The One

America,” Maxon said sweetly, forcing me to wipe my eyes and face him. “I know you see a king here, but let me be clear; this isn’t a command. This is a request, a plea. I beg you; make me the happiest man alive. Please do me the honor of becoming my wife.”

“That’s a comfort,” he said. “Still, it doesn’t feel like enough.”

“Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.

I’ll always love you. I’ll wait for you forever. I’m with you, no matter what.

“If you live,” I whispered, “I’ll let you call me your dear. I won’t complain, I promise.”

I love you beyond paint, beyond melodies, beyond words.

Break it a thousand times if you like

Break it a thousand times if you like.

“Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.”

America, my love, you are sunlight falling through trees. You are laughter that breaks through sadness. You are the breeze on a too-warm day. You are clarity in the midst of confusion.