even beginning to prepare the food. The tent had been transformed into a picturesque banquet hall.
Claire and Emily readied themselves for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Tony accepted Courtney’s kind invitation and agreed that the dinner could be held at the Simmonses. The rehearsal was scheduled to begin at six thirty, with dinner at eight. It was late, but everyone had to get to the Rawlings home after a long day of work. The intimate guest list for the rehearsal included the minister, musicians, Brad, Monica, Patricia and a guest, the Vandersols, the Simmonses and their children, the Millers, the Bronsons, Elijah Summer, and MaryAnn. Of course, these guests would be at the wedding tomorrow, but this informal private gathering would allow them more relaxed friendly conversation than would be possible at the big event.
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,