Chapter 173
The two of them held each other close, neither willing to let go for a long, lingering moment.
It wasn’t until Effie caught a glimpse of what looked like a shadow at the upstairs window that she finally stepped out of Lyman’s embrace.
“It’s getting chilly out here. Why don’t we go back to our room?” she suggested. “Alright, let’s go,” Lyman agreed with a gentle nod.
With so many relatives visiting the old house today, Lyman knew Effie might be feeling a bit out of place-especially since this was her first time meeting Uncle Healy and Uncle Fowler’s families. It was a lot for anyone to take in at once.
Back in their room, Effie tapped her forehead and laughed. “Look at me, I nearly forgot! I have a New Year’s gift for you. Wait here, I’ll get it.”
Lyman just smiled, his eyes warm and knowing. It was as if their thoughts always moved in perfect sync-he’d prepared a gift for her too.
They exchanged presents, each trying (and failing) to hide their anticipation.
Effie reached into her bag and pulled out a velvet box, handing it to Lyman with a hopeful look. “Open it-see if you like it?”
Lyman took the box, glanced up to meet her gaze, and slowly lifted the lid. Inside was a vintage silver pocket watch, its casing engraved with intricate vines and blossoms. When he opened it, he discovered a tiny photograph tucked inside the lid-himself, in profile, from the very first day they met.
He froze for a heartbeat, running his fingers lightly over the photo. His voice was huskier than usual. “When did you…”
Effie bit her lip, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I snipped it out last time I was going through the photo albums. And the watch—I had it custom-made in Switzerland. They say it’ll keep perfect time for a hundred years.”
Lyman let out a low chuckle, snapping the watch shut and curling his fingers around it.
Then, from the inner pocket of his suit, he drew out a deep blue velvet jewelry box and offered it to her. “Seems we were on the same wavelength.”
Effie took the box, opening it with trembling hands. Her breath caught. Nestled inside was a platinum necklace strung with a striking blue diamond. Under the lamplight, the gem shimmered like the heart of the ocean. On the back of the diamond’s setting, she spotted two tiny engraved letters: E & L.
“I bought this diamond back at an auction,” Lyman said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “It was called ‘Poseidon’s Tear.’ But I think it deserves a new name-Effie and Lyman.”
Effie’s eyes burned with happy tears. She clutched the necklace, then rose on tiptoe and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. “Will you help me put it on?”
It felt so good, she thought, to be cherished like this.
Lyman’s eyes darkened. He took the necklace, his warm breath brushing her ear as he fastened the clasp behind her neck.
The blue diamond sparkled brilliantly in the light, resting right at the center of Effie’s collarbone. Lyman’s long fingers lingered, gently adjusting the pendant.
“It suits you perfectly,” he murmured, his voice rougher than usual. “It’s like it was meant for you.”
Effie raised her hand to the diamond, then seemed to remember something. She tilted her head to look at him. “An auction? When did you go to that? Didn’t you say you were traveling for work last week?”
Lyman chuckled, pulling her closer. “I was. The conference ended early, and I happened to catch the Sotheby’s jewelry auction.”
He paused, brushing his thumb along her shoulder. “The moment I saw it, I knew it belonged to you.”
Effie’s heart swelled. She glanced out the window-and caught, just for a second,
a flicker of movement behind the upstairs curtains.
What was that?
Was someone watching them?
They’d been staring this way for a while now.
“What’s wrong?” Lyman noticed the shift in her mood.
Effie shook herself, pulling the curtains tightly shut. “It’s nothing.”
With that, she made sure the room was sealed away from prying eyes.