Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

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"Wrap it up in a gift box-it's for someone," Lindey told the clerk. She turned, and the moment her eyes landed on me, her voice wavered. "Rea."

"Hi Lindey." I said, stepping toward her.

Her eyes filled with tears almost instantly. "Rea..

That was all she managed to say. Just my name like she had so much on her mind but couldn't get the words out.

1 studied her quietly. In just a few months, her hair had more streaks of gray, and her face. looked tired, drained of life. The spark in her eyes was gone.

I didn't need to ask how she'd been. Matthew's illness, the tension between her sons, the family crumbling-it was written all over her face.

It all seemed to unravel after I broke up with Jace. They say a peaceful family brings prosperity, and looking at her now, I finally got it.

she asked after a long

"I'm doing well."

like she needed to convince herself. "That's good. That's

was. The

picking out artwork for someone?" she asked, clearly trying to fill

in. "Rea's helping pick

liked Rea. He's mentioned her before..." Her words trailed

but I didn't know what to say.

could you come visit sometime? Matthew doesn't have much time left. He really wants to see you." Hearing those words-doesn't

said

most honest near the end, and for all Matthew's wrongs, it felt like fate had already caught up with

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Chapter 785

her relief evident. "Let me know when you'll come, and I'll make gnocchi

left me

the register, Lindey tried to pay for my selection. "Let me handle it," she insisted. "Lindey, no," I said firmly. "It's a gift from me. It

nodded, walking away, though she kept glancing