Consequences

one but there were no evergreens or snow. To Claire that was wonderful. She would take warmth and sunshine over cold and snow anytime. Besides, there had been plenty of decorations at home for the wedding. Tony apologized for not having a gift for her on Christmas morning. She told him it made her happy. He had given her too many gifts; besides, the honeymoon was her gift and she loved it. She repeatedly explained that she didn’t care about monetary things. The more she protested the more Tony pointed out the advantages. He wanted her to realize she had it all and the ability to get anything else. The world was hers for the asking.
    The tropical climate was well known for its fruit, and the chefs had it available at all times. There were papayas, pineapples, bananas, avocados, pears, mangoes, and limes. They prepared them in salads, side dishes, entrees, and constantly available fresh. Together they learned how incredibly sensual fruit could be.
    Tony would tease Claire’s lips with the sweet aromatic juice of a freshly cut pineapple or papaya. Gently placing it on her tongue, she would close her lips to suck the juice from his fingertips. Often as the fragrant fruit passed her lips, the juices dripped down her chin, where Tony would attempt to remove the sugary nectar with his tongue. At times he’d accidentally drop the sticky fruit and it would fall on Claire’s breasts or stomach. He’d then eat it directly from her bare skin. The result was sultry and exhilarating. The outdoor shower was an excellent steamy setting to wash away the tacky, clammy sweet liquids. However, it always began a new adventure.
    On more than one occasion he tested her endurance. His encouragement was always gentle, affectionate, and sensual. At times his physical touch caused such erotic convulsions that she felt she would never experience such a high again. And then she would. Claire contemplated Emily’s question the night before her wedding. If he was this unquenchable at forty-five, she shuddered to think what he would have been like at twenty-five.
    He mentioned on multiple occasions that he was thrilled to have Claire as his wife, but with this title came responsibility. She had done well most of the time in the past. Now it’s different. She’s no longer an enigma, no longer a rumor, she was Mrs. Anthony Rawlings. Her actions, words, and appearance reflect directly upon him. He loved her and wanted her as happy as she was here in paradise, but the real world was coming. He wanted her prepared.
    For ten days of complete togetherness, no possible threat of the outside world, chance of public failure, opportunity for breaking rules, and risk of negative consequences, Claire enjoyed the chocolate hue of Tony’s eyes. She could give herself and keep him satisfied. She found a place of contentment with her situation and happiness in her decisions.
    Sometimes while lounging she would think about the out Tony offered in Central Park. She wondered would she have been happier? Where would she be? And the biggest unanswered question, would he really have let her go? Then she would open her eyes and see a lush tropical paradise, incredibly handsome generous husband, and recognize that her decisions led her to this consequence. She could live with that.
    Thursday afternoon, December 30, Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings rejoined Eric at Tony’s plane in Nadi. This time they traveled back in time, arriving back in Iowa City Thursday night. Glistening under a blanket of white snow, the house looked regal as they approached. The decorations were gone, but the houselights shone upon the brick and river stone facade. It was magnificent and welcoming. Paradise had been just that, but now they were home.

 
There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart.
—Charles Dickens
     Chapter 32
    Samuel believed it a farce, the nightly meal with everyone present, his parents, wife, and son. Yes, they lived in the same house, but the formal meals seemed overkill. It reminded him of the TV show Dallas with Nathaniel reigning as omnipotent patriarch.
    Amanda looked to her husband as the dinner concluded. Samuel leaned over and affectionately kissed his wife’s cheek. “I need to speak to my father for a few minutes. I’ll be upstairs in a little while.”
    She smiled. “All right. I’ll be waiting.” But her eyes questioned her husband.
    “I won’t be long.” Then whispering, “I’ll fill you in later, I promise.” Amanda’s eyes smiled as