Page 61 of What Started In Deception

Gram-Gram moved to get up again. “I never asked about drinks—or a snack, maybe.”

Lydia shook her head, gesturing for Gram-Gram to stay put. “We’re fine. We’re probably going to grab a late lunch after we visit with you here.”

“Okay, then.” Gram-Gram focused on Ty again as she folded her hands in her lap. “Ty sounds like it might be short for something. Are you a Tyler or a Tyson?”

“I’m a Tyler, ma’am.”

“And what do you do for a living, Tyler?”

“I’m a personal trainer.”

Gram-Gram nodded. “I can see how that might be your profession. You look to be quite strong.”

Ty grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”

She nodded. “Your parents have raised you right.”

“My mom would be happy that you think so. I had my fair share of flicks to the back of the head when I did or said something wrong growing up.”

Gram-Gram laughed. “I guess a flick or two never hurt anyone.”

“They sure didn’t,” Ty said.

Lydia grinned, loving that Gram-Gram seemed to like him.

Gram-Gram looked at her now. “And you’re… dating?”

Lydia nodded. “We have been for a while.”

“I see.”

Lydia cleared her throat as she struggled not to squirm. “I would—I’m going to bring Ty with me to the compound.”

Gram-Gram’s eyes widened slightly. “So, this is quite serious, then?”

She forced herself to nod again. “Yes.”

“And how did you two meet?”

“At the florist in town,” Ty said before she could. “I was picking out some flowers for my sister who just had a baby girl. Lydia walked through the front door as I was flipping through one of those arrangement books, and she pretty much knocked my socks off.”

Gram-Gram laughed again. “That’s a lovely story.”

Ty captured Lydia’s hand as he grinned. “I asked her to help me pick out something that she thought my sister would like. I’ve been thanking my lucky stars ever since.”

Gram-Gram smiled. “Well, I’m certainly looking forward to spending more time with you and my granddaughter.”

“I’m looking forward to that, too, Mrs. Monroe.”

Gram-Gram shook her head. “I’d like you to call me Marietta, especially when I know that Aaron would undoubtedly approve of you for his Lidybug.”

Lydia sat ramrod straight as Gram-Gram mentioned Dad.

Ty slid his thumb over her knuckles, clearly noticing her change in posture. “Thank you, Marietta.”

Gram-Gram held Ty’s gaze. “My younger son had a laid-back nature very similar to yours. His heart was pure goodness. I sense the same in you.”

Ty smiled, sending her a nod. “That’s very kind.”