by Debbie White
Chapter 13
“Annie, dear, where do want this put?” Diane said, pointing to the coatrack the delivery person had brought it.
“I think over in that corner. I have the umbrella container somewhere,” she said, looking around at all the stuff. “Here it is,” she said, running toward the marble piece. She leaned over and wrapped her hands around the heavy piece. She’d only lifted it off the ground an inch or so before realizing it was too heavy. “I need a man over here, please,” she called out.
Danny rushed over to her side. “Let me get that, Annie.” He lifted the piece as if it were a four-pound parcel and not the forty-pound marble umbrella stand that it was.
“Over there by Diane, please.” She motioned to the wood and metal coatrack stand that stood near the doorway.
“That looks lovely,” Annie said, a warm smile crossing her face.
“What about these pictures. Where do you want them hung?” Danny held one by both corners, admiring the piece.
“So first we want to hang the wood shelves. These pictures will be mounted on the shelves between the brackets, like this.” Annie held up a shelf on the wall with one hand and tried to hold up a picture under it to show Danny. Realizing she was losing her grip, she quickly put the picture down and steadied the shelf. “Well, you get the idea, right?” She laughed.
Danny took the ladder from the far corner and set it up along the wall where Annie had said she wanted the shelves, and began to work.
“I’m so happy we have the extra space now. Once Danny finishes hanging the shelves and pictures, we can start placing the tables and chairs. No need to have more stuff getting in his way,” Annie said to Mary.
“How’s Jack doing?” Mary asked.
“He’s doing much better. He’s home and resting, but he’s itching to start back on that darn house. I’m trying to hold him back for as long as I can.”
“You know you can’t stop him. He wants to finish the house so you can start your family,” Mary said, smiling.
Annie’s smile quickly faded.
“Annie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stir up any bad feelings about the baby.”
Annie lowered her eyes to the floor. “I just love this wood look tile, don’t you?”
Mary took a few steps toward her sister and pulled her in for a hug. “Do you want to talk about it?”
Annie shook her head and quickly wiped the tear that tried to roll down her face. “I’m okay. It’s just I came so close to losing Jack. I don’t know what I would have done.”
Mary held Annie back with her hands firmly on her arms. “But you didn’t. You didn’t lose Jack. He’s still the same ole lovable man that you married. My brother-in-law is the greatest, even when I’m a bit miffed with him.”
Annie pulled her head back and focused on Mary’s eyes. “When have you ever been miffed at Jack?”
“Never mind, I had it coming anyway. He’s a keeper, Annie. He loves you and would do anything for you.”
“How does this look, ladies?” Danny called from the other side of the bakery.
“Looks great, now you just have three more to hang.” Both ladies laughed.
“Let’s open these boxes. The chairs for these tables are stacked inside.” Annie rushed to the tall cardboard boxes and began ripping through the sealed flaps with her cutting tool. “Help me,” she said, reaching inside.
Mary pulled the box out from the bottom and lifted it slightly, allowing Annie better access to its contents. She reached in and pulled out the stacked chairs. The girls opened all four of the boxes and spaced the chairs along the wall.
“So you’ll have four round tables with four chairs at each table, and then the bar will have how many barstools?” Mary asked.
“I bought eight. I think eight will look great along the windows. Jack would be here to help Danny install it, but …”
“It’s okay, Richard is coming over. He should be here any minute.”
Annie glanced down at her watch. “I’m going to go home and check on Jack. I’ll be back in about an hour.”
“Take your time. We’ve got this.”
“Everything is coming together,” Annie said as she microwaved Jack’s soup.
“I wish I could be there to help,” he said.
“Soon, baby. Michael said for you to be on complete bed rest for at least one week and we’ve managed to not follow his directives already,” Annie said, putting her hands on her hips.
“Only by two days. I got so tired of lying in that bed.”
The microwave beeped, letting Annie know the soup was done. “Lunch is ready.”
They sat at the table, slurping their soup, and in between spoonfuls of the creamy tomato with basil, Annie drew a visual picture for Jack of how the bakery was shaping up.
“And for certain, Richard is going to help Danny with that massive wooden plank you call a bar,” Jack said, narrowing his eyes.
“Yes, in fact, they are probably installing it now,” Annie said, hoping she was right.
“What’s left to do?” Jack drew the glass of water to his mouth and took a drink.
“Just put the tables up, hang the lace toppers on the windows … and fix the outside. Mary and I found the cutest benches with embroidered pillows.”
“Pillows! Won’t they get all messed up being outside?”
“We sprayed them with Scotchgard, but we’ll bring them in every night. What’s wrong, Jack? You’ve been fairly quiet today.”
“I just feel terrible that we are so behind on finishing the house. I really wanted us to be in it by Labor Day weekend. I had this big idea that we’d throw our first big barbecue and invite all our family and friends and the construction crew who made it possible. Now that’s just a pipe dream.” He lowered his gaze from hers.
“Jack Powell! I’m surprised at you. You are a fighter; you don’t ever give up on anything. I know you better than that! So it will be delayed a bit, we can still have the barbecue up there. The house just won’t be finished,” Annie said as she picked up their empty bowls and headed to the sink.
As she washed out the bowls, she made a conscious decision to drive up to Sweet Magnolia and check on the progress herself. Maybe once she reported back to Jack how things really were, he’d feel more at ease and not beat himself up over some arbitrary deadline he’d imposed on himself.
Annie crossed over to Buffy’s leash and retrieved it. “Want to go for a walk, girl?” Buffy trotted over, wagging her tail a mile a minute and twirling around, excited for the opportunity. Annie laughed as she attached the leash. “I’ll be back in few,” she called out as she and Buffy exited the apartment.
After a nice walk, Annie found an empty bench and sat down. Buffy found a spot in the sun and relaxed as she watched the birds in the distance fight over a bread cube.
Annie’s gaze drifted out to the blue water in front of her. Images of the wedding, honeymoon, fire, and car accident flooded her mind. She shook her head. She did her best to hold things together, but the truth of the matter was, she was falling apart inside. The stress of all that they’d been through was about to come crashing in on her. She began to tremble. How much can one person handle?
Chapter 14
“Tomorrow is the big day,” Annie announced.
“I know, I’m so happy for you, too,” Jack said, pulling her close. “I love you.” He kissed her lightly on the mouth.
“I love you, too. You know what else today is?” Annie said as she fingered his shirt teasingly.
Jack shook his head.
“You get to leave the apartment! In fact, let’s drive over to the bakery now so you can see it before the re-grand opening.” Annie grabbed Buffy’s leash. “You, too, girl, you have to see what I’ve done in your honor.”
Jack’s eyes grew big when he took in the bakery. “Wow, this is fantastic.” He ran his hand along the table then his eyes journeyed to the bar. “That looks great there,” he said, motioning toward the windows.
“I know, it really does.” Annie smiled as she took in everything. “From the lace toppers to the wooden shelves, everything says sweet, homey, and Charleston.”
“And take a look at the bakery goods,” Jack said, crossing over to the huge display case.
“Betsy, Morgan, Rebecca, and even Peter have been helping.”
Jack walked over to the side door and peered out. Annie rushed toward him and opened the door. “I love the outdoor space.”
She stepped outside. Four wrought iron tables and chairs sat outside and two huge water bowls for dogs. Buffy trailed over to one and began to lap up the water. “She’s right at home,” Jack said.
“I think we’re ready for tomorrow,” Annie said, pulling out one of the chairs. “Have a seat.” Jack sat down, and Annie sat across from him. “I drove out to Sweet Magnolia earlier today.”
Jack’s mouth fell agape. “Why would you do that without me?”
“I wanted to see the progress for myself. You’d really be impressed with what has happened out there.”
Jack ran his hand through his hair and narrowed his eyes at Annie. “Oh?”
“Yes, the foreman told me they were putting on trim pieces, and by next week, after the holiday, they’d start on the tile work and floors, then the cabinets in the kitchen and a few other things. They’re on track, Jack,” she said, raising her brows.
“So we can go ahead with the landscaping as scheduled?” Jack said.
“I think so. It might get pushed out a week or two, but he felt for certain we’d be in the house no later than October first.”
Jack sighed.
“I know. You wanted it to be Labor Day. And it still might be. But we have an alternative date if that doesn’t work, and it’s not the end of the world.”
“It sure feels like it,” Jack said, tapping his fingers on the wrought iron tabletop.
Annie grabbed his fingers and held them from moving. “No. No, it’s not. What would have been the end of the world is if I’d lost you. Then none of this would have mattered. We have each other, and I have to tell you, Jack, it’s hard sometimes to just not stand in the middle of the road and scream at the top of my lungs. I could totally have a pity party. I’ve been through so much from the death of my mother, and then my father, not to mention the stress of trying to keep Mary, Grandmother, and Auntie all happy, and let’s not forget Sweet Indulgence. That’s more than a full-time job right there …” she said trailing off.
Jack turned his hand up and placed it on top of hers. “I know. It has been a lot. That’s why I feel so inadequate not being there for you. I want to help you shoulder some of this stress. We’re a team, but lately, I feel you’re the team all by yourself.” He picked up her hand and kissed it.
Annie tilted her head as her eyes focused on the top of his head while he kissed her hand. “I love you, Jack.”
“I love you, too. And tomorrow is going to be the next great thing to happen to you.”
“No, the next great thing to happen to us!” Annie said.
“To us.” Jack slid his chair out and crossed over to Annie, reaching his hand out to her. “Let’s go home. Tomorrow is a big day.”
The re-grand opening took off like a rocket. The door swung both ways all day long. People, old and young, and dogs, big and small, came to experience the sugary delights displayed.
“How are Grandmother and Auntie holding up?” Annie asked Mary.
“They’re doing okay. I think I’ll run them home soon.”
“Can you believe the number of people today?” Annie said.
“I’m just glad Diane gave me the day off to help.”
Annie put her arm around Mary. “Yes, please thank her for me.”
“Boy, that Betsy can run circles around me. How old did you say she is?” Mary teased.
“Well, we can’t really ask their age. It would be considered discriminatory, but, she told me she’s over sixty.”
“She needs a honey,” Mary said with a laugh.
“I think she has one. She’s just keeping it on the down low.”
“I’m needed over there,” Mary said, rushing to help make lattes.
When the last cupcake was sold, Annie and Jack turned off the lights and locked the door. As they stepped back to admire her quaint bakery, Annie’s eyes journeyed to the sign prominently displayed above the door. Sweet Indulgence Bakery & Café.
Jack slid his hand into hers and squeezed it. “Looks really good, Annie.”
She turned to him and reached for his other hand. “Looks great.” Then a moment so magical happened as they both leaned at the same time for a kiss. She stepped in toward him, and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer. She could feel the warmth escape his lips before she’d even touched them. She closed her eyes and drew in his smell and then she felt the softness of his lips on hers. She ran her hand down his cheek, finally clasping her hands around his neck.
He pulled back and gazed into her eyes. “Now, that’s the most special ending to the most wonderful re-grand opening ever.”
Annie laughed. “Let’s go home, Mr. Powell.”
Chapter 15
It was after a full week of the new bakery opening its doors when Annie got the call. She’d literally just propped her feet on the coffee table, waiting for her cup of tea to cool down when the phone began to dance all around on the tabletop. Jack, who was in the shower, missed the comical conversation.
“Annie McPherson!”
Annie knitted her brows together when she recognized her grandmother’s voice. “Powell, it’s Powell.”
“Humph. Did you go behind our backs and sign us up for some visitations through some old people’s agency?”
Annie’s eyes widened. Oops. That was this week. She’d been so busy with the bakery she’d forgotten all about the visits. “I can explain.”
“You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady.”
“Who visited you today?” Annie held her breath as she waited. Hopefully, it was Edith who loved to play bridge. Or maybe it was JoAnne.
“Charles.”
Annie gulped. “Charles came to visit?”
“Yes, and we told him to take his happy behind home. We don’t need a handyman, and we certainly don’t need a babysitter.”
“Grandmother! That wasn’t very nice. He’s just doing what we asked him to do. I meant to tell you that we’d set something up. I’ve been so busy. I wanted to discuss with you also about having some meals delivered. I understand they are quite tasty …” she said, trailing off.
“Delivered dinners? Handymen? What will you think of next?”
“Okay, I’ll stop by tomorrow, and we can discuss this in more detail. If anyone comes to visit before I get there, please be nice to them.”
“What would you have us do? Invite them in for some tea and cookies?” Grandmother said in a snarky tone.
“That would be nice. And it wouldn’t kill you. See you tomorrow.” Annie tossed the phone on the cushion next to her and reached for her cup of tea. When she pulled back, she got a glimpse of Jack standing in the doorway with a towel wrapped around him.
“What was that all about?” he asked.
“Grandmother isn’t too happy with me at the moment. I failed to mention to her about the setup with Visiting Friends Network. She tossed poor old Charles out on his ear, or rather his rear.”
Jack reared his head back and laughed. “Your grandmother,” he said shaking his head, “she’s too much.”
“You can say that again.” Annie patted the seat cushion. “Come join me.”
“In a minute, let me get dressed.”
“Oh, hey, what’s your hurry,” she said with a sparkle in her eyes.
Jack tightened the towel around his waist and proceeded to move toward the couch. “Remember, you’ve had an especially tiring day today. You need your rest.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead as he sat down.
She pulled him close and took a whiff of his neck. “Ooh, you smell
so good I could eat you.” She nibbled on his neck, causing him to throw his arms around her.
“Okay, Mrs. Powell, be careful what you ask for.”
Annie giggled. “I just want to snuggle. You smell so good, seriously. I smell like sugar and flour probably.” She wrinkled up her nose.
He reached up and dusted off her nose with his finger and showed the powdery white stuff to her. “And you keep bringing your work home with you, too.” He leaned in and kissed her mouth.
“Well, at least I bring home sugar. You bring home dirt, grime, and sweat.”
“That’s why I took a shower, babycakes. So you could just smell the sweet stuff.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulder.
“How're things going at Sweet Magnolia? It’s your first couple of days back on the job site.”
“Going good. I’m really just acting in more of a supervisory capacity.”
“Good, because how many supervisors do we really need out there?” She laughed when she thought of the foreman she’d spoken too.
“Paul is good people, Annie. He listens to me, even though he’s in charge.”
“Paul is a saint, that’s what he is. Two men as supervisors are like two women in the kitchen.” Annie shook her head.
“Well, how do you and Betsy work so well together?”
“Probably because of our ages. She’s more like a mother to me. We have a great mutual understanding.”
Jack patted her knee. “Well, going to go get dressed now.” He stood and crossed toward the bedroom. He casually looked over his shoulder. “Could use some help with my shirt. I’m still a bit sore,” he said, milking it.
Annie jumped up. “Well, we can’t have that.” She rushed toward him, wrapping her arms around him. She dipped her fingers just inside the top of the towel and felt his warm flesh. A deep tingling feeling floated down her spine, and her stomach tightened. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”
“Every day,” he said, kicking the door shut with his foot.
