Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

When Chris heard the noise, he looked up. His gaze fell on my face. I didn't even have to see it to know how dark my expression was. "Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, frowning slightly.

I walked to his desk without a word. Swallowing the bitterness in my throat, I said, "If you don't want to marry me, I can let your mom know."

Chris' frown deepened when he realized that I had overheard his conversation with Derick.

My throat felt dry as I continued, "I never thought that I'd end up being a burden to you, Chris-"

"To everyone else, we're already like a married couple," Chris interrupted me.

So what? Was he marrying me because of what everyone else thought? I wanted him to marry me because he loved me and wanted to spend his life with me.

With a click, Chris capped the pen in his hand and looked at the marriage license application form I was holding. "We'll register next Wednesday."

This was what I wanted to hear, but at that moment, it only made me feel terrible.

I lowered my head and shook it slightly. "Chris, you don't have to force yourself. I'm not some charity case."

"Madeline Crown!" he said sternly.

and looked up to meet his impatient gaze, only to see him reaching his hand out toward me. My grip on the marriage license application form

clenched, and he ordered, "Give

didn't move, and the

tall frame loomed over me as he exhaled lightly with a hint of helplessness. "I was just joking with Derick.

hold of my hand. Then, he pulled the document from my grasp. "Don't believe everything you hear

frequently, and he

him. "Do you

on his left cheek as he smiled. Chris looked good when he smiled. I still remembered how he had approached me

and made me fall hopelessly

weight on my head as

roasted pears, give you your favorite roses every birthday, or

and a few sweet words from Chris were

string firmly held in his hand. Depending on his

I had heard earlier

easily placated as before. I looked into his eyes

his hand stop its motion on