My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

"Dad..." Serenity said, visibly touched.noveldrama

"Go on, go home! We'll see you tomorrow for breakfast," Marcus said, rocking the twins, who were starting to get restless.

"Okay, Dad! Thanks for setting up the transport," Serenity added, still amazed by how smoothly everything had gone.

"Don't mention it... Alden, take good care of my girls and your little troublemaker, alright? And tomorrow you can tell me how it went settling into your new house," Marcus said, ruffling Ethan's curls.

"Yes, Mr. Bartz. See you tomorrow, John," Alden replied.

"See you, Ethan! Tell me all about your new room or call me later if you want, okay?" Jonathan added excitedly.

"I will... I'll call you once I see everything," Ethan promised.

The parents couldn't help but exchange a smile, realizing just how much those two boys — Jonathan and Ethan-had done to bring their families together after years of distance.

Sure, it was Serenity and Alden who officially united the families, but it had all truly started with the little ones-innocent hearts with no prejudices or grudges.

After a quick round of hugs-the twins badly needed a bath and bed-Marcus, Valerie, John, and the twins climbed into one SUV and headed home.

These days, it was clear who ran the household... and it definitely wasn't the adults anymore. It was the two hyperactive twins and a six-year-old general named Jonathan.

Serenity and Alden stood watching the SUV drive away, feeling a wave of relief wash over them. At least Marcus hadn't pulled one of his famous tricks to test Alden's nerves.

"I think that went pretty well, don't you?" Serenity said with a small, relieved smile.

"Yeah," Alden agreed. "Now, Mrs. Palmer, shall we go home? We still have to see the house young Ethan picked out for us - we haven't even gotten a peek yet."

"I said it was a surprise... You're going to love it!" Ethan said, full of excitement. "Alright then, let's go home," Serenity said, cradling a sleeping Isabelle in her arms.

After a short drive, their SUV stopped in Candosa's neighborhood.

A large garden greeted them first, and then a beautiful white house with classic colonial details typical of the area.

To Alden, it was stunning — completely different from Italy, but full of character and warmth.

It wasn't a castle or anything grand, but it felt like home. The garden was perfect for Ethan to run and play, and the soft, lush grass would be

ideal once Isabelle star rawling.

Once they parked and stepped inside, Serenity and Alden were

amazed at the tasteful blend of

colonial and modern touches. Sure, colonial it still needed some decorating, but it already felt perfect.

"Ethan, did you really pick this house all by yourself?" Serenity asked, blown away by his good taste.

"Yep! Well... Mr. Bartz and John helped a little, but I picked it mostly by myself," Ethan said, his eyes sparkling with pride.

"Thank you, Ethan! It's perfect," Serenity said, her heart full.

He might be little, but Ethan clearly had an eye for beauty. And seeing that, Serenity realized maybe it hadn't been so bad that he had. grownup surrounded by men like Peter and Theodore - they had

taught him not just how to be strong, but how to appreciate the finer details of life too.

"When I grow up, I want to build houses as pretty as this one!" Ethan declared proudly.

"Well then, you'll have to study hard, because what you want to be is a civil engineer or an architect," Alden said, walking beside his son with pride.

"Maybe I could be both, Dad," Ethan said easily.

"Looks like we already know what little Ethan wants to be when he grows up," Serenity said, beaming.

"Yeah," Alden said, squeezing her hand gently and smiling.

"Alright, let's finish getting settled," Serenity added, bouncing Isabelle gently. "This

little lady needs a bath, her bottle, and her bed."

"Ethan, son... You did an amazing job — it was a wonderful surprise and a fantastic choice," Alden said proudly.