Consequences (43 page)

Tony gave them the list of guests that Patricia had compiled. He asked Claire about guests over and over. She repeated that she only cared about Emily and John and Tony’s close friends. She saw the difficulty that Emily had with Claire’s new lifestyle. She feared that her old friends would not feel comfortable, and mentioned Meredith as an example of why her friends from before should not attend. Tony couldn’t argue that logic. The guest list consisted of the few people who called Tony
Tony
and 150 of his not so close business and political allies. People, he explained, should be invited whom he liked, needed, or who needed him.

Brad and Monica had a draft of the wedding invitation:

You
are
cordially
invited
to
the
private
wedding
ceremony
of:
Ms.
Claire
Nichols
and
Mr.
Anthony
Rawlings.
The
ceremony
will
take
place
at
the
Iowa
City
estate
of
Mr.
and
Mrs.
Rawlings
on
December
the
eighteenth
two
thousand
and
ten,
at
precisely
five
thirty
in
the
evening.
A
dinner
and
dance
reception
will
immediately
follow
at
the
estate.

Patricia volunteered to receive and compile the RSVPs. It would all be handled at Tony’s Iowa City office.

The string quartet would begin playing at five, with the ceremony at five thirty. There would be valet parking and a coat check since winter coats were predictable. The reception would include a live jazz band and dancing. There would not be a DJ, but there would be an MC to make announcements and talk to the guests. Each guest or “couple” would receive a gift basket in appreciation of their attendance from Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings. The baskets would include a bottle of fine wine, two crystal wine glasses, some fine chocolates wrapped in red and green foil, and a note thanking them for their attendance.

Brad asked Claire if her father would be giving her away. She told him that her father was deceased. He asked if she had anyone else to give her away or did she plan to walk down the stairs and aisle alone. The question prompted Claire to think of John. She didn’t ask, she just looked at Tony.

He sighed and responded to Brad, “She would like to have her brother-in-law give her away.” Later Tony told Claire he liked the idea. Perhaps if John gave her away, he would accept that she was
his
wife first and foremost.

Tony, Brent, his best man, and John would all need matching tuxedos. Tony liked Armani and said he would contact the men to have the tuxedos tailored. It didn’t take Tony and Brent long to reach a mutual understanding regarding the prenuptial agreement. Tony agreed not to have one. Brent agreed to accept Tony’s decision.

Once Tony and Claire approved the designs and blueprints Brad and Monica created, the work began. First thing Tuesday morning crews of workers descended upon the estate. There were trucks with cherry pickers putting lights in trees, and electricians connecting wires to ensure illumination. A construction crew worked in the backyard building the large tent, with more electricians for lighting and heating. There were people in the house putting up decorations. Catherine was uneasy with the multitude of people. She made sure that everyone knew she was in charge of the house and everyone answered to her.

Claire did her best to stay out of the way. Tony left each morning for work. He had a wedding in less than three weeks and the pesky challenge of a multibillion-dollar industry that needed his attention. He even needed to make some day trips to places as far away as Dallas, Los Angeles, and New England.

Claire also needed to make a few more trips to New York for dress fittings. Tony hadn’t planned for that. It was Courtney’s offer of help
in
any
way
that reduced his anxiety. He required Claire to be the one to call Courtney and inquire. Courtney sounded thrilled. They would use Tony’s jet as long as he wasn’t using it. If he needed to travel there would be Rawlings Industries jets available. Eric would accompany them.

Tony also allowed Claire to contact Emily and John after the meeting with Brad and Monica. She let Emily know about her dress, it would be black. Emily sounded elated to learn it wasn’t pink. Claire also asked John if he would do her the honor of walking her down the aisle and giving her away. He responded, “Claire, I would be honored to walk you down the aisle, but know I will never give you away.” Of course, Tony was listening as she spoke and rolled his black eyes at Claire. She didn’t let her voice falter. She thanked him for his constant devotion. Claire also reminded Emily to contact the boutique regarding her fittings and told them that Tony or his secretary, Patricia, would be contacting them about their travel plans as well as John’s tuxedo.

Everything was falling into place.

On their first trip to New York, Claire and Courtney left Iowa early on Wednesday morning, the eighth of December. With an hour time difference, it took
three
and
a
half
hours to get to NYC. They left at six in the morning, which both ladies said was too early. They arrived before ten East Coast time and went directly to the boutique.

The dress was ready and in need of some alterations. Claire’s shoes were white Mary Jane-style beaded four-inch heels. They looked magnificent with the dress. When Claire exited the dressing room, Courtney screamed. It shocked Claire at first but then she started laughing. Courtney was a riot. Claire had so much fun with her. Courtney went on and on about how stunning, beautiful, and stylish Claire looked. She promised Tony would be spellbound from the moment he saw her.

After the boutique Courtney told Eric they were going to the Astor Court at the St. Regis Hotel, one of the top New York tea rooms, for lunch. She also told him he didn’t need to worry about picking them up until after three. They had some shopping to do. Claire tried to argue. She didn’t want to discuss her uneasiness, but she knew she’d only received permission for her gown fitting, not shopping. Courtney wouldn’t discuss it, Claire felt increasingly ill.

Once they arrived at the tea room, Courtney sensed Claire’s discomfort. She didn’t question Claire, she just casually mentioned, “Tony and I agreed when we spoke the other night that you need a new dress for the wedding rehearsal. And this afternoon would be a great time to find one.” Claire relaxed. She wished he had said something, but if he knew about it she felt better.

Without saying all of that to Courtney, she smiled and said, “Well, all right then, let’s have some lunch and find the best rehearsal dress in the city!” She’d shopped many times with her credit card, but shopping with a friend and her credit card was much better. Courtney helped her find a beautiful red Valentino cotton tweed dress with an asymmetrical bow. The V neck would show off her journey necklace, and of course she needed new shoes for her new dress. The Salvatore Ferragamo leather peep-toe pumps were a perfect complement. Not only did she look stunning, but the color was also perfect for the whole Christmas theme. Claire enjoyed shopping with someone who seemed comfortable with the higher-end purchases.

The rehearsal would be at Tony and Claire’s house, but Courtney insisted that the rehearsal dinner be at her and Brent’s house. After all, it was the groom’s parents’ responsibility, and they were Tony’s oldest and dearest friends. They would be honored to host this special event. Claire thanked her for her kindness, and told her that she would talk to Tony and get back to her as soon as possible.

When Claire returned home that night she was relieved that she arrived before Tony. When seven o’clock came and he arrived for dinner, she found herself nervous about the additional shopping and luncheon. He didn’t alleviate her unease when he asked about her day. How did she like her dress? Oh, she liked it very much, and Courtney liked it too. Did they come right back to Iowa after the boutique?

Claire hesitated and watched Tony. His expression didn’t reveal any knowledge of her activities. She suddenly worried that Courtney told her it was okay just to pacify her. She put on her mask, bit her lip, and casually continued, “Oh no, we didn’t. Courtney had prearranged with you,” she added, “to make a day of it.”

While Claire answered Tony looked at his plate, then moved only his eyes to Claire. “Excuse me?”

Her heart raced. “Why didn’t you tell me you had arranged for us to shop for my rehearsal dress?” He smiled. Apparently, Courtney drove a hard bargain, he couldn’t resist.

They scheduled their final visit to the boutique for Saturday, December 11, one week before the wedding. They planned to arrive at the boutique by ten, have a final fitting, and return at three to try on the dress again with the final alterations and bring it home to Iowa. This trip also had surprises planned. On Friday evening Tony’s iPhone rang as he and Claire ate dinner. He answered and handed Claire the phone. It was unusual for her to receive a call, and especially unusual for her to talk on a telephone without it being on speaker. “Hello? This is Claire?”

“Hi, it’s Cort.” Claire understood why Tony allowed her to talk, he trusted Courtney. Her voice comforted Claire. Courtney went on to let Claire know that Sue, MaryAnn, and Bev were joining them for New York City tomorrow. Since they had some time to spare between fittings, the women planned on taking Claire out for a
bridal
shower
luncheon
. Stunned and startled, Claire was thrilled. She hadn’t even considered a shower, after all Tony could buy anything she needed, but it was part of the wedding tradition. She told Courtney it sounded wonderful and asked if she could hold a minute. Claire hit the
mute
button on Tony’s phone and looked at him across the table. He watched her.

“She wants Bev, MaryAnn, and Sue to join us tomorrow.” His eyebrows rose as if needing more information. “They want to take me to lunch for a bridal luncheon.” She smiled.

“And do you want to do this?” He tormented her, making her request his permission. She knew Courtney was waiting.

“I do.” He didn’t speak. “I think it would be nice to have a shower.” Still no response. “May we have the shower?” He smiled and nodded. She excitedly hit the
mute
button, “Courtney, I think that sounds wonderful. Will we all meet at the airport or do they need to be picked up?” When she hung up she thanked Tony. This was wonderful and unexpected. She handed him back his phone.

The plane ride was joyous with talk of the wedding and excitement over Claire’s dress. The merriment continued when she exited the fitting room as all the ladies went crazy about the dress and how beautiful Claire looked. A few minute alternations needed to be completed. Eric hadn’t been available to join them on their excursion, so they traveled by taxi. Claire liked that. Having all of them pile into one cab reminded her of her past life.

At noon they arrived at King’s Carriage House, a wonderfully quaint English-style restaurant located in a brownstone on the Upper East Side. They had reservations and were taken to the second level, where the walls were painted a deep rich red and large chandeliers glowed. The intimate tables were richly arranged, very
girlie.
It exuded the shower feeling and alone would have thrilled Claire, but the real surprise was seeing Emily sitting at their table. She ran to hug her and asked how she knew. She explained that Claire’s good friend Courtney planned the entire thing. When Claire hugged Courtney, Courtney whispered in Claire’s ear, “Tony gave me her number.” Claire had a marvelous afternoon!

After the luncheon Emily accompanied them back to the boutique, where they all saw her in her matron-of-honor’s dress. She was surprised by Claire’s gift of a pair of black Jimmy Choo satin pumps with a jewel bow. They were perfect for the dress and the wedding. However, it was as Claire came out of the dressing room in the wedding gown one last time, completely altered and ready, that everyone, even Ms. Springhill, applauded. Claire was elated with the final result. She felt so pretty
.