Claire Fox has taken over her father's multi million dollar company, after he retired. She was well taught by her father, and runs the company extremely well. However, she is referred to as 'the devil' by her employees. She has a tendency to be shor...
Standing in front of the mirror in the bedroom, I tied my tie, but left it loose around my neck. Turning to the bed, I picked up my white jacket, and pulled it on. Stepping back in front of the mirror, I looked over the grey suit, and made sure I had everything I needed.
"Are you ready?" Henry asked as he popped his head into the room.
"Yeah, I think so." I said as I picked up my phone and slipped it into my pocket.
"Charlie just texted me that the girls are on their way." He said.
Claire had gotten ready at her parent's house with Evanna. We were meeting at the courthouse so we could keep a little bit of wedding tradition alive. Henry and I made our way to his car, and his driver took us to the courthouse.
We arrived before the girls, so Henry and I waited out front. We were leaning against the brick wall when I heard heels clicking on the pavement behind me. I could smell her perfume before I felt her hand gently hold onto my arm as she stepped in front of me.
I wasn't able to really look at her before she grabbed my jacket on either side, and pulled me into a kiss. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her into me. I felt her hands move up to my neck as she pulled on my tie. I smiled as she loosened it and pulled it off of my neck.
"I guess that's a 'no' to the tie..." I said with a chuckle.
She just bit her lip as she unbuttoned two buttons.
"Much better." She whispered.
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I chuckled as I slid my hand down to her arm, and took her hand. Stepping back, I let my eyes roam her body, and take in her dress. It was simple, just the way I liked it, and it held her body beautifully.
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"You're gorgeous." I said as a smile spread across my face.
"Not too bad yourself, Mr.Henderson." She said.
"Are we ready?" Henry asked as he and Evanna walked over to us.
I looked at Claire and raised my eyebrows silently asking. She gave me a small nod as she held onto my arm, and we all walked through the doors.
We met the judge in his chambers, and he started to lead us into the courtroom.
"Wait." Claire said as she held onto my arm a little tighter.
Turning to her, I softly asked, "What?"
"Ummm." She said hesitantly, "Can we do it here?" She asked the judge.
He looked at her skeptically, "If you would like. There is just more room in the courtroom." He said.
"I want it here." she said softly as she looked at me.
I gave her a soft smile as I realized why. The courtroom was full of bad memories of Parker now.
"Here is perfect." I said as I pulled her into me and kissed her temple.
Her parents sat in the two chairs by the judges desk, and we stood with him in the office. I couldn't take my eyes off of Claire as everything else in the world fell away. We exchanged traditional vows, and after sliding her ring and wedding band on her finger, I wiped the tear off of her cheek.
My ring was a simple white gold band that paired well with Claire's. The feeling of the ring on my finger for the first time was something that I can't explain. It felt heavy, but so good at the same time. Looking back into Claire's eyes, I couldn't help the smile as I heard her say 'I do'. As soon as It was my turn, I said "I do", and pulled her into me, and kissed her.
She was everything to me. She was my family, and absolutely the love of my life. I have never felt emotions towards someone like I do towards Claire. I need her. Desperately. And now I have her.
We all signed the marriage license, and after hugging her parent's and thanking them for everything, we climbed into the back of the car and Charlie drove us out to the restaurant I have reservations at. Taking her hand and helping her out of the car, I led her into the Italian restaurant.
"Reservation for Henderson." I said to the hostess as we walked in.
She led us to the corner table that had a bouquet of red roses, and a bottle of champagne waiting for us. Pulling out Claire's chair, she sat down, then so did I.
"I wasn't expecting this." Claire said as she took the glass of champagne.
"It's not the last surprise of the night." I said with a smile.
"Well, let's enjoy the surprises one at a time." She said as she lifted her glass.
"To my wife." I said with a smile.
"To my husband." She said smiling back at me.
We ate dinner and shared tiramisu for dessert, which Claire smeared on my face in true wedding fashion.
Claire took her flowers in her arms as we walked back out to Charlie. After closing her door, I looked to Charlie as I walked around the car.
"It's all ready, Sir." He said with a nod. I stopped at my door, and raised an eyebrow at him. "Stephen." Charlie corrected.
I smiled before we both opened our doors, and slid into the seats.
"So, what's next?" Claire asked, as she moved against me, and wrapped her arms around mine.
"I'm not telling you." I said as I kissed her nose.
Pouring us each another glass of champagne, we made the short drive to the airport. As we got close, Claire was putting together where we were headed.
"Stephen, why are we going to the airport?" She asked me with a small smile.
I just smiled as I held my finger to my lips to quiet her. She gave me a questioning look as we pulled into the airport, and Charlie parked next to the jet. I quickly got out of the car, and went around to open her door. It was cool out, so I pulled off my jacket, and draped it over her shoulders. Taking her hand we walked to the stairs.
"The bags are on board, and we are ready when you are." Maria said as we stepped inside.
"Thank you. We're ready." I said as I led Claire to the couch towards the back of the plane.
As we sat down, Maria brought over a small cart full of beverages and snacks for the flight. There was soft music playing as the lights in the cabin dimmed, and Maria took her seat near the flight deck.
"So how long are we going to be gone?" Claire asked as we started to taxi to the runway.
"Just a couple days." I said, "We couldn't be gone too long with my surgery on Friday."
"What is a few days?" She said, looking at me concerned.
"Four." I said as I kissed her gently, "We fly back Thursday night. Your parents are filling in for us at work. There is no reason to worry."
She smiled and seemed to relax when she realized that Henry would be watching over everything.
