Luke and Sasha boarded the private jet, excited to begin the journey to becoming husband and wife. Joe, Sally, Al, Ryan, and Stephanie were on the flight with them. It went surprisingly well. When they reached the ship to meet Cynthia, the excitement of their wedding week was in the air.
As they walked through the bridge, there was a huge banner at the front that read, Welcome to the Wedding of Luke & Sasha.
“OMG, Luke,” Sasha smiled up at him as they held hands while boarding. “This is really happening.”
Luke leaned over and kissed her. “Yes, it is.”
“Welcome aboard and congratulations,” Cynthia greeted them. “You know Roz, and this is Nadia. She is your personal concierge for the cruise. Anything you want or need, she and her staff will be there to accommodate you.”
“Hello and thank you,” Luke shook the woman’s hand.
“Sasha, you and Luke will come with us. Roz, if you would handle the rest of their party.”
“You are in the owner’s suite, as I planned originally,” Cynthia stated as they walked towards the elevator.
“I thought Uncle JD and Aunt Tracy were taking that suite,” Sasha questioned.
“The President decided he and his family would be more comfortable in the presidential suite. It accommodates the entire family, and the surrounding suites will house the security detail.”
“Have they arrived?” Luke asked.
“Tracy and the children are here. JD hasn’t arrived yet,” Cynthia replied. “Which is good. His arrival can be coordinated in a more secure fashion. Now, as for you two,” she beamed as the elevator arrived. “Welcome to the Luke and Sasha Experience.”
When they stepped into the elevator, there was a huge picture on the back wall of Luke putting a ring on Sasha’s finger.
Sasha laughed at the sight. “Look at us.”
Luke smiled as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “That’s where the madness began.”
“You will see different pictures of you two throughout the ship,” Nadia explained. “From the moment your guests arrived, they have experienced the love you have for each other, as well as your family and friends. We are committed to ensuring your nuptials will be a journey to remember for you and your guests.”
“Yes, and I am happy to report the cruise line has accommodated us at every juncture.” Cynthia smiled as the elevator opened. “This is your deck. Your parents are located in the suites on the other side.” She walked to the door across the hallway. “This is your suite.”
Luke and Sasha walked inside to a luxurious suite. There was a living room with a sofa, chairs, bookshelf, and a baby grand piano. Every surface was covered with beautiful red and white roses, fresh fruit and chocolate candy.
“Wow,” Sasha whispered.
“You have one of our largest suites, at a little over 1500 square feet, with a wraparound balcony, a dining area, a bar, a jacuzzi, and a private pool,” Nadia informed them. “As you can see, your suite is two decks high. Your master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a private bathroom, with a walk-in shower and tub for relaxing. Across the hall is another master bedroom, with a shower and closet, if you choose to have a guest.”
“That will actually be Sasha’s dressing room,” Cynthia explained. “You are not allowed, Luke.”
“Understood,” Luke said as a woman walked down the stairs from the bedroom.
“This is Marie, your personal suite manager,” Nadia stated.
“Your luggage has been unpacked. Everything has been laid out to your specifications. The chef has been given your menu for the week. If you desire anything different, he will be happy to make changes,” she stated, then walked towards the door.
“Thank you, Marie,” Sasha smiled at the woman.
“You are welcome, and congratulations,” Marie replied, then disappeared.
“She will never be more than a few feet away,” Nadia added. “I understand you have a few details to go over, so I will step out of your way. Again, welcome aboard, and we look forward to your stay with us.”
“Thank you, Nadia,” Cynthia responded. “I will meet up with you once I finish here.”
“Very well,” Nadia said then left the suite.
Cynthia turned around and exhaled. “So far, so good … right?”
“Everything looks incredible,” Sasha glanced around.
“This is a great suite,” Luke walked out to the balcony. “Babe, take a look at this view.”
Sasha walked out to join him. “It’s beautiful,” she eased into his outstretched arm. “Look how clear the water is.”
“Not as beautiful as you,” Luke looked down into her eyes. “Are you ready for this?”
Sasha exhaled. “I’m excited, but I have to admit, I’m ready for this part to be over and for us to go home to live our lives.”
“Don’t rush it,” Cynthia said as she walked up behind them. “This week is the party leading up to the rest of your lives. Enjoy every minute of it. And my suggestion is that you find a way to take every memory starting now, to recreate it every year from now on.”
“Is that your and Sammy’s secret to a long marriage?”
“Kind of, but it’s not the most important one.”
“What is?” Sasha asked.
“You want honesty?” Cynthia smiled then hesitated. “It’s the real touch of love between us … not to mention those long … powerful strokes that man lays on me.” She shook her head as Luke and Sasha burst out into laughter.
“Girl, I know that’s right,” Sasha gave her a high five.
“I love giving those strokes,” Luke smiled. “It’s a Lassiter specialty.”
“Have a seat,” Cynthia pointed to the chairs at the table on the deck. “There are a few things I want to touch base on, then I’m going to leave you two alone.” She put her tablet flat on the table where they both could see. “Here is the list of who is on board and where they are all located. As I stated, your parents and grandparents, Senator Roth and Lena are on this deck on the other side. I also put your Uncle Tucker and Genesis, as well as your Uncle Ben, Aunt Valarie and their son over there. Monique and Grayson are in the suite to your right and so is Kaylan. Luke, Matt and Leah are in the suite to your left. Samuel, me and the children are next to Matt and Leah. Roz, Marco and their children are next to me. Above you are JD, Tracy and their children, and the head of Secret Service agents. I placed Pearl, Theo and their children on that same deck. Calvin Johnson and his wife Jackie are next to them, along with James and Ashley and their children, Royce Davenport and his wife Shelly. That way all the Secret Service agents are securing that floor.”
Luke nodded. “Good planning. The last thing we need is an international incident with the President on board.”
“There will be no incidents,” Cynthia emphasized. “Only good times and lots of laughter. Now, your entertainment. We were able to get Calley Rippatoe as you requested to play the wedding music.”
“That is wonderful,” Sasha beamed. “I heard her once when I was living in New York, she took my breath away. She made that cello sing. It was so smooth, captivating, like she was wrapping you in a blanket of sexy elegance.”
“Like what I’m going to do to you on our wedding night,” Luke crooned.
“You better,” Sasha smiled.
“Yeah, I can see I better hurry up with this before I have to witness you two being nasty. Okay, continuing with the entertainment, Taylor Brooks is here to get the party started tonight.”
Luke frowned. “Is Jason Whitfield here, too?”
“No,” Cynthia replied. “Basketball season is in full swing and he couldn’t get away.”
“Who is Jason Whitfield?” Sasha asked.
“Last I knew, he was seeing Taylor,” Luke stated. “I thought Taylor would bring him as her plus-one.”
“The offer was extended, but he could not make it,” Cynthia explained, then continued. “Silk Davies and his mother, Miriam Davies, both will be here to perform. So that covers the entertainment for the week. They are all on the VIP deck, along with your agents, Nick and his wife, Ericka, Tyrone and his wife Kiki, and all the other Lassiters. Luke, your ex-teammates Randall Sanders and Kevon Edwards both are on board.”
“Did either of them bring a plus-one?” Luke asked.
“Yes. Kevon brought Trish Hargrove,” Cynthia replied. “Are your sisters going to behave?”
Luke laughed. “I doubt it.”
“Do I know this Trish person?” Sasha asked.
“No and you don’t want to,” Luke replied.
“Between Trish and Stephanie, it will give Slay and Tank something to do,” Cynthia said as she stood. “That’s enough for now. I’m going to let you two get settled in, and I will meet up with you in an hour or two to get this wedding party started.”
“Cynthia, everything looks wonderful. Thank you for pulling it all together.” Sasha smiled.
Cynthia hugged her. “This is what I live for.” She kissed Luke’s cheek, then walked back inside the suite while talking over her shoulder. “Don’t be making Sasha late for her meeting with Monique and Kaylan.”
“What time is the meeting?” Luke asked.
“In an hour,” Cynthia replied.
“She’s going to be late,” Luke yelled at her back as she closed the door. Her turned back to Sasha and froze. Smiling from cheek to cheek, his eyes roamed over Sasha. The sundress she was wearing was pooled at her feet. She stood there without a stitch of clothing on her body. Only the three-inch sandals on her feet.
“Let’s get this wedding started,” Sasha smiled.