My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Alden nodded. "Yes. And I know the history between them. But to be completely honest? I don't care. "That was years ago. You moved on with your life. My father did the same.

"As adults, the past shouldn't dictate our present. I know it's hard to ignore it, but to me, it's not important." Valerie sighed. "Serenity is young. She was studying. And because of all of this, she put her education on hold.

"I know my daughter-if things had settled down, she would have gone back to school. But now, with a baby, things are going to get a lot more complicated.

"I don't want my daughter to lose her chance at an education. She had so many dreams, so many plans. She's only about to turn twenty-one. She's still so young."

Alden nodded in understanding. "I completely understand your concerns. You think that having a baby will make things harder for Serenity. But let me assure you-it won't.

"If she wants to continue studying, if she wants to chase her dreams and finish her career, I will support her.

"Our child and our marriage will not be something that limits her.

"Like I've said before, I don't have the fortune your husband has. But I have my own businesses. I can provide for my family. We can find someone to help care for our child.

"And one thing I need to make clear-I never want to clip her wings.

"I want Serenity to grow. I want her to thrive. I want her to be better every single day. I want her to be my wife, but I also want her to be proud of herself.

"She's an extraordinary woman. You know it, I know it, and everyone who meets her knows it.

"I love her for that. And for so many other reasons."

Valerie watched him closely.

She could see it-the way he spoke about Serenity, the way his eyes lit up when he said her name. She could tell he was fighting to convince her, fighting to prove himself.

And for a brief moment, a memory surfaced-this must have been how Grandpa Albert felt when he had that talk with Peter all those years ago.

Back when Peter, as a young man, had stood before him with the same determination in his eyes.

Her eyes filled with tears as the past came rushing back.

lived through this before. She had been

had fallen madly in love. She had gotten married, then divorced. She had gotten pregnant. She

had changed

third and final

Marcus had been the best choice she

past-a past she never regretted. Because if she

That

ask you

"Anything."

my daughter away

She is

cannot imagine a world where we don't see her.

head. "Mrs. Bartz, you don't even need to ask

how much you mean

if you're important to her...

small breath of

take care of my daughter.

I love, cherish, and respect everything

lips as she reached across the table, placing

couldn't help

known when she was just

a deep breath, she

"Welcome to the family."

and little Ethan are

stood up, gesturing for

on. Let's

one last

Alden asked knowingly.