My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1016

Everyone present was lost in their own thoughts, reflecting on the priest’s words—at least until he brought up the subject of the vows.

"Serenity, Alden, the rings are a symbol of the love and eternal commitment you are promising each other. As you exchange them, may they always remind you of the love and fidelity you share," the priest said as Ethan approached, carrying the cushion with the rings.

Ethan took his role very seriously, his face set with total seriousness. Once his father and Serenity had taken the rings, the little boy hopped down from the altar, joining his grandfather Peter.

Serenity and Alden held the rings they were about to place on each other’s fingers. They looked into each other’s eyes and smiled. She looked stunning—there was no doubt about that. And to her, the man standing in front of her was the most handsome man she had ever met, the kindest, and above all, a clear reminder that he would be an amazing father.

"Serenity… This ring will symbolize our marriage, a constant reminder of my love for you and of everything we are together. With this, I give you all my love, my loyalty, and my commitment… I love you, and I know I will love you today and always."

"Alden… With this ring, I take you as my husband. I will love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will always remember that our love, which started as something small, overcame every obstacle, and now, against all odds, you and I are together. Alden, I will give you all my love, all my loyalty, and we will always have our eternal commitment to being the best family we can be."

"May God bless your union and guide you on the path of love and peace," the priest said as the couple held hands. "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Serenity and Alden gazed at each other. As Alden looked at the woman before him, he couldn’t stop thinking about how they met, how he fell in love with her—a story no one, not even Serenity herself, truly knew.

He had noticed her from the moment she arrived in Spain. He had seen her cross paths with Maximus, and though he hadn’t been entirely sure at the time, everything pointed to the fact that she was the girl his father had spent years searching for.

She was a beautiful young woman with striking gray-blue eyes, dark hair, and a strong character. She drank coffee with almond milk. Maybe they had crossed paths once or twice, but Serenity had never noticed him. By the time they finally met and he rescued her, he already had a slight idea of who she was.