Consequences(145)

Tony and Claire kissed good night and were told they couldn’t see each other again until the ceremony. While getting their coats, Emily whispered to Claire, “I’m sorry—I was wrong. You really do have a life and wonderful friends.” Claire hugged her sister.

The ladies all went back to the estate, put on bathing suits, and partied in the hot tub. Claire decided Courtney and MaryAnn were teenagers in adult bodies. Tony worried so much about appearances, yet watching these two reputable women dance and sing in their bathing suits, Claire believed a little cutting loose was acceptable. Just because she believed it, didn’t mean she felt comfortable enough to do it. The reason her bachelorette party was at her house wasn’t lost on her. She didn’t want Tony watching her dance and sing inappropriately when he reviewed his surveillance. Claire enjoyed watching and sipped her drink.

Late into the night, the subject of sex came up. It was Emily who, after consuming a few too many martinis, asked Claire, “Are you really okay with marrying a man so much older? What if he can’t keep up?”

Claire smiled bashfully. “I don’t think that’s a problem.” She tried desperately to change the subject.

Emily slept that night in Claire’s suite. John returned to the estate after staying at the Simmons’ home with the men for the bachelor party activities and slept in their room. Claire and Emily wanted some sister time. It was like being little girls again. They giggled until early morning. At almost 11:00 AM Catherine came into the suite and woke them, bringing lots of coffee and breakfast. After they each showered, the parade of pampering began.

The forecast was correct—the sky was a brilliant sapphire blue with reflective colorless snow covering everything. The grounds crew diligently worked to clear the drive and plenty of parking spaces. The temperature was cold, in the midtwenties, yet the sun shone all day.

Claire didn’t want to risk seeing Tony and chance bad luck. Therefore, she didn’t leave her suite until it was her time to walk down the aisle. She and Emily received massages, manicures, and facials. While the beauticians worked tirelessly on their hair, Catherine brought them more food. Claire said, “I’m too excited to eat.”

Catherine wouldn’t listen. “Ms. Claire, I will not be responsible for you fainting during the ceremony. You must eat.”

Emily smiled, happy that Claire had Catherine to take care of her.

By 4:30 PM Catherine, Courtney, and Emily began to help Claire get into her dress. First, was body shaper, then, the long slip which provided the fullness necessary for the satin gown. The bodice was fitted and altered to perfection for Claire’s slim, petite figure. The dress was strapless and went over the slip. The accessory which persuaded Claire to choose this dress was the intricate lace overlay which created transparent three-quarter-length sleeves and a long train. The lace of the veil complemented the overlay. The beautician created a sweeping hairstyle that made the perfect niche for the veil to attach.

The lace overlay created an off-the-shoulder look which truly didn’t need jewelry; however, Emily had a string of pearls. “They are the pearls mom wore in her wedding and the ones I wore in mine.”

Claire fought the tears knowing they were her something old and something borrowed from the wedding tradition. She also wore a blue garter and supposed her dress was new. After Claire dressed, the photographer entered her suite to take some special photos of her and her ladies.

Prior to the ceremony there was a knock at her door. Courtney went to the door. Claire could hear Courtney, “Tony, you’re incredibly handsome but you cannot be here.”

The first thought that ran through Claire’s mind was Tony knocked! He’d never knocked on her door.