My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

"Thank you, Serenity. I have a lot to think about... But first things first-my daughter and my studies."

"That's the spirit, my beautiful sister!" Serenity said, hugging her again.

Finally, Serenity turned to Maximus and Diana. She looked at them, and they smiled at her. Maximus opened his arms and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm so thankful life brought you to me. Even if circumstances didn't let us meet sooner, you'll always be my girl. Always. If you ever need anything, just call me. I'l always be there for you, understood?" Maximus said sincerely.

"Yes, Dad. I'll always make time to visit you. And don't take too long getting married! It's time you rebuilt your life and finally had a happy marriage. You've worked so hard to keep the family together-now it's time to enjoy it," Serenity said with a smile.

"Thank you, Serenity! Thank you so much! Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for being so wonderful. Thank you for this beautiful granddaughter." "Maximus, you'll always be in my heart. And we're only a phone call away-so anytime we need to talk, we will. And when the chance comes to visit, we'll make it happen, alright?"

"Of course, my girl!"noveldrama

"Diana, please take good care of my dad."

"Of course! Don't worry, this man will be very well looked after. And you'll be getting an invitation to the wedding soon," Diana said as she hugged Serenity.

"I can't wait! Nothing would make me happier than seeing you finally together. Take care of each other-and Diana, I never said it before, but thank you. Thank you for being there for my mother in her worst moments. I know she'll always be grateful to you for staying by her side."

"You don't have to thank me. I just did what I thought was right-and what I would have wanted someone to do for me if I'd been in her shoes."

"Thank you—and with that, I'm even more sure that you're the right person for my dad."

"Well, we'll see... living together is the real test," Diana said playfully.

"You practically live at Dad's house already-and your cats have taken over the gardens," Maximus teased. "All that's missing is for you to move in your wardrobe."

Alden watched quietly as his wife said goodbye to everyone, taking her time. He had already done his goodbyes-faster, in typical men's fashion.

Emma stood nearby, expectant, waiting her turn to say goodbye to Maximus's daughter-the girl who reminded her so much of Mary. Strong, tough, but with a soft, sweet soul.

Never in her wildest dreams could Emma have imagined how drastically life would change for everyone-especially considering what Maximus's character had been just a few short years ago.

"My dear girl, I'm going to miss you.

Take good care of little Isabelle.

ver

Look after this handsome man and your little gentleman-you're a new family now. A family that has brought the Bartzes and Palmers together. I'm so grateful life gave me the chance to meet you, to watch as little by little things started falling into place."

"Emma... I'm so happy my mother found you and brought you to live with us. She always remembered you with so much love-and now know why. Our time together in the Maldives gave me the chance to really know you. And I can honestly say, life gave me a grandmother in you," Serenity said, hugging Emma tightly.

"Emma, we're going to miss you. And you know, if you ever want to take a break from your crazy boys, just let us know-we'll fly you out for a little vacation," Alden added warmly.

"Thank you, dear! I keep saying I'm too old for all that traveling... but who knows, I might just take you up on that," Emma said with a smile.

After more hugs and kisses, the Palmer-Bartz family finally boarded the plane waiting for them.

After many waves and teary smiles, the plane took off-heading for Hesperia. A new beginning, two new families, and countless new experiences awaited them.

The Evans and Palmer families got into their respective cars, knowing they still had plenty of things to organize for the big changes ahead.

Laura, for a moment, felt a pang of loneliness. She had grown close to Serenity, and now she would have to continue raising her daughter without her sister's company. Making friends had never come easy for her.

"Come on, my girl! You've got a lot to think about now-like that certain young man who's taken up space in your head, even if you don't want to admit it," Emma teased, catching Laura deep in thought.

"Emma!" Laura hissed, glancing nervously at Maximus, who was driving the SUV.

"What? I didn't say anything that was a secret," Emma said innocently.

"Mmm..." Laura muttered, embarrassed.

She had noticed how Adrian had been working closely with Grandpa Magnus learning all the tricks of negotiation and finance. Little by little, Adrian was winning Magnus's approval. And though she wouldn't admit it... he was slowly winning her over too.