The Consequences Series Box Set

by Aleatha Romig

  After dinner Tony offered to take the lead on a house tour. Secretly, Claire was delighted. She’d been concerned about the magnitude of a tour. It was much easier to defer to Tony. As they walked from room to room and level to level, Emily told them how much she loved their home and jokingly asked if maps were available at the guest relations desk. Tony and Claire laughed, saying it wasn’t that big. She’d know her way around in no time.

  Tony added, “It did seem to take Claire a few weeks before she found her way around.”

  Understandably, his statement caught Claire by surprise; however, he didn’t notice Claire’s response. He was busy watching for Emily’s reaction. Her obvious lack of understanding satisfied his unasked questions.

  Her mask secure, Claire said, “Well, I finally learned the secret. Everything is connected to the main house, and if you need anything just ask.”

  Her response received a twinkling eyed grin from her fiancé.

  Emily retired after the tour and promised to be more fun tomorrow. After a day of work, travel, and the magnitude of her surroundings, she was exhausted.

  Claire hugged her sister. “Oh Emily, we’re so happy you’re here.”

  It wasn’t long after Claire readied for bed that Tony joined her. Claire couldn’t help but inquire, “Explain that comment, please.”

  Tony laughed. “My dear, I was just checking your reflexes.”

  “Well, you nearly caused whiplash.”

  Grinning he remarked, “Perhaps there are other reflexes we could investigate?”

  John’s hearing adjourned at 12:00 PM on Friday. He offered to fly commercial, but the earliest he would make Iowa City would be after 10:00 PM. Tony graciously provided a Rawlings Industries jet which allowed him to arrive in Iowa City by 3:30 PM. Although, Emily prepared him for the house and its amenities, he repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Tony and Claire for the flight and told them their home was stunning.

  Truly, it was a beehive of activity with people everywhere making last-minute adjustments and preparing for the event. There were even people in the kitchen beginning to prepare the food, and the tent had been transformed into a picturesque banquet hall.

  Claire and Emily readied themselves for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Tony had accepted Courtney’s kind invitation and agreed the rehearsal dinner could be held at the Simmons’. The rehearsal was scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM, with dinner at 8:00 PM. It was late, but everyone needed to get to the Rawlings home after a long day of work. The intimate guest list for the rehearsal included the minister, musicians, Brad, Monica, Patricia and a guest, the Vandersols, the Simmons’ and their children, the Millers, the Bronsons, Elijah Summer, and MaryAnn Combs. Of course, these guests would be at the wedding tomorrow, but this informal private gathering would allow them more relaxed friendly conversation than would be possible at the big event.

  Everyone congregated in the grand hall by 6:15 PM. Obviously, this group of friends respected Tony’s affection for punctuality. Since Tony wanted to make an entrance with his fiancée, Claire waited for him in her suite. When he arrived, he greeted her and said, “Ms. Nichols, you’re stunning this evening.” Just before entering the hall, he beamed and whispered, “Tomorrow at this time you’ll be Mrs. Anthony Rawlings.”

  She kissed her fiancé and smiled. “I can’t wait.”

  There was a brief discussion by the head of security about some issues for the wedding. In an attempt to limit pictures all cell phones, iPods, iPads, cameras, and any recording equipment: visual or audio, would be confiscated at the door and returned upon leaving the ceremony. The only recording of the wedding would be done by the hired photographer and cinematographer. Those photos would be reviewed by Shelly prior to release; however, as Tony and Claire’s personal friends, the head of security asked everyone present to be observant. If they noticed any prohibited recording, please notify security personnel immediately. They would be everywhere. Claire felt like she was back stage at a rock concert.

  The minister took a few minutes to discuss the important meaning of marriage and its significance. “Many people enter into marriage in this day and age without the understanding of eternity. When two individuals are joined in the sight of God, those two become one. They are one for eternity.”

  Claire turned to Tony. She was in awe. How did she end up in the grand foyer of Anthony Rawlings’s estate, holding his hand, looking into his chocolate eyes, and listening to a minister talk about their marriage?

  The minister continued, “After speaking with Anthony and Claire, I believe they are fully aware of the commitment which they are about to make, a commitment to God, to friends, to family, and to one another. So to you, the intimate group of friends who Anthony and Claire have chosen to share in their special day please join me in a prayer. Let us ask God to provide for Anthony and Claire, not in a monetary way. Let us pray that God will provide them with love, understanding, and patience. That He’ll provide each of them with the qualities necessary to take what they begin tomorrow and continue it into eternity. Let us pray.” Claire closed her eyes, Tony tenderly squeezed her hand, and a tear trickled down her cheek.

  Brad and Monica then took control. They told Claire, John, and Emily to go upstairs. Tony, Brent, and the minister went to Tony’s office. The string quartet began to play. Brad and Monica wore earphones and microphones and directed the participants. First, they instructed the men to leave the office and walk to the back of the grand hall. A raised platform surrounded by sleek Christmas trees and lights had been constructed in front of the large windows. The only decorations on the trees, besides the white lights, were deep red crystal globes. The windows behind the platform exposed snow covered trees with more lights. The quartet was positioned slightly off to one side of the platform and the harpist was on the other. Once the men were in place, Emily was directed to descend the stairs and make her way down the aisle to the platform. After she arrived at her destination, the quartet concluded and the harpist began the traditional wedding march. Although it was the rehearsal, Claire and Tony’s friends rose to their feet and Brad motioned to Claire and John to descend the steps.

  John offered Claire his arm, kissed her cheek, and began to take her down the stairs. Before they reached the first step he stopped, leaned near, and whispered, “Claire, we love you. We only want you to be happy. Tell me he’s good to you, and that he makes you happy.”

  With tears in her eyes, she said, “John, he can be.” She remembered her mask. “He does.”

  John tried to smile and patted her hand. They descended the stairs and made their way to the platform. After another song by the string quartet and a verse from the minister, the minister asked, “Who gives this woman to be wed?”

  John spoke loud and clear. “With great love and respect, her sister and I agree to share this magnificent woman.” He kissed Claire’s cheek and gently lifted her hand from his arm and placed it in Tony’s hand.

  Shit, was the only word that came to Claire’s mind. She looked up at Tony. He was looking at her, but his face didn’t register John’s words. Apparently, he had a mask too. Claire was certain if Tony were a cartoon character there would be smoke coming from his ears. She mouthed, I’m sorry. He squeezed her hand gently, and they both smiled. The minister continued speaking.

  They all four rode together in the limousine to Courtney and Brent’s house. Claire explained to Emily that in the late morning there would be a masseuse, manicure technician, cosmetologist, and hair stylist all coming to do miracles on them. Catherine and Courtney would be in Claire’s suite to assist them both with their dresses.

  Tony upheld appearances much more proficiently than John. He remained polite and friendly to both Emily and John and was loving and attentive to Claire. Once they reached the Simmons’ house, Tony was the totally devoted bridegroom and the man of the hour. John was friendly, but quiet. His unhappiness made Claire uneasy, and she privately begged Emily to do something. “Don’t let him ruin my special day.”
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  Emily promised to try.

  Courtney provided a wonderfully delicious Italian dinner with antipasto salad, bread and oil, red wine and pasta. The festive mood and atmosphere filled Claire with hope and joy. Tim and Sue were chatting with Tony, as Claire walked up and overheard them discuss Tim’s role during Claire and Tony’s honeymoon. At first, she stood politely by Tony, but when they paused, Claire tried to be sneaky. “Now, Tim, tell me again how long you’ll need to be at the helm?”

  Tony laughed and pulled her close. “Good try.” Then addressing Tim, he continued, “You’re one of the few privileged individuals to know where we’ll be, in case of an emergency. Most people, including my beautiful new wife, do not know our destination. So, don’t let her try to worm it out of you.” He smiled. “…or you, Sue, if Tim has shared.”

  “Oh, you’re so mean.” Claire feigned a pout. “How will I know what to pack?”

  “Another ‘A’ for effort. Catherine has taken care of it for you.” Claire smiled at the Bronsons. They smiled and put their fingers to their lips. They wouldn’t spoil Tony’s surprise.

  The dinner party began to wind down about 10:30 PM, at which time the gentlemen announced it was time to celebrate Tony’s last night of freedom. They headed to the lower level for cognac, cigars, and some serious poker. Brent announced Tony should be prepared to lose more than his freedom. He’d be losing some serious money during their tournament. “Ladies do not wait up.”

  It was MaryAnn who replied, “Don’t worry about us. We’re doing our own celebrating back at Claire’s house. My driver’s ready, and Catherine has martinis waiting at the indoor pool and hot tub.”

  Tony and Claire kissed good night and were told they couldn’t see each other again until the ceremony. While getting their coats, Emily whispered to Claire, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. You really do have a life and wonderful friends.” Claire hugged her sister.

  The ladies all went back to the estate, put on bathing suits, and partied in the hot tub. Claire decided Courtney and MaryAnn were teenagers in adult bodies. Tony worried so much about appearances, yet watching these two reputable women dance and sing in their bathing suits, Claire believed a little cutting loose was acceptable. Just because she believed it, didn’t mean she felt comfortable enough to do it. The reason her bachelorette party was at her house wasn’t lost on her. She didn’t want Tony watching her dance and sing inappropriately when he reviewed his surveillance. Claire enjoyed watching and sipped her drink.

  Late into the night, the subject of sex came up. It was Emily who, after consuming a few too many martinis, asked Claire, “Are you really okay with marrying a man so much older? What if he can’t keep up?”

  Claire smiled bashfully. “I don’t think that’s a problem.” She tried desperately to change the subject.

  Emily slept that night in Claire’s suite. John returned to the estate after staying at the Simmons’ home with the men for the bachelor party activities and slept in their room. Claire and Emily wanted some sister time. It was like being little girls again. They giggled until early morning. At almost 11:00 AM, Catherine came into the suite and woke them, bringing lots of coffee and breakfast. After they each showered, the parade of pampering began.

  The forecast was correct: the sky was a brilliant sapphire blue with reflective colorless snow covering everything. The grounds crew diligently worked to clear the drive and plenty of parking spaces. The temperature was cold, in the mid-twenties, yet the sun shone all day.

  Claire didn’t want to risk seeing Tony and chance bad luck. Therefore, she didn’t leave her suite until it was her time to walk down the aisle. She and Emily received massages, manicures, and facials. While the beauticians worked tirelessly on their hair, Catherine brought them more food. Claire said, “I’m too excited to eat.”

  Catherine wouldn’t listen. “Ms. Claire, I will not be responsible for you fainting during the ceremony. You must eat.”

  Emily smiled, happy that Claire had Catherine to take care of her.

  By 4:30 PM Catherine, Courtney, and Emily began to help Claire get into her dress. First, was body shaper, then, the long slip which provided the fullness necessary for the satin gown. The bodice was fitted and altered to perfection for Claire’s slim, petite figure. The dress was strapless and went over the slip. The accessory which persuaded Claire to choose this dress was the intricate lace overlay which created transparent three-quarter-length sleeves and a long train. The lace of the veil complemented the overlay. The beautician created a sweeping hairstyle that made the perfect niche for the veil to attach.

  The lace overlay created an off-the-shoulder look which truly didn’t need jewelry; however, Emily had a string of pearls. “They are the pearls mom wore in her wedding and the ones I wore in mine.”

  Claire fought the tears knowing they were her something old and something borrowed from the wedding tradition. She also wore a blue garter and supposed her dress was new. After Claire dressed, the photographer entered her suite to take some special photos of her and her ladies.

  Prior to the ceremony there was a knock at her door. Courtney went to the door. Claire could hear Courtney. “Tony, you’re incredibly handsome but you cannot be here.”

  The first thought that ran through Claire’s mind was Tony knocked! He’d never knocked on her door.

  She heard his voice, every nerve in her body electrified with the realization that she would really be his wife. She heard his deep baritone voice. “I have a special gift for Claire, it’s her something new. Please be sure to tell her the box is blue velvet on purpose.” Courtney must have questioned Tony, because he explained, “She’ll understand. I promise.”

  Claire smiled as she thought, I really do love him!

  Somehow he knew she’d wear pearls. Perhaps he’d expected her grandmother’s necklace; nonetheless, she opened the blue velvet box to beautiful dangling pearl earrings hanging from platinum ear clips covered in small sparkling diamonds. With her hair style and the veil, the earrings were perfect. The ladies in her suite went crazy. The consensus was the earrings were perfect and so was Tony. At that moment, Claire believed so too. She wanted to believe it, with all her heart. And her heart did. But it was her mind that held too many memories, ones that she’d successfully compartmentalized away. Away—not gone.

  It wasn’t for lack of trying.

  When Brad knocked on the door of her suite, Catherine and Courtney hugged her and sped off to their seats. Claire looked at herself one last time in the full-length mirror. She liked what she saw and prayed Tony would too. She and Emily proceeded down the hall to the main stairs where she could hear the music from the quartet.

  They heard a rumbling of whispers. Suddenly, Claire thought about the guests. Who were they? She really didn’t know any of them. She’d heard names and some she recognized. Some were political figures, some were business people she’d met at benefits, and some were names she’d heard in the media. Then she remembered their friends, the people who made last night incredibly memorable. Their friends were the people who supported both of them and were not solely present because of Anthony Rawlings. It was the others, the ones she didn’t know, that scared her. She felt like they were all judging her. She wanted to be perfect for those people so Tony would be proud. The multiple acetaminophens helped to keep the headache at bay.

  Brad listened to his ear piece and waited for the deviation in music. The hum of voices disappeared. Claire couldn’t see the guests or the men exiting Tony’s office, but she knew that was what was happening. Emily kissed John and Claire before she descended the stairs. John took Claire’s arm, kissed her cheek, and said, “I won’t disrupt your day. You look amazing, and I want you to know how much I love you. You aren’t just my sister-in-law, you’re my little sister. Please remember you can always count on Emily and me.” He squeezed her hand. “Always know you’re loved.”

  Claire kissed his cheek and thanked him. Brad gave them the signal, and they started down the stairs.
/>   When John was asked who gives this woman to be wed, he replied, “With great love and admiration, her sister and I.”

  The next thirty-five minutes passed as if a dream. Claire saw faces. She saw the smiles of her new friends and of her sister, but what she noted above all else was Anthony Rawlings. When she reached the aisle and beheld him, he was watching her and waiting.

  He had eyes only for her. He stood incredibly, handsomely in front of the guests, hands resting casually at his sides, shoulders broad, impeccable Armani custom tuxedo, a gratified smile, and eyes encircled in chestnut brown, yet still absorbed light. Standing next to him in front of everyone, she felt drawn into the darkness searching for light and warmth. When his eyes sparkled, she felt weak.

  I’m marrying him. He is marrying me. I’m now his wife. At that moment she realized that this was a contract now recognizable by the world. It wasn’t two signatures on a napkin, but a real legal marriage contract. He now truly owned her.

  There was nothing she could do about it. He gave her one chance to escape, and she didn’t take it. She made a decision, and that decision would have consequences. Now as the world watched, public failure wasn’t an option. The world saw the most amazing wedding ceremony money could buy with a stunning woman happily marrying a handsome man. In contrast, Claire saw a napkin. She knew too well appearance meant everything. As the music played and the minister spoke, she worked desperately to re-compartmentalize the flood of thoughts and emotions beseeching her mind. She smiled lovingly, answered the minister obediently and behaved appropriately. The kiss at the conclusion of the ceremony was romantic, and the minister’s announcement of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Rawlings was met with ravenous applause. Everything appeared perfect.

  The reception was an equally flawless exhibition. Brad and Monica thought of everything: the ambiance was romantic, with impeccable decorations. Claire and Tony dutifully greeted each guest and thanked them for their attendance on their special day.