THE SELECTION: The Decision.

The Slip

Maxon's POV:

After I told America of my plans, we headed into my bedroom and things heated up pretty quickly. I'm still so awestruck by this woman that has agreed to marry me. I watch her eyes flutter closed, her breathing heavy.
"That was... Significantly better than the first time." America laughs.
I can't help but pout. "Excuse you, the first time brought about this little miracle." I place a hand on her bare stomach.
She smiles up at me. "You're right... I'm sorry. Little Eadlyn or Ahren should definitely be celebrated. What do you think they'll be like?"
"Well, if we're lucky, that baby will be exactly like you. Completely and utterly perfect."
She punches my arm gently. "I'm being serious!"
"So am I!" I grin.
She rolls her eyes and then looks down at her stomach. "I bet that they will be incredibly intelligent, like you. I hope that they have a creative side, whether it's music or art. Just something that shows that they belong to me too."
I smirk. "I hope they have your red hair."
She laughs and shakes her head. "Oh no! This poor baby... They have no idea the sunburns that they will endure in their lifetime, having one blond parent and one redhead."
  I chuckle.  "They're doomed."
  America looks at the clock.  "We should really head down to dinner..." She sighs.  "As much as I love food, the prospect of getting dressed is too depressing to bear."
  "You could always wear jeans," I offer.
  She shakes her head.  "No, I'm trying to make an effort to not upset your father... At least until we're officially married."
  I sigh.  "Fair point.  Shall I meet you downstairs in ten minutes?"
  She nods and starts to head to the door before pausing.  "Maxon?"
  "Yes, darling?"
  She bites her lip.  "Could I possibly have one of your cameras? I'd take whatever one you'd be willing to spare, I'm not picky."
  I look at her, confused.  "America, these are no longer just my cameras.  Everything I have is yours.  If you want to take my favorite camera, it's yours.  If you want to take everything I own, it's yours.  The only things I need in life are you and this baby.  Nothing else matters anymore."
  Tears well up in her eyes and she tightly embraces me.  "Thank you," she whispers.
  I simply shake my head and hug her back.  After a moment, I reach up onto the shelf and grab one of the nicest cameras I own that is fairly easy to operate.  "Here.  It's yours.  If you don't mind me asking, though... Why do you need it?"
  "I was hoping to make a photo album.  Of us, our families... The baby." She shrugs.  "You have thousands of photos, but not one album.  It seems a shame, if you ask me."
  I smile at her.  "That's a terrific idea.  You can take any of the photos that I have to use for the beginning.  Just come grab them as you please."
  She kisses me quickly.  "Thank you! I love you..."  She begins slowly backing out the door, only a blanket wrapped around her beautiful body.
  "I love you too..." I say, just before she shuts the door.

********************************************

America comes down to dinner wearing the most gorgeous green dress.  She looks like an angel.  A princess.  I'm half convinced that her mother is going to cry.
  She sits down next to me and I whisper in her ear.  "You look... Breathtaking."
  I don't have to look to know that she is blushing.  I take her hand under the table and look at her perfect family sitting across from us.  Gerad is bouncing around in his seat with May talking animatedly beside him.  Kenna is giving Astra a bottle while talking to a smiling Kota.  The parents are engrossed in a conversation of their own, and not one person seems unhappy.
  This is how life should be.  This is how America makes life better.
  I'm leaning in to tell her this when the first bullet bursts through the window.
  "Everybody, stay low!" Commands my father, jumping from his seat.
  America is on her feet before the rest of us, scooping Gerad up and grabbing May's hand.  "We need to get to a safe room!" She shouts over the noise. "Hurry!"
  Within seconds, we are being escorted with the help of several guards to one of the many underground bunkers.  America is calmly directing everyone in her family, and it only then strikes me that they have never experienced anything like this.  I look over to where a shell shocked Kenna and Kota are gripping each other fiercely while the baby screams in Kenna's free arm.
  I suddenly feel the weight of what I've brought these people into.  I take Astra from Kenna and rock her numbly as we walk down the never ending staircase, the iron doors finally banging shut behind us.
  Nobody says anything for quite some time.  Eventually, Kenna takes Astra back from me with an almost distrustful look.
  "I'm sorry," I sigh.  I look at her whole family.  "I'm sorry you had to witness one of these."
  "Does this happen a lot?" Asks Kota.
  "Recently, it certainly seems like it.  We're being attacked from all sides and I don't even know who the enemy is anymore." I can hear myself becoming frustrated.  I run a hand over my face and start to walk to the other side of the room, attempting to cool off.
  "The enemy is everyone that has been screwed over by your family one too many times," mutters Kota.
  "That's enough!" Snaps America.
  Again, silence encompasses the small room.
  America comes up behind me and simply wraps her arms around my waist, her face burying itself into my back.  Just the feel of her is enough to steady me.  Kenna begins trying to mediate things between everyone, but I'm not listening.  Instead, I turn to face America and pull her close to my chest.
  "I'm so sorry," I whisper.  "You shouldn't have to endure this... It's not safe.  And I can't help thinking that maybe Kota is right.  Maybe my family is the enemy."
  "No," she says firmly.  "You're not the issue here... These people are a small percentage of this country.  They're hard-headed and evil and they would do this to any sort of ruler, good or bad.  You, though... You're the good.  You listen and you care and you truly have the nation's best interest at heart."
  I can feel my emotions building.  "People are starving out there and I'm here putting on a reality show to find a wife!" My voice cracks.
  "Some people are starving, yes, but you're already working on that.  You're presented with a problem and you find a solution.  You can't be expected to see every inch of this country at all times.  And you're not putting on a show to find a wife.  Not anymore.  You found me... And now you don't have to do this alone.  I'll be by your side through everything to come, and soon our little prince or princess will be here, too."
  I know I'm crying, but I don't bother to mask it.  I bury my face in her hair and just hold her there.  It's so serene and perfect.  That is, until I realize that we're being eavesdropped on.
  "Wait, you're pregnant?!"