Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I chuckled. "Brandon, I've made myself clear. Since we have different goals, let's call it off, then."

"But don't you need a boyfriend?" Brandon pressed.

"Yes, I do, but I can't handle a military guy like you. I'll figure something else out."

My response seemed to darken his gaze even more.

I half-expected him to protest or compromise, but he surprised me by saying nothing at all. I had overestimated myself.

"Well, then, I'm sorry for overstepping," I said.

Turning away, I hurried into my car as though eager to escape the scene.

It wasn't until I was sure Brandon couldn't see me that I finally stopped the car. After taking a deep breath, I regretted the reckless impulsiveness of last night's drinks.

I should have asked Derick to pretend to be my boyfriend instead of getting involved with Brandon.

But it was too late for regrets now.

calming my nerves, I drove to a flower shop, bought a bouquet, and

anniversaries of their passing, I rarely visited

and my parents. So, I wanted

Its wilted petals

had been over a decade since my parents' passing, and besides

Zack and Bree come to pay their respects? If they had, why

going on with Chris now, perhaps

flowers and placed my

faces on the tombstone, my heart ached, yet I managed

couldn't fulfill your and his parents'

Dad, more than fulfilling the promise you arranged, I think

...

poured out my

much time had passed when the sun was

up the withered flowers to throw them away. I

Gildon family, whenever Zack, Bree, Chris, and I came to mourn my parents, we always brought lilies because Mom loved them. But these were daisies, not lilies. Clearly, they