I'm hoping to post next week, but it may not be until Saturday. Thanks for understanding.

-CL


"Ames!" I say, laughing. I lean over as much as I can, trying to catch my breath, but it's hard having an eight-month-sized bump. Maxon grabs my arm gently, pulling me back up to my standing position. I lean my head back into his chest, still laughing. He kisses my forehead and I glance up at him, smiling. He smiles back and nuzzles his face into my neck. I place one hand on his head and one on my belly. I close my eyes until I hear the click of the camera. I open my eyes again and look at America, who just splashed me with water. We decided to do our shoot at the ocean. I meet her eyes and shake my head, silently laughing. I'll get you, I mouth. Don't worry. She just smiles in response.

"Alright, Bella, this time I want you to tilt your head back and look into Maxon's eyes with both of you holding…yes, perfect!" our maternity photographer, Sam says. Sam shot our wedding photos and we were so impressed that we decided to have her do our maternity shoot as well. We invited America to look at our shoot to help with our outfits and just to make us laugh and relax. And she's doing just that. "Now, tilt your heads together…yes, just like that…and make a heart with your hands in front of Bella's belly…yes, perfect!" Another click of the camera. "Alright, you guys are good! Want to see the pictures?"

I glance at Maxon to make sure he's ok with my idea. He nods slightly and gives me a peck on the lip. "America, can you make sure the pictures look ok? We want to be surprised by the pictures when you do a presentation to us, Marlee, Carter, and Aspen."

America squeals before composing herself. "Of course, Your Majesty," she says curtsying. This only makes me laugh, but I cover it behind my hand. When we are in front of non-palace company, our friends have to call us "Your Majesty".

I turn to Sam and Maxon walks over to America. "If you wouldn't mind sending the photos to America, Maxon, and me, that would be great. Only America will be looking at first. Again, thank you so much, Sam. You do great work."

Sam curtsies. "Of course, Your Majesty," she echoes. She stands and shakes my outstretched hand. "It was a pleasure and it always will be." Sam packs up her gear and walks toward her car, leaving the beach. I give a final wave before turning to Maxon and America. America is splashing Maxon, getting his shirt all wet. The shirt sticks to his skin, revealing his muscular build. I shiver, knowing that I will be able to have all of that tonight.

America squeals when Maxon retaliates with a splash of his own, bringing me out of my sexual daydream. I start walking toward them, my dress flowing behind me. "C'mon, guys. It's getting late and we still need to drive to the palace." I reach Maxon, reaching for his arm-and then water hits me. I whirl around to see America holding back laughter. I retaliate by splashing back.

Before I know it, all three of us are in a water fight. We go on until we can't stand up because we are all laughing so hard. We all lay down on the sand. I yawn loudly and Maxon sits up. He runs his hand through his hair, shaking out the sand. He glances at his watch and sighs. "I guess we should get going. It's already eight." America stands up, and I try my best to, but I end up not getting anywhere. Maxon walks over to me and I hold out my hand. To my surprise, he lifts me into his arms without stumbling, even though I'm heavy. I screech, not expecting him to do that. Maxon laughs and glances back. I do too and see America following close behind.

A few minutes later, we finally reach the car-well, really limo. The two guards we brought with us open the doors for us, standing in for our driver. Maxon and I get in the back seat first, and America follows, closing the door behind her. We all buckle up and Ames leans her head against the window. I look out the window, enjoying the rare view. Maxon and I rarely get out of the palace, let alone drive through the city. Maxon squeezes my hand, and I smile, not taking my eyes off the view. I slowly start to drift off, the long nights finally starting to catch up with-

Suddenly, the car jerks to a stop. I'm flung against my seatbelt, my belly straining. I hiss, the jerky movement painful. "Bella? Are you ok?" Maxon says, unbuckling my seatbelt and grabbing my hand.

I nod. "Yeah, it was just unexpected."

"Ames-" Maxon starts to say but is cut off by the door next to America being thrown open. Two men in black peek their heads in and unbuckle America. Maxon shoves me against the wall of the car, barricading me from the men. I bite back a groan from Maxon pushing on my bump.

I can still see over Maxon's shoulder. I see them grab America, who is thrashing and screaming. "Let go of me!" she screeches, trying to hurt the men, but to no avail. They drag her out of the car into an idling black car.

Maxon gets off of me, hurrying out of the car. I follow as quickly as I can, but just in time to see the men jump in the car and drive off. "America!" I scream, sinking to my knees. "No, Ames!"

"Bella, we've got to go. I know this isn't ideal, but we have to get back to the palace," Maxon says, kneeling down next to me. "I have to inform the guard and get you to a safe place." He lifts me into his arms, carrying me to the car. I don't allow myself to feel anything, turning myself numb. I allow myself the best way to be numb. Sleep. I look up at Maxon and my eyes drift close, and I become blissfully numb.