The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 218

The next day, as Suzie came downstairs, her eyes were drawn to Martha bustling around the grand hall. The older woman was bent over, carefully polishing the furniture.

The familiar sight of her back filled Suzie with a deep sense of warmth and affection. She quickened her pace, rushing over to Martha, her heart overflowing with emotion. Her pink lips trembled as she called out in a choked voice, "Martha..."

Suzie never forgot a kindness. During her time here, Martha’s thoughtful and meticulous care had been a constant comfort, and she cherished those memories. Seeing her again now felt like the whole room had brightened. It was as if she finally had someone she could truly talk to again.

Hearing her name, Martha slowly turned around, her eyes instantly welling with tears. She looked up at Suzie, her vision blurry.

"Mrs. Baylor... you're really back!" she said, her voice equally thick with emotion. "I heard the others talking, but I couldn't believe it. I was afraid to disturb your rest, so I just stayed down here, working and waiting for you."

Suzie gripped Martha's hands tightly, tears finally spilling down her own cheeks. "Martha... you were gone for so many days. Are you okay? Were you sick?"

As she spoke, she looked Martha over, searching for any sign of illness.

Martha patted Suzie's hand reassuringly. "I'm fine, dear. Just had some family matters to attend to that took a little longer than expected."

Her eyes then scanned Suzie, and she glanced around to ensure they were alone before leaning in to whisper, "That woman, Lucy, she's a pregnancy care specialist... Does that mean... Mr. Baylor knows you're pregnant?"

"Thank you, Martha," Suzie said, squeezing her hand back with the affection one would show a family member.

Martha got up and returned with a bowl of fruit she had washed earlier. Sitting back down, she began to peel an apple for Suzie as she spoke. "I just got back today and heard Mr. Baylor is hosting a party—a barbecue, of all things, which is always so much work. I suppose the guests will start arriving this evening. With your condition, you shouldn't be eating that kind of food. I'll make sure Lucy prepares something separate for you tonight."

Suzie nodded repeatedly. "Okay. You always take the best care of me."

"Of course I do," Martha said warmly. "I worked for a few families before coming here, and none of those employers were as kind as you are to us staff. I've seen all sorts of ugly behavior. When you left, I honestly thought about leaving, too."