My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Valerie and Marcus were living a peaceful life. Of course, having twins cwith its challenges, but nothing that couldn't be solved without too much fuss.

Valerie had returned to her jewelry business, and everything was running smoothly. On weekends, she made a point not to work so she could keep crossing off places from the list she'd made with her grandfather and spend quality twith her family.

To Valerie, life couldn't be more perfect.

Marcus was slowly lowering his guard with Alden, and that made their ttogether more pleasant every day. John was growing up fast-and getting smarter too. He was no longer her baby, no longer her little doll. He was turning into a big boy, already showing signs of his father's character.

Ethan, meanwhile, had started showing different interests, which meant that sometimes, the boys didn't spend as much ttogether anymore.

Caroline and Albert were growing quickly, and each day they looked more and more like their father. Especially Carrie-she was starting to show facial features that resembled Marcus's, making her an especially beautiful baby.

And Albert-while it wasn't just because he shared a nwith Valerie's grandfather—somehow, yes, it was. It felt like life had given Valerie the chance to see her beloved grandfather again, reflected in her beloved son. He was gentle, calm, and carefree-so different from Caroline.

"What are you looking at, my love?" Marcus asked, hugging her around the waist. "I'm watching the kids... Have you realized how fast life is flying by?" "Yes, we're not kids anymore, but I love how things are. I love seeing them grow up, watching them play. Look at them-our little ones are already walking, and they're lightning fast. We don't have the energy we used to, but we're hanging in there." "I love you, Marcus. I love you so much, I don't even know how to put it into words... You're the love of my life. You know something?" "I love you too, my love. And I'll never stop thanking life for you, for our children, for the long life we've built together. Now tellwhat's that something?" "I'll never forget the day I realized I had feelings for you..." "Oh yeah? When was that? Tell me! I know I'm charming, but I want to know the exact moment I swept you off your feet..." "It was the night we stayed late working in your office. You offered to drivehome. You wanted to see Serenity, so we arrived and went to our room.

"Camille cwithto the kitchen, and I remember she was saying how attractive you were, that I should take notice. I just kept telling her she was crazy. "But when I went to the bedroom to check on you both, you and Serenity were sound asleep. You were hugging her in our tiny bed-barely fitting in it. She was clinging to your fancy shirt, her little hands clenched into fists, holding onto you so you wouldn't leave.

"That's when I realized she loved you like a daughter loves a father. And me... I knew right then that was the last thing I needed to finally admit it-I liked you, I was attracted to you, and I wanted something with you.

"I remember you were wearing those rimless glasses, and you looked incredibly handsome. Camille and I used to call them your 'come-get-me' glasses." Marcus pulled her into a tighter hug when he heard that. He had no idea so much had happened that night he stayed over with them.

He didn't say it at the time, but he'd already been fascinated by Valerie. He just struggled with whether it was right-being the best friend of Peter and feeling something for his friend's widow.

Marcus turned her around to face him and looked into her eyes.

"Val... I loved you long before that. I just didn't know how to accept it." "I'll never regret a single thing we've been through. I'll never regret this..." he said, pointing toward the window, where their children were playing in the grass.

They got lost in a gaze and a kiss, when the house phone rang.

"Hello...? Valerie speaking." "Hi, my love... It's Camille. Quick call-we're going to be gone for a while," Camille said, clearly in a hurry. "What? How come?" "Yes, Frederick and I are going on vacation he says to sGreek islands. We're not sure when we'll be back, but I wanted to let you know so you don't worry." "Camille... So you were seeing Frederick! When were you planning to tell us?" "Oh, Valerie! You know how it goes... You can't spend that much twith the 'enemy' without catching feelings," Camille said, trying to explain herself.

"Camille, I'm not scolding you. I just would've liked to talk about it like we used to... calm, civil." "Well, we'll talk when we're back, because our flight is about to take off." "Camille... Since when are you so carefree?" "Love, darling... it's love. You know how long I've been alone. Now that Frederick's in my life, we're making the most of it." "Camille... Sparethe details. I just love seeing you happy." "Thank you, sweetie! So now you know-we'll see you in a few months. As soon as we're back, we'll cvisit." "All right, my dear Camille. Take care of yourselves. And tell Frederick to take care of you. You're like a mom to me-I would've liked to drop you off at the airport."

"You know Frederick... he's very private. He thought it best forto call you once we were already leaving."

"Don't worry, I get it. Take care, and I'll keep an eye on your daughters while e you're gone." "Thank you, Valerie! Thank you for everything! Thank you for coming into my life!" "Oh, my love! I'm just going on vacation-it's not goodbye. We'll be back in a few months." "I know... It's just... well... Take care!" "Thanks! Say hi to everyone for me!"

"I will," Valerie said, just as Camille hung up and turned to see the man Ο ' of her life smiling at her, holding out his hand to board the private jet that would take them to a dreamy island in Greece. "Who was it?" Marcus asked.

"Camille. She says she's off to Greece with Frederick..." "That rascal didn't tella thing! Who does he think he is-making his own plans now?" "Let them be... they're in love." "On their last breath..." "That's how we'll be too." "You can count on it."