Consequences(173)



He bent to kiss her and the tips of his lips moved upward. “They’re proofs of the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.” Quickly, forgetting the mounds of paper, she began looking through the albums. The only pictures she’d seen were the ones on New Year’s Eve. The first album began with prewedding poses. The estate, the men, the women, everything and everyone looked beautiful. Then ones of Claire and John prior to walking down the aisle. Tony watched as she turned each page, she was afraid to linger on the photos of John and Emily, she would look at them later. The next, were a series of Claire approaching Tony and him waiting. She had to admit—she looked beautiful. Tony added adjectives—stunning, amazing, gorgeous, and striking. They both appeared to be brimming with love and adoration. There were photos from multiple directions—some very artsy.

Their food arrived and they still had a full album to view. After dinner they spent the entire evening on the sofa in front of the fire, going over and over each photo. They talked about the people, decorations, and ceremony. There were numerous posed photos of the two of them in the grand hall and at the base of the stairs. She laughed at ones where the photographer put her up a few steps, trying to make her taller. “You know, if you’d married one of those models you dated they wouldn’t have had to do that.”

He kissed her tenderly and gazed at her with soft brown eyes. “I didn’t want to marry any of those women. I’ve never wanted to marry anyone but you.” He could melt her heart so easily.

The next photos were of the reception. They both agreed the guests seemed to enjoy themselves. Then pictures of them dancing—Claire remembered her overwhelming desire as Tony directed her around the floor. “I love watching your eyes sparkle as you look at these photos.” She told him how much she enjoyed their reception, especially the dancing. “Well, it won’t be the same, but we can try to relive that dancing on Saturday for my birthday.”

Claire smiled—they were going to celebrate. “I don’t know how I can possibly choose which pictures I like best.”

“Then don’t choose. You can have them all.” Placing one arm around her and flipping the pages back, and added, “This one of you on the stairs, with your gown all around you, I want that one—I want it enlarged over the grand fireplace in the sitting room.”

Claire wrinkled her nose. “That’s silly—I don’t want to see me great-big every day.”

“I don’t care. I do—and I will. Actually, I think I’ll contract an artist to paint it.” He leaned back and smiled. Claire just shook her head—stopping him from doing something he wanted to do was beyond her ability.

Next, she saw the family photo of her, Tony, and the Vandersols. “Tony, can we have copies of some of these made for Emily and sent to them?” She only said Emily on purpose—but the them should have been her.

He sighed. “Yes, that can be done.”

Claire knew she should drop the subject, but sometimes she couldn’t stop herself. “Has Emily tried to contact me anymore?”

“Yes.”

Claire didn’t reply. He knew what she wanted—if she persisted it would be arguing or pleading—if he changed his mind—he would let her know. Besides, they were having a nice evening with the wedding pictures; she directed the conversation back to the album. “Look at this picture of MaryAnn and Eli. They were hilarious!” The Vandersol conversation ended.





Trust not too much to appearance.



—Virgil

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