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.

reaching his hand out toward me. My grip on

and he ordered, "Give it to

move, and the

up and stood in front of me. His tall frame loomed over me as he exhaled lightly with a hint of helplessness. "I was just joking with Derick. Did you take it seriously?"

he pulled the document from my grasp. "Don't believe everything you hear in the future." He then turned

had been going out frequently, and he would stay

after him. "Do you like

cheek as he smiled. Chris looked good

of his had warmed my heart and made me fall hopelessly

my head as his large

buy you some roasted pears, give you your favorite roses every birthday, or watch the meteor

to waver, a smile and a few sweet words from Chris were enough

was like a kite, with the end of the string firmly held in his hand. Depending on his mood, he controlled my joy and sorrow as he

the words I had heard earlier still affected

time, I didn't let myself be as easily placated as before. I looked into his eyes and asked, "Do you like

his hand stop its motion on my