Esperanza (Brides Dock On Portum Island!) #1

Untitled Part 16

Chapter 15

Esperanza felt like an overdressed idiot. She walked hand in hand with her husband down the street. They were heading to her mother-in-law's home to take professional pictures. Her dress was a little snug in the stomach area, which was completely understandable. She knew that in a matter of time, she would be showing.

"Why couldn't we do the pictures at our house?" Asher asked her.

"Don't know. I'm just mad that I wasn't smart enough to ask her where she wanted to take the pictures," Esperanza commented. As they walked, a few people waved, yelled congratulations, and took pictures. Great! Her hair, which was up in a bun, would frizz, Esperanza was sure of it. But she didn't dwell too much on the state of her hair. All she could think of was getting out of her dress.

"We're finally here," Asher announced as he led her up the driveway of a house that was on the beach. It was massive, with a wraparound porch, porch swing, and hitching posts in the front. Did they entertain enough for that? The smell of the ocean brought something to mind.

"Honey, you have to take me to the beach at some point," she said, which made him groan.

"Babe, I hate the beach," he complained.

"You can do it just for me," Esperanza said, despite the fact that she wasn't a fan of saltwater. Her intent wasn't to swim. She thought that she could take selfies by the water to send to her aunt. But he didn't have to know that.

"It will be fun. I can make fried chicken for dinner," she offered as they walked hand in hand up the porch steps.

"Maybe you can enjoy the beach with my mother," he suggested. Esperanza playfully glared at him as the door opened.

"Come in, guys," Darrin, who was dressed in a suit, insisted. Was he also taking pictures with them? Esperanza shrugged as they followed Darrin into the foyer. He led them down the hallway through the spacious home. Then they exited onto the back porch, where a table had been set up. Esperanza blinked when she saw the other tables that were scattered around the beach, filled with well-dressed people. The centerpieces were a colorful bunch of flowers, placed in clear vases. There were a couple of tents, which probably held food. Everyone stood and yelled, "Surprise!" Asher looked as surprised as she did.

Catherine walked up the porch, a preacher following close behind her. "I thought to right a wrong, Esperanza. This is my gift to you, a celebration of your union," she loudly proclaimed.

Esperanza grinned at her man; her heart filled with warmth.

"Thank you," she said. The couple were led to a platform that had been erected, and under the arch that had been created, the reverend married them for a second time.

"You may kiss the bride," the reverend said, and Asher kissed her in front of their friends and family. Everyone clapped and then Catherine proclaimed that food must be served. Then she smirked, her sparkling eyes landing on her.

"I have a surprise for you," she told Esperanza.

"Apart from a wedding?" Asher asked, stunned.

"Asher, this surprise is mostly for Esperanza. Come on," his mother said. Esperanza made her way down the stairs, being mindful not to step on her snug dress, and followed her mother-in-law to a tent. As soon as they entered, Esperanza's eyes widened. Standing by the gift table was her aunt Claudia, who had tears in her eyes.

"Lena would have been so happy for you," Claudia said before wrapping her arms around Esperanza. Esperanza was stunned. She didn't know what to say to her aunt. What was she doing here? She got past the barrier? No one mentioned that the island could have visitors. But she pushed that aside and hugged her aunt, whom she hadn't seen in four long years. Esperanza pulled away from her and stared at her.