THE SELECTION: The Decision.

The Family

America's POV:
Maxon makes the announcement that afternoon to the girls. Elise retreats into herself quietly after congratulating me, and though Kris's looks upset, she hugs me as well. Celeste just has a smug smirk on her face.
"I knew he'd pick you... I mean, look at how gooey he gets every time you're near! It's pathetic, really."
"Hey!" Maxon laughs, coming up behind me with his mother.
"Oh Maxon, it's true and you know it..." Queen Amberly says with a smile. "But that's how it should be."
Celeste laughs then walks over to Maxon and straightens his tie before pulling him down by it. "Hurt her, and I will hurt you. Got it?"
Maxon's eyes are wide. "Yes ma'am."
"Good." She gives me a wink and then saunters off in only a way that Celeste Newsome can.
I shake my head and smile at her retreating figure.
"America, Darling... I do have a surprise for you..." Maxon whispers, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Maxon! Stop giving me surprises!" I laugh. "All I need is you..."
"I understand that, America... But I think you won't fault me for this surprise..." I can hear the excitement in his voice.
"Okay...?"
He lets go of me and opens the doors, revealing my entire family. My jaw drops and tears immediately come to my eyes. "Dad! Mom! Everyone!" I laugh giddily. I run over and hug each of them in turn... Even Kota, who seems less than thrilled to be here and away from his work.
"We've missed you, Kitten..." My dad grins. He pulls away just enough to look at me. "How did I get so lucky to have such a beautiful daughter? THREE beautiful daughters!"
Maxon walks over, seeming a bit nervous. "And how did I get so lucky to have one of those beautiful daughters come into my life? How are you, Mr. Singer... Mrs. Singer. Ah, May... How's the art going?"
May practically swoons. "Very good! It's going very good..." She smiles brightly, which causes Maxon to laugh.
"That's fantastic. Perhaps you'll paint me something one day? And Gerad... I haven't met you yet, but I've heard loads about you..." Maxon bends down to his height. "I heard that you like to play ball? Well it just so happens that I have dozens of balls downstairs... All of them for you to use. I didn't know what kind you liked so I got them all," Maxon says with a chuckle as he ruffles his hair. Gerad grins excitedly and looks like he's made a new best friend.
When Maxon stands back up again, he faces Kenna. "You must be Kenna... It's so nice to finally meet you... I feel as if I already know you. America has shown me pictures of that beautiful baby of yours... So nice to see you both in person..."
"You too, Your Majesty." Kenna smiles.
Finally, Maxon turns to Kota. "And you must be the big brother!" Maxon extends his hand but Kota doesn't take it.
"Yeah. I guess I am," Kota mutters.
Maxon smoothly removes his hand and continues without a beat. "I hope you don't fault me for marrying your sister without asking... I don't have any siblings, but I do know that older brothers can be very protective of their younger sisters..."
"Nope. You can marry her." Kota says bluntly. "I don't care."
The smile on Maxon's face fades just the tiniest bit and I quickly come to his rescue.
"Maxon, thank you for bringing everyone here... I couldn't think of a better gift..." I wrap my arms around him. "What a nice surprise. But please, no more surprises, I'm begging you."
He chuckles. "Darling, I'm always going to surprise you with gifts... I like the face you make when I give them to you... It's like you're equal parts annoyed and overjoyed."
"Mostly annoyed," I huff.
"Lies." He smirks.
Kenna chuckles. "You two are the cutest thing I've ever seen..."
"Well, she is." Maxon says with a smile, pulling me closer to him. "Now then... I'll show you all where your rooms are at and then perhaps you would like to join America and I on the lawn for a picnic while we discuss some plans for the future? The children may play anywhere they'd like. I'll have several guards and maids who would love nothing more than to play with them standing by."
Gerad speaks up. "Can I play ball with them?"
"Of course!" Maxon turns and calls a maid over. "Please take young Gerad downstairs and get all of the balls I bought. Bring them to the lawn and start up a game." She nods and gives a quick bow before taking Gerad out.
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