My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Just like Serenity had said, Laura had a lot to think about-and how she should think about it too, now that the father of her daughter was working for the newly created company of her father, her uncle, and her uncle's friend.

One afternoon, when Laura went to see her father, she stumbled upon the news that Adrian was now working closely with her grandfather Magnus.

Magnus, with infinite patience, was explaining the finer points of a contract, while the young man listened carefully and took notes, offering his opinions from time to time.

Laura, watching him, was surprised. A few months ago, when she had last seen him, Adrian had looked a mess. But now he looked much better-still using a cane, yes, but far more focused and committed to his work.

"Laura darling! My girl! How are you? Come in, come in. I was just reviewing the details for the closing of a contract with a mining company," Magnus said, noticing her at the door. "Adrian, come on, boy-take this over to the governor's office. Once that's signed, everything will be set, and we can start operations."

"Yes, Mr. Evans! Uh... Laura! Hi!" Adrian said, nervously catching sight of her. "Hi, Adrian..." Laura responded shyly.

"With your permission, Mr. Evans," Adrian said before quickly leaving the office. After watching the young man leave, Magnus turned back to his granddaughter, catching something in her eyes he knew all too well.

"My dear... Laura? My girl!" he called, raising his voice a little.

"Oh! Sorry, Grandpa, what were you saying?"

"Nothing. But I did notice your eyes following him right out the door," Magnus teased with a smirk.

"No, no, Grandpa! Don't get ideas. I just didn't know Adrian was working for you," Laura said, trying to sound casual.

"Well, that wasn't my doing. It was your father's idea. He gave him a job, and then assigned him to me. And I have to say, the kid's sharp-and you don't find many like that in business."

"I see..."

"Now then-what brings you here? If it wasn't just to see Adrian," Magnus teased again.noveldrama

"I needed to ask you some things for my homework... but if you're busy, I can come back later-"

"Nonsense, my girl! I'm never too busy for you. In fact, why don't we grab a coffee across the street?"

"That sounds perfect!"

Laura couldn't stop thinking about how, just weeks ago, she had learned Adrian was working for her grandfather. Before Serenity left, she had confessed to her that seeing Adrian still stirred something in her that she couldn't deny it.

But what happened the day Adrian found out about her pregnancy still hurt-it

wasn't something easy to forget, much less forgive.

That's why, when Serenity said

goodbye, she told Laura she needed to think carefully. After all, both she and Adrian were still young-two kids playing at being adults. And when they stumbled, they each reacted the way they did. Some know how to lose gracefully; others don't.

.n

After returning from the airport, Laura tucked Adele, who had fallen asleep, into her crib. Wanting some fresh air, she headed out to the garden-only to find her grandfather Magnus sitting there, drinking coffee and smoking a cigar, the only way he knew how to enjoy it.

"Grandpa... What are you doing here? I thought you had a trip or were at the office," Laura said, surprised.

"No, my dear! I took the afternoon off. At my age, you learn to enjoy these little pleasures more," Magnus said, taking a long, satisfied puff of his cigar.

"Grandpa! You really shouldn't smoke so much anymore..." Laura scolded gently.

"My girl, life's simple. Besides, at my age, a stray breeze could kill me what's one or two cigars more? These are the little pleasures in life you learn to savor as you get older."

"What pleasures, Grandpa?" Laura asked, genuinely curious.

"A good cup of coffee-no sugar. A fine cigar. Watching the sunset. And knowing your family is here, at home..."

"Grandpa... then what should I be enjoying at my age?"

"Well, at your age-how old are you again?"

"I'm almost twenty, Grandpa! How could you forget that...?"

"I don't even remember my own son's age... But anyway, when I was your age, I

liked cars, money, going to the beach, a good drink, sex-good sex," Magnus said casually.