Chapter 27: What honeymoon?

Ashley's eyes grew wide as Tanaga kissed her. Her face reddened like she'd had too much to drink. Tanaga enjoyed the moment, knowing Ashley would never resist. He wanted this kiss to last, but the Consul interrupted.

He loudly cleared his throat, "Sir, Ma'am, perhaps you want to wait until the honeymoon. It's getting quite hot in here." He teased, smiling awkwardly. The Consul's words brought Ashley to her senses. She lightly pushed Tanaga away from her.

"It's finished? Can we leave now?" Ashley looked away from the Consul and her new husband as she tried to catch her breath.

"Yes!" The Consul answered, "Here are your marriage certificates. Congratulations!" Instead of handing the papers to Tanaga, he gave them to Ashley, making Tanaga's face quickly go sour. As Ashley was about to extend her hand to give them to him, he already had his hand on them.

"Leave these to me," he said, giving her a wink. She let Tanaga take them. What else could she do?

On their way out, they met the two Immigration Officers who had promised to act as witnesses. Both had dressed so well for the occasion that they could have passed for grooms themselves. Ashley giggled to herself as they faced the two.

"Good afternoon." The leader said. The disappointment was evident on his face as he realized they didn't make it on time. "I'm sorry we missed the wedding."

"Can we see the marriage certificate?" He asked Tanaga in Japanese. Tanaga didn't hesitate and handed it to him. After examining it, he returned it to Tanaga.

"We're truly sorry we didn't make it for the ceremony. Congratulations, Mr., and Mrs. Jones." The officer said as he extended his hand to Tanaga, intending to shake his hand. Tanaga ignored it. The officer slowly lowered it, embarrassed. Ashley nudged Tanaga to get his attention, and he turned to look at her.

Ashley covered her mouth, coughing as she whispered to Tanaga, "shake his hand." Tanaga understood what she whispered through the forced cough and obeyed like a scolded puppy.

As the officer shook his hand, Tanaga said, "Thank you for coming. I'm sorry you missed the wedding, but you can still attend the reception if you'd like to join us."

The officer looked at his partner for his approval. Once the man nodded, he quickly answered. "Our working hours are over. We'd love to attend."

Tanaga took out a business card and wrote down the address. "Okay, we'll see you there." The man accepted the card, and they said their goodbyes. Tanaga put his hands on Ashley's shoulders.

"Let's go, sweetheart! We have to prepare for our honeymoon." Tanaga intentionally spoke loud enough for the two officers to hear.

Honeymoon? What honeymoon? You can honeymoon yourself. Ashley thought to herself.

"Sir, are we really going?" The junior officer asked his partner. "I'm not sure we'll fit in with their guests."

"We were invited. Of course, we're going. Mr. Jones asked us to attend as their guests. The food is going to be delicious. We would be crazy to give up the opportunity to eat food prepared by actual Michelin chefs! It's going to be a great party. You'll see." The senior officer answered proudly.

"You think so? I'm sure you're right. We should go." The man agreed.