My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

After thirteen hours of flight, the Bartz family — now also the new Palmer family — finally began to see the city skyline coming into view.

The sight brought a sense of deep peace to both Marcus and Valerie, while Jonathan and Ethan were practically vibrating with excitement. Alden, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves, holding Serenity and their baby close. Everyone had traveled fairly well-except for Albert and Caroline, who had burned off endless energy like the little ones they were.

During the landing, Alden couldn't help but replay his father's parting words over and over in his head:

"Son... It's time for us to walk different paths, but know that my home will always be your home. I might not remember everything I taught you, but use the advice I gave you well: Live your life as it comes - simple and easy. Don't get caught up in work — there will always be more of it. But your wife and children... they are your priority. Always remember who and what you work for."

"Yeah... Thanks for everything, old man!" Alden had said, hugging Peter tightly.noveldrama

"Hey! The mountains are old, not me! I'm in my prime — can't you see I'm stealing collagen from my woman?" Peter joked, pulling Celeste close by the waist.

"Definitely," Alden laughed, seeing Peter's massive grin stretching from ear to ear.

"Oh! So that's your plan in marrying me, huh?" Celeste said, narrowing her eyes playfully.

"What plan? Getting you pregnant with another set of twins and going for six kids total?" Peter teased shamelessly.

"Peter!" Celeste exclaimed, blushing a deep cherry red.

"Dad... stop teasing poor Celeste," Alden said, thinking this had to be a joke.

"I'm not teasing her! I'm telling her upfront that I want six kids with her," Peter said, totally serious.

"Are you serious?" Serenity asked, shocked.

"Of course! We've got a huge house, my wife is young, and there's no reason we can't have more kids. Besides, I've discovered I absolutely love children," Peter said, hugging Celeste tighter.

Alden could only shake his head in disbelief at the man in front of him.

He was still amazed - pleasantly so - at the change in his father. Everyone said that Peter at 25 had been irresponsible, carefree, and an eterna playboy. Yet here he was now steady, loving, and proud of his family.

'Oh Dad... It's only been a day and I already miss you,' Alden thought as he watched the plane descend from the sky.

When the private jet finally landed, two armored SUVs were waiting on the runway. The sight surprised Alden, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

"Alden, Ethan, welcome to Hesperia!" Valerie said warmly.

"Serenity, your father arranged for two cars one for us and one for you and your family. He wanted you to come straight to the house, but I said you need to go to your own home first. We can meet up tomorrow or if you're feeling up to it tonight, maybe dinner? How does that sound?" she offered gently.

Luckily for Alden, Marcus was too busy wrangling the twins and checking the luggage to overhear.

"Yeah, Mom," Alden answered. "We'll head to our place and get settled first. We'll

let you know if we're up for dinner later."

"Perfect!" Valerie said with a

motherly smile. "Remember - you two are a new family now. You need your own space and time," she added, subtly stopping Marcus

before he could insist otherwise.

"Serenity, sweetheart!" Marcus called, pushing the stroller with the twins.

"Yes, Dad!" Serenity answered, rocking little Isabelle in her arms.

"Get some rest, and we'll see you tomorrow for breakfast," Marcus said seriously.

"Don't let your mother pressure you too much. She'd have you back at home all the time if she could — but you two have your own life now."

That statement caught everyone by surprise, since they had all expected Marcus to be the first one to resist letting go of his princess.