Chapter 4 Welcome to married life
“I’m nervous,” she whispered.
BK glanced at her. “Relax. They don’t bite. My parents will like you, and they’ll love you even more.”
She took a deep breath and said, “It’s still nerve-wracking. What if they don’t like me?”
“That’s impossible, Daph. I’m sure they’ll like you. Just have faith, okay?”
“Hopefully.”
He held her hand, and they both paused at the spark they felt. They exchanged a glance.
She gasped when they arrived at a beautiful house. Her heart beat faster.
“Come on,” BK said as she got out of the car. He opened the car door for her for the first time—and even held open the front door of the house.
“Here they are,” BK whispered to her, his arm wrapping around her waist, making her gulp. “Hi, Mom! Dad!” BK waved at his parents, who were coming down the stairs.
They walked toward them.
“Meet my lovely girlfriend, Daphne Frost.” BK introduced her with a smile, then looked at her fondly. “Baby, my parents.” He gestured toward his parents.
She couldn’t help but stare at him because of the endearment he used. Why did “baby” sound so nice? She still hadn’t decided on an endearment herself. She turned her attention to his parents, who were smiling at her.
“H-hello. Good evening,” she stammered slightly.
“Daphne is even more beautiful in person, huh!” BK’s mom greeted them cheerfully.
She couldn’t help but feel awkward as his mom gave her a cheek-to-cheek kiss. “Welcome to the family,” the woman said, making her eyebrows furrow slightly. BK had only mentioned her as his girlfriend, so what was with the warm welcome? Did this mean his parents were excited about their possible marriage? Was she already approved as BK's future wife?
“Thank you,” she replied since she didn’t know what else to say.
She shook hands with BK's dad after. BK was right; he did look like his father. She could just imagine what BK would look like when he was older.
“Is Judge ready, honey?” BK’s mom asked his dad.
She and BK exchanged glances. They both swallowed hard.
Why was she asking if the judge was ready? Did she mean they’d get married right away?
“He’s on his way, sweetheart,” replied BK's dad.
“Mom, I just need to show Daph something in my room.” BK took her hand and clasped it in his.
“Alright. I’ll call you both when we’re ready. Okay?” His mom smiled as she looked at her, and she returned the smile.
BK locked his room door once they were inside.
“F*ck! I thought Mom was joking!” he muttered, looking at her.
“About what?”
“Didn’t you hear? Judge Israel is on the way to marry us! Damn it!”
Her mouth fell open. “W-what do we do?”
“Didn’t we discuss this? We expected this might happen. I just didn’t think it would be today. I guess Mom didn’t buy our little act.”
She gazed at him. “I’m fine with the wedding being today, BK.”
“Are you serious?” he asked with a scrunched-up face. She nodded. He sighed deeply and sat on the bed. “Alright.”
AS THEY HAD EXPECTED, BK's mom wanted them to get married immediately. It looked like she had planned everything, since some family members were there. BK’s other two siblings, who had their own families, also showed up.
Daphne didn’t expect BK’s mom to have a simple wedding gown ready for her. She had to admit it was impressive since the white dress fit her perfectly.
“You’re so beautiful, dear!” his mom said, adjusting her veil. “Don’t worry, we’ll have your family at the church wedding. But for now, I just want to make sure you two are married. Okay?” She gave the best smile she could after that. His mom led her downstairs, and they walked toward the pool.
Her mouth slightly opened when she saw BK in a tuxedo. Her friend was right—her soon-to-be husband was definitely hot. He looked very handsome in his dark green tuxedo, though his serious face made him look a bit less friendly. She smiled at him, and he smiled back as she stepped onto the red carpet. He was waiting for her there.
“Meet Andy, my only daughter. Andy, this is Daphne,” his mom introduced her with a smile.
“Welcome to the Hernandez family, Daphne. I’m happy you finally got our youngest to settle down. If you ever need anything, we’re here. You know, girl power!” She laughed and nodded at Andy’s words.
After that, they told her to walk down the red carpet toward BK and the judge.
She walked slowly as “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele played. She hadn’t chosen it, but she liked that song.
She gazed intensely at her future husband as she walked, and he looked back at her the same way. She was nervous. She didn’t understand herself. They didn’t have feelings for each other, but she felt like crying. She held herself together to avoid tears.
She smiled at BK’s parents once she reached them. They hugged and congratulated her.
She held onto BK’s arm. She gasped when he kissed her head before they walked toward the judge. She hadn’t expected that move from BK. It looked like he had planned it well for this act.
The ceremony felt quick to her. She wanted to skip the moment when the judge announced that they could seal their vows with a kiss.
She placed her hand on her husband’s chest as he pulled her closer by the waist. She closed her eyes when his lips pressed against hers. There was something different about their kiss. Maybe it was because it was her first. It was a quick kiss, but it felt long. She felt like his lips had lingered on hers.
Applause surrounded them afterwards. She looked shyly at the guests. BK, on the other hand, was grinning widely.
She couldn’t move away when BK leaned closer to her ear and whispered, “Welcome to married life, Daphne Sevilla Frost Hernandez.”
