Down the road of memories

And then I wanted to go all in

Noah POV

The 25th anniversary of the super twins was somewhat overlooked this year. Lee and Rachel were on their honeymoon at the time and Elle and I were returning from Mexico. So Rachel and I planned a weekend in Las Vegas for them during the July 4th weekend which we kept secret.

On Thursday afternoon, I picked Elle up from the hospital and without saying anything to her, I headed to the airport.
- Where are you taking me, Noah Flynn? This is clearly not the way back home!" she said, looking at me with suspicious eyes.
- It's a secret!" I told her with a smirk.
- You know I can't stand surprises!" she said to me with a pout.
- I know, but I always find you cute when you're frustrated." I said to her laughing as she patted me on the shoulder while making a face at me.

I took no time to take her hand and bring it to my lips. Elle didn't ask me any more questions until I pulled into an airport parking lot.
- So, we're going by plane, I think." she said to me as she got out of the car. "I hope you packed my bags.
- Perfectly !" I said to her taking her suitcase out of the car. "It was interesting being able to put whatever I wanted inside" which got me another grimace from my fiancée.
- Are you going to tell me where we are going now?
- Not right away," I told her as I took her hand and walked into the airport.

It was only after security that I said to her, taking her hands:
- So, since your 25th birthday has been somewhat overlooked due to weddings, I'm taking you for a weekend in Las Vegas with Lee and Rachel." I said to her as my brother and my sister-in-law arrived behind us.
- Happy belated anniversary Lee and Elle!" Rachel said giving Elle a hug while my brother came to shake my hand.
- Happy belated birthday, bro." I said.

And quickly, we were able to start our weekend. The plane ride took only 45 minutes and before dinner time the four of us were at the hotel.

Rachel and I planned an awesome schedule for Elle and Lee. Tomorrow we have booked a day expedition to explore the grand canyon. Lee, Rachel, and Elle hiked often during my first year at Harvard and I was really happy to be able to go with them this time. On Saturday evening we had purchased tickets for the Cirque du Soleil "O" show. Lee, Elle and I grew up spending our lives in the pool. I remember Shelly as a teenager trying to replicate synchronized swimming moves. It would be great to see this in real life.

For the first evening, Rachel and I reserved a table on the terrace at the hotel's Lago restaurant with a view of the reproduction of the Eiffel Tower all lit up. The conversations were great. Lee and Rachel told us about the adventures of their honeymoon and the beginning of life as a married couple. It was great to be able to be all four together. We even planned to go see a Dodgers game together in a few weeks.

After dinner, we planned to spend the first evening at the casino. Lee always loved James Bond films and seemed to be in the middle of Casino Royale. For my part, Chloe and the guys often organized Poker nights at Harvard so I learned a few things.

Elle and I were sitting at a poker table and I was quite proud to win a hand. I learned to be careful in poker, Chloe taught me the hard way and today I don't take unnecessary risks. So, I stopped playing immediately after this victory.

Elle and I were walking through the casino when I took her hand and whispered in her ear.
- All this reminds me of the evening of my 24th birthday when we met at the casino in Atlantic City.

I saw sadness flash in Elle's eyes, followed by fear. Could the memory of that evening be painful for her? I didn't have time to ask her what was going on because Lee joined us.
- Elle, come play roulette with me!" he said, pulling my fiancée with him.

I remained a little frozen, lost in the memories of this evening which was one of the most beautiful of my life... the one where I decided to show Elle my hand and hoped that she would let me win!