Page 58 of Our Own Light

Oliver’s muscles tensed against his fast-rising anger. He tried not to let it show, keeping his expression soft.

Effie continued, “Floyd was working in one of them mines in McDowell back then, living in the boarding house. When I told him what had happened, he told me he’d take care of us. Of me and the baby, I mean. We couldn’t stay out there, though. By the time I’d told Floyd about Josephine, everybody had already heard what happened. Or, well, they heard the untrue version. Everybody had already made up their minds about what kind of woman I was. I was afraid for Josephine. I was worried that someone would tell her that Floyd wasn’t her real daddy. And so, we left. Floyd brought us here, far away from everybody who knew our history.”

“I’m so sorry that happened to you.”

Effie nodded sadly. “Thank you. Floyd has been a treasure, though. He works so hard for us. He loved Josephine right away. Even before she was born, he loved her. Because he loves me. That’s why I ain’t worried about you and him. I know he loves me. It ain’t the kind of love you see in the pictures or in storybooks, but it’s real love. It’s forever love.”

“Haven’t you ever wanted more? You know, romance?”

“Maybe someday. I’m not too interested in it, to be honest with you, but if it ever happened, I know Floyd would support me. Just like I’m supporting him now. Whoever it was would have to understand, though, that Floyd ain’t going nowhere. If they couldn’t accept that, well, then they wouldn’t be the man for me.”

“Sounds sensible.”

“Our family comes first. Always.”

Oliver tilted his head inquisitively. “How’d you know that you could trust me?”

“Floyd,” Effie said simply. “I think he could tell. Ever since we been married, he ain’t never liked another man. He told me that sort of thing was behind him. So, when I saw the way he was looking at you that first night you came over for supper, I figured that Floyd must have known that you had a kind heart. Otherwise, he’d have never let himself start falling for you.”

“That’s very sweet,” Oliver said, scooting closer. He looked into Effie’s eyes, trying to wordlessly communicate his sincerity before saying what he wanted—no, needed—to say next. “Floyd was right, you know. You can trust me. I won’t tell anyone about any of this. No matter what happens between me and Floyd, I won’t ever hurt your family, Effie.”

“Thank you.”

Oliver turned toward the sound of heavy footsteps.

“Effie told you everything?” Floyd asked, approaching.

“Yes,” Effie confirmed.

Floyd nodded once. “Good.”

Effie stood and smoothed out her skirt. “I’m a bit tired. I think I’ll try to sleep.”

“Goodnight,” Oliver said. “Thank you for sharing your story with me.”

“Of course.” Effie looked at Floyd with a teasing smile. “You two have fun. Not too much fun, though.”

Floyd rolled his eyes. “Night, Effie.”

Effie walked off to the bedroom, laughing softly while she did.

Floyd and Oliver looked at each other. Finally, they were alone. As soon as Floyd plopped onto the couch beside Oliver, he reached up and threaded his fingers through Oliver’s hair.

“I been wanting to do that for hours,” Floyd said with a low hum.

Oliver closed his eyes and sighed.

“It’s heaven,” he said.

Floyd kept playing with Oliver’s hair. “So, you liked my song?”

“I loved your song. It nearly made me cry. I would have hated you a little for it.”

“I like slow, sad-sounding songs,” Floyd said. “Effie and Jo like when my music sounds a bit happier, but more often than not, I play songs like that one.”

“I’m pretty sure I’d like anything you wanted to play.”

Oliver turned, tucking his legs underneath him, and rested the side of his head against the back cushion of the couch. Floyd continued to play with his hair.