Chapter 16
Effie’s heart skipped a beat, racing faster than she could control.
“Nervous? Give me your hand,” Lyman said, noticing the flush in her cheeks and her quickening breath.
“What?” Effie hesitated, caught off guard.
She could feel Lyman’s presence-solid, warm, and unmistakably masculine-so close that it left her breathless.
“Your hand. Come on.”
Almost without thinking, Effie offered her hand. Lyman reached out and took it in his, his grip firm yet gentle. The warmth of his palm seeped into hers, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles against her skin, sending a tingling sensation up her
arm.
Her pulse only quickened, a rosy blush blooming across her face and even creeping to her ears.
“Lyman, what are you… what are you doing?” she stammered, trying to pull her hand back, but he only tightened his hold.
He leaned in a little, his gaze steady and intent, lips curling into a faint smile. “Don’t move. I have something for you.”
With that, he reached into his pocket and placed a small piece of candy in her palm.
Effie blinked, glancing down at it. “This is…”
“When you’re feeling down or anxious,” Lyman said, his eyes sincere and almost intense, “have a piece of candy. It helps, trust me.”
His words were earnest, and for a moment, Effie felt the warmth from his hand travel straight to her heart. Her nerves were in absolute disarray.
It never even occurred to her to wonder why someone like Lyman would carry candy around.
“Thank you.” She curled her fingers around the sweet. “Come in. My grandmother’s waiting for you.”
Lyman followed her inside, arms full of gifts. In the living room, an elderly woman with kind eyes sat on the couch, watching them enter.
He greeted her politely, “Good evening, ma’am. I’m Lyman-Effie’s partner.”
Grandma looked up, quietly surprised. The man before her was tall, strikingly handsome, and carried himself with a refined air. Compared to Mitchell, he was in a league of his own-and far more respectful.
“So, you’re the one Effie mentioned?” she asked, still a little skeptical. He was impossibly perfect, but was he truly sincere about Effie?
Lyman stepped forward and entwined his fingers with Effie’s. “Yes, ma’am. I’ve cared for Effie for a long time. Before, she was with someone else, so I only wished her happiness. But now that he can’t give her the life she deserves, I want to try. I hope you’ll give us your blessing.”
His words hit Effie like a jolt to the chest. She snuck a look at him he was entirely serious.
If she didn’t know better, she might have believed it herself.
Grandma studied them both, then nodded slowly. “Lyman, I can tell you’re a good man. If you truly care about Effie, then take care of her. She’s sensitive and easily hurt. Don’t let her down.”
Lyman gave a solemn nod. “You have my word, ma’am. I’ll take care of Effie— she’ll never have to feel alone or neglected.”
Effie stood quietly by, listening to their exchange, her feelings a tangled mess. She glanced at Lyman again; he looked so genuine, as if he truly meant every promise. Nervousness warred with an unexpected sense of comfort.
Grandma smiled, patting Lyman’s hand. “Alright, I believe you. Now, sit down and relax. I’ll make us a special dinner tonight.”
With that, she headed into the kitchen.
“Thank you,” Effie said softly, knowing her grandmother had accepted Lyman.
He turned to her, his gaze gentle. “You don’t need to thank me. We’re partners. And for the record, I wasn’t just saying that for her benefit. I meant every word.”
His eyes gleamed with quiet affection, and for the first time, Effie felt her heart settle-just a little.