My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1135

Marcus and Valerie were in the garden of their home, enjoying the quiet. Alden and Serenity had taken the kids to their house for the evening—something Marcus had asked his daughter for, since today was the day before their anniversary and he had planned a romantic dinner for the two of them.

"How many years has it been?" Valerie asked, watching her husband set the food on the garden table.

"Eighteen years. We've been together for eighteen years now… and I still feel like it all happened just yesterday," Marcus said, looking at her fondly.

"It's been a long road. Not always easy. Look at us now—calmer, more settled. We're not exactly young anymore."

"You still look like the woman I met all those years ago…" Marcus said, kissing her cheek.

"You see me through love's eyes. It's been twenty years since we met."

"I know. But every one of those years has only made me love you more."

"I love you too, Marcus. And I want you to know that thanks to you, to being with you, I've become who I am.

"No one had ever expected anything from me before. I was just the girl who had suffered… and you, without hesitation, pushed me to grow. You showed me I could carry the world on my shoulders—and more."

"And you did, didn't you?"

"Yes. Definitely, I did."

"Then there's nothing to regret, my love. I never would've asked anything of you that you couldn't give."

"Thank you! Thank you for showing up in my life! Thank you for not leaving us alone! Thank you for all the patience you've had with me!"

"Now that we're in a calmer stage of life… Can I ask you something?"

"Of course. Go ahead," Valerie said softly, calmly, like someone at peace.

"Do you still think about your time with Peter?"

"Marcus…"

"I'm not asking to start a fight. I just want to know what you think about it all now. What goes through your mind?"

"First of all, you need to know I love you. There's no one else I'd rather be with. I'll never regret a single moment of these twenty years by your side.

"Now, Peter was an important man in my life. Obviously, I'll never forget him—he marked a before and after in my life in Valentia. Just like his brother did, actually. He was the first man I ever noticed, back when I was just a teenager.

So, to be totally honest, yes, I remember them—both of them. But it's with affection, not love. Not like the memories I have with you.

For example, the memory I treasure most with you is the first night we slept together. No, don't get the wrong idea," Valerie added, seeing Marcus's teasing smile. "I mean the night you took me home, and you stopped by Serenity's room. You fell asleep with her in your arms. That moment—it still fills me with love and hope when I think about it.

"Every single moment we've lived together over the years, I treasure it. I love building new memories with you. I love how our new life is shaping up.

"Our kids grow more and more each day. John's not a baby anymore—though he'll always be one to me. And our little ones, who aren't so little now, are wild and full of energy. They wear us out, but even so, I enjoy every single moment they give us."

"Now it's my turn to ask you something…" Valerie said, her voice calm.

"Go on, what is it?"

"Do you think you'll ever be able to forget everything that happened?"

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