Thinking out loud, she said, “So if I decided I was tired of shopping for clothes and wanted to shop for companies, I could go to Pennsylvania, offer them a little more than your low-ball bid, and keep the company going, assuming the employees are hardworking, loyal, and want to keep the doors open.” She smiled as she spoke.

Smiling in return, he said, “Well, yes, Mrs. Rawlings, I know you have the capital. However, if you use my bid as a baseline, you will end up arrested for insider trading. You cannot make an offer based on the offer of a competitor unless it has been made public. Mine has not.”

With nothing more than concern in her voice, she asked, “How can you make a deal without considering the people and lives it affects?”

“It is called business. It is how we have what we have and will have much more.” He wasn’t gloating or harsh, just stating facts. “Closing that business is my concern, the people are not. If my bid is accepted, their presence is no longer needed.”

“So there are times that innocent people reap the consequences of others due to no fault of their own.” Claire spoke from experience yet now seeing the principle from a different perspective.

“Yes. It happens all the time.”

“All right, tell me about our situation. You were comparing the two. You were saying my actions have no effect on the outcome of this afternoon so not to worry about it?”

“No. I said not to worry about it. Your actions have already had a great effect on this afternoon.”

Claire saw his eyes, brown and genuine. She wanted more information. “Please, Mr. Rawlings, tell me what I have done to affect this afternoon.”

He sighed. “Claire, why are we going to Newburgh?”

“To see Emily and John.”

“That isn’t the entire answer.” He waited.

“We are going because of me?”

“Of course, do you on any level believe this is my first choice of a Saturday afternoon activity?”

She knew it was not. “But it was your suggestion. We wouldn’t be going if you hadn’t allowed it.”

“You are right. But we are going because you want to. We are going because you have patiently accepted every challenge, every test, and every ordeal that has come your way. And for the record, not all have been my doing, merely a byproduct of being Mrs. Rawlings. Apparently, it can be a difficult role.” She knew that too and smiled. He continued, “You have not just accepted, you have conquered.”

She didn’t know what to say. He complimented her regularly but she never knew his sincerity. He reached out and squeezed her hand. “You have exceeded any and every preconceived idea I have ever had about you. The one limitation that has been placed on you that I recognize has caused you anguish is your sister. Truly I have no ill feelings toward Emily. She can be excessively inquisitive, but you two share a bond.” He watched her eyes. “I told you months ago I would try to be a better husband. I have spent most of my life only concerned about myself. I am truly trying, even if it does not always appear so.”

She prayed that her smile radiated into her eyes but she could feel the moisture too. “Tony, I love you. I know you are trying. I am contented with the strides you’ve made. That doesn’t mean I don’t hope for more. That may make me ungrateful, but I do. I think you’re amazing. That is why I want you, Emily, John, and I to be a family. I want them to know the remarkable man I married.” She kissed him and he kissed her too. She still wasn’t confident in the outcome of their family reunion but her expectations had improved, as did the feeling in her head, the ache subsided.

When they arrived, Emily and John were already seated at a private table with a wonderful view of the Hudson River. They greeted one another with hugs and handshakes. Tony watched as Claire’s eyes sparkled when she talked with her family. Tony was civil, refined, and mannerly. To the unknowing observer he may have even seemed cordial and friendly. Claire was glad John and Emily qualified as unknowing. He was a master at appearances and was even the first to extend his hand and congratulate John on his accomplishments.

“We are still sorry you didn’t decide to join us at Rawlings Industries. I believe that despite what your sister-in-law said, you would have been a real asset.”

Claire smiled and shook her head at John. “I didn’t say a word. I was as shocked as you when I learned of the offer. Tony and Tom did their homework. But we definitely respect your decision and are thrilled with your success.”

John respectfully thanked them both. The job offer was a huge compliment and he is honored. He also accepted their congratulations on the result of his trial, but as far as partnership nothing was currently set. He added, “The jury is still out.”

Tony’s comment pleased Claire. It cleared the air, allowing her to breathe easier. The four of them had a nice dinner. Claire told her sister and brother-in-law about their upcoming trip to Europe.

Emily said she had spent a long weekend in Fishers, Indiana, visiting some old friends. She named a few and told Claire how they all sent her their best. The mention of her past life darkened Tony’s eyes a few shades. Claire didn’t pursue the subject, only smiling and nodding acceptably. Emily also commented on Claire’s hair, did she like it so blonde? Of course, it looked beautiful. Emily actually said that she looked stunning but so different. Some of their old friends asked if it was really her in the pictures, the name was right, she just didn’t look the same. Claire wondered if that meant she wasn’t stunning before.

Claire asked how they liked the wedding pictures she sent. They both said they liked them very much. Emily even said she had gotten some new dresses to wear with her wedding shoes. She’s never had shoes like those before and planned to get Anthony’s money’s worth out of them. Tony smiled at Claire and commented on how nice that would be if she tried to wear some of her shoes a second time. They all laughed. The mood was jovial. The dinner tasted delicious, and catching up was fun.

In the car on their way back to Manhattan Claire told Tony, “Thank you, but I am glad that’s done. It’s too much stress for me. Besides, I’m too excited about our trip!”

His eyes lightened again. If that night needed to qualify as a type of consequence Claire would call it positive. The next day, they flew east across the Atlantic.

  Believe that life is worth living and your belief

willhelpcreatethefact. —William James

 Chapter 40

In Paris, Tony booked their suite—more like an apartment—in the Second Arrondissement located in the heart of Paris. Many of the major attractions Claire wanted to visit were within walking distance. Tony gave her complete freedom to roam the city while he was in his meetings. At first, she worried about the language barrier; after all, he spoke French like a native. However, unlike the rumors she’d heard, as long as she attempted to speak their language, the French were polite and fluent in English.

She did her best to frequent the shops along Rue de Faubourgs Saint Honoré, but she found the styles too bold for her liking. After his business was complete, they experienced Paris together. They took romantic walks along the Seine and in the Tuileries Gardens. They also dined on amazing cuisine. The cultural differences fascinated her. Dinner didn’t begin until 8:30 p.m.; but earlier than that, they could experience l’apéritif (from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.), where cafés and bistros offered their best cocktails or wine by the glass. Tony’s understanding of the French was not limited to their language. He was also well versed in their wines. Apparently, the French consider wine to be an adjunct to each meal and snack. It reminded Claire of college.