My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

After that hug, Valerie walked over to Laura, Serenity's sister, with whom she'd developed a bit of a bond.

"Laura and beautiful Adele-I wish you both all the success in the world... You must finish your studies and use your degree. You're living proof that it's possible —and that's exactly what your little girl will learn from you.

"As a woman, you have to be strong-but it's always okay to accept help. And if the father of this little one is offering support and change... it's something you can at least think about," Valerie said, weaving in the subtle hints Serenity had shared with her.

"Thank you, Mrs. Bartz! I'll keep that in mind..." Laura said, surprised and a little shaken-because the topic had, in fact, been on her mind for days.

After two warm hugs and lots of kisses for baby Adele came another awkward moment for Marcus-the goodbye between Valerie and Peter.

"Well, Mr. Peter Palmer... take care of yourself, look after your three little angels, and enjoy this second chance life has given you. And no more crazy stunts, okay? We don't know if you've got nine lives like a cat or not-but let's not find out," Valerie joked, unsure how else to say goodbye to him.

"Thank you, Mrs. Bartz! And take good care of my friend. I know he can be gruff and doesn't always know how to show his feelings, but I'm sure you know how to bring out the best in him," Peter said, just as if he were speaking to his friend's wife.

Valerie knew this kind of exchange was normal now-Peter had lost half his memories, and along with them, the time they had once shared. Still, she couldn't help the ache in her chest.

But she'd come to the conclusion that if losing those memories was what it took for him to stay alive, then she was deeply grateful.

To her, it meant more to see him healthy, alive, and well-even if he didn't remember her-than for him to remember only the moments they'd once lived together.

That truth had cost her hours of therapy and more than a few dollars, but it had helped her heal that part of her life.

She had come to understand that just because everything seems perfect and feels like it's going to last forever... doesn't mean it will. The only certainty in life is that nothing is certain.

After that, Peter-curiously-opened his arms and hugged her. She caught the scent she used to cling to during the worst moments of her youth, and it instantly brought her comfort.

"Take care of yourself... and take care of my boy. He's a bit reckless, but I know you and Marcus will be great examples of a strong marriage.

"I'm sure that with your guidance, Serenity and Alden's marriage will be just as strong as yours."

As he hugged her, Peter caught a familiar scent. He didn't know why-but it felt familiar. He pulled back and simply gave her a wide smile.

Then Valerie approached Celeste. She knew this moment might be awkward-but pretending like nothing had ever happened wasn't an option.noveldrama

"Take good care of Peter! He's a good man, and he adores you all so much. I know you'll make a beautiful life together. Your daughters are gorgeous-take care of them well!"

"Thank you, Valerie," Celeste replied kindly.

As Valerie made her way back to

Marcus, Reter walked over to

Celeste. She had the twins in a stroller. He wrapped one arm around her waist, lifted her chin with the other, and pulled her into a hug.

"You know I love you, right?" Peter said, sensing the nervousness in his fiancée.

He didn't remember their history-but in the conversations he'd had with Theodore, it was clear he had made a lot of mistakes and hurt the woman who was now the mother of his children.

That's why, when he saw Valerie saying goodbye to her, he didn't interfere. He just watched quietly.

And once it was over, he went tonet

Celeste, making it absolutely clear that she was the only one who mattered to him now.