My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Meanwhile, the babies had worn themselves out, and a couple of nannies were taking care of what had basically become a mini daycare. When Marcus went to check on his twins, he realized just how monumental a task it was one he had no desire to take on again.

For a moment, he watched the little angels in the room Magnus had set up specifically for the occasion.

His twins were there, along with Peter's daughters, Laura's baby-five little ones, soon to be six. He couldn't help but wonder what the future held for this new generation. The thought made him nostalgic, but he knew it was time to let go.

Serenity was already a grown woman and about to become a mother. It was her time to spread her wings. Now, he had to focus on John, Albert, and, of course, Caroline. And at some point, he needed to make time for his beloved wife-he couldn't imagine a world without her.

"How are they?" a familiar voice asked.

"They're fine..." Marcus answered in a whisper.

"Good! I just came to check on my girls... They're beautiful, aren't they?" Peter said, looking at all the sleeping babies.

"Who?" Marcus asked, a little distracted.

"The babies... They're beautiful," Peter said, gesturing toward them.

"Yeah..." Marcus muttered, finally looking up.

"This is the first time life has given me the chance to experience this. And trust me, at first, it was hard to accept that I was a dad, but now... I can't picture a single day without them," Peter said, his voice filled with nostalgia.

"I feel the same... My wife and kids are my everything. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them."

"...I'm getting married," Peter blurted out nervously.

"You're finally doing it?"

"Yeah. I know my 25-year-old self swore he'd never get married, but... like I said, I can't imagine life without them now. We're really lucky, don't you think?" Peter said, watching as his friend stepped out into the hallway.

"Why do you say that?" Marcus asked, intrigued.

"Because life gave us a second chance..." Peter replied, staring off into the distance.

It was clear that Peter would never regain his lost memories. The man had forgotten 21 years of his past and whether that was a curse or a blessing, no one could say for sure. But anyone who knew the kind of pain Peter had endured might think it was the best thing that could've happened to him.

Marcus and Peter stood in the hallway, talking just like they used to, years ago.

"Congratulations... I know it couldn't have been easy to come to that decision," Marcus said after taking a moment to process everything.noveldrama

"To be honest, it was easy. Celeste is the kind of woman you can fall for effortlessly. What scares me is the possibility that she won't want to accept me."

"Why wouldn't she? Look at you two-you already have two daughters," Marcus said, ignoring the deeper truth behind his words.

"Marcus, come on. Look at me—I'm an old man, and she's still young. I'm 49, and she's way younger than me. I mean, sure, we have our daughters, but what's stopping her from one day turning around and choosing someone younger?"

"Peter, stop. Celeste has been there for you through everything. I saw firsthand how she held on to the hope that you'd wake up one day. And look at you—you're here."

"I know! But still... the thought of her staying with me just for the kids... I don't

know. The idea of losing them-it would break me."

"I don't know how you even reached that conclusion, but I'm certain Celeste loves you. Believe me, I saw her in the hospital. She was probably furious with you and your attitude back then, but now... Now, my friend, you're a completely different man than you were before the surgery. And honestly, nothing would make me happier than knowing you've finally built the happy family you deserve."

“...Thanks, Marcus." Peter exhaled, smiling slightly. "Alright, let's head back out before everyone starts thinking something happened to the babies. If they all rush

in here, we'll end up with a crying chain reaction."

Marcus chuckled because he knew exactly what that meant.