She thought about his question, she hadn't answered-not answering could be considered cause. "I don't know why we shouldn't have a prenuptial agreement-other than you don't want one."

"That is part of it"-he paced-"The other part is..."-he knelt by Claire, his face once again too close to hers, his eyes shining black, and stared right at her. She didn't look away, as he continued, slow and malevolent-"I know I won't leave you, and I know you won't leave me. Will you?"

She was faced with one of those junctures-be frightened by his tone, proximity, and allow his sudden unpredicted change in disposition to ruin a day that she truly enjoyed-or attempt to defuse the situation before it got out of hand. She chose the second. She answered his question with a voice which sounded both calm and composed. "I agreed to be Mrs. Anthony Rawlings just three days ago. It has been a whirlwind since then, and my wedding is in three weeks. We're both overwhelmed. Tony, I would never think of leaving you."

His eyes still flashed, blackness intensified. "Do you have any idea of the consequences if you did decide to leave me?"

With continued eye contact and composure, she replied, "I would rather think about the consequences of staying with you and learning what makes you happy"-she smiled-"and learning what you want of me, and when you want it"-his eyes lightened and flickered brown-"Perhaps you could give me some hints?"

He was calming. She watched the tension and fury leave his face. Continuing with the composed but now playful tone, she added, "As a matter of fact, I think you promised me something this afternoon in the kitchen."

It worked. He mellowed. She didn't make the first move, wanting him to believe he was in control. When he didn't speak and stood, she thought perhaps he was leaving her suite and this conversation was done. Instead, he scooped her out of the chair and carried her to the bed.

He wasn't his old self and he wasn't his new gentle self. He was somewhere in between, but closer to gentle than the night before. Claire felt satisfied, she'd done it-she mellowed him. Her response resulted in the consequence she hoped-she was determined-she'd figure him out. In the meantime, this was a little thunder-no storm.

Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.

-Aristotle

Chapter Twenty-Nine.

The next two and a half weeks flew by in a flash.

Sometime during their first night home, Claire awoke and heard Tony's breathing in her bed. The drapes were open, and the moonlight illuminated her suite. She looked around and snuggled into the soft covers. She was in her suite in her home-not in New York. In three weeks, it would actually be half hers. The monetary value wasn't what enamored her. It was the fact that he wanted it to belong to her. She possessed memories she refused to revisit. She also possessed a promise of a future. As she cuddled under the fluffy down comforter next to her warm sleeping fiance, she knew she would hold tight to that promise.

They met with Brad and Monica on the Monday following Thanksgiving. Claire knew they were definitely worth the expense, whatever that may be. Tony told Claire not to worry about it. Their ideas were amazing. The wedding would take place in the grand entry, with Claire descending the staircase. It would be decorated with lights and sheer tapestries. The reception would be in the backyard, in a large floored, heated tent accessible to guests from the sun porch. There would be many Christmas trees and millions of clear lights. There would be evergreens and red flowers. Emily would wear black and carry a red bouquet. There would be an open bar and hors d'oeuvres and then a full sit-down meal of multiple courses. The cake was chic and decorated with real flowers. The flavors would include white, chocolate, raspberry, and carrot. Claire was especially excited about the string quartet from the Quad City Symphony, the place of her and Tony's first night out.

Tony gave them the list of guests Patricia had compiled. He asked Claire about guests over and over. She repeated, she only cared about Emily and John and Tony's close friends. She saw the difficulty Emily had with Claire's new lifestyle and feared her old friends wouldn't feel comfortable. She mentioned Meredith as an example of why her friends from before should not attend; Tony couldn't argue her 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, who 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 5:00 PM with the ceremony at 5:30 PM. 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.

When Brad asked Claire if her father would be giving her away, she told him 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.

Tony sighed and responded, "She'd 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'd 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'd 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 Brad and Monica's designs and blueprints, 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 constructing 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 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 which 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'd 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 that her dress 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'd be honored to walk you down the aisle, but know I'll never give you away."

Of course, Tony was listening as she spoke and rolled his black eyes. She didn't let her voice falter and thanked John 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 December 8. With an hour time difference, it took three and a half hours to get to NEW YORK CITY. They left at 6:00 AM, which both ladies said was too early. They arrived before 10:00 AM EST and went directly to the boutique. The dress was ready and in need of 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. At first it shocked Claire, 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 she and Claire 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 3:00 PM-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. With no way to contact Tony, Claire felt increasingly ill.

Once they arrived at the tea room, Courtney casually mentioned, "Tony and I agreed when we spoke the other night, 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'd said something, but if he knew about it-she felt better.

Without saying all of that to Courtney, Claire 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 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 she would talk to Tony and get back to her as soon as possible.

When Claire returned home she was relieved to arrive before Tony. When 7:00 PM 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's expression didn't reveal any knowledge of her activities. She suddenly worried Courtney told her it was okay just to pacify her. Bravely, Claire put on her mask, bit her lip, and casually continued, "Oh no, we didn't. Courtney prearranged with you"-she added-"to make a day of it."

While Claire answered Tony looked at his plate and then moved only his eyes slowly toward Claire. "Excuse me?"

Her heart raced. "Why didn't you tell me you arranged for us to shop for my rehearsal dress?"

He smiled. "Courtney drives a hard bargain. She's hard to resist."

The ladies scheduled their final visit to the boutique for Saturday, December 11, one week before the wedding. They planned to arrive at the boutique by 10:00 AM, have a final fitting, and return at 3:00 PM 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 as Tony and Claire ate, his iPhone rang. 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. She answered tentatively, "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 Sue, MaryAnn, and Bev were joining them for New York City tomorrow. Since they had 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 meeting his intense gaze.

"She wants Bev, MaryAnn, and Sue to join us tomorrow"-his eyebrows rose-"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, and spoke in the phone, "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 handed Tony back his phone and said, "Thank you! This is so wonderful, I never expected a shower!"

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 feeling of a shower and alone would have thrilled Claire, but the real surprise came in seeing Emily sitting at their table. She ran to hug her sister and asked how she knew. She explained 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. Claire surprised her with a 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 and felt so pretty.

The 5:00 PM ladies flew back to Iowa with Claire's gown, shoes, undergarments, including slip and veil. Emily would arrive on Wednesday evening. It was a great afternoon and they ended it with a bottle of champagne and some snacks on the plane ride home.

When Tony entered the suite that evening, she sprung up and encircled his neck with her arms. "You're awful!" And she kissed him passionately.

Surprised, he replied, "Okay, remind me to be awful more often. What did I do?"

"Only assist in giving me the best bridal luncheon ever, which included my sister!" He looked at her suspiciously. She quickly replied, "Oh, don't start. Courtney told me you were the one who gave her Emily's number. You, who acted like you didn't know anything about others joining us. You're really rotten, and I love you more every day." She kissed him again. He grinned and returned the kiss.

When he asked to see her dress, she said, "No."

He expressed astonishment at her denial.

"You can't see it until next Saturday."

He conceded to see what she would wear under her dress. Claire grinned. They were alone in her suite. Seductively, she began to unbutton her blouse-one button at a time.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love, let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

-Kahlil Gibran

Chapter Thirty.

Emily arrived on the Wednesday evening before the wedding. Tony sent his private plane to pick her up in Albany; however, John was involved in a hearing and wouldn't be available until Friday. John apologized to Claire for the mix-up, but he couldn't change the trial date. Claire decided it was all right. She was happy to have Emily all to herself. Nevertheless, as she sat in the back of one of Tony's cars at the airport waiting for Emily's arrival, she worried about Emily's reaction to flying in a private plane.

The interior of the BMW was warm and permeated the smell of leather which was significantly better than the cold Iowa chill outside the windows. It had snowed the past three days, and everything was brilliantly covered with a beautiful clean white blanket. Once the door of the jet opened and stairs descended, Claire got out of the car. Though she wore jeans, a furry jacket, and snow boots to stay warm, she still felt the brisk air. Keeping her leather gloved hands deep in her pockets, she watched as the crew cleared the runway and the pavement as the snow continued to fall.

Emily descended the stairs and hugged Claire. "Hi, sis, are you by yourself?"

"Carlos drove me here, but Tony's still at work."

They got into the warm car while Carlos retrieved Emily's luggage and placed it in the trunk. Emily smiled and said, "You know, when you and Anthony offered to arrange our travel plans, I was kind of expecting a ticket on United or something"-Claire didn't speak, she waited and Emily continued-"But, I'm not complaining; however, I am anxiously anticipating your home."

Claire sensed Emily's honest attempt at acceptance. Relieved, Claire excitedly spoke, "Good. I can't wait for you to see it. Right now, it's very busy and cluttered. There have been hundreds of workers preparing for the ceremony, but we can get away from all the people and have some time to ourselves. Have you eaten?" It was 7:30 PM in Iowa and the sky was very dark, yet the snow which continued to fall made it appear brighter.

"I had a few snacks on the plane."

"Good, we'll eat when we get home," Claire replied.

The estate looked stately on any given day. In the snow-it appeared splendid. With the addition of a million white lights lining the drive, trees, and bushes around the residence-it was grand. Claire was very pleased to have Emily visit. She never would have dreamed of asking Tony to allow her family to stay. Therefore, his invitation wasn't only unexpected, but remarkable. Of course, there was plenty of room. With Tony, room wasn't the issue-it was privacy.

During the past two weeks, privacy was at a premium. There were workers everywhere. When you turned a corner on the main level, you never knew who you might encounter. For that reason, Tony and Claire spent most of their time hidden away in her suite.

While the car wound up the driveway Emily speechlessly watched as the estate came into view. The house glowed from the decorations for Christmas and the grand event. Carlos stopped in front of the house where a grounds worker busily cleared the walk for Ms. Claire and her guest. When Emily reached for her door handle, Claire touched her hand causing Emily to hesitate. Moments later, Carlos got out and went around and opened their door and then opened the door to the house.

Once inside, Catherine greeted them. Claire happily introduced two of her favorite people. She hoped Emily could sense the exceptional relationship she had with Catherine. Catherine informed them, "Ladies your dinner can be ready at any time. Mr. Rawlings is delayed due to weather; however, he recommended that you eat without him."

Claire thanked Catherine and told her she would show Emily to her room, let her freshen up, and they would return in fifteen minutes.

Emily and John were given a room down the hall from Claire's suite. It was a room with one of the doors Claire was surprised to see many months ago. These bedrooms were rarely used by anyone and kept immaculate just in case they may be needed. It was a suite about half the size of Claire's, with a queen-sized bed, bedroom furniture, a sofa and chair, a small gas fireplace, attached bath, and walk-in closet. There were large windows looking out onto the backyard; however, all that was visible now was the top of a very large tent.

Claire showed Emily her room and told her Carlos would have her luggage there soon. Then she showed Emily to her own suite-just a few doors away, in the same corridor. Emily tried to be polite, but she continually repeated this is beautiful. Once in Claire's suite, Emily asked, "Is this Anthony's room, too?"

"No. He has his own room on the first floor"-Claire smiled-"But, he does visit." She sensed Emily's surprise. The fact she and Tony didn't share a bedroom had just earned Tony a few points in Emily's book.

As they finished eating their dinner in the formal dining room, Tony arrived home. He behaved as polite and gracious as possible-kissing Claire and hugging Emily. He told Emily how happy he was she arrived safely in spite of the weather. Luckily, the snow was scheduled to stop tomorrow and the forecast was clear for the weekend. Then he turned to Claire. "But, you know those weather reports; you can never trust those meteorologists." She playfully threw her napkin at him and he smiled. When he sat, Catherine brought him his dinner. The ladies sipped coffee while Tony ate.

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 fiance.

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.