The Observation Deck at City Hall floor to ceiling windows were open, as the summer breeze filled the area. The black and white drapes covered every aspect of the deck. Chandeliers hung from the ceilings as champagne and smooth music created a magical space overlooking the city.
Cynthia picked up the microphone and everyone quieted down. A spotlight hit the center of the dance floor displaying the three initials LPS, for LT & Sapphire Palmer, embroidered in beautiful cursive writing.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Cynthia began, “I am honored to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Sapphire Palmer.”
The crowd applauded, blew their gift horns and cheered, as LT and Sapphire stepped onto the dance floor. The song Yes, I’m Ready by Barbara Mason played. On a large screen behind them and in all corners of the space, their images dressed in tuxedo and gown appeared as avatars dancing in rhythm to their steps. After the first minute of the song, all of the Lassiter couples joined them on the dance floor, along with Ms. Natalie and Mr. Green. On the second song that played, all of the Lassiters of Connecticut were asked to join in the celebration.
The reception felt as if they were in a different place and time. All the dignitaries who would usually leave after showing their respects stayed. The atmosphere was just that relaxing. There were a number of times Cynthia had to pull Councilwoman Rivera from JD, but other than that everyone else, even Mint did not cause any disturbance. All of LT’s half-brothers and sisters, with the exception of Lawrence and Lauren were in attendance. Chief Williams, who was in attendance with Martha Harrison, the President’s mother, had informed Sapphire that a complaint had been lodged against her by both Lauren and Lawrence, however, there was no evidence to substantiate their claims. Detective Nate Reigns and Judge Regan Fontaine were in attendance along with Wade and Rachel. James Brooks Jr. and Zsa Zsa were walking around holding hands, JC Harrison, Elliott Thompson and Calvin Jr. were there enjoying the party along with Angela and Deidre. Newlyweds Luke and Sasha were on the dance floor as if no one else was in the room. Samuel pulled his wife Cynthia from her duties for a twirl around the dance floor, along with Devin and Ruby. Pearl and Theo were busy laughing at Adam trying to force Amber to sit down before she tripped.
“I’m pregnant, not dead,” she told him.
“But you can’t see your feet, babe,” he replied.
“Nervous fathers-to-be.” Theo laughed.
“You’re laughing, but my wife has been throwing up every morning since we found out we were pregnant.” Timothy shook his head. “I don’t know if she can do that too much longer.”
“It only lasts for a month or so, she’ll be okay,” Diamond stated as she and Zack walked over.
“I can’t keep Opal out of the refrigerator,” Grant laughed. “But it looks like she is losing weight rather than gaining.”
“Be happy,” Amber shouted across the table.
“That’s going to be us, one day.” Matt smiled at Leah.
Leah kissed his lips. “I can’t wait.”
“That’s what you say now,” Denise chuckled as she pointed to Sasha. “We said the same thing not too long ago and look where we are now. Opal is eating Grant out of house and home and I can’t keep my face out of the toilet.”
“That is all a part of the joy of motherhood,” Jade added.
“I don’t know,” Blake joked, “motherhood isn’t the same for everyone.”
“That is true.” Ruby nodded. “I mean didn’t we just try to throw Sasha’s mother off the ship?”
They all laughed. “Has anyone heard from her since then?” Opal asked.
“Not that I’m aware of,” Matt responded.
“Should we ask Sasha?” Leah wondered.
They all looked to the dance floor as Luke whispered something and Sasha laughed.
“No, let them stay in wedded bliss for as long as they can,” Zack replied as he held his hand out to his wife Diamond. “Come dance with me, woman of my heart.”
Diamond took his hand and smiled. “I would love to.”
Matt looked at Leah then held out his hand. “May I have this dance, my love?”
Leah beamed. “You may.”
Amber looked at Adam. “Don’t even think about it, love of my life.”
Jade and Blake burst out laughing. “Come with me, my precious gem.” Blake held out his hand. “Let’s dance the night away.”
“The look of love,” Amber said as she pouted at Adam.
“I love you more than life itself but right now you are scaring the living hell out of me.”
“Why are y’all sitting over here in a corner?” Joshua asked as he and Roc approached them.
“We’re about to hit the dance floor again.” Roc smiled. “Come join us.”
“We can’t,” Pearl replied.
“Adam has me on lock down in case Amber goes into labor,” Theo explained.
Joshua glanced at Roc. “You think we can relieve them for a dance or two?”
“Moot point.” Roc smiled as she pointed down. “Her water just broke.”
“Oh shit!” Adam jumped up. “Amber, babe, we have to get you to a hospital.”
Joshua put a hand on his shoulder. “Take it easy. You can’t zap the baby out of her.”
“I’ll get Cynthia.” Pearl strolled away.
“How far apart are your contractions?” Roc asked.
“Oh, about five minutes apart,” Amber replied as she continued to calmly sit.
“Five minutes?” Adam shouted.
Joshua placed his hand on Adam’s shoulder again. “Your wife is a doctor. She knows what to do.”
Devin laughed. “Mr. Cool is freaking out.”
Ruby stood. “Devin, don’t laugh at him, you weren’t much better when I gave birth.”
“I know, but I was never cool,” Devin replied.
“Are you ready to go?” Roc asked. “We are less than five minutes from the hospital.”
“Yes,” Adam exclaimed. “We are ready.”
“No, I am going to follow my husband’s instructions and stay off my feet.”
Adam ducked Joshua’s hold then hurried over to pick his wife up out of the chair.
“Let me check her out first, Adam.” Theo bent down.
Pearl, Cynthia, Sally, and Jade came back over with Brian in tow. Seeing the situation, Brian spoke into his earwig.
“Amber.” Sally sat next to her. “How are you, honey?”
“Two weeks late and upset because this is happening now,” Amber responded.
“Do you want me to call your parents?” Jade asked.
“Yes, please,” Amber replied.
“No, I’ll call,” Adam pulled out his phone.
Mr. Price appeared. “The Presidential elevator has been secured. A vehicle is waiting out front.”
“All right, looks like we are dilating.” Theo stood, removing his gloves. “Those babies are coming tonight.”
Everyone looked up at him as if he had lost his mind.
“Babies?” Sally questioned.
“Yes, two, from what I can tell,” he responded.
Adam fell backwards across the chair.
Jade ran over and took his phone. “Hello, Mrs. Nicolas, Amber is in labor. We’re in Richmond about to have babies.”
Joshua glanced down at Adam. “Can you embarrass me any more than you have?” he laughed.
Amber looked behind her. “Adam, I’m ready to go now.”
Adam jumped up, pulled a tablet from his pocket and pushed a button. Fireworks began exploding around all sides of the building. “I had to do that before I could leave.” He kissed Amber then picked her up in his arms. “Let’s go have some babies.”