After the boutique Courtney told Eric they were going to the Astor Court at the St. Regis Hotel, one of the top New York tea rooms, for lunch. She also told him he didn’t need to worry about picking them up until after three. They had some shopping to do. Claire tried to argue. She didn’t want to discuss her uneasiness, but she knew she’d only received permission for her gown fitting, not shopping. Courtney wouldn’t discuss it, Claire felt increasingly ill.

Once they arrived at the tea room, Courtney sensed Claire’s discomfort. She didn’t question Claire, she just casually mentioned, “Tony and I agreed when we spoke the other night that you need a new dress for the wedding rehearsal. And this afternoon would be a great time to find one.” Claire relaxed. She wished he had said something, but if he knew about it she felt better.

Without saying all of that to Courtney, she smiled and said, “Well, all right then, let’s have some lunch and find the best rehearsal dress in the city!” She’d shopped many times with her credit card, but shopping with a friend and her credit card was much better. Courtney helped her find a beautiful red Valentino cotton tweed dress with an asymmetrical bow. The V neck would show off her journey necklace, and of course she needed new shoes for her new dress. The Salvatore Ferragamo leather peep-toe pumps were a perfect complement. Not only did she look stunning, but the color was also perfect for the whole Christmas theme. Claire enjoyed shopping with someone who seemed comfortable with the higher-end purchases.

The rehearsal would be at Tony and Claire’s house, but Courtney insisted that the rehearsal dinner be at her and Brent’s house. After all, it was the groom’s parents’ responsibility, and they were Tony’s oldest and dearest friends. They would be honored to host this special event. Claire thanked her for her kindness, and told her that she would talk to Tony and get back to her as soon as possible.

When Claire returned home that night she was relieved that she arrived before Tony. When seven o’clock came and he arrived for dinner, she found herself nervous about the additional shopping and luncheon. He didn’t alleviate her unease when he asked about her day. How did she like her dress? Oh, she liked it very much, and Courtney liked it too. Did they come right back to Iowa after the boutique?

Claire hesitated and watched Tony. His expression didn’t reveal any knowledge of her activities. She suddenly worried that Courtney told her it was okay just to pacify her. She put on her mask, bit her lip, and casually continued, “Oh no, we didn’t. Courtney had prearranged with you,” she added, “to make a day of it.”

While Claire answered Tony looked at his plate, then moved only his eyes to Claire. “Excuse me?”

Her heart raced. “Why didn’t you tell me you had arranged for us to shop for my rehearsal dress?” He smiled. Apparently, Courtney drove a hard bargain, he couldn’t resist.

They scheduled their final visit to the boutique for Saturday, December 11, one week before the wedding. They planned to arrive at the boutique by ten, have a final fitting, and return at three to try on the dress again with the final alterations and bring it home to Iowa. This trip also had surprises planned. On Friday evening Tony’s iPhone rang as he and Claire ate dinner. He answered and handed Claire the phone. It was unusual for her to receive a call, and especially unusual for her to talk on a telephone without it being on speaker. “Hello? This is Claire?”

“Hi, it’s Cort.” Claire understood why Tony allowed her to talk, he trusted Courtney. Her voice comforted Claire. Courtney went on to let Claire know that Sue, MaryAnn, and Bev were joining them for New York City tomorrow. Since they had some time to spare between fittings, the women planned on taking Claire out for a bridal shower luncheon. Stunned and startled, Claire was thrilled. She hadn’t even considered a shower, after all Tony could buy anything she needed, but it was part of the wedding tradition. She told Courtney it sounded wonderful and asked if she could hold a minute. Claire hit the mute button on Tony’s phone and looked at him across the table. He watched her.

“She wants Bev, MaryAnn, and Sue to join us tomorrow.” His eyebrows rose as if needing more information. “They want to take me to lunch for a bridal luncheon.” She smiled.

“And do you want to do this?” He tormented her, making her request his permission. She knew Courtney was waiting.

“I do.” He didn’t speak. “I think it would be nice to have a shower.” Still no response. “May we have the shower?” He smiled and nodded. She excitedly hit the mute button, “Courtney, I think that sounds wonderful. Will we all meet at the airport or do they need to be picked up?” When she hung up she thanked Tony. This was wonderful and unexpected. She handed him back his phone.

The plane ride was joyous with talk of the wedding and excitement over Claire’s dress. The merriment continued when she exited the fitting room as all the ladies went crazy about the dress and how beautiful Claire looked. A few minute alternations needed to be completed. Eric hadn’t been available to join them on their excursion, so they traveled by taxi. Claire liked that. Having all of them pile into one cab reminded her of her past life.

At noon they arrived at King’s Carriage House, a wonderfully quaint English-style restaurant located in a brownstone on the Upper East Side. They had reservations and were taken to the second level, where the walls were painted a deep rich red and large chandeliers glowed. The intimate tables were richly arranged, very girlie. It exuded the shower feeling and alone would have thrilled Claire, but the real surprise was seeing Emily sitting at their table. She ran to hug her and asked how she knew. She explained that Claire’s good friend Courtney planned the entire thing. When Claire hugged Courtney, Courtney whispered in Claire’s ear, “Tony gave me her number.” Claire had a marvelous afternoon!

After the luncheon Emily accompanied them back to the boutique, where they all saw her in her matron-of-honor’s dress. She was surprised by Claire’s gift of a pair of black Jimmy Choo satin pumps with a jewel bow. They were perfect for the dress and the wedding. However, it was as Claire came out of the dressing room in the wedding gown one last time, completely altered and ready, that everyone, even Ms. Springhill, applauded. Claire was elated with the final result. She felt so pretty.

The five ladies flew back to Iowa with Claire’s gown, shoes, undergarments, including slip and veil. Emily would arrive on Wednesday evening. It was a great afternoon and they ended it with a bottle of champagne and some snacks on the plane home.

When Tony entered the suite that evening, she sprung up and encircled his neck with her arms. “You are awful!” And she kissed him hard.

Surprised, he replied, “Okay, remind me to be awful more often. What did I do?”

“Only assist in giving me the best bridal luncheon ever, which included my sister!” He looked at her. She quickly replied, “Oh, don’t start. Courtney told me that you were the one who gave her Emily’s number. You, who acted like you didn’t know anything about others joining us. You’re really rotten. And I love you more every day.” She kissed him again. He grinned and returned the kiss.

He asked to see her dress. She told him, “No.” He expressed astonishment at her denial. “You can’t see it until next Saturday.” He conceded to see what she would wear under her dress.

Claire grinned. They were alone in her suite. Seductively she began to unbutton her blouse, one button at a time. Tony didn’t mind the consolation prize, at all.

  Love one another, but make not a bond of love,