Consequences

Catherine let her know that Mr. Rawlings would be home for di

Tony was pleasantly surprised by Claire’s appreciation and enthusiasm. When she showed him the schedule of committee meetings he said it would be a week-by-week decision. Circumstances can change. However, he didn’t anticipate any glitches. She didn’t either.

During di

Claire smiled. “I learned that Saturday is your birthday.”

His eyes darkened and his jaw clenched. “I thought since I missed your special day, we could miss mine.”

“Well, Courtney thinks we should all go to the Rock Island Brew Company.” He knew the place, he’d been there. She waited for him to agree to the celebration. Finally, she asked, “I promised Courtney I would get back to her about it, would you like to go Friday or Saturday night?” His agitated expression made her uncomfortable. “Or would you rather I told her we will celebrate on our own?” She realized that this was a subject he didn’t want to continue.

“I will think about it and get back to Courtney.” The discussion was done and Claire didn’t know their plans.

The next evening Claire sat surrounded by papers when Tony entered her suite. Dressed and ready for di

He bent to kiss her and the tips of his lips moved upward. “They are the proofs of the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.” Quickly forgetting the mounds of paper she began looking through the albums. The only pictures she’d seen were the ones on New Year’s Eve.

The first album began with prewedding poses. The estate, the men, the women, everything and everyone looked beautiful. Then Claire and John prior to the walking down the aisle. Tony watched as she turned each page, she was afraid to linger too long on the photos of John and Emily, she would look at them later. The next were a series of Claire approaching Tony and him waiting. She had to admit she looked beautiful. Tony added adjectives: stu

Their food arrived and they still had a full album to view. After di

He kissed her tenderly and gazed at her with milk chocolate eyes. “I didn’t want to marry any of those women. I have never wanted to marry anyone but you.” He could melt her heart so easily.

The next photos were of the reception. They both agreed that the guests seemed to enjoy themselves. Then pictures of them dancing, Claire remembered her overwhelming desire as Tony directed her around the floor. “I love watching your emerald eyes sparkle as you look at these photos.” She told him how much she enjoyed their reception, especially the dancing. “Well, it won’t be the same, but we can try to relive that dancing on Saturday for my birthday.” Claire smiled, they were going to celebrate.

“I don’t know how I can possibly choose which pictures I like best.”

“Then don’t. Get them all.” Placing one arm around her and flipping the pages back, he added, “But this one of you on the stairs with your gown all around you, I want that one. I want it enlarged over the grand fireplace in the sitting room.”

Claire wrinkled her nose. “That’s silly. I don’t want to see me great-big every day.” Tony told her he didn’t care. He wanted to and he would. Actually, he said he would hire an artist to paint it. Claire just shook her head, stopping him from doing something he wanted to do was beyond her ability.

Next she saw the family shot of her, Tony, and the Vandersols. “Tony, can we have copies of some of these made for Emily and sent to them?” She only said Emily on purpose, but the them should have been her. He sighed and conceded. She knew to drop the subject, but sometimes she couldn’t stop herself. “Has Emily tried to contact me anymore?”

“Yes.”

Claire didn’t say any more. He knew what she wanted. If she persisted it would be arguing or pleading. If he changed his mind, he would let her know. Besides, they were having a nice evening with the wedding pictures, she directed the conversation back to the album. “Look at this shot of MaryA

  Trust not too much to appearance. —Virgil

 Chapter 36

The birthday was a success. Tony and Brent joked that late-night partying would mean they shouldn’t drive an hour home, so everyone rode together in the limousine. The Brew Company was alive with music resonating from multiple sections of the large warehouse style building.

The main stage had a “Tribute to Jazz” performance. Courtney reserved a premium table and told the restaurant that they were celebrating a birthday. The people at the Brew Company didn’t know his name, only that Tony was the guest of honor. Claire, Courtney, and Brent laughed as the singer acknowledged him with a rendition of “Hey Big Spender” and wrapped him in her feather boa. Watching Tony’s tolerance, Claire decided she could learn a lot from Courtney. He seemed to accept things from her that Claire wouldn’t dare to attempt.

A week later, Tony invited Claire to Chicago for two nights. Even though she needed to cancel a committee meeting, she wanted to go. It was even her idea to go to the spa and lighten her dark roots. Brent and David Field, whom Claire had met what seemed like a lifetime ago on her first trip to New York, were with them as they flew to Chicago. Claire sat on the sofa while the three men discussed their impending meetings. To pass the time, she looked through her purse and was pleased to have her new ID and credit card. Claire didn’t care about their money, but shopping was one of the few pass times Tony granted without hesitation.

Her old driver’s license had been a Georgia-issued ID. She thought it was interesting to see how different states IDs looked. However, the variances didn’t stop with the issuing state; the new one contained her name, Claire Rawlings, and printed at the top was VALID IDENTIFICATION. Her Georgia ID had said VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE. She hadn’t noticed it before. It wasn’t something she should bring up with Brent and David present, but decided it was worth discussing when they were alone.

Claire spent the afternoon at the spa lightening her hair and receiving a manicure and pedicure. When she arrived back at the apartment, Charles informed Mrs. Rawlings that Mr. Rawlings would be detained until after nine. He could happily serve her di