So I was originally just going to continue the honeymoon, but for some reason, I just couldn't write anything that I really liked. I rewrote this chapter several times but ended up changing it to be a dream flashback (I missed writing about the palace). I don't know what it is, but this chapter literally took me almost 2 1/2 hours to write, but I wanted to put something out for today.

Tell me what you think!

Ok for shoutouts:

Virtue01 - I'm glad to be back :) I loved writing the Maxon tour guide bit...it just seemed like something goofy that he would do. My favorite part of the last chapter was definitely America recounting everything that has happened to her. I loved fitting this fanfic in with the actual plot, plus it gave me a little bit of inspiration, remembering how much I love the books. Thanks so much for your kind comment and support!

SophieOfWoodsBeyond - That's why it's so fun but also so difficult to write this fanfic: it's so different from all other ones that I've read that it's tough to continue once I hit writer's block. You and me both, I love the idea of a cozy little cabin in the woods for a homey/cozy honeymoon. I'm so glad to be back and I can't wait to continue this fanfic. Thanks so much for your support :D

Guest - Your comment made me laugh out loud! It was the first one I saw after updating and it definitely made me SOO happy that you're still excited to read the story. Thanks for the encouragement :)

Storyteller - I miss writing too! I'm so happy to be back and (hopefully) continue writing for a while (at least for now when I have time). Thanks for sticking with me :)

XXX-HHL


Maxon POV

I can't believe how far I've come. I glanced over at America, who was asleep next to me. I watched, entranced as she rolled over towards me, curling up beside me. Her hair was fanned out behind her, it's firey color almost exactly matching the golden morning sunlight streaming in through the window.

I wrapped my arms around her and gazed at her relaxed face. She smiled slightly as I moved her closer to me.

I don't know how long I sat there, staring at her smile before closing my eyes and drifting off, her smile imprinted in my mind.


*this section is Maxon's dream which is a flashback to before the Selection*

"Your Majesty," the maid knocked at my door, "The ladies have arrived."

I lifted my head off of my desk and glanced around disoriented. The budget report I had been reading last night was underneath me and all other papers had been shoved onto the floor. Sunlight streamed in through the huge windows and taking a quick glance, I watched as a limo holding a collection of the Selected girls pulled up at the palace gate.

The maid crept in, closing the door behind her. "You have the rest of today to spend with your parents, Your Majesty, as the girls still have to get ready. Your parents requested that you take the day off so that you may enjoy your last day of freedom. I believe the Queen wanted to meet you in the garden once you get the chance." The maid curtsied before letting herself out of the room.

Sinking back against my desk chair, I sighed. I had completely forgotten about the Selected ladies. To be perfectly honest, I had been trying to forget completely about the idea of a Selection. What are the odds that I would be able to find someone to love in only 35 girls? I shook my head. Forget love, how am I supposed to find someone who I could trust? Someone who wasn't just in it for the crown? I sighed, resting my head against my desk. There was no way I could actually do this.

I glanced out the window as another car stopped at the front gates. Several girls exited the vehicle and gazed at the palace before being ushered inside by several maids. I noticed in particular, one girl with red hair who was practically picked up by two maids, one on each arm. This was going to be interesting.


Walking around the gardens, I finally saw my mother standing by the rose bushes. She did not turn as I walked closer but began to inspect one particular flower's petals. I walked until I was right next to her, and inspected the flower as well.

There was nothing special about it; it looked just like the other roses. As I looked closer, I realized that this rose was stubbornly refusing to open it's petals completely. The rest of the garden was in full bloom, but this one rose seemed almost plain next to the completely bloomed bush.

My mother turned and laughed, "You look so nervous, Maxon, and you haven't even met the ladies yet."

I smiled, "Well, it is a little bit nerve-racking. I've never done anything quite like this before."

"Maxon, the girls are supposed to be the nervous ones. You have the easy job: you just have to pick one of them!"

Easy? This job felt anything but easy! "But what if my one choice is the wrong choice? What if I send someone home who I should've ended up with? What if I don't feel a connection with any of them at all? What if they're all just after the crown?"

Queen Amberly just turned and stared back at the roses. When I finally finished, she whispered, "Maxon, you can't drive yourself with all the 'what-ifs'. You just have to believe that there is at least one good lady who you would be willing to spend your life with."

I was still not easily convinced. "What if I send her home because I don't feel a connection with her at first but then regret it?"

"Just because this one rose isn't in full bloom, doesn't mean that it should be ignored. Sometimes the greatest things come from the most unexpected places. Later in the season, once all of these roses wither, this rose will be in full bloom. This rose will completely outshine the others."

"But what if-"

"Just trust me. You'll know when you find the right girl," my mother said with a smile. She turned towards me and gave me a quick hug. "I'll see you at dinner, I have a meeting I must attend." I watched as she walked quickly across the lawn.

Staring at the rose, I sighed. How could I ever do this?


*back to the honeymoon*

I sat up, completely disoriented. The bed squeaked underneath me, as I turned to find America's side of the bed empty. Was that all just a dream?

I rubbed my eyes and climbed out of bed, glancing at the window. The sun was about halfway across the sky, so I figured it was about noon.

I smiled as I noticed a small rose bush next to the house that I had not noticed before. I can't believe that I got so lucky. I can still clearly remember how nervous I was that I would even find a girl who would like me, out of the 35 girls. And now I'm standing in an old wooden cabin on my honeymoon married to the girl of my dreams.

I walked away from the window and opened the bedroom door to America who was reading a book in the living space. She glanced up and smiled as she saw me walk over. "Finally awake, Sleeping Beauty?" she asked, before giving me a kiss on the cheek. "The day is already half over."

I chuckled, "Aww, did you miss me?"

"You wish," she laughed before pulling me onto the couch next to her. "Ok, maybe a little."

"How about I make it up to you?" I smiled, brushing a strand of her hair out of her face. "There's a lake nearby with a rock formation great for jumping off of? How about we go for a nice afternoon swim and picnic?"

Her eyes shown with excitement, "That sounds great! Race you there!" I laughed as she leaped off the couch and into the bedroom to get changed. Laughing, I walked to the kitchen to pack our picnic basket.

When she finally appeared wearing a long white shirt over her swimsuit, I laughed before asking, "America, dear. Do you even know where we are going? How can we race?"

"Stop making excuses on why you're going to lose," America said laughing. "I can see the waterfall from here and the lake can't be that far from it." She bounded to the front door. "I think I can find my own way." I watched her mesmerized by her confidence as she raced opened the door and raced off into the woods.

Abandoning my job for one moment, I crept to the window and watched as she raced off towards the waterfall. I should probably follow her to make sure she doesn't get lost. Before I could get too far, as soon as I reached the door, I saw her running towards me again, a smile on her face. "I found it! I win!"