My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1012

On the way to the church, Valerie got lost in thought, replaying the conversation she had with Maximus the day before. It was incredible to see how time had finally managed to calm the unease in both of their hearts.

[One day earlier]

"Mr. Maximus, there are visitors at the door," the butler said politely.

"Who is it?" Maximus asked, intrigued.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bartz."

As soon as Maximus heard the surname, he rolled his eyes. He imagined the worst—a long, exhausting argument.

"Alright, let them in. And please, bring us some coffee in the garden."

"Yes, sir."

Maximus got up from his seat and headed outside, not feeling particularly enthusiastic. Serenity’s wedding was just hours away, and the last thing he wanted was to say or do something that would set things off.

"Good morning," Maximus greeted when he saw the couple.

"Hi, Maximus…" Valerie said, standing up to greet him.

"Hello, Ma—Valerie…"

"Maximus," Marcus acknowledged him with a nod.

"Alright… What brings you here?" Maximus asked cautiously.

"I think yesterday—"

"We were a bit harsh and got carried away by the situation," Valerie interrupted her husband.

"Ah, I see…" Maximus said, a little surprised.

"Don’t worry about it. I completely understand. I mean, I have kids too, and if one of them—let’s say Laura—disappeared, especially while pregnant, I’d probably lose my mind just like you did… Honestly, I’m sorry for making you worry."

"No, Maximus, I know you’re trying to ease things, but we really want you to accept our apology."

"There’s nothing to apologize for."

"Well… Aside from that… Val, you wanted to tell Maximus something," Marcus encouraged his wife.

"Yes, well… Thank you!" Valerie said, a little shyly.

"For what?" Maximus asked, intrigued.

"Serenity gave me my grandfather’s ashes. She said you were the one who gave them to her." Valerie’s voice carried a deep nostalgia.

"Yes, please."

After a few minutes, Laura came downstairs, carrying little Adele in her arms.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Bartz! It’s so nice to see you! Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Laura, everything is fine. It’s just that with all the wedding preparations, we hadn’t had the chance to tell you… We’d love for you to accompany Serenity tomorrow. I know she already asked you, but she feels a little shy about it," Valerie said in a gentle tone.

"Mrs. Bartz… I…"

"Come on, it’s such an important day for Serenity, and who better to be by her side than you?" Marcus added, trying to reassure her.

"W-Well, if that’s the case, then of course I’ll do it! But… Adele…"

"Don’t worry, sweetheart, leave her with me. Plus, Diana is arriving today, so we can both take care of little Adele."

"Thank you, Dad!" Laura said, her eyes lighting up.

"So, what do you say, Laura?" Marcus asked, watching her reaction.

"I accept! Yes, I’d love to go and help Serenity. It would make me so happy!" Laura replied cheerfully.