A/N
Thank you all so much for reading this story. I appreciate your support! I left a longer note at the end. Happy reading! -SJ :)
I wake because someone is watching me, "Really, Maxon, is this going to happen every morning now?"
Maxon is propped on his elbow, an arm slung low across my waist. "I need a reason to look at my beautiful wife?"
"I guess I can't argue with that logic. Feel free, but I am going back to sleep." I close my eyes. Last night had, of course, been a late one, full of meetings and paperwork. I fought sleep, but eventually succumbed while Maxon read his father's journal. Today promises to be just as busy.
The former royal family of France will be under forced seclusion on a French island not far from the coast of Italy in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It will be a beautiful house arrest. Their daughter will be allowed to return to French society at eighteen. Everyone agreed that Princess Nicoletta should help lead France in an advisory role, with Elise to assist, as the cabinet decides its next steps. Luckily, the French cabinet is being extremely cooperative. Nicoletta is the best candidate simply because she abhors the thought of actually ruling, and relishes the idea that it will be temporary. She will report directly to the Alliance.
Kota will be sentenced to life in prison, as will Alec and Bariel. Though they committed high treason, we feel there has been enough death. August and Aspen are making short work of investigating and, when necessary, interrogating and detaining the rest of Clarkson's list. I do not relish telling mother about Kota, and will enlist Maxon to soften the blow.
Tomorrow, the children will return from Italy with the rest of the family and staff. We will continue to build our country's capacity to sustain a parliament, and I daresay we will never take our safety and security as a matter-of-course again. Aspen always did an impeccable job of eliminating threats before they reached us, but we may not always be so lucky. August and Georgia will join our staff permanently.
My eyebrows rise in surprise as Maxon's fingertip trace my jawline. "I thought we agreed to let me sleep."
"I did no such thing. But, you're awake now?" Maxon chuckles as I blush. "I'll take that as a yes." My blue eyes meet his brown ones, and he softly kisses me. "Good morning."
There are worse ways to wake up. I look at his face, and despite knowing how he spent several hours late last evening, the furrows that seemed to take up permanent residence across his forehead are finally smooth. I see the book near his pillow and gesture to it. "I'm sorry I fell asleep." I hate that I left him alone.
His resolutely shakes his head, "I'm surprisingly nonplussed. I know that my father lost his faith in me because I was too good at my job, not because I was miserable at it. Nothing he did or planned surprises me anymore; the last few years before his death make more sense. All those trips to France…" He trails off and I know he's gone back in time for a bit in his mind. He makes his way back to me. "And, his plot to kill me? He brought me close several times with his own hand and rather enjoyed it, I think."
I suck in air at his frank tone and observe his face. He is truly numb. When he's ready, I'll be here. I change the subject, "Did Mary bring the tray?"
Maxon couldn't hide the surprise in his voice, "Are you hungry?"
"No, but if you're going to wake me, I'm going to have some juice." For some reason that answer causes him to laugh outright, and I look at him questioningly, "Why is that so funny?"
"Do you really not know?" He pulls me to him. He can't contain his grin, and his eyes are dancing as he looks at me.
"Know what?"
"America," he kisses my forehead and then each eyelid and the tip of my nose, "I can't believe I'm the one telling you. Love, when's the last time you felt like having a real breakfast with me?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" I stop and look at him, and the joy he cannot contain. "I can't remember. We've been running from meeting to meeting and place to place. And, I've been so tired with all the stress and worry." He touches a hand to my abdomen and I meet his gaze, "You think I'm?"
He nods, "Better than that, I know you are, love." Suddenly, I'm grinning, too.
"Doc." I should have known. I can't believe I've been busy enough to miss something this important. But, after the last few weeks we've had, it's probably just as well.
"Yes, Doc. I've suspected for the last three weeks. Confirmed yesterday morning." He leans over and kisses me, achingly sweet, then folds me back against his chest, resting his hand protectively on my stomach. I'm already looking forward to seeing him as he meets his new son or daughter.
"Maxon, you're happy?"
"America, our life is so much more than just happy. I'll never forget that very first night in the garden. How intriguing that you would reject everything I stood for, but help me find my own strength. You challenge me and support me. You're my catalyst. And, when my world is crashing around my ears you still center me. Everything I do is for you. Sometimes a little misguided, sometimes downright stupid, sometimes magnificent. But always for you."
As we take comfort in each other's arms, I let my thoughts drift through our time together. We've learned so much since that walk down the aisle. How loneliness can become a habit. How our pride can rip our love away. How one little action or question can put everything back in its place or send everything around us tumbling down. How we continually choose each other. How this solace is all we need to overcome any fear and uncertainty.
How this is our own kind of happily ever after, after all.
PEETAMELLARKLOVER123: Thank you so much! :)
AcademicGirl: I know. It was hard to post! But, onward and upward, right? Have you ever watched Book Hangover by Epic Reads? The whole reason we all write these anyway... :)
Maxon's dearest: I know-she is just one of my favs! :)
The Devil Wears Westwood: I know. One day in the next year, he is just going to have a breakdown... and it will be well-deserved! :)
agb1700: You are so sweet. Read below about the sequel possibility. I've really appreciated your reviews and support-it was amazing! (Or should I say, AMAZINGER? ;) XOXO
BlueGirl 1234: I am very flattered, Thanks so much! :)
Strike OOO: I didn't really like Daphne either-obviously. But, she became weirdly obsessed with Maxon to the point of ruthlessness. And, Frederick, initially in it for the power, did care for her. And he definitely loves their daughter.
SelectionLoverForever: Thank you so much-let me know if you'd like a sequel. :)
Prnamber3909: I so love her and her issues... :)
Guest: See below, but probably the beginning of August. Thanks for reading! :)
jthornestudent: Thanks! You have been such a faithful reader. I can't believe it's over, either!
babefangirl: *fistbump* I know.
Totalbooknerd13: And hard, too...
Kmerebird: Thanks so much for your kind words. I am really flattered. Good suggestion, that may be incorporated into the sequel. :)
L52: *holds pages out like a peace offering* Sequel? Thanks for reading! :)
Thank you all for your support through reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following. Each and everyone of your comments was anticipated and highly appreciated. This work was my first fanfic, and was going to be complete in and of itself. I have been asked to consider a sequel. And, I think that I may have an angle that makes sense and will be a bit different. The working title for now is ASSURANCE. In a quick summary, Calix has broken with royal tradition and attended university, delaying his Selection with the blessing of his parents. As the crown prince, and now a recent graduate, he is excited to return and train side-by-side with his father and mother, as the country prepares for its first provincial elections and its first Selection in 27 years. What obstacles could keep him from fulfilling his destiny as he always planned? I like to update every day, and my SO has been wanting me to work on an original work with him. We've decided to go ahead and put it out for the world on Wattpad… So, I am thinking ASSURANCE would begin in August. Let me know if you'd read if I continue the story. Thanks again for reading AFTER! It has been great whether you want a sequel or not!
–SJ :)