Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

When Brandon and I got out of the car, Ellie was lounging on a rocking chair in the yard, engrossed in a book. The breeze slightly lifted the hem of her skirt, creating a scene so dreamlike it felt almost unreal. Ellie was so absorbed in her reading that she didn't notice our car pulling up at the gate until Cameron called, "Ellie, guess who's here?"

"Cam, your car sounds like a tractor. I don't need to look to know it's you."

Ellie's remark made me stifle a laugh.

Cameron seemed a bit embarrassed and scratched his head. "It's not just me. There's someone else

here, too."

Ellie calmly turned a page, continuing to read without even acknowledging Cameron. He looked like he wanted to say more, but I shook my head and walked over.

Standing behind Ellie, I glanced at the book in her hands and smiled. "Haven't you read this book before?"

The last time I was here, this same book was on Ellie's nightstand. It was a classic romance novel.

Ellie froze, then quickly turned around. When she saw me, her eyes lit up with joy. "Mae!"

I smiled as she jumped to her feet.

However, the moment she spotted Brandon behind me, she instantly dropped the book and ran straight to him. "Bran!"

patting the back of her head. Suddenly, I understood why he was so good at taking

to intrude on their moment, I picked up the book Ellie had been reading-it was

indicated that this book had been read more than once. As

this one so captivating to

to the second page, Ellie said, "Mae, you

reached out, trying to

this book hold some

slightly. "No, it's just that you and my brother are already in love, so

teased, "Oh, this is a textbook for a rookie

Ellie pouted, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of

stop teasing her and handed the book back. Just then, Brandon came over and took my hand. "Let's go inside and have a drink." Once inside, Brandon effortlessly prepared tea for me, but Ellie quickly stopped him. "Brandon, I'll make Mae some

tea-what a

smoked sea bass you

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for you and Mae," Brandon said, making it clear that he wasn't forgetting

you're wearing... Did my brother give it to you? It looks

a family heirloom from the Howell family," I said,