Lavigne needed to know more about how Louvel set up the fake marriage scheme. "Before you go to jail, just tell me this: how did you arrange to use this chapel?"

Louvel answered with a sheepish reply. "With the remodeling work going on here, I knew this chapel was not in use. So I look for couples that want to marry in city hall and talk them into a wedding here. When they come here, I simply break in a side window, unlock the doors and let everyone in while the workers are on their lunch break." He turned to Perry and Della. "I am sorry. I think you knew that something was really wrong with the order of the ceremony. You see, today I forgot my wedding book so I tried to remember the proper procedure. Obviously I failed miserably..."

Lavigne nodded to Beauchamp and Bautiste. "Take him away. The local beat officers should have been notified that we were going to make an arrest. They will drive him to jail for us."

Paul walked into the church through the outer doors as Louvel was being led away. He glanced back at Louvel as he continued walking over to Perry, Della and Lavigne.

"What's the hold up? I'm starving and your guests are all waiting for the bride and groom at the restaurant around the corner from here."

Perry just grinned. "It's a long story, Paul..." He looked back to Lavigne. "Captain, in spite of this situation, we're still going to go over to the reception at the restaurant and we'd love to have you and your men join us."

Paul looked back and forth to Perry and Lavigne. "What situation? And why is the minister being escorted out of here by Beauchamp and Bautiste?"

Lavigne stepped away. "I will let you explain it to Paul, Mr. Mason. I will talk to the men outside and we'd love to join you in celebration of your marriage. We'll see you later at the restaurant!"

"Thank you, Captain..." Perry turned to Paul as Lavigne walked away. "Apparently our minister is not really a minister after all! We've been conned again." Perry continued until Paul heard the whole story.

Paul suggested that they head over to the restaurant and he offered to make an announcement there about the phony marriage ceremony. "I'll just continue with my duties as best man and break it to your guests as gently as I can..."

Perry took Della's left hand and tucked it securely into his right elbow to begin walking away. "I can hardly wait to hear how Paul Drake will gently break this news to our friends..."

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Before Perry and Della walked into the restaurant for the reception, Paul eloquently began announcing to the wedding guests that their chapel ceremony was not completely legitimate. Their friends listened quietly as Paul continued to explain.

"Even though the minister was a fraud, their spoken vows were genuine. They recited them from the heart and they are satisfied that you, as friends, were there to hear them. Perry and Della's civil ceremony earlier in the day was completely legal, so when they get here in a few minutes, let's celebrate!"

Out of sight from the wedding guests and Paul, Perry and Della had stopped in the entryway to the restaurant and heard Paul's speech before they entered the reception area. When the wedding guests saw Perry and Della walking into the room arm-in-arm, they immediately began applauding. Perry and Della stood still and nodded their gratitude to their friends.

Vincent stepped up and got everyone's attention when the applause died down. He asked for Perry and Della to stand with him at the front of the room. After ensuring that all of the guests had glasses of wine to sip, he asked the guests to raise their glasses to honor the newlyweds.

"Despite all of the troubles you have had here during your visit, we are pleased that you chose to be married in France. Now I would like to present you with a traditional French wedding gift." Vincent lifted up a silver two-handled cup filled with red wine. After adding a small piece of french toast to the cup, he presented it to them. "For the bride and groom's first toast, a drink from the Coupe de Mariage – complete with a morsel of french toast for a good, healthy life ahead!"

As Perry and Della drank from the ceremonial cup, their friends all tipped their glasses together and sipped the wine in their honor.

After the toast, Captain Lavigne, Beauchamp and Bautiste came into the restaurant. The waitstaff immediately provided them with wine glasses as Perry took the opportunity to introduce them.

"These men are just a few of the fine police officers honorably serving the citizens and tourists in Paris. I propose another toast to them and their efforts to bring one of their own to justice for crimes against the good citizens and visitors of France!"

They all raised their glasses and tapped them together again in celebration.

After the toast, Vincent continued. "Nice work, officers! Now let's eat – I mean that's the real reason for a wedding reception, oui? As you might already know, this restaurant is run by students from my cooking school and they've prepared a feast of appetizers for everyone to enjoy!" He looked to Perry and Della. "Please come to the buffet serving line and enjoy your wedding day luncheon." He pointed to the delicacies as he walked Perry and Della to the buffet line. "We have Salade Nicoise, cognac shrimp with beurre sauce, fig and olive tapenade, escargot mushrooms, mini spinach quiches, and finally, mini smoked salmon croque-monsieur. Enjoy!"

For over the next hour there was good food, more wine, laughter, and shared friendship with all of the wedding guests. Then, with great fanfare, the restaurant lights dimmed and Vincent stood to announce, "Le Gateau!"

As the pâtissière brought in his Croquembouche – the French wedding cake, the waitstaff lit flaming sparklers and swirled them in the air to the delight of the guests. Perry and Della were the first to be served.

Perry enjoyed the first bite of his creme-filled puff pastry and quietly mentioned to Della, "This is much better than any traditional wedding cake where the bride and groom stuff large pieces of gooey cake in each other's face to the amusement of their friends."

Della swallowed her first bite and leaned in to Perry. "I loved all of the pageantry when the pastry chef presented the cake – with the fireworks and all. It brought me back to the night that you finally kissed me for the first time..."

Perry finished chewing his next bite and shook his head grinning. "And I've felt those sparks in my heart every time I've kissed you since that night..."

When the waitstaff began serving coffee to the wedding guests, Paul stood up next to the newlyweds to make his speech as best man.

"I'd like your attention please for just a few moments." The guests and waitstaff all fell silent to listen to Paul. "As best man, I want to make sure that I finish my duties and propose a toast before we all leave here full of delicious food, good wine, and the best wedding cake I've ever tasted! Incidentally, Vincent, I hope that I can take a few more bites of that cake with me before I have to leave for the airport in an hour!" Vincent laughed and nodded.

Paul paused and cleared his throat. "I've never seen a couple more in love as my two dearest friends, Perry and Della, are. They truly fit the definition of soulmates and I'm proud to not only be part of this wedding today, but to be part of their lives... When I learned that they were going to be married here in Paris, I was happy for them because the most loving couple I know was going to tie the knot in one of the most romantic cities in the world."

He turned to Della. "Della, I've always liked teasing you like any big brother would tease his little sister. And as some of our close friends know, my pet name for you has always been 'Beautiful'. That's because you are a beautiful woman inside and out. I love you, Della!"

Della smiled up at him and blew him a kiss.

Paul then turned to Perry putting a hand on his shoulder. "I hope you're paying attention to my little talk here, Perry, because as I mentioned earlier, my bond with Della is as solid as a big brother's would be. Treat her right and I won't have to knock your block off."

That line drew laughter from everyone before he continued. "I don't know why she puts up with you sometimes when you've got us both out at all hours of the day and night running down leads or information for some of your court cases. She's your wife now so you better take care of her like you vowed to earlier today..."

Perry smiled, his arm around Della pulling her closer, and nodded his head before Paul began to finish his speech. "All kidding aside, I just want to finish by saying that these two are my best friends in the world. I wish them nothing but happiness and good luck for the rest of their lives. Now before Perry tries to cross-examine me or get me to confess to a crime, I want you all to raise your glasses one more time, and toast the bride and groom!"

Once again, the wine glasses were clinked together in celebration of Perry and Della's new life together. Then, under Paul's direction, the guests all began to tap their glasses with silverware until Perry and Della stood before them and kissed.

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As the reception began to wind down, Marilyn assisted Della in the ladies room to change out of the wedding gown and back into the outfit she wore for the civil marriage ceremony. When she came out of the restaurant, the guests all gathered around the bride and groom as Paul brought the car around in front of the place to load them up. There were hugs, handshakes, and kisses all around as Perry and Della thanked them all for being part of their wedding day. As the guests all walked out onto the sidewalk, they tossed rice on the happy couple before they started to get into the car.

During the rice toss ceremony, Paul took the opportunity to take Julia aside and say his goodbye. They both promised to stay in touch with each other – especially when Paul invited her to visit him in Los Angeles. They both turned towards Perry and Della when they heard a commotion by the car.

"The bouquet, Della! Toss the bouquet!" Marie was trying to gather the single women around for Della to toss the flowers. "Venez ici, Julia! Se presser!"

The ladies assembled on the sidewalk and Della turned her back to toss her bouquet. Marie was able to snatch it out of the air – much to the dismay of Jimmy. But when he saw how delighted she was to catch the bouquet, he put his arm around her smiling while Paul and Vincent sighed their relief.

"Hey! What about the garter, Perry?" Jimmy tried to coax Perry into a ceremonial garter removal from the bride as he and Vincent gathered around Della. With a sly smirk on his face, Perry held up a hand to quiet them.

"Not so fast, gentlemen! I have already removed the garter!" He held it over his head in his hand. "Stand back and I'll make the toss."

Perry shot the garter into the air as Vincent and Jimmy bumped into each other trying to nab the garter. But it was Paul whose height over the other two men was enough to snatch the garter out of their grasp.

"Better luck next time, men!" Paul grinned and stashed the garter in his coat pocket right away.

They all waved farewell as Perry and Della climbed into the back seat of the car. Paul closed the door behind them before he got in behind the wheel. He adjusted the rearview mirror and caught them in a very intense kiss as he began to drive away from the curb. "Get in as much kissing as you can while I'm your chauffeur! You're taking the wheel when I get to the airport!"

With good directions from Captain Lavigne, Paul managed to make it to the airport in plenty of time for his flight back to Los Angeles. The trio of friends stood outside of the car in the passenger drop-off zone to say their farewell. After placing his bags on the curb, Paul turned to Perry and Della – a box loaded with pieces of wedding cake in his hand.

"Well, I guess this is it, my friends. Have fun on your honeymoon... I'll see you back in LA in a few days. Don't forget, you promised to work on my marriage situation..."

Perry reached to shake Paul's hand and gave him a quick embrace with it. "When we get back, you will be our first client! I promise!"

Della stood off to the side as Perry continued. "We can't thank you enough for being here for us, Paul. I don't think things would have turned out as well if you weren't here to help out."

"It's been my pleasure! And speaking of pleasure..." Paul handed the cake box to Perry. "Hold this for me while I kiss the bride!"

While Perry stood off to the side, Paul gathered Della in his arms, dipped her back and planted a big kiss on her lips.

Paul brought a giggling Della back upright on her feet. "I've been waiting a long time to do that!" He took the cake box back from an astonished Perry and turned to pick up his bags. "Au revoir, my friends! Don't break those vows – oh, and make sure you keep her fed!" With a quick wink, Paul picked up his bags and walked away.

Perry put an arm around Della and just shook his head grinning as they watched Paul walk into the airport terminal.

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The drive to Tours in the Loire River Valley took Perry and Della just over two hours. The explicit directions from Vincent brought the newlyweds right to the door of their honeymoon cottage. Perry drove up near the door and assisted Della out of the car through his door. She stood back and admired the exterior of the quaint little cottage.

"What a beautiful home! I can't believe that Vincent's friend is going to sell it..."

Perry unloaded their bags from the trunk of the car. "It's very impressive looking from the outside." Holding three of their bags, he began to walk to the front door of the home. "Stay right where you are..."

He unlocked the door and brought the bags into the home before he walked back to the other two bags by the car. When Della tried to grab one of the bags to assist him, he stopped her. "Just stay right there. I've got this..."

Perry got all of their luggage inside the cottage and then returned to Della who remained by the car. "Now it's time for the groom to carry the bride across the threshold!"

While Della giggled and put her arms around his neck, Perry scooped her up in his arms and walked her into the cottage then managed to close the door behind him with his foot. They shared a very heated kiss before he gently lowered her to her feet and turned to look at the inside of the cottage.

Della was in awe and walked further into the home. "Once again, you managed to find an amazing place..." She took Perry's hand and they walked towards the kitchen. "I hope the kitchen is adequate for you to prepare the honeymoon dinner you've been bragging about all week."

"I should have known you'd want to check out the kitchen first... I'm more interested in the bedroom for the honeymoon night..."

Della playfully punched his arm. "I'll remind you, Monsieur Mason, we've been honeymooning for several years already..." Her impish grin quickly got his attention as she batted her eyelashes at him.

He pulled her close and kissed her. "You're flirting again... You better stop that now or this tour of the house is going right to the bedroom."

"Control yourself, Counselor. We need to unpack... And you promised that we'd walk back to that small cafe that we passed on the way here. I think a nice cup of coffee would do us wonders after that long drive..."

"First let me make sure that Vincent had the right ingredients stocked in the kitchen so I can prepare our dinner later."

"Are you going to give me a hint of what you'll be making, Chef Mason?" She stood on her tiptoes to try and look over his shoulder as he opened the refrigerator to look inside.

Perry quickly closed the refrigerator door and ushered her out of the kitchen. "You, madame, need to move on to the bedroom and handle the unpacking of the bags. I'll be glad to carry them into the bedroom for you..."

After they changed out of their wedding day attire and finished moving in, they left the cottage to tour the neighborhood and grab a cup of coffee. They walked around the neighborhood for a few hours taking in some of the sights listed in a tour book. After plotting their list of things to see before they would have to end their trip to France, they returned to the cottage so Perry could start preparing their dinner.

Perry was in the kitchen rolling up his sleeves when Della walked in and began tying an apron around her waist. She was met by a grin on Perry's face as he shook his head.

"What are you doing, my Madame? The kitchen belongs to me tonight."

"I'm putting on an apron to cover this nice dress so I don't spill anything on it...Now are you going to tell me what you're preparing so I can help?"

"No. I want to surprise you..."

She stood next to him at the large center island counter and began looking over the seasonings and spices that he had gathered. "These spices are used as some sort of dry rub mixture for meat."

She reached for more ingredients that Perry had off to the side but he stopped her by playfully tapping her hand before she could grab onto the other components.

"I'm going to ask you to leave the kitchen if you don't stop interfering..." He placed his hands on her shoulders and gave her a quick kiss on her brow.

"I don't see why you can't give me a little hint at what you're preparing..."

He began walking her out of the kitchen. "You'll find out soon enough... Now why don't you go in the living room and read a tour book or something?"

Della dipped beneath his grasp and got back to the counter before he could grab her from behind. Even though he began tickling her from behind she managed to get a good look at what he was preparing.

"Aha! I thought I smelled fresh mint!" She was squirming and giggling as she spied the other ingredients. "You're making rack of lamb in mint sauce, aren't you?"

Perry smiled and stopped tickling her. "It's hard to keep anything a secret from you... Well, now that you know the menu, why don't you open some wine? After that you can start chopping up some of the mint and that parsley for our watercress salad..."

It wasn't long before the lamb was in the oven and the lyonnaise potatoes were simmering in the frying pan. While Della set the table, Perry sat back and sipped wine just waiting for the lamb to roast.

"You know what? Paul really did a nice speech as my best man. And his explanation to our friends about the chapel wedding scam went really well, didn't it?"

Della finished putting the candles in their holders on the table. "He really is a best man... Do you really think we can help him with his marriage situation?"

"It might take a little bit of research, but I think we can get an annulment if that's what he really wants."

"I got the impression that he was thinking of relocating to Paris they way he was talking to Julia."

Perry thought it over. "Nah! Our wandering boy wanders, but I don't see him leaving LA and all the excitement there..."

"I suppose we'll just need to figure out his marriage situation first..." Della paused and sat down at the table to sip more wine. "And now we have to wonder about our own marriage situation..."

"What about it? We're legally married as far as I can tell. I read the fine print on the marriage certificate. It's a very legal document – at least it is in France! I'll research that when we get back to LA in a few days. If I find that our French civil union is not recognized in America, I'll just have to find a way to make it legal! I'll find a loophole. Or, if I don't, we'll just have to get married again!" Perry was grinning.

"I think I've had enough marriage ceremonies for a lifetime... We could just leave it at that couldn't we? We've said our vows to each other. And I meant every word, by the way... All of the wedding ceremonies in the world won't change the way I feel about you." She stood up and walked over to Perry to stand behind him and rub his shoulders. "Face it – you're stuck with me forever no matter what's written on a marriage certificate!"

Perry tilted his head slightly and pulled her hands down to his chest until she rested her head on his shoulder. "No matter what, you'll always be my girl..." He turned to stand up and kissed her hands. "I think dinner is ready. Let me get you seated, Madame!" After she was seated, the lights were dimmed and the table candles were lit for their first dinner as husband and wife.

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After enjoying their dinner, together they cleared the table off and Della began washing the dishes. Perry tried to get her to sit down and enjoy more wine.

"I'll clean up the dishes, Miss Street! You should sit down and relax..." He tried to walk her over to the table to sit down.

"The chef should not have to do the dishes. I don't mind washing dishes at all, Monsieur Mason!" She paused. "And what's this 'Miss Street' stuff? Here in France, shouldn't I be Mrs. Mason?"

Perry sighed. "Right you are – again... Please be seated, Mrs. Mason, while I clean up the kitchen. Then I'll prepare the crepes suzette for dessert..."

She stood up and walked back to the kitchen sink with him. "As long as I'm in France as Mrs. Mason, I should do my wifely duties. Please let me wash the dishes..."

"Alright. But I'll dry them like any good husband would do. And for the record, wifely duties take place in other parts of the house besides the kitchen, you know."

Della chuckled and raised a brow towards him as she soaked the plates in the dish water. "If you're referring to the bedroom, those husband duties of yours are especially important there, too!"

She then paused and thought about her new name – Della Mason. "I just thought of something. If we're only legally married in France, what name do I use back in the States? Am I Della Mason or am I still Della Street?"

"Hmm. That's a good question. What do you want it to be?"

"I'm not sure. It depends on how the tabloids will react once they find out that I'm legally Della Mason – but only in France..."

"One solution is to remain Della Street. You've been known by that name professionally for so many years." He thought about it further. "In LA, just about anything goes for names – for example, actors and actresses are known by their stage names professionally, but in private legal matters, they use their legal names. Remember when the tabloids couldn't figure out who Archibald Leach was when they were trying to dig up dirt on Cary Grant?"

"Good point. I suppose we can decide that when we get back home and look at how legal our civil ceremony was... I just don't want this to hurt your professional reputation..."

"I'm not one bit concerned about my reputation. We'll do whatever makes you comfortable Miss Della Street Mason!"

Della finished scrubbing the dishes and while Perry dried the last of them, she complimented his culinary talent. "That dinner was even better tasting than the meal we enjoyed in a restaurant the first night we were here. If you ever want to stop practicing law, you could always open up your own restaurant!"

"I can't do that! My meals are only meant for you and our close friends to enjoy. Besides, if I was off cooking all evening in a restaurant, I'd be wondering what you are doing all of those evenings by yourself."

A loud knock at the front door interrupted them. Perry put the last plate away in the cupboard as he looked at his watch.

"I wonder who that could be? It's almost eight o'clock..." He put his towel down and walked to the door to find out.

When he opened the door, he saw five men on the doorstep dressed in white jackets with black bowties.

"Bonjour..."

The man in the front of the group smiled and replied. "Bonjour. I apologize that my English is not so good. You are Monsieur Perry Mason, oui?"

"Uh, oui. I am Perry Mason..." Perry looked beyond the doorstep wondering if there were others in the area besides them.

The man nodded enthusiastically to the other men then turned back to Perry. "I am Emile and this is my jazz quintet." He brought out a piece of paper to read. "We are here at the request of Monsieur Paul Drake to play music for your wedding dance. And Monsieur Drake says I must tell you that he included a large – how you say, gratuity so you should keep your wallet in your pocket."

By this time, Della joined Perry at the door. He smiled at Emile's comments from Paul and turned to her. "Did you hear that? They're here at Paul's request to play dancing music!"

"Well, just don't stand there. Let's bring them in!" Della stepped back gesturing for them to enter while Perry held the door open.

Emile and his men walked into the cottage and moved around some living room furniture to set up their equipment while Perry and Della stood back and watched. Within moments they had fine-tuned their instruments, and Emile announced that they were ready to play songs from a list provided by Paul.

"S'il vous plait, Monsieur et Madame Mason..." He gestured for them to come together for their first dance. "Enjoy – now we begin!" Emile dimmed the lights in the room and the candles on the dinner table glowed in the background.

Perry brought Della into his arms as the men played La Vie en Rose to start. Smiling and gazing into each other's eyes, they glided around the open space on the living room floor – Perry humming the tune as they danced. When that song ended, they clapped and right away the quintet started playing their next tune.

"Oh, I love this song!" Della was delighted but couldn't remember the name of the song. "Wasn't this a song in a musical? It starred Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald!"

Perry had the answer right away and continued to whirl her around the dance floor. "It was in 'Love Me Tonight' - it's called 'Isn't it Romantic?'."

"That's it exactly! It took place in Paris! I can't believe Paul chose these songs!"

The men played on. With only the first few notes of the next song, Perry named it. "Moonlight Serenade – one of Glenn Miller's finest!"

Della was still amazed at Paul's playlist. "He's known for years that this was the first song we ever danced to..."

Perry pulled her closer and shook his head grinning. "Paul really is our best man! I can't believe he arranged something like this! Are you as happy as I am right now?"

Della rested her head on Perry's chest – her right hand still clutching his left hand, their rings touching. "I'm very happy right now... This is the best time I've had away on a vacation with you ever! I almost don't want it to end..."

They applauded after Moonlight Serenade and quickly sipped more wine before coming together again for the next song.

Della was still excited when the music began again. "I just love Frank Sinatra's version of this song! You have this album in your collection don't you?"

Perry looked up and thought about it for a second. "I believe I do!" He softly began singing the lyrics in Della's ear. "Take my heart completely, treat me as you may... I am yours forever anyway. All I have is yours to share. Anytime, anyplace, anywhere..."

Della blinked back tears of joy. "Your voice gives me goosebumps when you sing to me..."

As the band continued playing, Perry and Della made a game of guessing the songs, and each taking a verse to sing along.

With the introduction of the next song, Della began. "The very thought of you makes my heart sing. Like an April breeze, on the wings of Spring. And you appear in all your splendor – my one and only love..."

Perry continued. "The shadows fall and spread their mystic charms. In the hush of night while you're in my arms. I feel your lips so warm and tender. My one and only love..."

By the last verse of the song, they sang together. "You fill my eager heart with such desire. Every kiss you give, sets my soul on fire. I give myself in sweet surrender. My one and only love..."

When the band began playing 'Embraceable You', Della reminisced about dancing with Perry to that song somewhere long ago.

"This song brings back memories. I just don't recall where we were dancing when you dipped me at the end and I almost broke the heel of my shoe..."

"Hmm. Was it the Palladium? Or maybe the Zenda Ballroom? I don't remember that you almost broke a heel."

"You were known to get pretty lively with your dance moves for those Gershwin tunes... " Della giggled. "I think that you were trying to act like Fred Astaire!"

Perry grinned. "All I know is that it's always nice slow dancing with you – especially when the music is soft and I know all of the words to the songs..."

She sighed. "Ditto, Counselor..."

They danced for over an hour straight and by the time Emile announced that they were playing their last song, they were holding each other even closer – oblivious to the announcement. Their dance steps slowed to more of a sway and when the song was over, they were in their own little world of bliss, still holding each other closely – Perry softly singing the words to the Hoagy Carmichael tune in Della's ear.

The musicians packed up their equipment, occasionally glancing over at the couple still swaying to music playing only in their own little world. As Emile and the last band member began walking out of the door, Emile shrugged his shoulders.

"That is a couple very much in love. We no longer play the music, but it plays on in their hearts."

Della's eyes were closed – her head resting on Perry's shoulder. Their pinky fingers were curled together with the shine of their wedding rings glittering in the candlelight. Perry was still softly singing.

"It's not the pale moon that excites me - that thrills and delights me. Oh no – it's just the nearness of you... It isn't your sweet conversation – that brings this sensation. Oh no – it's just the nearness of you... When you're in my arms and I feel you so close to me... All my wildest dreams come true... I need no soft lights to enchant me – if you'll only grant me – the right... To hold you ever so tight... And to feel the nearness of you..."

With one more quick glance at the newlywed couple – seeing just a cozy silhouette of the two lovers dancing in the glow of candlelight, Emile walked out smiling and closed the door behind him.

The End

Thank you for your reviews and comments throughout this story. I hope you have enjoyed this tale. If you see a few loose ends not completely tied up, it's because I have another story in the works that will do so. I hope to post TCOT Senseless Separation in the near future. It will cover several events in the lives of Perry, Della, Paul and other characters in the Perry Mason series up to the TV movie "Perry Mason Returns". Thanks again for reading!