by Debbie White
“Yes?”
“Window boxes.”
He drew his attention from his sandwich and looked at the house. “Darn!” he said slightly disgusted.
Annie turned toward him. “Why do you sound so aggravated about putting up some window boxes?”
Jack sighed. “Not aggravated about putting them up, honey. Aggravated because you read my mind. While we were waiting for you, I noticed the same thing. I was going to surprise you.”
“Oh, Jack, I’m sorry I ruined your surprise.”
Jack leaned in and kissed her, the kiss a little more than a quick peck.
“You kids, get a room,” Lilly barked.
Annie pulled her lips in and smirked. “Grandmother! You’re incorrigible.”
“Me? You’re the one making out with Jack,” Grandmother said, hunching her shoulders up and giggling like a school-aged girl.
Chapter 18
It was during one of her walks with Buffy that Annie truly reflected on all her blessings. They hadn’t come without a lot of sacrifices, that’s for sure—struggling to get her business off the ground, the fire, the car accident and losing the baby, and now, dealing with elderly family members. Not to mention, the building projects they had going.
They’d walked almost the entire length of the Battery and were on their way back toward the pier when she got a cramp in her foot. Scanning the area for an empty bench, Annie hobbled over to it and sat down. She slipped off her shoe and leaned over, rubbing the arch of her foot. She wondered if she had been drinking enough water lately. She watched as a spasm rippled through her toes. “Ouch!”
“Oh, Buffy, how in the world have we made it this far and still managed to keep our sanity?” She leaned over and patted her on the head. Annie stretched her foot and wiggled her toes. “I think I can make it the rest of the way home.” She slid her shoe back on and tested her weight. “Let’s head home. Jack will be waiting for us.”
She almost walked right into him. “Annie!” Jack yelled.
She shook her head and raised her brows. “Jack? What are you doing here?”
“I got worried about you. You’ve been gone for over an hour.”
Annie glanced at her watch. “I’m sorry. We walked a long way today. Poor Buffy hasn’t been getting the long walks like she used to. I got a cramp in my foot, so we had to rest. I’m sorry we worried you.” She laced her free arm in his.
“No worries,” he said, leaning over and kissing her on the cheek.
“I’m not used to someone worrying about me,” she admitted.
“Well, get used to it. I almost lost you once.”
Annie tightened her brows together. She didn’t respond, but his injuries after the accident had been life-threatening and she’d worried he’d be taken from her. “I love you, Jack Powell,” she said, tightening her grip on his arm.
“Hey, what’s for dinner?” he asked.
“That’s a man for you, always thinking about his next meal. That’s why you really came looking for us, isn’t it?” Annie laughed out loud.
Jack pulled her closer and nuzzled his face into her hair. He drew back and smiled.
“That’s okay. This time out gave me a lot of time to reflect on all of my blessings. And although we have a lot of stress right now, we must never forget the good times.”
“Agreed,” Jack said. “And you know what good times I’m thinking about?” Jack stopped walking.
Annie lifted her chin and gazed into his eyes. “What?”
“Our life together at Sweet Magnolia.”
Annie dropped her shoulders. “Me, too. By the way, how are your grandparents doing?”
“Mom said they’re doing great. In fact, a family dinner is on the horizon,” Jack said.
“Oh, that will be great,” Annie said as they continued on their walk home.
Annie rushed into the kitchen and hung up her apron. “Okay, it’s all yours, Betsy. Morgan is out front, and she’ll stay with you until closing.”
“Have fun. We’ll be fine.”
Annie breathed in deeply and let out a sigh. “Family dinners at the Powells’ are always fun. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Jack’s grandparents. Grandmother and Auntie are looking forward to seeing them, too. I’m just happy they didn’t ask if Charles can go with us,” Annie giggled.
Betsy dropped the spoon she’d held in her hand. Annie drew her head back and widened her eyes at the sound of stainless steel hitting the marble countertop. “I have something to tell you,” Betsy said.
A wave of concern flooded her just then. Annie moved toward Betsy. “Are you all right?”
“It’s about Charles.”
Annie furrowed her brows. “Charles? The Charles that visits Grandmother and Auntie?”
Betsy wrinkled her nose and sniffed. “Yes, the same one.”
Annie pulled up a stool and sat down. “I’m all ears.”
“I know Charles. In fact, we’ve been dating for a couple of weeks.”
“How do you know him?”
“He visits my aunt.”
“Ahh, so Charles gets around, does he?” Annie rested her hand on the countertop.
“He’s very social. Since he retired, he found himself becoming a shut-in. He knew it wasn’t healthy, so he volunteered his services with the Visiting Friends Network. It’s helped his self-esteem so much. Now that we are dating, he’s even happier,” she said, blushing.
“I’m sure. You are a very likable woman, and very striking, too. So what does this mean for me?” Annie wondered if perhaps she’d be quitting soon.
“Nothing, really. I’ll still work here. I love to bake. I need the interaction with people, too. Charles is just another …” she trailed off, trying to find the right words.
“Another form of entertainment?” Annie suggested.
Betsy laughed loudly. “Oh, Annie!”
“I’m glad you two found each other. I think happiness doesn’t have an age. I know Grandmother and Auntie will be truly disappointed if Charles stops coming over. They love him. Edith and JoAnne are okay, but Charles … he can’t do any wrong.”
Betsy assured her he’d still be coming around. Nothing would change in their arrangement.
“Okay, I’m glad we had this little talk. I better be going, or I’ll be late to dinner. I still have to swing by and get the old folks.” Annie stood.
“Thanks, Annie, for understanding.”
“Don’t give it another thought. I want all my friends to find love and happiness.” She leaned over and whispered, “Rebecca and Dr. Carlisle are the next couple to tie the knot. Mark my words.”
Betsy gasped. “I knew they were dating, but marriage?”
“Well, they have to get engaged first. But I feel like it might happen soon.” Annie headed toward the opening that would lead her out toward the front of the bakery. She turned slightly and looked over her shoulder. “Your secret is safe with me regarding Charles. Let me know if and when I can tell Grandmother and Auntie.”
“I don’t want them to feel threatened at all,” Betsy said.
“Well, remember who we are dealing with. All bets are off regarding that.” Annie shrugged her shoulders. “Have a great evening.”
Chapter 19
“I’m so happy your folks are allowing me to bring Buffy over to the party. She gets lonely staying here all by herself. Don’t you, baby girl,” Annie said, rubbing under Buffy’s chin. Buffy wagged her tail endlessly as Annie scratched and rubbed her fur.
“No, I should have thought about that before. She’s part of our family so when we have an opportunity for her to go, I think she should.” Jack leaned over and patted Buffy’s head. “That macaroni and cheese smells delicious,” Jack added, lifting his nose up and taking a whiff.
“I think it will go great with the barbecue ribs your dad is making.”
“Ribs, beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese—yum,” Jack said, opening the oven and peering in. “It’s bubbling and getting brown,” Jack said as h
e looked over his shoulder toward Annie.
Annie glanced at the clock on the stove. “Timer says three more minutes, but go ahead and take it out now. I’m going to run over and get Grandmother and Auntie.”
“All right, we’ll be ready. Just call me, and we’ll come down.”
Annie sped over to her grandmother and auntie’s house. When she let herself in, she found them sitting in the living room, dressed and waiting. “You are ready, huh?”
“We’ve been ready for an hour,” Grandmother said, lifting her chin slightly in the air as if she was a bit perturbed.
“I told you I’d be over at this time, not an hour earlier,” Annie said with her hands on her hips.
“Well, our parents always instilled in us a sense of timeliness. There is no room for tardiness. It makes one look bad,” Grandmother Lilly admonished.
“Well, come on, we wouldn’t want to look bad.” Annie reached out her hand to help Grandmother up out of the chair. “Auntie Patty,” Annie said, reaching her other hand to the opposite chair where she sat.
With the two firmly holding on, arms laced, Annie walked them to the parked car.
“Jack’s grandparents are going to be there, right?” Patty asked.
“Yes, the entire Powell clan will be there. It could get a bit overwhelming. If you want to go home at any time, just tell me.”
“Hogwash. We’ll have a grand time,” Grandmother Lilly said.
Annie giggled. She’d be happy to turn these two over to Jack’s grandparents.
What a sight they must have been. Jack had one woman on each arm while Annie held the casserole and Buffy’s leash, not to mention her purse. Jack lowered his shoulders and turned the doorknob, nudging the door open with his foot. Once inside, Annie could see the crowd gathered in various parts of the house and outside. Jack’s grandparents were seated outside under the awning away from the harsh sun, engaged in conversation. Annie quickly pulled up two sturdy chairs and helped Grandmother and Auntie sit down. She acknowledged Jack’s grandparents by hugging them.
“It’s so nice to see you all again. It’s been a while,” Annie said as she stood with her arm around Jack’s grandmother, Polly. “You all remember my grandmother, Lilly, and my auntie, Patty?”
The six began to chat, leaving Annie totally out of the conversation. She slowly stepped away to find the refreshments and brought Lilly and Patty a glass of sangria. “Milly made this. It’s very good,” she said, handing them each a glass. “I’ll be back and check on you all soon.”
Annie turned to walk back inside the house to see how she could help when Buffy barked.
“What’s the matter, girl?” Annie leaned over and picked up the white fur ball, snuggling her neck.
“What a cute little dog,” Russell Wiggins said.
“Would you like to hold her, Grandpa Russell?” Annie offered.
“Yes, I would,” he said, putting his drink down.
Annie crossed over to him and placed Buffy on his lap. She’d read a long time ago how animals brought smiles to elderly people’s faces. It seemed to work, too. Russell’s face lit up as soon as he began to stroke Buffy’s fur.
“Now, if she gets to be too much just put her down,” Annie said, moving away.
“How can I help?” Annie said as she entered the kitchen.
“You can help by sitting here and getting off your feet,” Milly said, motioning toward a chair.
“But …”
“Everything is under control. The coleslaw is done, the beans are baked, your mac and cheese is being kept warm, and we’re just waiting for Robert to tell us when the ribs are done. Where’s Jack, outside with his dad?”
“Yep, he’s keeping an eye on Grandmother and Auntie for me, too.” Annie shook her head and giggled. “I’ll apologize right up front now for anything those two say or do.”
Milly took a few steps toward Annie and leaned over, patting her shoulder. “Your family is so cute. Don’t you apologize for a thing, because if you do, then I’ll have to do it twice the times because of my family!”
Annie laughed so hard she snorted. Jack’s family made her feel so welcome. “Have Mary and Danny arrived yet?”
“Nope, but they should be here anytime. Diane and Richard are running a bit late as well, something about a water heater.”
Jack stuck his head in the kitchen. “Hey, Mom, you have to come and see this.”
Milly followed him, and because Annie couldn’t resist her curiosity, she followed, too.
Jack lifted his chin and pointed toward the backyard. “Look at Grandpa.” Buffy now sat on Grandpa Bert’s lap.
“She was in Grandpa Russell’s lap earlier. I guess she’s making the rounds,” Annie said, smiling.
“I think a pet would be a great idea for them,” Jack said.
“They can barely take care of themselves. A pet would just be an added chore for them, Jack.” Milly slid her hand up and down Jack’s arm as they watched on.
“I guess, it’s just nice to see them smiling and enjoying themselves.”
“Anytime they want a visit from Buffy, we can make that happen,” Annie suggested.
Jack peered over his shoulder toward Annie. “True. We’ll just make more of an effort. Buffy is eating it up, too.” Jack laughed.
Robert, Jack’s dad, popped his head inside. “Five minutes.”
Milly raised her arms, and nodding, dashed toward the kitchen. “Okay, we’re on it.”
Just then a commotion at the front entrance had Milly and Annie walking toward the front door.
“Oh, Richard and Diane,” Milly said, looking over her shoulder at Annie.
Annie gave them both a quick wave and smiled.
“Darn hot water heater has a leak. We went outside to get the cooler for the drinks and saw water all over the garage floor,” Diane said, shaking her head.
“What are you going to do?” Milly asked.
“We had to stop by the home store and buy a new one. It will be delivered tomorrow,” Diane said.
“I guess you know what I’ll be doing,” Richard said in a snappy tone.
“Well, maybe Jack can help you,” Annie said, trying to help.
“Let’s just try to have a nice time together today and not worry about that old water heater, okay?” Milly said with a twinkle in her eyes.
Richard came around to Milly and hugged her. “I’m looking forward to all the good food.”
“Grandma?” Crystal said, tugging at Milly’s pant leg.
Milly leaned over and looked her squarely in the eyes. “Yes?”
“Daddy said a bad word.”
Milly pulled up and locked eyes with Richard. The entire group broke out in laughter. Milly leaned over, and with both hands on Crystal’s shoulders, smiled at the little girl. “Daddy was upset about the water heater. But guess what?”
“What?”
“Grandma Cora made banana pudding for dessert. Isn’t that special?”
Crystal started jumping up and down. “Nana pudding, nana pudding,” she said over and over.
The group roared with laughter again.
The afternoon sun made sitting outside a bit too warm, so they decided to eat inside. Annie set the table with plates, silverware, and napkins—lots of napkins. She’d heard from Jack that his dad’s ribs were super delicious, but also super messy.
Auntie Patty asked if she could bless the food, and of course, the group urged her to. They clasped their hands and bowed their heads as she spoke words of fellowship, kindness, and blessings. Annie helped her grandmother and auntie tuck napkins into their blouses and drape some over their laps. They’d insisted on dressing up, again. With ribs and all the side dishes piled high onto plates, the extended families enjoyed a barbecue that no one would soon forget.
Pushing back their now empty plates, except for bones from the tasty ribs, the group moaned and groaned about how they had eaten too much.
“I hope you saved some room for dessert. Grandma Cora made her h
omemade banana pudding,” Milly said.
Jack groaned loudly. “I don’t know, Mom,” he said, rubbing his stomach.
Annie pushed back her chair and began to clear the table of plates. “Let’s work off some of this dinner. Maybe then we’ll have room,” she said, nudging Jack to get up and help.
Jack slid his chair out from the table and grabbed the used napkins, silverware, and anything else he could. “Mom, you relax. Annie, Mary, Danny, Diane, and I have this.” He tipped his head over to Danny and locked gazes with him.
Mary had already taken the cue and headed to the kitchen, the sink already filling and full of bubbles. “Load me up,” she said, holding out her hands.
The five laughed as they scraped, rinsed, and stacked the dishwasher. Once the dishes were done, just as Annie had predicted, Jack now had room for some of his grandma’s banana pudding.
Annie brought out the large glass bowl of pudding layered with vanilla wafer cookies. Mary spooned out the creamy dessert, and Diane passed around the bowls.
After dessert, the older folks headed to the comfy sofa and chairs in the living room while Annie, Mary, and Diane finished putting away the leftovers and giving the kitchen a final going over.
“Dinner was absolutely delicious. I must have your mom’s recipe for the pudding,” Annie said, turning to Milly.
“Good luck. She swears it’s some family secret. She’s never even given it to me!”
Annie raised her brows almost to her hairline. “Seriously? But you are her daughter.”
“It doesn’t matter. She teases me she’ll give it to me on her deathbed.”
Annie furrowed her brows. “Well, maybe I can convince her we don’t want to wait that long,” Annie said with tightly pursed lips.
“I hope it’s a long time, but she’s getting weaker as well as Daddy.”
“I think Grandmother and Auntie are slowing down a bit, too. I guess Jack told you we are using the services of Visiting Friends?”