My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1003

Once Alden and Peter were alone, they both stood silently by the window. Peter pulled his son into a brief embrace, looking at him with pride before speaking.

"I know I don’t remember who I’ve been for the past six years by your side, but I do know that you’re a good man. Your mother did an incredible job raising you. I’m proud of how well you’ve taken the reins of the family business.

"Alden, you are the perfect mix of your mother and me, though you have a much better heart. Today, you are marrying a wonderful woman, and you have to be worthy of her. I can’t give you advice on being a good husband—those lessons, I think, are best left to Theodore."

Alden chuckled, and Peter continued.

"What I can tell you is that marriage is a long journey of growth and mutual effort. I know you and Serenity have already decided where you’ll live, and I’m happy with your choice. I admire you because, against all odds, you’re stepping out from under my wing. It hurts, especially because I’ll miss my little Ethan… but I know it’s for the best. You’re making the right decision for your wife and child."

He placed a firm hand on Alden’s shoulder.

"From now on, someone will push you to be the best version of yourself. Serenity is a good woman. I have no doubt you’ll build a beautiful family together. But always remember—she is not just a wife or a mother. She is a woman with dreams of her own. Don’t clip her wings—help her grow, just as she will help you."

"Thank you, Dad," Alden said sincerely. "Thank you for understanding my decision. I know you’ll miss Ethan, but it’s time for you to start your life, too.

"Celeste and the girls are your priority now. Ethan and I will begin our own journey, and you… it’s time you finally start living for yourself. Build your family, enjoy your daughters, and marry your future wife—because, even if you deny it, I know you have plans to."

"Shhh! That’s supposed to be a surprise!" Peter said with a smirk.

Alden grinned. "I know. But really, thank you, Dad. Thank you for giving me the chance to see life from a different perspective. Even if you don’t remember it, you were a great father. You raised me to be a good and responsible man.

"It wasn’t easy, but everything I am today, as a man, I owe to you and Theodore.

"Mom helped me grow—she was there for me since I was a baby. But you… you saved me. You made me mature and understand life in ways I never would have otherwise."