Convicted (Consequences)

As long as she wanted it—they would all continue to eat their midday meal together.
    The day after Tony’s revelation, as their lunch was about to conclude, Claire asked Francis a question, “I remember you telling me you’re ordained. Does that mean you can legally marry two people?”
    Claire ignored Tony’s wide-eyed micro expression as Francis answered, “Oui, Madame el, here in this island nation I am, as you say—licensed.”
    She clarified, “What does that mean in the United States? Would we still be married?”
    “Oui, after you file for your license.”
    Tony couldn’t remain silent any longer. “Claire, my offer still stands, but you had things you wanted to discuss, so perhaps we should...”
    Claire reached into the pocket of the lace cover up. Her fingers found an offering that only he would recognize. She gathered it into her fist, and extended her closed fist to Tony. “I have something for you.”
    His eyebrows knit together in question as he trepidatiously opened his hand. Although there were very few secrets on a private island, as Claire released the offering with one hand, she closed his fingers around it with her other. In a low voice and with a smile that radiated to her emerald green eyes, she whispered, “I trust you.”
    Tony nonchalantly glanced into his hand. Claire wasn’t the only one to see the spark in his dark chocolate eyes.
    “Monsieur, this is your wish?” Madeline’s question pulled Tony’s gaze away from Claire’s.
    “Oui, Madeline—it is my wish. I wanted to be sure it was Claire’s.”
    Straightening her neck, Claire said, “Well, just so we’re all clear—I’m not the one who filed for divorce.” Tony momentarily bowed his head. What could he say? Before he returned his gaze to Claire, she worried that she’d said something she shouldn’t.
    Her concern melted with his upturned lips and evaporated into nothingness with his words. “I admit it wasn’t the first mistake I’ve ever made; however, it is the one I regret the most.”
    “Tonight?” Madeline asked as her volume increased. “May we have the wedding tonight?”
    Claire giggled. “Tonight is very fast. I don’t have a dress—”
    Madeline interjected, “Madame el, a wedding isn’t about a dress. A wedding is about the unification of two souls”—she paused—“In your case—the reunification.”
    Tony corrected, “Reconciliation.”
    Claire reached for his hand. “I believe that began a while ago—at a gala—in a faraway land.”
    “I believe it happened before that,” Tony said. “Perhaps in a dream?”
    Claire couldn’t help but smile. She knew from experience it radiated to her green eyes.
    It was Francis who brought the two of them back from their personal memories. “I’ll go into town right away. Your marriage will be legal here, once you sign. As for legalizing it in the U.S., I’ll help you.”
    It was enough for Claire. She scooted her chair by Tony’s and laid her head against his shoulder. Soon after, they were alone as Madeline and Francis had much to accomplish to fulfill Claire’s request. It was then that Tony handed Claire back her sleeping mask and asked, “What happened? Why are you suddenly in a rush?”
    “Are you complaining?”
    He placed his hand on her leg. “No—concerned.”
    Claire lifted her eyebrows. Tony sighed and took her hand. “Come with me.”
    She didn’t question; instead, she willingly followed Tony out to a lounge chair in a shady, yet breezy part of the lanai. “First,” he said, “you need to put your feet up. Second, we need to talk.”
    Claire obediently sat, laying her legs out in front of her. When Tony perched himself on the edge of her chair, Claire reached forward, framed his face with her petite hands, and brought his lips to hers. So many things can be said through a kiss. Some people kiss hello or goodbye . A kiss can be happy, sad, passionate, or regretful. The emotion Claire tried to convey was forgiveness . When their lips parted and their eyes met, Claire replied, “I love you. There are probably millions of reasons why I shouldn’t—but I do. I’ve been without you”—she blushed—“since my dream, and I don’t like it. I’ve felt every possible emotion while with you. You asked me to be Mrs. Rawlings—again—you said our child isn’t a Nichols or a Rawls—but a Rawlings”—she straightened her neck and squared her shoulders—“I want that.”
    “I want that too.” Taking her