Chapter 90
Today, Lyman was driving a black Cayenne.
Effie glanced around, making sure there was no one she knew nearby, then hurried into the car.
Lyman caught the furtive way she moved and couldn’t help but smirk. “What’s with the sneaking around? Am I such a shameful secret?”
Effie gave an awkward chuckle, trying to explain, “I just want to avoid any unnecessary trouble. Oh, and let’s stop by Butterbeam first-I want to pick up some nut cake for Mom. She loves it.”
Effie was always thoughtful like that. Every time she visited the old family house, she’d bring along everyone’s favorite treats.
Of course, the Etheridge family wanted for nothing. Effie knew that bringing gifts wasn’t about necessity; it was simply a gesture of care.
Lyman felt a quiet warmth at Effie’s considerate nature and understanding.
After they set off, Effie made a stop at a century-old bakery. She picked up a box of nut cake and a classic cheesecake.
The pastries were beautifully made and just lightly sweetened-perfect for older folks.
With everything packed up, they headed back to the old house together.
The drive was smooth, ending as they pulled into the courtyard. Effie was the first to step out.
Just then, Lindy emerged from the house, her face lit up with a welcoming smile.
Her eyes were fixed on Effie as she hurried over, taking her hand warmly. “Effie, you’re here! I had Lacey make you some nourishing broth, with plenty of good herbs to keep you healthy.”
“That sounds wonderful, Mom. I’ll have an extra bowl, thank you.” Effie’s heart felt full. “And I brought you some nut cake, your favorite.”
“Oh my, you’re the best daughter-in-law. Always thinking of me! I was just craving something sweet.”
The two of them linked arms affectionately, more like mother and daughter than in-laws.
Lyman still hadn’t gotten out of the car, but he was entirely-if good-naturedly- ignored.
He shook his head with a helpless smile.
Clearly, his mother’s heart belonged to her daughter-in-law now; her own son was second fiddle.
Inside, Lindy turned to Effie. “Has that rascal been treating you right?”
Lindy had already seen the latest headlines.
Isabel was back.
The news had made quite a splash, maybe even intentionally so.
It felt like she was just here to stir up trouble.
Lindy had never liked Isabel. The girl’s ambition was written all over her face— restless, always scheming, not the kind of woman to settle down.
Still, if her son liked Isabel, Lindy told herself she’d just look the other way.
But Lyman had never seemed taken with her.
Yet, he’d given Isabel plenty of opportunities and support.
Lindy couldn’t make sense of it.
In any case, she’d made up her mind-Effie was the only daughter-in-law she’d ever acknowledge.
She wouldn’t let anyone mess that up.
That’s why she’d had Lyman come home today-to remind him where things stood.
“Don’t worry, Mom. Lyman’s been wonderful to me,” Effie said sincerely.
She guessed her mother-in-law must have seen the news and was worried there might be tension between her and Lyman-that’s probably why she’d called them home.
It was so thoughtful of her.
Lyman hadn’t mentioned a word, and Effie decided to let it be.
She knew Lyman well enough: he was always upfront, never the type to sneak around.
“That’s good to hear. But if that rascal ever does wrong by you, you come to me, all right? I’ll have a word with him—or smack him with a stick if I have to! Don’t go easy on him, and if he ever crosses the line, don’t get angry by yourself, just tell me,” Lindy said, laying down her rules with a smile.
She genuinely worried her slow-witted son might drive away her wonderful daughter-in-law.
“Alright, Mom, I promise. Don’t get yourself worked up. How have you been feeling lately? Any discomfort?” Effie steered the conversation gently.
“I’m perfectly fine, don’t worry.” Lindy nodded reassuringly.
Soon, Lyman finally made his way inside.
He spotted a deep, dark bowl of soup on the dining table. The fragrant aroma of herbs hung in the air, and he couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth in amusement…