This chapter is a bit longer than normal, but I figured why not?

I'm hoping to post another chapter soon!

-CL

I turn to face Silvia, smiling. "Is it time to cut the cake?"

"Yes, just about." She turns to face the servers following her. "You can put them here," she says, pointing to a table next to her. They all do as she says, and when they are finished, they turn to me. "Alright, are you ready?"

"Yes," I say. I turn my back to Maxon, trying to convince myself that I can wait to fuck him. I can't stand to look at him right now or otherwise, I'll tear his clothes off right now.

Silvia runs off to tell the DJ to announce it's time for cake. "Bella, are you alright?" Maxon asks.

Shit, he must notice me shaking. I just want to take his clothes off so fucking bad! "I'm fine," I say not turning around. "It's-if I look at you right now your clothes are going to be on the floor."

"Bella, I want-" Maxon starts, but luckily I am saved by the DJ.

"And now comes the cutting of that beautiful cake made by our own chefs. So I'd like Bella and Maxon to walk around to the front of the bridal table to perform their first duty as husband and wife."

Maxon and I walk towards the cake. I pick up the knife and Maxon places his hand on top of mine. I slice downwards, and then I place the slice on the cake. I set down the knife and pick up our plate of cake. I grab a fork and lift a piece of the slice to Maxon's mouth. He accepts the cake and eats it, repeating what I did for me.

Once we both eat a piece of cake, I glance at Maxon. "How much longer until the reception is over?" I hope I don't sound overly eager.

"There are about two more hours left," he answers with a grimace.

I heave a deep sigh. "Ok, I guess I'll go over by America-"

"But I can announce the thanks and then we can leave if you want. The rest of it is just pictures and dancing. We already did enough of both. Just hold on." Maxon rushes towards the stage. He climbs up the steps and then gestures me over. I become giddy and run as fast as I can in my dress and heels up to the stage. Maxon comes by the stairs and offers me his hand to help me up. I grab it and he pulls me up and holds me above him in his arms. I laugh, high from the adrenaline rush. He places me on the ground and gestures for a mic.

The DJ grabs a mic and walks over to give it to Maxon. "May I have your attention?" Everybody looks up at the DJ expectantly. "Your king would like to say a few words," he says, handing the mic over to Maxon with a flourish.

Maxon takes the mic. "Thank you, everyone," Maxon announces, "I hope everybody has enjoyed the reception. It will finish at midnight, and then if you would like to, there is an after-party being hosted. Silvia will lead anybody who wishes to attend. Bella and I are going to…indulge ourselves in other ways. We hope you all had fun and thank you for coming!" The guests politely clap, but all of them have smirks on their faces. Maxon hands the mic back to the DJ.

"Now, everybody, let's give our new couple a proper send-off! Please line up in two rows and touch your hands in an arch-like formation. We will be making a tunnel for the couple to run through. Alright, let's move it people!" the DJ says, hopping off the stage to direct everyone. It doesn't take very long and soon there is a tunnel formed. "Newlyweds, are you ready?"

"Yes!" Maxon and I both shout with goofy grins on our faces.

"Tunnel, are you ready?"

The guests shout back that they are ready. "Yes!"

"Ok, newlyweds, we wish you the best in your marriage. Have a great honeymoon!" Maxon and I rush down the stairs and run through the tunnel. We are laughing the whole way through; I'm barely able to walk because I'm laughing so hard.

We reach the end and see Aspen, America, Marlee, and Carter standing outside the doors waiting for us. Maxon and I turn around before we exit and wave to the now-dispersed tunnel, cheering us on. "Thank you, everyone!" I shout, and Maxon and I take our exit. We curtsy and bow to the crowd and walk through the doors, the doors closing behind us.

"So, what are you doing for your honeymoon?" Marlee asks as soon as we turn to face them. Her face looks flushed and both hers and Carter's lips are swollen. I smirk, knowing they were enjoying their own makeout session.

"Well-" Maxon and I both start. I laugh. "You go ahead, Maxon."

"We aren't leaving the palace for a honeymoon, per se, but basically Ames is going to rule for a week. I didn't leave any big jobs for her to deal with, mostly paperwork and negotiating. The exception is if she becomes too tired and it's putting a lot of stress on her or the baby. Then I'll take over. She assures us that she'll be fine," Maxon says, glancing knowingly at America. The honeymoon was all America's idea and she's the one who offered to rule for a week; well, she actually offered three weeks. Maxon got her to agree on one, but America got Maxon to agree on it in general; he was completely against it as soon as she brought it up. He didn't want America stressing herself out when she's four, almost five, months pregnant. America wore him down, though, but Maxon still doesn't want to do it. I convinced him otherwise. "But if necessary, I'll come and help and we'll just end our honeymoon early."

"We'll help her!" Marlee says. Aspen and Carter nod. "You guys deserve at least one week on honeymoon."

"Aw, thank you, guys!" I say, giving each one, in turn, a hug. "See Maxon? You will not work for a week. And that's final. They can handle it!"

Maxon stands still, thinking it over. "Alright," he says hesitantly. "But if you need help you can find me and I'll be ready."

I shake my head but smile. "Ok, Maxon. Whatever you say. Now, let's go," I say, tugging Maxon's arm. I really want to go to our bedroom and fuck ourselves silly.

"Well, enjoy your honeymoon," Aspen says. Aspen comes over to hug me and then he shakes Maxon's hand and pats him on the back. "You've got a good girl, Maxon. Don't lose her," he whispers, but I still heard it.

Maxon nods but doesn't say anything. Marlee comes up with Carter. Marlee hugs me. "Oh, have fun, Bella. I hope I'll see you guys around."

"Don't worry, Marlee. I think Maxon and I are planning a night where all of you guys hang out with us," I say with a soft smile. "Don't be a stranger."

Marlee smiles and goes over to Maxon. Marlee sticks her hand out to shake, but he hugs her instead. Marlee's surprised, but then she regains her composure and whispers something into Maxon's ear. Whatever she said made him laugh.

Carter walks to me while Marlee is finishing up. He hugs me and says, "Good luck, Bella. Don't break his heart."

"Oh, I know," I say with a grin, "he would break mine first. I don't like hurting people."

"Remember that, Bella," Carter says, giving me a smile and then walking over to Maxon. He shakes Maxon's hand and pulls him close, patting him on the back. He says something to Maxon and Maxon nods solemnly.

America comes over to me. "Now Bella, you have fun and fuck my brother silly," she says.

I choke on the spit I'm swallowing. "Umm…America…"

"Oh my gosh, Bella, your reaction was perfect," she responds, laughing. "But seriously have with my brother; he deserves some fun and he rarely lets himself have any." I smile because even though Maxon isn't technically her brother, she still refers to him that way. I love their relationship.

"Don't worry," I say, leaning in to whisper, "I'm going to fuck him so much he'll beg for mercy."

America snorts, delighted. She pats my hand. "That's my Bella." She hugs me and squeezes my arm before she heads for Maxon.

Maxon pulls America close in a hug. "Now, Ames, you take care of yourself. If you know you can't handle it, please tell me. I don't want you harming yourself or my niece," he says, placing his hand on her belly. She smiles and holds his arm. I swear if I can't have kids for some reason I'm going to be so pissed at myself. Maxon told me that he wants lots of kids, so if I can't produce for some reason, I don't know what I'm going to do.

"Maxon, I promise I'll take care of myself and your niece. Marlee already offered to help me with the work every day. I'll be fine. You just worry about making your own kids," she says with a glint in her eyes.

Maxon blushes slightly. "Alright, Ames. Don't be afraid to bother us."

"I wouldn't dare. I presume you will be naked most of the time."

Maxon shakes his head and lets her go. He grabs me and we turn to face our friends. "Have fun!" they all shout. We wave and smile and walk to our connecting rooms, the King and Queen suites.