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.