My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1125

"I will, sir! I'll love her with the same devotion and care I give to my children, and I'll show her respect by honoring every choice she makes. You have my word."

Then the priest began the ceremony. The sunset bathed the scene in golden light, the fading rays giving everything a warm, almost magical touch.

When it came time to exchange vows, Maximus was the first to speak.

"Diana, you came into my life like anyone else might… but with that overwhelming energy of yours, it was impossible not to notice you. Back then, we couldn't be together. You said you needed ten years to forget me. But it only took five for us to see each other again—and without doing anything special, life just aligned and brought us here, now."

"I love you, and I'll take care of you for as long as life lets me. I love everything you are as a woman. I love you with your cats and your quirks. I love you because you accept me as I am, and I accept you just the same."

"It's an honor for me to stand here before you, knowing you're accepting me as your husband despite my past. I don't know what I did right to deserve you, but whatever it was, I thank God for this amazing chance."

Then Diana, eyes full of tears, said, "Maximus, you are the elegant and handsome knight in shining armor I dreamed of as a little girl.

"I love you. And no, it's not an honor for me to be your wife—this is simply the clearest sign that God still believes in us.

"Today we're getting married, and besides accepting you as my husband, there's one more thing I want to say…

"God still believes in you and me, because He's decided to bless us with the chance not only to be together as a couple, but also… He's giving us the gift of becoming parents." Diana's voice softened with emotion.

Maximus listened intently to Diana's vows, and when she reached that last part, his eyes widened in shock. A strange warmth spread through his chest, so strong that, without thinking, he pulled his bride-to-be into his arms and kissed her.

It was an odd but touching thought—father and son becoming fathers at almost the same time.

"Dad," said Lucius, standing and raising his glass. "I toast to you, to your happiness, and to the baby on the way. May they come into this world and walk alongside mine—boy or girl—on this long road we call life. I know I never say this, but... I love you."

Maximus felt another wave of emotion—Lucius was accepting him. He was telling him he loved him. And that… that was something Maximus had dreamed of for years.

"Thank you, son. I love you too," said Maximus, raising his glass in return.

Everyone there had to admit—this moment suited Maximus Evans perfectly.