Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Lisa didn't answer me but kept watching Brandon from the window. "How long is Mr. Howell going to be out there?"

The man outside was almost begging, while Brandon just stood there with his hand in his pocket, bathed in the morning sun.

I couldn't stop staring.

I felt a surge of pride at the thought that he was my man.

Being involved with Brandon felt like a twist of fate. What began as a way to distract myself from my breakup with Chris had turned into something truly special.

I realized I'd found a gem.

Lisa nudged me with her shoulder. "You're not answering me."

I blinked and replied, "He should be done soon."

The man outside was probably begging Brandon to fix his shoulder. Ellie had once told me that Brandon had learned how to set bones from an old villager because she had often dislocated her arm as a child and needed his help.

He had spent enough time with the old villager to learn how to do it himself, which probably explained why the man was being so obedient toward Brandon now.

to only be teaching him a lesson. He'd probably fix the man's shoulder afterward. Besides, Brandon needed to take me to get my blood test results, so he wouldn't spend too much time

me, so I said, "He'll probably finish up once we

"Then,

and put it on me as she

surgery for Jewel after you said that she was fine. But after paying, she

to go through with the abortion," I said,

she didn't want the abortion, then why did she keep asking me? You should find out what she's up to," Lisa

so that I would tell Chris. Jewel was trying to use our desire to keep the baby to manipulate us. "This time, she messed

back. "She's one of those people who won't quit until she gets what she wants. She's always

clearly frustrated. "Chris should come back. Why should you be the one dealing with

door.

looked at me and

Chris' dad, Zack, I said quietly, "His dad is sick. He has

the seriousness of the situation

as expected, Brandon

and cried out in pain as Brandon said, "Stay away