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."

Bree reminded me once more to make sure we celebrated

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

was surprised she had time to check social

going on?" Lisa

to her, I murmured,

you really going to Gildon estate? Isn't that like throwing yourself to the

option, but going worries me too," I

have someone to protect you, and it might help Chris and the entire Gildon family to move on," Lisa suggested.

"He turned me down."

told Lisa what

"He's got personality. Why not give it a shot with him for real? Maybe

the window. "I'm just not in that headspace right now, you

relationship with me, he'd have to be fully committed, and I couldn't just

was the

well enough not to push it further.

it'll prevent Chris

and say yes