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.

see him reaching his hand out toward me. My grip on the marriage license application

he ordered, "Give

move, and the

me as he exhaled lightly with a hint of helplessness. "I was just joking with Derick. Did you take

prideful men can be," he explained. He raised his hand and gripped my arm before sliding down to take hold of my hand. Then, he pulled the document from my grasp. "Don't believe everything you hear in the

been going out frequently, and he would stay out for a

him. "Do

his dark eyes on me, and after a moment, a dimple appeared on his left cheek as he smiled. Chris looked good when he smiled. I still remembered how he had approached me with that same warm smile and called me "kid" when

fall hopelessly in love

head as his large hand ruffled my

buy you some roasted pears, give you your favorite roses

a smile and a few sweet words from Chris were enough to make me

the end of the string firmly held in his hand. Depending on his mood, he controlled my joy and sorrow

had

as easily placated as before. I looked into his eyes and asked, "Do you like

hand stop its motion on my head as his smile