Chapter 0879
[The Bartz residence]
Marcus and Serenity were taking care of the babies while Valerie was out dropping Camille off at the airport. They both knew how important it was for her to go to Hesperia. With everything that had happened, things hadn’t gone as smoothly or as quickly as they had expected.
“Dad, what have you decided? Are you going back to Hesperia?” Serenity asked as she played with Caroline.
“I don’t know yet, sweetheart… I suppose we will, but for now, we like being here. Plus, we want to wait until our granddaughter is born,” Marcus said, suddenly reaching out to touch her belly.
“Are you ever going to stop being so hard on Alden?” Serenity asked bluntly.
“Why do you ask?” Marcus countered with another question.
“Let’s be real, Dad. I love Alden–he’s a good man. But I don’t like seeing him tense every time he has to come here or knows he’s going to see you,” Serenity said calmly while playing with both babies.
“That depends. I need to be sure he’s not an irresponsible man. He needs to understand something–you’re my little girl, my baby, my daughter. And if he ever dares to hurt you, he’s going to have a very bad time,” Marcus said in a tone that left Serenity unsure whether to laugh or cry.
“Dad, I just need you to ease up a little. Alden is a good man, and I think you know very well that he’s already proven it. I love you, Dad, but I love him too, and you put me in a really tough spot every time we’re all together,” Serenity said, now massaging her father’s shoulders.
“My girl… I never thought I’d lose you just like that. I used to watch you leave on trips and always come back. But now that I was the one who sent you away, I realize you didn’t come back alone… and that, believe me, that hurts, “Marcus finally admitted, letting some of his emotions surface.
“Dad, I adore you. I would never leave you. On the contrary, I always want to be with you. But you have to understand that, sooner or later, I was going to leave the nest. I know it’s not easy–after all, you and I were partners in crime for so long–but I need you to trust me and my decisions.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I really do trust you. But if I’m being honest, my heart breaks every time I see you walk out that door. My soul only returns to my body when I see you come back, whether alone or with someone. And trust me, I’m working on it–I’ve been talking to a psychologist about it, and little by little, I’m learning to let go.”
“That really fills me with pride, Dad. This is the man I love the caring and rational father. I know we used to make all kinds of future plans together, but now you have these little ones who need your time and love, And I have this tiny one in my belly, who I already love more than anything, even without knowing her yet.”
“Life has changed for both of us. And honestly, after Mom’s initial reaction, I thought it would be harder for her to accept everything. But seeing her now, she’s the one who has let go the most. I know it’s not easy for you… and I understand your biggest fear.”
“And what’s that?”
“That when you finally decide to go back to Hesperia, you and I won’t see each other as often as we do now… or as we used to.”
“I don’t even want to think about that!”
“Dad, I love and adore you. No matter how many miles separate us, I always will. Alden told me we can live wherever I want. I like Hesperia, and I could move there… but I also love it here. All I ask is that you try to accept my husband, so that I don’t have to put distance between you two–because I love you both.”
