Consequences

the first time since John’s consequences and the multiple rule discussions, Claire was happy to be the future Mrs. Anthony Rawlings. It even amused her that as an adult the cattiness of another woman could readjust her attitude. Claire found herself holding Tony’s arm, looking at pictures of cakes and lights and tables and flowers, and saying all the right things. He smiled affectionately and she radiated happiness. Patricia sat on the sidelines taking notes.
    Tony then asked Claire to show Brad and Monica around the main level of their home so that they could brainstorm. They would get back to them on Monday with possibilities for the ceremony and reception. As she walked them from room to room, she saw the mansion from a new perspective. In their eyes it was a magnificent display of architecture and an exquisite home. It hadn’t been that to her, it had been a prison. Tony referred to it as their home, both now and last night with John and Emily. She smiled as she thought, this is my home.
    Tony and Claire promised to get a guest list together very soon. They, with the help of Brad and Monica, decided that being a Christmas wedding, red, green, and black would be the colors. The question still remained whether Emily’s dress would be green, red, or black. There would be Christmas lights, lots of lights, starting from the gates and going up the drive to the house. The house would be decorated very chic Christmas. The number of guests would determine the setup of the wedding and reception. The music during the wedding would be provided by a string quartet and a harpist. Brad and Monica would put together some demo CDs and Tony and Claire could chose the music.
    The reception would be on the grounds, either in the house or perhaps in the backyard. Claire thought that sounded cold. Brad promised a tent, decorated and heated. He even had pictures of previous tent receptions. With the decorations, tables, and people, it didn’t appear that it was a tent, only a reception hall. The next hurdle was the cake. They must have looked at fifty different pictures of cakes. Regarding flavors, Tony said he liked traditional white. Claire went out on a limb and said she liked chocolate. She hoped for some taste testing. Monica smiled and explained they had other options such as carrot, red velvet, caramel, chocolate raspberry, and more. Claire felt once again overwhelmed by too many choices.
    The next debate involved the menu for the reception. Since Claire had only chosen two of her meals in the last eight months, she asked Tony if she could take a break and get something to eat. She didn’t feel well, low blood sugar. He kissed her cheek and said she should rest. He could take care of it. Patricia added, “I will be here to help.”
    “I am sure you will.” She kissed Tony and went to the kitchen to find Catherine and some lunch. They were about done for today. Brad and Monica would return Monday late afternoon when Tony returned home from work. At that time, more definitive plans would be made and others finalized. It was fun talking possibilities without considering the financial ramifications. Tony was right. The wedding would be planned and accomplished by December 18. Money could make anything happen.
    Their kitchen was more industrial than cozy. She hadn’t eaten in there before, but with people everywhere it seemed like a safe, isolated location. Sitting at a small table near windows, Claire looked out over the backyard and the garages. She was there eating a sandwich when Tony found her.
    “What do you think about the plans?” His voice sounded light and brought her back to reality. She’d been letting her mind wander. It hadn’t been any place in particular, just a happy place. She was thinking about lights, Christmas trees, her wedding dress, Tony in a tuxedo, and a warm feeling. She remembered the warmth of her visions while she was ill, and her current thoughts were giving her that same feeling. It is a nice change to have reality be her warm place.
    She smiled at Tony as he approached. “I think they sound wonderful. I can’t believe they aren’t freaking out about the deadline.”
    “What did I tell you?”
    She smiled. “We don’t have enough time to discuss all the things you have told me.”
    “You seem happy.” Grinning, he stole the other half of her sandwich. “I meant about what money could do to help our wedding proceed as you want.” He took a bite of the sandwich.
    “You said it