My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 212

Chapter 0212 

As they walked to the sitting area, Valerie couldn’t help but marvel at how naturally Marcus was acting after the night they’d spent together. 

“Valerie,” Marcus began, his voice serious as they sat down “I need you to know that I don’t want what happened. between us to be just a casual encounter. I want to be more in your life–more than just Serenity’s uncle. I want to be with you. You’re beautiful, strong, intelligent, confident and above all… admirable. Ever since I saw you again, I’ve been struck by how much I admire your strength–how you’ve raised Serenity, how you’ve carried yourself with such dignity. There are so many things I could say about you, but I don’t want it to sound like empty words just to convince you.” 

Valerie was mid–sip of her coffee when his words hit her, and she nearly choked on it. 

“I know this isn’t easy,” Marcus continued, “but I’d like the chance to win your heart. I want to court you, if you’ll let me. And I promise, nothing will change in how we are with Serenity. She’s always been my priority, and now I want you to be my priority, too.” 

After more than fifteen years of closing his heart following the loss of his wife and son, Marcus was opening it again, offering it to Valerie. It wasn’t an easy decision for either of them, given their pasts, but he was determined not to let her down if she gave him the chance. 

“Marcus…” Valerie began nervously. “I like you, too. It’s just that… my life hasn’t been easy, and I swore I’d never fall in love again. My daughter is my priority, and I can’t lose sight of that. The last time, I lost so much in such a short time. You have to understand my fears and insecurities. I really do think you’re a man worth admiring and loving, but…” 

Marcus listened as she struggled to find the right words, understanding her hesitation perfectly. He’d been in her position once, too. 

“Valerie, all I’m asking is for you to let me try. I don’t expect you to fall for me overnight. Just let me be part of your life. I’ll never ask you to put Serenity second–she’s become like a daughter to me, and I adore her. I would never want us to do anything that would hurt her. You need to know that.” 

Valerie was stunned. In her life, through two previous relationships, she’d never had a conversation like this. Marcus was different, and she didn’t know how to respond to such sincerity. 

“Marcus… let me think about it. We can try, but we need to take things slow. I don’t want to rush anything for Serenity’s sake. Seeing us as a couple might be a big shock for her, and I don’t know how she’ll react,” she finally said, giving the only answer she could to his heartfelt plea. 

Marcus smiled, satisfied with her response. It was a beginning, and he wouldn’t waste it. He would do whatever it took to win her over. He knew Serenity already saw him as a father figure, and Valerie’s concerns about her daughter only reflected her protective nature. 

After her response, Marcus gently took Valerie’s hand and lassed it, making her blush. She couldn’t help but wonder, ‘How is this man so calm after everything that happened last night?‘ 

After breakfast, Marcus took her hand again and led her to the bathroom, where he helped her freshen up. Valerie hadn’t felt butterflies like this in years. As he tended to her with gentle care, the butterflies in her stomach fluttered uncontrollably, making her feel alive in a way she hadn’t in a long, long time. 

Chapter 0212 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter 0212 

As they walked to the sitting area, Valerie couldn’t help but marvel at how naturally Marcus was acting after the night they’d spent together. 

“Valerie,” Marcus began, his voice serious as they sat down “I need you to know that I don’t want what happened between us to be just a casual encounter. I want to be more your life–more than just Serenity’s uncle. I want to be with you. You’re beautiful, strong, intelligent, confident and above all… admirable. Ever since I saw you again, I’ve been struck by how much I admire your strength–how you’ve raised Serenity, how you’ve carried yourself with such dignity. There are so many things I could say about you, but I don’t want it to sound like empty words just to convince you.” 

Valerie was mid–sip of her coffee when his words hit her, and she nearly choked on it. 

“I know this isn’t easy,” Marcus continued, “but I’d like the chance to win your heart. I want to court you, if you’ll let me. And I promise, nothing will change in how we are with Serenity. She’s always been my priority, and now I want you to be my priority, too.” 

After more than fifteen years of closing his heart following the loss of his wife and son, Marcus was opening it again, offering it to Valerie. It wasn’t an easy decision for either of them, given their pasts, but he was determined not to let her down if she gave him the chance. 

“Marcus…” Valerie began nervously. “I like you, too. It’s just that… my life hasn’t been easy, and I swore I’d never fall in love again. My daughter is my priority, and I can’t lose sight of that. The last time, I lost so much in such a short time. You have to understand my fears and insecurities. I really do think you’re a man worth admiring and loving, but…”