Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 848

*25 BONUS

I was laughing so hard my sides hurt, tears streaming down my face. Lena just sat there, arms crossed, waiting for me to finish.

"You good now? Because I actually need your help."

If Lena was asking me for advice, she must've been really stuck. Normally, she's the one with all the answers.

"Okay," I said, catching my breath. "First, spill. Does Nate even still have a shot?"

She grabbed an orange off the table and started peeling it. "What do you think?" When she's done with someone, she's done. No second chances, no rewrites. Nate clearly hadn't gotten that memo, though, because here he was, pulling out all the stops to win her back. And then there was Aaron-her technically-not-really-blood-related uncle and childhood friend. Cue the awkward-family-ties-turned-unexpected-complication drama.

"If you're not giving Nate any hope, just move in with your uncle," I said.

She arched a brow. "Why?"

"Because Nate's literally working at this hospital to be near you. Daytime interactions? Check. Evening pop-ins? I bet he's already planning those too. And I'd bet good money he's staying somewhere nearby just to make extra convenient."

Lena finished peeling the orange and handed it to me like a reward. "Not bad. Here, you earned this."

popped a slice in my mouth. "See? If you don't give him chances in the

don't want to deal with Uncle Aaron," Lena admitted, finally

the chase.

Ah, there it was.

not? Is this about

ago. And after everything I've been through, I'm used to seeing all kinds of bodies. Stuff like that doesn't bother me

back in her chair, spinning it lazily. "I

I said, giving her a

Chapter 848

+25 BONUS

like I was way off base. "Don't read

what she meant. Feelings like hers were complicated, and no outsider could

want to fight your parents, you're fresh out of options. Aaron's place is the least

glare could've melted steel. "Awesome. Glad we had this

you ever feel, you know, lonely?" I asked, going full send

narrowed her eyes, leaning in like she was about to scold me. "You're pregnant. Keep those thoughts wholesome or

over again, laughing so loudly that Hayden

in, carrying food he'd cooked himself,

in front of me. "I'll