Chapter 0828
After a few minutes, I helped Mary into the car. As I closed the door, I noticed Agnes stepping outside to see us off, drying her hands on her apron.
Seeing her there–knowing she would be one of the many people affected by my death–I walked over and pulled her into a hug.
“You stubborn old woman… I love you.” I whispered.
“You’ve been like a mother to me. Take care of yourself. This is your house now. Enjoy it. Take a break. Take care of your plants for as long as you can.”
She pulled away slightly, frowning. “What’s gotten into you now?”
“Just listen to me!” I said, squeezing her shoulders before kissing her forehead.
She stood there, completely shocked. And honestly, I didn’t blame her. I had never shown affection to anyone except Mary.
But when you know you’re going to die… you want to hug everyone until you break their bones.
“I love you, my grumpy old lady.”
With that, I turned away and climbed into my car.
It was s my favorite one–the first car I ever owned. Marcus had given it to me after my first big job. He had been proud of me that day. And for once, even 1 had been proud of myself–proud of my skills as a stockbroker.
As I settled into the driver’s seat, I noticed Mary staring at me with confusion written all over her face.
I simply smiled and asked, “Shall we go?”
“Yeah… But something about you is really starting to worry me.” She folded her arms. “First, you wake up all scared. Then, you start talking to Celeste–some girl you don’t even know–like she’s an old friend. Then, I see you and Aurora chatting like lifelong besties. And now you’re hugging Agnes? Peter, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, love. Don’t worry. Let’s just go see the doctor–I can’t wait to see my little girl.”
“How do you know it’s a girl?”
“I don’t. I just feel it.”
“Mmm…” she hummed, clearly unconvinced.
As we drove, Mary reached over and took my hand.
I lifted it to my lips, kissed her fingers, and murmured, “You know I love you, right?”
“I know.”
“Thank you for giving me these wonderful four months.”
She chuckled softly. “I should be the one thanking you. These months have flown by, Peter. You’ve made me so happy.”
I smiled as I kept my eyes on the road.
I should have been more affectionate with her. But knowing what was coming…
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Chapter 0828
I could barely look at her without feeling like I was doing something terribly wrong.
She would grow. She would thrive.
I regretted that I wouldn’t be there to see it.
She would become an amazing mother, a wonderful wife, and–above all–a strong, independent woman.
She would fall in love again.
And this time, it would be forever.
She would love deeply–and be loved just as deeply in return.
That was a good future.
“Mary…”
She glanced at me, frowning. “Peter, what’s going on with you today? You seem really distracted.”
“It’s nothing, sweetheart, nothing…” I exhaled, forcing a gin. “Come on, let’s go see our little Serene.”
“What?” she asked, confused.
“Nothing! Let’s go!” I said, brushing off her question.
The visit to the gynecologist went exactly as I remembered
He confirmed what I already knew–our baby was a beautiful, healthy girl.
Mary stared at me in shock, completely baffled as to how I had guessed it so accurately.
In the past, I had been thrilled to share the news with my father. But now, knowing what that bastard had planned for my little girl, I kept every trace of excitement to myself
After leaving the doctor’s office, we drove toward Valeria. On the way, we stopped at Calum and Dolly’s pizzeria and bought two of their famous pizzas–the same ones I had owed her for almost twenty–one years.
She enjoyed every bite.
Watching her smile, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel’s as she ate, filled me with warmth.
Every now and then, she would playfully hold out a piece and feed me.
Pregnancy had turned her into a bottomless pit.
She devoured an entire large pizza and had already started on the second.
The drive was peaceful, and our conversation drifted to baby names.
the suggested a few, but I immediately dismissed them, teasing that they sounded like stripper names.
She gave me a pointed look, instantly realizing how I knew that.
For a second, I felt a little embarrassed, but she just smiled and said,
“We’ll name her Serenity!”
“What?”
“You called her Serene earlier, so we’ll name her Serenity.
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Chapter 828
I grinned. “Then Serenity it is.”
After a moment, I added, “Hey, love, we’re almost in Valeria. We still have three hours before the meeting. Want to take a walk for a bit?”
“Shouldn’t we go to the apartment first?”
“No… We can go when it’s time to sleep. Right now, I just want to spend time with you.
She chuckled. “Alright, Mr. Palmer, where are you taking these lovely ladies?”
