Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 21

Looking at myself in the mirror, I tried to force myself to smile. I told myself to smile today and to be happy every day from now on.

When I went downstairs, Zack and Bree had already prepared breakfast, and the house was decorated with new couches and tableware usually reserved for special occasions. "Maddie, after you get your marriage certificate, come back so we can

celebrate and discuss the wedding details," Bree exclaimed. She seemed more

excited than I was.

"Sure," 1 agreed.

Bree looked at me. "You look great today. It would be even better if you wore white."

"It's a little too eye-catching to be dressed fully in white," I explained.

"Don't listen to her nonsense. Nowadays, people don't wear white like they did back in our time. Maddie, wear whatever you like. Don't mind what she says,"

Zack corrected her.

I smiled as a warm sensation washed over me.

Bree pulled me to the dining table.

Besides the usual lavish breakfast, there were also two eggs and a sausage arranged in a way that made me blush.

"This is a secret ritual passed down from your grandmother. It symbolizes the early birth of a child. I don't

soon."

face flushed, I couldn't bring myself to eat

informed me. She was already peeling an egg for me and

her. Blushing, I took a

213

I was almost finished that I realized Chris was missing from the dining

down yet," Bree

was just my imagination, but he seemed visibly tense. My heart sank as I watched him approach

us to get our marriage certificate is at precisely 10:58 am. We don't need to go so early." "Oh," I responded softly.

William Xenos. He was

"We'll do as Mr. Xenos

lavish spread, he finished quickly. He didn't quite wolf the food down, but

9

eggs and sausage that I

ate them.

at home. I need

mouthing that he was preparing

comment last night about a prize for being first, I naturally assumed this was it. I watched him leave before I

off my coat, my phone rang. It

"Good morning, Mrs. Gildon."