Chapter 139
They held each other for a moment before Lyman released her and laced his fingers through hers, leading her onward. “Mr. Smith and the others still have plans tomorrow. Do you want to keep Mrs. Smith company for a bit longer?”
Effie nodded. “I’ve already made arrangements. Tomorrow, I’ll take her to the flower fields on the edge of town and to a local artisan’s workshop. I think she’ll really enjoy it.”
No matter what, she was determined to be a gracious host.
Lyman smiled, warmth in his eyes. “You always think of everything. You really are the best wife a man could ask for.”
Effie shot him a playful wink. “Of course. Mrs. Etheridge isn’t just a title, you know.”
He chuckled at her mischief and couldn’t resist giving her nose a gentle squeeze. “Troublemaker.”
Night had settled in by the time they returned to their hotel suite.
Effie had just changed into her pajamas when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen: it was a message from her best friend, Nita. “So, how’s your romantic getaway with Mr. Etheridge going?”
Grinning, Effie typed back, “Not exactly a couples’ retreat-we’re entertaining clients.”
Nita replied almost instantly, “Doesn’t mean you two can’t sneak in some sweetness! By the way, college reunion on Friday night. Are you coming?”
A lot of their old classmates worked in Neo-Arcadia these days. They used to meet up all the time, but everyone had gotten busy, and it had been ages since the last gathering.
Effie considered for a moment, then wrote back, “If you’re going, count me in.”
Just then, Lyman came over and wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Who’s got you smiling at your phone?”
She glanced up at him. “It’s Nita. She said there’s a college get-together on Friday.”
He kissed her cheek. “You should go. Catch up with your friends. Want me to help arrange something?”
The Etheridge Group owned plenty of top-tier hotels and lounges in town-perfect for a reunion.
Effie shook her head with a smile. “No need. Our class president probably already sorted everything out.”
She didn’t want to make a big deal of it.
In fact, apart from Nita, none of her old classmates knew she was married.
Effie preferred to keep her private life private.
“If you need anything from me, just say the word,” Lyman said softly.
She felt a wave of warmth and nodded.
Effie sent her reply to Nita right away.
Nita texted back with a cheeky emoji: “Great, we’ll go together! Don’t worry, I won’t get in the way of your newlywed bliss.”
Effie could only laugh, rolling her eyes.
The next morning, everyone gathered in the lobby again.
The resort was sprawling, with a golf course, stables, swimming pool, spa, gardens, and countless ways to unwind. You could stay for days and never get bored.
Lyman and Mr. Smith headed off for a round of golf.
Effie and Mrs. Smith settled into a shaded spot to wait for them.
After a few minutes, Mrs. Smith turned to Effie and asked, “Effie, what’s that perfume you’re wearing? It smells wonderful.”
Effie paused, then reached into her bag and pulled out a small bottle. “It’s not a big-name brand-just a lesser-known label, but it has a fresh scent I really like. This one’s brand new. If you don’t mind, I’d love for you to have it.”
She wasn’t sure why Mrs. Smith had brought it up, but she decided to go along with it.
Mrs. Smith’s face lit up. “How could I possibly mind? I’m thrilled-thank you so much.”
Effie smiled gently, hoping she hadn’t embarrassed Lyman somehow, and wishing the business partnership would go smoothly.
Mrs. Smith, always quick to read a room, slipped a bracelet from her wrist and fastened it around Effie’s.