Viva Las Vegas!
Alexi: When I dropped her off at the school and said I had a few errands to run, I wasn’t lying. They just weren’t errands I was going to share with her. Not yet. As soon as I saw her disappear into our home away from home, I high-tailed it back to our place to finish packing our bags. Thank goodness for the list Kiki and Cat made me so I didn’t forget anything Kenz might need or want.
Once I triple-checked the list and ensured I had everything, I grabbed the bags and tossed them in the trunk. I shot Merrick a quick text to let him know that we were good to go. His response had me laughing out loud as I returned to the school with a quick pit stop for our favorite smoothies.
I made it back to school right on schedule. I handed Doris, Kenzi’s executive assistant, her favorite iced green tea with a flourish. “Is she here yet?” I asked with a grin. She laughed and shook her head, waving me into my fiancée’s office. I blew Doris a kiss before ducking into the darkened office with our smoothies. I couldn’t wait until she saw that her 10:30 appointment wasn’t what she expected.
-—————————————————————
Kenzi: The first two meetings of my morning passed quickly. I even got a chance to enjoy some time alone in one of the studios. It felt good to be able to get back to what I loved. Don’t get me wrong, taking over the studio was a dream. But some days were spent in more meetings than in studios. I had moments where I missed it. I knew I was lucky, though. I had amazing friends and teachers behind me every step of the way. I couldn’t have done any of what I’ve done without them, especially Alexi. He’d been amazing at helping me with everything. Kiki and Cat have been amazing too.
My thoughts were interrupted as someone cleared their throat. I laughed as I looked in the mirror and saw Kiki standing there with her hands on her hips, “I hate to interrupt your quiet, but it's 10:25. You have a meeting at 10:30. You don’t want to be late for it.” I laughed again as I caught my breath and nodded, “You’re right. I don’t. Thank you for coming to get me. Lunch after?” I grabbed my stuff and followed her to my office. I frowned a little when I noticed she walked away without answering me about lunch. As I headed into my office, I couldn’t help but worry if we were okay.
-------------------
Alexi: I sat with my back to the door, arm raised with her smoothie when she walked in. I didn’t have to see the look on her face. Her laughter spoke volumes. She snatched the smoothie and leaned over for a kiss. “What are you doing here?” She asked as she dropped her stuff and sank into the chair behind her desk. “I’m your 10:30, Doll,” I grinned. She took a healthy sip of her smoothie. “So you feel like you have to make an appointment just to see me now?”
Shaking my head, I shifted forward in the chair. “Just wanted to make sure you were here so I could kidnap you as planned.” I pulled out my phone and glanced at it. “You have fifteen minutes to shower and change before meeting me out front. Not a minute more.” Flashing my cheesiest grin, I popped up, winked, and left before she could argue or question me. I knew she’d forgive me. Eventually.
—————————-
Kenzi: I watched, shocked, as Alexi disappeared out the door. “What on earth is he talking about?” I shook my head and laughed a little, wondering what he was up to. I knew better than to take my time. I quickly grabbed a change of clothes and went to take a shower.
Once I was done with my shower and dressed, I headed back to my office to find Alexi waiting for me with a big grin on his face. I laughed, “I still have two minutes to spare. I think that was the fastest shower I have ever taken. But my curiosity was getting the better of me. What are you up to?”
-------------------------
Alexi: “You’ll see!” I grinned as I took her bag and then held out my hand. “Ready?” She narrowed her eyes at me but placed her hand in mine anyway. I pulled it to my lips and kissed the back of her hand before tugging her along. “Places to go and people to see!” I winked at Doris and dragged my fiancée to the car. Only letting go of her hand in order to open her car door.
————————.
Kenzi: I couldn’t help but laugh as I got into the car. “Should I be scared?” Alexi chuckled as he closed my door and went around to the other side. I looked over at him and tilted my head, “Who else is in on this with you?” I couldn’t help but wonder if that was why Kiki didn’t answer me about lunch plans.
----------------
Alexi: I turned up the soundtrack to Burlesque and grinned as I drove to the airfield. “Let’s just enjoy the ride,” I grinned as I started singing along. She finally gave up on quizzing me and started singing. It wasn’t long before we arrived at the airport. I made my way to the private airstrip following Merrick’s directions and pulled up near the hangar. “Here we are for the first part of your surprise.” I got out of the car and ran around to open Kenzi’s car door moments before Merrick, Kiki, and Cat stepped out of the hangar and waved.
——————-
Kenzi: I couldn’t help but laugh as I saw everyone standing there. I shook my head as Alexi helped me out of the car. “What are we doing here?” I couldn’t help but ask again as we made our way over to everyone. I quickly hugged Kiki and Cat, asking them what was going on as well. But no one would answer me.
-----------------
Alexi: Merrick gave me a thumbs up as the girls hugged. It paid to have friends with connections. The private plane awaiting us was owned by a man who took one of Merrick’s hiking tours years ago and became good friends with him. The kind who lets you use their private jet whenever he isn't using it. I took Kenzi in my arms. “Doll, we’re kidnapping you and taking you to Vegas for our wedding!”
——————-
Kenzi: I couldn’t believe what I just heard come out of Alexi’s mouth. I looked at him, shocked, happy, but shocked. “Are…are you serious?” I looked around at everyone’s faces with smiles and saw them nod; I turned back to Alexi and grinned, “What are we waiting for then?!?” He laughed with me, but then I frowned, “Wait, I don’t have any clothes or anything. You didn’t let me pack. What am I supposed to wear?”
---------------------
Alexi: Laughing as I kissed my bride-to-be, I gestured to her sister and her best friend. “I had excellent helpers. Cat and Kiki packed everything you will need for the trip. It’s already on the plane. In fact, Cat has another surprise for you.” Kenzi turned to her sister. “There’s more?” Cat blushed and started to bite her lip. “I…um…I designed and made your wedding dress.” Kiki grinned, “And my matron of honor dress! Not that I’ve seen either one yet.”
————————
Kenzi: I rushed over and wrapped my arms around Cat, “I haven’t even seen it, and I already know I’m going to love it. You are exactly who I would have asked to design my dress if we were planning a big day.” I hugged her again, “Thank you so much.” I was trying my best not to cry, but I couldn’t stop the tears; at least they were happy ones. I turned back to Alexi and grinned, “Well…what’s the hold-up? We can’t get married standing here!”
--------------------
Alexi: I looked over at Merrick and laughed as we both shook our heads. He and I ushered the girls up the steps into the private jet while Merrick explained his part in the surprise. The excited chatter from the girls stopped once they saw the interior. Then, there was a loud squeal and lots of giggling. Merrick and I were in for a long flight.
———————-
Kenzi: I was in complete awe of the plane. It was gorgeous. “Wow. This is amazing!” I laughed and nodded my head in agreement with Cat. “It really is. I’ve never flown in a private jet in my life. So this is totally cool!” I couldn’t stop smiling. This surprise trip just kept getting better and better.
————————
Alexi: It took us a few minutes to decide where to sit. Too many choices! It was about a four-hour flight. There is plenty of time to relax and try to distract Kenzi from finding anything else about the trip. Merrick played with Kiki’s hair and would only tell Kenzi that a vehicle would meet us when we landed and take us to the hotel. There, the girls would be escorted to their suite, and I would join Merrick in another until after the wedding the next day.
—————————
Kenzi: I was trying to pretend to pout when my questions went unanswered by everyone, even Merrick. Ugh! But I couldn’t pull it off, not really. I was so excited by the surprise and being able to marry Alexi that I couldn’t even pretend to pout for very long. Besides, I didn’t want to miss anything about this journey, even if we were only at the start of it.
-----------------
Alexi: My poor Kenzi. I could tell the suspense was making her crazy, but she was putting on a brave face. “Don’t worry, Doll. I haven’t seen your dress either. I haven’t even seen my suit. Merrick took care of that.” She gave me such a look. As if the two things were remotely similar. I kissed the pout from her lips or at least made a valiant effort. “Enough, you two,” Merrick growled with a smirk. “Time to see Vegas!” By the time we got off the jet, all our bags had been transferred to the luxury SUV awaiting us.
———————-
Kenzi: As we got off the plane, I couldn’t help but be excited. We were here! I was almost skipping to the car. Kiki and Cat were giggling at me, but I didn’t care. I was over the moon happy. The three of us made our way to the car, giggling and talking excitedly about everything we wanted to see and do besides me getting married; of course, after all, that was the best part of this surprise trip!
---------------------
Alexi: “Merrick, this is definitely riding in style. Thank you for arranging the wheels.” He winked and looked out the window with Kiki, taking in the sights. I sat back, watching Cat and Kenzi pointing and giggling like little kids at the holidays. I knew the driver was taking a longer scenic route to the hotel since none of us had ever been here before. I was really going to owe Merrick when we got back. All of a sudden, the car got very quiet. Puzzled, I looked out the window and realized we were pulling up at the hotel. The famous Bellagio was going to be our home away from home! Based on everyone’s reactions, it was an excellent choice!
——————-
Kenzi: We were taking in all the sights, giggling like a bunch of little kids, but the moment we pulled in front of the hotel, no one said a word. We all sat silently, taking in the magnificence in front of us. I couldn’t help but whisper, “Someone pinch me; I must be dreaming!” Which was followed by a louder “Ouch!” Kiki snickered and shrugged while replying, “You said pinch you.” I shook my head, laughing. “This…this is beyond anything I could have imagined. Wow.”
------------------------
Alexi: We got out of the SUV and took a look around before heading inside. Kenzi grabbed my hand and squeezed hard. “Happy, Doll?” She nodded and tugged me along inside. Chuckling, we headed inside, where our jaws dropped. The lobby had the most incredible glass sculpture on the ceiling. After looking at it in awe for a few minutes, Merrick and I left the girls to take photos of each other and the hotel while we checked in. The concierge had our luggage taken up to our rooms. We returned to the girls to see if they wanted to go sightseeing or head up to the rooms to freshen up.
————————-
Kenzi: While the guys checked us in, we looked around and tried taking everything in. The hotel was beautiful outside and in. We couldn’t wait to see what our rooms looked like. We were talking about everything we wanted to see when the guys walked back over to us. We showed them the pics we took and convinced them to take a few before deciding we wanted to freshen up quickly before going sightseeing. We headed to the elevator, letting the guys take the lead, as we headed excitedly towards our rooms.
----------------------
Alexi: Such a pout when Kenz realized that Merrick and I were in the honeymoon suite, and she and the girls were sharing a nearby two-bedroom one. I wanted the suite to be a surprise for later. “It’s traditional to spend the night apart, Doll.” I laughed as Kiki and Cat tugged her along to freshen up. “Meet you in the lobby in 20 minutes!” Shaking my head, I ducked into the glorious honeymoon suite after Merrick so we could run through the rest of the wedding plans.
———————-
Kenzi: Kiki and Cat gave me a hard time as they drug me away, but it was all in good fun, and we were laughing the whole time. As we got to the room, we each took turns fixing our hair and making sure we looked presentable. While Kiki and Cat got ready, I looked around the room and couldn’t help but smile. Alexi had outdone himself with this surprise. I was genuinely happy with everything so far and couldn’t wait to go sightseeing.
------------------------
Alexi: Merrick and I made our way back down to the lobby and stopped to talk to the concierge for a minute before spotting the girls exiting the elevator. “In order to make the most of our time, Tony, the concierge, recommends the big bus tour. We have tickets for today and tomorrow night to see the lights. It will be out front in just a few minutes. Does anyone need sunscreen or sunglasses?”
———————-
Kenzi: I pulled my sunglasses that I keep in my purse out and smiled, “I’m all set!” We made our way to the front of the hotel, and before long, we were all getting onto the top tier of the bus. I was so excited that I practically bounced in my seat. Alexi took my hand, laughing quietly as he shook his head. I leaned over and kissed him on his cheek, whispering, “Thank you for this. I know this trip is just getting started, but I love it already.”
-------------
Alexi: I was going to have to tip Tony a little extra. The bus tour was perfect. We could see everything from the top of the bus. Casinos, hotels, landmarks. All the best sights. We also enjoyed the commentary and history from the tour guide as well. We only got off when the girls saw shops they wanted to visit, and then we hopped right on the next bus a short while later. “Do you think any of you will have room left on your phones for more pictures?”
——————————
Kenzi: We laughed at Alexi as we nodded, “We will have plenty of room. We can always upload the pics to create more space. There’s no such thing as not having enough room for more pictures.” I grinned at him. There was no way I was going to let myself run out of room for pictures. I wanted to snap as many as I could; this trip was something I never wanted to forget.
-------------
Alexi: “Good point, Sweets. Anyone hungry?” We started to laugh as Merrick’s stomach growled and startled a tourist as we got off at our hotel stop. “Guess that’s a yes. Let’s clean up and meet in the lobby for dinner.” Merrick and I kissed our better halves and gave Cat a hug when the elevator opened on our floor. As we closed our hotel room door, I winked at Merrick. “So far so good!”
——————-
Kenzi: Once we were back in the room, we all took turns getting showers and changing for dinner. Once I was ready, I took the time to upload all the pics I took to a folder. I smiled; now I had plenty of room for way more pictures. It wasn’t long before we were all ready again and headed down to the lobby. We giggled that this time, we might actually beat the guys there and have to wait on them, even though there were only two of them and three of us.
------------------------
Alexi: I made reservations at Prime Steakhouse for dinner. It had gorgeous views and could handle our hearty appetites. We joined the ladies and made sure to tell them how beautiful they all looked. I offered my arm to Kenzi and then my other arm to Cat. She was part of the family, and I wanted to make sure she knew it. Merrick and Kiki were close behind as we were led to a table on the patio. We let the ladies take their seats first, then sat beside them. The menus were handed out, and our drink orders were taken.
—————————-
Kenzi: I wasn’t sure where to look first, the view or the menu, once we were seated. “Wow, this is so awesome! I can’t believe we’re getting to eat here!” Everyone laughed with me, and soon, we discussed what we wanted to order. We all wanted to try so many things, and we didn’t know where to start. We decided to go with a few appetizers: bacon-wrapped shrimp and white asparagus won. Once our appetizers were ordered, we began trying to figure out what we wanted to sink our teeth into for our main course. I finally decided on the petite shellfish plateau and a salad. I couldn’t help but agree with Cat when she said the filet mignon and a Caesar salad sounded good.
--------------------------
Alexi: Since it was the night before our wedding, they brought us complimentary desserts. Slices of their Dark Side of the Moon cake—rich fudge cake soaked with coffee liqueur and layered with chocolate mousse—iced in whipped pure dark chocolate ganache and topped with a chocolate crescent moon. It was rich and decadent—a perfect ending to a wonderful day.
After dinner, we walked outside to see the dancing lights before heading up to bed. It would be time to get married in just a few short hours. I couldn’t wait. We had arranged a hair and makeup team to help the ladies prepare while they dined on a delicious room-service breakfast. I wouldn’t see them until they joined me at the private Terrazza di Sogno steps. The dancing waters would be our backdrop. The hotel included a photographer and officiant in their wedding package. I just had to hope that Kenzi loved her wedding dress designed for her by her sister Cat. Kiki promised to take lots of pictures of her reaction when Cat finally unveiled their dresses in the morning. Parting was bittersweet, but the best was yet to come after a good night’s sleep….if I ever got to sleep, that is.
————————-
Kenzi: As the girls and I headed back to our rooms, I couldn’t stop myself from smiling, and it had nothing to do with the drinks or cake from dinner. The day had been completely amazing, and we hadn’t even gotten to the best part of the trip yet. When we arrived in our room, it was decided that we were all going to change into our pajamas and pile up on the couch.
As I rummaged through my bag, I couldn’t keep my mind from wandering to the next day. In just a few hours, I’d be a married woman. The grin that stretched across my face wasn’t one that I wanted to hide. I couldn’t wait for Alexi to be my husband. I headed out to meet the girls and laughed when they commented about the bounce in my step. We all settled onto the couch and spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and just being together until we all fell asleep.
----------------------
Alexi: Somehow, I managed to fall asleep. The smell of coffee woke me the next morning. I found Merrick coming out of the shower with a huge grin on his face. “Happy Wedding Day!” I thanked him and fixed myself a cup of coffee. “It’s a great day to get married.” Merrick raised his cup of coffee to me and then told me to get my butt in the shower, or he’d drag me in himself. I pirouetted and then did a perfect jete away from him and into the bathroom laughing. Merrick delivered room service once I was showered, shaved, and mostly dressed. We sat down to enjoy a good meal before the excitement of the day took over. I did my best not to call Kenzi. Luckily Merrick was getting some updates from Kiki for me.
———————
Kenzi: I woke up to giggling and whispers; I pretended to be asleep a little longer while Cat and Kiki debated who was going to wake me up. I waited until I felt one of them approach, then jumped up and grabbed their arm. We all erupted into fits of laughter as Kiki screamed in surprise. “Gotcha!” I laughed as I stood. The girls had already ordered breakfast for us, and we sat around eating and giggling. The morning was nothing but happiness. Soon, I was ushered into the shower informed that hair and makeup would be here soon.
I asked to see my dress again but was told I had to wait just a little longer. They were having fun keeping me in suspense. After a relaxing shower, I wrapped the robe left on the back of the door around me and headed back into the room, buzzing with people setting things up everywhere. It wasn’t long before I was noticed and plopped into a chair for my hair and makeup to be done.
------------------------------
Alexi: The one update we were hoping for was Kiki and Kenzi’s reactions to their dresses. Cat had designed and made both the wedding gown and matron of honor dress as wedding gifts. No one had seen them but her. I could just imagine how nervous she was. The one plus was that Cat didn’t need to do fittings since she already worked on costumes for both of them and other dancers at the school. Merrick was adjusting my cufflinks and jacket one last time when his phone finally buzzed.
—————————-
Kenzi: Once hair and makeup were done, Cat shooed everyone out in the nicest way possible, of course. We thanked everyone repeatedly, and I’m pretty sure we all slipped them a tip. Finally, Cat brought out the garment bags. I was so excited that I couldn’t sit still much longer. Cat explained that she hoped we loved the dresses. I was a little confused at first until they explained that she designed both dresses, and Kiki hadn’t seen hers yet, either.
Before Cat opened the bags, I hugged her tight and thanked her so much. I told her I knew I would love my dress, but she was still anxious about me seeing it. She made me close my eyes and then counted to 3. As she said 3, I opened my eyes and instantly almost started crying. The dress was amazing! “Cat, oh my gosh! You did such an amazing job! I love it so much! Thank you!”
--------------------
Alexi: The huge grin on Merrick’s face told me all I needed to know. The dresses had been a huge hit, and it was time to get married! I helped Merrick into his jacket, and then we each did a twirl to make sure we looked presentable. “Your spin needs work, dude!” I laughed as Merrick playfully swiped at my arm. He looked at me for a long time. “This is going to be one of the best days of your life. Don’t blink. It’ll go by so fast.” We embraced, and then I headed downstairs to the ceremony site. Merrick went to get the bouquets and escort the ladies downstairs.
————————-
Kenzi: I couldn’t help but look in the mirror again as I slowly turned in my dress. If I thought it was gorgeous before, I gasped once I put it on and got the complete look. It was everything I could have envisioned for my wedding dress. The soft colors, the flow of it, and the bodice itself were mesmerizing. While Kiki got dressed, I headed over to Cat and hugged her again. “I can’t thank you enough for my dress. It is perfection. I couldn’t have designed it better myself. You did an amazing job.” I teared up a little and laughed when Cat scolded me about ruining my makeup.
Kiki had just rejoined us when there was a knock on the door. Merrick walked in and handed us each a bundle of flowers, and standing there with everything; my heart started to race in the best way possible. I couldn’t wait to marry Alexi and spend the rest of our lives together. I smiled as I watched Kiki and Merrick whisper to each other. When he looked at me and smiled, I nodded before he asked. “Never been more ready in my life!”
—————————
Alexi: The ceremony site was perfect. The dancing waters in the background. The flowers. The sunlight. It was spectacular. I could not wait to see her face. The officiant came over and spoke to me about the ceremony while we waited. Moments later, Merrick joined me with a huge grin on his face, followed by Cat. Once they had joined me, music started, and Kiki came into view, walking towards us. She looked so beautiful. It was showtime. My bride was next!
——————————-
Kenzi: When the soft music changed, I knew it was my turn to walk up the aisle. I took a deep breath, calming my nerves, and took my first step towards my future.
As I started down the aisle, I looked up and saw Alexi standing there. It took everything in me not to rush to him. He looked so handsome in his suit. I couldn’t help the few tears of happiness that escaped. How did I get so lucky?
————————-
Alexi: As soon as I saw her, my heart felt like it was somersaulting in my chest. She had never looked more beautiful. She handed off her bouquet to Cat, and I quickly took her hands in mine. “You are so incredibly beautiful,” I whispered so that the officiant didn’t chastise me. Even when she blushed, it matched her dress. After a few moments lost in each other’s eyes, the officiant cleared their throat and said, “Shall we begin?” The next part is a blur. I know we recited our vows and exchanged rings, but I did not really remember anything until I was told we could kiss for the first time as husband and wife. With a grin, I winked at my wife, twirled her away, and then back into my arms for a lingering kiss as I dipped her back. I hoped that the photographer and videographer were able to capture it all for us.
--------------------------
Kenzi: It wasn’t until we heard cheers erupting around us that we broke apart, laughing. I couldn’t believe it, we were married! Alexi was my husband! I grinned as I looked over at him, “You’re stuck with me now, Husband,” I blew him a kiss and laughed. Merrick, Cat, and Kiki congratulated us, and we posed for lots of pictures. It was definitely the perfect wedding. It was beautiful, and we got to become husband and wife and be surrounded by those who meant the most to us. I couldn’t believe we were finally married!
