by Debbie White
He set it down near her. “Yes, I made it with my own two hands.”
“It’s beautiful,” she said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
“Aw, baby, I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He leaned forward and hugged her.
“I’m just a hot mess,” she said, covering her face with her hands.
“You’re not a hot mess. You’re a beautiful woman, carrying my child.”
“Well, thank you for saying that. I hope as time goes on you’ll feel the same way.” She gazed up at him.
“Without a doubt,” he said, lowering his body next to hers on the sofa.
“I have something for you, too.” She rose from the sofa and retrieved a small wrapped gift.
He smiled as he examined the box. “Wrapping paper with little dogs on it, how cute.” He tore into the package and when he lifted the brown leather piece, he just stared at it for a moment. “A collar? For Buffy?”
Annie laughed. “No, silly, for …”
Just then then they heard a light rap on the front door.
“Just in time, too,” she said, getting up to answer the door.
Mary and Danny came in with a bundle in their arms and Jack’s eyes about popped out of his head. “A puppy! You got me a puppy?” He leaped up from the couch and rushed over to the cream colored fur ball. “He’s beautiful,” he said, taking the pup from Mary’s arms.
“He’s a she. I figured we might as well get that big dog you’ve been wanting. But don’t forget about my baby Buffy,” Annie said, talking baby talk as she patted Buffy’s head.
“I’d never forget about her,” Jack said, putting the dogs’ noses together so they could sniff one another. Buffy turned her head.
Everyone started laughing.
“And that’s how it happens,” Jack said.
“How what happens?” Annie asked.
“When the queen bee gets her nose out of joint.”
Annie laughed. “She’ll get used to her.”
“Well, we are off to Grandmother’s, see you later, Sis,” Mary called out.
“Merry Christmas, you two,” Jack said.
Jack got down on the floor with the puppy. “Come here, Buffy, come on. Come say hi to Isla.”
“Isla?” Annie said.
“It means island in Spanish.”
Annie pursed her lips tightly. “I like it. Hey, maybe you should name the children, too.”
Jack bounced the puppy on his knee while he petted Buffy. Annie leaned back with her head resting on the couch back. Happy as a clam and satisfied beyond her wildest dreams, Annie laid her hand across her tummy. A wide smile crossed her face.
Epilogue
Grandmother and Auntie were doing pretty well and once their tests came back, the doctor administered some medications for Lilly’s heart and Patty’s high cholesterol. Annie was happy she’d listened to Betsy and had taken them to the doctor. Now, they’d receive treatment, and hopefully be around for a while longer and see their new great-grandchild and great-grandniece or nephew.
With each passing month, Annie grew larger. It wasn’t just her tummy that grew, but her business grew by leaps and bounds, and soon she was hiring again.
Rebecca and her family opened The Black Eyed Pea restaurant as planned, and it became one of Jack and Annie’s favorite places. The shrimp and grits were to die for.
After a short phase of Buffy ruling the roost, the two dogs got along well and Buffy and Isla could be found cuddling in front of the fireplace during cold winter nights, and romping outside on the island exploring.
And because Annie and Jack were so fondly thought of in their circle of friends and family, the hugest baby shower ever took place on the property of Sweet Magnolia. But this time, Annie didn’t lift a finger. And, while having her friends and family by her side as she opened up the cutest outfits and tasted the best baby shower cake ever—thanks to Betsy—the news that her oldest friend, Vicky dropped on her was just … icing on the cake!
“I know this is your special day, Annie, and I wouldn’t dream of stealing your thunder, but I have some great news myself.” Vicky beamed as she waited for Annie’s response.
“Are you expecting, too?”
“No, but how’d you feel about us being neighbors?”
“Get out of here,” Annie said, tossing the gift box to the side. “Here? On the island?”
Vicky nodded. “Haven’t you heard the construction going on over yonder?” Vicky motioned the direction with her head.
Annie furrowed her brows. “Why, yes, of course, we have. We discussed it, but we just weren’t sure what it was about. During our September barbecue we saw framing going up over there. Is that you?” Annie widened her eyes.
Vicky tipped her head. “Yes, we’re so excited. It just happened. We wanted to live out here, but had no idea it would be next door.”
“Well, it will be nice to have some neighbors. It gets dark and lonely out here sometimes.”
“Scott is looking forward to having Jack as a neighbor, too.”
Annie giggled. She could hear Jack’s voice in her head. Major Scott Collins, he’d say. “Well, I don’t know how much help I can be, but Jack is very handy with a hammer. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do.” Annie smiled and then turned to the friend who handed her the next gift to open.
Jack remained committed to building things for the baby’s room, and soon the cradle had a matching dresser and changing table, as well as a crib for when he or she outgrew the cradle. Annie had to remind him to take it slow and learn to enjoy quiet times. He worked too hard and never rested. He teased her that life was for living, and he would make every moment count.
It was during one of their quiet moments that he broke the news to her. “I’m quitting the family business.”
Annie, shocked with his revelation, tried to make sense of it before she replied. “What do you mean you’re quitting the family business? You’re not going to drive anymore?”
Jack shook his head. “I discussed it with Mom and Dad and they’re cool with it. I’m going to open my own woodworking shop.”
Annie leaned forward and studied his face. “Don’t get me wrong, you do beautiful work. Anyone would be lucky to have one of your pieces, but do you think we have room for two entrepreneurs in the family?”
“Yes, I do, and I’m glad you said that. I’ve been doing some research, and just like your cupcake business, woodworking is very popular here. People love handmade one of a kind items.” He beamed with happiness.
“Okay, because we’re having a baby, and we’ll need money. I’m going to cut back my hours as I get further along,” she said, feeling him out about this new endeavor.
“Not to worry, Dad said if we need extra money, I can do some driving gigs in between. But I feel really good about this venture.”
Annie nodded. “Okay, then, if you feel good about it then so do I.”
The winters weren’t long or severe in South Carolina, so soon spring was knocking on their door, which meant flowering shrubs and trees and boat rides along the coastal waterway. Annie didn’t have to wait too long either.
“Now, give me your hand,” Jack said, helping Annie get into the boat.
Annie stepped down, wobbling back and forth before she found her balance.
“Steady, girl,” Jack said, laughing.
Annie sat down and waited for Jack to start the engine. Soon they were off. Annie leaned her head back and drew in the fresh air through her nostrils. The wind blew her hair around and she didn’t care for a second. She placed one hand on her belly. “Your first boat ride.”
Jack pulled back on the throttle and the two just casually trolled along.
“Look at the azaleas, aren’t they beautiful?” Annie pointed to the many that could be seen growing on people’s properties.
Jack pointed to the white lacy blossoms on the tops of some trees. “Dogwoods,” he said.
“We have a couple on our property, too,” she said, tippin
g her head.
After a glorious afternoon on the water, the two headed back.
“I’m going to lie down for a while,” she announced as she made her final step up to the front porch, breathing heavily.
“Yes, you do that. I’ll get dinner ready. How do grilled burgers sound?”
“Anything you make sounds great,” she tilted her chin and waited for his kiss.
As June approached, Annie and Jack awaited the birth of their first child. Her tummy grew quite a bit during the last couple of weeks. So much so that she couldn’t see her toes, and resorted to slip-on shoes so she wouldn’t have to bend over to fasten them. All her clothes were big and loose, accommodating her growing size and the temperature as it heated up. She turned this way and that way, looking in the mirror. Her body had transformed so much over the past several weeks.
It was like most typical days. She woke up a bit tired, ate a small breakfast, and just piddled around the house. Jack had been working out in the garage and came in to take a lunch break. It was warm out, and since neither of them really was that hungry, they decided on just some cheese and crackers.
“Let’s go eat under the shade tree, shall we?” He held out his arm for her.
They’d just sat down at the picnic table and a cool breeze came up from the shore and brushed past them, making Annie squeal with excitement. She brushed her hair back off her shoulders, and reaching into the pocket of her maternity top, pulled out a rubber band. She tossed her hair in a ponytail and went to reach for a cracker, when she felt the warm liquid trickle down her leg. “Jack.”
Jack studied her face. “Yes?”
“It’s time.”
Jack picked up his leg and tossed it over the bench, standing. “Time? Time as in now … time for the baby?” His breathing became labored and he stuttered.
“Yes, calm down. Help me off the bench,” she said calmly.
They held hands as they crossed toward the front porch. “Grab my overnight bag. It’s by the door. I’ll wait right here.”
Jack took two steps at a time to reach the front door. He was back in a flash with her bag. At first, he tore out of the driveway like a madman. But after she talked to him calmly, he settled down. They arrived at the hospital and were ushered in to the examining room. Jack paced the room while the doctors examined her.
“The baby is crowning,” the doctor announced.
“The baby is coming, Annie, did you hear that?”
After about twenty minutes of pushing, out came the bright red bundle of joy, screaming at the top of its lungs.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Powell, you are the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy!”
Jack leaned up against Annie as she held their baby. His smile beamed clear across the room. He reached down and touched his little fingers. “He’s beautiful.”
Annie nodded. “Yes, he is, our beautiful little boy. Now you won’t feel so outnumbered with me, Buffy, and Isla.” She giggled.
“What are you naming him?” the nurse that stood nearby asked.
Annie gazed up to Jack and nodded.
Jack sighed as he studied the little bundle, sending shivers up Annie’s spine. She loved him so much and now they had a son together. Her heart felt as if it were going to burst from all the happiness.
“I had two names picked out, but after I saw him I knew what it should be,” he said, looking up at the nurse. “Ashton Robert Powell,” he said quietly.
“That’s a great name,” the nurse said, taking the baby. “I’ll be right back with little Ashton.”
Jack leaned over and kissed Annie on the mouth. “I love you, honey. How are you feeling?”
“Like I just gave birth to a seven pound baby boy,” she said, giggling.
“I have to go call everyone,” Jack said.
Annie placed her hand on his arm. “Go call them. Let everyone know we’re doing well and look forward to their visits.”
Jack nodded and then he took off out of the room, leaving Annie alone with her thoughts. She was one lucky woman. She knew that and she didn’t take a second for granted.
I hope you enjoyed the second book in the Charleston Harbor Novels. For the final book in this series, be sure to check out Sweet Carolina.
About the Author
Debbie currently lives in California with her husband and two rescue dachshunds, Dash and Briar. When she’s not writing the next bestseller, she’s working in her garden, riding on the back of their motorcycle, or visiting one of the many wineries in the area. She’s an avid supporter of animal rescue and donates a percentage of all book sales to animal rescue groups. When you purchase one of Debbie’s books, you’re also helping to provide food, toys, and shelter to a furry pet while they await their forever home. If you’d like to connect with Debbie, follow her on social media or sign up for her newsletter. See the links below.
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Copyright © 2018 by Debbie White
All Rights Reserved
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Cover design by Dana Lamothe from Designs by Dana
http://www.facebook.com/designsbydana1
Editing by Daniela Prima from Prima Editing & Proofreading Services
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Chapter 1
Jack carried the baby car seat carrier by the handle, holding Ashton with a tight grip while the nurse wheeled Annie out to the car. Annie watched as Jack carefully snapped the car seat in place. With half of his body in and the other half out of the car, Annie had a great view of his backside. She widened her eyes as she heard some grunting noises coming from inside the car. “Everything all right in there, Jack?”
“I’m making sure this car seat is secured,” he said through gritted teeth.
“Why don’t you come out and let me take a look?”
Jack slowly pulled back, and then not quite clearing the open car door, banged his head. “Ouch.” He rubbed the top of his head.
Annie looked over her shoulder at the nurse, and then nodding, rose from the wheelchair. She took a few steps toward the car and peeked inside. “Looks good. I’ll just slide in here next to the baby,” she said, taking her place.
Jack waved goodbye to the nurse, and Annie flashed a broad smile. Once the nurse had turned away, Annie went to work fixing the car seat.
Jack hopped into the front seat and started the motor. He glanced back at Annie. “I knew it. I did something wrong,” he said, palming the dashboard.
“No, you did a good job, really. It’s just the one strap you missed. It can be tricky. We’ll work on it together,” she said, trying to soothe his ego.
Jack put the car in gear, checking his mirror three times before pulling out of the pickup zone. “Is the music too loud?” He peered at her from the rearview mirror.
“No, it’s lovely. Jack, we aren’t going to tiptoe around Ashton. We want him used to sounds.” She chortled at his exaggerated attentiveness.
“I’m not used to having a baby around.”
“I’m not either, but I think we’ll be fine. I hope our families and friends will give us a few days before they come to visit.”
“I told mine to wait until they were invited,” Jack said boldly.
Annie twisted her mouth to the left and nodded. “I hope you didn’t come across as angry.”
“No, I just told them that my lovely wife, who just gave birth to my son, needs her rest.”
Annie took in a deep breath. “Oh, I see,” s
he said, turning her eyes to the view outside her window.
“I made sure the house is clean. I put clean sheets on the bed, all the laundry is folded and put away, and I even gave the dogs a bath,” Jack said, interrupting her silent time.
“Oh, how very thoughtful of you, thanks. I need to get into a routine with breastfeeding and pumping and all of that.”
“Don’t you worry about a thing, Annie. I’m here to help.” He looked at her again through the rearview mirror.
“Help? How are you going to help with breastfeeding?” she said, giggling again.
“I’ll help by changing diapers, fetching things, warming up bottles—that sort of thing. I’m here for you,” he said, sounding almost rehearsed.
“Okay, where is Jack and what have you done with him? And more importantly, which one has transformed you from the man I love to the man who will drive me crazy if he keeps up this talk? Grandmother or Auntie? Or wait—was it my sister, Mary?”
Jack hung his head low, and then quickly raised it again, staring at the road in front. “Grandmother,” he said shyly.
“Well, don’t listen to her. I’ll be happy for your help, Jack. I really will, but let’s not get crazy. We need a plan.”
Annie began to tell Jack her solution, and he listened carefully on the drive home. Once inside, Annie sat on the couch and played with the dogs for a minute. “Let them sniff Ashton,” she said to Jack.
Jack held the seat by the handle and lowered it to Buffy and Isla’s level. Their noses wiggled and snorted, and their tails wagged a mile a minute. Before he could pull up the car seat, Buffy licked Ashton across the face, and Isla put her big paw on the side of the carrier.
“Whoa, dogs!” Jack said, yanking the carrier up. Baby Ashton stirred.
“Let’s get him settled into his new cradle,” Annie said, leading the way to Ashton’s bedroom.
