Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"I-I'm sorry..." Maggie's face was as red as a tomato.

"Ms. Madison," Xavier's breath sank as he spoke softly, just enough for her to hear, "you look beautiful today."

Maggie's face burned with embarrassment. Panicking, she hastily withdrew herself from his arms.

Jasper struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions within him. He hugged Alyssa tightly and whispered, "Thank you for doing this, Lyse."

Alyssa leaned into Jasper's arms with a smile, reveling in her luck to have found Jasper as her other half. "It's no big deal. I just asked everyone to come over for a meal.

"Oh, yeah. Lauren caught a chill from leaving the window open while she slept the past two days. Landon is home caring for her. They won't be coming. He asked me to tell you to enjoy your meal and eat their share."

"Okay." Jasper looked down at her face, his heart beating wildly as his eyes turned misty.

"Thank you, Madam Alyssa."

see Maggie. He was so touched that he found

been wanting to treat her to a meal but have yet to find a good

Maggie warmly. "On the contrary,

say that. I'm so honored to be here. enjoying

Wearing such a beautiful dress and

Tatiana waved at

sipped her tea, "You're late, Mr. Jasper. I think you owe

all that transpired,

Jasper said, "Okay."

conservative. Let's do a few rounds."

Jasper agreed effortlessly. "Sure, let's do it. We won't

the joyful banter, Axel came downstairs with ash on his face. He yelled at everyone at the top of his lungs, "Hey! Cough! Cough! Is the grill cursed? Why won't it light