Disclaimer: The characters in this story don't belong to me, they are owned by Erle Stanley Gardner's pen. I don't receive any economic good for them. I only write for the pleasure of doing it.

This adventure comes to an end. I want to thank all those who accompanied me on this path. Especially to tengland2 that continues to accompany me in this crazy adventure supporting and advising me. Also, thank you all for your patience in the delays of the updates. I know there are some things to finish. But that will be seen in a future story of the Mason and Drakes families. Again thank you very much.

Veronica.

All the errors are only mine.

Chapter Fifty

"Only the person who really loves you will understand the pain behind your smile, the love behind your anger and the reasons behind your silences."

For the Mason family it had been a year of tensions and worries, but also of happiness. Because this last year had brought the most wonderful gift to the family. Their little Dee. Although her arrival was unexpected and with certain bumps in the way. But all were overcome, for the love they had as a family. Now there was no member of the family, who could not imagine life without their little girl. So Della decided that it was necessary to celebrate in style, which at last everything was fitting in its place. She decided that the annual employee holiday party would be held at her home. She just wanted to celebrate next to all the people who were important to her and their family that were happy for their happiness.

The decorations in and outside of the Mason home had been completed. Della had insured everything was just the way she wanted and was ready to start the preparations for party.

Della had sent out notices to clients informing them of the dates the office would be closed. After addressing the invitations, few that had to be mailed, Della gave the rest to Gertie to hand deliver. Gertie was thrilled as always to do the task and looked forward to the fun.

Tom and Diana were joining the Masons for several days to help celebrate. Diana found it hard to accept the fact that unlike Boston covered with snow and cold, LA was fairly warm, with palm trees and NO SNOW.

Della had been surprised at how smart her granddaughter was. After she realizing was, how well Dee had managed to move herself around in her table walker. Dee had skilfully realized that by using her toes, she could move slowly across any room without carpet. But Dee, she had not counted, with her grandfather's skill. Because he had figured out there were wheel locks to prevent Dee from moving, what aroused his granddaughter's annoyance. As much as Perry wanted to let her explore, it would mean moving decorations out of reach of her little hands. It would be easier for him to deal with Dee being upset over lack of mobility then that with her grandmother over broken decorations. Over the years Perry realized he didn't always know why women of any age cried, but he had plenty of practice trying to stop them and he knew that with Dee just a kissing session in the tummy was enough for she will forget any anger, she had with her grandfather.

The menu had been planned for the satisfaction of all the guests to the party, finger sandwiches of all variety, vegetables w/dips, cheese/cracker trays, punch bowl in place, bar set up.

Mae had spent days making dough for the cookies, and had gotten the necessary multi-color candy discs to be used for candy decorations. With plenty of help, she got the cookies, baked and decorated, the trays for the candies were painted with melted colors, before the chocolate poured into them. Once the candies were hardened, they were removed from the trays and the process started over again. Tom, Lizzie and Andrea had fun showing Ken and Diana how to do candies, as neither had ever seen the process done, from the start.

Della was wearing a sleeveless dress, in two colors it was dark red and black, especially made for the party. The high waisted skirt hung just below her knees and the bodice was black, with a jacket in case she needed it. Perry wore his black tuxedo with a bow tie that matched Della's dress. Della also had an outfit made for Dee's brief official appearance, which she knew would be longer than it probably should be.

As usual, the Drakes were the first to arrive in order to help with the rest of the guests' arrival. The Burgers, Traggs, had followed Gertie and her husband into the house shortly the Drakes.

The party passed without any stumbling. Burger managed to inform Perry that Laura Robertson's trial would take place in Los Angeles and the preliminary hearing was planned possibly in late January or early February. Because the prosecution wanted to have everything well-founded, although they had also informed him that the Denver police had problems in relating Laura to the kidnappers. Since it was his word against hers. But Burger told Perry that he and the prosecution would do everything possible for Laura to spend some time in the shade. Although some judges, friends of his, had told her that she had already begun with her punishment.

When the party finally did come to nearly an end, Mae had been the first to retire early, promising to check on Dee. Perry, Arthur, Hamilton, Steve, Tom, Ken and Gertie's husband remained in the living room area, gathering up the folding chairs, putting them onto the racks the caterers' had left in Perry's den. The catering company would be in early in the morning to pick up their equipment, vacuum and reset the area for the Masons'. Leaving everything ready for family celebrations of the family.

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The Christmas celebration, as usual was being jointly shared with the Mason and Drake families. This was celebration filled with more emotions, considering what they had been through over the last year. The Mason house had been straightened out, after the annual employee party and was now back to looking ready for the family's celebrations.

The families had gathered in the living room, to go over the lists of what still needed to be done. Dee was the one who enjoyed it the most, although she, rhad most of their attention, than she wanted, because she seemed to be able to find another decoration at the precise moment to try to reach. Perry was not left behind either. He was very excited and happy, for the first of his Christmas of her granddaughter. Perry, with the complicity of Paul, he managed to find a suit of Santa Claus, he appearing dressed in front of the tree, surprising the whole family, especially the smallest member of the family. Dee had worked her way to the rocking chair Santa now occupied. Perry had let out a soft "Ho, Ho," that not only got everyone's attention, but upset Dee, beginning to pout and trying to cry seeing her grandfather dressed like that. Della and Lizzie, tried to calm her in vain. Any attempt to calm the baby was unsuccessfulUntil Perry leaned over enough for her to be able to tug his beard, but Dee did her best to back away, starting to cry. Perry not could stand tears his granddaughter, he removing his beard and then he smiled her. It took Dee a couple of seconds to realize it was her grandfather, she began to laugh, extending her arms to him wanting out of her walking table.

Dee had been a joy to her grandparents, Perry and Della had taken her out in her stroller several times to see all the lights in the neighborhood. It was hard to tell who enjoyed the lights more, if, Dee or Perry, Della just smiled at the emotion both them. They had managed to find time to take Dee to see Santa and finally make the desired picture to Dee.

Perry had spent a small fortune on his family this year, particularly in the littlest one of his women. He had given Della a beautiful sapphire and diamond encrusted ring, as well as a gold choker for each his three woman that held a pendant with their initials.

Tom had given his Wawita, a medal of Lord of Miracles, like the one his own mother Ana had given him, prior to her death. Ana had been told him, the Lord of Miracles would always protect him, help he grown healthy, strong and become a good man. That image had taken care of him after mom´s death, he was welcomed into a new family, filled with happiness and love. But above all he got the blessing of a new mother, who always loved him as her own son. Tom would always love Ana as his mother, but the love, which he had for Della as her mother, was very special. After his mother and Wawita had gone through the kidnapping experience, he knew this would be the perfect gift for his little girl. That image would always take care of and protect his litlle Wawita.

Everyone could see how empty Perry's wallet was, just by look at what was under and around the tree for his little one. There were several dolls, a variety of educational toys and books for various age levels, so she could enjoy reading. In addition to a complete trousseau, which was obviously chosen by Margaret and Della. Lizzie and Andrea joked about the fact that they would have to hire an extra moving truck just to move all of Dee's items to their new home. Andrea and Lizzie had decided to accept Della's offer to move into her house near Mae. It was the perfect size for the three of them, they could save money and Dee could grow up near the sea. Della and Margaret had managed to get several gift cards for the area stores so that the girls could fill their house with the daily items to keep their new home running.

Even though it made sense, for the girls to be able to spread their wings. Those who were not very happy with these plans were Perry and Paul. Because, they would not be so close to their girl, as they had been the last month. Perry was the one having the most difficultly, with all this. It was hard for him to assimilate not being able to see his granddaughter's smile every day in the morning after waking up. That perfect smile, a blend of his dimples and the radiant smile of her grandmother. Although, Della was also sad about the move herself, she knew it was the natural process of life. The children leaving home to forge their own future. But that did not take away from her, that she would miss her little girl too. Della smile, being more than sure that with time Perry would find the way to see her granddaughter every day. Even if it was only for a moment.

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PJ realized he was enjoying being home, deciding that would stay to enjoy the festivities, before returning to London. He had not had any news of Gala, the only thing he knew was that she had found another apartment and she had moved while he was in Los Angeles. After moving, she had returned to California to her parents' house. He had tried to reach Gala several times, but she never accepted his calls.

PJ and Gala had planned to come back to LA for the holidays with their parents. Then they would go to Aspen for the New Years with just her parents and friends. Of course, this was a lot prior to finding out about the kidnapping and PJ would run to Los Angeles. What made Gala explode in one of her usual tantrums. But PJ this time was not willing to give his arm to twist. Deciding to stay at home to pass the family parties, as he did not do so long ago.

PJ didn´t want the holidays to end, he had not enjoyed being with the family so long ago. Since the last time he was home, it was for the anniversary of his Godparents, where things did not go well either for him or for Lizzie. When both maked love in the attic of Carmel house. Then the next day, he running to London without saying anything to anyone.

He was also enjoying spending time with his new niece and Lizzie, including going to the park or a trip to the mall. They looked like a young couple, a family enjoying the holidays.

Lizzie had watched the interaction and bonding PJ had with Dee. There seemed to be a bond between father and daughter, which each day was strengthened more and more. She thought of Johnny's last words, before he go to Chicago, perhaps he wasn't so wrong after all. That made Lizzie thinks that her decision to keep in secret of Dee's father's name to the whole family. It not would be the best solution. Yet, Lizzie knew the truth would hurt both families, but she hoped that maybe the Christmas spirit of peace and love would ease the pain. She knew both mothers would be hurt for not knowing the truth before. But in the end they would understand. What most worried Lizzie was the result of Perry and Paul discovering the truth. The way they would know how it everything happened happened would annoy them even more. But both parents would have to understand that it was an irresponsible act of their children. Their children had already paid all the consequences and now the only thing that mattered was the happiness of their granddaughter. She knew her grandmother Mae would help with trying to keep everyone calm.

After evaluating all the facts and think about it several times. Lizzie took the second most important decision of her life. After she decided to raise her daughter alone and become a single mother.

Lizzie had already decided. She would brace herself and tell PJ the whole truth, on Christmas day. She would first tell PJ that Dee was his daughter, then tell the rest of the family. Lizzie would explain the reason for not telling him, was because she didn't want to disrupt his life in London, with the love of his life. Even though Lizzie, had considered telling the truth her family when Dee was older. She realized this to be the right time to say everything, instead of waiting years. She could only hope they would share the same happiness raising a family. As their parents had, for years. But an image disturbed her in the back of her mind. What it would the reaction of both f both their parents when they found out? But there was also some hope in her heart, that all this would go well. That hope was nothing more and nothing less than sweet Dee. Because she knew very well that both Perry and Paul deeply loved Dee and would not do anything that would hurt her.

Not long after the presents were opened and gave a toast for on courage Lizzie got a grip to control her emotions. She looked for PJ until she found him on an ottoman, bouncing Dee with the movement of her legs, pretending she was galloping on a horse. Dee was more than happy, laughing, every time she felt PJ's legs, they rose from the ground. Seeing that sweet show, Lizzie reaffirmed even more the intention to tell everything to PJ.

"PJ please, could we go out on the back patio for a few minutes? I need to talk to you alone." Lizzie smile nervously. PJ shrugged his shoulders as he got up. Handing Dee over to Tom sitting on the couch, which he was more than happy to have his Wawita back. Grabbing a sweater, off a kitchen chair as they went out, she could feel, the eyes of those working in the kitchen following them. They were Andrea and Mae which glanced at each other, suspecting that the truth was about to be revealed.

Andrea's gaze remained fixed in the direction of patio for a while. When she stepped towards the door, to close it, the sound of the front doorbell, brought her attention away from the pair that had just come out. "I'll get it. I'm hoping it's the Grandparents Traggs." She says. Surprised when she opened the door and wasn't her favorite adopted grandparents, but Gala. Turning her happiness in anger in an instant, "WELL, WELL, WELL! Look what Santa left at our door, nothing more and nothing less than Miss Gala Crawley." Andrea could not fake the annoyance in her voice.

"Merry Christmas to you as well Andrea. I'm so happy to see you again." Gala responds giving Andrea a slight forced smile. "I came to Los Angeles in search of your brother. I went look him to your home first, but with no answer. Then I asked myself, where else could the Drakes be? Jumping the answer in an instant, nothing more than here, at the Mason´s home." Says Gala. Andrea could hear the mockery in her voice.

"Of course, where else we would be. Considering this is a family gathering and we all are family. Gala, I know somehow that family concept has missed you entirely. But that is what families do, they meet in good times and in bad, to support and love each other." Replies Andrea, "so I don't get accused of being rude withyou, come on in." She steps aside, letting Gala into the house.

"I'm not so sure, that most people would call family this strange relationship your family has what the Masons. Think it would be enough that your father works for the father of that little tramp, Lizzie." Gala smiles as she steps into the house. "So, would you please let your brother know that I am here?" She takes off her coat, handing it to Andrea.

Andrea snorts a laugh, nods towards the closet. "Closet is right there, you can hang it up yourself, while I go get PJ." Gala drops the coat on the floor as Andrea walks away. "This isn't your home, there is no one assigned to hang up coats, everyone is expected to hang their own." Says Andrea mocking.

Margaret and Paul had come into the living room, just as Gala dropped her coat on the floor. Hearing her daughter's response, Margaret walked over to her, as Andrea walked off to find her brother.

"Merry Christmas Gala," smiles Margaret. "Since this isn't your home, may I suggest you pick your coat up, hang it in the closet and leave the attitude you're working on with your coat." She turns and walks back into the living room, finding Paul already holding Dee.

Gala had managed to hang her coat up, closing the closet door a bit too hard, she followed Margaret. She was surprised when to see Paul carrying Dee.

"Merry Christmas Gala, glad you decided to join us today," says Paul. "You remember Tom and his friend Diana." Nodding towards the couple on the couch.

"Yes, Merry Christmas, everyone, I'm happy to see all of you. It was a last minute decision, something important came up and I wanted to talk to PJ, before going on to Aspen. I do not seem to hear him. Is he here?" She asking as she glance around, looking for PJ. Then she looks at Dee, "I suspect that is the famous baby, by who all the fuss was made over, last summer in Boston. No doubt from here she does look like Mrs. Mason." Stepping closer to see if she could see any other resemblance to anyone else.

"Yes, your right. There is no doubt that my granddaughter is a beauty, like her two grandmothers," says Paul with pride in his voice.

"Granddaughter?" Says Gala, sounding surprised.

"YES, OUR GRANDDAUGHTER," Margaret replies defensively. "Gala, I don't know why you're trying to act surprised. I know PJ told you years ago, that Della and I have been friends for years and that I took care of Lizzie from an early age so her mother, could go back to work. I've loved Lizzie like my daughter, just as I do Andrea and PJ. Therefore, it's obvious that her daughter is my granddaughter." Margaret responds angry about Gala's unfortunate comment.

"Oh, excuse me, Mrs. Drake, it was not my intent to offend any of you. I just don't understand why would would be so fond of that baby." Gala smiles sweetly, unable to hide her disdain. "I always thought that you would be waiting to be grandparents of a child of either PJ or Andrea. Not from someone whose mother isn't even a blood relative." She pauses, "I do apologize again for upsetting, you over that girl. Now if someone, could you tell me where PJ is?, I will go find him. I do want to surprise him." Says Gala with a sardonic smile.

"I saw it a moment ago, he heading out to the back yard with Lizzie," Smiled Paul, while he looked without understanding because his wife raised her eyebrows to him and his daughter was shaking her head.

"Lizzie? How do I get there?" Gala asks. Andrea points in the direction of the kitchen, Gala walks quickly in that direction.

"Oh! Dad..." It was the only thing Andrea said, while Paul just shrugged his shoulders

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The conversation on the patio, had only just begun when Gala arrived to the Mason house and was talking with the Drakes. Lizzie had lost of bit of her courage now that the moment of truth was here. Trying desperately to find her voice and the exact words to confess the whole truth to PJ. But simply neither the words nor her voice were reaching her.

"PJ, I'm having difficulty finding the right words. I want to first thank you for helping, for being there rescuing my mother and daughter. Also, to thank you for being so caring with Dee, for treating her so well. I know she loves you and seems to enjoy the time you are spending with her. I am going to ask a favor from you Please don't tell our parents, because, this would a conflict with which I do not feel like grappling." Smiles Lizzie.

"Hey Brat, you don't have to thank me for anything. That little Brat stole my heart from the first moment that I saw her. Granted she has Aunt Della's smile, but she also has the same gift to have all men fall at her feet. I have a feeling Uncle Perry is going to be worse on any boyfriends coming for her, that when they came for you."

Lizzie smiles slightly, breathing several times to calm down, she looks at the her daughter's father to start talking. "PJ, I have something important to tell you and have had difficulty finding the right words and to even sure if this is the right time. It is something that could change our lives and is difficult to say. I've been meditating, for a long time about this situation, considering everything that has happened to this family in recent month." Lizzie pauses just to catch her breath, "PJ, I want to tell you that Dee ..." In that they hear a voice.

Both turn their heads towards the place where the voice came from"Hey PJ, there you are finally." Says Gala walking towards to them. Reaching PJ, she wraps her arms around his waist, kissing him passionately. "My love, you don't know how much I have missed you. I came to make peace with you. Besides I have something important to tell you."

"Gala, could you tell me, what are you doing here? I suspected you were too busy in London to miss me. I tried to communicate with you several times and you always refused to answer the phone." Says PJ, very confused to have Gala in front of him. "I thought you did not want to see me anymore."

"If you two will excuse me, you seem to have a need to be alone together." Lizzie attempts to smile.

"Lizzie, but you, were going to tell me something about Dee, you told me it was important." PJ says, still curious so Lizzie was about to tell him.

Lizzie shakes her head. No, it's not really that important. I just wanted to know if you would also want to be Dee's godfather, seeing that the two get along so well. But now I think you have more important matters than talking to Gala. So I will retire at this time to leave them alone and so you, can start to talking." Lizzie smiles and starts to retreat.

"Oh, please stay Lizzie, you might as well hear what I have to say as well. Although I doubt very much that at this moment PJ can accept your offer." Gala smile, then she turns her attention back to PJ. "PJ love, you remember last month I wasn't feeling good; thought I caught a virus. When I returned to my parent's house, I began to feel sick again. My mother insisted on taking me to her doctor, who ran a battery of tests. I got the most important result yesterday. PJ, love, I'M PREGNANT, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!" Gala leans in to kiss PJ again.

PJ wraps his arms around her waist, picking her up to twirl her around, realizing what he is doing, he quickly puts her back down. PJ places both his hands on either side of Gala's face kissing her.

While Lizzie was stands in front of Gala and PJ, she trying that the tears do not fall and that her legs to start respond, to get away quickly from there. Because the least that she wanted was see the wonderful demonstration of love of those two. At that moment Lizzie felt that her world was sinking into sadness and desolation. Knowing very well that from that moment and forever, it would only be her, her daughter and nobody else...

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Author's Notes

The Christ of Pachacamilla or Lord of the Earthquakes, more commonly called Lord of the Miracles (in Spanish: Señor de los Milagros), is an image of Jesus Christ originally painted on an adobe wall, located behind the High Altar of the sanctuary of Las Nazarenas in Lima (Peru) and venerated in Lima and various parts of the world. The image was painted during the seventeenth century by a slave from Angola who was taken to Peru. The festival of the Lord of Miracles is the main Catholic celebration in Peru and one of the largest processions in the world.