Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 1018

I spent three days in the hospital before being discharged. Instead of going to a postnatal retreat, we returned to the estate.

The room Merry and I stayed in had a heated mattress pad, along with a fireplace that Brandon had set up. The room was warm, and it felt like spring had arrived early. He even added some houseplants to ensure the humidity and oxygen levels were just right.

Although it was the New Year holiday, the tea house was bustling as usual. Every day, customers came by to drink coffee, read books, and listen to music. Sitting inside, I could enjoy the view outside through the floor-to-ceiling glass window.

Brandon had this window specially modified for me—it allowed me to see out, but no one outside could see in. This way, I could rest inside while remaining fully aware of everything outside.

In addition to the regular customers, I also saw members of the Howell and Emorde families stop by. Fortunately, Brandon stepped in and kept them from entering, ensuring they didn't disturb me at all.

In the evening, he redecorated the estate with heart-shaped balloons and fairy lights. Seeing the romantic decorations, I realized Valentine's Day was approaching.

"As expected of a businessman—you're already setting the mood, even though Valentine's Day is still months away," Lisa teased as soon as she arrived.

Brandon, used to her banter, replied, "There's a couples' raffle on Valentine's Day. Dr. Carline, you can bring your boyfriend—who knows, you might win a grand prize."

"What's the prize? A boyfriend?" she joked.

He shot back, "If we really gave one away, would you dare to accept him?"

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "As long as the prize isn't you, I'd gladly accept it."

The two of them chatted for a while, and then she came inside to check on Merry and me. When she discovered I could see everything outside, she looked at me like I was some kind of monster. "Good thing I didn't say or do anything with Brandon earlier, or you would've caught me red-handed."

"What now? Are you so desperate that you're targeting married men now?" I teased her.

Lately, I had been spending my free time drawing. Although Brandon insisted on me resting and sleeping more, I couldn't stay in bed all day.

Since Merry was so easy to care for and I had dedicated caregivers, I had a lot of free time. I enjoyed watching the world go by from my window, sketching people, objects, and landscapes. Drawing put me in a peaceful mood.

Outside in the courtyard, Logan and Joelle sat at a long table with a teapot sitting on a ceramic tea warmer. Joelle cut the scones in half and layered them with jam and clotted cream. Logan sat there, occasionally chatting with her, the scene warm and serene.

After a while, she took out her phone and held it up to show something to him. Perhaps worried he couldn't see clearly, she stood up and leaned toward him. Her lips lightly brushed against the side of his neck—something I could see clearly from my angle in the room.

It might have been an unintentional gesture, but Joelle's face flushed instantly. Logan noticed too, glancing over at her.

Even from afar, the chemistry between them was undeniable—like steam rising in delicate swirls from the pot of brewing tea.