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 that Tony would too. She and Emily proceeded down the hall to the main stairs. She could hear the music from the quartet.
They heard a rumbling of whispers. Suddenly, she 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 that had made last night incredibly memorable. Their friends were the people that supported both of them, and were not solely present because of Anthony Rawlings. It was the others, the ones that 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 acetaminophen were helping to keep the headache at bay.
Brad listened to the piece in his ear, waiting for the deviation in the music. The hum of voices disappeared. She couldn’t see the guests or the men exiting Tony’s office, but Claire 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 will not disrupt your day. You look amazing, and I want you to know how much I love you. You aren’t my sister-in-law, you are my little sister. Please remember you can always count on Emily and me.” He squeezed her hand. “Just always know you are 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 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 that though encircled in chestnut brown still absorbed light.
Standing next to him in front of everyone, she felt drawn into the darkness searching for light and warmth. His eyes sparkled, and she felt weak. Internally, she was saying, “I am marrying him. He is marrying me. I am now his wife.” She knew that there would be a contract that the world would now recognize. He 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 the world watched, and public failure wasn’t an option. The world was seeing the most amazing wedding that money could buy, with a stunning woman happily marrying a handsome man. In contrast, Claire suddenly saw a napkin with signatures. She knew too well appearances meant everything.
She compartmentalized the flood of thoughts and emotions that beseeched 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 loud applause. Everything appeared perfect.
The reception was an equally flawless exhibition. Brad and Monica had thought of everything, the ambiance was romantic, with impeccable decorations. Claire and Tony dutifully greeted each guest and thanked them for attending their special day.
Throughout the entire evening Tony was wonderful. He told her that he loved her. He told her how beautiful she was, how honored he was to have her as his wife, and how he couldn’t wait for the reception to be over so he could show her. Under it all, Claire continued to have an uneasy feeling. She worked diligently to keep it buried under layers of makeup, hairspray, crinoline, slips, satin, lace, pearls, and pretense.
Everyone enjoyed themselves. Claire even saw John and Emily laughing with Tom and Bev. Once the first course was served Brent stood, lifted a glass of champagne, and offered a toast to the newlyweds. “May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen? I want to take this opportunity to welcome Claire Rawlings to our world. Claire, Tony has been my friend, my confidante, and my boss,” the crowd giggled, “for a very long time. I have watched him as he has succeed in business and failed in love,” another snicker, “but recently Courtney and I have watched as Tony has experienced success in the area of love. Claire, when you are present his smile is brighter and his eyes have a spark. Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but sometimes Tony’s eyes can seem dark. That isn’t the case when he is with you. You are the light of his life. You have given Tony the part of his life that was missing. And as we look around, it is obvious that not a lot was missing.” There were smiles and agreement all around. “Now with you by his side, I believe my good friend is truly a man who has everything. Thank you, Claire. We are so happy to welcome you and we look forward to an eternity of a happier Tony Rawlings.” This precluded a standing ovation, lifting of glasses, and claps of agreement.
After they cut the cake and gently fed each other a bite, Claire chocolate and Tony white, the conductor fired up the jazz band. The music resonated soulfully, rhythmical and lively. The lights of the tent dimmed and the dance floor glittered with intensified brilliance. Tony led Claire onto the dance floor and they walked hand in hand. His eyes, the shade of melted chocolate, beheld his beautiful new wife. He regarded her with complete love and adoration. Suddenly, her doubts and fears faded away. He had the most amazing ability to dissolve her heart and soul. Gallantly he took her hand in his, encircled her small waist with his strong, powerful, yet tender embrace. Her body immediately molded to his. They moved in sync. He turned, twirled, and spun her around the floor. The bustled wedding gown swayed to his slightest inclination. They had only danced together a few times, but their bodies had moved together on numerous occasions. She became lost in his eyes, and without thought or consciousness he had complete control and dominance over every aspect of her being and every movement of her body. With each crescendo of the music Claire’s heartbeat accelerated. The guests surrounded the dance floor to watch the newlyweds waltz. Tony tall and dark, Claire petite and light, their contrast intensified the beauty and sensuality of the moment. It wasn’t until the music reached its final fermata that Claire noticed the gathered crowd. Up until that moment, her brilliant emerald green eyes could only see her husband. He gently kissed his bride, and the guests applauded. Claire blushed and smiled.
The band began again, and Tony charmingly bowed and asked Emily to dance. John nodded to Emily and extended his hand to Claire. Whispering in Claire’s ear, John said, “You are beautiful in love.” The four of them danced for a few minutes until the MC asked the guests to join them. Suddenly, the floor burst with couples.
Sometime after eleven Claire and Tony, no longer in their wedding attire, kissed their friends and family goodbye and said adieu to the others. They left to begin their honeymoon adventure. Once again, Claire was being led by Tony to an unknown destination.
After their flight reached its cruising altitude Tony began to seduce his wife. He caressed, kissed, and tantalized her. He told her in a raspy, sensual tone he loved her, how amazing she had been and she was. He also told her what she already knew. “Mrs. Rawlings, you are now mine, completely. You belong to me.”
Tomorrow is a mystery. Yesterday is history. Live today,