My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Little by little, night fell over everyone gathered there. It was time for the speeches before opening the dance floor with the first waltz.

Organizing this part had been tricky-after all, Serenity had three fathers, and making that work wasn't easy. Especially when Marcus and Maximus kept throwing each other looks they had to restrain for their daughter's sake. Peter, on the other hand, with his carefree attitude, didn't care much about formalities-he knew he could speak whenever he wanted.

"You go first. I need to hear what you say so I can top it," Maximus said mockingly.

"No, you go first. I want to hear what nonsense comes out of your mouth," Marcus shot back.

"For God's sake! Can you two just behave for once? Do it for our daughter," Peter said, exasperated. "If you don't, I'll just do it myself. Hand me the mic."

Without waiting, he snatched the microphone from Maximus and stepped to the side of the dance floor. He turned toward the newlyweds, smiled, and pulled out a small card.

"Alright... I thought this would be easy, but now that I'm reading this, I have no idea what the hell I was thinking when I wrote it... Okay, let's see..." He took a deep breath. "I've never been married, at least not that I remember, and from what little I've been told. I don't know what it's like to have a wedding band put on my finger or to stand under the wedding lasso. But I guess I'll find out soon enough," Peter said, glancing at Celeste, who blushed.

"Alright... Alden & Serenity, I already told my son that whenever he needs advice, he should go to Theo-he's the best at that. He's saved my skin more than once... What I mean by this is: you're both young, you're inexperienced. If I, at almost fifty, still make mistakes, how could you not? But that's part of growth... "Serenity, just be patient-Alden is a perfectionist, just like his mother," Peter said, glancing at Katherine, who narrowed her eyes at him. "Very much a perfectionist. But that's actually a good thing, because it will push you to be better every day. "Alden, be a man-but most of all, be a gentleman. Serenity may be as soft as cotton candy, but she's also a strong woman. I know you two will make a great team. You'll always find solutions to your problems, as long as you look in the right places.

"Now that you're leaving, I'm going to miss you. Especially Ethan, my boy, my grandson... But I know you're going somewhere better, and maybe one day, we'll work up the courage to come visit.

"I love you. I love all four of you. And I'm going to miss you... But it's time to fly," Peter said, his voice breaking slightly. He tried to keep it together as he handed the microphone to Marcus, who pulled him into a tight hug.

"Well... What can I say? This man just spoke straight from the heart," Marcus said, motioning toward his old friend.

He turned to Serenity, his expression softening.

"My daughter... I look at you, and I still can't believe it. It's hard to accept that you're leaving—to take flight on your own. When I see you, I still see my little girl. My baby. A piece of my heart, my sunshine, my sky..." Marcus's voice caught in his throat, and he cleared it with a glass of whiskey that Maximus handed him.

He downed the amber liquid in one go, feeling it burn its way down-but necessary burn.

"Alright... Alden, you're taking my daughter-one of my greatest treasures. It's time for you to take her hand and walk this new path together. Wherever you go, I'll always be here to support you, to help you, to guide you.

"Marriage is like a Ferris wheel. Sometimes you're at the bottom, looking up, eager to see what's above. Slowly, you start rising, enjoying the view-but always aware that something might stop you.

"When you finally reach the top,

you'll see its beauty in full splendor. But remember, you can't stay up there forever. Eventually, you'll have to come down. Things will get tough, but don't be afraid. As long as you stay united, as long as you are the head of your family, everything will pass."

Marcus met his wife's gaze, memories flooding his mind.

"Like Peter said—wherever you go, I love you. And I know I'll miss you... But it's time to fly. Soon, you'll be a beautiful family of four."

Everyone there knew how hard it must have been for Marcus to say those words.

Alden and Serenity exchanged a knowing look, holding hands-they had a surprise coming.

Marcus handed the microphone to Maximus and told him, "Drink up. You're gonna need it."

Maximus got the message and downed his drink in one gulp.

"My girl, Serenity... I haven't had much time to get to know you, but one thing's for sure-you're fearless. And if there's one thing I have thankyour father for, it's the

vein

confidence he gave you. I witbregret saying this, but he was the best dad you could have ever had

"Life and fate have their ways of bringing the right people into our paths. We just have to learn to recognize and accept them. You, my dear, Came into my life when I feast expected it, and you became someone I could talk to—someone who listened. noveldrama

"You took on the role of big sister all on your own, stepping up when we needed you most. And more than that, you became your sister's best friend. You taught her to be strong, to be brave—just like you.

"I'm happy to see you building a life with Alden. He's a great man, and I know you'll both give Ethan and our beautiful granddaughter the best future possible.

"I love you—even though I've only known you for a year. It's going to be hard not being able to see you whenever I want... But it's time for a new chapter."

Serenity saw the way Maximus's eyes filled with tears. From across the room, she smiled at him and said:

"Thank you, Dad."