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.

seemed 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

for Lisa and me, so I said, "He'll probably

right away. "Then,

from the chair and put it

said that she was

clearly didn't want to go through with the abortion," I said,

the abortion, then why did she keep asking me?

trying to use our desire to keep

people who won't quit until she gets what she

come back. Why should you be the one dealing with

nodded toward the door. "He should

at me and asked, "Did

quietly, "His dad is sick. He has

paused, understanding the seriousness of the situation without needing

and as expected, Brandon grabbed the

in pain as Brandon said, "Stay away from this