Charleston Harbor Novels: Books 1 - 3

by Debbie White

  Annie could hear some of the chatter among their friends and family. Different ones asked about the sangria recipe, and some went on and on about the house and view. All of the happiness brought a smile to her face, and when Jack sneaked up behind her and she could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck, she let out a small squeal. “Jack Powell!”

  “Great party, do you come here often?” His eyes twinkled.

  “Thank you, I heard that a good-looking fella would be here today. That’s the only reason I’m here,” she said, playing along.

  “Oh? And what would this fella’s name be?”

  Annie leaned in and kissed him then pulled back. “I don’t remember, but I think you’ll do.”

  Jack swatted her on the rear. “Kisses like that might get you in trouble.”

  “I hope so,” she said, winking.

  The chatter began to wind down as evening came. Richard and Jack piled the wood high in the pit and lit it. Soon everyone pulled up chairs and made a large circle, watching the flames dance in the darkness. With full tummies and spirits high—either naturally or from the sangria—people’s smiles, even in the dark of night, brought a sense of warmth to both Annie’s and Jack’s souls. It was a beautiful night shared with family and friends, and one not soon forgotten.

  As Annie and Jack held each other, they watched as one by one the cars maneuvered off the island and onto the main road. When the last car left, they turned to one another.

  “What an awesome night,” Jack said, beaming with a wide smile.

  “I know, it was absolutely spectacular. I was so happy everyone made it. And can you believe that Grandmother actually behaved tonight?”

  “I know, I thought for sure she’d blow a gasket when she saw Betsy and Charles come together.”

  Annie laughed. “And Rebecca and Michael; they are so happy together.”

  Jack nodded, squeezing her closer. “Danny and Mary, too.”

  “Yep, I hope it wasn’t too much on your grandparents. It was a long night. I think your mom looks tired, too.”

  “Yeah, I noticed that. I’ll have a chat with Dad and make sure she’s feeling well.”

  “I’m just so happy that we were able to share this day with everyone. First our wedding, and now our housewarming.”

  “You know what they say?” Jack said, turning her toward him.

  Annie cocked her head.

  “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Annie with the baby carriage.” Jack kissed her on the mouth before she could respond.

  Chapter 27

  Because the accident had pushed back the completion of Sweet Magnolia, the housewarming party got pushed back as well. Before Annie realized it, it was Jack’s birthday and the end of the month. They’d just had the big party so they agreed they’d celebrate low-key, with a nice dinner, a fire in their new fireplace, and a bottle of good wine.

  “Dinner was fantastic,” he said.

  “This is nice, huh? Just you and me and a bottle of wine,” Annie said as she uncorked the bottle, sending the cork flying. They both laughed.

  “Yes, it really is. I love our family and friends, but sometimes it’s nice just to be with each other,” Jack said.

  “True. Someday, we might have Grandmother and Auntie living on the property.”

  Jack patted the cushion beside him. Annie lowered herself to the couch and tossed her legs over his. He picked up the remote and found the Hallmark Channel, and then with the voice command to Alexa, dimmed the lights. Snuggled on the couch, watching love stories by the roaring flames of the fire, Annie and Jack celebrated his birthday quietly and passionately as any two lovebirds could.

  Annie called a meeting at Sweet Indulgence. The holidays were upon them. She smiled as everyone gathered in the kitchen around the large marble island. “Thank you, everyone, for coming in so early. I promise not to take too much of your time. As you know, this is a busy time of the year for us. From now until a few days before Christmas, this bakery will become full of customers and some will not be so nice. We’ve been through it before. They’ll want it yesterday and we’ll do what we can to help them with what will come down to their not properly planning.”

  Everyone nodded.

  “Betsy and I have made out the schedule. I know some of you will want time off. I just ask that you see if your co-worker can swap with you so we always have coverage. I’m going to be working full-time from now until Christmas, too.”

  Morgan gasped. “Annie, really?”

  “Yes, really. It’s necessary because … Rebecca, do you want to tell the group?”

  Rebecca stiffened her shoulders and sat up straight. “Besides having a wedding during this busy time of year, we’re opening the new restaurant, too.”

  Claps came from everywhere.

  “Where and what did you name it?” Betsy inquired.

  “Over off of King Street, not far from here. And, it will be called Black Eyed Pea. Think of southern food with a modern twist.”

  “So we all have to step it up. Morgan and I will be working full-time and Betsy will stay with her schedule. Peter, this is where I’m going to need you to step up. Instead of just being our janitor, I’m going to need you to help Betsy. She’s going to train you on making cupcakes and cookies.”

  Peter’s jaw dropped and he sighed. “I don’t know, Annie. I have no baking skills.”

  “It will be easy. She’s going to do the mixing, and you’ll be scooping the batter into the cups and also dropping the cookie dough onto the trays. Then you’ll be watching them bake, etcetera. We really need you. Also, if anyone knows of anyone who is looking for some holiday money, I’m hiring one or two people for about fifteen hours a week.”

  Peter raised his hand. “I might know someone.”

  Annie tipped her head. “Okay, good. Have him or her come in while I’m here. Any questions?” Annie’s eyes darted around the room.

  Betsy raised her hand. “Christmas party?”

  “Well, I’ve been looking at our schedule. We have Rebecca’s wedding and reception on the twenty-second and that most likely will also be a very busy day here at the bakery. Maybe we should have it the first Saturday in December?”

  “I think that sounds like a great idea,” Rebecca said.

  “Okay, I’ll make reservations for somewhere and let you all know. I think this year it will have to be dinner. We’re just too busy to close for lunch.”

  “So to recap,” Betsy said, locking eyes with Annie. “I’ll train Peter on kitchen duties, we’re looking for more help, and our Christmas party will be the first Saturday in December.”

  “Yep, that’s it. Rebecca, do you need anything from us?” Annie said.

  “Just make sure my cake is baked and iced for my big day, and you all are present. I’ve got everything else covered.”

  “We wouldn’t miss it. And when is the grand opening of your restaurant?” Annie asked.

  “So, that’s the kicker—married on the twenty-second, Christmas on the twenty-fifth, a short honeymoon to Florida and back on January sixth for a week of working out all the kinks, before the grand opening day on the thirteenth.”

  Peter picked up his cell phone and studied it. He locked his gaze with Rebecca. “That’s Friday the thirteenth.”

  “We’re not superstitious,” Rebecca said. “It will be our lucky day,” she added, clasping her hands in front of her.

  “So you did it on purpose?” Peter asked.

  Rebecca nodded. “When you marry a doctor, you don’t believe in good luck or bad luck. It’s all about timing.” She pulled her bottom lip in and bit down.

  Annie reached over and patted her hand. She knew exactly what she meant. Michael had seen it all—births, deaths, and everything in between.

  “Okay, team Sweet,” Annie said, drawing in a deep breath. “Thanks for taking your morning to come in. I believe we have a plan.” She scooted her chair out and stood. Everyone pushed out their chairs and soon the only people who rema
ined were Betsy, Peter, and herself.

  “I’m going to get started on baking, come on, Peter,” Betsy said, putting her arm around him and leading him toward the kitchen.

  Annie bent down to the wooden desk and cabinet that Jack had built and turned on the sound system. Soon holiday songs piped through the wireless speakers. She began brewing coffee, and decorating the shop for the holidays while she hummed the tunes she’d grown to love this time of year.

  Annie pulled out the step stool and began to hang greenery from the shelves. She placed the collection of holiday snow globes she’d purchased, arranging them just so. She hung up a wreath on the front door and draped garland across the display case, securing red velvet stockings with the names of each employee embellished in gold glitter. On the top of the display case she placed an old-time Santa Clause she’d made in ceramic class pre-Jack days. She stepped back and admired her work. She drew her hand to her chin and thumbed it a couple of times. Something is missing.

  “Betsy, I’ll be back before we open. I have to run to the store.”

  She cut the box open and put the five foot artificial tree together. Thankfully, it came in only a few pieces. She draped the red tree skirt around the bottom and placed the empty wrapped gift boxes around it. She stood back and admired the lit tree. “There, now it’s perfect.”

  Betsy came out of the kitchen and peered over the counter. “Everything looks great, Annie. You’re just missing one thing.”

  Annie whirled around and placed her hands on her hips. She thought the last missing piece was the tree. “What?”

  “The reason for the season,” she said, winking.

  Annie stood motionless. How could she forget? “You’re right, we need a nativity scene. I’ll be right back.” She rushed over to the chair and grabbed her purse and moved toward the front door.

  “Don’t forget your coat, it’s chilly out,” Betsy said, pointing to the dark blue peacoat hanging on the coatrack.

  Annie darted back to fetch her coat. “’Thanks,” she said, breathing hard. “Back in a jiffy.”

  “Take your time, we don’t need any more accidents,” she called out after Annie.

  When Annie returned, she sat down for a moment to catch her breath. It wasn’t like her to be so out of breath … and tired.

  “Did you get it?” Betsy said, coming out of the kitchen.

  Annie slouched down in the chair.

  “Are you all right?” Betsy asked, coming out from behind the counter display and standing in front of Annie.

  “I don’t feel great. It’s probably nothing, or maybe I’m coming down with the flu.”

  Betsy peered at her through half closed eyes. She took a few steps closer, placing her hand on Annie’s forehead. “No fever,” she said.

  “I just feel yucky.” She sat up straighter. “Anyway, I got it. What do you think?” She pointed to the nativity scene that now sat on the opposite side of the display counter with the old-time Santa Clause.

  “Looks wonderful there, I love it. Why don’t you go home and rest, Annie?”

  “I can’t, I’m holding down the fort.” She glanced at her watch. “We open in an hour.”

  “Maybe I can call in Morgan?” Betsy said.

  Annie shook her head. “We need more help. I hope Peter comes through for us.”

  “I can place an ad online,” Betsy said.

  Annie furrowed her brows. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

  “Because you’re pregnant and you have the beginnings of pregnancy brain.”

  Annie widened her eyes. “Huh?”

  “I think you’re pregnant.”

  Annie slouched into the chair again. She might be. She’d been so busy she hadn’t kept track of things. Annie widened her eyes. “Jack must know, too.”

  “How? I mean, why?” Betsy sputtered.

  “He just sang a rhyme to me the other day. He said, ‘First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Annie with the baby carriage.’”

  Betsy reeled her head back and laughed so loudly that Peter came out of the kitchen. She waved him off, telling him they were fine.

  “I better go to the doctor and have a test.”

  “Go to the drugstore and buy one of those home pregnancy tests,” Betsy advised.

  Chapter 28

  “What’s the special occasion?” Jack asked, motioning to the table set with Annie’s grandmother’s china and silverware.

  Annie crossed the room and poured Jack a glass of wine. “Can’t I make my honey a special dinner without him being suspicious?” Annie quickly turned her back on him, concealing her wide smile.

  “Well of course, you can. But after putting in a full day’s work at the bakery, I just thought—”

  “Sit down,” she said, not letting him finish.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He slid out the chair and lowered his body to the seat, scooting the chair forward slightly.

  Annie rushed back into the kitchen and placed the cordon bleu on the platter and surrounded them with baked baby potatoes and carrots. She tossed the warmed corn muffins in a towel and then put them in a basket. She carried the meat platter in one hand and the muffins in the other. She set them down in front of Jack.

  Jack’s eyes widened and he leaned forward, taking in a long whiff of the great smelling food. “Oh, wow, cordon bleu!” He picked up the large fork and gently lifted one to his plate. He scooped some veggies and grabbed a muffin.

  Annie fixed her plate. “Bon appétit,” she said.

  “This is delicious,” he said, taking bite after bite.

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It might be the last time I cook a large meal like this.” She studied his face.

  Jack put his fork down, a worried expression crossing his face. “What’s wrong? Are you sick? Tell me the truth,” he said, rambling on.

  Annie laughed. “Well, nothing is wrong exactly, and I wouldn’t say that I’m sick. Although, I’ll probably be sick off and on …” She smiled, waiting for him to catch on.

  Jack turned his body completely in his chair and faced her. His jaw dropped. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

  Annie nodded.

  Jack pushed back his chair and lunged toward Annie, grabbing her around the shoulders and hugging her tightly. “We’re going to have a baby?”

  “Yes, Jack. You’re squeezing me a bit hard. I can hardly breathe,” Annie said, trying to shake him lose from the death grip he had on her.

  “I’m sorry, baby. I’m just so darn excited. This is great news. We’re having a baby.” He stood up and smiled, causing Annie to smile back. “When are you due?”

  “I haven’t seen a doctor yet. I took one of those home pregnancy tests. Actually,” Annie said, laughing, “Betsy diagnosed me before I got the results.”

  “Betsy?”

  “Yep, I wasn’t feeling well today at the shop. She said I was pregnant.”

  “Well, I’ll be. Well, when do you think the baby will be born?”

  “To my best calculation, I think he or she will enter our lives around the end of June.”

  “Can I tell anyone?” Jack blinked his eyes a couple of times.

  “Let’s wait until I see the doctor. I made an appointment for early next week. After he confirms it, we’ll share the good news.”

  Jack slowly moved back to his chair and sat down. “It’s hard for me to finish my dinner with this good news.”

  “Now, Jack. I spent a lot of time fixing this great dinner, so let’s enjoy it.” Annie picked up her crystal goblet that held a clear liquid. “To our new addition,” she said, raising her glass.

  Jack raised his glass to hers. His eyes darted from her drink to his. “Ah ha! I should have paid more attention. I should have known you were pregnant because you’re not drinking any wine with me.” He clanked his glass with hers then took a sip.

  “Yep, no more wine for me.” She leaned in and put her elbows on the table. “We need to do the keepsake box thing.”

&n
bsp; “I have it done. When do you want to do it?”

  Picking a day to bury the time capsule box proved to be a bit of a challenge. The weatherperson had forecasted rain the entire week. With a break in the weather, the two quickly raced to the large magnolia tree, Jack, armed with a shovel and the box, and Annie with a ziplock baggie tucked away in her raincoat pocket. The two quickly got to work, Jack digging a hole that would fit the eight by eight wooden box, lined with sheet metal, and Annie holding the umbrella over them to keep the light sprinkles off.

  “Okay, I think that is about right,” he said, lowering the box for one last measurement check.

  Annie sighed. “Okay, go ahead and lift it up and open it. I’ll go first.” She dug into her pocket and retrieved the ziplock baggie.

  Jack did as she asked.

  She unfolded a very small card and showed it to Jack. “Do you remember this?”

  He squinted as he read the print, nodding slowly. “Yes, it’s my business card.”

  “Not just any business card. No, this is the one you gave me on our first meeting.” Annie leaned over and dropped it into the box.

  Jack drew in a deep breath and removed a white envelope. He opened the flap and retrieved a tiny ziplock bag, the kind that jewelry is sometimes in. “Do you know what this is?” He held it out for her inspection.

  “Hair?”

  “Not just any hair, but a lock of yours.”

  “When and where did you get a lock of my hair?”

  “Remember the night we came back from our boat ride and it was pouring rain?”

  “Yes.”

  “I found it in the car the next day.”

  Annie tipped her head back. “I remember that. I got my hair stuck in the seat belt somehow.”

  Jack tossed the lock of hair, bag and all, into the box.

  Annie dug her hand inside her pocket and pulled out a napkin. “From the restaurant,” they both said at the same time. They both chuckled at their timing. Annie tossed the napkin in the box.