Consequences

share in their special day, please join me in a prayer. Let us ask God to provide for Anthony and Claire, not in a monetary way. Let us pray that God will provide them with love, understanding, and patience. That He will provide each of them with the qualities necessary to take what they begin tomorrow and continue it into eternity. Let us pray.” Claire closed her eyes, Tony tenderly squeezed her hand, and a tear trickled down her cheek.
    Brad and Monica then took control. They told Claire, John, and Emily to go upstairs. Tony, Brent, and the minister went to Tony’s office. The string quartet began to play. Brad and Monica wore earphones and microphones. They directed the participants. First they instructed the men to leave the office and walk to the back of the grand hall. A raised platform surrounded by sleek Christmas trees and lights had been constructed in front of the large windows. The only decorations on the trees besides the white lights were deep red crystal globes. The windows behind the platform exposed snow covered trees with more lights. The quartet was positioned slightly off to one side of the platform and the harpist was on the other. Once the men were in place, Emily was directed to descend the stairs and make her way down the aisle to the platform. After she arrived at her destination, the quartet concluded and the harpist began the traditional wedding march. Although it was the rehearsal, Claire and Tony’s friends rose to their feet and Brad motioned to Claire and John to descend the steps.
    John offered Claire his arm, kissed her cheek, and began to take her down the stairs. Before they reached the first step he stopped, leaned near, and whispered, “Claire, we love you. We only want you to be happy. Tell me that he is good to you and that he makes you happy.”
    With tears in her eyes, she said, “John, he can be. He does.” He tried to smile and patted her hand. They descended the stairs and made their way to the platform.
    After another song by the string quartet and a verse from the minister, he asked, “Who gives this woman to be wed?”
    John spoke loud and clear, “With great love and respect, her sister and I agree to share this magnificent woman.” He kissed Claire’s cheek and gently lifted her hand from his arm and placed it in Tony’s hand.
    Shit, was the only word that came to Claire’s mind. She looked up at Tony. He was looking at her but his face didn’t register John’s words. He apparently had a mask too. Claire was certain that if he was a cartoon character there would be smoke coming from his ears. She mouthed, “I am sorry.” He squeezed her hand gently and they both smiled. The minister continued speaking.
    They all four rode together in the limousine to Courtney and Brent’s house. Claire told Emily that in the late morning there would be a masseuse, manicure technician, cosmetologist, and hair stylist all coming to do miracles on them. Catherine and Courtney would be in her suite to assist them both with their dresses. Tony upheld appearances much more proficiently than John. He remained polite and friendly to both Emily and John. He was loving and attentive to Claire.
    Once they reached the Simmonses’ house, he was the totally devoted bridegroom and the man of the hour. John was friendly but quiet. His unhappiness made Claire uneasy. She privately begged Emily to do something. “Don’t let him ruin my special day.” Emily promised to try.
    Courtney provided a wonderfully delicious Italian dinner with antipasto salad, bread and oil, red wine and pasta. The festive mood and atmosphere filled Claire with hope and joy. Tim and Sue chatted with Tony as Claire walked up and overheard them discuss Tim’s role during Claire and Tony’s honeymoon. At first, she stood politely by Tony. But when they paused, Claire tried to be sneaky. “Now, Tim, tell me again how long you will need to be at the helm?” Tony laughed and pulled her close.
    “Good try.” Addressing Tim, “You are one of the few privileged individuals to know where we will be, in case of an emergency. Most people, including my beautiful new wife, do not know our destination. So do not let her try to worm it out of you.” He smiled. “Or you, Sue, if Tim has shared.”
    “Oh, you are so mean. How will I know what to pack?”
    “Another ‘A’ for effort, Catherine has taken care of it for you.” Claire smiled at the Bronsons. They smiled and put their fingers to their lips. They