by Debbie White
“Yes, he did. How are they adjusting to that?”
“Now that Charles is in the picture, just fine.”
Milly tilted her head. “Charles?”
“Yes, their male visiting friend. They like him the best. I just found out that Betsy, my number one baker, is dating him. That might not go over so well with them once they find out.”
“How’d you discover that?”
“She told me. It’s a small world after all,” Annie said.
“Ahem.”
Annie whirled around to see Grandmother Lilly standing in the doorway. “How long have you been there?”
“Long enough to hear that Betsy is dating our Charles.”
Annie looked over at Milly with widened eyes. She crossed over to her grandmother. “I was going to tell you, but I was waiting for the right time.”
“No time would be right,” Grandmother blurted.
“You like Betsy. Why would you care that Charles is her boyfriend?”
“I don’t really care, but … let’s talk about this another time. I came in to use the restroom. I guess all the gossip is happening in here.” She turned about on her feet and scurried down the hall, leaving Annie holding her breath.
“Round one of inappropriate behavior from Grandmother,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.
Chapter 20
The ride home that night started out eerily quiet. Then, Annie opened up the can of worms she’d regret. Grandmother wasn’t having any of it. Annie tried to get her to listen to reason, but it was of no use. She kept repeating how she felt betrayed.
“The last one to know about their deep, dark secret,” she said, being too dramatic.
“Grandmother, please, their deep, dark secret? They just started dating a couple of weeks ago.”
“Lilly, dear, don’t you want Charles to be happy?” Patty interjected, trying to help Annie with her cause.
“Are you on her side?” Grandmother’s eyes about bugged out of her head, causing Patty to reel her head back.
“Calm down, Lilly,” Patty said with disgust in her tone.
“I just think it would have been nice if someone had told us instead of me hearing about it by poking my head in the doorway,” Grandmother said, raising her voice.
Annie turned her body slightly, but the seat belt restrained her from turning all the way around. “Grandmother, let’s finish this later. I have a headache.”
Jack pulled up alongside the house and put the car into park. He popped open the door and jogged around to the passenger side. Annie got out slowly, her temper still hot after the argument with her grandmother. Jack leaned inside to help them out while Annie stood on the sidewalk. She offered her arm to Auntie first, mainly because she didn’t have a scowl on her face.
“I hope you enjoyed yourself, Auntie Patty,” Annie said, walking her to the front stoop.
“I had a great time. I love Jack’s family.”
“I’m sorry about not telling you about Charles. I truly just found out, and I wanted Betsy or Charles to be the one to tell you, not me.” Annie lowered her gaze.
Patty pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “I think Lilly is behaving like some schoolgirl who has a crush on some dude. Don’t let it ruin your night. I’ll have a long talk with her later tonight—after she has a chance to cool down—and have another glass of wine.”
Annie knitted her brows together. “Okay, but don’t fight my battle for me. If she is still resistant to this news, just let it go. She’s going to have to deal with it. There’s nothing she can do about it.”
Just then, Jack came up behind them with Lilly on his arm. Annie stepped forward and unlocked the door, opening it for them. She and Jack helped them inside and then bid them a good night.
“I hope you both sleep well tonight. I love you,” Annie said, hugging them each before she crossed over to where Jack stood.
“Love you, too, sweet girl,” Patty said, blowing her a kiss. Patty reeled her head toward Lilly and frowned. “Lilly,” she urged.
“Yes, love you, too. Thanks for the lovely time.”
Jack and Annie walked to their parked car, holding hands. He helped her in, then just before he closed the door, he kissed her. “She’ll come around. You know Lilly. She has to be rough and tough. After she sleeps on it, she’ll be calling you to apologize.”
“I don’t need an apology. I just want her to be happy and to be happy for Charles and Betsy, too.”
“Agreed. It’s not about her.”
Annie giggled. “But she always tries.”
“Good morning, staff. How are things going today?” Annie said in her very bubbly voice.
“It’s a little slow today. I think the summer storm is keeping folks away,” Morgan said.
“It’s ugly outside. The clouds are so dark and ominous looking. I think it’s going to drop buckets of rain soon,” Annie said, peering out the windows.
“Rebecca will be in later, but she’s got something she has to do today.”
Annie perked up when she heard that. “Oh? Did she say what exactly?”
“Nope, just that it was very important.”
Annie walked around the counter to the kitchen. “Hey, Betsy, how are you?”
Betsy looked up quickly then turned her gaze to scooping out batter into the cupcake tins.
Annie crossed the room and stood next to her. “Are you okay?”
“I asked you not to say anything to your grandmother or auntie about Charles.” She continued to scoop, plop, and scoop more batter.
Annie’s eyes widened as she watched Betsy work. She had a death grip on the spoon, making the veins pop out on her wrist, not to mention the anguish in her voice. “I know, I’m sorry, but Grandmother overheard me telling Milly.”
“Charles called me and said that Lilly lambasted him when he went over yesterday.”
Annie’s eyes darted left and right. “Auntie must not have been successful with her talk.”
“I really like Charles, and he really likes visiting them. So now we’re in a quandary.”
“No, we’re not in any sort of quandary. I will get this sorted out. Just give me another day.”
Betsy put her hands together and laced her fingers. “I just made some giant-size chocolate chip cookies.” She looked up with a smile.
Annie stepped closer and put her hand on the older woman’s shoulder. “I’m really sorry about this. I’ll fix it, I promise. And yes, I’d like a cookie.” She smiled back.
Betsy put the batter scooper down and wiped her hands on her apron. Just then they heard some laughter coming from out front. The women exchanged looks then crossed the room to see what the commotion was about. Morgan and Rebecca were hugging and crying.
“What’s going on?” Annie said with a puzzled look on her face.
Rebecca held out her hand. Annie gasped as she ran for her, grabbing her and twirling her around. “Congratulations! I knew it. I just knew you two were going to tie the knot.”
Rebecca stood back and wiped the tears from her face. “He asked me the other day, but we had to get the ring sized. I didn’t want to say anything until I had it right here on my finger.” She lovingly stared at the shiny rock.
“It’s beautiful, Rebecca. Congratulations,” Betsy said, admiring the ring.
“When’s the date?” Annie said, getting right to the point.
“December twenty-second.”
“A Christmas wedding!” Annie shrieked.
“I don’t know where we’re going to have it at. We only have a little over three months. It will be simple though—my family, our friends, that sort of thing.”
Annie lifted her chin and lowered her lids. “What about Michael’s family? I recall he had a dad that I think lived in Florida.”
“He may be too ill to travel. We might visit him when we honeymoon at Disney World.”
“Well, it will be a great wedding and if you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Well, si
nce you asked …” Rebecca said trailing off.
Annie cocked her head. “Yes?”
“I wondered if I could ask Betsy,” Rebecca said, looking around Annie, “if she would make our cake.” Rebecca batted her lashes a few times.
“I’d be honored,” Betsy said without any hesitation.
“We’re checking on a few places for the reception, and we’d love to get married at the church on Calhoun.”
“Just let us know. We’re ready to help,” Annie said, leaning over and hugging Rebecca.
Annie had her hands in the dishwater, when Jack came up behind her and pulled her close. “I love you, Mrs. Powell,” he said, kissing her neck.
Annie shook off the suds and turned around. “Love you more,” she said, kissing his warm mouth.
“Dinner tonight was fantastic,” he said for the third time.
“I know, you told me already. It’s now one of your favorites.” Annie giggled.
“That’s great news about Rebecca and Michael, too. Another happy couple,” Jack said, wrapping his arms around her waist and staring into her eyes.
“I think it’s great. Do you think the world is ready for them?” Annie said, almost in a whisper.
“They better be. That right there, is an awesome couple, no matter what their race is. Sure, there are bound to be some bumps in the road for them, but once people get to know Rebecca’s sweet nature and Michael’s caring bedside manner, who wouldn’t love them?” Jack pulled her in for another kiss.
“That’s what I think. People will just have to get over their interracial marriage. I really hate that term,” Annie said, shaking her head.
“Well, then don’t use it. They’re Rebecca and Michael—soon to be Dr. and Mrs. Carlisle. No labels, just human beings that love and honor one another.”
“Love and honor one another like we do?” Annie said with a twinkle in her eyes.
“When you look at me like that, Annie, I can hardly resist you.”
Annie snuggled closer and wrapped her hands around the back of his head, gazing into his eyes. “Never stop resisting me.” She leaned forward and teased him with little nips and bites on his lips.
Jack stopped her. His deep and forlorn look caused stirrings deep in the pit of her stomach. He didn’t speak. He didn’t say a word. He just led her to their bedroom. A Cheshire grin appeared on her face. Who was she fooling? They couldn’t resist each other.
Chapter 21
“It will be loads of fun. You love to ride on Lady Powell,” Annie said, gathering up sunhats, canes, and everything else they’d need for the outing.
“Charles was slated to visit today. I should call him and let him know we won’t be home,” Grandmother said.
“I already let the agency know there was a change in plan,” Annie said.
“Come on, ladies, let’s hurry it along,” Jack said, trying to get them motivated to go.
Grandmother snorted, and Auntie Patty squealed. Annie laughed at the comedic routine playing before her very own eyes. Getting two old women ready for a boat ride wasn’t the easiest thing to accomplish.
Weighed down with all the essentials, Annie and Jack led Lilly and Patty to the car. Soon they were on their way to the pier where Lady Powell rocked gently in the waters of the harbor.
“It’s a lovely day for a boat ride,” Auntie Patty said, shielding her eyes from the sun.
“It’s hotter than you know what!” Grandmother said loudly.
“The wind that dances off the bow of the boat will cool you down,” Annie said as she and Jack helped them out of the car. Annie sighed. “Take my arm, Auntie Patty.”
Jack and Annie slowly made their way down the dock like they’d done many times before. Jack would step into the boat first and then one by one, Annie would hand off the ladies to him. After they were seated, she’d jump in and switch places with Jack while he untied the boat and got her ready to go. The only difference between this day and any other would be in who else would be joining them.
“What is Jack waiting for?” Grandmother said with knitted brows.
“Um … um …” Annie said, stammering.
“Spit it out, woman. Who is he waiting for?” Grandmother said.
Just then, two bodies came into view. “Them. We are waiting for them,” Annie said, motioning toward Betsy and Charles.
Grandmother’s eyes widened then she mumbled under her breath. “Well, I never …” she said trailing off.
“Oh, it’s Charles and Betsy,” Auntie Patty said with pure elation in her voice.
Grandmother gave Patty a dirty look and then turned away, refusing to acknowledge either of the new arrivals.
“Grandmother McPherson, you should be ashamed of yourself. This is ridiculous. You better be nice to my friends,” Annie said with a tone of authority in her voice.
Grandmother shrugged her shoulders.
Jack helped them onboard the boat, and soon they were off flying across the waves toward Sweet Magnolia.
It became difficult to converse on the boat with the sounds of the motor roaring in the background. Annie made small talk and Grandmother didn’t utter a sound. She wished she could shake some sense into her. How would this all pan out, she wondered?
“Oh, Annie, this is beautiful,” Betsy said as they climbed the small incline.
The six of them gazed at the beautiful house, now complete with flower boxes and a fully landscaped garden.
Jack wrapped his arms around Annie and held her tight. “It’s done. It’s officially complete. We have our home.”
“Welcome home kids,” Auntie Patty said.
“Thank you, Auntie Patty.” Annie lifted her chin and peered over at Grandmother. She hadn’t said one word. “Grandmother, what do you think of our house?”
Grandmother grunted. “It’s lovely.”
“It’s very grand,” Charles said.
“Let’s take a closer peek,” Auntie said, moving toward the house.
Annie stopped dead in her tracks. “The granny unit is done, too?”
“Granny unit!” Grandmother said boldly.
“I mean the guest cottage,” Annie said quickly.
“Everything is done. We can move in starting next week,” Jack said, wiping the tears that had fallen down Annie’s face. “Don’t cry, baby. This is our dream. We are going to be so happy here.”
“I know, that’s why I’m crying,” she said, trying to choke back the tears.
“Are we going to stand outside in this heat or is someone going to give us a tour? And I hope to high heavens you have the air conditioning on,” Grandmother said, clomping up the stairs as she held on to the railing.
Annie laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
Inside the house, Annie found the temperature quite pleasing, and the big surprise that Jack left for her made her eyes fill with more tears. “Jack Powell!” she exclaimed, running up to the gorgeous rectangle dining table with benches and chairs and a matching china cabinet.
“Do you really like them?”
“Like them? I love them.” She crossed over to Jack and wrapped her arms around him tightly, pulling him in for a kiss.
“I figure we can go shopping for more furniture, but I wanted something special for our first home, something made with my own two hands.” He gazed at his handiwork.
“You made these?” Annie’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“With Paul, Richard, and Danny’s help.”
Grandmother lowered herself to one of the benches. Annie took note of her labored breathing. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, just hot and sticky. I’ll be okay once I sit here for a moment.”
“Auntie, why don’t you take a seat as well,” Annie said, motioning for her to take her place next to Lilly.
Jack tapped Charles on the shoulder, and the two men left the room.
“Listen, I want to put this behind us, this thing about Charles and Betsy and the big, dark secret. There’s no secret, never has been, and nothing is cha
nging about Charles. Do you hear me, Grandmother?”
“I really enjoy Charles’s company just as you do. We go to the theater, have dinner out, sometimes he cooks for me, sometimes I cook for him …” Betsy said.
“I get it. You like him. You enjoy his company,” Grandmother said in a condescending tone.
Annie’s hands flew up in total frustration. “Grandmother, stop it! I’m serious, what is your problem?”
Grandmother stiffened her back and shrugged.
Annie’s jaw dropped slightly when she saw the tears puddle on Grandmother’s lower lid.
“I don’t know. I guess I’m jealous,” Grandmother finally admitted in a low muttering tenor.
“Jealous of whom, of what?” Betsy said, wiggling in between Lilly and Patty on the bench.
“I thought we had him all to ourselves. Now we must share him,” Grandmother said, staring off into space.
Betsy took a deep breath. “Well, you know what? Instead of feeling like you have to share him, why don’t you try to expand your friendship circle to include me? I hear we like some of the same things.”
Grandmother twisted her head and gazed at Betsy. “You’d do that for us?”
“Of course. Your Annie is very special to me, and any family of hers is an extended family of mine.” Betsy slung her arm over each of them and pulled them close.
Annie stood back and watched as the once highly volatile situation regarding Charles and Betsy now came to a close. She’d just clasped her hands in front of her and was about to give silent praise to those who work in mysterious ways, when she glanced over to the sounds of scuffing shoes.
Jack pulled his shoulders up and widened his eyes. “Everything okay in here?”
“Yes, just perfect. Let’s give them a tour of the the …” Annie said, breaking her thought.
“The guest house?” Jack said teasingly.
Annie smiled. “Yes, because we know how well granny unit went over.” She playfully knocked shoulders with Jack.
After they toured the cottage, the six headed back to the boat. Annie and Jack could hear laughter and plans being made by Charles, Betsy, Grandmother, and Auntie. The union brought a smile to Annie’s lips.
