My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

A few months had passed, and Valerie was slowly settling into her new normal-if she could even call this new life "normal."

Having two toddlers just over two years old was pure chaos, especially since they were in that stage where they wanted to explore everything and do it all on theirnoveldrama

own.

Her little John and Ethan were supportive, but sometimes, they felt like two more babies themselves.

Marcus had returned to work "as usual," though in reality, every afternoon their toddlers would show up at the office-an office that had once belonged to Serenity, and later to John.

He looked after Bert and Carrie with all the love and patience a father could possibly give to those little angels.

Meanwhile, Valerie would lock herself in her studio, working on designs for her new jewelry collection, which she planned to launch in less than six months.

Life after coming back from Valentia had been a whirlwind of emotions. The first challenge was adjusting to being back home-and with that, the ever-present feeling of absence left by Serenity not being there.

Marcus was the one who felt the loss of his daughter the most. He had to swallow his pride and start accepting Alden again. Once upon a time, he had thought Alden was a good guy, but now, he looked at him with suspicion—for taking his little girl away.

Those first encounters between Marcus and Alden were a bit awkward, but over time, Alden proved he had what it took to handle Marcus as a father-in-law. And Marcus, slowly but surely, started letting his guard down.

Serenity watched those moments between them with joy. It showed that her father had good intentions toward Alden, and that her husband was doing his part to win over her dad-who was also his.

At night, while Valerie and Marcus were enjoying a well-deserved soak in the tub, they finally began to unwind after a long day.

"My love, how's that collection coming along? Are you almost done with the creative phase?" Marcus asked with interest.

"Almost... I'm loving how it's turning out. I'm still making some final tweaks to a necklace I'll be presenting, but I know I'll finish it before the deadline.

"You know? You guys are my biggest inspiration! While we were in Valentia, I was so caught up in everything that happened before and after our arrival that I just couldn't find inspiration for any new jewelry," Valerie said confidently.

"I know another way to get you inspired..." Marcus teased, playing with her body beneath the thin layer of bubbles.

"Marcus!"

"What? I'm not allowed?" he asked with a mischievous look.

"Of course you are! But you always make me lose my train of thought..."

"Well, while you're trying to remember, come here. I want to kiss these lips that are mine and yours all at once..."

"Marcus..."

"You know I'll never regret this life we're living, right?" Marcus said firmly. "You've been everything I've ever needed, and I hope to live like this until my last breath."

"Marcus, I love you just like I did when we first started. Actually, I love you even more. You're an amazing man, father, partner, friend, and lover... I don't need anything else in this life-just you and our family."

"I love you, Valerie! I'm sure we'll grow old together, and when the end comes, I'll love you in the next life too... You and our kids are the greatest gift life could've given me... I love you all.

"We've been together for over 20 years now, and believe me, with each passing day, I love you and our kids more and more...

"Oh! Before I forget... Speaking of

your collection-don't forget what you promised your grandpa. We need to take that trip and visit the place you always wanted to go with him, Marcus added, clearly having a few ideas brewing.

That comment brought a wave of nostalgia over Valerie. Her past,

even

its beautiful moments,

with it

was something she tried to keepnet

tucked away deep in her heart. Bringing it to the surface onlymade her throat tighten-whether from joy or sadness, she never liked that feeling.

"Hey, let's get out of the tub. The water's cold now..." Marcus said, kissing her cheek.

"Yeah, let's go... Besides, I'm sleepy and want to get some rest..."

"Sleep? Who said we were going to sleep, Mrs. Bartz?"

"Oh, really?"

"No, Mrs. Bartz. I also want a little time with my lovely wife. Think you can spare a few minutes for me?" Marcus asked, sounding like a little boy in need of attention.

"You know that voice is emotional blackmail, right?"

"I know! But if I don't say it like that, you'll ignore me... It's been days since I've

had anything at all... I need my wife. I need some love too..."

"Some love?"

"Well... you know what I mean..."

"Mmm... Sorry for neglecting you. Work has me all over the place. And honestly, yes, I'm super excited about the collection launch, so I kind of get lost in it..."

"Well... I just want a little compensation."

That line of reasoning led to a night full of kisses—and plenty more.

Slowly, their lives were settling into a new rhythm: three kids, with the oldest now six, and the youngest two being full-on toddlers who needed 24/7 supervision to keep them from getting into serious trouble.

At this point, Ethan practically lived at the Bartz residence. He did his homework there, ate there, and spent most nights of the week sleeping there too.

No one would've imagined that little John and Ethan would be the bridge to unite the Palmers and the Bartzes in such a deep way. And Serenity and Alden had sealed that bond with a baby and a marriage that made them incredibly happy.