Lyman caught Effie''s gaze, set his tablet aside, and reached for her hand, giving it a gentle, reassuring pat. "What''s on your mind?" he asked softly.


    Effie hesitated, then said, "Do you think-Grandpa''s getting on in years, but he''s sharp as ever. Has he figured it out?"


    Figured out that she could swim all along, but pretended she couldn''t-and had nearly pushed Fidelia into the water.


    Effie had sensed it earlier. There had been a sudden, piercing look in Bancroft''s eyes when he nced her way. She''d been wondering ever since if he''d seen through her act.


    Lyman patted her hand again, his touchforting. Effie was right-Bancroft had indeed noticed. No matter how well she''d covered her tracks, the old man was not one to be easily fooled.


    He said nothing, but that silence made Effie''s heart sink. This might be it for her.


    Lyman noticed her anxiety and leaned in to reassure her. "It''s alright. If Grandpa didn''t call you out on the spot, it means he''s letting it slide. We don''t need to bring it up again."


    Effie gave a quiet nod. That made sense, but still-would Bancroft think she was too calcting?


    Lyman seemed to read her mind. "Actually, I can tell Grandpa likes you a lot. In the Etheridge family, we respect people who are clever, not the clueless ones."


    Effie blinked in surprise, then broke into a smile. Was that his way of saying she was smart?


    Seeing her smile, Lyman rxed, his own mood brightening.


    Before long, they arrived at the hospital.


    Lindy hopped out of the car, trailed by a small parade of rtives, each carrying armfuls of care packages and gifts.


    Themotion was so over the top that Effie instinctively edged away to the side. Lyman, used to this kind of scene, knew Effie would rather keep her distance. Without a word, he slowed his pace and stuck by her side, steering them away from the crowd.


    Effie noticed what he was doing and nced over at him. Lyman caught her look, shed a private smile, and his eyes sparkled with warmth-just for her.


    When they finally reached the hospital room, it was practically overflowing with fruit baskets, flowers, and boxes of vitamins, barely leaving enough space to step inside.


    Laughter drifted out from the room-her grandmother''s elegantugh mingled with the lighter voices of Lindy and Friedman. The atmosphere was unexpectedly warm and easy.


    Effie felt her spirits lift.


    She nced at Lyman. He grinned at her and said, "See? I told you there was nothing to worry about."


    She smiled, and together they walked in, still hand in hand.


    From across the room, Granger spotted Effie and started to greet her. But when


    he realized she and Lyman were holding hands, he faltered, hesitated, and then turned away with a rueful smile.


    As Lyman and Effie entered, theughter in the room died down for a split second then bubbled up again.


    Lindy teased, "I was wondering where you two had disappeared to! Turns out you were sneaking off for some alone time."


    Grandma smiled warmly. "That''s wonderful, just wonderful."


    Even though Effie''s marriage had started in a whirlwind, seeing her inws rush to visit the moment they heard she was hurt-bringing so many thoughtful gifts and treating her with such respect her grandmother felt genuinely reassured.


    Lindyughed along. "Why don''t you two take another stroll? We''ll keep Mrs. Spencerpany."


    Effie hesitated. "But-"


    "Go on, go on," Lindy urged with a wink.