December 1999
It was a very quiet night within the walls of the Stark mansion...almost too quiet. Since Tony had moved out it was a far more common occurrence since you did not hear various hard rock bands being blasted from the garage but even Howard was known to spend many a night there as well. On this night though, he was not in the garage but in his office.
It was well past two in the morning when Maria awoke to find herself still alone in the bed. She went looking for her husband to make sure nothing was wrong. It didn't take long as only on light was on in the entire house – Howard's office. She found her husband sitting in an armchair, a glass of scotch next to him on the side table and a stack of papers in front of him that seemed to be the cause of the stress.
"Are those what I think they are?" Maria asked softly, announcing her presence as she walked in the office.
Howard nodded as he took a sip from his drink.
"You're finally signing them? You've had these drawn up for two years now. Do you finally think Tony is ready?" Maria inquired.
"Tony has never been the issue,"Howard sighed. "It's Obadiah."
"What do you mean?"
"Mary told me what happened between the two of them after the heart attack," Howard replied. "I've had Tony working by my side for these last two years first to make sure he knew the finer points of running a multinational corporation and second to see how he and Obadiah worked together. In my presence, they are civil but try to avoid directly dealing with each other. When Tony is alone with me, I can see how much how much it is bothering him. This is why my successor has been so hard to choose. If I choose Tony, I have a feeling that Obadiah will feel slighted given that he has been my friend and business partner longer than Tony has been alive. If I choose Obadiah, I think he would fire Tony in the first opportunity he gets and probably throw Ginnie just to throw salt in the wound."
Maria pulled over a chair and sat across from her husband. She took the scotch out of his hand and took both of them in hers. "The decision is yours and yours alone and a difficult burden to bear but whatever you decide, you should tell whomever you do not choose before they are surprised by it. The only consolation that I can offer is that if what you predict occurs between Obadiah and Tony is that you know Tony would be hired by anyone one of more than a dozen corporations in an instant."
"But that is not what I want," Howard replied.
Two weeks later
"Tony! Where are you?" Ginnie called out through the house. It was the night of the annual Stark Industries holiday party and the limousine would be arriving shortly to drive them into the city for the party.
Tony was standing outside on the balcony in his tuxedo, listening to the waves crash on the shore in the freezing winter air. This was supposed to be a joyous night but deep down Tony almost felt sick about going.
"There you are. I've been looking for you," Ginnie said as she handed Tony his overcoat. "The limo will be here soon. What are you doing out here anyway? It's freezing."
"Clearing my head," Tony replied as he pulled his coat on slowly. "This is not going to be a good night."
"This is supposed to be a festive occasion as well as your father's unofficial retirement party. Why wouldn't this be a happy occasion?" Ginnie inquired.
"Because he hasn't decided yet," Tony replied. "My mother told me so. And if he has and he isn't telling me that it's Obie, I'm going to have my shame on public display and probably be out of a job before the night is over."
Ginnie wrapped her arms around Tony's neck and kissed him. "Whatever happens, we will deal with it as it comes. Now, what it is you tell me whenever we have to do one of these things? Oh yes...the show must go on."
Tony sighed and nodded in agreement. "Let's get this over and done with."
The hotel ballroom was decked out in glittering reds, greens, golds and silvers for the occasion. Nearly all the Stark Industries employees were there with their spouses. Everyone was chatting, eating, drinking and reflecting joyfully on the year. Tony had put on the forced public happy face to keep up appearances but Ginnie could read right through it...the ever present glass in his hand was a dead give-away to anyone who knew him well. He only chain drank hard liquor when he was depressed or pissed off.
Midway through the evening was the traditional time when Howard addressed everyone for the year and this year Maria and Tony fully expected him to announce his retirement to the rest of the company. As Tony noticed his father preparing himself to get up to speak, he had the bartender refresh his drink before he sat down at his table with Ginnie. What he did not take notice of due to his self-imposed misery was Obadiah leaving the room. Tony didn't notice it but Ginnie certainly did.
Howard grabbed a glass of champagne and signaled for the music to come to an end as he stepped up to the microphone. "Good evening and happy holidays to all. We have had a very good this year and this company has withstood the trials and tribulations of a changing world for half a century. Fifty years that I have been more than honored to stand at the head of this organization but times always change. As we sit on the very dawn of a new century and a new millennium, it is only fitting that a new voice and a new hand steer this ship."
Tony had only been half paying attention to his father's speech but when it got closer to the point of announcing his successor, Ginnie started to smack him in the shoulder to pay attention. It was only when his father said 'new hand' that he stopped breathing for a second and took a hold of Ginnie's hand.
"With that being said, in front of all of you I officially announce my retirement as Chief Executive Officer of Stark Industries International effective one month from today when upon the return from his honeymoon, my son, Anthony Stark will succeed me in that office. I invite you all to raise your glasses and join me in toasting my son and his continued success for the next fifty years of this company," Howard stated as he raised his glass to Tony and invited his son to join him.
Tony took a deep breath and grabbed the untouched glass of champagne he had at the table and walked up to where his father was. Upon reaching him, Howard pulled Tony into an unexpected hug.
When his father broke the hug, Tony stepped up to the microphone. "I have to honestly say that this is a little unexpected so I have nothing formal prepared. But spinning off what my father said...this company's motto has always been 'Tomorrow Today' and we have always been on the forefront of technology in weaponry, scientific advancement and engineering and I assure you that not only will we stay there but everyone else will be scrambling keep up with us." Tony raised his glass as he continued. "Join me now on the rocket into the twenty-first century and hold on for the ride."
One of the girls from the accounting pool was sitting behind Ginnie and tapped her on the shoulder as Tony reached the stage. "I guess you won't be returning in the new year now, will you?"
Ginnie turned her head at the rude comment with a look of almost disgust. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"You're marrying a billionaire, aren't you?"
"Son of a billionaire," Ginnie automatically corrected.
The girl pointed at the stage as if Ginnie didn't already realize what was going on. "Billionaire in his own right now it seems. I don't think the wife of the CEO would need to work in the accounting pool. Won't you have to work with your mother-in-law with the foundation and such?"
Ginnie was getting infuriated at this girl quickly. "Whether I choose to work or not is my decision and I would appreciate it if you kept your nose out of where it doesn't belong. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to congratulate my fiance`," she added as she left the table where she was sitting to meet up with Tony as he was coming back down.
The smile Tony had on his face faded when he saw the expression on Ginnie's. "What happened?"
Ginnie shook her head. "It's nothing. Just someone saying something idiotic."
"Do I need to fire someone? Because I pretty much have the power to do that now," Tony joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Ginnie shook her head and smiled before she kissed him. "No firings will be necessary."
"Damn," Tony laughed. "I could have had fun with that."
"Let's just enjoy the rest of the party before you pass out on me," Ginnie teased.
"I didn't have that much to drink but I have had enough to know how much my head will hurt tomorrow."
Two weeks later on New Year's Eve, that same hotel took on a very different appearance. Instead of a just a holiday gala, it was now hosting a wedding. Even though the ceremony wasn't scheduled to start until five that evening, preparations began very early to make sure everything ran perfect. If Maria Stark planned an event, she made sure nothing went wrong with it and that was especially certain of her son's wedding.
Maria had several of her assistants from her foundation checking on the last minute details while she took care of helping Ginnie to get ready since she had no mother to help her. The men were sent off to another suite in the hotel to get ready. Maria hoped she had left the most responsible of them in charge – James Rhodes.
Jim took his Best Man duties quite seriously. He kept Tony responsibly busy during the morning since he knew his best friend's tendencies to get involved with some grease covered project and completely lose track of time. Jim made sure he ate something and only had water to drink and even made him take a nap in the afternoon since they were both up quite late the night before with the rehearsal dinner. At two hours before game time, Jim woke Tony up and made him start getting his ass ready with military precision. Even Jim was impressed when Tony managed to be completely ready with forty-five minutes to spare.
"So, you ready for this?" Jim asked as he pulled on the jacket of his dress blues.
Tony nodded. "Are you trying to ask me if I'm nervous without outright saying it?"he bluntly countered. "I hope you're not doing interrogating, Platypus, because your tactics suck," he added with a laugh.
"You're lucky that this is your wedding day and Ginnie would kick my ass if I bruise you for photos," Rhodey said with a smile.
"She's not the only one you would need to worry about," Tony reminded him. "Have you seen my mother mad? Even my father won't screw with her then. But you are right on one thing. I am lucky. I'm lucky to have Ginnie and I was smart enough to keep her and there is nothing on this Earth that could keep me from her."
"And you would be a complete ass if you ever did anything to contradict the statement you just said," Rhodey said as he brushed off Tony's tuxedo and made sure his tie was straight. "How about we head downstairs to that rather large gathering that your parents footed the bill for?"
The ballroom was decorated from top to bottom in gold and silver with bows, candles and flowers. The guests filled both sides of the isle waiting in anticipation as they saw Tony and Jim take their places in the front of the room to the right of the judge that was performing the ceremony.
In the suite that the Starks had reserved, Maria helped Ginnie with her last preparations as Howard helped himself to a quick drink before he escorted the bride down the aisle since she had no one in her own family.
"Are you nervous?" Maria asked as she fastened Ginnie's necklace.
Ginnie shook her head. "No, just excited. I just hope Rhodey made sure Tony behaved himself today."
"I am almost certain he did," Maria assured her.
Howard made a quick check of his watch. "If you two are ready, it's time."
Ginnie took a deep breath and adjusted her veil. "Let's get this show on the road," she said with a smile as she picked up her bouquet and took Howard's arm as they walked into the elevator to head down to the ballroom.
After Maria was seated the doors of the ballroom were shut for Ginnie's grand entrance. Tony watched the door close and held his breath until they opened again and he saw his beautiful bride on his father's arm. Ginnie absolutely sparkled as she walked down the isle. Her dress was a one piece strapless A-line chiffon gown with a ruched, asymmetrical draped overlay. Diamonds adorned the dress from the bodice all the way down the chapel length train. Her bouquet was white roses with silver and gold painted berries interlaced between the greens.
Tony couldn't help the smile on his face as he saw Ginnie walk towards him. Beautiful wasn't enough to describe her. He stopped breathing for the second time as he stepped down to take her arm from his father's and the ceremony started. He had tried his best to stay calm during the ceremony but he was given away as he slipped the diamond wedding band on Ginnie's finger. His hands were shaking.
Ginnie had to smile that her almost husband who plays with explosives on a daily basis was nervous about putting a ring on her finger. As she slipped Tony's wedding band on his finger, she held his hand just a bit longer to steady him and give him the reassurance he needed.
"It is with great pleasure that I present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Stark," the judge stated cheerfully after the rings. "You may kiss your bride."
"It's about time," Tony chimed in before capturing Ginnie's lips.
In the time it took to do the pictures, the ballroom had been transformed into the fantastic reception that Maria had set up for her son and now daughter-in-law. The guests applauded joyfully as Tony and Ginnie reentered and took the dance floor for the first dance as husband and wife.
"We did it," Ginnie whispered to Tony as they danced.
"Now, we get to party. Bring in the next century with a bang," Tony said before he kissed. "I hope Rhodey isn't to embarrassing with his toast."
"Stop busting his ass," Ginnie laughed. "He cares too much about you to do that."
As the song ended, Rhodey stood up with a glass of champagne in his hand. "Since I know Tony wants this to be one hell of a party, I'm doing this now. I am not going to draw this out but what I am saying comes from the heart. I have known Tony since he was a little kid and I had never seen him happier than when Ginnie came into his life. She was the piece that was missing from him. I only hope I am so lucky someday. I wish you both love and joy until the end of your days and I ask everyone to raise a glass in honor of the bride and groom."
The party continued well into the night, even rivaling the festivities in Times Square as the ball dropped at midnight to ring in the year 2000.
Hours later, Times Square had been emptied and the sanitation crews were clearing up the last bits of the epic celebration that had been the ringing in of 2000. From high above the city streets, Tony just watched from the suite window.
Ginnie stirred in her sleep and found the spot next to her empty. She opened her eyes to see Tony watching out the window and she got a nice view of his rear assets. "You know paparazzi have really long lenses."
Tony laughed a bit. "Number one, the windows have mirror like reflections on the outside so unless a light was on, you can't see in. Number two, we are really high up so they would need to be across the street at the same level to get anything. And number three, the window sill is at my waist," he added as he turned around to see his beautiful wife staring at him. The blanket had slipped off her shoulders just enough to give him a good view of her breasts.
"I'm getting cold over here all by myself," Ginnie teased as she patted Tony's side of the bed.
Tony grinned and jumped back into bed and pulled her warm body close to his as his hand slid down her back to her hip. "I know a good way to keep warm," he said as he kissed her again.
"Are we going to make our flight in the morning?" Ginnie asked as she ghosted her hands over Tony's chest and moved lower.
"Benefit of a private jet...it leaves when we are ready," Tony said as he captured her lips once more. "Now shush because there are more important things your lips should be doing."
AN: Sorry for so long between updates but working full time and a 3 year old make for a busy life