Charleston Harbor Novels: Books 1 - 3

by Debbie White

  “I think they’re ready. One of the biggest fears they have is becoming a burden to you and Mary. Especially to you.” Betsy sighed and softened her features.

  “Two coffees,” Peter said, placing a Styrofoam cup in front of each of the women.

  “Thanks,” Annie whispered. Heaving her shoulders up and down, she picked up her coffee and blew on it before sipping. “What specific things are happening?”

  “They need help with showering, now. And I’ve even helped them get dressed. I’m noticing a bit more forgetfulness, and also, Patty will cry for no reason.”

  “I see,” Annie said.

  Betsy reached across the table and patted Annie’s hand. “You’ve been a wonderful granddaughter and niece to them both. They love you so much, but they realize it’s time to be closer to you.”

  The women drank their coffee in silence for a few moments.

  “On a happy note, I’m so tickled about Mary’s wedding and am honored to make their cake.”

  “Yes, thank you so much. Preparations are coming along quite well. Moving Grandmother and Auntie right now is going to add to the stress, but it is what it is. We must do what we must do to help them.”

  “Charles and I have been looking at homes to buy. We found one we like and would like to put an offer in.”

  “Of course, Betsy, go ahead. I’ll talk to Jack tonight about what we need to do to make the cottage ADA compliant and when he thinks he can get that done. If they have to move in with us, then that’s what we’ll do.”

  Betsy gasped. “No! They both told me they don’t want that. If they can’t move into the cottage, they’ll run away.”

  Annie knitted her brows together. She could picture them both saying something childish like that. “Please? Run away?”

  “They know they need help, but they’re not ready to be moved into your house. Now, that may eventually happen, but for right now, it’s ‘over my dead body’,” Betsy tried her best to imitate Grandmother.

  Both women laughed.

  “Okay, got it. They need us, but not that badly.” Annie smiled.

  “Annie! It’s so nice to see you, dear,” Auntie Patty said, tilting her face up for a kiss.

  Annie looked toward the kitchen when she heard the tapping of Grandmother’s cane. Grandmother stopped halfway into the living room, breathing a bit heavy. “Are you all right, Grandmother?”

  “Yes, just takes me a bit longer to get to my chair these days.”

  Annie watched as she walked a few more steps, stopping once more, and then continuing to her chair.

  “We’re both not getting around as much as we did,” Patty said, then she coughed, covering her mouth with a lace hankie.

  “Well, that’s what brought me here today.” Annie’s heart pounded in her chest, and the looks on their faces crushed her. Maybe she should try another approach, than you’re too old to be by yourself. “Charles and Betsy are purchasing their first house together. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “I hope they don’t think we are moving into their new house,” Grandmother said in a brash tone, making the hair on Annie’s arms stand.

  “No, nothing like that.” Why was this so hard? “Grandmother,” Annie said, making eye contact with her.

  Grandmother raised her left brow and angled her head.

  “Auntie,” Annie continued, looking quickly away.

  “Yes, dear?”

  “It’s time.”

  Patty dropped her chin and stared at the floor. Grandmother made a humph sound.

  “Do you know what I mean?” Annie asked in a soft pitch.

  “Yes,” Grandmother answered.

  “Yes,” Patty said right afterward.

  “Who’d like tea?” Annie hopped up from the sofa and made her way toward the kitchen.

  “Annie,” Grandmother said, stopping Annie from moving.

  Annie slowly turned toward her. “Yes, Grandmother?”

  “What about the house?”

  Annie shrugged. “Those are details we’ll have to work out.” Annie rushed toward the kitchen. She reached out and grabbed the counter with both hands, bracing her body. She couldn’t stop the tears.

  “What’s up, Sis?”

  “It’s time.”

  Mary didn’t speak for a moment. Then she cleared her throat. “How’d they take it?”

  “They took it just fine. However, they’re worried about the house.”

  More silence came from the other end of the phone.

  “I know it means the world to them. It has so much history and has been in the family for generations, but I have my home here with Jack, and I don’t want to move there. I want them to move into the cottage, but do we sell the house, even though it’s against their wishes? Do we let it sit empty until they’re both gone? I just don’t know what to do.”

  “It makes perfect sense for them to move into the cottage. That way you’ll be there, and if you need to hire additional help, then you can oversee that as well. Doesn’t it suck to be the oldest?”

  “Mary, I need your help and encouragement, not your snide remarks.”

  “I’m sorry, I always say dumb things when I’m scared.”

  “Scared?”

  “You know that day will come, Annie. I don’t know if I can bear it.”

  “Listen, those two women have more time on this earth. They just need a little extra from us. They’re not ready to check out yet.”

  “I guess Danny and I could move into the house, instead. The cottage always was intended for them and they need it more than we do. This way, we can keep the maintenance up, then when the time comes to make another decision, we will.”

  “Would you do that? I know you two had your heart set on buying some land.”

  “I love that old house. It’s conveniently located downtown near the restaurants and bars, so that’s good.”

  “Thank you, Mary. That’s one problem solved. Jack is going to start on making the cottage ready for wheelchair accessibility, and putting in some handrails here and there, like in the shower. We’ll need help with moving them. I know you are in serious wedding mode, but if we can get them here before the wedding, that would be terrific.”

  “No worries, just tell me when.”

  “Put the couch over there, by the window,” Grandmother Lilly ordered. Jack and Danny put down the couch and began to walk away. “No, a little more this way,” Grandmother said, motioning with her hand.

  “A little higher,” Patty said.

  Annie obliged and slid the picture up the wall a little more. “Here?”

  Patty took a couple of steps backward. “Just a smidgeon more.”

  After a full day of hanging pictures and rearranging furniture, Annie’s eyes twinkled in amused interest as she looked around the room. The cottage, now warm and inviting, had a little bit of both Grandmother and Auntie in every room, and it made her happy deep inside.

  “I think you’ll both be very happy here. Jack has added some safety features for you. And, did you notice the custom rockers out front on the porch?”

  Grandmother Lilly wrapped her thin arms around Jack’s waist and hugged him close. “Thank you, dear. It’s so lovely to have a nice strong man around the house.”

  “I know it’s been a long day for you, but I do want to go over a few house rules with you.”

  Grandmother snorted. “House rules? Who do you think we are, college girls?”

  Annie smirked. “No, but I don’t want you cooking in here. Microwave only and the coffee maker.”

  “But I like to boil my water for tea on the stovetop,” Patty complained.

  “I’m sorry, Auntie Patty, but not anymore. You must use the microwave, or come up to the house and I’ll make you tea.”

  “So, we must have all our meals with you guys, too?” Grandmother placed her hands on her hips.

  Annie shook her head. “It’s that, or we can have Meals on Wheels delivered.”

  “Is there any room for compromise with this?�
�� Grandmother locked her eyes onto Annie’s. The staredown made her feel like a kid getting scolded by an adult.

  “Maybe,” Annie stuttered. “Let me think about it, but until we do come up with an alternative, please plan on eating with us.”

  “But tonight, we’re having pizza,” Jack said, breaking up the somber moment.

  Over the next two weeks, Grandmother and Auntie settled in quite nicely, and only once did Annie and her grandmother disagree on something. Annie contacted an agency and had a woman come out to meet them. Grandmother and Auntie didn’t put up any fuss, and understood she’d be there to help Annie. They came up with a schedule everyone could live with, and even included some meal preparation, which made Grandmother and Auntie happy.

  Annie fell onto her bed, both physically and mentally exhausted. The next hurdle would be Mary’s wedding. She went over a few things in her mind before drifting off to sleep.

  Jack didn’t have the heart to wake her to change out of her clothes, so he just covered her with an afghan and quietly crawled in beside her. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

  With half-closed eyes, she smiled. “Love you,” she whispered.

  Chapter 17

  Annie ran to the window and looked outside. She lifted her hand and gave Mary a signal that she’d be right out. She rushed over to the small upholstered chair sitting in the corner of their bedroom and grabbed her purse.

  “I’m off to help decorate the church,” Annie said, leaning in and kissing Ashton then Jack.

  “Have fun,” he called out as he watched her dash out the door.

  Annie pulled open the car door and sank into the rented van’s heavily worn leather seat. Breathing hard, she placed her seat belt around her lap and chest. “Okay, let’s go,” she said, looking over at Mary.

  Mary didn’t put the car in gear. She turned slightly, and with her back against the door she began to tap her fingers on the steering wheel.

  “What? Why aren’t we going?” Annie knitted her brows together.

  “Ribbon? Bows?” Mary said, twisting her mouth to the left.

  “Oh, geeze. I’ll be right back.” Annie pushed open the car door and headed toward the porch. Jack met her on the steps, holding a box filled with ribbon and bows. “Forget something?” He held it out to her.

  “I’d forget my head …” She took the box before finishing, holding it against her hip with one hand.

  Jack leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Take a deep breath. Everything will be all right.”

  “See you in a few hours.” Holding up her phone with her other hand, she added, “I remembered my phone, at least.”

  Jack tipped his head.

  Annie tossed the box onto the back seat and then leapt back in where she’d been sitting earlier. “Okay, now I’m ready.”

  The girls chatted about Rebecca’s new baby, about Grandmother and Auntie moving into the cottage, and about Danny and her upcoming move into the grand house downtown, which had been in their family for years and years.

  “Dad was raised in that house,” Mary said as she took the highway leading them to the church.

  “Yes, we’ve made a lot of good memories in that house. I’m glad you guys are moving in.”

  Mary pulled into the long tree lined road. It was only the second time Annie had been there. She really took in the beautiful trees draped in moss, as well as the rest of the landscaping. She could imagine what the church would look like bustled with guests.

  The two women headed to the back of the U-Haul van. Peering into the back, Mary said, “I’m so glad we found this lightweight aluminum arch. I love how you decorated it with floral swags in colors matching the other flowers.”

  “And using these painted masonry blocks to secure it was a great idea of Jack’s,” Annie said, lugging them to the porch.

  The girls got busy putting the decorations in place and then stepped back to admire their work. Annie wrapped her arm around Mary. “It’s beautiful, Sis,” she said, pulling her in close.

  “I don’t know which part I like the best,” Mary said, her eyes darting to the urns with the pussy willows to the candles that lined the window sills to the monogrammed fabric aisle runner.

  “One of my favorites is the wreath we made. The colors are so gorgeous,” Annie said.

  “Okay, I think our work is done here. Ready for the last stop?” Mary led the way out.

  “This back room is perfect for us,” Annie said, looking over the large banquet-size room.

  “I set the tables up like this, but if you’d rather have it some other way, please feel free to move them,” Rebecca said.

  “No, I think this works.”

  “We just have a few things to bring in. Table decorations and some flowers and greenery for the bridal table, and then we’ll be out of your hair,” Mary said, heading outside.

  Annie and Mary got to work. Soon every guest table was graced with a beautiful centerpiece with succulents. Floral swags draped the bridal party table and a candle centerpiece sat center of the table. A small round table at the entrance holding a framed picture of the happy couple along with a guest book and pen served as a guest sign in area. The cake table was also round, and had stacks of plates and silverware ready for the slicing of the layered delight. Although Danny and Mary had said no gifts, they set up a small table for those who would not follow instructions.

  “I like the idea of the money tree,” Mary said.

  “Jack worked hard on that. It’s so cute with all of its intricate branches,” Annie said, helping her set it up. “It’s really called the giving tree.” Annie placed a small woven basket filled with clothespins near the tree.

  The two women stepped back and admired their work. “Now, let’s get home and get ready.” Mary pulled her phone out of her pocket. “We have exactly three hours to get ready and get to that church!”

  Annie and Mary jogged out of the restaurant, waving to Rebecca as they exited. “See you at the wedding,” Mary called out.

  Rebecca waved and smiled.

  Chapter 18

  Jack stood in front of the full-length mirror with his tongue slightly askew as he worked on his tie. “I wonder how they’re doing in that small space?”

  “What you really mean,” Annie said, opening the closet door, “has Mary become one hot mess because of Grandmother and Auntie?” She pulled the dress she’d be wearing off its hanger and slipped it over her head.

  “Got it,” Jack said, turning around and showing off his neatly tied tie.

  Annie tilted her head. “Good job,” she said as she crossed to her jewelry box and retrieved the sapphire necklace and earring set Jack had given to her for her birthday. As she pulled the pieces out of the jewelry armoire that Jack had made her in his woodshop, she saw the pearls. Her hand flew to her mouth and she gasped. “I have to get these pearls to Mary.”

  “Your mother’s?”

  “Yes, something borrowed and something blue,” she said.

  “What will be the blue?”

  “The garter,” Annie said, smiling.

  “Ah, the blue garter standby. Why does everyone use that for the blue item?”

  “I guess because it’s the easiest. I could let her wear the sapphire set. They’re blue.”

  “Actually, they’d be borrowed and blue,” Jack said. “You look lovely, by the way.” He pulled her in and kissed her on the lips.

  “Thank you. I still need to do my hair and makeup, but I better check on them,” she said, eyeing her phone sitting on the bed.

  Jack let her go from his grasp and watched as she picked up her phone. He sat on the bed and pulled on his socks and then put on his shoes, while she talked. He’d nod his head to the left and then to the right, smiling occasionally, and even letting out a small laugh. The conversation seemed to be going well.

  “Thank goodness, all is well over at the granny unit.” Annie dropped her phone on the bed beside them.

  “Granny unit?”

  “T
hat’s what Mary is calling it. Of course, if Grandmother hears mention of that, well, I don’t want to be around if she does.” Annie stood and slipped on the black strappy sandals placed near the bed.

  “Twirl around for me,” Jack said, leaning back on his arms and looking at her with half-closed lids. His sexy voice made the hair on the back of her neck stand.

  She slowly turned around, making a complete circle and then stood with her hands clasped in front. “Well?”

  “Beautiful.” He extended his arms out for her to come to him.

  “Jack, we have a wedding to get to. There’s no time for this. And I have to wake Ashton up and get him ready. He has a very important part today.”

  “Just a little something to keep me going, please?” Jack pleaded with his eyes, making it impossible for her to refuse his request.

  She took little steps toward him, lowering herself onto his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gazed into his eyes. She pulled her hands up and ran her fingers through his thick hair and leaning down at the same time, gave him a kiss to remember.

  “That’s what I’m talking about. More from where that came from later, right?” He patted her on the butt.

  Annie leaped from his lap. “That’s just a little tease,” she said as she exited the bedroom to get Ashton up and dressed.

  “I’m heading over. Wish me luck,” Annie said with one hand on the doorknob.

  “Good luck,” Jack called out as he and Ashton sat on the sofa. “We gotta get going, though. It will take us forty minutes to get there. Tell them to hurry up,” he said, looking at his watch.

  She could hear the bantering from the porch. She drew in a deep breath and stepped inside. The small cottage looked like the inside of a dressing room. Lingerie was draped over the back of chairs, curling iron and blow dryers were placed on tables, makeup bags were strewn over the sofa cushions, and shoes … shoes were everywhere.