My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1001

Valerie didn’t say it out loud, but after everything Serenity had told her over time, she couldn’t help but see herself reflected in Laura. She had also been forced to grow up too soon, taking control of her life at a young age.

Yes, it was true—she had come from a wealthy family. But in the end, she had been just a young girl, barely beginning to discover the world, when she got pregnant. She had to take full responsibility, becoming both a woman and a mother at the same time.

"Alright, sweetheart, do you have everything ready?"

"Yes! I have something new, something old, something borrowed, and something blue. Nothing’s missing!" Serenity said, checking off each tradition.

"Well, my loves, it’s time to head to the church. As much as I’d love to make the groom suffer a little, today is not the day," Marcus joked as he walked out of the room.

"Laura, who’s watching Adele?"

"Oh! Diana. She helped me take care of Adele so I could come and help Serenity," Laura replied casually.

"Diana is a wonderful girl," Valerie said, fondly remembering how she had been there for her during her darkest moments.

"Yes. She and my dad are planning to get married at some point. They haven’t set a date yet, but I hope it’s soon. She keeps our house in order, and let me tell you—being a mom while managing a household is exhausting. Diana knows exactly how to keep Paul and Maurice in line… especially Paul," Laura said, shaking her head.

"That boy is out of control, isn’t he?" Serenity smirked.

"Oh, you have no idea! Did you know he uses my daughter to attract girls?"

"What?!" Serenity asked, shocked.

"He sneaks out with Maurice and Adele. The girls see him with Adele and think he’s a responsible big brother. He plays the part, gets their phone numbers, and of course… ends up with dates."

"Wow… that kid turned out charming and clever," Serenity said, surprised.

"More charming than clever, if you ask me," Laura laughed.

"Hey, when is Dad going to talk to him?" Serenity asked, more seriously.

"Well, he’s waiting until after your wedding. Then, once we’ve talked it through, Lucius, Dad, and I agreed that the right thing to do is tell him the truth," Laura said, clearly worried.

"Paul is smart. He’ll understand, and I don’t think he’ll blame Dad for it. It wasn’t his fault—he was deceived just as much. For Maximus, Paul will always be his son, no matter what," Serenity reassured her.