This is it, the final posting for this fanfiction. Again, I really appreciate everyone's kind words during this. Enjoy!

*All characters belong to Kiera Cass*

EPILOGUE

"I think that it's perfect, my darling."

Maxon's approving smile brightened my mood momentarily. The nursery was now finished, for the third time. I kept changing my mind on colors, decor, arrangements, and basically everything during the past three months. People might say it was the pregnancy and the hormones making me so unsure about everything, but those people were completely wrong. I just wanted everything to be perfect for the twins.

At first, I had decided on making everything very neutral in color. Beiges, yellows, and hints of grey. All of it was very tasteful, but as soon as the photographers came to take photos to publish in a magazine article, I felt unsure. So I switched it all when they were done. I had everything in an array of colors, from reds, to purples, all the way to blue. It was very happy and upbeat. Perfect for children. But not perfect for babies, I soon realized. It wasn't relaxing at all.

So with this one, I asked May to help me design it. As well as Nicoletta, Orabella, and Noemi. We went with a white, yellow, and green theme with soft lighting. We soon realized that Noemi was really talented with design, so this time I just let her take over. Being eight months pregnant wasn't easy, and having her help, along with the others, was incredible the past three weeks.

The girls were in the ladies room, having tea now. I wanted to show the room to Maxon alone. He'd been incredible during the pregnancy. He was attentive without being overbearing, kind without being smothering, and loving. Always loving.

Walking into the room, he looked around, noting every detail. The two cribs were the same, though the bedding was slightly different in patterns. There was a double rocker that had cushions you sink into when you sit down.

He went right to it and patted the leftover space beside him.

I smiled and moved to sit down. His arm instantly went around me as I cuddled up to his warm body. He'd been working a lot the past several weeks and today was no different. The doctor had ordered me to rest the past month and Maxon, being the worried husband that he was, took it seriously, basically firing me from my position. Well, not firing, but making me take a leave of absence. To be honest, I didn't mind. This pregnancy made me exhausted as it went on. The only thing I didn't like was having Maxon take on all of that work.

"So is this the final design?" Maxon asked. I could hear the apprehension in his voice.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes. I honestly don't think I could do anything more. Even having my sister and the others here, it was all very tiring."

"You should be in bed," he stated, sounding concerned.

I brushed it off, pulling away so I could look at him. "Can you believe that our children will be sleeping in here in only a months time? Possibly less?"

"Time went by so fast," he said, kissing the top of my forehead. "I still can't believe we've been married five months already."

I thought back to that moment, the moment we became husband and wife. The wedding planning was draining, being only a few months pregnant, but it had all worked out. Even telling Illea about the pregnancy had worked out.

Most of the citizens were happy for us, with a few exceptions, but that was fine by me. Maxon and I announced the wedding shortly after, and the country has been excited about us, the wedding, and the babies ever since. The tabloids were no exception. There was a weekly poll about us and the twins for months now. It had topics ranging from gender guessing to guessing what date the babies would be born on. I think the top guess was May 1st.

"What are you thinking about?" Maxon asked, interrupting my thoughts.

"Just the wedding and everything that came after," I replied, resting my head on his shoulder. "Do you really like the nursery?"

"I love it," he said with a small laugh. "I'm glad everyone was able to help you. I'm sorry that I couldn't be here more."

"You're busy with work, I get it. You have nothing to apologize for."

He held me tighter. "All the same, I think we should celebrate this moment."

"Celebrate?" I asked, sitting up again. "How?"

He stood, pulling me with him. "Come on, I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" I smiled. Following Maxon out of the room, he led me through the familiar hallways of the palace. I wondered where we were going.

"I hope you like it," he muttered as we turned the corner. As soon as he steered us in the direction of the gardens, my heart beat picked up. Without the Southern Rebels, the palace hadn't had an attack since. Because of that, we were able to go outside again. Something that I took advantage of daily.

Maxon led us through the paths and to one of the fountains. On the ground, a soft looking blanket was spread out with some food and beverages on top.

"Maxon!" I squealed in delight as my eyes found the chocolate covered fruit. I thought I had liked food before I was pregnant. Now, I really liked food. I ate enough for three people each and every meal.

Sitting down, Maxon smiled bashfully. "Do you really like it?"

"I love it," I leaned over, kissing him. "Thank you."

He unscrewed a bottle of sparkling water, pouring some into two glasses. While he was doing that, I snuck a few pieces of chocolate covered fruit into my mouth. The taste was heavenly.

The sun was setting in the distance, but the spring air was warm against my skin. With the fountain just beside us, the stream of water flow was the only sound I could hear. It was perfect.

"You are the best husband a wife could ask for," I told Maxon, truly meaning it. "When did you have the time to do this?"

"I will always have time for my wife," he replied, handing me a glass. "I promise."

Taking a sip of the water, we continued talking about anything and everything. Mostly, it was about the future. The babies seemed to be our world lately, and they weren't even born yet. After our stomachs were full, and the sun had gone down, we decided to take a stroll through the gardens. Maxon held my hand as we walked.

"I think that we're going to have girls," he said, a playful smile on his face. We'd had this discussion countless times already. Maxon always seemed so certain that I was carrying daughters, whereas I was never sure. People say that mothers usually have an instinct when it came to this, but I never got it at all.

"We'll find out soon enough," I squeezed his hand tighter.

"Are you scared at all?" He asked me, seriousness filling his voice.

I sighed. "Maybe a little," I murmured. The thought of childbirth was scary for any woman, especially when it was the first time. At least, that was what the doctor told me. And my mother.

"What worries you?" Maxon asked as we continued our slow pace.

"Well the pain," I told him, stating the more obvious answer first. "I also just worry about the babies. What if something happens to them?"

He stopped, facing me completely. "We have the best medical team in Angeles, my darling. And you've had a healthy pregnancy. I am sure everything will be alright."

I looked up into his deep brown eyes. "I know that. I mean, logically, I know that. But the thought comes into my head every now and again, regardless of me knowing that."

He pulled me into his arms, holding me in a warm embrace. I moved my own arms around his torso and held on. "You're the strongest person I know," he murmured into my hair. "These babies will be perfectly healthy, as will you."

I smiled. "If you say so."

He pulled away, looking down at me. "Do you know what I am afraid of?"

I shook my head. "What?"

His lips soon found mine, as he gently kissed me. When he pulled away moments later, I felt a little light headed. "I worry about you. I want you to be safe."

I frowned. "I will be."

"If you say so," he replied, looking away.

I lifted my hands to his cheeks, pulling it so his face was looking at me again. "You're the one who said I had a healthy pregnancy. So why would you be concerned about me?"

He shrugged. "I just am. Always."

"You also said we have the best doctors," I went on. "Plus my mother has had no problems with childbirth before, so I shouldn't either."

"You're right," he said. "Just as I am right about the twins."

"I think we are both illogical," I smiled sheepishly. I stared down at my feet, my ankles were starting to swell. "We should go sit down."

"Of course," he said, moving us closer towards the palace again. "We should discuss names soon too."

"We don't even know if we are having boys or girls. Or both," I answered. "Plus, we have to see what they look like in order to name them."

"But we should have some names picked out before the birth," he replied. "That way we are prepared."

I thought for a moment. "What about Amber? After your mother?"

"As much as I love that, I'm not sure I want to name them after specific people."

"Why not?" I asked. We were closer to the palace again, the lights from the windows created a dimly lit yard ahead of us.

"I want them to have a fresh start, just as Illea is having with the Caste's being gone. I don't want them to be named after anyone, I want them to create their own futures. If that makes sense," he finished, turning to me as we stood before the doors.

"It does," I smiled. "I do have a couple of names in mind, but I don't want to tell you. Not yet."

"Why?" He asked, a small frown on his face.

I leaned forward, placing a small kiss on his soft cheek. "Because I don't want to name them until they are born. And I want the names to be a surprise, so you don't overthink them before the birth."

He sighed. "Fine. I'll let you win on this one, considering we have some names in mind."

I laughed as he held the door open for me. "I should go say goodnight to my guests before leaving," I told him.

"I can come if you'd like," he replied.

"It's the women's room, Maxon. I don't think you'd be welcomed," I said with a playful smile. "I won't be long."

We parted ways and I made my way over. When I opened the doors I heard laughing before I spotted the ladies, huddled on the sofa. Marlee was with the ladies and she brought the only male allowed in the women's room.

"Kile!" I smiled in delight. They all turned to me, smiles still on their faces. Kile was just a month old now and was growing everyday it seemed like. His blond hair was the exact same color as Marlee's, and his bright blue eyes were identical to his father's. When Marlee gave birth, I was there with her for hours. I was the third person to hold Kile, apart from his parents.

"America!" The girls greeted me as they made room on the sofa. I took a seat, resting my feet. "Where have you been?"

I told them about Maxon's surprise for me and how we walked around the gardens afterwards. I also let them know that he loved the nursery.

May smiled through it all. "I can't wait until there are three babies around here. I'll have to visit more often when that happens."

"I believe you have school still," I replied.

"Summer is coming up though," she answered. "I'll have an entire three months off. I am pretty sure mom is planning to be here too, by the way."

"Great," I replied, earning me a laugh from the girls.

Nicoletta patted my hand. "I think I can come this summer too, I'm planning to travel around the continent anyways."

"I should put Kile to bed," Marlee said, standing. "We're trying to get him to sleep during the entire night."

I yawned as soon as she finished talking. "I think I need to get to bed as well."

Marlee and I said goodnight to the girls, who were staying up longer. May got along with all of them just as well as I did. Marlee and I said our goodbyes, and I gave Kile a light kiss on his soft head. He was nearly asleep in her arms. It was hard to believe that would be me in the near future.

As I walked to the bedroom, my lower back started feeling sore. This had been happening on and off the past couple of days. Now that the pain was back, it hurt a bit more than it did earlier. I knew that this was a sign that labour may be approaching, but it was still early. It was probably just aching from walking so much today.

I put my hand on my large belly, the babies kicked a little, as if sensing the presence of my hand. I smiled as I opened the bedroom door.

"I drew you a bath," Maxon said as soon as I came in. He was lying on the bed, reading a book about photography. He was half dressed, only wearing pajama bottoms.

"You're a lifesaver," I smiled at him. "My back is killing me, so a bath will be perfect."

His eyes left the book, focusing on me. "Is it worse than earlier?"

"A little," I shrugged. "The bath will help."

He nodded, going back to his book as I headed to the bathroom. I sunk into the tub moments later. It was the perfect temperature and the bubble bath had a vanilla smell to it. I relaxed into the water, letting the bubbles surround me.

When I got out, my back did feel much better. Maxon looked relieved when I told him, and as we got settled into bed, he slowly massaged it for me too. I fell asleep in the middle of the massage and didn't wake up until later the next morning.

Maxon had left to work in his office for the day, leaving me to relax in the room. May, however, had no intentions of allowing me the rest of the morning to myself. She came in, barely knocking.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to Nicoletta and the others?" She asked, flopping down on the bed.

"I will, but they don't leave for over an hour. They're packing now, May."

She sighed. "I wish they lived here. I don't want them to go."

"They're fun, aren't they?"

She smiled. "Very. We stayed up so late last night. They kept asking me about any boys I was interested in."

"You're too young to think about boys," I frowned.

"I am nearly sixteen!" She shot back. "And maybe I have a boyfriend."

"No you don't," I replied.

"How do you know?"

"Because if you did, you would have told me about him. Plus, you wouldn't' have offered your entire summer here with me. You would want to be home with him."

She rolled her eyes. "Fine, you're right. I have no boyfriend."

I laughed. "Don't be in a rush, May."

"All the boys at school are gross," she replied. "I should go with Nicoletta and meet some of the boys in Italy. She says there are lots there!"

We sat and talked for a while, moving on from the topic of boys to other topics. It was nice, having her here. She had been around a lot, with the wedding planning and the nursery. Not to mention the baby shower. She had a flight home in a few days, and I was going to miss her. But she and mom were planning on coming out for the birth, so I would see her soon enough.

We went to say goodbye to Nicoletta, Noemi, and Orabella. Maxon and I were planning to visit them in the next few months, when the twins were a bit older.

"You must telephone us right away when the twins are born!" Nicoletta smiled, kissing both my cheeks. "I cannot wait!"

"Of course I will," I hugged her. "Travel safe and thank you for coming."

I said my goodbyes to the others, and May and I watched them as they left. We spent the rest of the day watching movies in the theater room. My back started to get sore again during the second movie, and the pain gradually moved from my back to my front. The cramping was new. At the end of the movie, I told May about it.

She jumped out of her seat. "Why didn't you say anything sooner? We have to get you to the doctor!"

"It doesn't mean I am in labour, May."

"Well, we should check to make sure! Twins come early sometimes, I read about it." She started bouncing on her feet, making me anxious.

"You read about it?" I asked, frowning.

"Yes," she said, pulling at my arm. "Come on. We should see the doctor."

I stood, slowly. "Fine." As soon as I got up out of my seat, I felt like I had peed a little. Looking down at the seat, it was wet. "I think my water broke."

"What?" May asked, looking at the seat. "Oh my gosh! This is it!"

I gulped. "We have to get Maxon first."

"No, we have to get you to the doctor first. We can send a guard to get Maxon," she said, as she guided me out of the theater hall. We made it a few feet from the doors when a cramp made me stop. I bent forward, holding my stomach as if that would help. "America?"

"Just cramps," I huffed. It lasted a few more seconds. May rubbed my back, holding onto me. "Alright," I said, as they ended. "We should go. Now."

She didn't object as we made our way to the medical wing. Aspen was in one of the hallways and when he saw us, or me, his face paled and he came right over.

"Is she…?" He asked, directing his question to May.

"She is!" She smiled, beaming. I frowned, as another set of cramps came.

"You don't have to be so...happy...about it!" My temper just went off on her. But as the cramps left, the anger went with it. "Sorry."

She gave me a tight smile. "We should keep going. Aspen, can you go find Maxon and let him know that Ames is in labour?"

He nodded. "Should I carry you, Mer?"

"No," I shook my head. "I can walk just fine."

He nodded again, and left to get Maxon. May and I slowly made our way to the medical wing, stopping only once more for the cramps to subside. The doctor smiled at us as he saw us enter, then came right over.

"It's time then?" He asked, going to my other side and helping May. He guided us to one of the rooms. "How far apart are the contractions?"

"I don't know," I answered. "I think it is just cramps right now. But my water broke earlier."

"I think they are like seven minutes apart," May answered. "I've been trying to keep track."

"That's quick," the doctor muttered, taking my blood pressure. "This may be a fast labour. I need to check how dilated you are." A second after he was done checking, Maxon came running into the room. Literally running.

"Did I miss it!?" He asked, huffing and puffing.

I smiled, taking his hand as he came to my side. "No, not even close."

"Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes solely on me.

"I'm fine," I assured him. "Just contractions and my water breaking."

"She's about five centimeters dilated, so she isn't quite ready yet. But she is in labour," the doctor told us. "This may take a while or may not. I have a feeling it will go by fairly quickly though."

"This is it," Maxon said, his eyes wide.

May smiled, hugging us both. "And I am here for it! Mom's going to be so mad."

"You should call her," I said. "Go, call her."

She nodded, leaving the room. I turned to the doctor. "Isn't it early?"

"It is a little," he answered. "But with twins, an early birth is expected. I'll be right back, I just have to prepare a couple of things. The nurse is right outside the doors."

I nodded. Once he left, I turned back to Maxon. He looked more put together now, at least. He leaned forward, kissing my forehead.

"I love you," he said. "I also cannot believe this is happening right now."

I chuckled. "Me too." Then, another contraction started. Maxon was good, talking to me as it happened. His voice was soothing and encouraging. The doctor and nurses constantly checked on us during the next couple of hours. Then, finally, it was time. The babies were ready to come out.

With Maxon holding my one hand, and May holding the others, I endured the worst pain of my life. But as soon as the first baby came out, it was all worth it.

"A girl," the doctor said, holding her crying body.

I smiled, exhausted. Maxon kissed my warm cheek as we looked over at our daughter. "See, I told you it would be daughters."

I would have replied but another contraction hit me, reminding me that I wasn't quite done yet. The doctor handed our daughter over to the nurse and seven minutes later, he delivered my other child.

He smiled, "You get one of each. It's a boy."

"I guess," I smiled, breathing heavily. "You weren't right. It's a girl AND a boy."

"They are so cute!" May squeezed my hand. "You did amazing, Ames!"

Maxon went over, cutting the umbilical cord. I smiled at him, pure joy was on his face as he held our daughter of the first time. The nurse then brought our son to me, and the feeling of holding him in my arms for the first time was indescribable.

"What about the names?" May asked gently.

I looked at Maxon, who was already looking at me. "I have a couple in mind."

"You can finally tell me," he said, kissing our daughter's forehead.

"I think we should name her first, as she was born first," I replied. "I was thinking Eadlyn or Helena."

"I like Eadlyn," Maxon said, looking down at our sleeping daughter. "Can I suggest a name for our son?"

I smiled. "To be honest, I haven't thought of a boys name. You were so sure that they were both daughters, that I decided you may be right."

He laughed gently. "I can't believe you weren't prepared.

"Just tell me what you were thinking," I smiled, tiredly.

"Ahren," he said.

I loved it.

"Eadlyn and Ahren," I said, tearing up at hearing their names. It suited them perfectly, I thought, looking at them both. I could already see features of Maxon in Ahren, his face was nearly identical already. It was amazing.

"Can I hold her?" I asked Maxon, nodding to our daughter. We switched, somehow maneuvering the babies around. Maxon was a natural at holding them already.

"My little Eady," I cooed at her. Her eyes were open, they were a hazel color that reminded me instantly of Amberly, Maxon's mother. They were wide and stared up at me, not looking away. I placed my finger in her little hand, and she held it, strong and firm. "She's strong, this one."

"So is he," Maxon smiled at Ahren.

I looked up and noticed that May and the doctor were gone, only Maxon and I were in the room with our children. I wondered when they had left.

"Maxon," I met his eyes. "Since Eadlyn was born first, does that make her the heir to the throne?"

"It's the first born male," he said. "Though, with all of the change happening in our country, that hardly seems fair to base the next heir on gender, does it?"

"It isn't," I said, looking down at our daughter. "We should do something about that."

I heard Maxon chuckle, making me look up again. "You just gave birth and you are already planning more work for yourself. Maybe you should take a break, my darling." He sat beside me on the bed, my eyes drifting to our babies. "We have time. Right now, we need to just enjoy the moment."

"You're right," I said, leaning my head on his arm. "We can wait until tomorrow."

We both laughed, and his lips found the top of my head. "I love you so much, my darling. I am so happy right now. Our babies are perfect."

I looked down at both of them. They were both asleep now, contentment on their faces. Thinking about the future, I could see so much ahead of them. So much good.

"Maxon," I said his name.

"Yes?"

"I want more of them," I laughed.

His smile grew larger. "Right now?"

I nodded. And his mouth went right to my neck, earning him a squeal from me. He pulled away, eyeing me.

"Let's wait a year or so at least," he said, placing a light kiss on my lips. "But I want more too."

"Alright," I said, looking back at our children. "I love you Eadlyn and Ahren. So much."

"Daddy does too," Maxon chimed in. I rested my head on his arm, and we layed like that for some time before anyone came and disturbed us. All I kept thinking about was the future. And in it, everything was good.