by Debbie White
Jack smiled when he saw the ladies’ macaroni and cheese dish. He teasingly took it from Annie. “This is all mine,” he said.
“The turkey smells delicious, Milly,” Annie said.
“It’s the one meal a year that takes me all day to prepare and about fifteen minutes to eat. Then there is the cleanup,” she said, shaking her head.
“One of these days, we’ll be the hosts and take this work off of you,” Annie said, hoping her words of kindness brought a smile to Milly’s face.
“I’m all for that, how about you, ladies?” Milly directed her attention toward Lilly and Patty.
“What can we do to help, now?” Lilly said.
“The table has to be set. The china and silver are over there,” Milly said, motioning toward the tall oak china cabinet.
Annie and the ladies set the table, and soon everyone crowded around, inhaling all the good smells that wafted from the table and kitchen. After Jack’s grandmother Wiggins said a blessing, they dug in to eat. Chatter ensued about everything from the weather to Jack and Annie’s upcoming wedding.
“I thought a summer wedding would be nice. I always wanted an outdoor wedding.”
“Not too late in the summer or you’ll be a hot mess,” Patty said, chiming in.
“Auntie Patty, that’s not very nice,” Mary scolded.
“Well, it’s true. The heat and the humidity will zap your energy, not to mention your hairdo.”
The group laughed.
“How about spring, early May?” Annie nodded as she looked around the room.
Jack reached over and patted her on the leg. “I think May sounds great.”
“Will you be able to get everything planned, ordered, and reserved by May?” Milly wondered.
“Not this May, next May,” she said, lowering her voice when she clarified herself.
“Oh, I just presumed …” Milly said, trailing off.
“Mother, I never said any specific timeframe. We have a lot to discuss. We’re going to build on the property overlooking the bay.” Jack puffed out his chest as he dug into the mashed potatoes.
“Finally. We’ll have a vacation home,” Danny said.
Jack put his fork down. “No, not a vacation home—Annie and my home. You’ll be welcome to visit and even stay the night, but it’ll be our home.” Jack looked around the room as all eyes were on him. “It is still mine to build on, correct?” He looked directly at his mother and grandmother.
“Yes, dear, of course.”
In no time the conversation became lively with various topics discussed. When it turned to Mary and Danny, Annie could sense her embarrassment when she witnessed Mary’s cheeks turn bright red.
“Oh, to be young again,” Annie muttered.
Lilly raised her glass. “Here, here.”
After a filling dinner, Annie, Jack, Mary, and Danny told the older folks to go in the living room and rest. “We’ll get the dishes done and bring dessert in later,” Annie said, shooing them out of the dining room.
Mary and Danny removed the dishes from the table and scraped, Jack stored all the leftovers in containers, and Annie rinsed and stacked the dishes in the dishwasher.
Jack came up behind her and laid his chin on her shoulder. “You smell good.”
Annie whirled around. “Thank you. It’s called Beautiful.”
“Well, how apropos, Beautiful perfume for a beautiful person.” He touched her lips with his.
“Don’t let Mother stress you out regarding wedding dates or plans.”
“I won’t, but I just want to make everyone happy. You see how vocal my grandmother is.”
Jack laughed. “We have a very opinionated lot. I like the idea of a May wedding. It will give us plenty of time to get the house built. How do you feel about having the ceremony on our little island?”
Annie’s eyes widened. “You read my mind. I even thought if we didn’t have it finished we could put up some of those big white tents, rent tables and chairs, and strings lights all around and through the trees. I even know where I would want us to stand for the ceremony.”
Jack cocked his head to the right.
“By that big magnolia tree in the middle of the land. It would be a perfect place to stand and say our vows.”
Jack wrapped his arms around Annie and held her tight. “They say things happen for a reason. That sometimes we have to go through difficult times to get to the good.” He pulled back from her.
“I know it. I feel the same way. I’ve had some pretty devastating things happen to me, but once you came into my life, they just became a memory. You, Jack Powell, will be the new shining light, the light that will lead us to happiness.” She pulled him in for another kiss.
“Hey, you two, break it up or get a room. We have dishes to do,” Mary said, snapping the dish towel at Jack’s rear.
Chapter 31
Annie had not been this excited about Christmas in a very long time. She put the little harness on Buffy and her sweater and hooked up the leash. She’d wait for Jack downstairs. That’s how excited she’d become over one of the holidays she’d always dreaded before.
She’d only waited for a minute when Jack pulled up. He jumped out of the van and opened the door for her. “I’d say someone is excited about cutting down a Christmas tree.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
While Christmas carols played in the background, Buffy curled up into a ball and rested on the back seat.
“Our first Christmas tree,” she said, beaming with happiness.
They walked up and down the beaten down trails looking at all the trees. Annie stopped in front of one. “This one. I want this one.”
“It’s kind of big. Do you think it will fit in your apartment?”
Annie turned and looked straight up. “I guess it is kind of big, but look how pretty it is.”
“Let’s keep looking,” Jack said.
Annie looked left and right, up ahead, and around the corner. Finally, a tree caught her eye. “Over here. I found it.”
Jack walked toward the tree carrying the ax. He nodded. “Now, that’s a perfect tree.”
After the tree farm employee helped Jack load the tree and secure it, Annie and Jack went back inside for a cup of warm cider and chocolate chip cookies. The little store had a potbellied stove in the corner providing heat. Annie rubbed her hands together.
“I didn’t even think to invite your grandmother. She probably would have liked to pick out a fresh tree.”
“She buys one every year from the Boy Scouts. I’ll drive her over to their lot where she’ll pick out the most homely looking tree there. I’ll try to convince her not to, but she’ll insist. It’s our ritual, every year.”
Jack laughed. “You mean a Charlie Brown tree?”
“A step-up from that, but it’s still pretty sparse.”
“Well, maybe there’s a reason she picks scrawny trees?”
“Oh, there is. It’s not a very good one, though. She claims that if she doesn’t get it no one else will, and because they’ve already been cut down, it will die in a heap in a corner somewhere.”
“She has a great imagination.”
“She just enjoys being dramatic. But, she really decorates these little trees up to look pretty, so maybe she has a point.”
“I say let her do whatever makes her happy.” Jack drew in a taste of the warm cider. “We must learn how to make this for our Christmas celebrations.” He leaned over and kissed her on the mouth.
She ran her tongue over her bottom lip. “Spicy and hot,” she said, raising her brows for dramatic effect.
“Spicy and hot, huh? Is that how you like your men, too?” He nudged her arm.
“You could say that.” She tossed her head back and drank the last of her cider, throwing the paper cup in the receptacle nearby. “Let’s go.” She winked.
He tossed back his drink and swallowed it down fast. She wouldn’t have to ask him twice.
“Okay, a little to the left … oops, n
ow lower the top, okay, steady, come in,” Annie said, directing Jack with the tree. “Okay, just a little bit more … good, you’re at the stand.”
“I can’t see the stand. Help me guide the trunk into the ring.”
Annie got down on her knees and helped put the trunk in the ring and then secured it by tightening the screws. They stood back and admired the tree. “It’s leaning just a little,” Annie said, tilting her head.
“Go back down and loosen the screws,” Jack said.
“Ahh, now that’s a gorgeous tree,” Annie said as she wrapped her arm around his waist. “Glass of wine?”
“Sounds good. Let me find some Christmas music.” He scanned the radio stations, finally tuning into one playing “Silent Night.”
“Here you go,” she said, handing him his glass.
“To our first Christmas together,” he said, clanking her glass. Jack wrapped silver garland around his neck and danced around. “I’m ready to decorate the tree whenever you are.”
Annie grabbed the box of lights. “I love you, Jack.”
“I love you, more.”
Decorating the tree took teamwork, and Jack and Annie were a great team. She’d toss the string of lights around the tree, and he’d catch it, and they worked the lights around and around until the last string hung on the branches. Annie watched as Jack carefully placed each ornament; his meticulous attention to detail evident in every placement.
Annie and Jack plopped down on the couch. Annie pulled up her legs and rested her feet on the coffee table as she admired the tree. She turned toward Jack and smiled. “We do good work.”
He patted her on the leg. “Yes, we do.”
“Jack?”
Jack took his eyes off the glowing tree and studied her face. “Yes?”
“We’re going to be okay, right?”
He turned his shoulder into the couch, now facing her. “Why would you ask me that?”
“Things seem so perfect. I’m scared.”
Jack reached for her hand and held it tightly. “Don’t be scared. I promise to love you until the end of time. We’ll have our ups and downs, but I promise you, I’ll never hurt you and will do everything in my power to protect you.”
A tear formed on her bottom lid.
“Don’t cry, hon. I mean it—things are going to be great.”
“I wish my folks were here to see how happy I am.”
Jack softened his features and pulled her close. “I know, baby. I wish they were here, too. But you know, my folks think of you as their second daughter. Everyone loves you. And, you have your grandmother and auntie, and don’t forget Mary.” A small smile formed on his mouth.
Annie giggled. “How could I forget any of my great and very eccentric family? And yes, your family has been so nice to me and my motley crew.” She squeezed his hand.
“Our wedding is going to be a big party. I can’t wait.” Jack said.
“Do you think it’s too far off? I mean I guess we could move it up?”
“I’m good with moving it up, and I’ll wait if that’s what we have to do. Of course, the wait will kill me,” Jack said, his sultry eyes making Annie shudder inside.
“I probably could get things ready by this May if we want to have it on the land. No reservations required,” she said, laughing at her own joke.
“True. And I know someone who could provide the wedding cake.” Jack smiled.
Annie gasped. “In fact, I thought we’d have cupcakes for the guests and have Betsy make a small cake for the top.”
“I know a lot of people here in town that can hook us up with canopies and chairs,” Jack said, getting more excited by the moment.
“Okay, let’s do it! Let’s get married this May by that glorious old magnolia tree. We mustn’t let time escape us, for no day is promised. I want my grandmother and auntie to be present.”
“Annie, that sounds great. Let’s start greasing the wheels now, and we’ll pick up full steam ahead as soon as the holidays are over.” Jack leaned in and kissed her.
Annie turned back and leaned against the sofa. Jack did the same. Still holding hands, listening to Christmas music, Jack and Annie steadied their eyes on the festive tree.
Chapter 32
Just as Annie said, Grandmother picked out a scrawny tree. It made her happy, and Annie came to realize that happiness meant different things to different people. It brought a smile to her face and in turn, to Annie’s. The holidays were filled with gatherings of every type. Annie took her employees out for lunch and gave them each a Christmas bonus. It was the very least she could do.
They all met at one of the restaurants down by the pier. It was a spectacular day for early December with the sky the color of robin’s-egg blue. The warm temperatures made it a perfect day on the water. Annie waited in the lobby for everyone to gather.
When they had all arrived, the waiter seated them at tables draped in white linen.
“Please, order anything you want. Let’s have a wonderful team celebration,” Annie said.
After they enjoyed a great meal, she made a little announcement.
“First of all, I want to thank each of you for your outstanding service to Sweet Indulgence. I couldn’t have done it without you. From Peter, for keeping the shop in top shining shape,” she said, looking at him. “To Rebecca, for your great customer service,” she said winking at her. “To Betsy, our chief baker, and to Morgan, who has been with me from the beginning. Each of you has brought a level of talent and professionalism I’m so grateful for. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” She handed them each a card. “Just a little something to hopefully make your holiday a little brighter.”
“It’s been a pleasure working for you, Annie,” Betsy said.
“You’ve been the best boss and so understanding, too.” Rebecca flashed a warm smile toward Annie.
Morgan stepped forward and cleared her throat. “Annie, thank you for being such a flexible boss. I could never have kept up with my school schedule if you hadn’t been.”
“Yup, what they’ve said. Thanks for giving me the job,” Peter said.
“I’m so glad you all feel that way. I have a bit of news to share with you. As you know, Jack and I are engaged, and we’ve set a date—May tenth!”
“Congratulations!” they said in unison.
“I have a favor to ask of you all. Betsy, instead of a traditional wedding cake, Jack and I want cupcakes, but we want a small cake for the top. Could you bake the small cake for us?
A wide smile appeared on her face. “Of course, Annie!”
“Peter, we’re going to need tables, chairs, and canopies set up. If you could work with Jack and his team, I’d be forever grateful.”
Peter gave Annie a playful salute.
“And, Rebecca, I was wondering if your family would like to cater the reception? I know it’s a big task, but I thought maybe some of the other food trucks might want to get in on the action. If you could just ask for me, I’ll follow up on any leads.”
“I’ll ask right away,” Rebecca said.
Annie rolled her head toward Morgan. “I know you’re finishing up finals, so I totally understand you’ll be busy,” she said trailing off.
“Oh, I’m sure I can do something. I’ll put my head together with Rebecca.”
The Christmas lunch proved more successful than Annie could have imagined. Everyone conveyed their best wishes and agreed with her plans, giving her the confidence once again that life was good and precious, and Jack in her life made it all worth it.
Grandmother and Auntie Patty insisted on having an open house. They’d felt a bit left out during all the holiday parties. Annie and Mary rolled up their sleeves, and everything from polishing the silver to dusting the chandeliers in order to prepare for the day, took place.
“Okay, let’s go over the menu,” Grandmother said, scratching her head under the scarf that covered her hair.
“Miniature quiche, pinwheel sandwiches, and dip are what I have,” A
nnie said, looking over her notes.
“I have egg rolls, cheese tidbits, and salami roll-ups,” Mary said.
“I’m making sausage balls in barbecue sauce,” Patty said.
“We’ll have plenty of booze on hand,” Lilly said.
Mary, Annie, and Patty all looked up at once.
“Well, we have to have spirits. It’s a holiday party, for gosh sake!”
“I think we’ll have plenty of food. Betsy is making chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies.”
“Oh, that’s so nice of her,” Mary said, doodling on her paper.
“Okay, so we all have our assignments. I can do the grocery shopping and will drop off your ingredients. I’ll make my stuff at my apartment and bring it over in stages.” Annie straightened her back and squared her shoulders. “Any questions?”
Mary put down her pencil. “Oh, you are so like Grandmother.” She winked.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Annie said, grinning.
“Oh, one last thing. How many people are going to be floating through and did you give them the time?” Patty asked.
“Good question, Auntie Patty. Yes, so I told Jack’s family to spread out their visit. I asked my staff to come during another set of times. The neighbors around here have been asked to drop in first. There might be some overlap, but people should move through quickly. The whole idea of an open house is to say hello, wish us well, grab a cookie, and move on,” Annie said.
“And have a drink. We must have a toast to the holiday,” Lilly added, lifting her shoulders and smiling.
“Yes, Grandmother. A toast to you and the holiday,” Annie agreed.
The holiday open house went without any hitches. Everything came together as Annie had planned. From the tasty food, to the company, and even the spirits, the party would go down in memory as a success. As all of Jack’s family visited, the same remarks could be heard, “What a lovely home … How nice of you to organize this … The food is delicious …” and on and on. Even though her grandmother and auntie enjoyed being the hostesses to the holiday event, everyone knew it was Annie that had made it all happen.
