The Second Choice: The Selection Series

Christmas Joy

It's been four months since the end of our honeymoon. Since getting back from our amazing vacation, a lot has happened.
America has been working on and created a new organization that is meant to help the smaller, local businesses and poorer schools in the capital. She has been getting monetary donations to help with free lunches at the school and even got a bunch of toys donated for the kids to get for Christmas. We're planning on visiting schools sometime after the new year.
Meanwhile, I've been working on our military defense plans and possible alliances for the future. With the rebels and our border countries seeming more active recently, I want to make sure I make everything as safe as I can. I've also had my regular duties to juggle; reports, paperwork regarding decisions and ideas, and so much more. My father has been pushing most of his work onto me and generally seems checked out.
But all of that can be forgotten today. It is Christmas after all. It's not just Christmas though. It's America and my first Christmas together as a married couple.
I bring America her cup of hot chocolate and sit with her. My parents have an interview and broadcast to do today. They'll be busy most of the day, so America and I are spending the day together in the livingroom. We plan on watching Christmas movies and cuddling most of the day.
"Thank you dear," she appreciates.
I give her a kiss and put my arm around her. "This feels nice."
"It really does. These past few months have been so hectic, it's good to just relax with you. I honestly wasn't sure you'd relax."
"Why's that?"
"Well, you're just always working so hard. It makes me worried. You need to take care of yourself."
"I am. I just have a lot of responsibilities."
"I know but...."
I look at her. "What is it?"
She shakes her head. "Don't worry about it. We should open some of our gifts don't you think?"
"If you want to."
She nods and sets her hot chocolate aside.
We both get up and grab the gifts we got each other.
Sitting back down, she hands me one of my gifts.
We take turns opening until I'm left with the lady one.
"Oh wait. I want to take pictures of you opening this one. It's pretty special," she stops me while hurrying over to the table to grab my camera.
"That's exciting," I comment.
She sits back down and gets ready. "Alright. You can open it."
I smile at her then tear off the wrapping. There's a box, which I open. I move the tissue paper. I don't realize at first what it is until I pull it out.
I stare at it in silence for a moment.
I look at America who's smiling and taking pictures.
"No way," I finally get out.
She puts the camera down and nods with tears in her eyes.
I immediately hug her, keeping the tiny baby shoes in my hands.
"You're pregnant?" I ask, no longer able to keep the tears in.
She laughs, crying as well. "I'm two months pregnant."
"Oh my gosh. That's incredible. How did you not tell me?"
"Honestly, it was really hard. I only found out two weeks ago but I've been dying to tell you."
I kiss her passionately and she does it back.
"Oh America. I love you."
"I love you too, Maxon. I really do."
I continue to bombard her with questions, overjoyed with the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope this gift brings you all a little joy on this big day during such a tough year 🎄💕