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Claire reached up and kissed his cheek, sending a wave of warratitude "Thank you" He didn’t deserve it; Tony knew that Nonetheless, it onderful to hear

Before they pressed the doorbell, Tim opened the door With Sue by his side, he politely offered a greeting, "Welcolanced to Sue Sheroom and said, "Please come in"

Everyone was there--all of Tony’s closest friends Six pairs of eyes stared as the roorip of his hand Tony was about to speak when Courtney placed her wine glass on the table and walked toward thelassed over with tears Suddenly, Claire was engulfed in Courtney’s embrace He had no choice but to release her hand

All of his work to prepare Claire was a waste of ti on to one another for dear life Tony watched in horror, as one by one, the other wofest until Claire was surrounded Helplessly, he watched as all of the women disappeared into the kitchen It wasn’t until Ti," that Tony released the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding

The advantage to dating wo about was the lack of draht anyone around his friends; there was no need Now that he had Claire back with the few people in the world whom he respected and valued, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he’d never figure out woressed exceptionally well Most of the ti or doing the perfect thing At one point, Tony realized that both Claire and Brent wereBrent’s icy response froo, Tony’s heart beat quickened as he searched Courtney saw his concern and joined hiether, they found Brent and Claire in the kitchen si California When Courtney asked Claire for her cell nu that his friends were truly supporting his decision

It wasn’t until Brent announced that he and Courtney needed to leave, that Tony asked to have a private talk ast the four of them Suddenly, Claire’s performance faltered She seemed anxious Why could she talk to the alone? Tony wanted to reassure her that it was all right, that his friends were already helping her more than she knew

As they thanked Ti the dinner, Sue asked, "Could you please wait just afor an answer, she hurried away toward the stairs

Puzzled, Tony looked down to Claire and heard Courtney say, "I think she’s going to get Sean He’s upstairs with the nanny" Claire didn’t verbally respond, but her eyes did He’d seen that look before, questioning, asking He shrugged and Claire turned to Courtney "Can you stay for a few more minutes? I know you have a lot to do, and Tony wants to talk--"

"Oh, honey," Courtney replied, "I always have time for babies Wait until you see him!"

While they waited for Sue to return with Sean, Tony re step this was for her Obviously, even without that knowledge, Claire recognized it When Tony refocused, Courtney and Brent were talking about grandchildren Moments later, Sue appeared with a pajama-clad Sean The last time Tony had seen their son had been at his birthday party Kids’ parties weren’t really Tony’s thing, and he hadn’t stayed long, but the kid was cute with blonde hair like his ly, before she turned toward his ex-wife "Claire, I wanted you to meet Sean I’uy is getting tired"

"Hello, little guy, it’s nice to h Tony wondered why norely around kids, when she asked, "He’s what--about fifteeninto everything and learning neords every day"

When Ti him into his embrace "Believe me," Tim added, "it makes you think about every hen little ears are listening"

Tony thought it seeh ti about what to say with Claire Her ehts as she patted the kid’s head "Thank you I think youhim back to sleep"

Once they were out by the cars, Tony squared his shoulders and addressed Claire, Brent, and Courtney It was ti her requests seriously, and he believed it would sound an, "I’ my best to be honest with Claire, and I expect the same from her" He wished she didn’t look so nervous "That’s why I thought we should get this out in the open"

Claire interjected, "Tony, I think the Si" Tony turned to Brent "I’ve trusted Brent with h the years That’s why I wanted hi your brother-in-law"

"Yes," Brent said, expelling a breath Tony knew they had a lot to do for the wedding and rehearsal, but this was important Brent went on to explain that some new information had come to the attention of the New York State Bar Association, and John’s case would soon be co up for review If all ell, the result would be the reinstatement of his license to practice law As Brent spoke, Tony watched Claire’s eyes glow and glisten