This chapter is a little spicy, but not terribly. There's some cursing. This chapter is shorter because I had to write the anniversary special and I have a few more surprises.

I have edited the chapters so now they are in numerical order with the actual story, instead of how they were previously. Hopefully it's a little easier to follow.

Enjoy this for now!

-CL

"Bella, don't be sorry. You know how much I-"

"Everybody step aside. It's time for the bouquet toss, followed by the garter toss. So all of you single ladies line up!" I take this chance to walk over to Marlee who has my bouquet.

"Are you joining it?" I ask, grabbing my bouquet from her.

"No, I'm not really single. I do have a boyfriend," she says "but I am excited to see who catches it."

I laugh and walk to my spot. "Attention! Maids who are present and are single can also participate. Please come join the line if you wish." Maids start squealing and running to join the line. I smile. I'm glad I can bring some joy into their monotonous lives.

I turn my back from the line and get ready to throw. "Here we go!" I shout, throwing the bouquet. I quickly turn around to see who caught it. I see that Isabella caught it. "Congratulations!" I turn to see Maxon walking onto the dance floor.

"Now it's time for the garter toss! Bride and Groom, please meet in the middle of the dance floor." We do, meeting in the middle with a kiss. Cheers erupt throughout the room. "Alright, lovebirds; Bride, please sit in the chair. Groom get ready to take the garter off of Bella's leg."

I sit in the chair and Maxon kneels down next to me. "Bella, as I was saying before, you know how much I love you. Don't be ashamed because you want to show it in public. It's fine. No one cares. I know you might have been taught differently, but nobody thinks it's bad. They think it's romantic."

"Oh, Maxon. I didn't mean it like that. I just don't think it should be a public affair. I'm not ashamed of our love, I'm just ashamed that I lost control of myself so easily."

"Alright, let's start! Maxon, are you ready?"

"Hell yes," he responds.

"Bella, are you ready?"

"Fucking yes," I respond. I want the garter gone. It's a little uncomfortable because it's starting to dig into my skin. The jewels have scratched me, but it hasn't really bothered me until now. It's supposed to be right above my knee, but I just shoved it up to the middle of my thigh while I was sitting.

"Begin!" Maxon slowly lifts his hands up my legs. There are goosebumps following his wake. I take a sharp intake of breath and Maxon knows that I'm enjoying this. He reaches my knee, thinking that the garter is right there. A confused look crosses his face and I smile slyly. He reaches higher, reaching my lower thigh. I start breathing heavily but trying not to make it noticeable. Maxon reaches the garter, but he brings his second hand to my upper thigh. I bite back a moan.

"Do you have it yet, Maxon?" Aspen shouts. "Or are you about to rip off your wife's clothes?"

Maxon blushes and quickly takes the garter off of me. "Alright, all of you single men line up, including male servants!" the DJ shouts. Maxon stands up and throws the garter over his shoulder.

Maxon and I turn to look who caught it. Aspen's standing there holding the garter in his hands, grinning. "Well, I guess you know what that means. Get ready for my wedding soon!" Aspen jokes. The music starts up again and the room goes crazy.

Maxon and I meet near the edge of the dance floor and walk to our cake. Silvia is there, waiting for us. "Alright, so in about five minutes you guys will cut the cake," she says, gesturing to the cake. I gasp. I've never actually seen the cake before, just ideas from the chefs. It's five tiers. It's a white cake with rose-gold accents. There are flowers spread throughout the tiers, looking like they are cascading down. "It's a chocolate mint cake with a raspberry filling. I believe you guys picked out the flavors…" Silvia turns to a servant and tells him to grab the utensils and plates for the cake. She turns back to us and says, "Bella will be cutting the cake and Maxon you will place your hand on top of hers and you'll slice it together.

"After you cut the first piece, place it on a plate and you two will share that slice. Step back from the cake and the maids will cut the rest. If you would like another piece, just ask a maid. Any questions?"

I look at Maxon and he shakes his head. "No. Thank you, Silvia," I say. Silvia walks away in a rush, probably to fix something or other that went wrong.

Maxon gently grabs my arm and pulls me into a hug. "Bella, I want to fuck you right now. I know I can't, but I want to."

"Maxon I-" he cuts me off with a kiss before I can finish my sentence. This kiss is deeper than ever. He pulls me so I'm against the wall once again. He comes off for air and I say, "Maxon, we really shouldn't do this right now." I gently push him off of me. "We have an audience, don't forget. It's not like we are isolated like we were on the balcony."

Maxon nods solemnly, knowing that I'm right. "Alright, but I'm still going to fuck you tonight. You are not getting out of it," Maxon says teasingly. He lightly bites my ear.

I laugh. "You think I want to get out of it? I want to get out of my dress if that's what you're asking," I shiver when Maxon's lips trail down my neck. "Maxon, Silvia is coming." I gently pull myself out of his arms and fix my dress. "We'll finish that later."