Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"Really? But who could it be? Your parents have been gone for years, and their old friends have moved on completely.

"They've never even mentioned their names. Why would anyone go and pay respects?" Bree asked.

Bree's words struck a nerve.

The notion that 'people move on' hit hard. I hadn't noticed their absence in conversation before, but Bree's blunt reminder left me unsettled.

"Maybe someone made a mistake, Maddie?" Bree suggested again, surprisingly.

I glanced at the tombstone with its photo and name. How could anyone make such a mistake? Her words sounded like something you'd say to a child. "Maybe," I agreed with Bree to stop her from pressing on.

I was certain it wasn't from the Gildon family, nor could it be Mom and Dad's old friends.

There was something suspicious about this bouquet, and I needed to investigate.

"Maddie, don't overthink it. I'll ask Zack later if any of his old friends might have done this," Bree reassured me.

"Okay."

once more to make

photo of the flowers in my hand and posted it on Instagram with the caption:

after seeing my post. I was surprised she had time to check social

going on?" Lisa

murmured, "I'm

to Gildon estate? Isn't that like throwing yourself to the wolves?" Lisa's focus

going isn't really an option, but going worries me too," I admitted

you need a man to accompany you. Even if something goes wrong, at least you'll have someone to protect you, and it

"He turned me down."

told Lisa what Brandon had

chuckled. "He's got personality. Why not give it a shot with him for real? Maybe you'll develop feelings for him, and

"I'm just not

He was inexperienced in love. If he wanted a relationship with me, he'd

I could easily dismiss. That was the impression I'd gotten from the moment I saw

understood me well enough not to

come with you? Even if it doesn't change Chris and the Gildons' minds, at least it'll

say yes