My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Serenity got up early, got little Isabelle ready, hopped in her car, and before school started, she went to see a few houses she'd made appointments to view.

She was looking for a home for Lucius. She knew she didn't have a clue about his tastes, so she'd reached out to Angela Moriarty. That woman had given her all the details about what her brother liked-or at least what she assumed he liked.noveldrama

There were several options, but none of them felt right. Serenity knew the house had to be comfortable and have a garden-because as Amanda grew, she'd need space. So, out of all the ones she saw, there was always something that didn't convince her.

Serenity was walking through the streets of Foxridge when she saw a "For Sale" sign on a very closed-off house. It caught her attention, since you couldn't really see much inside, but it was obvious the house had a garden-plants were peeking over the top of the wall.

Without thinking twice, she called the number on the sign. Luckily, someone picked up almost immediately.

"Yes, hello?" came a cheerful voice on the other end of the line.

"Hi, sorry—I'm standing outside a house with a 'For Sale' sign."

"Oh yes! That's my house. Let me come open the gate for you," said an older woman.

When the door opened, Serenity saw a beautiful older woman. Her white hair was up in a bun, she was dressed casually, and although she moved slowly, she didn't

use a cane.

"Excuse me... is this your house?"

"Oh yes, dear! Come in, come in. I'm sure you'd like to see the inside."

"Can I?"

"Why wouldn't you? I'm selling it-it's only fair for someone interested to see what's inside."

"I see..." Serenity said as she stepped into the entryway, looking at the woman.

"This house holds so many memories... so many beautiful memories," the woman said wistfully. "But now that my old man's gone, my oldest daughter wants me to move in with her in New York. It's hard for me to think about leaving, but they don't want me living here alone."

"Oh... so that's why you're selling it?"

"Yes! This house was decorated with so much love and care. It was the home of my four kids, my husband, and me. We had some really wonderful times here, but everyone went their separate ways... even my husband, who went ahead of me."

"I'm so sorry..."

"No, dear, don't be. That was two years ago, and that man made me the happiest woman in the world... He was my everything when I had nothing. When he left, it hurt, but I know I'll catch up to him someday...

"Look, this is us on our wedding day..."

"You got married on the beach?"

"Oh yes! It was a beautiful, simple beach wedding, all organized by my husband and daughters..."

"How lovely..."

"I know, right? But I won't bore you with my life story. Tell me, are you interested in the house?"

"Yes, I'm looking for a home for my brother and his daughter. His wife passed away recently—she died from complications with preeclampsia right after the baby was born."

"That's so heartbreaking."

"Don't worry, it was a few months ago..."

"Even so, that kind of thing... it's not something you get over easily. When I was young, I lost a baby. He was very small, but that memory stays with you forever. Life later gave me four kids-I think it made up for the loss, especially since the last ones were twins.

"I want to sell this house to someone who'll value the home, the love we poured into it. Someone who'll take care of my garden, my plants, and really appreciate the peace and quiet this place offers."

"I think my brother would be perfect for that... He's looking for peace and calm.

He wants to give that to his daughter and show her the country her mom always talked about."

"How old are you?"

"I'm about to turn 23."

"And your brother?"

"He's turning 23 too."

"Twins?"

"No, we have different moms. He's about three months older than me."

"Well! Your father certainly kept busy...'

"What can I say?"

"Nothing... Come on, I'll show you the house, and then we'll figure out the price.

"Oh, no-don't worry about the money...

"I just want this lovely home to keep on living, even if my husband and I are no longer here. That would make me happy when my time comes."

"Ma'am..."

"Come on, dear, let's go. I want to show you every room... before you decide whether or not to take it."

"Alright! Can I leave the stroller here?"

"Yes, let's start upstairs. I'll show you everything..."

The woman showed her every corner of the house, pointed out all the little details, and explained why each one existed. She showed her the garden, the pool, the garden table and Serenity was blown away by the beautiful backyard.

She was certain Lucius would love the place. It was perfect. His daughter would grow up in that amazing home. Plus, Serenity had noticed the streets around the house were quiet, and she'd passed two or three schools nearby.