Happily Ever After: Companion to the Selection Series

“Any girl who would risk her life for someone she loves certainly deserves to be called a lady.”

not to love someone else.”

Love only yourself a little bit longer, until you can’t stand

You’re too stupid to see love when it stands right in front of you.

I’m assuming this is our secret?”

“For now.”

He smiled brightly. “All the same, now I definitely feel like celebrating.”

He scooped me up, rushing me back inside, and I couldn’t stop laughing. I peeked up at his expression, so hopeful and excited, and I knew we were only just getting to the best part of our lives.

What if I’m like him, America? What if I’m a terrible father?”

“Maxon Schreave, that isn’t possible. If anything you will be too generous. We’re going to have to hire the strictest nanny in the world just to even it out!”

He smirked. “No strict nannies. Happy nannies only.”

“If you say so, Your Royal Husbandness.”

I’ll have too many people taking care of me.”

“As you should!”

Maxon, are you all right?”

He nodded, still watching my stomach. His eyes filled with tears. “Isn’t that remarkable? I suddenly love you a hundred times more,” he said, quietly and in awe. “And I didn’t think it was possible to find love for a person I don’t know at all.” He finally looked up at me. “Are we really going to have a baby?”

“Yes,” I breathed, welling up, too.

His eyes lit up.

It won’t actually arrive for another seven or eight months.”

He smiled but squinted. “Eight months? What in the world could take . . .”

As his words drifted away, so did his eyes, leaving my face and making their way to my stomach

Oh, darling, you didn’t need to get me anything. Every day with you is a gift.”