by Debbie White
Chapter Sixteen
Mary met with Annie four more times during a ten-day stretch to go over last-minute details. Talk about a bridezilla.
“You confirmed the delivery of the flowers, right, Mary?”
Mary read the list of checked items on her phone. “Yup.”
“Okay, and we, of course, got the limo. Robert and Milly were super cool about lending a car to us.”
“And Diane was so thoughtful about hooking us up with this cute beach bungalow on Folly Beach for three nights.”
“Okay, let’s talk about Crystal and Ashton.”
Mary tightened her lips and nodded. “I see Crystal pulling a flowered covered wagon with Ashton sitting inside. He’ll carry the ring on a pillow. Crystal will toss petals the best she can, but her role will be to make sure the wagon makes its way to us and that Ashton doesn’t fall out.”
“I think the ring should be in a box. I can just see Ashton now … he’ll either lose the ring or throw it out on purpose.” Annie twisted her mouth like a pretzel as she played out either of these scenarios in her head.
“Okay, can Jack make us a small box at his shop?” Mary quirked a brow and tilted her head.
“I’ll ask, but it shouldn’t be a problem,” Annie said, jotting down notes. “Now, for sure, Danny’s parents are going to be there, right?”
Mary shrugged. “As far as I know. They haven’t RSVP’d yet, but Danny insists they are coming.”
“What’s their deal, anyway? They’re not like Robert and Milly at all,” Annie said, pulling back her chair and curling one leg under her bottom.
“I wish Robert and Milly were his folks. I don’t know that much about them. They’ve been over to Milly’s a couple of times, but more times than not, they don’t accept their invitations.”
“Yeah, I know. Jack and I have spoken about it before. He said his aunt and uncle have always been a bit estranged from the main family. He said they always made an excuse as to why they couldn’t come to a family event. After a while, they just joked about it.”
“Well, the few times I’ve had the pleasure of their company,” Mary said in exaggeration, “I found his mom to be quite, well, how do I say it…?”
“On air?” Annie blurted.
“Uppity,” Mary concluded, echoing her sister’s sentiment.
“Preston, his dad, seems quiet,” Annie said, reaching for the pen to jot something else down.
“Yeah, he is. Susan is the one that thinks her shi—”
“Mary!” Annie said, scowling at her. “That’s not very nice.”
Mary lifted her left and then her right shoulder up and down and smirked. “Well, it’s true.”
Annie pulled her leg out from under her and stood. “Coffee?” She made her way into the kitchen.
“How about a glass of wine?”
Annie poured Mary a glass of wine and made herself a cup of coffee. “Okay, so I think we’ve ironed out all the details. Jack and I are going to show up at the church and receive the flowers and get that all situated. We’re going the day before to decorate the inside and the porch. The car is reserved to take you to Black Eyed Pea.”
“Yes, and Rebecca and I have agreed on all the food items,” Mary said, perking up now that they were talking about food.
“Betsy is making the cake,” Annie added. “Who is transporting the cake to the restaurant?”
Mary’s jaw dropped. “Oops, that’s one big detail we forgot.”
“I can ask Peter to help. He’s always up for being a good samaritan.” The last time she’d stepped foot into Sweet Indulgence, she’d felt like a stranger in her place of business.
Betsy asked Annie to meet her at the bakery. It seemed odd, but she decided it must have to do with Mary’s cake, so she went. She hung up her sweater on the coatrack and then crossed over to the counter.
“Don’t mind me, I’m just here as a customer,” Annie said, peering into the back where she saw Peter busy at work icing cupcakes.
Peter looked up when he heard Annie’s voice. “Hey there, boss. What brings you in here?” He stepped out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron.
“I’m meeting Betsy here,” Annie said, nodding. “How is everything?”
“Good. I’m just getting ready to put in the new flavor of the month. I bet you can’t guess what it is.”
“Hmm, let’s see … pumpkin something. Pumpkin cream cheese?”
Peter shook his head. “Try again.”
“Cinnamon streusel?”
“Give up?”
“I guess so,” Annie said, her eyes locked on his, waiting to hear.
“Chocolate fudge with Peppermint Pattie icing.”
“Wow, that’s an interesting combination,” Annie said. Annie turned when she heard the door open. Betsy had arrived, and Annie waved.
“Hello, Annie. Peter,” Betsy said, nodding to them both.
“Can I get you ladies a cup of coffee?”
“That would be nice, Peter.”
Annie took Betsy by the arm and lead her to a table where they both sat down. Annie set her clasped hands on the table and smiled. “What sparked this secret meeting today?” Annie kept her eyes focused on Betsy’s.
Betsy hesitated, which caused Annie to stir a bit in her chair.
“Is everything all right with Grandmother and Auntie? I know I don’t come over as much as I should be, but with Ashton, and now Mary’s wedding …” she stopped rambling and searched Betsy’s face for answers. Betsy rested her eyes on the table. “Betsy!” Annie’s breath quickened in anticipation of Betsy’s words.
“I think it’s time they both moved into the cottage at Sweet Magnolia.”
A lump lodged in her throat. Annie swallowed, hearing the gulping sound in her ears. She made a second attempt to swallow before speaking. “What’s happened? Did they do something to tick you off? Maybe I can—”
“Annie, stop. It’s nothing they did. They are getting up there in years and require more help. They’re proud so they don’t want to ask, but it’s getting harder and harder for them to get around. Charles and I have enjoyed living with them, but I think the time has come that they need family around.”
Annie nodded. She knew this day would come eventually. She’d had to know, but then again, Grandmother and Auntie were two of the strongest women she’d ever known. When she looked at them, she didn’t see aged women, or worse, feeble old women. She saw two vibrant women who defied the nature of getting older. “I see. Well, Jack built the cottage with them in mind. It was always intended for them, but they weren’t ready. They might not be ready now, but I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”
“I think they’re ready. One of the biggest fears they have is becoming a burden to you and Mary. Especially to you.” Betsy sighed and softened her features.
“Two coffees,” Peter said, placing a Styrofoam cup in front of each of the women.
“Thanks,” Annie whispered. Heaving her shoulders up and down, she picked up her coffee and blew on it before sipping. “What specific things are happening?”
“They need help with showering, now. And I’ve even helped them get dressed. I’m noticing a bit more forgetfulness, and also, Patty will cry for no reason.”
“I see,” Annie said.
Betsy reached across the table and patted Annie’s hand. “You’ve been a wonderful granddaughter and niece to them both. They love you so much, but they realize it’s time to be closer to you.”
The women drank their coffee in silence for a few moments.
“On a happy note, I’m so tickled about Mary’s wedding and am honored to make their cake.”
“Yes, thank you so much. Preparations are coming along quite well. Moving Grandmother and Auntie right now is going to add to the stress, but it is what it is. We must do what we must do to help them.”
“Charles and I have been looking at homes to buy. We found one we like and would like to put an offer in.”
“Of cours
e, Betsy, go ahead. I’ll talk to Jack tonight about what we need to do to make the cottage ADA compliant and when he thinks he can get that done. If they have to move in with us, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Betsy gasped. “No! They both told me they don’t want that. If they can’t move into the cottage, they’ll run away.”
Annie knitted her brows together. She could picture them both saying something childish like that. “Please? Run away?”
“They know they need help, but they’re not ready to be moved into your house. Now, that may eventually happen, but for right now, it’s ‘over my dead body’,” Betsy tried her best to imitate Grandmother.
Both women laughed.
“Okay, got it. They need us, but not that badly.” Annie smiled.
“Annie! It’s so nice to see you, dear,” Auntie Patty said, tilting her face up for a kiss.
Annie looked toward the kitchen when she heard the tapping of Grandmother’s cane. Grandmother stopped halfway into the living room, breathing a bit heavy. “Are you all right, Grandmother?”
“Yes, just takes me a bit longer to get to my chair these days.”
Annie watched as she walked a few more steps, stopping once more, and then continuing to her chair.
“We’re both not getting around as much as we did,” Patty said, then she coughed, covering her mouth with a lace hankie.
“Well, that’s what brought me here today.” Annie’s heart pounded in her chest, and the looks on their faces crushed her. Maybe she should try another approach, than you’re too old to be by yourself. “Charles and Betsy are purchasing their first house together. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“I hope they don’t think we are moving into their new house,” Grandmother said in a brash tone, making the hair on Annie’s arms stand.
“No, nothing like that.” Why was this so hard? “Grandmother,” Annie said, making eye contact with her.
Grandmother raised her left brow and angled her head.
“Auntie,” Annie continued, looking quickly away.
“Yes, dear?”
“It’s time.”
Patty dropped her chin and stared at the floor. Grandmother made a humph sound.
“Do you know what I mean?” Annie asked in a soft pitch.
“Yes,” Grandmother answered.
“Yes,” Patty said right afterward.
“Who’d like tea?” Annie hopped up from the sofa and made her way toward the kitchen.
“Annie,” Grandmother said, stopping Annie from moving.
Annie slowly turned toward her. “Yes, Grandmother?”
“What about the house?”
Annie shrugged. “Those are details we’ll have to work out.” Annie rushed toward the kitchen. She reached out and grabbed the counter with both hands, bracing her body. She couldn’t stop the tears.
“What’s up, Sis?”
“It’s time.”
Mary didn’t speak for a moment. Then she cleared her throat. “How’d they take it?”
“They took it just fine. However, they’re worried about the house.”
More silence came from the other end of the phone.
“I know it means the world to them. It has so much history and has been in the family for generations, but I have my home here with Jack, and I don’t want to move there. I want them to move into the cottage, but do we sell the house, even though it’s against their wishes? Do we let it sit empty until they’re both gone? I just don’t know what to do.”
“It makes perfect sense for them to move into the cottage. That way you’ll be there, and if you need to hire additional help, then you can oversee that as well. Doesn’t it suck to be the oldest?”
“Mary, I need your help and encouragement, not your snide remarks.”
“I’m sorry, I always say dumb things when I’m scared.”
“Scared?”
“You know that day will come, Annie. I don’t know if I can bear it.”
“Listen, those two women have more time on this earth. They just need a little extra from us. They’re not ready to check out yet.”
“I guess Danny and I could move into the house, instead. The cottage always was intended for them and they need it more than we do. This way, we can keep the maintenance up, then when the time comes to make another decision, we will.”
“Would you do that? I know you two had your heart set on buying some land.”
“I love that old house. It’s conveniently located downtown near the restaurants and bars, so that’s good.”
“Thank you, Mary. That’s one problem solved. Jack is going to start on making the cottage ready for wheelchair accessibility, and putting in some handrails here and there, like in the shower. We’ll need help with moving them. I know you are in serious wedding mode, but if we can get them here before the wedding, that would be terrific.”
“No worries, just tell me when.”
“Put the couch over there, by the window,” Grandmother Lilly ordered. Jack and Danny put down the couch and began to walk away. “No, a little more this way,” Grandmother said, motioning with her hand.
“A little higher,” Patty said.
Annie obliged and slid the picture up the wall a little more. “Here?”
Patty took a couple of steps backward. “Just a smidgeon more.”
After a full day of hanging pictures and rearranging furniture, Annie’s eyes twinkled in amused interest as she looked around the room. The cottage, now warm and inviting, had a little bit of both Grandmother and Auntie in every room, and it made her happy deep inside.
“I think you’ll both be very happy here. Jack has added some safety features for you. And, did you notice the custom rockers out front on the porch?”
Grandmother Lilly wrapped her thin arms around Jack’s waist and hugged him close. “Thank you, dear. It’s so lovely to have a nice strong man around the house.”
“I know it’s been a long day for you, but I do want to go over a few house rules with you.”
Grandmother snorted. “House rules? Who do you think we are, college girls?”
Annie smirked. “No, but I don’t want you cooking in here. Microwave only and the coffee maker.”
“But I like to boil my water for tea on the stovetop,” Patty complained.
“I’m sorry, Auntie Patty, but not anymore. You must use the microwave, or come up to the house and I’ll make you tea.”
“So, we must have all our meals with you guys, too?” Grandmother placed her hands on her hips.
Annie shook her head. “It’s that, or we can have Meals on Wheels delivered.”
“Is there any room for compromise with this?” Grandmother locked her eyes onto Annie’s. The staredown made her feel like a kid getting scolded by an adult.
“Maybe,” Annie stuttered. “Let me think about it, but until we do come up with an alternative, please plan on eating with us.”
“But tonight, we’re having pizza,” Jack said, breaking up the somber moment.
Over the next two weeks, Grandmother and Auntie settled in quite nicely, and only once did Annie and her grandmother disagree on something. Annie contacted an agency and had a woman come out to meet them. Grandmother and Auntie didn’t put up any fuss, and understood she’d be there to help Annie. They came up with a schedule everyone could live with, and even included some meal preparation, which made Grandmother and Auntie happy.
Annie fell onto her bed, both physically and mentally exhausted. The next hurdle would be Mary’s wedding. She went over a few things in her mind before drifting off to sleep.
Jack didn’t have the heart to wake her to change out of her clothes, so he just covered her with an afghan and quietly crawled in beside her. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.
With half-closed eyes, she smiled. “Love you,” she whispered.
Chapter Seventeen
Annie ran to the window and looked outside. She lifted her hand and gave Mary a signal that she’d be right out. She rushe
d over to the small upholstered chair sitting in the corner of their bedroom and grabbed her purse.
“I’m off to help decorate the church,” Annie said, leaning in and kissing Ashton then Jack.
“Have fun,” he called out as he watched her dash out the door.
Annie pulled open the car door and sank into the rented van’s heavily worn leather seat. Breathing hard, she placed her seat belt around her lap and chest. “Okay, let’s go,” she said, looking over at Mary.
Mary didn’t put the car in gear. She turned slightly, and with her back against the door she began to tap her fingers on the steering wheel.
“What? Why aren’t we going?” Annie knitted her brows together.
“Ribbon? Bows?” Mary said, twisting her mouth to the left.
“Oh, geeze. I’ll be right back.” Annie pushed open the car door and headed toward the porch. Jack met her on the steps, holding a box filled with ribbon and bows. “Forget something?” He held it out to her.
“I’d forget my head …” She took the box before finishing, holding it against her hip with one hand.
Jack leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Take a deep breath. Everything will be all right.”
“See you in a few hours.” Holding up her phone with her other hand, she added, “I remembered my phone, at least.”
Jack tipped his head.
Annie tossed the box onto the back seat and then leapt back in where she’d been sitting earlier. “Okay, now I’m ready.”
The girls chatted about Rebecca’s new baby, about Grandmother and Auntie moving into the cottage, and about Danny and her upcoming move into the grand house downtown, which had been in their family for years and years.