The Dreamer, Her Angel and the Stars

by Linda S. North

  Kiernan smiled indulgently when she heard Ariel's order. By Ariel's pleased manner, she could tell dairy milk wasn't on the menu at the Thorsen residence. It was a rare commodity these days, and expensive, most people able only to afford the soymilk substitute.

  The bovine species nearly went extinct with the spread of a devastating virus in the late 2020's. It wasn't until the early 2050's that an effective anti-viral was discovered. Dairy and beef cattle herds were rebuilt, so to speak, from frozen bovine embryos, semen, and ovum, but a few more decades would pass before the dairy and beef herds reached the numbers where real dairy products and beef would be plentiful and affordable enough for the average citizens of the world to include in their weekly diet.

  Robert asked, "Ma'am, what will you have with your sandwich and salad?"

  "I'll have mayonnaise on my sandwich, Caesar dressing for the salad, and a glass of sweet tea."

  He departed, and Ariel returned her attention to the garden while Kiernan studied her bride-to-be, thinking she would like to see Ariel sitting at this table everyday taking lunch with her. Of course, that would happen only on the weekends and holidays when she was home from the office.

  On many days, Kiernan took her breakfast in her suite, and she let her thoughts wander to imagining Ariel joining her. An image unexpectedly flashed in her mind of Ariel in a blue silk robe sitting across from her at the table in her sitting room. This brought to mind another image of waking up in the morning with Ariel sleeping next to her in bed. Robert interrupted those thoughts by bringing in their lunch and placing it before them.

  As they ate, Kiernan relayed to Ariel the history of Crestview, then covered the story of her grandmother's life and the founding of Stellardyne. Kiernan could tell Ariel was intrigued to learn Shanna O'Shay started out manufacturing her unique design for atomic thrust engines for the military and branched out into spaceship manufacturing sixty years ago.

  Ariel even managed to ask questions without sounding surly. Kiernan thought that at least they had two things in common: an interest in spaceships and theories on light-speed travel. Perhaps these common interests were enough to create a friendship, if nothing else.

  ARIEL HAD TO admit the lunch was delicious. The apple pie she was finishing up was to die for, as was the glass of real milk. Kiernan had informed her the apples were from Crestview's own apple orchard that had existed on the property before Crestview's construction. The orchard had originally been part of a holding from around the mid-twentieth century.

  Ariel was finishing her milk when Kiernan said, "I've made arrangements with Christiana Sinclair to have you fitted for an outfit for the wedding, as well as other clothing you'll require for our trip. I'll pick you up Monday morning at eight."

  The latest fashions never interested Ariel, but she did know Christiana Sinclair was the owner of Christiana's, located in Atlanta, which was one of the most exclusive and expensive dress boutiques in the South.

  Ariel asked uncertainly, "You mean--a wedding dress?" She found herself envisioning something traditional in white. She should show up for the wedding in a pair of ratty jeans and her black biker jacket. She didn't much like the idea of a wedding dress or of Kiernan helping her pick out clothes and paying for them. This seemed too familiar to her.

  "Not your traditional wedding dress, but a nice dress or pantsuit. I also need to select an outfit. Jack is taking pictures of the occasion, and we'll want a memento."

  An awkward silence followed, lasting almost a minute, before Kiernan brought up another subject. "There is something of importance we need to discuss. After we're married, you'll need to be careful where you go and how you conduct yourself in public. Believe me, when the paparazzi find out you're my wife, they'll be searching for you, following you. I'm going to have Jack talk to you concerning measures you can take that will discourage them."

  "About the paparazzi--my family, I don't want them hounded."

  "I'll have Jack inform your mother about the paparazzi and how to discourage them. He, of course, will assist her in doing this. The media won't approach only your family, but also your neighbors and coworkers to fish for stories and information. In a few weeks, this will be yesterday's news, and your family won't be bothered--as much."

  "That's certainly not very reassuring."

  "Unfortunately, that's one of the disadvantages of being who I am and who you will be as my wife. You'll have celebrity status now. Your name will be in the gossip columns, on the news, and in the tabloids. Some of what you'll see in the media will be fabrications and can be hurtful, so you'll need to learn to have a tough skin and ignore it."

  "I don't care what they say about me as long as it doesn't hurt my family, and they leave them alone."

  "I want you to know--I'll protect you, and your family, to my fullest capability."

  "How will you do that?"

  "If things become out of hand, I'll throw a few libel suits in their laps. And if that doesn't work, I'll buy out any tabloid, news network, or newspaper, and fire everyone involved. And I'll make damn sure all those involved will only find employment bussing tables."

  A cold determination glinted in Kiernan's eyes leaving Ariel no doubt that Kiernan would do as she said.

  Chapter Twelve

  "K.D., DO YOU want to tell me who that delicious morsel is and where you've been hiding her?" Christiana asked as she took the seat next to Kiernan and regarded her smugly. They were in a private viewing room at Christiana's boutique for customers like Kiernan who wished to remain out of sight of any other customers.

  Kiernan watched Ariel disappear into the dressing room with one of Christiana's shop assistants. Narrowing her eyes, she pinned Christiana with a measuring stare and said, "She's not what you're thinking." She and Christiana had been friends since rooming together at Foxcroft Preparatory School. Kiernan had fronted the capital to help her open her boutique.

  "Oh? You call to arrange a private showing room, inform me you're bringing someone who you refused to identify, and everything she wants is to go on your account. So, enlighten me as to who I'm supposed to think she is," Christiana said suggestively, and then gave Kiernan a leering wink.

  "Christy, we've been friends for a long time. What I'm going to tell you must remain between us. At least until Sunday morning and then you can broadcast it throughout the entire solar system."

  "K.D., hello, this is Christy. When have I ever betrayed a confidence of yours?"

  "Not even to Clifton." Clifton Melton was Christiana's husband and the mayor of Atlanta.

  "I could tell Clifton the moon fell into the Atlantic Ocean, and all he would say is 'that's wonderful dear.'" Christiana smirked and added, "So, let me have the juice--every last drop."

  Kiernan felt a certain amount of pride. "That, my dear, is my fiancée."

  Christiana's mouth fell open, her eyes popping wide. She stared at Kiernan in bewildered shock, as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

  "Aren't you going to say anything? The cat got your tongue?" Kiernan leaned over and waved her hand in front of Christiana's eyes.

  Christiana blinked a few times before exclaiming, "You're pulling my leg! I don't believe it!"

  "Believe it, because it's true. We're getting married in a private ceremony, family only, on Saturday morning. Ariel Thorsen will soon be Ariel Thorsen O'Shay."

  A slightly dazed expression remained on Christiana's face. "K.D., when did all this happen?"

  "Recently, and that's all you're getting from me. Aren't you going to do the best wishes thing and tell me how lucky I am?"

  Christiana hugged Kiernan. "This is wonderful, still unbelievable, but wonderful. I'm happy for you. She's beautiful. Who is she?"

  Kiernan knew what Christiana was asking. She wanted to know whether Ariel held any social standing anywhere in the world. "She's a wonderful person who's loyal to her family, unselfish, not shallow, and has integrity." Kiernan leveled a serious look at Christiana that relayed a message, as did her words when
she declared, "She's an O'Shay."

  HEATHER, THE WILLOWY blonde boutique assistant, surveyed Ariel appraisingly. "That's an excellent choice for you. The blue makes your eyes appear a shade darker and goes very well with your hair color and complexion. It is also flattering to your figure."

  Heather's gaze strayed to Ariel's breasts, giving them a brief but appreciative inspection. Ariel wanted to roll her eyes. It never failed. Every time she went out in public, her generous and well-shaped breasts drew attention from both males and females. She owned a t-shirt a friend made for her, emblazoned across the front with My IQ is 178, and she wore it a few times until she realized it only directed more attention to her breasts.

  Heather rotated Ariel by her shoulders to face the floor length mirror so she could get a view of her appearance. Ariel admitted the royal blue dress was very becoming with its slim skirt reaching to her ankles and slit on the sides to three inches above the knees. The sleeveless bodice crisscrossed in the front and circled around her neck, which left it backless. It definitely wasn't a wedding dress, but Ariel really didn't care what she wore. Kiernan was buying it so she would let her decide.

  Heather handed her a pair of matching shoes with three-inch heels. Ariel slipped them on and walked around the room a few times to get the feel. She stopped in front of Heather and said, "Let's get this show on the road."

  "You mean let's strut your stuff out on the catwalk."

  Ariel snickered at the comment and followed Heather through the dressing room curtain and out into the viewing area. Kiernan was in conversation with a dark-haired woman.

  Kiernan peered up, her eyes widening. "Oh, yes. You're absolutely--" Words seemed to fail her for a few moments. "That dress is gorgeous. Turn around and let me see the back."

  Ariel did so, feeling self-conscious, but relieved her blushes never extended to her back.

  Kiernan said, "Walk around some."

  Ariel had the sudden urge to do what she termed the 'butch stomp' she sometimes affected when she was decked out in her full biker regalia of black Tefla-hide jacket, black Tefla-hide pants, and black boots. Refraining, she instead did a sedate amble in a circle.

  "Christy, add it to the purchase order," Kiernan said. "Now, bring out some outfits appropriate for the event we discussed earlier, and have Ariel try them on. Then we'll see what you have in casual clothes. Ariel, come over here and let me introduce you to Christy. She'll help you select anything you want."

  Letting a sigh of exasperation escape through her nose, Ariel knew it was going to be a long day.

  ARIEL GAZED OUT the limo's window at the nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings of Atlanta's older downtown district. She thought about how they reflected a charm not seen in the modern malls. It was close to noon when they finished selecting and ordering clothes. Christiana invited them to go to a new Indian restaurant but Kiernan declined, saying she had one more stop to make and, afterward, she and Ariel would lunch at a bistro she knew.

  The limo pulled up in front of a quaint brownstone building with two green and white awnings stretched over two picture windows on each side of the glass door. Ariel read the sign above the door, painted with gold lettering: Barnett Jewelers.

  "I made arrangements with Mr. Barnett for a private showing of wedding rings," Kiernan stated and glanced at Ariel as if to gauge her reaction.

  Ariel fought to maintain a neutral façade. Wedding rings had never crossed her mind.

  Kiernan went on to say, "Barnett's has been the O'Shay family jeweler for close to eighty years. They are honest and discreet. I informed Mr. Barnett of our upcoming nuptials, and he will keep it confidential."

  David escorted them to the door and opened it. As soon as they entered, an elderly man dressed in a black business suit greeted them affably. "Ms. O'Shay, welcome."

  "Thank you, Mr. Barnett." Kiernan glanced at Ariel with pride. "Let me present my fiancée, Ms. Ariel Thorsen. Ariel, this is Donald Barnett. Donald's father was jeweler to my grandmother."

  "It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Thorsen." He took her hand in his and gave it a gentle shake.

  "Nice meeting you, Mr. Barnett."

  He said, "Now, if you two will follow me, I'll take you to a room so you'll have privacy for viewing."

  They followed him into a back room and took seats at a counter. Mr. Barnett reached under the counter, brought out a tray covered with a black velvet cloth, and set it before Kiernan. He lifted up the cover to reveal an assortment of diamond engagement rings, their facets catching the lights and reflecting an array of sparkling rainbow colors. Ariel did a double take at the size of some of the diamonds.

  No way would she wear an engagement ring. She kept her features and her voice smooth. "Kiernan, I--at this time, could we please forgo a diamond ring?"

  Inspecting Ariel closely, and thinning her lips slightly, Kiernan said, "It's customary to have an engagement ring."

  Ariel could tell this didn't please Kiernan, but it was important to her. An engagement ring symbolized, at least in her mind, a promise of a loving and committed future together--not an agreement amounting to little more than a business arrangement. "I know. But--"

  Kiernan's lips tightened for a second but she relaxed and said, "If that's what you want. However, we will return at a later date and make a selection. Donald, please show us your selection of wedding bands."

  Again, he reached under the counter and arranged a tray filled with wedding bands before them. Kiernan selected rings to inspect and had Ariel try on a few, but nothing seemed to satisfy Kiernan. Ariel tried to be cooperative, more because the sooner they made their selection the faster she could get back home. She indicated the ones she liked by placing them to one side.

  Glancing up, Ariel saw Mr. Barnett studying her closely, but dispassionately. Once more, he brought out a tray, placing it on the counter top. Ariel watched as he selected a ring from the tray, positioned it on a black velvet pad, and put the pad before her.

  Ariel picked up the ring, studying it carefully. She noticed its molded and engraved garland of pale pink gold roses around the circumference and the thin, yellow-gold roping edging the band. She thought it was beautiful.

  Kiernan said, "May I see it?" Ariel handed her the ring, and Kiernan took Ariel's left hand and slipped it on her finger. It fit perfectly. Holding Ariel's hand, she inspected the ring, and said softly, "I think it is lovely on you."

  Ariel didn't reply, feeling uneasy, but somehow she managed to maintain a calm appearance and didn't snatch her hand away, though part of her wanted to.

  Kiernan removed the ring, trying it on her own finger, but it fit loosely. She studied it before handing it to Mr. Barnett, and inquiring in a business like tone, "How many of these rings have you made and sold?"

  "This is from a new mold I fabricated recently and the only one made."

  "I want you to make a ring like this in my size, and then I want you to destroy the mold."

  He appeared ready to protest when Kiernan said, "I'll pay you twice what you would charge if I came to you with a custom request."

  "I can have your ring ready and deliver both rings to you on Thursday."

  "Fine. Do it." Kiernan said to Ariel, "This way the rings will be unique and no one else will have ones like them."

  Ariel was curious as to the reasons this would be important to Kiernan. She could understand if two people were truly in love why they might want this since the rings would symbolize the uniqueness of their love and would be theirs alone. "And this matters to you, why?"

  Kiernan fixed her eyes on Ariel. "I always like having things no one else has--that belong only to me."

  Ariel had the disconcerted feeling that Kiernan wasn't only referring to things, but to her as well.

  Chapter Thirteen

  RAIN FELL IN a soft but steady rhythm outside the window of Kiernan's study where she had retired after dinner to examine the prenuptial agreement drawn up by her uncle. She wanted everything in order before sending a copy t
o Ariel in the morning.

  She picked up her cup of coffee, bringing it to her lips, and froze in disbelief. "What the hell! Telecom on. Contact Theodore O'Shay."

  She focused on the telecom screen, and after a couple of beeps, Jack answered. "Kiernan, how are you doing?"

  Smoothing her features, Kiernan replied with false cheerfulness, "I'm doing fine, Jack."

  "I bet you're all excited about the wedding. She's a beautiful girl."

  "Oh, I agree, she's very beautiful. I need to speak to Uncle Theodore."

  "Hold on, I'll get him for you."

  After a couple of minutes, her uncle's image appeared on the screen. "Kiernan," he said in a jovial voice, "what can I do for you, dear?"

  "Is Jack still there? Or anyone who can overhear our conversation?"

  "It's only us. What's this about?"

  "Stipulation number nineteen!" she spat out angrily.

  Puzzlement crossed his features, then understanding. "Ah, the conjugal stipulation. I can increase the number of visits--"

  "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Kiernan snapped, clinching her jaw tight. "I never said I wanted anything like that in the agreement."

  "It's common to include this stipulation into agreements that are more of a business arrangement, such as this one."

  "I don't care. I want it out!"

  "Are you sure you want me to remove it? Marriage in itself does grant the persons the rights to a conjugal relationship. The only thing this stipulation does is put a number on the times per week that--"

  "God damn it! It's--it's-- Take it the hell out and don't argue." She wasn't about to have any stipulation granting her the power to request that Ariel engage in sex with her up to two times a week. No, she most certainly wouldn't make demands of that nature. She was sure it would distress Ariel and make Kiernan appear truly feudal, expecting sex as part of goods purchased.

  "I have a copy on my computer and will correct it now. You should receive it tonight. I'll send Ariel her copy tomorrow by a certified carrier," Theodore said.