by Debbie White
Annie tried to smile to let Jack know she was feeling better. “Thanks, babe.” She reached over and placed her hand on top of his.
“You gave me a scare. I’m glad I got off early and came home.”
“I’m glad, too,” she whispered.
“I have Ashton in the playpen. Let me go get him.”
Annie pulled her body up into a sitting position. Her mouth was parched and she looked for a glass of water. There, on the nightstand, she spotted a glass filled to the brim with refreshing water. She sipped it slowly at first, and then took a couple of gulps.
“Hey, hey, slow down there,” Jack said, plopping down onto the bed next to her, while holding Ashton. Ashton wiggled out of his arms and soon snuggled his mom’s neck.
Annie wrapped her arms around him and breathed in his warm scent from the bath products she’d used on him earlier, holding him tightly.
“How are you feeling?” Jack locked his eyes on her, while he waited for her answer, holding his breath just a little.
“I feel a little weak. I guess I got dehydrated today.”
“I think so. I called Vicky to see how you felt today while at the beach. She said she thought you were okay, but it was hot out, and she couldn’t recall you drinking any water.”
“Yeah, I made sure Ashton got juice, but I forgot about myself. It was rather warm outside. I came in and washed the sand off of him and put him down for a nap. I felt a bit lightheaded, so I came in here. That’s the last I remember.”
“Well, I called Michael, just to run your symptoms by him. He said to keep an eye on you, and if your symptoms worsen, I’m to bring you right in.”
Annie shook her head. “No, really, I’m feeling pretty good. I just need a bit more fluids in me.” She reached for the glass again.
“He’s going to stop by when he gets off his shift.” Jack looked down at his watch. “He should be here soon.”
Annie furrowed her brows. “Michael? He’s coming to make a house call?” Annie snuggled with Ashton while she waited.
Isla and Buffy barked. “I think he may be here, now.” Jack moved from the bed to the doorway. “Stay in bed,” he said, shaking his finger.
Annie could hear the men talking in the other room. Her face turned red when Michael walked into the room and greeted her. “I feel so dumb. I know the dangers of heat and not drinking enough water. I should have been drowning in water. Well, not literally, but you know what I mean,” Annie said, pulling her twisted mouth to the right.
“It’s an easy mistake to make. Unfortunately, it can be a deadly one, as well,” Michael said, taking out his stethoscope. “Let me take a listen.” He leaned over.
“Jack,” Annie said, motioning him to take Ashton.
“Your heart sounds pretty good. Your pulse is still a bit slow, but not critical. Get some more fluids in you, rest in bed for a bit longer, and I think you’ll be good as new.”
“Thanks, Michael, for coming over. This is beyond the call of duty,” Jack said, placing his hand on Michael’s shoulder.
“Hey, that’s what friends are for.”
“By the way, how’s Rebecca doing?”
“She’s doing great. She’s so over the pregnancy, though. She wants the baby out.” He laughed.
“I know exactly how she feels. How many more days?” Annie rubbed little Ashton’s back, who now snuggled on her lap once again.
Michael looked at his watch. “Let’s see … she’s due in four days. They’ll induce her if she hasn’t had her by the end of the week.”
“I can’t wait to hold her,” Annie said, wrinkling up her nose. “I love babies.”
Michael took a few steps toward the door. “You take care of yourself. No more days out on the beach without bottled water. It’s easy to sweat out the moisture, while out in the hot sun.”
“Got it, Doc. Give my love to Rebecca.” Annie watched as the fellows left the room. She scooted down under the covers, while holding Ashton. She wrapped her arms around him even snugger, and kissed his little neck. She’d baby him as long as she could.
Chapter 14
Annie stumbled into the living room to find Jack and Ashton eating animal crackers on the sofa, with both Isla and Buffy eagerly waiting for crumbs, or if they were lucky, the entire cookies that would slip out of Ashton’s tiny grip.
“Ahem,” she said, startling the two snackers.
“Hey, babe, how are you feeling? Did you have a nice nap?” Jack patted the seat cushion next to them.
Annie strolled over to the sofa, but not before giving both pups a rub on the head. She plopped down with a loud, “Ugh.”
“I see you fixed dinner,” she said, eyeing the cookies.
“This is dessert. He had raviolis, green beans, and milk,” Jack said, smiling from ear to ear, clearly proud of his accomplishment on dinner detail.
Annie held her hands out to Ashton. He looked at his cookie and quickly stuffed it into his mouth before he flew into her arms. Annie held him back and gazed into his sparkling eyes. “So, you think you’re getting away with something, don’t you, you little rascal.” Annie blew raspberries on his neck and made him laugh.
“Really, honey. He ate a good dinner. I think he deserves these cookies,” Jack said coyly. He folded down the bag and stuck the cookies back into the box and sealed it. “But, he’s probably had enough,” he said, jumping up and moving toward the kitchen.
“More,” Ashton yelled as he watched the cookies disappear out of his sight.
“You’ve had enough,” Annie said, pressing her forehead to his.
Jack entered the living room. “Why don’t you go take a shower and get comfy? I can entertain this guy some more.”
Annie sighed. “I’m kind of hungry.” She pulled up from the sofa and put Ashton down on the floor. He toddled around the pups and headed for the kitchen. “I think he’s after those darn cookies,” she said, shaking her head.
“What do you feel like eating? I can scramble up some eggs, warm up the leftover raviolis, make you a peanut butter—”
“Jack, honey, I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I’m not dying. I just got a little dehydrated.”
Jack hung his head and stared at his bare feet.
“Tsk. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” Annie quickly stepped toward him and brought him into her hold. “I love how you dote on me, I really do. I guess I’m not used to being the one helped. I’m always the helper. It’s a strange role reversal for me.” Her eyes never wavered from his.
He kissed her softly, and she nearly melted into him. He stepped back and bushed her hair from her forehead. “You two are the most important people in my life. Let me love you. Let me help you when you need it. I know you’ll soon be back in the helper role.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips, sending chills up and down her spine.
She began to feel lightheaded again, but this time she knew perfectly well it wasn’t from dehydration. It was from being so full of love. “I love you, Jack Powell, and I always will.”
“Seven pounds three ounces. Head full of dark wavy hair,” the voice said on the other side of the phone.
“Rebecca!” Annie screamed into the phone.
Rebecca sighed into the receiver. “She’s beautiful, Annie. I can’t wait for you to meet her.”
“What did you name her?”
“It’s kind of old-school, but when your mom’s name is Rebecca, and your dad’s name is Michael, I guess you got it coming. Kathryn,” Rebecca said.
“Kathryn … oh, I adore that. It’s so elegant. I love everything about it,” Annie said.
“I know they’ll eventually call her Kate, but I’ll hold on to Kathryn as long as I can.”
“Well, you never dithered from Rebecca, and I’ve known Michael a long time, and he’s never gone by anything but Michael.” Annie realized she might have said too much regarding knowing him a long time. She sputtered a bit before continuing. “Well, you know what I mean. I just meant …”
<
br /> “It’s okay, Annie. I know you and Michael share a past. It’s no big deal. You’re married to Jack, and I’m married to Michael. Let’s be big girls about this.”
“You’re right, I don’t know why I blubbered on so. I’m sorry.”
“Anyway, when are you going to come over and see Kathryn?”
They waited until Rebecca and Kathryn had a chance to bond before they barraged her with visits. Annie organized the trip, and Grandmother, along with Auntie, Mary, Betsy, and even Morgan, who had stopped in to visit family, showed up bearing gifts.
Each woman took turns holding the new bundle, while Rebecca opened gifts. “You all didn’t need to do this. You already gave me a wonderful baby shower,” she said, holding up the cutest dress ever in purple, with matching bloomers.
“I know, but these are her coming home gifts,” Grandmother said boldly.
Rebecca tipped her head toward Grandmother Lilly. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“It’s our pleasure, dear,” Patty said, lifting her chin and then settling her eyes on Kathryn once again.
“We don’t want to wear you out, or our welcome, so we’ll be going now,” Annie said, pulling up from the comfy chair.
“When do you think we can talk about the reception?” Mary said.
Annie cut a look at Mary, making her lower her head. “Not now, Mary,” she said through clenched teeth.
“Give me another week or so, and we’ll get together. I’ll call you.”
Mary lifted her head and nodded. “Okay, when you’re ready. We still have plenty of time, it’s still only August.”
“When is your date again?”
“October tenth.”
“Okay, we do have time. I’ve already given Grandmother a heads-up about it. I’ll check in with her, and we’ll get something together to present to you.”
“Sounds great, Rebecca,” Annie and Mary said at the same time.
Annie playfully bumped shoulders with Mary, then laughed. “In the meantime, we can discuss decorations for the church.” Annie put her arm around Mary and pulled her in for a hug.
Mary nodded. “Sounds good.”
“Okay, well, we’re off. Have a great day. Love this little girl with all your might. She’s a beauty. I bet Michael is just beside himself,” Annie said.
Rebecca sighed. “He loves her, that’s for sure, but his schedule is so crazy. I had no idea being married to a doctor would be so lonely sometimes.”
Annie brushed her hand up Rebecca’s arm and held it there. “Anytime you need to talk, I’m here.” She leaned in and kissed Rebecca on the cheek.
The crew got back into the van and headed to Grandmother’s first to drop off her, Auntie, and Betsy. Once there, Morgan said she’d walk the rest of the way.
“Kathryn is such a baby doll,” Mary said, shaking her head.
“Just beautiful,” Annie said, echoing Mary’s sentiment.
“I’m surprised she hadn’t thought of Michael’s career being so involved before now, aren’t you?” Mary asked.
Annie raised her brow. “Sort of, but I guess when you’re in love, you don’t think about those things.”
“I’m sure they’ll find their happy place and work it all out.” Mary grabbed her vibrating phone. “Hello?”
Annie couldn’t help but overhear. It obviously was Danny on the phone. Mary whispered, but she could tell by the tone of her voice that it was a conversation between two lovers.
“Danny.” Mary said, putting her phone back into her pocket.
“I figured it was,” Annie said, winking.
“I got the invitations, and I’ll be sending those out soon. When can we talk decorations?”
“Come over, anytime. I have a few ideas, too. I’ve been saving pictures from Pinterest and other sites in a folder on my laptop,” Annie said.
Chapter 15
Annie rapped on the Vicky and Scott’s front door. Jack had Ashton’s legs straddling over his shoulders, while holding his hands. They were carrying on laughing, and Jack made a few sudden moves as if he were going to drop Ashton, making Ashton laugh even harder. Annie reached up and pulled down the back of Ashton’s shirt that had ridden up, showing off his colorful diaper.
“Hey, you guys,” Vicky said, opening the door for them to enter. “Glad you could make it.” She stepped back and let them pass her before she closed the door. “Jack, Scott is out on the back deck,” she said as she patted Ashton on the back. “Jasmine is playing on the floor with her blocks. Do you want to play, too?”
Ashton nodded. Jack gently set Ashton down on his two feet and watched as he toddled off to find Jasmine. They were fast becoming friends.
“Come on, Annie, I could use your help in the kitchen.”
The two ladies headed into the kitchen while Jack made his way onto the deck. From the kitchen, they had a clear view into the living room, where they could keep a careful watch over the children.
“Pull up a stool,” Vicky said, nodding toward the black wrought iron swivel stools.
“Thought you needed help?” Annie crossed her hands at her chest.
“That’s code word for gossip!” Vicky tossed her head back and laughed. Annie joined in. Soon the kids in the room were belting out laughs, imitating them, which made them laugh some more. “They’re at the age of monkey see, monkey do.”
Vicky opened the fridge and pulled out a glass pitcher. Annie’s eyes widened when she saw the lime colored concoction. “Yes, please,” Annie said, nodding her head several times. “It’s a margarita kind of day,” she added, putting her elbows up on the counter and cradling her face.
“Aw, what’s going on?” Vicky asked as she poured two glasses.
“Just life. I’m trying to help Mary plan her wedding. I’m trying to let go of the business, and …” She sighed and didn’t bother finishing her sentence.
“It’s what you want to do, right? Because life’s too short to be doing stuff you don’t want to do.”
Annie took a short sip of her drink. “Yes, I want to help Mary, for sure, and I think I do want to give up some control at the cupcakery. I want to spend more time with Ashton, and well, we’re talking about expanding our family.” She took another sip. “This is very good.”
“Thanks. It’s going to be an easy dinner, just some grilled burgers and hotdogs, potato salad, and beans. I hope that’s okay?”
Annie nodded. “It sounds delicious. Simple is good. How’s Jasmine doing?” Annie whispered.
“She’s coming around. She still has moments of shyness, anxiety, and insecurity, but we just wrap our arms around her when she’s having a little meltdown, and then we redirect her. She is a good sweet kid.” Vicky looked over Annie’s shoulder and studied the children playing.
“Ashton has a few of those meltdowns, too. It could be because he’s just plain spoiled.” Annie smirked.
“It’s easy to spoil the first one. Wait until you do have your second. Ashton will act out for other reasons, and you’ll have to deal with that.”
Annie stared off into space for a moment, recalling when her parents had brought Mary home from the hospital. There was a big age difference between them, and she had to think back if she had been jealous at all of the new baby. “Hmm, you’re right. It can be a bit tricky when you bring a new baby home. I better start thinking about how to handle that.” She laughed.
“Are you pregnant?” Vicky’s eyes widened.
“No, not yet, but we are trying.” Annie curled up her lips at the corner and then sipped her drink. “You don’t think I’d be indulging in alcohol, if I was pregnant, do you?”
Vicky tightened her lips. “No, but thank you for reminding me. I’ll know the signs to look for now, for when you are.” She playfully tapped Annie’s hand.
“Ha ha.” Annie raised her glass to Vicky. “To friendship.”
Vicky clinked her glass with Annie’s. “To friendship,” she repeated. “Speaking of friendships, what are we going to do to get the old gang t
ogether?” She pulled up a stool and sat down.
The women chatted, and now and then, they could hear shrills coming from the living room and some boisterous laughter coming from the deck. They soon had a workable plan for a future get-together, and both Annie and Vicky were satisfied their plan would be a success. They were both very determined.
Their concentration broke when the guys entered the kitchen. “Hey, we’re hungry,” Scott announced in a very loud voice.
Vicky and Annie slid off their stools. “We’re ready. We were just waiting on y’all,” Annie said.
Vicky handed Scott the plate of perfectly round hamburger patties and a couple of hot dogs. She handed Jack a clean plate to put the cooked food on. The two guys headed back outside, but not before grabbing a couple of longnecks out of the fridge.
Annie watched them as they weaved their way around the blocks, cars, and kids. Jack reached down and patted Ashton on the head before going outside. “Jack is the best dad ever,” Annie said, smiling.
“Scott’s not too bad at the job, himself,” Vicky chimed in.
“Of course, he is. I always knew you’d be great parents.”
“I know, I’m just proud of how he’s taken on the role of father so well,” Vicky said as she looked lovingly on toward the children playing in the other room.
Annie wrapped her arm around her friend’s shoulders and squeezed her. “And you’re a great mother, too.”
“Okay, put those chairs over there,” Annie said, motioning toward the shade trees. “And then, move the round table in between them,” she added.
Vicky began covering the tables with red and white checkered table cloths, while Scott and Jack finished stringing the little white lights through the trees and above the sitting areas.
Annie began to lug some wood from the pile and stack it inside the fire pit. She brought a few extra to put on the side. She stood back with her hands on her hips and admired how they’d transformed the property into a festive party place.
