Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 98

Bree was visibly taken aback for a moment, then she smiled warmly.

"What are you saying, child? You can't lose faith in men just because of that rascal. While there certainly are bad men out there, there are plenty more good ones," Bree said with a touch of humor. Even in her 50s, she spoke with a modern flair.

I laughed. "There are good men. I'm just not interested for now. I need some time to myself," I said to deter her from adding anything else. Some subjects were better left untouched to avoid awkwardness. "I guess so."

I was relieved at her response, but then she quickly pivoted. "Still, it's best to start looking early. The good ones get snapped up fast."

We both laughed before Bree added a compliment, "With how beautiful and kind you are, whoever ends up with you will be the luckiest man alive."

It made me nervous, but I played along. "It's as you said, only the best can match my worth. Until that man comes along, I'd rather wait."

"Exactly, I agree. Never settle for less, and never... just find anybody to settle with because of a little beartache."

Those words were clearly about Brandon.

I responded directly. "I would never enter into a relationship carelessly. If I ever decide on someone, it would be because they're the best for me."

on careful consideration rather than on impulse, including my decision to let go of

anything more. Having watched me grow up over the past ten years, she knew

to know," she finally said, ending the

done, Bree suddenly asked, "

Chapter 90

up at

she explained. "He still worries about

did not end up

"Mmhm." I acknowledged softly.

you think of returning to your

they moved to Hilcord,

speaking. "My dad always talked about it when he was still alive. He said he would

hide this from Bree. It was

be shared.

find anything meaningful?" Bree

some reason, Brandon was the first thing that came to mind, then the courtyard,

go into the details since they didn't concern