Sweet Carolina

by Debbie White

  “Really? Do you think it’s time for them to move to the cottage?”

  “Well …” Betsy stopped and locked eyes with Annie. “Charles and I had an idea. We wanted to discuss it with you, but since you brought them up …”

  Annie rocked back on her heels. “Okay, go ahead.”

  “What do you think about Charles and me moving in with them?”

  Chapter Two

  Annie had to hand it to Betsy and Charles. They’d come up with a better solution than any of them had. Grandmother and Auntie had grown to love them and enjoyed their company. Betsy and Charles both had experience in caring for the elderly, and the patience of a saint, to boot. If Grandmother and Auntie were on board with this idea, then Mary and Annie both agreed they’d give them their blessings.

  Annie made arrangements to meet Mary over at Grandmother and Auntie’s house. Charles and Betsy would already be there. While Annie waited for Mary, she sat in her car and pulled up pictures of Ashton on her phone. She hated to admit her lack of knowledge when it came to anything electronic. But when your camera is part of your phone, you didn’t have to be a pro. She touched his round cheeks with her fingers and smiled. Just then, Mary pulled up behind her. Annie put her phone away and stepped out of the vehicle.

  She pulled her lightweight coat together and lifted the collar. She crossed her arms and hugged them. “Brr, it’s getting cold,” she said.

  “I think we may get hit with an early winter,” Mary said, walking over to her.

  “Ready?” Annie said, nodding toward the house.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be,” she said, taking the first step.

  “Well, dears, it’s so nice of you two to visit. Tea?” Lilly said with a raised brow.

  Annie nodded and then turned to Mary and smiled. She turned her attention back to Grandmother. “Yes, that would be nice.”

  Lilly followed Betsy into the kitchen, where they could hear them chatter away while they prepared the tea. Annie and Mary sat down on the couch and smiled at Charles. “Grandmother seems like she’s in a great mood. This might go over better than I thought. Where’s Auntie?”

  “She’ll be out soon. She is changing her blouse. She spilled something on it.”

  Annie tipped her head. She knew all too well that both her grandmother and auntie always dressed appropriately, and most of the time overdressed. Annie sniggered. “They’re too funny. We’re family. No need to dress up.”

  “Well, you know your grandmother and auntie,” Charles said with a twinkle in his eyes.

  Mary crossed her legs and began to pump her foot. Finally, Annie placed her hand on Mary’s knee to get her to stop. Mary then uncrossed her legs at the knees and crossed them at the ankles. Soon her foot began twitching back and forth. Annie sighed.

  “Let me see if I can help them.” Annie rose from the coach and made her way to the kitchen. Just then, the ladies came out holding trays with cups, a small ceramic pot, and a plate of butter cookies. Annie reached for the one Grandmother held. “Let me help you.”

  Annie walked behind the two ladies, and soon Auntie joined them with a freshly laundered blouse.

  “Hello, Mary. Hello, Annie,” she said in her bubbly voice.

  “Good day, Auntie,” Mary said.

  Annie smiled at her. “It’s nice to see you. I have pictures of Ashton to share,” she said, retrieving her phone to show them. They took a few minutes to look at the pictures and then Annie sat back down next to Mary.

  Charles cleared his throat. “Are you and Danny all settled into your new place, Mary?”

  “Yes, we’re very comfy.”

  “And you and Jack are working things out being new parents?” he asked, changing his focus from Mary to Annie.

  Annie nodded. “Yes, it took us a little while, but I do believe we now have a routine. And we’re so blessed to have Jack’s mother, Milly, watching him so I can go back to work.”

  “She’s a doll for helping,” Auntie said, bringing the teacup to her lips She quickly reached for a napkin to catch the dribble making its way down her chin. She let out a small giggle.

  “How would you like to have Charles and Betsy be your roommates?” Mary said, blurting out the plan without so much of a hint it was coming.

  “Well, what I think Mary is asking,” Annie began, cutting a look toward Mary, “is if you’d like to have their company all the time. Now that Mary has moved out, you have an extra room.” Annie twisted her neck, and then hid her mouth with the palm of her hand so no one could see as she stuck her tongue out at her sister.

  Lilly snorted, and Patty breathed out the breath she’d apparently been holding and gasped. “Share a room … here?”

  Annie’s eyes widened when she realized what they were getting at. Charles and Betsy were not married. They didn’t care what folks did outside of their house, but there was no way in heaven or earth they’d let that go on under their roof. “Oh, that’s right. That might present a problem.” She looked over at Charles and then Betsy for help.

  “Problem solved, Lilly. We’d never think of disrespecting you or your rules. In fact, we’re a bit old-school, too.” Charles reached over and picked up Betsy’s hand and showed them the thin gold band on her finger. “We got married yesterday.”

  Annie’s jaw dropped, Mary gasped, and more loud sighs came from Lilly and Patty.

  “Congratulations, you two!” Annie leaped from the couch and ran to them, hugging them both. “This is great news,” she said, looking over her shoulder at Mary.

  Mary nodded. “Yes it is, isn’t it Grandmother and Auntie?”

  “Well, I wish you had let us in on the little secret. We would have loved to do something special for you.” Lilly lifted her chin and grunted.

  “We’ve both been married before, so a simple ceremony was all that we wanted,” Betsy said, squeezing Charles’s hand.

  “But no decision has to be made today. Think it over,” Charles said, speaking up.

  “That’s right. We’re just tossing the idea out there. With Mary living across town, and me and Jack out on the island, we’d feel better about them living here. But it’s up to you, the decision is yours and yours alone to make.” Annie wondered if the reverse psychology was working.

  As they all took in Charles and Betsy’s exciting news, they finished sipping their tea and enjoying the cookies. They talked about family stuff, Jack’s new business adventure, and of course, Ashton. After about ninety minutes, the visit came to an end. Grandmother, Auntie, Charles, and Betsy walked Mary and Annie to the front door.

  “Does this mean that Betsy won’t be working at the bakery anymore?” Patty asked.

  Annie stopped in her tracks and whirled around. “Betsy, I’ll let you answer that.”

  “I’ll still work there, but I’d like to cut my hours. Annie is looking for a new baker now.”

  Annie tipped her head. “Yes, and it is proving to be more difficult than I’d hoped.”

  “You know, we could clear out the attic, and it would be a great mini apartment,” Lilly said out of the blue.

  Annie had forgotten about the space. It held boxes, stacked to the ceiling, an old brass bed, and who knows what else. A private bath adjoined the area, and a small landing near the staircase gave it a nice private feel.

  “Grandmother, that’s a great idea. It really is a nice space. We used to play up there a lot when we were kids.”

  “We could have a weekend where we all pitch in to clean it up, get it painted, etcetera,” Mary said, reaching her arm out to stroke Lilly’s arm.

  “So, does this mean we’re moving in?” Charles said, followed by a burst of laughter.

  “I think so,” Patty said, nodding toward her sister, Lilly.

  “Grandmother, that’s so kind of you to offer them the attic space. It really will make a nice apartment, and you’ll have them right here with you. I may be losing the best baker for Sweet Indulgence, but you’ll be gaining a great cook, baker, and the companionship of two very
special people.” Annie smiled over at the newlyweds.

  “Just tell us when and we’ll bring the reinforcements,” Mary quipped.

  “Sounds like a plan,” Betsy said, walking them to the door.

  “See you tomorrow, Betsy,” Annie said, walking out the front door.

  “Peter will be there tomorrow,” Betsy said, bobbing her head between bodies to make eye contact with Annie.

  “Is he fully trained? He can do everything you can do?”

  “He still has a few things to learn, but he’s catching on fast. I’ll be there to help guide him, but he might be the next baker, and no need to look any further.”

  Annie tilted her head and pursed her lips tightly. “That would be the answer to all my prayers.”

  Mary leaned in and kissed her grandmother and auntie on the cheek and then Annie did the same. The two women walked down the sidewalk together, very happy with how things went.

  Annie stood at her car, with one hand on the passenger door. She quickly opened the door and tossed her purse on the seat. “It couldn’t have gone any better.” She slammed the door shut.

  “I know you probably didn’t like the way I handled it, but I didn’t see any reason to pussyfoot around the issues. We’d still be trying to discuss it if I hadn’t just jumped in and blurted out the reason we were there.”

  “I get it. I try to handle them with kid gloves, but they can deal with almost anything. Their age is just a number. They’ve seen a lot and have been around the block a few times. They’re very intelligent women. They know this is the aging process. No matter how much we hate it and don’t want to admit it, it is what it is, and when family offers help and solutions, you just need to give in some.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. And what about those two lovebirds?”

  “I know, I think that was a last-minute decision on their part, but it’s all good. I’m happy for them, and I think it really sealed the deal.” Annie walked around the back of her car. “Have a great day, sis.” She crossed to the driver’s side and opened the door, about to slide in.

  “Hey, Annie?”

  Annie rose up and made eye contact with Mary. “Yes?”

  “If Danny and I did what Charles and Betsy did, would you be as understanding?”

  Annie placed a hand on her car roof. Knitting her brows together, she let out a long sigh. “If that’s what you two choose to do, then I guess we’d have to accept it. I would much rather give you a real wedding. Mom and dad would have liked to see you have the wedding of your dreams. There’s money in the trust for that, too.”

  “I know, but Danny and I aren’t the church type.”

  “Doesn’t have to be in a church. Jack and I got married under that big, old sweet magnolia tree,” she said, recalling their beautiful day.

  “We don’t have anything like that, but we’re still thinking about it.”

  “Are you officially engaged? Where was I when you made this announcement?”

  “No, not officially. We don’t do anything the conventional way.”

  “That’s true,” Annie said, giggling.

  “Well, hug that nephew of mine. I’m coming over soon for my auntie fix. That, and to see that big puppy, Isla.”

  “She’s growing as fast as Ashton. Yes, please come by. Bring Danny, too. No need to call, just drop by. Oh, and don’t forget Jack’s birthday bash, two weeks from tomorrow.”

  “Oh, that’s right. We’ll be there.” Mary blew Annie a kiss.

  Annie reciprocated and then got into her vehicle and drove off.

  Chapter Three

  Talk about anxiety. Annie had plenty to go around, and it didn’t just involve her reluctance to be too far away from Ashton. Throwing Jack a birthday party proved to be a bit more challenging than maybe Annie bargained for. But like anything, she took the task at hand by the horns, and made it the best she could. And from the sounds of it, she did a pretty good job.

  “Annie, what you’ve done for Jack is so nice. I love the carved jack-o’-lanterns all over the place,” her best friend and one of the original sorority sisters, Vicky said.

  “And where in the world did you find the little pumpkin lights?” Mary asked.

  “Craft store in town,” Annie said, admiring the stringed lights.

  “Well, everything is very nice,” Vicky said, wrapping her arm around Annie.

  “Please enjoy yourselves. There’s plenty of food and drink. I’m going to go rescue the birthday boy from Grandmother,” Annie said, stepping away from the huddle.

  Ashton bobbled his toys while he sat on Jack’s lap. He put everything in his mouth, so Annie and Jack made sure all his toys were of the finest materials. In fact, Jack made a teething toy for him out of solid maple, sanded smooth with no chemicals or stains. Ashton gummed it to death and had it in his mouth now.

  Annie held out her arms. “Come to Mommy.”

  Jack leaned in and kissed both Ashton and Annie on the cheek. “I’m going to go over and talk with Major Scott Collins.” His voice boomed when he said the man’s name.

  Annie chuckled. “Yes, why don’t you.” She sat down next to her grandmother while she bounced Ashton on her knee. She watched as Jack made his way over to Scott. He always mock saluted him before engaging in conversation with him. Annie wondered if Jack missed his opportunity to join the military. She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly; the selfish side of her was glad he’d never been. Annie’s awareness of some stuff regarding Danny and his PTSD that Mary was dealing with, gave her a window into what could happen to the men and women who serve, especially during conflict. Knowing how inevitable war could be, Annie, now the mother of a son, held her baby even closer.

  Soon all the ladies gathered around Annie and her grandmother, Ashton drawing them in like a magnet. Everyone wanted to hold him. He got passed around like the football during their family-friendly Thanksgiving football game.

  Annie had made costumes optional, and most people came dressed in street clothes, but it turned out many wanted to get into the spirit of Halloween. Mary and Danny came dressed as Bonnie and Clyde, and Annie had found a cute clown sleeper for Ashton and put some red lipstick on his cheeks. Grandmother and Auntie wore dark clothes and white crocheted shawls wrapped around their shoulders. They wore large hats secured under their chin with wide ribbon and told everyone they were dressed up as pioneer women. Annie laughed but then realized it wasn’t too far from the truth. Those two really were pioneer women!

  The children played games like bobbing for apples, fishing for toys out of a large plastic wading pool, and carving pumpkins.

  “I think I’m going to go over and see the young people play some games,” Patty said.

  Annie tipped her head.

  “Wait for me, I’ll join you,” Grandmother said, trailing behind her.

  “Your grandmother and auntie are sure spry women for their age,” Vicky said.

  “Yes, they really are. I hope they’ll always have good health.” Annie drew in her bottom lip as her eyes welled up. “How’s your house coming along?” she asked, changing the subject.

  “It’s coming along well. In fact, we should be moved in the week before Christmas.”

  “Wow, that’s such a busy time.”

  “Yes, but it will be so nice to be in our dream home. I think we’ll have a little get-together for New Year’s Eve.”

  “That will be nice. By the way, have you heard from our wayward college sisters, Cassie and Jessica? I’ve invited them over twice since Ashton came home and they haven’t come yet. The last time I saw them was at my baby shower.”

  Vicky shook her head. “No, I haven’t. I’ve just talked to them on the phone a few times. They seem to be doing all right.”

  “Yeah, I’ve talked to them on the phone, too, but it sure would be nice to see them. I get it, though. They have their families, and I’m sure their time is stretched, just like mine.”

  Vicky drew in a deep breath and blinked a few times.

&nb
sp; “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to …”

  “No worries. It’s just something we have to get used to. We won’t be having any children.”

  “Vicky, what about adoption?”

  “We inquired, but they are discouraging us because Scott is in the military.”

  “That’s just stupid. You two would make great parents, military or no military. What does that mean exactly, anyway?”

  “We might get stationed somewhere else, I guess, before the process can be finalized.”

  “Well, get another attorney to give an assessment. I’m sure something can be done. They shouldn’t be able to use the military as a reason for not granting the adoption. That’s … that’s being prejudiced.”

  Vicky wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks. “It does seem so wrong. We have so much love to give. We have a new beautiful house with four bedrooms, and we earn a decent income.”

  “Don’t give up. Promise me you won’t give up,” Annie said, turning and placing both hands on Vicky’s arms.

  Vicky nodded. “Okay, we won’t, I promise.”

  “And let’s also make a pinky promise right now that we’re going to go see those two college sisters of ours shortly. If they won't come to us, we’ll go to them.”

  Broadening her smile to match her excitement, Vicky agreed. “Deal,” she said, holding out her pinky.

  Annie flipped the light switch off and closed the door about halfway as she stepped out into the hallway.

  “He’s worn out,” Jack whispered.

  “It was all the excitement and being passed around to everyone. He will either sleep great, or he’ll be overstimulated and wake up a bunch of times.”

  “Think positive,” Jack said, leading Annie down the hall toward their bedroom.

  Sitting on the side of the bed, Annie rubbed lotion onto her feet and hands. Then she applied night cream to her face. “Scott and Vicky want a child so badly.”

  “Why don’t they adopt,” Jack said, climbing under the covers.