The One Fanfiction

Chapter 32: Part 1

Chapter 32

Maxon and I shared a limo to get to the reception at the palace. Everyone else trailed behind us in other cars, so we had some time to ourselves.
I was snuggled up next to him. We held hands and sat in happy silence until Maxon said, "So, America Schreave, was it everything you'd hoped for?"
I quirked an eyebrow at him. America Schreave. That would take some getting used to.
I leaned in and kissed him on the lips. When I pulled away, I stayed close enough that our noses still touched. I bit my lip before saying, "It was better."
Maxon smiled and leaned back in. I giggled and placed myself in his lap. He put his hands on my waist and pulled me closer. My hands rested on his shoulders.
Maxon looked deep into my eyes. "So you're happy?"
"Of course I am. I'm finally where I'm supposed to be. Right here with you. There's nowhere else I'd rather be. No one else I'd rather be with."
He put his head down on my shoulder. Maxon's lips brushed my collarbone; it felt like electricity was flowing through my veins. My fingers tightened on his shoulders and a small gasp escaped my mouth. Maxon's lips moved from my collarbone to the hollow of my neck.
Maxon held me tightly as he turned me over and laid me down on one of the long couches lining the side of the limo. His hands were on both sides of my head as he lowered himself on top of me. His mouth skimmed over my skin in ways that were driving me crazy.
I was suddenly extremely glad that we were married. We didn't have to hold back.
My breathing was heavy as I clung to him.
We got so lost in the moment, that we both jumped in surprise when there was a knock on the door. The driver's voice said, "We're at the palace. Are you ready?"
I sat straight up, causing Maxon to fall off of me with a thud. "Ow," he muttered.
"Is everything alright in there?" the driver asked.
"Uh, yeah," I replied. "Can you just, uh, give us a minute?"
I thought I might've heard the man snicker, but he said, "Of course."
Maxon got up off the floor and huffed. "Next time, please be a bit more gentle, America. I think my arm is bruised."
"Aw, you poor baby," I smirked. He mock pouted and I cracked up laughing. I scooted closer and began to fix his now tousled hair. Maxon tried to do the same for me, but like most guys, was useless when it came to fixing a girl's hair. I waved his hands away and turned to small mirror on the limo's wall. Luckily, I had watched Mary do the extravagant hairdo, so I got my red hair back to near perfect.
I looked back to Maxon. I smoothed his suit and fixed his collar, which had been upturned.
I moved to the door and Maxon followed. Before opening it, I turned to him again. I grabbed him by the lapels and pulled him toward me, giving him a quick kiss.
"We'll continue... this," I started meaningfully. "Later."
I smiled flirtatiously and he looked at me in astonishment. He started to stutter and I winked before getting out of the limousine. I was taken aback by what I saw.
Thousands of people were crowded around a red carpet and velvet ropes that led to the palace entrance. There were cheers and camera flashes as I got out. I felt frozen. There were so many people. So many people with so many expectations. I wasn't sure I could do it.
I was about to turn and hide in the limo, but a warm hand slid into my fingers. "Just follow my lead," Maxon whispered in my ear. I gulped and nodded. Maxon, who was obviously in his element, was beaming and waving to the crowd. They cheered even louder.
Maxon nudged me gently and started walking toward the palace. I hesitantly raised my hand to wave. The people of Illéa applauded me. I felt some of my nerves fade away. My mouth formed a broad smile and I waved enthusiastically.
I looked to Maxon. He smiled at me proudly. I held his hand a little tighter. I stood on tiptoe and gave Maxon a kiss on the cheek. The crowd went absolutely crazy.
"Now you're just showing off," Maxon chuckled. I laughed as we walked. I'm not sure if it was from the adrenaline of getting married or from being in front of all these people, but I was feeling kind of giddy.
We reached the doors and I was so grateful. It was fun to be center of attention, but I still felt self conscious in front of all those people. I waved one last time and stepped inside.
I halfway collapsed from relief. Maxon stumbled from my sudden weight bringing him down, but managed to stay upright and support me. The guards nearby tensed, ready to run for help at a moment's notice.
"America? Are you okay? Talk to me, love," Maxon said, concern heavy in his voice. I steadied myself . My knees were still a little shaky, so I continued to cling to his arm.
"Yeah, um-" I cleared my throat. "I'm fine. I didn't realize how stressful that would be. It kind of caught me off guard."
Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief. Maxon gave me a bear hug and kissed my forehead. "Thank God. You nearly gave me a heart attack."
"I'm fine. You can't get rid of me that easily." He laughed halfheartedly and pulled away.