We are starting off the reception! There will be at least two more chapters about the reception. I didn't have time to post yesterday because I had to play in pep band and I was at school for 14 hours yesterday.

Anyways, enjoy!

-CL

Maxon and I wait outside the door, waiting for the DJ to announce us into the reception hall. "And here is the special couple of the night," the DJ says, "their highnesses Bella and Maxon Schreave!" Maxon squeezes my shaking hand. He gives me a sly grin. The door opens, and he brings me into his arms and kisses me lightly. I blush, but then realize I'm fine with it. We break apart and walk into the room, where cheers are going throughout the room. Maxon takes me to the center of the dance floor. "Everybody please take your seats and welcome the bride and groom to the dance floor!" The DJ starts to play the song "Yours" by Russell Dickerson. We chose it because the lyrics matched with our relationship, especially "I came to life when I first kissed you/The best me has his arms around you/You make me better than I was before/Thank God I'm yours" part. Maxon leads me in our dance. When the song finishes, Maxon twirls me and pulls me to his chest. I look at him, listening to the final chord and he leans in and kisses me. The room breaks out into cheers.

Maxon and I smile at each other. "You are perfect," he says, leading me to our spots at the head table. Maxon and I stay standing and give our welcoming speech. "Thank you all for coming to our wedding," Maxon says. "We know that you all don't want to be listening to a long speech, so we have decided to keep this short."

"As you all know," I continue, "we lost King Clarkson and Queen Amberly in a rebel attack earlier this year. Maxon and I wish they were here to see their son get married and everything that follows." I pause, looking at Maxon. He has tears in his eyes, trying to keep them there. I grab his hand and squeeze. "They will always be with us, even though they may be gone from this world, they are in the next." I turn to Maxon. "Maxon, you will always be their son, and we will try to reflect them in ourselves, and if it happens, our children.

"On the day of their deaths, Maxon proposed to me. He knew that they died, but he told me that he loved me and pushed the bad thoughts away to spend time with me. Maxon is so selfless, and I don't think I could find a better man to marry. Thank you for all that you have done for me so far, and whatever is to come. Thank you, Maxon." I finish and look at Maxon. Tears are running down his cheeks. I reach up and wipe them away and kiss him.

When we finish Maxon gives his part of the speech. "Well, obviously that was a good speech if a king was moved to tears." Everyone laughs, including Maxon and myself. "Thank you for that, Bella. We'll see if I can beat that.

"I was very hesitant going into the Selection, but as soon as I met the girls I became excited. And then there was the first Christmas with all of them. I remember walking into Bella singing in the Women's Room. She was so different then. Shy, insecure. But I've seen her grow throughout the short time we have had together. The Selected were hosting a Christmas party, and Bella wasn't included. I decided to not go to the Selected's Christmas party, and Bella and I had our own. I've been fully in love with her ever since. I knew that I would pick her since that moment, and even though I had to entertain the idea of the other Selected, I was never truly in love with them. And now my whole heart belongs to Bella. And I'm not afraid to show it." Maxon finishes it with a kiss. The whole room goes ballistic and I feel Maxon smile. I laugh, breaking us apart.

"And now, let us eat!" Maxon says, and the waiters jump into action. They lay out plates and set up the buffet. Maxon and I decided to do a buffet in case of any allergies and for the people who don't have such a mature palate.

"Just so you all know, the buffet will be opened the whole time this reception is in swing!" I exclaim, and then Maxon and I walk to the buffet, guests following.

"So what are you getting? One of everything?" Maxon asks with a smirk.

"Yeah, right. I think that would be America," I say loudly enough for her to hear since she's right next to me.

She smacks my shoulder while laughing. "Well, what can I say?" She leans in towards us and whispers, "I'm eating for two, you know."

I nervously glance around, making sure nobody heard America's comment. Once I'm sure no one heard, Maxon and I start laughing. "Well, you enjoy your food," I say, picking up a dinner plate. I place a dinner roll, a little bit of fruit, and the tiniest amount of chicken on my plate. I quickly turn, hoping Maxon doesn't notice how little food I have. I know that I won't even eat half of this, but I need to look like I've been eating for the past two weeks. I don't want Maxon worrying about me on our wedding night. I glance over my shoulder, seeing that Maxon is talking to America, probably asking if she's ok. I quickly walk over to my seat, setting my plate down.

"Have you eaten already?" Maxon asks teasingly, coming to sit down next to me. He glances at my plate.

"Well, kind of. I'm not really that hungry right now. I think it's the excitement of the wedding that's affecting my appetite," I say, ducking my head. "Please don't worry about me tonight, Maxon. Just enjoy yourself."

"Bella, of course, I'll enjoy myself. You're here," he says, kissing my hair. "Now, let's eat."

Maxon and I start eating, and soon the table fills up. Maxon and I talk to everybody who comes up to us. Maxon and I invite America, Marlee, Aspen, and Carter over to join us, and all of them pull up chairs to our table. "So, how many times have you guys kissed tonight?" America asks with a sly smile. I look at Maxon, my face flaming red.

Maxon laughs. "Too many times to count." He pulls me in for another kiss. His mouth meets mine and I melt against him. We break apart and see Marlee and Carter kissing. I smile. "Now, let's take some pictures," Maxon says, gesturing for all of us to stand near the window. It's a beautiful night. It's lightly snowing, yet you can still see some stars.

I stand, but I become dizzy. "Shit, shit, shit," I say under my breath, trying to not make it noticeable.

"Bella, you coming?" Maxon asks, coming over to my side.

"Yeah, just one second-" I start, but my legs give out and I collapse into Maxon's arms.