A/N:

Thanks for sticking with me. You know in Charlotte's Web when Charlotte spins the word "HUMBLE" over Wilbur's pen? Ya'll are making me want to write to deserve your great reviews! I know I haven't mentioned it before, but it goes without saying that the characters belong to Kiera Cass. If I had the chance, I would totally buy her coffee if it wouldn't seem completely stalker-ish. :)

lourouine Thanks : )

.books I'm going to be swamped tomorrow, and since it is technically tomorrow and I haven't slept yet…

SelectionLoverForever Aww, too sweet. Thanks!

piepie1289 Thanks for sticking with me.

Athenachild101 So fun to write the fluff.

candy1928 It seemed like a response within the realm of possibility—plus, I like the idea of them BOTH having broken noses.

**Six months later**

I sit, putting my feet up on the ottoman and leaning back into the soft green fabric of the rocker. The dusky light filters through the curtains with the breeze. I sigh a little and close my eyes, absentmindedly rubbing my growing belly. "Well, kid, looks like it's just you and me again tonight." I smile as a gentle kick against my abdomen answers my voice. "Your daddy is a wonderful man. And everyone else knows it. So, they all grab a little bit here and a little bit there..." One tear follows another until brushing them away seems futile. I cover my mouth with my other hand, not wanting the guard outside the door-Woodwork-or the personal assistant in my suite-also Woodwork-to hear me sob.

My love for Maxon and the baby engulfs my heart, and spills out. Maxon's schedule has spiraled out of control as the cease fire with the Southern rebels threatens to disintegrate and our peace treaty with New Asia is negotiated. It's like he wants to make sure that we never have to go to a safe room again.

During the day, I am engrossed in my philanthropic work, but the exhaustion that plagued me at the beginning of the pregnancy is reappearing for the sixth month. I don't always have the energy for the evening policy meetings like I used to-and Doc is concerned with keeping the swelling down in my ankles and feet. I am determined to have an uneventful pregnancy, as nothing sounds worse than the paparazzi surrounding the Angeles hospital for a high risk birth. I plan to use a special suite downstairs, though we are preparing for any eventuality. Of course. Everything except for the little peanut growing inside me, and the quiet afternoon together six months ago, is highly orchestrated.

The tears began to slow as I continue to rock and allow my mind to wander to that lazy Sunday. I'm still not sure how we managed an hour without interruption, as that kind of time seems like a luxury now. In my half-dreamlike state, I hear the door crack open.

"America?"

His voice breaks my reverie and I wipe my face with the back of my hands, making room for him to sit on the ottoman. He takes my feet into his lap and begins to massage my ankles. I get a good look at his profile bent over my manicured toes, crisp blue button down unbuttoned a little and showing his cotton undershirt. Red tie loose and sleeves rolled back. Blonde hair falling into his soft brown eyes, ringed with purple. "I thought I'd find you in here, love."

Trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice, I reply softly. "I thought you had another policy meeting tonight." I attempt a smile and look away biting my lip. Last night my words had been more cutting, and though I had said nearly the same thing, he stalked out of the door letting it slam behind him. Wordless.

He looks at me, weighing his words carefully. "It'll keep until morning. It'll be an early morning, but when my beautiful wife needs me-" He helps me stand and wraps his arms around my middle, nuzzling his head into my shoulder and whispering his next words into my neck. "I thought you might be tugging your ear tonight."

Those words melt any residual bitterness I'm feeling. "Oh, Maxon, I'm-"

He doesn't let me finish before he covers his lips with mine in a sweet lingering kiss that intensifies and leaves me breathless, wanting more. When we finally part, he folds me into his arms and presses kisses into the crown of my hair, "I know, Ames. Me, too."

"Does it get any easier, Maxon? Will I ever get used to feeling this alone surrounded by people?" Even with Mom, May, and Gerard in and out of the castle, and Marlee's constant companionship, I feel Queen Amberley's absence daily. The rebels forever robbed me of the opportunity to learn my work with a caring mentor, even with Nicoletta's support and alliances, nothing is like family.

"America, it's already easier for me with you here. I know it's not the life we imagined, being thrown straight into all of this without Mother's direct guidance. But, my dear, we'll never be alone again." He touches my stomach for emphasis, and gets a kick for his trouble. His eyes widen with wonder, "He knows my voice. That's right, give Daddy another high five."

The baby obliges and I laugh, "Hey, it could be a she. And, your 'high fives' are going to send me to the restroom. Cut it out."

The glint in Maxon's eye is unmistakable as he chases me from the nursery through the Queen's suite and into our bedroom. I shriek as he catches me and dumps me gently, yet unceremoniously, onto the bed. "Hey! Lady with a baby here!" I tease.

He raises an eyebrow, "I know," he grins as he hangs his head and body over mine. "Rumor is, I'm the father." And with that, he covers my mouth with his, rekindling the fire that always rests just below the surface.