Chapter 98

It’s a little more than a year later that Derek and I walk down the aisle. With Bea as our flower girl, Tris as our ring-bearer, and all the people we love watching, Derek and I say our vows.

“What can I say that I haven’t before? You’re stronger than any woman who’s gone through the trauma you have. You continue on and let those in when needed. You’re Wonder Woman. You’re a dream not only to me, but to Bea, Tris, and Orchid. I can’t imagine anyone else standing here with me.”

Derek’s vows of course, bring tears to many. Lily and Annie stand beside us as my bridesmaids, and I hear them sniffling, too.

“Derek. The day things changed was the day you walked into Ransom’s Tavern, and I told you I’d be divorcing my ex. It’s the day I took my blinders off. My life hasn’t been one filled with loneliness, even when I felt small. With you and your girls love, I’ve managed to work through trauma, loss, love, and becoming a mom. Now, I become mother to your daughters, and we become one blended family.”

We kiss one another when the officiant instructs, serenaded with loud claps, hollers, and cheers.

When it’s time to walk back down the aisle together, I watch Orchid bouncing in my mom’s lap. I see Bea and Tris smiling wide. I see everyone’s adoring eyes. I feel my heart growing with all the love in the air.

And then, I look at my now husband. Derek’s fresh eyes, large smile, and chocolate eyes filled with deep, true love; I know that this is the happiness I’ve been searching for my entire life. The man of my dreams is holding my hand as we get to the end of the aisle, stopping for the cameraman to kiss while the room continues to applaud us.

Once we finally get to the reception, we get ready to tear up the dance floor and visit with all the people who’ve come out.

It’s a large group of people, and we give everyone plenty of time to talk. Bea and Tris run around giggling through the entire reception, and even take Orchid onto the dance floor together to dance with her.

When he have a moment alone, Derek pulls me aside.

“I want to tell you something before the night ends.”

I wiggle my brows. “You don’t have to ask for a kiss, Derek, we’re married.”

He responds with bending down and giving me a peck, causing me to laugh.

“No, not that. You know how you’ve been asking me about our living situation, and I’ve been changing the subject?”

“You mean almost daily for a year and a half? Yeah, I think I can recall that.”

“Imagine Bea, Tris, Orchid, maybe even a baby of our own? You and me, and of course, the cats. All of us under one big roof together.”

“Oh?” I tilt my head.

“I just wanted to make sure it was a done deal before I told you. We’ll move in after the honeymoon. It’s got a yard, beautiful views of the sky, the neighborhood, and it’s in the girl’s district.”

I shake my head at him, unable to believe everything he’s telling me. “Our own place?”

“Just for our family.”

I stand on my toes, kissing him as I move my hand to the back of his head. We hold our lips together for several seconds. When we pull away, I look up into the sexiest man alives eyes. My hand finds my necklace, the one Derek gave me that faithful day in Ransom’s Tavern. Of course I’ve worn it today.

“I love you, you know that?” I whisper.

“I’d hope so, you married me.” He holds up his left hand, showing me his band.

“Just making sure you knew what you were getting yourself into.” I kiss him again quickly, then shake my head.

“Save the kissing for your personal time!” I hear Annie prodding at me. We look over at her and Guillermo.

Annie, to her credit, wasn’t lying about trying to get pregnant. Four months ago, she called us to say she was six weeks pregnant. Now, her bridesmaid dress shows off her baby bump.

"How are you still the hottest woman alive while carrying a baby?" I taunt her.

"The same way I was the sexiest bride of the year,” Lily responds without missing a beat. “Though now that’s you, Esme. You’re glowing.”

In my mermaid style gown, I feel elegant and beautiful. It’s been over a year since I had Orchid, and though I’ve been overworking myself and preparing for the wedding, I do have to admit I look incredible.

“So, when does the paperwork go through for the adoption?” Annie sighs, changing the subject.

“Last week?”

Annie hits me.

“Don’t hit me on my wedding day!”

“I thought you weren’t adopting Bea and Tris until after the wedding?” Lily half-shouts.

“Surprise,” Derek winks.

Lily looks at my husband. “So, does this mean you’ve adopted Orchid?”

He nods once. “A few days after Esme was approved for my girls.”

“Well, would you look at that. The five of you as one little family.” Lily’s face grows pink.

“So, how much longer until you’re pregnant?” Annie questions our friend.

“Slow down, partner. Pedro and I just got married. Let us enjoy the honeymoon phase.”

“Translation: none of your business.” I jab at Lily’s arm.

“You read my mind.”

“Come on, guys, no more time to waste. We have a dance floor to conquer!” Annie insits, grabbing onto all of us and pulling.

Once we finally begin dancing, the music starts to pump out classic’s for everyone to get up and move.

I have Bea and Tris join us on the dance floor, and Derek holds Bea as I hold Tris.

“So, have you two decided on what you want to call Esme now?” Derek questions.

“I thought they were just going to call me Esme,” I intervene.

Bea’s black hair shakes with her head. “We don’t want to call you Esme.”

Derek looks at his youngest. “Then what did you decide?”

Tris smiles. “You’re our new mommy.”

“We want to call you Mom. Can we?” Bea’s eyes are hopeful, and I can’t help but melt at their genuine love and hearts.

I hold Tris tighter, leaning over to plant kisses all over Bea’s face, too.

“Of course you can. But what will you call your real mom?”

Derek clears his throat. “Sadie’s lost her rights. If they want to see her in the future, they can. But you’ve adopted them. You’re their mom.”

My eyes widen to those words. “Are you two sure?”

The two nod again.

“Let’s get your sister out here,” I sigh, waving down my mom. “The five of us need to have our first dance together as a family.”

Once Orchid is holding each sister’s hand, we all stand in a circle, swaying back and forth to the music.

Eighteen months ago, I lost my husband, found out I was pregnant, and was struggling with where I’d end up in the world. I never believed, in my wildest dreams, how my life may turn out for the better.

As I look around the circle, I’m blessed with not just a new husband and a daughter, but two more daughters who chose to make me their mom. Orchid loves all three of them. I’m happy.

If I could go back in time and tell my past self just how great the future would be, I would do it in a heartbeat. Just to find this family, to be free of things that held me back.

The Anderson family is well worth finding in every lifetime.