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.

my nerves, I drove to a flower shop, bought

from occasions like their birthdays and the anniversaries of their passing, I rarely

lately, I'd been dreaming of my childhood and my parents. So, I wanted to visit them as I felt their longing

a bouquet by the tombstone. Its wilted petals suggested it had been there for less than

my parents' passing, and besides Zack and Bree, no one

to pay their respects? If they had, why

with everything going on with Chris now, perhaps

set aside the withered flowers and placed my own

ached, yet I managed to smile. "Mom, Dad, have you missed me?

and I broke up. I'm sorry I couldn't fulfill your and his parents' wishes for us

fulfilling the promise you arranged, I think you just wanted me to be

...

out my heart for

how much time had passed when the sun was high, and I

picked up the withered flowers to throw them away. I

and I came to mourn my parents, we always brought lilies because Mom loved them. But