My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1091

The day had finally come—the Bartz family and the newly formed Palmer-Bartz family were leaving for Hesperia.

Without meaning to, the three families found themselves gathered once again at the airport.

Marcus was saying goodbye to Peter, who, due to his memory loss, only held onto the memories of the past—which, in a way, made them even more meaningful.

The man was laid-back and jovial, though he looked like a mature adult.

"Take care of yourself, man—and take care of the whole family! I'm leaving my son in your hands. I know he's not your favorite, but I swear, in time you'll come to appreciate him. He's a good kid—heck, I even like him now!" Peter said casually.

"Dad! I'm standing right here!" Alden called out from a few steps away, holding little Isabelle in his arms.

"I didn't say anything that wasn't true! At first, you came off as a bit full of yourself… but you're my son, and I had to accept you. Now I know you're a good son, and I'm proud of you," Peter replied, completely unfiltered.

"Stop teasing your son already! Between the two of you, he's the one who looks more mature, Grandpa Peter," Maximus chimed in, a bit embarrassed but defending his nephew.

"Alright, alright! All I'm saying is—I like the guy. He's my son," Peter said, brushing it off.

"Don't worry. I'm sure Alden and I will get along eventually," Marcus added with a small smile—one that Alden didn't quite know how to take, but that still made him nervous.

All the young man could do was pray to every saint he knew that Marcus wouldn't be too hard on him—especially since, as far as Ethan was concerned, he'd clearly already earned his place in the family.

"Alright, enough! Don't be so hard on my son-in-law. I adore him—and that should be enough for you," Valerie said, grabbing her husband's arm.

"And Alden, don't worry—I'll be the queen mother in this family. You don't need to worry about this big ol' teddy bear," she added with a playful grin.

For the three men standing there, it was hard to believe that this same woman had once played such a defining role in each of their lives.