by Debbie White
She tried to resist him by placing her hands on his chest, but it was no use. She drooped right into his arms like week old daisies. After they kissed, she stepped back and with her hands on her hips she asked, “What kind of booze did they have over there? I don’t recall buying them anything.”
“Now, you know your grandmother and auntie like their wine and scotch. Nothing’s changed. And I do believe your sister may have had a hand in the eggnog.”
“Eggnog?”
Jack nodded. “Loaded with brandy.” His eyes twinkled, and then he stepped forward and pulled her right back in for another kiss.
Annie began checking things off on her calendar. The next big thing on the list was the card party at the cottage with all the grandparents.
“I want those little pinwheel sandwiches,” Lilly said, seated at the dining room table with Patty and Annie.
Annie launched the color note app on her phone, another cool feature she’d discovered, and began to make a grocery list. “Chicken pâté for the spread?” She looked up to see Patty nodding.
“Fresh veggies are too hard for us to eat with all of our false teeth,” Lilly said.
“False teeth? Speak for yourself. I have all of my teeth,” Patty said, squaring her shoulders and sitting up straighter.
Lilly playfully slapped air toward her and then grunted. “How about some boiled shrimp and cocktail sauce? Everyone should be able to gum them.” She let out a snarky laugh.
“Grandmother,” Annie scolded. “Be nice. Okay, so pinwheel sandwiches, shrimp with cocktail sauce, and how about some Christmas cookies or brownies as a sweet treat?”
“How about some cupcakes, instead?” Patty raised her brows almost to her hairline.
“Cupcakes! Oh, my. I haven’t even thought about Sweet Indulgence for one second. I’ve been so preoccupied with hosting parties that I’ve forgotten about my beloved bakery and my supportive and loyal staff.” Annie hung her head low and wept.
“Now, now, child, you didn’t forget about them. You’ve just been a bit preoccupied, as you say, but it’s not too late. I tell you what, let’s all make a trip into town and pick out the cupcakes. We can take some Christmas cheer into the bakery and make the day of your employees. Let them know you’ve not forgotten about them.” Lilly reached out and cupped Annie’s hand.
“I’d like that, thank you,” she whispered.
The three of them stopped by a couple of stores and had some items gift wrapped. Annie purchased some gift cards from the local bookstore and coffee shop, as well as the movie theater, and then placed them in Christmas cards addressed to each employee. When the three of them entered the bakery, Annie’s eyes widened and Grandmother and Patty gasped. The place was decorated with red shiny bobbles, silver strands of beads, and greenery. Words like “Noel” and “Peace on Earth” were written in spray snow on the windows, and a small tree, complete with lights and ornaments, sat in the corner. Even wrapped up boxes placed around the tree skirt gave a nice finishing touch to the warmly decorated space.
“Hey, Ms. Powell,” Peter called out as he stepped around the counter.
“Peter, you decorated the shop.”
“I hope you don’t mind? I found the items in the back storage room. We had a blast decorating. I know you’ve been busy.” He nodded to Grandmother and Auntie.
“Well, I have been a bit preoccupied, but I wanted to stop by and bring some cheer. Actually, it was their idea.” She turned and smiled at Lilly and Patty.
Peter reached out and took the two large baskets and placed them on the counter. “This is so thoughtful of you. I’ll make sure each of them get their gift.”
“We also would like to purchase some cupcakes. We’re having a little party at our place and nothing says sweet like a cupcake,” Patty said, beaming ear to ear.
“Step on up to the display case and let me know what you’d like. I know the owner and I think I can get you a good deal.” He winked at Annie.
Grandmother and Patty picked out enough cupcakes to feed an army, and Annie let them. They were having so much fun.
“Listen, we’re getting together for dinner at Black Eyed Pea on the twenty-first. I know it’s a few days before Christmas, but we’re trying to fit in so many things. Rebecca and Michael will be there. I know she’d love to see you. I’ll reach out to Morgan, as well. In fact, invite all the employees. It’s on me and Jack.” Annie’s chest swelled with happiness.
Annie ushered Grandmother and Auntie out of the bakery and into the parked car right out front. Once seated and belted, she let out a sigh of relief. “That went really well.” She leaned her head back and rested it on the headrest which extended above her seat.
“It really did. And the last-minute dinner invitation was a great idea,” Patty said from the back seat.
“It didn’t come off sounding like it was last-minute, did it?”
“Not really, besides, you know young people. They don’t plan anything,” Lilly said.
“Okay. Hold on to those cupcakes, Patty. We’re off,” Annie said as she checked the side mirrors before pulling away from the curb.
“Everyone accounted for?” Annie asked Jack when he returned from the cottage.
“Yup. Mom said for us to call them about forty-five minutes before it ends so they can pick them all up.”
Annie looked at her watch. “Okay. How’d Grandmother and Auntie seem?”
“Fine. I think a little nervous, but they are getting a kick out of entertaining. You know, you can take the Charlestonian out of Charleston, but you can’t take their love of entertaining away. It follows them wherever they go, even to the granny cottage.” Jack’s somber face soon turned into a wide smile and both he and Annie broke out into laughter.
“I plan to go over in a bit and check on them,” Annie said.
Annie quietly opened the door and said hello. The group sat around the table playing cards and bantering back and forth. Christmas carols played in the background. With the tree lit up, and the few decorations placed around the cottage, it appeared rather festive, pleasing Annie immensely.
“Annie, come in. Want to play a hand of gin rummy with us?” Patty shuffled the deck and motioned for Annie to take a seat.
“Sure, just one quick round.”
“Would you like some eggnog?” Lilly asked, sliding out her chair.
No wonder all the smiles. Everyone was a bit tipsy on Grandmother’s nog. “Do you have any without brandy?”
“I was about to send out the dogs. You’ve been gone a while,” Jack said with a look of concern on his face.
“They talked me into playing cards. It was fun. And you’re right, Grandmother is sharing her brandy laced nog with everyone. I better warn Milly.” She reached for her cell phone.
“I’ll walk over there when I see them come up the drive. They might need some help piling those lightheaded folks into the car,” Jack said with pursed lips.
Annie pulled in her bottom lip and nodded back.
At the last minute, little Jasmine came down with a cold, so Vicky and Scott opted out of the carriage ride, leaving just Danny, Mary, Jack, Annie, Richard, and Diane. They dropped off Ashton over at Milly and Robert’s, and picked up Richard and Diane. They left Crystal with Milly, as well. The six of them headed downtown where a carriage awaited them.
The clopping noise of hooves on cobblestone lulled the group into a peaceful silence, and as the horse-drawn carriage made its way up and down the streets, they took in the simply decorated Charleston homes, many with just wreaths and greenery. Wide red ribbon and big bows draped lampposts, and the occasional white delicate twinkling lights strung in windows gave off a luminous glow. While snuggled under red plaid blankets and sipping on cups of coffee, the group of friends toured Charleston as if it were their first time.
“That was so much fun,” Diane said. “I have suggested this tour a thousand times, maybe even more, and yet this is my first time doing it.”
“I know, it’s right here in our neighborhoo
d and we forget to play tourist ourselves,” Mary said in agreement.
“Where to next, tour guide?” Jack said, nodding toward Annie.
“The marketplace!”
The most famous for sweetgrass basketry, the marketplace showcased some of the most beautiful handicrafts of African origin. Annie had her eye on a very elegant one and immediately wanted to buy it for Mary. “Jack,” Annie whispered.
Jack playfully nudged her and leaned in.
“I want to get this basket for Mary. Keep her away, while I make the purchase.”
Jack nodded. He searched the marketplace, and when he caught a glimpse of her and Danny, he made a beeline toward them.
Annie picked up the small brown basket with a handle made out of the locally harvested marsh grass, which grew wild in the low country, and admired it. This was a true handicraft. She asked the clerk to box it up. As she made her way to the next booth, a pair of dangling earrings made of abalone shell caught her eye. She immediately thought of Auntie Patty. No matter how old they were, they still liked to dress in style. When Annie came across the booth displaying hats, she knew the perfect gift for Grandmother. With bags looped over each arm, Annie caught up with the rest of the group. “I’m famished. Ready to go eat?”
“What’s in the bags?” a nosey Mary asked, nudging one of the bags with her hands.
Annie lifted the bag away from her reach. “Hands off,” she joked.
The group walked the two blocks to the restaurant, and over shrimp and grits and other Charleston favorites, the friends enjoyed the good food and conversation.
“What a great holiday treat,” Jack said, lifting his glass for a toast.
While Jack and Annie lay in bed, listening to the dogs snore softly from their beds, they reminisced about the carriage ride and shopping trip.
Jack pulled his arm out from under the bedding and guided it under her head, pulling her closer. “So, let’s see. We’ve done the tree cutting, the grandparents booze party, and the downtown carriage ride.” He moved his hand up to her head and ran his hand through her hair.
She snuggled deeper into him. “We have the lights at James Island and dinner at California Dreaming on Wednesday, and then the last thing before Christmas Eve is when we’re meeting everyone at Black Eyed Pea on the twenty-first.”
Soft snores came from Jack’s side of the bed.
“Jack? Jack did you hear me?” Annie rolled slightly up on one elbow and gazed at Jack. She dropped back down and closed her eyes. It had been a long day.
“I’m so happy Jasmine is feeling better. I know she’ll love the Christmas lights,” Annie said on the phone with Vicky.
“We’re looking forward to dinner, too. See you in a bit. Are you sure you don’t mind driving?” Vicky asked.
“Not at all, we borrowed one of the limos so we can see the lights in style.”
There were lights shaped like boats, lights shaped like bridges, and lights designed after well-known characters. After they toured the massive display, they parked the car at the gift store area, where Ashton and Jasmine tried their skill at ice-skating. Ashton did pretty well for a youngin. Then they sipped some hot chocolate and roasted some marshmallows. When Ashton begged Jack to put his third marshmallow on the metal roasting tool, Annie mentioned it might be time to go eat dinner.
Just as she’d suspected, neither Ashton nor Jasmine were really hungry with bellies full of marshmallows and hot chocolate. At Christmas time, all rules went out the window it seemed. The parents convinced them to at least share some chicken strips.
Annie enjoyed her grilled fish and Jack oohed and ahhed over his baby back ribs. Vicky had their famous California Dreaming salad, known to be gigantic, and Scott had a rib eye steak cooked to perfection, pink in the center, just the way he liked it. After dinner, they drove back to Kiawah where Jack decided it would be a great night for a bonfire.
“Ashton is all tucked in and Isla and Buffy are on guard duty,” she said, snuggling next to him as he poked the fire.
“It’s a beautiful night. It’s so clear, you can see all the stars,” he said, looking up into the dark and immense sky.
“I had a lovely evening. I’m so happy Vicky and Scott were able to join us tonight. I think Jasmine had a blast, too,” Annie said, resting her arm on his leg.
He cupped her hand with his and squeezed it. “We’re truly blessed, that’s for sure.”
Annie’s eyes darted to a movement she saw near some trees. “Shh, look, a deer.” She nodded toward the grove of trees to the right of them. They both watched as two deer slowly inched their way deeper into the property, then losing sight of them completely.
Jack moved his hand and ran it up her back, resting it right at the nape of her neck. She shivered. “Are you cold?” He pulled her closer.
“Not really, when you touch me, something happens. No matter where we are at, you do something to me that I can’t explain.” She studied every inch of his face.
“I feel it, too. I guess we have a strong connection.” He lowered his eyes to her mouth, causing the heat to rise to her face.
She inched a bit closer. “Kiss me,” she whispered.
He cupped her face and drew her in closer, and before he found her mouth to kiss her, he sighed. “You are more beautiful each day. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it is.” He moved closer and their lips met. She relaxed her shoulders, not realizing how stiff she’d become.
He deepened the kiss more, and just when she opened her mouth to let him know she wanted more, a squeaky door opened and a voice called out, “Get a room.” Then the door shut loudly.
Both Jack and Annie burst out laughing. “I thought you said you fixed that door?”
Chapter Twenty-One
Annie grew more excited about the dinner at Black Eyed Pea, and the final to-do item on her holiday list, than any other event thus far. It would be the day the pinky sisters returned for their agreed upon visit, and her loyal and loving staff of Sweet Indulgence, and of course, her husband Jack, would all attend.
Rebecca and her restaurant staff went all-out to provide a very tasty holiday meal, complete with turnip greens, homemade biscuits, and pork chops smothered in mushrooms and onions. For dessert, Rebecca’s grandmother carried out the prettiest pineapple upside down cake ever.
Annie clinked her water glass with her spoon. Once all eyes were on her, she stood. “Thank you so much for coming tonight. Thank you to Rebecca for letting us crash your restaurant, and thank you to your wonderful staff for such a great meal.” Annie clapped.
The entire table clapped along with her.
“We have a lot to be thankful for. It would take too much time for me to go through the entire list, but please know each of you hold a special place in my heart.” Annie’s eyes began to well up with tears.
“I think back to earlier years. They were pretty sad and hard to get through. Losing your parents is never easy. I thank God every day I had Grandmother and Auntie and Mary. Mary would be here tonight, but she and Danny are babysitting, and she’s getting really good at it, too.”
The table laughed.
“I’m thankful to my college sisters, who gave me the idea to start Sweet Indulgence.” She nodded to them each separately, blowing them kisses. “I’m very thankful for Jack, who entered the bakery that day to pick up cupcakes for Crystal.” She focused on his eyes and smiled. More oohs and ahhs came. “And, I’m most thankful for the dedicated and very loyal staff, who have made it possible for me to become more of a silent owner.” Annie’s eyes rested on Peter, Betsy, Toby, and Keith and Morgan who had come into town to visit family during the holidays. “And, Rebecca, … where are you?” Annie searched the room for her friend.
Rebecca came forward from behind and waved.
“Thank you, Rebecca, for being a model employee, and for hosting us tonight.”
The group turned and applauded Rebecca.
“So, here’s to finding your happiness. I’ve certainly found mine.
Merry Christmas!” Annie raised her water glass.
Everyone slid their chairs back and raised their glasses. “Merry Christmas,” everyone shouted.
Annie, Jack, Vicky, and Scott stayed behind after everyone had left the restaurant. Annie wanted to express her gratitude to Rebecca and her grandmother once more.
Annie handed Rebecca an envelope. “Merry Christmas, Rebecca. Thanks again for hosting us. It was so good.”
“Anytime, I’m grateful for you, too, you know.”
Annie cocked her head. “How so?”
“If you hadn’t taken a chance on me that day, I might not be where I’m at.”
“Oh, please. You already had the skill. You just needed more confidence. And boy, did that ever flourish after only a little time.” Annie patted her on the shoulder.
Rebecca walked the couples out the door, and then turned the open sign to closed. She waved to them before turning out the lights.
Vicky and Scott walked with their arms around each other, and Jack and Annie did the same. The brisk night air caused Annie to squeeze her jacket together and they picked up their pace a bit, reaching their cars in a few minutes.
“Thanks for hanging out with us,” Annie said to Vicky, the light wind now picking up some and causing her to shudder.
“You better get home and rest. They say rest is the best for pregnant moms.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “How’d you know?”
“You didn’t drink alcohol. You haven’t drank any wine or anything for the last few times we’ve been together. I told you the day I saw you drink water for a toast, then I’d know. So, am I right?” Vicky dug her hands into her pockets of her sweater jacket and shrugged her shoulders.
Annie took her hand out of her pocket and reached for Jack’s hand. He laced his fingers with hers. They both nodded at the same time.
Vicky pulled her hands out of her pockets and rushed toward them, dancing around them as she hugged them tightly. “I’m so happy for you two!”