by Debbie White
“I’ll walk over there when I see them come up the drive. They might need some help piling those lightheaded folks into the car,” Jack said with pursed lips.
Annie pulled in her bottom lip and nodded back.
At the last minute, little Jasmine came down with a cold, so Vicky and Scott opted out of the carriage ride, leaving just Danny, Mary, Jack, Annie, Richard, and Diane. They dropped off Ashton over at Milly and Robert’s, and picked up Richard and Diane. They left Crystal with Milly, as well. The six of them headed downtown where a carriage awaited them.
The clopping noise of hooves on cobblestone lulled the group into a peaceful silence, and as the horse-drawn carriage made its way up and down the streets, they took in the simply decorated Charleston homes, many with just wreaths and greenery. Wide red ribbon and big bows draped lampposts, and the occasional white delicate twinkling lights strung in windows gave off a luminous glow. While snuggled under red plaid blankets and sipping on cups of coffee, the group of friends toured Charleston as if it were their first time.
“That was so much fun,” Diane said. “I have suggested this tour a thousand times, maybe even more, and yet this is my first time doing it.”
“I know, it’s right here in our neighborhood and we forget to play tourist ourselves,” Mary said in agreement.
“Where to next, tour guide?” Jack said, nodding toward Annie.
“The marketplace!”
The most famous for sweetgrass basketry, the marketplace showcased some of the most beautiful handicrafts of African origin. Annie had her eye on a very elegant one and immediately wanted to buy it for Mary. “Jack,” Annie whispered.
Jack playfully nudged her and leaned in.
“I want to get this basket for Mary. Keep her away, while I make the purchase.”
Jack nodded. He searched the marketplace, and when he caught a glimpse of her and Danny, he made a beeline toward them.
Annie picked up the small brown basket with a handle made out of the locally harvested marsh grass, which grew wild in the low country, and admired it. This was a true handicraft. She asked the clerk to box it up. As she made her way to the next booth, a pair of dangling earrings made of abalone shell caught her eye. She immediately thought of Auntie Patty. No matter how old they were, they still liked to dress in style. When Annie came across the booth displaying hats, she knew the perfect gift for Grandmother. With bags looped over each arm, Annie caught up with the rest of the group. “I’m famished. Ready to go eat?”
“What’s in the bags?” a nosey Mary asked, nudging one of the bags with her hands.
Annie lifted the bag away from her reach. “Hands off,” she joked.
The group walked the two blocks to the restaurant, and over shrimp and grits and other Charleston favorites, the friends enjoyed the good food and conversation.
“What a great holiday treat,” Jack said, lifting his glass for a toast.
While Jack and Annie lay in bed, listening to the dogs snore softly from their beds, they reminisced about the carriage ride and shopping trip.
Jack pulled his arm out from under the bedding and guided it under her head, pulling her closer. “So, let’s see. We’ve done the tree cutting, the grandparents booze party, and the downtown carriage ride.” He moved his hand up to her head and ran his hand through her hair.
She snuggled deeper into him. “We have the lights at James Island and dinner at California Dreaming on Wednesday, and then the last thing before Christmas Eve is when we’re meeting everyone at Black Eyed Pea on the twenty-first.”
Soft snores came from Jack’s side of the bed.
“Jack? Jack did you hear me?” Annie rolled slightly up on one elbow and gazed at Jack. She dropped back down and closed her eyes. It had been a long day.
“I’m so happy Jasmine is feeling better. I know she’ll love the Christmas lights,” Annie said on the phone with Vicky.
“We’re looking forward to dinner, too. See you in a bit. Are you sure you don’t mind driving?” Vicky asked.
“Not at all, we borrowed one of the limos so we can see the lights in style.”
There were lights shaped like boats, lights shaped like bridges, and lights designed after well-known characters. After they toured the massive display, they parked the car at the gift store area, where Ashton and Jasmine tried their skill at ice-skating. Ashton did pretty well for a youngin. Then they sipped some hot chocolate and roasted some marshmallows. When Ashton begged Jack to put his third marshmallow on the metal roasting tool, Annie mentioned it might be time to go eat dinner.
Just as she’d suspected, neither Ashton nor Jasmine were really hungry with a bellies full of marshmallows and hot chocolate. At Christmas time, all rules went out the window it seemed. The parents convinced them to at least share some chicken strips.
Annie enjoyed her grilled fish and Jack oohed and ahhed over his baby back ribs. Vicky had their famous California Dreaming salad, known to be gigantic, and Scott had a rib eye steak cooked to perfection, pink in the center, just the way he liked it. After dinner, they drove back to Kiawah where Jack decided it would be a great night for a bonfire.
“Ashton is all tucked in and Isla and Buffy are on guard duty,” she said, snuggling next to him as he poked the fire.
“It’s a beautiful night. It’s so clear, you can see all the stars,” he said, looking up into the dark and immense sky.
“I had a lovely evening. I’m so happy Vicky and Scott were able to join us tonight. I think Jasmine had a blast, too,” Annie said, resting her arm on his leg.
He cupped her hand with his and squeezed it. “We’re truly blessed, that’s for sure.”
Annie’s eyes darted to a movement she saw near some trees. “Shh, look, a deer.” She nodded toward the grove of trees to the right of them. They both watched as two deer slowly inched their way deeper into the property, then losing sight of them completely.
Jack moved his hand and ran it up her back, resting it right at the nape of her neck. She shivered. “Are you cold?” He pulled her closer.
“Not really, when you touch me, something happens. No matter where we are at, you do something to me that I can’t explain.” She studied every inch of his face.
“I feel it, too. I guess we have a strong connection.” He lowered his eyes to her mouth, causing the heat to rise to her face.
She inched a bit closer. “Kiss me,” she whispered.
He cupped her face and drew her in closer, and before he found her mouth to kiss her, he sighed. “You are more beautiful each day. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it is.” He moved closer and their lips met. She relaxed her shoulders, not realizing how stiff she’d become.
He deepened the kiss more, and just when she opened her mouth to let him know she wanted more, a squeaky door opened and a voice called out, “Get a room.” Then the door shut loudly.
Both Jack and Annie burst out laughing. “I thought you said you fixed that door?”
Chapter 21
Annie grew more excited about the dinner at Black Eyed Pea, and the final to-do item on her holiday list, than any other event thus far. It would be the day the pinky sisters returned for their agreed upon visit, and her loyal and loving staff of Sweet Indulgence, and of course, her husband Jack, would all attend.
Rebecca and her restaurant staff went all-out to provide a very tasty holiday meal, complete with turnip greens, homemade biscuits, and pork chops smothered in mushrooms and onions. For dessert, Rebecca’s grandmother carried out the prettiest pineapple upside down cake ever.
Annie clinked her water glass with her spoon. Once all eyes were on her, she stood. “Thank you so much for coming tonight. Thank you to Rebecca for letting us crash your restaurant, and thank you to your wonderful staff for such a great meal.” Annie clapped.
The entire table clapped along with her.
“We have a lot to be thankful for. It would take too much time for me to go through the entire list, but please know each of you hold a spe
cial place in my heart.” Annie’s eyes began to well up with tears.
“I think back to earlier years. They were pretty sad and hard to get through. Losing your parents is never easy. I thank God every day I had Grandmother and Auntie and Mary. Mary would be here tonight, but she and Danny are babysitting, and she’s getting really good at it, too.”
The table laughed.
“I’m thankful to my college sisters, who gave me the idea to start Sweet Indulgence.” She nodded to them each separately, blowing them kisses. “I’m very thankful for Jack, who entered the bakery that day to pick up cupcakes for Crystal.” She focused on his eyes and smiled. More oohs and ahhs came. “And, I’m most thankful for the dedicated and very loyal staff, who have made it possible for me to become more of a silent owner.” Annie’s eyes rested on Peter, Betsy, Toby, and Keith and Morgan who had come into town to visit family during the holidays. “And, Rebecca, … where are you?” Annie searched the room for her friend.
Rebecca came forward from behind and waved.
“Thank you, Rebecca, for being a model employee, and for hosting us tonight.”
The group turned and applauded Rebecca.
“So, here’s to finding your happiness. I’ve certainly found mine. Merry Christmas!” Annie raised her water glass.
Everyone slid their chairs back and raised their glasses. “Merry Christmas,” everyone shouted.
Annie, Jack, Vicky, and Scott stayed behind after everyone had left the restaurant. Annie wanted to express her gratitude to Rebecca and her grandmother once more.
Annie handed Rebecca an envelope. “Merry Christmas, Rebecca. Thanks again for hosting us. It was so good.”
“Anytime, I’m grateful for you, too, you know.”
Annie cocked her head. “How so?”
“If you hadn’t taken a chance on me that day, I might not be where I’m at.”
“Oh, please. You already had the skill. You just needed more confidence. And boy, did that ever flourish after only a little time.” Annie patted her on the shoulder.
Rebecca walked the couples out the door, and then turned the open sign to closed. She waved to them before turning out the lights.
Vicky and Scott walked with their arms around each other, and Jack and Annie did the same. The brisk night air caused Annie to squeeze her jacket together and they picked up their pace a bit, reaching their cars in a few minutes.
“Thanks for hanging out with us,” Annie said to Vicky, the light wind now picking up some and causing her to shudder.
“You better get home and rest. They say rest is the best for pregnant moms.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “How’d you know?”
“You didn’t drink alcohol. You haven’t drank any wine or anything for the last few times we’ve been together. I told you the day I saw you drink water for a toast, then I’d know. So, am I right?” Vicky dug her hands into her pockets of her sweater jacket and shrugged her shoulders.
Annie took her hand out of her pocket and reached for Jack’s hand. He laced his fingers with hers. They both nodded at the same time.
Vicky pulled her hands out of her pockets and rushed toward them, dancing around them as she hugged them tightly. “I’m so happy for you two!”
“We were waiting until we could tell Jack’s folks and Grandmother and Auntie. They come over Christmas Eve.”
“Does Mary know?”
Annie smirked. “I swear, that girl knew before I did.”
“She has that uncanny skill, right?” Vicky laughed.
“We have some good news, too.” Scott said, stepping in close to them all. Vicky urged him to tell by nodding. “We are adopting another child, a little boy from Korea.”
“Oh, guys, that’s so wonderful! Jasmine will have a sister.” Annie’s eyes welled. “Sorry—hormones,” she said, wiping the tears away.
“Ashton will be a big brother, and Jasmine will be a big sister,” Vicky said, crying now, too.
“And they’ll be the best of friends. Because, there’s nothing sweeter than sharing iced tea, backyard barbecues, and bonfires with good friends. Everything is sweeter in Carolina.”
“Everything is sweeter in Carolina,” they echoed as they clasped hands and looked up to the brightly shining stars overhead.
Chapter 22
After the Christmas Eve dinner, consisting of mostly heavy appetizers, the family settled into various comfy chairs, sofas, and even the floor. A few remained seated at the dining room table. The house didn’t seem quite so large when everyone came over.
Crystal and Ashton played tag, running all through the house, laughing with the two dogs on their butts. Grandmother and Auntie were in deep discussion with Jack’s grandparents. The only people who seemed to be a bit bored were Susan and Preston Powell, Danny’s folks. Annie sighed as she watched Mary trying her hardest to be the thoughtful daughter-in-law and engage them in conversation. Annie wanted to go over and gently smack Susan on the shoulder and tell her to lighten up, but it wouldn’t do any good.
Jack started the fire and sat down on the hearth. His eyes rested on Annie’s, giving her a nod it was time.
She smiled back at him, letting him know she understood. She beckoned him to join her by curling her index finger toward him. “Everyone, I have an announcement.” She laced her arm with Jack’s.
Grandmother tapped her cane a few times to get everyone to stop talking. “Annie has a special announcement to make.” Lilly screwed up her face as she locked eyes with Annie. “Please, child, hurry up and tell us what we already know.”
Annie widened her eyes and then shot Mary a look, letting her know that she had something coming to her for letting out the secret. Mary shook her head and mouthed, “I didn’t say anything.”
Annie knitted her brows. “Tell you what you already know? What is it that everyone knows before I tell them, Grandmother?” Annie decided to play along to get Grandmother’s goat.
Grandmother cleared her throat. “You’ve been really tired lately. You cry at the drop of a hat, and let’s see, I think you’ve gained a few pounds.” Her eyes settled on Annie’s belly.
Annie straightened her posture. “Grandmother Lilly, nothing can get by you, can it?”
“Nope, and don’t even try. When’s the baby due?”
“Baby!” Milly said, jumping up and almost dumping poor Ashton to the ground.
“Dear Lord, Milly, where’ve you been?” Grandmother furrowed her brows.
“I didn’t catch it, but now I get it. You’re having another baby.” Milly ran over to Jack and hugged him, then made her way to Annie.
After the commotion of the announcement drifted back to normalcy, everyone started handing out suggestions for baby names. Grandmother Cora felt her mother’s name would be suitable if it was a girl, and Polly offered a male version of Robert—Roberta.
Milly held her hand up in protest. “Nope, I got it. Jacanna.”
The entire group at once yelled, “Jacanna?”
Milly heaved her shoulders up and down. “You know. Jac … anna,” she said enunciating each syllable, to clearly show it was part of Jack’s and Annie’s names.
Grandmother didn’t hold back. “That’s the most ridiculous name I’ve ever heard. They are most certainly not going to name her that.”
Annie bit down on her lip. Things were beginning to heat up.
Jack wrapped his arm around Annie, pulling her close. “Should we let them know we already picked out a name?”
“No.”
Jack pursed his lips. “I thought we settled on Carolina?” he whispered.
Annie’s eyes twinkled as she lovingly smiled at him. “We did, but if we tell them the name, then they’ll know we’re having a girl. And I want to wrap this Christmas Eve celebration up.” Annie cracked a smile, while playfully nudging him.
Jack tossed his head back and roared with laughter. “I see you’ve met my family, huh?” He leaned in and kissed her. “I love you, Mrs. Powell.”
“Love you more,” she said, holding him with one arm, while resting her other hand on her belly. “And, just so you know, I adore your family.”
Jack’s eyes moved from one set of couples to another as he watched them decipher the news. It was traveling through the crowd like wild fire. “We have a great family. They’re not perfect, but when the chips are down, they come out in full force. That’s what families do.”
Annie nodded. “I’m so thankful to have them all in Ashton’s and soon, Carolina’s life.”
“Oh, look, Grandmother is calling for me. I think they’re ready to go home.” Jack pulled away from Annie and headed over to both Lilly and Patty.
Snuggled in the crux of his arm, Annie closed her eyes and listened to the sounds the dark house made at night—the occasional thumping of ice being made in the freezer, the humming of the heater as it began to wind up. She could hear the trees softly swaying in the December night breeze, along with an occasional hoot from a nearby owl. And if she listened really hard, she could hear sounds of little marsh birds and insects, which seemed to be the most vocal at night. And soon, with the contentment of being in the arms of the man she loved, Annie drifted off to sleep.
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Letter From Debbie
Thank you so much for reading Sweet Carolina, book three of the Charleston Harbor Novels. I really hope you enjoyed it.
If you did enjoy Sweet Carolina, I’d love it if you’d write a review. It helps to get the word out about my books to readers. So, thank you in advance for helping me do that.
