My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Days after their trip to Galea, Peter was finally taking Celeste home to Willowcombe. The drive promised to be refreshing. Since that trip, their relationship had been growing stronger. Celeste still found herself surprised by some of Peter's changes, but she was noticeably more relaxed.

"Peter, are you sure you want to drive all the way to my house?" Celeste asked with concern.

"Of course! The road must be interesting, and besides, it's only five hours. We'll stop along the way to rest, and if we find a nice place, we can take a break there," Peter said, wrapping his arms around her from behind and resting his hands on her rounded belly.

"Alright... but we need to stop often so I can stretch my legs. You know how swollen they get in the afternoons."

"Of course. No need to worry. Oh, and I already packed the carrier in the car- Spike is finally coming home with us for real. What's with him living at the neighbor's place?"

Celeste felt warmth spread through her chest at his words. She had fallen in love with the old Peter, but she certainly wasn't rejecting the one standing in front of

her now.

In so many ways, this Peter was different. His clothes, his mannerisms, his way of thinking, even how he expressed himself.

This Peter was extremely affectionate he loved touching her belly, openly sharing his feelings, and making sure she was cared for and pampered.

At first, that change had frightened her. But now, if she was being honest with herself, she was completely smitten with this new version of him.

In private, Peter was careful-but that didn't mean he wasn't fire. He was intense, passionate, and he always made sure she reached pleasure more than once. Pregnancy hormones were driving her crazy, but Peter knew exactly how to handle them.

Celeste watched as he packed a picnic basket full of food-for the long drive, he had said.

That was another thing she admired about him. He didn't need anyone's help. He took care of everything himself, never relying on others to do things for him. And that made his little gestures all the more special.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Peter, after loading the basket into the car, turned to her and grinned.

"If you keep staring at me like that, cielo, you're going to swallow a fly," he teased, winking at her.

Celeste quickly looked down, embarrassed, but she smiled softly.

"Come on, let's go! I don't like driving at night, and we need to be extra careful.”

Peter helped her into the passenger seat, making sure her seatbelt was secured before stealing a passionate kiss.

Then, pulling back slightly, he looked deep into her eyes and murmured,

"Do you know that you're addictive?" He gently tilted her chin up with his fingers. "No..." she answered shyly.

"Well, now you do."

And with that, he shut the door, walked around the car, and got in, ready to take her back to her home in Willowcombe.

[At the Bartz residence]

Valerie was smothering her twins with kisses, making them burst into fits of laughter.

"I love seeing you like this," Camille said from the doorway of her bedroom. "Like what?" Valerie asked curiously.

"Happy," Camille smiled. "Everything is finally settling down. Marcus seems more relaxed-though I have to admit, he's really struggling with Serenity's situation."

"You can say that again. If it were up to him, Alden wouldn't even be involved in the baby's life. But I know he'll come to terms with it eventually. He has to accept that his little girl is all grown up and about to become a mother."

"As a mother... how are you handling it?" Camille asked, intrigued. Valerie sighed, her eyes softening.

"It hurts every time I walk past her room and don't see the usual mess of photos scattered on the floor. It It hurts not to see her at her desk or curled up on her bed eating pizza. But it's her time to fly. My little girl has decided to spread her wings.

"Even though I don't say it out loud, my heart breaks a little more each time I

watch her leave the house to go back to her home."

Camille listened intently as Valerie continued.

"But that doesn't mean I'm not happy.

When I was her age, I was already married to Maximus, and my life was a storm of emotions. I thank God that my daughter has had a different experience. I want her to be happy. I want her to have lots of children, to make us grandmothers again and again.

"I want this house to be filled with babies, children, teenagers, young adults.

"Can you imagine what it'll be like when all the little ones grow up?"

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"They're going to be gorgeous," Camille chuckled. "But unfortunately, I won't be around to see them all grown up. I'm an old woman, you know. Well, younger than Emma, at least. She smirked. "I might get see them in their teenage years, maybe a bit beyond that. But I'll be at peace knowing they're no longer babies."

Then, after a brief pause, Camille asked, "By the way... have you two thought about what you're going to do?"

"Do?" Valerie asked, confused.

"Yes. At first, you were considering moving back to Hesperia. But with Serenity here, I know you're not going anywhere anytime soon. And to be honest, Val...”

"Yes?"

"I miss my daughters. Even though we talk all the time, I miss seeing them." "You're absolutely right," Valerie admitted. "We haven't had time to make long- term plans. But Camille, you can go visit them whenever you want. You don't need to ask for permission-just let us know."

Valerie reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze.

"I completely understand how you feel. And I know you've done an amazing job taking care of my little ones. So if you want, I can book you a round-trip flight right now."

Camille thought for a moment.

And then, without hesitation, she made her decision.noveldrama

"I'd like to go for a week and then come back. I want to see my daughters. I know they're adults, but a mother is always needed."

"Of course! I'll book your flight right now. When do you want to return to Valentia?"

"Just a week."

"Alright, it's done! Your flight leaves tomorrow at 10:00 AM. You'll land in Hesperia at 3:00 AM, but I'll have a driver waiting for you. Sound good?"

"Perfect! Valerie, are you sure you'll survive without me for a week?" Camille teased.

Valerie laughed.

"I know it'll be hard. But my family-my family-is here. And for them, any effort is

worth it."

"Well, if you need anything, just call me. I can help from afar, you know?"

"I know," Valerie smiled warmly.

And just like that, Camille's trip was set.