Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"Ellie can have the surgery now. It can be done in the next few days!" Lisa's voice came through the speakerphone. Brandon immediately looked at me, and I nodded to confirm the good news.

"Have they found a heart donor?" Brandon asked.

Lisa paused on the other end, then said jokingly, "It's pretty late, Mr. Howell. What are you still doing at Maddie's place?"

She was clearly teasing Brandon, but now wasn't the time for that. I cut her off, saying, "Cut it out. Get to the point."

Lisa chuckled lightly and explained, "It's not a new donor. The family of the previous donor changed their minds again." "What did Mr. Marrow say?" Brandon asked.

"He said that Ellie's test results are all good. As long as there are no unexpected complications or infections, the surgery can happen within three days." The fact that Lisa could say that had to be because she had talked to Keith.

Both Brandon and I were a bit excited. The veins on his forehead were even twitching. I held his hand as he asked Lisa, "Is there anything else I need to confirm with Mr. Marrow?"

"Not really," Lisa replied. Then, she added, "Actually, yes. You need to prepare the payment for the surgery."

I glanced at Brandon and immediately caught his meaning. "Don't worry. We have enough for the surgery. We won't owe your hospital anything."

"Okay. Then, I won't keep you any longer," Lisa said. Just as I thought she was about to hang up, she added, "Mr. Howell, Maddie is now on her period, so the two of you can't be intimate."

I fell silent.

Brandon did too.

We were happy that Ellie could have the surgery, but we were also anxious. After all, any surgery comes with risks.

neither of

the

He was making breakfast.

mistaken, the breakfast was probably for

up and

had added me the day before,

send me a message? Did he just want to add me on

a profile picture for a moment, then opened his

billiards training venue. Then, I

knew that I was up, but just as I was looking at

Can we bring it to the hospital and have breakfast with Ellie?"

fixed my messy hair. "Mrs. Howell, we're

believe that Ellie

fine.

the

wouldn't have agreed

he wasn't

bet

I reassured

my cheek. "Finish your water

got up, I looked out the window and saw a few cigarette butts scattered

the night before. He had returned and even