Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 1040

Anticipation of something good was always a joy. Ever since Brandon got Lisa's reminder, he had been putting me first in everything—even ahead of our daughter.

His devotion actually made me feel uneasy, and my heart ached for him. I felt like I was making things difficult for him.

Late at night, when the baby was sound asleep, I curled up in his arms and asked, "Brandon, aren't you tired?"

"No," he replied, gently squeezing my fingers. "Doing things for the person I love makes me happy. Really, I'm not lying."

"I don't believe you. I can feel how exhausted you are. You're deliberately trying to take care of me, but you don't have to. I just..."

Before I could finish, he cut me off. "You don't understand. When I cook, I'm always thinking about whether you'll like it, whether it's the flavor you want.

"Every time I see you happily finishing a meal I made, or when something I do makes you smile, those are the happiest moments for me.

"I'm really not tired. Compared to the hardship of your pregnancy and the pain you endured giving birth, anything I do is worth it."

His words were sincere—he wasn't just trying to make me feel better.

"But it makes my heart ache for you," I admitted, not hesitating to express my gratitude.

Love was about giving, but it was also about reciprocating. He had done so much for me—I needed him to know that I saw it all, that I was grateful, that I didn't take his efforts for granted.

"Mm, you have a whole lifetime to feel for me," Brandon murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

…

Ever since he mentioned taking me somewhere, his daily routine had changed. He was constantly answering and making phone calls—sometimes for long stretches.

I often caught him busy with his phone, typing or checking something. But I wasn't curious. A little mystery was a good thing.

I also stopped overthinking things.

When I had free time, I read books or painted. Lately, my painting skills had improved, and a few of my pieces had even caught the attention of visitors in the courtyard. Some people even wanted to buy them.

I didn't need the money, so instead, I started a giveaway raffle. Any customer who made a purchase that day got a chance to win one of the paintings. If they didn't want it, they could pass.

…

At noon, after feeding the baby, I held her in my arms while basking in the sun. More guests had started arriving.

Those four words were an unmistakable sign. Whoever this was, they weren't here for a friendly visit.

The server discreetly pointed toward the woman sitting at the table. "It's her. She brought a child with her."

"Did she say anything else?" I asked.

The staff hesitated before shaking his head. "Actually, yes. She said the owner should make it personally."

She wanted me to do it?

I nodded at the staff, signaling him to go back to work. Then, I looked back at the woman outside, turning her presence over in my mind.

But no matter how hard I searched my memory, I couldn't place her.

Yet she had come here with such clear intent. There was no way this was a coincidence.

I needed to talk to this woman.