Charleston Harbor Novels: Books 1 - 3

by Debbie White

  A slow grin quirked her mouth. “Oh, you can count on it,” she said, rolling over and straddling him.

  A smirk sprang to his mouth. “That’s what I’m talking about,” he said, claiming her mouth.

  Chapter 8

  Over the course of thirty days, transformations of both Sweet Magnolia and Sweet Indulgence took place. Both Jack and Annie fell into bed most nights exhausted. Not from their chemistry but because they were working so hard meeting deadlines regarding the house and business. She, along with her employees, kept the food truck idea afloat and sold cupcakes, but it wasn’t the same. Less and less of her repeat customers came around, but thankfully young people living on campus nearby were becoming the new regulars, and if everything went according to plan, they’d become repeat customers once Sweet Indulgence opened its doors again.

  Shopping for contents for the bakery became the number one thing on Annie’s list to accomplish. Jack insisted she take Mary along. He had his hands full with contractors who weren’t following instructions. Diane, Jack’s sister, gave Mary the day off so she could accompany her. They headed off to the big home warehouse for some inspiration.

  “I love these old crates. How could you use them at the bakery?” Mary asked, running her hand along the old wooden boxes.

  “I don’t know, but they are cute,” Annie said. “Oh, look at this, Mary.” Annie picked up embroidered pillows with cupcakes on them.

  “And look over there, a bench.” Mary giggled as she tore across the room to sit on it.

  “That would look so cute out in front,” Annie said.

  “I can’t wait to see it put together. It will be the chicest café, slash bakery, Charleston ever had!”

  Annie hugged Mary. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, and for coming with me today. By the way … how are you and Danny doing?”

  A wide grin shot across Mary’s mouth. “We’re doing good! He makes me happy. We just take each day as it comes.”

  “Is it serious, though?”

  “I don’t really know. I just know we can’t go very long without seeing each other or at least hearing each other’s voice.”

  “I’d say that’s pretty serious. Have you been to Grandmother’s for dinner with him lately?”

  Mary shook her head. “No, why?”

  “They’ve been bugging me to bring Jack over. We’re just dead tired each night, and going over there is not high on our priority list. I figured since you lived there, they saw you two often.”

  “I’m over at Danny’s place a lot. I sneak in when they’re fast asleep, snoring, and with their sleep masks on.” Mary laughed out loud and then quickly covered her mouth.

  Annie looked around the store to see if anyone looked their way. “Mary, shh, but I hear you. But a little voice inside my head tells me they won’t be around forever, and I should make time to go see them.”

  Mary pulled her bottom lip and bit down.

  “Anyway, I’ll figure it out. Let’s purchase some of these items and go have lunch.”

  “Okay, just follow my lead,” Annie said, knocking on the door.

  Shuffling sounds came from the other side and soon the door flew open. Grandmother Lilly’s mouth dropped open. “Annie!”

  “Hello, Grandmother.” Annie stepped inside.

  “And Jack, too!” Grandmother said, hugging first Annie then Jack. “What brings you two here?”

  Annie lifted the casserole dish. “Dinner.”

  “You brought us dinner? Patty! Annie and Jack are here,” she said as she shuffled toward the main living area.

  Annie gently bumped shoulders with Jack. “I told you they’d be excited to see us.”

  “Oh, my, it’s Annie and Jack,” Patty said as she tried to pull herself up out of the chair. “I was just resting my eyes.”

  “Humph. More like snoozing,” Lilly said.

  “We brought dinner, so you two just sit back and relax. Give us a few minutes to get the table set, and we’ll call you.” Annie marched into the kitchen with Jack following behind.

  Annie set the casserole dish on the counter and took the basket of rolls from Jack. She opened the cabinet overhead and handed him four plates. “The silverware is over in that drawer,” she said, motioning with her chin. She turned on the oven and popped both the casserole dish and the tray of rolls into the oven. They just needed reheating. She opened the fridge. Her eyes widened when she saw the empty shelves. “Jack, look in here. What do you see?”

  “A stick of butter, a jar of blackberry preserves, a—”

  “Exactly,” she said, not letting him finish. “It’s empty—no food.”

  Jack pulled his head back out of the fridge and stood. “I thought Mary was keeping an eye on things here.”

  “Apparently not. I think she’s too wrapped up in your cousin.”

  “Now, just a second, I’m not sure I like the way you said cousin.”

  “Well, it’s true. She’s spending a lot of time with him, only to sneak in here after they’re asleep.”

  “If you know that, then why wouldn’t you put a stop to that?” Jack tilted his head as he furrowed his brows.

  “I just discovered it when she and I went shopping. But I guess I didn’t put the two together as far as her not making sure things are done around here. That’s part of the stipulation of her living here for free.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I’ll casually ask them both tonight how things are really going. I must have all the facts before I lower the boom on Mary.”

  “She’ll probably move out,” Jack said, leaning up against the counter.

  “I don’t know, Jack. This could present a problem for us, especially after we move out to the island.”

  Jack stood, nodding.

  The timer went off on the oven, signaling the casserole was heated through. Annie pulled out the oven mitts and then removed the hot dish. She carried it into the dining area. “Grab a trivet for me, Jack. It’s in the bottom drawer nearest the oven.”

  Jack quickly retrieved the trivet and moved in front of her, beating her to the table. “I’ll get the rolls,” he said, backing away from the table.

  “Grandmother and Auntie, dinner is ready.”

  Jack helped Grandmother and Annie helped Patty. For the first time in several months, she realized how much they’d aged. It seemed like just yesterday they were attending bridge parties and working their magic, trying to set her up on blind dates. Now, shuffling around, dozing in chairs, and apparently not eating much, was their norm.

  “This is delicious, Annie,” Grandmother said.

  “Agreed, we’ve not had a home-cooked meal in months,” Patty chimed in.

  “I thought Mary was tending to your meals,” Annie said softly.

  “She tries, but she’s with Danny a lot and doesn’t get home until quite late,” Lilly said.

  “It might be time to think about different living arrangements,” Annie said, looking at Lilly first then Patty.

  Lilly put her fork down. “What do you mean? Like moving to an old folks’ home?”

  “No, of course not.”

  Lilly tilted her head and strummed her fingers on the table. “Well, then, what?”

  Annie glanced over at Jack. He’d just put a bite in his mouth. He chewed it quickly, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Maybe we could hire someone to come in once in a while.”

  “A stranger?” Patty asked skeptically.

  “They’d be vetted, by a company,” Jack said, stumbling over his words.

  “A glorified babysitter,” Lilly said, squaring her shoulders.

  “Okay, let’s not get worked up over this. We’ll think about it. That means you both think about alternatives, as well. Jack and I will be living on the island in a couple of months. I don’t know how much we can count on Mary. Things are changing for all of us,” Annie said, lowering her eyes to her plate.

  “You speak like we have one foot in the grave! That’s the furthest thing from
the truth. We’re alive, vibrant, and clearly capable of living on our own,” Lilly said, obviously rattled by their current discussion.

  “Okay, Grandmother, I hear you. Let’s just finish our dinner. Jack and I have a surprise for you guys.”

  Jack and Annie quickly washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. They were trying to beat the clock and Grandmother’s and Auntie’s bedtime. Soon they’d be yawing, and well, it wouldn’t be a pretty sight, Annie knew first hand. There were dentures to brush, faces to slather night cream on, and more. The nightly routine these two old women performed was enough to put grey hair on Annie’s head.

  “Okay, Grandmother, take Jack’s arm.”

  Annie stuck her arm out for Patty. “Do you realize where you’re at?”

  Patty pulled her lids half closed and squinted. “I don’t know exactly.”

  “Sweet Indulgence. We’re at the bakery!” Annie gently pulled Patty along toward the front door.

  “Is it done?” Lilly said.

  “Almost, Grandmother.” Annie put the key in the door and opened it wide. She flicked on the light and waited for Jack to catch up with Lilly.

  “Oh, my word, it’s so light and bright in here,” Lilly said.

  “It feels brighter because it’s still an empty space. But after we get the tables and chairs in here and the artwork on the walls, it will warm it up quite a bit. But take a look at our display case. It’s double the size we used to have,” Annie said, leading Patty deeper into the space.

  “I just love the wood floors. But is that really smart with food and drink?” Patty said.

  “These are a new product on the market made out of bamboo. They are waterproof, natural, and I just fell in love with them when the salesman showed them to me.”

  “What color are the walls?” Lilly said.

  “It’s called butterscotch. I think it really looks nice and will look great with the furniture.”

  “When will it be completely done and open for business? Are you going to have a grand opening?” Lilly asked.

  Annie tossed her head back and chuckled. “One question at a time, Grandmother. It should be finished in about two weeks. They’re working on the kitchen, putting in the appliances and countertops. The furniture is scheduled for delivery on June thirtieth. As for a grand opening, Jack and I thought a grand re-opening would be suitable. Morgan and Rebecca are making flyers, and Betsy is creating a cupcake and cookie just for the re-opening. I have no idea what they are, they’ll be a surprise.”

  “I’d like to come on that day and have a special cookie and a fancy cup of coffee,” Patty said shyly.

  Annie pulled Patty in closer. “Of course, Auntie, I’ll make sure you both are part of the celebration.”

  Annie looked up in time to see Lilly pulling Jack around the café. She could hear her tell him how she thought things should be decorated. Jack went along with whatever she suggested. He knew it would be much easier to just go along with her.

  Once Patty realized her sister was out of earshot, she took the opportunity to talk to Annie. “I know you’re worried and concerned about us, but you shouldn’t be. I’m more than capable of taking care of Lilly.”

  Annie tightened her brows together. “I just want what is best for you both.”

  “I think what we need is to get out a bit more. We sit in that house day after day, no visitors, nothing to look forward to. Just coming out here tonight has put a jump in my step. I probably won’t be able to fall asleep tonight.”

  Annie lowered her chin and studied Patty’s face. “That is probably because you had coffee with your dinner, Auntie.”

  Auntie brushed her hand across Annie’s arm. “Silly girl, that’s not why. It’s because we got to see you guys tonight. And we’re just so happy you found the time.”

  Annie drew in a deep breath. They’d noticed. They truly noticed she’d not been around much, since she’d met Jack really. And now that she was married, they saw even less of her.

  “I know, Auntie. I promise to do better about visiting.”

  Jack’s and Lilly’s voices grew louder as they finished making the rounds of the café and came back to them.

  “That kitchen is huge, Patty,” Lilly said, puffing out her chest.

  “Well, we better get you guys back home. It’s getting late.”

  “Promise us you won’t forget to bring us here for the big celebration, Annie,” Patty said.

  Annie softened her voice. “I promise.”

  “By the way, what was ever decided regarding the fire? Was it set on purpose?” Lilly inquired.

  “It was determined that a short in the wiring for the dishwasher, of all things, started it. They ruled it an accident,” Annie said.

  “What a relief. The thought of someone setting the fire on purpose disturbed me,” Patty said.

  “Me, too,” Annie said.

  Chapter 9

  Almost asleep, Jack startled Annie when he rose out of bed and shook her. “I have the perfect solution.”

  Annie opened her eyes wide, her heart beating a mile a minute. She rolled her head to the side and peered at Jack with half-crazed eyes. “What are you talking about? You woke me up!”

  “I know the perfect solution to our problem with Lilly and Patty.”

  Annie scooted up on the bed and rested her head against the headboard. “What issue with Lilly and Patty?”

  “The one that we’re faced with regarding their age and care.” Jack stuck his neck out and blinked a few times.

  Annie sighed. “I have a solution to that. I’m going … or rather, we are going to visit more often.”

  “What if I suggested they move in with us?” Jack said without any hesitation.

  “Jack! We have a one bedroom apartment. Buffy is even feeling the squeeze since you moved in.”

  Jack pursed his lips. “No, I mean at Sweet Magnolia.”

  Annie’s eyes roamed his entire face, studying him hard. She knew he must be joking and soon he’d let out a big laugh to let her know. But the laugh never came. “You’re serious?”

  “Yes, I am. They only have you … and Mary. My grandparents have so many people looking in on them. Lilly and Patty, well, they’re kind of alone.”

  Annie brushed the hair back from her face and sighed. “True, but they are so different from your elder family. They’ve always wanted to be independent.”

  “Just think about it. We have plenty of room on the land to build a nice granny-size unit. That way they’ll still maintain some independence,” Jack said.

  “What about Mary?”

  Jack brushed his hand across his chin. “Good point. Maybe it’s time for her to get her own place?”

  “Grandmother would never sell that house. She insists it’s to be passed down to Mary and me. I don’t have the heart to tell her, but I don’t really want it. I don’t think Mary does either.”

  “It’s been in your family for generations, Annie. It’s hard to let go of a piece of history such as that. It would be like selling off our land to someone. I could never do that.”

  Annie puckered her lips. “I need to think this through and figure out what the best solution will be for all of us,” Annie said as she slid back down into bed, pulling the sheets up.

  “Good night,” Jack said, turning off the light.

  She’d just closed her eyes when a thought popped into her head. Her eyes flew open, and she bolted straight up. “I have it!” She reached up and turned on the bedside lamp.

  Jack, blinded by the sudden light, blinked a few times.

  “I have it. I have the solution,” Annie said, pushing him playfully.

  “Okay,” he said, drawing out the word groggily.

  “We’ll build the granny unit and slowly get them used to the idea. We’ll encourage them to stay the night after dinners and family events. Eventually, they’ll just move in permanently. What do you think? Do you think they’ll buy it?”

  “I think it might work. But what about making sure
they are taken care of properly while they do reside in the grand palace,” Jack said smirking.

  “Mary is going to have to do a better job. I’ll insist on it. I think I’m going to reach out to one of those agencies as well. I’ll start off by having someone come by once a week and see how that goes.”

  “You heard what they said about strangers in their house,” Jack reminded her.

  “Well, let me work on that. I know how to get around those two old ladies. I’ve been doing it for years.” Annie leaned over and kissed Jack’s cheek.

  “Okay, so I’ll have plans drafted up for a nice cottage-style unit, with two bedrooms and a large bathroom in the middle. Sort of like the Jack and Jill setup we’re doing with the kids’ bedrooms.”

  A warm smile crossed her face. “Like the kids’ rooms? That’s what you’re calling the upstairs area?”

  He held her eyes with his. “We are going to have children, right? And they are going to have the bedrooms upstairs, right?”

  “Yes, Jack, we are. It just hit me differently when I heard the words come out of your mouth. When the time is right, we’re going to have babies—and lots of them.” She found his mouth and kissed him long, tasting every sweet nuance of him.

  He placed his hands on her and moved her back. “Lots of babies?”

  Annie burst into a smile. “I better add another bedroom to the plan, then.” He pulled her toward him and kissed her, running his hands through her hair and down her back.

  Chapter 10

  Annie pulled into the parking lot, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. The lady on the phone had sounded so nice and had put her at ease, but this was a very delicate situation, and Annie didn’t want to blow it. Grandmother and Auntie would never forgive her.

  “Thank you for meeting me,” Annie said, extending her hand to the smiling woman.

  “Of course.” She motioned for Annie to take a seat.