My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 897

Everyone enjoyed the delicious dishes chosen by the couple, thanks to Emma’s help in making the selection. The nerves that Serenity and Alden had been feeling gradually eased as the conversation at the table flowed. Katherine shared some embarrassing stories about Alden, while Marcus reminisced about nostalgic moments with Serenity.

Valerie understood how difficult this situation was for Marcus, but she admired the grace with which her husband was handling it—especially with Maximus sitting right beside him. Every time Marcus called Serenity Serene while sharing memories, Maximus would lower his gaze. Valerie couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty. Their relationship hadn’t worked out, but she knew he could have been a good father—she saw it in the way he treated Laura from time to time.

As the incredible dinner was coming to an end, Alden stood up with a glass of wine in hand, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Well, I think most of you already know why we’re here tonight. Serenity and I love each other, we’re happy together, and our little family is growing. We used to be three, and soon, we’ll be four.

Before that happens, we’ve decided to get married. Just as I promised Serenity’s father, I’m a man of my word, and I want her to have the best wedding possible," Alden said nervously, extending his hand to help Serenity stand.

"Mom," Serenity said, looking at Valerie, who was seated beside her. "Dads…" she added, glancing at the three men who, in one way or another, had been part of her life—past, present, and future. Finally, her eyes landed on Marcus.

"We’ve decided to get married on November 1st."

Everyone looked at each other in shock. The time frame was incredibly short to plan a big wedding.

"Serenity…" Valerie said, taking her daughter’s hand. "That’s not much time…"

Serenity looked at her, smiled, and said, "No, Mom, it’s the perfect amount of time. It’ll give us just enough time to organize everything. Besides, if we really think about it, the most important people in our lives are already here, in this house, at this table. The only ones left to invite are Matthew, Frederick, Theodore, and Grandpa Magnus.

"We don’t need a huge wedding filled with people we don’t even know. Our real family is right here. Maybe I’ll reach out to Aunt Regina, but other than that, everyone who truly matters is already here."

"Alden, my son, don’t forget to invite Ignatius. He’s been such an important person in your life. I know he’s in Portugal right now, but he could make time for this. You still have enough time to fit into his schedule," Katherine said gently.

"I know, Mom! I’ve already thought about that," Alden said with a smile.

"Well, if they’ve already made up their minds, I don’t see why we should argue with them," Peter said casually.

"Serenity, if you’re sure this is what you want, then I don’t see any problem with it. Whatever you need, you have my support," Marcus said from his seat.

Valerie took his hand and looked at her husband. She knew saying those words wasn’t easy for him, but she couldn’t have been prouder. He was handling the situation with grace, and that was all that truly mattered.

"Thank you, Dad!" Serenity said with a bright smile.

"Well, congratulations, kids! This is a big step, and I know you’ll have a strong, lasting marriage," Maximus said, feeling proud of the couple.

It was clear that Alden and Serenity were getting married for love—something that was becoming increasingly rare these days.

Maximus felt a mix of emotions he didn’t quite know how to process. Seeing his daughter about to get married brought back memories of his own marriage to Mary. Most of those memories were painful, filling him with guilt and making him feel small.

Diana noticed something was off with him. She reached for his hand, squeezed it gently, and whispered:

"Are you okay?"

He looked up at her, met her gaze, and smiled.

"Yeah, I’m fine…"