Текст книги "Consequences"
Автор книги: Aleatha Romig
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Текущая страница: 21 (всего у книги 36 страниц)
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.
Late into the night the subject of sex came up. It was Emily who after consuming a few too many martinis asked Claire, “Are you really okay with marrying a man so much older? What if he can’t keep up?” Claire smiled bashfully and said she didn’t think that was a problem. She tried desperately to change the subject.
Emily slept that night in Claire’s suite. John returned to the estate after staying at the Simmonses’ home with the men for the bachelor party activities. He slept in their room, but Claire and Emily wanted some sister time. It was like being little girls again. They giggled until early morning. At almost eleven Catherine came into the suite and woke them. She brought lots of coffee and breakfast. After they each showered the parade of pampering began.
The forecast was correct. The sky was a brilliant sapphire blue with reflective colorless snow covering everything. The grounds crew diligently worked to clear the drive and plenty of parking spaces. The temperature was cold, in the midtwenties, yet the sun shone all day. Claire didn’t want to risk seeing Tony and chance bad luck. Therefore, she didn’t leave the suite until it was her time to walk down the aisle.
They received a massage, manicure, and facials. While the beauticians worked tirelessly on their hair, Catherine brought them more food. Claire said she was too excited to eat. Catherine wouldn’t listen. “Ms. Claire, I will not be responsible for you fainting during the ceremony. You must eat.” Emily smiled, happy that Claire had Catherine to take care of her.
By four thirty Catherine, Courtney, and Emily began to help Claire get into her dress. First was the long full slip that provided the fullness necessary for the satin gown. The gown then went over the slip. The bodice was fitted and altered to perfection for Claire’s slim, petite figure. The dress was strapless. However, the accessory that had persuaded Claire to choose this dress was the intricate lace overlay that created transparent three-quarter-length sleeves and a long train. The lace of the veil complemented the overlay. The beautician created a sweeping hairstyle that made the perfect niche for the veil to be attached.
The lace overlay created an off-the-shoulder look that truly didn’t need jewelry. However, Emily had brought a string of pearls. They belonged to Shirley, Emily and Claire’s mother. She wore them in her wedding to their father, as had Emily when she wed John. It was the old and the borrowed of the wedding tradition. After Claire dressed, the photographer entered her suite to take some special photos of her and her ladies. She wore a blue garter and supposed her dress was new.
Prior to the ceremony there was a knock at her door. Courtney went to the door. “Tony, you are incredibly handsome but you cannot be here.” The first thought that ran through Claire’s mind was Tony knocked. He never knocked on her door.
She heard his voice and every nerve in her body electrified, realizing that she would really be his wife. “I have a special gift for Claire, it is her something new. Please be sure to tell her that the box is blue velvet on purpose.” Courtney looked quizzically at Tony. “She will understand, I promise.” Claire smiled, thinking, I really do love him!
Somehow he knew that she would wear pearls. Perhaps he’d expected her grandmother’s necklace; nonetheless, she opened the blue velvet box to beautiful dangling pearl earrings hanging from platinum earclips covered in small sparkling diamonds. With her hair style and the veil, the earrings were perfect. The ladies in her suite went crazy. The consensus was that the earrings were perfect and so was Tony. At that moment, Claire believed so too. She wanted to believe it, with all her heart. And her heart did, but it was her mind that held too many memories, ones that had been compartmentalized away—away, not gone.
It wasn’t for lack of trying.
When Brad knocked on the door of her suite, Catherine and Courtney hugged her and sped off to their seats. Claire looked at herself one last time in the full-length mirror. She liked what she saw, and prayed that Tony would too. She and Emily proceeded down the hall to the main stairs. She could hear the music from the quartet.
They heard a rumbling of whispers. Suddenly, she thought about the guests. Who were they? She really didn’t know any of them. She’d heard names and some she recognized. Some were political figures, some were business people she’d met at benefits, and some were names she’d heard in the media. Then she remembered their friends, the people that had made last night incredibly memorable. Their friends were the people that supported both of them, and were not solely present because of Anthony Rawlings. It was the others, the ones that she didn’t know, that scared her. She felt like they were all judging her. She wanted to be perfect for those people so Tony would be proud. The multiple acetaminophen were helping to keep the headache at bay.
Brad listened to the piece in his ear, waiting for the deviation in the music. The hum of voices disappeared. She couldn’t see the guests or the men exiting Tony’s office, but Claire knew that was what was happening. Emily kissed John and Claire before she descended the stairs. John took Claire’s arm, kissed her cheek, and said, “I will not disrupt your day. You look amazing, and I want you to know how much I love you. You aren’t my sister-in-law, you are my little sister. Please remember you can always count on Emily and me.” He squeezed her hand. “Just always know you are loved.” Claire kissed his cheek and thanked him. Brad gave them the signal, and they started down the stairs. When John was asked who gives this woman to be wed, he replied, “With great love and admiration, her sister and I.”
The next thirty-five minutes passed as if a dream. Claire saw faces. She saw the smiles of her new friends and of her sister, but what she noted above all was Anthony Rawlings. When she reached the aisle and beheld him, he was watching her and waiting. He had eyes only for her. He stood incredibly handsomely in front of the guests, hands resting casually at his sides, shoulders broad, impeccable Armani custom tuxedo, a gratified smile, and eyes that though encircled in chestnut brown still absorbed light.
Standing next to him in front of everyone, she felt drawn into the darkness searching for light and warmth. His eyes sparkled, and she felt weak. Internally, she was saying, “I am marrying him. He is marrying me. I am now his wife.” She knew that there would be a contract that the world would now recognize. He owned her. There was nothing she could do about it. He gave her one chance to escape, and she didn’t take it. She made a decision, and that decision would have consequences. Now the world watched, and public failure wasn’t an option. The world was seeing the most amazing wedding that money could buy, with a stunning woman happily marrying a handsome man. In contrast, Claire suddenly saw a napkin with signatures. She knew too well appearances meant everything.
She compartmentalized the flood of thoughts and emotions that beseeched her mind. She smiled lovingly, answered the minister obediently, and behaved appropriately. The kiss at the conclusion of the ceremony was romantic, and the minister’s announcement of “Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Rawlings” was met with loud applause. Everything appeared perfect.
The reception was an equally flawless exhibition. Brad and Monica had thought of everything, the ambiance was romantic, with impeccable decorations. Claire and Tony dutifully greeted each guest and thanked them for attending their special day.
Throughout the entire evening Tony was wonderful. He told her that he loved her. He told her how beautiful she was, how honored he was to have her as his wife, and how he couldn’t wait for the reception to be over so he could show her. Under it all, Claire continued to have an uneasy feeling. She worked diligently to keep it buried under layers of makeup, hairspray, crinoline, slips, satin, lace, pearls, and pretense.
Everyone enjoyed themselves. Claire even saw John and Emily laughing with Tom and Bev. Once the first course was served Brent stood, lifted a glass of champagne, and offered a toast to the newlyweds. “May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen? I want to take this opportunity to welcome Claire Rawlings to our world. Claire, Tony has been my friend, my confidante, and my boss,” the crowd giggled, “for a very long time. I have watched him as he has succeed in business and failed in love,” another snicker, “but recently Courtney and I have watched as Tony has experienced success in the area of love. Claire, when you are present his smile is brighter and his eyes have a spark. Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but sometimes Tony’s eyes can seem dark. That isn’t the case when he is with you. You are the light of his life. You have given Tony the part of his life that was missing. And as we look around, it is obvious that not a lot was missing.” There were smiles and agreement all around. “Now with you by his side, I believe my good friend is truly a man who has everything. Thank you, Claire. We are so happy to welcome you and we look forward to an eternity of a happier Tony Rawlings.” This precluded a standing ovation, lifting of glasses, and claps of agreement.
After they cut the cake and gently fed each other a bite, Claire chocolate and Tony white, the conductor fired up the jazz band. The music resonated soulfully, rhythmical and lively. The lights of the tent dimmed and the dance floor glittered with intensified brilliance. Tony led Claire onto the dance floor and they walked hand in hand. His eyes, the shade of melted chocolate, beheld his beautiful new wife. He regarded her with complete love and adoration. Suddenly, her doubts and fears faded away. He had the most amazing ability to dissolve her heart and soul. Gallantly he took her hand in his, encircled her small waist with his strong, powerful, yet tender embrace. Her body immediately molded to his. They moved in sync. He turned, twirled, and spun her around the floor. The bustled wedding gown swayed to his slightest inclination. They had only danced together a few times, but their bodies had moved together on numerous occasions. She became lost in his eyes, and without thought or consciousness he had complete control and dominance over every aspect of her being and every movement of her body. With each crescendo of the music Claire’s heartbeat accelerated. The guests surrounded the dance floor to watch the newlyweds waltz. Tony tall and dark, Claire petite and light, their contrast intensified the beauty and sensuality of the moment. It wasn’t until the music reached its final fermata that Claire noticed the gathered crowd. Up until that moment, her brilliant emerald green eyes could only see her husband. He gently kissed his bride, and the guests applauded. Claire blushed and smiled.
The band began again, and Tony charmingly bowed and asked Emily to dance. John nodded to Emily and extended his hand to Claire. Whispering in Claire’s ear, John said, “You are beautiful in love.” The four of them danced for a few minutes until the MC asked the guests to join them. Suddenly, the floor burst with couples.
Sometime after eleven Claire and Tony, no longer in their wedding attire, kissed their friends and family goodbye and said adieu to the others. They left to begin their honeymoon adventure. Once again, Claire was being led by Tony to an unknown destination.
After their flight reached its cruising altitude Tony began to seduce his wife. He caressed, kissed, and tantalized her. He told her in a raspy, sensual tone he loved her, how amazing she had been and she was. He also told her what she already knew. “Mrs. Rawlings, you are now mine, completely. You belong to me.”
Tomorrow is a mystery. Yesterday is history. Live today,
it’sagift,that’swhytheycallit“present.” —Unknown
Chapter 31
Claire awoke to the sensation of their plane decelerating on a runway. She’d been somewhere in a dream as her body lay upon the leather sofa wrapped in the soft cocoon of a luxurious blanket. The sudden increased roar of engines combined with the screech of brakes transported her to the present. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been asleep or if they’d reached their mysterious honeymoon destination. But she remembered the excitement in Tony’s eyes as he talked about their romantic journey. Willingly, she continued to allow herself to be taken to places unknown.
Looking down at her left hand, she saw the familiar engagement ring now with its new mate. Her wedding band glistened with embedded diamonds that matched the circle around the large solitaire. They were truly beautiful. Pondering the past nine months, it boggled her mind that she was wearing such an amazing set of rings and more importantly their meaning—she was married. She was married to Anthony Rawlings.
Slowly, she turned to see her husband. His bare feet elevated as he lounged in a reclining chair. Watching him, she marveled at his relaxed pose, a stark contrast to how he usually looked when they flew. His attention was focused on the laptop resting on his long legs. Her cheeks and the tips of her lips moved upward as she noticed his jeans. They were the ones he had worn when they left the reception. It seemed they were both wearing what the other preferred—he in his jeans, and her out of hers. She snuggled into the soft blanket and closed her eyes.
The engines hummed as she felt the plane taxi toward its stop. Claire recalled the past twenty-four hours. Tony was right. Brad and Monica created the perfect ceremony and reception. She remembered the estate and decorations. Even the snow obeyed as if requisitioned to complement the final product. She thought about their friends, her family, and the guests. She recalled John’s kind words and Brent’s welcoming toast. Smiling, she remembered Tony, incredibly handsome in his tuxedo and incessantly complimentary of her and her gown. Cinderella at the ball couldn’t have felt more special. Like Prince Charming he only had eyes for his bride. That admiration continued onto the jet. Once the cockpit door closed and the lights dimmed, his devotion grew into fervent passion.
Suddenly, she realized the implication of her blanket. If they’d reached their destination she needed to dress and quickly. “Are we at our honeymoon?”
He turned from his computer and smiled. “You didn’t need to wake. You look so beautiful and peaceful.”
Keeping the blanket wrapped around her, she went to him and knelt beside his chair. “I think I was worn-out.” Her emerald eyes glowed as she put her arms around his exposed midsection. Looking into his milk chocolate eyes, feeling his warmth, and inhaling his scent, she thought to herself, He is really my husband.
Tony’s eyes met hers, then scanned toward her blanket. Smiling, he said, “It was a busy day, Mrs. Rawlings.” The Mrs. Rawlings made Claire’s eyes sparkle. He gently kissed his wife and playfully attempted to see under her blanket.
“And an eventful night, Mr. Rawlings.”
“It isn’t over. We are just stopping in LA to refuel. We have much more flying before we reach our destination.”
This made Claire think. “So are we going to Hawaii?”
“Would you like to go to Hawaii?” Claire said she would, she’d never been. He loved to make her squirm “Well, we will have to find out where we end up, won’t we?” He kissed her again.
The plane was now standing still. Eric and the pilot entered the cabin and bid hello to Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings. Apologizing for the interruption, they promised to be airborne in less than thirty minutes. Tony told them it was fine, just please do whatever was necessary as soon as possible. They had a honeymoon to get to. The two men promised they would and opened the outside door to the cabin. The rush of fresh air was no longer cold. They definitely weren’t in Iowa.
Tony placed the laptop on the floor and invited Claire to his lap. She climbed up, resting her head on his strong chest and listened to the beat of his heart as he spoke about Los Angeles. His hands tenderly explored under her blanket, gently caressing her soft skin. Had she ever been there? She said no, she’d been to northern California, San Francisco when she was young on a family vacation. She remembered going to Alcatraz. Her dad, being a policeman, thought it was neat. But she didn’t. She recalled during the tour actually going into cells. There were audiotaped voices and sounds of cell doors closing, she didn’t like it at all. He hugged her. “I promise not to plan a visit to Alcatraz in our future. How old were you when you went there?”
“I think I was twelve.” Claire looked up at his face. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, I was just wondering.” Tony went on to tell her about Eli and MaryAnn’s home in LA, actually in Malibu. He said he’ll need to bring her to one of their parties. He wasn’t much into the whole Hollywood scene, but even he had to admit Eli and MaryAnn could throw an awesome party. Eli’s guests usually included people Claire had seen in movies or on TV. Eli could be an ass, but he’s great at what he did, and there were multitudes of people that would kill to attend his parties. He described MaryAnn and Eli’s house as an architectural marvel situated on Malibu beach, hanging off a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
“I would love to see it sometime. Do you stay with them when you travel to LA?”
“No, I—I mean, we,” he smiled. “We have an apartment in Hollywood, not far from Malibu.”
Claire smirked. “Maybe sometime you could tell me how many apartments we have?”
“We have many residences. It’ll take time to familiarize you with all of them.” She couldn’t wrap her mind around the idea. She had places in Iowa, New York City, Chicago, Hollywood, and other locations. “They are not all as grand as New York and Chicago. I spend more time there.”
“Yeah, well you never saw my apartment in Atlanta. I’m pretty sure that compared to it they’re all palatial.”
Claire and Tony were talking and laughing when the door reopened. She quickly closed the blanket as the pilot announced they were ready to leave. She began to stand when Tony pulled her toward him. “Umm, don’t you think I should be in a seat belt when the plane takes off?” Reluctantly he released his hold but not before opening her blanket and grinning. Claire kissed him, moved to the other chair, situated herself, her blanket, and buckled the seat belt. Within minutes they were airborne, and she drifted to a fitful sleep.
Still at cruising altitude Claire awoke with Tony sleeping soundly in the neighboring recliner. Finding her air legs, she eased her way to the back of the cabin, which held a small shower and dressing room. From twenty thousand feet the view out the window held only blackness separated by a scattering of stars differentiating sky from sea. She found an overnight bag, undoubtedly packed by Catherine. It contained shower, hair, and cosmetic supplies, as well as a black negligee and a summer blouse with capris. She smiled. The negligee would have been nice, but Tony didn’t seem to mind the blanket.
After a quick shower and fresh clothes she felt more alert. Her watch read eight twenty, but a glance out the window told her it was still dark wherever they were. They’d been traveling over eight hours. They should be in Hawaii soon. Finishing her makeup she smiled, thinking of sunshine and beaches. She didn’t know how long they would be in Hawaii or on which island. The idea sounded wonderful and Tony enjoyed surprising her, but she wistfully thought about being involved in the planning.
Walking unsteadily back into the cabin Claire found Tony sitting at the table with his laptop and coffee. He turned to watch her enter. “Good morning, Mrs. Rawlings, you look beautiful. I wish you would have awakened me, I could have joined you in the shower.” He grinned over his cup.
“I don’t think we both would fit. Besides, you looked too peaceful.” She sipped the warm auburn liquid and allowed its robust aroma to revive her senses. Tony said they would be landing on Oahu in Honolulu in an hour. It would only be about three in the morning, but they would deplane, find some breakfast and walk around before continuing their flight. “Continuing, we aren’t staying in Hawaii?” She sounded disappointed.
“No, Hawaii is just a fuel stop, but we will need to revisit sometime for you to sightsee. It is a lovely place.” His eyes taunted. “But not as lovely as where we are going.”
“And we are going where?” Claire asked, intrigued. Tony’s eyes sparkled, the black almost completely overtaken with the soft chocolate hue. His grin mischievous, he didn’t answer. “And how much longer until we get there?”
“Mrs. Rawlings, you are very inquisitive. What if I told you that we wouldn’t reach our destination until tomorrow?”
Claire thought about that. Twenty-four more hours of flying? She realized he wasn’t talking about twenty-four hours. “Well, Mr. Rawlings, I would say it sounds like we are crossing the International Date Line.” She smiled smugly.
He looked at her with admiration, and addressed Eric, who was refilling their coffee cups. “My wife is not only beautiful, she is also incredibly intelligent.” He kissed her head as he stood. “I believe I will freshen up before we begin our descent.” With that, he disappeared behind the wall at the back of the cabin. Claire noticed his laptop open on the table. The screen was, of course, locked. A quick Google search of land west of the International Date Line would’ve been beneficial. She would just need to rely on her memory. But then she wondered if they were staying in the northern hemisphere or heading south? Sighing, she sipped her delicious coffee. She would have to wait, she didn’t have a choice.
Before they left the plane Tony told Claire to get her purse from her overnight bag. Jokingly she asked if she needed it to pay for breakfast. No. She needed her passport. “When did I get a passport?” He reminded her they’d discussed it months ago and Brent had filed the necessary paperwork. Apparently, this all happened while she was recovering from her accident. She couldn’t remember any of it, yet there it was, her picture, her signature, and her name Claire Nichols. Tony promised they would apply for a new one with her real name, Rawlings, as soon as they returned, and a new ID. He smiled. Her new credit cards had already been requested.
Hawaii was anticlimactic. She smelled the humid sea air as they descended the steps to the solid ground. The gentle tropical breeze enticed her skin. But they didn’t see anything other than the inside of the Honolulu International Airport as they searched for and found a restaurant that served breakfast.
After eating they needed to pass the TSA desk. Eric handled the inspection of the plane and bags, Tony and Claire needed to show their passports. When they were with the TSA agent she asked their destination. Claire didn’t know. Tony answered, “Fiji. Nadi, Fiji.” Claire remembered that Fiji was a group of islands, she wasn’t sure how many, in the South Pacific. As they walked back to the plane she squeezed his hand and smiled. He wasn’t pleased his surprise was spoiled, but she knew where they were going and it made her happy. They had six more hours of flight.
They landed in Nadi, Fiji at ten thirty in the morning Monday, December 20, after flying over eighteen hours. As their plane approached Nadi, Claire watched out the window, mesmerized by the turquoise water and sparkling white beaches. If Tony were upset about the TSA agent, witnessing Claire’s anticipation returned his own excitement.
Once they landed Eric loaded their luggage onto a small plane with a propeller and pontoons. He wished them an enjoyable honeymoon and promised he would be waiting when they returned. Apparently, their final destination could only be accessed by air.
Tony and Claire then took a forty-five-minute flight to a private island. Their altitude was low, allowing them to enjoy the sights: dolphins swimming, gorgeous secluded white sand beaches, palm trees, and tropical rain forest vegetation. Outside the open windows of the plane was a true paradise, an oasis away from the rest of the world. Claire had never seen anything like it, and told Tony over and over how amazing it all looked. Her childlike delight amused him. They landed on a crystal-clear aquamarine lagoon lined with a horseshoe of pristine white sand.
Waiting on the beach was their personal staff: two chefs, maid, hostess, and boat captain. Claire had become accustomed to being waited upon, but these individuals lived to please Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings. The staff gathered their luggage as they walked a winding path to their bure, a Fijian word for straw hut. The humid tropical breeze blew Claire’s hair as her sandals sank into the white sand. Holding her husband’s hand, they approached their temporary dwelling.
It was the most luxurious straw hut Claire had ever seen. Situated on a cliff above the water, they had stunning views of the ocean. First they entered a gracious living room with a cathedral thatched ceiling, woven bamboo covered walls, and polished mahogany floors. Each room of their bure contained ceiling fans as well as the possibility of air conditioning. Claire couldn’t fathom why anyone would possibly want air conditioning. There were huge bi-folding doors that opened the entire frontage to private decks overlooking the water or tropical vegetation. Each deck contained lounge furniture for relaxation. The front deck even had a private infinity pool. As they stood in the living room and looked, it appeared to extend into the lagoon and beyond into the ocean below. The staff took their luggage to the large master bedroom with a four-poster king-sized bed. Looking around, Claire found a luxuriously designed bathroom that opened to a private outdoor lava rock shower and generous soaking tub designed for two. Thankfully, surrounding the outdoor shower and tub was a lush private tropical garden.
After the tour of their temporary home, their hostess, Naiade, asked if they were ready to dine. Claire was famished. Tony informed Naiade they would be pleased to dine on the deck.
The only thing missing from their bure was technology, which was just fine with Claire. She was accustomed to the lack of connectivity. Tony, however, was relieved once he learned he had access to the Internet with his laptop. He explained that he needed to stay in contact with Tim, Brent, and others from his businesses. He reminded Claire that she only needed to stay in contact with him. Grinning, he promised to help.
She pressed herself against his body and kissed his neck. “I think I can handle it.”
Tony whispered in her ear, “Be careful, Mrs. Rawlings, we may miss our meal.”
Claire smiled. “I believe we have plenty of time for that. Right now, I am hungry!”
Apparently, they could make suggestions to their chefs at any time. Tony and Claire decided that for the next ten days seafood would be the entrée of choice. They both enjoyed trying native dishes. Naiade told them about some activity options. They had unlimited access to a boat with a private captain and could enjoy a ride to watch marine life, island hop, or snorkel. A living barrier reef was nearby. They could also kayak or hike into the jungle.
The dining deck had an amazing view of the ocean, with a wonderful sea breeze. The chefs prepared yellow fin tuna, fresh fruit, organic vegetables, and freshly baked bread. It all smelled and tasted scrumptious.
It was early afternoon locally when they finished their meal and Claire was exhausted. She’d just traveled over eighteen hours, lost an entire day crossing an imaginary line, and gotten married. It was enough to tire anyone. Tony recommended they relax in the outdoor soaking tub which opened to the endless blue sky. Over the next ten days they would discover it was even more enticing under the stars and moon. Tony may have suggested the tub as a place to relax but Claire anticipated he had other plans. The tepid tub water, gentle sea breeze, sound of the waves lapping the beach, and romantic atmosphere combined to help increase Claire’s energy level. Tony understood that they’d been traveling a long time, but to him it wasn’t tiring, it was confining. He wanted to release some of that penned up energy. Appreciating the amorous setting, Claire knew she would’ve been disappointed with anything less.
Tony didn’t disappoint. Soaking in the warm water he sat behind her as she rested against his chest. He began by massaging her shoulders, relieving the tension of the trip. As his hands moved, Claire could feel the energy she’d thought gone begin to build inside of her. His lips found the nape of her neck and ignited goose bumps upon her arms and legs. Between kisses he whispered, “Thank you for being my wife. I love you.”
