Everyone congregated in the grand hall by six fifteen. This group of friends respected Tony’s affection for punctuality. Claire waited for Tony in her suite. He wanted to make an entrance with his fiancée. “Ms. Nichols, you are stunning this evening.” Just before entering the hall, he beamed and whispered, “Tomorrow at this time you will be Mrs. Anthony Rawlings.”

She kissed her fiancé and smiled. “I can’t wait.”

There was a brief discussion by the head of security about some issues for the wedding. In an attempt to limit pictures, all cell phones, iPods, cameras, and any recording equipment, visual or audio, would be confiscated at the door. They would be returned on leaving the ceremony. The only recording of the wedding would be done by the hired photographer and cinematographer. Those photos would be reviewed by Shelly prior to release. However, as Tony and Claire’s personal friends, the head of security asked them to be observant, and if they noticed any prohibited recording notify security personal immediately. They would be everywhere. Claire felt like she was back stage at a rock concert.

The minister took a few minutes to discuss the important meaning of marriage and its significance. “Many people enter into marriage in this day and age without the understanding of eternity. When two individuals are joined in the sight of God, those two become one. They are one for eternity.” Tony and Claire looked at each other. She was in awe. How did she end up in the grand foyer of Anthony Rawlings’s estate, holding his hand, looking into his chocolate eyes, and listening to a minister talk about their marriage? The minister continued, “And after speaking with Anthony and Claire, I believe they are fully aware of the commitment which they are about to make, a commitment to God, to friends and family, and to each other. So to you, the intimate group of friends that Anthony and Claire have chosen to 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 wouldn’t spoil Tony’s surprise.

The dinner party began to wind down about ten thirty, at which time the gentlemen announced that it was time to celebrate Tony’s last night of freedom. They headed to the lower level for cognac, cigars, and some serious poker. Tony should be prepared to lose more than his freedom. He would be losing some serious money during their tournament. “Ladies do not wait up.”

It was MaryAnn who said they would be doing their own celebrating with Claire, back at Claire’s house. Catherine had martinis waiting at the indoor pool and hot tub. Her driver was taking them all back to the estate.

Tony and Claire kissed good night and were told that they couldn’t see each other again until the ceremony. While getting their coats, Emily whispered to Claire, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. You really do have a life and wonderful friends.” Claire hugged her sister.

The ladies all went back to the estate, put on bathing suits, and partied in the hot tub. Claire decided that Courtney and MaryAnn were teenagers in adult bodies. Tony worried so much about appearances, yet watching these two reputable women dance and sing in their bathing suits Claire believed that a little cutting loose was acceptable. Just because she believed it didn’t mean she felt comfortable enough to do it. The reason her bachelorette party was at her house wasn’t lost on her. She didn’t want Tony watching her dance and sing inappropriately when he reviewed his surveillance. She enjoyed watching and sipping her drink.