After the helicopter tour they spent a few hours hiking the trails that took them directly into volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforest, and a petroglyph. She read about them but to be in a volcanic tube exhilarated her. Another Big Island activity Tony insisted they complete was to walk on the Black Sand Beach. Claire didn’t think she would like black sand, sand, after all, is supposed to be white, but it was unusual and magnificent. Removing their shoes, Claire felt the warmth of the black sand under her feet. She’d expected it to be hot. Actually, she’d experienced hotter white sand in Florida, another unpredictable conclusion.

Christmas day they spent on Lanai in their suite. Claire was prepared for the holiday this year. She had a gift for Tony, an exquisite d. Freemont Swiss watch which she’d purchased on Rodeo Drive in October. If he had seen the bill he hadn’t said a thing. On Christmas morning he acted surprised and delighted. Claire knew how he appreciated punctuality.

Also planning ahead, Tony had a gift for Claire. However, his gift wasn’t as extravagant. Actually, it was very basic and left her speechless. He placed it in a slightly larger black velvet box, the kind that might contain a necklace. At first, she thought he forgot, but his grin indicated a scheme. “It isn’t jewelry, so I thought I could use a black box, but if you don’t want it . . .” He started to take the box back.

Smiling, she said, “No, I want it.” She pulled the box toward her, her curiosity getting the better of her. She lifted the lid to reveal a basic calling and texting only cellular telephone. Previously, she opened velvet boxes to lavish diamonds and gold that didn’t move her like this inexpensive cellular phone.

Watching her emerald eyes glisten Tony decided the accompanying lecture could wait. Claire felt like she received the milestone of liberties. It was a wonderful Christmas. That night, lying on the daybed under the stars, they listened to the sound of waves in the distance. Completely relaxed, spooning against her husband, Claire’s mind went back to a snowy afternoon in Tony’s suite. That afternoon she made requests. She also made a request as they lay upon a rug in Lake Tahoe. Tonight, she realized, they’d all been granted. As her mind started to slip into sleep, she heard Tony say, “Merry Christmas, my love.” She hugged his strong arms. “What are you thinking?”

Claire turned her face toward his. “I was thinking that I have everything, everything I asked for. Thank you.” She kissed his lips. “I love you.” And drifted off to sleep.

They arrived back at Iowa on December 28. Snow blanketed the estate and the decorations glistened. Tony had a meeting in Chicago on the twenty-ninth. Worn-out from their trip, Claire decided to stay home. She told Tony she would try to appreciate the Midwest winter until he returned.

  Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change

yourlifeforever. —Keri Russell

 Chapter 46

Tony’s lecture regarding his gift came on the plane ride home. It started as operational instructions. Claire considered this futile. She received her first cell phone in middle school and knew how to dial a number, answer a call, send a text message and receive one. However, his lesson did contain useful information. Her telephone linked to his computer and iPhone. If she received a call or text, he received a notification. If she sent a text or made a call, he received a notification. He even had an application that allowed him to access telephone numbers and the entire content of text messages. Claire told herself to compartmentalize. She now had a cell phone.

He instructed her to only answer calls from numbers programmed into her phone with an asterisk. Examples: *Tony Cellular, *Home Private, *Eric. There were other numbers programmed into her phone: Emily cell, John V. Cell, Vandersol home, Courtney S., MaryAnn F., etc. They could leave voice mails or texts. Together they would listen or read and decide responses. Claire obediently listened and sighed, thinking, This is ridiculous!

“You asked for me to be able to contact you directly. This will accomplish what you asked.”

She pressed her lips together and thought, He is right. I did and it will. I want more! Deciding to capitalize on the Christmas spirit, she pushed, “Maybe I could at least text Courtney and Sue back immediately. I mean, after all, didn’t you say you can read the texts in real time from your iPhone?” Her husband made a fortune with the Internet, he had technology that would allow him to watch, listen, and monitor her every move. She knew that.

He contemplated his answer. “We will start with my rules. After a time, we can revisit them.” She submitted. He hadn’t closed the subject. It was a minor victory or a minor defeat. Either way, it wasn’t the end of the war.

They celebrated New Year’s Eve at their home with friends: the Simmonses, their son Caleb and his fiancée Julia, Tim and a six-month pregnant Sue, and Tom and Beverly. They all had a wonderful time. They spent most of the evening in the lower level, playing cards and pool, drinking champagne, talking, and laughing.

Courtney couldn’t contain her enthusiasm regarding their son’s engagement. Julia appeared overwhelmed by her overly zealous future mother-in-law. Claire couldn’t help herself. She offered Julia some advice, “Smile and give in. It makes life a lot easier.” They hadn’t set a date yet. Courtney told Claire she may have more charitable responsibilities this year. She planned on helping Julia as much as possible with the wedding. Claire read Julia’s expression and whispered in her ear, “I promise to talk to her later.”

Julia smiled. “Thank you.”

Tim and Sue’s baby was due March 20. All the women “oowwd” and “ahhhed” at her growing midsection. It made Claire think, they’d never discussed children. About six months before she met Tony, she had the birth control insert implanted. In hindsight, that’d been fortuitous. However, considering Tony’s age, maybe this was a subject they should discuss.

Together they all welcomed the New Year with enthusiasm. “To another great year for everyone and for Rawlings Industries.” Everyone tapped glasses.

Claire and Tony both told the Simmonses how fantastic Fiji will be. Claire added, “We can’t wait to hear all about it.” Then she smiled. “Well, not all.”

Courtney blushed. Tony embraced Claire, she had filled him in on her packing advice, and they kissed. Feeling left out, Brent looked at Courtney questionably. She grinned, “I will explain later.” That made them giggle some more. The year began with a bang.

Although Tony contacted Claire directly each evening, she didn’t feel like she’d gained any liberties regarding communication. Emily had her number and would leave text messages and voice mails. Claire could read them or listen to them, but she couldn’t respond until Tony’s input was added. She learned that deleting texts or voice mails was strictly forbidden, it implied hiding. She didn’t ask, but wondered why. If Tony had access to every text why did he need to see it on her phone before she deleted it?

The Simmonses left for Fiji, and Tony missed Brent. Claire found it amusing. He would never admit Brent’s full worth, yet his absence left Tony lacking. She planned to share this secret knowledge upon their return.

Courtney asked Claire to fill in with her multiple charities during her absence. Being January, the heart of her winter blues, Claire happily agreed to the additional tasks. Unfortunately, Claire agreed to help Courtney without first conferring with Tony. “I agree they are admirable charities. I don’t think you need to be gone that much.”