First Class Voyage

EPILOGUE



Just over a month had passed since the Lathem family arrived home from their fourteen day vacation. Planning had been in top gear for the simple reception to celebrate the marriage of Mark and Katy. Katy had married Mark in a perfect setting and in a simple fashion, just the way she imagined her ideal wedding to be. It was all she could have hoped for. So her heart had softened just a bit when it came for Maureen’s ideas for the celebration, although many ideas were immediately scratched off the list.

Like the Waldorf Astoria hotel. It wasn’t going to be held there; Katy could never have given in on that one. Tavern on the Green was also suggested, and although closer to Katy’s style than the Waldorf, it didn’t feel right. Instead, with her complete love of the water known to many members of the family, Maureen suggested a small gathering aboard a yacht as they sailed around New York harbor. While not the most modest of choices, Katy had actually been thrilled with the idea. And with Matt and Mark’s friendship with Ryan Little at MEL Holdings, the use of his father-in-law’s yacht was quickly secured for the occasion. Once the venue had been secured, Katy, Maureen and Janie had planned the joyous event in a matter of minutes.

Keeping it within their circle of friends, Aaron, one of Mark’s best friends from high school, whom Matt had helped launch his first of three restaurants, and subsequently his career, would cater the event. Maureen’s long-time florist was supplying dozens of tubs of beautiful fresh flowers that would be scattered throughout the yacht in all the magical colors of the sea. They reminded Katy of the pillows on the bed of their wedding night. She was very pleased. In fact, she was downright thrilled.

It would be the first time the entire family would be together again since their cruise. Adam had started his residency and even though the hospital wasn’t far from his parents, he rarely saw his family now. His time was no longer his own. Andrew and Rory had remained all but quarantined in their apartment for the prior three weeks in order to attempt to keep all the nasty little germs and viruses from their infant daughter whom they had named Isabelle. Tyler had received his first overseas assignment from Matt and had travelled to Manchester, England, for a week. Ben had taken his on-again-off-again girlfriend to Boston for a weekend only to come home with the news that they had broken up once and for all. Maureen had been kind of happy about that piece of news, as she certainly hadn’t measured up to her two perfect daughters-in-law.

The day finally arrived for the reception and the weather remained perfect for the early evening event. Guests began arriving and champagne began pouring. There were long-time family friends and work colleagues for both bride and groom. Extended family arrived and soon the yacht seemed like it was in fact hosting a party. As they left the pier and made their way out into the glistening water, the celebration was in full swing.

Maureen could not have been any prouder as she introduced her new daughter-in-law to those Katy didn’t already know. Maureen led her around, their arms linked, and faces beaming. Mark watched, mesmerized, his eyes not able to leave his bride. As each person congratulated Katy on her marriage, Maureen watched Katy interact with her guests and was so thrilled that Mark had convinced her to marry him. Her sons had married two of the finest women she had been privileged to know. She was well aware of her good fortune and thanked God every day for it.

Katy looked positively radiant in the strapless palest of pink dresses with a sweetheart neckline and an empire waist. She wore the strappy silver heels on her feet and on her finger sat her stunning engagement ring resting above her pale pink shell wedding ring, a visual reminder of the love she had for her husband and the special place in her heart for the city of San Juan.

Mark remained by her side, the proud groom, dressed in khaki pants and a crisp white linen camp shirt and leather sandals. His finger also held a pale pink shell wedding ring that was a symbol of his everlasting love and commitment to the woman at his side. The looked perfect together; they were perfect for each other.

The DJ played music from every genre and soon the dance floor was full. Matt danced with Ella on the deck and Janie, sitting at a table with her mother and Lester, smiled as she remembered her first time on the yacht many years before when she saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time. Now, with her family surrounding her, she couldn’t imagine that she could ever be any happier.

In three weeks, several members of the family would be travelling to Miami to witness the marriage of her mother and Lester. Janie had been a bit uneasy at the whirlwind courtship, but Matt only had to remind her that when you knew it was right there was no point in waiting. He was reminding his wife of their very own whirlwind romance. So, after several phone calls where Patty assured her daughter that she not only knew what she was doing and it was the right thing for her, Janie was comforted and happy that Patty had found someone to love her and to make her happy, for she truly did not remember her mother looking better. She had a glow that everyone noticed. In fact, it took years off her appearance. And though she was somewhat skeptical at first, Janie had come to realize that Lester was a very good man, who loved her mother and treated her like a queen. What more could she ask for? She had even spoken to Maggie, Lester’s daughter, several times on the phone and she was sure that they would become fast friends. The family was ever expanding; more people to fill her already overflowing life with love and joy.

Ella skipped over to the table and asked Lester to dance with her next. He was only too happy to oblige his new granddaughter. The two of them were in love with each other already. The music started to play and the smooth voice of Nat King Cole filled the deck. Lester lifted Ella into his arms and they swayed to the rhythm of ‘Unforgettable’.

Matt left his daughter in Lester’s capable hands and stepped to the railing where Paul was standing, an empty cup in his hand. He appeared to be deep in thought and Matt thought twice about interrupting him.

“Can I refresh that for you?”

“Nah, I’m good,” smiled Paul.

“You look deep in thought.”

Paul looked at Matt and smiled.

“Good thoughts?” Matt asked.

“Um, kind of. I’m thinking of going on a trip.”

“A trip?” asked Matt. “What about your job?”

“I still haven’t made a decision on that yet. I think I need to get away for a bit.”

“Where to?”

Paul hesitated for just a moment and then smiled.

“Virginia.”