A One Woman Man (February 1988)

The day of the wedding had finally come. Tony and Isabella's wedding was the most talked about event in all of New York. Anyone who was anyone was going to be in attendance. The guest list included celebrities, musicians, and royalty. The wedding was to take place at the Trinity Church, one of the most famous churches in New York City. The day was bright and beautiful and already the church pews were filling up. James Rhodney was Tony's best man and Isabella and trust James not to let Tony overdo it at the bachelor party. Luca was also in Tony's wedding party, which greatly pleased Isabella. The two had talked and had formed a friendship and Luca's perception of Tony had greatly changed.

Laura was Isabella's maid of honor and she was helping her to finish getting ready. Isabella was much more classic in her fashion sense and did not follow with many of the fashion trends. She didn't want her wedding dress to appear dated in photographs and so she had chosen a much simpler overall design. Her dress was designed by a top fashion designer and was floor length with medium length train. The dress was long sleeved with a delicate lace overlay over the entire dress and a sweetheart neckline. Tony preferred her hair down and so it was left down, but she had a veil that fit onto her head. Her makeup was not overly done, but she wore the perfume Tony loved. Her father would be walking her down the aisle. Little did she know that Frank had snuck into the church and was sitting at the back.

Tony’s bachelor party had been epic. All of the 1987 playboy playmates except Miss March Matina Baker, do to illness were there. James did that because Tony had slept with almost all of 1985s playmates but what Isabella didn’t know couldn’t hurt her right? Tony could look but could not touch but what had surprised him to see was that Tony really didn’t even seem all that interested in them. Luca had though and he had more naked body parts flaunted in his face than James had ever seen. But the girls mostly did that because Luca was crippled and they felt sorry for him. Luca didn’t seem to mind that though. Tony drank but not too much and they talked the night away. They talked about anything and everything and then the night was over.

Tony was in a perfectly tailored tuxedo. Black on white as Isabella had chose white for her flowers. He was without his sunglasses today though he did have them in his pocket and his hair and goatee were nicely trimmed. He felt...relaxed if he had to give what he was feeling a name. James and Luca were there and Jame was talking to him as they waited. Isabells wasn’t the most beautiful woman Tony had ever seen but her tenacity, loyalty and strength drew him like a like metal to a magnet. Though she was stubborn and difficult sometimes, names because he infuriated her at that moment, her love for home was like a beacon that he could see in the darkness. When Tony looked at Isabella, he never thought about the things she was not only about the things she was. And what she was he loved and he could not imagine a life without that love, without her.

Happy finally showed up. He panted as he had ran from the parking lot. “I thought you were not going to make it for a moment,” Tony said. The church was filling up fast and Tony waved Prince Charles and Princess Diana that smiled and waved back to him as they sat. “Are the suits ready?” Tony asked. “Yes sir, they’re out there, you just have to step into them,” he said.

Isabella still couldn't believe how far she and Tony had come. Her first interaction with him had been her yelling at him and calling him scum and now she was getting ready to marry him. Nothing though felt more right in her entire life. Tony had surprised her in so many ways, but none more so than by giving her his heart. No one had ever believed that Tony Stark would get married. Tony was a womanizer and playboy and yet all he had needed to do was to find the right woman. Isabella had never imagined that woman would be her. She loved Tony and she knew that he loved her. Their lives together were only just beginning and she could not wait to see what came next.

She heard a knock at the door and looked over to see her father walk in. She smiled at him. This was his first time seeing her in her dress. "Well, what do you think?"

Lorenzo had never seen a more beautiful bride and he quickly dabbed a tissue at his eyes. “You’re beautiful Isabella,” he said as he hugged her and kissed her cheek. “I won’t ask you if this is what you really want, I can see it in your eyes. I hope you two live a life of happiness and meaning,” he said as he looked at her. “I couldn’t be more proud of you Isabella,” he added. “Are you ready?” He asked.

Tony looked at his watch. Happy handed him and James a few of the velcro bands that they’d use to cinch up Isabella’s dress. She’d have to lose the train but Tony thought it would be a small price to pay. The suits were who they really were and he wanted to fly with her as the first thing they did after they were married.

Isabella took a deep breath and then nodded to her father. She reached out and took his arm. The pair walked down to where she would come out and waited for the music to start. As the music began everyone turned to watch the processional. The bridesmaids and groomsmen came out first in pairs and moved to stand on either side of the alter. Then, Laura walked out as Isabella's matron of honor. She was slightly startled when she saw Frank out of the corner of her eye. He was sitting at the very back, but he was there. When she reached the alter she gave Tony a smile. He seemed cool and calm now, but she knew when he saw Isabella that that cool demeanor was going to change. When the flower girl came out everyone awwwed. Then, the music changed to the bridal processional and everyone stood up. Isabella walked down the aisle with her father. The aisle was quite long since it was a big church, but the entire time Isabella kept her eyes on Tony. The look she saw on his face made her smile and filled her heart with a deep, undying love.

Tony was someone that never felt nervousness or fear or uncertainty. But when Isabella came out and began to move down the aisle he felt beads of sweat on his forehead. Isabella was like an angel that flowed on a cloud of white. Would she judge him for what he’s done? Would he keep his vows and make her happy? He really hoped that he could. When Tony put his mind into something he succeeded. He hoped that his heart worked the same way. When she arrived the priest asked them to join hands and face one another.

For once in his life Tony had no quips or sarcastic words to say. The cat had literally had his tongue and he could not take his eyes off of her.

Isabella had to bite the inside of her lip to keep from laughing when James had to actually poke Tony to get him to do what the priest had asked. Laura had taken her bouquet, which freed up Isabella's hands. She held them out and she smiled when Tony finally came to his senses and took them. She heard the priest speak, but his voice sounded distant and muffled. The only thing she saw was Tony. The man was likely going to drive her crazy, give her ulcers, and cause grey hair, but she knew it was all going to be worth it. The had loved Noah and Frank, but Tony was her soulmate. She knew that deep down into the very marrow of her bones.

Tony mouthed the words, ‘I love you’. And smiled when Isabella mouthed, ‘I know’. Her makeup was perfect and he never knew her eyelashes could be so long. The priest spoke abut what marriage really was and he read from the bible but Tony really wasn’t listening. Isabella took all of his focus right then from the world around him. Inside that tiny bubble Tony was the happiest man in the world.

He blinked when James tapped his shoulder and handed him the rings. He gave one to Isabella and Isabella repeated what the priest had said then ended it with, ‘I Do,’ then set the ring on Tony’s finger. Then it was Tony’s turn. Line by line he repeated what the priest said and when it was time he said, “I Do,” And then when the priest gave him permission he leaned in and kissed Isabella, tasting the sweetness of her lips.

When he pulled back it was done and the room exploded in hoots, hollers and applause.

Amidst all of the celebration, Isabella didn't notice Frank slip out of the church. Little did she knew that even though she had just married Tony, that Frank was going to remain in her life. Isabella was elated and had tears of happiness in her eyes. She kissed Tony again and then again. She finally pulled back and whispered to him.

"I love you so much Tony. I cannot wait to share my life with you."

They moved hand in hand slowly and waved at the crowd. People shook their hands as they went by and the entire church continued to resonate with all of the noise. As they got outside Isabella noticed that their suits were there but Tony’s looked like a tuxedo while hers was painted in a white, lace pattern. Laura and Happy were there. “Ok, you’ll need to lose your train,” Tony said and didn’t notice Isabella’s eyes bulge. Laura helped her out of it and Laura and Happy helped her winch her dress up with the Velcro. Luckily no one was allowed to leave the church yet because it did look silly but Tony helped her into her suit then Tony got into his. Now the crowd was allowed to come out and they both shot up into the air together.

The reception was all fine elegance and the food that was prepared was by some of the most renowned chefs in the world. There was dancing and announcements like all weddings and James had gotten up and made the best man speech that was thoughtful and endearing. And funny when he asked Isabella to keep Tony out of trouble. Finally it was time for them to get back into their suits and head home so they could prepare for their honeymoon. Tony had kept it a secret from her but told her that she was going to love it

Isabella had no idea what Tony had been planning. When she saw their suits she laughed a little but then realized she was going to have to figure out a way to get into it. Thankfully, Laura and Happy were there to help her. They took off together to head to the reception just as everyone began to come out of the church. Laura help her fix her dress for the reception and Tony and Isabella danced together as husband and wife for the first time. The food was delicious and the toasts made Isabella laugh and cry.

Finally, after many hours of celebration it was time for them to leave. Isabella got back into her suit and with Tony they took off into the sky to head home. All of the wedding gifts had already been delivered and put into one room for them to open at their convenience. Isabella still didn’t know where they were going for their honeymoon.

“Ok you’re going to have to tell me so I know what to pack,” she said with a little laugh.

Tony pulled a red bikini bottom from his pocket and presented it to her with 2 fingers that he used to spread it out for her. It wasn’t much at all. “Just this,” He said with a smile but his tone was completely serious. “Though you won’t need it...much,” he said with an even deeper smile. Then he charged forward at her and lifted her up onto his shoulder. He felt her slapping his back and he giggled as he carried her to their bedroom where he tossed her onto the bed. Part of her dress was still on but she felt him tub free her panties and then he was into her in the next instant. He made love to her right there while he still had his tux on and she her dress.

Afterward they both packed and by his suggestion she knew it was somewhere warm and tropical. When they were overhead the island in Tony’s jet he told her to look out the window. The island had a large house on it with a helicopter on the roof, a small landing strip, a stables and large dock with two boats tethered to it. One of the boats was huge while the other looked smaller. “I just bought this...for you Isabella,” he said. The island had palm trees all over that swayed with the wind and the water was a bright cobalt blue. The beach was all white sand and there was a covered sunning area that looked more like an outdoor bed though she could guess what was going to happen on that.

In between bouts of love making Isabella was able to pack. Based on the bikini bottom she knew it would be somewhere warm. She was excited to leave and find out where exactly they were going. She trusted Tony though. They were blissfully happy on the plane and had even had Happy put some of the wedding gifts on the plane so they could open a few.

Finally, they seemed to be there because Tony called her over to look out the window. She looked down and saw a beautiful little island. It looked practically deserted. All she could really see was a large house, some stables, a couple of boats, and a stunning beach. At first she thought Tony had just rented the island for their honeymoon. However, when he told her he had bought it for her she was completely overwhelmed and stunned.

“You bought me an island?” she asked with a little smile.

He did another flyby so she could see it all. “Yes, this is your fortress of solitude. When you get stressed or need to be alone...or if you wanted to be alone with me, we can come here,” he said. There was a waterfall on the farside that fell down into a spring pool. Finally Tony landed and as he did several people came out to greet them. Tony introduced them, a chef, a butler, a groundskeeper, a horehandler, a bartender and a house maid. “Come darling,” Tony said and the maid and the butler retrieved their bags while he showed her around the place.

The house was modern but with more of a greek or roman influence. It was almost all white stone of some sort with large pillars and windows. There was a fountain at the front that was cobbled stone. “The only way to get anywhere is on foot or by horse though there are a couple golf carts around,” he said. Inside the house looked massive with high vaulted ceilings, white marble floors with colorfully painted plaster walls. Dark woods and bright carpets, paintings, sculptures but fairly sparsely decorated.

“I figured you’d want to finish up the decor with your own personal touches,” he said but she recognized some of the paintings. The one in the foyer alone was over a million dollars. The kitchen was huge and the adjoining dining room as well that had a long table that looked as if it had been a massive piece of drift wood or part of a ship. The basement was open and there was a full bar down there, a gameroom and even a small, lit river that flowed through the break in the floor. The upstairs had tons of rooms and the master bedroom was as big as a small apartment by itself. There was a huge 4 post bed with a sheer, white silk that draped down around it. The bathroom was huge and the natural stone rain shower looked amazing. There was a large jet bathtub as well and two huge vanity sinks as well.

“Well, do you like it?” He asked.

Isabella didn’t know what to say. She was completely overwhelmed. She knew that Tony liked to surprise her and get her gifts, but this was beyond anything she ever could have imagined ever receiving. She just looked around in amazement and awe that all of this was technically hers. However, she couldn’t imagine herself really ever coming here without Tony.

“Tony...I love it,” she said with tears in her eyes. She then smiled as she wiped away the tears from her eyes and laughed a little. “Well this way out does the car I got for you. I found that one you’ve been hunting for forever. It’s not in the best shape, but all the original parts are there and I figured you would want to restore it yourself.”

Tony took Isabella up into his arms. “You know I love a project,” He said as he smiled and kissed her. “Lets go for a swim?” He suggested than pulled her toward the back door. He smiled when she looked at him. “There’s a changing blind in the back with our swimming things already there...and if not, then not,” He said and winked at her as he led her out. Within minutes they were wading in the light blue water. It was warm and cool at the same time and the sand felt wonderful between their toes. “Two weeks of just us? I think you’ll have to help me not be bored,” he said as he walked backwards out further into the water. Isabella looked like a movie star or model in the red bikini and sunglasses though he wanted to see her bare breasts right then.

As they swam lunch and drinks were served on the patio for them and a bottle of champagne in a bottle cooler and 2 flutes were set down onto a silver serving tray onto the sand just far enough off shore to not get hit by the rolling waves. Tony retrieved the glasses and then handed her one as they stood waist deep in the water. She felt a tug on her back and her bikini top fell away as Tony kissed her neck. The water was warm, the sky was blue and the sun was a bright ball high up into the sky.